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.

Seven
Revival Drama


	Rev. Brittain Capel was a preacher of the primitive type, but a man of
moving powers.  He was not exactly ubiquitous, but was a sort of
ecclesiastical wanderer, that went about sowing the seeds of kindness
and gospel truth, with the eloquence of a pious soul.
	
	His advent into a neighborhood was hailed with delight by all good
people, and was to them the barbinger of a spiritual feast.  His visits
were never long, but their impressions were deep and lasting.  At the
family altar, in the social circle, and along the dusty highway he
labored to do good and honor the Master.  His manners were pleasant and
simple, his life consistent and pure.  As a faithful servant he found
peace in the vineyard of the Lord, and delighted in the sanctuary of the
Most High.  The pulpit seemed to be his native element; and though
simplicity marked his efforts, the genius of eloquence possessed him.  

	On one occasion he was preaching to a large crowd.  Be his pathos and
warmth they were fired up to a high pitch.  Just then he introduced the
fable of the sun and wind, striving to force an old man to throw off his
overcoat.  The wind blew furiously, but the harder it blew, the closer
the old man drew his coat about him.  When it had exhausted itself and
with a sad moan had left him still wrapped in his coat, the sun began
gently to send down his beams upon him.  It increased in intensity and
power as it rose higher and higher and directly the old man is seen to
unbutton his coat and cast it from him.

	The application was made in his own peculiar style, and so electrified
the congregation that there was a general, old fashioned Methodist
shout.  But in every flock there is a black sheep in every camp, a
traitor.  It proved so on this occasion.  A young man of the
neighborhood, notorious for his bad character, rose up, clapping his
hands and shouting at the top of his voice, who we afterward learned,
had done it in mockery.  This I mention to put persons on the watch for
such characters during revial occasions.

	While living at the falls of the Coosa, we had frequent interviews with
Indians, many of which were interesting and instuctive.  They were
numerous up and down the ---- and had near us a Council----.
	
	Here, for the first time in my life, I witnessed the ancient custom of
evening.  After Mr. Terry had gathered his wheat, the Indians, without
any ceremony, would come and clean his fields.  This, with them was a
season of great mirth and sport, generally closing with the ---- dance
and the exciting contests of the baseball clubs.  

	This was one of the pleasant years of my life, spiritually and
socially.  It was during this year that I witnessed the happy conversion
of a young man while Mr. Terry was preaching.  Such occurences are now
uncommon.  His name was Archie Jordan, a relative of Rev. L.M. Wilson of
the North Alabama Conference.  He lived and died a faithful and
consistent Christian and was a living proof of the fact that there is a
power in the preached word.

[TO BE CONTINUED]

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