INCIDENTS AND CHARACTERS IN THE EARLY HISTORY OF METHODISM

By

The Reverend John Elmore DuBois

Edited by Elizabeth A. DuBois
(c) 1998  DuBois Publishing Co, Simsbury, Connecticut. All rights
reserved.

Six (cont.)

	In 1824, I moved to the falls of the Coosa, and entered into business
with Rev. Wm. Terry, Joshua Boucher and Samuel Patton were preachers on
the Autauga Circuit.  Samuel Patton transferred to the Tennessee
Conference.  He was a most estimable man and a preacher of more than
ordinary ability. This was an enjoyable year with me.  At a camp meeting
near Montgomery, Joshua Boucher made the great effort of his life, in a
sermon from Rev. xxii-14.  The presence of the Lord was manifested with
wonderful power.  We shall not attempt a description of the sermon, for
it would only prove a failure.  Suffice it to say, it accomplished the
purpose where-unto it was designed.  It was an occasion never to be
forgotten.  Almost every Christian, in and around the altar, was on his
feet rejoicing and praising God.  Many of the fruits have ripened and
been gathered home and others are ready and waiting to be called.

Hard Shell Baptists

	About this time in our neighborhood, we had some pleasant and amusing
altercations with our Hard Shell friends, who it seemed could not let us
alone.  Mr. Wm. Terry and I in company with his family, attended one of
their meetings, where I witnessed for the first time the ceremony of
foot-washing.  The preacher as usual made the Methodists his target and
pelted us right soundly; but his missiles drew no blood, as we took it
all in good part and tried to profit by the services.

	The ceremony of foot washing proved to be a time of refreshing from the
Lord.  It was introduced by confession of unworthiness on the part of
the participants, followed by weeping and shouts of joy and triumph.  It
was truly an occasion of interest and spiritual profit.  At the close of
the services, Mr. Terry, who was a genial spirit approached, and
introduced himself to the minister and pleasantly said, "Come and go
home with me and let us quarrel it out." But this was the end of the
matter.

	In Vernon we enjoyed the company of Alexander Tally, who was once
stationed in the city of Charleston.  He was a worthy man and a pious
Christian.  He remained with us some time and rendered much valuable
service to our young converts and preached whenever an opportunity
offered.  Occasionally we had lively times and what some were pleased to
call noisy.  Mr. Tally accepted a mission to the Choctaw Nation and took
his leave for that field of labor and toil. 

[to be continued]

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