The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-12-30

town the more he was persuaded that
the pnly way for the church to make any
impression on the tenement district was
TO put itself directly in touch with the
neighborhood. To accomplish that neces-
sity Philip was not stubborn. He was
ready to adopt anyAp plan that would ac-
tually do something. but he grew more
study of the town to have the church
feel its opportunity and make Christ a
reality to those most In need OF him.
IL was at this time that Philip was
surprised one evening by call from one
of the worklngmen who had been present
and heard his sermon on moving the
church into the tenement district
II came to see you particularly, Mr..
Strong. about getting you To come down
to our hall some evening next week and
give us a talk on some subject connected
with the signs of the times"
"Tll come IL you think ! can do any
good in that way" replied Philip. hes-
tating a little.
IL believe YOU can. The men are be-
ginning to take TO you. and while they
won't come up to church they will turn
on; 10 hear you down there"
IAN right When do you want me TO
conner
say next Tuesday. You know where
the hall is2"
Philip nodded lie had been by It in his
walks through that part of Milton.
The spokesman for the workmen ex-
pressed his thanks and arose to go, but
Philip asked him TO stay a few moments.
He wanted to know at first hand what the
mans representative fellows would do II
the church should at any time decide 10
act after Philips plan.
"Well. TO tell the truth, Mr.. Strong.
don't believe very many Of them would
join any church"
"That Is not the question. Would they
fef the church any more there than
where II Is now
"Yes. | honestly think they would.
They would come out to hear YOU"
well. that would be something. TO
b. sure" replied Philip. smiling. But
as To the wisdom Of the plan-how does
II strike you on the whole?"
Il would like TO see II done. don't
believe shall. though"
WHY"
Your church won't agree to IT,"
Maybe they will I'm time
II hope they will. And let me tell you.
Mr. Strong. even IL YOU succeeded in get
ting yolr church and people TO come into
the tenement district YOU would find
plenty OF people there who wouldn't so
TO hear YOU"
Il suppose that Is 40. But, oh. that we
might do something'" Philip ciasped his
hands over his knees and gazed earnestly
at the man opposite The man returned
the gaze almost as earnestly. I was the
pcrsonhcation OF the church confronting
the aborirg man. each in n certain way
asking the other What will the church
do7" And II was a noticeable fact that
the minister's look revealed more doubt
and anxiety than the other mans look.
which contained moro or less OF indiffer-
ence and dstrust. Phillip sighed and his
visitor soon after took his leave
SO II came about that Philip Strong
plunged into q work which from the time
he stepped into tho dirgy little hall and
faced the crowd peculiar 60 " had n grow
ing influence on all his strnnEe career.
grew In strangeness rapidly - days
4 came on.
lie was invited again and again to ad.
dress the men In that part of Milton They
were almost all of them mill employees
They had simple organiza tion for de-
bate and discussion OF questions OF the
day. Gradually the crowds Increased ~
Philip continued 90 come and develop a
, series ~ talks IN Christian socialism
There was standing room only He was
beginning 20 know number 81 tho men
and a s'rons Affection was growing up IN
their hearts for him
That was just before the time the trou.