Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-10-12
Observation-Disclosures
IN HIS STEPS.
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Jeaus Dn ~

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the other church members at the First
church. It had forced itsAlf upon his
notice all through his writing and ever
since Rachel had said no to him He
had asked a thousand times, tWould
Jesus do this ~ ssWould he write this
story Z" 1t was society novel, written
in style that had proved popular. 1t
had no purpose except to amuse. Its
moral teaching was not bad, but nei-
ther was it Christian in any positive
way. Jasper Chase knew that such q
story would sell. He was conscious of
powers in his way that the social world
petted and admired. What would Jesus
dor The question obtruded on him at
the most inopportune times. He be-
came irascible over it. The standard of
Jesus as an author was too ideal Of
course Jesus would use his powers to
produce something useful or helpful or
with purpose. What was he, Jasper
Chase, writing this novel fort Why,
what nearly every writer wrote for
namely, money and fame as writer
There was no secret with him that he
was writing this new story with that
object. He was not poor and so had no
temptation to write for money, but he
was urged on by his desire for fame as
much as anything. He must write this
kind of matter. But what would Jesus
dor The question plagued him even
more than Rachel's refusal. Was he
going to break his promise3
AS he stood at the window Rollin
Page came out of the clubhouse just OPP
posite. Jasper noted his handsome face
and noble figure as he started down the
street. He went back to his desk and
turned over some papers there. Then
he returned to the window. Rollin was
walking down past the block, and RAJ
chel Winslow was walking beside him.
Rollin must have overtaken her as she
was coming from Virginia s that after
noon. IS.
Jasper watched the two figures until
they disappeared in the crowd on the
walk. Then he turned to his desk and
began to write. When he had finished
the last page of the last chapter Of his
book, it was nearly dark What would
Jesus do? He had finally answered the
question by denying his Lord. It grew
darker in Jasper room. He had DELHI
erately chosen his course, urged on by
his disappointment and loss. I
But Jesus said unto him, No man,
having put his hand to the plow and
looking back, is fit for the kingdom of
heaven. y
When Rollin started down the street
tEAt afternoon that Jasper stood looking
out Of his window, he was not thinking
of Rachel Winslow and did not expect
to see her anywhere He had come sud
denly upon her as she turned into the
avenue, and his heart had leaped up at
the sight of her. He walked along by
her now rejoicing, after all, in a little
moment Of this earthly love he could
not drive out of his life.
81 have just been over to see Vir-
S1ultt, SttAu IsttCuel. dig IellS Ll0 bl0
arrangements are nearly completed for
the transfer Of the Rectangle property :"
Yes, it has been q tedious case in
the courts. Did Virginia show you all
the plans and specifications for build
ings ~
eve looked over good many It is
astonishing to me where Virginia has
managed to get all her ideas about this
work. y
Virginia knows. more now abont
Arnold Toynbee and east end London
and institutional church work in Amer
lea than good many professional Stun
workers She has been spending nearly
all summer in getting information. -
Rollin was beginning to feel more at
ease as they talked over this coming
work for humanity. It was safe COM
mon ground.
What have you been doing all sum-
mer2 have not seen much of you, y
Rachel suddenly asked, and then her
face warmed with its quick flush of
tropical color, as if she might have inn
piled too much interest in Rollin or too
much regret at not seeing him oftener
81 have been busy" replied Roilin
briefly.
.sTell me something about it, per-
sisted Rachel. "You say 50 little. Have
Ia right to ask 7"
She put she question very frankly,
turning toward Rollin in real interest.
/ Eyes, certainly" he replied, with a
grateful smile. II am not SO certain
that can tell you much. / have been
trying to find some way TO reach the
men ] once knew and win them into
more useful liz ss. =
F He stopped kuddenly, as IL he were
almost afraid to go on, Rachel did not
venture to suggest anything,
II have been member Of the same
company to which you and Virginia be-
long" continued Rollin, beginning
again. II haze made the pledge to do
as believe Jesus would do, and IL Is
In trying to answer this question that
have been doing my work. 2
.'That is what I do not understand.
Virginia told me about the other. II
seems wonderful to think that you are
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