The Princeton union., 1899-10-19

90 many lives Henry Maxwell had at
last decided that the time had come to-
seek the fellowship Of ether churches
through ghout the country. The new dis
cipleship in Raymond had proved to. be
so valuable in it's results that Henry
Maxwell wished the church in general
to share with the disciples in Ray
mond Already there had begun 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 result
was already marked in deeper spir-
itual life and a power in church influ-
ence that was like new birth for the
members. g..... H.,
All this DIR. 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, 81 am going to ask
that Nazareth Avenue church take the
same pledge that Raymond church has
taken. I know what this will mean to
you and me. It will mean the complete
change of very many habits. It will
mean possibly social loss. It will mean
very probably in many cases loss. of
money. It will mean suffering. It will
mean what following Jesus meant in
the first century, and then it meant
suffering, loss, hardship, separation
from every thing un-Christian But
what does following Jesus mean? The
test Of discipleship is the same now as
then. Those of you who volunteer in
the Nazareth Avenue church to do as
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, T will follow thee WHITTIER
soever thou goest.''
1t was a sermon that touched the
deep springs of conduct. It was a 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. 1t was such 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 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
into the pew two or three steps and
faced her.
''Felicia,' she whispered, and there
was a flush of anger on her cheeks,
''this is folly. What can you do? You
will bring disgrace upon the family.
What will father say? Come
Felicia looked at her, but did not an
swer at once. Her lips were moving
with petition that came from a depth
OF feeling that measured a new life for
her. She shook her head.
mo; am going to stay. l shall
take the pledge. I am ready to obey it,
You do not know why I am doing
this.
Rose gave her one look and then
turned and went out of the pew and
down the aisle. She did not even stop
to talk with her acquaintance. Mrs.
Delano was going out of the church
just as Rose stepped into the vestibule
$50 you are not going to join the
doctors volunteer company?' Mrs. De-
lano asked in queer tone that made
Rose redden.
''No. Are you? It is simply asburd.
have always regarded the Raymond
movement as fanatical You know
Cousin Rachel keeps US posted about it,
eyes; understand it is resulting in
a great deal Of hardship in many cases.
For my part, I believe DR.. Bruce has
simply provoked a disturbance here. It
will result in splitting Nazareth Avenue
church. You see if that isn't SO. There
are scores of people in the church who
are SO situated that they can t take such
a pledge and keep it, 1 am one Of
them" added Mrs. ,Delano as she went
ont with Rose =; : =