Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1900-03-08

OF INC bcd praying.
real heart of the subject. He propos-
cl that every church in town, regard
less of its denominat ton, give itself in
its pastor and members 10 the practical
solution of the social troubles by per-
sonal contact with the suffering and
sickness in the district; that the
churches all throw open their doors ev
cry day in the week weekdays as well
o. Sundays, Cor the discussion and agi-
tation of the whole matter; that the
country and the state be petitioned to
take speedy action toward providing
necessary labor for the unemployed,
and that the churches cut down all I'M
necessary expenses of paid choirs, do
away with pew rents, urge wealthy
members to consecratc their riches to
the solving Of the problem and in ev-
cry way. by personal sacrifice and
common union. let the churches of Mil
ion as a unit work and pray and sacri-
flee to make themselves felt as n real
power on the side of the people in their
present great need 1t was Christian
America. but Philips plan was not
adopted. Ii was discussed with some
warmth, but declared to be visionary,
inpracticable. unnecessary. not for the
Church to undertake, beyond its func-
ton. etc Philip was disappointed, but
he kept his temper.
well, brethren" he said. what can
we do to help the solution of these
questions? Is the church of America to
no g "a ln nSt
VI human life that Ggtatcs the world
loday? Is it not true that the people
iu this town regard the clSlrch as an
insignificant organization. unable to
help at the very point Of human crisis,
and the preachers as a lot of weak,
impractical men, with no knowledge of
the real state of affairs? Are we not
divided over our UNCONVENTIONAL diff
f"rcnces when we ought to he united
IT, one common work Tor the saving of
the whole man? do not have any
faith in rhe plan proposed to give our
henevolpnce or to district the town and
visit the poor. All those things are
we'll enough in their place But mat
tcrs are in such shape here now and
I'll over the country that we must do
something larger than that. We must
do as Christ would do if he were here
What would he do? Would he give
anything less than his whole life to it ?
Would he not give himself? The
church as an institution is facing the
greatest opportunity it ever saw. II
We do not seize it on the largest posi-
bic scale we shall miserably fail of
doing our duty
Saturday night he was out calling a
little while, but he came home early.
II was the first Sunday of the month
On the morrow, and he had not fully
prepared his sermon. lie was behind
with il. As he came in his wife met
him with look of news on her face.
Guess who is here?' she said in a
whisper.
The Brother Man." replied Philip
quickly.
Eyes, but you never can guess what
has happened. He is in there with
William. And the Brother Man-Phil
ip, it seems like n chapter out of q
NOVELETTE, Brother Man has discover
ed that William is his only son, who
cursed his father and deserted him
when he gave away his property. They
are in there together. | could not keel
the Brother Man out"
Philip and Sarah stepped to the door
Of the little room, which was open, anC
looked in.
The Brother Man was kneeling at the
side of the bed praying, and his sol
casped in his fathers and the tears
rolling over his pale face.
TO BE CONTINUED.