iliilSiii T'5 ajornell Iniosrattg Slibrarg 3ti)aca. ^em ^ack ..Sf.....Jj..>m after supper •*--' preparing his sermon when the Rev. Frank Middleton called to see him. The men were soon deeply engaged in conversation regarding the church work of Jamestown. Before leaving Mr. Middleton said, "Brother Maxfield, go ahead and do all you can to push the work here. After tomorrow I will be away on my vacation until October, and after that I can only be here on Sunday morning once a month. I am just preaching here to hold things together until some aggressive pastor who has the knack of ac- complishing things comes along. "I have a number of young people in my Church here who are devoted workers, and I feel sure they will be willing to help you. You know that Dwight L. Moody said, 'Religion is a plant that will die unless it is watered.' "If there is anything that I can do to be of service, please let me know and I will gladly co-operate with you." THE POWER OF SONG 81 "I thank you, my brother. I realize that I've got quite a job here, but I feel very optimistic as to the outcome. I believe that God is willing to do great things for us if we lay our time and talents on his altar." "I am glad the Central Church now has a pastor who feels that way." "Brother Middleton, I have been told there will be no services in your church tomorrow night. Am I right?" "Yes, sir." "Then will you please ask your young people to sing for us in the court-house yard ?" "I will be glad to do so," was the reply. "Oh, by-the-way, one of our Sunday School teachers wrote to me that you were taking a firm hold of things here, and that there is an expectancy in the air that you will not leave anything un- done to accomplish your purpose. She also wrote that some of the business men were beginning to take notice of what you are trying to do." On Sunday morning Eugene Maxfield had only a few people — ^mostly women — at church. He took for his text, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in their midst and that to bless." His sermon was short, not exceeding twenty minutes, and then followed a season of prayer. An air of solemnity filled the church, and when the congregation was dismissed even the careless passer-by noted how seriously each went his way. Sunday afternoon quite a crowd came over with the Riverside baseball club, for it was rumored that Eugene Maxfield would pitch again. ^ ICE-CREAM ALLEY The young preacher did not go to the game, but he could not help hearing the shouting, and he wondered which side was winning. After the game some of the baseball fellows stopped at the hotel to see the preacher. They said, "We did not see you at the game today. Those Riverside fellows beat us bad. They shut us out entirely this afternoon. You must play with us next Sunday. We are willing to pay you." Mr. Maxfield evaded giving them a direct reply. He asked, "Can you get the Riverside club to stay over for the evening service in the court-house yard?" "Oh, yes. They're going to stay. They heard that you were going to give the new brass band their first lesson tonight, and they want to hear it," was the reply. On Sunday evening a crowd of boys gathered early at the court-house yard. The seats were hastily re-arranged and were soon filled. After two hymns were sung, Mr. Maxfield took for his theme, "The Power of Music." He spoke of the various kinds of music and musical instruments. The importance of following the score, giving each note the proper expression and time, not forgetting the rests, and of each player closely following the leader. Unless each one played in unison there would be discord and the general effect would be marred. Then bringing the lesson home he pointed out the neces- sity of following Christ, the great Leader, and of being obedient to his holy will. He said, "We must attune our Hves to the music of love and be a blessing to others if we expect to receive the crown THE POWER OF SONG 83 of righteousness that is laid up for all who love and serve him." Dick Crawford nudged the girl on his left and said, "Reddy's all right. You know he's got itaneous geritis cedo." "What's that?" she asked. "Oh, that's Latin for knowing how to be on to your job." "You mean thing, it don't either !" Chapter XVII HIS PROTEST Second thoughts, they say, are best. — Dryden. WHEN Jack McCloud called at the hotel on Monday morning he said, "Parson, will you play with us at Riverside on Thursday?" "Certainly. I will be glad to play with you. When shall we practise?" "The fellows are going to practise every afternoon at two o'clock. Can you be on hand today?" "All right, I'll be there. Will you please ask Dick Craw- ford to send his baseball suit to the hotel so that I can put it on in my room?" "I will, sir," answered the Jamestown baseball manager. "True to his promise the local editor wrote some excellent hits for the new play. Eugene Maxfield returned the manu- script promptly to Mr. Clemmons with a number of mar- ginal notations. The weather was fine on Thursday and a great crowd of men and boys went to Riverside with the Jamestown base- ball club. The game was interesting from start to finish, eleven innings being played before either side won the game. HIS PROTEST 85 Dick Crawford said to a group of the fellows, "Just watch Reddy. He pitches fifty-seven kinds of ball, and nobody seems to hit him." Two good double plays and some fast work resulted in a victory for the Jamestown team. On the way home Dick Crawford said to his friend, "Say, Reddy, I'm as proud of you as a cat is with her first litter of kittens." When Mr. Maxfield returned to the hotel he received a telegram from Mr. Clemmons, asking him to come over to Pineville as he wanted some information about a few points in the play. When Eugene Maxfield returned to Jamestown two days later he had the manuscript in his pocket. He now felt that he was ready to begin the reconstruction work of the Church in Jamestown. Before announcing his plans to any one he spent much time in prayer. In a few days the following notice appeared on the front page of the two Jamestown papers : "Rev. Eugene Maxfield will be glad to meet in the town hall on next Monday evening all persons inter- ested in organizing a local dramatic company. No further information will be furnished before the meeting." Rev. Elias Crawford had faithfully carried out his prom- ise not to interfere with Eugene Maxfield's work, but this newspaper notice was 'a fly in the ointment' to him. 86 ICE-CREAM ALLEY He put on his hat and hurried down to the hotel to see the young minister. He said to him, "My dear brother, can it be possible that you advise our young people to run a show?" "Brother Crawford, the young folks of this city have the habit of attending the movies almost every night. It is true some pictures are better for them to see than spending the time in gambling rooms or loafing on the streets. Even the small children have the movie habit, and see and hear more than is good for them. "The motion of the pictures causes many young people to have eye-strain and nervous disorders. The late hours are injurious, and the effect is seen in their grade "ivork at school. If all the picture films were properly censored there would be less criticism about them. I heartily approve of a clean, educational show. It probably would be helpful to most of us to see a good, clean, educational play about once a week. 'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' "The modern theater traces its origin back to the miracle plays performed in the churches during the Middle Ages. Do you see any harm in the Oberammergau play? Think of the simple men and women who spend their lives in this spiritual atmosphere and exemplify in 'The Passion Play' the teachings of Christ. Consider the effect of this educational play upon the thousands who flock to see it every decade. "I think we can reproduce Scriptural plays which will have an elevating effect upon the people of Jamestown. Besides, we can help our young people develop talents which have lain dormant for lack of proper instruction. HIS PROTEST 87 "Now, my brother, which in your judgment do you think is best, for our young people to see a play which might be questionable, or to represent a character in some religious or educational play and thus help to make the world better?" "I confess I never looked at it in this light," said Mr. Crawford. "Go ahead, my brother, I begin to see your motive. May God add his blessing and crown your efiforts with great success." Chapter XVIII THE HISTORICAL PAGEANT All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players. — Shakespeare. QUITE a crowd of young and old people — for there was much undeveloped talent at Jamestown — assembled in the town hall at the appointed time. Eugene Maxfield, after taking his place on the platform, thanked the people for coming out. He told them his motive for organizing a dramatic company. It was not simply for amusement, but that the people might become better versed in Bible history. He said it would require much time and careful study of the parts before they would be ready to give the pageant. He read to them brief portions of the plays and asked those who were willing to join the dramatic company to give him their names. From this list the preacher within a few days carefully selected such persons as he thought were best adapted for the leading characters and assigned them their parts. Isaac Whitman, one of the clerks in the Cash and Carry store, was chosen to take the character of Isaac for three reasons — namely, because his name was Isaac, because he was small of stature and could dress suitably for that THE HISTORICAL PAGEANT 89 character, and lastly because Dame Ruraor had hinted that the wedding bells would shortly ring for him. Mr. Maxfield was at a loss to know how to prepare the (oriental costumes so as to have an exact reproduction. One day when he was in Riverside he chanced — or was it provi- dential? — to meet Alcuzar, a Jewish rabbi's son. The young preacher told him of his perplexity, and Alcuzar said he would loan him a book containing pictures of the old Jewish costumes. From these cuts Mr. Maxfield easily selected such costumes as would be required in the plays. His next step was to find a costumer. One day he was introduced to Mr. Edwards, a book- keeper in the WilHams factory. (Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Edwards were sisters.) The Edwards family had recently moved to Jamestown, and had not become identified with any Church there. In fact, they seldom attended any re- ligious services. They were regular attendants, however, at all .the Sunday baseball games. Mr. Edwards invited Rev. Maxfield to call on them. The invitation was promptly accepted and the following evening the young minister made his first, but not his last, pastoral call on the Edwards family. He was pleased to find that they had many interests and tastes in common. He told them about the pageant, and expressed a desire to find some one to take the responsibility of making the costumes. Mrs. Edwards, at the suggestion of her husband, offered her services, and she was made chairman of the costume committee and was asked to select her assistants. 90 ICE-CREAM ALLEY It was decided to buy new material which would be paid for out of the receipts of the plays. Next morning Mrs. Edwards made the rounds of the dry-goods stores and selected the material. The merchants, when they found that no one was to receive pay for his or her services, offered to make a liberal discount on the price of the goods to help the cause. Rev. Maxfield was pleased to see how tactfully Mrs. Edwards selected the ladies who were to serve on her com- mittee. She chose only those who were heartily in favor of the pageant, and who were willing to donate their time to help make the costumes. She found it was going to be a big job to make so many garments, so she wrote to her sister, Miss Fannie Townsend, to come and help them. There were so many details of the scenery, lighting, furn- ishing, and costumes to talk over that Eugene Maxfield became a frequent visitor at the Edwards home. When Miss Townsend and the young minister were in- troduced to each other any observing person could easily see that it was a case of love at first sight. One evening Miss Townsend asked Mr. Maxfield, "Have you decided on the admission fee?" "No, not positively," was his reply. "The receipts must be adequate to pay all the expenses." "How much will the expenses be?" she asked. "Not very much aside from the expense of the costumes," replied the minister. "The newspapers have kindly donated the advertising and have made a nominal charge for print- ing the leaflets. The city council gives us the free use of THE HISTORICAL PAGEANT 91 the town hall. We are short on an orchestra, but I think I can get four young men from our college to assist \m for their expenses." "Will that not be expensive to have them here for all the rehearsals and the plays?" "No, I think not. We will not need them before the dress rehearsals. One of the boys has an auto, so there will only be the expense of the music and their aitertainment. As soon as we find out the cost of the costumes we can de- cide on the price of admission." "Well, that's good. The Church can make some money on the plays." "That is the very thing I desire to avoid. We only want enough money to pay the expenses. We want to give the people the worth of their money and plus," replied Mr. Maxfield. Chapter XIX THE REHEARSAL Act well your part, there all the honor lies. — Pope. rriHE WHOLE series of plays were printed, each in a -"- separate booklet, so that each player could have a complete copy and thus become more familiar with the lines. Eugene Maxfield planned for the rehearsals to be held two evenings a week in the church. To his great delight the people were much interested in the plays and being regu- lar in their attendance learned their parts quickly. He put the following notice on the church doors : "No spectators will be admitted at rehearsals." Early one evening Mr. Maxfield noticed that Mr. John Mitchell and some of his old cronies were seated on his lawn as close to the church as they could get. Mr. Mitchell asked the young preacher, "Have you any objections to our listening to your rehearsals? We like to hear the music. We will try not to disturb you with our conversation." "None in the least, Mr. Mitchell, but I cannot admit any- one except those taking part inside the church at rehearsals." THE REHEARSAL 93 "That's all right, parson," said Mr. Mitchell, "I hope our daughter Ethel is learning her part well. She tells us that you are a fine instructor." "Thank you, Mr. Mitchell, for your kind words. Yes, Miss Ethel has much talent. You will be proud of her when you see the play." "When will you be ready to give the first play?" "I do not know. As this is our first experience, and we want to have our parts perfect, we think we had better make haste slowly." "You're all right, parson, but don't keep us waiting too long. We are getting anxious to see the play." When Eugene Maxfield returned to his room he thanked God that men were beginning to take an interest in his work. The next morning Ethel Mitchell said, "Papa, I saw you talking to Mr. Maxfield last evening. Some of us girls want to organize a choir. May I join it? We want to sur- prise him next" Sunday. Miss Townsend has accepted a position in the public school, and she is going to be the organist in our church." "Well, see what your mother says. If she is willing, I have no' objections," replied her father. Eugene Maxfield noticed each Sunday morning that his congregation was increasing. There were no services ex- cept the mid-week prayer-meeting at the Park Church dur- ing the summer. The Sunday evening services were held all summer in the court-house park. Eugene Maxfield had learned the value of a good story well-told. Each Sunday evening he gave 94 , ICE-CREAM ALLEY his congregation modern parables and their counterpart of Scripture. Twice a week the young minister practised with the base- ball team and played wkh them on a week-day. Eugene Maxfield never again played baseball on Sunday. One morning Professor Wilson, the band leader, said to Mr. Maxfield, "I am very hopeful of good results from our new band. The parents encourage their boys to practise, and that is a big help. Since the boys have given up the use of cigarettes I have noticed a decided improvement in their music and deportment. As so many other boys desire to join the band I think we had better enlarge our membership. "Doctor Parrish surely knew his subject when he gave us a talk on the harmful influence of the cigarette. I wish every boy in Riverside could have heard him." Rev. Crawford had to pass the church and Mr. Mitchell's home on his way to the post-office. One morning he met Mr. Mitchell who asked him, "What kind of a preacher is your Mr. Maxfield? How do you like him?" "I must admit, contrary to my expectations, he is cer- tainly accomplishing something with the young folks," replied Rev. Crawford. "He means all right, but I think his sermons are too short. He ought to dwell on the old history of the Bible so as to educate the young folks. I wish he would invite me to preach." Has Mr. Maxfield told you about the rehearsals they are having at the church, Mr. Crawford ?" "No, my friend, he has not. At first I did not approve of the plays and I told brother Maxfield so, but from what Richard tells me, I feel inclined to attend them." Chapter XX A FIRE-ALARM How struggles with the tempest's swells That warning of tumultuous bells. — Lowell. fTlHREE months had quickly rolled away since Eugene "*■ Maxfield arrived in Jamestown. The last game of baseball for the season between the Riverside and Jamestown clubs was scheduled for Labor Day. Each club had won an equal number of games. This year the closing game had been so widely advertised that the people for miles around were on hand when the game was called. Dick Crawford was to pitch ball — the first time since he had broken his arm. It was a warm, sultry day. Suddenly the people noticed that a shower was rapidly coming up. Many hurried home to close their windows. While the third inning was being played a bright flash of lightning was followed by a terrific crash of thunder. In a few minutes the fire-alarm sounded. The people rushed pellmell through the rain when they saw the top of Mr. Mitchell's house was on fire. 96 ICE-CREAM ALLEY Everything from the first story was saved, but very httle from the second floor. The house wras entirely destroyed, for the fire had gotten such headway before the fire depart- ment arrived. As the wind carried the flames away from the church much of the furniture was put in there. Eugene Maxfield was among the men who worked the hardest to save the property — and he ruined a suit of clothes in the endeavor. When Mr. Mitchell saw where his things were being stored he said to Mr. Maxfield, "Hello, parson. That's the first time I've been in a church in forty years, except to at- tend a funeral or a wedding. I'm mighty glad that we were all out at the baseball game, for we might have been killed by the lightning." "Yes, Mr. Mitchell, you surely have much cause to be thankful. You will have to go in the church again to get your things out, and I hope it will not be the last time." "Well, parson, we'll see," replied Mr. Mitchell. The morning after the fire Mr. Mitchell called very early at the hotel to see Mr. Maxfield. He said, "Parson, my wife wants me to buy the Central Church lot and build a fine house on the corner." "Are you trying to drive me out of town?" jokingly asked the young preacher. "No, indeed. We need you here. It seems to me that it would be a good plan for you to sell the old church." "I don't see your point," said Mr. Maxfield. "If you sell your property you could buy the Park Church. It is better located than yours and you could do better work there." A FIRE ALARM 97 "That's true. But does the Park Church want to sell their property?" "I don't know. They seldom use their church and I don't see the use of their keeping it. It is not a good policy to hold unproductive property." Like a flash there came to Eugene Maxfield's mind the Master's words, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they may all be one." The minister saw the great advantage which would ensue to the city of Jamestown if the two congregations were merged into one. Turning to Mr. Mitchell, Eugene Maxfield asked, "If we sell you our church property would you be willing to help us secure the Park Church property?" "Of course I would. The big society which helps the little Churches loaned the Park Church two thousand dollars and took a mortgage on the property. You have no mort- gage on your church property for Reverend Crawford hammered away at the people until the church debt was paid "If I pay you two thousand dollars for your church and the Park Church folks turn their property over to you in consideration of you paying the mortgage, I think it would be a good trade for all of us, don't you?" "Yes, it might be a good trade. You misunderstood me, Mr. Mitchell, I asked if you were willing to help us nego- tiate for the exchange of the properties?" "Well, parson, it would n't look well for an outsider to be meddling in church matters. Besides, Mrs. Stone, the woman who runs the Park Church, is a veritable Tartar. 