diff options
| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-03 16:55:44 -0800 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-03 16:55:44 -0800 |
| commit | e5c93fe80f12d0fd2d75f9ca6a4534c0e3eed81d (patch) | |
| tree | b995a8bda63e4862875a0c89854afae02fb620ed | |
| parent | 8f59a1a799e89d1a18172b1eceff429e2a1154ac (diff) | |
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62648-0.txt | 5201 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62648-0.zip | bin | 114136 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62648-h.zip | bin | 860436 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62648-h/62648-h.htm | 8208 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62648-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 103031 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62648-h/images/deco.jpg | bin | 2441 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62648-h/images/illus1.jpg | bin | 61099 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62648-h/images/illus2.jpg | bin | 57431 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62648-h/images/illus3.jpg | bin | 77683 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62648-h/images/illus4.jpg | bin | 91315 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62648-h/images/illus5.jpg | bin | 89298 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62648-h/images/illus6.jpg | bin | 66817 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62648-h/images/illus7.jpg | bin | 60982 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62648-h/images/illus8.jpg | bin | 51370 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/62648-h/images/illus9.jpg | bin | 81275 -> 0 bytes |
18 files changed, 17 insertions, 13409 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..2e8306a --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #62648 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/62648) diff --git a/old/62648-0.txt b/old/62648-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 764650e..0000000 --- a/old/62648-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5201 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's The Experiences of Uncle Jack, by W. Ed. Snyder - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Experiences of Uncle Jack - Being a Biography of Rev. Andrew Jackson Newgent - -Author: W. Ed. Snyder - -Release Date: July 14, 2020 [EBook #62648] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EXPERIENCES OF UNCLE JACK *** - - - - -Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - -[Illustration: REV. ANDREW JACKSON NEWGENT - -Latest Photograph.] - - - - - THE EXPERIENCES OF - UNCLE JACK - - Being a Biography of - REV. ANDREW JACKSON NEWGENT - - BY - REV. W. ED. SNYDER - a Minister in the United Brethren Church - - [Illustration] - - _Nineteen Hundred and Eleven_ - - _United Brethren Publishing House - W. R. Funk, Agent - Dayton, Ohio_ - - _Printed by - United Brethren Publishing House - W. R. Funk, Agent - Dayton, Ohio_ - - - - -PREFACE - - -That which requires an apology should be left undone. Hence, the author -of this humble work offers no apology in sending it forth. If it finds -favor in the sight of those into whose hands it may fall, he will -appreciate it. If not, it is confidently assumed that the world will -pursue its wonted course, and no one will be the worse, if not the wiser. - -No special literary excellence is claimed for it. It is a feeble, though -honest, attempt to preserve from the cold, merciless realm of oblivion a -life story that is well worth preserving—the life story of one for whom I -have come to have the profoundest reverence and affection. My only regret -is that it has not been done better. - -Its chief value consists in the fact that it reveals the fundamental -elements of true character and true success. The life of “Uncle Jack” -Newgent is a conspicuous illustration of the fact that each individual is -the architect of his own fate or fortune, that the conditions of success -are internal and not external. This has been his life philosophy and has -been abundantly vindicated by his life record. His right to a proper -regard among his fellows rests upon his sterling qualities of manhood, -devotion to a great purpose, and personal achievements that have added to -the sum total of the world’s weal and worth. He belongs to a worthy line -of foundation builders whose work underlies the great superstructures of -both church and state of the present day. - -Hence, two purposes have been kept in view in the writing of this -sketch—to acknowledge, if not to pay, a debt of honor and gratitude the -Church owes to a worthy man; and by giving special attention to those -personal qualities that make for success always and everywhere, and which -were so strikingly exemplified in his character, to preserve the lessons -of his life to the present and future generations in the hope that they -may thus contribute to the further progress of righteousness. If in this -unpretentious little volume these purposes are in any degree fulfilled, I -shall be abundantly satisfied. - - W. E. SNYDER. - - - - -INTRODUCTION - - -The pleasing task of writing an introduction to the life of my noble -friend, Rev. A. J. Newgent, has fallen upon me. The intimate association -which I have had with him for many years gives me a peculiar pleasure in -seeing the record of his splendid life placed before the Church. - -Biography is one of the most important departments of literature, and Mr. -Newgent is eminently worthy of the permanent place in history which this -volume accords him. I feel that fitting tributes in historic sketches -should not only be paid the men of God who have planted the Church in -this nation, but posterity should come and say over their graves, as -Pericles did over the bodies of his fallen fellow soldiers: “You are -like the divinities above us: you are known only by the benefits you -have conferred.” It is of such a man, though still living among us, -that Dr. W. E. Snyder gives the accurately drawn portraiture in the -chapters of this well-written biography. The work has been prepared -with good judgment and much skill. The incidents of his life are given -in sufficient detail, and make the volume exceedingly interesting and -instructive. Such a publication is of great value, not only to those -who enter the ministry, but to the whole Church, and especially to the -young. To study the career of one, who, by fortitude and zeal, has -carved his way from humble surroundings to a high place of honor among -his fellow-men—passing through varied and striking vicissitudes in the -struggle—can but inspire and ennoble other lives. - -Entering the ministry before our pioneer style of life had passed away -in the west, Mr. Newgent adapted himself to the humblest conditions of -society. The fields of labor which he occupied in those early years -of his pastorate were sufficient to remind him of the privation and -hardships of those who had preceded him; but no condition was humble -enough or severe enough to deter him from the work to which his young -life had been consecrated. He could lodge in the loft of the lowliest -cabin and subsist upon the cheapest fare. In quest of souls he thought -little of anything else. Living among the people, a very small salary -would suffice for him. He knew what it was to live on a moiety of one -hundred dollars and less. There have been no dangers or hardships, no -toils or privations, no suffering or sorrow sufficient to daunt his -heroic spirit. Fortunately, Mr. Newgent is so constructed as to see the -bright side of every difficulty, and his inimitable humor has made his -family and friends laugh in the darkest hours of his ministerial life. - -Unflinching loyalty to the Church has ever marked the career of Mr. -Newgent. Though he has been peculiarly free from sectarian prejudices or -bitterness, his attachment to his own people has been conscientious and -unwavering. All his energies have been devoted to the advancement of the -Church of his choice. He has stood for the defense of its doctrines and -polity, and those who have drawn him into debate over any feature of our -system have not challenged him a second time. In the earlier days of his -ministry he was many times called in debate with the strongest men of -other denominations, and has proved himself equal to any antagonist who -has met him in discussion. Many have gone down before his unanswerable -arguments, and not a few have been driven from the contest because they -could not stand before the torrent of his eloquence and the indescribable -power of his wit. In all his ministerial work these qualities have -often been of great advantage to him. Few men could possess such wit -and eccentricities as Mr. Newgent commands, and use them to advantage -without some objection by the people. But like all his other gifts, these -peculiar qualities have been consecrated to the service of doing good, -and in their use he has maintained his ministerial consecration and -influence with never a breath of suspicion cast upon his good name. - -It is gratifying to his many friends that Mr. Newgent, though retired -from the active work of the ministry, is still in possession of all -his mental powers, and no doubt will live to read his own biography. -Few men have been so fortunate. To have spent his long and useful life -in the most interesting period of the history of the Church, and then -remain to read the part he has played in the making of that history, -is a privilege that most of Christ’s embassadors have never enjoyed. -Back when the Publishing House was struggling for existence, he loyally -supported the little plant, and never failed to circulate our books and -push our periodicals in every charge he has filled. When our institutions -of learning were in their infancy, and much opposition was brought -against education, he was a friend of the schools, and again and again -has gone into the field to raise money for their support. He has seen the -great benevolent boards of the Church and nearly all our connectional -institutions come up from the smallest beginnings, and has never failed -to espouse the cause of these important agencies for the promotion of -Christ’s kingdom. Even the conference in which he began his ministry has -grown in his day from a handful to a host, and no man has watched its -growth with deeper pride or more anxious concern than himself. - -I could write much more in the line of these thoughts, but the chapters -of this volume will give in clear light the characteristics which can -only be hinted at in the limits of an introduction. The skilled pen of -the biographer will bring out in forceful and charming manner the noble -traits of the gifted brother whose career he has studied with great care -and painstaking interest. Let the book have a wide circulation, let the -youth read its inspiring sentiments, and the horizon of their thoughts -will be enlarged and the desire to be loyal to God and to every good work -will be stimulated and strengthened. - - T. C. CARTER. - -November 27, 1911. - - - - -CONTENTS - - - PAGE - - Preface 3 - - Introduction 4 - - CHAPTER ONE - - Ancestry—Picture of pioneer life—Imprisonment and release - of Pompey Smash—Little Jack’s short-cut in the study of - astronomy—The fate of his first pair of breeches 9 - - CHAPTER TWO - - The tragic death of the father—Removal to Parke County—School - Days—Conversion—Change of church relationship—A remarkable - providence 23 - - CHAPTER THREE - - Call to the ministry—First sermon—The boy preacher—Answering - a fool after his folly—Turning a camp-meeting tide—Quieting a - skirmish—Takes a wife 39 - - CHAPTER FOUR - - Conference membership—Brulitz Creek ministry—The modern - knight and his steed—Abrupt closing of family devotions by - a dog-on-the-preacher—An original marriage ceremony—A case - of mistaken identity—A banner missionary collection—Shawnee - Prairie pastorate—A cold day in April—The redemption of Hell’s - Half Acre—Baiting for a perverse fish—An experience in the - whisky business 51 - - CHAPTER FIVE - - Six months at Rainsville—A hot-bed of Southern sympathizers—A - mix-up with saloon men—A sermon on slavery—Fire and - brimstone—An antagonist outwitted—A sermon from the book of - Newgent—Can any good thing come out of Rainsville? 70 - - CHAPTER SIX - - The war spirit in Indiana—Breaking up a traitorous plot—Narrow - escape from enemies—Assists in securing recruits—Becomes - chaplain of his regiment—Exchange of courtesies with a - Presbyterian minister—An embarrassing predicament—Saves his - regiment from capture—Organizes military church—Chased by - Johnnies—An exciting homeward journey 80 - - CHAPTER SEVEN - - Plants the United Brethren banner in Terre Haute—Prairieton - pastorate—Difficulty with the sons of Anak—A prayer without an - “Amen”—Another community redeemed—Going to the wrong doctor—A - perverse colt—An unintentional immersion—One sermon that was - not dry 98 - - CHAPTER EIGHT - - The New Goshen pastorate—An old grudge healed—Dry bones - revived—Memorable year at “Dogtown”—“Death in the pot”—The - Hittites captured—The “Jerks”—Other remarkable demonstrations—A - rooster in the missionary collection—First debate—Unpleasant - sequel to a horse trade 111 - - CHAPTER NINE - - Labors at Mattoon, Illinois—A persistent campaign and a great - victory—Second New Goshen pastorate—A coincidence—Success at - Prairieton—Laboring in the shadow—The death of Mrs. Newgent—A - bishop’s tribute to her character 131 - - CHAPTER TEN - - First great debate—The debate as an institution—The - challenge—Opponents get weak-kneed—Prolonging maneuvers—A - hungry multitude unfed—Battle begins—Questions discussed—An - improvised creed for his opponent—A premature baptism—An - opponent’s tribute to his genius—Crowning the victor 138 - - CHAPTER ELEVEN - - Subsequent debates—The Owen contest—He got his - “Treat”—Opponent’s confession—Dressing “Stone”—A scared - Baptist—Invades the Lutheran ranks—Measures steel with Doctor - Ingram—Dissertation on infant baptism—Opponent’s early - flight—Concludes the debate alone—The Haw debate 155 - - CHAPTER TWELVE - - Perrysville and Centerpoint—Industry rewarded from an - unsuspected source—A “slick wedding”—Fruitful labors at - Centerpoint—A one-sided union meeting—The doctrine of the - resurrection again demonstrated 171 - - CHAPTER THIRTEEN - - Becomes a missionary superintendent—Second marriage—An - unexpected welcome—Forms a Quaker friendship—The Spirit moves - in a Quaker meeting—A Quaker’s prayer answered—Builds a - college—Shows what to do for a dead church—Another tilt on the - doctrine of baptism—Conversion of a Dunkard preacher—Turns a - great movement in the right direction 180 - - CHAPTER FOURTEEN - - Autumn—The fading leaf—Fruit in old age—His later - labors—Present home 196 - - CHAPTER FIFTEEN - - A Character Sketch 202 - - CHAPTER SIXTEEN - - “Lights out,” a dirge of the war 219 - - - - - -CHAPTER ONE. - - _Ancestry—Picture of Pioneer Life—Imprisonment and Release - of Pompey Smash—Little Jack’s Short Cut in the Study of - Astronomy—The Fate of his First Pair of Breeches._ - - -Once upon a time, so long ago that the chronology of it has become hidden -in the mists of historical uncertainties, a man with his family emigrated -from the hill section of northern Ireland to the vicinity of Dublin. What -his real name was also belongs to the realm of the unknown, but among -the unsophisticated rural inhabitants with whom he had cast his lot he -was characterized simply as the “new gentleman.” In course of time, the -somewhat cumbersome title became abbreviated to “new gent,” the original -appellation finally passing from common usage entirely. That this new -gentleman was a person of some force of character may be inferred from -the distinction he seems to have achieved among his new neighbors and the -fact that the name has been honored by men of rank and eminence among his -descendants, a conspicuous example being Lord Robert Newgent (or Nugent), -the celebrated Irish scholar and statesman. - -Among the later descendants were three brothers who decided to cast their -fortunes with the land of dreams and fancies across the Atlantic. Their -names were Edward, William, and Thomas Newgent. On reaching America -Edward directed his course toward the sunny South, William remained -somewhere in the East, while Thomas struck out toward the vast region of -unbroken forests on the western slopes of the Alleghenies. His pilgrimage -terminated somewhere in the bounds of Kentucky. He secured a tract of -land near Cincinnati, and in process of time met, wooed, and won a -wealthy daughter of Virginia. He was contemporary with the Boones in -reclaiming this great region of possibilities for civilization; helped -to survey the State; taught school on both sides of the Ohio River, -winning for himself the title of “Irish Schoolmaster,” which, in this -case, carried with it no small degree of distinction. He was a soldier in -three wars, that of the Revolution, of 1812, and the Blackhawk War, for -which services he received a pension from the Government. He professed -religion at the ripe age of eighty, and was spared to redeem in part his -long neglected opportunities by spending almost a quarter of a century in -active Christian service, his long and eventful life closing, according -to an uncertain tradition, in the 103d year of his age. He was the father -of Charles Newgent, who was the father of Andrew Jackson Newgent, the -hero of this simple narrative. - -In Charles Newgent the elements of character peculiar to his race were -exceptionally strong. A most marked propensity was his fondness for a -joke. He would take more interest in concocting some new trick to be -played on a neighbor or in devising a scheme for merrymaking than in a -critical study of the Sermon on the Mount, or in solving an intricate -theological problem. But while the religious faculty remained somewhat -dormant, he was warm-hearted and generous, a good neighbor and citizen, -according to the simple requirements of the times. In educational -attainments he was far above the average. He was a prominent figure -in local political circles, being a Jeffersonian Democrat of a rather -emphatic type. His ever ready wit and fluency of speech made him a -master on the stump and a formidable antagonist in political debates. -The ability to give a humorous turn to any remark or incident served -him well upon such occasions. His peculiar temperament gave him special -aptitude as an auctioneer, in which capacity he had no superior. People -would attend his sales as much to be entertained by his witticisms as for -the bargains he might have to offer, and those who came to laugh often -remained to settle a bill for something they had no thought of purchasing. - -At the age of nineteen, in the year 1825, he was married to Mary Pugh, -of Shelby County, Kentucky, his native county. Her parents had come from -Scotland and were substantial citizens. - -Soon after their marriage they moved to Parke County, Indiana, and -settled on a tract of land which the wife had received as a dower from -her father. - -Pioneer life in Indiana need not here be enlarged upon. A solitary -dwelling in the interminable and trackless forest; the building -consisting of a single room built of unhewn logs, roofed with hand-split -clapboards; the chimney covering one entire end of the building; the -rough doors swung on wooden hinges; the small windows with greased paper -or the tanned skins of animals through which a bit of daylight finds its -way with difficulty; the huge fireplace used for both cooking and heating -purposes; the few pieces of hand-made furniture—these were some of the -outward aspects of domestic life out on the ragged edge of civilization. -The cabin of the Newgents was typical of those of their neighbors, the -nearest of whom lived some fifteen miles distant. The larger wild animals -were frequent visitors and the war whoop of the Indian had scarcely died -away. - -After a brief residence at this place they moved to Sullivan County. -Here, on Saturday, September 15, 1838, the subject of this sketch was -born. He was the youngest of seven sons. Subsequently the family circle -was enlarged by the addition of two daughters. The father’s political -bias was again asserted in the name, Andrew Jackson, assigned to this -youngest son, after the great hero of early Democracy. The name often has -given occasion for humorous touches by the owner, especially in referring -to his early life. By the neighbors and older members of the family, he -says, he was dubbed General Andrew Jackson. Later the military title was -dropped and he became plain Andrew Jackson, and by successive stages the -name was further abbreviated until the boy was doomed to answer to the -simple cognomen of “Jack.” Whether this was a process of evolution or of -degeneration, he was destined to win for himself a title that would stand -for real worth and attainment; that would represent the love of little -children, as well as the esteem of men and women, when the affectionate -appellation of “Uncle Jack” would become a household term in multitudes -of homes. - -Perhaps it is to the Scotch blood of his mother that he owes the more -solid elements of his character. The Scotch character stands for thrift, -energy, and integrity, so that wherever the hardy Scotchman goes he -carries with him the best elements of citizenship. These combined with -the quick wit and genial temperament of the sons of Erin produced in our -subject a personality rich in depth and resourcefulness. - -The emigration instinct, always strong in the pioneer, again became -active, and the family set out for a new destination. This time it was -Paw Paw Bend in Knox County, Indiana, so named because of its location in -a bend of White River, and the prolific growth of paw paw trees for which -the fertile lands were especially adapted. Our subject was then about -eighteen months old. Here he spent the years of early childhood. Some -incidents numbered among his earliest recollections and which serve to -illustrate the home life and social conditions in which these years were -passed, will not be out of place in this connection. - -During this period religious services were practically unknown in Paw -Paw Bend. The chief diversions were such social functions as shooting -matches, wood choppings, log rollings, husking bees, and dances. The -spelling bee was still of too intellectual a character to win popularity. -At all such gatherings the familiar demijohn of corn whiskey was -considered an indispensable adjunct. - -Hence, the announcement of a preaching service to be held at the Newgent -home on a following Sunday morning was hailed throughout the settlement -as a new thing under the sun. Of course everybody would go. The preacher -was to be Rev. Nathan Hinkle, a Methodist itinerant. It was out of no -particular religious scruples that the host, Charles Newgent, volunteered -to entertain the assemblage on this occasion, yet he had no aversion to -preachers or churches, and in common with his neighbors, he was always -ready to encourage anything that would break the monotony and afford -social diversion. - -It so happened that on Saturday evening before this memorable day, Pompey -Smash, a negro fiddler, was passing through the neighborhood and asked -to stay over night at Mr. Newgent’s. He was informed by the head of the -house that he would be furnished lodging on condition that he dispense -music for a family dance. The terms were accepted and there was a sound -of revelry by night as the little company beat time on the puncheon floor -to the droll tunes of their musical guest. - -Early next morning the congregation began to assemble for worship. The -presence of the fiddler led to the suggestion that the time spent in -waiting for the arrival of the preacher be used to the best possible -advantage. Accordingly the Ethiopian turned his fiddle—for it was before -the violin was invented; the familiar demijohn was set in a conspicuous -place, and the gentlemen chose their partners. Lest the preacher’s sudden -arrival in the midst of such hilarious scenes be the occasion of a shock -or an offense to his ecclesiastical dignity, a member of the party was -dispatched to do picket service. The watchman, having imbibed too freely -of the contents of the jug, fell asleep at his post. The dance had gone -on merrily for some time in its rapturous excitement; the preacher and -church service were utterly forgotten. When, lo! the alarm was sounded. -The faithless watchman had allowed the company to be taken by surprise. -The approach of the reverend was discovered in the nick of time; the -dance came to an abrupt stop. To prevent the minister from “smelling a -rat,” a puncheon was removed hastily from the floor, and the fiddler, -the fiddle, and the whiskey jug were thrust unceremoniously through the -opening into the cellar excavation below. And the people put on their -Sunday faces for church. - -After the services a part of the congregation, including the shepherd -of the flock, remained for dinner. This necessarily prolonged the -imprisonment of the negro, but when it is recalled that the whiskey -jug was a prison companion, we may surmise that the hours were not -so “tedious and tasteless” as otherwise they might have been. The -solemnities of the day came to an end with the departure of the minister; -the prison was then opened and the prisoner released. An “after service” -followed, which, it may be conjectured, was more in harmony with the -tastes of the congregation. - -While unlimited resources lay at the very doors of these pioneer cabins, -the backwoodsmen lacked the facilities for developing them. Their tastes -were not so exacting as in later days, and beyond the sheer necessities -and comforts of the household, ambition did not spur them on. While -ordinarily the family dined on homely fare, the industrious housewife -often became so proficient in the culinary art as to be able to concoct -most tempting dishes with the raw products that nature placed in easy -reach. The sap of the maple tree, wild grapes, paw paws, and persimmons, -as well as the products of garden, orchard, and field were utilized -in providing for their physical wants. Persimmons ripened with the -early frosts, and when put up in maple syrup, became a staple and most -delicious article of diet. By the addition of the proper quantity of -whiskey, the standard remedy for most of the ills the flesh is heir to, -the mixture afforded in addition to its other virtues, a sure cure for -ague, commonly called “ager.” This led to an episode in which little -Jack and three older brothers were the leading figures, and which he -facetiously labeled “a short cut in the study of astronomy.” - -The children were left alone one afternoon. The oldest of the quartet -was familiar with the process of preparing the common ague antidote. The -necessary ingredients were, as usual, within easy reach. So he proceeded -to administer the remedy to his younger brothers on the principle that -“if a little did good, more would do better.” The bearing of this -procedure upon the science of astronomy becomes apparent when we -remember that among the unschooled of that day it was a mooted question -as to whether or not the world is round and revolves upon its axis, as -the geographies teach. Jack declared that after taking a few doses it -was painfully evident to him that the world did turn round and turned at -such a rapid rate that he found it difficult to keep from falling off. -When the mother returned she found the three younger boys lying on the -floor unconscious, and the author of the mischief sitting astride a joist -overhead the unceiled room in a hilarious condition. By the free use of -sweet milk the younger boys were restored to consciousness, but a special -treatment was reserved for the one who led them into temptation. However, -Jack found this short course in astronomy sufficient for all practical -purposes, and he has never had the occasion or inclination to extend it. - -His early years were as happy and free from care amid these primitive -surroundings, as childhood life could well be, even in what might be -considered more favorable circumstances. Life was simple in the extreme, -even crude, but it was the best he knew. There was nothing in the lives -of his associates calculated to excite envy or cause discontent with his -own lot. But in this connection one incident stands out in bold relief to -mar the picture of boyish contentment. - -A single garment of homespun, or “tow linen,” was all that was considered -necessary in the way of clothing under ordinary circumstances for a boy -of that age. It marked a new era in his life when the loose garment which -covered the anatomy down to the knees was supplemented by a pair of -breeches of the same material. Upon one occasion as Jack stood watching -his mother as she was measuring the material for the older boys’ winter -suits, he heard her remark that there would probably be enough scraps -left over to make him a pair of breeches. With emotions alternating -between hope and fear, he waited impatiently for the outcome. His joy was -unbounded when he found that his hopes were to be realized. His mother -laid him on the floor and thus marked the pattern. It was seen that the -closest economy had to be used to make the goods hold out; so instead of -the regulation number of two suspenders which were one piece with the -breeches, the material would only warrant the making of one. By extending -it from one side on the back diagonally across the shoulder, making -connection on the opposite side in front, the new habiliment maintained -its balance and no special inconvenience was suffered. - -But alas! his rejoicing was soon to be turned into mourning. A few days -later, clad in his new outfit, he went with his brothers to the woods -to gather pecans. It was a warm autumn afternoon, and in climbing and -clubbing the trees and picking up the nuts, the boys found it convenient -to cast off unnecessary articles of clothing. As Jack had scarcely become -accustomed to more than one garment, he could easily dispense with the -breeches for the time. Accordingly they were removed and hung on a bush -near by, and for a time forgotten in the fascination of nut hunting. When -the party was ready to start home with the fruits of their toil, he was -alarmed to find that his cherished breeches had disappeared. The boys -searched diligently but found them not. When about ready to give up in -despair, they chanced to observe, a short distance away, a mellow-eyed, -crinkly-horned, brindle cow making a meal off the lad’s wearing apparel, -or perhaps using it for dessert, as though it were a dainty morsel. And -the last Jack saw of his first pair of breeches was the lone suspender -dangling from the innocent old brindle’s mouth, the major part of them -having been engulfed in her capacious maw. And to the sorrow of his -heart, his wardrobe for another year was limited to the single piece of -homespun. - - - - -CHAPTER TWO. - - _The Tragic Death of the Father—Removal to Parke County—School - Days—Conversion—Change of Church Relationship—A Remarkable - Providence._ - - -Thus far our narrative has covered the childhood of our subject up to -the ninth year of his age. At this juncture occurred an event that cast -the first real shadow over his youthful pathway. It was the death of -his father, the tragic nature of which and the subsequent effect it -was to have upon his career, made the shadow all the deeper and more -significant. Charles Newgent went with a company consisting of sixty -adventurous spirits, upon an expedition to the West, the real object -of which seems to be somewhat indefinite. The restless and venturesome -spirit of the pioneer, a curious desire to penetrate the mysteries of the -great western world, the dream of untold treasures that nature had in -store for those who dared to conquer the dragons that guarded them—all -may have figured in this ill-fated enterprise. However that may have -been, while crossing the western plains the company was attacked and -massacred by a band of hostile Indians. As in the calamities that befell -Job’s household, one of the number was left to tell the story. This one -was supposed by the savages to have shared the fate of all the rest, -being left on the field for dead; but it so happened that in his case the -weapon of death did not do complete work. He was picked up the next day -by a party of hunters to whom he was able to give a vague account of the -preceding day’s terrible tragedy. - -After the father’s death, the mother with her nine children moved back to -their former home in Parke County. Life then took on a sterner aspect for -the boy. His tender hands must perform their part in the maintenance of -the family. Accordingly he hired out to Mr. Jesse Maddox, a neighboring -farmer. His wages the first year were to be a pair of shoes, ten bushels -of corn, and the privilege of attending the district school. The market -price of corn was ten cents per bushel. Even at this modest stipend -he admits that he made money, “though not very much.” While in after -years of fruitful labors in the ministry he often remarked that the -question that most perplexed him was how to earn what he received, it -is not probable that the question at this time had assumed very serious -proportions. - -The most important stipulation in the contract was the privilege -of attending school. But even this is subject to shrinkage when we -recall that the school system of Indiana was then in its first stage -of development. It afforded no royal path to learning, and the common -thoroughfare was neither smooth nor flowery. We would scarcely expect to -find in the schoolroom comforts that the home itself was a stranger to. -Strikingly suggestive of the interior aspect of those primitive seats of -learning are the lines from Whittier’s “In School Days”: - - “Within, the master’s desk is seen, - Deep scarred by raps official; - The battered seats, the warping floor, - The jack knife’s carved initial. - - “The charcoal frescoes on the wall, - The door’s worn sill betraying - The feet that creeping late to school, - Went storming out to playing.” - -To fit the particular building in which our subject first tasted -the fruit of the tree of knowledge, the picture needs but slight -modification. If anything, it should be made even more simple and -primitive. The “battered” seats were made of puncheon. Since this word -is passing from common usage, it may be well to explain that puncheon -is made by splitting a small log in two equal parts. The split edges -are then trimmed down, and the pieces thus treated served as a rough -substitute for sawed lumber. To make them into seats, two holes were -bored near each end in the unhewn side. These being at proper angles, -wooden pins were inserted into them for legs. The rude seat was then -ready for service. It is not to be taken for granted that these seats -were always made perfectly smooth. What was lacking to smooth them down -by the workmen was expected to be completed by the pupils. They finished -the task, but often it was a long and painful process, with many a -protest from a new gown of homespun or a pair of “tow-linen,” home-grown -breeches. Thus, with no rest for the arms or the back, with one side -scorched by the heat from the great fireplace and the other chilled by -the winter winds creeping through cracks in floor and walls and roof, -the children wore away the dreary hours. The floor, being composed -of this same puncheon, did not easily warp. The recess recreation -consisted mainly in carrying fuel from the surrounding forest to feed the -every-hungry fireplace. - -Whatever dignity the schoolmaster may have possessed in the eyes of his -pupils, certain it is he was not the original of Goldsmith’s creation in -the “Deserted Village,” of whom the wonder was “that one small head could -carry all he knew.” Beyond the traditional essentials of scholarship, -consisting of reading, writing, and ciphering, with a specially intimate -acquaintance with the spelling book, he did not pretend to lead. His -chief business was to govern the school. He proved his divine right -to his throne in the schoolroom by his ability to handle the most -obstreperous cases the district could produce. The scholars were on hand -as a challenge to his generalship. The hero of the school was the one who -held out longest against his despotic authority. To lick the teacher was -the height of his ambition. This realized, his place in the local hall of -fame was secure. According to the philosophy of the times “lickin’ and -larnin’” went hand in hand, lickin’ being essential, while larnin’ was -incidental. - -The school house was three miles from the Maddox home. The school was -maintained on the basis that “whosoever will may come.” There was no -penalty for tardiness or absence, but as young Newgent possessed a -real thirst for knowledge and was in the habit of making the most of -whatever he undertook, his attendance was more regular than the average. -However, the sum total of his schooling was limited to three terms of -about three months each, an aggregate of nine months. Meager as were his -school advantages, they were well improved and furnished a foundation -for self-culture upon which he built as only a genius can. He learned -to read in less than four weeks, and his progress was correspondingly -rapid throughout. His real school was not bounded by the walls of the -log school house; it was rather the great school of life with its harsh -discipline and inexhaustible curriculum; and in this he grew to be the -peer of the ripest products of educational institutions. “Opportunities,” -he says, in his characteristic way, “the woods has always been full of -opportunities. I had splendid opportunities when I was a boy, and so did -my companions; but many of them, like some young folks now, failed to see -them.” He saw what many fail to see, that opportunities are not so much -in our environment as in ourselves, and that success is not determined by -outward circumstances, but by one’s own will and energy. - -A habit early formed was that of turning everything to account in the -pursuit of knowledge. Mrs. Newgent, anxious to encourage her children’s -propensities for study, furnished the home with such reading matter as -her means would permit. Though the family were separated most of the -time, they came together at frequent intervals. On these occasions the -time was well spent in reading and in discussing current topics. Whatever -was read became the subject of conversation. These conversations often -took the form of argument, in which the various sides of a subject were -presented and zealously defended. Thus, he early displayed and developed -an aptitude for argumentative discussion, which made him a master in -debate, and is a strong element in all his public discourses. - -His conversion occurred when he was about ten years old, while still in -the service of Mr. Maddox, a benefit which was not considered in the -contract with his employer. This took place during a gracious revival -at the Canaan Methodist church, of which his employer was a member and -was serving at the time as class leader and janitor. The meeting had -been in progress for a number of days; many had found the Savior, and -the community was deeply stirred. He had been sent to open the church -and build the fire for the evening service. While going quietly about -his duties, all alone, the impression came to him quite vividly that he -ought to be a Christian, and he resolved to go to the “mourner’s bench” -that night. He was never long in making up his mind, and when a decision -was once made, it was as a law of the Medes and Persians. So he went to -the altar that night and each succeeding night for more than a week. One -evening as he was listening to the sermon, conviction became so intense -that in his extremity he left the house. Though it was a cold night and -the ground was covered with snow, he stole out in the woods. Kneeling in -the snow, this youthful Jacob wrestled with God in prayer. How long he -tarried, he could not tell, but faith triumphed, and the next he knew -the woods were resounding with his shouts of victory. Rushing into the -church while the preacher was yet talking, he put an end to the sermon -by his shouting and praising God. The congregation was electrified. Soon -the demonstration became general, and for a time pandemonium held sway; -but it was of a sort in which there were both method and meaning, for its -source was from above. - -Like God’s servant of old, he could say, “My heart is fixed.” He joined -the church and from that time never missed an opportunity to pray and -testify in public or private. At that time children did not receive much -attention from the church. Churches were strong on saving souls from -damnation, but the idea of saving the entire life for service had not -taken deep root. As a result of the revival there was a large class of -“probationers.” When the period of probation had expired, according to -the church law, and they were to be admitted into full membership, his -name was not on the list. He was not considered a member; at least that -was his version of it, and the only logical conclusion the case would -warrant. It was a sore disappointment, but of too delicate a nature to -mention to his elders. So he kept his feelings to himself. - -Thus matters stood for little more than a year, when he learned that -there was to be a quarterly meeting at the Otterbein United Brethren -Church a few miles away. This church belonged to the Rockville Circuit -of the Wabash Conference. Rev. William Sherrill was the pastor. The -presiding elder, who was to hold the quarterly conference, was Rev. -Samuel Zuck. Both were strong and good men. Jack had never attended a -United Brethren service. What knowledge he had of the Church was gained -through conversations overheard in the Maddox home. Ministers being -frequently entertained there, conversation at such times naturally took -to religious channels. As this was an age when churches did not entertain -the most fraternal feelings toward one another, these conversations were -not calculated, as a rule, to produce a favorable opinion of a rival -denomination. His interest in churches and religion was genuine, born of -a desire to know the truth. Hence, is was not mere curiosity that led him -to obtain his employer’s permission to spend Saturday and Sunday with a -neighbor in the Otterbein community so that he might attend the services -of the quarterly meeting. - -The Church proved to be his affinity. Whatever misgivings he had, -vanished one by one. The general atmosphere of the first service -harmonized with his temperament. There was spirit in the singing. His -heart burned within him as he listened to the eloquent sermon by the -presiding elder; and when the pastor followed, as the custom was, with a -warm exhortation, he was enraptured. He resolved to join the Church. As -usual, the decision was made without much preliminary. He knew where he -stood, and stood there with both feet. When he returned, his employer, as -well as his own folks, was thunderstruck to learn that he had become a -full-fledged United Brethren. Having put his hand to the plow, he never -turned back. “I have been so busy,” is a common saying with him, “that I -have never had time to backslide.” - -It should be said in justice to the church where he first joined, that -his name had been entered upon the book, but by mistake it was placed -in the list with the full members. This accounts for his not being -received with the probationers, to which class he belonged, and led to -the conclusion that he was not considered a member. Thus an apparently -insignificant thing may prove to be a matter of vital importance. - -As a boy he possessed pronounced convictions and a keen sense of -religious obligation. This is demonstrated by an incident which occurred -while he was in the employ of Mr. Jerry Rush, a short time after leaving -the service of Mr. Maddox. Mr. Rush was a well-to-do farmer and stock -dealer. Neither he nor his wife made any profession of religion, though -their lives were regarded as exemplary and above question in other -respects. Some of the men who worked on the farm, however, were of the -baser sort. It seemed strange to young Newgent that a man of Mr. Rush’s -habits would surround himself with men who were utterly destitute of -moral scruples or of the commonest decencies. To him their vulgarity -and profanity were a source of constant annoyance. At one time as their -coarse jests were grating on his sensitive ears, he was impressed with -the idea that this uncouth crowd afforded him a field for missionary -work. The impression was not long in taking definite shape. It came with -the force of a challenge, a bugle call to duty, a call that he never -failed to heed. His mind was made up that he would offer prayer with -these men before they retired that evening if Mr. Rush would grant him -the privilege. - -It was a bold resolve, an ordeal from which a braver heart might well -have shrunk. Let eloquent tongues proclaim the praise of those who face -death at the cannon’s mouth, or the inspired pen immortalize the hero, -who, amid the applause of admiring multitudes, imperils his own life to -save another; but who would not count it a worthy act to place a laurel -wreath upon the brow of a fourteen-year-old lad who dared to face, not -one Goliath, but a company of Goliaths, with the simple weapon of faith, -and demand that they bow before their God while he offered a petition in -behalf of their needy souls? Yet this resolute purpose was to undergo -a severe test. The fiercest battles are fought in our own hearts. As -the time drew near, he felt his courage slipping away. He stole out to -the barn for a time of secret prayer, that he might be equal to the -emergency. Feeling comforted and strengthened, he started to the house to -execute his plan. On reaching the yard gate his courage seemed to take -flight, and he could go no farther. He went back to the place of prayer. -On the second venture he got as far as the door, when his strength again -vanished. Not to be beaten, he went back to the barn to fight the battle -to a finish. The third effort won the day. He hastened to the house, -determined not to give the enemy a chance. The men were sitting about -the fire. Without a word by way of preliminary, he stepped up to Mr. -Rush and asked permission to kneel with them in prayer. The permission -was granted, and a solemn hush came over the startled company as they -listened while the boy, with trembling voice and stammering accents, -poured out his soul to God. He then sought his bed with the consciousness -that he had done his duty. A sweet peace filled his soul and he lay for -hours in ecstacy of joy. - -The next evening the family devotions were repeated. But on the third -evening the prayer was forestalled by a preconcerted plan on the part of -the men. As the time for prayer approached, one after another, they arose -and stalked out of the room, and the victor in two hard-fought battles -was left alone—defeated and dejected. His spirits dropped down to zero. -The fiery dart had pierced him through and through. In agony of soul he -sought his bed, but not to rest. Out of the depth of his troubled heart -he called upon God for comfort. But the fury of the storm seemed only -to increase. In his desperation he felt that something must be done. -So, about the hour of midnight, he arose, dressed himself, and left the -house to go—he knew not where. Through the remaining hours of the night -he wandered, directing his course toward the West. Daylight came, the -sun rose above the horizon and pursued its course toward the zenith, -but his pilgrimage continued. At noon he found himself in the city of -Terre Haute, then a mere village. Here he tarried for a time to seek -employment. Failing in this, he resumed his westward journey. He asked -for work at the various farm houses which he passed. While he found kind -hearts who, touched by pity for the youthful pilgrim, gave him food and -temporary shelter, he found no man to hire him until he reached Mattoon, -Illinois, nearly a hundred miles from whence he started. Work at that -season of the year was scarce, and his term of service at Mattoon was -brief. At the end of three days his employer gave him his wages with the -intelligence that his services were no longer needed. - -He now decided to go back to Indiana. With his three days’ wages in his -pocket, with which he expected to pay for his transportation at least -part of the way, he set out upon the return journey. Within the vicinity -of Terre Haute he succeeded in finding steady employment and a congenial -home. - -There were two sides to this story, and some months after Jack was -settled in his new home he learned the other side. It was glorious news -to him. The sequel was that Mr. Rush was converted, joined the Baptist -Church, and became a zealous leader in religious work. It came about in -this way: When Mr. Rush found that Jack had disappeared and diligent -effort failed to solve the mystery of his disappearance, a feeling of -remorse over his unchristian conduct so possessed him that for days he -was almost in a state of frenzy. Remorse took the form of spiritual -conviction and genuine repentance which led to a glorious conversion. - -On learning of the whereabouts of his young benefactor, Mr. Rush at once -went to see him, and told him his side of the story. He confessed to -Jack that he was a guilty party to the scheme the men had used to defeat -him. The boy’s awkward prayer together with their own antipathy for such -pious exercises was a source of embarrassment to the men, and they agreed -among themselves to use the method described to rid themselves of further -annoyance. Little did Mr. Rush realize that those awkward prayers were to -be the means of his salvation. - - “God moves in a mysterious way, - His wonders to perform, - He plants his footsteps on the sea, - He rides upon the storm. - - “Judge not the Lord with feeble sense, - But trust him for his grace, - Behind a frowning providence - He hides a smiling face.” - - - - -CHAPTER THREE. - - _Call to the Ministry—First Sermon—The Boy Preacher—Answering - a Fool After his Folly—Turning a Camp Meeting Tide—Quieting a - Skirmish—Takes a Wife._ - - -Providence seemed to ordain that there should be one preacher in the -Newgent family and that that one should be Jack. As has been observed, -his religious zeal from the time of his conversion at the age of ten, -was exceptional. Just when the first impression looking toward the -ministry came to him he could scarcely tell, such impressions having been -associated more or less with his religious experience from the beginning. -By the time he was thirteen the conviction that he had a “divine call” to -preach the gospel became clear and definite. And the conviction deepened -with the passing of time. Of course, no one dreamed of the emotions that -were stirring the boy’s breast, and to him the ministry was so high and -sacred a calling as to seem infinitely beyond his possibilities. Hence, -he dared not express his feelings to even his most intimate friends, and -so received no sympathy or encouragement from any human source. He went -about his Father’s business in his own way, rendering such service to -the cause of his Master as a boy of his years was capable of. His zeal -knew no abatement, and such diligence is sure to lead to recognition and -reward. - -The minister who first took a special interest in him was Rev. Ira Mater, -an able preacher and a sympathetic discerner of the thoughts and intents -of the heart. Between the man and the lad there sprang up a beautiful -friendship, suggestive of that between Paul and Timothy. Rev. Mr. Mater -frequently invited his young friend to accompany him to his appointments, -and by way of stirring up the gift that was in this prospective Timothy, -sometimes called upon him to open the service, to exhort after the -sermon, or perform such other public ministrations as were convenient. -Rev. Mr. Newgent has always gratefully acknowledged his indebtedness to -this spiritual father. - -This association with Rev. Mr. Mater was during his sixteenth and -seventeenth years. He was small and rather delicate for one of his age. -His entire youth was a continual conflict with disease, the entire -category of which seemed to try their hand upon his slender frame. -But while his body was frail, his mind was strong and alert. That -his positive temperament and seeming disposition to never give up had -somewhat to do in staving off the grim monster, death, is not at all -unlikely. - -His first regular discourse was preached at the Stedd School House -near Fontanet, in Clay County, Indiana. The school house was used as a -preaching point and weekly prayer meetings were maintained. He was a -frequent attendant at these services, and one evening, on entering the -house, he was met by the leader who said, “Jack, the people are expecting -you to preach to-night.” That he was to preach was simply a surmise, his -association with Rev. Mr. Mater being the probable foundation of it. -But some one surmised out loud and the rumor gained currency. Observing -his surprise at this intelligence, the leader continued, “You had -just as well begin here and now,” in a manner that indicated that it -was a foregone conclusion that preaching was to be his life business. -And Jack preached. At any rate, if the effort could not be classed as -preaching, it was a splendid substitute for it. He announced as a text, -“If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the -sinner appear?” The congregation was visibly affected by his fervor and -earnestness, some of the more demonstrative ones giving vent to their -feelings in shouts of praise. He was urged to preach the next night, and -the meetings were continued for more than a week, being held at various -private homes, Newgent preaching at each service. The divine seal was -thus placed upon his ministry, and the meeting marked the beginning of a -new epoch in his career. - -A few weeks later the Rockville quarterly conference granted him a -license to preach. The action was taken in his absence. J. P. White -was the preacher in charge and Thomas M. Hamilton was the presiding -elder. The action of the quarterly conference was almost a superfluous -formality, as he was now so greatly in demand that he could not well -avoid preaching. - -The boy preacher was a popular character. To see a man on the _ante -meridian_ of life in the pulpit was at that time quite unusual. The -popular prejudice was in favor of men who had spent the major part of -their lives on the farm or in business, thus acquiring a competence -that would enable them to proclaim that salvation is free without being -embarrassed or embarrassing their congregations on the money question. -Hence, a diminutive lad of seventeen, weighing only about eighty pounds, -exercising the ministerial function was in itself sufficient to attract -the multitudes. Wherever he preached he was greeted by immense audiences. -By many he was regarded as a prodigy, though he could not be classed as -such, prodigies seldom accomplishing more than to afford amusement for -curious spectators. It is true, however, that he displayed qualities -unusual for one of his years, though it must be admitted that the greater -part of his power lay in his intense religious zeal and earnestness. - -Some characteristic incidents in this part of his ministry will not -only be of interest in themselves, but will at the same time serve to -illustrate his unique individuality. He went on one occasion to fill -an appointment at what was known as the Rough and Ready School House. -The name was justified by the prevailing social conditions. Like Paul -on Mars Hill, he found that at least some of the people were very -religious, though their religious energy was not always directed to the -best advantage. Not infrequently does it transpire that men will fight -for their religion even when they are utterly averse to the practice of -it, a fact which had a forcible illustration in this particular service. -He preached with his usual energy. The house was crowded and the sermon -seemed to be well received. There happened to be present a minister of -what was designated as the Campbellite persuasion. Evidently the sermon -did not coincide with his theological bias. He asked permission to -say a few words as the speaker took his seat. The permission granted, -he sallied forth with a tirade of abuse and denunciation of the young -preacher and his theology in which his passion played a larger part than -either his judgment or his conscience. When he finally ran down, Newgent -arose in a calm manner and said, “Brother, with your way of applying -Scripture, I can prove that Eve was the mother of a turkey buzzard.” -“Prove it, then,” shouted back the irascible theologue. “Well, the Bible -says that Eve was the mother of all living, and that includes turkey -buzzards. Let us be dismissed,” and calling the audience to their feet, -he pronounced the benediction before his assailant had time to reply. - -At another time, with his brother, John Newgent, he happened to drop -in at a Methodist camp meeting in Sullivan County. They arrived just -in time for the morning service. A number of ministers were seated on -the platform, among them being Rev. Hayden Hayes, the presiding elder. -Rev. Mr. Hayes had met Newgent on a former occasion, and as soon as he -saw him enter the camp, rushed back and taking him by the arm, led him -to the platform. Hayes was a strong, portly man, and the delicate lad -was helpless in his grasp; thus he was led as a lamb to the slaughter, -and was informed that he must preach. Though he vainly sought to be -excused, yet he was equal to the emergency. He had proceeded about ten -minutes with his discourse, when a man sitting a few feet in front of the -platform was converted and began to shout. He continued, and four others -in the congregation broke loose in like manner, all of them having been -converted through the effect of the sermon, and the discourse disappeared -in a whirlwind of praise that completely drowned the speaker’s voice. Up -to that time there had been no move in the meeting. - -John Newgent was imbued with the old-school Baptist doctrine and had not -sympathized with his brother’s preaching propensities. After resuming -their journey they rode for a time in silence. Finally the older brother -said, “Jack, you know I have always opposed your preaching. But I want to -say that I have no further objection to it; but,” he added with quivering -lips, “I want you to pray for me.” The sermon had touched his heart. - -Though urgent demands were made upon the boy preacher to stay and assist -in the meeting, he was unable to do so, and heard nothing further from -it until after he had returned from the war, when by chance he again -passed through the vicinity. He stopped at the home of a Mrs. Mayfield, -on whose farm the camp was located, to get his dinner and his horse fed. -As he was taking his leave, having paid his bill, he chanced to observe -the camp ground a short distance away. Up to that time he was not aware -that he was in the immediate vicinity of it. He inquired of his hostess -concerning the camp meetings. She told him that but one such meeting had -been held, though the intention was to make it a permanent institution. -The unsettled condition of times during the Rebellion prevented the plan -from being carried out. - -“How was that meeting?” Newgent asked, as one who had a peculiar interest -in it. - -“Oh, it was a grand success. There was a little Baptist preacher from -near Lafayette happened in and preached one morning, and just set things -on fire. From that time on the meetings were powerful.” - -“What was the fellow’s name?” he asked, but she could not recall it. - -“Was it Newgent?” She said that sounded like it. - -“Well,” he said, “I know him. He isn’t considered much of a preacher up -there where he lives, but,” he added, “you are mistaken about his being a -Baptist. He is a United Brethren.” - -She looked at him curiously for an instant and said, “I believe you are -the fellow.” And his smile told that she had guessed aright. - -His money was returned at once, and she insisted that he stay and preach -at the Methodist church near the camp ground that night, assuring him -that he would have a good hearing as there had been much talk about the -little preacher who had “set the camp meeting afire.” This he was unable -to do, but promised to return at a later date. - -A short while after the camp meeting, he filled an appointment for his -pastor, Rev. J. F. Moore, at the Leatherwood church, which was a part -of the Rockville charge. The pulpit arrangement of this church was in -strict harmony with the fashion of the times. It consisted of a sort of -wall which shut the preacher in almost completely from the congregation, -suggesting a military fortification. Newgent, being small of stature, -could with difficulty peer over the top of the ramparts. He was led to -believe, however, that the fortification was a necessary precaution, -for his artillery had been turned loose but a short time when it was -evident that there was a hearty response. Bang! Some sort of a missile -struck the rampart just in front of him with a loud report. It was -followed immediately by another, and the bombardment, continued until -six discharges were fired. The preacher withdrew within the breastworks -that small fraction of his anatomy that was exposed, and waited for -hostilities to cease. The congregation was at once thrown into a -state of confusion and excitement. When the preacher finally surveyed -the situation after the heavy batteries were silenced, he saw that a -hand-to-hand skirmish was on between two men in the rear of the room. -One was making a desperate effort to get the other to the door and out -of the house. With the help of the congregation, he succeeded in putting -down the rebellion, and going back to his fortifications he finished -the discourse and the service was concluded in fairly good order. The -difficulty was only a side issue, the culmination of a grudge between -a couple of natives. The missiles were not aimed at the preacher, but -were fired from ambush through the open door; the man for whom they were -intended happened to be sitting in range with the pulpit. - -Rev. Mr. Moore resigned the Rockville charge during the year and Newgent -was appointed to serve the unexpired term. This was his first experience -in the pastorate. His brief term of service here was characterized by a -revival of extraordinary results at Otterbein, his home church. Converts -were numbered by the scores and the community was shaken by such a -spiritual upheaval as it had never known. - -[Illustration: REV. ANDREW JACKSON NEWGENT - -When he traveled his first circuit.] - -Another adventure should be chronicled here. It has been said that there -are but three real important events in a man’s life, namely, his birth, -his marriage, and his death. The second of this great trio in the life -of our subject occurred during the period embraced in this chapter. It -is a common saying with him that he does not believe in early marriages, -hence, he deferred this important step until he was eighteen years -old. And on the seventh of January, 1857, he took to himself a wife in -the person of Miss Katharine Copeland. She proved to be a worthy and -sympathetic companion, heroically assuming her part of the burdens and -responsibilities that belong to the family of an itinerant preacher. -That her lot was not an easy one may be readily assumed when we consider -what the ministerial calling involved in that early day. Its peculiar -hardships fell most heavily upon the wife, yet these she endured without -protest. Brave in heart, gentle in temper, and in heartiest accord with -her husband’s interests, she proved to him a real helpmeet, and an -inspiration to his loftiest endeavors. - - - - -CHAPTER FOUR. - - _Conference Membership—Brulitz Creek Ministry—The Modern Knight - and his Steed—Abrupt Closing of Family Devotions by a Dog on - the Preacher—An Original Marriage Ceremony—A Case of Mistaken - Identity—A Banner Missionary Collection—Shawnee Prairie - Pastorate—A Cold Day in April—The Redemption of Hell’s Half - Acre—Baiting for a Perverse Fish—An Experience in the Whiskey - Business._ - - -Rev. Mr. Newgent was received into the Upper Wabash Conference at -Milford, Indiana, in the spring of 1859. Bishop David Edwards presided. -The Conference had been formed the preceding year by a division of the -Wabash Conference territory. As a matter of coincidence he was ordained -four years later at the Conference in session at the same place with the -same Bishop presiding. He was now in his twenty-first year, having been -quite prominent in ministerial labors for about four years, and had a -record for zeal, earnestness, and success in revival work that commended -him favorably to the Conference. - -He was appointed by this Conference to the Brulitz Creek Circuit, which -gave him an unlimited field for the exercise of his zeal and talents. -The circuit consisted of eighteen appointments, only two of which were -at church-houses; the others were at school houses and in private homes. -With little or no competition, the circuit-rider was monarch of all -he surveyed, though in most cases when he received his appointment he -found enough already surveyed to tax his time and energy to the limit. -Preaching services were not confined to the Sabbath, but would fall upon -any day of the week, and even then the intervals between appointments, -except during the periodic “big meeting,” were usually not less than five -or six weeks. - -The standard mode of travel was by horseback, and the circuit-rider, -in addition to his other qualifications, needed to be efficient in -horsemanship. This was scarcely necessary in Newgent’s case, however. Not -being able to own a horse at this time, he secured the loan of one from -an accommodating neighbor. The horse was as accommodating as its owner. -It was quite well “broke,” having endured the rigors of some nineteen -winters, and was experienced in the various departments of farm work. -It had sowed and reaped—and eaten—its wild oats, and was absolutely -reliable, at least to the limit of its physical endurance. At any rate -the horse had many acknowledged good points, as a faithful portrait -would have demonstrated. While it may not have been in its real element -on dress parade, it served the more practical purpose of locomotion—to a -somewhat limited extent. - -As the rider weighed scarcely a hundred pounds, the horse had no cause to -complain at his burden. And when it came to matters of appearance, the -odds were not so unevenly balanced as might be supposed. The spare-built, -smooth-faced youth, clad in his suit of homespun, which was made with a -reckless disregard of the lines and proportions of his anatomy, might -well have recalled the lines of Shakespeare: - - “Would that he were fatter, but I fear him not; - Yet if my name were liable to fear, - I know of no one whom I would so much avoid.” - -Thus, mounted upon his trusty steed, armed with all the weapons of -spiritual warfare, this modern knight errant of the saddle-bags rode -forth valiantly to the scenes of the year’s conflicts and triumphs. -En-route to his first appointment, he found an opportunity to do some -pastoral work which led to an episode, without mention of which these -chronicles would be incomplete. Passing by the home of one of his -prominent members, he stopped for a brief call. The house stood on the -side of a hill, some distance from the road. A flight of steps led up to -the front door. Ascending the steps, he rapped at the door and was kindly -admitted by the good housewife. All went merry as a marriage bell and the -time of his departure was at hand all too soon. He asked the privilege of -bowing with the family in prayer before going, which was freely granted. -The weather was warm and it was not thought necessary to close the door, -though had it been done in this case, it would have prevented a bit -of embarrassment and incidentally spoiled a good story. As all was so -congenial within, the pastor anticipated no molestation from without, and -so injudiciously knelt with his back to the open door. - -As he warmed up to his devotions, he aroused from his slumbers a large -Newfoundland dog, that had evidently not noticed the approach of the -stranger, and up to that time was unaware of his presence. The aroused -canine at once began an investigation, and when he saw what was going on, -seemed much offended that he had not been consulted about the matter. -He bounded up the steps into the room, and, seizing the preacher by -the luxuriant growth of black hair that covered his dome of thought, -affording an excellent hold for his teeth, he zealously set about the -task of removing the supposed intruder from the premises. The preacher -was taken unawares. Before he could assume a defensive attitude, he and -the dog were rolling pell-mell, higgledy-piggledy over each other, down -the steps, and landed in a confused heap on the ground. Devotions thus -came to an abrupt close; the family came to the preacher’s rescue. All -formalities were dispensed with for the time. By the united efforts of -the family, the dog and preacher were finally separated without either of -them being seriously damaged, and the new pastor of Brulitz Creek Circuit -went on his way to face new adversaries and new experiences. - -[Illustration: Family Devotions Interrupted.] - -He reached the home of Mr. Jacob Wimsett, in Vermilion County, on -Saturday evening as the sun was dropping below the horizon, and there -put up for the night. This was in the vicinity of his Sunday morning -appointment. It was an old-fashioned home even for that day; the home -atmosphere was more hospitable than conventional. As the preacher himself -was quite democratic in his temperament, no formalities were required. -He noticed among the various members of the household a young man and -a young woman who seemed as unobtrusive and as awkward as himself. No -introductions being given, he took it for granted that they both were -members of the family and so gave them no particular thought until he was -ready to start to church the next morning. As he was about to take his -leave, the young man approached him rather diffidently and requested him -to wait a few minutes. - -“Me an’ the girl,” he explained, pointing to the blushing lass on the -opposite side of the room, “are a goin’ to git married, an’ we want you -to say the words for us before you go.” - -“All right,” said Newgent, in a manner that left the impression that he -understood the situation all the while, “give me your license.” - -The document was produced and the twain took their place in front of the -preacher, while the rest of the company looked on. Up to this time he -had never served in that capacity and had not the slightest idea of a -marriage ceremony. Examining the document in a seemingly critical manner -for an instant as if to make sure that it conformed to all requirements, -he looked gravely at the trembling young couple. “If you are agreed -to live