Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1900-05-31

fniiIp read the list over Ia the oop,.
mlttee saying something briefly about
nearly all the applicants for member
sup ana expressing his joy that the
young men especially We're coming in
to the church family. When he reach
ed the sections name, he related sim
ply the scene with him after the morn
ing service.
There was an awkward pause tban
The committee was plainly astonisb.
ed. Finally one said: Brother Strong
I'm afraid the church will object TO re-
eeiying the sexton. What is his nameqv
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 lie has
been an honest, capable man. never
heard any complaint Of him. He has
always minded his own business. How
ever, | don't know how the church
will take it to consider him as an ap-
plcant for membership"
why, brethren, how can il take II
IN any except the Christian way?n 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 sincere and thorough conversion.
He wishes 10 be baptized. lie wants |
to unite with the church. He Is Of |
more than average intelligence. He is |
not a person TO thrust himself into
places where people do not wish him
a temperate, Industrious, modest, quiet 1
workman, a Christian believer asking |
US 10 receive him at the communion Ia
bic Of our Lord There is no church
for his own people here. on what pos
slble pretext can the church refuse to
admit him?"
You do not know some Of the mem
bers Of Calvary church. Mr.. Strong. if
you ask such a question. There is a
very strong prejudice against the ne
gro in many families This prejudice
Is especially strong just at this time
owing 10 several acts Of depreciation
10y the negroes living down
near the railroad tracks. don't be-
Iieye it would be wise to present this
name just now" Deacon Stearns an
Deared to speak for the committee. all
II whom murmured assent in one form
,r another
"And yet" said Philip, reused to a
sudden heat Of Indignation. and vet
what Is Calvary church doing TO help
% make those men down by the rail-
Dad tracks any better? Are we con-
erned about them at all except when
ur coal or wood or clothing is stolen
r some one is held up down there?
md when one Of them knocks at the
DOR Of the church can we calmly and
Oddly shut il In his face simply be- L
ause God made it a different color
rom 0ursF Philip stopped and then Z
nished by saying very quietly, !
Brethren, do you think Christ would |
.ceiye this man into the church,
There was no reply for a moment. 9
hen Deacon Stearns answered: 4
Brother Strong, we have TO deal with =
as Il Is You cannot make I
,ople all over. This prejudice exists, e
nj sometimes we may have TO respect u
In order TO avoid greater trouble. | a
low families in the church who will p
rtainly withdraw IL the sexton Is a
tied in as a member. Mud still.' said a
e old deacon, with a sigh, Il believe a
lrist would receive him into his r.
urch." o.
Before much more could be said the "
nerent applicants came. and as the C
stom was, after a brief talk with M
EN- about their purpose in uniting IN
III the church and their diseipleshlp, bl
ey withdrew, and the committee "
rmally acted on the names for pres hI
tation 10 the church. The name Of
,nry Roland, the sexton, was final -
reported unfavorably three Of the
voting against il, Deacon
earns at last voting with the minis
10 present the sections name with COZ
, others. th'
Now, brethren" said Philip, with a be
I smile. as they rose to 20, you oui
ow have always been very frank in for
our relations together, and / am GO tha
70 present the sections name to the kn,
irch Thursday night and let the ito
lrch vote ON il in spite Of the action
e tonight You know We have only s.