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


parsonage was well planned house next
10 the church. and his wife soon made
everything look very homelike The first
Sunday evening after Philip preached in
Milton. for the first time. he chatted with
his wife over the events of the day, as
they sat before cheerful open fire IN
the large CRATE. II was late In the fall
and the nights were sharp and frosty
Are you tired tonight. Philip2' asked
his wife.
Yes, the day has been rather trying
Did you thing I was nervous? Did
preach well?' Philip was not vain in the
least. He simply put the question to sat
isfy his own exacting demand on himself
in preaching And there was not per-
son In the world to whom he would have
put such a question except his wife.
mo. I thought you I'D splendidly. l
felt proud OF you You made some queer
gestures. and once you put one or your
hands I'm you pocket But your sermons
were both strong and effective. | am
sure the people were impressed. 1t was
very stll at both services
Philip was silent a moment. And his
wife went on
Il am sure we shall like It here, Philip.
What do you think
II cannot tell yet There s very much
90 do
How do you like the church bnilding?'
1T is an easy audience room for my
voice. I don't like the arrangement OF
the choir over the front door. | thing the
choir ought TO be down on the platform
In front Of the people, by the side OF the
minister
That's one OF your hobbies. Philip. But
the singing was good. didn't you think
eo?"
Yes the choir is a good one. The
congreation didn't seem TO sing much.
and I believe In congregational sing ng.
even when there is choir But we can
bring that about I'm time. think"
Now, Philip" said his wife. In some
alarm, YOU are not going TO meddle with
the singing. are you? IL will get you
into trouble There Is musical COM
mittee In the church. and such commit
tees are very sensitive about any inter-
ference
WELL" said Philip, rousing up a lit
tie, ''the singing IL a very important part
OF the service. And II seems to. me |
ought to have something important to
say about g. But you need not fear,
Sarah. I'm not going TO try to change
everything all at once
His wife looked at him a little anx-
iously. She had perfect faith in Philips
honesty OF purpose. but she sometimes
had fear OF his impetuous desire TO re-
form the world. After a little pause she
spoke again. changing the subject.
What did yon think Of the congrega-
ton. Philip"
II enjoyed 1t. thought II was very
attentive. There was larger number out
this evening than had expected"
did you like the looks OF the peo-
ple?"
They were all very nicely dressed"
Now, Philip. you know that isn't what
] mean, Did you like the peoples faces?"
You know / like all sorts and condi-
tions OF men,
Yes. but there are audiences and au-
diences. DO you think you will enjoy
preaching to this one In Calvary church,"
81 think SHALL replied Philip. but he
said Ii In tone that might have meant
great deal more. Again there was S.
lence and again the minister's wife was
the first to break IT,
There was a place In your sermon to-
night, Philip. where you appeared the
least bit embarrassed. as you seem
sometimes at home when you have some
writing or some newspaper article on
your mind and some one suddenly inter-
rupts you with a question good way
from your thoughts. What was the mat
ter? Did you forget point?'
mo. I'll tell you. From where stand
on the pulpit platform can see through
one OF the windows over the front door
outside. and the light fell directly on the
sidewalk across the street From time to
time groups of people went through that
band OF light. OF course ! could not see
their faces very well. but l soon found
out that they were mostly the young men
and women operatives of the mills. They
were out strollink through the street
which. I am told Is a favorite promenade
with them. should think as many az 200
paused by the church while | was preach
Ing. Well. after awhile I began to ask
myself whether there was any possible
way or getting these young people to come
Into the church instead OF strolling past I?
And then ! looked at the people In front
OF me and saw how different they were
from those outside and wondered II IL
wouldn't be better TO close up the church
and go and preach on the street where the
people are. And so. carrying on all that
questioning with myself, while tried To
preach, causing a little embarrassment
as you kindly call II. in the sermon"
II should think So But how do you
know. Philip. that those people outside
were In any need OF your preaching?'
Philip appeared surprised at the ques-
ton. He looked at his wife. and her
face was serious
why doesn't everybody need preach
Ing? They may not standing In need OF
my preaching perhaps. but they ought TO
have some preaching. And cannot help
thinking OF what is the duty Of the church
In this place 10 the great crowd outside.
Something ought to be done"
Philip. ] am sure your work here will
be blessed. Don't you think so?"
~ kHow IL will" replied Philip. with
the assurance Of very positive but
spiritually minded man. lie never thought
his Master was honored by asking him
for small things or doubtins the power Of
Christianity TO do great things.
And always when he said ''I'' he simply
meant not Philip Strong. but Christ In
Philip Strong. To deny the power and
worth OF that incarnation was. to his
mind. not humility. but treason.
The Sunday following Philip made this
announcement 10 the people:
Beginning With next Sunday morning.
! shall give the FIRST OF series OF
monthly talks ON Christ and Modern So
rioty. II will be my object In these
talks 20 suppose Christ himself as the one
speaking to modern society on It's sins.
ifs needs. Its opportunities. its response
biiifies. It's everyday life. I shall try 10
he entirely loving and iusf and courage