HE congregation in Bedford arose in the following manner: E. Williams came in May, 1830, and preached the way of salvation, where formerly he had taught Restorationism. Newell C. Barnum was the first convert. He came monthly during the summer; and in June, Enoch Allen and some others were baptized. In July, Mrs. William Williams, of Newburg, Livonia Payne, "Grandmother Barnum," Julia Barnum, and Laura Gould came in. In the fall, Wm. Hayden held a meeting and baptized eight, and from this time he held the ground. In November, 1832, he held a meeting with Bro. Moss, and in the following month he formed the church with twenty members. Thomas Marble was chosen the overseer, and Enoch Allen and Geo. M. Payne, deacons. Bro. Green, on his first tour of preaching, came in September, 1833. The next year Moss became a resident of Bedford,, and for five years he assembled with them and taught many.

      In August, 1835, a new appointment of officers took place. Allen Robinett and Enoch Allen were elected overseers; Samuel Barnes, N. C. Barnum, and W. W. Walker, deacons. These served till December, 1837 when Sidney Smith and James Young were [387] chosen to serve as the bishops, and Enoch Allen, Alanson Gray, George Comstock, and Charles F. Bartlett, who was baptized the month before, came in as deacons.

      In July, 1840, James Young and Sidney Smith were re-appointed elders, together with C. F. Bartlett and R. S. Benedict, while the ever-faithful Enoch Allen continued to serve the church as a deacon, his co-deacons being now S. F. Lockwood, Augustine Collins, and S. A. Hathaway. The congregation had now become numerous, and in her board of rulers were men of much solidity and judgment.

      The year 1837 was one of marked prosperity for the church. In August, James Young and his wife united, also Dr. J. P. Robison, Sidney Smith, and others, whose position gave weight to their influence. In November, Chas. F. Bartlett and John S. Young came to Christ. Two of these, Robison and Bartlett, arose to extensive usefulness as proclaimers of the gospel. About thirty souls united between August and December. The church, thus lifted up to great strength, and filled with a zeal "according to knowledge," added constantly to her numbers, seldom a week passing without accessions.

      The year 1838 was no less prosperous. In March, of this year, James Egbert, moving in from Salem, and finding the liberty of the gospel as a ground of union and fellowship among Christians more congenial to his views than the creed basis of his former profession, he gave up the sect for the church of Christ. Mrs. Fanny Willis, a person of intelligence, and a worthy member of the Baptist church, [388] laid aside the name and terms of party in favor of the union of Christians in the new covenant.

      This enterprising church opened a "door of faith" in school-houses and private dwellings, in all available places, and by unremitting appeals the community became thoroughly leavened.

      The yearly meeting for Cuyahoga County was held with the church in Bedford, in the year 1839, its first assembling in that town. It was held on the Lord's day beside the meeting-house which was erected by the generosity of Sister Willis, a house intended for the use of the Baptists, but which, with her change of views, became the property of the Disciples. This house was filled on Friday the first day of the meeting. After a discourse by Bro. J. Hartzel, and an exhortation by Bro. M. Bosworth, Bro. Campbell followed with a eulogium of much power, beauty, and eloquence on the Holy Scriptures.

      This meeting was noteworthy for several reasons: The principal men of the Western Reserve who had risen up for the advocacy of the gospel were present. Some came from Canada and the State of New York. Bro. Joseph S. Havener, now of Barnwell District, S. C., then young, recently arrived from Ireland, added interest by his gentle and genial speech. But the overmastering attraction of the occasion was due to the presence and discourses of Mr. Campbell. With all the great powers of his manhood in full energy, he came before the vast auditory as comes a man only once in an age. His attendance at the first yearly meeting in the county, in Newburg, in 1835, at the still greater occasion at Euclid, in 1837, and more especially his defeat of the allied forces [389] of infidelity in the city of Cleveland, in June, 1836, gave him a reputation all along this region of the lakes, as the first and ablest of living orators.

      His discourse on Saturday was from Jer. vi: 16: "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein." This subject was taken at the instance of Cyrus Bosworth, and grandly did he plead that day for a return to "the good old way" of the Savior and his apostles. On Lord's day he held the great audience of five thousand in fixed attention for two and a half hours by the watch, in a discussion of the atonement, a theme offering little attraction to a popular assembly. Yet he made this difficult subject so luminous with his rich stores of biblical learning, that time passed unconsciously to his listening auditors, very many of whom, for want of seats, stood the whole time of the sermon.

