Mr. Simpson arose.
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Brothers and sisters," he said, "the object of this meeting is a very simpleone. From the time that I began to preach in this church, twenty-five yearsago, we had purity and cleanness in the pulpit and in the pew." Brent's eyes were flashing. Eliphalet Hodges, who had thought that theextra session was for some routine business, pricked up his ears. Simpson proceeded: "One in this flock has lately gone astray: she has falleninto evil ways—" "Brother Simpson," interrupted Brent, his face drawn and hard with anger,"will you state the object of this meeting?" "Tf the pastor is not afraid to wait, he will see that that is what I am doing.""Then you are bringing into the church matters that have no business here.""We shall see about that. We intend to investigate and see why you refusedto hold up as a warning one of the sinners of this connection. We proposeto ask whom you were shielding—a sinner in the pew, or a sinner in thepulpit as well. We propose—" "Stop!" The young man's voice broke out like the report of a rifle. "Stop, Isay, ot, as God sees me, here in His temple, at His very altar, I will do youviolence. I speak to you not as your pastor, but as a man: not as an accusedman, for you dare not accuse me." The church was in a commotion. In all its long history, such a scene hadnever before been enacted within the sacred walls. The men sat speechless,the women shrank far down into their seats. Only those two men, theyoung and the old, stood glaring into each other's faces. "Remember, brethren," said someone, recovering himself, "that this is thehouse of God, and that you are preachers of the gospel.” "T do remember that it is God's house, and for that reason I will not let itbe disgraced by scandal that would stain the lowest abode of vice. I doremember that I am a preacher, and for that reason I will not see the gospelmade vindictive,—a scourge to whip down a poor gitl, who may havesinned,—I know not,—but who, if she did, has an advocate with God.Once before in this place have I told you my opinion of your charity andyour love. Once before have I branded you as mockeries of the idea of 77
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