Bryan daily eagle and pilot. [volume] (Bryan, Tex.) 1909-1918, 1911-03-29

man or woman who goes to Gods
house in all kinds of weather, and at
tend all the services. not from mat
ter of habit, but out Of sense OF
duty. These people feel loss or
weakness If they miss one service.
Their life seems to be lowered,
coarsened, blunted, hardened, when
they do not steadily surround them
selves with those elevating and purify
ing influences which the church i'm
parts. So, my dear imps, do not waste
your time on these people, because
they are lost to us. In addition to this
class, would warn you to leave off
in trying to win those people called
'fioaters,' since it is hardly worth
while to get them into our satanic
kingdom. Be careful, as you will find
them in every community. Sometimes
they are called church tramps' from
the fact that they go from church TO
church, anchoring nowhere, and refuse
the old ark anyhow; in fact, they
help to boost our cause by demanding
the best singing that can be had, fine
organ with a master hand to play it,
best seat in the house Really, 1t is
best to leave these people quite alone.
1t affords us merriment to see them
drop nickle, or penny, in the aims
basin for the support of the gospel,
but this happens so infrequently that
it is ridiculous; in fact, any sort Of
engagement will keep them away, as
church is for old fogies'
After the king left off speaking, one
of the imps said Il have very sue
cessful plan that empties the seats of
the workers in the church.
THAT is just what we want" said
the king.
81 make these people overwork on
Saturdays. For instance, | make some
good old man the preacher depends
upon, or some devout Sunday school
teacher, to make Saturday the busiest
day of the week. just keep him
rushed with neglected things till late
at night, and then he oversleeps or is
sick the next day, and can't get out"
Splendid plan" said satan.
Yes, it works well with delicate
women, or with women who have one
or more babies to care for. If they
clean house or have Saturday company
they can be kept at home without
knowing they have broken the Sab
bath. A church party late Saturday
night helps with empty seats, as does
the Sunday excursion in the auto"
you are doing finely, my imps," his
majesty said warmly, for his breath
was a flame of fire. Preachers may
work and pray over their sermons all
week, but there will be no results
preaching to empty seats. If you can
keep these people away, or at least
prevent them from forming the habit
of church attendance, or frequently
have them absent themselves, we can
prevent absolutely the minister from
helping them mentally, morally or
spiritually. He might be an angel from
heaven or the blessed Lord himself
that preached, but it can do them no
good who are not there.
at isn't a smart preacher, nor rich
congregation, nor good location, nor
a paid choir, that makes a successful
church. 1t is the church members al
ways being there that draw in the
unconverted and make an eloquent
preacher. AS soon as Christian be-
gins to stay at home, for one reason
or another, | know | have mortgage
on his soul which, if he does not shake
off, | will foreclose on the judgment
day"
"You have none on mine!" cried
Mrs. Clarke, who had been listening
with bated breath. I'll go to church,
if only to defeat you"
What is the matter, dear?" asked
the doctor Have you been dream
ing?"
Perhaps so; but | am going to
church, if get to my seat just in time
for the benediction. I'll cheat satan
from this day out of one empty seat"
She has kept her word and infiu-
enced many others to let nothing
trifiing keep them from Gods house,
and the church has become great
power for God, because of no empty
seats"