The Springfield herald., 1902-11-28

A few of the most earnest and faith
full of us had braved the inclement
weather and were gathered in the cosy,
comfortable room set apart for mid
week service, in one of the most fash
!onable churches in our city.
Outside the wind howled unmerci-
fully and as the little group of twenty
five or thirty silently awaited the com
Ing of our minister. each uttered
silent prayer for the blessing OF such
pleasant surroundings.
Suddenly the door was gently pushed
ajar and a vagabond, typical speci-
men of the genus tramp, crept SLOWLY
within its portals; pausing,he glanced
around the room, and, seeming satls-
fed with his surroundings he slowly
walked towards the pulpit and found
a seat directly in front of the minis
ter, who had Just entered the room
from the door opposite the entrance.
The minister looked astonished at
the seeming impudence of dirty, rag
ged tramp presuming to coolly make
himself at home in his stylish church.
but without speaking to the vaSabond
quietly began the service for the even
ing.
He took for his theme the story OF
the Prodigal Son and very eloquently
he talked, thinking, perhaps, he had
willing and appreciative listener IN
the tramp before him. Then songs
were sung and prayers were said and
finally the minister said the meeting
was open to anyone who cared to speak
or offer anything "for the good OF
ALL"
What was our surprise to see the
vagabond slowly rise and with q de-
fiant backward movement of his un-
kempt head turn towards his audience
and told them this story:
my friends (for so 1 deem you)
that I was ever a decent man will be
hard for you to believe. but l assure
you, five years ago I wasSsteemed and
worthy of any mans respect. Even
as it is l have committed no crime
that would call to my cheek blush
of shame. My hands are innocent OF
that If you care to listen to my
story would be pleased to tell it.
think it will not only be interesting
to you, but also prove beneficial to the
people of this parish.
"I was once minister of the Gospel
and worthy to stand where your pas
tor stands. sought to do my full
duty as a teacher of the great Mas
ter's words. having for my creed.
brotherly kindness; for my doctrine.
brotherly love; l sought to honestly
live the Golden hule and was in fair
way to success in my chosen profes-
sion. l had preached in a pulpit once
that had been occupied by the wonder
full Beecher and my name had been
frequently associated with the great
church men of the day. Finally there
came call to a city church; would to
God l might forget that; l accepted;
found my new parish was plastered
Ger with pride: Mammon was their
deity; gold was deified: hypocrisy was
their creed and selfishness their doc
trine. Their worship was a mockery
and Christ was being re-crucified.
81 soon gained the respect of my
people and was fairly successful in d.
recting them to a better form Of wor-
ship.
One of the most devoted co-workers
had was young lady. whose beauty
seemed so saint-like, thought her soul
must be divine.
"Friendship soon ripened into love,
and after one short year. we were mar
ried Our married life was an earthly
Eden to me and all of Mary's smiles
seemed so freely given that our happy
home seemed too near heaven for the
serpent to enter.
Zone summers evening there came
most welcome news to me; letter
from my college chum and minister
4 u IA n-$SlM