The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1900-01-31

IL.
what does following Jesus mean? 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
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, l will follow thee whittier
soever thou goest. "
| 1t was sermon that touched the
deep springs of conduct. 1t was a 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. 1t 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 q 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 a flush Of anger on her cheeks,
''this is folly What can you dor You
will bring disgrace upon the family
What will father say9 Come.
| Felicia looked at her, but did not an
swer at once. Her lips were moving
with a petition that came from a depth
OF feeling that measured new life for
her. She shook her head.
''No; am going to stay. 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 acquaintances Mrs.
Delano was going out Of the church
just as Rose stepped into the vestibule.
$50 you are not going to join the
doctors volunteer company" Mrs. De-
lano asked in queer tone that made
Rose redden
'No. Are your 1t is simply asburd.
l have always regarded the Raymond
movement as fanatical You know
Cousin Rachel keeps us posted about it. "
"Yes; / understand it is resulting in
a great deal of hardship in many cases.
For my part, | believe Dr. Bruce has
simply provoked a disturbance here It
will result in splitting Nazareth Avenue
church. You see if that ism t So There
are scores Of people in the church who
are SO situated that they can take such
q pledge and keep it. l am one Of
| <hn,, n nj L
out with Rose
| When Rose reached home. her father
was standing in his usual attitude be-
fore the open fireplace. smok cigar
"Where is Felicia?" he ash as Rose
came in alone.
''She staid to an after meet re-.
piled Rose shortly She threw. her
wraps and was going up stairs 'en
Mr.. Sterling called after her:
IAN after meeting9 What do you
mean?"
''Dr Bruce asked the church to take
the Raymond pledge
Mr.. Sterling took his cigar out Of his
mouth and twirled it nervously be-
tween his fingers
uldn expect that OF Dr. Bruce.
Did any of the members stay?"
81 don't know. didn't" replied
Rose. and she went up stairs, leaving
her father standing in the drawing
boom.
After a few minutes he went to the
window and stood there looking out at
the people driving on the boulevard
His cigar had gone out but he still fin
gered it nervously. Then he turned
from the window and walked up and
down the room. A servant stepped
across the hall and announced dinner.
and he told her to wait for Felicia
Rose came down stairs and went into
the library. and still Mr.. Sterling paced
the drawing room restlessly.
| He had finally wearied Of tho yyo IlyipO