The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-01-17

keys that Mr. Strong had not yet ap-
peared. He began again at a certain
measure, repeating II, and played very
slowly. BY this time the church was en-
tirely filled. There was an air OF expect
ant waiting as the organ again ceased.
and still Philip did not come out. A
great fear came over Mrs. Strong. She
had half risen from her seat near the
platform TO go up and open the study
door when II opened, and Philip came
out.
Whatever his struggle had been I'm that
little room the closest observer could not
detect any trace OF tears or sorrow or
shame or humiliation. He was pale but
that was common: otherwise his face
wore firm. noble. peaceful look. As he
gazed over the congregation II fell under
the fascination or his glances. The first
words that he spoke In the service were
strong and clear.
He began to speak very quietly and
simply, rs his fashion was OF the fact
that he had been asked TO resign his pas
torate OF Calvary church. He made the
statement clearly. with no haltng or he
hesitation or sentiment OF tone or gesture.
Then, after, saying that there was only
one course open to him under the CIR
cumstances. he went on to speak, as he
said he ought TO speak. in defense OF his
Interpretation OF Christ and his teaching:
you to bear witness today that have
tried to preach 10 you Christ and him
cruc!hed. have doubtless made mis-
takes; we all make them have Of
Tended the rich men and property own.
ers In Milton. i could NOT help H. I was
Obliged to do so In order 10 speak as I
this moment solemnly believe my Lord
would speak. have aroused opposition
because asked men into the church and
upon this platform who do not call
themselves Christians. for the purpose OF
knowing their reasons for antagonism to
the church We love But the time has
come, O my brothers, when the church
must welcome to It's councils In these
matters that affect the worlds greatest
good all men who have at heart the full
hllment OF the Christ's teachings
But the cause which more than any
other has led TO the action OF this church
has been. l am fully aware. my demand
that the church members of this city
should leave their possessions and go and
live with the poor. wretched. sinful hope
less people In the lower town. sharing in
wise ways with them OF the good things
or the world. But why do I speak OF all
this In defense OF my action or my
preaching?"
suddenly Philip seemed TO feel a revul-
sion or attitude toward the whole OF
what he had been saying. 1t was as n
there had instantly swept over him the
knowledge that he could never make the
people before him understand eth
er his motive or his Christ
Hts speech so far had been
quiet. unimpassioned, deliberate. Ills
whole manner now underwent a swift
change. People in the galleries noticed IL,
and men leaned out far over the railing,
and more than ono closed his hands
tight In emotion at the sight and hearing
OF the tall figure on the platform.
Yes" he said. II love you. people OF
Milton, beloved members OF this church. I
would have opened my arms to every
child OF humanity here and shown him. II
could. the boundless love OF his
Heavenly Father. But. Oh ye would not.
And yet the love Of Christ, What a won
derfu thing IL is! How much he wished
us 10 enjoy OF peace and hope and fell
lowship and service! Yes. service--that
is what the world needs today; service
that Is willing TO give all-all 20 him who
gave all 10 save u.s. Christ. Master,
teach us TO do thy will Make us servants
TO the poor and sinful and hopeless.
Make thy church on earth more like thy
self"
Those nearest Philip saw him suddenly
raise his handkerchief to his lips, and
then, when he took 1t away, II was stain