      This discourse was regarded as very able by those best capable of judging, yet it was valued less on account of its eloquence than for the scriptural light it shed on this most important subject. Instead of the partial views of it taken by many, Mr. Campbell surveyed the whole field. He viewed it not merely as intended to propitiate God, and so to procure favor for man, nor chiefly as a motive to lead man to repentance. He rose above all scholastic philosophies, and treated the sacrifice of our holy Redeemer as having a relation

and discussed all these bearings of the subject in the clear light of the teachings of the Holy Spirit.

      The effect of this sermon was immediate and salutary. It presented this vital theme in a breadth and comprehension in which few, perhaps none, had been accustomed to view it; it asserted clearly and convincingly the death of Christ as a sacrifice, essential to the salvation of sinners; it vindicated the Holy Scriptures in their teaching on that subject, so often objected to by skeptics; it delivered the minds of his hearers from limited views, and opened to them the richness and extent of the subject to which they were not accustomed, and greatly exalted Christ and his salvation in the conceptions of the people. It set the pleadings for reformation on a new and solid basis, and greatly enhanced the importance of it as distinguished from the limited creed views of the religious parties. It may well be doubted if Mr. Campbell ever delivered a sermon of greater power, or of more direct and useful purpose. There were twenty-six converts at this meeting.

      Three years afterward, September 2, 1842, the great anniversary was again in Bedford. The first tent prepared by the brotherhood for these yearly gatherings was now brought into use. The brethren of Bedford stirred themselves to have it ready for this occasion, and the ample canvas afforded protection from the falling rains. Bentley, W. Hayden, Robison, O'Connor, and A. S. Hayden, resident in the county, were present; and from other counties, [391] Henry, of Trumbull; Collins, of Geauga; Green, of Summit; Lanphear, of Medina; J. H. Jones, of Wayne; Arny, of Bethany, Virginia; besides Moss, Cooley, and Lillie. This was Bro. Jones' introduction to the Western Reserve. He became immediately identified with all our religious work. At this meeting the blessed gospel gave abundant proof of its power to turn the people to the Lord, fifty-four coming penitently to Jesus Christ. This was the largest number yet received at any of these meetings. Brethren Henry and Jones were the Jupiter and Mercurius of the meeting, and their talents formed a good combination for public effect. Henry came as a storm; he spoke with authority, calling to repentance with the fire and zeal of Elijah; while Jones flowed in exhortations of persuasive tenderness, which gained all ears and won many hearts.

      He was born June 15, 1813, lived for a time in Brookfield, Trumbull County, then became resident with his parents in the county of Wayne, where he was nourished up in the faith and order of the Baptist churches. At the age of nineteen, he heard the gifted John Secrest, near Bucyrus, on the waters of the Whetstone, where he confessed his faith in Christ. From that day he was the Lord's. He traveled awhile with Secrest; immediately and every-where exhorting sinners to "flee from the wrath to come." He improved by the ardent and persuasive manner of that bold and successful preacher, and, like him, he excelled in touching the heart, and bringing souls into the kingdom.

      But all hearts were warm then, and each one was ready with a word in season, an exhortation, a [392] prayer, or a stirring song to sustain the life and animation of the meetings. The memory of those scenes is inspiring to the heart. They were joyful with holy enthusiasm, and the new converts were filled with hope. The hymns--and all sung them--were, many of them, millennial in sentiment; and held to the heart the hope of the coming of the Lord, and of the glory to be soon revealed. Some described the day of judgment in such pathos and power, as to fasten conviction on many souls. So great was the ardor and zeal, that the gospel in some of its great themes was the subject of general conversation in private houses, as well as of discourse in public assemblies.

      This congregation has ripened many souls for the eternal kingdom. Among those deserving a record is Bro. Charles F. Bartlett, who, immediately on his conversion in the autumn of 1837, was called by his brethren to positions of responsibility, first as a deacon, then as an elder. Possessed of a genial and affable manner, with a social and warm heart, and ready in speech, his improvement was so satisfactory that on the 22d of May, 1842, he was called to the work of the ministry. His influence increased constantly. He preached in surrounding churches, every-where respected and beloved. But his life was cut short in the midst of his days. On the 5th of February, 1848, he went to his reward. His cheerful, companionable manners and unstinted hospitality, won him many friends. The mourning for him was deep and general. He sustained himself from his farm while laboring for the good of others. [393] Like most of the early preachers, the warfare was mostly at his own charges.

