The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1900-01-05
tism such as he had never during all

mond, DR. Bruce began. "and want
to tell you something of my impressions
OF the movement there. y
He paused, and his look went over
his people with yearning for them and
at the same time with a great uncer
tainty at his heart. How many of his
rich, fashionable. refined, luxury loving |
members would understand the nature
OF the appeal he was soon to make to
them3 He was altogether in the dark
as to that Nevertheless he had been
through his desert and had come out of
1t ready to suffer He went on now aft
or that brief pause and told the story
OF his stay in Raymond. The people al
ready knew something of that expert
ment in the First church The whole
country had watched the progress of
the pledge as it had become history in
so many lives. Henry Maxwell had at
last decided that the time had come to
seek the fellowship of other churches
throughout the country. The new dis
cipleship in Raymond had proved to be
go valuable in its results that Henry
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
churches 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 as Jesus would d. and the result
was already marked in a deeper spir-
itual life and power in church influ-
ence that was like new birth for the
members
All this DR.. Bruce told his people
simply and with a personal interest that
evidently led the way to his announce
ment, which now followed. Felicia had
listened to every word with strained
attention 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
same 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 i'll
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 do simply promise to walk
in his steps, as he gave US command
ment
Again Rev Calvin Bruce, pastor Of
Nazareth Avenue church, paused, anG
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 tt
make the pledge to do as Jesus would
do were asked to remain after tn,
morning service.
Instantly he proceeded with his ser
mon His text was from Matthew viii
10, "Master, will follow thee whittier
soever thou goest
It was a sermon that touched tn
deep springs of conduct 1t was a rev
citation to the people Of the definition
their pastor had been learning. 1t tool
them back to the first century of Chris
tianity. Above ALL it stirred them be
low the conventional thought Of year
as to Che meaning and purpose Of churcl
membership. it was such sermon as
man can preach once in q lifetime an
with enough in it for people to live o,
all through lifetime.
The service closed in d hush that wa
slowly broken People rose here an
there few at a time There was re
luctance in the movements of the pee
pie that was very striking
Rose. however, walked straight on
the pew. and as she reached the aisl
she turned her head and beckoned
Felicia. By that time the congregatio
was rising all over the church.
Felicia instantly answered her si
ter's look.
'sI'm going to stay" she said, an
Rose had heard her speak in the san
manner on other occasions and kne
that Felicia's resolve could not
changed Nevertheless she went bac
into the pew two or three steps ar
faced her.
.sFelicia, she whispered, and the.
was flush of anger on her cheek
'.this is folly What can you do? Yc
will bring disgrace upon the famil
What will father sayr Come y
Felicia looked at her, but did not a
swer at once. Her lips were movil
with petition that came from dep
of feeling that measured a new life f
her She shook her head.
emo; | am going to stay. l shi
take the pledge. l am ready to obey
You do not know why I am doll
this
Rose gave her one look and tn
turned and went out Of the pew al
down the aisle. She did not even st
to talk with her aonuaintances MI