together,” he said so rapidly as to render his words scarcely -intelligible, “according to the marriage covenant, join your right -hands.” Scarcely had they time to heed the injunction when he continued, -“In the name of God I pronounce you man and wife.” And the twain were -made one. - -He then hastened to his morning appointment, reaching the church before -the people began to gather. This was one of the two church-houses on -the circuit, and was called Nicholls’ Chapel. “Father” Nicholls, one of -the wheel-horses of the church, and in whose honor it was named, was -sweeping the floor and putting the house in order. His task completed, -he went home to get ready for the morning service, without making the -acquaintance of the young stranger. Ere long the people began to arrive. -By the time Sunday school commenced the house was quite well filled. -Newgent took his seat in the rear of the house and received no particular -attention. He was not even invited to a place in a Sunday-school class. -However, his presence _incognito_ gave him a good opportunity for taking -notes. He overheard frequent remarks concerning the new preacher. The -people had heard nothing of him and were expressing doubts about his -being in the neighborhood. And when Sunday school closed without his -presence being made known, their doubts seemed to be confirmed. - -Rev. William Jones, a retired preacher and a member of the local class, -came in just as Sunday school was closing and at once made inquiry -concerning the pastor. - -“We haven’t seen or heard anything of him,” was the information he -received from Father Nicholls. - -“Why, there he is now,” and Rev. Mr. Jones pointed to the diminutive lad -near the door. - -“That fellow?” Father Nicholls was dumfounded. “That fellow has been here -all morning. I supposed he was some hired hand in the neighborhood that -had just happened in.” - -Explanations and apologies were freely indulged in, the supposed hired -hand entering heartily into the joke. He was introduced to the astonished -congregation, and the service proceeded to their entire satisfaction -and delight. Father Nicholls treated him kindly; he piloted him to the -afternoon appointment, introducing him to all whom they chanced to meet, -invariably accompanying the introduction with the story of the forenoon -experience. - -“If I had been out hunting for preachers,” he would say, in telling the -story, “I would not have snapped a cap at him.” - -The year’s work on this field was a most fruitful one. The membership was -doubled, and though the charge was not above the average in financial -strength, he received the largest salary of any member of the conference. - -Little attention was given, at this time, to the cause of missions. Money -was not generally recognized as a vital factor in Christian service. -Salaries were meager and often consisted in provisions rather than cash. -In many places a strong sentiment prevailed against a paid ministry. -Poverty and ignorance were considered necessary prerequisites to -ministerial piety. The General Missionary Board was only about nine years -old, and missionary sentiment had not taken deep root. But Newgent sowed -missionary seed with a lavish hand, and had the pleasure of reaping at -least part of the harvest. His ability to lead men to loosen their purse -strings even then began to be asserted in a marked degree. More than half -of the missionary contributions of the entire conference that year was -reported from Brulitz Creek Circuit. - -His report attracted attention and won him considerable distinction -at the annual conference. According to custom each pastor reported in -person in the open conference relative to the different interests of his -charge. When asked about his missionary offering, Newgent replied, “Here -it is,” and taking a woolen bag, commonly called a sock, from his pocket -he emptied its contents on the table. The contents consisted of coins -of various denominations just as he had gathered them to the amount of -$33.40, the small change giving it the appearance of a larger sum than -he actually had. However, this was considered remarkable. Most of the -pastors reported nothing. Dr. D. K. Flickinger, the first missionary -secretary of the Church, was occupying a seat on the platform near the -Bishop, and joined heartily with him in applause at the splendid report -and the unique manner of presenting it. - -The year’s work placed the “boy preacher” in a most favorable light, and -led to his appointment to the Shawnee Prairie Circuit, the strongest -charge in the Conference. The charge had had the pastoral service of -Rev. Thomas H. Hamilton, a mighty man who stood high in the counsels of -the denomination. It was characterized by more than the usual amount of -wealth and culture, and withal an air of aristocracy that led to demands -upon a pastor that were most exacting. Rev. Mr. Hamilton was a favorite -on the circuit, and the people had no thought of losing him. His election -to the office of presiding elder, however, necessitated the change, and -when the awkward, and, as they thought, inexperienced lad came among -them, they felt that their aristocratic tastes were outraged. It was a -wet, chilly day in April when he arrived, and the crestfallen spirits of -the people made it still more chilly for him. And when he learned that -the matter of rejecting him was being seriously considered, the situation -was anything but cheerful. - -He told the people he would remain until the first quarterly meeting, -when the presiding elder, Rev. Mr. Hamilton, would be present, and that -he would willingly abide by their decision at that time. This was a -judicious step, as it gave him an opportunity to prove himself. So he -went to work with his usual zeal and by the time of the quarterly meeting -he had sixty conversions with about an equal number of additions to the -church. All thought of rejecting the pastor had completely vanished. In -fact they would not have swapped him off for the “biggest gun they had -ever heard fired.” Such success as the charge had never known crowned the -labors of that year—great revivals at all the appointments, the circuit -more than doubled in strength, and enthusiasm at high tide. Thus their -mourning was turned into laughing. A unanimous demand was made for his -return for another year, but his restless spirit sought new worlds to -conquer. His motto has always been that it is better to go to a needy -field and build it up than to go where further advancement is impossible. -On this ground he asked to be sent to a new field. - -One experience on Shawnee Prairie Circuit is worthy of special mention. -Contiguous to the circuit, near Attica in Fountain County, was a section -of country known as Hell’s Half Acre. Its leading spirit was an infidel -doctor. His influence and teachings had so dominated the community that -it was found impossible to maintain religious services there. Ministers -were considered proud, indolent, and altogether an undesirable lot. -Newgent determined to do some missionary work in that benighted place, -though repeated efforts to that end had been made in vain. - -In order to make a favorable impression and avoid the imprecation of -being proud, he dressed in his everyday clothes and visited the district -school, which was the geographical and social center, and the only place -where meetings could be held. He announced that there would be services -at the school house that evening, to be continued indefinitely, and urged -the children to spread the news. - -The announcement, however, did not produce satisfactory results. The -attendance the first three or four evenings did not exceed a half-dozen. -The atmosphere was rather chilly and the spiritual barometer did not -indicate an early change. It soon became apparent that the old doctor was -the key to the situation. If the people were to be reached, it must be -done mainly through him. How to capture this Goliath was now the problem, -and this problem Newgent set about to solve. - -The Sunday services having been no better attended than the preceding -ones, he decided upon a bold move. On Monday afternoon he called at the -doctor’s home. The doctor answered his knock at the door in person. The -old fellow’s rough demeanor and uncouth appearance, his ancient cob pipe -that had long been entitled to a superannuated relation, the musty, dingy -room which the half-open door disclosed—all seemed in striking harmony -with his attitude toward religion. The preacher introduced himself and -explained that he was holding a revival over at the school house. The -grizzled old sinner looked him over from head to foot, but said nothing, -though the expression on his sin-hardened face seemed to say more plainly -than words, “Well, you little rascal, you had better be at home with your -mother.” - -“I understand,” persisted the preacher, ignoring the old gentleman’s -contemptuous frown, “that you are a good singer and a prominent citizen, -and I would like to consult you about the work and get you to help me.” - -“Help in a revival? Why, don’t you know that I don’t believe in the Bible -or churches, or religion of any sort?” - -“Well, that needn’t stand in the way. The evenings are long and the young -people want somewhere to go. You can do the singing and I’ll do the -preaching.” - -[Illustration: The Boy Preacher Visiting the Infidel.] - -That put a different complexion on things. Here was a chance for some -fun, and incidentally an outlet for his musical propensities, for he was -well versed in music. The idea seemed to take hold. The grim features -began to relax. The boys were called and told to “put up the preacher’s -horse,” and the preacher was invited into the house. The invitation was -heartily accepted. Newgent understood fishing; he had fished before. -The hook was baited and he now perceived that he had got a nibble. The -afternoon was spent to a good advantage. Conversation flowed in various -channels, but fought shy of religion—no time for that yet. He waited for -his fish to take the cork under before pulling in. The doctor had a large -family of children, and their appearance bore testimony to the fact that -they were strangers to church and Sunday school. The boys spread the -startling news that “dad was goin’ to help the boy preacher in the big -meetin’.” And such news traveled as it were with seven-leagued boots. - -That was all the advertisement the meeting needed. The infidel -accompanied the preacher to the meeting, taking his place up front, and -led the singing after the droll manner then in vogue. An earthquake or a -man from the dead would not have created more excitement or comment. From -that time the little school house did not accommodate the crowds. - -The sermon that evening was not calculated to create a very profound -impression. It was more saturated with Irish humor than with real gospel -truth. The time for seriousness had not yet arrived. But the axe was -laid at the root of the tree, and the kingdom was nearer at hand than any -of them supposed. As a fisher of men, the preacher was still baiting for -the fish. - -The next night he took for his theme the Judgment. This was the occasion -for solemn and serious facts. He turned loose all the artillery at his -command in storming the batteries of infidelity and sin, and felt the -presence of the Spirit in directing the message. As he neared the close -of his discourse, he turned to the doctor. The wind had been taken out -of the old man’s sails; his face was in his hands and he was weeping -bitterly. - -“What’s the matter, doctor?” he shouted, in a strong, firm voice, -striving to make his words as impressive as possible. - -The doctor did not answer. - -“Get down on your knees,” he commanded as one who spoke with authority. - -And the great exponent of infidelity went down, and his example was -followed by a number of others. He wrestled in agony and prayer until -near midnight, when the light broke in upon his long benighted soul—and -the fish was caught. Such demonstrations had never been seen in Hell’s -Half Acre as took place in the rude school house that night. The tide -had surely turned and the redemption was at hand. - -As he dismissed the service, Newgent announced that he was ready -to go home with the first man who invited him. A tall, threadbare, -weather-beaten fellow accepted the challenge. But when the preacher -started to go, he explained that he didn’t mean it. “I can’t take care of -you; I haven’t any room,” he protested. - -“Go ahead,” said the preacher, “I can sleep on dry coon skins and eat -roasted potatoes.” And he went in spite of the protests of his host. - -The man was surely honest in his protest. He dwelt in a hut built of -round poles. In one corner was a badly cracked stove that had long -done service for both cooking and heating purposes. Two large box-like -arrangements partly filled with leaves gathered from the forest, together -with some ragged covering, served as feeble apologies for beds, and -between these beds was a barrel of whisky. Though it was past midnight, -the wife was sitting up. She was scantily clad, yet her face, though -careworn, revealed a high degree of intelligence, bearing evidence that -she had seen better days. Two little girls whose appearance harmonized -only too well with their wretched surroundings, completed the family -circle. As Newgent entered this hovel his eyes rested upon such a picture -of destitution as he had never seen. The whisky barrel, however, told the -whole story. - -Newgent soon had the entire family feeling perfectly at ease. He played -with the children and proved himself a most congenial guest. But he was -there for their spiritual good. That night the wretched home, for the -first time, became a house of prayer. Before the light of a new day -dawned the light from heaven broke in upon the sad heart of that wife and -mother, and a new day dawned in her life. The next morning the husband -likewise found the Savior, and the whisky barrel, the cause of so much -misery and poverty, vacated its place in the home, for old things had -passed away and all things had become new. Another stronghold was lost to -the enemy. A glorious night’s work it was, and a mighty step toward the -final conquest of this spiritual Canaan. - -The man asked Newgent to roll the barrel of whisky into the river. But he -said, “No; let us sell it to the druggist. We can use the money to a good -advantage.” So he borrowed a team and wagon, and hauled the whisky to the -nearest drug store, and received eighteen dollars for it. With the money -he bought some much needed clothing for the wife and children. It was his -first and only experience in the whisky business. - -The entire community was swept by the revival. Multitudes were converted, -a church was organized, and a church-house built. The whisky man and the -ex-infidel became pillars in the church, one serving as class leader -and the other as steward. Never was a work of grace more complete, -or the power of God more wonderfully or graciously displayed in the -transformation of a community than in the case of Hell’s Half Acre. - - - - -CHAPTER FIVE. - - _Six Months at Rainsville—A Hotbed of Southern Sympathizers—A - Mix-up with Saloon Men—A Sermon on Slavery—Fire and - Brimstone—An Antagonist Outwitted—A Sermon from the Book of - Newgent—Can Any Good Thing Come Out of Rainsville?_ - - -In 1861, the time of holding the Upper Wabash Conference was changed -from spring to fall. Hence, two sessions were held that year with an -interim of but six months between them. This period was spent by Rev. -Mr. Newgent on the Williamsport Circuit in Warren County, Indiana. He -moved with his family to Rainsville, a village of about one hundred and -fifty inhabitants, located on Vermilion River. The town was still in the -rough, its chief activities centering about two rival saloons. As it had -no church and not a single inhabitant who professed religion, the saloons -had things pretty much their own way. The Newgents occupied part of a -building that formerly did service as the village inn; the rest of it was -occupied by one of the saloon keepers. The two families, however, did -not have undisputed possession of the place, as it seemed to have been -preempted by bed bugs and fleas, which were no inconspicuous feature of -life in Rainsville. While the saloon keeper and the preacher maintained -peaceable relations with each other, these aboriginal neighbors -maintained an attitude of hostility with a persistence that was worthy of -a better cause than they represented. - -Another thing that made life in Rainsville interesting during this period -was the war which was then in its first year of progress. The sympathies -of the inhabitants were decidedly with the South. But one man could be -found who claimed to be loyal to the Union, and as might be expected -under such circumstances, he was not very enthusiastic about it. They -could safely be counted on the off side of any question or movement that -involved a moral element. With the war agitation to stir their blood, the -well patronized saloons doing business seven days and nights in the week, -and the absence of any religious institution or influence, Rainsville -might well have served as a basis for the doctrine of total depravity. - -The Williamsport Circuit, like most of the country parishes of its day, -afforded a man plenty of room to grow in. If a pastor rusted out it was -his own fault. But Newgent, with his active temperament and fondness for -adventure, was not the man to rust out. Not only the Sabbath, but most -of the evenings between Sabbaths were taken up with preaching services. -Each alternate Sabbath during the Williamsport pastorate he preached four -times, which entailed forty-two miles of travel by horseback. The day’s -program was as follows: Leaving home at daybreak, he rode twenty miles -to a ten o’clock appointment. After the service he would get a “hand -out” for dinner and reach the next appointment at two o’clock, then to a -4:30 service, and on home for meeting at night. Life was both simple and -strenuous in the extreme. - -The first Sunday in this village was a memorable one. Leaving his plucky -young wife to hold the fort, the new pastor made his forty-two-mile -round, reaching home about sundown. No provision had been made for -preaching in town, but Newgent resolved to give the inhabitants of this -inferno a chance to hear the gospel. A rowdy mob was collected about -each saloon. An air of general lawlessness, recklessness, and cussedness -prevailed. Games and sports of various sorts were maintained on the -streets. Horseback riders were galloping here and there, firing pistols -and performing various stunts in imitation of life among the untamed -cowboys and Indians. Their boisterous talking and hollowing, with here -and there a man staggering under his load of Rainsville’s chief product, -all combined, might well have led to the conclusion that the demons of -the lower regions had been liberated and were holding high carnival in -celebration of the event. - -When Newgent told his wife that he had decided to preach at the school -house that night, she tried to dissuade him, fearing for his safety. And -well she might after what she had seen of life in Rainsville that day. -But he gloried in heroic tasks and heeded not her wise counsel. He at -once set about to publish the appointment. In order to find the people -he went to one of the saloons. The saloon was full of men, and the men -were full of the saloon. Stepping up to the bar-tender he told him that -he was going to hold a religious service at the school house at 7:30. “As -there are no church services in town,” he said, “I am sure you will be -willing to encourage such a movement by closing your place of business -and attending.” - -“You can preach all you d—— please; I haven’t been to church for twenty -years,” answered the booze dispenser with a look that seemed to add, -“and I don’t propose to commence now.” - -“But I am a stranger here, and you don’t know but I am the smartest man -in the country, or may be the biggest fool. You had better come and find -out for yourself.” - -The idea of a church service struck the saloon patrons as a desirable -innovation, and as they were in favor of anything that promised a -diversion, they began to take sides with the preacher. Their enthusiasm -waxed intense, due mainly to the reflex influence of tarrying long at the -grog shop. They were unanimous and emphatic in demanding that the saloon -be closed and that all go to church. - -The proprietor finally said that he would consent on condition that his -competitor would do likewise. - -“All right, I’ll see him,” and Newgent broke for the other saloon where a -similar situation prevailed. Several of the men volunteered to accompany -him and assist in enforcing the demand, so that an ambassage that carried -with it no small authority presented itself before the high priest of -Gambrinus of the rival saloon. A delegation from one saloon to another, -headed by a preacher, was an uncommon sight, especially in Rainsville, -but it had the desired effect. For once the saloons were closed and -the center of interest transferred to the school house. News of the -meeting spread in short order. The new preacher made himself an object of -curiosity and comment by his establishing diplomatic relations with the -governing bodies of the village, and everybody was anxious to see more of -him. So all Rainsville turned out to church—men, women, boys, girls, and -dogs—all entering heartily into the novelty of a religious service with a -real, “sure enough” preacher at the head of it. - -Newgent prudently made the service brief. The sermon was not as spiritual -as it might have been under different conditions, as the congregation was -quite sympathetic and responsive, and he considered it injudicious to -encourage their emotions at that time. He was more especially concerned -about laying plans for the future. How to get them back was the question, -which he sought to solve by a bit of strategy. So, in addition to giving -them a few morsels of wholesome advice, well sugarcoated with his native -good humor, he made the startling announcement that at the next meeting -he would preach on the subject of slavery. If anything were calculated to -bring them back, surely that was. - -It was taken for granted, of course, that he was an Abolitionist and -would denounce the South. The blood of those southern sympathizers at -once began to boil. Everybody anticipated a lively time, and interest -became intense. All felt that the foolhardy young fellow did not realize -the danger to which he was exposing himself. An old gentleman, the -village blacksmith, whose father had been a United Brethren preacher, -felt it his duty to warn the reverend gentleman and have him to call -off the entire proceedings. As usual, Newgent was firm. He told the -gentleman, however, that he wanted to be fair to both sides, so if those -who disagreed with him desired, they might get a man to follow him and -present the other side of the question. - -This they were only too anxious to do. When the time came, they had their -man. By the time Newgent and his wife arrived at the little school house -that evening it was completely packed and an immense crowd was gathered -on the outside. It was with the greatest difficulty that they forced -themselves through the anxious throng and made their way to the front of -the building. The opponent was on hand, ready to take his measure and -smash all of his arguments. As might be surmised, sympathy was plainly -and emphatically with the southern advocate. If he could not demolish -the frail Abolitionist, there were enough present who were ready to lend -all the assistance he needed. The smell of brimstone was in the air, -indicating the presence of that commodity in unlimited quantities. All -that was lacking for a real conflagration was something to touch it off. -And that something was momentarily expected. - -After a brief preliminary exercise, the preacher opened the discussion. -Like the great apostle on Mars Hill, he complimented his hearers on their -seeming interest in the subject at hand. “As the subject of slavery,” -he said, “is stirring our country from one end to the other, and as it -is a subject of such vital importance, I take pleasure at this time in -presenting one phase of it. - -“I wish to observe in my remarks, First, the slave; Second, his master; -Third, the law by which he is held in bondage; Fourth, how he is to be -liberated; Fifth, where he is to be colonized.” Thus far, well and good. -These were familiar topics, and had been discussed pro and con even -by the school children. Hence, his opening remarks were according to -expectations, and breathlessly they awaited what was to follow. - -Their consternation and chagrin can only be imagined when he proceeded -to state that the slave is the sinner; his master is the devil; the law -by which he is held in bondage is sinful lusts and habits; he is to be -liberated through the blood of Christ; and heaven is the place of his -colonization. Around these propositions he built his discourse without -any reference to slavery as a civil institution. It was strictly a gospel -sermon, and his antagonist had no disposition to reply. - -“Well, we are beat,” said the old blacksmith after the service was -dismissed, “but the boy is the sharpest fellow that ever struck this -town.” And he was not alone in his conclusion. - -With a view to holding the audience for the next appointment, he -announced that he would preach at that time from the Book of Newgent, the -twenty-eighth chapter and thirty-third verse, “Can any good thing come -out of Rainsville?” - -A few days after this announcement, he received a call from an old -gentleman. The unsuspecting brother had been having trouble over the Book -of Newgent. He stated that he and the old woman had been searching the -Bible all week and were unable to find it. He was kindly urged to be -present at the preaching service and assured that his troubles would all -be cleared up. Presumably the matter was explained to his satisfaction, -as he was not heard from again. - -The Rainsville pastorate, though brief, was full of thrilling interest, -and was not without substantial results for good. He won the respect and -confidence of this uncouth people, and had the satisfaction of seeing -many of the grosser evils disappear under his ministry. Before he left, -the signs of a brighter day were plainly discernible. His influence with -them was turned to good account, as will be seen in the next chapter. - - - - -CHAPTER SIX. - - _The War Spirit in Indiana—Breaking up a Traitorous Plot—Narrow - Escape from Enemies—Assists in Securing Recruits—Becomes - Chaplain of his Regiment—Exchange of Courtesies with a - Presbyterian Minister—An Embarrassing Predicament—Saves - Regiment from Capture—Organizes a Military Church—Chased by - Johnnies—An Exciting Homeward Journey._ - - -Indiana was a storm center during the Civil War. Her position was a -strategic one. She was regarded as the keystone of the North. With Oliver -P. Morton, “Indiana’s great War Governor,” at the head of affairs, -she was held firmly to her moorings, and furnished a larger number of -soldiers for the Union Army in proportion to population than any other -State. Yet the State was constantly harassed by citizens who were -unfriendly to the Union cause, and who secretly or openly sympathized -with the South. Secret organizations for the purpose of aiding the -Confederacy were common. Conspicuous among these was the Knights of -the Golden Circle. Yet many not identified with these traitorous -organizations were utterly disloyal. Hence, much bitterness and not -infrequently bloodshed prevailed. It was not unusual for men in official -position to use their influence against the Government, or even to join -the army with traitorous intent. - -Rev. Mr. Newgent was serving as pastor for the second year on the Clark’s -Hill charge, when in the fall of 1863, he was “persuaded,” as he said, -“to go into the army for safety.” With his wife he was paying a visit to -his father-in-law in Parke County. In the neighborhood lived a man who -was captain of Home Guards, but whose loyalty was strongly suspected. A -small brother of Mrs. Newgent sometimes visited with his children, and on -returning from one such visit, incidentally mentioned having seen some -pretty guns in the barn where they had been playing. Newgent understood -the meaning of these guns secreted on the premises of this traitorous -man, and telegraphed the news to Governor Morton. A squad of soldiers was -dispatched to the place and some three hundred guns were found. They were -confiscated and a traitorous scheme was thus frustrated. - -Newgent at once became the object of a great deal of attention. That he -was responsible for the exposure, was generally surmised. A plan was -formed to do away with him. On Sunday evening following the episode he -was to preach at the Oak Ridge United Brethren Church in the community. -In the midst of the service, by a preconcerted plan, the lights were -suddenly extinguished, and his adversaries were about to execute their -design. He succeeded in making his escape in the darkness by the -assistance of an uncle. The outlook seemed rather stormy, and he was -convinced that it was safer in the army than out of it. Leaving his wife -in the care of her father, he hastened to Lafayette where a regiment, the -116th Indiana Infantry, was being formed by Colonel William C. Kise. - -At that period recruits were hard to get and the work proceeded slowly. -Newgent asked the colonel what the chance would be for him to get the -appointment of chaplain. - -“What church do you belong to?” the colonel asked. - -“I am a United Brethren,” was the answer. - -“I am sorry,” said the colonel, “I like the United Brethren Church and -would like to give you the appointment; but this is to be a Methodist -regiment; all the officers are to be Methodists, and it is understood -that the chaplainship is to be given to a Methodist preacher up in the -city.” - -“Will you take me, then, as a private?” he asked. - -“Certainly,” was the eager reply, “we shall be glad to take you, for -recruits are coming in awfully slowly.” There were then only seven -companies started. None of them were complete. Newgent offered to assist -in raising recruits. - -“If you will give me transportation papers,” he said, “I think I can get -some men over in Warren County.” - -“Warren County!” exclaimed the colonel in disgust. “It’s of no use to go -there for recruits. I have had a couple of good men over there for three -weeks and they have got only four men.” But Newgent insisted that he be -allowed to try. He understood those people and felt that he knew how to -approach them. The papers were finally given him, and he set out for -Rainsville in this doubtful territory. - -Rainsville, it will be remembered, was a headquarters for southern -sympathizers, where little more than a year before but one Union man -could be found. The task was a challenge to Newgent, the kind of a -task he delighted in. Taking a boy with a drum and flag, he went to -the village and nearby points, and soon had the inhabitants inoculated -with the war microbe. The prospects of a draft about this time proved -an effective argument in favor of enlistment, which was used for all -it was worth. After an absence of six days he returned to camp with 104 -men, which was the first full company in the regiment, this, too, from -territory that was as completely southern in sentiment as though it had -been in the very heart of the Confederacy. - -The march to camp was a triumphal procession. The company of volunteers -was accompanied by several hundred men and boys who fell in on the way. -As they came into camp about twelve o’clock on Saturday night with colors -flying and giving vent to their enthusiasm by singing and hollowing, it -had the effect of a small army, not unlike that of Gideon’s band, when -they multiplied the effect of numbers by noise and enthusiasm and scared -the Midianites out of their wits. The colonel met them with a drum corps -and the company was welcomed amid the most extravagant expressions of -delight. The fact that recruits were coming in so slowly gave increased -cause for demonstration. When the general hubbub had somewhat abated, -the crowd demanded a speech from Newgent, and the demand was imperative. -Though worn by physical exertion and hoarse from much haranguing, he -gave a brief talk, at the close of which, amid great applause, some one -moved that “Rev. Mr. Newgent be made chaplain of the regiment.” It was -heartily seconded, and shouts of approval burst from every section of the -camp. So, by general consent the rule to make it a Methodist regiment -was waived, insofar as it related to the chaplainship, much to the -satisfaction of Colonel Kise, and Newgent became their spiritual adviser. - -The Methodist brother, who, it was understood, was to receive the -appointment, came out the next afternoon (Sunday) to preach to the -boys and get acquainted; but on being apprised of what had taken place -the night before, he quietly withdrew, leaving Newgent in undisputed -possession of the honors which his tact and energy had won. - -The regiment was finally completed and mustered in for a term of six -months, though it served considerably over time. Its first service was -rendered in guarding the U. S. Armory at Detroit, Michigan. The armory -was threatened by General Vallandigham, who had been banished from the -United States because of treasonable expressions, and had placed himself -at the head of a force in Canada with the purpose of threatening the -Union from the north. The regiment was later sent to reënforce General -Burnsides in east Tennessee. - -This was during the terrible winter of ’63 and ’64, when Burnsides was -besieged by Confederate General Longstreet and was shut up in Knoxville. -The hardships suffered by the Union soldiers during that memorable siege -are matters of history and need not be recounted in detail here. Among -the foremost of the sufferers was Newgent’s regiment, the 116th Indiana. -All supplies having been cut off, the boys for many weeks had a hard -struggle to keep from succumbing to hunger and cold. For a time they each -had but one ear of corn a day; no tents, and not sufficient clothing -for protection even under favorable circumstances. In the midst of the -severest winter weather, over three hundred of the men were barefooted. -Newgent was the best dressed man in his regiment, and it was with -difficulty that he got his dress coat to hang together at the collar; -and he suffered no little uneasiness lest his trousers would dissolve -partnership with him. - -A few characteristic army experiences will suffice in this connection and -occupy the remainder of this chapter. - -On reaching Tennessee, the regiment was stationed temporarily at -Greenville. The care-free boys attended services the first Sunday -morning at the Presbyterian church in the city. The pastor, Rev. Samuel -McCorkle, treated them kindly. They were delighted with the reception -accorded them, and on the following Sabbath a large part of the regiment, -including the chaplain, turned out to worship at Rev. Mr. McCorkle’s -church. When Newgent appeared in his chaplain’s uniform, McCorkle -at once led him up to the pulpit and insisted that he preach. The -chaplain was never averse to preaching whenever there was occasion for -it, and so consented, under slight pressure. He observed the pastor’s -manuscript neatly tied up with red ribbon, which told him he had barely -escaped listening to a manuscript sermon. Newgent had little sympathy -for a written discourse and took advantage of the situation to indulge -in some pleasantries at the learned parson’s expense. He told the -congregation, the greater part of whom were soldiers, that he had no set -discourse, and that he never tried to palm off a written sermon upon a -helpless congregation, as such a procedure was “like a doctor writing a -prescription before examining the patient.” Rev. Mr. McCorkle accepted -the criticism good-naturedly and invited Newgent to take dinner with him -after the service. After several weeks of army rations, the dinner at -Rev. Mr. McCorkle’s home was a most delightful change. - -He returned the courtesy that had been accorded him by inviting his host -to preach to his “boys” in the afternoon. The invitation was accepted. -McCorkle did not deem it judicious to use his manuscript after the -episode of the forenoon, and was visibly handicapped and embarrassed in -his attempt at extemporaneous delivery. He talked but a few minutes and -turned the service over to the chaplain. - -After the service the two men had a heart-to-heart talk. McCorkle -confessed his chagrin at not being able to preach without his manuscript, -and expressed a determination to cultivate the habit of extemporaneous -delivery. That the determination was carried out was seen in the fact -that he became a leader in this method of preaching. And the two -preachers continued fast friends. - -An incident more pleasing to relate than to undergo occurred at Tazewell, -Tennessee, where Newgent’s regiment had been dispatched with twenty-four -others to check a Confederate force that was approaching from that -quarter. They went into camp, building temporary fortifications with -the grave stones of a nearby cemetery. About midnight the army was -surprised by the sudden arrival of a force of Confederate cavalry that -captured some of the outposts. Newgent, with some of his regiment, was -garrisoned in an old building that had been used for a granary. As the -fire was opened he caught up his clothes in his arms, and, mounting -his horse, started down the hill for a more healthful location. The -horse stumbled over some rocks, throwing the rider to the ground and -scattering his precious wearing apparel to the four winds. There was no -time for trifles, and the clothes were abandoned for the time. They were -recovered about nine o’clock the next morning, much to the relief of the -reverend, whose situation in the meantime was as embarrassing as it was -uncomfortable. - -On one occasion his coolness and ingenuity were the means of saving -his entire regiment from capture. The regiment had been ordered across -the Clinch River in east Tennessee to guard a narrow passage in the -mountains at what was called Bean’s Station. They had gotten across and -were camping in a bend of the river when news came that the rebels had -superseded them, and three brigades were between them and the gap. They -might easily have retreated, but the river became swollen from heavy -rains, and to cross a swift, mountain stream under such circumstances was -practically out of the question. - -Newgent was sick at the time, being cared for at the colonel’s -headquarters. During the early part of the night the colonel came to him, -trembling with fear, and said, “Chaplain, what on earth is to be done? -There is a strong rebel force on one side of us, and an unfordable stream -on the other. If we are not out of here by morning every one of us will -be captured.” - -The rebels were confident that they could not get away and so waited -until morning to bag their game. - -“Bring six or seven of the boys here,” said Newgent. The boys were -brought. He told them to go down to the river where they would find an -old canoe partly filled with water. “Build a fire on the bank so that its -light will shine across the stream, bail the water out of the canoe, put -it in as good shape as possible, and then report.” - -They followed his instructions, after which they came back to -headquarters, and the sick chaplain got out of his bed and went back with -them to the river. Though it was a perilous undertaking, the men got in -the water-soaked canoe, and by the uncertain light of the fire, made -their way to the other side of the angry stream. They went to General -Curtain’s headquarters, related the situation, and procured a supply of -cannon rope. With the rope they made a cable across the river. They thus -devised a rude ferry by means of an abandoned and partly submerged barge -which they raised and repaired for the purpose. The barge would carry -about twelve men or one horse at a trip. It was propelled by the men -holding to the cable and thus laboriously working their way from one side -of the stream to the other. Through the dark, stormy night they toiled, -and before daybreak the entire regiment with all appurtenances was out of -reach of the enemy. When the rebels reached forth their hand next morning -to bag their game, lo! it wasn’t there! - -It was a terrible night’s work, however. The sick chaplain stayed with -the barge until the last man was saved. He was twice thrown into the -water, and ran a fearful risk in thus exposing himself at so critical -a time. After the excitement of the night, by which alone his physical -strength was sustained, he suffered a serious relapse. He was confined to -his bed at General Curtain’s headquarters for about two weeks, when he -again reported for duty. The men regarded him as their deliverer, and the -satisfaction of having saved his comrades from the horrors of a southern -prison compensated for all he suffered. For this heroic deed he was -complimented on dress parade by a special order from the general. - -The following reference to this incident is found in the “Official -Records of the Army,” Series I., Vol. XXXI.: - - Tazewell, Tenn., December 14, 1863. - - Major-General Foster, Knoxville: - - General: I have the honor of reporting that I arrived here this - evening at about dark, having left Rutledge at 9:00 a. m., and - Bean’s Station at 1:30 p. m.... At the crossing of the Clinch - River (Evan’s Ford) I found a sufficient guard, under the - command of Colonel Kise. The river was rising quite rapidly, - but the guard had raised and repaired the ferry-boat, which was - crossing successfully, being pulled back and forth by hand upon - a cable stretched from one shore to another. I think that it - would be well, as a matter of security, to have another boat - built there, and will so notify Colonel Babcock.... - - I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, - - O. M. POE, - Captain and Chief Engineer, Army of the Ohio. - -As a means for the spiritual welfare of the “boys,” he conceived and -carried out the idea of organizing a military church. Though there were -various religious organizations among the soldiers, and some doubtless -on similar lines, yet this was an entirely original conception with -him. His church took no denominational name, but was made up of all -who were willing to become members. It was completely officered, and -maintained prayer meetings and church services at stated intervals. Two -special revival meetings were held in which about 250 of the “boys” were -converted. - -His spiritual ministrations were not limited to the soldiers. Whenever an -opportunity presented itself he would hold services at nearby churches -and school houses. On one such occasion he incidentally, to use his own -expression, “chased seven Johnnies for three and a half miles.” It was -a merry race; like Jehu the entire party rode furiously. But as the -chaplain had more at stake than his companions in the chase, he managed -to maintain his position well in advance of the seven, and was quite -willing to abandon the chase by the time he reached camp. - -Not least among the interesting army “experiences” was the homeward -journey. As previously stated, the regiment served over the time -for which they enlisted. The men were impatient and homesick. Their -destitute condition rendered many of them almost desperate. Almost half -of them were barefooted and all were weakened by hunger and exposure. -The morning on which they were to start home the colonel announced -that they would proceed to Barbersville, Kentucky, and that there they -would find a supply of much-needed clothing and provisions. This was a -two-days’ march, which, in itself, was no pleasing prospect under the -circumstances. The promise of food and clothing, however, nerved them for -the ordeal. It was midnight when Barbersville was reached, and to their -utter consternation the promised supplies were not there. - -Things were looking blue. The colonel said to Newgent, “You have the -best horse in the regiment. Take a couple of the boys and get out and -find something to feed these men before morning.” He started, not to -forage, but to beg. At the first house he came to be was met by a woman -to whom he stated his mission. She showed him a blood spot on the floor -where her husband had been killed by the rebels, and said that all she -had was a half-bushel of meal, but she was willing to divide. It was all -he secured, though he continued the search until daylight. Returning -to camp, he threw the bit of meal at the colonel’s feet, and fell down -exhausted, dropping at once into a deep sleep. - -What happened during the time he slept, when the real situation dawned -upon the men, he could only surmise. The next he knew, the colonel had -him aroused and was ordering him to ride ahead of the regiment to a -little water-mill about twelve miles distant to see what could be found -there, and to arrange if possible to feed the men when they arrived. He -found a few bushels of grain, most of it in a bad condition. When ground -into meal it made just one pint each for the men. After they had eaten -their morsel, the colonel made them a little speech in which he told them -that the next objective point would be Camp Dick Robinson, and for every -man to look out for himself until they reached the camp. This they were -quite glad to do. And when in a few days they met at the camp, they were -in better spirits, and were pretty well supplied for the rest of the -journey. - -The next way station was Camp Nelson. Here they were met by the Provost -Marshal who declared the regiment under arrest for pillaging, and ordered -them to stack arms. While the authorities were arranging the details -for taking care of them, the colonel took advantage of the delay. -“Attention, Battalions,” he shouted, “Shoulder arms—forward march—double -quick!” The order was eagerly obeyed. A “double-quick” march was made -to Nicholasville. This was a railroad town. Here they ordered a train -for Cincinnati. The train steamed out of the station with its load of -animated freight just as the Marshal with his guard galloped in sight. - -The authorities at Cincinnati were notified by wire to arrest the -regiment on its arrival there, but this was anticipated. So they got off -the train at Covington, crossing the Ohio River by ferry to Cincinnati. -There they got a train for Indianapolis without being detected. The -train was pressed into service to convey them on to Lafayette, the home -of the regiment. They reached the city on Sunday evening, as the church -bells were ringing for the evening services. Newgent, as his custom was, -went to church. Possibly he felt the need of it after what he had gone -through. He went to the First Methodist Episcopal Church, and at the -urgent request of the pastor, delivered the evening discourse to the -delight of the splendid audience. - -It should be said in justice to Rev. Mr. Newgent that he was not a -party to any of the irregularities that almost brought his regiment -into disrepute after it had acquitted itself so well on the field. He -remonstrated with the men and exhorted them to better conduct, but when -the pressure of army discipline was removed, the pent-up energies of -these raw backwoodsmen were turned loose along various channels and -could neither be suppressed nor regulated. The officers of the regiment, -with the exception of Newgent, were summoned before the proper military -tribunal at Indianapolis, to answer for their depredations. They were -acquitted, however, being ably defended by Lieutenant-Colonel G. O. Beam. -Whether or not the verdict was a just one, is of no special concern to us -here. Suffice it to say that our subject, though a young man, so ordered -his life as not only to keep himself unspotted from the world, but at the -same time to win for himself the confidence of even the most hardened -sinners. He was exonerated from all blame in advance, and his name was -not brought before the court. - - - - -CHAPTER SEVEN. - - _Plants the United Brethren Banner in Terre Haute—Prairieton - Pastorate—Difficulty with the Sons of Anak—A Prayer Without an - “Amen”—Another Community Redeemed—Going to the Wrong Doctor—A - Perverse Colt—An Unintentional Immersion—One Sermon That was - not Dry._ - - -It was in April, 1864, when Rev. Mr. Newgent returned from the war. -His own conference did not meet until fall, but the Lower Wabash -Conference met in its annual session in Vermilion, Illinois, about -the time of his return. With the view to getting back on the firing -line at once, he attended the latter conference, and was appointed to -Terre Haute (Indiana) Mission. This was strictly prospective work, as -the mission was projected at this session. The conference at the same -session, following the example of the Upper Wabash Conference, decided -to change the time of its annual meetings from spring to fall, hence -the appointment was made for a period of only six months. During this -time Rev. Mr. Newgent devoted himself with characteristic zeal to laying -broad and deep the foundations of his church in this new Macedonia. That -his labors were fruitful is seen in the fact that he reported to the -fall conference an organized church on Second Street, with splendid -prospects of a prosperous future—prospects which subsequent history has -abundantly fulfilled. To him belongs the credit of first planting the -United Brethren banner in this thriving city, where the Church has since -steadily grown to a place of prestige and influence. - -The Terre Haute pastorate was followed by a year at Prairieton, in Vigo -County, Indiana. Some experiences on this field are worthy of note. A -revival meeting was held in an unevangelized community at what was known -as the Battle Row School House, near the Wabash River. The school house -was a primitive log building with plenty of ventilation. The wide cracks -between the logs in the walls not only admitted a sufficiency of fresh -air, but were a source of temptation to the untamed sons of the natives -who were wont at critical times to inject missiles of various sorts -through them into the midst of the congregation, causing more or less -uneasiness and often confusion to the worshipers. It was not a place -where one could worship under his own vine and fig tree with no one to -molest or make afraid. During the early stage of the meeting reapers were -scarce, and to all appearances, were wholly inadequate to the demands -of the great, over-ripe harvest. The sons of Anak seemed to have a -perpetual title to the place, and showed no intention of evacuating it. -At one time, as Newgent was making an earnest plea for penitents to come -to the altar, he observed a company of ruffians in the rear of the room -in a rather impenitent condition, bantering one another to go forward to -the mourner’s bench. The quick wit of the preacher frustrated their evil -designs. Constant vigilance had to be exercised to prevent outbreaks and -demonstrations of a similar character. As the meeting proceeded converts -multiplied and the odds became more and more to the advantage of the -faithful. - -There was one wheel-horse who was the pastor’s right hand man in the -great conflict with primitive elements. A splendid man he was, though his -droll manner was a subject of sport for the lewd fellows of the baser -propensities. A characteristic attitude when he offered public prayer was -to kneel facing the wall, with his back toward the congregation. Then -with his eyes closed and oblivious to all his surroundings, he would -soar to a high altitude in his eloquence and fervency of spirit. In such -surroundings, however, it would have been better had Father Scott, as he -was affectionately called, not forgotten his relation to this mundane -sphere, for the situation surely demanded watching as well as praying. -Especially would it have prevented an awkward hitch in the services one -evening when the interest and enthusiasm were at their greatest height. -Intense conviction was capturing and humbling proud and defiant hearts, -and victory was perching upon the banners of the loyal band. - -But, as in the days of Job, when the sons of God went to worship, Satan -went also. Battle Row School House furnished a good demonstration of the -fact that, - - “Wherever God erects a house of prayer, - The devil’s sure to build a chapel there; - And ’twill be found upon investigation, - The latter has by far the larger congregation.” - -While the worshipers were in the midst of great rejoicing, Satan’s hosts -were holding high carnival on the outside. Father Scott was called upon, -as he frequently was, at the most critical stage in the meeting, to lead -in prayer. As his custom was, he knelt with his face to the wall, and by -chance his mouth was dangerously near a huge crack. While sailing away -in the ether world, and the people were hanging breathlessly upon his -earnest and eloquent words, all unexpectedly, for some strange reason, -the machinery stopped. It was unusual for a prayer to be terminated so -abruptly without the conventional “amen.” All eyes were fixed upon Father -Scott. What could have happened? It was painfully apparent that he was in -distress. He was making a desperate effort to clear some obstruction from -his throat, get his breath, and regain his equilibrium. - -The proximity of Father Scott’s mouth to the opening in the wall was too -great a provocation for the unregenerates on the outside of the house -to forego. One of them had prepared a ball of mud, and with accurate -aim, threw it through the crack into the brother’s mouth, putting him -temporarily out of commission. There was, of course, confusion in the -midst of Zion, but Father Scott, whose battery had been silenced by this -unexpected maneuver, was soon able to resume operations, and the battle -was pressed with increased vigor. - -[Illustration: A Prayer Without An Amen.] - -There was another neglected community adjacent to this charge. It was -entirely without church services or religious influences of any kind. In -the community lived a well-to-do gentleman of the name of Owen, whose -wife was an invalid. Being of a religious turn of mind, and deprived of -church privileges, she desired to have a meeting held at her home mainly -for her benefit. Rev. Mr. Newgent was invited to conduct the service. -His Sundays being taken up by his regular work, the meeting was held -in a forenoon during the week. A goodly company of neighbors gathered -out of respect to the dear sister, and she enjoyed the occasion so much -that she invited them all back for a service in the evening. The evening -meeting proved still more interesting, and it was decided to continue the -services indefinitely. It developed into a grand revival which resulted -in many conversions, the organization of a church, and the building of -a church-house. Among the first to come to the mourner’s bench was Mr. -Owen, the generous host. He “came through” shouting and became a strong, -staunch, and stormy defender of the faith. - -Among attendants at the revival were two brothers, “Dave” and “Joe” -Walker, notable characters in a local way. Both were proficient in the -use of the violin, or, in the vernacular of the day, they were great -fiddlers. Even if there was nothing else to place them under the ban -of pious sentiment, this in itself would have been sufficient, for the -fiddle had been so exclusively associated with bad company that it -was supposed to have absorbed something of the evil spirits of its -companions, and in the superstitious imaginations of many it possessed -invisible hoofs and horns, and a strange, infernal power that was to be -zealously avoided. Hence, Dave and Joe were regarded as typical “hard -nuts,” and it cannot be denied that they made an honest effort to live up -to their reputations. They were more familiar with the conventionalities -of the country “hoe-down” than with the atmosphere of a “big meetin’.” -Until the revival at the Owen home attracted their attention, they had -not been present at a church service since they were boys. They became -fairly regular attendants at the meeting, and in consequence, both got -sick. Their illness seemed to be of a peculiar character, as neither of -them could explain his symptoms or give any clue as to the seat of the -trouble. - -Joe became much worse one evening and by midnight he began to think he -was being beckoned across the border. Dave, whose condition was not so -critical, was dispatched to Prairieton for medical aid. While he was -gone, Joe got religion. This proved to be all the treatment he needed. -All unfavorable symptoms disappeared, and he set out post haste to meet -his brother. Just before he reached the village, he met Dave on his way -home, when the following colloquy took place: - -“Oh, Dave, I’ve got all the medicine I need. It ain’t pills we need, but -religion.” - -“Bless the Lord, I’ve took the medicine, too,” said Dave. He had also -been converted on his return from the doctor’s office. It thus became -apparent that their malady was spiritual rather than physical, but being -unfamiliar with symptoms of that character, they were unable to diagnose -the case until the remedy had been applied. The two brothers were made -every whit whole, soul and body. They hung up “the fiddle and the bow,” -and their talents and energies were turned loose along more legitimate -channels. - -Vermilion Circuit, in Illinois, was the scene of the next pastorate. Here -a memorable experience took place as he was making his second “round” -on the charge. Newgent, like other strong men, has always had some -hobbies, legitimate hobbies in his case, however, that were elements of -strength in his ministry. One of these is punctuality. He has always -been scrupulously punctual in meeting his engagements. He never misses -a train from the fact that he is far more likely to be at the station -three-quarters of an hour ahead of time than three-quarters of a minute -late. He is a strict believer in the maxim of the muse, - - “Better be an hour early and stand and wait, - Than to be a moment behind the time.” - -In filling appointments he observes the same rule. He finds it helpful to -be on hand sufficiently early to meet and shake hands with the advance -guards of the congregation. It affords a tonic for his wits and puts him -in a mood to be at his best. - -On his new charge was a church known as Prairie Chapel. As usual, in his -introductory services he exhorted his people to be punctual in their -attendance, stating that he made it a point to be on time, and that if he -at any time was not strictly “on the dot,” they might know that something -was wrong. It so happened that at the very next service the scrupulously -punctual preacher was behind time, and it also happened that something -was desperately wrong. - -As a sort of background to the scene to be here presented, it would be -well to state that he was clad in a new suit, as preachers usually were -at the beginning of the year. The new suit consisted of a complete outfit -from boots to hat and gloves, including also that luxury which not every -circuit rider could afford, a fine shawl. It should further be explained -that he was riding a colt, not the nineteen-year-old variety with which -he traveled his first circuit, but a genuine three-year-old, with all the -fire and perverseness of its kind. It might also be in order to add, by -way of parenthesis, that the Illinois roads after the rains and frosts of -September began their maneuvers, were no respecters of new clothes. - -Just before reaching Prairie Chapel, the road crossed a slough some three -hundred feet wide. At this point the road was covered by about three -feet of water, or perhaps, as it was difficult to tell just where the -water left off and the mud began, it would be more exact to say that -it was three feet from the top of the water to the bottom of the mud. -It was covered with a thin coating of ice. Newgent, being the first to -pass that way on that Sunday morning, had to break the ice as he went. -The colt did not like the task to begin with, but as this was the only -road to the church and was fenced on either side with a picket fence, a -straightforward course was the only alternative. - -The colt proceeded reluctantly until it reached the middle of the slough. -There it became possessed with the spirit of Balam’s beast and refused -to go farther. Its purpose seemed to be fixed as all the entreaties of -the rider were unavailing. The church was in plain view, and, like the -wedding guest of Coleridge’s immortal “Rime,” the preacher could see -and hear the people as they were assembling, while he was transfixed to -the spot. Finally giving up hope of going forward, he tried to turn the -colt’s head in the opposite direction, when, lo, he found that it was as -averse to turning back as it was to going forward. Just what the beast’s -plan for the future was, could not well be divined, for, to be in the -middle of a lake with no purpose of going either forward or backward was, -to say the least, a position difficult to explain or defend. The final -bell rang for the morning service, and the preacher began to realize that -his reputation for punctuality was in danger of being water-soaked. A -final desperate effort was made to induce locomotion, but to no avail. - -It was a real Slough of Despond. The reverend’s heart sank to the bottom -of his new boots when he found that his only chance was to dismount. This -he proceeded to do, supposing that he could at least lead the beast out -of the water. The water was by no means comfortable, the mud filled his -boots, and apprehensive thoughts concerning the unpresentable appearance -he would make at church, and the damage being done to his new suit, and -at the same time the humiliation of being beaten out by a perverse colt, -all together did not tend to a devotional frame of mind. - -[Illustration: An Unintentional Immersion.] - -Taking the rein, he waded forward, expecting the colt to follow, but it -had no disposition to be led; he gave the rein a sharp pull, but the -animal also had scruples against being pulled. He then gave the rein -a jerk, putting all of his physical strength, and possibly a bit of -his temper into the jerk, when, lo! the rein broke, and the preacher, -not thinking of such a contingency, went splash into the water, being -completely submerged. Things were rapidly going from bad to worse. It -was of no use under the circumstances, to try to maintain ministerial -dignity. Gathering himself together, he made his way to the fence, and, -loosing a picket, he got behind the animal, and with a few strokes where -they would do the most good, and unministerial maneuvers, he got it -started, and by an aggressive follow-up campaign, they reached the shore -without further ceremony or delay. - -He hastened on to the church. The people were waiting for the belated -pastor, and when he arrived, they saw at once there had been a valid -excuse for his tardiness. There were four other ministers present, -and Newgent tried to get one of them to preach in his stead, but all -declined. So he went on with the regular program, and preached with his -usual zeal while the water was still dripping from his new suit. It was -one time at least when the congregation was not bored with a dry preacher. - -After service he went home with one of his members, borrowed some dry -clothes, and proceeded to fill his other appointments for the day. - - - - -CHAPTER EIGHT. - - _The New Goshen Pastorate—An Old Grudge Healed—Dry Bones - Revived—Memorable Year at “Dogtown”—“Death in the Pot”—The - Hittites Captured—The “Jerks”—Other Remarkable Demonstrations—A - Rooster in the Missionary Collection—First Debate—Unpleasant - Sequel to a Horse Trade._ - - -Following the Vermilion pastorate, two years were spent on the New -Goshen Circuit in Vigo County, Indiana. This circuit had ranked among -the best in the conference, but unfortunately had become weakened and -despoiled through internal dissension. A chronic grudge between two of -the most prominent members had leavened the whole lump with its unsavory -effects. It was one of those situations that afford a pastor a splendid -opportunity of losing his ecclesiastical scalp, the very thing that -happened to a number of former pastors who undertook to heal the sore. -It was not Newgent’s policy to take a hand in neighborhood broils, or -to break to the woods in the face of such contingencies, but rather to -“stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” - -His presiding elder told him that his first duty on going to the circuit -would be to get the difficulty adjusted. It was suggested that as he -was a stranger to both parties, he would be the proper one to do it. He -replied that God had not called him to fix up old grudges between church -members, but to save sinners. - -“But unless you get this done,” he was told, “you had as well not go, for -you can never accomplish anything until the difficulty is removed. He -said he would not bother the old grudge directly, and that if there were -sinners who wanted salvation, he was sure God could save them in spite -of old, grouchy church members. He proceeded at once to plan a revival -campaign. It is part of his philosophy that if a pastor’s first revival -effort is a success it begets confidence on the part of the people and -paves the way for other victories. It is, therefore, the part of wisdom -to choose the easiest place to begin with. Accordingly, he began a -meeting in the latter part of September at the Rose Hill class, where he -thought there were the fewest hindrances. But the people were still busy -with their farm work, and with the old trouble still visible around the -edges, producing a melancholy Indian summer effect, he had very little -encouragement. Two weeks passed and only four persons could be mustered -for day services. He preached to this quartet of faithful souls, held -prayer and class meetings with them, and encouraged them in every -possible way. - -“Tell the people to come,” he said to his little band one day, as if -seized with a sudden revelation, “for we are going to have the biggest -revival they have ever seen. If you can’t tell it on your own faith, -tell them the preacher said so.” They perhaps half-way believed what he -said. At least they did as they were urged, and the crowd was slightly -increased the next day. And with that service the revival really did -begin. The prophecy was fulfilled. It was by far the greatest revival -the community had ever known, abundantly demonstrating the preacher’s -philosophy that when folks want salvation, a few backslidden church -members, even with their bristles up, cannot prevent them from getting it. - -New Goshen Class was the head and heart of the circuit, likewise the seat -of the trouble that had been its thorn in the flesh. Newgent proceeded -to carry out his policy of capturing the outposts before storming this -stronghold of opposition. The plan worked admirably. Three meetings were -held, each of which resulted in a sweeping revival. He was now ready for -the Herculean task, the final charge, New Goshen itself! - -Here it was seen how God moves in mysterious ways, using the weak things -to confound the mighty. Some two miles from town lived a family, all of -whom were utterly irreligious. The father was a drunkard and a notably -rough character. The oldest daughter was an invalid, but on learning -of the meeting, she was taken with a keen desire to attend. So she -went to visit with a family who lived just across the street from the -church, so that it would be convenient for her. In the first service she -attended, she went to the altar, and was not there long until she fell -into a trance. This was repeated the second and third evenings. One of -her brothers was present the third evening, and when he saw his sister -so strangely affected, conviction seized upon him so intensely that he -likewise fell over in an unconscious condition. When he “came through” he -was a new creature in Christ. One after another of this wicked family was -taken captive by the power of God until all were graciously saved. - -By this time the church began to rub its eyes and take notice. The dry -bones were surely beginning to shake and show signs of life. One evening -as the power of God was moving upon the people, the two brethren who were -responsible for the old trouble on the circuit, were seen edging toward -each other, and when they got together, they threw their arms around -each other’s necks and wept like children. The mother of one of the men -was present and when she saw what was taking place, she sent up a shout -that really did wake the dead—the spiritually dead of the congregation. -Walls of opposition suddenly gave way. The fire from heaven fell as it -fell on Sodom and Gomorrah, not to destroy, but to wipe out old scores -and to make men and women alive to God. The fortified city was taken. The -victory was complete. - -During this pastorate of two years, over four hundred persons were added -to the church. - -One of his most successful and memorable pastorates was that on the -Charlestown Circuit, in Illinois. The circuit had a very unsavory -reputation at the time. It was commonly known by the undignified and -uncomplimentary name of “Dogtown.” Newgent had asked to be sent to the -worst charge the conference had, and the reputation of Dogtown made this -a matter easily determined. His predecessor had been egged and otherwise -badly handled. - -It was a serious question with the conference as to whether a pastor -should be appointed to it, as it had proven itself so unworthy. Besides, -it was a proposition that few men were willing to face, Newgent being the -only aspirant for the situation. The salary the preceding year was $180, -and there was not a church paper taken on the entire charge. - -Dogtown, the place which gave the name and largely the reputation -to the circuit, was a straggling village noted only for its general -cussedness. Newgent declared that it had never been named after a good -dog, but more likely after the lowest bred cur in the country. The name, -however, was partially a corruption of Diona, by which name the town -had been christened; but the appropriateness of the former name was so -evident that it naturally stuck, and the original name was well nigh -forgotten. Though the place was utterly fallen from righteousness—if it -ever possessed any—and was inclined to evil and evil only, it had the -one advantage of being well churched. It had two church-houses, each -serving as the home for two denominations. Thus, four denominations -were diligently casting their pearls into this swine-wallow only to -have them trampled under foot. The Methodists and Baptists occupied one -house, and the Cumberland Presbyterians and United Brethren the other. -They suffered no inconvenience through lack of room, as the combined -membership of the four churches numbered only fourteen, seven of whom -belonged to the United Brethren. - -It was one of those melancholy days, a Sunday afternoon in September, -when the new circuit rider