98 ICE-CREAM ALLEY No one likes her. She has so much money the church folk§ flatter her to her face and sneer at her behind her back. There's quite a difference between her and Mrs. Keenman, your church treasurer. She's been treasurer of your Church for nearly thirty years. She thinks she owns your church because she pays so much for its up-keep." "I think, Mr. Mitchell, you must be mistaken about her liberality to the Church. I have never heard of her collect- ing any money for church expenses," remarked Mr. Max- field. "Oh, no. She told my wife that it was such a hard job to get people to give money to the Church that she paid most of the bills herself," replied Mr. Mitchell. "That's news to me. I thank you for the information. How do you think would be the best way to proceed to ascertain whether we can get the Park Church property?" asked Mr. Maxfield. "Marry the old witch! That would settle it," laughingly answered Mr. Mitchell. "Why, she is old enough to be my mother ! Besides, I have other intentions in the matrimonial line." "Say, parson, at Jimmie Birkett's funeral you said, 'A little child shall lead them.' Why don't you church folks practise what you preach?" "I don't understand you, Mr. Mitchell." "I mean that you had better take up this church matter with the folks in your play. Your church is nowhere near the center of population, and it is a long walk for those factory people to come out here. Let them demand a better location." A FIRE ALARM 99 "Thank you, Mr. Mitchell. That's a good suggestion. Will you please ask your daughter to mention it at the next rehearsal ?" "Why, yes, I can ask her, but why not get Dick Craw- ford to do it ? He's the best talker in your bunch." "Dick is not going to be in this pageant. He will return soon to college. I prefer that your daughter set the ball rolling. You might ask her how the people take the sug- gestion and report to me." "All right, parson. I'll do it." After the rehearsal Mr. Mitchell asked his daughter what the folks said in regard to the church proposition. "Why, papa, everybody at the church said it was the right thing to do." Chapter XXI PREPAREDNESS God helps them that help themselves. — Poor Richard's Almanac. TTTEDNESDAY morning Mr. Mitchell telephoned to the * ^ hotel and asked Mr. Maxfield to come over to the church. He promptly answered the call. Mr. Mitchell thus accosted him, "Parson, if I am to build a new house this year I want to get it done before cold weather. Can't you get a hustle on the church folks and let me know whether or not I can buy the property?" "I believe the leaven is working all right, Mr. Mitchell. One of the Park Church officers told me last evening he had heard that we wanted their property, and that you wanted to buy our lot." "What did he say?" eagerly inquired Mr. Mitchell. "I told him that some one at the rehearsal suggested mak- ing the exchange if 'Barkis is willin'.' He told me that he had called a meeting of their church officers for this evening, and that he would give me their answer tomorrow. I sug- gest that you see some of the business men today and get them to make an estimate of a fair price for the Park Church property." "I'll do it, parson. I know two or three of the business men whom I can handle." PREPAREDNESS 101 By night the town talk was the church proposition. Many favored making the exchange, but they found some diffi- culty in agreeing on the value of the properties. When the local newspapers came out on Friday they con- tained the following notice : A meeting will be held in the town hall on next Monday evening to discuss the church problem of this city. Everybody invited. In his sermon on Sunday morning Eugene Maxfield took for his text, "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." He pointed out the wisdom of letting God have his way in this church matter. At the close of the service he noticed several of the men in earnest conversation. On Monday evening the town hall was filled to its capac- ity. Mr. Russell was chosen as chairman of the meeting. In a few words he clearly stated the purpose of the meet- ing. He cited the condition Jamestown was facing, and urged that something be done at once to relieve the situa- tion. A committee of seven disinterested men, not members of either Church, was appointed by the chair to retire and set a price on each of the church properties and to give a report inside of thirty minutes. While the committee was in a side room there was a free discussion of the merits of the play and the brass band. Mr. Maxfield told about the rehearsals for the play. He said, "I predict that you folks will be proud of your dramatic company." 102 ICE-CREAM ALLEY The parents said that the brass band was a good thing for the boys ; that their health was better ; that they more often frequented the public library; and that their school reports showed a marked, improvement. When the committee returned to the assembly room and made their report they said, that in their judgment, the Central Church property was worth three thousand dollars, and that the Park Church property was worth five thousand dollars. The chairman of the meeting said, "I believe the commit- tee has given us a fair valuation of the two properties. If any one is willing to buy the Central Church property, let him now speak." The audience looked expectantly at Mr. Mitchell, and rising to his feet he said, "I didn't want to pay over two thousand dollars for the corner. But I'll give twenty-five hundred for it. That will pay off the mortgage on the Park Church and give them five hundred dollars to fix up the building." There was silence for a few minutes, and, as no other bids were made, Eugene Maxfield went over and spoke to Mr. Mitchell. After talking with him a few minutes the young preacher turned to the audience and said, "Mr. Mitchell is willing to give two thousand dollars in cash and his lot in the rear of the Park Church for the Central Church property. That lot would add to the Park Church corner all of the ground from Maple Avenue to the alley. "We need a good club-house, and the best location for such a building is at the rear of the Park Church, next to the alley. PREPAREDNESS 103 "Now, if the Park Church would be willing to turn over their property to us if we agree to pay off their mortgage with the money we receive from Mr. Mitchell and we then raise five thousand dollars additional to pay for some re- pairs and improvements on the church and to pay for a club- house, I believe that by co-operation we would be in a posi- tion to accomplish something worth while for the Master." Dick Crawford cried out, "That's a safe hit, Reddy. Now run for your life." Many in the audience, especially the young people, caught the preacher's enthusiasm as they beheld the prospect of having a good club-house in the near future. One woman who did not catch the vision said, "We don't need to buy any more land, for there's enough ground next to the church on Maple Avenue for a club-house. Besides, there's no need to build a club-house at all. The room over Mr. Russell's store is good enough for the young folks. It's a mighty sight better than what the young folks had when I was young." Mr. Maxfield, rising, said, "Mr. Chairman, I believe that the time is near at hand when we will need to build a big church, and we must save space on Maple Avenue for the new building. So, I move you, Mr. Chairman, that we pro- ceed to carry out the suggestions offered." The motion being seconded the chairman put the question, "All in favor of Mr. Maxfield's motion will please rise." The vote was almost unanimous. "Who's going to pay the five thousand dollars ?" anxiously inquired one of the wealthy sisters. 104 ICE-CREAM ALLEY Mr. Maxfield was quickly on his feet and said, "Mr. Chairman, will you please ask our committee of seven to retire with me to the ante-room for a few minutes?" When the men were seated the preacher passed a small card to each one and said, "Gentlemen, let each of us write down opposite our names the amount of money we are will- ing to invest in this undertaking." The men signed the cards, and the total amount was two hundred and sixty dollars. Eugene Maxfield had sub- scribed one hundred dollars of this amount. He said, "Gentlemen, unless you increase your subscrip- tions very largely I am confident that we will not be able to raise the five thousand dollars." The men saw the point and when the cards were passed again the amount sub- scribed was raised to six hundred and fifty dollars. When the committee returned to the audience room and stated the amount of money they were willing to give, the crowd cheered lustily. Mr. Maxfield was granted permission to make a few re- marks. He stepped upon the platform and said, "You see that seven of the business men of this town are willing to contribute liberally for this cause. Is it not a fact that of the ten richest men in Jamestown nine are retired farmers ? "If a farmer desires to reap a large crop he must plant the seed in proportion. Our Saviour said, 'Except a grain of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone, but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.' St. Paul in writing to the Church at Corinth said, 'He which soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly: and he which soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully.' PREPAREDNESS 105 "So it will be in this case, if you farmers are willing to give liberally, you will be a great blessing to this whole community." Within a few minutes three thousand dollars more was pledged. Dick Crawford said, "Mr. Chairman, I move that we ask Reddy Maxfield to sing : Heavenly Father, keep us going; Help us be a faithful band. Let us all be up and doing 'Till we get the cash in hand." Dick's request caused a general laugh. Some new subscriptions were secured, others increased their pledges. The total amount pledged at this meeting was forty-four hundred dollars. A committee was ap- pointed to raise the remaining six hundred dollars. Chapter XXII THE AUTUMN FESTIVAL The soul of autumn hovers in the air. — Nagata. rpHE FIRST night Eugene Maxfield spent in James- •^ town he could not sleep for anxiety, this night he could not sleep for joy. The Church members ratified the plans, the money was collected, the necessary papers were executed, and inside of two weeks the corner stone of the club-house was laid with impressive ceremonies under the auspices of the Masonic Grand Lodge. When Eugene Maxfield was a boy he occasionally visited his grandparents. During one of his visits he attended a church service that he thought would be appropriate to re- produce for the dedication of the club-house. The time being very limited the preacher asked for the co-operation of the men of Jamestown to assist in putting up the frame of the building in one day. A competent contractor was secured who superintended the job. The men were put into squads ; the work began at seven a. m. and by seven p. m. the frame of the club-house had been erected, the sides and roof put on, and most of the floor laid. THE AUTUMN FESTIVAL 107 In the vacant store room the women prepared a dinner that was served in the court-house yard, just across the street from the church. During the noon hour Eugene Maxfield held a short service in the church. He briefly reviewed the situation in Jamestown and pointed out what had been accomplished dur- ing the past four months by united effort. He thanked the men for their loyal support in his work for the young people. In going out of the church one of the workmen said, "We miss Dick Crawford. He ought to have been here to josh the men with his ready wit." Rev. Elias Crawford was too feeble to be of much assist- ance in building the club-house, but he was greatly inter- ested in watching the work and frequently made sugges- tions to the builders. He said to the young preacher, "Brother Maxfield, my wife and I in our daily devotions remember you and your work, and pray that it may please the Lord to give you souls for your hire." Eugene Maxfield's heart was touched with the simplicity of the old minister, and he said to himself, "I wish there was some way I could help him to adapt himself to the pres- ent day conditions." By the middle of October the club-house was finished and ready for dedication. One day Eugene Maxfield. was notified there was a letter for him at the post-office on which the postage had not been paid. When he read the anonymous communication he laughed heartily and said to himself, "That's part of my wages." 108 ICE-CREAM ALLEY Taking the letter to his friend, Dick, he read it to him. Dick roared and said, "That's great." Then stopping up one ear with his thumb he continued, "Read it again, Reddy, while my ear is stopped up so that it won't leak out." So the young preacher read aloud the following letter : Deer mister maxfell. Your stirrung up tew menny thyngs hear tew sute us. Youd beter goe wile the goeing is gud. A word tew the wyse is enuf. Your frend. When Eugene Maxfield had finished reading, Dick said, "I'll bet old man Black wrote it. God Almighty named him just right. He's black inside and he blackens everything he can. Don't pay any attention to it, Reddy, but just mark it The Epistle to Eugene and keep it with your other treasures." Eugene Maxfield, who was a member of the Jamestown Board of Trade, said at one of their meetings, "I believe that the best way to dedicate our club-house will be to give an autumn festival. That will be popular with our farmer friends. The Bible says, 'Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.' "If this organization will take charge of this festival, I feel sure that we will make it a great success, and it will bring much trade to Jamestown." True to the preacher's prediction the festival was a great success, and the people of Jamestown voted to have it annually. One morning Eugene Maxfield received a characteristic letter from Dick Crawford, who had returned to the college. One clause was worthy of note : "Say, Reddy, I know that THE AUTUMN FESTIVAL 109 you're as busy as a pup scratching for fleas, but please let me know what kind of a straight jacket does it take to make a preacher out of a baseball crank?" Rev. Eugene Maxfield lifted his heart in thanksgiving to God for signs of Dick's conversion and answered the let- ter at once. The minister rejoiced to see quite an increased attendance at Sunday School and in the young people's society. The morning service was still poorly attended, few of the busi- ness men being present. The weakly (?) offerings did not begin to pay the run- ning expenses of the church. The choir was doing good work. They had bought and paid for a new piano. The brass band was faithfully practising, and the leader said to Mr. Maxfield one day, "If the boys keep up their record I think they will be able to play one or two minor selections by Christmas." One evening when Mr. Maxfield called on Miss Town- send, she said to him, "Mr. Williams was here last evening and we were talking about the pageant. He asked what the price of admission was to be. I told him that you had not decided yet. You only wanted the receipts to cover the ex- penses. He asked what it would probably cost and I told him how much sister had spent for material for the costumes. "He figured a few minutes and said, 'Please tell Mr. Max- field that if he will make the admission fee a nominal sum so that our factory people can afford to attend the plays that I will pay one-half of the entire expense for the whole 110 ICE-CREAM ALLEY series of plays. That will enable our employees who desire to see these plays to do so. It would not be wise for me to buy tickets and give them away. While it is true that many of the best things are free, yet oftentimes they are not ap- preciated as they should be by the people at large.' " "I thank you for telling me this, Miss Fannie. Please tell Mr. Williams that we accept with many thanks his gen- erous offer." Chapter XXIII THE SACRIFICE Faith — the golden link binding us to every promise of God. — Dwight L. Moody. rp HE REGULAR rehearsals for the plays had continued ■■- for over four weeks, and Eugene Maxfield felt that they were now prepared to make their first appearance. The town hall, which would seat more people than any other building in Jamestown, was engaged for five consecu- tive Tuesday nights. When the plat was opened, there was such a scramble for tickets that in less than an hour the house was sold out. The first play, "The Sacrifice," was given on the third Tuesday evening in November. ACT I Scene, Abraham and His Guests Abraham is sitting at the door of his tent ; Three men approach : He runs to meet the strangers, and bows himself toward the ground. Abraham calls Sarah, his wife, to make haste and prepare a meal for the visitors. During the meal one of the 112 ICE-CREAM ALLEY men promises Abraham that Sarah should bear him a son. Sarah sitting in the tent overhears the promise, and laughs incredulously. The men leave for Sodom. ACT II Scene, The Feast Abraham gives a feast when Isaac is weaned. Sarah saw Ishmael, the son of Hagar, the Egyp- tian bond woman's son whom she had born unto Abraham, mocking. Sarah commands Abraham to cast out the bond woman and her son. ACT III Scene, Abraham at Prayer He hears a voice bidding him to take his six- year-old son Isaac into the land of Moriah; and offer him as a burnt-offering. Abraham rises early in the morning, takes two young men and Isaac, and departs for the land of Moriah. Arriving there the father takes Isaac aside to worship. Abraham prepares the wood for the burnt- offering. Isaac says. Behold the fire and the wood; but where is the lamb for a burnt-offering? Abraham answers. My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt-offering. THE SACRIFICE 113 When they come to the mountain Abraham builds an altar, and lays the wood upon it, and binding Isaac lays him upon the altar. Abraham stretches forth his hand, and takes the knife to slay his son. He hears a voice saying. Lay not thine hand upon the lad ; for now I know that thou fearest God. Abraham beholds a ram caught in a thicket ; and offers it for a burnt-offering. A second time he hears a voice from heaven saying. In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. ACT IV Scene, The Bargain The sickness, death of Sarah, bargaining for the cave of Machpelah for a burial-place for his dead, and the burial of Sarah. ACT V Scene, Abraham's Chamber Abraham desiring to set his house in order before he dies calls his eldest servant and tells him to make ready and go to Abraham's kindred in Mesopotamia, and select a wife for Isaac. The servant goes into Abraham's country. When he comes to the city of Nahor he prays ; O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness 114 ICE-CREAM ALLEY unto my master Abraham. Behold, the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say. Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also ; let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kind- ness unto my master. Rebekah comes to draw water. The servant asks for a drink. She gives him water, and offers to draw water for the camels. The servant asks her, Whose daughter art thou ? She answers, I am the daughter of Bethuel. (Abraham's brother.) Tell me, I pray thee ; is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in? She replies. We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in. Rebekah runs, and tells her mother's household these things. Laban, Rebekah's brother, comes out to see the men. He says. Come in, thou blessed of the Lord ; I have prepared the house, and room for thy camels. When the servant comes to the house, meat is set before him ; but he refuses to eat, until he tells his errand. Laban says. Speak on. Then the servant tells how the Lord has blessed Abraham in lands, flocks, and herds, silver, and THE SACRIFICE US gold, and not least, given him Isaac, a son in his old age. He tells his mission, his covenant with the Lord, and about meeting Rebekah at the well. He asks for the hand of Rebekah. She accepts the proposal. The servant brings forth jewels of silver, and of gold, and raiment, and gives them to Rebekah. He also gives her mother and brother precious things. They eat and drink, and tarry all night. The mother asks that Rebekah be allowed to stay with them ten days. The servant answers. Hinder me not, seeing the Lord has prospered my way. They call Rebekah and ask her. Wilt thou go with this man? She says, I will go. ACT VI Scene, The Departure At evening, when they draw near the south country, Isaac is seen walking in the field. The damsel asks. What man is this? She is told it is Isaac. She descends from her camel, and throws a veil over herself, and Isaac comes to meet her. He takes her to his mother's tent, and she becomes his wife, and he loves her. The play was a great success. The audience was so well pleased they besieged the poor minister with many ques- tions as to the merits of the next play. To one and all he replied, "Come and see." Chapter XXIV THE FAMINE Dreams full oft are found of real events the forms and shadows. — Joanna Baillie. rpHE TOWN hall was taxed to its capacity on the fol- •*- lowing Tuesday night, when the second play, "The Famine," was given. ACT I Scene, Joseph and His Brethren When the curtain rises, Jacob is seen making a coat of many colors for his favorite son, Joseph. On the opposite side of the stage a group of his other sons are murmuring because their father shows partiality to the seventeen-year-old son. Joseph, unconscious of the jealousy of his brethren, approaches his brethren and greeting them affectionately tells them of his dreams. Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and lo, my sheaf arose, and stood upright; and, your sheaves made obeisance to my sheaf. They bitterly hate him for his presumption of power over them. THE FAMINE 117 ACT II Scene, The Plot The brethren leave Canaan to tend their father's flock at Shechem. Jacob sends Joseph to see if it is well with his brethren, and the flock ; and tells him to bring him word again. A man sees Joseph wandering in the field and asks, What seekest thou? Joseph tells him that he seeks his brethren. He is told to go to Dothan. When his brethren see him afar off they say one to another. Behold, this dreamer cometh. They plot to slay him and to tell their father that an evil beast hath devoured him. Reuben hears them and says, Shed no blood, but cast him into a pit. When Joseph draws near, at Judah's suggestion they strip and sell him to a band of Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. The Ishmaelites bring Joseph into Egypt and sell him to Potiphar, an officer of Pharoah. Joseph's brethren kill a kid and dip Joseph's coat in the blood. They bring the coat to Jacob and say. This have we found ; is it thy son's coat or no ? Jacob recognizes the coat, rents his clothes, and refuses to be comforted. 118 ICE-CREAM ALLEY ACT III Scene, In the Palace Joseph is overseer in the house of the Egyptian ruler. His master's wife tempts him to sin against God. He spurns her request. In retaliation she tells her husband that Joseph has insulted her, and he is cast into prison. ACT IV Scene, Joseph in Prison Joseph and his companions, the chief butler and chief baker, who also have displeased the ruler and have been thrown into prison. They each have a dream and are troubled be- cause there is no interpreter. Joseph asks them, Do not interpretations be- long to God ? Tell me the dreams, I pray you. The butler relates his dream. A vine has three branches which bore clusters of ripe grapes. The butler pressed them into Pharoah's cup, and gave it into his hand. The interpretation. In three days thou shalt be restored to favor and serve Pharoah as of yore. Joseph asks him to intercede with Pharoah that the king may show kindness unto him who was unjustly cast into prison. The chief baker relates his dream. He saw THE FAMINE 119 three baskets on his head. The top basket con- tained food which the birds ate. Joseph said. Within three days thou shalt be hung upon a tree ; and the birds shall eat thy flesh. Three days later a feast is made to celebrate Pharoah's birthday, and the interpretations of the dreams are confirmed ; but the chief butler forgets to speak a good word for Joseph. ACT V Scene, Pharoah and The Wise Men Two years later Pharoah has a dream and is troubled. He calls all the wise men of Egypt to- gether, but none can interpret the dream. Then the chief butler bethinks himself of the ex- perience of himself and the chief baker when in prison. He relates the dreams and says that a Hebrew, a servant of the captain of the guard, rightly interpreted them. Pharoah quickly sends for Joseph and relates his dream. He was standing on the bank of a river and beheld seven fat kine and seven lean kine come up out of the river; and the lean kine ate up the seven fat kine; but they were still as lean as ever. He also beheld seven good ears of corn and seven blasted ears of corn growing on the same stalk, and the poor ears of corn devoured the seven good ears. Joseph interprets the dream. The seven fat kjne 120 ICE-CREAM ALLEY and seven good ears of corn are seven years oi plenty. The seven lean kine and the blasted ears are seven years of famine. Joseph tells the ruler how to prepare for the years of famine, and it pleases Pharoah so much he makes Joseph ruler over all the land of Egypt. Joseph prepares for the famine by storing up corn and food during the years of plenty. ACT VI Scene, Joseph's Interview With His Ten Brethren Joseph's brethren have been sent to the governor of Pharoah to buy corn, for there was famine in the land of Canaan. Joseph knew his brethren, but they knew him not. He remembers his dreams — which he told them when he was a lad, and to conceal his emotion he speaks roughly unto them, Ye are spies. They emphatically deny it. Joseph says. Ye shall not go forth hence, ex- cept your youngest brother come here. Send one of you to fetch him. He keeps them in prison three days; then he holds Simeon as a hostage, and releases the others. He gives them corn to carry home and puts each man's money into his sack. When one of them opens his sack he finds his money in the mouth of the sack. THE FAMINE 121 ACT VII Scene, The Interview Between Jacob and His Sons When the brethren return to their native land they tell their father, Jacob, that the governor had accused them of being spies, and that he held Simeon in prison until they bring Benjamin unto him and thus prove the falsity of the accusation. Jacob refuses to let Benjamin go. When they have eaten the corn that they brought out of Egypt the father asks them to go again to the governor to buy more corn. They tell him that the trip would be fruitless unless they take Benjamin with them. The father reluctantly consents, and tells them to take a pres- ent to the governor. The men make ready the present, take Benjamin and depart. ACT VIII Scene, Joseph and His Brethren When Joseph sees Benjamin and his brothers coming, he tells the ruler of the house to prepare dinner for the men. His brethren return to Joseph the money found in their sacks. While the men are eating, Joseph commands his servants to fill his brethren's sacks with food, and again put their money into the sacks and put his silver cup in the youngest one's sack. 122 ICE-CREAM ALLEY In the morning the men depart. When they are outside the city walls Joseph sends his steward to ask them. Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good? They deny having stolen the cup. The men are searched, and the cup is found in Benjamin's sack. Then the men rent their clothes and return to Joseph's house; and they fall before him on the ground. (A fulfillment of Joseph's dream.) He asks them, What horrid deed is this ye have done? Judah replies, Behold, we are my lord's servants. Joseph says, God forbid that I should so do. The man in whose hand the cup is found shall be my servant. Judah tells Joseph that it will kill their father if they return without the lad. He begs that Benjamin be allowed to return with his brethren and offers himself to be a bondsman in his stead. Joseph can conceal his identity no longer. He says unto his brethren, I am Joseph, your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt. Be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither ; for God did send me before you to preserve life. He kisses his brethren and says. Make haste and bring your families, and flocks, and all you possess hither, and abide with us; for there are yet five years of famine. Chapter XXV THANKSGIVING Put not your trust in money, but put your money in trust. — Oliver Wendell Holmes. A S THANKSGIVING Day drew near Eugene Maxfield •^^ decided to change the order of the Thanksgiving service. Instead of having the usual morning service which only a few persons attended, and the collection for the poor which averaged less than a nickle apiece, he sent invitations to all the persons holding season tickets for the historical pageant to attend a social at the club-house on Thanksgiving eve. A fine turkey printed in colors on the complimentary admission cards served to whet the appetite for the menu which was to follow. The innovation was received with favor. The club- house was packed to its limit. When the guests arrived they saw a handsome decoration of wheat, oats, rye, and corn on the platform. The design was in the form of a globe, and had the figure ten upon it. The people greatly admired it and were curious to know what it signified. They said one to another, "Who made the globe?" "What does it mean?" 124 ICE-CREAM ALLEY Dick Crawford, who was home for Thanksgiving, said, "You folks are so stupid. Don't you remember that ten of Joseph's brethren came to him to buy corn and so Reddy is going to preach tonight on the Ten Commandments." The services began promptly at eight o'clock with the congregation singing, "Come thou fount of every blessing," which was followed by the choir rendering Effie Hoffman- Rogers' Thanksgiving hymn : Our Father's God from out whose hand Life's good things flow like grains of sand, We praise and thank Thee that the year Has brought us much of peace and cheer. Gratefully now our hearts we raise To God, our Father, full of praise. For joy, content and love that crowned All our lives the whole year 'round. Dear Lord! wilt Thou be ever near. Shed love and mercy everywhere; Thine ear attuned to hear us plead. Give strength sufficient for our need. When the song was ended Eugene Maxfield said, "We have assembled here to express in a practical way our thanks to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest he has given us and for his many mercies to us. "It is written, 'The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof, the world, and they that dwell therein.' "The figure ten on this globe has a two-fold significance. It represents the annual dividend that the Central Bank of this city distributes to its stockholders. It also refers to the statement made in the Bible : This shall be God's house, and of all that thou shalt give me, I will surely give a tenth unto thee." THANKSGIVING 125 Then Mr. Maxfield gave them a short discourse on the value of the ancient and modern system of interest and dividends, and of setting aside one-tenth of our income for the Lord's work. He read to them a number of written and printed testi- monials from people who for years had followed the sys- tematic plan of tithing. They recommended for others to follow their example. In his prayer at the close of the sermon Eugene Maxfield said, "Our Father, we come to thee in the name of thine only Son. We thank thee for thy love and for thy watchful care over us. Thou hast bestowed many generous gifts upon us. May our gifts to thee be the expression of our gratitude and love to thee. May we hear the prophet of old saying, 'Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house.' This night may we resolve that not only in harvest-time but throughout the year we will bring our tithes into thy storehouse. We pray that thou wilt hear our resolves and open the windows of heaven, and pour us out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it. We plead in the name of Christ our Saviour. Amen." Rising from his knees the young preacher asked the ushers to pass some printed pledge-cards among the congre- gation. Then he said, "Instead of the usual collection I will ask as many of you as wish to tithe your income for a year to please sign these cards and return them to me before we are dismissed." More than a score of cards were signed, and again the heart of the young minister was made glad. 126 ICE-CREAM ALLEY Then followed a social hour, when turkey sandwiches, ice-cream, cake, coffee, and hot chocolate were served to all. Alice Horner, Dick Crawford's best girl, being on the re- freshment committee, he hung around the kitchen during the social hour. Seeing so much food left over he said to her, "What are you going to do with all this grub? I just can't eat any more." "I suggested that we sell it and pay the electric light bill, but Mr. Maxfield would not let us do it. He asked us to fix up baskets of food and take them around to a number of poor families in the morning." "May I help?" asked Dick. "No, you can't. You'd eat up all the food, if we trusted you with the baskets." Chapter XXVI A CHRISTMAS PRESENT How far that little candle throws its beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world. — Shakespeare. rpHERE was a larger congregation than usual at the -*- Sunday morning service — the increase was largely due to the preacher's round-up of the membership the preceding week. The people were surprised to see a stranger with their pastor. They asked one another, "Who is he ? What's he here for?" After the opening services, Mr. Maxfield said, "Since I came to Jamestown quite a number of persons have asked for permission to use this pulpit for presenting some cause in which they were interested, but I have not felt at liberty to gratify their petitions. But we have with us today a friend of mine who has a message which I am sure we all will be interested in hearing." The stranger took for his text, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." After a short but powerful sermon, he said in closing, "I am the official secretary of our Church society which is rais- ing money to provide for the support of aged ministers, their widows and dependent children. 128 ICE-CREAM ALLEY "Living in this city is a Reverend Crawford and his crip- pled wife. They should be wards of the Church. "This is our plan. You contribute a certain sum of money to purchase a Survivorship Life Annuity Bond of our society for the benefit of Mr. and Mrs. Crawford. We will pay to brother Crawford an annuity every three months as long as he lives, and should his wife survive him we will pay her the annuity as long as she lives. "As this feature of applied Christianity may be new to some of you, I will now give you the opportunity to ask me any questions regarding it." Eugene Maxfield was the first to speak, "Did you originate this annuity plan, and are other organizations using this system?" The stranger replied, "The annuity system began long be- fore our Saviour was born. It has been a great financial power in European countries for several hundred years. It has been in usage in the United States for a century and a half. "The plan is meeting with general favor for financing church and educational organizations. It is also a great help to individuals like brother Crawford." One of the men in the congregation asked, "Where is brother Crawford today?" Eugene Maxfield replied, "I arranged for one of our good farmer friends to invite brother and sister Crawford to spend the week's end with them in the country. It would be embarrassing to have them here when we are on the point of making them a Christmas present of a Life Annuity Bond." A CHRISTMAS PRESENT 129 One of the church sisters piped out, "We always give them a donation every Christmas, and I think that's enough." One of the business men said, "I feel like helping the old couple, for I don't think Dick Crawford will ever save a cent. He always spends all the money his daddy gives him." "That's just the point, brother," said the stranger. "This annuity system will provide for Mr. and Mrs. Crawford during their lifetime, and when they pass on to their reward, the money which you contribute will be released, and it will continue doing good to the end of time. "You see by this plan that you are not only providing a regular income for our aged friends, who have labored so faithfully among you, but you are 'laying up for your- selves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.' " "What will the bond cost?" asked a practical business man. "That depends upon the amount of annuity that you wish to provide for Mr. and Mrs. Crawford. They are well- advanced in years and are entitled to a high rate of annuity." A brother-in-law of the Church said, "If we can raise seven thousand dollars I am willing to give five hundred dollars of the amount. I think that a seven thousand dol- lar bond will give them a very comfortable income. It is the most practical thing we can do to show our appreciation for their work." Before the congregation was dismissed nearly the whole sum was pledged. A committee was named to solicit those who were not present for the shortage. 130 ICE-CREAM ALLEY After the benediction, one of the retired farmers shaking hands with the speaker of the morning said wistfully, "I wish I was a preacher, so that I could have one of those gilt-edge bonds." "You can buy one for yourself, my friend. We sell them to everybody." "You don't mean to say that you sell them to people who are not Church members, do you ? I am not what you call a believer." "Yes, we sell a good many Life Annuity Bonds to men like yourself. I see you are a believer in the annuity plan. Would that you were a believer and possessor of the Chris- tian religion." "Say, Mister, why don't you advertise this plan, if you think it is so good?" "We do advertise it, quite largely." "I guess you are mistaken. I take our two home papers, The Farmer's Reliable Guide and The Saturday Evening Post. None of these papers ever advertise Life Annuity Bonds." "You are right, my friend. But don't you take the church papers ?" "Oh, yes, I forgot them. Every Sunday our young folks bring two kinds home. You know we get them for nothing. I read them all through. Guess I've missed seeing your ad- vertisement." The next morning the farmer and his wife bought two Life Annuity Bonds for themselves and one for their only daughter, who was a widow. Chapter XXVII HER RECOMPENSE For blessings ever wait on virtuous deeds, And though a late, a sure reward succeeds. — Wm. Congreve. rpHE PEOPLE of Jamestown could scarcely wait for the -*- third play — "Ruth, the Moabitess Damsel." ACT I Scene, On the Highway to Bethlehem A famine in the land of Judah caused Elimelech and Naomi, his wife, and their two sons to go into the land of Moab to dwell. Elimelech died, and the sons married women of Moab named Orpah and Ruth. They lived in Moab about ten years when the sons died. Naomi hears there is bread in the land of Judah and resolves to return to her native land. She and her daughters-in-law start on the homeward journey. She says unto them, Go, return each to her mother's house; the Lord deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. They embrace and weep. Orpah kisses her, but Ruth refuses to leave her mother-in-law. 132 ICE-CREAM ALLEY Naomi says to Ruth, Behold thy sister-in-law is gone back unto her people ; return thou also. Ruth replies, Entreat me not to leave thee; for whither, thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge ; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God. Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried ; the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me. When the two women arrive at Bethlehem, the people ask in surprise, Is this our Naomi who went unto the land of Moab to dwell ? And she answered sadly. Call me not Naomi, call me Mara ; for I went out full, and the Lord hath brought me home again empty. ACT II Scene, The Reapers Naomi's husband had a wealthy kinsman named Boaz who dwelt in Bethlehem. The next morning Ruth said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn. Naomi replies, Go, my daughter. Ruth went and gleaned in Boaz's portion of the field. When Boaz comes from Bethlehem he notices the new face among the reapers, and asks his servant. Whose damsel is this ? HER RECOMPENSE 133 He tells him, It is Ruth, the Moabitess damsel, who came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab. She asked permission to gather after the reapers among the sheaves. Boaz said unto Ruth, My daughter, go not to glean in another field, but abide here fast by my maidens. Have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? Ruth inquires, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger? Boaz answers, It hath been fully shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother-in-law since the death of thine husband ; and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The Lord recompense thy work, and a full re- ward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel. Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord ; for thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid. Boaz tells her to come hither at meal time. She sits beside the reapers, eats her lunch, and is sufficed. When she returns to her gleaning, Boaz tells his young men to drop handfuls of barley and leave them for her to gather, and to rebuke her not. So Ruth gleans all day and when evening is come she beats out her barley and takes her grain and shares it with her mother-in-law. 134 ICE-CREAM ALLEY Naomi asks her, Where hast thou gleaned today? Ruth tells her that she had gleaned in Boaz's. field. The devout Naomi says, Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. RutTi tells Naomi that Boaz had said to her. Thou shalt keep fast by my young men until the harvest is ended. Naomi is pleased with God's providence, and tells Ruth, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens. So Ruth gleans beside the maidens of Boaz until the end of the harvest ; and continues to dwell with her mother-in-law. ACT III Scene, The Threshing Floor. After the harvest Naomi tells Ruth that Boaz is her kinsman, and that tonight he will winnow the barley in the threshing floor. She tells her to anoint herself and hasten to the threshing floor; to keep in the background until Boaz shall have done eating and drinking ; to mark the place where he lies down, and when he is asleep to go in and uncover his feet, and lay down. Ruth answers meekly. All that thou sayest; I will do. HER RECOMPENSE 135 When Boaz has eaten and drunk, and his heart is merry, he lies down to sleep; Ruth comes in softly and lies down at his feet. At midnight Boaz awakens and is startled to find a woman at his feet. He asks her, Who art thou? She answers, with trembling voice, I am Ruth, thy handmaiden. Thou art a near kinsman. He quiets her fears, saying, My daughter, fear not ; for all the city of my people know that thou art a virtuous woman. He tells her to lie down until morning and then hasten back to the city before anyone is astir. He says to her. Thou must not go empty handed to thy mother-in-law, hold thy apron, and he gives her six measures of barley, and she returns to the city. She relates her story to Naomi. ACT IV Scene, Beside the City Gate The land of Naomi's husband is to be sold at forced sale. Boaz says to her next of kin that whoever re- deems the land must take Ruth to wife, as the cus- tom of the land requireth. The man says, I cannot redeem it, lest I mar my own inheritance ; redeem thou my right to thyself. Boaz withdraws his shoe, according to the custom when property changes hands, and says to 136 ICE-CREAM ALLEY the men, Ye are my witnesses that I have bought all that was Elimelech's and his sons. Moreover Ruth, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife. The people and the elders say, We are witnesses. So Boaz takes Ruth, the Moabitess, to be his wife, and the Lord gives them a son whom the neighbors named Obed. There is great rejoicing, and the women say unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be found in Israel. Chapter XXVIII THE WISE MAN A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. — St. Luke. The fourth play was entitled "The Wise Man." ACT I Scene, The Death Bed of David David said to his son Solomon, I go the way of all the earth; be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man. And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments. ACT II Scene, The Crowning of Solomon Zadoh the priest takes a horn of oil out of the tabernacle and anoints Solomon. The trumpet is blown, and the people cry God save King Solomon. King Solomon goes to Gibeon and ofifers sacri- fice in the high place. ACT III Scene, Solomon Relates His Dream The Lord appears to Solomon at Gibeon in a dream by night. God asks, What shall I give thee? 138 ICE-CREAM ALLEY Solomon says, Give thy servant an understand- ing heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad. The Lord said, Because thou hast asked for thy- self understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words ; And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches and honor. If thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. Solomon goes to Jerusalem, and stands before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offers up burnt-offerings, and peace-offerings, and makes a feast for all his servants. ACT IV Scene, The Judgment Hall Two women appear before Solomon, each claim- ing a certain child, and ask his judgment. ACT V Scene, Building the Temple Solomon sends a message to Hiram, King of Tyre, saying. Thou knowest how that David, my father, could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God for the wars which were about him on every side. But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, and I purpose to THE WISE MAN 139 build an house unto him. Therefore let thy ser- vants and mine prepare material for to build it. King Solomon gives instructions how to build the temple. -ACT VI Scene, Furnishing the Temple Solomon calls together all the elders of Israel, and bids them bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David. They bring the ark of the Lord, and the taber- nacle of the congregation, and all the holy vessels that are in the tabernacle, and they place them in the most holy place of the temple. In the ark are the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. When the priests come out of the holy place, a cloud fills the house of the Lord. Solomon says. The prophecy of the Lord, I will dwell in the thick darkness, is fulfilled. ACT VII Scene, The Dedication Solomon stands before the altar, and with a loud voice, says, Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto the people of Israel. The Lord our God be with us ; let him not forsake us ; incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to 140 ICE-CREAM ALLEY keep his commandments, that all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and there is none else. The Lord appears unto Solomon the second time, and says unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and if thou wilt walk uprightly before me, and will do all that I have commanded thee, then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. ACT VIII Scene, Solomon and the Queen of Sheba The queen of Sheba, with her train of servants bearing presents of gold, spices, and precious stones for Solomon, comes to Jerusalem. Solomon tells her how the Lord has blessed him. She listens to many of his proverbs. She says. It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it; and behold the half was not told me. ACT IX Scene, Solomon in the Temple Solomon stands before his people, and lifts his hands toward heaven, and delivers his matchless sermon : Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years THE WISE MAN 141 draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them; While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not darkened ; nor the clouds return after the rain : In the days when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened. And the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low ; Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail, because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets ; Or ever the silver cord be broken, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel be broken at the cistern. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was ; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter : Fear God and keep his commandments ; for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil. Chapter XXIX A JEWISH QUEEN Revenge, at first thought sweet, Bitter ere long on itself recoils. -Milton. rp HE GENERAL topic of conversation from one week's -*- end to another was these plays, and the book-store could scarcely supply the demand for Bibles. Each Sunday intervening between the plays Eugene Max- field gave a brief outline of the Old Testament history of the period leading up to the next play. Those who witnessed the plays found it worth their while also to attend church as they had a better conception of the following play. The fifth play was entitled "A Jewish Queen." ACT I Scene, In the King's Garden Ahasuerus makes a feast in the third year of his reign, and when he is merry with wine, he com- mands his chamberlain to bring Vashti, the queen, before the king, to show the people her beauty. The queen refuses to obey the summons. The king asks the wise men. What shall be done unto the queen Vashti? A JEWISH QUEEN 143 Memucan answers, If it pleases the king, let Vashti come no more before King Ahasuerus ; and let the king give her royal estate to another. The king appoints officers to gather together all the fair young virgins unto the palace, so that he may select one to be the queen. There dwelt in the palace a Jew named Mor- decai. He had been like a father to his orphan cousin Esther, who was fair and beautiful. When the maidens were brought to the palace, Esther was among the chosen number. Mordecai tells Esther not to reveal her parentage to the king. When she is brought before the king she finds grace and favor in his sight. He sets the royal crown upon her head and makes her the new queen. ACT II Scene, Outside the City Gate The king makes Haman second in rank to him- self, and commands the people to reverence him. Mordecai refuses to obey the command. When Haman sees that Mordecai does not bow, nor do him reverence, he seeks revenge not only upon Mordecai, but, knowing that he is a Jew, also upon all his tribe. Haman says to the king Ahasuerus ; There is a certain people scattered abroad in all the provinces 144 ICE-CREAM ALLEY of thy kingdom that keep not the king's laws; therefore it is not for the king's profit to suflfer them. If it please the king, let it be written that they be destroyed. The King takes his ring from his hand, and gives it to Haman, and says. Thou mayest do unto them as seemeth good to thee. Haman writes letters in the name of the king, and seals them with the king's ring. These letters are sent into all the king's provinces. The decree read : To destroy all Jews, both young and old, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, and to take the spoil of them for a prey. ACT III Scene, The Plot Revealed When Mordecai hears of the plot, he rents his clothes, puts on sackcloth and ashes, goes out and cries bitterly. Wherever the king's decree is read there is fast- ing and mourning among the Jews. Esther's maids come and tell her of Mordecai's act. She sends an officer to ask Mordecai what troubles him. Mordecai tells him of Haman's plot to destroy the Jews. He sends a copy of the decree to Esther, and bids her to go in unto the king and intercede for her people. A JEWISH QUEEN 145 Esther sends Mordecai a copy of the law for- bidding any one, under penalty of death, to come before the king in the inner court, who is not called, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live. Mordecai tells the messenger to say to Esther, Think not that thou shalt escape more than all the Jews, for if thou boldest thy peace at this time, thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed ; and who knoweth whether thou art come to the king- dom for such a time as this? Then Esther sends word to tell Mordecai to gather all the Jews in Shushan, and to bid them fast three days and nights, and she and her maidens will also fast ; and she will venture to go unsummoned unto the king. ACT IV Scene, Esther's Banquet The third day Esther puts on her royal robe and stands before the king. When the king sees Esther he extends the golden sceptre and asks, What wilt thou, queen Esther ? and what is thy request ? She answers. If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him. The king says to Haman, Make haste and we will go to the queen's banquet. 146 ICE-CREAM ALLEY At the banquet the king asks, Queen Esther, what is thy petition? Esther repHes, If it please the king to grant my petition, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them tomorrow, and then I will tell thee my request. Haman, as he is leaving, meets Mordecai at the king's gate, and he is angry because Mordecai does not salute him. Haman goes home and tells his wife and friends how the king honored him, and that the king and he were the only ones whom the queen invited to partake of her banquet. But it availeth me noth- ing, as long as I see Mordecai, the Jew, sitting at the king's gate. His wife and friends suggest that he have a gallows built, and on the morrow to request the king to have Mordecai hung thereon. ACT V Scene, In the King's Chamber King Ahasuerus has a sleepless night. He com- mands his attendants to bring the book of the chronicles and read to him. It is found written that Mordecai had learned of the plot of two of the king's chamberlains to kill him, and that he had saved the king's life. The king asks, What honor and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this ? A JEWISH QUEEN 147 The servant answers. Nothing. Who is in the court? the king asks. The king's servants reply, Haman standeth in the court. Let him come in, the king repHes. When Haman enters, the king asks. What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honor? Haman, thinking that the king has himself in mind, says. Let the royal apparel and the king's horse be delivered to the king's most noble princes that they may clothe him and lead him on horse- back through the streets of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honor. Then the king commands Haman to make haste and do all that he said to Mordecai, the Jew. Haman regretfully obeys the king, then he hastens home, and tells his wife and friends of the misfortunes which have befallen him. ACT VI Scene, The Queen's Banquet The king and Haman attend queen Esther's banquet. The second time the king asks, What is thy peti- tion, queen Esther, and it shall be granted thee? If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. We are sold to be put to death. 148 ICE-CREAM ALLEY The king asks the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that presumes to do so? Esther says, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. The king angrily arises from the banquet table, and goes into the garden. Haman, seeing that the king is displeased, begs the queen to intercede for his life. The king's chamberlains say unto the king, Be- hold, also, the gallows which Haman made for Mordecai. The king commands. Hang Haman thereon. ACT VII Scene, The King's Court King Ahasuerus gives the house of Haman to queen Esther. She tells the king of her relationship to Mor- decai. The king gives his ring to Mordecai, and the queen sets him over the house of Haman. Esther falls at the feet of the king and, with tears in her eyes, begs him to save her people from death. The king extends the golden sceptre and grants the queen's request. Chapter XXX CHRISTMAS While Thanksgiving has its foundation on Plymouth Rock, Christmas rests upon the Rock of Ages. — Chas. W. Warner. TT7HILE Eugene Maxfield was drilling the Boy Scouts in ' ' physical exercises the day after Thanksgiving, the superintendent of the public schools asked him, "Parson, will you help us get up some good holiday exercises for our schools ?" "For what holiday?" he asked. "Why, Christmas, of course." Eugene Maxfield, looking the man full in the eye, asked, "Is the public school a religious organization?" "No, sir. Why do you ask?" "For all patriotic holidays our public schools should have appropriate exercises, but Christmas, being the birthday of Christ, the Church and not the public school should com- memorate that event." "Oh, yes, I see your point, Mr. Maxfield. We will omit the Christmas exercises in our public schools this year." The largest congregation that had ever assembled in the Jamestown church was out on the following Sunday. 150 ICE-CREAM ALLEY Mr. Maxfield gave a fine sermon; taking for his text, "What think ye of Christ?" He briefly reviewed the birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Then he made reference to the historical pageant that had been given in Jamestovs^n. He said, "Many requests have been made to have them repeated. I will ask for an expression whether you would rather have them repeated, or have us get up a pageant based on the life of Christ." Mr. Russell said, "As so many people who have not seen the plays are asking to have them repeated, I think they should be given again. For my part I would like to see and hear the new play. As it takes a long time to prepare these plays, I will make a motion that our friends repeat the first series while they are learning the new plays." The motion was carried. Just before Christmas Dick Crawford came home for the holidays. He was greeted heartily by his townsmen, for he was a great favorite. As already stated in this chronicle Etigene Maxfield was a firm believer in printer's ink; so just before Christmas he secured a large supply of cards embellished with a wreath of holiday green, and printed thereon this greeting : We hope you are joyful and jolly and gay, And brimming with gladness on this Christmas Day. The Christmas exercises were held in the church on Christmas eve. The cantata was given by the smaller CHRISTMAS 151 children. It represented the children returning from Jeru- salem after the Feast of the Passover. As the children lagged behind the rest of the procession, they talked about what they saw and heard at Jerusalem, and they played games by the highway. After the program was over, the brass band played several numbers while the people were gathering at the club-house. Every one was given a treat of candy and fruit nicely packed in pasteboard boxes. Inside of each box was a Christmas card on which was written a verse of Scripture. The preacher asked the children to memorize their verses so as to repeat them when he should call for them some Sunday. At the close of the exercises, Mr. Williams said to the young preacher, "Will you eat Christmas dinner at my house? I wish to have a confidential talk with you." "Yes, thank you. I certainly will be glad to accept your kind invitation. What time shall I come?" "We dine at noon. Please be on time, for I have an im- portant engagement at four o'clock." Mr. Maxfield and Dick Crawford were the last two per- sons to leave the club-house. "Let's take a walk," proposed Dick. "I want to tell you something, and ask your advice about a matter that has been worrying me." When they had passed the business part of town, Dick said, "Reddy, I have never been much of a help to my parents. They have always supported me. "A short time ago dad received a letter from uncle Ned, his only brother, who lives in a neighboring state. He was going to celebrate his silver wedding. I wrote to dad and 152 ICE-CREAM ALLEY urged him to go, but he rephed that it was so far away that they could not drive, and so they had decided not to go. "The other day the railroad agent told me that dad had been at the station and inquired the price of a ticket to his brother's town. Then he asked him to let him see one of the tickets, and after carefully reading all of the conditions printed on the ticket, dad told the agent that he guessed they would not take the chances on going so far away from home. "The agent said, 'Your father is certainly a very careful man.' " 'Yes,' I replied, 'that's so,' but I feel sure that dad did not have the money to spare, and so denied himself the pleasure of going to visit uncle Ned. "Say, Reddy, that annuity stunt was a fine thing for dad. I heard him telling God about it, and thanking him for it. I thank you for getting the people to come across. "Tell me, is there any way I can get some money to pay my expenses while I am training to be a preacher?" "Can't you get some work to do at the college?" asked Mr. Maxfield. "Yes, Reddy, but there is not enough work for all th# boys, and I have conscientious scruples about asking for jobs when there are so many young fellows who are poorer than myself who need them. But I, too, want to be self- supporting, and so no longer be a burden to dad, and the way is not clear to me how to do it." "I am sure, Dick, that God will open a door of oppor- tunity for you." By this time the men had approached the edge of the grove north of the city. CHRISTMAS 153 Eugene Maxfield said to Dick, "Let's pray about it." When each had prayed, Dick said, "I like to hear you pray, Reddy, I feel better already. Your prayers have no curves in them. They are delivered mighty swift, right over the plate, and just the kind that God can hit." Before they had reached the hotel Reddy clapped his hand to his head, saying, "I've got an idea, Dick." "You mean another idea, Reddy. From your agility I in- ferred the disturbance might be something external. Well, vi^hat is it?" "Study up the diseases and treatments of trees. When I was at Riverside I saw many beautiful trees dying for the lack of intelligent treatment." "I don't know anything about trees except to climb them for fruit," interrupted Dick. "Listen, Dick. I took a course in tree culture at the university and I can help you get started. As you study and work with the trees you will acquire knowledge. Besides, it will pay you well for the little time required." "Thank you, Reddy. How shall I start?" "Get some cards printed giving your name and business. Then send them to the wealthy men who have diseased trees." "All right, I'll do it, but I suspect they will call me the bug man at the university." "Go to it, Dick," said the preacher as they parted at the hotel, "and may your shadow never grow less." Chapter XXXI FIRST FRUITS Faith without works is like a bird without wings. — Beaumont. TT^UGENE MAXFIELD presented himself promptly at -*-^ noon on Christmas at Mr. Williams' house. He was asked to offer the blessing at the table. The meal was scarcely begun when he saw Mr. Williams wipe his eyes. With a choking voice the banker said, "Since you preached the funeral sermon of our son, my wife and I have thought and talked much about religion. My wife used to go to church quite regularly, but I have not gone much since I quit going to Sunday School. When our child was sick my wife prayed often that his life might be spared — ^but God saw it was best to take him home. "We remember the text you used at the funeral, 'Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.' We are beginning to feel more reconciled at the loss of our boy, especially since our neighbor's son turned out so badly. They were play- mates. "We now see the danger of a boy — or a girl, too, for that matter — having too much money. We are truly thankful that our boy is safe at home in our Father's mansion. FIRST FRUITS 155 "We have attended all the plays, and have heard you preach several times lately. My wife and I desire to reach our heavenly home and see our boy again, and we do not want to go empty-handed. "We are both fond of children, but my wife's health will not permit us to adopt a child, for we are compelled to seek a warmer climate every winter. We want to help the children of Jamestown, and we are in a quandary as to what is the best thing to do. "You said in your sermon last Sunday morning, that Christ came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and God had placed us here to help others. "The other day I read this stanza which impressed me greatly : 'And wisest he in this whole wide land Of hoarding 'till bent and grey; For all you can hold in your cold dead hand Is what you have given away.' "Mr. Maxfield, if you had money what would you do with it?" Eugene Maxfield did not speak for a moment. This verse flashed through his mind, "If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who giveth liberally." Mr. and Mrs. Charles Williams were very wealthy, in fact, the richest people in Jamestown. While Eugene Maxfield was pondering in his mind Mr. Williams' question he thought of the Saviour's command, "Ask for large things that your joy may be full." Li .'oking the banker in the face, the minister said, "Mr. Williams, there are many things that you could do that would be a fine memorial for your son. 156 ICE-CREAM ALLEY "If you please, I would suggest that you build a good library building, and provide an ample supply of good books especially adapted for the school children, as well as good books for the adults ; or build a township high-school build- ing and stipulate that special attention be given to home economics, household science, and manual training. That would be of untold blessing to the whole community. "Now that our Board of Trade is trying to make our town better and more attractive, new factories are likely to locate here. "The day is not far distant when we will need a modern church, and that would be a handsome present to the city. You know that wq have the best corner lot in the city for a church. "There is a beautiful fifteen-acre grove on the river bank north of town which would make a fine park for the city. "That half block of ground near the school house would make a fine playground for the children ; but, my friend, of what value are these gifts compared to the personal gift of yourself to the Saviour? Will you not accept Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, confess him to the world, and then lay your gift on the altar as a thank-offering, and a memorial to your son ?" "We agree with you, Mr. Maxfield, and thank you for the splendid suggestions. My wife and I invited you here today to have you pray for us, and to lead us into the king- dom. We thought that Christmas Day being Christ's birth- day, it would be a good way to celebrate it by beginning our lives anew. When the doors of the Church are opened, we would like to unite with the Church." FIRST FRUITS 157 Eugene Maxfield had spent many a joyous Christmas, but none that equalled this, for he was now tasting the first fruits of his labor in Jamestown. He could scarcely wait to tell his friends the good news of Mr. and Mrs. Williams' conversion, but he wisely re- frained from speaking of the memorial proposition. There was great rejoicing in the Crawford family when they heard of Mr. and Mrs. Williams desire to unite with the Church. Dick said, "Bully for you, Reddy. That's your first tally. I told dad that, instead of singing, 'The old time religion is good enough for me,' you were putting it in the game, and you'd kick up the dust all right before you reached the home plate." Rev. Elias Crawford turned to his wife and said, "My dear, God has answered our prayers." "Say, dad, I heard a sermon at the college about faith without works being dead. I guess, dad, that you're the faith, and Reddy is the works. 