There was an unusually large number of strong, individual characters who claimed membership there.

But as he noted their faces this morning he was simply wondering how many of them would respond to the strange proposition he was about to make.

He continued slowly, taking time to choose his words carefully, and giving the people an impression they had never felt before, even when he was at his best with his most dramatic delivery.
"What I am going to propose now is something which ought not to appear unusual or at all impossible of execution.

Yet I am aware that it will be so regarded by a large number, perhaps, of the members of this church.

But in order that we may have a thorough understanding of what we are considering, I will put my proposition very plainly, perhaps bluntly.