arrived to fill his first appointment at -Dogtown. Of course the seven members of his flock were present to take -his measure. The task was soon done. They were crestfallen when they -saw as their spiritual advisor an unpretentious, boyish-looking fellow, -somewhat below the standard size, and possessing little of the air and -dignity and gravity of a ripe circuit rider, according to their staid -notions. The faithful seven, like the proverbial birds of a feather, -occupied a portion of the house to themselves; their long faces turned -full upon the pastor, added to the melancholy of that autumn afternoon. -Nor did the small sprinkling of stray sheep throughout the plain old -building serve to any considerable extent as a counter-irritant. - -Newgent was keeping a “stiff upper lip” as he introduced the services. -The preliminary exercises were about finished, and he was about to begin -the sermon; the congregation was droning out a familiar tune when a raw, -strapping native came stalking in. He presented a unique appearance. He -was barefooted, his trousers were rolled up to his knees, he wore no -coat, and his checked shirt was unbuttoned at the collar. No sooner was -he seated than another in exactly similar manner and costume followed. -One after another followed until upwards in thirty came in, all dressed -exactly alike, and so timing their movements as to give time for each -to be seated before another followed, making the procession as long as -possible—to the amusement of the pastor and the stray sheep, and the -utter consternation of the faithful seven. - -It struck the witty Irishman at once that they were not trying to install -him as the Presbyterians do their pastors, but rather to forestall -him after the manner of Dogtown; and he made up his mind not to be -forestalled. He was certain they did not want any religion and he had -no religion to throw away. He had his subject in mind, but he thought -it best to select a more appropriate one. Accordingly, he announced as -his text, “Oh, man of God, there is death in the pot.” He talked about -twenty minutes, putting in the entire time telling his funniest stories, -and pouring in one broadside after another of his Irish wit and humor. -It was a diplomatic move. All seemed heartily to enjoy the “sermon,” -except the seven members of his own congregation. The proceeding was -most too irregular for their conventional tastes. The members of his -uniformed guard were especially delighted. Every witticism was greeted -with vociferous applause, by the stamping of their bare feet, clapping of -hands, and unrestrained, boisterous laughter. - -“I would not black my boots to hear a long, dry sermon,” said the -preacher by way of conclusion. “You are a fine looking set of fellows. I -have been sent by the conference to preach to you, and I am sure we will -get along well together. Now, if you see me at any time looking hungry, -or if it is near night, take me in. I am an Irishman and easily pleased. -And if I see any of you near my home, I will treat you the same. But, -gentlemen, I have the most beautiful little wife you ever set eyes on. -Now, I expect to bring her with me the next time, and you must be sure to -put your boots on and fix up a little.” - -When he dismissed he went back among this raw element, shaking hands -and talking freely with each one. Much of his time between that and the -next appointment was spent studying “mischief”—loading up for the next -discharge. His second talk was even more humorous than the first, having -been prepared especially for the crowd and the occasion. In the meantime -his fame had been spread broadcast, and an immense crowd was present to -see and hear the “wild Irishman.” A number were congregated at the door -for the purpose of greeting him upon his arrival at the church. - -At the third appointment he had an overflow crowd. As he was walking down -the aisle to the pulpit, a brother whom he recognized as one of the true -and blue seven of the first service, plucked him aside and whispered: - -“Parson, you’ve got ’em. You’re the smartest feller that ever struck this -place. These fellers say you’ve got to have order if they have to fight -for it.” - -“That’s what I’ve been fishing for,” said Newgent. He began a revival -at this time. Ere long the great, rough fellows who laughed so heartily -at his jokes were crowding to the mourner’s bench, shedding tears -of penitence, crying for mercy, and piercing the air with shouts of -victory as one after another emerged into the light and liberty of God’s -children. A marvelous work was wrought in that sin-polluted community. -As the lives of these hardy backwoodsmen were transformed by the power -of Christ, they became as potent for righteousness as they had been for -evil. Just how many were converted could not be definitely ascertained. -One hundred sixty-one members were added to the United Brethren Church, -besides those that joined the other churches of the town. - -There was an appointment some few miles from Dogtown named Liberty. It -was practically dead as a church, there being but five names on the -roll, and they represented very little in spiritual assets. He began a -revival campaign here immediately following the meeting in town, which -proved even more far-reaching in its results. He has always regarded it -as the most remarkable revival in his entire ministry. The power of God -in the conviction of sinners was irresistible. Strong men and women were -stricken unconscious in almost every service. As many as fifty persons -could be counted lying in an unconscious condition at one time. - -A peculiar feature of this revival was the presence of that strange, -nervous phenomenon among the people, known as the “jerks.” This strange -manifestation prevailed in many of the early revivals where unusual -power was displayed. It was especially prevalent in what is known as the -great Cumberland revival which swept over the eastern part of Kentucky -and Tennessee. Whatever the explanation of this phenomenon, it usually -accompanied a deep emotional state, saints and sinners alike being -subject to it. The mystery of it and the fact that it often became -quite violent, especially on persons who resisted the influence of the -meetings, gave it much weight in these early revivals. Peter Cartwright, -in his well-known autobiography, describes the physical effects of the -jerks as follows: - -“No matter whether they were saints or sinners, they would be taken -under a warm song or sermon, and seized with a convulsive jerking all -over, which they could not by any possibility avoid, and the more they -resisted, the more they jerked. If they would not strive against it and -would pray in good earnest, the jerking would usually abate. I have -seen more than five hundred persons jerking at one time in any large -congregation. Most usually persons taken with the jerks, to obtain -relief, would rise up and dance. Some would run but could not get away. -Some would resist; on such the jerks were usually very severe.” - -The meeting was accompanied by a variety of spiritual demonstrations, -remarkable both in their character and extent. It was entirely beyond -human control. It continued four months, day and night. Most of the -time there was no preaching, for there was no opportunity for a sermon, -and none was needed. The people would gather, singing and shouting -as they came, and the singing, shouting, and praying would continue -spontaneously. Penitents would go to the altar without an invitation, -often as soon as they arrived. - -The entire community was charged with a peculiar spiritual atmosphere, -the limit of which seemed distinctly drawn. It was termed the “dead -line.” On reaching this line the individual, whether a Christian or not, -would at once be seized with intense religious emotion. On passing out of -this region the change was as distinctly felt as on entering it. - -So great was the interest in the surrounding country that six schools -were closed. One teacher sent to the church for help. Some brethren went -to see what was the matter, and found the entire school practically -prostrate with conviction. School was turned into prayer meeting. -A number, including the teacher, were converted, and school was -indefinitely suspended. - -The pulpit and platform were smashed into kindling wood at one of the -services. People performed physical feats utterly impossible under -ordinary circumstances, such as walking across the house on the backs of -the pews with their faces turned straight upward. Late one night after -the service had closed, a family in the neighborhood heard singing in the -direction of the church. Not knowing what it meant, they investigated. -But on approaching the church they noticed that the singing was overhead -as if produced by an invisible choir in the upper air. - -Whatever question may enter the mind as to the nature of these phenomena, -there is no question as to the genuineness of the work of grace wrought -in that section of country. It was swept as completely by the revival as -a prairie is swept by fire. And the effects were abiding, even the more -extraordinary forms of spiritual fervor continuing indefinitely. - -This was a season of strenuous physical activity on the part of Rev. -Mr. Newgent. This meeting lasted four months, and for three months in -addition he was in revival meetings continuously. - -From being the worst circuit in the conference, Dogtown suddenly became -the best. It reported the largest salary. And that year it led the entire -denomination in the number of church papers taken. Prizes were offered -by the publisher for the largest club in any conference, and also a -sweepstakes prize for the largest club in the Church. Newgent won both -the conference and the sweepstakes prize, which was the more remarkable -when we recall that there was not a paper taken on the charge when he was -appointed to it. - -Near the close of his memorable meeting at Dogtown, he announced that -he would take a missionary offering the following Sunday, and urged the -people to come prepared. The missionary meeting was full of enthusiasm, -as all his meetings were when a collection was involved. As he was -exhorting the congregation to give freely to send the gospel to the -heathen, the door opened and a boy bearing in his arms a large rooster -came walking down the aisle. As an evidence that the old-time Dogtown -spirit was not wholly dead, some mischievous fellows planned to have some -fun at the preacher’s expense by putting a rooster in the missionary -collection. The bird was not only large, but also quite game, and was -almost too much for the lad who was to do the presentation act in behalf -of the gang. As he proceeded toward the pulpit, his courage began to fail -and he hesitated, possibly waiting to see what sort of effect he was -producing. The preacher took in the situation at a glance. - -“Come on,” he said to the half-frightened lad, “I’m the fellow who likes -chicken.” - -With this encouragement the boy went forward and placed his gift in the -hands of the preacher, who received it smilingly and thanked him for -his generous contribution to the missionary cause. He asked one of the -brethren in the “amen corner” to care for his charge while he finished -the service. He kept the rooster until fall and took it to the annual -conference. In presenting his report, he related the incident and asked -in a jocular vein what should be done with the rooster. A dignified, -sober-minded brother moved that the rooster be sold and the proceeds be -reported to the missionary fund, and that the undignified proceedings be -closed. The motion carried. - -“All right,” said the wiley Irishman, assuming the pose of an auctioneer, -“how much am I offered for the rooster? How much do I hear? How much?” -Some one ventured a bid. “Sold,” said the preacher-auctioneer amid a -roar of laughter, and the conference proceeded to more serious matters. - -[Illustration: A Unique Missionary Offering.] - -It was on this charge that he had his first debate. His popularity -and success in winning converts led to a challenge from a brother in -the Christian (Disciples) church, who was then serving as pastor at -Charlestown, Illinois. The question discussed was the divinity of Christ. -Newgent took the positive position, affirming that “Christ is the very -and eternal God apart from his human nature.” The debate was held at -Salisbury, Illinois, creating a great deal of interest and attracting a -large crowd. That the contest resulted in an easy victory for our subject -was attested by the fact that he received an offer from the elders of -his opponent’s church of fifteen hundred dollars a year to become their -pastor, which, at that time, was considered an enormous sum. - -“I would not preach your doctrine for fifteen hundred dollars a year,” he -said, “to say nothing of losing my time and self-respect.” - -“We are not asking you to preach the doctrine,” they said, “all we ask -is that you become our pastor; you are at liberty to preach your own -convictions.” But he was not on the market. - -Another interesting experience during this pastorate came as the sequel -to a horse trade. One of his neighbors, a brother in the Church, coveted -his fine driving horse, and bantered him for a trade. “I have the very -horse you need,” he urged, and offered what seemed to be a fair bargain. -And after the usual ceremonies and preliminaries, the deal was pulled off. - -The next day being Sunday, the pastor hitched up his new horse early, and -taking his wife and babe, started for his appointment. The animal soon -showed signs of treachery, arousing the suspicions of its owner, but they -went on. They got on quite well until they came to a low swale in the -road over which the water stood several inches deep. When they were about -half-way across, the horse stopped and looked back to see if they were -coming. But they had also stopped. Newgent, who had some knowledge of -“horseology,” saw that they were in for it. It being a warm, summer day, -an innumerable multitude of mosquitoes soon collected to express their -sympathy and to divert the attention of the unfortunate family from their -troubles. - -“Here’s a chance to show that we can keep sweet,” said the preacher to -his wife, “even under trying circumstances.” - -The circumstances were indeed trying, for he spent a couple of hours -trying to argue the horse out of his position, but the horse was not open -to conviction. At the same time he was making a desperate effort to keep -sweet, which, with the mosquitoes diligently plying their trade—as it was -too good a business opportunity for them to let pass—and the hour for the -morning service passing, was not as easy a task as it would have been -under less trying circumstances. - -“Well,” he finally said to his wife, sweetly, “we are going out of here.” - -“When?” was her meek reply. - -“Just as soon as possible.” And removing his boots and some other parts -of wearing apparel that could be temporarily dispensed with, he got out -of the buggy and carried the baby to a dry place. He then removed his -wife to the shore, after which he proceeded to unhitch the horse from -the buggy, or rather to unhitch the buggy from the horse, as the buggy -was movable and the horse was not. A strategic plan was then inaugurated -by making a natural appeal to the animal’s stubbornness. This was -done by hitching the horse to the rear axle-tree of the buggy, which -proved a decided success, at least to the extent of getting both the -horse and buggy out of the water. Newgent then hitched up according to -the conventional style, and with his family started homeward in deep -meditation. He filled no appointment that day. He found it difficult to -see the point in his neighbor’s argument that “this was the very horse -he needed,” unless it was to stimulate the grace of patience, which is a -much-needed quality in a preacher. Since then he has stoutly maintained -that it is a bad thing for a preacher to swap horses—unless he is sure he -can make a better trade. - - - - -CHAPTER NINE. - - _Labors at Mattoon, Illinois—A Persistent Campaign and a Great - Victory—Second New Goshen Pastorate—A Coincidence—Success at - Prairieton—Laboring in the Shadow—The Death of Mrs. Newgent—A - Bishop’s Tribute to her Character._ - - -The scene of his next labors was Mattoon, Illinois. This was a city of -some ten thousand inhabitants. It had been marked by a mushroom growth, -having sprung from a small village within a few years. More attention, -however, had been given to its material development than to its moral and -religious welfare. It had eleven churches, but what members they had, -were received mostly by letter. Like the city itself, the churches were -made up of a conglomeration of heterogeneous elements. All were lacking -in efficient organization, stability, and vital godliness. - -Rev. Mr. Newgent’s church, the United Brethren, like most of the others, -was new in the city. It had but twelve members when he took charge. He at -once conceived the idea of enlisting the various churches in a great and -much-needed revival campaign. He met the local pastors and proposed that -all join in a concerted, evangelistic effort—each to begin a meeting in -his own church on the same date and continue until victory was achieved. -The plan was unanimously agreed to, and on New Year’s Day the campaign -began. - -It was a stubborn fight. The bombardment was kept up by all the churches -through the entire month of January with no apparent results. One after -another of the pastors then became discouraged and hauled down his -colors. By the end of February all the batteries had ceased except two, -one of them being Newgent’s. Some of his members, convinced of the utter -futility of the effort, counseled him to quit. But he was determined to -fight it out on that line if it took all summer; and it looked as though -it might take several summers. The largest congregation he had during -those two months numbered twenty-four. - -With the beginning of the third month there were unmistakable evidences -of a thaw. Interest was awakened, congregations increased, and on the -fifth day of March the ice gave way completely. At the morning service -the altar was crowded with anxious penitents, and twenty-one were -graciously converted. The news was heralded throughout the city. It was -as though a mighty miracle had been wrought. Newgent’s church became the -center of intense interest, the subject of conversation in the stores -and shops and on the streets. At night it seemed as if all Mattoon was -seized with a sudden impulse to go to church. The house was filled long -before the appointed hour for worship, and the sexton reported that over -five hundred people were turned away. The few days following witnessed -stirring scenes in that church. Multitudes were converted; no definite -account could be taken of their number. One hundred and twenty-eight -members were added to the United Brethren Church, and other churches of -the city profited largely from the fruits of the meeting. It was the -first genuine revival Mattoon had ever enjoyed. - -“What I lacked in sense, I made up in holding on,” was Rev. Mr. Newgent’s -modest comment on the situation. But in this case holding on was only in -keeping with his usual good judgment. It was a case where not only prayer -and fasting, but also perseverance were required. Perseverance, however, -is one of his strong points. As a pastor he made it a rule to continue a -meeting until success was realized, a rule that seldom had to be waived. - -His labors at Mattoon were followed by a pastorate of two years on the -New Goshen charge, making, with a former pastorate of the same length, -an aggregate of four years of pastoral services on this field. During -these four years he received over six hundred members into the Church and -built two church-houses. His work here was also made memorable by what -might be termed his first great debate, the details of which are reserved -for the next chapter. - -The year following was a dark year in his experience, made so by the -failure of his wife’s health, which resulted in her death. He was -serving the Prairieton charge, a charge he had served some years before. -His labors here were attended by the usual success—gracious revivals, -increased spiritual life and activity, churches thrilled with new zeal -and power. A coincidence worth noting in this connection is that his two -terms of service on this field resulted in an equal number of accessions -to the Church, 203 in each case. “I do not think,” he quaintly remarked -concerning his second pastorate, “that these were the same 203 that I -received when I was there before.” The sorry experiences of many pastors -with vacillating church members occasioned and justified the remark. - -A great meeting at Prairieton stirred up the congregation and led to -the rebuilding of their church. It was, however, a great struggle. The -church was not strong financially, and the task almost overtaxed their -resources. Rev. Mr. Newgent labored unceasingly to pull the enterprise -through to a successful consummation, contributing of his own scanty -means over three hundred dollars, which necessitated the selling of some -of his household goods. - -And now, to add to his already heavy burdens, came that which for some -time had been recognized as inevitable, and under the deep shadow of -which he had been laboring with a heavy heart—the death of his companion. -“Kitty” Newgent, as she was affectionately called by her husband and -intimate friends, was never strong in body, and for many months she had -lingered near the land of shadows. On the day set for the dedication of -the church, for the success of which they both prayed and toiled and -struggled so heroically, she passed triumphantly to her heavenly home. -“Her sun went down while it was yet day.” - -She died about eight o’clock in the morning. Bishop Jonathan Weaver, -who had been secured to dedicate the church, was on the ground for that -purpose. When it was learned that the pastor’s wife had passed away, the -Bishop and members of the church suggested that the dedicatory services -be postponed. But as she had helped to plan the day’s program, and was so -anxious for the success of the occasion, Rev. Mr. Newgent urged that the -plans be carried out. So the program of the day was carried out tenderly -and lovingly, the church set apart to the worship of Almighty God, while -he and his three motherless little ones remained in their sad home by the -silent form of the precious wife and mother. Bishop Weaver remained to -conduct her funeral. The following account and worthy tribute from his -gifted pen was published at the time in the _Religious Telescope_, the -official organ of the United Brethren Church: - -“Some time ago I arranged with Brother Newgent of the Prairieton Circuit, -Lower Wabash Conference, to attend the dedication of a church on his -field of labor. Accordingly I left home on Saturday, June 13, and reached -Prairieton late in the evening. Upon my arrival there I learned that -Brother Newgent’s wife was very ill; yet I supposed she might recover. -Sunday morning the bell tolled and I knew that some one had passed away. -I immediately started for Brother Newgent’s home, and on reaching it -learned that his wife had just died. It was, indeed, a sad sight. For -seventeen years they had shared the sacrifices and trials incident to -the life of an itinerant. Now he was left with the care of three little -children to fight the battles of life alone. Brother Newgent, as he is -wont to do, labored hard to get the church in readiness for dedication, -anticipating a good time. But it was a sad day. We attended to the -service and dedicated the church with feelings of deep sympathy for the -pastor, who, with his little ones, sat beside the earthly remains of a -beloved wife. - -“Sister Newgent was a patient, kind-hearted Christian woman. She had -been in delicate health for a number of years, but neither murmured nor -complained. And when the end came, she quietly fell asleep in Jesus. On -account of her delicate health, Brother Newgent, for a number of years, -seldom remained away from home over night. He would fill his appointment -and ride home after services. But no matter how late at night he would -return, he would always find a light burning, and usually she would sit -up until he returned. But the light is gone out—no, it is burning still. -‘There’s a light in the window for thee, brother.’” - - - - -CHAPTER TEN. - - _First Great Debate—The Debate as an Institution—The - Challenge—Opponents get Weak-Kneed, Prolonging Maneuvers—A - Hungry Multitude Unfed—Battle Begins—Questions Discussed—An - Improvised Creed for his Opponent—A Premature Baptism—An - Opponent’s Tribute to his Genius—Crowning the Victor._ - - -In the earlier days of the church great stress was laid upon matters -of doctrine. Mooted theological questions occasioned much controversy -among the “brethren.” Preachers gave special attention to the particular -tenets of their respective churches, often decrying with heavy hearts the -doctrinal shortcomings of sister denominations. While this was a fault -of the times which a broader Christian spirit is overcoming, yet it had -its compensating features. In an age of controversy it became every man -to have some knowledge, not only of his own church, but also of other -churches. It is a fact that people generally were better informed on -doctrinal lines than in these latter days when the church is swinging so -near the opposite extreme. The doctrinal sermon was then the order of the -day, while now it is the rare exception. - -The public debate was a popular means of testing the merits of rival -religious systems, though in reality it was more a test of the men -engaged than of their theology. Nor was the debate confined to matters -religious. Its field was unlimited. In politics it was a favorite method -of testing political issues and leaders, and of spreading political -information. The great Lincoln-Douglas debate is a notable instance. -Hence, while it has lost prestige somewhat, the debate once was an -honorable and powerful institution. The victor in such a contest was -regarded much as the ancient Greeks regarded the winners in the Olympian -games. And he was greatly in demand to defend the doctrines of his church -against their adversaries. Every pastor needed to cultivate the debating -faculty to some extent, at least, for self-protection, just as it was -necessary for the early New Englanders to carry their guns with them to -church. - -It was during Rev. Mr. Newgent’s second pastorate at New Goshen that he -had his first great debate, and was thrust by force of circumstances into -the debating arena. Among his numerous converts were a large number who -held the faith enunciated by the Rev. Alexander Campbell, and commonly -designated as “Campbellites.” This stirred the controversial fires, -and in consequence he received a challenge from members of that body -to debate publicly certain questions on which the two churches were, -perhaps, more content to differ than to agree. - -He was quite content to promulgate his faith in the ordinary way, feeling -that the results of his work were sufficient proof of the genuineness -of his theology. Hence, he sought to avoid being pressed into this sort -of contest, even proposing to secure a man to represent his church. But -they regarded him as the high priest of his profession, and as they -had suffered at his hands, they demanded that he represent his side in -person. Seeing there was no honorable way of escape, he reluctantly -consented, and preliminaries were arranged. - -His opponent was a Rev. Mr. Price. The place selected was a beautiful -grove near the village of West Liberty, Vigo County, Indiana. A vast -throng of people were present the day the debate was to open. But they -were doomed to disappointment. Just as they were getting ready to begin, -representatives from the opposition approached Rev. Mr. Newgent and asked -if they might be permitted to let the Rev. William Holt, D.D., champion -their side instead of Mr. Price. Doctor Holt was a recognized giant among -the Campbellites. He was a veteran of thirty-two battles in the debating -field, and was one of the foremost expounders of the tenets of his church. - -Whether or not it was the wish of Mr. Price to be relieved, it was quite -evident that there was a lack of confidence somewhere. At any rate the -opposition felt more secure with their cause committed to the hands of -their great captain, armed, as he was, with education and eloquence, and -skilled in the art and science of debate. All felt that it was to be a -great contest, significant in its results, and that no chances should be -taken. - -Rev. Mr. Newgent consented to the change on condition that the debate -be postponed a couple of months to afford time for further preparation. -The condition was accepted, and the multitudes were sent away hungry, -disappointed, and dejected. The responsibility was thrown upon the -Campbellites, as their unwillingness to let Mr. Price champion their side -was the cause of the postponement. For the Irish circuit rider it was a -diplomatic stroke, a bloodless victory to begin with. - -The two months were well spent by Rev. Mr. Newgent in preparation for -this greater contest. The delay only seemed to increase popular interest -in the affair; and when they again met, the crowd was even larger than -before. The discussions consumed eleven days. However, the time was -divided into two sections with an intervening period of four or five -weeks. It was estimated that from eight thousand to ten thousand people -attended daily throughout, among them being a large number of ministers -of various denominations. Six boarding tents did a thriving business. In -fact, the debate was the great event of the year. A political campaign -could not have created more interest and excitement. - -The discussions covered six propositions, as follows: - -1. The church of which I, William Holt, am a member, is identical in -doctrine and practice with the Church of Christ, as revealed in the -Scriptures. Holt affirmed. - -2. Jesus Christ is the very and eternal God, separate and apart from his -human nature. Newgent affirmed. - -3. Water baptism is for the remission of the past sins of the penitent -believer. Holt affirmed. - -4. The Holy Spirit bears a direct, immediate, and personal testimony to -the believer of his pardon. Newgent affirmed. - -5. Immersion is the only act of Christian baptism. Holt affirmed. - -6. After a person is sufficiently instructed in the written Word, the -Holy Spirit operates directly upon the heart in regeneration. Newgent -affirmed. - -In most respects the two men were well matched. Holt was a man of -scholarship, a deep, logical thinker, and possessed oratorical ability of -a high order, which, with the practice afforded by thirty-two debating -bouts, rendered him an antagonist not to be despised. Newgent, then in -his prime, possessed a splendid physique, a strong, musical voice that -seemed never to tire, which was especially adapted for out-door speaking. -Though not a product of the schools, as was his opponent, his mind was -strong, clear, and alert. He was ever a close student, not only of books, -but of human nature. He could readily analyze a proposition as much by -intuition as by logic, and discern at a glance the weak places in his -opponent’s position. His wit and humor served him well in such matters. -When he turned the shafts of ridicule upon a weak point in the position -of an opponent, it was as though all the batteries, field pieces, grape -and canister, and every other instrument of destructive warfare had been -turned loose at once. As there were none of the scholastic or bookish -elements in his style, he invariably had the sympathy of the masses. - -Doctor Holt made the opening address, affirming that his was the only -true church—“identical in doctrine and practice with the Church of Christ -as revealed in the Scriptures.” He referred to various doctrines held by -his church and supported them by Scriptural authority. In most cases they -were doctrines accepted by all evangelical churches, affording no ground -for controversy. The address was eloquent and logical. - -When Newgent arose to reply, he complimented the brother’s address and -expressed his approval of much that was said. “But now, Mr. Moderator,” -he continued, “I would like to know what church my brother belongs to -when he asserts that they believe thus and so. He frequently referred -to ‘My church.’ If he belongs to a church, how are we to know, in the -absence of a written creed, what the doctrines of his church are? Shall -we take his statements? That would not be safe, for I find that they -differ among themselves on various important points. - -“According to Mr. Webster, he has no church. Webster says, ‘The Church of -Christ is the universal body of Christ.’ Paul speaks of the ‘whole family -in heaven and earth.’ All saints in heaven and on earth belong to the -Church of Christ. This includes the children. When the disciples asked -Jesus who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven, he ‘called a little -child unto him and set him in the midst of them, and said, Verily, I say -unto you, except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall -not enter into the kingdom of heaven.’ - -“Hence, his church is not THE Church of Christ, neither is it A church -of Christ. Again, according to Webster, ‘A church of Christ is a body of -Christian believers, observing the same rites and acknowledging the same -ecclesiastical authority.’ It denies all creeds and all ecclesiastical -authority. Hence, it cannot be A church of Christ.” - -He then appealed to the president, urging that, in the absence of a -written creed, they should take the writings of their recognized church -leaders to ascertain what the doctrines of his opponent’s church—granting -that it was a church—were. The president so ruled. It then became the -duty of Doctor Holt to show that the doctrines indicated were the -doctrines of his church according to the church authorities, and also -that they were Scripturally sound; and furthermore to prove that other -doctrines promulgated by the church leaders, which he had not mentioned, -were in strict harmony with the Word. - -This opened up a bigger field than even the great high priest of -Campbellism was prepared to occupy. Newgent was as familiar with the -teachings of his opponent’s church as Doctor Holt was himself, and had -foreseen and prepared for this emergency. - -“I knew you would not be prepared for this, so I thought I would be good -to you,” he said in a manner suggesting a cat’s habit of playing with -a mouse just before crushing its bones, “I have, therefore, prepared a -creed from the writings of Mr. Campbell and other leaders of your church, -which will enable us to ascertain what your church teaches.” - -He then read the following improvised creed, the different items of -which were based upon statements cited in the writings of recognized -authorities of the church Doctor Holt was so zealously defending: - -I. We profess before all men that we believe in water baptism by -immersion; that it is the great panacea for all spiritual maladies. - -II. Immersion is the line between the saved and the lost. - -III. Immersion is regeneration, conversion, and the new birth. - -IV. Immersion is obeying the gospel; it alone is the act of turning to -God. - -V. Repentance, pardon, justification, sanctification, reconciliation, -adoption, salvation, a good conscience, a pure heart, love to God, saving -faith, acceptable prayer, the reception of the Holy Spirit, and the -intercession of Christ for us, all depend upon immersion. - -VI. Immersion is the converting act, and is the most important of all the -commandments. - -VII. The water is the mother of all Christians. - -VIII. We further believe that the Apostles set up the kingdom of Christ -on the Day of Pentecost. - -IX. That the gospel was first preached by Peter, that the first Christian -baptism was administered, and that the reign of grace began on the Day of -Pentecost. - -X. That the kingdom of Christ has apostatized and become totally corrupt. - -XI. That the meaning of the Christian institutions was lost in the Dark -Ages, and that no one pleaded the true cause of Christ from the great -apostasy until Mr. Campbell’s day. - -XII. That the true foundation of the millennial church was lost, and that -it was laid again in the present century. - -XIII. That we have restored the ancient gospel. - -XIV. That Mr. Campbell, with others, has from nothing reorganized and -established the kingdom of Christ on earth. - -XV. That salvation is alone in the society to which we belong, and which -was established in the present century. - -XVI. We believe in a reformation produced without the Holy Spirit, -without godly sorrow, or mourning, or prayer, or any act of devotion -whatever. - -XVII. That a mere persuasion that the gospel is true is all the faith -required. - -XVIII. That even a believer is not pardoned, born of God, or in -possession of spiritual life until after immersion. - -XIX. That no sinner has a right to pray before immersion. - -XX. That in regeneration there is no change of the moral powers or inward -evidence of the same. - -XXI. That sinners are buried in the water in order to kill them to sin. - -XXII. That salvation is by works. - -XXIII. We deny the divine call to the work of the ministry. - -The foregoing propositions had been carefully selected with proof -statements by Rev. Mr. Newgent. To square them by the Word of God was a -task that even a greater than Doctor Holt might well have shrunk from. -And the opening battle which was to decide the question as to whether -or not the church of Doctor Holt’s choice was identical in doctrine and -practice with the New Testament church resulted in a decided advantage in -favor of the Irishman. - -Among the amusing incidents connected with the occasion was an attempt on -the part of the Holt allies to create a demonstration favorable to their -cause. On the day when the subject of baptism was up, a rumor came to -Newgent’s ears that a pretended convert to his opponent’s doctrine would -present himself for admission to the Campbellite Church at the evening -service. A baptismal service would then be held the following morning in -a nearby creek in the presence of the crowd, affording ocular evidence -that the champion of immersion was gaining ground. This, attended -with all the pomp and display necessary to make it impressive, it was -expected, would prove a staggering blow to Newgent, from which even his -wit and humor would not enable him to rally. - -He did not give much credence to the rumor, scarcely believing that any -one would resort to such tactics, but thought it best to keep at least -one eye open. The evening services were held in the churches, both -denominations being represented in the village. Each church would have -preaching by a visiting minister of its own faith. Ordinarily those who -cared to attend would go to their own church, the champions themselves -remaining at home to rest and gird themselves for the next day. Newgent, -however, curious to learn whether there was any foundation for the rumor, -on that particular evening attended the service at his opponent’s church. -To his surprise, he saw Doctor Holt there. He then smelled a rat. At the -close of the sermon, Doctor Holt arose, delivered a brief exhortation and -opened the doors of the church. And the rat smelled stronger. - -All doubts were dispelled when an old, rusty-looking gentleman limped -forward and gave the preacher his hand. This was the convert that the -eloquence of Doctor Holt had won to the standard of Campbellism—an old, -decrepit man, by no means distinguished for learning or intelligence, who -had been imported from an adjoining county for the occasion! - -[Illustration: REV. ANDREW JACKSON NEWGENT - -At age of forty.] - -The doctor was, of course, glad that one penitent was making the “good -confession,” and announced that on to-morrow morning at eight o’clock, -just before the day’s exercises would begin, they would repair to the -creek and “baptize the brother into Christ.” - -At this juncture Rev. Mr. Newgent arose and asked if he might say a -few words. The permission was granted. “Doctor,” he said, “I have been -taking it for granted that you were sincere in advocating that the -penitent’s sins were pardoned only in the act of baptism. Now, here is -a dear brother desiring to flee the wrath to come. Suppose he should -die before eight o’clock to-morrow morning, and thus be lost. Who would -be responsible? He is getting old. Aren’t you running an awful risk in -exposing his soul to eternal death until to-morrow? Doctor, don’t you -think it would be safer and more consistent to take this brother at once -to the creek and baptize him into Christ?” - -The doctor admitted that he was right, and ordered the candidate to -be baptized immediately. A small bodyguard took him to the creek and -reluctantly performed the task. Thus evaporated the scheme from which the -opposition had hoped to reap so largely. They did reap largely, but not -what they expected. In his opening remarks the next morning, Newgent -recited with dramatic effect the story of the exploded plot, taking -ample time to do it justice. The story was told with many a humorous and -oratorical flourish, producing roar after roar of laughter from the great -audience. The house thus built upon the sand fell upon the heads of the -unwise builders with most disastrous effect. - -As an illustration of his peculiar power over the minds of his hearers, -the following tribute from a titled minister of the Campbell faith will -serve well. He was taking his usual rest during the noon intermission, -when the reverend gentleman who wore a D.D. and a silk hat, approached -him, and after introducing himself, said: - -“Rev. Mr. Newgent, they have told me that you attended school but three -months in your life, and also that this is your first debate. I am -convinced that in this you have been misrepresented. I heard Doctor Holt -deliver his opening address to-day, and I thought no man on earth could -answer his argument. But when you got up to speak, you had not proceeded -five minutes until the people had forgotten all he had said. The same was -true of the second address, and I saw at once that our man was beaten.” - -Newgent told him that he had had but meager school advantages. In a -former chapter it is stated that he attended school three terms of three -months each. But as school attendance then was very irregular at the -best, the gentleman’s information was not far from the truth. He informed -his friend, however, that he had always been a hard student, and thus had -atoned in some measure for the meagerness of his school advantages. - -“Well,” said the doctor of divinity, “I expected to remain until the -close of the debate; but I see that our man is fighting a losing battle, -and I do not care to stay and see him defeated.” And after a few further -remarks, he bade Rev. Mr. Newgent a courteous good by and left the -grounds, not desiring to see the end of a contest that boded no good -thing for his cause. - -The gentleman’s unwilling prophecy was fulfilled, no doubt, to a larger -degree than he himself anticipated. Newgent seemed to gain power and -momentum to the last. When the great contest closed, defeat was plainly -written upon the countenance of every Holt sympathizer, while Newgent -was showered with compliments and congratulations from his admiring -friends. A delegation of Baptist brethren, headed by the pastor of -the First Baptist Church of Terre Haute, rushed forward and placed a -ten-dollar hat on his head in behalf of that denomination. Commendations -and substantial tokens of approval came from representatives of a number -of denominations. And the occasion ended pleasantly for all, except the -number whose theological bias was plainly and painfully indicated by -their crestfallen spirits. - - - - -CHAPTER ELEVEN. - - _Subsequent Debates—The Owen Contest—He Gets his - “Treat”—Opponent’s Confession—Dressing “Stone”—A Scared - Baptist—Invades the Lutheran Ranks—Measures Steel with Doctor - Ingram—Dissertation on Infant Baptism—Opponent’s Early - Flight—Concludes the Debate Alone—The Haw Debate._ - - -As the preceding chapter has shown, our subject was not a debater from -choice. He was thrust into the debating arena by circumstances. His -memorable victory over Doctor Holt placed his name in big letters among -the leading debaters of the time, creating demands for his services in -this capacity that could not well be resisted. Besides being in constant -demand to expound and defend the doctrines for which he stood, by his -own, and other denominations of a kindred faith, he figured in some -thirteen debating bouts, a detailed account of which would of itself -make a good-sized volume. Hence, a few passing references to some of -these contests, with some characteristic incidents, is all that will be -attempted here. - -Shortly after the debate with Doctor Holt, he received an urgent appeal -from Rev. James Griffiths of the United Brethren Church at Potomac, -Illinois, to come over to his Macedonia and help him. Controversy between -the Christian and United Brethren churches of that section was at white -heat. The Christian Church, under the leadership of a Rev. Mr. Owen, -was pressing the battle to the gates and making things unpleasantly -interesting for Rev. Mr. Griffiths, who was not of a controversial turn -of mind. He felt, however, that the safety of his cause demanded that -his adversaries be met upon their own ground with their own weapons. His -presiding elder, Rev. J. W. Nye, joined in the request that Rev. Mr. -Newgent go to the rescue. - -Accordingly, a debate between Owen and Newgent, covering the usual mooted -questions between the two denominations, was arranged. Rev. Mr. Owen -was scholarly and serious, but utterly lacking in the humorous element. -His dry logic was no match for the fiery eloquence and quick wit of his -Irish antagonist. Like the bridegroom at a wedding, he was a rather -inconspicuous figure, except that his part was necessary to the carrying -out of the program. It was an easy victory for the United Brethren and -their allies, resulting in a cessation of hostilities and a reign of -peace in that section of Zion. - -A more notable contest was that with Dr. W. B. F. Treat, then president -of Indiana State University, at Bloomington. Doctor Treat, as his -position would indicate, was a man of fine scholarship. He was a minister -in the Christian Church, zealous in the defense of its doctrines, and had -won many trophies as a debater. - -The preliminary arrangements for this debate were made by a couple of -ministers, one a representative of the Christian Church, and the other a -United Brethren. Newgent and Treat were secured by the two churches as -their respective champions. - -As the two champions were introduced on the occasion of the debate, -the following bit of repartee was indulged in by Newgent, who had been -suffering from some slight temporary ailment: “I am sorry you are not in -good trim,” said Doctor Treat, “I had hoped to find a man who would be -able to put up a good fight.” - -“Oh,” said Newgent, “I think I’ll feel better when I get my _Treat_.” - -In his opening remarks, Doctor Treat again indulged in some pleasantry -at Newgent’s expense. He referred to his opponent as having been born -in Green County and cradled in a sugar trough. Newgent replied that he -had missed it four miles as to the place of his birth. The sugar trough -part of it, however, he did not deny; but as the trough had served well -to cradle the different members of his mother’s small family of nine -children, he was quite sure the rude cradle suffered no violence at his -hands. - -The learned doctor further tried to discount the scholarship of his -opponent by referring to a postal card received from him on which -there were two words misspelled. To this Newgent also had an answer. -“Great speakers,” said he, “are usually deficient in other lines. I now -understand why the doctor is short on debating; all his strength has gone -into his spelling.” - -The usual questions were discussed, six in number, the same as in -the great Holt debate. The arguments were listened to by thousands -of interested and enthusiastic spectators, among them ministers and -dignitaries of various denominations, and persons of prominence in -educational, political, and professional circles. As to the result of the -contest, Doctor Treat’s own confession, as brought out in the following -incident, will suffice: - -A debate between Newgent and a Rev. Dr. J. W. Stone, of St. Louis, -Missouri, also a minister of prominence in the Christian Church, was -scheduled to take place a few weeks later. In the meantime Doctor -Stone, anxious to learn all he could concerning his opponent, sought -an interview with Doctor Treat. He met him at a church dedication at -which Treat was officiating. The two men, with others, were entertained -for dinner at the same home after the morning service. At an opportune -time, Doctor Stone introduced the subject in which he was especially -interested, and the following conversation between the two men took -place, being overheard and reported to Newgent by a gentleman who leaned -toward his side of the question: - -“Are you acquainted with a United Brethren preacher in Indiana of the -name of Newgent?” Doctor Stone inquired. - -“I am,” was President Treat’s answer. - -“Did you not debate with him some time ago?” - -“I did.” - -“Is he a scholar?” - -“I do not know.” - -“Is he logical?” - -“I cannot tell. He claimed that he went to school only a few months.” - -“How long did you debate with him?” - -“Six days.” - -“What?” said Doctor Stone in astonishment, “You debated with him six -days, and could not tell whether or not he is educated?” - -“Well,” continued the university president, in a meditative mood, “I will -say that he is—_forceful_.” - -Doctor Stone looked blank for a moment, and then ventured with a smile, -“May be he whipped you?” - -“I don’t know,” was the guarded answer, “but I am inclined to believe -that my people thought he did.” Observing that Stone was intensely -interested, Treat inquired: - -“Are you thinking of debating with him?” - -Stone answered in the affirmative. - -“Can’t you get out of it in some honorable way?” - -Stone replied that he was not wanting “out of it.” - -“But you may want out of it,” was Treat’s not very assuring reply. - -“Why, is he not fair in debate? Is he not a gentleman?” - -“Yes,” answered Treat, “so much so that all your people who know him -love to be with him and hear him talk.” And the conversation drifted -into other channels. But Doctor Stone, being from Missouri, waited to be -shown. And the debate was held according to schedule. - -About this time Doctor Stone was enjoying no small degree of notoriety. -He had debated with a Methodist minister in southern Illinois, and so -completely mastered him that he acknowledged his defeat in sack cloth and -ashes, and joined the Christian Church. Stone was taking advantage of his -newly-acquired popularity in waging a relentless war against the “sects,” -as he termed them, when some of the Pedo-Baptists secured Newgent to meet -him in debate. And the challenge was brought to the great, self-important -Doctor Stone. - -“Newgent!” said this supposed Goliath with a contemptuous sneer. “He -can’t debate. He’s an Irish peddler who used to sell table-cloths in my -father’s neighborhood.” The committee informed him that they were willing -to risk their case with the Irish peddler. However, Stone’s visit to -Doctor Treat to get information concerning the Irishman would indicate -that his contempt was more feigned than real. - -The debate was held in a small town in southern Illinois, where the -doctor had been making havoc of the “sects.” The table-cloth story became -current, and much speculation was indulged in concerning the supposed -vender of household commodities. His coming to the village was awaited -with intense interest. When the train on which he was scheduled to -arrive pulled in at the station, a curious and enthusiastic crowd was -waiting to get a view of the man who dared to dispute the wisdom of -Doctor Stone. As he stepped from the car, a gentleman who knew him said, -pointing him out, “There’s the table-cloth peddler.” - -A hearty salute was given by the crowd. Newgent, having been apprised of -the story, was equal to the occasion. As soon as the hubbub ceased, he -addressed the crowd, turning the table-cloth story against his opponent -in the following speech: - -“Gentlemen, if you have come here to buy table-cloths, you will be -disappointed. I have changed my occupation. I have been informed that -there is some fine stone in southern Illinois, so I have come down here -to set up my shop and spend a few days dressing Stone.” - -The “Stone dressing” joke superseded the table-cloth story and became a -catch phrase throughout the debate. - -It is likely that Stone often called to mind the friendly advice of -Doctor Treat, and regretted that he did not take it. He could cope -neither with the argument, the quick wit, nor the physical endurance of -his opponent. His voice failed completely, and the last two addresses -of Newgent were unanswered. The Stone-dressing business proved eminently -successful. - -An amusing incident occurred in connection with a debate in Kentucky -with a Doctor Fairchilds, an eminent Baptist minister. A story came to -the ears of Doctor Fairchilds after he came on the ground, to the effect -that Newgent was a man of extraordinary scholarship, that he was master -of some thirteen languages, etc. The doctor was visibly disconcerted by -the story, and after hearing Newgent’s first address, was fully persuaded -that it was true, especially the part relating to the thirteen languages. -He was quite nervous, and utterly broke down about the middle of the -program, leaving the supposed master of thirteen languages easily master -of the situation. - -While on his official rounds as superintendent of the Tennessee -Mission Conference, he once chanced to invade a Lutheran community, -which set in motion a train of influences that terminated in a debate -with a representative of that body. This was about eight miles from -Greenville. He was visiting a United Brethren family that had moved into -the community, and in company with his host, called at the district -school, and made a talk to the pupils. Through the influence of his -host, the school house was secured for a preaching service that evening. -Other influences then began to be felt, and the meeting was continued -indefinitely, resulting in a sweeping revival, the organization of a -United Brethren church, and the building and dedication of a church-house -within two months from the close of the revival. - -This occasioned great concern among the Lutherans who lost quite heavily -as a result of the United Brethren invasion. To regain their lost ground, -they challenged Rev. Mr. Newgent to debate certain doctrinal questions -with a representative of their church. Newgent was then in his element, -in the debate, and answered that he would be ready at any time to -accommodate them. - -The Lutheran champion was Dr. J. C. Miller, president of one of their -church schools. The much-mooted question as to what body constituted -the true church was the first taken up, Doctor Miller posing as the -representative of a church whose doctrines and usages are identical with -those taught and exemplified in the New Testament. - -This placed upon Miller the Herculean task of defending the various -tenets and practices peculiar to his church. Among other specimens of -Lutheran creed, Newgent read the following: “The infant’s heart is -corrupt, and it cannot be saved unless baptized by a Lutheran minister -with heavenly, gracious water.” When asked if his church taught that, -Doctor Miller admitted that it did. - -Newgent showed this bit of dogma up in a bad light by the use of an -object lesson. Borrowing a baby from a mother in the audience, he held -it up before the crowd, stating that the “little rascal’s” heart is -corrupt and its only chance for salvation was by being baptized according -to the Lutheran formula. “Now,” he continued, “I want this brother to -demonstrate to this audience how a baby must be saved. I want him to -change this baby’s heart from a state of corruption to a state of purity. -I want to see how a baby is saved, for, according to his theology, I have -three babies in hell.” - -The brother winced under this outburst of sarcasm. He refused to baptize -the child, which, had he done so under the circumstances, would scarcely -have made his doctrine appear less obnoxious. Other peculiar Lutheran -tenets appeared to the same disadvantage under similar treatment, and -the church’s hope of gaining its lost ground completely vanished. The -debate popularized the United Brethren Church, giving it a strong hold -in the community. Flag Branch, a flourishing rural church, stands as a -monument to Rev. Mr. Newgent’s labors in that section. - -Another contest worthy of special note was with a Baptist minister -at Blue Springs, Tennessee, in 1882. The mode of baptism was a live -question throughout that region. The battle line was drawn by the -Baptists and Pedo-Baptists. They finally agreed to have the question -discussed in a public debate, each side to furnish its champion. Three -churches were represented on the immersion side, and seven on the other. -The immersionists secured as their representative, Doctor Ingram, a -prominent Baptist divine of Virginia. Newgent was selected by the -anti-immersionists. The debate was to cover six propositions and to -continue six days, one subject being slated for each day. - -The Baptists were very desirous of including infant baptism in the list -of subjects to be discussed. This was a question that Newgent had never -debated, and in which he had very little interest. But to accommodate -the Baptists, he consented to defend the practice of infant baptism. His -opponent proposed the question, stating it as follows: “_Resolved_, That -infants are fit subjects for baptism.” Newgent consented to affirm it. - -It was slated for the second day. In his opening remarks, Newgent said: -“Mr. President, this is a peculiar question; but my brother wrote it and -insisted that I affirm it. It is peculiar from the fact that I am not -to prove that the child needs baptism, or that there is any command for -infant baptism, or that there ever was an infant baptized. I am simply -asked to prove that a child is a fit subject for baptism.” - -At these remarks a storm of protest arose from the immersionists. They -expected him to defend the vast array of teaching that the various -Pedo-Baptist bodies had put forward on the subject. - -“Keep cool,” he said to the immersionist part of the crowd as they -were clamoring for a hearing and creating no little confusion. “Doctor -Ingram and I signed these papers, and we agreed to be governed by the -board of moderators. This question simply deals with the child’s fitness -for baptism. I appeal to the moderators.” The moderators sustained his -position. - -He then asked his opponent whether or not the Baptist Church would -baptize a subject until he was converted and became as a little child. -His opponent stated that it would not. This gave him a splendid -foundation for his address, and, at the same time, removed the last -foundation stone from under his opponent, so far as infant baptism was -concerned. He made an earnest and eloquent address, showing that the -child is a type of the heavenly citizen, and as such possesses special -fitness for all the sacraments of God’s house. - -While he was talking, his attention was called to Doctor Ingram. The -doctor, grip in hand, was making rapid strides toward the railroad -station. His moderator and some friends were accompanying him, trying to -persuade him to remain. But he could endure it no longer. - -The doctor’s retreat caused a great sensation, relished immensely by the -Pedo-Baptists, but a bitter dose to the immersionists. There were yet -four days of the program remaining. Newgent’s side demanded, as they were -paying him for his work, that he remain and carry out his part of the -program. This he did, but as the debate had only one end to it during -those four days, it spoiled the excitement, though it served well the -purpose of those who had employed him. - -Among his later debates was one held in 1898 at Mechanicsville, Indiana. -Dr. J. W. Haw, of the Christian Church, was his opponent on this -occasion. Doctor Haw had been holding revival meetings in that part of -Indiana, and being dogmatic in style and controversially inclined, was -unsparing in his denunciations of other denominations. His aggressions -and criticisms were disturbing the equilibrium of some of the brethren -whose churches were being used as a target by this ecclesiastical -Nimrod. They wrote to Newgent, then in Tennessee, urging him to champion -their side against Doctor Haw in debate, offering him fifty dollars -per day and expenses for his time. He consented on condition that the -propositions were fair and that the reverend gentleman in question was a -representative man in his church. - -He was referred to a two-column article in a current number of -the _Christian Standard_ relating to Doctor Haw. The article was -extravagant in the use of adjectives describing the doctor’s ability and -achievements, stating that he was the leading debater in the Christian -Church, having had more such battles than any other man in it at that -time. This was quite satisfactory to Newgent, as at that period he did -not care to waste any shot or shell on small game. - -In this, as in all other such contests, Newgent abundantly sustained -his position and satisfied the expectations of his supporters. His -experience, self-control, complete mastery of the subjects in hand, -humor, and physical endurance made him an antagonist that even the -greatest debater in a debating church could illy cope with. The general -verdict of even Doctor Haw’s own sympathizers was that it was decidedly a -one-sided affair. - - - - -CHAPTER TWELVE. - - _Perrysville and Centerpoint—Industry Rewarded from an - Unsuspected Source—A “Slick” Wedding—Fruitful Labors at - Centerpoint—A One-Sided Union Meeting—The Doctrine of the - Resurrection Again Demonstrated._ - - -A year on the Perrysville charge in the Upper Wabash Conference, followed -by a year at Centerpoint, in his own conference, the Lower Wabash, -covering 1874 to 1876, closed Rev. Mr. Newgent’s work in the pastorate -for a season. It was from the latter charge that he received his -appointment from the Home, Frontier, and Foreign Missionary Society as -Superintendent of the Tennessee Mission Conference. From thenceforth he -was destined to serve the Church in a larger capacity, though there is no -work that he regards as more exalted or more vital to the progress of the -kingdom than that of the pastor. And it is but just to say that there is -no work in which he has been happier or more in his element. The pastor, -he regards, as the pivotal man in the church militant, around whose -personality must revolve all the machinery of its organized life. Hence, -in whatever position he has been placed, he has ever been in fullest -sympathy with the men on the firing line, and has sought in every way to -encourage and magnify their work. - -His going to Perrysville was in response to an urgent appeal from his -intimate friend, Dr. J. W. Nye, then a popular presiding elder in the -Upper Wabash Conference. His work here was fruitful and congenial, and -marked by some rich experiences, which he carries with him as refreshing -memories. One of these teaches a practical moral lesson, namely, that -honest industry has its reward in more ways than one. - -It need not be explained here that industry is a part of his religion. -He believes with Paul that it does not injure, or lower the dignity of -a minister to labor with his hands. In this, as in other respects, he -made himself an example to the flock. Odd moments are always occupied -in diversions of a practical character. The outward appearance of the -parsonage never failed to testify to his thrift and good taste. A garden -served as an outlet to his surplus physical energies as well as a means -of supplementing the usually modest income. Under his skillful hand it -invariably became a thing of beauty and an object of just pride. - -Some five miles from Perrysville lived a horny-handed son of the soil, a -man who made industry not only the chief element in his religion, but -the sum total of it. He was an infidel in his belief—or disbelief—and -regarded the church as an imposition, and preachers as an indolent, -worthless lot. Passing through the village one day, he noticed Rev. Mr. -Newgent’s garden. It was by far the finest he had seen. His surprise can -only be imagined when, upon inquiry, he learned that the owner of it was -one of those lazy preachers. - -A few days later he drove up to the parsonage with a barrel of flour, -which he unloaded and unceremoniously rolled upon the porch. This time -the surprise was on the preacher, as a reputation for benevolence was -a thing of which, up to that time, the infidel could not boast. He -explained that ordinarily he had no use for preachers, but as he had -found one that was not lazy, he “wanted to help him.” The donation was -an expression of his regard for the minister who showed a willingness, -according to the infidel’s conception of the term, to earn his bread in -the sweat of his face. - -Another incident, picked up at random, occurred one cold day during the -winter of his stay at Perrysville. A couple whose appearance did not -indicate a superabundance of worldly prosperity, came to the parsonage -to be married. They had come from the adjoining county, the boundary -between the two counties being the Wabash River, on the bank of which -Perrysville was located. The river was frozen over. The couple traveled -afoot, having crossed the river on the ice. The preacher explained -that they would have to recross the river before the ceremony could -be performed, as the law required that marriages be solemnized in the -county in which the license was issued. So he conducted the matrimonial -candidates to the river. - -When the preacher was satisfied that they had proceeded beyond the -half-way point on the river, he ordered the couple to halt and join -hands. By this time their presence had attracted the attention of the -young people who were out on the ice in large numbers enjoying the -fine winter sport of skating. As the wedding was a public function, no -restrictions being placed on attendance, the ceremony was performed in -the presence of an enthusiastic multitude. - -The service completed, the groom, who was unacquainted with ministerial -usages, inquired as to the amount of the fee. To save him the -responsibility and further embarrassment of determining the sum to be -paid for the service, the preacher suggested that a dollar would be -sufficient, fearing lest he might set the price too high for his purse. -Even at that it was painfully evident that the young man’s financial -rating was overestimated. After nervously fumbling through his pockets he -was able to produce but fifty cents. In his dilemma he found it necessary -to call upon his bride for financial assistance. Happily she was equal to -the emergency, and supplied the deficit from her own purse. - -[Illustration: The Young Man’s Financial Rating Was Over-estimated.] - -“This is the fairest wedding I have ever seen,” said the preacher. “It -has always been my opinion that the lady ought to help pay the preacher, -and she receives as much benefit from the ceremony as does the man. I -hope you will always share each other’s burdens in this way.” And wishing -them happiness and prosperity, he sent them on their way rejoicing. - -The local paper gave a flowery account of the wedding that took place -on the ice, stating that it was the “slickest” wedding that had ever -occurred in that section. But the minister’s fee and the manner of paying -it was not allowed to become public, lest it should become a troublesome -precedent in matrimonial circles. - -The following year, which was spent on the Centerpoint charge, was -a most fruitful one. Here, as in so many other places, he found a -splendid opportunity of demonstrating his favorite doctrine of the -resurrection—the resurrection of dead churches. The spiritual life -of the churches at Centerpoint was at ebb tide, and had been for an -indefinite time. Soon after his arrival the Methodist pastor, who was -also new in the town, called upon him to confer as to their plans for -revival work. As workers were scarce, it was thought best to plan their -meetings so that they would not conflict. Rev. Mr. Newgent, Abraham-like, -let his brother do the choosing, and the brother, perhaps as anxious -as Lot to get in on the ground floor, decided to commence a revival at -once. Newgent began a meeting at the same time some few miles in the -country. Newgent’s meeting immediately developed into a revival of so -great proportions that it became the one overshadowing event of the -whole country, drawing the Methodist pastor’s congregation from him and -rendering it impracticable for him to continue. His situation was a -rather lonely one. In his extremity he sought another interview with his -fellow pastor, proposing to close his meeting at once if Newgent would -join him later in a union revival effort. - -This Newgent consented to do on three conditions, as follows: - -1. That the meetings be held in the United Brethren church. - -2. That the United Brethren pastor do all the preaching. - -3. That the United Brethren pastor do the managing. - -Hard as the conditions seemed, the brother agreed to them. The -conditions, in fact, look egotistical and perhaps selfish on the surface, -but when the United Brethren pastor explained his reasons for them they -were seen to be neither. On the contrary they were meant for the highest -good of both churches, and were abundantly vindicated by the outcome. -He was intensely anxious that Centerpoint have a genuine revival of -religion. To promote such a revival at any cost was his purpose. That -this purpose might be realized he would not permit modesty, formality, or -any other creature to stand in the way. - -The United Brethren Church was the more commodious and had the advantage -in location. This was the reason for the first condition. The reason for -the second and third conditions was that Centerpoint had been preached -to death. A change of methods was imperative if the people were to be -reached. He wanted a meeting without preaching, without too much human -agency, but where God himself might control to his own glory. Only by -having the management left to him could he apply the remedy needed -according to his diagnosis of the case. - -His plan was now to be put to the test—a revival without preaching, the -laity to do the work as they felt divinely moved. The meeting began on -a Friday evening. But with no life there could be no real activity. -The chariot wheels dragged heavily at the first. On Sunday morning he -announced that at four o’clock p. m., a children’s meeting would be held. -Aside from selected helpers, only children within a certain age limit -would be admitted. Such meetings even at that date were quite uncommon. -The announcement, therefore, aroused a great deal of curiosity. But that -was one point in the announcement. Something must be done to stir the -people. There must be a new avenue of approach to their cold hearts. - -The children’s service produced the desired effect. At the appointed -hour the house was filled to overflowing. There were three helpers, -all ministers, present, who did their part according to Newgent’s -directions. Songs were sung, prayers offered by the ministers as they -were called upon, a brief talk by the leader, some simple propositions, -and the meeting closed in less than a half-hour from the time it began. -But that half-hour turned the tide in Centerpoint. The children became -the vanguard in a religious movement that was to shake the town from -center to circumference. Many of them went home weeping to speak of the -longing of their tender hearts to fathers and mothers, who, in turn, were -awakened to a consciousness of their own need. - -At the evening service which followed, seventy-five persons came to the -altar, most of whom professed conversion. The revival was no longer a -problem. It spread throughout the town and community like fire in dry -stubble. The church arose from the grave of lethargy and formalism, cast -off her grave clothes—and the doctrine of the resurrection was again -abundantly demonstrated. - - - - -CHAPTER THIRTEEN. - - _Becomes a Missionary Superintendent—Second Marriage—An - Unexpected Welcome—Forms a Quaker Friendship—The Spirit Moves - in a Quaker Meeting—A Quaker’s Prayer Answered—Builds a - College—Shows What to do for a Dead Church—Another Tilt on the - Doctrine of Baptism—Conversion of a Dunkard Preacher—Turns a - Great Movement in the Right Direction._ - - -In the fall of 1876, Rev. Mr. Newgent entered upon his duties as -Superintendent of the Tennessee Mission Conference, under appointment of -the Home, Frontier, and Foreign Missionary Association. In the meantime -he had married Miss Annie Crowther, of Terre Haute, Indiana, who, under -the divine blessing, abides as the companion of his joys and sorrows amid -the lengthening shadows. She is a woman of rare and excellent qualities, -which especially fitted her for her position as the wife of an active -and ambitious minister. She is in fullest accord with her husband’s -ambitions and tastes, and has contributed her part toward the success -of his career. He freely accords to her this credit. With this queenly -woman ordering its affairs, the Newgent home has ever been a haven of -real rest, a retreat for God’s servants especially. It extends a welcome -and hospitality—a true home spirit—that at once makes the wayworn pilgrim -feel at ease in body and mind, and charms the hearts of the young as well. - -At the time of their removal to Tennessee, the United Brethren Church -was new in the South. Its attitude of open hostility to slavery largely -shut it out of regions south of Mason and Dixon’s line. The Tennessee -Conference then had less than four hundred members, with only six houses -of worship. So a great field spread out before the new Superintendent, -taking him back to conditions in many respects similar to those in which -he began his ministerial labors. It was still a time of reconstruction -in church affairs as well as in matters political. But his was a work of -construction rather than of reconstruction. - -Aside from the need of laborers and the vast opportunities afforded for -building up the church in this section, one reason he had for accepting -this appointment was the condition of his own and his wife’s health. Both -were threatened with failing health, and a change of climate was advised, -the high altitude of eastern Tennessee being recommended as especially -adapted to their physical needs. - -They arrived at Limestone, Tennessee, on a Friday evening in September. -Here was illustrated how his fame as a genial, good humored personality -had spread throughout the Church, so that the people felt that they were -acquainted with “Jack” Newgent (later Uncle Jack) even though they had -never met him personally. Arriving at the city some time after dark, worn -by the long journey, the discomforts of which were aggravated by their -poor health, they little dreamed of finding in that particular realm an -acquaintance or anyone who had any concern for them. - -Great indeed was Newgent’s surprise when, as he alighted from the train, -a gentleman, a total stranger, with a lantern on his arm, stepped up and -in a familiar manner accosted him, “Hello! Is this Jack Newgent?” - -He had been so familiarly known as “Jack,” that he had resolved to be -known by the more grave and dignified appellation of Andrew J. Newgent -when he came into his new kingdom. But his expectation perished, as it -would have done even had the circumstances been otherwise. A man’s name, -like his clothes, is a part of him, and if it does not fit, his friends -will persist in trimming it until it does. The personality and the title -cannot be unequally yoked together. - -“Well,” said the reverend gentleman from the Hoosier State, “I suppose if -I should land in the heart of Africa, some Hottentot would come rushing -out of the jungle and say, ‘Hello, Jack Newgent!’ Who are you, anyway?” -The stranger was Mr. W. C. Keezel, a prominent layman in the conference, -who had been advised of their coming by Dr. D. K. Flickinger, Secretary -of the Missionary Society, and was there to take them to his hospitable -home. It was a pleasant surprise, and they felt at once that they were -among friends whose hearts God had touched with his spirit of kindness -and tenderness. Their anxieties were dispelled, and they felt as near -heaven in Tennessee as in Indiana. - -Next day his host took him on a ten-mile ride by horseback over a -mountain road to a quarterly conference, where he met a number of -ministers, and began to get acquainted with his new co-workers. His -presence filled the little band of faithful toilers with new hope and -courage. He preached the following day (Sunday) at a neighboring church -to an immense crowd. Here he met Rev. Eli Marshall, a minister of repute -in the Quaker—or Friends—church, with whom he was destined to form a -close friendship, a friendship which revealed later to both of these -servants of God how mysteriously God moves in answer to the earnest -prayers of his faithful children. - -Rev. Mr. Marshall was not only an able minister, but was also a -successful business man, being the owner of several plantations. He took -Newgent to his home, and later showed him a congenial cottage on one of -his plantations. “This is at thy disposal,” he said, “if it suits thee.” -Newgent replied that it was just such a place as he was looking for, -as it was but a short distance from town and the railroad station, and -inquired as to the rental value. - -“Just move in,” said Marshall, “we will talk about that some other time.” - -But when Newgent insisted, he set a nominal price, which indicated -that he was not especially concerned about the financial side of the -transaction. He furthermore insisted on transporting Newgent’s household -goods from the station, but this privilege he was compelled to share -with Mr. Keezel. While they were moving his goods from the train, his -Quaker neighbors set to work and filled the smoke-house with provisions, -and supplied sufficient fuel to last him through the winter. Such -expressions of kindness and generosity seldom had been seen. - -The fourth week in October was the time for the Quakers’ yearly meeting, -to be held at Rev. Mr. Marshall’s home church. He had issued an order -to Newgent to have no engagement for that time, as his presence and -help were desired at the meeting. Under the circumstances there was but -one thing to do, and that was to respect the order. These meetings were -matters of no small significance in that denomination. They usually -lasted several days, and were great seasons of fellowship. They were very -largely attended so that the program sometimes had to be carried out in -several sections. Newgent had never had the privilege of attending a -Quaker meeting, but his appreciation of the Quakers by this time knew no -bounds. - -He first went to the meeting on Saturday morning and was surprised to -find more than a thousand people on the ground. His friend, Rev. Mr. -Marshall, met him immediately and said, “If the Spirit moves thee to -preach to-day, we want thee to preach in the church this morning.” Some -one was to preach in the school house nearby. The Spirit moved, and -Newgent preached. - -In the afternoon he was “moved” to preach again. He was urged to preach -again at night. This time the Spirit was not consulted, but his preaching -had touched a responsive chord in the Quaker heart, so it was taken for -granted that the Spirit would be favorable. An out-door service and a -service in the school house besides that in the church were required in -order to accommodate the crowd. Newgent declined to preach at this time, -not wishing to usurp the honors that belonged to the Quaker preachers. -But the Quaker “Spirit” refused to let him off. He was even urged to -sing a special song, which was a great departure from Quaker usage in -those days. While preaching with his usual power, it was evident to him -that great conviction prevailed in the congregation. As he had been -invited to depart from one of the Quaker usages, he now felt bold to -depart from another. Indeed he felt strongly moved by the Spirit to give -an invitation for seekers to come to the altar. The invitation given, -the altar was soon crowded with anxious penitents. He then called upon -the Quakers to come forward and to sing and pray with the seekers. This -a considerable number did, casting aside all reserve, and the meeting -became a typical United Brethren revival. It was one time when the -Spirit “moved” beyond question in a Quaker meeting. - -He was given right of way in the church on Sunday morning, Sunday -evening, and Monday evening. A new element was thus diffused into -Quakerdom. He held a meeting in that same community a few weeks later, -in which the Quakers took a leading part, and which resulted in about a -hundred conversions. - -The best part of the whole procedure came to light when Newgent called -to pay his landlord the small pittance that was due on rent. Rev. Mr. -Marshall refused to accept even the nominal amount that had been agreed -upon. - -“Let me explain,” he said, “I have never told anybody what I am going to -tell thee—not even my wife. Some three months ago I moved my foreman out -of that house, and began to pray for the Lord to send us a good, live -preacher from the North. I had got tired of these slow-going Southern -fellows. But I forgot to tell the Lord to send a Quaker. So the Lord -was free to send whomsoever he pleased. And the first time I heard thee -preach, I said, ‘There is the answer to my prayer.’ Now, it would not do -for me to charge rent of the man the Lord sent in answer to my prayer, -when he is living in the property I vacated for him when I besought the -Lord to send him. That house is for thee as long as thee wants it.” - -When this noble soul was called to heaven some years later, Rev. Mr. -Newgent was called from a distant State to preach his funeral. Truly, he -was a man of God. - -When the conference projected a college enterprise at Greenville, Rev. -Mr. Newgent took up his residence at that place so as to give personal -attention and encouragement to the institution. This college was -afterwards moved to White Pine, Newgent being the leading spirit in the -matter of relocation. He served as financial agent and supervised the -construction of the building. Through his personal efforts the building -was erected and paid for. - -The evangelistic gift and executive faculty, both of which were prominent -in our subject, peculiarly fitted him for the duties of Missionary -Superintendent amid such conditions as the Tennessee Conference -presented. Much incipient work had to be done. The routine work of his -office required only a small portion of his time, leaving him free to do -the work of an evangelist, to encourage weak churches and to survey new -territory to conquer. This narrative has already afforded many examples -of his constructive work along these lines. One more characteristic -incident may not be out of place. - -Near Limestone, Tennessee, was a church which was so unpromising that the -quarterly conference seriously considered abandoning it and disposing -of the property. It was well located, but there were strong churches on -either side, and the little church, overshadowed as it was by these older -organizations, had never been able to gain a proper standing. - -“Let us give it another chance,” said Newgent, who was presiding at the -meeting. “I will hold a meeting there at the first opportunity, and -we will see if it can be saved.” He held the meeting accordingly and -received ninety-seven members into the church, and the little, struggling -church was lifted to such a position of prestige and prominence that it -overshadowed its rivals, becoming a strong center of religious influence. - -But it was not enough to merely get people converted and brought into the -church. They must be taught in the doctrines of the church, so as not to -get their doctrinal ideas from other sources. - -One of the strong churches of this community was of the Dunkard order, -and mainly through its influence a strong immersion sentiment prevailed. -At the close of the revival there were a large number of applicants for -baptism. According to prevailing custom, all expected to be immersed. -It was in order on such occasions for the baptismal service to be -prefaced by a sermon on baptism. Rev. Mr. Newgent took advantage of the -opportunity to make some remarks on the mode of baptism, which was the -one live subject in religious circles. In his discourse he said: - -“We often hear people say, ‘I want to be baptized as Jesus was.’ I do not -share this sentiment. For in one essential respect Jesus’ baptism was -different from ours. It was for a different purpose. He was baptized to -fulfill the law; we, because we are sinners, either for the forgiveness -of sins or because they are forgiven. - -“But we may be baptized in the same manner in which he was baptized, and -if you wish, I will tell you what that was. Paul said, ‘He was made a -priest like unto his brethren.’ Jesus said, ‘I am come, not to destroy -the law or the prophets, but to fulfill.’ He fulfilled every jot and -tittle of the law. The law required a priest to have the water of -consecration sprinkled upon his head when he was thirty years of age. -Hence, if Christ was made a priest like his brethren, it is easy to see -that his baptism was the same as that of the priests, his brethren, -and that the water was sprinkled upon his head at the age of thirty; -otherwise he would not have fulfilled every jot and tittle of the law.” - -A prominent Dunkard preacher present made a public statement at the close -of the discourse to the effect that, while he had always believed and -taught that Christ was baptized by immersion, he was now fully convinced -that he had been mistaken. When they came to the baptismal service, -all the applicants chose the mode of sprinkling, though they had come -prepared to be immersed. - -Under his capable and aggressive leadership the conference maintained a -steady growth. At first its territory was confined to the eastern part -of the State. But in the early nineties he, with some other ministers, -advanced to the central and western parts of the State on a sort of -missionary-evangelistic campaign. They held a number of meetings and -were successful in winning quite a sprinkling of converts. The work thus -accomplished made possible the organization of what was then known as -the Tennessee River Conference in 1896. - -One of the most important events in connection with the Tennessee -Conference, and which was brought about mainly through his influence, -occurred in 1895. It is referred to as follows in Berger’s History of the -United Brethren Church, page 614: - -“About two years ago a movement which had been for some time in process -of development, began to take definite form, resulting in considerable -additions both of ministers and laymen to the United Brethren Church. The -greater number of these came from the Methodist Episcopal Church, some -from the M. E. Church, South, and a few from other denominations. Those -coming from the Methodist churches were attracted chiefly by the milder -form of episcopal government in the United Brethren Church. There was -for them no possible inducement in material or worldly considerations. -They could not look for larger salaries or easier fields of labor or -lighter sacrifices, nor was the prospect of official promotion better -than in the churches from which they came. Nor could they bring with -them any of the church-houses or other property which they had aided in -building. No thought or hope of this kind was entertained; much less was -any effort made to do so. Influenced by principle alone, and in the face -of present loss, they chose to cast in their lot with us, and they have -addressed themselves earnestly to the work in their new relations. About -twenty-five ministers in all, with a considerable number of members, have -thus connected themselves with the United Brethren. Among the leading -ministers of the movement are: Dr. T. C. Carter, Rev. W. L. Richardson, -J. D. Droke, and others. They have been given a cordial welcome by -the United Brethren Church, not in any spirit of proselytism, for no -proselyting was done, nor from any desire to reap where others have sown, -but with an open heart and door to receive any persons who love our -common Lord and desire to cast their lot with us.” - -It seems a pity, however, that church history is so silent in regard to -Rev. Mr. Newgent’s connection with this event, for it was he who turned -this movement toward the United Brethren Church. Those who refused to -tolerate what they considered abuses of episcopal supervision in the two -great Methodist bodies were in the very act of forming a new church. In -this movement Dr. T. C. Carter, now Bishop Carter, occupied a conspicuous -place of leadership, as he did in every great religious movement in that -part of the country. His name was a household word in all that realm, -and when he spoke, multitudes reverently listened. Rev. Mr. Newgent met -him, and showed him a Discipline of the United Brethren Church, believing -that it set forth the very principles of church government for which -these great souls were contending, and thus presented the alternative of -connecting themselves with a denomination that afforded what they wanted, -or of adding to the number of denominational organizations which many -believed were already too many. Doctor Carter suggested that Disciplines -and other United Brethren literature be sent to the leading ministers of -the movement. This was accordingly done; and as a result they decided to -connect themselves with the United Brethren Church. - -They were formally received in a special conference held in Knoxville. A -number of the Bishops, general officers, and leading ministers and laymen -throughout the denomination attended this conference, which was presided -over by Bishop Weaver. One of the leading ministers of the movement, -in delivering the welcome address on that occasion, made use of the -following language: - -“I am certain that one-half the membership of both churches (the -Methodist bodies) heartily prefer a church government of the people, by -the people, and for the people, to their own.... In view of these things, -I may venture to say that a strong church that will fill the valleys and -mountains of this country with a religious paper devoted to Arminianism -and liberty, and will follow up this plan with men and with churches may -expect a glorious welcome.” - - - - -CHAPTER FOURTEEN. - - _Autumn—The Fading Leaf—Fruit in Old Age—His Later - Labors—Present Home._ - - -“We all do fade as a leaf,” was the lamentation of an ancient prophet in -a melancholy mood. The fading leaf speaks in sad but beautiful language -of waning vitality. It is the harbinger of autumn, telling us that nature -is getting ready to close her books for the season. It brings with it a -tinge of sadness mingled with sweetness; for there is compensation in -even the saddest experiences. What would the year be without the pensive -days of autumn? They are the golden fringes of the bounteous summer -season. Sad, indeed, would they be if the summer has been ill spent. Then -might the melancholy wail arise from the forlorn heart, “The harvest is -past, the summer is ended.” - -But when autumn looks back upon a springtime of bountiful seed-sowing, -and a summer of bountiful reaping, it becomes the year’s climax of joy, -the beneficiary of all its blessings. Enriched by the summer’s heritage, -it is beautiful and peaceful and happy. - -“We all do fade as a leaf.” May it be said philosophically. The fading of -the leaf reveals more perfectly its innate qualities, and rounds out its -brief existence. The red or brown or yellow, in mute language, tells its -life history and closes the book. - -It is said of the aged, sometimes, “They are set in their ways.” That is -because in them character has become a finished product. The incidentals -and accidentals have become eliminated, and the accumulated results of -years of striving and hoping, sorrow and pain, defeats and victories are -plainly discernible. Personal traits stand out in bold relief so that all -may fittingly say, “Behold the man.” - -Thus, Uncle Jack—for we may now use this affectionate designation, having -passed his three score and ten, is now in the autumnal glory of a life -beautiful and bountiful in its fruitage. And so the autumn of his life is -enriched and made fragrant by the year’s benedictions. Blessed, indeed, -is he to whom it is given to enjoy a long period of service, and who can -then gracefully let his mantle pass to others whom God has called and -prepared to receive it. To grow old sweetly, to let the sun go down amid -the splendors of an unclouded evening sky, is the crowning glory of old -age. - -Blessed, indeed, then, is Uncle Jack. He approaches this period in life, -not only in the spirit of a true philosopher, but in the spirit of a true -Christian. He still lives in the sunshine, he keeps the windows open -to the breezes that bring to him the fragrance of flowers, the song of -birds, and the “music of the spheres.” The world smiles upon him and he -returns its smile. - -He has lived in an active, changing age, but has always kept up with the -procession. He performed a vital part in the changing order in which he -lived and moved and had his being; and he who helps to fashion events, -who has a part in directing the movements of progress, is not likely to -be left behind or to be trampled under foot. He not only kept pace with -the world, but with a prophet’s vision, he anticipated the course of -human events. So, as great changes approached, he was ready to march out -to meet them. Like a true prophet, he had a message for his own day and -generation, but the message was more potent because he had a vision of -things yet to be. - -In him is illustrated the Psalmist’s observation concerning the children -of God, “They shall bring forth fruit in old age.” For him there is -no “dead line.” The body may lose its agility; it may fail to do the -bidding of the mind properly, but the mind and heart remain abreast of -the times. The dead line means more than physical infirmity, and it often -occurs that the mind lingers near that dread spot while the body is in -its prime. The dead line belongs to the mind and not to the body, and -hence, taking that view of it, there is no dead line for Uncle Jack. - -It is given to but few men to continue in the public ministry until they -pass their three score and ten. Uncle Jack had never been out of the -active connection in some form from the time he entered the ministry -until his seventy-third year, giving more than a half-century of unbroken -service to the public work of the Church. - -In the interest of accuracy and completeness, more specific mention -should be made of his later work. After spending eleven years as -presiding elder in Tennessee Conference, he returned North for a -time, serving as pastor at Veedersburg, Indiana, as college pastor at -Westfield, Illinois, as pastor at Olney, Illinois, and three years -as presiding elder in Upper Wabash Conference. His work as pastor at -Veedersburg included two periods, one of three years’, and the other -of four years’ duration. This was one of the wealthiest and most -influential churches in Upper Wabash Conference. - -Returning to Tennessee—now East Tennessee—Conference, he was again -elected to the presiding eldership, serving five years in that relation. -Altogether he spent twenty-one years in the Tennessee Conference, serving -five years in the pastorate besides sixteen years in the presiding -elder’s office. - -His last work in the pastorate was at Clarinda, Iowa, being called from -there to the field agency for Indiana Central University at Indianapolis -by the trustees of that institution. He has always been interested in the -educational work of the Church. In his varied experience in religious -work he has seen demonstrated in so many ways the need of an educated -ministry. So he entered upon this latter work with a deep conviction of -its importance, and with the earnestness and zeal which characterized his -labors all through life; but finding his physical strength insufficient -for its taxing demands, he was compelled to relinquish it. - -In the fall of 1910 he again attended the East Tennessee Conference -session, desiring only to enjoy its fellowship. He had no thought of -assuming again an active relation in the conference, but his brethren -were loath to let him escape. When the election of presiding elder was -called, their minds once more centered upon him, and he lacked but four -votes of being the unanimous choice of the conference. This, however, -brought him to face a delicate matter which set a task for his tender -conscience. Seeing that his election meant the crowding of a worthy young -man out of an appointment, he very generously resigned the office with -instructions to the Bishop that this young man be given the place. - -His present home is at Odon, Indiana. Here he finds himself among -sympathetic friends, and is near the scenes of his early childhood. -He takes pleasure in doing what he can in the local church, setting a -wholesome example to the membership by his faithful attendance at all -the services and by loyal and liberal support of all its interests. Here -he enjoys the hearty good will of old and young alike, and has frequent -calls for addresses at various functions, where he is always greeted with -unfeigned delight. - -While not employed in a regular way by the Church, an appreciative -public will continue to recognize his worth, and keep ajar the door of -opportunity for rendering valuable service to his fellow men. - - - - -CHAPTER FIFTEEN. - - _Character Sketch._ - - -The analysis of a flower is the work, not of the florist, but of the -botanist. The florist sees in the combination of the various parts the -beauty of a perfected whole, while the botanist sees the parts separated -and classified but loses sight of the flower itself. The florist’s -viewpoint is preferable to that of the botanist. This is no less true in -dealing with human life than in the treatment of a flower. However, in -the interest of thoroughness, some attention should be given to a study -of the particular elements of character which give to our subject his -peculiar individuality and made possible that degree of eminence which -he has won for himself. The task is not an easy one. This is true in -the case of all men of superior strength. The sources of power are so -embedded in the depths of one’s personality as to make them difficult to -trace. In the presence of such men we are instinctively aware of their -superiority, but if asked to give a reason for our impressions we would -be unable to do so. The power of a personality is to be felt rather than -explained or analyzed. It is this invisible, undefinable something -that lifts the man above the level of the commonplace and gives him a -commanding influence among his fellows. - -The strength of some characters is due to one or two exceptionally strong -traits, while in other particulars they may be correspondingly weak. The -world sees only the mountain peaks of strength and upon them it builds -its estimate of the man. To this rule Rev. A. J. Newgent is one of the -rare exceptions. “Like a tree planted by the rivers of water,” the -distinctive feature of his life is rather in the full and symmetrical -development of the various qualities of mature and well-rounded manhood. -Hence, he is essentially a man of the people—not a man of one class, but -of all classes, the embodiment of the true spirit of democracy. Like -Paul, he can be all things to all men without sacrificing principle or -dignity or losing the respect of any of them. His sympathies are broad -and deep, and go out to all alike. There is no assumed or conscious -superiority to create a barrier between himself and the humblest soul. -He observes no arbitrary distinctions. Whoever he chances to meet is -at once a friend and brother. He possesses in a large degree the rare -faculty of making people feel at home in his presence. Fads and snobs -and artificiality he hates as he hates sin. The glitter and tinsel show -of life are counted as dross, but the pure gold of human character that -needs no outward adornment is his delight. - -His well-balanced temperament enables him to so adjust himself to -different conditions, that he is invariably master of the situation -in which he may be placed. In the home, whether marked by riches or -poverty, culture or illiteracy, he is always the same genial guest. To -the children, young people, and old folks alike, the presence of “Uncle -Jack” is always welcome. In his public ministry, whatever the demands of -the occasion, he is ready to meet them. Never is he at the mercy of his -surroundings. Not many months ago, while doing service as field secretary -for Indiana Central University, he was secured by the pastor of a country -church to hold an all-day meeting. The morning program was interfered -with by a severe rainstorm, so that besides himself and the pastor, -only three persons were present. Yet, he preached to his small audience -with his wonted zeal and earnestness, the effort being pronounced by -those who heard it superior to the one in the afternoon, when he had the -inspiration of a full house. - -He never follows the beaten paths simply because others have walked -therein. The fact that some one else did a thing in a certain way is not -sufficient reason why he should proceed upon the same plan. He imitates -no one and it is safe to say no one imitates him, for the reason that he -is so intensely original; the processes of his mind are so completely -his own that no one could well repeat them. Bishop Edwards once said, -“There is one man whose sermons no one has ever tried to copy; that man -is Newgent.” This originality has been a valuable asset in debate. His -opponent might come with his mind well furnished with all the laws of -logic, the tactics known to debaters, and the arguments on both sides -of the question well in hand, only to find his materials practically -useless. Rev. Mr. Newgent’s method being so unique, his approach to the -subject from such unexpected angles, and his presentation of unheard-of -arguments in defending his position, while transgressing no valid law -of debate or of logic, made him a law unto himself. The opinions of -other men rather than being accepted as authority, only serve to quicken -his thought and incite to investigation. In preaching he is purely -extemporaneous, often deferring the selection of a text or theme until -after he enters the pulpit. But his resourceful mind, well stocked with -information, the result of general reading and observation, and his -aptness at illustration, rendered safe for him what to some men would be -a hazardous undertaking. - -While original in his thinking, he never discredits the opinions of -others, no matter how widely they may differ from his own. Honesty and -sincerity he regards as superior to articles of faith. “If no one gets to -heaven except those who believe as I do,” he often says, “the audience -there will be rather small.” David said, in his haste, “All men are -liars.” If Rev. Mr. Newgent should err in his judgment of mankind, it -would more likely be in the opposite direction. A source of strength -is his faith in men, their possibilities and aspirations for better -things. To be a leader of men, this faith is imperative. Beneath the -surface shale of human differences, selfishness and error, may be found -a sub-stratum of genuine manhood. And upon this the true builder must -build. He must recognize that he is dealing with intelligent beings who -can think and feel, and who are possessed with a sense of honor and -self-respect. The man who would inspire others to higher things must not -despise or ignore these vital factors of individual consciousness. There -are sacred precincts in every life which the owner has a right to guard -as with a flaming sword, and which should not be approached except with -unsandaled feet and sanctified hands. That there is more real incentive -to noble effort in a vision of the possibilities and beauty of a noble -life than in the lash, is a prominent article in Rev. Mr. Newgent’s -faith. The spirit of “anti-ism” and the methods used by a certain type of -evangelists of pouring out the vials of their sarcastic and vituperative -wrath upon men and things in general are offensive to him in the extreme. -Hence, the positive note is always dominant in his preaching. - -The secret of getting on with men is in knowing what chord to strike to -get the desired response. That he knows well the secret, the achievements -of his career bear ample testimony. An incident in his boyhood may not -be out of place here, as it illustrates the principle by which he has -been actuated throughout his entire life in his relations with men. He -was employed at a saw-mill. The logs were hauled from the forest to the -mill with oxen. That an ox team is no friend to grace, is the general -verdict of those who have experimental knowledge of ox-driving. One -large, burly team in particular that was noted for obstinacy and general -degeneracy, had defied all the skill and whips and profanity the driver -could produce. He repeatedly had gone to the woods for his load and -returned with the empty wagon. At a critical point in the road the team -would balk and refuse to budge until the wagon was unloaded. It became a -standing challenge to the entire crowd, different ones of whom accepted -the challenge, with the same result. Finally Jack, as he was then called, -asked permission to try. He was only a spindling lad of a hundred-weight -avoirdupois, and the very suggestion was met with jeers. “Have you ever -driven oxen?” he was asked. “No,” was the reply, “but I think I have ox -sense.” They finally consented, but no one expected anything but another -failure. The driver offered him the whip. “I don’t need the whip,” he -said, and started for his charge. He made friends with his dumb servants, -rubbed their ears, spoke to them coaxingly, and soon had them on the way -to the woods. He took the precaution to provide himself with a small bag -of corn. He succeeded in getting the log on the wagon and again patted -the oxen, and as a reward of merit, gave them each a nubbin, letting -them see that there was more in the bag that would be available if they -proved worthy. Thus, as he said, he “sooked” them along, and to the -astonishment of the mill hands, arrived in an unusually short time with a -large log. It was not only a lesson to the men, but to himself as well, -by which he has profited throughout his entire life. He has verified the -fact many times that “sooking” will succeed with men as well as oxen when -the whip will fail. - -There are two kinds of leadership among men. One is the arbitrary -leadership of the boss; the other is natural, a true leadership, which -has for its basis personal strength and merit. The former is transient, -having no real place among thinking and liberty-loving people. The other -is abiding, for the true leader is ever in demand. - -This latter type is quaintly set forth in Longfellow’s “Song of Hiawatha”: - - “As unto the bow the cord is, - So is unto man the woman; - While she bends him, she obeys him, - Though she leads him, yet she follows.” - -It is the woman’s leadership—controlling by obedience, leading by -following. A paradox, perhaps, but supported by the logic of actual -achievements in every realm of human endeavor. The workman controls the -force of a stream by obeying that force. Should he plant his turbine -on the hilltop and command the water to flow up the hill and turn the -wheel, the stream would only laugh at his impudence as it rippled on its -way. But when he plants his wheel in the current, the stream at once -becomes his servant. It is the principle observed by the engineer, the -sailor, the electrician, or the aviator in harnessing and utilizing the -various forces of nature. The same principle lies at the basis of all -true leadership in society, church, or state. The strict observance of -it has enabled Rev. Mr. Newgent to touch the motive springs of character -by means of which men are aroused to action. His close sympathy with -men ever gives him an unconscious, commanding influence. And this -influence is always turned to account in their own uplifting and in the -advancement of righteousness. Out of over a half-century in the public -ministry, about one-half of his time has been spent as presiding elder. -This official relation does not afford the opportunity for evangelistic -and other forms of direct church work as does the pastorate; so that -definite, visible results cannot readily be computed. Yet, few men have -built for themselves greater or more enduring monuments in the line of -tangible results. More than six thousand members have been gathered -into the denomination through his labors. Thirty church-houses stand to -his credit as a church builder. He has officiated at about one hundred -dedicatory exercises, a recognition of his ability as a money-getter. -On Chautauqua platforms and special occasions of both a religious and -semi-religious character he has been a prominent figure. And his advice -is always at a premium in the counsels of the denomination. - -It has been well said, “When God made wit, he pronounced it good.” -Rev. Mr. Newgent has demonstrated the practical utility of sanctified -wit and humor. It is possible, however, that his humor has led to -more misconception of his character than any other thing that could -be mentioned. The trait that touches the most popular chord is likely -to be so magnified as to shut from view others of equal or greater -significance. The fame of an author not infrequently rests upon a -single production, and that by no means his best. Edward Eggleston did -not regard the “Hoosier Schoolmaster” as the best of his works, but -multitudes who have been charmed by that simple story will never know -that he ever wrote anything else. - -That Rev. Mr. Newgent has in some degree suffered in a similar manner -is, therefore, nothing more than might be expected. Yet, if his humor, -in the minds of some, would reduce him to the level of a mere jokesmith, -to him it has been an invaluable asset. It has served to open the way -for the assertion of the more substantial and practical qualities; it -has enabled him to capture hostile and even riotous audiences; with it -he has battered down strongholds of opposition; it has been an effective -weapon against false doctrine, hypocrisy, and deep-seated vice in its -various forms; it has served as the sugar coating for truths that were -unpleasant because of a perverted taste; he has found it a splendid tonic -to dispense with more solid food to aid the digestion of mental and -spiritual dyspeptics. His humor is of the spontaneous sort, ready to boil -over whenever the lid is removed. It flows out through his discourses and -conversations as naturally as the stream gushes from the fountain, and is -always mellowed by tenderness and a deep human sympathy. - -“Where dwellest thou?” was asked of the Son of Man. The question was of -greater significance than the interrogator supposed, and the answer was -even more significant. The Savior did not say, in Galilee or Palestine, -or Nazareth, but simply, “Come and see.” A man’s habitation is not a -matter of geographical boundary. Should the question be addressed to Rev. -Mr. Newgent, he would say, “I live on the sunny side of the street.” A -critic of Emerson said that because of his unorthodoxy he was doomed to -go to hell. A contemporary who was acquainted with Emerson’s kindly and -genial disposition remarked that if he did, he would change the climate. -Rev. Mr. Newgent not only lives on the sunny side of the street, but -he carries sunshine with him. He has a knack of distilling sunshine -from every circumstance of life. He changes the climate to suit his own -temperament. With Solomon, he believes in the medical virtues of a smile, -that “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine.” - -He was once called to visit a woman in the mountains of east Tennessee, -whom he had never seen. She was supposed to be dying of consumption. It -was late at night when he arrived and the weather was inclement. The -physician was leaving the house as he approached. On learning who he was, -the physician told him he was too late; the lady was dying. He went at -once to her bedside, and found that the death sweat had begun to gather -and the death rattle was in her throat. He lifted up her head gently -and spoke to her. Her face brightened, and presently she began to talk. -She told him that she was glad he had come, that she must soon die, and -feared she would have to go without seeing him. - -But in a voice tender but cheerful, he told her he was glad to do her any -favor, and added, “But don’t be in a hurry about going. I wouldn’t go -to-night, if I were you. The night is dark and stormy, and you might get -lost in these mountains. You had better wait until morning. It will be -so much better to go in the day time.” She smiled at the eccentricity of -the remarks, and seemed to make up her mind to take the advice. Morning -found her much improved, having apparently decided to postpone the matter -indefinitely. And contrary to the predictions of her physician and -friends, she recovered to thank the preacher rather than the physician -for prolonging her days. - -To him there are “sermons in stone, and books in the running brooks.” He -finds in the commonest things and most commonplace occurrence of everyday -life, lessons of practical truth that enrich and adorn his discourses. -Once while in his company we were stopping at a hotel for dinner. While -we were seated at the table, some one dropped a coin in the slot of an -automatic music machine, at which it began to grind out a familiar tune. -Rev. Mr. Newgent on observing the operation, quoted the language of Job, -“I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy,” and added, “Don’t you -suppose that was Job’s way of making people sing for joy—with a bit of -money?” And subsequently the illustration was used with fine effect in a -discourse on benevolence. - -Underlying all, and harmonizing all the elements of his personality is a -firm and abiding faith in God. It is doubtless easier for some persons to -be religious than for others. In this respect he has been favored. The -natural bent of his mind from earliest childhood was toward religion. -Converted at the age of ten, his entire life has been controlled by a -strong and steady devotion to religious ideals. His faith is broad and -well balanced. Religious affectation and fads have no part with him. -His religious character was formed amid the strife and controversies of -various creeds in a day when creed was everything. These controversies -drove him to a critical study of the various systems of theology in the -light of the Bible. He made the Word of God his sole authority in all -doctrinal matters. That which he recognized as supported by the Book, he -made his own. That he defended without apology or compromise. While he -is dogmatic to a large degree, his dogmatism is of a practical sort. He -believes that there is a vital relation between doctrine and Christian -character. A true life cannot be built upon erroneous or crooked -theology. He often deplores the fact that the church has swung away from -the strict, doctrinal teaching of the past, believing that in consequence -it has suffered the loss of spiritual vitality and zeal. - -His faith is as simple as it is broad and deep. The essentials of -religion are few and easily comprehended. The simplicity of gospel truth -when properly presented is one of its strongest attractive elements. -In many instances the simple gospel has been complicated and obscured -by a mass of theological rubbish heaped up by men more interested in a -creed than in the ultimate truth. If the rubbish is cleared away, the -truth will shine forth clear and distinct in its beauty, and men will -accept it. To remove the rubbish and give a clear setting to the simple, -vital elements of Christian faith seems to have been a large part of his -appointed task. This is among his chief contributions to the cause of -pure and undefiled religion. - -To the simplicity of his faith should be added another quality, perhaps -best described by the word “practical.” With him faith is an intensely -practical thing. The faith that expresses itself merely in stock phrases, -articles of a creed or church membership is, to say the least, a base -counterfeit, a useless commodity. Nothing seems to him more irreligious -than the religion that begins and ends in noise. Genuine faith has a -personal, spiritual, and commercial value. Its highest expression is in -doing something that ought to be done. It crystallizes into character, -and contributes to human welfare. It places its possessor upon the broad -highway of the world’s need, bringing him into sympathetic touch with the -throbbing heart-life of humanity. Thus he maintains the sound Scriptural -philosophy that faith is to be tested by works. - -The church has profited largely from his beneficence. A habit which he -has followed throughout his ministry is, as he says, “to live like a -poor man and give like a rich man”—that is, like a rich man ought to -give. He never turns down a worthy call for help. Even should there be a -question as to the merit of the call, he usually gives it the benefit of -the doubt. “His house is known to all the vagrant train,” and, to borrow -another quaint phrase from Goldsmith, “even his faults lean to virtue’s -side.” The tramp that comes to his door gets with his dinner a genial -smile and wholesome words of admonition, even though the dinner, the -smile, and the admonition are lost upon a worthless subject. - -In dedicating churches he has made it a general rule to give his own -subscription for an amount equal to the largest on the list. On a number -of occasions, under pressure of a great need, he has pledged more than -he was worth, in the faith that God would open the way for meeting the -obligation. And his faith in every such case has been vindicated. His -life illustrates the Bible doctrine of increasing by scattering. He -surely has scattered with a lavish hand. He has not only observed the -Lord’s tithe in his benevolence, but has gone quite beyond it, even to -the giving, in some instances, of the greater part of his income to the -Lord’s cause. Yet with it all, he has increased in temporal possessions. -He has honored God with his substance, and God has smiled graciously upon -him, so that with David he can well say, “I once was young, but now am -old, yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging -bread.” - - - - -CHAPTER SIXTEEN. - - _“Lights Out”—A Dirge of the War._ - - -A marked characteristic of Uncle Jack, as these pages have shown, is -his peculiar ability to establish and maintain strong ties of personal -friendship. This has been evident even from his youth. He has gathered -friends from all walks of life, and their name is legion. The list -has always been characterized by names that were written large in -the annals of Church and State. Conspicuous among these is the late -Lieutenant-Colonel James T. Johnson, of Rockville, Indiana, a man -distinguished for talent and achievement in various fields. The twain -were boys together, and the friendship thus early formed continued until -severed by the death of Johnston in 1904. When Newgent was first winning -laurels as a boy preacher, Johnston often walked five miles to attend his -services. They were young men, mere youths, when the Civil War broke out. -Both heard and responded to their country’s call at that dark time when -not only the country’s honor, but her very existence was at stake. Both -served under General Burnsides, and both held official positions in the -army, Newgent as chaplain of his regiment, and Johnston as lieutenant, -later lieutenant-colonel. After the war was over, each won honors and -served well his generation in his chosen profession, the one as a -minister of the gospel, the other as a lawyer and politician. Johnston -found room near the top in the legal profession, and at the same time -represented his district three successive terms in Congress. He ranked -high as an orator, and, like his clerical friend, was much in demand at -reunions and other gatherings of the soldiers, the two men frequently -dividing time upon such occasions. Had Newgent chosen politics as a -career, he would doubtless have become a political leader. Had Johnston -turned his attention to the ministry, he would have taken rank in all -probability among the leading preachers of his day. - -But there was one sad difference between them—Johnston was skeptically -inclined. While the two men maintained the highest regard for each other, -and frequently were associated together in their work, the subject -of religion was one point on which, to the regret, possibly, of both -parties, they were not in accord. Johnston’s skepticism however, was not -of the positive sort. He represented the honest doubter rather than -the avowed disbeliever. His wife was a devout Presbyterian, and while -he could not subscribe to the tenets of the church, he never disparaged -the church or its work. Every worthy cause found in him a sympathizer -and liberal supporter. His honor and integrity were never questioned, -and he enjoyed the full confidence and esteem of his fellows. It is a -matter of satisfaction that such a life was not permitted to go out in -the dark. And Newgent had the joy of finally leading him, just as his sun -was sinking below the horizon, to a simple faith in Christ and a blessed -assurance of his acceptance with God. - -During his last illness, which covered a period of six months, the -colonel was visited frequently by local ministers, but owing to his -reputed skepticism and his high professional standing, the subject of -religion was not pressed upon him. There is a tendency to fear big men -in matters of religion not easily explained and not easily overcome, -and it is quite probable that many a great life has ended without the -consolations of religion that, were it not for this tendency, might have -been led into the light as readily as a little child. Oh, how Christians -fear the logic of the world, and yet, the sword of the Spirit is a -greater weapon than all the world’s artillery! - -Newgent visited him almost daily during this time, and on one occasion -determined to broach the subject of religion. “Colonel,” he said, in his -usual tactful manner, “while you are shut in here, would it not be a fine -opportunity for you to read the Bible through?” - -“Well,” he answered, “Laura and I tried it; we took it up by books, -but we got stalled.” It was, of course, the colonel himself who “got -stalled.” Laura, his wife, was a Christian, as has been noted, and her -faith was not shaken by Scriptural difficulties. - -“What was your trouble?” Newgent questioned, with a view to encouraging -conversation along that channel. - -“Well,” he said, “we got to the book of Job. I could not reconcile the -book of Job with the idea that God is our Heavenly Father, full of love -and mercy. If Job was God’s child and a good man, as the Bible says he -was, how could a loving father allow a loving, obedient child to be so -abused and tempted by the devil? I can’t see through it.” - -After he had delivered his speech on the difficulties of the book of Job, -and unburdened his mind somewhat, Newgent drew near to him, and speaking -very simply but earnestly, said: “Colonel, you are a great lawyer, but -you are only a child in the Bible. Your trouble is that you commenced at -the wrong place. When, as a little child, you started to school, your -teacher did not start you in the advanced studies. She put you in the A, -B, C class. Now, don’t be in too big a hurry to get out of your A, B, C’s -in the study of the Bible, for there is where you belong. I have been -making a study of God’s Word for many years, and I want you to listen to -me a while. I think we can get over the rough places after a while. Do -you have any trouble with Jesus Christ? He was God’s dear son, yet he -had to suffer more than any man, but his suffering was for others. So we -learn from Job’s sufferings that he has helped millions to trust God in -the dark.” - -This was the colonel’s A, B, C lesson in religion. The visits and -conversations were continued day after day, until a couple of days before -his death, when the truths of the preceding lessons were clinched in the -following conversation: - -“Colonel,” said the preacher, resuming their lessons, “you had one of the -best mothers in the world, did you not?” He admitted that he had. - -“She taught you to say your little prayers?” - -“Yes,” said the great man, as the tears started from his eyes. - -“And you never doubted her word?” - -“No—never.” - -“That was simple faith in mother. Now, in your mind go back to mother, -and though she is dead, look up into her face as when you were a child, -and trust her as you did then. That will represent the soul looking up to -Jesus and trusting him for salvation. That is all Christ requires of a -sinner.” - -As the preacher finished this little homily on faith, the colonel was -weeping like a child. “Jack,” he sobbed, “is that all there is in coming -to Christ to be saved?” - -“That is all there is,” and before the preacher could continue the -discussion further, the light broke in upon the humble and contrite -heart. “I’ve got it,” he interrupted with much emotion, at the same -time grasping the preacher’s hand with all the strength his six-months’ -illness had left him. Thus, the man who all the years of his eventful -career, by his own wisdom and logic and learning knew not God, was at the -last critical moment melted and transformed by the light from Calvary, -and a great life was snatched as a brand from the eternal burning. The -lawyer, the statesman, the scholar, the orator received the kingdom of -heaven on the Savior’s easy terms, “as a little child,” and two days -later his soul passed into the presence of Jehovah. - -Rev. Mr. Newgent delivered the funeral oration. Men of prominence from -various parts of the country helped to swell the vast throng that was -present at the funeral service. The story of the colonel’s conversion -from skepticism to simple, saving faith in Christ was related by the -speaker, and produced a profound impression. - -The paper with which this chapter is concluded refers to the life-long -association of the two men, Johnston, the “young cavalryman of Indiana,” -and Newgent, the “boy chaplain.” It was read before a special meeting -of the Steele Post G. A. R., and auxiliary orders of Rockville shortly -after Johnston’s death by Mrs. White, the wife of Judge A. F. White of -that city. Judge White was also a soldier and a life-long friend of -Johnston and Newgent. The doctor referred to in the paper had served as a -physician in the Confederate army, but afterward took up his residence in -Rockville, where he built up a large practice. The three men were present -with the wife when Colonel Johnston died, and helped to make up the -scene in the death chamber so dramatically described in the paper. - - “LIGHTS OUT.” - - “It is midwinter in east Tennessee in 1863. The rivers are - flooded, the valleys desolate, the mountain gaps gorged with - snow. It is the home of mountain patriots; it must be held at - all hazards to the last. This is Lincoln’s solemn wish; it is - a part of Grant’s giant plan when Mission Ridge is stormed. - A young cavalryman of Indiana is one of the ten thousand who - keep freedom’s vigils along the Clinch, the Holstein, and the - French Broad. He munches his meager rations of parched corn; he - rides the wild mountain roads night and day; he obeys to the - letter his orders to hold to the last man the ford of a remote - mountain stream. A buckshot buries itself in his wrist, making - a wound which heals long after the war and a scar which he - carries to his grave. The old flag stays in east Tennessee. - - “He has a comrade from a neighboring county who shares with him - the suffering and sacrifice of that desperate campaign, he is - the “boy chaplain” of the brigade. - - “It is the same winter along the Rappahannock and the Rappidan. - The snow, like a measureless shroud, covers the numberless - dead of the debatable land between the Potomac and the James. - There is another soldier, a mere boy, a young artilleryman from - the Shenandoah, who is one of the thousands who hold Lee’s - unbroken lines. His battery long since won its title to glory. - It helped to clear the mountain gaps of the Blue Ridge; its - red guns helped feed the fires which lighted up the valley of - death for Pickett’s dauntless charge. Ill fed, ragged, but - inbred with the chivalry of the South, he is in it all. There - is victory at Chancellorsville, but defeat at Gettysburg; but - St. Andrew’s cross still gleams blood red on the breast of the - South, The Stars and Bars still flash defiance from Marye’s - Hill. - - “The young artilleryman also has a comrade from the valley, a - young trooper who rides with Ashby’s cavaliers in all their - wild forays. - - “Two flags, two oaths of allegiance, the culminating hates - of a hundred years, separate these two young soldiers of the - North and the South. But they are not alien in blood, they are - brothers of the same race, Anglo-Saxon from the first Americans - to the last. They speak the same tongue, their mothers read the - same Bible, prayed to the same God; their forefathers fought - for the same country—Nathaniel Greene at Yorktown, Washington - on Cambridge Heights. - - “It is midsummer of 1904. The cavalryman of ’63 is dying; - not in the weary hospital of pain; not on the perilous edge - of battle. More than forty years have passed since the grim - midwinter of east Tennessee. - - “It is the home he has made for his declining years. The rooms - are cool and sweet, a broad porch looks down a quiet street, - familiar books are everywhere; his escutcheon over the mantel - shows his soldier record from ’62 to ’65—the old, old story - of duty and glory. A blue book on the table tells briefly - his struggle from the farm to the halls of Congress; the - faces of statesmen, kinsmen, and friends look down from their - appropriate places on the walls. - - “The good right hand of the veteran lies in that of another; - grief-stricken she keeps her vows, ’till death do us part.’ - - “A grey-haired man holds the other. It is the soldier of - the Rappahannock. Lee’s battery boy of ’63 is the trusted - physician, the medical confidant, and ministrant of the Union - soldier. With all the knowledge of a learned and skillful - physician, he has fought the common enemy for the life of - his dying friend. But the odds are too great. Old pains, old - ailments, old wounds of ’63 outmatch the medical arts of 1904. - But the doctor has known the grief of defeat before. Once a - long time ago he yielded to the inevitable in the orchards - of Appomattox. He lays his ear close over the failing heart - to catch, if he can, its last lingering drum-beats in the - battle of life. He places his fingers on the pulseless wrist, - searching for its last faint throb—and they rest motionless for - a moment on the old scar of ’63. ‘It is over,’ he says very - softly. - - “A low word of prayer for the widow and fatherless falls - from the lips of the grey-haired minister at the foot of - the bed. It is the ‘boy chaplain’ of the dead veteran’s - old brigade—youthful to the end. Another man beside him, - thin-visaged and bent. It is Ashby’s old trooper, and his eyes - are full of tears as he walks slowly out of the room. - - “‘Lights out.’ ‘The bands in the pine woods cease. A robin - sings close by, as they will in summer evenings; the fragrance - of old-fashioned flowers steals in through the white window - curtains. The sun sinks behind the church across the street, - the shadow of its belfry coming in at the open door. And over - all, Lincoln’s worn face looks down from its place among the - pictures on the wall. Even now with the hush of death upon us - all, we hear his plaintive prophecy of long ago: ‘We are not - enemies but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may - have strained, it cannot break the bonds of our affection. The - mystic chord of memory, stretching from every patriot grave and - battlefield to every living heart and hearthstone all over this - broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union when touched - again, as they surely will be, by the better angels of our - nature.’” - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Experiences of Uncle Jack, by W. Ed. Snyder - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EXPERIENCES OF UNCLE JACK *** - -***** This file should be named 62648-0.txt or 62648-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/2/6/4/62648/ - -Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/62648-0.zip b/old/62648-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 5437e3f..0000000 --- a/old/62648-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62648-h.zip b/old/62648-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f83de5e..0000000 --- a/old/62648-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62648-h/62648-h.htm b/old/62648-h/62648-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 464f422..0000000 --- a/old/62648-h/62648-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8208 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=utf-8" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Experiences of Uncle Jack, by Rev. W. Ed. Snyder. - </title> - - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - -<style type="text/css"> - -a { - text-decoration: none; -} - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - -h1,h2 { - text-align: center; - clear: both; -} - -hr { - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - clear: both; - width: 65%; - margin-left: 17.5%; - margin-right: 17.5%; -} - -p { - margin-top: 0.5em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: 0.5em; - text-indent: 1em; -} - -table { - margin: 1em auto 1em auto; - max-width: 35em; - border-collapse: collapse; -} - -td { - padding-left: 2.25em; - padding-right: 0.25em; - vertical-align: top; - text-indent: -2em; - text-align: justify; -} - -.tdc { - text-align: center; - padding-top: 1em; - padding-bottom: 0.5em; -} - -.tdpg { - vertical-align: bottom; - text-align: right; -} - -.blockquote { - margin: 1.5em 10%; -} - -.box { - border: thin solid black; - margin: auto; - max-width: 28em; - padding: 0.5em; -} - -.chapter { - margin: 1.5em 10%; - page-break-before: always; -} - -.chapter p { - padding-left: 2em; - text-indent: -2em; -} - -.caption { - text-align: center; - margin-bottom: 1em; - font-size: 90%; - text-indent: 0em; -} - -.center { - text-align: center; - text-indent: 0em; -} - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; -} - -.noindent { - text-indent: 0em; -} - -.pagenum { - position: absolute; - right: 4%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; -} - -.poetry-container { - text-align: center; - margin: 1em; -} - -.poetry { - display: inline-block; - text-align: left; -} - -.poetry .stanza { - margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em; -} - -.poetry .verse { - text-indent: -3em; - padding-left: 3em; -} - -.poetry .indent1 { - text-indent: -2em; -} - -.right { - text-align: right; -} - -.smaller { - font-size: 80%; -} - -.smcap { - font-variant: small-caps; - font-style: normal; -} - -.titlepage { - text-align: center; - margin-top: 3em; - text-indent: 0em; -} - -@media handheld { - -img { - max-width: 100%; - width: auto; - height: auto; -} - -.poetry { - display: block; - margin-left: 1.5em; -} - -.blockquote,.chapter { - margin: 1.5em 5%; -} -} - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's The Experiences of Uncle Jack, by W. Ed. Snyder - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Experiences of Uncle Jack - Being a Biography of Rev. Andrew Jackson Newgent - -Author: W. Ed. Snyder - -Release Date: July 14, 2020 [EBook #62648] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EXPERIENCES OF UNCLE JACK *** - - - - -Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 440px;"> -<img src="images/illus1.jpg" width="440" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">REV. ANDREW JACKSON NEWGENT</p> -<p class="caption">Latest Photograph.</p> -</div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> - -<div class="box"> - -<h1>THE EXPERIENCES OF<br /> -UNCLE JACK</h1> - -<p class="titlepage"><span class="smaller">Being a Biography of</span><br /> -REV. ANDREW JACKSON NEWGENT</p> - -<p class="titlepage"><span class="smaller">BY</span><br /> -REV. W. ED. SNYDER<br /> -<span class="smaller">a Minister in the United Brethren Church</span></p> - -<div class="figcenter titlepage" style="width: 80px;"> -<img src="images/deco.jpg" width="80" height="100" alt="" /> -</div> - -<p class="titlepage smaller"><i>Nineteen Hundred and Eleven</i></p> - -<p class="center smaller"><i>United Brethren Publishing House<br /> -W. R. Funk, Agent<br /> -Dayton, Ohio</i></p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span></p> - -<p class="titlepage smaller"><i>Printed by<br /> -United Brethren Publishing House<br /> -W. R. Funk, Agent<br /> -Dayton, Ohio</i></p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="PREFACE">PREFACE</h2> - -<p>That which requires an apology should be left -undone. Hence, the author of this humble work -offers no apology in sending it forth. If it finds -favor in the sight of those into whose hands it may -fall, he will appreciate it. If not, it is confidently -assumed that the world will pursue its wonted course, and -no one will be the worse, if not the wiser.</p> - -<p>No special literary excellence is claimed for it. It is -a feeble, though honest, attempt to preserve from the cold, -merciless realm of oblivion a life story that is well worth -preserving—the life story of one for whom I have come -to have the profoundest reverence and affection. My -only regret is that it has not been done better.</p> - -<p>Its chief value consists in the fact that it reveals the -fundamental elements of true character and true success. -The life of “Uncle Jack” Newgent is a conspicuous illustration -of the fact that each individual is the architect of -his own fate or fortune, that the conditions of success are -internal and not external. This has been his life philosophy -and has been abundantly vindicated by his life -record. His right to a proper regard among his fellows -rests upon his sterling qualities of manhood, devotion to a -great purpose, and personal achievements that have added -to the sum total of the world’s weal and worth. He -belongs to a worthy line of foundation builders whose -work underlies the great superstructures of both church -and state of the present day.</p> - -<p>Hence, two purposes have been kept in view in the -writing of this sketch—to acknowledge, if not to pay, a -debt of honor and gratitude the Church owes to a worthy -man; and by giving special attention to those personal -qualities that make for success always and everywhere, -and which were so strikingly exemplified in his character, -to preserve the lessons of his life to the present and -future generations in the hope that they may thus contribute -to the further progress of righteousness. If in -this unpretentious little volume these purposes are in any -degree fulfilled, I shall be abundantly satisfied.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">W. E. Snyder.</span></p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span></p> - -<h2 id="INTRODUCTION">INTRODUCTION</h2> - -<p>The pleasing task of writing an introduction to the -life of my noble friend, Rev. A. J. Newgent, has -fallen upon me. The intimate association which I -have had with him for many years gives me a -peculiar pleasure in seeing the record of his splendid life -placed before the Church.</p> - -<p>Biography is one of the most important departments -of literature, and Mr. Newgent is eminently worthy of the -permanent place in history which this volume accords -him. I feel that fitting tributes in historic sketches -should not only be paid the men of God who have planted -the Church in this nation, but posterity should come and -say over their graves, as Pericles did over the bodies of -his fallen fellow soldiers: “You are like the divinities -above us: you are known only by the benefits you have -conferred.” It is of such a man, though still living -among us, that Dr. W. E. Snyder gives the accurately -drawn portraiture in the chapters of this well-written -biography. The work has been prepared with good judgment -and much skill. The incidents of his life are given -in sufficient detail, and make the volume exceedingly interesting -and instructive. Such a publication is of great -value, not only to those who enter the ministry, but to the -whole Church, and especially to the young. To study the -career of one, who, by fortitude and zeal, has carved his -way from humble surroundings to a high place of honor -among his fellow-men—passing through varied and striking -vicissitudes in the struggle—can but inspire and -ennoble other lives.