“I believe the principle is sound.”
“And the economic interpretation of history?”
“No. I am not ready to assent fully to that doctrine. It approaches too closely to the border of materialism to suit me. It is possible, however, that I do not completely understand it.”
“Well, I believe, when we have gone over the whole subject, that we shall find ourselves in accord on many things. It’s a fascinating theme, but neither of us has time to discuss it at length this morning. There is something, however, that I’ve been wanting to say to you for a long while, and it comes in here so exceedingly apropos that I’m greatly tempted to say it now.”
“Do so, by all means.”
“Thank you! I suppose it’s somewhat presumptuous for me, a non-communicant, even to appear to criticize the minister; but your sermons, especially of late, have seemed to some of us to savor of an attack on wealth; and you know that isn’t a particularly popular attitude for you to assume toward the congregation to which you preach.”
“Not an attack on wealth, Mr. Westgate, but on the prevailing methods of the use and distribution of wealth.”
“It amounts to the same thing.”
“By no means! I shall try to convince you when we have that discussion. I don’t think you understand the real meaning of the gospel which I am trying to preach. It is not a gospel of destruction, but of regeneration. And in my judgment the hearts of the rich need regenerating as much as do the consciences of the poor.”
“And I don’t think you understand the real meaning of the suggestion which I am trying to give you. You may call it a warning if you choose. It is not offered by way of criticism or complaint. The point is simply this: that you have a good many rich men in your church, and they give freely toward its support. You cannot afford to antagonize them unnecessarily.”