Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 235, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 October 1912 — HIS ARGUMENT WON ATHEIST [ARTICLE]

HIS ARGUMENT WON ATHEIST

Perhaps Not Strictly Ethical, but It Accomplished What the Rector Set Out to Do. In raising mpney to pay for a new church a preacher sometimes has to shut his eyes to the dollars tossed into the plate or slipped into the duplex envelopes. Dr. Robert Nelson Spencer, rector of Trinity Episcopal church, tells this story about a brother clergyman who once went a bit further: This rector. Dr. Spencer says, was so hard put to it that he decided to solicit funds from an atheist saloonkeeper, who was reputed to be the wealthiest man in the district One day, when the rector and the saloonist, with whom he was well acquainted, met on the street, the churchman put the question good and strong. “I don*t believe in the church; it hurts my business,” retorted the booze merchant, with indignation in his voice. “Now, Tom,” returned the rector. In his most conciliatory manner, “listen to reason. I maintain that If It wasn’t for the church you wouldn’t have a chance in the world. The church Is the pioneer of civilization, and where the beacon of modern enlightenment burns dimly or not at all the saloon is unknown. “Suppose ybu tried to open a *joint’ in darkest Africa.” he went on, with a good imitation of enthusiasm. “What would those cannibals do to yon the first time one of their number got a drink at your bar and appeared before his tribe Intoxicated? Why, sir, they would burn you for a witch; that’s what they would do.” The saloon-keeper, Dr. Spencer says, signed up for SSOO and later joined the church with all his family.—Kansas City Journal