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Bates, Arlo, 1850-1918

"The Puritans"


The child that goes to Sunday-school for the Christmas tree and the
summer week has learned a lesson in deception which can never be
blotted out. It is of course proper that these means should be used;
but unless it is understood fully and frankly that they are employed
not as a bribe but as a persuasion, not as a price but as a kindness,
the evil that they do is more than any good that it is possible to
bring about through their means. I do not believe that our charities
should be conducted on the basis of bargain and sale; nor do I believe
that they should be put on a sectarian basis at all."
He sat down quietly, with an unimpassioned air which seemed to rebuke
the emotional close of the remarks of Father Frontford. Strathmore
could be emotional and impassioned upon occasion, and this deliberate,
matter-of-fact mien affected Ashe as a calculated stroke of policy.
Philip felt that his leader had suffered a defeat; and he was
profoundly moved by the thought. Other speakers took up the question,
but he paid little heed. He was occupied in speculating how the meeting
would affect the chances of the election.


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