      Dr. J. P. Robison, whose accession as a member occurred August 20, 1837, soon became a leader by the concurrent wish of the congregation. His intellectual and social qualities, together with his talent for business management, naturally brought him to the front. Few were the enterprises which rendered this church numerous, which were not either prompted or led on by him. Ready to serve, as well as prompt to direct, with the co-operation of the generous helps in the church who stood with him, Bedford rapidly became a radiating center. Bro. Robison yielded to the unanimous voice of his brethren, and on the 25th of October, 1840, he was appointed and ordained as a preacher of the gospel.

      For several years he "gave himself wholly to the work." For it he laid aside an extensive ride as physician, a profession in which he was very successful; and, until driven from the field by scanty support, an experience which he shared in common with others, he preached extensively, and brought many converts into the churches. Throughout the Western Reserve, in Pittsburgh, Bethany, and Cincinnati, he became known by his zeal and success. He labored with all the preachers, but Bro. J. H. Jones and "the Doctor," associated in meetings more than others. During the animating period of the "holy war," from 1840 to 1844, these evangelists proclaimed the glad tidings with unbounded success. Their work was heroic--their dispatches Napoleonic. The following from the Doctor's hand are good specimens of the life and spirit of the times: [394]

"ALLEGHENY, 21st Feb., 1842.

"DEAR BRO. HAYDEN:

      "Yours is to hand. I am quite happy to learn that the good cause is still progressing in the land of my friends. We have a great excitement here. Many are inquiring, and many are astonished at the doctrine. Up to this time the converts number fifty-seven,¹ and the brethren on the other side are waiting with great anxiety for us to come over and help them. They think there never was the like of Bro. Jones, and well may they, for he waxes warmer and bolder in the good cause. All the friends are in health. I may get to see you in Wellsburg. I will, the Lord willing, be at Ohio City the third Lord's day in March. When will you be in Wellsburg, and how long? I hope to go to Bethany. I have said something to them on the prophecies; so has Bro. Jones, who backed me up. My love to all who love the appearing of our blessed Lord.

	"Yours in the hope,
"J. P. ROBISON."

 

"BEDFORD, October 6, 1842.

"DEAR BRO. HAYDEN:

      "I get joyful news from Euclid. I hear from twenty to thirty are immersed. I have been with you for days in the spirit of the great turning to the Lord. Bro. Collins and myself are to be in Ohio City, the Lord willing, on Friday two weeks. We would be happy to see you there for a few days, or some time during our stay. Please ride up if you can.

      "What do you think of the Canada excursion? We ought to let those dear friends know beforehand if we go. [395]

      "I am very busy bringing my business to a close. May the Lord bless you and strengthen you with all strength. I feel for you, and should have been over ere this if I had been more propitiously circumstanced. But those bright 'stars'--heaven alone can reward your exertions.

	"Yours in the blessed hope,
"J. P. ROBISON."

      The following relates to the planting of the church in Munson, which arose chiefly by the labors of Bro. Robison. It was written the day fixed by Mr. Miller and his friends for the coming of the Lord and the end of the world:

"BEDFORD, 3d April, 1843.

"DEAR BRO. HAYDEN:

      "I am just home from Munson where I got seventy-six additions. I am, as you may calculate, nearly exhausted, after speaking almost incessantly for ten days. But the Lord be praised for his goodness, and mercy, and long-suffering, not willing that any should perish.

      "Bro. Hayden, I want to see you. If I knew you to be at home, I think I would almost come over. You have heard, no doubt, of the Ohio City thirty. I have got since I returned home from Pittsburgh, one hundred and twelve in all--four Lord's, days.

	"Yours in the Beloved,
"J. P. ROBISON."

      "P. S. The 3d of April is past, and we are still to 'cleanse the sanctuary' by preaching the gospel I suppose.

J. P. R.

 

"AKRON, February 2, 1844.

"DEAR BRO. HAYDEN:

      "I am at Akron--have been here since Wednesday. [396] Spoke three times, and baptized fifty; among which are Mr. Pickands and family. Speak this evening, and start in the morning for Wooster. Bro. Cook had left some four days before I reached here. Pray for me, Bro. Hayden. I wish you was here. The brethren are happy--Middlebury brethren and all. We have a happy time.

	"Yours in the hope of Jesus Christ,
"J. P. ROBISON."

      "P. S. My love to Bro. Fitch.

      "Spoke this evening-fourteen more. Baptize at eight in the morning, and then start for Wooster.

"J.P.R."

