The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1899-08-31

he taught his disciples to do. And those
who volunteer to do this will pledge
themselves for an entire year. begin
ming with today. SO to act L"
Henry Maxwell paused again and
looked over his church. 1t is not easy
to describe the sensation that such Il
simple proposition apparently made.
Men glanced ut one another in aston
tshment. 1t was not like Henry Max
well to define Christian disciplcship 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
service with brief prayer. The organ
list began his postlude Immediately aft
er the benediction, and the people be-
gan to 20 out. There was q great deal
Of conversation. Animated groups stood
all over the church discussing the min
ister's proposition. 1t was evidently
provoking great discussion. After sew
eral minutes Henry Maxwell asked all
who expected to remain to pass into
the lecture room on the side. He him
self was detained ut the front Of the
church talking with several persons
there. and when he finally turned around
the church was empty. He walked over
to the lecture room entrance and went
in. He was almost startled to see the peo-
pie who were thore. He had not made
mp his mind about any of his members
hut he had hardly expected that SO
many We're ready to enter into such
literal testing Of their discipleship as
now awaited them. There were perhaps
80 members present. Among them were
Rachel Winslow and Virginia Page.
Mr.. Norman, President Marsh. Alex
ander Powers, the railroad superintend-
ent; Milton Wright. DR.. West and JAS
per Chase.
The pastor closed the door of the lec-
ture room and stood before the little
group. His face was pale. and his lips
trembled with emotion. 1t was TO him
a genuine crisis in his own life and that
Of his parish. No man can tell until he
is moved by the Divine Spirit what he
may do or how he may change the cur
rent Of lifetime Of fixed habits Of
thought and speech and action. Henry
Maxwell did not, as we have said. yet
know himself all that he was passing
through, but he was conscious Of a
great upheaval in his definitions of
Christian discipleship. and he was
moved with q depth Of feeling he could
not measure as he looked into the faces
of these men and women on this occa-
sion.
It seemed to him that the most fitting
word to be spoken first was that Of
prayer. He asked them all to pray with
him. and almost with the first syllable
he uttered there was distinct presence
of the Spirit felt by them all As the
prayer went on this presence grew in
power. They all felt 1t. The room was
filed with it as plainly as If it had been
visible. When the prayer closed, there
was silence that lasted several mo-
menta All the heads were bowed.
Henry Maxwells face was wet with
tears If an audible voice from heaven
had sanctioned their pledge to follow
the Masters steps, not one person pres
ent could have felt more certain of the
Divine blessing. And so the most seri
Ous movement ever started in the First
church of Raymond was begun.
1--WE all understand" said Henry
Maxwell, speaking very quietly. "what
we have undertaken to do. We pledge
to do everything in our daily
lives after asking the question. What
would Jesus dor regardless Of what
may be the result to us. Some time
shall be able to tell you what a marvel
BUS change has come over my life with
in q weeks time. cannot now. But
the experience I have been through
,ince last Sunday has left me 30 dissat-
SIZED with my previous definition Of
that have been compelled
70 take this action. did not dare be-
gin it alone. I know that am being
ed by the hand Of Divine love in all
his. The same Divine impulse must
rave led you also. Do we understand
'ully what we have undertaken"
II want to ask Q question" said
Rachel Winslox