The Advocate and news., 1898-10-19


member of First church for ten years.
No man was more honored in the com
munity. There was Alexander Powers,
superintendent of the railroad shops,
There was Donald Marsh, President of
Lincoln College, situated in the suburbs
of Raymond. There was Milton Wright,
one of the great merchants of Raymond,
having in his employ at least 100 men in
various shops. There was Dr. West,
who, although comparatively young,
was quoted as authority in special sur
gical cases. There was young Jasper
Chase the author, who had written one
successful book and was said to be at
work on new novel. There was Miss
Virginia Page. the heiress, who through
the recent death Of her father, had inher-
tied a million at least, and was gifted
with unusual attractions of person and
intellect. And not least of ALL Rachel
Winslow from her seat in the choir
glowed with her peculiar beauty of light
this morning because she was so in
tensely interested in the whole scene
There was some reason, perhaps in view
of such material in the First church, for
Henry MaXwell's feeling Of satisfaction
whenever he considered his parish as
he had the previous Sunday. There was
a large number Of strong individual
characters who claimed membership
there. But as he noted their faces this
morning, Henry Maxwell was simply
wondering how many of them would re-
spond to the strange proposition he was
about to make. He continued slowly,
taking time to choose his words care
fully and giving the people an impress
sion they had never felt before, even
when he was at his best, with his most
dramatic delivery.
What l am going to propose now is
something which ought not to appear
unusual or at least impossible of execu-
tion. Yet am aware that it will be re-
garded SO by a large number, perhaps,
of the members of this church. But in
order that we may have a thorough un-
derstanding Of what we are considering,
l will put my proposition very plainly,
perhaps bluntly. l want volunteers from
the First church who will pledge them
selves earnestly and honestly for an
entire year not to do anything without
first asking the question, What would
Jesus do?' And after asking that ques-
tiOn, each one will follow Jesus as ex-
actly as he knows how, no matter what
the results may be. | will of course
include myself in this company Of volun-
teers, and shall take for granted that
my church here will not be surprised at
my future conduct as based upon this
standard of action, and will not oppose
whatever Is done II they think Christ
would do it. Have made my meaning
clear? At the close Of the service here
/ want all those members OF the church
who are willing to join such company
to remain and we will talk over the de-
tails of the plan. Our motto will be,
What would Jesus do?' Our aim will
be to act just as he would If he were in
our place, regardless of immediate re-
suits. In other words, we propose to
follow Jesus steps as closely and as
literally as we believe he taught his dis
ciples to do. And those who volunteer
to do this will pledge themselves for an
entire year, beginning with to-day, so to
act"
Henry Maxwell paused again and
looked over his church. 1t is not easy
to describe the sensation that such a
simple proposition apparently made.
Men glanced at one another in astonish-
ment. 1t was not like Henry Maxwell
to define Christian discipleship in this
way. There was evident confusion of
thought over his proposition. 1t was
understood well enough, but there was
apparently great difference Of opinion
as to the application of Jesus teaching
and example.
Henry Maxwell calmly closed the SER
vice with brief prayer. The organist
begin his postlude Immediately after the
benediction and the people began to go
out. There was great deal Of conver-
satiOn. Animated groups stood all over
the church discussing the minister's
proposition. It was evidently provok-
ing great discussion. After several min