      The church was sustained by its internal strength, and by aid from abroad in yearly meetings and protracted meetings, till the year 1856, when Bro. J. O. Beardslee was secured to labor in the congregation. He preached till his appointment as a missionary to Jamaica. After him, the church has been served successively by J. H. Jones, E. H. Hawley, Hiram Woods, A. B. Green, and Robt. Moffett.

      As overseers, she has had Thomas Marble, Allen Robinett, Enoch Allen, Sidney Smith, J. P. Robison, James Young, C. F. Bartlett, R. S. Benedict, S. F. Lockwood, Augustine Collins, Samuel Barnes, James Egbert, W. B. Hillman, A. T. Hubbell, A. Drake, R. J. Hathaway, Hiram Woods.

      For nearly twenty years the Board of managers of the Ohio State Missionary Society was located in Bedford, of which Dr. Robison was the continued chairman; and this enterprising church has always contributed liberally to sustain the missionary work. The number of members rose at one time to nearly five hundred--it is now considerably diminished. [397]

      He was born in Bridgewater, Ct., September 11, 1814. In his fourteenth year he united with the Congregational church, and was sprinkled at the time. He would have preferred immersion, but that church would not immerse him; nor would the Baptists, unless he joined them, which would, by their rules, exclude him from "fellowship" with other Christians. In this dilemma he preferred to him the least objectionable course.

      He entered the Western Reserve College in Hudson, in 1833, at the age of nineteen years. His antislavery proclivities took him to Oberlin when presidents Mahan and Finney assumed control there. His class of four was the first that graduated in that institution, in 1837. His studies were all in view of the ministry, and before he left Hudson he had his heart on some foreign mission as his ultimate purpose. While in Oberlin he gathered some converts, one of whom was afterward his co-laborer in Jamaica. In pursuit of better health, he took a voyage to that island, in 1838, just after the emancipation of the 300,000 slaves on the island. Inspired by the congenial climate, and, still more by the necessities of that people, he felt that Providence had selected this as his field of life work. He returned, collected funds in Connecticut and Ohio; was ordained to the ministry in Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and sailed again for Jamaica. For the first seven years his receipts from abroad were only three hundred dollars. He was invited to take charge of the Normal Institution, under the auspices of the British Board of Managers, for fitting native teachers. This post he held seven years, and resigned it to take charge of the Mission church in Kingston, in connection with the London Missionary Society. He lost his companion in 1847; and married again in Kingston, in 1848. [398]

      His change of views, and of ecclesiastical position, can give from his own pen:

      "When I left Jamaica in 1855, on account of failing health, I had arrived at the conclusion that the immersion of believers was the only authoritative baptism. After a time, I accepted the charge of a small Congregational church at Rawsonville, (Grafton,) a village comprising representatives of several denominations, no one of them being able to support a preacher. This led me to search for some basis of union. I preached on the subject; and, without knowing the position of the Disciples on that point, I presented what I afterward found to be precisely their views as the only true basis of Christian unity. It was to satisfy the scruples of a young lady on the subject of no creed and infant baptism, that I was led to review the whole matter; and I came to the conclusion that I ought to be immersed forthwith in obedience to the command of Christ. I applied to Elder Nesbitt, a Baptist, who resided in Grafton, to baptize me. He could not attend to it for two weeks, and I went to Wellington to see a Baptist preacher there. But as he would not immerse me except on condition of my uniting with the Baptists, I concluded to wait for Elder Nesbitt. I made known my intentions to the church, and met with no opposition. On the 23d of March, 1856, I was buried with my Lord in baptism. Before leaving the water, I immersed the young lady referred to and another convert. I was then on the eve of a change of location, having accepted a call from the Congregational church in Collamer, with which, and its results you are familiar."

      Bro. Beardslee came to enter on his engagement in Collamer, and after his first sermon, which was on a practical theme, he frankly made known his change of sentiments; he was willing to fraternize with them, and they would probably have borne with his baptism, as they were much pleased with him. But on learning, in answer to a [399] direct question, that he could not conscientiously christen their children, they reconsidered their call, and, by a small majority, rescinded it. Thus, and for this reason, turned away by that people from their fraternity, he came that Lord's day evening to hear me, and there commenced our mutual and cordial acquaintance.

