Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1900-01-31

ing to present the seXton's name to the
church Thursday night and let the
church vote OH 1t in spite Of the action
here tonight. You know we have only
recommending power. The church is
the final authority, and it may accept
or reject any names we present. l can,
not rest satisfied until we know the
verdict of the church in the matter"
Brother Strong" said one Of the
committee who had been opposed to
the sexton. you are right as to the ex,
tent of our authority, but there Is no
question In my mind as to the outcome
of the matter. 1t is question of eX'
pediency. do not have any feeling
against the sexton, but think it would
be very unwisc to receive him into
membership. and | do not believe the
church will receive him. If you pre-.
sent the name, you do so on your Owl
responsibility
with mine," said Deacon Stearns.
He was the last to shake hands with
the minister, and his warm, strong
grasp gave Philip sense Of fellowship
that thrilled him with sense Of cour-
age and companionship very much
needed. He at once went up to his
study after the committee was gone
Mrs. Strong, coming up to see him lat,
er, found him, as she often did now, on
his knees in prayer. All, thou follower
Of Jesus in this century, what but thy
prayers shall strengthen thy soul In
the strange days to come?
Thursday evening was stormy. A
heavy rain had set in before dark, and
q high wind blew great sheets Of water
through the streets and ratified loose
boards and shingles about the tene-
ments. Philip would not let his wife
90 out. 1t was too stormy. So he
went his way alone, somewhat sorrow
full at heart us he contemplated the
prospect Of small attendance on what
he had planned should be an important
occasion.
However. some of the best members
of the church were out. The very ones
that were in sympathy with Philip and
his methods were in the majority of
those present, and that led to an unex-
pected result when the names Of the
applicants for membership came be-
fore the church for action.
Philip read the list approved by the
committee and then very simply, but
powerfully. told the sections story and
the refusal Of the committee to recon-
mend him for membership.
Now, | do not see how we can shut
this disciple Of Jesus out Of his
church" concluded Philip. And wish
to present him to this church for its ac-
ton. lie is a Christian; he needs our
help and our fellowship. and as Chris
tian believers. as disciples Of the Man
of all the race. rs those who believe
that there is to be no distinction of
souls hereafter that shall separate
them by prejudice. hope you will vote
to receive this brother in Christ to our
membership"
The voting OH new members was
done by ballot. When the ballots were
all in and counted. it was announced
that all whose names were presented
were unanimously elected except that
Of the sexton. There were II votes
against him. but 26 for him, and Philip
declared that according to the consti'
tuition of the church he was duly elect.
ed. The meeting then went on in the
usual manner characteristic Of prepar-
atory service. The sexton had been
present in the back part Of the room,
and at the close Of the meeting, after
all the rest had gone, he and Philip had
q long talk together. When Philip
reached home, he and Sarah had an
other long talk on the same subject.
What that was we cannot tell until we
come to record the events Of the COM
munion Sunday. a day that stood out
in Philips memory like one Of the
bleeding palms Of his Master, pierced
with sorrow, but eloquent with sacri-
fee.
TO BE CONTINUED.