'Don't rock the boat, and we'll all make port.' " Chapter XXXII THE TRIBE OF ISRAEL Friends are like melons. Shall I tell you why? To find one good, you must a hundred try. — Claude Mermet. rriHE FIVE Old Testament plays were repeated to ■•■ crowded houses. Many persons came from neighbor- ing cities to see them. Eugene Maxfield had learned of the usual custom of mak- ing New Year's calls in Jamestown, and if certain reports be true he thought it was time to make a change in the order of the day. Before Christmas he asked the baseball boys what they thought about holding a New Year's reception at the club- house. They were pleased with the suggestion, and began at once making plans to give the people of Jamestown as fine a New Year's treat as it was possible for them to provide. On Sunday before New Year's the congregation was sur- prised to see the Jamestown baseball club sitting on the church platform. Mr. Maxfield's sermon was founded on New Year's resolutions. His text was, "I am resolved what to do." The sermon was short, but full of good advice. Mr. and Mrs. Williams were baptized and united with the Church. THE TRIBE OF ISRAEL 159 At the close of the sermon, Mr. Maxfield introduced Jack McCloud, the manager of the baseball club, to the con- gregation ; and he gave a general invitation to all the people of Jamestown to attend the New Year's reception at the club-house. After the congregation was dismissed one of the elderly sisters said to Mr. Maxfield : "I am afraid you made a mis- take in taking Mr. Williams into the Church." "Why so?" he asked. "Oh, he's always asking the people for money. I am afraid he'll expect us to give more money to the Church." "Does he get the money when he asks for it?" anxiously inquired the minister. "Indeed he does. That's not the worst of it. Whenever any kind of a campaign is on here for money they always make Mr. Williams chairman of the committee. He sticks to a person like a leech until he gets the money." "I thank you, my sister, for this information. Now let us pray that your son may be the next to be converted." He knew that the widow's only son had strayed far from the straight and narrow way. New Year's day was clear and cold. Dick Crawford, who was on the reception committee, was the first one at the club-house. When he saw the preacher coming, he cried out, "Hello, Reddy, I'm the happiest animal on this side of the equator." "Your looks certainly confirm your words, Dick. What caused your happiness?" "Listen, Reddy. Mr. Packard was at church when that Life Annuity Bond was bought for dad. A few days ago he 160 ICE-CREAM ALLEY was over at the college and induced the Board of Trustees of our college to start a Life Annuity department. He bought the first Life Annuity Bond that the college issued, then he gave the college ten thousand dollars to help endow the Life Annuity department, and he also gave the college five thousand dollars which was to be put in a Students' Loan Fund to help poor scholars attain an education. "I've just received a letter from our college president say- ing that they will loan me two hundred dollars. Sure, I'm as happy as an old widower with a young bride." "I'm glad to hear that Mr. Packard has bought a Life Annuity Bond. I hope that his example will be a stimulus to many others to do likewise." The people of Jamestown had never seen such a reception as was given at the club-house. It seemed as if everybody was there, and the spirit of friendliness was contagious. When the day was over the workers felt well-repaid for their labor. As Eugene Maxfield wended his way home he thought of the mystic bond of fellowship which existed between the fraternity men of his college, and that Carlyle said, "A mystic bond of brotherhood makes, all men one." He felt that he ought to do something more to hold the interest of those who had taken part in the pageant. In the wee small hours of the morning the thought came to him, Why can't we organize a Tribe of Israel? When he mentioned it to the members of the dramatic company, they received the suggestion with enthusiasm. Within a few days the Tribe of Israel was organized with due ceremony. The preacher prepared an original initiation THE TRIBE OF ISRAEL 161 service that was both instructive and amusing. A pledge of faithfulness to the clan was required of each member. The dues were acts of kindness. To give spice to the organization a grip, sign, and pass- word were chosen. The grip was to be given after the proper sign was made. The password was W-O-R7T-H-Y. It had a threefold significance: first, the members were engaged in a worthy undertaking ; secondly, each member was to try to live so as to be worthy to receive the crown of righteousness laid up for the faithful followers of Jesus Christ ; and thirdly, the letters of the word comprised the cabalistic motto. Whenever Opportunity, Ready To Help You. They planned to meet every Tuesday evening at the club- house. They voted to have a half hour social and serve some light refreshments. And also have an entertainment of some kind each evening- — a reading, story-telling contest, tableaux, or a chalk talk, interspersed with music. The refreshment committee were requested to have ice- cream and cake every alternate meeting. One evening the Tribe of Israel received an invitation to a surprise party at the home of a newly-wed couple in River- side. The invitation was joyfully accepted. Some one made the remark that the Riverside college boys would certainly be there and give their yell. One of the girls said, "Why can't we have a yell?" They asked Mr. Maxfield to write one. He said, "Here is paper and pencils ; let us all try and see what we can get up. We will take a vote on which seems to be the most appro- priate." 162 ICE-CREAM ALLEY Each put on his or her thinking-cap, and, amid many shouts of laughter, the following yell met with the approba- tion of the tribe : Hoo-rahl Hoo-rah! Hoo-rah! For the band so brave and loyal. We're wide awake, Our hearts ne'er ache, For we're the Tribe of Israel. Lest you forget We'll say it yet, You'll ne'er regret To hear us yell, yell, yell. For we're the Tribe of Israel. The merchants of Jamestown had a co-operative delivery system of which they were very proud. One day when one of the drivers was unloading a churn of ice-cream at the club-house, a man standing on the sidewalk remarked to him, "They use more ice-cream down this alley than all the rest of the town." "Dat's a fac', co'nel," responded the driver. "Yo-all au-da call dis yere place ice-cream alley." The name seemed so appropriate that to this day it is still called Ice-Cream Alley. Chapter XXXIII THE TREASURER'S RESIGNATION Business dispatched is business well done. — Bulwer-Lytton. A FEW days after the New Year's reception Mr. Max- ■^^ field called at the bank and asked Mr. Williams if he could see him after bank hours. When they were seated in the directors' room, Mr. Max- field said, "I have been here six months. I have received less than two hundred dollars on my salary." "That's a shame, Mr. Maxfield ; the Church ought to pay you a living wage. Why don't you insist that the Church pay you a good salary? The laborer is worthy of his hire." "I am not working for money, Mr. Williams, but I be- lieve that the Lord has a work for me to do in Jamestown, for he has surely blessed my efiforts here. I believe the Church would be stronger if it had a good financial system and a new treasurer." "You are right," replied the banker. "The more the Church members put into the Church the more they will get out of it. Have you any plan to suggest ?" "Yes. I think you would make an excellent church treasurer." 164 ICE-CREAM ALLEY "What, me be the church treasurer ! Why, parson, don't you know that Mrs. Keenman would be as mad as a wet hen if her job was taken away from her?" "I can handle Mrs. Keenman all right, if you will consent to be our church treasurer." "Mr. Maxfield, I realize the odds that you are up against here. You are surely doing a great work. I am perfectly willing to help you if you don't call on me to testify or pray in public. You do the preaching, and I'll do the practising," laughingly said the banker. "Mrs. Keenman has always been keen to run the Church, and my wife says she is now on the lookout for a rich husband." Eugene Maxfield thanked Mr. Williams for his willing- ness to help the Church, and said, "I will call on our friend Mrs. Keenman." True to his promise he called that evening to see her, and after talking for some time about the church work, he said, "Mrs. Keenman, I have been here over six months. I have not said anything to the Church about my salary. I think the time has come when the Church should pay me a regular salary. Do you not think so ?" "Yes, sir. I do. We could not get along without you. My children think there is no man like you. What salary do you think we ought to pay you?" "Well, I am worth two thousand dollars a year to our Church," said Mr. Maxfield musingly. Mrs. Keenman jumped as though she had been shot. She shrieked, "Why, man, are you crazy ? You know very well that the Church cannot pay such a salary. I have paid you lots of money already." THE TREASURER'S RESIGNATION 165 "How much have you paid me?" he inquired. "Oh, I don't know how much. I'm so busy I have not kept track of it," she answered. "Mrs. Keenman, you've paid me just one hundred and eighty five dollars. See, here are the dates and amounts." Mrs. Keenman looked over Mr. Maxfield's figures, and wiping the perspiration from her face, said coldly, "Oh, I suppose you've got another call, and you want us to pay you as much money as you are offered elsewhere." "No, Mrs. Keenman, you are mistaken. I have not re- ceived another call. But we have a number of wealthy members who could easily contribute more money to the church expenses. If you were to tithe your income you could pay a thousand dollars a year on the running expenses of our Church. "For the good of the Church I shall insist on a good salary payable weekly, beginning with the first of next month." "You can count me out. I'll resign as treasurer before I will pay any more on your salary. I don't believe in preach- ers working for money, anyhow." "Will you put your resignation in writing ?" "Indeed I will. You'll see then that it's not as easy a job as you think to get money to run the church." Mr. Maxfield took a sheet of paper from his pocket and wrote out a resignation which Mrs. Keenman reluctantly signed. The next Sunday morning Eugene Maxfield announced that he wished the members of the Church at the close of 166 ICE-CREAM ALLEY the mid-week prayer-meeting to stay for a short business meeting. At prayer meeting Mrs. Keenman's resignation was read, and on motion accepted. Mr. Williams was elected treas- urer. Plans were formulated for running the Church on a self-respecting basis. Mr. Maxfield was granted a salary of fifteen hundred dollars a year. Mr. Williams was appointed chairman of the Finance Committee, and in a short time the full amount of the church budget was subscribed. Chapter XXXIV IDEAL BONDS The rich man's son inherits cares; The bank may break, the factory burn, A breath may burst his bubble shares. — Lowell. /^NE MORNING Mr. Maxfield received a letter from ^-^ Doctor Thompson, the president of Endeavor College. He asked permission to use the pulpit some Sunday. Mr. Maxfield showed the letter to Mr. Packard and asked his advice. Mr. Packard carefully read the letter and said, "There are quite a number of people who might be able to buy Life Annuity Bonds of Endeavor College, but they cannot afford to give their money away unless they get a fairly good rate of annuity that will be paid promptly quarterly or semi- annually. "Rich folks like to hold on to their money, and they would like to take it with them if they were sure it would not melt. That is the reason so many wills are written. I doubt if many of the rich people of Jamestown would buy Life Annuity Bonds. But I am in favor of having President Thompson come. I will be glad to entertain him and do what I can to help him sell some Life Annuity Bonds." 168 ICE-CREAM ALLEY On the following Sunday morning Doctor Thompson occupied Mr. Maxfield's pulpit. He took for his theme "A Good Tree." He showed the care necessary to pro- duce a good tree. He made a comparison between forestry and education. He told of the work and needs of the col- lege, and solicited contributions for it. He explained their life annuity system and expressed the hope that some of the congregation would buy Life Annuity Bonds of them. Among the many statements Doctor Thompson made re- garding the value of the life annuity system none carried more weight than this: "Any business transaction which does not benefit both parties does not secure the best results. Therefore, our trustees are willing to donate a large part Kyi their time — without compensation — to the Life Annuity department of our college, so that our annuitants may have an absolutely safe, regular, and a larger income, free from worry and care, and for the sake of building up our college work when the annuity money is released. These two factors — worry and care — eliminated from a business prop- osition naturally tend to prolong life." While he was speaking Doctor Thompson noticed that a lady in the congregation seemed to be deeply interested. At the close of the service when she came forward to speak to him, he said, "My sister, I am glad to see that you are inter- ested in our college." The lady, who was Mrs. Keenman, replied, "I'm not par- ticularly interested in your college, but I am a lover of trees, and I know what you said about tree culture is true, for I have a big orchard which has made me a lot of money. It took a great deal of work to make it productive. IDEAL BONDS 169 "I'm more interested in missions than in colleges. If our Missionary Society had Life Annuity Bonds to sell, I might buy a few of their bonds. I can't afford to give my money away, for I might get sick and need all I've ~ got to take care of me. Besides I want to educate my grandchildren, and I would rather leave them my money than to give it to a college." "My sister, if you will select our college to be your trus- tee you will be leaving your money, or the use of it, to your grandchildren, and also protecting them from financial reverses." During the next two days the president received some generous donations for the college, and he sold a few Life Annuity Bonds. On Wednesday morning a widow telephoned to Eugene Maxfield that she wanted his advice, and invited him to call and see her immediately. When he arrived she said, "I have been thinking about what Doctor Thompson said about Life Annuity Bonds being a good investment. "I have two sons who, I am sorry to say, are far from being good men. I realize that my days on earth are num- bered. "I have twenty-five thousand dollars invested in inter- est-bearing securities and several pieces of real estate which are a great care to me. My income barely covers our ex- penses. Over and over again my boys chide me because I do not give them more money to spend, and they are often very disrespectful to me. My sons are not much comfort to me. I wish it was necessary for them to earn their own living. Riches have been a curse to them. 170 ICE-CREAM ALLEY "I have never made a will because if I gave any money to religious or educational organizations I know that my boys would break the will. I wish that I could give my money to some good organization that would pay us a good income for life. It would save me many sleepless nights." "That's one of the big advantages of the life annuity sys- tem. No one can divert the principal, and the annuity will be paid to you during your lifetime, and, if you so specify in the bonds, in case your sons should outlive you, the annuity will be paid to them during their lifetime." "Is that so? Well! well! I'm so glad to hear that. Now please tell me how to dispose of my estate to the best advan- tage." "In what line of work are you most interested?" asked Eugene Maxfield. "I hardly know that I have any preference. I am inter- ested in all lines of church work. Please advise me what to do." Mr. Maxfield studied a moment and then asked, "With which bank do you do business?" "The Central Bank. Why do you ask?" "I would suggest that you transfer all of your securities to the president of the Central Bank, and let him act as your trustee until you advise him what disposition to make of them. "Then write to the various church organizations for their application blanks and sample bonds. Look into their re- sources, work, and business management, and see if they are good for the annuity payments. Then decide for your- self how to distribute your money, so as to give you the best IDEAL BONDS 171 returns and also to protect your boys. 