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.

EIGHTEEN
Graves' Campground


	In one of my first chapters I promised that in some future number I
would furnish my religious experience with that of one or two others,
and I suppose I might as well do so in this number, as the revival
season is now approaching and anxious souls will be seeking information
in every possible direction.  To such, the experiences of the
regenerated and adopted children of our Father, will be a comfort as
well as a guide.

	In August, 1822, I attended a camp meeting at Graves campground near
Washington, Autauga county, Ala.  I went with faith, believing that I
should be converted.  I went to the altar, day after day and night after
night; I experienced no change; and finally, I became very much
discouraged.  Many were converted all around me.  I became more deeply
concerned about my salvation than ever.  My anxiety and solicitude
became intense.  About this time I saw a young woman rise up, clapping
her hands and shouting the praise of God.  Her face seemed to me to be
lighted up, as that of an angel.  Then from the depths of my inmost soul
I said, "Converted or not, I mean henceforth to serve God."  In an
instant I felt a strange emotion, and could with much difficulty
restrain my feelings.  Thos. E. Ledbetter of sacred memory seeing a
change in my countenance, advised me to continue my altar exercises, and
to ask for an evidence of my acceptance.  Immediately my distress
subsided; and in this frame of mind I remained until Sunday morning. 
While we were singing in the tents, the Spirit of the Lord come down.  I
shall never forget the song, "How happy are they," etc., for then it was
an inexpressible calm came over me and my soul was filled with joy
unspeakable and full of glory.

[To be continued]

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