His own membership was represented by men who, while opposed to his idea of the Christian life and his interpretation of Christ, nevertheless continued to go and hear him preach.

The incident of the sexton's application for membership and his rejection by vote had also told somewhat in favor of the minister.

Many preachers would have resigned after such a scene.

He had said his say about it, and then refused to speak or be interviewed by the papers on the subject.

What it cost him in suffering was his own secret.