The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-02-24
MEN, WOMEN
 AND THINGS

needs is more men who, like Paul of old, are ready to stand in any presence and beast that they are citizens of no mean city"
 A man should believe in himself, should stand by his family. be loyal to his church. ready to stick up for his city, and give his life for his country.
 
 This but to lead up to a joke that l heard my good friend, Dr. R. H. Pitt, pull on pr. W. W. Landrum in connec- ton with a revival service being held in his church, by Len Broughton. during his pastorate in Richmond, Va.
 Every one who knows Landrum will recall his perfect courtesy In fact, he is elaborate in his graciousness. Everybody who knows Broughton is aware of his bluntness. He calls spade a spade.
 The incident I'm about to relate hap pened in his early ministry, in the days when he was truly a diamond in the rough, before he got the polish of his European residence.
 Broughton had made a stir in the backwoods of North Carolina. City pas tors had begun to sit up and take notice that a new man of force and originality had come out on the stage or, rather, the pulpit.
 Landrum's church in Richmond was noted for its conservatism. It was made up of the F. F. vs It seems they were asleep on their job and that he wanted to wake them up. So he sent for the mountain whirlwind.
 Broughton came. Landrums caution for him not to be too rough on the city for the time being caused the new evangelist to tone down his message to suit his auditors.
 He preached for week. His message was orthodox, but somehow there wasn't child had shown the least interest in his preaching.
 One night after the congregation was dismissed Broughton said to Landrum: Look here, you got me here under false pretenses. You told me your crowd was asleep. It ain't so; they are dead, and by the power of the gospel I'm going to resurrect them"
 
 The next morning he opened up on them and, to say that 1t was surprised, startled and indignant audience is to put it mildly. He literally flayed them. He didn't leave a spot that wasn't raw. When he dismissed them there was near riot.
 Landrum, the pacifcator, was in a stew His crowd was mad and so was fro in the afternoon. The embarrassed pastor was trying to corral his stam- peded flock and at the same time get Broughton to agree to cut out the rough stuff.
 Broughtons dander was up and he wouldn't make any satisfactory prom ises. Of course at the night service the house was filled to overhowing. Every body will flock to a. church row, and 1t didn't take prophet to foretell that one was about to break
 Hymns were sung, prayer was made the scripture read, g. collection lifted. Then up rose Broughton with his long hair flowing, eyes flashing, jaws set, teeth chin out. Like Jeremiah of old he poured out his woes against sin in high places.
 As the spirit of denunciation grew upon him his words belched forth with such vitriolic force that Landrum, the diplo- mat, got up and touching the bewildered but angered evangelist on the shoulder said, Let me speak to them, they are my people and you do not understand them.'
 Broughton lounged against the pulpit and Landrum opened by saying. accord ing to Dr. Pitts version: Brethren and America is the greatest country in the world Virginia is the greatest state in the union. Richmond is the greatest city in the state This church is the greatest religious body in the city, and you. my people, are the greatest peo- pie I have ever known"
 
 Turning to Broughton he said, ''Sit down and watch me move them" He then called on all who felt inclined to come forward for prayer to do so. No one came. Said he, "Oh, my people, you evidently misunderstood me. Let those who want the good people of this church to pray for them please come forward" drum was in despair.
 
 Just as he was about to give it up and set down, in the back of the audience he spied a well dressed man gathering up his hat and cane. It gave him hope. Turning with an air of triumph to the bored Broughton he said. "rhe ice is breaking. Just watch them as they come"
 Down the aisle leisurely strolled prosperous and well-to-do gentleman. Landrum, with happy face and new note of courage in his voice. said: "Oh. my people, knew you would stand by me, and my heart is overhowing with love. See they are coming"
 He stepped down from his pulpit to