Mr. Winter was evidently embarrassed.  He had listened to the discussion of the minister with his head bent down and his thoughts in a whirl of emotion both for and against the pastor.  His naturally inclined business habits contended against the proposition to give up the parsonage; his feelings of gratitude to the minister for his personal help the night of the attack by the mob rose up to defend him.  There was with it all an under-current of self-administered rebuke that the pastor had set the whole church an example of usefulness.  He wondered how many of the members would voluntarily give up half their incomes for the good of humanity.  He wondered in a confused way how much he would give up himself.  Philip’s sermon had made a real impression on him.

“There is one point we have not discussed yet,” he said at last.  “And that is Mr. Strong’s offer of half his salary to carry on the work of a children’s refuge or something of that kind.”

“How can we accept such an offer?  Calvary Church has always believed in paying its minister a good salary, and paying it promptly; and we want our minister to live decently and be able to appear as he should among the best people,” replied the nervous little man who had been first to speak.

“Still, we cannot deny that it is a very generous thing for Mr. Strong to do.  He certainly is entitled to credit for his unselfish proposal; no one can charge him with being worldly-minded,” said Mr. Winter, feeling a new interest in the subject as he found himself defending the minister.

“Are you in favor of allowing him to do what he proposes in the matter of the parsonage?” asked another.

“I don’t see that we can hinder Mr. Strong from living anywhere he pleases if he wants to.  The church cannot compel him to live in the parsonage.”

“No, but it can choose not to have such a minister!” exclaimed the first speaker again, excitedly; “and I for one am most decidedly opposed to the whole thing.  I do not see how the church can allow it and maintain its self-respect.”

“Do you think the church is ready to tell Mr. Strong that his services are not wanted any longer?” asked Mr. Winter coldly.

“I am, for one of the members, and I know others who feel as I do if matters go on in this way much longer.  I tell you, Brother Winter, Calvary Church is very near a crisis.  Look at the Goldens and the Malverns and the Albergs.  They are all leaving us; and the plain reason is the nature of the preaching.  Why, you know yourself, Brother Winter, that never has the pulpit of Calvary Church heard such preaching on people’s private affairs.”

Mr. Winter colored and replied angrily, “What has that to do with this present matter?  If the minister wants to live in a simpler style I don’t see what business we have to try to stop it.  As to the disposition of the parsonage, that is a matter of business which rests with the church to arrange.”