Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1899-10-05

All lllS I)r. Bruce tOld his people
simply and with personal interest that
evidently led tho way to his announce
mant which now followed Felicia had
listened TO every word with strained
Intention. 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, 81 am going to ask
that Nazareth Avenue church take the
fame 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. 1t will
mean possibly social loss. 1t will mean
very probably in many cases loss of
money 1t will mean suffering 1t will
mean what following Jesus meant in
the first century, and then it meant
suffering, loss, hardship, separation
from every thing unChristian. But
what does following Jesus mean2 The
test Of discipcship 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
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
Eoever thou goest.
1t was sermon that touched tho
, deep springs of conduct 1t 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
"a TO the meaning and purpose of church
membership 1t was such sermon as q
man can preach once in lifetime and
with enough in it for people to live on
all through a lifetime.
The service closed in hush that was
slowly broken. People rose here and
, there a few at time There was a re-
luctance in the movements of the peo-
pie 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 Felicia's 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 flush of anger on her cheeks
'1lis is folly. What can you do? You
will bring disgrace upon the family
What will father say? Come.
Felicia looked at her, but did not an
sver at once. Her lips were moving
with petition that came from depth
of feeling that measured a new life for
= her She shook her head.
"No; | am going to stay. l shall
, take the pledge | am ready to obey it
: You do not know why l am doing
= this "
! Rose gave her one look and then
9 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
! just as Rose stepped into the vestibule.
: $50 you are not going to join the
n doctors volunteer company? Mrs. De-
D.. lano asked in queer tone that made
Rose reddcn.
, NO Are your 1t is simply asburd.
. | have always regarded the Raymond
, movement as fanatical You know
,. Cousin Rachel keeps us posted about it. "
"Yes; understand it is resulting in
p n great deal of hardship in many cases.
= For my part believe DR.. Bruce has
, simply provoked disturbance here. II
will result in splitting Nazareth Avenue
-, church You see if that isn't so There
E are scores of people in the church who
f are so situated that they can t take such
. Il pledge and keep it. | am one OF
. them. added Mrs. Delano as she went
"a out with Rose
=. When Rose reached home, her father
/. was standing in his usual attitude be-
fore the open fireplace, smoking a cigar
Where is Felicia?' he asked as Rose
y came in alone
\ "She staid to an after meeting, re-
!, piled Rose shortly. She threw off hel
;, wraps and was going up stairs wher
:, Mr. Sterling called after her;
- "An after meeting? What do yor
y, mean?'
:. DIR, Bruce asked the church to TAXI
:. Che Raymond pledge "
q Mr.. Sterling took his cigar out of hi:
A mouth and twirled it nervously be
). tween his fingers
II ~ didn't expect that of DR.. Bruce
Did any of the members stayl"
>. Il don't know | didn't" replied
r Rose, and she went up stairs, leaving
IS her father standing in the drawing
room
- After few minutes he went to tn,
d window and stood there looking out ~
= the people driving on the boulevard
is His cigar had gone out but he still fin