Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1899-08-16
it is seen and felt in our churches.

it is seen and felt in our churches I
have felt this with increasing emphasis
every day since, and I do not know
that any time is more appropriate than
the present for me to propose a plan or
a purpose which has been forming in
my mind as satisfactory reply to
much that was said here last Sunday"
Again Henry Maxwell paused and
looked into the faces Of his people,
There We're some strong, earnest men
and women in the First church. The
minister could see Edward Norman,
editor of the Raymond Daily News He
had been member of First church for
ten years. No man was more honored
in the community. There was Alexan-
der Powers, superintendent of the rail-
road shops. There was Donald Marsh,
president Of Lincoln college, situated in
the suburbs of Raymond. There was
Milton Wright one Of the great mer-
chants Of Raymond, having in his en-
ploy at least 100 men in various shops
There was DR.. West, who, although
still comparatively young, was quoted
as authority in special surgical cases.
There was young Jasper Chase, the
author, who had written one successful
book and was said to be at work on a
new novel. There was Miss Virginia
Page, the heiress, who through the re-
cent death of her father had inherited
million at least and was gifted with
unusual attractions of person and in
tellect. And, not least of all, Rachel
Winslow from her seat in the choir
glowed with her peculiar beauty of
light this morning because she was so
intensely interested in the whole scene.
There was some reason perhaps, in
view Of such material in the First
church, for Henry Maxwell's feeling of
satisfaction whenever he considered his
parish as he had the previous Sunday.
There was large number of strong in
dividual characters who claimed mem
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 I am going to propose now is
something which ought not to appear
unusual or at all impossible of execu-
ton, yet am aware that it will be so
regarded by a large number perhaps of
the members Of the church. But, in
order that we may have thorough
understanding of what we are consid-
ering, I will put my proposition very
plainly, perhaps bluntly. I want volun-
teers from the First church who will
Yledge themselves earnestly and honest
y 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- I 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 clear? At the close of the
service here 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
do?' 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. It 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
we'll 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 a 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 go out. There was a great deal
Of conversation. Animated groups stood
all over the church discussing the min
ister's 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
80 members present. Among them were
Rachel Winslow and Virginia Page.
Mr.. Norman. President Marsh, Alex
ander Powers, the railroad superintend-
ent; Milton Wright, DIR. West and JAS
per Chase.
The pastor closed the door Of the lee.
ture room and stood before the little
group. His face was Dale. and his lips