</p> - -<p>Entering the ministry before our pioneer style of life -had passed away in the west, Mr. Newgent adapted himself -to the humblest conditions of society. The fields of -labor which he occupied in those early years of his pastorate -were sufficient to remind him of the privation and -hardships of those who had preceded him; but no condition -was humble enough or severe enough to deter him -from the work to which his young life had been consecrated. -He could lodge in the loft of the lowliest cabin -and subsist upon the cheapest fare. In quest of souls he -thought little of anything else. Living among the people, -a very small salary would suffice for him. He knew what -it was to live on a moiety of one hundred dollars and less. -There have been no dangers or hardships, no toils or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> -privations, no suffering or sorrow sufficient to daunt his -heroic spirit. Fortunately, Mr. Newgent is so constructed -as to see the bright side of every difficulty, and his inimitable -humor has made his family and friends laugh in the -darkest hours of his ministerial life.</p> - -<p>Unflinching loyalty to the Church has ever marked -the career of Mr. Newgent. Though he has been peculiarly -free from sectarian prejudices or bitterness, his -attachment to his own people has been conscientious and -unwavering. All his energies have been devoted to the -advancement of the Church of his choice. He has stood -for the defense of its doctrines and polity, and those who -have drawn him into debate over any feature of our system -have not challenged him a second time. In the -earlier days of his ministry he was many times called in -debate with the strongest men of other denominations, -and has proved himself equal to any antagonist who has -met him in discussion. Many have gone down before his -unanswerable arguments, and not a few have been driven -from the contest because they could not stand before the -torrent of his eloquence and the indescribable power of -his wit. In all his ministerial work these qualities have -often been of great advantage to him. Few men could -possess such wit and eccentricities as Mr. Newgent commands, -and use them to advantage without some objection -by the people. But like all his other gifts, these peculiar -qualities have been consecrated to the service of doing -good, and in their use he has maintained his ministerial -consecration and influence with never a breath of suspicion -cast upon his good name.</p> - -<p>It is gratifying to his many friends that Mr. Newgent, -though retired from the active work of the ministry, is -still in possession of all his mental powers, and no doubt -will live to read his own biography. Few men have been -so fortunate. To have spent his long and useful life in -the most interesting period of the history of the Church, -and then remain to read the part he has played in the -making of that history, is a privilege that most of Christ’s -embassadors have never enjoyed. Back when the Publishing -House was struggling for existence, he loyally -supported the little plant, and never failed to circulate -our books and push our periodicals in every charge he has -filled. When our institutions of learning were in their -infancy, and much opposition was brought against education, -he was a friend of the schools, and again and again -has gone into the field to raise money for their support. -He has seen the great benevolent boards of the Church -and nearly all our connectional institutions come up from -the smallest beginnings, and has never failed to espouse -the cause of these important agencies for the promotion -of Christ’s kingdom. Even the conference in which he -began his ministry has grown in his day from a handful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span> -to a host, and no man has watched its growth with deeper -pride or more anxious concern than himself.</p> - -<p>I could write much more in the line of these thoughts, -but the chapters of this volume will give in clear light the -characteristics which can only be hinted at in the limits -of an introduction. The skilled pen of the biographer -will bring out in forceful and charming manner the noble -traits of the gifted brother whose career he has studied -with great care and painstaking interest. Let the book -have a wide circulation, let the youth read its inspiring -sentiments, and the horizon of their thoughts will be -enlarged and the desire to be loyal to God and to every -good work will be stimulated and strengthened.</p> - -<p class="right"><span class="smcap">T. C. Carter.</span></p> - -<p>November 27, 1911.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p> - -<h2>CONTENTS</h2> - -<table summary="Contents"> - <tr> - <td></td> - <td class="tdpg smaller">PAGE</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Preface</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#PREFACE">3</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Introduction</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#INTRODUCTION">4</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER ONE</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Ancestry—Picture of pioneer life—Imprisonment and - release of Pompey Smash—Little Jack’s short-cut - in the study of astronomy—The fate of his first - pair of breeches</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_One">9</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER TWO</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>The tragic death of the father—Removal to Parke - County—School Days—Conversion—Change of - church relationship—A remarkable providence</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_Two">23</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER THREE</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Call to the ministry—First sermon—The boy preacher—Answering - a fool after his folly—Turning a - camp-meeting tide—Quieting a skirmish—Takes a - wife</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_Three">39</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER FOUR</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Conference membership—Brulitz Creek ministry—The - modern knight and his steed—Abrupt closing of - family devotions by a dog-on-the-preacher—An original - marriage ceremony—A case of mistaken identity—A - banner missionary collection—Shawnee - Prairie pastorate—A cold day in April—The redemption - of Hell’s Half Acre—Baiting for a perverse - fish—An experience in the whisky business</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_Four">51</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER FIVE</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Six months at Rainsville—A hot-bed of Southern sympathizers—A - mix-up with saloon men—A sermon - on slavery—Fire and brimstone—An antagonist outwitted—A - sermon from the book of Newgent—Can - any good thing come out of Rainsville?</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_Five">70</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER SIX</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>The war spirit in Indiana—Breaking up a traitorous - plot—Narrow escape from enemies—Assists in securing - recruits—Becomes chaplain of his regiment—Exchange - of courtesies with a Presbyterian minister—An - embarrassing predicament—Saves his - regiment from capture—Organizes military church—Chased - by Johnnies—An exciting homeward - journey</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_Six">80</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER SEVEN</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Plants the United Brethren banner in Terre Haute—Prairieton - pastorate—Difficulty with the sons of - Anak—A prayer without an “Amen”—Another community - redeemed—Going to the wrong doctor—A - perverse colt—An unintentional immersion—One - sermon that was not dry</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_Seven">98</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2"><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>CHAPTER EIGHT</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>The New Goshen pastorate—An old grudge healed—Dry - bones revived—Memorable year at “Dogtown”—“Death - in the pot”—The Hittites captured—The - “Jerks”—Other remarkable demonstrations—A - rooster in the missionary collection—First debate—Unpleasant - sequel to a horse trade</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_Eight">111</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER NINE</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Labors at Mattoon, Illinois—A persistent campaign and - a great victory—Second New Goshen pastorate—A - coincidence—Success at Prairieton—Laboring in the - shadow—The death of Mrs. Newgent—A bishop’s - tribute to her character</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_Nine">131</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER TEN</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>First great debate—The debate as an institution—The - challenge—Opponents get weak-kneed—Prolonging - maneuvers—A hungry multitude unfed—Battle begins—Questions - discussed—An improvised creed for - his opponent—A premature baptism—An opponent’s - tribute to his genius—Crowning the victor</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_Ten">138</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER ELEVEN</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Subsequent debates—The Owen contest—He got his - “Treat”—Opponent’s confession—Dressing “Stone”—A - scared Baptist—Invades the Lutheran ranks—Measures - steel with Doctor Ingram—Dissertation - on infant baptism—Opponent’s early flight—Concludes - the debate alone—The Haw debate</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_Eleven">155</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER TWELVE</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Perrysville and Centerpoint—Industry rewarded from an - unsuspected source—A “slick wedding”—Fruitful - labors at Centerpoint—A one-sided union meeting—The - doctrine of the resurrection again demonstrated</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_Twelve">171</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER THIRTEEN</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Becomes a missionary superintendent—Second marriage—An - unexpected welcome—Forms a Quaker friendship—The - Spirit moves in a Quaker meeting—A - Quaker’s prayer answered—Builds a college—Shows - what to do for a dead church—Another tilt - on the doctrine of baptism—Conversion of a Dunkard - preacher—Turns a great movement in the right - direction</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_Thirteen">180</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER FOURTEEN</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>Autumn—The fading leaf—Fruit in old age—His later - labors—Present home</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_Fourteen">196</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER FIFTEEN</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>A Character Sketch</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_Fifteen">202</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class="tdc" colspan="2">CHAPTER SIXTEEN</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td>“Lights out,” a dirge of the war</td> - <td class="tdpg"><a href="#Chapter_Sixteen">219</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_One"><span class="smcap">Chapter One.</span></h2> - -<p><i>Ancestry—Picture of Pioneer Life—Imprisonment -and Release of Pompey Smash—Little Jack’s -Short Cut in the Study of Astronomy—The Fate -of his First Pair of Breeches.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>Once upon a time, so long ago that the -chronology of it has become hidden in the -mists of historical uncertainties, a man with -his family emigrated from the hill section -of northern Ireland to the vicinity of Dublin. -What his real name was also belongs -to the realm of the unknown, but among the -unsophisticated rural inhabitants with -whom he had cast his lot he was characterized -simply as the “new gentleman.” In -course of time, the somewhat cumbersome -title became abbreviated to “new gent,” the -original appellation finally passing from -common usage entirely. That this new -gentleman was a person of some force of -character may be inferred from the distinction -he seems to have achieved among his -new neighbors and the fact that the name -has been honored by men of rank and eminence -among his descendants, a conspicuous -example being Lord Robert Newgent (or -Nugent), the celebrated Irish scholar and -statesman.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p> - -<p>Among the later descendants were three -brothers who decided to cast their fortunes -with the land of dreams and fancies across -the Atlantic. Their names were Edward, -William, and Thomas Newgent. On reaching -America Edward directed his course toward -the sunny South, William remained -somewhere in the East, while Thomas struck -out toward the vast region of unbroken forests -on the western slopes of the Alleghenies. -His pilgrimage terminated somewhere -in the bounds of Kentucky. He secured a -tract of land near Cincinnati, and in process -of time met, wooed, and won a wealthy -daughter of Virginia. He was contemporary -with the Boones in reclaiming this -great region of possibilities for civilization; -helped to survey the State; taught school on -both sides of the Ohio River, winning for -himself the title of “Irish Schoolmaster,” -which, in this case, carried with it no small -degree of distinction. He was a soldier in -three wars, that of the Revolution, of 1812, -and the Blackhawk War, for which services -he received a pension from the Government. -He professed religion at the ripe age -of eighty, and was spared to redeem in part -his long neglected opportunities by spending -almost a quarter of a century in active -Christian service, his long and eventful life<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> -closing, according to an uncertain tradition, -in the 103d year of his age. He was the -father of Charles Newgent, who was the -father of Andrew Jackson Newgent, the -hero of this simple narrative.</p> - -<p>In Charles Newgent the elements of character -peculiar to his race were exceptionally -strong. A most marked propensity was his -fondness for a joke. He would take more -interest in concocting some new trick to be -played on a neighbor or in devising a scheme -for merrymaking than in a critical study of -the Sermon on the Mount, or in solving an -intricate theological problem. But while -the religious faculty remained somewhat -dormant, he was warm-hearted and generous, -a good neighbor and citizen, according -to the simple requirements of the times. -In educational attainments he was far -above the average. He was a prominent -figure in local political circles, being a Jeffersonian -Democrat of a rather emphatic -type. His ever ready wit and fluency of -speech made him a master on the stump -and a formidable antagonist in political debates. -The ability to give a humorous turn -to any remark or incident served him well -upon such occasions. His peculiar temperament -gave him special aptitude as an auctioneer, -in which capacity he had no superior.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> -People would attend his sales as -much to be entertained by his witticisms -as for the bargains he might have to offer, -and those who came to laugh often remained -to settle a bill for something they had no -thought of purchasing.</p> - -<p>At the age of nineteen, in the year 1825, -he was married to Mary Pugh, of Shelby -County, Kentucky, his native county. Her -parents had come from Scotland and were -substantial citizens.</p> - -<p>Soon after their marriage they moved to -Parke County, Indiana, and settled on a -tract of land which the wife had received -as a dower from her father.</p> - -<p>Pioneer life in Indiana need not here be -enlarged upon. A solitary dwelling in the -interminable and trackless forest; the building -consisting of a single room built of unhewn -logs, roofed with hand-split clapboards; -the chimney covering one entire end -of the building; the rough doors swung on -wooden hinges; the small windows with -greased paper or the tanned skins of animals -through which a bit of daylight finds -its way with difficulty; the huge fireplace -used for both cooking and heating purposes; -the few pieces of hand-made furniture—these -were some of the outward aspects of -domestic life out on the ragged edge of civilization.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> -The cabin of the Newgents was typical -of those of their neighbors, the nearest -of whom lived some fifteen miles distant. -The larger wild animals were frequent visitors -and the war whoop of the Indian had -scarcely died away.</p> - -<p>After a brief residence at this place they -moved to Sullivan County. Here, on Saturday, -September 15, 1838, the subject of -this sketch was born. He was the youngest -of seven sons. Subsequently the family circle -was enlarged by the addition of two -daughters. The father’s political bias was -again asserted in the name, Andrew Jackson, -assigned to this youngest son, after the -great hero of early Democracy. The name -often has given occasion for humorous -touches by the owner, especially in referring -to his early life. By the neighbors and -older members of the family, he says, he -was dubbed General Andrew Jackson. -Later the military title was dropped and he -became plain Andrew Jackson, and by successive -stages the name was further abbreviated -until the boy was doomed to answer to -the simple cognomen of “Jack.” Whether -this was a process of evolution or of degeneration, -he was destined to win for himself -a title that would stand for real worth and -attainment; that would represent the love<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> -of little children, as well as the esteem of -men and women, when the affectionate appellation -of “Uncle Jack” would become a -household term in multitudes of homes.</p> - -<p>Perhaps it is to the Scotch blood of his -mother that he owes the more solid elements -of his character. The Scotch character -stands for thrift, energy, and integrity, so -that wherever the hardy Scotchman goes he -carries with him the best elements of citizenship. -These combined with the quick -wit and genial temperament of the sons of -Erin produced in our subject a personality -rich in depth and resourcefulness.</p> - -<p>The emigration instinct, always strong in -the pioneer, again became active, and the -family set out for a new destination. This -time it was Paw Paw Bend in Knox County, -Indiana, so named because of its location in -a bend of White River, and the prolific -growth of paw paw trees for which the fertile -lands were especially adapted. Our subject -was then about eighteen months old. -Here he spent the years of early childhood. -Some incidents numbered among his earliest -recollections and which serve to illustrate -the home life and social conditions in which -these years were passed, will not be out of -place in this connection.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span></p> - -<p>During this period religious services were -practically unknown in Paw Paw Bend. -The chief diversions were such social functions -as shooting matches, wood choppings, -log rollings, husking bees, and dances. The -spelling bee was still of too intellectual a -character to win popularity. At all such -gatherings the familiar demijohn of corn -whiskey was considered an indispensable -adjunct.</p> - -<p>Hence, the announcement of a preaching -service to be held at the Newgent home on -a following Sunday morning was hailed -throughout the settlement as a new thing -under the sun. Of course everybody would -go. The preacher was to be Rev. Nathan -Hinkle, a Methodist itinerant. It was out -of no particular religious scruples that the -host, Charles Newgent, volunteered to entertain -the assemblage on this occasion, yet he -had no aversion to preachers or churches, -and in common with his neighbors, he was -always ready to encourage anything that -would break the monotony and afford social -diversion.</p> - -<p>It so happened that on Saturday evening -before this memorable day, Pompey Smash, -a negro fiddler, was passing through the -neighborhood and asked to stay over night -at Mr. Newgent’s. He was informed by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> -head of the house that he would be furnished -lodging on condition that he dispense music -for a family dance. The terms were accepted -and there was a sound of revelry by -night as the little company beat time on the -puncheon floor to the droll tunes of their -musical guest.</p> - -<p>Early next morning the congregation began -to assemble for worship. The presence -of the fiddler led to the suggestion that the -time spent in waiting for the arrival of the -preacher be used to the best possible advantage. -Accordingly the Ethiopian turned his -fiddle—for it was before the violin was invented; -the familiar demijohn was set in a -conspicuous place, and the gentlemen chose -their partners. Lest the preacher’s sudden -arrival in the midst of such hilarious scenes -be the occasion of a shock or an offense to -his ecclesiastical dignity, a member of the -party was dispatched to do picket service. -The watchman, having imbibed too freely of -the contents of the jug, fell asleep at his -post. The dance had gone on merrily for -some time in its rapturous excitement; the -preacher and church service were utterly -forgotten. When, lo! the alarm was -sounded. The faithless watchman had allowed -the company to be taken by surprise. -The approach of the reverend was discovered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> -in the nick of time; the dance came to -an abrupt stop. To prevent the minister -from “smelling a rat,” a puncheon was removed -hastily from the floor, and the fiddler, -the fiddle, and the whiskey jug were thrust -unceremoniously through the opening into -the cellar excavation below. And the people -put on their Sunday faces for church.</p> - -<p>After the services a part of the congregation, -including the shepherd of the flock, -remained for dinner. This necessarily prolonged -the imprisonment of the negro, but -when it is recalled that the whiskey jug -was a prison companion, we may surmise -that the hours were not so “tedious and -tasteless” as otherwise they might have -been. The solemnities of the day came to -an end with the departure of the minister; -the prison was then opened and the prisoner -released. An “after service” followed, -which, it may be conjectured, was more in -harmony with the tastes of the congregation.</p> - -<p>While unlimited resources lay at the very -doors of these pioneer cabins, the backwoodsmen -lacked the facilities for developing -them. Their tastes were not so exacting -as in later days, and beyond the sheer -necessities and comforts of the household, -ambition did not spur them on. While ordinarily<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> -the family dined on homely fare, the -industrious housewife often became so proficient -in the culinary art as to be able to -concoct most tempting dishes with the raw -products that nature placed in easy reach. -The sap of the maple tree, wild grapes, paw -paws, and persimmons, as well as the products -of garden, orchard, and field were utilized -in providing for their physical wants. -Persimmons ripened with the early frosts, -and when put up in maple syrup, became a -staple and most delicious article of diet. -By the addition of the proper quantity of -whiskey, the standard remedy for most of -the ills the flesh is heir to, the mixture afforded -in addition to its other virtues, a -sure cure for ague, commonly called “ager.” -This led to an episode in which little Jack -and three older brothers were the leading -figures, and which he facetiously labeled -“a short cut in the study of astronomy.”</p> - -<p>The children were left alone one afternoon. -The oldest of the quartet was familiar -with the process of preparing the common -ague antidote. The necessary ingredients -were, as usual, within easy reach. So -he proceeded to administer the remedy to -his younger brothers on the principle that -“if a little did good, more would do better.” -The bearing of this procedure upon the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> -science of astronomy becomes apparent -when we remember that among the unschooled -of that day it was a mooted question -as to whether or not the world is round -and revolves upon its axis, as the geographies -teach. Jack declared that after taking -a few doses it was painfully evident to -him that the world did turn round and -turned at such a rapid rate that he found it -difficult to keep from falling off. When the -mother returned she found the three -younger boys lying on the floor unconscious, -and the author of the mischief sitting -astride a joist overhead the unceiled room -in a hilarious condition. By the free use -of sweet milk the younger boys were restored -to consciousness, but a special treatment -was reserved for the one who led -them into temptation. However, Jack -found this short course in astronomy sufficient -for all practical purposes, and he has -never had the occasion or inclination to -extend it.</p> - -<p>His early years were as happy and free -from care amid these primitive surroundings, -as childhood life could well be, even -in what might be considered more favorable -circumstances. Life was simple in the extreme, -even crude, but it was the best he -knew. There was nothing in the lives of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> -his associates calculated to excite envy or -cause discontent with his own lot. But in -this connection one incident stands out in -bold relief to mar the picture of boyish contentment.</p> - -<p>A single garment of homespun, or “tow -linen,” was all that was considered necessary -in the way of clothing under ordinary -circumstances for a boy of that age. It -marked a new era in his life when the loose -garment which covered the anatomy down -to the knees was supplemented by a pair of -breeches of the same material. Upon one -occasion as Jack stood watching his mother -as she was measuring the material for the -older boys’ winter suits, he heard her remark -that there would probably be enough -scraps left over to make him a pair of -breeches. With emotions alternating between -hope and fear, he waited impatiently -for the outcome. His joy was unbounded -when he found that his hopes were to be -realized. His mother laid him on the -floor and thus marked the pattern. It -was seen that the closest economy had -to be used to make the goods hold out; -so instead of the regulation number of -two suspenders which were one piece with -the breeches, the material would only warrant -the making of one. By extending it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> -from one side on the back diagonally across -the shoulder, making connection on the opposite -side in front, the new habiliment -maintained its balance and no special inconvenience -was suffered.</p> - -<p>But alas! his rejoicing was soon to be -turned into mourning. A few days later, -clad in his new outfit, he went with his -brothers to the woods to gather pecans. It -was a warm autumn afternoon, and in -climbing and clubbing the trees and picking -up the nuts, the boys found it convenient to -cast off unnecessary articles of clothing. -As Jack had scarcely become accustomed to -more than one garment, he could easily dispense -with the breeches for the time. Accordingly -they were removed and hung on -a bush near by, and for a time forgotten in -the fascination of nut hunting. When the -party was ready to start home with the -fruits of their toil, he was alarmed to find -that his cherished breeches had disappeared. -The boys searched diligently but found -them not. When about ready to give up -in despair, they chanced to observe, a short -distance away, a mellow-eyed, crinkly-horned, -brindle cow making a meal off the -lad’s wearing apparel, or perhaps using it -for dessert, as though it were a dainty morsel. -And the last Jack saw of his first pair<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> -of breeches was the lone suspender dangling -from the innocent old brindle’s mouth, the -major part of them having been engulfed in -her capacious maw. And to the sorrow of -his heart, his wardrobe for another year -was limited to the single piece of homespun.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_Two"><span class="smcap">Chapter Two.</span></h2> - -<p><i>The Tragic Death of the Father—Removal to Parke -County—School Days—Conversion—Change of -Church Relationship—A Remarkable Providence.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>Thus far our narrative has covered the -childhood of our subject up to the ninth -year of his age. At this juncture occurred -an event that cast the first real shadow over -his youthful pathway. It was the death of -his father, the tragic nature of which and -the subsequent effect it was to have upon -his career, made the shadow all the deeper -and more significant. Charles Newgent -went with a company consisting of sixty -adventurous spirits, upon an expedition to -the West, the real object of which seems to -be somewhat indefinite. The restless and -venturesome spirit of the pioneer, a curious -desire to penetrate the mysteries of the -great western world, the dream of untold -treasures that nature had in store for those -who dared to conquer the dragons that -guarded them—all may have figured in -this ill-fated enterprise. However that may -have been, while crossing the western plains -the company was attacked and massacred -by a band of hostile Indians. As in the -calamities that befell Job’s household, one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> -of the number was left to tell the story. -This one was supposed by the savages to -have shared the fate of all the rest, being -left on the field for dead; but it so happened -that in his case the weapon of death -did not do complete work. He was picked -up the next day by a party of hunters to -whom he was able to give a vague account -of the preceding day’s terrible tragedy.</p> - -<p>After the father’s death, the mother with -her nine children moved back to their -former home in Parke County. Life then -took on a sterner aspect for the boy. His -tender hands must perform their part in -the maintenance of the family. Accordingly -he hired out to Mr. Jesse Maddox, a -neighboring farmer. His wages the first -year were to be a pair of shoes, ten bushels -of corn, and the privilege of attending the -district school. The market price of corn -was ten cents per bushel. Even at this modest -stipend he admits that he made money, -“though not very much.” While in after -years of fruitful labors in the ministry he -often remarked that the question that most -perplexed him was how to earn what he received, -it is not probable that the question -at this time had assumed very serious proportions.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span></p> - -<p>The most important stipulation in the -contract was the privilege of attending -school. But even this is subject to shrinkage -when we recall that the school system -of Indiana was then in its first stage of -development. It afforded no royal path -to learning, and the common thoroughfare -was neither smooth nor flowery. We would -scarcely expect to find in the schoolroom -comforts that the home itself was a stranger -to. Strikingly suggestive of the interior aspect -of those primitive seats of learning are -the lines from Whittier’s “In School Days”:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“Within, the master’s desk is seen,</div> -<div class="verse indent1">Deep scarred by raps official;</div> -<div class="verse">The battered seats, the warping floor,</div> -<div class="verse indent1">The jack knife’s carved initial.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“The charcoal frescoes on the wall,</div> -<div class="verse indent1">The door’s worn sill betraying</div> -<div class="verse">The feet that creeping late to school,</div> -<div class="verse indent1">Went storming out to playing.”</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>To fit the particular building in which -our subject first tasted the fruit of the tree -of knowledge, the picture needs but slight -modification. If anything, it should be -made even more simple and primitive. The -“battered” seats were made of puncheon. -Since this word is passing from common<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> -usage, it may be well to explain that puncheon -is made by splitting a small log in -two equal parts. The split edges are then -trimmed down, and the pieces thus treated -served as a rough substitute for sawed lumber. -To make them into seats, two holes -were bored near each end in the unhewn -side. These being at proper angles, wooden -pins were inserted into them for legs. The -rude seat was then ready for service. It is -not to be taken for granted that these seats -were always made perfectly smooth. What -was lacking to smooth them down by the -workmen was expected to be completed by -the pupils. They finished the task, but often -it was a long and painful process, with -many a protest from a new gown of homespun -or a pair of “tow-linen,” home-grown -breeches. Thus, with no rest for the arms -or the back, with one side scorched by the -heat from the great fireplace and the other -chilled by the winter winds creeping through -cracks in floor and walls and roof, the -children wore away the dreary hours. The -floor, being composed of this same puncheon, -did not easily warp. The recess recreation -consisted mainly in carrying fuel from the -surrounding forest to feed the every-hungry -fireplace.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p> - -<p>Whatever dignity the schoolmaster may -have possessed in the eyes of his pupils, certain -it is he was not the original of Goldsmith’s -creation in the “Deserted Village,” -of whom the wonder was “that one small -head could carry all he knew.” Beyond the -traditional essentials of scholarship, consisting -of reading, writing, and ciphering, -with a specially intimate acquaintance with -the spelling book, he did not pretend to -lead. His chief business was to govern the -school. He proved his divine right to his -throne in the schoolroom by his ability to -handle the most obstreperous cases the district -could produce. The scholars were on -hand as a challenge to his generalship. The -hero of the school was the one who held out -longest against his despotic authority. To -lick the teacher was the height of his ambition. -This realized, his place in the local -hall of fame was secure. According to the -philosophy of the times “lickin’ and larnin’” -went hand in hand, lickin’ being essential, -while larnin’ was incidental.</p> - -<p>The school house was three miles from -the Maddox home. The school was maintained -on the basis that “whosoever will -may come.” There was no penalty for -tardiness or absence, but as young Newgent -possessed a real thirst for knowledge and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> -was in the habit of making the most of -whatever he undertook, his attendance was -more regular than the average. However, -the sum total of his schooling was limited to -three terms of about three months each, an -aggregate of nine months. Meager as were -his school advantages, they were well improved -and furnished a foundation for self-culture -upon which he built as only a genius -can. He learned to read in less than four -weeks, and his progress was correspondingly -rapid throughout. His real school was not -bounded by the walls of the log school -house; it was rather the great school of life -with its harsh discipline and inexhaustible -curriculum; and in this he grew to be the -peer of the ripest products of educational -institutions. “Opportunities,” he says, in -his characteristic way, “the woods has always -been full of opportunities. I had -splendid opportunities when I was a boy, -and so did my companions; but many of -them, like some young folks now, failed to -see them.” He saw what many fail to see, -that opportunities are not so much in our -environment as in ourselves, and that success -is not determined by outward circumstances, -but by one’s own will and energy.</p> - -<p>A habit early formed was that of turning -everything to account in the pursuit of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> -knowledge. Mrs. Newgent, anxious to encourage -her children’s propensities for -study, furnished the home with such reading -matter as her means would permit. -Though the family were separated most of -the time, they came together at frequent intervals. -On these occasions the time was -well spent in reading and in discussing current -topics. Whatever was read became the -subject of conversation. These conversations -often took the form of argument, in -which the various sides of a subject were -presented and zealously defended. Thus, -he early displayed and developed an aptitude -for argumentative discussion, which -made him a master in debate, and is a -strong element in all his public discourses.</p> - -<p>His conversion occurred when he was -about ten years old, while still in the service -of Mr. Maddox, a benefit which was not considered -in the contract with his employer. -This took place during a gracious revival -at the Canaan Methodist church, of which -his employer was a member and was serving -at the time as class leader and janitor. The -meeting had been in progress for a number -of days; many had found the Savior, and -the community was deeply stirred. He had -been sent to open the church and build the -fire for the evening service. While going<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> -quietly about his duties, all alone, the impression -came to him quite vividly that he -ought to be a Christian, and he resolved to -go to the “mourner’s bench” that night. He -was never long in making up his mind, -and when a decision was once made, it was -as a law of the Medes and Persians. So he -went to the altar that night and each succeeding -night for more than a week. One -evening as he was listening to the sermon, -conviction became so intense that in his extremity -he left the house. Though it was a -cold night and the ground was covered with -snow, he stole out in the woods. Kneeling -in the snow, this youthful Jacob wrestled -with God in prayer. How long he tarried, -he could not tell, but faith triumphed, and -the next he knew the woods were resounding -with his shouts of victory. Rushing -into the church while the preacher was yet -talking, he put an end to the sermon by his -shouting and praising God. The congregation -was electrified. Soon the demonstration -became general, and for a time pandemonium -held sway; but it was of a sort in -which there were both method and meaning, -for its source was from above.</p> - -<p>Like God’s servant of old, he could say, -“My heart is fixed.” He joined the church -and from that time never missed an opportunity<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> -to pray and testify in public or private. -At that time children did not receive -much attention from the church. Churches -were strong on saving souls from damnation, -but the idea of saving the entire -life for service had not taken deep root. -As a result of the revival there was a large -class of “probationers.” When the period -of probation had expired, according to the -church law, and they were to be admitted -into full membership, his name was not on -the list. He was not considered a member; -at least that was his version of it, and the -only logical conclusion the case would warrant. -It was a sore disappointment, but of -too delicate a nature to mention to his -elders. So he kept his feelings to himself.</p> - -<p>Thus matters stood for little more than a -year, when he learned that there was to be -a quarterly meeting at the Otterbein United -Brethren Church a few miles away. This -church belonged to the Rockville Circuit of -the Wabash Conference. Rev. William -Sherrill was the pastor. The presiding -elder, who was to hold the quarterly conference, -was Rev. Samuel Zuck. Both were -strong and good men. Jack had never attended -a United Brethren service. What -knowledge he had of the Church was gained -through conversations overheard in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span> -Maddox home. Ministers being frequently -entertained there, conversation at such -times naturally took to religious channels. -As this was an age when churches did not -entertain the most fraternal feelings toward -one another, these conversations were not -calculated, as a rule, to produce a favorable -opinion of a rival denomination. His interest -in churches and religion was genuine, -born of a desire to know the truth. Hence, -is was not mere curiosity that led him to -obtain his employer’s permission to spend -Saturday and Sunday with a neighbor in -the Otterbein community so that he might -attend the services of the quarterly meeting.</p> - -<p>The Church proved to be his affinity. -Whatever misgivings he had, vanished one -by one. The general atmosphere of the -first service harmonized with his temperament. -There was spirit in the singing. His -heart burned within him as he listened to -the eloquent sermon by the presiding elder; -and when the pastor followed, as the custom -was, with a warm exhortation, he was enraptured. -He resolved to join the Church. -As usual, the decision was made without -much preliminary. He knew where he -stood, and stood there with both feet. When -he returned, his employer, as well as his -own folks, was thunderstruck to learn that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> -he had become a full-fledged United Brethren. -Having put his hand to the plow, he -never turned back. “I have been so busy,” -is a common saying with him, “that I have -never had time to backslide.”</p> - -<p>It should be said in justice to the church -where he first joined, that his name had -been entered upon the book, but by mistake -it was placed in the list with the full members. -This accounts for his not being received -with the probationers, to which class -he belonged, and led to the conclusion that -he was not considered a member. Thus an -apparently insignificant thing may prove to -be a matter of vital importance.</p> - -<p>As a boy he possessed pronounced convictions -and a keen sense of religious obligation. -This is demonstrated by an incident -which occurred while he was in the employ -of Mr. Jerry Rush, a short time after leaving -the service of Mr. Maddox. Mr. Rush -was a well-to-do farmer and stock dealer. -Neither he nor his wife made any profession -of religion, though their lives were regarded -as exemplary and above question in -other respects. Some of the men who -worked on the farm, however, were of the -baser sort. It seemed strange to young -Newgent that a man of Mr. Rush’s habits -would surround himself with men who were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> -utterly destitute of moral scruples or of the -commonest decencies. To him their vulgarity -and profanity were a source of constant -annoyance. At one time as their coarse -jests were grating on his sensitive ears, he -was impressed with the idea that this uncouth -crowd afforded him a field for missionary -work. The impression was not long -in taking definite shape. It came with the -force of a challenge, a bugle call to duty, -a call that he never failed to heed. His -mind was made up that he would offer -prayer with these men before they retired -that evening if Mr. Rush would grant him -the privilege.</p> - -<p>It was a bold resolve, an ordeal from -which a braver heart might well have -shrunk. Let eloquent tongues proclaim the -praise of those who face death at the cannon’s -mouth, or the inspired pen immortalize -the hero, who, amid the applause of -admiring multitudes, imperils his own life -to save another; but who would not count -it a worthy act to place a laurel wreath -upon the brow of a fourteen-year-old lad -who dared to face, not one Goliath, but a -company of Goliaths, with the simple -weapon of faith, and demand that they bow -before their God while he offered a petition -in behalf of their needy souls? Yet this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> -resolute purpose was to undergo a severe -test. The fiercest battles are fought in our -own hearts. As the time drew near, he felt -his courage slipping away. He stole out to -the barn for a time of secret prayer, that he -might be equal to the emergency. Feeling -comforted and strengthened, he started to -the house to execute his plan. On reaching -the yard gate his courage seemed to take -flight, and he could go no farther. He went -back to the place of prayer. On the second -venture he got as far as the door, when his -strength again vanished. Not to be beaten, -he went back to the barn to fight the battle -to a finish. The third effort won the day. -He hastened to the house, determined not to -give the enemy a chance. The men were sitting -about the fire. Without a word by -way of preliminary, he stepped up to Mr. -Rush and asked permission to kneel with -them in prayer. The permission was -granted, and a solemn hush came over the -startled company as they listened while -the boy, with trembling voice and stammering -accents, poured out his soul to God. He -then sought his bed with the consciousness -that he had done his duty. A sweet peace -filled his soul and he lay for hours in -ecstacy of joy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p> - -<p>The next evening the family devotions -were repeated. But on the third evening -the prayer was forestalled by a preconcerted -plan on the part of the men. As the time -for prayer approached, one after another, they -arose and stalked out of the room, and the -victor in two hard-fought battles was left -alone—defeated and dejected. His spirits -dropped down to zero. The fiery dart had -pierced him through and through. In agony -of soul he sought his bed, but not to rest. -Out of the depth of his troubled heart he -called upon God for comfort. But the fury -of the storm seemed only to increase. In -his desperation he felt that something must -be done. So, about the hour of midnight, -he arose, dressed himself, and left the house -to go—he knew not where. Through the -remaining hours of the night he wandered, -directing his course toward the West. Daylight -came, the sun rose above the horizon -and pursued its course toward the zenith, -but his pilgrimage continued. At noon he -found himself in the city of Terre Haute, -then a mere village. Here he tarried for a -time to seek employment. Failing in this, -he resumed his westward journey. He asked -for work at the various farm houses which -he passed. While he found kind hearts who, -touched by pity for the youthful pilgrim,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> -gave him food and temporary shelter, he -found no man to hire him until he reached -Mattoon, Illinois, nearly a hundred miles -from whence he started. Work at that season -of the year was scarce, and his term -of service at Mattoon was brief. At the end -of three days his employer gave him his -wages with the intelligence that his services -were no longer needed.</p> - -<p>He now decided to go back to Indiana. -With his three days’ wages in his pocket, -with which he expected to pay for his transportation -at least part of the way, he set -out upon the return journey. Within the -vicinity of Terre Haute he succeeded in finding -steady employment and a congenial -home.</p> - -<p>There were two sides to this story, and -some months after Jack was settled in his -new home he learned the other side. It was -glorious news to him. The sequel was that -Mr. Rush was converted, joined the Baptist -Church, and became a zealous leader in -religious work. It came about in this way: -When Mr. Rush found that Jack had disappeared -and diligent effort failed to solve the -mystery of his disappearance, a feeling of -remorse over his unchristian conduct so -possessed him that for days he was almost -in a state of frenzy. Remorse took the form<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> -of spiritual conviction and genuine repentance -which led to a glorious conversion.</p> - -<p>On learning of the whereabouts of his -young benefactor, Mr. Rush at once went -to see him, and told him his side of the story. -He confessed to Jack that he was a guilty -party to the scheme the men had used to -defeat him. The boy’s awkward prayer together -with their own antipathy for such -pious exercises was a source of embarrassment -to the men, and they agreed among -themselves to use the method described to -rid themselves of further annoyance. Little -did Mr. Rush realize that those awkward -prayers were to be the means of his salvation.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“God moves in a mysterious way,</div> -<div class="verse indent1">His wonders to perform,</div> -<div class="verse">He plants his footsteps on the sea,</div> -<div class="verse indent1">He rides upon the storm.</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“Judge not the Lord with feeble sense,</div> -<div class="verse indent1">But trust him for his grace,</div> -<div class="verse">Behind a frowning providence</div> -<div class="verse indent1">He hides a smiling face.”</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_Three"><span class="smcap">Chapter Three.</span></h2> - -<p><i>Call to the Ministry—First Sermon—The Boy -Preacher—Answering a Fool After his Folly—Turning -a Camp Meeting Tide—Quieting a -Skirmish—Takes a Wife.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>Providence seemed to ordain that there -should be one preacher in the Newgent family -and that that one should be Jack. As -has been observed, his religious zeal from -the time of his conversion at the age of ten, -was exceptional. Just when the first impression -looking toward the ministry came -to him he could scarcely tell, such impressions -having been associated more or less -with his religious experience from the beginning. -By the time he was thirteen the -conviction that he had a “divine call” to -preach the gospel became clear and definite. -And the conviction deepened with the passing -of time. Of course, no one dreamed of -the emotions that were stirring the boy’s -breast, and to him the ministry was so high -and sacred a calling as to seem infinitely -beyond his possibilities. Hence, he dared -not express his feelings to even his most -intimate friends, and so received no sympathy -or encouragement from any human -source. He went about his Father’s business<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> -in his own way, rendering such service -to the cause of his Master as a boy of his -years was capable of. His zeal knew no -abatement, and such diligence is sure to lead -to recognition and reward.</p> - -<p>The minister who first took a special interest -in him was Rev. Ira Mater, an able -preacher and a sympathetic discerner of the -thoughts and intents of the heart. Between -the man and the lad there sprang up -a beautiful friendship, suggestive of that between -Paul and Timothy. Rev. Mr. Mater -frequently invited his young friend to accompany -him to his appointments, and by -way of stirring up the gift that was in this -prospective Timothy, sometimes called upon -him to open the service, to exhort after -the sermon, or perform such other public -ministrations as were convenient. Rev. -Mr. Newgent has always gratefully acknowledged -his indebtedness to this spiritual -father.</p> - -<p>This association with Rev. Mr. Mater was -during his sixteenth and seventeenth years. -He was small and rather delicate for one of -his age. His entire youth was a continual -conflict with disease, the entire category of -which seemed to try their hand upon his -slender frame. But while his body was -frail, his mind was strong and alert. That<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> -his positive temperament and seeming disposition -to never give up had somewhat to -do in staving off the grim monster, death, is -not at all unlikely.</p> - -<p>His first regular discourse was preached -at the Stedd School House near Fontanet, -in Clay County, Indiana. The school house -was used as a preaching point and weekly -prayer meetings were maintained. He was -a frequent attendant at these services, and -one evening, on entering the house, he was -met by the leader who said, “Jack, the people -are expecting you to preach to-night.” -That he was to preach was simply a surmise, -his association with Rev. Mr. Mater -being the probable foundation of it. But -some one surmised out loud and the rumor -gained currency. Observing his surprise at -this intelligence, the leader continued, “You -had just as well begin here and now,” in a -manner that indicated that it was a foregone -conclusion that preaching was to be -his life business. And Jack preached. At -any rate, if the effort could not be classed as -preaching, it was a splendid substitute for -it. He announced as a text, “If the righteous -scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly -and the sinner appear?” The congregation -was visibly affected by his fervor -and earnestness, some of the more demonstrative<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> -ones giving vent to their feelings -in shouts of praise. He was urged to preach -the next night, and the meetings were continued -for more than a week, being held at -various private homes, Newgent preaching -at each service. The divine seal was thus -placed upon his ministry, and the meeting -marked the beginning of a new epoch in his -career.</p> - -<p>A few weeks later the Rockville quarterly -conference granted him a license to preach. -The action was taken in his absence. J. P. -White was the preacher in charge and -Thomas M. Hamilton was the presiding -elder. The action of the quarterly conference -was almost a superfluous formality, -as he was now so greatly in demand that -he could not well avoid preaching.</p> - -<p>The boy preacher was a popular character. -To see a man on the <i>ante meridian</i> of -life in the pulpit was at that time quite -unusual. The popular prejudice was in -favor of men who had spent the major part -of their lives on the farm or in business, thus -acquiring a competence that would enable -them to proclaim that salvation is free -without being embarrassed or embarrassing -their congregations on the money question. -Hence, a diminutive lad of seventeen, weighing -only about eighty pounds, exercising the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> -ministerial function was in itself sufficient -to attract the multitudes. Wherever he -preached he was greeted by immense audiences. -By many he was regarded as a -prodigy, though he could not be classed as -such, prodigies seldom accomplishing more -than to afford amusement for curious spectators. -It is true, however, that he displayed -qualities unusual for one of his -years, though it must be admitted that the -greater part of his power lay in his intense -religious zeal and earnestness.</p> - -<p>Some characteristic incidents in this -part of his ministry will not only be of interest -in themselves, but will at the same -time serve to illustrate his unique individuality. -He went on one occasion to fill an -appointment at what was known as the -Rough and Ready School House. The name -was justified by the prevailing social conditions. -Like Paul on Mars Hill, he found -that at least some of the people were very -religious, though their religious energy was -not always directed to the best advantage. -Not infrequently does it transpire that men -will fight for their religion even when they -are utterly averse to the practice of it, a -fact which had a forcible illustration in this -particular service. He preached with his -usual energy. The house was crowded and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> -the sermon seemed to be well received. There -happened to be present a minister of what -was designated as the Campbellite persuasion. -Evidently the sermon did not coincide -with his theological bias. He asked -permission to say a few words as the -speaker took his seat. The permission -granted, he sallied forth with a tirade of -abuse and denunciation of the young -preacher and his theology in which his passion -played a larger part than either his -judgment or his conscience. When he -finally ran down, Newgent arose in a calm -manner and said, “Brother, with your way -of applying Scripture, I can prove that Eve -was the mother of a turkey buzzard.” -“Prove it, then,” shouted back the irascible -theologue. “Well, the Bible says that Eve -was the mother of all living, and that includes -turkey buzzards. Let us be dismissed,” -and calling the audience to their -feet, he pronounced the benediction before -his assailant had time to reply.</p> - -<p>At another time, with his brother, John -Newgent, he happened to drop in at a Methodist -camp meeting in Sullivan County. -They arrived just in time for the morning -service. A number of ministers were seated -on the platform, among them being Rev. -Hayden Hayes, the presiding elder. Rev.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> -Mr. Hayes had met Newgent on a former -occasion, and as soon as he saw him enter -the camp, rushed back and taking him by -the arm, led him to the platform. Hayes -was a strong, portly man, and the delicate -lad was helpless in his grasp; thus he was -led as a lamb to the slaughter, and was informed -that he must preach. Though he -vainly sought to be excused, yet he was -equal to the emergency. He had proceeded -about ten minutes with his discourse, when -a man sitting a few feet in front of the -platform was converted and began to shout. -He continued, and four others in the congregation -broke loose in like manner, all of -them having been converted through the effect -of the sermon, and the discourse disappeared -in a whirlwind of praise that completely -drowned the speaker’s voice. Up to -that time there had been no move in the -meeting.</p> - -<p>John Newgent was imbued with the old-school -Baptist doctrine and had not sympathized -with his brother’s preaching propensities. -After resuming their journey they -rode for a time in silence. Finally the older -brother said, “Jack, you know I have always -opposed your preaching. But I want -to say that I have no further objection to -it; but,” he added with quivering lips, “I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> -want you to pray for me.” The sermon had -touched his heart.</p> - -<p>Though urgent demands were made upon -the boy preacher to stay and assist in the -meeting, he was unable to do so, and heard -nothing further from it until after he had -returned from the war, when by chance he -again passed through the vicinity. He -stopped at the home of a Mrs. Mayfield, on -whose farm the camp was located, to get -his dinner and his horse fed. As he was -taking his leave, having paid his bill, he -chanced to observe the camp ground a short -distance away. Up to that time he was not -aware that he was in the immediate vicinity -of it. He inquired of his hostess concerning -the camp meetings. She told him that but -one such meeting had been held, though the -intention was to make it a permanent institution. -The unsettled condition of times -during the Rebellion prevented the plan -from being carried out.</p> - -<p>“How was that meeting?” Newgent asked, -as one who had a peculiar interest in it.</p> - -<p>“Oh, it was a grand success. There was -a little Baptist preacher from near Lafayette -happened in and preached one morning, -and just set things on fire. From that time -on the meetings were powerful.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span></p> - -<p>“What was the fellow’s name?” he asked, -but she could not recall it.</p> - -<p>“Was it Newgent?” She said that sounded -like it.</p> - -<p>“Well,” he said, “I know him. He isn’t -considered much of a preacher up there -where he lives, but,” he added, “you are -mistaken about his being a Baptist. He is -a United Brethren.”</p> - -<p>She looked at him curiously for an instant -and said, “I believe you are the fellow.” -And his smile told that she had guessed -aright.</p> - -<p>His money was returned at once, and she -insisted that he stay and preach at the -Methodist church near the camp ground -that night, assuring him that he would have -a good hearing as there had been much -talk about the little preacher who had “set -the camp meeting afire.” This he was unable -to do, but promised to return at a later -date.</p> - -<p>A short while after the camp meeting, he -filled an appointment for his pastor, Rev. -J. F. Moore, at the Leatherwood church, -which was a part of the Rockville charge. -The pulpit arrangement of this church was -in strict harmony with the fashion of the -times. It consisted of a sort of wall which -shut the preacher in almost completely from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> -the congregation, suggesting a military fortification. -Newgent, being small of stature, -could with difficulty peer over the top of the -ramparts. He was led to believe, however, -that the fortification was a necessary precaution, -for his artillery had been turned -loose but a short time when it was evident -that there was a hearty response. Bang! -Some sort of a missile struck the rampart -just in front of him with a loud report. It -was followed immediately by another, and -the bombardment, continued until six discharges -were fired. The preacher withdrew -within the breastworks that small fraction -of his anatomy that was exposed, and waited -for hostilities to cease. The congregation -was at once thrown into a state of confusion -and excitement. When the preacher finally -surveyed the situation after the heavy batteries -were silenced, he saw that a hand-to-hand -skirmish was on between two men in -the rear of the room. One was making a -desperate effort to get the other to the door -and out of the house. With the help of the -congregation, he succeeded in putting down -the rebellion, and going back to his fortifications -he finished the discourse and the -service was concluded in fairly good order. -The difficulty was only a side issue, the -culmination of a grudge between a couple<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> -of natives. The missiles were not aimed at -the preacher, but were fired from ambush -through the open door; the man for whom -they were intended happened to be sitting -in range with the pulpit.</p> - -<p>Rev. Mr. Moore resigned the Rockville -charge during the year and Newgent was -appointed to serve the unexpired term. -This was his first experience in the pastorate. -His brief term of service here was -characterized by a revival of extraordinary -results at Otterbein, his home church. Converts -were numbered by the scores and the -community was shaken by such a spiritual -upheaval as it had never known.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 440px;"> -<img src="images/illus2.jpg" width="440" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">REV. ANDREW JACKSON NEWGENT</p> -<p class="caption">When he traveled his first circuit.</p> -</div> - -<p>Another adventure should be chronicled -here. It has been said that there are but -three real important events in a man’s life, -namely, his birth, his marriage, and his -death. The second of this great trio in the -life of our subject occurred during the -period embraced in this chapter. It is a -common saying with him that he does not -believe in early marriages, hence, he deferred -this important step until he was -eighteen years old. And on the seventh of -January, 1857, he took to himself a wife in -the person of Miss Katharine Copeland. -She proved to be a worthy and sympathetic -companion, heroically assuming her part of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> -the burdens and responsibilities that belong -to the family of an itinerant preacher. That -her lot was not an easy one may be readily -assumed when we consider what the ministerial -calling involved in that early day. -Its peculiar hardships fell most heavily -upon the wife, yet these she endured without -protest. Brave in heart, gentle in temper, -and in heartiest accord with her husband’s -interests, she proved to him a real -helpmeet, and an inspiration to his loftiest -endeavors.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_Four"><span class="smcap">Chapter Four.</span></h2> - -<p><i>Conference Membership—Brulitz Creek Ministry—The -Modern Knight and his Steed—Abrupt Closing -of Family Devotions by a Dog on the -Preacher—An Original Marriage Ceremony—A -Case of Mistaken Identity—A Banner Missionary -Collection—Shawnee Prairie Pastorate—A Cold -Day in April—The Redemption of Hell’s Half -Acre—Baiting for a Perverse Fish—An Experience -in the Whiskey Business.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>Rev. Mr. Newgent was received into the -Upper Wabash Conference at Milford, Indiana, -in the spring of 1859. Bishop David -Edwards presided. The Conference had -been formed the preceding year by a division -of the Wabash Conference territory. -As a matter of coincidence he was ordained -four years later at the Conference in session -at the same place with the same Bishop -presiding. He was now in his twenty-first -year, having been quite prominent in ministerial -labors for about four years, and had -a record for zeal, earnestness, and success -in revival work that commended him favorably -to the Conference.</p> - -<p>He was appointed by this Conference to -the Brulitz Creek Circuit, which gave him -an unlimited field for the exercise of his -zeal and talents. The circuit consisted of -eighteen appointments, only two of which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> -were at church-houses; the others were at -school houses and in private homes. With little -or no competition, the circuit-rider was -monarch of all he surveyed, though in most -cases when he received his appointment he -found enough already surveyed to tax his -time and energy to the limit. Preaching -services were not confined to the Sabbath, -but would fall upon any day of the week, -and even then the intervals between appointments, -except during the periodic “big -meeting,” were usually not less than five or -six weeks.</p> - -<p>The standard mode of travel was by horseback, -and the circuit-rider, in addition to -his other qualifications, needed to be efficient -in horsemanship. This was scarcely necessary -in Newgent’s case, however. Not -being able to own a horse at this time, he -secured the loan of one from an accommodating -neighbor. The horse was as accommodating -as its owner. It was quite well -“broke,” having endured the rigors of some -nineteen winters, and was experienced in -the various departments of farm work. It -had sowed and reaped—and eaten—its wild -oats, and was absolutely reliable, at least -to the limit of its physical endurance. At -any rate the horse had many acknowledged -good points, as a faithful portrait would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> -have demonstrated. While it may not have -been in its real element on dress parade, it -served the more practical purpose of locomotion—to -a somewhat limited extent.</p> - -<p>As the rider weighed scarcely a hundred -pounds, the horse had no cause to complain -at his burden. And when it came to matters -of appearance, the odds were not so unevenly -balanced as might be supposed. The -spare-built, smooth-faced youth, clad in his -suit of homespun, which was made with a -reckless disregard of the lines and proportions -of his anatomy, might well have recalled -the lines of Shakespeare:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“Would that he were fatter, but I fear him not;</div> -<div class="verse">Yet if my name were liable to fear,</div> -<div class="verse">I know of no one whom I would so much avoid.”</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>Thus, mounted upon his trusty steed, -armed with all the weapons of spiritual warfare, -this modern knight errant of the saddle-bags -rode forth valiantly to the scenes -of the year’s conflicts and triumphs. En-route -to his first appointment, he found an -opportunity to do some pastoral work which -led to an episode, without mention of which -these chronicles would be incomplete. Passing -by the home of one of his prominent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> -members, he stopped for a brief call. The -house stood on the side of a hill, some distance -from the road. A flight of steps led -up to the front door. Ascending the steps, -he rapped at the door and was kindly admitted -by the good housewife. All went merry -as a marriage bell and the time of his departure -was at hand all too soon. He asked -the privilege of bowing with the family in -prayer before going, which was freely -granted. The weather was warm and it -was not thought necessary to close the door, -though had it been done in this case, it -would have prevented a bit of embarrassment -and incidentally spoiled a good story. -As all was so congenial within, the pastor -anticipated no molestation from without, -and so injudiciously knelt with his back to -the open door.</p> - -<p>As he warmed up to his devotions, he -aroused from his slumbers a large Newfoundland -dog, that had evidently not noticed -the approach of the stranger, and up -to that time was unaware of his presence. -The aroused canine at once began an investigation, -and when he saw what was going -on, seemed much offended that he had not -been consulted about the matter. He -bounded up the steps into the room, and, -seizing the preacher by the luxuriant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> -growth of black hair that covered his dome -of thought, affording an excellent hold for -his teeth, he zealously set about the task of -removing the supposed intruder from the -premises. The preacher was taken unawares. -Before he could assume a defensive -attitude, he and the dog were rolling pell-mell, -higgledy-piggledy over each other, -down the steps, and landed in a confused -heap on the ground. Devotions thus came -to an abrupt close; the family came to the -preacher’s rescue. All formalities were dispensed -with for the time. By the united -efforts of the family, the dog and preacher -were finally separated without either of -them being seriously damaged, and the new -pastor of Brulitz Creek Circuit went on his -way to face new adversaries and new experiences.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 440px;"> -<img src="images/illus3.jpg" width="440" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">Family Devotions Interrupted.</p> -</div> - -<p>He reached the home of Mr. Jacob Wimsett, -in Vermilion County, on Saturday -evening as the sun was dropping below the -horizon, and there put up for the night. -This was in the vicinity of his Sunday -morning appointment. It was an old-fashioned -home even for that day; the home atmosphere -was more hospitable than conventional. -As the preacher himself was quite -democratic in his temperament, no formalities -were required. He noticed among the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> -various members of the household a young -man and a young woman who seemed as unobtrusive -and as awkward as himself. No -introductions being given, he took it for -granted that they both were members of the -family and so gave them no particular -thought until he was ready to start to -church the next morning. As he was about -to take his leave, the young man approached -him rather diffidently and requested him to -wait a few minutes.