The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-12-20

block There were over ~ There was
policeman on the corner as Philip
reached the crossing. and he inquired OF
the officer II he could tell him who owned
the property in the block containing the
saloons.
II believe most OF the houses belong to
Mr.. Winter SIR"
Mr. william Winter" asked Philip.
Yes, I think that's the name. He Is
the largest owner in the Ocean mill yon-
der"
Philip thanked the man and went on to-
ward home William Winterl' he ex-
claimed lis II possible that man will
accept revenue from the renting of his
property to these vestbules of hell? That
man! One of the leading members in
my church! Chairman OF the board of
trustees and a leading citizen OF the
place. III does not seem possible!'
But before the week was out Philip had
discovered facts that made his heart
burn with shame and his mind rouse with
indignation. Property in the town which
was being used for saloons. gambling
houses and dens OF wickedness was
owned I'm large part by several OF the
most prominent members OF his church.
There was no doubt OF the fact Philip,
whose very nature was frankness Itself
resolved TO go to these men and have
plain talk with them about It. It seemed
tian believer. a church member should be
renting his property TO these dens of vice
and taking the money. He called on Mr.
Winter, but he was out OF town and
would not be back until Saturday night
He went to see another member who was
large owner In one of the mills and a
heavy property owner. Ii was not
pleasant thing to do. but Philip boldly
stated the precise reason for his call ard
asked his member II II was true that he
rented several houses In a certain block
where saloons and gambling houses were
numerous. The man looked at Philip
turned red and finally said Il was fact.
but none of Philips business.
MY dear brother" said Philip with a
sad but winning smile. "you cannot Inn
agine what IL costs me 10 come to you
about this matter. In one sense IL may
seem TO YOU like an impertnent meddllng
In your business. In another sense u IS
only what | ought TO do as pastor OF a
church which is dearer TO me than nv
life. And I have come to YOU as a
brother In Christ to ask you II Il seems
to you like a thing which Christ would
approve that you. his disciple. should
allow the property which has come into
your hands that YOU may use IL for his
glory and the building up Of his Kingdom
TO he used by the agents OF the devil
while you reap the financial benefit. Is
II right, my brother7"
The man TO whom the question was put
made the usual excuses. that II he did
not rent 10 these people other men would
that there was no call for the property
by other parties and n I; were not rented
10 objectionable people n would liz empty
at n dead loss, aud 50 forth. To all OF
which Philip opposed the plain will Of
God. that all man has should be used
In clean and honest ways. and he could
never sanction the getting OF money
through such immoral channels The
man was finally induced to acknowledge
that IL was not Just the right thing TO do
and especially for church member But
when Phillip pressed him 10 give up the
whole iniquitous revenue and clear him
self Of all connection with Il tho property
owner looked aghast
why. Mr. Strong. do you know what
you ask2 TwO-thlrds Of the most regular
part OF my income n derived from these
rents. IL IL out Of the question for me 20
give them up. You are too nice in tho
matter. All the property owners in NIL
ton do the same thing. There isn't n man
Of any means In the church who isn't de-
rivlng some revenue from this source
Why. large part of your salary Is paid
from these very rents. You will get into
trouble " YOU try 20 meddle In this mat
ter. 7 don't take offense. think yoI have
done your duty And confess N doesn't
seen exactly the thing But as society r.
organized. don't see that we can change
the matter Retter not try 20 DO ANYTHING
about ~. Mr. strong The church likes