The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1900-06-28
move to Milton soon.

Eyes, indeed. The thousand dollars
which the church refused to take of
my salary goes to help where most
needed. The rest is more than enough
for US"
"Does your wife think sOT" The
question from any one else had been
impertnent. From this man 1t was
not.
"Let us call her in and ask her." re-
piled Philip. with smile.
''Sarah, the Brother Man wants II
know II you have enough to live on"
Sarah came in and sat down. 1t was
dark. The year was turning into the
softer months Of spring, and all the
outdoor world had been q benedictiOn
that evening II the sorrow and poverty
and sin OF the tenement district 80
near had not pervaded the very walls
and atmosphere Of the entire place.
The minister's wife answered brave
ly: "Yes, We have food and clothing
and llfe's neceSsaries. But, oh, Philip,
this life Is wearing you out! Yes,
Brother Man." she continued. while a
tear rolled over her cheek, the minis
ter is giving his lifcblood for these
people, and they do not care. 1t is u
vain sacrifice" She had spoken as
frankly as If the old man had been
her father. There was IA something
dence. =.
Mr.. Strong soothed his wife, clasping
her to him tcnderly. There, Sarah,
you are nervous and tired. l am lit
tie discouraged, but strong and hearty
for the work. Brother Man, you must
not think we regret your advice. We
have been blessed by following it,"
And then their remarkable guest
stretched out his arms through the
gathering gloom in the room and seem
ing he again called for Bible and
offered II prayer of wondrous sweet
ness. He was shown TO his plainly fur
nished room. He looked around and
smiled.
"Ths Is like my old home he said;
"a palace, where the poor die Of hun
ger"
Philip started at the odd remark,
then recollectcd that the old man had
once been wealthy, and sometimes in
his half dazcd condition Philip thought
probable he coufOunded the humblcst
surroundings with his once luxurious
home He fingered II moment, and
the man said rs if speaking to HIM
self, IF they do not rcnouncc all they
have, they cannot be my disciples"
Good night, Brother Man," cried
Philip as he went out.
Good night, Christ's man." replied
his guest. And Philip went to his rest
that night. great questions throbbins
in him and the demands of the Master
more distinctly brought to his attention
than ever.
Again, as before when he rose in
the morning, he found that his visitor
+! was gore. His eccentr' ements
accounted for his sudden disappear
ances, but they were disappointed. They
wanted to see their guest again and
question him about his history. They
promised themselves he would do 80
next time.
The following Sunday Philip preach
ed one Of those sermons which come to
"A man once or twice in Il whole minis
try. 1t was the last Sunday Of the
month and not Il special occasion. But
there had surgcd into his thought the
meaning of the Christian life with
such uncomfortable power that his ser
mon reached hearts never before touch
ed He remained at the close of the
service to talk with several young men.
who seemed moved as never. before.
After they had gone away heS.ent into
his own room back of the ISatform to
get something he had left there and to
his surprise found the church sexton
kneeling down by one of the chairs.
AS the minister came in the man rose
and turned toward him.
MIR. Strong, | want to be Chris
tian | want to Join the church and
lead a different life"
Philip claspcd his hand. while tears
rolled over the mans face. He staid
and talked with him and prayed with
him, and when he finally went home
the minister was convinced it was as
strong and true conversion as he had
ever seen. He at once related the story
to his wife. who had gone on before
to get dinner.
"Why, Philip" she exclaimed when
he said the sexton wanted To be bap-
tizcd and unite with the church ut the
next communion. Calvary church will
never allow him to unite with u.s.
why notT' asked Philip in amaze
ment.
because he is negro" replied his
wife.
Philip stood n moment in silence,
with his hat in his hand, looking at his
wife as she spoke.