Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1900-06-07

nave only lately learned these
facts. But, knowing them as | do and
believing that he is as worthy to sit
about this table as any Christian here,
/ cannot reconcile the rejection with
my own purpose to unite here |
therefore desire to withdraw my APP
plication for membership here. Mr..
Strong, desire to be baptized and par
take of the communion as a disciple of
Christ simply, not as a member of Cal
vary church. Can do SOP
Philip replied in a choking voice,
"You can" The man sat down. 1t
was not the place for any demonstra-
ton, but again from the gallery came
slight but distinct note of applause.
As before it instantly subsidized as
Philip looked up. For a moment ev-
cry one held his breath and waited
for the minister's action. Philips face
was pale aud stern. What his sensi-
tive nature suffered in that moment
no one ever knew, not even his wife,
who almost started from her seat,
fearing that he was about to faint.
For a moment there was a hesitation
about Philips manner so unusual with
him that some thought he was going to
leave the church. But he quickly call.
ed on his viii to assert its power, and,
taking up the regular communion serv-
fee. he calmly took charge of it as IL
nothing out of the way had occurred.
He did not even aIlude 10 the morn
ing's incident in lis prayers. Whatever
else the people might think of Philip
they certainly could find no fault with
his self possession. His conduct of the
service on that memorable Sunday was
admirable
When it was over, he was surround
ed by different ones who had taken
part either for or against the sexton.
There was mu,h said about the matter.
But all the arguments and excuses and
comments on the affair could not re-
move the heartache from Philip. He
could not reconcile the action Of the
church with the spirit of the church's
Master. Jesus, and when he finally
reached home and calmly reviewed the
events of the morning he was more
aud more grieved for the church and
for his Master 1t seemed TO him that
a great mistake had been made and
that Calvary church had disgraced the
name of Christianity.
As he had been in the habit Of doing
a fg,Fs. ha rrft nj
of the tenements. Philip went out in
the afternoon to visit the sick and the
sorrowfuI The shutting down of the
mills had resulted in an immense
amount of suffering and trouble. As
spring came on some few of the mills
had opened. and men had found work
In them at a reduction of wages. The
entire history of the enforced idleness
of thousands of men in Milton during
that eventful winter would make a
large volume Of thrilling narrative.
Philips story but touches on this 9TH
er. He had grown rapidly familiar
with the different phases of life which
Ioafed and idled and drank Itself away
during that period Of inactlon. Hun
dreds of men had drifted away TO 9th
or places in search of work. Almost as
many more had taken to the road TO
swell the ever increasing number OF
professional tramps and in time TO de-
velop into petty thieves and criminals.
But those who remained had a desper-
ate struggle with poverty. Philip grew
sick at heart as lie went among the
people and saw the complete helpless
ness. the utter estrangement Of sympa-
thy and community of feeling between
the church people and these represent
atives Of the physical labor of the
world. Every time he went out to do
his visiting this feeling deepened In
him. This Sunday afternoon in partlc-
ular It seemed to him as il the depres-
sion and encouragement of the tene-
ment district weighed on him like
great burden. bearing him down TO the
earth with sorrow and heartache.
He had been in the habit Of going
out to communion Sunday with the
emblems of Christ TO observe the rite
by the bedsides of the aged or i'll or
those who could not get out TO church.
He carried with him this time basket
containing a part of the communion
service. After going 70 the homes OF
one or two invalid church members he
thought Of the person who had been
mentioned by the man in the morning
as living in the tenement district and
in A critical condition. He had secured
his address, and after a little inquiry
he soon found himself Ia a part OF the
tepements near 20 him.
He climbed up three flights of stairs
and knocked at the door II was open
ed by the sexton. He greeted Philip
with glad surprise.
The minister smiled sadly.
$50. my brother, It is true you are
serving your Master here? Ny heart
Is grieved at the action of the church
this morning
Don't say anything, Mr.. Strong
You did all you could, but you are just
in time 10 see him" The sexton point
ed into a small back room. He Is 60
ing fast. | didn't suppose he was 50
,,ear I yrouId have asked YOU to come,