'Safety First' is a very good business motto." "All right, Mr. Maxfield. I'll go to the bank this after- noon. If you can sell my real-estate holdings I will convert the proceeds into Life Annuity Bonds for myself and two sons. "Please do not mention this matter to anyone. Will you please write the letters for me ? I'm afraid my sons, if they suspected what I was doing, would intercept my mail." Eugene Maxfield gladly consented to write to the organi- zations, for he saw a large field of opportunity for doing good looming up before him. He also saw the necessity of securing the most successful real-estate agent whom he could find to help dispose of this property. Chapter XXXV TEMPTATIONS Honest bread is very well — it's the butter that makes the temptation. — Douglas Jerrold. ■pROF. EDWARD WILSON, the band master, called ■*- one day at the hotel to see Mr. Maxfield. He said, "It was my privilege to see your last play. I had heard of the success of the preceding plays. Let me congratulate you upon your good luck. "Are you willing to bring your company to Riverside and give the pageant there? I can get our orchestra to furnish the music. We can make some money out of it. Can I count on you ?" "No, sir. I'll not sanction anything of the kind," replied Eugene Maxfield, emphatically. "Why, Mr. Maxfield, I'm helping you to get a brass band started in your town, and I think you ought to help me, for one good turn deserves another." "I do not see that we are under any obligations to you, Mr. Wilson. We accepted your terms, and you have been paid every week for your services. Why should our people give their time to make money for you?" "Oh, everybody is working for what money they can get. We can sell enough tickets to fill the largest hall in River- TEMPTATIONS 173 side. There will be good money in it for both of us," re- plied Mr. Wilson. "My brother, I'm not working for filthy lucre. The best things are always free. There has been so little expository preaching of the Word in this community that the people know little of the Old Testament history. This pageant has been given to take the place of sermons. If I had preached these same sermons from the pulpit, comparatively few people would have heard them. The people have learned much more about the Bible history by seeing it reproduced on the stage." "I guess that's so," admitted Mr. Wilson. "I also saw the cantata your children gave and I have learned more about the Feast of the Passover than I ever knew before. I wish all our people could have seen that play, for it was certainly fine." "Now, my brother, if your people are willing to accept our terms, we might be induced to come over to River- side and give your citizens the whole series of plays," replied Eugene Maxfield. "What are your terms ?" Mr. Wilson asked. "I am not prepared to say on the spur of the moment, for several things will have to be taken into consideration. But I can let you know in a short time. I would first like to confer with your pastors. Will you ask them to call on me?" "All right, parson. I'll see them. Good day." A few days later two of the Riverside pastors called on Eugene Maxfield. They said that the people of Riverside 174 ICE-CREAM ALLEY would willingly pay all expenses to have the historical plays given in their city. Mr. Maxfield said, "Brethren, what is your motive in wanting us to give these plays in Riverside?" "Why, it would be a fine entertainment for our town. Our people would enjoy seeing them, and besides, it would be a good money-maker. Both of our Churches are behind on our salaries." "My friends, I did not come here to run a show. I came to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to help build up his kingdom on earth. If I can help you along spiritual lines, I am at your service." "We certainly need your help," they assented. "Our young folks are not consecrating their lives to the service of Christ. The spiritual life of our Church is at low tide. Our people love music, and we thought your plays would appeal to them, and perhaps we could get them interested in the church work again." "After we gave^ these plays," said Mr. Maxfield, "our people voted to repeat them, and also to arrange for a new pageant which I am just beginning to prepare on the life of Christ. "How many years has it been since you had a large out- pouring of the Holy Spirit at Riverside, and added large numbers such as shall be saved to the Church?" "Let me see. It must be about ten years since we had an old-fashioned revival at Riverside," one of the men replied. "Brethren, for some time I have been considering the ad- visability of preparing a series of plays on the question, 'What think ye of Christ? Whose son is he?' Each one TEMPTATIONS 175 of the plays would represent a group of people talking among themselves about Christ, his coming foretold, his birth, his sayings, his works, and a general discussion for and against the Messiah. "The first play would show what the Jewish chief priests and scribes said and did after Christ drove the money- changers out of the temple. The second would represent the curious crowd talking with the woman of Samaria to whom Christ said, 'Give me to drink.' The third play would show what the neighbors and Pharisees said and did after Christ healed the blind man. The fourth, the testimony of Mary Magdalene, Peter, John, Thomas, and the other disciples concerning Christ after he arose from the tomb. And the last play would narrate the conversation of the people who met in the upper room after Christ ascended. "My thought is for our young people to unite in giving these plays alternately in the two towns, and after the last play has been given, for us to wind up with a big union revival of religion. We would engage the best evangelist and his corps of workers that we could secure to lead the movement. The evangelist, when making a personal plea for men to accept Christ as their personal Saviour, would call the attention of the people to Christ's divinity, sympathy, power, love and sacrifice as set forth in these narratives. How does that strike you ?" "That is just the thing, brother. We will gladly help you." As the roads were usually good in September and October, and the farmers were not so busy then, it was agreed to give "The Sacrifice" early in September. 176 ICE-CREAM ALLEY On Tuesday evening Eugene Maxfield told the Tribe of Israel about the proposed union for the new series of plays, and they were heartily in favor of the plan. Mr. Maxfield was instructed to make inquiries as to the availability of an evangelist who could assist them in a union revival ; a man who felt called of God for evangelistic work ; one who had successfully passed a rigid examination by the Evangelistic Board of his denomination, was approved and recommended by them; one who had had considerable experience and had proven successful in winning souls ; one who had no objectionable features or fads to present, nor devoted much of his time to securing a big offering for him- self. A man who had a mind to work for the upbuilding of the Church and community. A man who when he left a com- munity left a stronger tie between pastors and their congre- gations. Chapter XXXVI THE CHOIR Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. — Auerback. QUITE often Eugene Maxfield spent Monday morning with old Mr. Crawford. This particular morning Mr. Crawford made the remark, "Our choir do not sing with the spirit and with the understanding." "Brother Crawford, I think you will soon notice an im- provement in the choir singing." That afternoon Mr. Maxfield called on all the members of his choir and on some of the other singers of the town and asked them to meet him at the church that evening. When all had assembled Mr. Maxfield said, "My friends, I invited you here to talk to you about the importance of song in the church service. You remember the old saying : 'Some to the church repair, Not for the doctrine, but for the music there.' "I believe that you all wish to make our church music an important factor in our worship. Am I right?" "Yes, sir," they answered, with one accord. 178 ICE-CREAM ALLEY The minister said, "St. Paul in writing to the Church at Corinth said, 'We have diversities of gifts but the same spirit.' To you has been given the gift of song. If you sing with the spirit and with the understanding you do well, but without love the gift is valueless. "First of all, let me thank you for following out the sug- gestion that you speak the words of the songs so plainly that the congregation can understand them. Several per- sons have spoken to me of this improvement in the choir music. "May I ask, are you all Christians ? If not, are you will- ing to accept Christ as your personal Saviour?" Most of them admitted they were Christians at heart, but all had not made a public confession of their faith or united with the Church. Mr. Maxfield asked, "What is the purpose of song in our service? Do you sing for the glory of God or for the praise of men? Let each answer these questions for himself or herself. "I have a few suggestions to make which I hope you will adopt. Let us consecrate our voices to the Lord's service. Each Sunday morning before coming to church let us ask God to make us a blessing to others. Then before we take our places on the platform let us have a few minutes of prayer together, asking God to bless the message and the song. Are you willing to do this?" They replied, "We are." Eugene Maxfield shook hands with each one and said, "I thank you for your hearty support of my suggestions. I feel sure that God will richly bless our labors. THE CHOIR 179 "Dwight L. Moody said, 'The best way to get to heaven is to take the oar of faith in one hand and the oar of works in the other, and pull ahead.' We should take up some line of work in Christ's name so that men seeing our good works will glorify our Father which art in heaven." "What do you want us to do?" they asked. Mr. Maxfield answered, "I have been told there are children in this town whose parents cannot afford to dress them as well as many of our Church members dress their children so they do not attend Sunday School. I will preach a sermon on the evils of overdress in the house of God, and I will ask you to see that all the needy children of James- town have good clothes, so that they will not be ashamed to attend the church services, and moreover let them be given a hearty welcome when they do come." "That's a big job, Mr. Maxfield. We have to work all day, and have not time for much of this kind of work ; be- sides the Woman's Club looks after clothing for the poor children," said one of the girls. "I know you are busy and so am I," said the minister. "It's the busy people who do things. I think you will find others willing to help if you take the lead in the matter. The Church, not the club, ought to help the poor." "That's so, Mr. Maxfield. Yes, we'll take up this work for your sake," said one of the choir ladies. "No, my sister, not to please me, but for our Master's sake." "I tell you, girls, we might cut out some of our regular club meetings, and sew some afternoon for these children," said Alice Horner. 180 ICE-CREAM ALLEY "My brother has lots of old pants, coats, and shirts. We might get some patterns and cut them over for these chil- dren," said Hattie Peters. "Let's do it," cried the choir. An elderly lady said, "I think it would be much better to organize an Associated Charities and have some system about our giving." "But," protested Mrs. Brown, "a few persons cannot do all this work. We have so many clubs here where many of the men who make good wages spend their money in gamb- ling instead of supporting their famihes. "They send their children to school poorly clad, and often without any breakfast, so as to enlist the sympathies of the teachers and their friends." "Well, should we let the children suffer?" asked one of the girls impulsively. "It is a universal law, which we cannot change, that the sins of the parents are visited upon their children," said the elderly woman. Mrs. Clark said, "I propose that we start a Friendly Society and invite the mothers to an all-day sewing each week this winter. I am sure the good wann dinner we would serve at noon would be an inducement for some of the women to come. "We can cut out the garments and show the mothers how to make them. We ought also to pay the mothers fifty cents a day for their services. Some of them won't be worth it, but, no doubt, these will need our help and encouragement the most. THE CHOIR 181 "We can get enough members to finance the Society. The merchants are always willing to give us shop-worn gar- ments and remnants which do not sell quickly. "The mothers will take heart again when they see their children comfortably dressed like other children, and they will try to make their homes more attractive." "Oh, this will be too much work," complained one of the girls. "Well, we cannot expect to accomplish anything worth while in this life except we make personal sacrifices," said the elderly woman. The discussion ended in a Friendly Society being or- ganized. It solved the problem so well that no longer was any poor, pinched children's faces seen on the streets of Jamestown. Wage-earners were not humiliated by seeing their children clothed in cast-off garments of more frugal people. Instead of spending their money in gambling the men began taking their families to the movies, which was certainly a step in advance of the old regime. "Is there anything else that you want us to do, Mr. Max- field ?" asked one of the school-teachers. "Yes, we ought to interest more people in our Church, and the best way is to give them something to do. Why not ask your pupils to be on the Flower Committee to supply flowers for the church each Sunday, and after the services to distribute them to the sick and afflicted? It will teach them to have a part in the church work. "And lastly, I advise you to donate the sum of thirty dol- lars a year for the support of a native helper in a foreign 182 ICE-CREAM ALLEY field where it is daylight when we have night here. Thus our work will go on day and night without interruption." When all present had agreed to accept Mr. Maxfield's sug- gestions, the reorganized choir sang, "Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love." Before separating, Eugene Maxfield offered an earnest prayer that God would bless the choir in their self-consecra- tion and work of love. Before he arose from his knees he heard some one sobbing, and pausing for a moment heard one of the young ladies say, "O, my God, help me to be a laborer together with Thee in winning souls." Eugene Maxfield wiped his eyes and said, "Amen." Chapter XXXVII THE RESTORATION He hath no need of property Who knows not how to spend it. — Thackeray. TT^ARLY one morning the hotel clerk said to Mr. Maxfield, ■'--' "Mr. Williams wants you to call at his bank at twelve o'clock today." When the young preacher arrived at the bank Mr. Wil- liams said, "Please go home with me to lunch. Mrs. Wil- liams is expecting you." When they were seated at the table, Mr. Williams said, "Perhaps you thought we were very dilatory in making up our minds about our gifts to the city. There were so many things to be taken into consideration, and we had to weigh each one carefully so as to find out how we could make the best investment of our money and at the same time benefit the most people. "Some days ago Mrs. Keenman called at the bank and asked me what I thought of the life annuity plan. She had had some correspondence with the secretary of our Mis- sionary Society and had learned that they were doing quite a large life annuity business. They are willing to pay her a fair rate of annuity. She wants to provide in this way for all her children and grandchildren. Since then I have ca-rt. , 184 ICE-CREAM ALLEY fully investigated this plan and heartily approve of it. I advised her to accept the offer made her for her orchard and farm lands, and to put the money into the Missionary Society's Life Annuity Bonds. "I have men in my factory who have made money for me. These men have not been educated so as to handle money properly, so it would be unwise for me to divide my profits with them. Yet my wife and I wish to do something for the common good. "I bought that grove north of town, and I will have a landscape gardener beautify it, and then I will present it to the city for a park. "We have decided to build a township high school and have a good library in it, and rooms for manual training, home economics, and household science, so that our young folks may receive a practical education and be prepared to fill their place in the world's work. "We will also provide an up-to-date playground. Children need to be taught how to play so as to develop their bodies. "I have never tithed our income. But since I have been the church treasurer I have read about the advantages of tithing as set forth in the Bible. I am convinced that the law of tithing holds good today. We ought to give at least one-tenth of our possessions to the Lord. "I have carefully figured up my assets, and I find that the grove and the school building and its equipments will cost about one-tenth of what I am worth. "I have been corresponding with several of our church societies and colleges, and we have decided to buy Life -rrnnuity Bonds of the Old Preachers' Society, Church and THE RESTORATION 185 Parsonage Society, and several of our denominational col- leges for the benefit of our old, faithful employees. We will also buy some Life Annuity Bonds from the Missionary Societies for ourselves and for a certain young lady whom we all know." The preacher was embarrassed by the remark, and, shift- ing his chair, he said, "I guess you are one of the men whom the Lord had in mind when he said, 'Sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven.' " "Mr. Maxfield," said the banker, "I've worked hard all my life and I have accumulated much money. Neither have I spared my men. True, I've paid them a living wage and given them and their families a picnic once a year. Never- theless, I always looked out for number one in all my deal- ings with them. "A few weeks ago you preached from the text, 'One is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.' That being true I thought it was about time we were treating our employees more like members of the family. Since we have had a new vision of our opportunities and responsi- bilities we have experienced a greater joy in our religion. We are now realizing what it is to have a living faith. "It seems to me that the Young Men's Christian Associa- tion is accomplishing much these days. They have not been fully appreciated in the past. Do you know whether they are doing a life annuity business, Mr. Maxfield?" "Yes, sir, to a limited extent only. I am told that as soon as the demand for them to do an annuity business exists they will take it up in earnest." 186 ICE-CREAM ALLEY "Well, we will include them in our list of places for pur- chasing of Life Annuity Bonds. "Now, Mr. Maxfield, her* is where you come in. We want you to take a month's vacation, and visit some colleges and learn about their work, their needs, their plans, their business systems, and what people say about their work, and report the same to us." "We're not," stammered the minister, "I mean I'm not ready to take a vacation." "But," continued Mr. Williams, ignoring the preacher's embarrassment, "I think the people of this town will appre- ciate you more if you take a vacation. You can get a good man to supply your pulpit, and he and Miss Fannie can look after things in general while you are away. I am willing to pay all the expenses of your trip." "I thank you, Mr. Williams, for your generous ofifer. I will be glad to avail myself of the opportunity if I can render you any service. The colleges will soon be closing up their year's work, and it will be a good time to inspect them. After the nervous strain I have been under recently, a change will do me good." "Yes," said Mr. Williams, "we realize that you have been working very hard, and you are too valuable a man to break down now. You know the saying, 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' If you have any preference for a substitute while you are away we will try to get him." "I would rather have Dick Crawford than any man I know of," said Mr. Maxfield. "Dick Crawford! Why, he's no preacher, he's only a student," exclaimed Mr. Williams. THE RESTORATION 187 "Yes, that is true," said Eugene Maxfiield,^-"but he is studying for the ministry. It will be a good thing for him to practise on his home folks, and it will help him on his college expenses. He knows the people here, and he would hold them together and not get things in a snarl while I am away." "Well, I guess you are right. May I suggest a topic for your next sermon, Mr. Maxfield ?" "Why, certainly, Mr. Williams." "The text that I have in mind is this, 'It is expedient for you that I go away.' That will break the news gently. Some will surmise that you are going to resign. I will make a motion that we grant you a month's leave of absence if you will furnish a substitute. When you get back home you will be rested and ready for another season of hard work." Chapter XXXVIII A LOTTERY Use thy best vase today, for tomorrow it may, perchance, be broken. —The Talmud. Tj^UGENE MAXFIELD telephoned to Dick Crawford •^—* and secured his consent to supply the i>ulpit for a month. He told him that he would not be expected to do any pastoral work. At the close of the sermon on Sunday morning, Mr. Wil- liams made a motion for the Church to give Mr. Maxfield a month's vacation. The motion was carried without a dis- senting voice. One of the Church members arose and said, "Pastor, may I make a motion?" "You may," answered Mr. Maxfield. "I move that we increase Mr. Maxfield's salary five hun- dred dollars a year. Since I have been tithing my income I find that a surplus has accumulated in the Lord's tithe, as I call the account on my books, and I would like to increase my subscription on the salary one hundred dollars a year." The motion was promptly seconded and carried unani- mously. The increase for the preacher's salary was soon subscribed. A LOTTERY 189 Others spoke of an increase in their income, due they beHeved to adopting the tithing system. Sunday afternoon Eugene Maxfield called on Miss Town- send. She promised to send him a weekly report of the church news during his absence. She was such a practical girl and was so interested in the church work, he bethought himself how happy he would be if he could have her for a helpmate through life. One of the elderly ladies of the Church who had notice 1 his admiration for Miss Townsend, thus accosted him : "Mr. Maxfield, there's no use in your trying to make a shine with Fannie Townsend. She's turned down several offers of mar- riage from men who have lots more money than you'll ever have. I know a good girl who would make a preacher a good wife." Eugene Maxfield thanked her for her interest in his be- half and cleverly turned the conversation to the work of the Church. After the evening service Mr. Williams invited the preacher to go home with him and have a bite to eat. After the lunch he gave him a list of the colleges he wished him to visit. Dropping into a confidential tone he told him how he had planned to settle up his estate. The banker said, "Mr. Maxfield, I'm convinced that a man should set his house in order while he has the ability to do so. I believe it is entirely wrong to hold on to our posses- sions to the close of this mortal life, and then expect others to administer our estate wisely and carry out our wishes. I have known of so many wills being broken and the wishes of the deceased set at naught that I have decided not to make 190 ICE-CREAM ALLEY any will. A lawsuit causes enmity and a loss of property, for after the lawyers have taken their fees and the court ex- penses are paid there is not much left for the heirs. "A recent investigation has shown the value of saving. Statistics prove that out of every eighty men who have at- tained the age of sixty-five one will be wealthy, five will be on Easy Street, nine able to support themselves, and sixty- five will be dependent upon relatives, friends, or charity for support. "Many of these men had some natural ability, education, and money, and if they had saved their earnings, would doubtless have had a fair degree of success. "This research convinces me that the life annuity plan is the most advantageous way to provide for the future. "An eminent authority said, 'Will-making is the great post-mortem lottery of civiHzed man. His will is, as