THE BROOKLYN CONVENTION

Being Called Doctor, (D. D.) -- Christian Workers' Dress -- The Tables Turn

Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1 Thess. 5:22.

     This is a great holiness meeting held every November, backed by two noble souls, Brother and Sister Cooke. The writer has been there twice. The first time, Revs. H. C. Morrison, C. H. Babcock and this scribe were the speakers. Our sainted Will Yates was the leader in song. One night he was the platform manager, and he made the announcements for the next day as follows: "Dr. H. C. Morrison will preach at 10:30, Dr. C. H. Babcock will preach at 2 :30, and Dr. B. B. Shelhamer will preach at 7:30." I objected, saying, "Don't call me Doctor," whereupon he turned and, looking at me, replied, "I take it all back! Piledriver will preach tomorrow night."

     "Very well, let it go at that."

     We were entertained at the Y. M. C. A., about three miles from the seat of the Convention. I was distressed at the thought of patronizing the Sunday subway street cars, but Brother Morrison helped me out by suggesting that we start a little early and walk it. He related many touching incidents on the way, but the main thing that pleased me was to find a man not too big to hold to his early convictions against Sabbath desecration. Many young preachers, in order to be popular, soon tone down and look, talk and behave like the generality of professors. How sad!

     At this Convention, as well as others I have attended, I have often felt grieved with the way some of the workers dress. Men and women, especially the sisters, seem to be in bondage to the customs and fashions of the world. They think they must wear the latest fashions, including the wedding ring (some, white gold) in order that everybody" may know that they are married. My wife has traveled in this and foreign countries for years, but has never found it necessary to put on a ring to keep from being insulted. The plain dress, accompanied by the glory of God on the face, has been sufficient.

     At another great Convention a young woman came forward and sang a beautiful song, but it was all lost because of her appearance. Brother Morrison and I were sitting together on the platform. He whispered to me, saying "I take no stock in it. Her dress is too tight and short."

     A touching incident occurred at Brooklyn. One night I observed a minister sitting in the rear of the audience. He had felt it his duty for years to, in a nice, suave way, oppose me and veto my engagement to a large camp in HIS conference. Now, when I saw him looking lonely, I said to myself, "This is my chance to show kindness." So I went down and gave him a hearty invitation to come up and sit with us on the platform. He thanked me, but replied, "I think I will feel better sitting here." Perhaps this was true. Sometimes the "tables turn."

Rose, Lily, Thorns

     "I am the Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the valleys. As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love." Song. 2 .1, 2, 4.