Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1907-12-13
PREACHER WHO FAILED.

| nhOAhsA WIN ih6AOs
''The man you recommended does
not fill the bill. He has failed to arouse
any enthusiasm; the church is dead. -
The spokesman for the committee thus
addressed Presiding Elder Hartgrove
anent the shortcomings of the pastor of
Elmwood church.
81 am sorry to hear you say that, Mr..
Critchell," said the presiding elder
gravely; 'McBain has been thorough
success at other places. was intend
ing to ask the bishop to return him, but
if you think"
81 hope you will not do so,,' said
Deacon Critchell decidedly. "He might
suit other places very well, but he's a
dead failure here
In what respects?"
''In nearly all. He doesn't measure
up to our standard of preacher. I've
watched him closely Sunday after Sun
day, and not once of late has he been
able to impart the least fire to the con-
gregation. His subjects are hackneyed,
and he drones over self evident PROPOSE
tions to an intolerable extent. Then
he's lacking in originality of expression,
and our congregation notices such things.
That's why the attendance has been
dropping off so badly. 1t isn't the hot
weather. Our people would sit here for
an hour if you or some other good
preacher were talking, but they can't
stand for Mr.. McBain's inanities. He's
missed his calling.''
The presiding elder was profoundly
distressed. McBain was young man
of whom he was peculiarly hopeful.
And he had not had the opportunities
for education that we're enjoyed by
many others in the conference, but he
had used. such as he had and striven hard
to develop the best that was in him. In
his boyhood days he had ridden with
the cattlemen on the plains, and grew
up in accordance with their simple, rug
ged style Of living. His manner of
speech was not elegant, but it was
always forcible. He had entered the
ministry with consuming zeal, and
great things were expected of him.
The presiding elder who had met with
the committee in the church study, adj
journed the meeting until the next day,
as the accused preacher was conducting
a funeral back in the country. When he
returned, the elder met him and told
him of the complaint.
MnRoIr1 ts,ra1,v
man yet, and seemed, if ever, to be at
the age when he could do good for the
cause. He flushed and looked medita-
lively at the floor. Finally he said:
Everything they told you about me
is true, but | would like to be heard. -
'You shall," returned the elder
warmly.
81 would like to meet them in the
study tomorrow morning, and there in
your presence 1 will offer my side.''
| The elder cheerfully acquiesced and
the subject was dropped for the night.
In the morning the presiding elder
and the pastor were seated in the study
when the committee arrived. Mr..
Critchell, grim and impressive, took a
chair at the head of the table. His as
sociates found chairs near him. From
their stern eyes no mercy cleaned.
They were there for business, and they
felt their cause was just.
Gentlemen" said the presiding
elder, "you have told me that Mr.
McBain was not giving satisfaction as
a minister. 1t is fair that he should be
. heard
cit is fair, said Mr.. Critchell som.
berly.
"You have said his preaching lack.
vigor and originality in thought, ant
that the congregations are dropping of
because of it" continued the elder.
''Thatis the TRUTH" said Mr.. Critchel
and his fellow committeeman bowed
assent.
"What have you to say?" asked tn.
, elder, kindly, turning to McBain.
! For reply the preacher took a larg,
. envelope from his pocket and handed i
> to the elder, who pulled out numbe
: of papers and glanced at them, with
deepening frown.
at seems you are in debt" said tn
elder.
eyes, sir, replied the minister.
q "You owe bill of $25 here for medi
q cal attention.
''My wife has been ILL.,"
a "And here are bills from the butcher
q the grocer, the landlord, and goodnes
4 only knows what all-none of then
paid!'
mo, SIR"
"Will you please tell me why?"
n The elder looked severely at the mir
k lister, but the severity was not intende
7. for him. He began to understand tn
IS situation. Mr.. Critchell cleared h
. throat. His face had become sudden
j. flushed-red.
"You see, it's this way, Elder Har