Willmar tribune., 1900-05-23


the question. believe he would"
added Philip, with his sudden grasp Of
practical action. And Mrs. Strong
knew that settled it with her husband.
1t was the custom in Calvary church
for the church committee on new
names for membership to meet at the
minister's house on the Monday even
ing preceding the preparatory service.
At that service all names presented by
the committee were formally acted up
on by the church. The committees ac-
tion was generally considered final,
and the voting was in accordance with
the committees report.
So when the committee came in that
evening following the Sunday that had
witnessed the conversion Of the sexton
Philip had ready a list Of names, in
Guiding several young men. It was a
very precious list to him.. 1t seemed
almost for the first time since he came
to Milton as if the growing opposition
to him was about to be checked and
finally submerged beneath a power Of
the Holy Spirit, which it was Philips
daily prayer might come and do the
work which he alone could not do. That
was one reason he had borne the feel
ing against himself so calmly.
Philip read the list over to the COM
mittee, saying something briefly about
nearly all the applicants for member
ship and expressing his Joy that the
young men especially were coming in
to the church family. When he reach
ed the sexton's name, he related SIM
ply the scene with him after the morn
ing service.
There was an awkward pause then.
The committee was plainly astonish-
ed. Finally one said: Brother Strong,
I'm afraid the church will object to re-
ceiving the sexton. What is his name?'
"Henry Roland."'
~Why, he has been sexton of Calvary
church for ten years." said another,
an older member Of the committee,
Deacon Stearns by name. "He has
been an honest, capable man. l never
heard any complaint Of him. He has
always minded his. own business. How
ever, l don't know how the church
will take it to consider him as an ap-
plfcant for membership"
"Why, brethren, how can it take it
in any except the Christian way?" said
Philip eagerly. "Here is a man who
gives evidence of. being born again.
He cannot be present tonight when the
other applicants come in later owing
to work he must do, but can say for
him that he gave all evidence of a
most siQcere and thorough conversion.
He wishes to be baptized. He wants
to unite with the church. He is of
more than average intelligence. He is
not person to thrust himself into
places where people do not wish him
q temperate, industrious, modest, quiet
workman, a Christian believer asking
us to receive him at the communion ta-
BILE Of our Lord. There is no church
for his own people here. On what pos
sible pretext can the church refuse to
admit him?" 1T
you do not know some of the mem.
bers Of Calvary church, Mr.. Strong, If
you ask such q question. There is a
very strong prejudice against the ne.
gro in many families. This prejudice
is especially strong just at this time
owing to several acts Of depreciation
committed by the negroes living down
near the railroad tracks. l don't be.
lfeve 1t would be wise. to present this
name just now Deacon Stearns ap.
peared to speak for the committee, all
of whom murmured assent in one form
or another. s . BE-
'And YETI said Philip, reused to O
sudden heat Of Indignation, and vel
what is Calvary church doing to help
30 make those men down by the rail.
road tracks any better? Are we con-
cerned about them at all except when
our coal or wood or clothing is stolen
or some one Is held up down there?
And when one Of them knocks at the
door Of the church can we calmly and
coldly shut It in his face simply be-
cause God made II a different color
from ours r Philip stopped and then
finished by saying IS very quietly,
Brethren, 10 you think Christ would
rno is, ,,, Z i, =, +(1c 0llY11s. II