Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1901-06-08

and SO tnd1nerent to physical ana men,
tai power. ~.
AS one after another Of the students
and professors made brief talks or Of
Tered prayer Edward grew more and
more critical. He began to compare
his own Righteousness with that of the
different speakers, That one talking
now was hypocrite, and he had seen
him do questionable things during ex-
animation. That one praying now was
mean and stingy and selfish in his re-
lations to the other students. This one
was unpopular on account of disa-
greeable mannerism, and so on.
1t was unfortunate for Edward that
the principal speakers that evening
We're students who In one way and an
other failed to win his respect. And
yet, Edward Blake, are you any better
yourself, as you sit and sheer at others
and complacently review your own
righteousness? How much Christian,
ity is there in that? Do you really be-
neve you are making better world by
sitting outside the universal struggle
and finding fault with those who at
least have humbly been willing to de-
clare their dependence on saving
power outside Of themselves? And who
are you, strong in your boosted moral
fty, to take for granted that these men
who are talking and praying here to-
night do not have their inward strug-
giles after the better life?
1t Is not an exaggeration to say that
Edward left the meeting that night
farther away from the personal Chris
tan life than ever. He had set the bar
rier Of his self righteousness against
the appeal Of the evangelist to let the
spirit OF truth have its way regardless
Of what other souls might do, and as a
result he went away not only indiffer-
ent, but hardened and established in
his moral standard.
Freeda came out at the door Just as
Edward was going down the chapel
steps, and they walked over to the Ia
dies hall together.
She had not seen Edward In the
meeting and was somewhat surprised
that he had come. There was no Ques-
ton, however, that she was glad.
Il thought you were too busy with
your debate to come" she said, refer
ring to little talk they had had at
noon chapel, when Edward had men,
toned how very busy he was prepar-
ing for the coming contest.
Il didn't expect to-" he answered
shortly.
did you enjoy the meeting, Ned?'
Freeda asked somewhat timidly.
mo. can't bear Wheaton or
Jaynes'
Freeda was silent moment.
But Mr.. Vail and the president
spoke we'll The meeting was helpful
on the whole, don't you think?''
Edward did not answer. They had
Just come to the steps of the hall and
stopped minute there.
"Quite a number of the girls are inter-
ested- l think Miss Field and Ida will
join the church next communion"
Ida was Freeda's roommate, and
Miss Field was a senior who had be-
come much interested in Freeda and
was good friend of both OF the girls
in the lower class.
A group of the girls went up the
steps into the hall and left Freeda and
Edward alone. Freeda hesitated and
then said simply: Il wish you would
join the church, Ned. Mother would
be glad She said In her last letter to
me that it never seemed right that she
and l should belong and you not be q
member"
Il shall never belong to church I'M
less l can be better than most church
members l know" said Edward, I'M
consciously letting Freeda into the Sc
cret Of his self righteousness.
do you mean mother and me?" ask
ed Freeda, with smile. At the same
time she could not help feeling that it
was useless to argue with him.
Mother and you are exceptions. I
don't believe In making professions
and not living up to them"
This time it was Freeda who was 81
lent as Edward turned to go back to
his room. As he moved away she ask
ed him something about the debate.
I'm working hard at it. So is Will
son, on the other side. But I'm going
to do my best to beat him." He paused
and then added, II had letter from
Willis tonight that think can use to
good effect
"How Is hep Freeda asked simply
as any one might inquire after any
chance acquaintance.
HE says he's all right. His mother
says he's drinking again" Edward add
ed and then, without being able to
give any reason for 1t, he said, willis
wished to be remembered to you" |
There was Just a moments silence,
then Freeda called out to Edward, who
had started on again, "When you write
to him. give him my best wishes, and
|.tell him hope he will let the drink
alone"
1--WE already written him." replied
Edward as he walked along, and he
was uncertain whether Freeda heard
him or not. =c4i..s ~
When he went up into his room, it
was quite late, but he sat down and
worked at his debate until midnight.
He went over every sentence with
he had added that part Of Willis letter
which described the death of the Fihpi-
no mother and her baby, he could not
help feeling that he had fitting cli-
max to the argument. For q piece of