The Hays free press. [volume] (Hays, Kan.) 1908-1924, 1922-03-30
THE SERVICE
BY JULIA A. ROBINSON


the western sky. From the distant
steeple, chimes rang out through the
frosty air. calling 10 the midweek
service Of prayer. The shops down
town, brilliantly lighted and filed
with gorgeous display of Christmas
gifts, were thrOnged with buyers, hur-
rying, bustling, jOstling against one
another in their eagerneSs to find the
best bargains and the latest novelties.
Stin the bells pealed forth and the
busy shoppers did not hear.
The minister entered the chancel
and bowed his head in prayer, then
glanced about the church. His heart
sank-a few women scattered here
and there, lone man in the corner.
On a seat in front a child, with dirty
hands and torn dress, sat curled up.
He wondered vaguely for a moment
how she had happened TO stray in,
then she passed out of his mind as
he cast troubled thought on the
empty pews.
The organ played more softly and
stopped. The minister rose and be-
gan the responsive readings. but the
responses were scarcely audible. Then
he offered prayer and read the Scrip
ture lesson. Again the organ played
sending out rich peals of music, roll
ing away among the rafters. then
slowly falling away into silence. The
minister rose to speak the message of
comfort he had prepared, but his heart
was faint and sad. The words came
slowly. Would that there were more
present to hear the message he had to
bring. 1t was the Christmas thought
OF love and hope. In few simple
words he told of the peace and joy
that comes from the Christ Child, then
warming into earnestness with his
theme, he told of salvation and of the
home above where the Heavenly Child,
the King, was waiting to welcome the
redeemed. He paused and the organ
played again, swelling and dying away
as the few who had listened passed
out into the gathering darkness.
at is no use TO keep up the service
longer" said the young minister that
evening 90 one of his helpers 1--WE
have tried; the people do not come;
they do not want it. We might as
well give il up"
1t was two days later. The minis
ter sat in his study writing; he must
have strong sermon for the next /
Sabbath. U>ere would be many pres
ent; the church was always full on
Sunday.
There came a knock at the door He /
was surprised, for it was distinctly |
understood that he was not to be .
called while writing his sermon.
SaT,,,, s.r,,-,.,- .1fs.f,,.I, 80,
wife, pushing the door open, but real
ly 1 couldn't help it, the case seemed
so urgent"
'You know l can't stop for any
thing now, May" he returned. ~
was about to develop a thought and |
must not be Interrupted
But, Carl" insisted his wife, ait is
a case of life and death. should not |
have disturbed you otherwise"
what is it," he asked.
1T is a chnd-there was an acct
dent. She was run down by an auto
and they took her TO the hospital.
They say she cannot last long, she
may die any moment. She says she
can't die till she has seen you-the
minister who preached at the church
L y.
be put off. Do so. Carl"
''Why, it must be the little girl who
sat on the front seat-I had forgotten
she was in rags, but kept her great
eyes or me all through the service.
I'll go. May"
He accompanied the messenger to
the hospital. His face was troubled I
as he approached the cot where the
little sufferer lay dying. He bent over
her and took her hand
''My child" he whispered. "do you
hear me- have come"
She opened her eyes, looked up into
his face and tried to smile.
"Ohr' she gasped, tell me more
about Him-the Christ child-win He
take me there? I asked Him that day
when you told about-it in the
church-it seemed to me He said yes
and when the organ played twas
IKE the angels singing. never knew
before-abOut the child. Will HI, take
me-sure-fOr I'm going o."
Tenderly the minister told the story
again, holding the frail hand IN his.
The big, blue eyes OF the child were
fixed on his face and into them there
came a light that was not Of this
earth.
I'm so happyr' came the faint cry
from her lips, land 1 never should o.
lnown-if I hadn't. seen the lights
In the church-and heard the bells
was cold-I wanted to get warm and
hear the music-rn tell Him about
yOu-when I see Him-up there"
The voice ceased.
'And I thought it didn't pay-that
Vesper service-because there were so
few" said the minister to one of his