it were, a lottery ticket which he buys to give away, and whether those to whom he gives the ticket draw prizes or blanks determines whether or not the will is cracked.' "Many wills are made in that period technically known as second childhood, and it is not hard to prove that the testa- tor, if not crazy, was at least eccentric. If neither of these points are sufficient to set the will aside they prove the maker was unduly influenced." "You are right, Mr. WiUiams," said the minister. "Few people can handle money wisely. One generation accumu- lates money and property and the next generation spends it. Or in other words it is only 'three generations from shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves.' A LOTTERY 191 "One of the largest life insurance companies in the United States recently reported that seventy-five per cent of life insurance money left to widows and orphans was lost inside of five years by extravagant living and making unwise investments. "Quite a number of religious and educational organiza- tions are engaged in a life annuity campaign. I am con- vinced that Life Annuity Bonds are the best class of invest- ments to be found anywhere." "I'm surprised," said Mr. Williams, "that these organiza- tions did not adopt this system many years ago. The more I learn about the plan the better I like it. I think it is an excellent way to handle our resources to the best advantage. "The college needs money today more than ever because the country and the world need its services more than ever. The prime need of the next generation will be men — men of clear vision, straight logic, deep convictions and unselfish devotion. "It seems to me that if I distribute my fortune on the annuity plan among a large number of religious organiza- tions and educational institutions it will have a threefold result. First, it will cause many Boards of Directors to adopt better business methods. Secondly, the Boards will secure more money by adopting the life annuity plan than they do by outright donations obtained by solicitation. And lastly, it will help popularize the life annuity system." It was long past midnight when the conference was ended, and as Eugene Maxiield walked down the street he whistled, "Oh how happy are they, who their Saviour obey." w Chapter XXXIX DICK'S SERMON We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen. —St. John. HEN the Jamestown papers came out that week they contained the following notice: A reception will be held at Ice-Cream Alley on Saturday evening to welcome Mr. Maxfield's substitute, who- will preach on Sunday at the Central Church. Here's a tip — be there. The club-house was kept open six nights a week, and peo- ple enjoyed going there because they felt so much at home. When the people gathered at the club-house they were agreeably surprised to see Dick Crawford, but they were disappointed in not seeing the stranger whom they expected to see. They asked Dick, "Who's going to preach tomorrow ?" He replied, "Oh, some young guy from the college." At the breakfast table on Sunday morning Rev. Elias Crawford said to his son, "Richard, I am fearful that brother Maxfield contemplates removing from our city. I am beginning to enjoy his sermons. He is very zealous in his work. Do you know who will preach for us today?" DICK'S SERMON 193 "I doubt, dad, if there will be much of a sermon. Oh, yes ; Reddy told me that you were to introduce the speaker, and he'd meet you at the church." Dick sought refuge in his den until the first church-bell had rung. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford were as usual among the first arrivals at the church. As the time of preaching drew near and no preacher showed up, Mr. Crawford be- came very restless. He said to Mr. Williams, "If the new preacher does not come, may I preach this morning?" "The man will be here all right, brother Crawford." When Dick Crawford entered the church he took his father by the arm and, to his amazement, led him to the plat- form. Dick said, "Dad, Reddy asked me to preach for him dur- ing his absence. I want you to give out the hymn, offer the prayer, and then introduce me." The congregation saw a touching sight which they would not soon forget. Mr. Crawford hugged and kissed his son, and cried like a child. The two men knelt on the platform, and the father's prayer melted the hearts of his hearers. There was scarcely a dry eye in the audience. Mr. Crawford was so overcome by his emotion that he forgot to give out a hymn, and by way of introduction he said, "Here's Richard. You know him. He's going to talk to us." The old man wiped his eyes and sat down. Dick turned to his father and lovingly said, "Dad, you've hit the nail on the head this time, for the folks here surely know me. If you will please announce a hymn we will proceed with the services." 194 ICE-CREAM ALLEY In making the announcements Dick Crawford said, "If you folks are here this evening you will have the pleasure of hearing a friend of mine tell about the new mission work at Riverside. I feel sure you will be interested in what the speaker will say." Taking from his pocket his manuscript, in his nervousness Dick dropped it on the floor, which caused a smile among a number of the young people. Picking up the scattered sheets he wiped the perspiration from his face and said, "Reddy asked me to preach to you while he is away. This is a new stunt for me, and I ask you not to criticize me too severely. If you will assist me with your prayers and atten- tion I will try to do my best." Dick read his text, "They do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible." Then laying his manuscript aside Dick Crawford said, "I thought that Winning the Game would be a good topic for today. "There were two crowns sought the first Sunday that Reddy Maxfield was in this town. Our baseball club was anxious to win the game that they might obtain the praise of our people. Reddy was after the incorruptible crown which is given to those who serve the Lord. "You folks have worked hard to help Reddy build up the Church. Much has been accomplished, and even the fame of Ice-Cream Alley has spread to the neighboring towns. But if you folks expect to receive the crown of glory, it will be necessary for you to accept Christ as your personal Saviour. "When the Master fed the five thousand he said, 'Ye seek me, not because of the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.' DICK'S SERMON 195 "I know that Reddy Maxfield is anxious for you folks to win the game of life and receive an incorruptible crown. "You heard my dad's prayer that God would bless this service. As many of you as earnestly desire to win the race, and are willing to accept Christ and confess him before men, obey his commands, and live consistent Christian lives, please come forward." Five adults and seven children responded to the invitation. Rev. Elias Crawford cried for joy, and, as he knelt beside the new converts, he poured out his heart in a prayer of thanksgiving to God for hearing and answering the prayers of his servants. The converts, one after another, testified of God's for- giveness of their sins, and their desire to be soul winners. After the service was ended one of the members of the choir said to Dick, "Our choir has a prayer-meeting in the lecture-room of the church before every preaching service. This morning we prayed that souls would be saved, and God has answered our prayers. Glory to His name !" Dick replied, "That's the stufif. I felt that there was fire in the service, and that God would answer our prayers.'' Chapter XL THE RIVERSIDE MISSION I quote others only the better to express myself. — Montaigne. /~\ N SUNDAY evening the church was packed, for Dick ^-^ that afternoon had urged many people to be on hand for the evening service. After the opening hymn a stranger entered the church and went direct to the platform. He was seated next to Rev. Crawford, who had come out to the evening service. In introducing the speaker, Dick said, "Instead of my making any formal or lengthy introduction of my friend, Never Sweat, I'll do as dad did this morning and simply say he's going to talk." The stranger offered a short prayer that the Holy Spirit would direct his talk and that the words might bear fruit in the hearts of his hearers. Stepping down from the platform he said, "I am known in Riverside as Never Sweat. In fact many people do not know my right name. My father was a very wealthy man and he never required much of me, and allowed me more spending money than was good for me. "Before I was grown I stole a purse of money from my father's desk and ran away from home. When the money THE RIVERSIDE MISSION 197 was all gone, like the prodigal, I returned home. Father did not reprove me for my sin. In fact, I overheard him tell mother that 'boys had to sow their wild oats.' "Soon after that I became reckless and was often in com- pany with bad men. My mother died in a short time, and now I am convinced that her wayward boy caused her to die of a broken heart. I know she shed many bitter tears over my sinful life, and I would give the world, if it were mine, to have her back so I could tell her how sorry I am for causing her so much sorrow. "While I had ample funds I boasted that I never sweat at my work, and as the world owed me a living that I would never sweat in doing any work whatever. "Finally I became such a disgrace to my folks that I left home again, determining never to return. "One day while under the influence of liquor I was ar- rested and sent to the penitentiary. I never had any recol- lection of committing the crime of which I was accused, and I have good reason to believe that it was committed by one of the other men in our party. "During my incarceration I saw the error I had made, or rather the error my father had made in his lack of training me, so when I was free I returned home once more. "I found that my father was broken in health, his fortune nearly all consumed, and that he was living with a young woman who had married him for his money. "My folks were ashamed to have a jail bird around, and as I could not find any congenial employment I determined to commit suicide. On my way to the river to carry out my rash purpose I passed the Riverside Mission. 198 ICE-CREAM ALLEY "Our friend Dick was standing on the sidewalk in front of the mission. As I approached him he put his hand on my shoulder and said, 'My brother, do you need a friend?' "I replied, 'You bet, Mister, I do.' I told him I was hungry and asked him for a dime to get something to eat. The devil in me was crying for whiskey and I wanted a dime to get a drink. Dick took me around the corner to a lunch room and paid for my supper. "He invited me into the mission and curiosity led me to accept his invitation. "It was the first time I had ever been in a mission. It was a wonderful meeting. After hearing the testimony of men who said that Jesus had taken away all desire for whiskey and that he was the best friend they ever had, I had a desire to give up my old habits and try to be a man. "When the leader of the meeting asked those who wanted to begin a new life by accepting Jesus Christ as a personal Saviour to come forward I hit the trail. I knelt in front of the platform and one of the workers knelt beside me and taught me to pray, 'Lord, be merciful to me, a sinner.' "Jesus heard my prayer and forgave my sins. I went forth a new man in Christ Jesus. That was just six months and five days ago. Jesus took away my desire for booze and has kept me day by day from yielding to temptation. Praise his name! "Dick asked me to tell you about our work at the mission. There were a lot of unfortunates at Riverside when the slave works shut down last fall. Dick and some of the other shrimps at the brain factory decided to start a mush house in a vacant joint. THE RIVERSIDE MISSION, 199 "They called on one of the main salve slingers and asked him to come across. This preacher said he was doing his bit and gave so many excuses for not helping put it over that they knew he was only a piker, and the boys dubbed him 'Our hot air merchant.' "They took a slant at one of the swell guys who has lots K>i rocks and asked him to cough up enough coin to get the mission started, but he was a tight wad and said that his taxes were so high that he could not afford to give them any- thing. He advised them to have a soft dough every banner time to keep the dump greased. "The third slacker they saw gave them a lot of con talk and a cold shake. Another pray-thee-have-me-excused, whose wife is a member of the big joy factory, said he pre- ferred to glimpse the good bed sheets rather than spread the salve, so Dick's bunch concluded he was only a spoiled four-flusher. "Some of Dick's boys wanted to pass up the mission but Dick said he was no quitter. "Finally they found in a kid's training camp a Jim-dandy pilot from the map who was willing to give a hand. Say, she's a pippin ! Caruso is not in it when she warbles. "The night the mission was opened Prof. Wilson's joy noise came down and their swell music drew a big crowd. "Since I've been saved I cut out my old associates and coupled up with the boys and been playing the game ever since, and I make my home in the mission building. "One hunting time a fine ace in the hole called and after asking many questions about our work he gave a hundred bucks to use in our midnight handout. He said to have 200 ICE-CREAM ALLEY plenty of slaughterings, slabs, and axle grease, so as to keep the boys on their skids. He advised us not to do too much panhandling but to stick to the game. "The Central Avenue Church folks gave us their scrap heap dream books, and we bought at an auction a real good jingle box for a few cartwheels. "One of our yaps has painted a lot of fine Bible verses which are hung around the walls. "One punk banner time when we started skyward the soft pickings our leader was sick and I was asked to deliver the heavenly salve. In my spiel I said, 'Ye are the salt of the earth.' A drunken man butted into the game and gave us some hot air. He said, 'Parson, you 've made a mistake. You mean ye are the fertilizer of the grit.' At first I thought he was trying to spike me but I guess he was level. "Our stiffs who have been doing a bit say they prefer to attend the pickings rather than God's shacks. "I am glad to know that Reddy's rats are making good. If you ever get discouraged, thinking everything is going to the everlasting bow-wows, pay Riverside Mission a call and see the modern miracle of men raised from the dead." As Never Sweat finished his talk one of the girls turned to her chum and said, "Dick's friend is quite fluent in the use of the American language. I wonder if old Mr. Crawford understood all that he said." Dick enjoyed the mystified looks of his congregation. They evidently did not understand the language of the street. Chapter XLI THE CELEBRATION And make this our chief holiday. — Watson. TT7HEN Eugene Maxfield received his mail on Tuesday ' * morning he found a letter from Mr. Williams, telling of the ingathering of converts when Dick Crawford drew in the net. His first impulse was to go home at once, but on second thought concluded that he had better go on with his investigations. During the week Miss Townsend wrote to him a lengthy report of the reception and Dick's sermon. She expressed the hope that Mr. Maxfield was enjoying his vacation and that he would return to Jamestown with renewed health. Eugene Maxfield rejoiced to hear how faithfully his friends carried on his work. When Mr. Maxfield returned home, he made his report to Mr. Williams and was commended for his careful investi- gations. Among many items in his report he said, "I have ascer- tained that as a successful horse race depends upon five things — good weather, a fast track, an enthusiastic crowd, a safe jockey, and a good horse — so five things are neces- sary to conduct a satisfactory life annuity business, — a good 202 ICE-CREAM ALLEY organization, well-qualified directors, a large clientele, a good system, and proper tools." "Since I heard Dick's friend, Never Sweat, speak," said Mr. Williams, "I realize how the life annuity system would have been a great blessing to his father and himself. If Never Sweat was receiving the annuity today he would be in a position to render financial assistance to the mission. This case reminds me of the old saying: 'For the want of a nail the shoe was lost, For the want of a shoe the horse was lost, For the want of a horse the rider was lost,. For the want of a rider the battle was lost, For the want of a battle the kingdom was lost — And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.' "I have gotten the park work well under way. It will be ready for use on the Fourth of July. What do you think about having the park dedicated on that day, Mr. Maxfield?" "That would be fine. What suggestions have you to offer?" asked the minister. "You have so many original ideas, Mr. Maxfield, I will leave the matter entirely in your hands." "You flatter me, Mr. Williams. I will put on my think- ing-cap and see what we can do." Eugene Maxfield and Miss Townsend held many long consultations together — presumably about the church problems.. Her sister, Mrs. Edwards, said to her husband one day, "I guess it is going to be a match, all right." The young minister had visited Dick Crawford, and re- ceived a report of his version of the work in Jamestown. THE CELEBRATION 203 The first Sunday that Mr. Maxfield was at home, greatly to his joy nearly a score of new converts united with the Church. The preacher thought about the park dedication by day and dreamed about it by night. Early one morning he called at Mr. Williams' house' and told him of a dream that he had. "I dreamed that your etnployees assembled at the factory and marched in a body to the park. When they came to the entrance they saw a large stone on which was engraved, 'All that thou shalt give me I will surely give a tenth unto thee.' "When they entered the park they heard a large number of people chanting psalms. Much to my sorrow I awoke with a start by the blowing of the factory whistles. "My suggestion would be for you to carry out this dream. Then after the singing that you present the park to the city. If you wish it, I will offer the dedicatory prayer. You might close the exercises with some familiar hymn or song to be sung by the audience." "That's fine, Mr. Maxfield. We'll do it. You look after the music. I will have the stone ready, and invite my em- ployees to attend the dedication. We will have our brass band head the procession. After the ceremonies are over we will have an old-fashioned barbecue dinner. After din- ner the baseball club can have a game in the new athletic field at the park." Everything was in readiness on the morning of the Fourth. The weather was fine. There was a big crowd in town, and everything went ofif to the entire satisfaction of all parties concerned. 