Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1903-01-15

you think that? 1t is not orthdox,
admit. But that it is not as assuring as
any other, deny. There is naught of
faith in it-naught but hard, cold
reason. Your orthodox saint pirates to
ME of faith. ask him, faith in what
faith in whom? And his answer is,
faith in my book-in my creed. His
witness has never been qualified. And
what is creed but the formulated opin-
ion of some man, or set of men? Why
should take their opinions instead of
my own? They know no more than |,
no matter what they believe. Do they
not differ among themselves; are they
not at variance? All of them cannot be
right; and all of them may be wrong.
So may | be- lay no claim to infalli-
bility. But one thing is certain. The
Divine Architect of the universe-the
Intelligent Power of which | have
spoken-would not have given me a
brain, had He not meant that | should
use it in the government of my beliefs
and actions. Your creed-makers 40
that; yet quarrel with me for eXercis-
ing the same privilege. That of Luther
Of CALVIN, and Campbell-and hosts Of
others? Did not Christ himself come
preaching new doctrine? Are not the
standard Protestant creeds of today
undergoing frequent and radical
changes? Have they received any new
light upon the perplexing problem since
the advent Of Christ? Not a scintilla!
Has the Bible been altered? The New
Testament has been revised; but not
an essential precept in it has ben mod
flied. No! The reason they do not be-
lieve and preach as in years past is be-
cause they have done just what thew say
l shall not do-they have reasoned.
And if they be wise, they will continue
to reason-will continue to prune and
eliminate, to alter and revise. Ignor-
ance and superstition do not make
piety.
"But"-Hastily glancing at his watch
II have talked too long already Let
me say this in conclusion, however. Do
not accept my belief 1t may not be my
belief 1t may not be my belief tomor-
row or next year. Think for yourself
do not be afarid to think. No unreason-
ing and unreasonable orthodox mons
ter stands ready to damn you for it.
Thought may not add an inch to your
linear stature; but it will aud cubic
feet to your mental capacity. AS final
word on the subject upon which we
started, my enemies will"
Doctor" Ralph broke in, did you
not say you are a believer in the teach
ings of Christi"
DR.. Barwood's features instantly
grew hard and tense; and his black eyes
snapped. He scented danger, and was
steeling himself to meet 1t.
81 did" he answered unhesitatingly
Then you should be willing and
ready to forgive your enemies"
"My young friend" the physician an
swered solemnly, laying his hand upon
Ralph's shoulder-and the latter noted
the familiar tone and GESTURE, and was
both surprised and pleased. You have
said things to me during our short &C.
simultaneously | would not have toll
Grated coming from another. | hardly
know why | have borne with you But
do not put my forebearance to too Sc
we're test. am not given to fulsome
praise; but l have not failed to notice
what you have been doing in my in
terest. with a glance around the
room-'T think we shall get on togeth-
er-exercising due caution on both
sides. AS to forgiving my enemies
| find 1t impossible. It is one thing
to accept a precept; quite another
thing to act according to its teachings
Then-but why multiply words? Get
me my things-as you kindly agreed
to do-and | will be off"
The older man smiled cordially as
he concluded; and the younger has
tened to procure the desired articles
Just as the former was about to leave
the store. Jim Crawford staggered into
the room, closely follower by Tucker
The doctor stopped suddenly. every
fiber in his body stiffening, and pierced
the cobbler with his keen black eyes
The latter presented pitable spec.
tacle. His clothing was torn, soileC
and awry. He staggered as he walked
trembling in every limb. His red hail
was bristling; and a greenish palloi
overspread his twitching features-thc
sickly hue Of tree toad's belly.
doc, I'm sick-I want some medi
cine?" he said in quavering accents
you've been drunk again, eh?" tn,
doctor returned frigidly.
Eyes, doc. have been on a littl,
spree. "-Shivering and nervously in
terlocking his tremulous fingers-"An
I'm all knocked out. My stomach'i
sick; an I can't sleep. Give me some
thin to sober me up. Please dol"
You're a fine specimen OF man
hood" roared DR.. Barwood stridinl
forward and towering over the cover
ing cobbler. you get drunk and spenC
your money; neglect your family anC
make yourself sick. Then-in you
extremity, and without a cent in you
pocket-you come creeping and whin
ing to the man you have slandereC
and wronged 1t would be serving yoi
right to kick you into the gutter. Yoi
sot! You scoundreli" lik,
an angry dog.-"If yoI had any sens,
of shame, you would 90 and drowJ
YOURSELF"
Crawford tottered and nearly fell (,
the floor, as he essayed to escape from
the irate physician. But clinging 4
I