The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1899-11-30

each other Ever since our paths led us
in different ways in church life We have
walked together In Christian fellow.
ship.
ut is true. 4" replied Dr. Bruce. with
an emotion he made no attempt to con-
ceal or subdue Thank God for it
prize your fellowship more than any
mans have always known what it
meant. though it has always been more
than deserve.
The bishop looked affectionately at
his friend. but the shadow still rested
ON his face After pause he spoke
again
1.-THE new discipleship means a crisis
for you in your work. II you keep this
pledge to do all things as Jesus would
do. as ! know you will. It requires no
prophet to predict some remarkable
changes in your parish" The bishop
locked wistfully at Bruce and then con.
tinued "In fact. do not see how a
perfect upheaval Of Christianity as we
now know it can be prevented if the
ministry and churches generally take
the Raymond pledge and live II out. ="
He paused rs if he were waiting for his
friend to say something, to ask some
question. but Bruce did not know Of
the fire that was burning in the bishops
heart over the very question that Max
well and himself had fought ont
''Now. in my church. for instance.
so many lives Henry Maxwell had at
last decided that the time had come to
seek the fellowship of ether churches
throughout the country. The new dis
cipleship in Raymond had proved to be
so valuable in its results that Henry
Maxwell wished the church in general
to share with the disciples in Ray
mond. Already there had begun q vol
unteer movement in many Of the
churches throughout the country. act.
ing on their own desire to walk closer
in the steps of Jesus The Christian
Endeavor societies had with enthusiasm
in many churches taken the pledge to
do as Jesus would do, and the reselt
was already marked in a deeper spir
itual life and power in church influ-
ence that was like new birth for the
members.
All this DR.. Bruce told his people
simply and with personal interest that
evidently led the way to his announce
ment. which now followed Felicia had
listened to every word with strained
attention. She sat there by the side Of
Rose. in contrast like fire beside snow.
although even Rose was as alert and
excited as she could be-
Dear friends. he said. and for the
first time since his prayer the emotion
Of the occasion was revealed in his
voice and gesture. II am going to ask
that Nazareth Avenue church take the
same pledge that Raymond church has
taken. l know what this will mean to
you and me. 1t will mean the complete
change Of very many habits 1t will
mean possibly social loss 1t will mean
very probably in many cases loss Of
money. 1t will mean suffering. It will
mean what following Jesus meant in
the first century. and then 1t meant
suffering. loss. hardship. separation
from every thing un-Christian- But
what does following Jesus meant The
test Of discipleship is the same now as
then. Those Of You who volunteer in
the Nazareth Avenue church to do rs
Jesus would do simply promise to walk
in his steps, as he gave us command
ment.
Again Rev. Calvin Bruce. pastor Of
Nazareth Avenue church. paused. and
now the result of his announcement
was plainly visible in the stir that went
over the congregation. He added in
quiet voice that all who volunteered to
make the pledge to do as Jesus would
do were asked to remain after the
morning service
Instantly he proceeded with his SER
mon. His text was from Matthew viii.
10, "Master. will follow thee whittier
soever thou goest.
It was a sermon that touched the
deep springs Of conduct 1t was q rev.
elation to the people Of the definition
their pastor had been learning It took
them back to the first century Of Chris
tianity. Above all. it stirred them be-
low the conventional thought Of years
as to the meaning and purpose Of church
membership. It was such q sermon as
man can preach once in lifetime and
with enough in it for people to live on
all through lifetime
The service closed in hush that was
slowly broken. People rose here and
there few at q time There was re-
luctance in the movements Of the peo-
pie that was very striking
Rose. however. walked straight out
the pew. and as she reached the aisle
she turned her head and beckoned to
Felicia BY that time the congregation
was rising all over the church.
Felicia instantly answered her sis
ter's look
"I'm going to stay" she said. and
Rose had heard her speak in the same
manner on other occasions and knew
that Felicia's resolve could not be
changed Nevertheless she went back