Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1900-01-27

|
ing them in his bright, hearty man
ner. He had been notified on Sunday
evening of the approaching confer
ence. The committee consisted Of Mr..
Winter and two other members of the
board.
Mr.. Winter opened the conversation
with considerable embarrassment and
an evident reluctance for his share In
the matter.
"Mr. Strong. we have come, as you
are aware. to talk over your PROPOSE
ton of yesterday morning concerning
the parsonage. 1t was a great surprise
o US ALL"
Philip smiled a little. Mrs. Strong
says | act too much on impulse and
do not prepare people enough for my
statements. But one Of the greatest
men I ever knew used to say that an
impulse was a good thing to obey In
stantly If there was no doubt Of its be-
ing right one"
"And do you consider this proposed
move Of yours a right one, MIR.
Strong?" asked Mr.. Winter
81 do" replied Philip, with quiet en-
phasis. 81 do not regret making It,
and believe it Is my duty to abide by
my original decision"
"Do you mean that you intend actu-
ally to move out Of this parsonageT'
asked one Of the other members Of the
committee.
"Yes." Philip said 1t so quietly and
yet so decidedly that the men were ST.
lent a moment. Then Mr.. Winter
said:
"Mr. Strong, this matter Is likely to
cause trouble in the church. and we
might as we'll understand 1t frankly.
The trustees believe that as the par
sonage belongs to the church proper
ty and was built for the minister he
ought to live in It The church will
not understand your desire to move
out"
"Do you understand it, Mr.. Win
ter?" Philip put the question point
blank.
"No. don't know that do Who'll
ly." Mr.. Winter colored and replied
in hesitating manner.
81 gave my reasons yesterday morn
| ing. | do not know that | can make
them palmer. The truth Is | cannot
60 on preaching to my people about
living on a simpler basis while con-
tinue to live in surroundings that on
the face of them contradict my own
convictions. In other words, | am
living beyond my necessities here.
have lived all my life surrounded by
| the luXuries Of civilization. If now !
desire to give these benefits to those
who have never enjoyed them or to
know from nearer contact something
of the bitter struggle Of the poor. why
should be hindered from putting
that desire into practical form?"
"The question is. Mr.. Strong" said
one of the other trustees. whether this
Is the best way to get at it. We do
not question your sincerity nor doubt
your honesty, but will your leaving
the parsonage and living in a less ex-
pensive house on half your present sal
ary help your church work or reach
more people and save more souls"
81 am glad you put it that way" ex.
claimed Philip. eagerly turning to the
speaker THAT Is just it. VIII my
proposed move result in bringing the
church and the minister into closer and
more vital relations with the people
most In need Of spiritual and physical
uplifting? Out Of the depths Of my
nature believe 1t will. The chasm
between the church and the people In
these days must be bridged by the spir.
it Of sacrifice in material things. 1t Is
In vain for us to preach spiritual truths
unless we live physical truths. What
the world is looking for today are OBJ
ject lessons in self denial on the part
of Christian people"
For a moment no one spoke. Then
Mr.. Winter said:
"About your proposal that this house
| be turned into q refuge or home for
homeless children. Mr.. Strong, do you
consider that idea practicable? Is it
business? Is it possible?"
81 believe it is. very decidedly. The
number Of homeless and vagrant chill
dren at present in Milton would aston
ish you. This house could be put into
beautiful shape as detention house
until homes could be found for the
children in Christian families"
at would take a great deal Of money
to manage It,"
eyes" replied Philip. with a sadness
which had its cause deep within him.
at would cost something. But can the
world be saved cneaply: Does not
every soul saved cost an immense sum,
If not of money at least Of an rquiva-
lent! Is it possible for lis to get at
the heart Of the great social problem
without feeling the need OF using all
our powers to solve it rightly"
Mr.. Winter shook his head. He did
not understand the minister. His ac-
ton and his words were both foreign
to the mill owners regular business
habits of thought and performance.
What will you do. Mr.. Strong. If
the church refuses to listen to this pro-
posed plan Of yours"
Il suppose" answered Philip after
little pause. the church will not OBJ
ject to my living in another house at
| nj, ~