</p> - -<p>“Me an’ the girl,” he explained, pointing -to the blushing lass on the opposite side of -the room, “are a goin’ to git married, an’ -we want you to say the words for us before -you go.”</p> - -<p>“All right,” said Newgent, in a manner -that left the impression that he understood -the situation all the while, “give me your -license.”</p> - -<p>The document was produced and the -twain took their place in front of the -preacher, while the rest of the company -looked on. Up to this time he had never -served in that capacity and had not the -slightest idea of a marriage ceremony. Examining -the document in a seemingly critical -manner for an instant as if to make -sure that it conformed to all requirements, -he looked gravely at the trembling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> -young couple. “If you are agreed to live -together,” he said so rapidly as to render his -words scarcely intelligible, “according to -the marriage covenant, join your right -hands.” Scarcely had they time to heed the -injunction when he continued, “In the name -of God I pronounce you man and wife.” -And the twain were made one.</p> - -<p>He then hastened to his morning appointment, -reaching the church before the people -began to gather. This was one of the two -church-houses on the circuit, and was called -Nicholls’ Chapel. “Father” Nicholls, one of -the wheel-horses of the church, and in whose -honor it was named, was sweeping the floor -and putting the house in order. His task -completed, he went home to get ready for -the morning service, without making the -acquaintance of the young stranger. Ere -long the people began to arrive. By the -time Sunday school commenced the house -was quite well filled. Newgent took his seat -in the rear of the house and received no particular -attention. He was not even invited -to a place in a Sunday-school class. However, -his presence <i>incognito</i> gave him a good -opportunity for taking notes. He overheard -frequent remarks concerning the new -preacher. The people had heard nothing -of him and were expressing doubts about<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> -his being in the neighborhood. And when -Sunday school closed without his presence -being made known, their doubts seemed to -be confirmed.</p> - -<p>Rev. William Jones, a retired preacher -and a member of the local class, came in -just as Sunday school was closing and at -once made inquiry concerning the pastor.</p> - -<p>“We haven’t seen or heard anything of -him,” was the information he received from -Father Nicholls.</p> - -<p>“Why, there he is now,” and Rev. Mr. -Jones pointed to the diminutive lad near -the door.</p> - -<p>“That fellow?” Father Nicholls was dumfounded. -“That fellow has been here all -morning. I supposed he was some hired -hand in the neighborhood that had just happened -in.”</p> - -<p>Explanations and apologies were freely -indulged in, the supposed hired hand entering -heartily into the joke. He was introduced -to the astonished congregation, and -the service proceeded to their entire satisfaction -and delight. Father Nicholls treated -him kindly; he piloted him to the afternoon -appointment, introducing him to all whom -they chanced to meet, invariably accompanying -the introduction with the story of -the forenoon experience.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p> - -<p>“If I had been out hunting for preachers,” -he would say, in telling the story, “I would -not have snapped a cap at him.”</p> - -<p>The year’s work on this field was a most -fruitful one. The membership was doubled, -and though the charge was not above the -average in financial strength, he received -the largest salary of any member of the -conference.</p> - -<p>Little attention was given, at this time, -to the cause of missions. Money was not -generally recognized as a vital factor in -Christian service. Salaries were meager -and often consisted in provisions rather -than cash. In many places a strong sentiment -prevailed against a paid ministry. -Poverty and ignorance were considered necessary -prerequisites to ministerial piety. -The General Missionary Board was only -about nine years old, and missionary sentiment -had not taken deep root. But Newgent -sowed missionary seed with a lavish -hand, and had the pleasure of reaping at -least part of the harvest. His ability to -lead men to loosen their purse strings even -then began to be asserted in a marked degree. -More than half of the missionary contributions -of the entire conference that year -was reported from Brulitz Creek Circuit.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span></p> - -<p>His report attracted attention and won -him considerable distinction at the annual -conference. According to custom each pastor -reported in person in the open conference -relative to the different interests of his -charge. When asked about his missionary -offering, Newgent replied, “Here it is,” and -taking a woolen bag, commonly called a -sock, from his pocket he emptied its contents -on the table. The contents consisted -of coins of various denominations just -as he had gathered them to the amount -of $33.40, the small change giving it the appearance -of a larger sum than he actually -had. However, this was considered remarkable. -Most of the pastors reported nothing. -Dr. D. K. Flickinger, the first missionary -secretary of the Church, was occupying a -seat on the platform near the Bishop, and -joined heartily with him in applause at the -splendid report and the unique manner of -presenting it.</p> - -<p>The year’s work placed the “boy preacher” -in a most favorable light, and led to his appointment -to the Shawnee Prairie Circuit, -the strongest charge in the Conference. The -charge had had the pastoral service of Rev. -Thomas H. Hamilton, a mighty man who -stood high in the counsels of the denomination. -It was characterized by more than the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span> -usual amount of wealth and culture, and -withal an air of aristocracy that led to -demands upon a pastor that were most exacting. -Rev. Mr. Hamilton was a favorite -on the circuit, and the people had no -thought of losing him. His election to the -office of presiding elder, however, necessitated -the change, and when the awkward, -and, as they thought, inexperienced lad -came among them, they felt that their aristocratic -tastes were outraged. It was a wet, -chilly day in April when he arrived, and -the crestfallen spirits of the people made it -still more chilly for him. And when he -learned that the matter of rejecting him was -being seriously considered, the situation was -anything but cheerful.</p> - -<p>He told the people he would remain until -the first quarterly meeting, when the presiding -elder, Rev. Mr. Hamilton, would be present, -and that he would willingly abide by -their decision at that time. This was a -judicious step, as it gave him an opportunity -to prove himself. So he went to work -with his usual zeal and by the time of the -quarterly meeting he had sixty conversions -with about an equal number of additions to -the church. All thought of rejecting the -pastor had completely vanished. In fact -they would not have swapped him off for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> -the “biggest gun they had ever heard fired.” -Such success as the charge had never known -crowned the labors of that year—great revivals -at all the appointments, the circuit -more than doubled in strength, and enthusiasm -at high tide. Thus their mourning -was turned into laughing. A unanimous -demand was made for his return for -another year, but his restless spirit sought -new worlds to conquer. His motto has always -been that it is better to go to a needy -field and build it up than to go where -further advancement is impossible. On this -ground he asked to be sent to a new field.</p> - -<p>One experience on Shawnee Prairie Circuit -is worthy of special mention. Contiguous -to the circuit, near Attica in Fountain -County, was a section of country known -as Hell’s Half Acre. Its leading spirit was -an infidel doctor. His influence and teachings -had so dominated the community that -it was found impossible to maintain religious -services there. Ministers were considered -proud, indolent, and altogether an undesirable -lot. Newgent determined to do -some missionary work in that benighted -place, though repeated efforts to that end -had been made in vain.</p> - -<p>In order to make a favorable impression -and avoid the imprecation of being proud,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> -he dressed in his everyday clothes and visited -the district school, which was the geographical -and social center, and the only -place where meetings could be held. He -announced that there would be services at -the school house that evening, to be continued -indefinitely, and urged the children to -spread the news.</p> - -<p>The announcement, however, did not produce -satisfactory results. The attendance -the first three or four evenings did not exceed -a half-dozen. The atmosphere was -rather chilly and the spiritual barometer -did not indicate an early change. It soon -became apparent that the old doctor was the -key to the situation. If the people were to -be reached, it must be done mainly through -him. How to capture this Goliath was now -the problem, and this problem Newgent set -about to solve.</p> - -<p>The Sunday services having been no better -attended than the preceding ones, he -decided upon a bold move. On Monday -afternoon he called at the doctor’s home. -The doctor answered his knock at the door -in person. The old fellow’s rough demeanor -and uncouth appearance, his ancient cob -pipe that had long been entitled to a superannuated -relation, the musty, dingy room -which the half-open door disclosed—all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> -seemed in striking harmony with his attitude -toward religion. The preacher introduced -himself and explained that he was -holding a revival over at the school house. -The grizzled old sinner looked him over -from head to foot, but said nothing, though -the expression on his sin-hardened face -seemed to say more plainly than words, -“Well, you little rascal, you had better be -at home with your mother.”</p> - -<p>“I understand,” persisted the preacher, -ignoring the old gentleman’s contemptuous -frown, “that you are a good singer and a -prominent citizen, and I would like to consult -you about the work and get you to help -me.”</p> - -<p>“Help in a revival? Why, don’t you know -that I don’t believe in the Bible or churches, -or religion of any sort?”</p> - -<p>“Well, that needn’t stand in the way. -The evenings are long and the young people -want somewhere to go. You can do the singing -and I’ll do the preaching.”</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 440px;"> -<img src="images/illus4.jpg" width="440" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">The Boy Preacher Visiting the Infidel.</p> -</div> - -<p>That put a different complexion on -things. Here was a chance for some fun, -and incidentally an outlet for his musical -propensities, for he was well versed in -music. The idea seemed to take hold. The -grim features began to relax. The boys -were called and told to “put up the preacher’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> -horse,” and the preacher was invited -into the house. The invitation was heartily -accepted. Newgent understood fishing; he -had fished before. The hook was baited and -he now perceived that he had got a nibble. -The afternoon was spent to a good advantage. -Conversation flowed in various channels, -but fought shy of religion—no time -for that yet. He waited for his fish to take -the cork under before pulling in. The doctor -had a large family of children, and their -appearance bore testimony to the fact that -they were strangers to church and Sunday -school. The boys spread the startling news -that “dad was goin’ to help the boy preacher -in the big meetin’.” And such news traveled -as it were with seven-leagued boots.</p> - -<p>That was all the advertisement the meeting -needed. The infidel accompanied the -preacher to the meeting, taking his place up -front, and led the singing after the droll -manner then in vogue. An earthquake or a -man from the dead would not have created -more excitement or comment. From that -time the little school house did not accommodate -the crowds.</p> - -<p>The sermon that evening was not calculated -to create a very profound impression. -It was more saturated with Irish humor -than with real gospel truth. The time for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> -seriousness had not yet arrived. But the -axe was laid at the root of the tree, and the -kingdom was nearer at hand than any of -them supposed. As a fisher of men, the -preacher was still baiting for the fish.</p> - -<p>The next night he took for his theme the -Judgment. This was the occasion for solemn -and serious facts. He turned loose all -the artillery at his command in storming -the batteries of infidelity and sin, and felt -the presence of the Spirit in directing the -message. As he neared the close of his discourse, -he turned to the doctor. The wind -had been taken out of the old man’s sails; -his face was in his hands and he was weeping -bitterly.</p> - -<p>“What’s the matter, doctor?” he shouted, -in a strong, firm voice, striving to make his -words as impressive as possible.</p> - -<p>The doctor did not answer.</p> - -<p>“Get down on your knees,” he commanded -as one who spoke with authority.</p> - -<p>And the great exponent of infidelity went -down, and his example was followed by a -number of others. He wrestled in agony -and prayer until near midnight, when the -light broke in upon his long benighted soul—and -the fish was caught. Such demonstrations -had never been seen in Hell’s Half -Acre as took place in the rude school house<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> -that night. The tide had surely turned and -the redemption was at hand.</p> - -<p>As he dismissed the service, Newgent announced -that he was ready to go home with -the first man who invited him. A tall, -threadbare, weather-beaten fellow accepted -the challenge. But when the preacher -started to go, he explained that he didn’t -mean it. “I can’t take care of you; I haven’t -any room,” he protested.</p> - -<p>“Go ahead,” said the preacher, “I can -sleep on dry coon skins and eat roasted -potatoes.” And he went in spite of the protests -of his host.</p> - -<p>The man was surely honest in his protest. -He dwelt in a hut built of round poles. In -one corner was a badly cracked stove that -had long done service for both cooking and -heating purposes. Two large box-like arrangements -partly filled with leaves gathered -from the forest, together with some -ragged covering, served as feeble apologies -for beds, and between these beds was a barrel -of whisky. Though it was past midnight, -the wife was sitting up. She was -scantily clad, yet her face, though careworn, -revealed a high degree of intelligence, -bearing evidence that she had seen better -days. Two little girls whose appearance -harmonized only too well with their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span> -wretched surroundings, completed the family -circle. As Newgent entered this hovel -his eyes rested upon such a picture of destitution -as he had never seen. The whisky -barrel, however, told the whole story.</p> - -<p>Newgent soon had the entire family feeling -perfectly at ease. He played with the -children and proved himself a most congenial -guest. But he was there for their -spiritual good. That night the wretched -home, for the first time, became a house of -prayer. Before the light of a new day -dawned the light from heaven broke in upon -the sad heart of that wife and mother, and -a new day dawned in her life. The next -morning the husband likewise found the -Savior, and the whisky barrel, the cause of -so much misery and poverty, vacated its -place in the home, for old things had passed -away and all things had become new. Another -stronghold was lost to the enemy. A -glorious night’s work it was, and a mighty -step toward the final conquest of this spiritual -Canaan.</p> - -<p>The man asked Newgent to roll the barrel -of whisky into the river. But he said, “No; -let us sell it to the druggist. We can use -the money to a good advantage.” So he borrowed -a team and wagon, and hauled the -whisky to the nearest drug store, and received<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> -eighteen dollars for it. With the -money he bought some much needed clothing -for the wife and children. It was his -first and only experience in the whisky business.</p> - -<p>The entire community was swept by the -revival. Multitudes were converted, a -church was organized, and a church-house -built. The whisky man and the ex-infidel -became pillars in the church, one serving -as class leader and the other as steward. -Never was a work of grace more complete, -or the power of God more wonderfully or -graciously displayed in the transformation -of a community than in the case of Hell’s -Half Acre.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_Five"><span class="smcap">Chapter Five.</span></h2> - -<p><i>Six Months at Rainsville—A Hotbed of Southern Sympathizers—A -Mix-up with Saloon Men—A Sermon -on Slavery—Fire and Brimstone—An Antagonist -Outwitted—A Sermon from the Book of -Newgent—Can Any Good Thing Come Out of -Rainsville?</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>In 1861, the time of holding the Upper -Wabash Conference was changed from -spring to fall. Hence, two sessions were -held that year with an interim of but six -months between them. This period was -spent by Rev. Mr. Newgent on the Williamsport -Circuit in Warren County, Indiana. -He moved with his family to Rainsville, a -village of about one hundred and fifty inhabitants, -located on Vermilion River. The -town was still in the rough, its chief activities -centering about two rival saloons. As -it had no church and not a single inhabitant -who professed religion, the saloons -had things pretty much their own way. -The Newgents occupied part of a building -that formerly did service as the village inn; -the rest of it was occupied by one of the -saloon keepers. The two families, however, -did not have undisputed possession of the -place, as it seemed to have been preempted -by bed bugs and fleas, which were no inconspicuous<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> -feature of life in Rainsville. While -the saloon keeper and the preacher maintained -peaceable relations with each other, -these aboriginal neighbors maintained an -attitude of hostility with a persistence that -was worthy of a better cause than they represented.</p> - -<p>Another thing that made life in Rainsville -interesting during this period was the -war which was then in its first year of -progress. The sympathies of the inhabitants -were decidedly with the South. But -one man could be found who claimed to be -loyal to the Union, and as might be expected -under such circumstances, he was -not very enthusiastic about it. They could -safely be counted on the off side of any -question or movement that involved a moral -element. With the war agitation to stir -their blood, the well patronized saloons doing -business seven days and nights in the -week, and the absence of any religious institution -or influence, Rainsville might well -have served as a basis for the doctrine of -total depravity.</p> - -<p>The Williamsport Circuit, like most of -the country parishes of its day, afforded a -man plenty of room to grow in. If a pastor -rusted out it was his own fault. But Newgent, -with his active temperament and fondness<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> -for adventure, was not the man to rust -out. Not only the Sabbath, but most of the -evenings between Sabbaths were taken up -with preaching services. Each alternate -Sabbath during the Williamsport pastorate -he preached four times, which entailed forty-two -miles of travel by horseback. The day’s -program was as follows: Leaving home at -daybreak, he rode twenty miles to a ten -o’clock appointment. After the service he -would get a “hand out” for dinner and reach -the next appointment at two o’clock, then to -a 4:30 service, and on home for meeting at -night. Life was both simple and strenuous -in the extreme.</p> - -<p>The first Sunday in this village was a -memorable one. Leaving his plucky young -wife to hold the fort, the new pastor made -his forty-two-mile round, reaching home -about sundown. No provision had been -made for preaching in town, but Newgent -resolved to give the inhabitants of this inferno -a chance to hear the gospel. A rowdy -mob was collected about each saloon. An -air of general lawlessness, recklessness, and -cussedness prevailed. Games and sports of -various sorts were maintained on the -streets. Horseback riders were galloping -here and there, firing pistols and performing -various stunts in imitation of life among<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> -the untamed cowboys and Indians. Their -boisterous talking and hollowing, with here -and there a man staggering under his load -of Rainsville’s chief product, all combined, -might well have led to the conclusion that -the demons of the lower regions had been -liberated and were holding high carnival in -celebration of the event.</p> - -<p>When Newgent told his wife that he had -decided to preach at the school house that -night, she tried to dissuade him, fearing for -his safety. And well she might after what -she had seen of life in Rainsville that day. -But he gloried in heroic tasks and heeded -not her wise counsel. He at once set about -to publish the appointment. In order to -find the people he went to one of the saloons. -The saloon was full of men, and the -men were full of the saloon. Stepping up to -the bar-tender he told him that he was going -to hold a religious service at the school -house at 7:30. “As there are no church -services in town,” he said, “I am sure you -will be willing to encourage such a movement -by closing your place of business and -attending.”</p> - -<p>“You can preach all you d—— please; -I haven’t been to church for twenty years,” -answered the booze dispenser with a look<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> -that seemed to add, “and I don’t propose to -commence now.”</p> - -<p>“But I am a stranger here, and you don’t -know but I am the smartest man in the -country, or may be the biggest fool. You -had better come and find out for yourself.”</p> - -<p>The idea of a church service struck the -saloon patrons as a desirable innovation, -and as they were in favor of anything that -promised a diversion, they began to take -sides with the preacher. Their enthusiasm -waxed intense, due mainly to the reflex influence -of tarrying long at the grog shop. -They were unanimous and emphatic in demanding -that the saloon be closed and that -all go to church.</p> - -<p>The proprietor finally said that he would -consent on condition that his competitor -would do likewise.</p> - -<p>“All right, I’ll see him,” and Newgent -broke for the other saloon where a similar -situation prevailed. Several of the men volunteered -to accompany him and assist in -enforcing the demand, so that an ambassage -that carried with it no small authority -presented itself before the high priest of -Gambrinus of the rival saloon. A delegation -from one saloon to another, headed by -a preacher, was an uncommon sight, especially -in Rainsville, but it had the desired<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> -effect. For once the saloons were closed -and the center of interest transferred to the -school house. News of the meeting spread -in short order. The new preacher made -himself an object of curiosity and comment -by his establishing diplomatic relations -with the governing bodies of the village, -and everybody was anxious to see more of -him. So all Rainsville turned out to church—men, -women, boys, girls, and dogs—all entering -heartily into the novelty of a religious -service with a real, “sure enough” -preacher at the head of it.</p> - -<p>Newgent prudently made the service -brief. The sermon was not as spiritual as -it might have been under different conditions, -as the congregation was quite sympathetic -and responsive, and he considered it -injudicious to encourage their emotions at -that time. He was more especially concerned -about laying plans for the future. -How to get them back was the question, -which he sought to solve by a bit of strategy. -So, in addition to giving them a few morsels -of wholesome advice, well sugarcoated -with his native good humor, he made the -startling announcement that at the next -meeting he would preach on the subject of -slavery. If anything were calculated to -bring them back, surely that was.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p> - -<p>It was taken for granted, of course, that -he was an Abolitionist and would denounce -the South. The blood of those southern -sympathizers at once began to boil. Everybody -anticipated a lively time, and interest -became intense. All felt that the foolhardy -young fellow did not realize the danger to -which he was exposing himself. An old -gentleman, the village blacksmith, whose -father had been a United Brethren preacher, -felt it his duty to warn the reverend gentleman -and have him to call off the entire -proceedings. As usual, Newgent was firm. -He told the gentleman, however, that he -wanted to be fair to both sides, so if those -who disagreed with him desired, they might -get a man to follow him and present the -other side of the question.</p> - -<p>This they were only too anxious to do. -When the time came, they had their man. -By the time Newgent and his wife arrived -at the little school house that evening it was -completely packed and an immense crowd -was gathered on the outside. It was with -the greatest difficulty that they forced themselves -through the anxious throng and made -their way to the front of the building. The -opponent was on hand, ready to take his -measure and smash all of his arguments. -As might be surmised, sympathy was plainly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> -and emphatically with the southern advocate. -If he could not demolish the frail Abolitionist, -there were enough present who -were ready to lend all the assistance he -needed. The smell of brimstone was in the -air, indicating the presence of that commodity -in unlimited quantities. All that was -lacking for a real conflagration was something -to touch it off. And that something -was momentarily expected.</p> - -<p>After a brief preliminary exercise, the -preacher opened the discussion. Like the -great apostle on Mars Hill, he complimented -his hearers on their seeming interest -in the subject at hand. “As the subject -of slavery,” he said, “is stirring our country -from one end to the other, and as it is a -subject of such vital importance, I take -pleasure at this time in presenting one -phase of it.</p> - -<p>“I wish to observe in my remarks, First, -the slave; Second, his master; Third, the -law by which he is held in bondage; Fourth, -how he is to be liberated; Fifth, where he is -to be colonized.” Thus far, well and good. -These were familiar topics, and had been -discussed pro and con even by the school -children. Hence, his opening remarks were -according to expectations, and breathlessly -they awaited what was to follow.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p> - -<p>Their consternation and chagrin can only -be imagined when he proceeded to state that -the slave is the sinner; his master is the -devil; the law by which he is held in bondage -is sinful lusts and habits; he is to be -liberated through the blood of Christ; and -heaven is the place of his colonization. -Around these propositions he built his discourse -without any reference to slavery as -a civil institution. It was strictly a gospel -sermon, and his antagonist had no disposition -to reply.</p> - -<p>“Well, we are beat,” said the old blacksmith -after the service was dismissed, “but -the boy is the sharpest fellow that ever -struck this town.” And he was not alone -in his conclusion.</p> - -<p>With a view to holding the audience for -the next appointment, he announced that -he would preach at that time from the Book -of Newgent, the twenty-eighth chapter and -thirty-third verse, “Can any good thing -come out of Rainsville?”</p> - -<p>A few days after this announcement, he -received a call from an old gentleman. The -unsuspecting brother had been having -trouble over the Book of Newgent. He -stated that he and the old woman had been -searching the Bible all week and were unable -to find it. He was kindly urged to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> -present at the preaching service and assured -that his troubles would all be cleared up. -Presumably the matter was explained to his -satisfaction, as he was not heard from -again.</p> - -<p>The Rainsville pastorate, though brief, -was full of thrilling interest, and was not -without substantial results for good. He -won the respect and confidence of this uncouth -people, and had the satisfaction of -seeing many of the grosser evils disappear -under his ministry. Before he left, the signs -of a brighter day were plainly discernible. -His influence with them was turned to good -account, as will be seen in the next chapter.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_Six"><span class="smcap">Chapter Six.</span></h2> - -<p><i>The War Spirit in Indiana—Breaking up a Traitorous -Plot—Narrow Escape from Enemies—Assists -in Securing Recruits—Becomes Chaplain of his -Regiment—Exchange of Courtesies with a Presbyterian -Minister—An Embarrassing Predicament—Saves -Regiment from Capture—Organizes -a Military Church—Chased by Johnnies—An Exciting -Homeward Journey.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>Indiana was a storm center during the -Civil War. Her position was a strategic one. -She was regarded as the keystone of the -North. With Oliver P. Morton, “Indiana’s -great War Governor,” at the head of affairs, -she was held firmly to her moorings, and -furnished a larger number of soldiers for -the Union Army in proportion to population -than any other State. Yet the State -was constantly harassed by citizens who -were unfriendly to the Union cause, and -who secretly or openly sympathized with -the South. Secret organizations for the -purpose of aiding the Confederacy were -common. Conspicuous among these was the -Knights of the Golden Circle. Yet many -not identified with these traitorous organizations -were utterly disloyal. Hence, much -bitterness and not infrequently bloodshed -prevailed. It was not unusual for men in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> -official position to use their influence -against the Government, or even to join the -army with traitorous intent.</p> - -<p>Rev. Mr. Newgent was serving as pastor -for the second year on the Clark’s Hill -charge, when in the fall of 1863, he was -“persuaded,” as he said, “to go into the -army for safety.” With his wife he was paying -a visit to his father-in-law in Parke -County. In the neighborhood lived a man -who was captain of Home Guards, but -whose loyalty was strongly suspected. A -small brother of Mrs. Newgent sometimes -visited with his children, and on returning -from one such visit, incidentally mentioned -having seen some pretty guns in the barn -where they had been playing. Newgent understood -the meaning of these guns secreted -on the premises of this traitorous man, and -telegraphed the news to Governor Morton. -A squad of soldiers was dispatched to the -place and some three hundred guns were -found. They were confiscated and a traitorous -scheme was thus frustrated.</p> - -<p>Newgent at once became the object of a -great deal of attention. That he was responsible -for the exposure, was generally -surmised. A plan was formed to do away -with him. On Sunday evening following -the episode he was to preach at the Oak<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> -Ridge United Brethren Church in the community. -In the midst of the service, by a -preconcerted plan, the lights were suddenly -extinguished, and his adversaries were -about to execute their design. He succeeded -in making his escape in the darkness by the -assistance of an uncle. The outlook seemed -rather stormy, and he was convinced that it -was safer in the army than out of it. Leaving -his wife in the care of her father, he -hastened to Lafayette where a regiment, -the 116th Indiana Infantry, was being -formed by Colonel William C. Kise.</p> - -<p>At that period recruits were hard to get -and the work proceeded slowly. Newgent -asked the colonel what the chance would be -for him to get the appointment of chaplain.</p> - -<p>“What church do you belong to?” the colonel -asked.</p> - -<p>“I am a United Brethren,” was the answer.</p> - -<p>“I am sorry,” said the colonel, “I like the -United Brethren Church and would like to -give you the appointment; but this is to be -a Methodist regiment; all the officers are to -be Methodists, and it is understood that the -chaplainship is to be given to a Methodist -preacher up in the city.”</p> - -<p>“Will you take me, then, as a private?” -he asked.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span></p> - -<p>“Certainly,” was the eager reply, “we -shall be glad to take you, for recruits are -coming in awfully slowly.” There were -then only seven companies started. None of -them were complete. Newgent offered to -assist in raising recruits.</p> - -<p>“If you will give me transportation papers,” -he said, “I think I can get some men -over in Warren County.”</p> - -<p>“Warren County!” exclaimed the colonel -in disgust. “It’s of no use to go there for -recruits. I have had a couple of good men -over there for three weeks and they have got -only four men.” But Newgent insisted that -he be allowed to try. He understood those -people and felt that he knew how to approach -them. The papers were finally given -him, and he set out for Rainsville in this -doubtful territory.</p> - -<p>Rainsville, it will be remembered, was a -headquarters for southern sympathizers, -where little more than a year before but -one Union man could be found. The task -was a challenge to Newgent, the kind of a -task he delighted in. Taking a boy with a -drum and flag, he went to the village and -nearby points, and soon had the inhabitants -inoculated with the war microbe. The prospects -of a draft about this time proved an -effective argument in favor of enlistment,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> -which was used for all it was worth. After -an absence of six days he returned to camp -with 104 men, which was the first full -company in the regiment, this, too, from -territory that was as completely southern -in sentiment as though it had been in the -very heart of the Confederacy.</p> - -<p>The march to camp was a triumphal procession. -The company of volunteers was -accompanied by several hundred men and -boys who fell in on the way. As they came -into camp about twelve o’clock on Saturday -night with colors flying and giving vent -to their enthusiasm by singing and hollowing, -it had the effect of a small army, not -unlike that of Gideon’s band, when they -multiplied the effect of numbers by noise -and enthusiasm and scared the Midianites -out of their wits. The colonel met them -with a drum corps and the company was -welcomed amid the most extravagant expressions -of delight. The fact that recruits -were coming in so slowly gave increased -cause for demonstration. When the general -hubbub had somewhat abated, the crowd -demanded a speech from Newgent, and the -demand was imperative. Though worn by -physical exertion and hoarse from much -haranguing, he gave a brief talk, at the -close of which, amid great applause, some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> -one moved that “Rev. Mr. Newgent be made -chaplain of the regiment.” It was heartily -seconded, and shouts of approval burst -from every section of the camp. So, by general -consent the rule to make it a Methodist -regiment was waived, insofar as it related -to the chaplainship, much to the satisfaction -of Colonel Kise, and Newgent became -their spiritual adviser.</p> - -<p>The Methodist brother, who, it was understood, -was to receive the appointment, came -out the next afternoon (Sunday) to preach -to the boys and get acquainted; but on being -apprised of what had taken place the -night before, he quietly withdrew, leaving -Newgent in undisputed possession of the -honors which his tact and energy had won.</p> - -<p>The regiment was finally completed and -mustered in for a term of six months, -though it served considerably over time. Its -first service was rendered in guarding the -U. S. Armory at Detroit, Michigan. The -armory was threatened by General Vallandigham, -who had been banished from the -United States because of treasonable expressions, -and had placed himself at the head -of a force in Canada with the purpose of -threatening the Union from the north. The -regiment was later sent to reënforce General -Burnsides in east Tennessee.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p> - -<p>This was during the terrible winter of ’63 -and ’64, when Burnsides was besieged by -Confederate General Longstreet and was -shut up in Knoxville. The hardships suffered -by the Union soldiers during that -memorable siege are matters of history and -need not be recounted in detail here. -Among the foremost of the sufferers was -Newgent’s regiment, the 116th Indiana. All -supplies having been cut off, the boys for -many weeks had a hard struggle to keep -from succumbing to hunger and cold. For -a time they each had but one ear of corn a -day; no tents, and not sufficient clothing -for protection even under favorable circumstances. -In the midst of the severest winter -weather, over three hundred of the men -were barefooted. Newgent was the best -dressed man in his regiment, and it was -with difficulty that he got his dress coat to -hang together at the collar; and he suffered -no little uneasiness lest his trousers would -dissolve partnership with him.</p> - -<p>A few characteristic army experiences -will suffice in this connection and occupy -the remainder of this chapter.</p> - -<p>On reaching Tennessee, the regiment was -stationed temporarily at Greenville. The -care-free boys attended services the first -Sunday morning at the Presbyterian church -in the city. The pastor, Rev. Samuel McCorkle,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> -treated them kindly. They were delighted -with the reception accorded them, -and on the following Sabbath a large part -of the regiment, including the chaplain, -turned out to worship at Rev. Mr. McCorkle’s -church. When Newgent appeared -in his chaplain’s uniform, McCorkle at once -led him up to the pulpit and insisted that -he preach. The chaplain was never averse -to preaching whenever there was occasion -for it, and so consented, under slight pressure. -He observed the pastor’s manuscript -neatly tied up with red ribbon, which told -him he had barely escaped listening to a -manuscript sermon. Newgent had little -sympathy for a written discourse and took -advantage of the situation to indulge in -some pleasantries at the learned parson’s -expense. He told the congregation, the -greater part of whom were soldiers, that he -had no set discourse, and that he never tried -to palm off a written sermon upon a helpless -congregation, as such a procedure was -“like a doctor writing a prescription before -examining the patient.” Rev. Mr. McCorkle -accepted the criticism good-naturedly -and invited Newgent to take dinner with -him after the service. After several weeks -of army rations, the dinner at Rev. Mr. McCorkle’s -home was a most delightful change.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></p> - -<p>He returned the courtesy that had been -accorded him by inviting his host to preach -to his “boys” in the afternoon. The invitation -was accepted. McCorkle did not deem -it judicious to use his manuscript after the -episode of the forenoon, and was visibly -handicapped and embarrassed in his attempt -at extemporaneous delivery. He -talked but a few minutes and turned the -service over to the chaplain.</p> - -<p>After the service the two men had a heart-to-heart -talk. McCorkle confessed his chagrin -at not being able to preach without his -manuscript, and expressed a determination -to cultivate the habit of extemporaneous delivery. -That the determination was carried -out was seen in the fact that he became a -leader in this method of preaching. And -the two preachers continued fast friends.</p> - -<p>An incident more pleasing to relate than -to undergo occurred at Tazewell, Tennessee, -where Newgent’s regiment had been dispatched -with twenty-four others to check a -Confederate force that was approaching -from that quarter. They went into camp, -building temporary fortifications with the -grave stones of a nearby cemetery. About -midnight the army was surprised by the sudden -arrival of a force of Confederate cavalry -that captured some of the outposts.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> -Newgent, with some of his regiment, was -garrisoned in an old building that had been -used for a granary. As the fire was opened -he caught up his clothes in his arms, and, -mounting his horse, started down the hill -for a more healthful location. The horse -stumbled over some rocks, throwing the -rider to the ground and scattering his precious -wearing apparel to the four winds. -There was no time for trifles, and the clothes -were abandoned for the time. They were -recovered about nine o’clock the next morning, -much to the relief of the reverend, -whose situation in the meantime was as embarrassing -as it was uncomfortable.</p> - -<p>On one occasion his coolness and ingenuity -were the means of saving his entire regiment -from capture. The regiment had been -ordered across the Clinch River in east Tennessee -to guard a narrow passage in the -mountains at what was called Bean’s Station. -They had gotten across and were camping -in a bend of the river when news came -that the rebels had superseded them, and -three brigades were between them and the -gap. They might easily have retreated, but -the river became swollen from heavy rains, -and to cross a swift, mountain stream under -such circumstances was practically out of -the question.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p> - -<p>Newgent was sick at the time, being cared -for at the colonel’s headquarters. During -the early part of the night the colonel came -to him, trembling with fear, and said, -“Chaplain, what on earth is to be done? -There is a strong rebel force on one side of -us, and an unfordable stream on the other. -If we are not out of here by morning every -one of us will be captured.”</p> - -<p>The rebels were confident that they could -not get away and so waited until morning to -bag their game.</p> - -<p>“Bring six or seven of the boys here,” said -Newgent. The boys were brought. He told -them to go down to the river where they -would find an old canoe partly filled with -water. “Build a fire on the bank so that its -light will shine across the stream, bail -the water out of the canoe, put it in as good -shape as possible, and then report.”</p> - -<p>They followed his instructions, after -which they came back to headquarters, and -the sick chaplain got out of his bed and -went back with them to the river. Though -it was a perilous undertaking, the men got -in the water-soaked canoe, and by the uncertain -light of the fire, made their way to -the other side of the angry stream. They -went to General Curtain’s headquarters, related -the situation, and procured a supply<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> -of cannon rope. With the rope they made -a cable across the river. They thus devised -a rude ferry by means of an abandoned and -partly submerged barge which they raised -and repaired for the purpose. The barge -would carry about twelve men or one horse -at a trip. It was propelled by the men holding -to the cable and thus laboriously working -their way from one side of the stream to -the other. Through the dark, stormy night -they toiled, and before daybreak the entire -regiment with all appurtenances was out of -reach of the enemy. When the rebels -reached forth their hand next morning to -bag their game, lo! it wasn’t there!</p> - -<p>It was a terrible night’s work, however. -The sick chaplain stayed with the barge until -the last man was saved. He was twice -thrown into the water, and ran a fearful -risk in thus exposing himself at so critical -a time. After the excitement of the night, -by which alone his physical strength was -sustained, he suffered a serious relapse. He -was confined to his bed at General Curtain’s -headquarters for about two weeks, when he -again reported for duty. The men regarded -him as their deliverer, and the satisfaction -of having saved his comrades from the horrors -of a southern prison compensated for -all he suffered. For this heroic deed he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> -complimented on dress parade by a special -order from the general.</p> - -<p>The following reference to this incident -is found in the “Official Records of the -Army,” Series I., Vol. XXXI.:</p> - -<div class="blockquote"> - -<p class="right">Tazewell, Tenn., December 14, 1863.</p> - -<p class="noindent">Major-General Foster, Knoxville:</p> - -<p>General: I have the honor of reporting that I -arrived here this evening at about dark, having -left Rutledge at 9:00 a. m., and Bean’s Station at -1:30 p. m.... At the crossing of the Clinch -River (Evan’s Ford) I found a sufficient guard, -under the command of Colonel Kise. The river -was rising quite rapidly, but the guard had raised -and repaired the ferry-boat, which was crossing successfully, -being pulled back and forth by hand upon -a cable stretched from one shore to another. I -think that it would be well, as a matter of security, -to have another boat built there, and will so notify -Colonel Babcock....</p> - -<p>I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient -servant,</p> - -<p class="right">O. M. POE,<br /> -Captain and Chief Engineer, Army of the Ohio.</p> - -</div> - -<p>As a means for the spiritual welfare of -the “boys,” he conceived and carried out the -idea of organizing a military church. -Though there were various religious organizations -among the soldiers, and some doubtless -on similar lines, yet this was an entirely -original conception with him. His church -took no denominational name, but was made -up of all who were willing to become members. -It was completely officered, and maintained -prayer meetings and church services -at stated intervals. Two special revival<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> -meetings were held in which about 250 of -the “boys” were converted.</p> - -<p>His spiritual ministrations were not limited -to the soldiers. Whenever an opportunity -presented itself he would hold services -at nearby churches and school houses. -On one such occasion he incidentally, to use -his own expression, “chased seven Johnnies -for three and a half miles.” It was a merry -race; like Jehu the entire party rode furiously. -But as the chaplain had more at -stake than his companions in the chase, he -managed to maintain his position well in -advance of the seven, and was quite willing -to abandon the chase by the time he reached -camp.</p> - -<p>Not least among the interesting army “experiences” -was the homeward journey. As -previously stated, the regiment served over -the time for which they enlisted. The men -were impatient and homesick. Their destitute -condition rendered many of them almost -desperate. Almost half of them were -barefooted and all were weakened by hunger -and exposure. The morning on which they -were to start home the colonel announced -that they would proceed to Barbersville, -Kentucky, and that there they would find a -supply of much-needed clothing and provisions. -This was a two-days’ march, which,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> -in itself, was no pleasing prospect under the -circumstances. The promise of food and -clothing, however, nerved them for the ordeal. -It was midnight when Barbersville -was reached, and to their utter consternation -the promised supplies were not there.</p> - -<p>Things were looking blue. The colonel -said to Newgent, “You have the best horse -in the regiment. Take a couple of the boys -and get out and find something to feed these -men before morning.” He started, not to -forage, but to beg. At the first house he -came to be was met by a woman to whom -he stated his mission. She showed him a -blood spot on the floor where her husband -had been killed by the rebels, and said that -all she had was a half-bushel of meal, but -she was willing to divide. It was all he secured, -though he continued the search until -daylight. Returning to camp, he threw the -bit of meal at the colonel’s feet, and fell -down exhausted, dropping at once into a -deep sleep.</p> - -<p>What happened during the time he slept, -when the real situation dawned upon the -men, he could only surmise. The next he -knew, the colonel had him aroused and was -ordering him to ride ahead of the regiment -to a little water-mill about twelve miles distant -to see what could be found there, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> -to arrange if possible to feed the men when -they arrived. He found a few bushels of -grain, most of it in a bad condition. When -ground into meal it made just one pint each -for the men. After they had eaten their -morsel, the colonel made them a little speech -in which he told them that the next objective -point would be Camp Dick Robinson, -and for every man to look out for himself -until they reached the camp. This they -were quite glad to do. And when in a few -days they met at the camp, they were in better -spirits, and were pretty well supplied -for the rest of the journey.</p> - -<p>The next way station was Camp Nelson. -Here they were met by the Provost Marshal -who declared the regiment under arrest -for pillaging, and ordered them to stack -arms. While the authorities were arranging -the details for taking care of them, the -colonel took advantage of the delay. “Attention, -Battalions,” he shouted, “Shoulder -arms—forward march—double quick!” -The order was eagerly obeyed. A “double-quick” -march was made to Nicholasville. -This was a railroad town. Here they ordered -a train for Cincinnati. The train -steamed out of the station with its load of -animated freight just as the Marshal with -his guard galloped in sight.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span></p> - -<p>The authorities at Cincinnati were notified -by wire to arrest the regiment on its -arrival there, but this was anticipated. So -they got off the train at Covington, crossing -the Ohio River by ferry to Cincinnati. -There they got a train for Indianapolis -without being detected. The train was -pressed into service to convey them on to -Lafayette, the home of the regiment. They -reached the city on Sunday evening, as the -church bells were ringing for the evening -services. Newgent, as his custom was, went -to church. Possibly he felt the need of it -after what he had gone through. He went -to the First Methodist Episcopal Church, -and at the urgent request of the pastor, delivered -the evening discourse to the delight -of the splendid audience.</p> - -<p>It should be said in justice to Rev. Mr. -Newgent that he was not a party to any of -the irregularities that almost brought his -regiment into disrepute after it had acquitted -itself so well on the field. He remonstrated -with the men and exhorted them to -better conduct, but when the pressure of -army discipline was removed, the pent-up -energies of these raw backwoodsmen were -turned loose along various channels and -could neither be suppressed nor regulated. -The officers of the regiment, with the exception<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> -of Newgent, were summoned before -the proper military tribunal at Indianapolis, -to answer for their depredations. They -were acquitted, however, being ably defended -by Lieutenant-Colonel G. O. Beam. -Whether or not the verdict was a just one, -is of no special concern to us here. Suffice -it to say that our subject, though a young -man, so ordered his life as not only to keep -himself unspotted from the world, but at the -same time to win for himself the confidence -of even the most hardened sinners. He was -exonerated from all blame in advance, and -his name was not brought before the court.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_Seven"><span class="smcap">Chapter Seven.</span></h2> - -<p><i>Plants the United Brethren Banner in Terre Haute—Prairieton -Pastorate—Difficulty with the Sons of -Anak—A Prayer Without an “Amen”—Another -Community Redeemed—Going to the Wrong Doctor—A -Perverse Colt—An Unintentional Immersion—One -Sermon That was not Dry.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>It was in April, 1864, when Rev. Mr. Newgent -returned from the war. His own conference -did not meet until fall, but the -Lower Wabash Conference met in its annual -session in Vermilion, Illinois, about -the time of his return. With the view to -getting back on the firing line at once, he -attended the latter conference, and was appointed -to Terre Haute (Indiana) Mission. -This was strictly prospective work, as the -mission was projected at this session. The -conference at the same session, following -the example of the Upper Wabash Conference, -decided to change the time of its annual -meetings from spring to fall, hence the -appointment was made for a period of only -six months. During this time Rev. Mr. -Newgent devoted himself with characteristic -zeal to laying broad and deep the foundations -of his church in this new Macedonia. -That his labors were fruitful is seen in the -fact that he reported to the fall conference<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> -an organized church on Second Street, with -splendid prospects of a prosperous future—prospects -which subsequent history has -abundantly fulfilled. To him belongs the -credit of first planting the United Brethren -banner in this thriving city, where the -Church has since steadily grown to a place -of prestige and influence.</p> - -<p>The Terre Haute pastorate was followed -by a year at Prairieton, in Vigo County, -Indiana. Some experiences on this field are -worthy of note. A revival meeting was held -in an unevangelized community at what was -known as the Battle Row School House, -near the Wabash River. The school house -was a primitive log building with plenty of -ventilation. The wide cracks between the -logs in the walls not only admitted a sufficiency -of fresh air, but were a source of -temptation to the untamed sons of the natives -who were wont at critical times to -inject missiles of various sorts through them -into the midst of the congregation, causing -more or less uneasiness and often confusion -to the worshipers. It was not a place -where one could worship under his own vine -and fig tree with no one to molest or make -afraid. During the early stage of the meeting -reapers were scarce, and to all appearances, -were wholly inadequate to the demands<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> -of the great, over-ripe harvest. The -sons of Anak seemed to have a perpetual -title to the place, and showed no intention -of evacuating it. At one time, as Newgent -was making an earnest plea for penitents to -come to the altar, he observed a company of -ruffians in the rear of the room in a rather -impenitent condition, bantering one another -to go forward to the mourner’s bench. The -quick wit of the preacher frustrated their -evil designs. Constant vigilance had to be -exercised to prevent outbreaks and demonstrations -of a similar character. As the -meeting proceeded converts multiplied and -the odds became more and more to the advantage -of the faithful.</p> - -<p>There was one wheel-horse who was the -pastor’s right hand man in the great conflict -with primitive elements. A splendid -man he was, though his droll manner was a -subject of sport for the lewd fellows of the -baser propensities. A characteristic attitude -when he offered public prayer was to -kneel facing the wall, with his back toward -the congregation. Then with his eyes closed -and oblivious to all his surroundings, he -would soar to a high altitude in his eloquence -and fervency of spirit. In such surroundings, -however, it would have been better -had Father Scott, as he was affectionately<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> -called, not forgotten his relation to -this mundane sphere, for the situation -surely demanded watching as well as praying. -Especially would it have prevented an -awkward hitch in the services one evening -when the interest and enthusiasm were at -their greatest height. Intense conviction -was capturing and humbling proud and defiant -hearts, and victory was perching upon -the banners of the loyal band.</p> - -<p>But, as in the days of Job, when the sons -of God went to worship, Satan went also. -Battle Row School House furnished a good -demonstration of the fact that,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“Wherever God erects a house of prayer,</div> -<div class="verse">The devil’s sure to build a chapel there;</div> -<div class="verse">And ’twill be found upon investigation,</div> -<div class="verse">The latter has by far the larger congregation.”</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>While the worshipers were in the midst -of great rejoicing, Satan’s hosts were holding -high carnival on the outside. Father -Scott was called upon, as he frequently was, -at the most critical stage in the meeting, to -lead in prayer. As his custom was, he knelt -with his face to the wall, and by chance his -mouth was dangerously near a huge crack. -While sailing away in the ether world, and -the people were hanging breathlessly upon -his earnest and eloquent words, all unexpectedly,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> -for some strange reason, the machinery -stopped. It was unusual for a -prayer to be terminated so abruptly without -the conventional “amen.” All eyes were -fixed upon Father Scott. What could have -happened? It was painfully apparent that -he was in distress. He was making a desperate -effort to clear some obstruction from -his throat, get his breath, and regain his -equilibrium.</p> - -<p>The proximity of Father Scott’s mouth -to the opening in the wall was too great a -provocation for the unregenerates on the -outside of the house to forego. One of them -had prepared a ball of mud, and with accurate -aim, threw it through the crack into the -brother’s mouth, putting him temporarily -out of commission. There was, of course, -confusion in the midst of Zion, but Father -Scott, whose battery had been silenced by -this unexpected maneuver, was soon able to -resume operations, and the battle was -pressed with increased vigor.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 440px;"> -<img src="images/illus5.jpg" width="440" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">A Prayer Without An Amen.</p> -</div> - -<p>There was another neglected community -adjacent to this charge. It was entirely -without church services or religious influences -of any kind. In the community lived -a well-to-do gentleman of the name of Owen, -whose wife was an invalid. Being of a religious -turn of mind, and deprived of church<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span> -privileges, she desired to have a meeting -held at her home mainly for her benefit. -Rev. Mr. Newgent was invited to conduct -the service. His Sundays being taken up by -his regular work, the meeting was held in a -forenoon during the week. A goodly company -of neighbors gathered out of respect -to the dear sister, and she enjoyed the occasion -so much that she invited them all back -for a service in the evening. The evening -meeting proved still more interesting, and it -was decided to continue the services indefinitely. -It developed into a grand revival -which resulted in many conversions, the organization -of a church, and the building of -a church-house. Among the first to come -to the mourner’s bench was Mr. Owen, the -generous host. He “came through” shouting -and became a strong, staunch, and -stormy defender of the faith.</p> - -<p>Among attendants at the revival were two -brothers, “Dave” and “Joe” Walker, notable -characters in a local way. Both were -proficient in the use of the violin, or, in the -vernacular of the day, they were great fiddlers. -Even if there was nothing else to -place them under the ban of pious sentiment, -this in itself would have been sufficient, for -the fiddle had been so exclusively associated -with bad company that it was supposed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> -have absorbed something of the evil spirits -of its companions, and in the superstitious -imaginations of many it possessed invisible -hoofs and horns, and a strange, infernal -power that was to be zealously avoided. -Hence, Dave and Joe were regarded as typical -“hard nuts,” and it cannot be denied -that they made an honest effort to live up -to their reputations. They were more familiar -with the conventionalities of the -country “hoe-down” than with the atmosphere -of a “big meetin’.” Until the revival -at the Owen home attracted their attention, -they had not been present at a church service -since they were boys. They became -fairly regular attendants at the meeting, -and in consequence, both got sick. Their illness -seemed to be of a peculiar character, as -neither of them could explain his symptoms -or give any clue as to the seat of the trouble.</p> - -<p>Joe became much worse one evening and -by midnight he began to think he was being -beckoned across the border. Dave, whose -condition was not so critical, was dispatched -to Prairieton for medical aid. While he -was gone, Joe got religion. This proved to -be all the treatment he needed. All unfavorable -symptoms disappeared, and he set -out post haste to meet his brother. Just before -he reached the village, he met Dave on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> -his way home, when the following colloquy -took place:</p> - -<p>“Oh, Dave, I’ve got all the medicine I -need. It ain’t pills we need, but religion.”</p> - -<p>“Bless the Lord, I’ve took the medicine, -too,” said Dave. He had also been converted -on his return from the doctor’s office. -It thus became apparent that their malady -was spiritual rather than physical, but being -unfamiliar with symptoms of that character, -they were unable to diagnose the case -until the remedy had been applied. The two -brothers were made every whit whole, soul -and body. They hung up “the fiddle and the -bow,” and their talents and energies were -turned loose along more legitimate channels.</p> - -<p>Vermilion Circuit, in Illinois, was the -scene of the next pastorate. Here a memorable -experience took place as he was making -his second “round” on the charge. Newgent, -like other strong men, has always had -some hobbies, legitimate hobbies in his case, -however, that were elements of strength in -his ministry. One of these is punctuality. -He has always been scrupulously punctual -in meeting his engagements. He never -misses a train from the fact that he is far -more likely to be at the station three-quarters -of an hour ahead of time than three-quarters<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> -of a minute late. He is a strict -believer in the maxim of the muse,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“Better be an hour early and stand and wait,</div> -<div class="verse">Than to be a moment behind the time.”</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>In filling appointments he observes the -same rule. He finds it helpful to be on -hand sufficiently early to meet and shake -hands with the advance guards of the congregation. -It affords a tonic for his wits -and puts him in a mood to be at his best.</p> - -<p>On his new charge was a church known -as Prairie Chapel. As usual, in his introductory -services he exhorted his people to -be punctual in their attendance, stating that -he made it a point to be on time, and that -if he at any time was not strictly “on the -dot,” they might know that something was -wrong. It so happened that at the very next -service the scrupulously punctual preacher -was behind time, and it also happened that -something was desperately wrong.</p> - -<p>As a sort of background to the scene to be -here presented, it would be well to state -that he was clad in a new suit, as preachers -usually were at the beginning of the year. -The new suit consisted of a complete outfit -from boots to hat and gloves, including also -that luxury which not every circuit rider -could afford, a fine shawl. It should further<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> -be explained that he was riding a colt, not -the nineteen-year-old variety with which he -traveled his first circuit, but a genuine -three-year-old, with all the fire and perverseness -of its kind. It might also be in order -to add, by way of parenthesis, that the Illinois -roads after the rains and frosts of September -began their maneuvers, were no respecters -of new clothes.</p> - -<p>Just before reaching Prairie Chapel, the -road crossed a slough some three hundred -feet wide. At this point the road was covered -by about three feet of water, or perhaps, -as it was difficult to tell just where -the water left off and the mud began, it -would be more exact to say that it was three -feet from the top of the water to the bottom -of the mud. It was covered with a thin -coating of ice. Newgent, being the first to -pass that way on that Sunday morning, had -to break the ice as he went. The colt did not -like the task to begin with, but as this was -the only road to the church and was fenced -on either side with a picket fence, a straightforward -course was the only alternative.</p> - -<p>The colt proceeded reluctantly until it -reached the middle of the slough. There it -became possessed with the spirit of Balam’s -beast and refused to go farther. Its purpose -seemed to be fixed as all the entreaties<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> -of the rider were unavailing. The church -was in plain view, and, like the wedding -guest of Coleridge’s immortal “Rime,” the -preacher could see and hear the people as -they were assembling, while he was transfixed -to the spot. Finally giving up hope -of going forward, he tried to turn the colt’s -head in the opposite direction, when, lo, he -found that it was as averse to turning back -as it was to going forward. Just what the -beast’s plan for the future was, could not -well be divined, for, to be in the middle of -a lake with no purpose of going either forward -or backward was, to say the least, a -position difficult to explain or defend. The -final bell rang for the morning service, and -the preacher began to realize that his reputation -for punctuality was in danger of being -water-soaked. A final desperate effort -was made to induce locomotion, but to no -avail.</p> - -<p>It was a real Slough of Despond. The -reverend’s heart sank to the bottom of his -new boots when he found that his only -chance was to dismount. This he proceeded -to do, supposing that he could at least lead -the beast out of the water. The water was -by no means comfortable, the mud filled his -boots, and apprehensive thoughts concerning -the unpresentable appearance he would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> -make at church, and the damage being done -to his new suit, and at the same time the -humiliation of being beaten out by a perverse -colt, all together did not tend to a -devotional frame of mind.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"> -<img src="images/illus6.jpg" width="600" height="440" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">An Unintentional Immersion.</p> -</div> - -<p>Taking the rein, he waded forward, expecting -the colt to follow, but it had no disposition -to be led; he gave the rein a sharp -pull, but the animal also had scruples -against being pulled. He then gave the rein -a jerk, putting all of his physical strength, -and possibly a bit of his temper into the -jerk, when, lo! the rein broke, and the -preacher, not thinking of such a contingency, -went splash into the water, being -completely submerged. Things were rapidly -going from bad to worse. It was of no use -under the circumstances, to try to maintain -ministerial dignity. Gathering himself together, -he made his way to the fence, and, -loosing a picket, he got behind the animal, -and with a few strokes where they would do -the most good, and unministerial maneuvers, -he got it started, and by an aggressive -follow-up campaign, they reached the shore -without further ceremony or delay.</p> - -<p>He hastened on to the church. The people -were waiting for the belated pastor, and -when he arrived, they saw at once there -had been a valid excuse for his tardiness.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> -There were four other ministers present, -and Newgent tried to get one of them to -preach in his stead, but all declined. So he -went on with the regular program, and -preached with his usual zeal while the water -was still dripping from his new suit. It -was one time at least when the congregation -was not bored with a dry preacher.</p> - -<p>After service he went home with one of -his members, borrowed some dry clothes, -and proceeded to fill his other appointments -for the day.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_Eight"><span class="smcap">Chapter Eight.</span></h2> - -<p><i>The New Goshen Pastorate—An Old Grudge Healed—Dry -Bones Revived—Memorable Year at “Dogtown”—“Death -in the Pot”—The Hittites Captured—The -“Jerks”—Other Remarkable Demonstrations—A -Rooster in the Missionary Collection—First -Debate—Unpleasant Sequel to a Horse -Trade.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>Following the Vermilion pastorate, two -years were spent on the New Goshen Circuit -in Vigo County, Indiana. This circuit -had ranked among the best in the conference, -but unfortunately had become weakened -and despoiled through internal dissension. -A chronic grudge between two of -the most prominent members had leavened -the whole lump with its unsavory effects. It -was one of those situations that afford a -pastor a splendid opportunity of losing his -ecclesiastical scalp, the very thing that happened -to a number of former pastors who -undertook to heal the sore. It was not Newgent’s -policy to take a hand in neighborhood -broils, or to break to the woods in the face -of such contingencies, but rather to “stand -still and see the salvation of the Lord.”