The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1900-03-22

''Well, Sarah, don't know but
you're right. The spirit is willing,
but the flesh is weak. The professor
ship would be free from the incessant
worry and anxiety of a parish, and
then | might be just as useful in the
seminary as | am here-who knows?'
"Who knows, indeedY exclaimed
Sarah joyfully. At the same time she
was almost crying. She picked up
the letter and called Philips attention
to the clause which granted him a
year abroad in case he accepted.
Think of that, Philip! Your dream
of foreign travel can come true now!
THAT is Philip looked out of the
window over the dingy roof OF shed
near by to the gloomy tenements-
that is, supposing decide to accept"
"Supposing! But you almost the same
as said On, Philip, say you will! Be
reasonable! This is the opportunity of
a Iifetime"'
That's true" replied Philip.
You may not have another such
chance as this as long as you live. You
are young now and with every pros
pect of success in work of this kind.
1t is new work, of the kind you like.
You win have leisure and means to
carry on important experiments and
influence for life young men entering
the ministry. Surely, Philip, there is
as great opportunity for usefulness
and sacrifice there as anywhere. 1t
must be that the will of God is in this.
1t comes without any seeking on your
part"
Yes, indeed" Philip spoke with the
only touch Of pride he ever exhibited.
1t was pride in the knowledge that he
was absolutely free from self glory or
self seeking.
Then say you will accept Say you
viii, Phillip"
The appeal, coming from the person
dearest to him in all the world, moved
Philip profoundly. He took the letter
from her hand, read it over carefully
and again laid it down on the couch.
Then he said:
Sarah, | must pray over ii. l need |
a little time. You will have reason
Philip paused, as his habit sometimes |
was, and at that moment the bell rang, |
and Mrs. Strong went down stairs. AS !
she went along she felt almost per-
suaded that Philip would yield. Some
thing of his tone seemed to imply that |
the struggle in his mind was nearly |
ended
The callers at the door were three
men who had been TO see Philip sew
sral times to talk with him about the
Mill troubles and the labor conflict in
general They wanted to see Philip |
Mrs. Strong was anxious about the |
condition of Philips health. She asked |
he men to come In and went up stairs
lgain.
"Can you see them? Are you strong
she asked.
Yes; tell them to come up. l am
comfortable now"
Philip was resting easily, and after a
areful look at him Mrs Strong went
own stairs.
To her surprise two of the men had
one. The one who remained ex-
lained that he thought three persons
Tould excite or tire the minister more
han one. He had staid and would
ot trouble Philip very long. But the
usincss on which he came was of
UGH an important nature that he felt
bliged TO see the minister if he gould
o so without danger to him.
SO the man went up, and Philip |
reeted him with his usual heartiness,
himself for not rising. The
nan took a chair, moved up near the
ouch and sat down. He seemed a
God deal excited, but in a suppressed
nd cautious way.
Il came to see you, Mr.. Strong, to
ell you about a thing you ought to
now. There is danger of your life
ere"
Where" asked Philip calmly.
Here, in this neighborhood."
"WellT Philip waited for more ex-
'lanation.
Il didn't want to tell your wife for
ear of soaring her, but l thought you
ught to know, Mr.. Strong, and then
'ou could take steps to protect your
elf or get away"
Go on. Tell me the worst" said
Philip quietly as the man paused.
We'll" the man went on in a low
one, two others and me overheard
|. talk last night by the men who run
he Star saloon and den down by the
falls. They have a plan TO waylay
'ou, rob you and injure you. sir, and
10 it in such a way as to make it
eem a common hold up. They seem
ID to know about your habit of going
around through the alleys and cross
streets Of the tenements. We heard |
enough to make us sure they really |
Ind truly meant to deal foully by you
he first good chance, and we thought |
pest TO put you on your guard. The
'ummies are down on you, Mr.. Strong, |
you have been so outspoken against |
hem. And your lecture in the hall |
asst week has made them mad, l tell |
you. They hate you worse than poi
son, for that's the article they seem
TO sell and make living out Of"
Philip had the week before address
ed a large meeting Of workingmen,