Page:The unhallowed harvest (1917).djvu/41

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
36
THE UNALLOWED HARVEST

rich need regenerating as much as do the consciences of the poor."

"And I don't think you understand the real meaning of the suggestion which I am trying to give you. You may call it a warning if you choose. It is not offered by way of criticism or complaint. The point is simply this: that you have a good many rich men in your church, and they give freely toward its support. You cannot afford to antagonize them unnecessarily."

"I know what you mean, and I appreciate the point you make. It is not a new one to me. I have considered it many times. I have thought the thing out carefully and prayerfully, and I have determined to preach the gospel of Christ as I think He would preach it if He were on earth to-day. I can do no less and square myself with my own conscience."

"But a clergyman should be politic as well as conscientious. I remember that the apostles were instructed to be 'wise as serpents' as well as 'harmless as doves.' Well, we can't settle it on the street corner, that's sure. We'll have to broaden our discussion to take in this branch of the subject, and occupy two evenings with it instead of one. So come soon!"

They again separated, but it was Westgate this time who called the clergyman back.

"By the way," he said, "you are going up to see Mrs. Bradley?"

"Yes."

"Well, if you should find her in distress, economical distress, I mean, I am very sure that Mr. Malleson would be glad to contribute something toward her relief—two or three hundred dollars maybe; enough to pay funeral expenses and a little over. He harbors no resentment against her on account of the suit. He lays all that up against Sheldrake. Indeed, if the woman is suffering for necessaries, I should be glad to make a modest contribution myself."

"Thank you! I'll find out. But the impression that