Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1900-11-25

l " Hat WDuIl bS EAe result IT all the church members of this city tried to do as Jesus would ae2 It is not possible to say in detail what the effect would be, but it is easy to say. and it is true, that instantly the human problem would be- gin to find an adequate answer.
 ssWhat is the test of Christian disei- pleshipY Is if not the same as in Christ s own lifetiney Have our surroundings modified or changed the test? If Jesus were here today. would he not call some of the members of this very church to do just what he commanded the young man and ask him to give up his wealth and literally follow him2 1 believe he would do that if he felt certain that any church member thought more of his possessions than of his Saviour. The test would be the same today as then. l believe Jesus would demand, he does demand now. as close following, as much suffering, as great self denial, as when he lived in person on the earth and said, Except man renouneeth all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple that is, unless he is willing to do it for my sake be cannot be my disciple.
 ..What would be the result if in this city every church member should begin to do as Jesus would dof It is not easy planned, when he came to the city, to return to Raymond and be in his own pulpit on Sunday, but Friday morning he had received at the settlement q call from the pastor of one of the largest churches in Chicago and had been in vited to fill the pulpit for both morning and evening services.
 At first he hesitated, but finally ao- cepted, seeing in it the hand of the Spirits guiding power. He would test his own question: He would prove the truth or falsity of the charge made against the church at the settlement meeting. How far would it go in ita self denial for Jesus sake? How close would it walk in his steps? Was the church willing to suffer for its Master
 Saturday night he spent in prayer nearly the whole night. There had new CT been so great wrestling in his soul, even during his strongest experiences in Raymond He had in fact entered upon new experience. The definition of his own discipleship was receiving an added test at this time, and he was being led into larger truth of his Lord.
 The great church was filled to it's ut most. Henry Maxwell, coming into the pulpit from that all night vigil, felt the pressure of great curiosity on the part of the people. They had heard of the Raymond movement, as all the churches had, and the recent action of Dr. Bruce pledge. With this curiosity was some= thing deeper, more serious Mr. Max well felt that also, and in the knowledge that the Spirits presence was his living strength he brought his message and gave it to the church that day.
 He had never been what would be called great preacher. He had not the force or the quality that makes remark able preachers But ever since he had promised to do as Jesus would do he had grown in a certain quality of per suasiyeness that had all the essentials of true elequence. This morning the peo- pie felt the complete sincerity and hu- mility of q man who had gone deep into the heart of great truth. After tell ing briefly of some results in his own church in Raymond since the pledge was taken he went on to ask the ques- ton he had been asking since tho settle ment meeting He had taken for his theme the story of the young man who came to Jesus asking what he must do to obtain eseTnal fife Jesus had tested him. ssSell all that thou hast and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. And, come; follow me. / But the young man was not willing to suffer to that extent If following Jesus meant suffering in that way, he was not willing He would like to follow Jesus, but not if he had to give up SC much.
 s'Is it true, continued Henry Max glowed with passion of appeal that stirred the people as they had seldom been stirred-ssis it true that the church of today. the church that is called after Christ own name, would refuse tc follow Jesus at the expense of suffering, of physical loss, of temporary gain The statement was made at large gathering in the settlement last week by leader of workingiaen that it was hopeless to look to the church for any reform or redemption Of society. On I what was that statement based Plain ly on the assumption that the churcl contained for the most part men and wdmsn who thought more Qf theif owr ease eul laxnrg than l the snferingi and needs and sins of humanity HoN far was that true? Are the Christians of Ame9iea ready 10 have their disciple ship tested How about the men whe possess large wealth Are they ready t take that wealth and nse it as Jesnl would How about the men and woIHez of great talent2 Are they ready to con sacrate that talent to humanity. as Jesai undoubtedly would do?
 s'Is It not true that the call has com' in fhis age for g new exhibition of dis