human
I might also add, that we are delighted with the work you are doing at the church, continued the Elder magnanimously.
gpt
It is--er--very good. Though I am still a little dubious about your associations down at the club, still----
human
Father's ambition is to have all the pews filled,
gpt
No, my dear. That is hardly my position. There must never be a sacrificing of principle, even for the sake of full pews. A full church--er--is not the most important part of parish work. Am I not right, Mr. McGowan?
human
Quite right, if that is the end sought in itself.
gpt
I am convinced from what you said yesterday that you will furnish us--er--with both. I am confidently looking forward to one of our most prosperous years.
human
Both?
gpt
Yes. I am old-fashioned enough to believe in the need of--er--the saving power of the gospel. Full pews without that would make our church the sounding of brass and the tinkling of cymbal. We must have the old-time power in our churches to-day, Mr. McGowan.
human
You think Little River needs reforming, Father?
gpt
That is exactly the point I make: it is more than reformation we need, it is conversion. Take the Athletic Club, for example. Will reform stop them? No, sir, no more than a straw-stack would stop a tornado. They need--er--a mighty thunderbolt from heaven, and I hope that you will let God use you, sir, as the transmitting agency.