The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1900-05-18

Brother Winter, that never has the
pulpit of Calvary church heard such
preaching on peoples private affairs.
MI. Winter colored and replied angri-
ly: What has that to do with this
present matter? If the minister want
to live In a simpler style, l don't see
what business we have to stop it. AS
to the disposition Of the parsonage,
that Is n matter of business which
rests with the church to arrange"
The nervous, irritable little man who
had spoken Oftenest rose to his feet
Of all this, then. | wash my hands Of
the whole affair" And be went out of
the room. leaving the rest of the board
somewhat surprised at his sudden de-
parture.
They remained about a quarter of an
finally, at Mr.. Winters suggestion, a
committee was appointed to 90 and see
the minister the next evening and see
if he could not be persuaded to modify
or change his proposition made in the
morning IN The rest of the trus-
tees insisted that Mr.. Winter himself
should act as chairman Of the commit
tee, and after some remonstrance he
finally, with great reluctance, agreed
to do so.
So Philip next evening, as he sat in
his study mapping out the weeks
work and wondering a little what the
church would do in the face Of his pro-
posal, received the committee, welcom-
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
to us all"
Philip smiled a little. Mrs. Strong
says l act too much on impulse and
do not prepare people enough for my
statements. But one of the greatest
men l ever knew used to say that an
impulse was a good thing to obey in
stantly If there was no doubt of it's be-
ing a right one"
"And do you consider this proposed
move Of yours a right one, Mr..
Strong" asked Mr.. Winter.
81 do" replied Philip, with quiet en-
phasis. 81 do not regret making it,
and l believe it is my duty to abide by
my original decision"
do you mean that you intend actu-
ally to move out of this parsonage?"
asked one of the other members of the
committee.
"Yes." Philip said it 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 well understand it 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, l don't know that I do Who'll
ly." Mr.. Winter colored and replied
in a hesitating manner.
81 gave my reasons yesterday morn
ing. 1 do not know that l al make
them palmer. The truth is 1 cannot
go on preaching to my people about
tinue to live in surroundings that on
the face of them contradict my own
convictions. In other words, I am
living beyond my necessities here. l
have lived all my life surrounded by
the luXuries of civilization. If now l
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?"
1.-THE question is, Mr.. Strong" said
n of the other trustees, whether this
is the best way to get at it. We do
not question your sincerity nor doubt
I F.,