      Meantime William Hayden had heard of him, and of his baptism by Elder Nesbitt. He went to Bro. S. R. Willard, and urged him to go at once and make known to him our plea and ground of union. Bro. Willard was prompt to visit him, and his message of love was favorably received. Hayden also went to Bedford, and made known the case to Dr. Robison, by whose influence the church extended a call to him to visit them, with a view to settlement among them. "On the second Lord's day," continues Beardslee, "we were mutually prepared to accept each other as brethren in the common faith. That was the beginning of a new and blessed era in my life's history. Before, I had been as he who saw men 'as trees walking;' now as the same man who saw 'clearly.'"

      From this time his heart was set to return to Jamaica. He longed to reveal to them the light which was so clear and joyful to him. Our general missionary society sent him out, and in January, 1858, he set sail with his family from New York, for Kingston. He began his labors in that city, and on the 1st of May he organized the first church on the island, on the New Testament basis, with seven members. The work went on with great success, but amidst violent opposition. In five years there were nine churches, and about a thousand members. This was followed by eighteen months of absence in the United States. The work in the hands of the native preachers was less prosperous. But Bro. Beardslee returning again to their aid, two and a half years of unremitting labors revived the interest, and more than doubled the number [400] of churches. Bankruptcy in the missionary treasury compelled his surrender of this most promising field. He left Jamaica in 1868, greatly to the disparagement of the mission work, as he was the needed leader of that great work, of which he had been the father and the founder. From that time to the present, his efforts to collect funds to enable him to go to their aid have only resulted in disappointment to him, and to the greater disappointment of the expecting churches of the island.

      Among the happy children of this church in Bedford, arose the benignant Harry S. Glasier, a brother, who, in a short time, won to himself the sincerest regards of many friends. He was born in Twinsburg, November 7, 1836, though reared in this church as a nursing mother. He graduated in Bethany, July 4, 1863, and was ordained as a preacher the same day, by Bros. Campbell and Bentley.

      His devotion and earnestness in preaching brought many to repentance. He was gifted with a warm, friendly heart, was a good talker, and never failed to improve every opportunity for Christ. He married a companion of equal sincerity, and well adapted to his work--Miss Eliza E. Clapp--and settled with the church in Belair, Ohio. The congregation grew in numbers and religious feeling during the three years of his ministry there. He was naturally a pastor--"naturally caring for the state" of all the members. He became tenderly attached to the people, and they to him; so that when death came and seized him from them, they mourned as for a near kinsman. He went to assist in a meeting in Pittsburgh where he fell, September 8, 1866. He was carried and laid in the cemetery in Bedford. He left his devoted companion and daughter to inherit his virtues and his excellent name.

      Bro. Glasier was frank, free-hearted, generous, and unselfish; attentive to all his friends, and of a very sympathetic temperament. He served the people. He served his God, and he took him early. [401]

      As far back as 1827 and '8, Ebenezer Williams, then an advocate of Restorationism, gathered some converts in Newburg. When the scales of that pernicious speculation fell from his eyes, and he learned the gospel, he sought to undo his work there, and to repair the damage. Some time in the fall of 1828, he appeared among his former admirers, delivered a few addresses, which awakened a marked interest, and left without farther results.

      In June, 1832, the first convert was gained. It was under the vigorous appeals of the heroic W. Hayden. Two years before, he had started a church in Aurora. Henry Baldwin, of that place, carried an appointment to Newburg, and urged his sister and her husband, Col. John Wightman, to go and hear this original preacher. A large audience assembled in the town-house. Such preaching took them all by surprise. It was neither Universalism, to which they had been accustomed, nor the doctrine of any of the religious parties. It was only and simply the gospel as taught in the New Testament.

      Many saw the truth, but only one man arose to take his lamp to meet the bridegroom. This was John Hopkinson. He was afterward elder of the church, and stands yet,² after an interval of over forty years, on precisely the same ground assumed at the beginning. Hayden and Williams continued their visits, holding the ground, and gaining [402] converts. September, 1833, Wightman and wife, and Eliza Everett, and several others, were baptized by Bro. Williams. Great awakening of the people, and farther conversions followed. At one of his visits Williams baptized a young lady of social attractions, by the name of Julia Parshall. She was gifted with superior musical powers, and as soon as she was lifted above the baptismal water, she sang full and clear:

      Williams writes, "There were more than half a dozen infidels standing within a few feet, who were very much moved by the scene."

