Willmar tribune., 1900-05-16
been ignored.

emotion both for and against the pas
tor. His naturally inclined business
habits contended against the PROPOSE
tion to give up the parsonage. His
feelings of gratitude to the minister for
his personal help the night Of the at
tack by the mob rose up to defend him.
There was with it all an undercurrent
of self administered rebuke that the
pastor had set the whole church an ex-
ample Of usefulness. He wondered
how many Of the members would vol
UNFAIRLY give up half their incomes
for the good of humanity. He wonder
ed in confused way how much he
would give up himself. Philips SER
mon had made real impression on
him.
"There is one point we have not dis
cussed yet" he said at last, "and that
is Mr.. Strong's offer Of half his sal
ary to carry on the work Of a chill
dren's refuge or something of that
kind"
"How can we accept such an offer?
Calvary church has always believed in
paying it's minister good salary and
paying it promptly, and we want our
minister to live decently and be able
to appear as he should among the best
people," replied the nervous little man
who had been first to speak.
"Still, we cannot deny that it is
very generous thing for Mr.. Strong
to do. He certainly is entitled to cred
it for his unselish proposal. No one
can charge him with being worldly
minded" said Mr.. Winter, feeling a
new interest in the subject as he found
himself defending the minister
care you in favor of allowing him
to do what he proposes in the matter
Of the parsonage?' asked another
81 don't see that we can hinder MI.
Strong from living anywhere he
pleases if he wants to. The church
cannot compel him to live in the par
sonage."
"No, but it can choose not to have
such a minister" exclaimed the first
speaker again cxcitedly, "and for one
am most decidedly opposed to the
whole thing. | do not see how the
church can allow it and maintain it's
self respect"
do you think the church is ready to
tell Mr.. Strong that his services are
not wanted any longerY' asked Mr.
Winter coIdly.
II am. for one of the members, and
know others who feel as | do if mat
ters go Oh in this way much longer.
tell you, Brother Winter, Calvary
church is very near a crisis. Look at
the Goldens and the Malverns and the
Albergs. They are all leaving u.s. and
the plain reason is the nature of the
preaching. Why, you know yourself,
Brother Winter, that never has the
pulpit OF Calvary church heard such
preaching on peoples private affairs.''
Mr.. Winter colored and replied angri-
~: what has that to do with this
present matter? If the minister wants
| to live In simpler style, l don't see
! what business we have to stop it. AS
| to the disposition of the parsonage,
| that is a matter of business which
rests with the church to arrange"
The nervous, irritable little man who
had spoken oftenest rose to his feet
and exclaimed: "You can count me out
| Of all this, then. l wash my hands of
| the whole affair."" And he went out of
the room. leaving the rest of the board
somewhat surlHised at his sudden de-
parture.
They remained about quarter OF an
hour longer discussing the matter, and
finally, at MI Winters suggestion,
committee was appointed to so and see
the minister the next evening and see
if he could not be persuaded to modify
OF change his proposition made in the
morning sermon. The rest of the trus-
tees insisted that Mr. Winter himself
| should act as chairman Of the commit
| tee, and after some reillonstrance lie
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 little what the
church would do in the face Of his pro-
posal received the committee, Welcon.
ing them in his bright hearty man
ner. He had been notified Oh Sunday
| evening of the approaching confer-
ence. The committee consisted of Mr..
Winter and two other members of the
board.
MI. Winter opened the conversation
| with considerable embarrassment and
an evident reluctance for his share in
the matter
are aware, to talk over your PROPOSE
ton of yesterday morning concerning
the parsonage. 1t was great surprise
to us all"
Philip smiled little. "Mrs. Strong
says I 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 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.
II do,' replied Philip, with quiet en-
phasis. II do not regret making it,
and I 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.
eyes" Philip said it SO quietly and
yet so decidedly that the men were 81
lent moment. Then Mr.. Winter
said: -
"Mr: Strong, this matter is likely to
cause trouble in the church, and we