“Here in Little River we have been an excellent example of what I mean. We have been admiring ourselves,––and not without just cause,––while the world we ought to be serving is forced to take its stand on the outside, ofttimes with ideals greater than our own.... We have substituted doctrine for Christianity, the letter of the law for the spirit of freedom. We have slavishly worshipped our beliefs about God, instead of worshipping God.... And what is the result? We have shut our doors to many who hold a greater faith than our own; or we have forced them out with no faith because of our own selfish religious intoxication. Of this very thing, this church has been guilty....
“We must admit blame for many conditions that exist in our town. Let us purge ourselves before we seek to cleanse others. Let us first launch out before we call to others to follow. Let us learn the laws by which 161 God works, and then shall we have no trouble to fill our nets.”
After Mr. McGowan had finished, he stood looking out over his congregation. The Captain whispered to Elizabeth, “Ain’t he the finest-looking specimen of human natur’ you ever see, six foot of him standing up there reading the riot act to ’em! And I got all he said, too. I cal’late there’s some here to-night that feel like they’d been overhauled and set adrift.”
Without announcing the usual closing hymn, Mr. McGowan very quietly pronounced the benediction, and left the church by the rear door.
The only move that followed his leaving was made by the members of the Athletic Club. They filed out one by one, but reconvened beneath the window where the Captain sat inside. Captain Pott was plainly nervous when Mr. Fox rose and went forward. He opened the window slightly as though in need of fresh air.
The Elder clapped loudly for order, and the boys beneath the Captain’s window joined 162 in so heartily that the Elder was forced to shout for order.
“This meeting has been called for the members of this church, only!” he shouted. “Will those who are not members in regular standing adjourn to the rooms below to complete their visiting?”
Few heard, none obeyed. Instead, all began to take seats as near the front as possible. Mr. Fox grew red in the face, and dark of countenance. But he preserved his dignity.
“Must I repeat that this meeting has been called for the members of the church. Will the others kindly leave us to ourselves?”
It became evident that there was no intention on the part of any to leave the room, and so the Elder called the mixed crowd to order.