Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-11-01


back to him as he spoke and thrilled
him with the hope Of spiritual bap.
tism such as he had never during al
his ministry experienced
IL am just back from a visit to Ray.
mond." DR. Bruce began. land want
to tell you something of my impressions
Of the movement there.
He paused. and his look went over
his people with yearning for them and
at the same time with a great uncer.
tainty at his heart How many Of his
rich. fashionable. refined. luxury loving
members would understand the nature
of the appeal he was soon to make tc
them1 He was altogether in the dark
as to that Nevertheless he had been
through his desert and had come out of
it ready to suffer He went on now aft
er that brief pause and told the story
of his stay in Raymond The people al
ready knew something of that expert
ment in the First church The whole
country had watched the progress OF
the pledge as it had become history in
80 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
80 valuable in its 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 a deeper spir.
itual life and a power in church infu'
ence that was like a new birth for the
members
All this Dr. Bruce told his people
simply and with a personal interest that
evidently led the way to his announce
ment. which now followed. Felicia had
listened 70 orery 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. IL am going to ask
that Nazareth Avenue church take the
same pledge that Raymond church has
taken know what this will mean to
you and me- 1t will mean the complete
change of very many habits. It 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 it 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 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 a
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 q sermon that touched the
deep springs Of conduct It was rev.
elation to the people Of the definition
their pastor had been learning 1t 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 sermon as a
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.
ple 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 Felicias 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 do9 You
will bring disgrace upon the family
What will father sayH Come.
Felicia locked at her, but did not an.
swer at once. Her lips were moving
with a petition that came from depth
of feeling that measured a new life for
her She shook her head
"No: I am going to stay. I shall
take the pledge am ready to obey it
Ycu do not know why / 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