      The Disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. They studied the Scriptures daily and diligently to learn the truth themselves, and to be able to teach it to others. They met often for songs, and prayer, and mutual encouragement, and when a preacher came, they had many questions to propound. Thus light rapidly increased, and they became intelligent in the Christian religion. They were zealous to propagate the gospel which shed so much light and joy on their own souls. It was common for the Disciples of Newburg to come to Euclid, (now Collamer,) to meeting, a distance of seven miles; and for these in turn to attend at Newburg to help the brethren there. Each was filled with the joy which inspired all the rest. Happy times! Will they ever return to gladden our hearts? [403] Such zeal with our present numbers would in a twelvemonth set the whole land ablaze!

      Society in Newburg was full of infidelity. But the gospel never lost a battle. Strong arguments and powerful appeals from such men as Hayden, Hartzel, Green, Allerton, and Moss, laid the foundation of a lasting work, and soon established a church on Bible principles, which has never ceased to meet, nor failed to hold forth the word of life.

      The "yearly meeting" for the year 1835 was held in Newburg, on the farm of Colonel Wightman. Collins well said of him, "he was a princely man." With the noblest generosity and breadth of views, he made provision both for the entertainment of the people, and for the best business management of the occasion, that the widest possible benefits might flow from it. It was duly announced in Cleveland. Prominent citizens were especially informed and invited. A grove was selected, seated, and covered with boards. All the other members also came heartily to the work, and there was nothing wanting to make the people welcome. Bro. Wightman lodged a hundred guests, and supplied provisions without numbering the participants of his bounty.

      This meeting was historic. The Disciples, now numerous, came from long distances. Discourses were delivered by Alex. Campbell, Wm. Hayden, A. B. Green, M. S. Clapp, and a few others; and evening meetings were held in neighborhoods around. For four days the meeting, like the manna about Israel, lay round among the people, the subject of thought and conversation by all. A large number of converts were baptized on Monday by Bro. Green. [404]

      At 8 o'clock Monday morning, the preachers, at Mr. Campbell's invitation, met him in the rear of the tent, to whom he submitted the proposition to hold meetings for mutual improvement. He spoke of it as a school to be continued, in which there should be sermons delivered, subject to examination in matter and style. It was unanimously approved, and the first one was appointed to be held in New Lisbon in the following December. About fifteen preachers met with him that morning.

      The brethren becoming now well established, they assumed the duties and prerogatives of a congregation of the disciples of Jesus Christ. From that period to the present, the candlestick has not been removed.

      None of our churches, Warren only perhaps excepted, had preachers or "pastors" settled among them. The casual watch-care and aid given them by the traveling ministers, many of whom were more intent on extending than building up the churches, was insufficient to check dissensions, and to guard the folds from encroaching dangers. Many churches suffered greatly, and some perished. This in Newburg ran low, and its light was nearly extinct. In their extremity they appealed to Bro. Hartzel, who came in April, 1842, and immediately commanded attention by his able statement and defense of the gospel. He lifted it above all mere "church" or partisan religions, and powerfully beat back the forces of infidelity, which had grown strong and defiant. On Lord's day, the twenty-first of that month, he reorganized the church, with twenty old, and fifteen new members. At this time Youngs L. [405] Morgan and Caleb Morgan came in with their families. The congregation gained such strength that soon after, under the able ministrations of Bro. J. D. Benedict, they built a good house. They have maintained a good testimony, and are now flourishing under the labors of J. H. Jones. For many years their Sunday-school has prospered, and for the last few years especially, by the skillful management of Bro. Browning; and the children are rising up to take the place of their parents in handing down the gospel uncorrupted to generations after them.

      On Saturday night some son of Belial thought to break up the meeting by cutting down a large tree, so its immense brushy top might fall directly upon the seated tent. His mischief failed. The tree fell merely along the edge of it, displacing some of the boards, but not otherwise doing any injury. The incident probably added emphasis to many a philippic against sin and sectarianism. Mr. Wightman had no doubt who the malicious man was who perpetrated the deed. He went to him in the morning and said to him: "If it is any satisfaction to you to commit such depredations, you can do it with the assurance that you can never incite me to retaliate. You may depend on my doing you a kindness whenever it is in my power."

      Mr. Wightman's hospitality has been mentioned. Tables were carried out in the yard, under the shadowing maples, plentifully loaded with provisions. There was neither stint in the supply nor attempt to number the people who partook thankfully the [406] profusion set before them. After disposing of his guests one night, Wightman came to Wm. Hayden and said: "Bro. Hayden, the best lodging I can give you is on the floor, for every thing is full." "I will not sleep on your hard floor," said the witty William. So taking two benches he placed them together and camped down on them, saying "Now I am comfortably fixed for the night." [407]

[EHD 387-407]