There is no stronger instrument in our
hands than philanthropy, and not to utilize it for the good of the
church is to be culpably negligent. I believe that charity should be
the instrument of evangelization. The poor will have a reason for our
interest in them. Let them have this. Let them believe, if they will,
that we purchase their spiritual acquiescence by ministering to their
bodily needs. Certainly I believe that we should limit our work to
those who can be spiritually influenced. There are more of these than
we can at present attend to, and I am in favor of boldly and
consistently taking the position that as administrators of the bounties
of the church we feel bound to use them for the advancement of the
church. To aid the corrupt, the evil, the hardened without any attempt
to draw them into the fold and without any pledge that they will be
influenced, is simply to aid the avowed enemies of religion and to
strengthen their hands against righteousness."
The air of the room was becoming electric. Philip could see the
exchange of glances all around him, some of surprise, some of
consternation, some--or he was deceived--of triumph and scornful
satisfaction.
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