Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-09-07

Shaping IN ner MIND. she naQ already
had one talk with her mother and knew
that she expected Rachel to accept the
offer and enter on successful career as
public singer.
Mother" Rachel said, coming at
once to the point as much as she dread
ed the interview, 81 have decided not
to go out with the company. I have
good reason for it.
Mrs. Winslow was large, handsome
woman, fond Of much company, ambi-
tious for distinct place in society and
devoted, according to her definitions of
success. to the success of her children.
Her youngest boy, Lewis. ten years
younger than Rachel, was ready to
graduate from military academy in
the summer. Meanwhile she and Rachel
We're at home together Rachel's father,
like Virginia's, had died while the FAM
lily were abroad. Like Virginia, she
found herself, under her present rule of
conduct. in complete antagonism with
her own immediate home circle.
Mrs. Winslow waited for Rachel to
go on.
"You know the promise made two
weeks ago, mother?'
"Mr. Maxwell's promise7"
"No. mine. You know what it was,
mother?"
81 suppose do. OF course all the
church members mean toimitate Christ
and follow him as far as is consistent
with our present day surroundings. Bnt
what has that to do with your decision
in the concert company $ matter?''s
SIT has everything to do with it.
After asking, What would Jesus do?'
and going to the source of authority for
wisdom have been obliged to say that
! do not believe he would in my case
make that use of my voice y
"Why2 Is there anything wrong
about such a career?''
'tsNo;I don't know that can say
there is
Do you presume to sit in Judgment
on other people who go ont to sing in
this ways Do you presume to say that
they are doing what Christ would not
do3''
"Mother wish you to understand
me- / Judge no one else. condemn NO
other professional singers. simply de-
eide my own course. As look at it,
have conviction that Jesus would do
something else"
"What alseG' Mrs Winslow had not
yet lost her temper. She did not under
stand the situation or Rachel in the
midst of it, but she was anxious that
her daughter's career should be as dis
tinguished as her natural gifts prom
ised, and she felt confident that when
the present unusual religious excite
ment in the First Church had passed
away Rachel would 60 on with her
public life according to the wishes of
i the family. She was totally unprepared
fol. Rachel,s next remark
"What2 Something that will serve
mankind where it most needs the serv-
ice of song. Mother, have made up
my mind to use my voice in some way
20 as to satisfy my soul that am doing
something better than pleasing fashion
able audiences or making money or even
gratifying my own love of singing. lam
going to do something that will satisfy
me when l ask. What would Jesus
dog and l am not satisfied and cannot
be when I think of myself as singing
myself into the career of a concert COM
pany performer.
Rachel spoke with a vigor and ear
nestness that surprised her mother. Mrs
Winslow was angry now, and she never
tried to conceal her feelings.
1T is simply absurd! Rachel, you
are fanatict What can You dog
The world has been served by men
and women who have given it other
thiig that We're gifts. Why should l,
because am blessed with a natural
| gift. once proceed to put a market
price on it and make all the money I
can ont of lts Yon know. mother, that
you have taught me to think Of nu-
steal career always in the light of a
financial and social success. have been
unable since | made my promise two
weeks ago to imagine Jesus Joining a
concert company TO 90 what l wonio
10 .s ana I'VE me ire 1 would nave TO 1--WE
II joined u,
mrs. Mlnslo" rose ana then sat COVE