Rensselaer Union, Volume 9, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 January 1877 — The Stranger Within Thy Gates. [ARTICLE]

The Stranger Within Thy Gates.

Few who have never been among Strangers on the Sabbath realize the pleasure that a single earnest word of welcome gives to him who may chance to be spending the day away from home. Even in our smaller towns and villages, hardly a Sabbath passes but what strangers are among you. As they come' into your house of worship, how do you receive them? with apleasant word and an assurance of welcome —or do you leave them to care for themselves? Do not jeave them to help themselves to an unwelcomed seat near the door, or tp turn away with the feeling that there is no place for them, but take them into your own wellupholstered pew where you know they will be comfortable. Common courtesy-would demand that strangers should be welcomed and provided for, andyet how often (to we forget to practice this common courtesy. Most of our churches have ushers, it is true, bfa how often do you find these ushers simply walking guide-boards, directing the stranger where to go, but giving ho welcome. Some of the churches have a no>< tice printed and framed and hanging behind the door, stating the fact that strangers are welcome, but what is thia bulle-tin-board welcome compared with a hearty grasp of the band and the earnest Words: “ We are glad to see you!” ILttU A cordial, personal welcome wjll do more to draw a stranger to your again than will the best sermon; your pastor cap preach. What a stranger seeks as he enters a church on the Sabbath is the

busy and cando without .but when. Bunday comes lie has time' to think, and he longs for home ; Th is, towme decree, any of ns cab give him. ‘ Thh" ftttktaritee that these simple acts vs kiddosss Jbave upon those wfao arp ■ pot phristriatis is, far greater than we are apt to suppose. Fwery word or act that tends to tnake ’ stteh drt one feel more at home- tintongCHriatiana i» a step toward his. conversion, Young Men’s Christian Associations are doing a good work in tMs jlnfeHoA, ’htfl the fact that they are domg f their dutywill nevsr answer for oqr neglect., ~ . One more thought.. If your pabnath School is held’directly afterimbrtihg *erviefe ask strangero to remain' to that setrioe. Do not wait for the superintendent to do it, do It youirstelf. In nine' vase* klui of ten they will get fftvdy betore tendent can reach them; Then, as a closing act of politeness, ask them tq some again, assuring them of a welcome, and you may be sure that your Isftor in this direction will be-, amply repaid in' the pleasure you have givqn to, another, and in the enlargement l - Xwr °wn heart,— Chicago Standard. ‘ 1 • ii ‘«