"
He paused, looking down as if in thought. Ashe regarded him closely,
much impressed by the apparent spontaneity and candor with which this
was said. The hearers were closely attentive. "The only thing upon
which we seem to have some possible disagreement," continued Mr.
Strathmore, "is in regard to the best method of meeting this want of
sympathy, this feeling which often seems to amount almost to general
indifference. Is it to arouse all the suspicion and opposition
possible? Is it to seem to justify the charges brought against us of
narrowness, of formalism, of repression, and of obstructing the
progress of the race? It does not seem to me that this is the wisest
course. I agree that it is our duty to forward the interests of the
church, and to make our administration of charity a means to this end.
It is certainly a question whether open and avowed proselyting is the
best means. Religion is no more to be bought with a price than is love.
The person who conforms for a soup-ticket or a blanket has simply added
hypocrisy to his other failings, and has moreover gained for the church
that contempt which men always feel for those they have overreached.
Pages:
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255