Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1900-01-26

- iaused ana ms look went over
his people with ycarning for them and
at the same time with great uncer-
tainty az his heart. How many Of his
rich, fashionable refined. luxury loving
members would understand the nature
IF the appeal he was soon TO make to
thcmy He WAS altogether in the dark
A. to that Nevertheless he had been
through his desert and had come out Of
il ready e. suffer H. went on now aft
er that brief pause and told the story
Of his stay in Raymond. The people al
ready knew something of that expert
mcnt in the First church The whole
country had watched the progress of
the pledge AZ it had become history in
SO many lives Horny Maxwell Lad IT
list decided that the time had come to
seek the fellowship Of ether churches
throughout the country. The new dis
ripleship in Raymond had proved to be
~ v"l0"hlo iN ita results that Horny
Maxwell wished the church in general
TO share with the disciples in Ray
mond. Already there had begun vol
unteer movement in many of the
churcho4 throughout the country, act
ing on their own desire TO walk closer
in the steps OF Jesus. The Christian
Endeavor societies had with enthusiasm
in many churches taken the pledge to
do rs Jesus would co, and the result
was already marked in deeper spir
itual life ANA a power in church intlu-
ence that was like q new birth for the
member
All this Dr. Bruce told his people
simply and with personal interest that
evidently led the way 10 his announce
mcnt. which now followed Felicia had
listened to every Word with strained
attention. She sat th,rc ~ the side oil
nose, IN conrrast EKe IRE pes1de 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 ana gesture II ann going to ask
that Nazareth Avenue church take the
ra.i.a A. 49, G-. Raymond church has
taken. | know what this Will mean To
you GLl lac. J. WI lA,au ,he complete
change of very many habits. 1t viii
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 un-Christian. But
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 60 simply promise to walk
in his steps, as he gave us command
mCut.
Again Rov 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 a
quiet voice that all who volunteered to
make the pledge to do "a 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, | viii follow thee whittier
soever thou goest.
1t was sermon that touched the
deep SPRINGS Of conduct II was Il rev.
citation to the people of the definition
their pastor had been learning IT took
them bacl, - the first century of Chris
tianity. Above all 1t stirred them be-
low the conventional thought of years
as 10 the meaning and purpose OF church
membership it was such sermon as a
man can preach once IN a lifetime and
with enough III it for people to live on
all through a lifetime
The service closed in hush that was
slowly broken. People rose here and
there few AZ q time. There was re-
luctance in the movements Of the peo-
pie tndJ Was very suIHIng.
Rose however, walked straight out
the pew and - she reached the aisle
she turned her head ard beckoned to
Felicia. ~ that time tie congregation
was rising all.over the church.
Felicia instantly answered her sis
tcr's look
I'm going to stay" she said, and
Rose had heard her speal. in the same
manner ON other occasions and knew
that Felicia resolve could not be
chansel Nevertheless she went back
into the pew two or three steps and
faced her.
Felicia. she whispered, and there
was II flush Of anger OH her cheeks,
this is folly. What can You do? You
will bring disgrace upon the family.
What viii father say? Come. 3"
Felicia looked at her, but did rot an
swer at once Her lips were moving
with a petition that came from depth
Of feeling that measured a new life for
her. She shook her head.
"No; | am going to stay | shall
take the pledge. | am ready to obey it.
You do not know why am doing
this. -
Rose gave her one look and then
turned and went ont 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 tho vestibule.