204 ICE-CREAM ALLEY In Mr. Williams' presentation speech he paid a tribute to the honesty and faithfulness of his employees. He said, "Without your co-operation I could not have amassed such a large fortune. As a memorial to you I will name the park, The Factory Park. "I have proven the assertion that, 'It is more blessed to give than it is to receive,' and I hope you will also have a like experience. Beginning with next pay-day each of you will receive a raise in your wages, and I ask you to do all in your power to help me increase the efficiency of our factory. "Mr. Maxfield has told me that the money-sharks have been charging you a high rate of interest on loans they have made you. Hereafter when you need money come to me, and if your object is worthy, I will loan you what money you need at the legal rate of interest. "It has been my observation that the modern factory does not develop the highest type of manhood. "Having had some experience with the work of the Young Men's Christian Association I am prepared to say that their Physical Department is of great value in develop- ing Christian manhood. "I might say by way of explanation that the object of the Physical Department of the Young Men's Christian As- sociation is to promote, by means of exercise, recreation, and education, the highest physical, mental, and moral efficiency of men and boys essential to the development of the best type of virile Christian manhood. "I have secured from our state Y. M. C. A. one of our best physical instructors to teach you the exercises and THE CELEBRATION 205 games that made the men of Greece famous for their strength, agility, and skill. "During the summer these lessons will be given in the park in the evening so as not to interfere with your work. This instruction will be free to all our factory employees. "The Big Brother AlHance — of which you may be charter members — will father this new movement. "The business sessions and some of the socials will be held at Ice-Cream Alley. "The supreme objective of the Young Men's Christian Association is to lead men and boys to a definite acceptance of the Christian ideal. "The physical director, in all his physical work, will con- stantly keep in mind the relationship of right neuro-muscle habits in the development of character, and it is our earnest desire to see you become followers of the lowly Nazarene." This speech was received with great applause. During the baseball game Mr. Williams said to the preacher, "This has been one of the happiest days I have ever spent. I have had more real enjoyment today than I have had in many years. I don't know whether I want to go to heaven or not, for I'm having a heaven of my own down here." "I am glad you are enjoying your work, Mr. Williams. You know the old hymn says, 'Heaven is not far away When Jesus is near.' " Chapter XLII HALLOWE'EN How shall we plan, that all be fresh and new — Important matter yet attractive too. — Goethe. rpHE PREACHERS of Riverside and Mr. Maxfield pre- pared the outline for the New Testament pageant. The plays were all given as prearranged, but the union meetings were postponed, for the evangelist whom they selected could not come to Jamestown before the third week of October. The meeting drew great crowds, and much interest was manifested from the first. For many years the citizens of Jamestown had celebrated Hallowe'en with a gay masquerade parade. Many objec- tionable people mingled with the masqueraders, and under cover of a mask many liberties were taken. Eugene Maxfield was a great reader. Late one night in looking over James Whitcomb Riley's works these lines caught his eye: "An' the Gobble-uns '11 get you Ef you don't watch out." He saw at once the possibility of having an innocent Hallowe'en frolic under the auspices of the Church. HALLOWE'EN 207 The minister asked the Tribe of Israel how they would like to try something new for Hallowe'en. He described the plan he had in mind and the novelty of it appealed to them. Knowing that Dick Crawford would enjoy being at the Hallowe'en celebration and also be a valuable addition to it, Eugene Maxfield wrote to him and asked if he could be present. Within a day or two he received the following character- istic letter from Dick: My dear Reddy: I shall think of it often, The next Hallowe'en. I can see the dear fellows. The old village green. How I long for the pleasure, The good things to eat. For the sweet pretty maidens That play on the street. But the fates are against me, I cannot be there. So I'll have to imagine The pleasant affair. You will kindly remember Young Crawford, the brick, I am yours very truly. Fraternally, Dick. Arrangements were made for the evangelist to hold a short service on Hallowe'en night. He entered heartily into the merry-making and had a good time. Miss Fannie Townsend was not only a good organist but she was also a composer of music. Her best production was 208 ICE-CREAM ALLEY "The Church Service." It represented the full church service — the voluntary, response, reading, chanting of the Lord's prayer, the dropping of the coins in the collection-basket, the sermon, the recessional, and the tramping of feet as the congregation left the church. Eugene Maxfield asked her to compose a medley of pop- ular songs which the band could play during the Hallowe'en parade. The brass band was divided into two divisions. One division represented a Rube band. They wore fancy calico suits. The Rube band marched on one side of the street and played "A Hot Time in The Old Town." The other division of the band marched on the opposite side of the street and played the medley that Miss Townsend had ar- ranged. The Tribe of Israel wore their pageant costumes. Scores of others wore fantastic suits. After the church service the people hastily donned their masks and a parade was formed which marched through the business section of the city. At the head of the procession a man carried a banner bearing this inscription : "With frolic, antic, and caper combined Every witch we shall fright out of mind." Before the Tribe of Israel unmasked they made calls on numerous citizens. They rang each door-bell and left big envelopes marked. Instructions Inside. Each letter was sealed with a big red horseshoe seal. When the letters were opened it was found that each contained a request to do HALLOWE'EN 209 some act of kindness — to send provisions to a certain family, a load of coal to a widow, blooming plants to the sick, and many other requests. These gifts were to be taken or sent to the specified recipients before Thanksgiving Eve, for the first anniversary of the tithing experiment was to be celebrated on Thanks- giving Day. The revival meetings continued six weeks, and many souls were saved. The converts united with the several Churches of Jamestown and Riverside. The Central Church received the largest addition to their membership because their people were on to their job. One evening when Mr. Maxfield was walking home with Miss Townsend, she said, "Isn't this glorious ? I wish this would go on forever." "It can, if you will say 'y^s,' Fannie." "You mean thing! You know I didn't mean that," but she nestled closer to the preacher's arm. The minister took the cue and said, "Fannie, will you be my wife?" "Oh, I suppose I will have to say 'yes,' for you won't give me any peace until you win your point." "Can you be ready in a couple of weeks?" "Mercy, no! June is the proper month to be married." "Why, sweetheart, what's the use of putting it off so long? Tell me, please, how soon can you be ready?" "Oh, if you are in such a hurry, I expect I could be ready by the middle of December." "Well, that will suit me. The meetings will be over, the Thanksgiving plans will be out of my system and the church 210 ICE-CREAM ALLEY work can be put in good shape before we take our bridal trip." When Fannie Townsend entered the house her sister put her arms around her and said, "Fannie, what makes you look so happy? Is it settled?" Instead of answering her question she kissed her and ran up-stairs to her room. The next morning she told Mr. and Mrs. Edwards of her engagement. She said that she must go home and make her preparations for the wedding. Mr. Edwards said, "You'll do nothing of the kind, Fannie. We'll have a shower and a big wedding for you here." When the matter was reported to the minister, he asked, "Why can't we have the shower at Ice-Cream Alley ? That's the popular place for all social functions in this town." The night of the shower the club-house was filled with a merry crowd of their friends. There was much sport when the prospective bride opened the packages. The first one chanced to be a new broom which bore this inscription : "In sunshine use the bushy part, in storm the other end." The presents were appropriate and numerous — leaving scarcely anything to be bought to furnish the new home. Before the evening was over, the crowd insisted that the wedding be given at the club-house. As one of the induce- ments the Tribe of Israel promised to wear their pageant costumes and give the young couple a wedding breakfast. Dick Crawford congratulated his old schoolmate and said, "I wish I was ordained so that I could marry you. You folks have a love for each other that don't freeze up in winter or die out in dog-days." Chapter XLIII THE WEDDING The Synagogue was all agog With animated dialogue, Methinks I hear them say: It's written in the catalogue, The preacher and the pedagogue Are going to wed today. — John McLeod Sutherland. A FEW days after the Hallowe'en frolic Eugene Maxfield ■^^ received a large envelope bearing the Jamestown postmark. It was sealed with a big red horseshoe. He opened the envelope with the presentiment that "Com- ing events cast their shadows before them." The letter looked as if several persons had had a hand in framing it. At the top of the page was printed in large letters, "He who laughs last laughs best." Beneath the quotation was a sketch of a pair of goats hitched to a small wagon on which was printed, "Not yet, but soon." Under the picture was writ- ten, "What shall be done unto the man whom the people de- lighteth to honor?" The communication was signed. The Localism Sufferers. He put the letter in his pocket and wisely refrained from showing it to anyone. 212 ICE-CREAM ALLEY The minister read over all the plays and could not find anything in the localisms to offend anyone. They were all good laugh-provokers but minus any sarcastic sting. He could not guess who had sent the letter, but he decided to keep his eyes open and watch for some one to let the cat out of the bag. He remembered that one of the farmers living near Jamestown kept a pair of goats to keep his live stock healthy. He thought possibly some of the baseball boys were going to play a joke on him and ride him around town after the wed- ding. The fine penmanship, however, suggested that per- haps some jealous lady might have been the instigator of the letter. But as the days passed he was no wiser than at first in regard to the identity of the writer. The week before Thanksgiving the Jamestown newspa- pers contained the following notice : "To hear a certain report be at Ice-Cream Alley at 10:30 o'clock on Thanksgiving morning." The young preacher was rejoiced to see a large number of people at the club-house. As the people met in the lobby they asked one another, "What's our preacher going to do next?" He took for his text, "A good report maketh the bones glad." Mr. Maxfield spoke briefly about the habit of circu- lating good and bad reports, and gave a number of illustra- tions to prove his point. He said, "It has been a year since many of you began tithing your incomes. The report we all are anxious to THE WEDDING 213 hear is whether you wish to keep on with this system or dis- continue it. Who will be the first to speak?" One after another of the tithers gave their testimony as being in favor of continuing the tithing plan. One woman said, "I knowed there was some kind of a trick in it, for I never had such a big income in my life, and I've paid out lots more money for various objects than I wanted to, but I'll try it another year for luck." The young preacher was rejoiced to see a large number signify their intention of becoming tithers. Eugene Maxfield was so busy for the next few days that before he was hardly aware of it his wedding-day had ar- rived. Miss Townsend wanted her former pastor to marry them. Mr. Maxfield wanted Mr. Crawford to perform the ceremony, so they agreed to have both men officiate at the wedding. Mr. Maxfield wrote out a new marriage ceremony which was to be read to the contracting parties and was to be signed by them in the presence of the guests. The ministers and as many of the guests as cared to affix their signatures were requested to sign it. In this ceremony the bride and groom declared their love for each other. They pledged themselves to share each other's joys and sorrows; and in case of separation they neither would remarry while the other lived ; and they dedicated their lives to God's service. Before the marriage ceremony was performed, the offi- ciating minister was to read the marriage license and the health certificates of the bride and groom. 214 ICE-CREAM ALLEY The Church granted their pastor thirty days' vacation. After the wedding ceremony it was the groom's intention to drive to Riverside so as to catch the fast train for the North As the wedding march was being played, the chief of police of Jamestown appeared on the scene and placed the groom under arrest. He read to him the warrant which said that the Reverend Eugene Maxfield had violated Sec- tion seven of Article five of the ordinances of the city of Jamestown. As it happened, the Mayor and other city officials were at the wedding. The Judge said that he would proceed to hear the case at once. The charge preferred against the groom was for stealing property belonging to the city. It was proved that the bride was an employee of the Board of Education, and had not been granted a leave of absence, notwithstanding her resig- nation had been sent in several days previously. The jury held the preacher guilty. He was lined one cent which he paid and was given his liberty. The marriage ceremony was very impressive. The decora- tions of the club-house were rather unique. Instead of the customary wedding-bell, above their heads was suspended a swinging shelf covered with flowers. On the shelf were two piles of books tied together with white ribbon. In one pile was a Bible, a hymn-book, a commentary, a dictionary, a lot of manuscripts, and a collection plate. In the other pile were a spelling-book, geography, a history, an arith- metic, hand-bell, and a rod. The Tribe of Israel served an elegant breakfast, not for- getting their favorite ice-cream. THE WEDDING 215 After the breakfast, as the newly-married couple entered an auto, Dick Crawford remarked, "They make a fine team, and will work well together. May God have mercy on their souls." Rice and old shoes were thrown after them for good luck. The guests returned to the club-house, and Mr. and Mrs. Maxfield congratulated themselves upon getting away so easily. They had only gone a short distance from town when the auto went dead. After much fruitless labor it was discov- ered that some one had taken nearly all the gasoline out of the tank. The bridal couple were much perplexed. They feared that they would miss their train. Just as matters were be- coming serious, about a dozen auto loads of the Tribe of Israel appeared. The Maxfields were hurried into one of the autos and all reached Riverside in time for the newly-weds to catch their train, but the excitement made the young couple very nervous. They could not eat much at the wedding breakfast. When they were settled in the Pullman they opened the lunch-box which the young folks had thoughtfully prepared for them. They were surprised to find a big envelope addressed to Reddy and his bride. On opening the envelope, they found a draft for one hundred dollars, and a note saying, "Please accept this gift as a slight token of our love and esteem. We hope that you will have a long, happy and prosperous life. We are going 216 ICE-CREAM ALLEY to build a parsonage, and we hope to have you with us for many years. The letter had many signatures. Mrs. Maxfield said to her husband, "Isn't this glorious? I wish this would go on forever." Her husband leaned over and whispered, "Sweetheart, you said that once before. Do you remember ? Let us keep in mind the promise, 'No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.' " Chapter XLIV THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY I have eaten your bread and salt, I have drank your virater and wine; The deaths ye died I have watched beside, And the lives ye led were mine. — Kipling. TT^IVE years had passed since the new Central Church at ■•- Jamestown was dedicated. The new church was an edifice built after Eugene Max- field's heart. It was constructed so that the thirty class rooms, each seating from twenty to one hundred persons, could each be partitioned off to itself or be thrown into a large auditorium. The baseball club had donated the chime of ten bells, and they paid a man to play the bells at sunrise and sunset, for church services and on special occasions. No longer was the name — Central Church — a misnomer. The name was now appropriate, for it was not only central in location, but it was the centre of activities for the James- town people. The men and women, and boys and girls of Jamestown took a pride in wearing buttons with the initials, C. C. S. — Central Church School — on them. The old adage, "All the Sunday School in the Church, and all the Church in the Sunday School," was supplanted 218 ICE-CREAM ALLEY by the slogan, "All the people in both the School and the Church." Eugene Maxfield and his wife had labored faithfully in season and out of season, and each day added to their enjoyment of the work. Each year Mr. Maxfield carefully planned some new way of celebrating the anniversary of the new church. This year he spent much time in the preparation of the anniversary service. When the eventful day arrived he took for his text, "Ye are my witnesses." After briefly reviewing the history of the Church during his pastorate, he said, "I have asked some of the people who have bought Life Annuity Bonds to write a few words of testimony regarding them, and, with your permission, I will read to you extracts from some of these communications." "My life annuity investments have saved me many an anxious day and a sleepless night." "I have experienced a sense of satisfaction that I never knew before." "It has saved me from making unwise investments." "I feel renewed in strength, and I believe that I will live longer because I bought a Life Annuity Bond." "Because my father bought a Life Annuity Bond for me, it saved me from marrying a fortune hunter." "We are glad that we bought a Life Annuity Bond before our son failed in business." "I know that my health is better since we bought these bonds." THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY 219 "As the annuity is always paid promptly, I can pay my bills when they are due." "I wish that we had known that the Church was selling Life Annuity Bonds before we lost so much money." "I am very thankful that brother Maxfield told us of this plan." "Since we distributed our money, as Christ advised the rich young ruler to do, we have an increased income, plus contentment." "I am glad that my money after my death will be used to further the Lord's work." "This is the only investment that pays dividends in two worlds." While Mr. Maxfield was reading the testimonials Mr. Mitchell arose from his seat. When the reading was fin- ished Mr. Mitchell said in a rich, clear voice, "Mr. Maxfield, it may not be the proper thing for me to interrupt the service, for I have only been a member of the Church a short time, but for some unaccountable reason it seems that I must speak a word about this annuity plan if you will give me the privilege." "Speak on," said Mr. Maxfield. "A few years ago a tramp printer came to Jamestown and secured a position. He made a rather fine appearance when he was dressed up. He took part in the pageant of "The Sacrifice" and became acquainted with our daughter Ethel. I do not know why she took up with him but they were soon engaged to be married, and he asked Mr. Maxfield to per- form the marriage ceremony. 220 ICE-CREAM ALLEY "When I learned of the condition of afifairs I offered Mr. Maxfield ten thousand dollars in cash if he would break up the match. "He told me that if I did not have enough influence over my own daughter to convince her what was right in the matter that he certainly could not be expected to get her to change her mind. "I had a talk with Ethel and she consented to postpone the wedding for a short time. "When the annuity system was presented by that preacher who made it so clear that this was the only way to positively protect ourselves and loved ones from financial losses I bought several Life Annuity Bonds for the benefit of my wife, Ethel, and myself. I gave her one of the bonds and asked her to show it to this tramp printer. "When she showed it to him he flew into a rage, threat- ened to sue me for alienating the affections of Ethel, and after a drunken debauch he left town between two days and has not been heard of since. "Of course I'm glad this annuity plan was presented to us and I have never experienced such joy as we have had since I set our house in order." After hearing these testimonies, many in the audience signified their intention of buying Life Annuity Bonds. Eugene Maxfield said in conclusion, "I wish to add my testimony to the value of Life Annuity Bonds. I am glad that the Church recognizes the truth of the Saviour's words, 'Where your treasure' is there will your heart be also.' "I believe that tithing has been the most potent factor in this community for the upbuilding of our Church. God THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY 221 values obedience more than sacrifice. Because you have tithed your incomes he has opened the windows of heaven and poured out such a blessing that it has made it possible for you to buy Life Annuity Bonds. "You have naturally become more interested in the church work, for now that you have bought Life Annuity Bonds of the religious and educational organizations you are in reality partners in their work." Before the last hymn was sung, Rev. Elias Crawford walked to the platform, and, facing the congregation, said, "My friends, words fail, me to express my appreciation of the help you gave me when you bought that Life Annuity Bond for me. "I daily thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, for your excellent gift. I feel the elasticity of youth in my veins, and I am tempted to make application for another charge. In the words of the psalmist I can testify that they who buy Life Annuity Bonds, 'Shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary.' " Additional Publications by HENRY ALBERT COLLINS "The Life Annuity Man" Havana, Illinois. "THE BANKER'S INVESTMENT," published by the Board of Conference Claimants of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 820 Garland Building, Chicago, 111. "THE HAPPY MAN," published by Moody Bible Institute, 153 Institute Place, Chicago, 111. "AFTER MANY DAYS," published by Correlated Presbyterian Schools, Daniel Building, Jackson, Miss. "THEIR GOLDEN WEDDING," published by The Board of Church Extension of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Ills Fourth Ave., Louisville, Ky. "HIS SILENT PARTNER," published by the National Benevolent Association of the Christian Church, 29SS North Euclid Ave., St. Louis, Mo. "THE JUDGE'S DECISION," published by The Board of Foreign Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church, ISO Fifth Ave., New York City. "THE WINNING SIDE," published by The Christian Woman's Board of Missions, College of Missions Building, Indianapolis, Ind. "OUR MERCHANT PRINCE," published by Muskingum College, New Concord, Ohio. "HER SILVER CUP," published by The American Baptist Pub- lication Society, 1701 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Penna. "INSIDE THE FACTORY," published by Ohio Wesleyan Univer- sity, Delaware, Ohio_. "LIFE ANNUITY TEXT BOOK," pubUshed by The American Sunday School Union, 1816 Chestnut St., Philadelphia, Pa. "LIFE ANNUITY BONDS," published by Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa. "PENN COLLEGE ANNUITIES," published by Penn College, Oskaloosa, Iowa. Complimentary copies of these booklets may be had on appli- cation to the publishers. iiiB!ii»iiitiiiliiiiii!iitliiil!i^^^