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.

Nine

A Study in Contrasts

	My last paper was closed by an incident, showing the unfortunate
effects of excessive levity on the part of a minister, whose name, for
reasons I did not call.

	I shall begin this by relating another of the same party, which further
shows the unfortunate influence of such a practice on the part of the
minister.  

	Mr. Wm. Rowland, a pious member of our Church, Rev. L. Q. G. DeYampert
and the preacher above alluded to, started on a tour out West.  For some
reason, best known to themselves, the ministers decided not to make
known their calling.  In their travels, this unnamed preacher indulged
freely in his ruling propensity for vulgar anecdote, very much to the
annoyance and disgust of his more refined and dignified companions. 
Finally they were joined by another gentleman traveling in the same
direction.  After listening to the conversation of this indiscreet
minister for some time, the new companion and Mr. Rowland dropped back
and for a time rode together.  After some sharp criticism on the part of
the stranger, Mr. R., told him the talker was a minister.

  Immediately on overtaking the other two, the stranger said, "I am told
you are a preacher." The reply was, "I am, sir."  Then in language more
pointed than respectful, he was severely rebuked.  It is to be hoped
that this chastisement made him a more prudent and discreet man, and
that the recital of this incident may restrain our young men who are
over-charged with a spirit of levity.  Preachers cannot be too cautious
in their deportment.  The apostle's warning was, "Avoid foolish
jesting."

[To be continued]

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