The Hartford herald., 1922-03-15
the SERVICE



steeple. chimes rang out through the
frosty air. calling to 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. jostllng against one
another In their eagerness to find the
best bargains and the latest novelties.
SIN 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
snnk-a few women scattered here
and there, a lone man In the corner.
On a seat In front child, with dirty
hands and torn dress, sat curled up.
He wondered vaguely for moment
how she had happened to stray In,
then she passed out Of his mind as
he cast troubled thought on the
csapty 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
siowly 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 a 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 to one of his helpers. I'VE
have tried; the people do not come;
they do not want 1t. We might as
well give 1t up"
1t was two days later. The minis
ter sat In his study writing; he must
have strong sermon for the next
Sabbath, tAere would be many pres
ent; the church was always full on
Sunday.
There came a knock at the door. He
was surprised, for 1t was distinctly
understood that he was not to be
called while writing his sermon.
I'm sorry to disturb you." said his
wife, pushing the door open. "but real
IL couldn't help 1t. the case seemed
50 urgent
"You know I can't stop for any
thing now, May" he returned. II
was about to develop thought and
must not be interrupted"
-But, Carl" insisted his wife, at is
q case Of life and death. should not
have disturbed you otherwise"
~What Is it2" he asked.
1T is a chud-there was an acci-
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
on Tuesday, she said, and she will not
be put off. Do so, Carl"
"Why, 1t must be the little girl who
sat on the front seat-I had forgotten
she was in rags, but kept her great
eyes on me all through the service.
I'll go, May"
He accompanied the messenger to
the hospital. His face was troubled
as he approached the cot where the
little sufferer lay dying. He bent over
her and took her hand.
"AIy child" he whispered. do you
hear mel have come"
She opened her eyes, looked up into
his face and tried to smile.
"Oh" she gasped, "tell me more
about Hm-the Christ child-will He
take me there? ] asked Him that day
when you told about-it In the
ehurch--it seemed to me He said yes
and when the organ played twas
like the angels singing. l never knew
befOre-about the child. VIII He take
me-sure-for I'm going :"
Tenderly the minister told the story
again, holding the frail hand in his.
The big, blue eyes of the child were
nxed on his face and into them there
came light that was not Of this
earth.
I'm so happyl" came the faint cry
from her lips, "and never should o
knOwn-lf l hadn't seen the lights
In the ehurch-and heard the bells
was coid-I wanted to get warm and
hear the music-Tll tell Him about
you-when see Hlm-up there"
The voice ceased.
-And I thought II didn't pay-that
yesper service-because there were so
few" said the minister to one OF his
elders, the tears streaming down his