Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1900-05-17

/ plpaSeS if he wants TO. The churcA
cannot compel him to live in the par.
sonage"
mo. but IT can choose not to have
such a minister" exclaimed the first
speaker again excitedly, "and for one
am most decidedly opposed to the
whole thing. | do not see how the
church can allow 1t and maintain its
self respect"
do you think the church is ready to
tell Mr.. Strong that his services are
not wanted any longerF asked Mr.
Winter coldly.
Il am, for one of the members and
know others who feel as | do if mat
tiers go on in this way much longer. l
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 us, 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-
| ly: What has that to do with this
present matter? If the minister wants
to live i'm a simpler style. | don't see
what business we have to stop it. AZ
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, wash my hands Of
the whole affair" And he went out Of
the room. leaving the rest of the board
somewhat surprised at his sudden de
parturc.
They remained about a quarter Of an /.
hour longer discussing the matter and !
tually, at Mr. Winters suggestion. "A /
committee was appointed To go 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 sermon. The rest of the trus-
tees insisted that Mr.. Winter himself
should act as chairman Of the commits
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
uer. He had been notified on Sunday
evening Of the approaching confer
ance. The committee consisted of Mr..
Winter AMI two other members Of the
board.
Mr.. Winter opened the conversation
with considerable embarrassment and
IN evident reluctance for his share in
.he matter.
Mr.. Strong. we have come. as you
ire aware, to talk over your PROPOSE
ion of yesterday morning concerning
he parsonage. 1t was a great surprise
% us all"
Philip smiled a little. Mrs. Strong ,,
ays | act too much on impulse and ,
10 not prepare people enough for my !
But one of the greatest A..
men | ever knew used to say that an
impulse was a good thing to obey in
tantly if there was no doubt of its be-
ng a right one"
And do you consider this proposed ,
move of yours a right one, Mr. ,,
'rong| asked Mr.. Winter.
Il do" replied Philip, with quiet en-
,hasis. Il do not regret making it,
md | believe it is my duty to abide by ,
ny original decision"
do you mean that you intend actu-
lily TO move out of this parsonageg" o.,
sked one of the other members of the ,
!
Yes" Philip said it SO quietly and [.
ret so decidedly that the men were 81 ,
ent a moment. Then Mr.. Winter /,
aid:
MIR. Strong, this matter is likely to
ause trouble in the church, and we :
night as we'll understand it frankly. | J
The trustees believe that as the par
Onage belongs TO the church proper
y and was built for the minister he !
,ught To live in it, The church will )
lot understand your desire to move /,
tut"
DO you understand it, Mr.. Win +,
erT Philip put the question point ;
blank
mo, l don't know that l do who'll :
y" Mr.. Winter colored and replied ,
II hesitating manner.
Il gave my reasons yesterday morn /,
ng. l do not know that l can make /,
hem palmer. The truth is | cannot
20 on preaching to my people about ,
living on a simpler basis while l CON !,
inue to live in surroundings that on /,
he face Of them contradict my own
In other words. | am /,
living beyond my necessities here. | .
nave lived all my life surrounded by +,
he Injuries of civilization. If now |
iesire to give these benefits to those 7
Who have never enjoyed them or to :
know from nearer contact something =.
II the bitter struggle Of the poor. why !
should | DE hindered from putting f,
hat desire into practical form?" :
'4Ilp uupStfon is Mr. Gfrpnog - e,fd