</p> - -<p>His presiding elder told him that his first -duty on going to the circuit would be to get -the difficulty adjusted. It was suggested<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> -that as he was a stranger to both parties, -he would be the proper one to do it. He replied -that God had not called him to fix up -old grudges between church members, but -to save sinners.</p> - -<p>“But unless you get this done,” he was -told, “you had as well not go, for you can -never accomplish anything until the difficulty -is removed. He said he would not -bother the old grudge directly, and that if -there were sinners who wanted salvation, he -was sure God could save them in spite of -old, grouchy church members. He proceeded -at once to plan a revival campaign. -It is part of his philosophy that if a pastor’s -first revival effort is a success it begets confidence -on the part of the people and paves -the way for other victories. It is, therefore, -the part of wisdom to choose the easiest -place to begin with. Accordingly, he began -a meeting in the latter part of September -at the Rose Hill class, where he thought -there were the fewest hindrances. But the -people were still busy with their farm work, -and with the old trouble still visible around -the edges, producing a melancholy Indian -summer effect, he had very little encouragement. -Two weeks passed and only four persons -could be mustered for day services. He -preached to this quartet of faithful souls,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> -held prayer and class meetings with them, -and encouraged them in every possible way.</p> - -<p>“Tell the people to come,” he said to his -little band one day, as if seized with a sudden -revelation, “for we are going to have -the biggest revival they have ever seen. If -you can’t tell it on your own faith, tell them -the preacher said so.” They perhaps half-way -believed what he said. At least they -did as they were urged, and the crowd was -slightly increased the next day. And with -that service the revival really did begin. -The prophecy was fulfilled. It was by far -the greatest revival the community had -ever known, abundantly demonstrating the -preacher’s philosophy that when folks want -salvation, a few backslidden church members, -even with their bristles up, cannot prevent -them from getting it.</p> - -<p>New Goshen Class was the head and heart -of the circuit, likewise the seat of the -trouble that had been its thorn in the flesh. -Newgent proceeded to carry out his policy -of capturing the outposts before storming -this stronghold of opposition. The plan -worked admirably. Three meetings were -held, each of which resulted in a sweeping -revival. He was now ready for the Herculean -task, the final charge, New Goshen itself!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p> - -<p>Here it was seen how God moves in mysterious -ways, using the weak things to confound -the mighty. Some two miles from -town lived a family, all of whom were utterly -irreligious. The father was a drunkard -and a notably rough character. The -oldest daughter was an invalid, but on -learning of the meeting, she was taken with -a keen desire to attend. So she went to -visit with a family who lived just across -the street from the church, so that it would -be convenient for her. In the first service -she attended, she went to the altar, and was -not there long until she fell into a trance. -This was repeated the second and third -evenings. One of her brothers was present -the third evening, and when he saw his sister -so strangely affected, conviction seized -upon him so intensely that he likewise fell -over in an unconscious condition. When he -“came through” he was a new creature in -Christ. One after another of this wicked -family was taken captive by the power of -God until all were graciously saved.</p> - -<p>By this time the church began to rub its -eyes and take notice. The dry bones were -surely beginning to shake and show signs -of life. One evening as the power of God -was moving upon the people, the two brethren -who were responsible for the old trouble<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span> -on the circuit, were seen edging toward each -other, and when they got together, they -threw their arms around each other’s necks -and wept like children. The mother of one -of the men was present and when she saw -what was taking place, she sent up a shout -that really did wake the dead—the spiritually -dead of the congregation. Walls of -opposition suddenly gave way. The fire -from heaven fell as it fell on Sodom and -Gomorrah, not to destroy, but to wipe out -old scores and to make men and women -alive to God. The fortified city was taken. -The victory was complete.</p> - -<p>During this pastorate of two years, over -four hundred persons were added to the -church.</p> - -<p>One of his most successful and memorable -pastorates was that on the Charlestown Circuit, -in Illinois. The circuit had a very unsavory -reputation at the time. It was commonly -known by the undignified and uncomplimentary -name of “Dogtown.” Newgent -had asked to be sent to the worst charge the -conference had, and the reputation of Dogtown -made this a matter easily determined. -His predecessor had been egged and otherwise -badly handled.</p> - -<p>It was a serious question with the conference -as to whether a pastor should be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> -appointed to it, as it had proven itself so -unworthy. Besides, it was a proposition -that few men were willing to face, Newgent -being the only aspirant for the situation. -The salary the preceding year was $180, and -there was not a church paper taken on the -entire charge.</p> - -<p>Dogtown, the place which gave the name -and largely the reputation to the circuit, -was a straggling village noted only for its -general cussedness. Newgent declared that -it had never been named after a good dog, -but more likely after the lowest bred cur in -the country. The name, however, was partially -a corruption of Diona, by which name -the town had been christened; but the appropriateness -of the former name was so evident -that it naturally stuck, and the original -name was well nigh forgotten. Though the -place was utterly fallen from righteousness—if -it ever possessed any—and was inclined -to evil and evil only, it had the one advantage -of being well churched. It had two -church-houses, each serving as the home for -two denominations. Thus, four denominations -were diligently casting their pearls -into this swine-wallow only to have them -trampled under foot. The Methodists and -Baptists occupied one house, and the Cumberland -Presbyterians and United Brethren<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> -the other. They suffered no inconvenience -through lack of room, as the combined membership -of the four churches numbered only -fourteen, seven of whom belonged to the -United Brethren.</p> - -<p>It was one of those melancholy days, a -Sunday afternoon in September, when the -new circuit rider arrived to fill his first appointment -at Dogtown. Of course the seven -members of his flock were present to take -his measure. The task was soon done. -They were crestfallen when they saw as -their spiritual advisor an unpretentious, -boyish-looking fellow, somewhat below the -standard size, and possessing little of the -air and dignity and gravity of a ripe circuit -rider, according to their staid notions. The -faithful seven, like the proverbial birds of -a feather, occupied a portion of the house -to themselves; their long faces turned full -upon the pastor, added to the melancholy of -that autumn afternoon. Nor did the small -sprinkling of stray sheep throughout the -plain old building serve to any considerable -extent as a counter-irritant.</p> - -<p>Newgent was keeping a “stiff upper lip” -as he introduced the services. The preliminary -exercises were about finished, and he -was about to begin the sermon; the congregation -was droning out a familiar tune<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> -when a raw, strapping native came stalking -in. He presented a unique appearance. He -was barefooted, his trousers were rolled up -to his knees, he wore no coat, and his -checked shirt was unbuttoned at the collar. -No sooner was he seated than another in exactly -similar manner and costume followed. -One after another followed until upwards in -thirty came in, all dressed exactly alike, and -so timing their movements as to give time -for each to be seated before another followed, -making the procession as long as -possible—to the amusement of the pastor -and the stray sheep, and the utter consternation -of the faithful seven.</p> - -<p>It struck the witty Irishman at once that -they were not trying to install him as the -Presbyterians do their pastors, but rather -to forestall him after the manner of Dogtown; -and he made up his mind not to be -forestalled. He was certain they did not -want any religion and he had no religion to -throw away. He had his subject in mind, -but he thought it best to select a more appropriate -one. Accordingly, he announced -as his text, “Oh, man of God, there is death -in the pot.” He talked about twenty minutes, -putting in the entire time telling his -funniest stories, and pouring in one broadside -after another of his Irish wit and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span> -humor. It was a diplomatic move. All -seemed heartily to enjoy the “sermon,” except -the seven members of his own congregation. -The proceeding was most too irregular -for their conventional tastes. The -members of his uniformed guard were especially -delighted. Every witticism was -greeted with vociferous applause, by the -stamping of their bare feet, clapping of -hands, and unrestrained, boisterous laughter.</p> - -<p>“I would not black my boots to hear a -long, dry sermon,” said the preacher by -way of conclusion. “You are a fine looking -set of fellows. I have been sent by the conference -to preach to you, and I am sure we -will get along well together. Now, if you -see me at any time looking hungry, or if it -is near night, take me in. I am an Irishman -and easily pleased. And if I see any -of you near my home, I will treat you the -same. But, gentlemen, I have the most -beautiful little wife you ever set eyes on. -Now, I expect to bring her with me the next -time, and you must be sure to put your boots -on and fix up a little.”</p> - -<p>When he dismissed he went back among -this raw element, shaking hands and talking -freely with each one. Much of his time -between that and the next appointment was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> -spent studying “mischief”—loading up for -the next discharge. His second talk was -even more humorous than the first, having -been prepared especially for the crowd and -the occasion. In the meantime his fame had -been spread broadcast, and an immense -crowd was present to see and hear the “wild -Irishman.” A number were congregated at -the door for the purpose of greeting him -upon his arrival at the church.</p> - -<p>At the third appointment he had an overflow -crowd. As he was walking down the -aisle to the pulpit, a brother whom he recognized -as one of the true and blue seven of -the first service, plucked him aside and -whispered:</p> - -<p>“Parson, you’ve got ’em. You’re the -smartest feller that ever struck this place. -These fellers say you’ve got to have order if -they have to fight for it.”</p> - -<p>“That’s what I’ve been fishing for,” said -Newgent. He began a revival at this time. -Ere long the great, rough fellows who -laughed so heartily at his jokes were crowding -to the mourner’s bench, shedding tears -of penitence, crying for mercy, and piercing -the air with shouts of victory as one after -another emerged into the light and liberty -of God’s children. A marvelous work was -wrought in that sin-polluted community. As<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span> -the lives of these hardy backwoodsmen were -transformed by the power of Christ, they -became as potent for righteousness as they -had been for evil. Just how many were converted -could not be definitely ascertained. -One hundred sixty-one members were added -to the United Brethren Church, besides -those that joined the other churches of the -town.</p> - -<p>There was an appointment some few miles -from Dogtown named Liberty. It was practically -dead as a church, there being but -five names on the roll, and they represented -very little in spiritual assets. He began a -revival campaign here immediately following -the meeting in town, which proved even -more far-reaching in its results. He has always -regarded it as the most remarkable -revival in his entire ministry. The power -of God in the conviction of sinners was irresistible. -Strong men and women were -stricken unconscious in almost every service. -As many as fifty persons could be -counted lying in an unconscious condition -at one time.</p> - -<p>A peculiar feature of this revival was the -presence of that strange, nervous phenomenon -among the people, known as the “jerks.” -This strange manifestation prevailed in -many of the early revivals where unusual<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> -power was displayed. It was especially -prevalent in what is known as the great -Cumberland revival which swept over the -eastern part of Kentucky and Tennessee. -Whatever the explanation of this phenomenon, -it usually accompanied a deep emotional -state, saints and sinners alike being -subject to it. The mystery of it and the fact -that it often became quite violent, especially -on persons who resisted the influence of the -meetings, gave it much weight in these early -revivals. Peter Cartwright, in his well-known -autobiography, describes the physical -effects of the jerks as follows:</p> - -<p>“No matter whether they were saints or -sinners, they would be taken under a warm -song or sermon, and seized with a convulsive -jerking all over, which they could not -by any possibility avoid, and the more they -resisted, the more they jerked. If they -would not strive against it and would pray -in good earnest, the jerking would usually -abate. I have seen more than five hundred -persons jerking at one time in any large -congregation. Most usually persons taken -with the jerks, to obtain relief, would rise -up and dance. Some would run but could -not get away. Some would resist; on such -the jerks were usually very severe.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></p> - -<p>The meeting was accompanied by a variety -of spiritual demonstrations, remarkable -both in their character and extent. It was -entirely beyond human control. It continued -four months, day and night. Most of -the time there was no preaching, for there -was no opportunity for a sermon, and none -was needed. The people would gather, singing -and shouting as they came, and the singing, -shouting, and praying would continue -spontaneously. Penitents would go to the -altar without an invitation, often as soon as -they arrived.</p> - -<p>The entire community was charged with -a peculiar spiritual atmosphere, the limit of -which seemed distinctly drawn. It was -termed the “dead line.” On reaching this -line the individual, whether a Christian or -not, would at once be seized with intense -religious emotion. On passing out of this -region the change was as distinctly felt as -on entering it.</p> - -<p>So great was the interest in the surrounding -country that six schools were closed. -One teacher sent to the church for help. -Some brethren went to see what was the -matter, and found the entire school practically -prostrate with conviction. School was -turned into prayer meeting. A number, including<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> -the teacher, were converted, and -school was indefinitely suspended.</p> - -<p>The pulpit and platform were smashed -into kindling wood at one of the services. -People performed physical feats utterly -impossible under ordinary circumstances, -such as walking across the house on the -backs of the pews with their faces turned -straight upward. Late one night after the -service had closed, a family in the neighborhood -heard singing in the direction of the -church. Not knowing what it meant, they -investigated. But on approaching the -church they noticed that the singing was -overhead as if produced by an invisible -choir in the upper air.</p> - -<p>Whatever question may enter the mind as -to the nature of these phenomena, there is -no question as to the genuineness of the -work of grace wrought in that section of -country. It was swept as completely by the -revival as a prairie is swept by fire. And -the effects were abiding, even the more extraordinary -forms of spiritual fervor continuing -indefinitely.</p> - -<p>This was a season of strenuous physical -activity on the part of Rev. Mr. Newgent. -This meeting lasted four months, and for -three months in addition he was in revival -meetings continuously.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span></p> - -<p>From being the worst circuit in the conference, -Dogtown suddenly became the best. -It reported the largest salary. And that -year it led the entire denomination in the -number of church papers taken. Prizes -were offered by the publisher for the largest -club in any conference, and also a sweepstakes -prize for the largest club in the -Church. Newgent won both the conference -and the sweepstakes prize, which was the -more remarkable when we recall that there -was not a paper taken on the charge when -he was appointed to it.</p> - -<p>Near the close of his memorable meeting -at Dogtown, he announced that he would -take a missionary offering the following -Sunday, and urged the people to come prepared. -The missionary meeting was full of -enthusiasm, as all his meetings were when -a collection was involved. As he was exhorting -the congregation to give freely to -send the gospel to the heathen, the door -opened and a boy bearing in his arms a large -rooster came walking down the aisle. As an -evidence that the old-time Dogtown spirit -was not wholly dead, some mischievous fellows -planned to have some fun at the -preacher’s expense by putting a rooster in -the missionary collection. The bird was not -only large, but also quite game, and was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span> -almost too much for the lad who was to -do the presentation act in behalf of the -gang. As he proceeded toward the pulpit, -his courage began to fail and he hesitated, -possibly waiting to see what sort of effect -he was producing. The preacher took in -the situation at a glance.</p> - -<p>“Come on,” he said to the half-frightened -lad, “I’m the fellow who likes chicken.”</p> - -<p>With this encouragement the boy went -forward and placed his gift in the hands of -the preacher, who received it smilingly and -thanked him for his generous contribution -to the missionary cause. He asked one of -the brethren in the “amen corner” to care -for his charge while he finished the service. -He kept the rooster until fall and took it -to the annual conference. In presenting his -report, he related the incident and asked in -a jocular vein what should be done with the -rooster. A dignified, sober-minded brother -moved that the rooster be sold and the proceeds -be reported to the missionary fund, -and that the undignified proceedings be -closed. The motion carried.</p> - -<p>“All right,” said the wiley Irishman, assuming -the pose of an auctioneer, “how -much am I offered for the rooster? How -much do I hear? How much?” Some one -ventured a bid. “Sold,” said the preacher-auctioneer<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> -amid a roar of laughter, and the -conference proceeded to more serious matters.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 440px;"> -<img src="images/illus7.jpg" width="440" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">A Unique Missionary Offering.</p> -</div> - -<p>It was on this charge that he had his first -debate. His popularity and success in winning -converts led to a challenge from a -brother in the Christian (Disciples) church, -who was then serving as pastor at Charlestown, -Illinois. The question discussed was -the divinity of Christ. Newgent took the -positive position, affirming that “Christ is -the very and eternal God apart from his -human nature.” The debate was held at -Salisbury, Illinois, creating a great deal of -interest and attracting a large crowd. That -the contest resulted in an easy victory for -our subject was attested by the fact that he -received an offer from the elders of his opponent’s -church of fifteen hundred dollars -a year to become their pastor, which, at that -time, was considered an enormous sum.</p> - -<p>“I would not preach your doctrine for -fifteen hundred dollars a year,” he said, “to -say nothing of losing my time and self-respect.”</p> - -<p>“We are not asking you to preach the doctrine,” -they said, “all we ask is that you -become our pastor; you are at liberty to -preach your own convictions.” But he was -not on the market.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span></p> - -<p>Another interesting experience during -this pastorate came as the sequel to a horse -trade. One of his neighbors, a brother in -the Church, coveted his fine driving horse, -and bantered him for a trade. “I have the -very horse you need,” he urged, and offered -what seemed to be a fair bargain. And -after the usual ceremonies and preliminaries, -the deal was pulled off.</p> - -<p>The next day being Sunday, the pastor -hitched up his new horse early, and taking -his wife and babe, started for his appointment. -The animal soon showed signs of -treachery, arousing the suspicions of its -owner, but they went on. They got on quite -well until they came to a low swale in the -road over which the water stood several inches -deep. When they were about half-way -across, the horse stopped and looked -back to see if they were coming. But they -had also stopped. Newgent, who had some -knowledge of “horseology,” saw that they -were in for it. It being a warm, summer -day, an innumerable multitude of mosquitoes -soon collected to express their sympathy -and to divert the attention of the unfortunate -family from their troubles.</p> - -<p>“Here’s a chance to show that we can -keep sweet,” said the preacher to his wife, -“even under trying circumstances.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span></p> - -<p>The circumstances were indeed trying, -for he spent a couple of hours trying to -argue the horse out of his position, but the -horse was not open to conviction. At the -same time he was making a desperate effort -to keep sweet, which, with the mosquitoes -diligently plying their trade—as it was too -good a business opportunity for them to let -pass—and the hour for the morning service -passing, was not as easy a task as it -would have been under less trying circumstances.</p> - -<p>“Well,” he finally said to his wife, sweetly, -“we are going out of here.”</p> - -<p>“When?” was her meek reply.</p> - -<p>“Just as soon as possible.” And removing -his boots and some other parts of wearing -apparel that could be temporarily dispensed -with, he got out of the buggy and -carried the baby to a dry place. He then -removed his wife to the shore, after which -he proceeded to unhitch the horse from the -buggy, or rather to unhitch the buggy from -the horse, as the buggy was movable and the -horse was not. A strategic plan was then -inaugurated by making a natural appeal to -the animal’s stubbornness. This was done -by hitching the horse to the rear axle-tree of -the buggy, which proved a decided success, -at least to the extent of getting both the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> -horse and buggy out of the water. Newgent -then hitched up according to the conventional -style, and with his family started -homeward in deep meditation. He filled no -appointment that day. He found it difficult -to see the point in his neighbor’s argument -that “this was the very horse he needed,” -unless it was to stimulate the grace of patience, -which is a much-needed quality in a -preacher. Since then he has stoutly maintained -that it is a bad thing for a preacher -to swap horses—unless he is sure he can -make a better trade.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_Nine"><span class="smcap">Chapter Nine.</span></h2> - -<p><i>Labors at Mattoon, Illinois—A Persistent Campaign -and a Great Victory—Second New Goshen Pastorate—A -Coincidence—Success at Prairieton—Laboring -in the Shadow—The Death of Mrs. -Newgent—A Bishop’s Tribute to her Character.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>The scene of his next labors was Mattoon, -Illinois. This was a city of some ten thousand -inhabitants. It had been marked by -a mushroom growth, having sprung from a -small village within a few years. More attention, -however, had been given to its material -development than to its moral and religious -welfare. It had eleven churches, but -what members they had, were received -mostly by letter. Like the city itself, the -churches were made up of a conglomeration -of heterogeneous elements. All were lacking -in efficient organization, stability, and -vital godliness.</p> - -<p>Rev. Mr. Newgent’s church, the United -Brethren, like most of the others, was new -in the city. It had but twelve members -when he took charge. He at once conceived -the idea of enlisting the various churches in -a great and much-needed revival campaign. -He met the local pastors and proposed that -all join in a concerted, evangelistic effort—each<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> -to begin a meeting in his own church -on the same date and continue until victory -was achieved. The plan was unanimously -agreed to, and on New Year’s Day the campaign -began.</p> - -<p>It was a stubborn fight. The bombardment -was kept up by all the churches -through the entire month of January with -no apparent results. One after another of -the pastors then became discouraged and -hauled down his colors. By the end of February -all the batteries had ceased except -two, one of them being Newgent’s. Some of -his members, convinced of the utter futility -of the effort, counseled him to quit. But he -was determined to fight it out on that line -if it took all summer; and it looked as -though it might take several summers. The -largest congregation he had during those -two months numbered twenty-four.</p> - -<p>With the beginning of the third month -there were unmistakable evidences of a -thaw. Interest was awakened, congregations -increased, and on the fifth day of -March the ice gave way completely. At the -morning service the altar was crowded with -anxious penitents, and twenty-one were graciously -converted. The news was heralded -throughout the city. It was as though a -mighty miracle had been wrought. Newgent’s<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> -church became the center of intense -interest, the subject of conversation in the -stores and shops and on the streets. At -night it seemed as if all Mattoon was seized -with a sudden impulse to go to church. The -house was filled long before the appointed -hour for worship, and the sexton reported -that over five hundred people were turned -away. The few days following witnessed -stirring scenes in that church. Multitudes -were converted; no definite account could -be taken of their number. One hundred and -twenty-eight members were added to the -United Brethren Church, and other churches -of the city profited largely from the fruits -of the meeting. It was the first genuine -revival Mattoon had ever enjoyed.</p> - -<p>“What I lacked in sense, I made up in -holding on,” was Rev. Mr. Newgent’s modest -comment on the situation. But in this case -holding on was only in keeping with his -usual good judgment. It was a case where -not only prayer and fasting, but also perseverance -were required. Perseverance, however, -is one of his strong points. As a pastor -he made it a rule to continue a meeting -until success was realized, a rule that seldom -had to be waived.</p> - -<p>His labors at Mattoon were followed by -a pastorate of two years on the New Goshen<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> -charge, making, with a former pastorate of -the same length, an aggregate of four years -of pastoral services on this field. During -these four years he received over six hundred -members into the Church and built two -church-houses. His work here was also -made memorable by what might be termed -his first great debate, the details of which -are reserved for the next chapter.</p> - -<p>The year following was a dark year in -his experience, made so by the failure of his -wife’s health, which resulted in her death. -He was serving the Prairieton charge, a -charge he had served some years before. -His labors here were attended by the usual -success—gracious revivals, increased spiritual -life and activity, churches thrilled with -new zeal and power. A coincidence worth -noting in this connection is that his two -terms of service on this field resulted in an -equal number of accessions to the Church, -203 in each case. “I do not think,” he -quaintly remarked concerning his second -pastorate, “that these were the same 203 -that I received when I was there before.” -The sorry experiences of many pastors with -vacillating church members occasioned and -justified the remark.</p> - -<p>A great meeting at Prairieton stirred up -the congregation and led to the rebuilding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> -of their church. It was, however, a great -struggle. The church was not strong financially, -and the task almost overtaxed their -resources. Rev. Mr. Newgent labored unceasingly -to pull the enterprise through to a -successful consummation, contributing of -his own scanty means over three hundred -dollars, which necessitated the selling of -some of his household goods.</p> - -<p>And now, to add to his already heavy burdens, -came that which for some time had -been recognized as inevitable, and under -the deep shadow of which he had been laboring -with a heavy heart—the death of his -companion. “Kitty” Newgent, as she was -affectionately called by her husband and intimate -friends, was never strong in body, -and for many months she had lingered near -the land of shadows. On the day set for -the dedication of the church, for the success -of which they both prayed and toiled and -struggled so heroically, she passed triumphantly -to her heavenly home. “Her sun went -down while it was yet day.”</p> - -<p>She died about eight o’clock in the morning. -Bishop Jonathan Weaver, who had -been secured to dedicate the church, was on -the ground for that purpose. When it was -learned that the pastor’s wife had passed -away, the Bishop and members of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> -church suggested that the dedicatory services -be postponed. But as she had helped -to plan the day’s program, and was so anxious -for the success of the occasion, Rev. -Mr. Newgent urged that the plans be carried -out. So the program of the day was -carried out tenderly and lovingly, the -church set apart to the worship of Almighty -God, while he and his three motherless little -ones remained in their sad home by the -silent form of the precious wife and mother. -Bishop Weaver remained to conduct her -funeral. The following account and worthy -tribute from his gifted pen was published -at the time in the <i>Religious Telescope</i>, the -official organ of the United Brethren -Church:</p> - -<p>“Some time ago I arranged with Brother -Newgent of the Prairieton Circuit, Lower -Wabash Conference, to attend the dedication -of a church on his field of labor. Accordingly -I left home on Saturday, June 13, -and reached Prairieton late in the evening. -Upon my arrival there I learned that -Brother Newgent’s wife was very ill; yet I -supposed she might recover. Sunday morning -the bell tolled and I knew that some one -had passed away. I immediately started for -Brother Newgent’s home, and on reaching -it learned that his wife had just died. It<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> -was, indeed, a sad sight. For seventeen years -they had shared the sacrifices and trials incident -to the life of an itinerant. Now he -was left with the care of three little children -to fight the battles of life alone. Brother -Newgent, as he is wont to do, labored hard -to get the church in readiness for dedication, -anticipating a good time. But it was -a sad day. We attended to the service and -dedicated the church with feelings of deep -sympathy for the pastor, who, with his little -ones, sat beside the earthly remains of -a beloved wife.</p> - -<p>“Sister Newgent was a patient, kind-hearted -Christian woman. She had been in -delicate health for a number of years, but -neither murmured nor complained. And -when the end came, she quietly fell asleep -in Jesus. On account of her delicate health, -Brother Newgent, for a number of years, -seldom remained away from home over -night. He would fill his appointment and -ride home after services. But no matter -how late at night he would return, he would -always find a light burning, and usually -she would sit up until he returned. But the -light is gone out—no, it is burning still. -‘There’s a light in the window for thee, -brother.’”</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_Ten"><span class="smcap">Chapter Ten.</span></h2> - -<p><i>First Great Debate—The Debate as an Institution—The -Challenge—Opponents get Weak-Kneed, Prolonging -Maneuvers—A Hungry Multitude Unfed—Battle -Begins—Questions Discussed—An Improvised -Creed for his Opponent—A Premature -Baptism—An Opponent’s Tribute to his Genius—Crowning -the Victor.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>In the earlier days of the church great -stress was laid upon matters of doctrine. -Mooted theological questions occasioned -much controversy among the “brethren.” -Preachers gave special attention to the particular -tenets of their respective churches, -often decrying with heavy hearts the doctrinal -shortcomings of sister denominations. -While this was a fault of the times which -a broader Christian spirit is overcoming, yet -it had its compensating features. In an age -of controversy it became every man to have -some knowledge, not only of his own church, -but also of other churches. It is a fact that -people generally were better informed on -doctrinal lines than in these latter days -when the church is swinging so near the opposite -extreme. The doctrinal sermon was -then the order of the day, while now it is -the rare exception.</p> - -<p>The public debate was a popular means -of testing the merits of rival religious systems,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> -though in reality it was more a test -of the men engaged than of their theology. -Nor was the debate confined to matters religious. -Its field was unlimited. In politics -it was a favorite method of testing -political issues and leaders, and of spreading -political information. The great Lincoln-Douglas -debate is a notable instance. -Hence, while it has lost prestige somewhat, -the debate once was an honorable and -powerful institution. The victor in such -a contest was regarded much as the ancient -Greeks regarded the winners in the Olympian -games. And he was greatly in demand -to defend the doctrines of his church against -their adversaries. Every pastor needed to -cultivate the debating faculty to some extent, -at least, for self-protection, just as it -was necessary for the early New Englanders -to carry their guns with them to church.</p> - -<p>It was during Rev. Mr. Newgent’s second -pastorate at New Goshen that he had his -first great debate, and was thrust by force of -circumstances into the debating arena. -Among his numerous converts were a large -number who held the faith enunciated by -the Rev. Alexander Campbell, and commonly -designated as “Campbellites.” This -stirred the controversial fires, and in consequence -he received a challenge from members<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> -of that body to debate publicly certain -questions on which the two churches were, -perhaps, more content to differ than to -agree.</p> - -<p>He was quite content to promulgate his -faith in the ordinary way, feeling that the -results of his work were sufficient proof of -the genuineness of his theology. Hence, he -sought to avoid being pressed into this sort -of contest, even proposing to secure a man -to represent his church. But they regarded -him as the high priest of his profession, and -as they had suffered at his hands, they demanded -that he represent his side in person. -Seeing there was no honorable way of -escape, he reluctantly consented, and preliminaries -were arranged.</p> - -<p>His opponent was a Rev. Mr. Price. The -place selected was a beautiful grove near -the village of West Liberty, Vigo County, -Indiana. A vast throng of people were -present the day the debate was to open. But -they were doomed to disappointment. Just -as they were getting ready to begin, representatives -from the opposition approached -Rev. Mr. Newgent and asked if they might -be permitted to let the Rev. William Holt, -D.D., champion their side instead of Mr. -Price. Doctor Holt was a recognized giant -among the Campbellites. He was a veteran<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> -of thirty-two battles in the debating field, -and was one of the foremost expounders of -the tenets of his church.</p> - -<p>Whether or not it was the wish of Mr. -Price to be relieved, it was quite evident -that there was a lack of confidence somewhere. -At any rate the opposition felt -more secure with their cause committed to -the hands of their great captain, armed, as -he was, with education and eloquence, and -skilled in the art and science of debate. All -felt that it was to be a great contest, significant -in its results, and that no chances -should be taken.</p> - -<p>Rev. Mr. Newgent consented to the -change on condition that the debate be postponed -a couple of months to afford time for -further preparation. The condition was -accepted, and the multitudes were sent away -hungry, disappointed, and dejected. The -responsibility was thrown upon the Campbellites, -as their unwillingness to let Mr. -Price champion their side was the cause of -the postponement. For the Irish circuit -rider it was a diplomatic stroke, a bloodless -victory to begin with.</p> - -<p>The two months were well spent by Rev. -Mr. Newgent in preparation for this greater -contest. The delay only seemed to increase -popular interest in the affair; and when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> -they again met, the crowd was even larger -than before. The discussions consumed -eleven days. However, the time was divided -into two sections with an intervening period -of four or five weeks. It was estimated -that from eight thousand to ten thousand -people attended daily throughout, among -them being a large number of ministers of -various denominations. Six boarding tents -did a thriving business. In fact, the debate -was the great event of the year. A political -campaign could not have created more interest -and excitement.</p> - -<p>The discussions covered six propositions, -as follows:</p> - -<p>1. The church of which I, William Holt, -am a member, is identical in doctrine and -practice with the Church of Christ, as revealed -in the Scriptures. Holt affirmed.</p> - -<p>2. Jesus Christ is the very and eternal -God, separate and apart from his human -nature. Newgent affirmed.</p> - -<p>3. Water baptism is for the remission of -the past sins of the penitent believer. Holt -affirmed.</p> - -<p>4. The Holy Spirit bears a direct, immediate, -and personal testimony to the believer -of his pardon. Newgent affirmed.</p> - -<p>5. Immersion is the only act of Christian -baptism. Holt affirmed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span></p> - -<p>6. After a person is sufficiently instructed -in the written Word, the Holy -Spirit operates directly upon the heart in -regeneration. Newgent affirmed.</p> - -<p>In most respects the two men were well -matched. Holt was a man of scholarship, -a deep, logical thinker, and possessed oratorical -ability of a high order, which, with -the practice afforded by thirty-two debating -bouts, rendered him an antagonist not to be -despised. Newgent, then in his prime, possessed -a splendid physique, a strong, musical -voice that seemed never to tire, which -was especially adapted for out-door speaking. -Though not a product of the schools, -as was his opponent, his mind was strong, -clear, and alert. He was ever a close student, -not only of books, but of human nature. -He could readily analyze a proposition -as much by intuition as by logic, and -discern at a glance the weak places in his -opponent’s position. His wit and humor -served him well in such matters. When he -turned the shafts of ridicule upon a weak -point in the position of an opponent, it was -as though all the batteries, field pieces, -grape and canister, and every other instrument -of destructive warfare had been turned -loose at once. As there were none of the -scholastic or bookish elements in his style,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> -he invariably had the sympathy of the -masses.</p> - -<p>Doctor Holt made the opening address, -affirming that his was the only true church—“identical -in doctrine and practice with -the Church of Christ as revealed in the -Scriptures.” He referred to various doctrines -held by his church and supported -them by Scriptural authority. In most -cases they were doctrines accepted by all -evangelical churches, affording no ground -for controversy. The address was eloquent -and logical.</p> - -<p>When Newgent arose to reply, he complimented -the brother’s address and expressed -his approval of much that was said. -“But now, Mr. Moderator,” he continued, “I -would like to know what church my brother -belongs to when he asserts that they believe -thus and so. He frequently referred to ‘My -church.’ If he belongs to a church, how are -we to know, in the absence of a written -creed, what the doctrines of his church are? -Shall we take his statements? That would -not be safe, for I find that they differ among -themselves on various important points.</p> - -<p>“According to Mr. Webster, he has no -church. Webster says, ‘The Church of -Christ is the universal body of Christ.’ Paul -speaks of the ‘whole family in heaven and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> -earth.’ All saints in heaven and on earth -belong to the Church of Christ. This includes -the children. When the disciples -asked Jesus who was greatest in the kingdom -of heaven, he ‘called a little child unto -him and set him in the midst of them, and -said, Verily, I say unto you, except ye be -converted and become as little children, ye -shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.’</p> - -<p>“Hence, his church is not THE Church of -Christ, neither is it A church of Christ. -Again, according to Webster, ‘A church of -Christ is a body of Christian believers, observing -the same rites and acknowledging -the same ecclesiastical authority.’ It denies -all creeds and all ecclesiastical authority. -Hence, it cannot be A church of Christ.”</p> - -<p>He then appealed to the president, urging -that, in the absence of a written creed, they -should take the writings of their recognized -church leaders to ascertain what the doctrines -of his opponent’s church—granting -that it was a church—were. The president -so ruled. It then became the duty of Doctor -Holt to show that the doctrines indicated -were the doctrines of his church according -to the church authorities, and also that they -were Scripturally sound; and furthermore -to prove that other doctrines promulgated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> -by the church leaders, which he had not -mentioned, were in strict harmony with the -Word.</p> - -<p>This opened up a bigger field than even -the great high priest of Campbellism was -prepared to occupy. Newgent was as familiar -with the teachings of his opponent’s -church as Doctor Holt was himself, and had -foreseen and prepared for this emergency.</p> - -<p>“I knew you would not be prepared for -this, so I thought I would be good to you,” -he said in a manner suggesting a cat’s habit -of playing with a mouse just before crushing -its bones, “I have, therefore, prepared a -creed from the writings of Mr. Campbell -and other leaders of your church, which will -enable us to ascertain what your church -teaches.”</p> - -<p>He then read the following improvised -creed, the different items of which were -based upon statements cited in the writings -of recognized authorities of the church Doctor -Holt was so zealously defending:</p> - -<p>I. We profess before all men that we believe -in water baptism by immersion; that -it is the great panacea for all spiritual maladies.</p> - -<p>II. Immersion is the line between the -saved and the lost.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p> - -<p>III. Immersion is regeneration, conversion, -and the new birth.</p> - -<p>IV. Immersion is obeying the gospel; it -alone is the act of turning to God.</p> - -<p>V. Repentance, pardon, justification, -sanctification, reconciliation, adoption, salvation, -a good conscience, a pure heart, love -to God, saving faith, acceptable prayer, the -reception of the Holy Spirit, and the intercession -of Christ for us, all depend upon -immersion.</p> - -<p>VI. Immersion is the converting act, and -is the most important of all the commandments.</p> - -<p>VII. The water is the mother of all -Christians.</p> - -<p>VIII. We further believe that the Apostles -set up the kingdom of Christ on the Day -of Pentecost.</p> - -<p>IX. That the gospel was first preached -by Peter, that the first Christian baptism -was administered, and that the reign of -grace began on the Day of Pentecost.</p> - -<p>X. That the kingdom of Christ has apostatized -and become totally corrupt.</p> - -<p>XI. That the meaning of the Christian -institutions was lost in the Dark Ages, and -that no one pleaded the true cause of Christ -from the great apostasy until Mr. Campbell’s -day.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span></p> - -<p>XII. That the true foundation of the -millennial church was lost, and that it was -laid again in the present century.</p> - -<p>XIII. That we have restored the ancient -gospel.</p> - -<p>XIV. That Mr. Campbell, with others, -has from nothing reorganized and established -the kingdom of Christ on earth.</p> - -<p>XV. That salvation is alone in the society -to which we belong, and which was established -in the present century.</p> - -<p>XVI. We believe in a reformation produced -without the Holy Spirit, without -godly sorrow, or mourning, or prayer, or -any act of devotion whatever.</p> - -<p>XVII. That a mere persuasion that the -gospel is true is all the faith required.</p> - -<p>XVIII. That even a believer is not pardoned, -born of God, or in possession of -spiritual life until after immersion.</p> - -<p>XIX. That no sinner has a right to pray -before immersion.</p> - -<p>XX. That in regeneration there is no -change of the moral powers or inward evidence -of the same.</p> - -<p>XXI. That sinners are buried in the water -in order to kill them to sin.</p> - -<p>XXII. That salvation is by works.</p> - -<p>XXIII. We deny the divine call to the -work of the ministry.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span></p> - -<p>The foregoing propositions had been carefully -selected with proof statements by Rev. -Mr. Newgent. To square them by the Word -of God was a task that even a greater than -Doctor Holt might well have shrunk from. -And the opening battle which was to decide -the question as to whether or not the church -of Doctor Holt’s choice was identical in doctrine -and practice with the New Testament -church resulted in a decided advantage in -favor of the Irishman.</p> - -<p>Among the amusing incidents connected -with the occasion was an attempt on the -part of the Holt allies to create a demonstration -favorable to their cause. On the -day when the subject of baptism was up, a -rumor came to Newgent’s ears that a pretended -convert to his opponent’s doctrine -would present himself for admission to the -Campbellite Church at the evening service. -A baptismal service would then be held the -following morning in a nearby creek in the -presence of the crowd, affording ocular evidence -that the champion of immersion -was gaining ground. This, attended with -all the pomp and display necessary to make -it impressive, it was expected, would prove -a staggering blow to Newgent, from which -even his wit and humor would not enable -him to rally.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span></p> - -<p>He did not give much credence to the -rumor, scarcely believing that any one -would resort to such tactics, but thought it -best to keep at least one eye open. The -evening services were held in the churches, -both denominations being represented in the -village. Each church would have preaching -by a visiting minister of its own faith. Ordinarily -those who cared to attend would -go to their own church, the champions themselves -remaining at home to rest and gird -themselves for the next day. Newgent, however, -curious to learn whether there was any -foundation for the rumor, on that particular -evening attended the service at his opponent’s -church. To his surprise, he saw -Doctor Holt there. He then smelled a rat. -At the close of the sermon, Doctor Holt -arose, delivered a brief exhortation and -opened the doors of the church. And the -rat smelled stronger.</p> - -<p>All doubts were dispelled when an old, -rusty-looking gentleman limped forward -and gave the preacher his hand. This was -the convert that the eloquence of Doctor -Holt had won to the standard of Campbellism—an -old, decrepit man, by no means distinguished -for learning or intelligence, who -had been imported from an adjoining county -for the occasion!</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 440px;"> -<img src="images/illus8.jpg" width="440" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">REV. ANDREW JACKSON NEWGENT</p> -<p class="caption">At age of forty.</p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p> - -<p>The doctor was, of course, glad that one -penitent was making the “good confession,” -and announced that on to-morrow morning -at eight o’clock, just before the day’s exercises -would begin, they would repair to the -creek and “baptize the brother into Christ.”</p> - -<p>At this juncture Rev. Mr. Newgent arose -and asked if he might say a few words. The -permission was granted. “Doctor,” he said, -“I have been taking it for granted that you -were sincere in advocating that the penitent’s -sins were pardoned only in the act -of baptism. Now, here is a dear brother -desiring to flee the wrath to come. Suppose -he should die before eight o’clock to-morrow -morning, and thus be lost. Who would be -responsible? He is getting old. Aren’t you -running an awful risk in exposing his soul -to eternal death until to-morrow? Doctor, -don’t you think it would be safer and more -consistent to take this brother at once to -the creek and baptize him into Christ?”</p> - -<p>The doctor admitted that he was right, -and ordered the candidate to be baptized -immediately. A small bodyguard took him -to the creek and reluctantly performed the -task. Thus evaporated the scheme from -which the opposition had hoped to reap so -largely. They did reap largely, but not -what they expected. In his opening remarks<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> -the next morning, Newgent recited -with dramatic effect the story of the exploded -plot, taking ample time to do it -justice. The story was told with many a -humorous and oratorical flourish, producing -roar after roar of laughter from the -great audience. The house thus built upon -the sand fell upon the heads of the unwise -builders with most disastrous effect.</p> - -<p>As an illustration of his peculiar power -over the minds of his hearers, the following -tribute from a titled minister of the Campbell -faith will serve well. He was taking -his usual rest during the noon intermission, -when the reverend gentleman who wore a -D.D. and a silk hat, approached him, and -after introducing himself, said:</p> - -<p>“Rev. Mr. Newgent, they have told me -that you attended school but three months -in your life, and also that this is your first -debate. I am convinced that in this you -have been misrepresented. I heard Doctor -Holt deliver his opening address to-day, and -I thought no man on earth could answer his -argument. But when you got up to speak, -you had not proceeded five minutes until -the people had forgotten all he had said. -The same was true of the second address, -and I saw at once that our man was -beaten.”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span></p> - -<p>Newgent told him that he had had but -meager school advantages. In a former -chapter it is stated that he attended school -three terms of three months each. But as -school attendance then was very irregular -at the best, the gentleman’s information was -not far from the truth. He informed his -friend, however, that he had always been a -hard student, and thus had atoned in some -measure for the meagerness of his school -advantages.</p> - -<p>“Well,” said the doctor of divinity, “I -expected to remain until the close of the debate; -but I see that our man is fighting a -losing battle, and I do not care to stay and -see him defeated.” And after a few further -remarks, he bade Rev. Mr. Newgent a courteous -good by and left the grounds, not desiring -to see the end of a contest that boded -no good thing for his cause.</p> - -<p>The gentleman’s unwilling prophecy was -fulfilled, no doubt, to a larger degree than -he himself anticipated. Newgent seemed to -gain power and momentum to the last. -When the great contest closed, defeat was -plainly written upon the countenance of -every Holt sympathizer, while Newgent was -showered with compliments and congratulations -from his admiring friends. A delegation -of Baptist brethren, headed by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> -pastor of the First Baptist Church of Terre -Haute, rushed forward and placed a ten-dollar -hat on his head in behalf of that -denomination. Commendations and substantial -tokens of approval came from representatives -of a number of denominations. -And the occasion ended pleasantly for all, -except the number whose theological bias -was plainly and painfully indicated by their -crestfallen spirits.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_Eleven"><span class="smcap">Chapter Eleven.</span></h2> - -<p><i>Subsequent Debates—The Owen Contest—He Gets -his “Treat”—Opponent’s Confession—Dressing -“Stone”—A Scared Baptist—Invades the Lutheran -Ranks—Measures Steel with Doctor Ingram—Dissertation -on Infant Baptism—Opponent’s -Early Flight—Concludes the Debate Alone—The -Haw Debate.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>As the preceding chapter has shown, our -subject was not a debater from choice. He -was thrust into the debating arena by circumstances. -His memorable victory over -Doctor Holt placed his name in big letters -among the leading debaters of the time, -creating demands for his services in this -capacity that could not well be resisted. -Besides being in constant demand to expound -and defend the doctrines for which -he stood, by his own, and other denominations -of a kindred faith, he figured in some -thirteen debating bouts, a detailed account -of which would of itself make a good-sized -volume. Hence, a few passing references -to some of these contests, with some characteristic -incidents, is all that will be attempted -here.</p> - -<p>Shortly after the debate with Doctor -Holt, he received an urgent appeal from -Rev. James Griffiths of the United Brethren<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> -Church at Potomac, Illinois, to come over to -his Macedonia and help him. Controversy -between the Christian and United Brethren -churches of that section was at white heat. -The Christian Church, under the leadership -of a Rev. Mr. Owen, was pressing the battle -to the gates and making things unpleasantly -interesting for Rev. Mr. Griffiths, -who was not of a controversial turn of -mind. He felt, however, that the safety of -his cause demanded that his adversaries be -met upon their own ground with their own -weapons. His presiding elder, Rev. J. W. -Nye, joined in the request that Rev. Mr. -Newgent go to the rescue.</p> - -<p>Accordingly, a debate between Owen and -Newgent, covering the usual mooted questions -between the two denominations, was -arranged. Rev. Mr. Owen was scholarly -and serious, but utterly lacking in the -humorous element. His dry logic was no -match for the fiery eloquence and quick wit -of his Irish antagonist. Like the bridegroom -at a wedding, he was a rather inconspicuous -figure, except that his part was -necessary to the carrying out of the program. -It was an easy victory for the United -Brethren and their allies, resulting in a -cessation of hostilities and a reign of peace -in that section of Zion.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span></p> - -<p>A more notable contest was that with -Dr. W. B. F. Treat, then president of Indiana -State University, at Bloomington. Doctor -Treat, as his position would indicate, -was a man of fine scholarship. He was a -minister in the Christian Church, zealous -in the defense of its doctrines, and had won -many trophies as a debater.</p> - -<p>The preliminary arrangements for this -debate were made by a couple of ministers, -one a representative of the Christian -Church, and the other a United Brethren. -Newgent and Treat were secured by the two -churches as their respective champions.</p> - -<p>As the two champions were introduced -on the occasion of the debate, the following -bit of repartee was indulged in by Newgent, -who had been suffering from some slight -temporary ailment: “I am sorry you are not -in good trim,” said Doctor Treat, “I had -hoped to find a man who would be able to -put up a good fight.”</p> - -<p>“Oh,” said Newgent, “I think I’ll feel better -when I get my <i>Treat</i>.”</p> - -<p>In his opening remarks, Doctor Treat -again indulged in some pleasantry at Newgent’s -expense. He referred to his opponent -as having been born in Green County -and cradled in a sugar trough. Newgent replied -that he had missed it four miles as to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span> -the place of his birth. The sugar trough -part of it, however, he did not deny; but as -the trough had served well to cradle the different -members of his mother’s small family -of nine children, he was quite sure the rude -cradle suffered no violence at his hands.</p> - -<p>The learned doctor further tried to discount -the scholarship of his opponent by -referring to a postal card received from him -on which there were two words misspelled. -To this Newgent also had an answer. -“Great speakers,” said he, “are usually deficient -in other lines. I now understand -why the doctor is short on debating; all his -strength has gone into his spelling.”</p> - -<p>The usual questions were discussed, six -in number, the same as in the great Holt -debate. The arguments were listened to by -thousands of interested and enthusiastic -spectators, among them ministers and dignitaries -of various denominations, and persons -of prominence in educational, political, -and professional circles. As to the result of -the contest, Doctor Treat’s own confession, -as brought out in the following incident, -will suffice:</p> - -<p>A debate between Newgent and a Rev. -Dr. J. W. Stone, of St. Louis, Missouri, also -a minister of prominence in the Christian -Church, was scheduled to take place a few<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> -weeks later. In the meantime Doctor -Stone, anxious to learn all he could concerning -his opponent, sought an interview -with Doctor Treat. He met him at a church -dedication at which Treat was officiating. -The two men, with others, were entertained -for dinner at the same home after the morning -service. At an opportune time, Doctor -Stone introduced the subject in which he -was especially interested, and the following -conversation between the two men took -place, being overheard and reported to Newgent -by a gentleman who leaned toward his -side of the question:</p> - -<p>“Are you acquainted with a United -Brethren preacher in Indiana of the name -of Newgent?” Doctor Stone inquired.</p> - -<p>“I am,” was President Treat’s answer.</p> - -<p>“Did you not debate with him some time -ago?”</p> - -<p>“I did.”</p> - -<p>“Is he a scholar?”</p> - -<p>“I do not know.”</p> - -<p>“Is he logical?”</p> - -<p>“I cannot tell. He claimed that he went -to school only a few months.”</p> - -<p>“How long did you debate with him?”</p> - -<p>“Six days.”</p> - -<p>“What?” said Doctor Stone in astonishment, -“You debated with him six days, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> -could not tell whether or not he is educated?”</p> - -<p>“Well,” continued the university president, -in a meditative mood, “I will say that -he is—<i>forceful</i>.”</p> - -<p>Doctor Stone looked blank for a moment, -and then ventured with a smile, “May be -he whipped you?”</p> - -<p>“I don’t know,” was the guarded answer, -“but I am inclined to believe that my people -thought he did.” Observing that Stone -was intensely interested, Treat inquired:</p> - -<p>“Are you thinking of debating with -him?”</p> - -<p>Stone answered in the affirmative.</p> - -<p>“Can’t you get out of it in some honorable -way?”</p> - -<p>Stone replied that he was not wanting -“out of it.”</p> - -<p>“But you may want out of it,” was Treat’s -not very assuring reply.</p> - -<p>“Why, is he not fair in debate? Is he not -a gentleman?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” answered Treat, “so much so that -all your people who know him love to be -with him and hear him talk.” And the -conversation drifted into other channels. -But Doctor Stone, being from Missouri, -waited to be shown. And the debate was -held according to schedule.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p> - -<p>About this time Doctor Stone was enjoying -no small degree of notoriety. He had -debated with a Methodist minister in southern -Illinois, and so completely mastered -him that he acknowledged his defeat in -sack cloth and ashes, and joined the Christian -Church. Stone was taking advantage -of his newly-acquired popularity in waging -a relentless war against the “sects,” as he -termed them, when some of the Pedo-Baptists -secured Newgent to meet him in debate. -And the challenge was brought to the -great, self-important Doctor Stone.</p> - -<p>“Newgent!” said this supposed Goliath -with a contemptuous sneer. “He can’t debate. -He’s an Irish peddler who used to sell -table-cloths in my father’s neighborhood.” -The committee informed him that they were -willing to risk their case with the Irish peddler. -However, Stone’s visit to Doctor -Treat to get information concerning the -Irishman would indicate that his contempt -was more feigned than real.</p> - -<p>The debate was held in a small town in -southern Illinois, where the doctor had been -making havoc of the “sects.” The table-cloth -story became current, and much speculation -was indulged in concerning the supposed -vender of household commodities. -His coming to the village was awaited with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> -intense interest. When the train on which -he was scheduled to arrive pulled in at the -station, a curious and enthusiastic crowd -was waiting to get a view of the man who -dared to dispute the wisdom of Doctor -Stone. As he stepped from the car, a gentleman -who knew him said, pointing him -out, “There’s the table-cloth peddler.”</p> - -<p>A hearty salute was given by the crowd. -Newgent, having been apprised of the story, -was equal to the occasion. As soon as the -hubbub ceased, he addressed the crowd, -turning the table-cloth story against his -opponent in the following speech:</p> - -<p>“Gentlemen, if you have come here to -buy table-cloths, you will be disappointed. -I have changed my occupation. I have been -informed that there is some fine stone in -southern Illinois, so I have come down here -to set up my shop and spend a few days -dressing Stone.”</p> - -<p>The “Stone dressing” joke superseded the -table-cloth story and became a catch phrase -throughout the debate.</p> - -<p>It is likely that Stone often called to -mind the friendly advice of Doctor Treat, -and regretted that he did not take it. He -could cope neither with the argument, the -quick wit, nor the physical endurance of his -opponent. His voice failed completely, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span> -the last two addresses of Newgent were unanswered. -The Stone-dressing business -proved eminently successful.</p> - -<p>An amusing incident occurred in connection -with a debate in Kentucky with a -Doctor Fairchilds, an eminent Baptist minister. -A story came to the ears of Doctor -Fairchilds after he came on the ground, to -the effect that Newgent was a man of extraordinary -scholarship, that he was master -of some thirteen languages, etc. The doctor -was visibly disconcerted by the story, -and after hearing Newgent’s first address, -was fully persuaded that it was true, especially -the part relating to the thirteen languages. -He was quite nervous, and utterly -broke down about the middle of the program, -leaving the supposed master of thirteen -languages easily master of the situation.</p> - -<p>While on his official rounds as superintendent -of the Tennessee Mission Conference, -he once chanced to invade a Lutheran -community, which set in motion a train of -influences that terminated in a debate with -a representative of that body. This was -about eight miles from Greenville. He was -visiting a United Brethren family that had -moved into the community, and in company -with his host, called at the district school,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> -and made a talk to the pupils. Through the -influence of his host, the school house was -secured for a preaching service that evening. -Other influences then began to be felt, -and the meeting was continued indefinitely, -resulting in a sweeping revival, the organization -of a United Brethren church, and -the building and dedication of a church-house -within two months from the close of -the revival.</p> - -<p>This occasioned great concern among the -Lutherans who lost quite heavily as a result -of the United Brethren invasion. To -regain their lost ground, they challenged -Rev. Mr. Newgent to debate certain doctrinal -questions with a representative of -their church. Newgent was then in his element, -in the debate, and answered that he -would be ready at any time to accommodate -them.</p> - -<p>The Lutheran champion was Dr. J. C. -Miller, president of one of their church -schools. The much-mooted question as to -what body constituted the true church was -the first taken up, Doctor Miller posing as -the representative of a church whose doctrines -and usages are identical with those -taught and exemplified in the New Testament.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span></p> - -<p>This placed upon Miller the Herculean -task of defending the various tenets and -practices peculiar to his church. Among -other specimens of Lutheran creed, Newgent -read the following: “The infant’s heart -is corrupt, and it cannot be saved unless -baptized by a Lutheran minister with heavenly, -gracious water.” When asked if his -church taught that, Doctor Miller admitted -that it did.</p> - -<p>Newgent showed this bit of dogma up in -a bad light by the use of an object lesson. -Borrowing a baby from a mother in the -audience, he held it up before the crowd, stating -that the “little rascal’s” heart is corrupt -and its only chance for salvation was by -being baptized according to the Lutheran -formula. “Now,” he continued, “I want -this brother to demonstrate to this audience -how a baby must be saved. I want -him to change this baby’s heart from a state -of corruption to a state of purity. I want -to see how a baby is saved, for, according to -his theology, I have three babies in hell.”</p> - -<p>The brother winced under this outburst -of sarcasm. He refused to baptize the child, -which, had he done so under the circumstances, -would scarcely have made his doctrine -appear less obnoxious. Other peculiar -Lutheran tenets appeared to the same disadvantage<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> -under similar treatment, and the -church’s hope of gaining its lost ground -completely vanished. The debate popularized -the United Brethren Church, giving it -a strong hold in the community. Flag -Branch, a flourishing rural church, stands -as a monument to Rev. Mr. Newgent’s labors -in that section.</p> - -<p>Another contest worthy of special note -was with a Baptist minister at Blue -Springs, Tennessee, in 1882. The mode of -baptism was a live question throughout -that region. The battle line was drawn by -the Baptists and Pedo-Baptists. They -finally agreed to have the question discussed -in a public debate, each side to furnish its -champion. Three churches were represented -on the immersion side, and seven on -the other. The immersionists secured as -their representative, Doctor Ingram, a -prominent Baptist divine of Virginia. Newgent -was selected by the anti-immersionists. -The debate was to cover six propositions -and to continue six days, one subject being -slated for each day.</p> - -<p>The Baptists were very desirous of including -infant baptism in the list of subjects to -be discussed. This was a question that -Newgent had never debated, and in which -he had very little interest. But to accommodate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span> -the Baptists, he consented to defend -the practice of infant baptism. His opponent -proposed the question, stating it as -follows: “<i>Resolved</i>, That infants are fit subjects -for baptism.” Newgent consented to -affirm it.</p> - -<p>It was slated for the second day. In his -opening remarks, Newgent said: “Mr. President, -this is a peculiar question; but my -brother wrote it and insisted that I affirm it. -It is peculiar from the fact that I am not -to prove that the child needs baptism, or -that there is any command for infant baptism, -or that there ever was an infant baptized. -I am simply asked to prove that a -child is a fit subject for baptism.”</p> - -<p>At these remarks a storm of protest arose -from the immersionists. They expected him -to defend the vast array of teaching that the -various Pedo-Baptist bodies had put forward -on the subject.</p> - -<p>“Keep cool,” he said to the immersionist -part of the crowd as they were clamoring -for a hearing and creating no little confusion. -“Doctor Ingram and I signed these -papers, and we agreed to be governed by the -board of moderators. This question simply -deals with the child’s fitness for baptism. -I appeal to the moderators.” The moderators -sustained his position.