The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-05-15

| indignation has been awakened. Mr.
Haskell refuses 60 recognize, in any way,
the covert attacks which have been made
upon him, and through him, upon the
church. Knowing that he commands
the entire respect of that constituency,
the loyalty and affection of the church
|, which he serves, Mr. Haskell wisely re-
fuses 20 enter into any controversy over
his work in Auburn. He is firmly con-
vinccd that that work-both as To It's
methods and its substance-will bear the
closest inspection. Such inspection Is
welcomed by the pastor Of the Free
church and his people
The writer of this article does not be-
long to Mr.. Haskoll's church, nor Is he
an attendant on its worship. Moreover,
he confesses that he was formerly preju-
diced. both against the man and his
methods. The bitter injustice with
which he has been assailed, however, led
him IN the interests of "fair play, TO
examine into the condition of things at
the Free church.
The result of this examination may be
gathered up in single statement Here
is a Young man who i'm less than four
years has added above one hundred TO the
church membership. moro than doubled
his congregation, united his people on
the principle of practical benevolence.
and lifted n comparatively small society
into place of honor as one of the few
strong churches of that denomination In
the country. While this young man,
hardly out of his teens, has been working
out this splendid result, pray, what have
his critics been doingg Answer; charg-
ink him with sensationalism.
Sensationalisn, indeed Has not every
preacher who ever drought things To
pass, y from John the Baptist 60 ID. L.
Moody been accused of sensationallsm?
There is never moon shining in the
heavens, but some dog will be found to
bay at it, Mr.. Haskell is sensational In
the sense that he is preacher who
awakens profound sensations. People
do not sleep under his sermons. They
may not agree with all he has TO say, but
all admit that here is young man who
Is brayely facing the problems OF this
present day, ana trying 20 solve thom.
First Of all, Mr. Haskell has message.
There is no idle scraping on worn out
strings. Though trained in the schools,
and, for young man, fairly accom-
plished scholar, he Is TO paraphrase DR.
Hale's story title, man without theol-
ogy. He does not believe the pulpit Is
any place for theology. He considers
himself preacher of religion. He is q
reyerent student OF the Bible, but goes TO
it, not for circumstances but for prin-
ciples. These principles he applies to the
lite that now is. He has learned the
art of making preaching popular, of
vitaliZing everything he touches, or rem
dering his message warm and tender.
Ii is "A manly gospel which he breaches
one full Of strength and hope,
AS To the messenger himself, those who
know him best, seem most devoted to
him. This Is after all the final test of "a
mans worth. Those who have heard
and read the uncourteous reflections on
Mr.. Haskell and his work, would Inc sur
prised were they To make inquiries
among the people of his church and the
citizens throughout the community ut
large. During the few years of his res
idencein Auburn 20 has won "a position
in the social, intellectual and moral life
OF the people, that in itsolf, Is conclu-
sive evidence of thoir confidence in Mr..
Haskoll as a minister, their respect for
hlm as n man, and their loyalty 10 him
as "a friend.
In conclusion let us have no more of this
foolish ranting about sensationalisn, and
THIS mlsroprcsenting OF facts In tho local
reports State the facts us they are. Don {
magnify that which is trivial, and pass
by. in silence that which is important.
The writer does not belong 10 Mr.. Has
kol's school of thought but he loves
flair play, " This young man is deyot-
ing tho energies of his life 20 the religious
interests of Auburn. Is it not disgrace
TO the community that he should receive
Misrepresentation and insults? Can he
not be allowed to work as his own
peculiar genius directs, SO long as his
Efforts result in such striking success
Once again, l repeat it, let us have fair
pay FAIR PLAY.
Providence, May 13