The Crucifixion of Philip Strong | Page 7

It seemed to him like a
monstrous evil that a Christian believer, a church-member, should be
renting his property to these dens of vice, and taking the money. He
called on Mr. Winter; but he was out of town and would not be back
until Saturday night. He went to see another member who was a large
owner in one of the mills, and a heavy property owner. It was not a
pleasant thing to do, but Philip boldly stated the precise reason for his
call, and asked his member if it was true that he rented several houses
in a certain block where saloons and gambling-houses were numerous.
The man looked at Philip, turned red, and finally said it was a fact, but
none of Philip's business.
"My dear brother," said Philip, with a sad but winning smile, "you
cannot imagine what it costs me to come to you about this matter. In
one sense, it may seem to you like an impertinent meddling in your
business. In another sense, it is only what I ought to do as pastor of a
church which is dearer to me than my life. And I have come to you as a
brother in Christ to ask you if it seems to you like a thing which Christ
would approve that you, His disciple, should allow the property which
has come into your hands that you may use it for His glory and the
building up of His kingdom, to be used by the agents of the devil while
you reap the financial benefit. Is it right, my brother?"
The man to whom the question was put made the usual excuses, that if
he did not rent to these people, other men would, that there was no call
for the property by other parties, and if it were not rented to
objectionable people it would lie empty at a dead loss, and so forth. To
all of which Philip opposed the plain will of God, that all a man has
should be used in clean and honest ways, and He could never sanction
the getting of money through such immoral channels. The man was
finally induced to acknowledge that it was not just the right thing to do,

and especially for a church-member. But, when Philip pressed him to
give up the whole iniquitous revenue, and clear himself of all
connection with it, the property owner looked aghast.
"Why, Mr. Strong, do you know what you ask? Two-thirds of the most
regular part of my income is derived from these rents. It is out of the
question for me to give them up. You are too nice in the matter. All the
property owners in Milton do the same thing. There isn't a man of any
means in the church who isn't deriving some revenue from this source.
Why, a large part of your salary is paid from these very rents. You will
get into trouble if you try to meddle in this matter. I don't take offense.
I think you have done your duty. And I confess it doesn't seem exactly
the thing. But, as society is organized, I don't see as we can change the
matter. Better not try to do anything about it, Mr. Strong. The church
likes you, and will stand by in giving you a handsome support; but men
are very touchy when their private business is meddled with."
Philip sat listening to this speech, and his face grew whiter and he
clenched his hands tighter as the man went on. When he had finished,
Philip spoke in a low voice:
"Mr. Bentley, you do not know me, if you think any fear of the
consequences will prevent my speaking to the members of my church
on any matter where it seems to me I ought to speak. In this particular
matter, I believe it is not only my right, but my duty to speak. I would
be shamed before my Lord and Master if I did not declare His will in
regard to the uses of property. This question passes over from one of
private business, with which I have no right to meddle, into the domain
of public safety, where I have a right to demand that places which are
fatal to the life and morals of the young men and women of the town,
shall not be encouraged and allowed to subsist through the use of
property owned and controlled by men of influence in the community,
and especially by the members of Christ's body. My brother," Philip
went on, after a painful pause, "before God, in whose presence we shall
stand at last, am I not right in my view of this matter? Would not Christ
say to you just what I am now