The Madison journal., 1913-03-15

the prodigal son ben long way on.
his father come a-runnin' to him. Now,
bark to me: l went this evening to
the cunnel He explained to me about
the Baptis' discipline" "a ripple OF
excitement in the audience.) In con-
sequence, this chu'ch will hereayfter
be the Methods Zion chu'ch. THAT
is why ! am speaking fo' the las time
to Zion Baptis' chu'ch. Ayfter tonight
there won't be no Zion Baptis' chu'ch.
There amt no great difference in doc
trine, an the discipline is more con
venient Any brother or sister desir
ing it, an not in danger OF catching
col, can be immersed. The cunnel an
done talked this over; an ne done
rented this hu'ch-house TO me. IL the
congregation amt satisfied, they goi
to take to the woods. | also got one
word mo- to say; it is that the work
of grace in this community is a right
smart hampered by the evil doings OF
Sister Susannah Coffin"
Susannah and her husband weS
both on their feet, both ready t.
speak: but something in the attitude
OF the figure on the platform to which
the long lines Of the mourning-veil gave
strange suggestion OF sibylline dig
nifty, held speech away from them. Sol
emnly and not with any anger. Siste
Humphreys eyes searched the eyes
| the man and woman before her, Will
the spectators held their breath
"Wherefo' it is bettah ever way" sh,
said slowly, that both her an he
husband go out from us fo'evermo'
Bruddah Coffin, the cunnel has got ar
other blacksmith, an you amt got n
mo- reason fo' stayin' no longer. An
as TO you, Sister"
Il won't go!" shrilled Susanna.
Historically weeping; 1t was with n
pretense now. You cayn't fo'ce me!
You will go, Sister, fo' you do
wanter lose the young man you &C
now. You will go; an you will take
him along of you; an you will go 81
| far he cayn't heah no word Of my ser
mons. Go in peace"
Susannah faced about, writing
! between fear and rage. "Yol
towards! You ornery, pusillani
nous cowards!" she flung bach
at the gaping black faces. "Yor
putt on dog when she amt heah, but
minute she lif's her han, you caynt
make a rifle! Ba-h-h! SSH" she
hissed at them like a cat or a snake
Come on, you fool nigger!" she
jeered, pulling at her bewildered hus
bands collar; and in this sorry fash
ion, but still with her head high, she
left Zion for ever.
An now" concluded Sister Es
meralda Humphreys sedately, let US
all try 70 to lead a bettah life. J
shall preach mex Sunday on the Sew
enth Commandment, an all them that
feels they have broke that command
ment is at free liberty to stay away
| shall expec' to see all the res of you,
even if tbs fallin' weader. Let US all
sing befo' We go:
''Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love:
The fellowship Of kindred minds
Is like to that above"
Brother Moore arose "Slst' Hum.
phreys," he announced, you got de
right kin O. gospil light in you. ]
cayn't jine in the singin' cause since
got my store teef | amt ben able to
cyar' a chune; but | want to do sumfin
de wuk er grace; an | got up to say
dat de mex socherble gatherin' III
donate de lemons"
dis meetin' accepts with tanks"
shouted Brother Morrow. Now. les
show our beloved pastor the clouds is
swep' away! All sing!"
And never had so noble a burst of
melody wakened the echoes along the
moonlit road as that which made the
colonel outside turn, smiling, in his
saddle.
She didn't need me-" he unused.
We'll, so much the better. I reckon
they need a good despot, and they've
got one, all right"