Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1899-08-24

bership there. But as he noted their
faces this morning Henry Maxwell was
simply wondering how many Of them
would respond to the strange PROPOSE
ton he was about to make. He con-
tinued slowly, taking time to choose
his words carefully and giving the peo-
pie an impression they had never felt
before, even when he was at his best,
with his most dramatic delivery.
"What 1 am going to propose now is
something which ought not to appear
unusual or at all impossible Of execu-
tion, yet am aware that it will be SO
regarded by large number perhaps of
the members OF the church. But, in
order that we may have thorough
understanding of what we are consid-
ering, will put my proposition very
plainly, perhaps bluntly. want yolun-
teers from the First church who. will
pledge themselves earnestly and honest
~ for an entire year not to do anything
without first asking the question,
What would Jesus dor And after ask
ing that question each one will follow
Jesus as exactly as he knows how, no
matter what the results may be. will,
of course, include myself in this COM
pany of volunteers and shall take for
granted that my church here will not
be surprised at my future conduct as
based upon this standard of action and
will not oppose whatever is done if they
think Christ would do it. Have I made
my meaning a1ezxs At the close of the
service hare want all those members
of the church who are willing to join
such company to remain, and we
will talk over the details of the plan.
Our motto will be, What would Jesus
dor Our aim will be to act just as he
would if he were in our places, regard
less of immediate results. In other
words. we propose to follow Jesus steps
as closely and as literally as we believe
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. !"
Henry Maxwell paused again and
looked over his church. 1t is not easy
to describe the sensation that such a
simple proposition apparently made.
Men glanced at one another in aston
ishment. It was not like Henry Max.
well to define Christian discipleship in
this way. There was evident confusion
of thought over his proposition. It was
understood well. enough, but there was
apparently great difference of opinion
as to the application of Jesus teaching
and example. 80.
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 go ont. There was great deal
of conversation. Animated groups stood
all over the church discussing the min
listers proposition. It 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 at 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 there. He had not made
up his mind about any OF his members,
but he had hardly expected that SC
many were ready to enter into such a
literal testing of their discipleship as
now awaited them. There were perhaps
so members present. Among them were
Rachel Winslow and Virginia Page,
Mr.. Norman. President Marsh, Alex.
ander Powers, the railroad superintend-
emit; Milton Wright. Dr.. West and JAS
per Chase.
The pastor closed the door of the lee.
ture room and stood before the little
group. His face was pale. and his lips
trembled with emotion. It was to him
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. vel
know himself all that he was passing
through, but he was conscious of q
great upheaval in his definitions Of
Christian discipleship, and he wa:
moved with, depth of feeling he could
not measure as he looked into the face.
of these men and women on this occa
| sion,,
1t seemed to him that the most fitting
word to be spoken first was that Of
prayer. He asked them all to pray will
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 il
power. They all felt it. The room was
filled with it as plainly as if it had beer
visible. When the prayer closed, there
was silence that lasted several mo
ments All the heads We're bowed
Henry Maxwell's face was wet will
(, tears. If an audible voice from HEAVIER
had sanctioned their pledge to follow
the Masters steps, not one person pres
ent could have felt more certain Of tht