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p> - -<p>He then asked his opponent whether or -not the Baptist Church would baptize a subject -until he was converted and became as -a little child. His opponent stated that it -would not. This gave him a splendid foundation -for his address, and, at the same -time, removed the last foundation stone -from under his opponent, so far as infant -baptism was concerned. He made an earnest -and eloquent address, showing that the -child is a type of the heavenly citizen, and -as such possesses special fitness for all the -sacraments of God’s house.</p> - -<p>While he was talking, his attention was -called to Doctor Ingram. The doctor, grip -in hand, was making rapid strides toward -the railroad station. His moderator and -some friends were accompanying him, trying -to persuade him to remain. But he -could endure it no longer.</p> - -<p>The doctor’s retreat caused a great sensation, -relished immensely by the Pedo-Baptists, -but a bitter dose to the immersionists. -There were yet four days of the program -remaining. Newgent’s side demanded, as -they were paying him for his work, that he -remain and carry out his part of the program. -This he did, but as the debate had -only one end to it during those four days, -it spoiled the excitement, though it served<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> -well the purpose of those who had employed -him.</p> - -<p>Among his later debates was one held in -1898 at Mechanicsville, Indiana. Dr. J. W. -Haw, of the Christian Church, was his opponent -on this occasion. Doctor Haw had -been holding revival meetings in that part -of Indiana, and being dogmatic in style and -controversially inclined, was unsparing in -his denunciations of other denominations. -His aggressions and criticisms were disturbing -the equilibrium of some of the brethren -whose churches were being used as a target -by this ecclesiastical Nimrod. They wrote -to Newgent, then in Tennessee, urging him -to champion their side against Doctor Haw -in debate, offering him fifty dollars per day -and expenses for his time. He consented on -condition that the propositions were fair -and that the reverend gentleman in question -was a representative man in his church.</p> - -<p>He was referred to a two-column article -in a current number of the <i>Christian Standard</i> -relating to Doctor Haw. The article -was extravagant in the use of adjectives describing -the doctor’s ability and achievements, -stating that he was the leading debater -in the Christian Church, having had -more such battles than any other man in it -at that time. This was quite satisfactory<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> -to Newgent, as at that period he did not -care to waste any shot or shell on small -game.</p> - -<p>In this, as in all other such contests, Newgent -abundantly sustained his position and -satisfied the expectations of his supporters. -His experience, self-control, complete mastery -of the subjects in hand, humor, and -physical endurance made him an antagonist -that even the greatest debater in a debating -church could illy cope with. The -general verdict of even Doctor Haw’s own -sympathizers was that it was decidedly a -one-sided affair.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_Twelve"><span class="smcap">Chapter Twelve.</span></h2> - -<p><i>Perrysville and Centerpoint—Industry Rewarded -from an Unsuspected Source—A “Slick” Wedding—Fruitful -Labors at Centerpoint—A One-Sided -Union Meeting—The Doctrine of the Resurrection -Again Demonstrated.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>A year on the Perrysville charge in the -Upper Wabash Conference, followed by a -year at Centerpoint, in his own conference, -the Lower Wabash, covering 1874 to 1876, -closed Rev. Mr. Newgent’s work in the pastorate -for a season. It was from the latter -charge that he received his appointment -from the Home, Frontier, and Foreign -Missionary Society as Superintendent of -the Tennessee Mission Conference. From -thenceforth he was destined to serve the -Church in a larger capacity, though there -is no work that he regards as more exalted -or more vital to the progress of the kingdom -than that of the pastor. And it is but just -to say that there is no work in which he -has been happier or more in his element. -The pastor, he regards, as the pivotal man -in the church militant, around whose personality -must revolve all the machinery of -its organized life. Hence, in whatever position -he has been placed, he has ever been -in fullest sympathy with the men on the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span> -firing line, and has sought in every way to -encourage and magnify their work.</p> - -<p>His going to Perrysville was in response -to an urgent appeal from his intimate -friend, Dr. J. W. Nye, then a popular presiding -elder in the Upper Wabash Conference. -His work here was fruitful and congenial, -and marked by some rich experiences, -which he carries with him as refreshing -memories. One of these teaches a practical -moral lesson, namely, that honest industry -has its reward in more ways than -one.</p> - -<p>It need not be explained here that industry -is a part of his religion. He believes -with Paul that it does not injure, or lower -the dignity of a minister to labor with his -hands. In this, as in other respects, he -made himself an example to the flock. Odd -moments are always occupied in diversions -of a practical character. The outward appearance -of the parsonage never failed to -testify to his thrift and good taste. A garden -served as an outlet to his surplus physical -energies as well as a means of supplementing -the usually modest income. Under -his skillful hand it invariably became a -thing of beauty and an object of just pride.</p> - -<p>Some five miles from Perrysville lived -a horny-handed son of the soil, a man who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> -made industry not only the chief element -in his religion, but the sum total of it. He -was an infidel in his belief—or disbelief—and -regarded the church as an imposition, -and preachers as an indolent, worthless lot. -Passing through the village one day, he -noticed Rev. Mr. Newgent’s garden. It was -by far the finest he had seen. His surprise -can only be imagined when, upon inquiry, -he learned that the owner of it was one -of those lazy preachers.</p> - -<p>A few days later he drove up to the parsonage -with a barrel of flour, which he unloaded -and unceremoniously rolled upon -the porch. This time the surprise was on -the preacher, as a reputation for benevolence -was a thing of which, up to that time, -the infidel could not boast. He explained -that ordinarily he had no use for preachers, -but as he had found one that was not -lazy, he “wanted to help him.” The donation -was an expression of his regard for the -minister who showed a willingness, according -to the infidel’s conception of the term, -to earn his bread in the sweat of his face.</p> - -<p>Another incident, picked up at random, -occurred one cold day during the winter of -his stay at Perrysville. A couple whose -appearance did not indicate a superabundance -of worldly prosperity, came to the parsonage<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span> -to be married. They had come from -the adjoining county, the boundary between -the two counties being the Wabash River, -on the bank of which Perrysville was located. -The river was frozen over. The -couple traveled afoot, having crossed the -river on the ice. The preacher explained -that they would have to recross the river -before the ceremony could be performed, as -the law required that marriages be solemnized -in the county in which the license was -issued. So he conducted the matrimonial -candidates to the river.</p> - -<p>When the preacher was satisfied that they -had proceeded beyond the half-way point on -the river, he ordered the couple to halt and -join hands. By this time their presence -had attracted the attention of the young -people who were out on the ice in large -numbers enjoying the fine winter sport of -skating. As the wedding was a public function, -no restrictions being placed on attendance, -the ceremony was performed in the -presence of an enthusiastic multitude.</p> - -<p>The service completed, the groom, who -was unacquainted with ministerial usages, -inquired as to the amount of the fee. To -save him the responsibility and further embarrassment -of determining the sum to be -paid for the service, the preacher suggested<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> -that a dollar would be sufficient, fearing -lest he might set the price too high for his -purse. Even at that it was painfully evident -that the young man’s financial rating -was overestimated. After nervously fumbling -through his pockets he was able to -produce but fifty cents. In his dilemma he -found it necessary to call upon his bride -for financial assistance. Happily she was -equal to the emergency, and supplied the -deficit from her own purse.</p> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 440px;"> -<img src="images/illus9.jpg" width="440" height="600" alt="" /> -<p class="caption">The Young Man’s Financial Rating Was Over-estimated.</p> -</div> - -<p>“This is the fairest wedding I have ever -seen,” said the preacher. “It has always -been my opinion that the lady ought to help -pay the preacher, and she receives as much -benefit from the ceremony as does the man. -I hope you will always share each other’s -burdens in this way.” And wishing them -happiness and prosperity, he sent them on -their way rejoicing.</p> - -<p>The local paper gave a flowery account of -the wedding that took place on the ice, stating -that it was the “slickest” wedding that -had ever occurred in that section. But the -minister’s fee and the manner of paying it -was not allowed to become public, lest it -should become a troublesome precedent in -matrimonial circles.</p> - -<p>The following year, which was spent on -the Centerpoint charge, was a most fruitful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> -one. Here, as in so many other places, he -found a splendid opportunity of demonstrating -his favorite doctrine of the resurrection—the -resurrection of dead churches. -The spiritual life of the churches at Centerpoint -was at ebb tide, and had been for an -indefinite time. Soon after his arrival the -Methodist pastor, who was also new in the -town, called upon him to confer as to their -plans for revival work. As workers were -scarce, it was thought best to plan their -meetings so that they would not conflict. -Rev. Mr. Newgent, Abraham-like, let his -brother do the choosing, and the brother, -perhaps as anxious as Lot to get in on the -ground floor, decided to commence a revival -at once. Newgent began a meeting at the -same time some few miles in the country. -Newgent’s meeting immediately developed -into a revival of so great proportions that -it became the one overshadowing event of -the whole country, drawing the Methodist -pastor’s congregation from him and rendering -it impracticable for him to continue. -His situation was a rather lonely one. In -his extremity he sought another interview -with his fellow pastor, proposing to close -his meeting at once if Newgent would join -him later in a union revival effort.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p> - -<p>This Newgent consented to do on three -conditions, as follows:</p> - -<p>1. That the meetings be held in the -United Brethren church.</p> - -<p>2. That the United Brethren pastor do -all the preaching.</p> - -<p>3. That the United Brethren pastor do -the managing.</p> - -<p>Hard as the conditions seemed, the brother -agreed to them. The conditions, in fact, -look egotistical and perhaps selfish on the -surface, but when the United Brethren pastor -explained his reasons for them they were -seen to be neither. On the contrary they -were meant for the highest good of both -churches, and were abundantly vindicated -by the outcome. He was intensely anxious -that Centerpoint have a genuine revival of -religion. To promote such a revival at any -cost was his purpose. That this purpose -might be realized he would not permit modesty, -formality, or any other creature to -stand in the way.</p> - -<p>The United Brethren Church was the -more commodious and had the advantage in -location. This was the reason for the first -condition. The reason for the second and -third conditions was that Centerpoint had -been preached to death. A change of methods -was imperative if the people were to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span> -reached. He wanted a meeting without -preaching, without too much human agency, -but where God himself might control to -his own glory. Only by having the management -left to him could he apply the remedy -needed according to his diagnosis of the -case.</p> - -<p>His plan was now to be put to the test—a -revival without preaching, the laity to do -the work as they felt divinely moved. The -meeting began on a Friday evening. But -with no life there could be no real activity. -The chariot wheels dragged heavily at the -first. On Sunday morning he announced -that at four o’clock p. m., a children’s meeting -would be held. Aside from selected -helpers, only children within a certain age -limit would be admitted. Such meetings -even at that date were quite uncommon. -The announcement, therefore, aroused a -great deal of curiosity. But that was one -point in the announcement. Something must -be done to stir the people. There must be -a new avenue of approach to their cold -hearts.</p> - -<p>The children’s service produced the desired -effect. At the appointed hour the -house was filled to overflowing. There were -three helpers, all ministers, present, who -did their part according to Newgent’s directions.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> -Songs were sung, prayers offered -by the ministers as they were called upon, a -brief talk by the leader, some simple propositions, -and the meeting closed in less than -a half-hour from the time it began. But -that half-hour turned the tide in Centerpoint. -The children became the vanguard -in a religious movement that was to shake -the town from center to circumference. -Many of them went home weeping to speak -of the longing of their tender hearts to -fathers and mothers, who, in turn, were -awakened to a consciousness of their own -need.</p> - -<p>At the evening service which followed, -seventy-five persons came to the altar, most -of whom professed conversion. The revival -was no longer a problem. It spread -throughout the town and community like -fire in dry stubble. The church arose from -the grave of lethargy and formalism, cast -off her grave clothes—and the doctrine of -the resurrection was again abundantly demonstrated.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_Thirteen"><span class="smcap">Chapter Thirteen.</span></h2> - -<p><i>Becomes a Missionary Superintendent—Second Marriage—An -Unexpected Welcome—Forms a Quaker -Friendship—The Spirit Moves in a Quaker Meeting—A -Quaker’s Prayer Answered—Builds a College—Shows -What to do for a Dead Church—Another -Tilt on the Doctrine of Baptism—Conversion -of a Dunkard Preacher—Turns a Great -Movement in the Right Direction.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>In the fall of 1876, Rev. Mr. Newgent entered -upon his duties as Superintendent of -the Tennessee Mission Conference, under -appointment of the Home, Frontier, and -Foreign Missionary Association. In the -meantime he had married Miss Annie Crowther, -of Terre Haute, Indiana, who, under -the divine blessing, abides as the companion -of his joys and sorrows amid the lengthening -shadows. She is a woman of rare and -excellent qualities, which especially fitted -her for her position as the wife of an active -and ambitious minister. She is in fullest -accord with her husband’s ambitions and -tastes, and has contributed her part toward -the success of his career. He freely accords -to her this credit. With this queenly woman -ordering its affairs, the Newgent home has -ever been a haven of real rest, a retreat for -God’s servants especially. It extends a welcome<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> -and hospitality—a true home spirit—that -at once makes the wayworn pilgrim -feel at ease in body and mind, and charms -the hearts of the young as well.</p> - -<p>At the time of their removal to Tennessee, -the United Brethren Church was new in the -South. Its attitude of open hostility to -slavery largely shut it out of regions south -of Mason and Dixon’s line. The Tennessee -Conference then had less than four hundred -members, with only six houses of worship. -So a great field spread out before the new -Superintendent, taking him back to conditions -in many respects similar to those in -which he began his ministerial labors. It -was still a time of reconstruction in church -affairs as well as in matters political. But -his was a work of construction rather than -of reconstruction.</p> - -<p>Aside from the need of laborers and the -vast opportunities afforded for building up -the church in this section, one reason he had -for accepting this appointment was the -condition of his own and his wife’s health. -Both were threatened with failing health, -and a change of climate was advised, the -high altitude of eastern Tennessee being -recommended as especially adapted to their -physical needs.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span></p> - -<p>They arrived at Limestone, Tennessee, on -a Friday evening in September. Here was -illustrated how his fame as a genial, good -humored personality had spread throughout -the Church, so that the people felt that they -were acquainted with “Jack” Newgent -(later Uncle Jack) even though they had -never met him personally. Arriving at the -city some time after dark, worn by the long -journey, the discomforts of which were aggravated -by their poor health, they little -dreamed of finding in that particular realm -an acquaintance or anyone who had any concern -for them.</p> - -<p>Great indeed was Newgent’s surprise -when, as he alighted from the train, a gentleman, -a total stranger, with a lantern on -his arm, stepped up and in a familiar manner -accosted him, “Hello! Is this Jack Newgent?”</p> - -<p>He had been so familiarly known as -“Jack,” that he had resolved to be known -by the more grave and dignified appellation -of Andrew J. Newgent when he came into -his new kingdom. But his expectation -perished, as it would have done even had -the circumstances been otherwise. A man’s -name, like his clothes, is a part of him, -and if it does not fit, his friends will persist -in trimming it until it does. The personality<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span> -and the title cannot be unequally -yoked together.</p> - -<p>“Well,” said the reverend gentleman from -the Hoosier State, “I suppose if I should -land in the heart of Africa, some Hottentot -would come rushing out of the jungle and -say, ‘Hello, Jack Newgent!’ Who are you, -anyway?” The stranger was Mr. W. C. -Keezel, a prominent layman in the conference, -who had been advised of their coming -by Dr. D. K. Flickinger, Secretary of the -Missionary Society, and was there to take -them to his hospitable home. It was a pleasant -surprise, and they felt at once that they -were among friends whose hearts God had -touched with his spirit of kindness and -tenderness. Their anxieties were dispelled, -and they felt as near heaven in Tennessee -as in Indiana.</p> - -<p>Next day his host took him on a ten-mile -ride by horseback over a mountain road to -a quarterly conference, where he met a number -of ministers, and began to get acquainted -with his new co-workers. His -presence filled the little band of faithful -toilers with new hope and courage. He -preached the following day (Sunday) at a -neighboring church to an immense crowd. -Here he met Rev. Eli Marshall, a minister -of repute in the Quaker—or Friends—church,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> -with whom he was destined to form -a close friendship, a friendship which revealed -later to both of these servants of God -how mysteriously God moves in answer to -the earnest prayers of his faithful children.</p> - -<p>Rev. Mr. Marshall was not only an able -minister, but was also a successful business -man, being the owner of several plantations. -He took Newgent to his home, and later -showed him a congenial cottage on one of -his plantations. “This is at thy disposal,” -he said, “if it suits thee.” Newgent replied -that it was just such a place as he was looking -for, as it was but a short distance from -town and the railroad station, and inquired -as to the rental value.</p> - -<p>“Just move in,” said Marshall, “we will -talk about that some other time.”</p> - -<p>But when Newgent insisted, he set a -nominal price, which indicated that he was -not especially concerned about the financial -side of the transaction. He furthermore -insisted on transporting Newgent’s household -goods from the station, but this privilege -he was compelled to share with Mr. -Keezel. While they were moving his goods -from the train, his Quaker neighbors set to -work and filled the smoke-house with provisions, -and supplied sufficient fuel to last -him through the winter. Such expressions<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> -of kindness and generosity seldom had been -seen.</p> - -<p>The fourth week in October was the time -for the Quakers’ yearly meeting, to be held -at Rev. Mr. Marshall’s home church. He -had issued an order to Newgent to have no -engagement for that time, as his presence -and help were desired at the meeting. Under -the circumstances there was but one -thing to do, and that was to respect the -order. These meetings were matters of no -small significance in that denomination. -They usually lasted several days, and were -great seasons of fellowship. They were -very largely attended so that the program -sometimes had to be carried out in several -sections. Newgent had never had the privilege -of attending a Quaker meeting, but his -appreciation of the Quakers by this time -knew no bounds.</p> - -<p>He first went to the meeting on Saturday -morning and was surprised to find more -than a thousand people on the ground. His -friend, Rev. Mr. Marshall, met him immediately -and said, “If the Spirit moves thee -to preach to-day, we want thee to preach in -the church this morning.” Some one was -to preach in the school house nearby. The -Spirit moved, and Newgent preached.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p> - -<p>In the afternoon he was “moved” to -preach again. He was urged to preach -again at night. This time the Spirit was -not consulted, but his preaching had -touched a responsive chord in the Quaker -heart, so it was taken for granted that the -Spirit would be favorable. An out-door -service and a service in the school house -besides that in the church were required in -order to accommodate the crowd. Newgent -declined to preach at this time, not wishing -to usurp the honors that belonged to the -Quaker preachers. But the Quaker “Spirit” -refused to let him off. He was even urged -to sing a special song, which was a great -departure from Quaker usage in those days. -While preaching with his usual power, it -was evident to him that great conviction -prevailed in the congregation. As he had -been invited to depart from one of the -Quaker usages, he now felt bold to depart -from another. Indeed he felt strongly -moved by the Spirit to give an invitation for -seekers to come to the altar. The invitation -given, the altar was soon crowded with anxious -penitents. He then called upon the -Quakers to come forward and to sing and -pray with the seekers. This a considerable -number did, casting aside all reserve, and -the meeting became a typical United Brethren<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> -revival. It was one time when the -Spirit “moved” beyond question in a -Quaker meeting.</p> - -<p>He was given right of way in the church -on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and -Monday evening. A new element was thus -diffused into Quakerdom. He held a meeting -in that same community a few weeks -later, in which the Quakers took a leading -part, and which resulted in about a hundred -conversions.</p> - -<p>The best part of the whole procedure -came to light when Newgent called to pay -his landlord the small pittance that was -due on rent. Rev. Mr. Marshall refused to -accept even the nominal amount that had -been agreed upon.</p> - -<p>“Let me explain,” he said, “I have never -told anybody what I am going to tell thee—not -even my wife. Some three months ago -I moved my foreman out of that house, and -began to pray for the Lord to send us a -good, live preacher from the North. I had -got tired of these slow-going Southern fellows. -But I forgot to tell the Lord to send -a Quaker. So the Lord was free to send -whomsoever he pleased. And the first time -I heard thee preach, I said, ‘There is the -answer to my prayer.’ Now, it would not -do for me to charge rent of the man the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span> -Lord sent in answer to my prayer, when he -is living in the property I vacated for him -when I besought the Lord to send him. -That house is for thee as long as thee wants -it.”</p> - -<p>When this noble soul was called to -heaven some years later, Rev. Mr. Newgent -was called from a distant State to preach -his funeral. Truly, he was a man of God.</p> - -<p>When the conference projected a college -enterprise at Greenville, Rev. Mr. Newgent -took up his residence at that place so as to -give personal attention and encouragement -to the institution. This college was afterwards -moved to White Pine, Newgent being -the leading spirit in the matter of relocation. -He served as financial agent and -supervised the construction of the building. -Through his personal efforts the building -was erected and paid for.</p> - -<p>The evangelistic gift and executive faculty, -both of which were prominent in our -subject, peculiarly fitted him for the duties -of Missionary Superintendent amid such -conditions as the Tennessee Conference presented. -Much incipient work had to be -done. The routine work of his office required -only a small portion of his time, leaving -him free to do the work of an evangelist, -to encourage weak churches and to survey<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> -new territory to conquer. This narrative -has already afforded many examples of -his constructive work along these lines. -One more characteristic incident may not -be out of place.</p> - -<p>Near Limestone, Tennessee, was a church -which was so unpromising that the quarterly -conference seriously considered abandoning -it and disposing of the property. It -was well located, but there were strong -churches on either side, and the little -church, overshadowed as it was by these -older organizations, had never been able to -gain a proper standing.</p> - -<p>“Let us give it another chance,” said Newgent, -who was presiding at the meeting. “I -will hold a meeting there at the first opportunity, -and we will see if it can be saved.” -He held the meeting accordingly and received -ninety-seven members into the -church, and the little, struggling church -was lifted to such a position of prestige -and prominence that it overshadowed its -rivals, becoming a strong center of religious -influence.</p> - -<p>But it was not enough to merely get people -converted and brought into the church. -They must be taught in the doctrines of the -church, so as not to get their doctrinal ideas -from other sources.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span></p> - -<p>One of the strong churches of this community -was of the Dunkard order, and -mainly through its influence a strong immersion -sentiment prevailed. At the close -of the revival there were a large number of -applicants for baptism. According to prevailing -custom, all expected to be immersed. -It was in order on such occasions for the -baptismal service to be prefaced by a sermon -on baptism. Rev. Mr. Newgent took -advantage of the opportunity to make some -remarks on the mode of baptism, which was -the one live subject in religious circles. In -his discourse he said:</p> - -<p>“We often hear people say, ‘I want to be -baptized as Jesus was.’ I do not share this -sentiment. For in one essential respect Jesus’ -baptism was different from ours. It -was for a different purpose. He was baptized -to fulfill the law; we, because we are -sinners, either for the forgiveness of sins -or because they are forgiven.</p> - -<p>“But we may be baptized in the same -manner in which he was baptized, and if -you wish, I will tell you what that was. -Paul said, ‘He was made a priest like unto -his brethren.’ Jesus said, ‘I am come, not -to destroy the law or the prophets, but to -fulfill.’ He fulfilled every jot and tittle of -the law. The law required a priest to have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span> -the water of consecration sprinkled upon -his head when he was thirty years of age. -Hence, if Christ was made a priest like his -brethren, it is easy to see that his baptism -was the same as that of the priests, his -brethren, and that the water was sprinkled -upon his head at the age of thirty; otherwise -he would not have fulfilled every jot -and tittle of the law.”</p> - -<p>A prominent Dunkard preacher present -made a public statement at the close of the -discourse to the effect that, while he had always -believed and taught that Christ was -baptized by immersion, he was now fully -convinced that he had been mistaken. When -they came to the baptismal service, all the -applicants chose the mode of sprinkling, -though they had come prepared to be immersed.</p> - -<p>Under his capable and aggressive leadership -the conference maintained a steady -growth. At first its territory was confined -to the eastern part of the State. But in -the early nineties he, with some other ministers, -advanced to the central and western -parts of the State on a sort of missionary-evangelistic -campaign. They held a number -of meetings and were successful in winning -quite a sprinkling of converts. The -work thus accomplished made possible the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> -organization of what was then known as -the Tennessee River Conference in 1896.</p> - -<p>One of the most important events in connection -with the Tennessee Conference, and -which was brought about mainly through -his influence, occurred in 1895. It is referred -to as follows in Berger’s History of -the United Brethren Church, page 614:</p> - -<p>“About two years ago a movement which -had been for some time in process of development, -began to take definite form, resulting -in considerable additions both of ministers -and laymen to the United Brethren -Church. The greater number of these came -from the Methodist Episcopal Church, some -from the M. E. Church, South, and a few -from other denominations. Those coming -from the Methodist churches were attracted -chiefly by the milder form of episcopal government -in the United Brethren Church. -There was for them no possible inducement -in material or worldly considerations. They -could not look for larger salaries or easier -fields of labor or lighter sacrifices, nor was -the prospect of official promotion better -than in the churches from which they came. -Nor could they bring with them any of the -church-houses or other property which they -had aided in building. No thought or hope -of this kind was entertained; much less was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> -any effort made to do so. Influenced by -principle alone, and in the face of present -loss, they chose to cast in their lot with us, -and they have addressed themselves earnestly -to the work in their new relations. -About twenty-five ministers in all, with a -considerable number of members, have thus -connected themselves with the United -Brethren. Among the leading ministers of -the movement are: Dr. T. C. Carter, Rev. -W. L. Richardson, J. D. Droke, and others. -They have been given a cordial welcome by -the United Brethren Church, not in any -spirit of proselytism, for no proselyting was -done, nor from any desire to reap where -others have sown, but with an open heart -and door to receive any persons who love -our common Lord and desire to cast their -lot with us.”</p> - -<p>It seems a pity, however, that church history -is so silent in regard to Rev. Mr. Newgent’s -connection with this event, for it was -he who turned this movement toward the -United Brethren Church. Those who refused -to tolerate what they considered -abuses of episcopal supervision in the two -great Methodist bodies were in the very act -of forming a new church. In this movement -Dr. T. C. Carter, now Bishop Carter, occupied -a conspicuous place of leadership, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> -he did in every great religious movement in -that part of the country. His name was a -household word in all that realm, and when -he spoke, multitudes reverently listened. -Rev. Mr. Newgent met him, and showed him -a Discipline of the United Brethren Church, -believing that it set forth the very principles -of church government for which these -great souls were contending, and thus presented -the alternative of connecting themselves -with a denomination that afforded -what they wanted, or of adding to the number -of denominational organizations which -many believed were already too many. Doctor -Carter suggested that Disciplines and -other United Brethren literature be sent to -the leading ministers of the movement. -This was accordingly done; and as a result -they decided to connect themselves -with the United Brethren Church.</p> - -<p>They were formally received in a special -conference held in Knoxville. A number of -the Bishops, general officers, and leading -ministers and laymen throughout the denomination -attended this conference, which -was presided over by Bishop Weaver. One -of the leading ministers of the movement, -in delivering the welcome address on that -occasion, made use of the following language:</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span></p> - -<p>“I am certain that one-half the membership -of both churches (the Methodist bodies) -heartily prefer a church government of -the people, by the people, and for the people, -to their own.... In view of these -things, I may venture to say that a strong -church that will fill the valleys and mountains -of this country with a religious paper -devoted to Arminianism and liberty, and -will follow up this plan with men and with -churches may expect a glorious welcome.”</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_Fourteen"><span class="smcap">Chapter Fourteen.</span></h2> - -<p><i>Autumn—The Fading Leaf—Fruit in Old Age—His -Later Labors—Present Home.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>“We all do fade as a leaf,” was the lamentation -of an ancient prophet in a melancholy -mood. The fading leaf speaks in sad -but beautiful language of waning vitality. -It is the harbinger of autumn, telling us that -nature is getting ready to close her books -for the season. It brings with it a tinge -of sadness mingled with sweetness; for there -is compensation in even the saddest experiences. -What would the year be without the -pensive days of autumn? They are the -golden fringes of the bounteous summer -season. Sad, indeed, would they be if the -summer has been ill spent. Then might -the melancholy wail arise from the forlorn -heart, “The harvest is past, the summer is -ended.”</p> - -<p>But when autumn looks back upon a -springtime of bountiful seed-sowing, and a -summer of bountiful reaping, it becomes the -year’s climax of joy, the beneficiary of all -its blessings. Enriched by the summer’s -heritage, it is beautiful and peaceful and -happy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span></p> - -<p>“We all do fade as a leaf.” May it be said -philosophically. The fading of the leaf reveals -more perfectly its innate qualities, -and rounds out its brief existence. The red -or brown or yellow, in mute language, tells -its life history and closes the book.</p> - -<p>It is said of the aged, sometimes, “They -are set in their ways.” That is because in -them character has become a finished product. -The incidentals and accidentals have -become eliminated, and the accumulated -results of years of striving and hoping, sorrow -and pain, defeats and victories are -plainly discernible. Personal traits stand -out in bold relief so that all may fittingly -say, “Behold the man.”</p> - -<p>Thus, Uncle Jack—for we may now use -this affectionate designation, having passed -his three score and ten, is now in the autumnal -glory of a life beautiful and bountiful -in its fruitage. And so the autumn of -his life is enriched and made fragrant by the -year’s benedictions. Blessed, indeed, is he -to whom it is given to enjoy a long period -of service, and who can then gracefully let -his mantle pass to others whom God has -called and prepared to receive it. To grow -old sweetly, to let the sun go down amid -the splendors of an unclouded evening sky, -is the crowning glory of old age.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span></p> - -<p>Blessed, indeed, then, is Uncle Jack. He -approaches this period in life, not only in -the spirit of a true philosopher, but in the -spirit of a true Christian. He still lives in -the sunshine, he keeps the windows open to -the breezes that bring to him the fragrance -of flowers, the song of birds, and the “music -of the spheres.” The world smiles upon him -and he returns its smile.</p> - -<p>He has lived in an active, changing age, -but has always kept up with the procession. -He performed a vital part in the changing -order in which he lived and moved and had -his being; and he who helps to fashion -events, who has a part in directing the movements -of progress, is not likely to be left -behind or to be trampled under foot. He -not only kept pace with the world, but with -a prophet’s vision, he anticipated the course -of human events. So, as great changes approached, -he was ready to march out to -meet them. Like a true prophet, he had a -message for his own day and generation, -but the message was more potent because -he had a vision of things yet to be.</p> - -<p>In him is illustrated the Psalmist’s observation -concerning the children of God, -“They shall bring forth fruit in old age.” -For him there is no “dead line.” The body -may lose its agility; it may fail to do the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> -bidding of the mind properly, but the mind -and heart remain abreast of the times. The -dead line means more than physical infirmity, -and it often occurs that the mind lingers -near that dread spot while the body is in its -prime. The dead line belongs to the mind -and not to the body, and hence, taking that -view of it, there is no dead line for Uncle -Jack.</p> - -<p>It is given to but few men to continue in -the public ministry until they pass their -three score and ten. Uncle Jack had never -been out of the active connection in some -form from the time he entered the ministry -until his seventy-third year, giving more -than a half-century of unbroken service to -the public work of the Church.</p> - -<p>In the interest of accuracy and completeness, -more specific mention should be made -of his later work. After spending eleven -years as presiding elder in Tennessee Conference, -he returned North for a time, serving -as pastor at Veedersburg, Indiana, as -college pastor at Westfield, Illinois, as pastor -at Olney, Illinois, and three years as -presiding elder in Upper Wabash Conference. -His work as pastor at Veedersburg -included two periods, one of three years’, -and the other of four years’ duration. This<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span> -was one of the wealthiest and most influential -churches in Upper Wabash Conference.</p> - -<p>Returning to Tennessee—now East Tennessee—Conference, -he was again elected to -the presiding eldership, serving five years in -that relation. Altogether he spent twenty-one -years in the Tennessee Conference, serving -five years in the pastorate besides sixteen -years in the presiding elder’s office.</p> - -<p>His last work in the pastorate was at -Clarinda, Iowa, being called from there to -the field agency for Indiana Central University -at Indianapolis by the trustees of -that institution. He has always been interested -in the educational work of the -Church. In his varied experience in religious -work he has seen demonstrated in so -many ways the need of an educated ministry. -So he entered upon this latter work -with a deep conviction of its importance, -and with the earnestness and zeal which -characterized his labors all through life; -but finding his physical strength insufficient -for its taxing demands, he was compelled -to relinquish it.</p> - -<p>In the fall of 1910 he again attended the -East Tennessee Conference session, desiring -only to enjoy its fellowship. He had no -thought of assuming again an active relation -in the conference, but his brethren were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> -loath to let him escape. When the election -of presiding elder was called, their minds -once more centered upon him, and he lacked -but four votes of being the unanimous -choice of the conference. This, however, -brought him to face a delicate matter which -set a task for his tender conscience. Seeing -that his election meant the crowding of a -worthy young man out of an appointment, -he very generously resigned the office with -instructions to the Bishop that this young -man be given the place.</p> - -<p>His present home is at Odon, Indiana. -Here he finds himself among sympathetic -friends, and is near the scenes of his early -childhood. He takes pleasure in doing what -he can in the local church, setting a wholesome -example to the membership by his -faithful attendance at all the services and -by loyal and liberal support of all its interests. -Here he enjoys the hearty good will -of old and young alike, and has frequent -calls for addresses at various functions, -where he is always greeted with unfeigned -delight.</p> - -<p>While not employed in a regular way by -the Church, an appreciative public will continue -to recognize his worth, and keep ajar -the door of opportunity for rendering valuable -service to his fellow men.</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_Fifteen"><span class="smcap">Chapter Fifteen.</span></h2> - -<p><i>Character Sketch.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>The analysis of a flower is the work, not -of the florist, but of the botanist. The florist -sees in the combination of the various -parts the beauty of a perfected whole, while -the botanist sees the parts separated and -classified but loses sight of the flower itself. -The florist’s viewpoint is preferable to that -of the botanist. This is no less true in dealing -with human life than in the treatment -of a flower. However, in the interest of -thoroughness, some attention should be -given to a study of the particular elements -of character which give to our subject his -peculiar individuality and made possible -that degree of eminence which he has won -for himself. The task is not an easy one. -This is true in the case of all men of superior -strength. The sources of power are -so embedded in the depths of one’s personality -as to make them difficult to trace. In -the presence of such men we are instinctively -aware of their superiority, but if -asked to give a reason for our impressions -we would be unable to do so. The power of -a personality is to be felt rather than explained<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> -or analyzed. It is this invisible, undefinable -something that lifts the man above -the level of the commonplace and gives him -a commanding influence among his fellows.</p> - -<p>The strength of some characters is due to -one or two exceptionally strong traits, while -in other particulars they may be correspondingly -weak. The world sees only the mountain -peaks of strength and upon them it -builds its estimate of the man. To this rule -Rev. A. J. Newgent is one of the rare exceptions. -“Like a tree planted by the rivers -of water,” the distinctive feature of his life -is rather in the full and symmetrical development -of the various qualities of mature -and well-rounded manhood. Hence, he is -essentially a man of the people—not a man -of one class, but of all classes, the embodiment -of the true spirit of democracy. Like -Paul, he can be all things to all men without -sacrificing principle or dignity or losing -the respect of any of them. His sympathies -are broad and deep, and go out to all -alike. There is no assumed or conscious -superiority to create a barrier between himself -and the humblest soul. He observes no -arbitrary distinctions. Whoever he chances -to meet is at once a friend and brother. He -possesses in a large degree the rare faculty -of making people feel at home in his presence.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> -Fads and snobs and artificiality he -hates as he hates sin. The glitter and tinsel -show of life are counted as dross, but the -pure gold of human character that needs no -outward adornment is his delight.</p> - -<p>His well-balanced temperament enables -him to so adjust himself to different conditions, -that he is invariably master of the -situation in which he may be placed. In the -home, whether marked by riches or poverty, -culture or illiteracy, he is always the same -genial guest. To the children, young people, -and old folks alike, the presence of -“Uncle Jack” is always welcome. In his -public ministry, whatever the demands of -the occasion, he is ready to meet them. -Never is he at the mercy of his surroundings. -Not many months ago, while doing -service as field secretary for Indiana Central -University, he was secured by the pastor -of a country church to hold an all-day -meeting. The morning program was interfered -with by a severe rainstorm, so that besides -himself and the pastor, only three persons -were present. Yet, he preached to his -small audience with his wonted zeal and -earnestness, the effort being pronounced by -those who heard it superior to the one in -the afternoon, when he had the inspiration -of a full house.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span></p> - -<p>He never follows the beaten paths simply -because others have walked therein. The -fact that some one else did a thing in a certain -way is not sufficient reason why he -should proceed upon the same plan. He -imitates no one and it is safe to say no one -imitates him, for the reason that he is so -intensely original; the processes of his mind -are so completely his own that no one could -well repeat them. Bishop Edwards once -said, “There is one man whose sermons no -one has ever tried to copy; that man is Newgent.” -This originality has been a valuable -asset in debate. His opponent might come -with his mind well furnished with all the -laws of logic, the tactics known to debaters, -and the arguments on both sides of the question -well in hand, only to find his materials -practically useless. Rev. Mr. Newgent’s -method being so unique, his approach to the -subject from such unexpected angles, and -his presentation of unheard-of arguments in -defending his position, while transgressing -no valid law of debate or of logic, made him -a law unto himself. The opinions of other -men rather than being accepted as authority, -only serve to quicken his thought and -incite to investigation. In preaching he is -purely extemporaneous, often deferring the -selection of a text or theme until after he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> -enters the pulpit. But his resourceful -mind, well stocked with information, the result -of general reading and observation, -and his aptness at illustration, rendered -safe for him what to some men would be a -hazardous undertaking.</p> - -<p>While original in his thinking, he never -discredits the opinions of others, no matter -how widely they may differ from his -own. Honesty and sincerity he regards as -superior to articles of faith. “If no one -gets to heaven except those who believe as I -do,” he often says, “the audience there will -be rather small.” David said, in his haste, -“All men are liars.” If Rev. Mr. Newgent -should err in his judgment of mankind, it -would more likely be in the opposite direction. -A source of strength is his faith in -men, their possibilities and aspirations for -better things. To be a leader of men, this -faith is imperative. Beneath the surface -shale of human differences, selfishness and -error, may be found a sub-stratum of genuine -manhood. And upon this the true -builder must build. He must recognize that -he is dealing with intelligent beings who can -think and feel, and who are possessed with -a sense of honor and self-respect. The man -who would inspire others to higher things -must not despise or ignore these vital factors<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> -of individual consciousness. There are -sacred precincts in every life which the -owner has a right to guard as with a flaming -sword, and which should not be approached -except with unsandaled feet and -sanctified hands. That there is more real -incentive to noble effort in a vision of the -possibilities and beauty of a noble life than -in the lash, is a prominent article in Rev. -Mr. Newgent’s faith. The spirit of “anti-ism” -and the methods used by a certain -type of evangelists of pouring out the vials -of their sarcastic and vituperative wrath -upon men and things in general are offensive -to him in the extreme. Hence, the positive -note is always dominant in his preaching.</p> - -<p>The secret of getting on with men is in -knowing what chord to strike to get the desired -response. That he knows well the -secret, the achievements of his career bear -ample testimony. An incident in his boyhood -may not be out of place here, as it illustrates -the principle by which he has been -actuated throughout his entire life in his -relations with men. He was employed at -a saw-mill. The logs were hauled from the -forest to the mill with oxen. That an ox -team is no friend to grace, is the general -verdict of those who have experimental<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> -knowledge of ox-driving. One large, burly -team in particular that was noted for obstinacy -and general degeneracy, had defied -all the skill and whips and profanity the -driver could produce. He repeatedly had -gone to the woods for his load and returned -with the empty wagon. At a critical point -in the road the team would balk and refuse -to budge until the wagon was unloaded. It -became a standing challenge to the entire -crowd, different ones of whom accepted the -challenge, with the same result. Finally -Jack, as he was then called, asked permission -to try. He was only a spindling lad of -a hundred-weight avoirdupois, and the very -suggestion was met with jeers. “Have you -ever driven oxen?” he was asked. “No,” -was the reply, “but I think I have ox sense.” -They finally consented, but no one expected -anything but another failure. The driver -offered him the whip. “I don’t need the -whip,” he said, and started for his charge. -He made friends with his dumb servants, -rubbed their ears, spoke to them coaxingly, -and soon had them on the way to the woods. -He took the precaution to provide himself -with a small bag of corn. He succeeded in -getting the log on the wagon and again -patted the oxen, and as a reward of merit, -gave them each a nubbin, letting them see<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span> -that there was more in the bag that would -be available if they proved worthy. Thus, -as he said, he “sooked” them along, and to -the astonishment of the mill hands, arrived -in an unusually short time with a large log. -It was not only a lesson to the men, but to -himself as well, by which he has profited -throughout his entire life. He has verified -the fact many times that “sooking” will succeed -with men as well as oxen when the -whip will fail.</p> - -<p>There are two kinds of leadership among -men. One is the arbitrary leadership of the -boss; the other is natural, a true leadership, -which has for its basis personal strength and -merit. The former is transient, having no -real place among thinking and liberty-loving -people. The other is abiding, for the -true leader is ever in demand.</p> - -<p>This latter type is quaintly set forth in -Longfellow’s “Song of Hiawatha”:</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">“As unto the bow the cord is,</div> -<div class="verse">So is unto man the woman;</div> -<div class="verse">While she bends him, she obeys him,</div> -<div class="verse">Though she leads him, yet she follows.”</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>It is the woman’s leadership—controlling -by obedience, leading by following. A paradox, -perhaps, but supported by the logic of -actual achievements in every realm of human -endeavor. The workman controls the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> -force of a stream by obeying that force. -Should he plant his turbine on the hilltop -and command the water to flow up the hill -and turn the wheel, the stream would only -laugh at his impudence as it rippled on its -way. But when he plants his wheel in the -current, the stream at once becomes his -servant. It is the principle observed by the -engineer, the sailor, the electrician, or the -aviator in harnessing and utilizing the various -forces of nature. The same principle -lies at the basis of all true leadership in society, -church, or state. The strict observance -of it has enabled Rev. Mr. Newgent to touch -the motive springs of character by means -of which men are aroused to action. His -close sympathy with men ever gives him an -unconscious, commanding influence. And -this influence is always turned to account -in their own uplifting and in the advancement -of righteousness. Out of over a half-century -in the public ministry, about one-half -of his time has been spent as presiding -elder. This official relation does not afford -the opportunity for evangelistic and other -forms of direct church work as does the pastorate; -so that definite, visible results cannot -readily be computed. Yet, few men have -built for themselves greater or more enduring -monuments in the line of tangible<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> -results. More than six thousand members -have been gathered into the denomination -through his labors. Thirty church-houses -stand to his credit as a church builder. He -has officiated at about one hundred dedicatory -exercises, a recognition of his ability as -a money-getter. On Chautauqua platforms -and special occasions of both a religious and -semi-religious character he has been a -prominent figure. And his advice is always -at a premium in the counsels of the denomination.</p> - -<p>It has been well said, “When God made -wit, he pronounced it good.” Rev. Mr. -Newgent has demonstrated the practical -utility of sanctified wit and humor. It is -possible, however, that his humor has led -to more misconception of his character than -any other thing that could be mentioned. -The trait that touches the most popular -chord is likely to be so magnified as to shut -from view others of equal or greater significance. -The fame of an author not infrequently -rests upon a single production, and -that by no means his best. Edward Eggleston -did not regard the “Hoosier Schoolmaster” -as the best of his works, but multitudes -who have been charmed by that simple -story will never know that he ever wrote -anything else.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span></p> - -<p>That Rev. Mr. Newgent has in some degree -suffered in a similar manner is, therefore, -nothing more than might be expected. -Yet, if his humor, in the minds of some, -would reduce him to the level of a mere -jokesmith, to him it has been an invaluable -asset. It has served to open the way for the -assertion of the more substantial and practical -qualities; it has enabled him to capture -hostile and even riotous audiences; with it -he has battered down strongholds of opposition; -it has been an effective weapon -against false doctrine, hypocrisy, and deep-seated -vice in its various forms; it has -served as the sugar coating for truths that -were unpleasant because of a perverted -taste; he has found it a splendid tonic to -dispense with more solid food to aid the -digestion of mental and spiritual dyspeptics. -His humor is of the spontaneous sort, ready -to boil over whenever the lid is removed. -It flows out through his discourses and conversations -as naturally as the stream gushes -from the fountain, and is always mellowed -by tenderness and a deep human sympathy.</p> - -<p>“Where dwellest thou?” was asked of the -Son of Man. The question was of greater -significance than the interrogator supposed, -and the answer was even more significant. -The Savior did not say, in Galilee or Palestine,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> -or Nazareth, but simply, “Come and -see.” A man’s habitation is not a matter of -geographical boundary. Should the question -be addressed to Rev. Mr. Newgent, he -would say, “I live on the sunny side of the -street.” A critic of Emerson said that because -of his unorthodoxy he was doomed -to go to hell. A contemporary who was acquainted -with Emerson’s kindly and genial -disposition remarked that if he did, he -would change the climate. Rev. Mr. Newgent -not only lives on the sunny side of -the street, but he carries sunshine with him. -He has a knack of distilling sunshine from -every circumstance of life. He changes the -climate to suit his own temperament. With -Solomon, he believes in the medical virtues -of a smile, that “a merry heart doeth good -like a medicine.”</p> - -<p>He was once called to visit a woman in -the mountains of east Tennessee, whom he -had never seen. She was supposed to be -dying of consumption. It was late at night -when he arrived and the weather was inclement. -The physician was leaving the -house as he approached. On learning who -he was, the physician told him he was too -late; the lady was dying. He went at once -to her bedside, and found that the death -sweat had begun to gather and the death<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> -rattle was in her throat. He lifted up her -head gently and spoke to her. Her face -brightened, and presently she began to talk. -She told him that she was glad he had come, -that she must soon die, and feared she would -have to go without seeing him.</p> - -<p>But in a voice tender but cheerful, he told -her he was glad to do her any favor, and -added, “But don’t be in a hurry about going. -I wouldn’t go to-night, if I were you. -The night is dark and stormy, and you -might get lost in these mountains. You had -better wait until morning. It will be so -much better to go in the day time.” She -smiled at the eccentricity of the remarks, -and seemed to make up her mind to take the -advice. Morning found her much improved, -having apparently decided to postpone the -matter indefinitely. And contrary to the -predictions of her physician and friends, -she recovered to thank the preacher rather -than the physician for prolonging her days.</p> - -<p>To him there are “sermons in stone, and -books in the running brooks.” He finds in -the commonest things and most commonplace -occurrence of everyday life, lessons of -practical truth that enrich and adorn his -discourses. Once while in his company we -were stopping at a hotel for dinner. While -we were seated at the table, some one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span> -dropped a coin in the slot of an automatic -music machine, at which it began to grind -out a familiar tune. Rev. Mr. Newgent on -observing the operation, quoted the language -of Job, “I caused the widow’s heart to -sing for joy,” and added, “Don’t you suppose -that was Job’s way of making people -sing for joy—with a bit of money?” And -subsequently the illustration was used with -fine effect in a discourse on benevolence.</p> - -<p>Underlying all, and harmonizing all the -elements of his personality is a firm and -abiding faith in God. It is doubtless easier -for some persons to be religious than for -others. In this respect he has been favored. -The natural bent of his mind from earliest -childhood was toward religion. Converted -at the age of ten, his entire life has been -controlled by a strong and steady devotion -to religious ideals. His faith is broad and -well balanced. Religious affectation and -fads have no part with him. His religious -character was formed amid the strife and -controversies of various creeds in a day -when creed was everything. These controversies -drove him to a critical study of the -various systems of theology in the light of -the Bible. He made the Word of God his -sole authority in all doctrinal matters. -That which he recognized as supported by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> -the Book, he made his own. That he defended -without apology or compromise. -While he is dogmatic to a large degree, his -dogmatism is of a practical sort. He believes -that there is a vital relation between -doctrine and Christian character. A true -life cannot be built upon erroneous or -crooked theology. He often deplores the -fact that the church has swung away from -the strict, doctrinal teaching of the past, believing -that in consequence it has suffered -the loss of spiritual vitality and zeal.</p> - -<p>His faith is as simple as it is broad and -deep. The essentials of religion are few and -easily comprehended. The simplicity of -gospel truth when properly presented is one -of its strongest attractive elements. In -many instances the simple gospel has been -complicated and obscured by a mass of theological -rubbish heaped up by men more interested -in a creed than in the ultimate -truth. If the rubbish is cleared away, the -truth will shine forth clear and distinct in -its beauty, and men will accept it. To remove -the rubbish and give a clear setting -to the simple, vital elements of Christian -faith seems to have been a large part of his -appointed task. This is among his chief -contributions to the cause of pure and undefiled -religion.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span></p> - -<p>To the simplicity of his faith should be -added another quality, perhaps best described -by the word “practical.” With him -faith is an intensely practical thing. The -faith that expresses itself merely in stock -phrases, articles of a creed or church membership -is, to say the least, a base counterfeit, -a useless commodity. Nothing seems -to him more irreligious than the religion -that begins and ends in noise. Genuine -faith has a personal, spiritual, and commercial -value. Its highest expression is in doing -something that ought to be done. It -crystallizes into character, and contributes -to human welfare. It places its possessor -upon the broad highway of the world’s need, -bringing him into sympathetic touch with -the throbbing heart-life of humanity. Thus -he maintains the sound Scriptural philosophy -that faith is to be tested by works.</p> - -<p>The church has profited largely from his -beneficence. A habit which he has followed -throughout his ministry is, as he says, “to -live like a poor man and give like a rich -man”—that is, like a rich man ought to -give. He never turns down a worthy call -for help. Even should there be a question -as to the merit of the call, he usually gives -it the benefit of the doubt. “His house is -known to all the vagrant train,” and, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> -borrow another quaint phrase from Goldsmith, -“even his faults lean to virtue’s side.” -The tramp that comes to his door gets with -his dinner a genial smile and wholesome -words of admonition, even though the dinner, -the smile, and the admonition are lost -upon a worthless subject.</p> - -<p>In dedicating churches he has made it a -general rule to give his own subscription for -an amount equal to the largest on the list. -On a number of occasions, under pressure of -a great need, he has pledged more than he -was worth, in the faith that God would -open the way for meeting the obligation. -And his faith in every such case has been -vindicated. His life illustrates the Bible -doctrine of increasing by scattering. He -surely has scattered with a lavish hand. He -has not only observed the Lord’s tithe in his -benevolence, but has gone quite beyond it, -even to the giving, in some instances, of -the greater part of his income to the Lord’s -cause. Yet with it all, he has increased in -temporal possessions. He has honored God -with his substance, and God has smiled -graciously upon him, so that with David he -can well say, “I once was young, but now -am old, yet have I not seen the righteous -forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”</p> - -<hr /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span></p> - -<div class="chapter"> - -<h2 id="Chapter_Sixteen"><span class="smcap">Chapter Sixteen.</span></h2> - -<p><i>“Lights Out”—A Dirge of the War.</i></p> - -</div> - -<p>A marked characteristic of Uncle Jack, -as these pages have shown, is his peculiar -ability to establish and maintain strong -ties of personal friendship. This has been -evident even from his youth. He has gathered -friends from all walks of life, and their -name is legion. The list has always been -characterized by names that were written -large in the annals of Church and State. -Conspicuous among these is the late Lieutenant-Colonel -James T. Johnson, of Rockville, -Indiana, a man distinguished for -talent and achievement in various fields. -The twain were boys together, and the -friendship thus early formed continued until -severed by the death of Johnston in 1904. -When Newgent was first winning laurels as -a boy preacher, Johnston often walked five -miles to attend his services. They were -young men, mere youths, when the Civil -War broke out. Both heard and responded -to their country’s call at that dark time -when not only the country’s honor, but her -very existence was at stake. Both served -under General Burnsides, and both held official<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> -positions in the army, Newgent as -chaplain of his regiment, and Johnston as -lieutenant, later lieutenant-colonel. After -the war was over, each won honors and -served well his generation in his chosen profession, -the one as a minister of the gospel, -the other as a lawyer and politician. Johnston -found room near the top in the legal -profession, and at the same time represented -his district three successive terms in -Congress. He ranked high as an orator, -and, like his clerical friend, was much in -demand at reunions and other gatherings -of the soldiers, the two men frequently dividing -time upon such occasions. Had Newgent -chosen politics as a career, he would -doubtless have become a political leader. -Had Johnston turned his attention to the -ministry, he would have taken rank in all -probability among the leading preachers of -his day.</p> - -<p>But there was one sad difference between -them—Johnston was skeptically inclined. -While the two men maintained the highest -regard for each other, and frequently were -associated together in their work, the subject -of religion was one point on which, to -the regret, possibly, of both parties, they -were not in accord. Johnston’s skepticism -however, was not of the positive sort. He represented<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span> -the honest doubter rather than the -avowed disbeliever. His wife was a devout -Presbyterian, and while he could not subscribe -to the tenets of the church, he never -disparaged the church or its work. Every -worthy cause found in him a sympathizer -and liberal supporter. His honor and integrity -were never questioned, and he enjoyed -the full confidence and esteem of his fellows. -It is a matter of satisfaction that such a life -was not permitted to go out in the dark. -And Newgent had the joy of finally leading -him, just as his sun was sinking below the -horizon, to a simple faith in Christ and a -blessed assurance of his acceptance with -God.</p> - -<p>During his last illness, which covered a -period of six months, the colonel was visited -frequently by local ministers, but owing to -his reputed skepticism and his high professional -standing, the subject of religion -was not pressed upon him. There is a tendency -to fear big men in matters of religion -not easily explained and not easily overcome, -and it is quite probable that many a -great life has ended without the consolations -of religion that, were it not for this -tendency, might have been led into the light -as readily as a little child. Oh, how Christians -fear the logic of the world, and yet,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> -the sword of the Spirit is a greater weapon -than all the world’s artillery!</p> - -<p>Newgent visited him almost daily during -this time, and on one occasion determined -to broach the subject of religion. “Colonel,” -he said, in his usual tactful manner, -“while you are shut in here, would it not be -a fine opportunity for you to read the Bible -through?”</p> - -<p>“Well,” he answered, “Laura and I tried -it; we took it up by books, but we got -stalled.” It was, of course, the colonel himself -who “got stalled.” Laura, his wife, was -a Christian, as has been noted, and her faith -was not shaken by Scriptural difficulties.</p> - -<p>“What was your trouble?” Newgent questioned, -with a view to encouraging conversation -along that channel.</p> - -<p>“Well,” he said, “we got to the book of -Job. I could not reconcile the book of Job -with the idea that God is our Heavenly -Father, full of love and mercy. If Job was -God’s child and a good man, as the Bible -says he was, how could a loving father allow -a loving, obedient child to be so abused -and tempted by the devil? I can’t see -through it.”</p> - -<p>After he had delivered his speech on the -difficulties of the book of Job, and unburdened -his mind somewhat, Newgent drew<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> -near to him, and speaking very simply but -earnestly, said: “Colonel, you are a great -lawyer, but you are only a child in the -Bible. Your trouble is that you commenced -at the wrong place. When, as a little child, -you started to school, your teacher did not -start you in the advanced studies. She put -you in the A, B, C class. Now, don’t be in -too big a hurry to get out of your A, B, C’s -in the study of the Bible, for there is where -you belong. I have been making a study of -God’s Word for many years, and I want you -to listen to me a while. I think we can get -over the rough places after a while. Do you -have any trouble with Jesus Christ? He -was God’s dear son, yet he had to suffer -more than any man, but his suffering was -for others. So we learn from Job’s sufferings -that he has helped millions to trust -God in the dark.”</p> - -<p>This was the colonel’s A, B, C lesson in -religion. The visits and conversations were -continued day after day, until a couple of -days before his death, when the truths of -the preceding lessons were clinched in the -following conversation:</p> - -<p>“Colonel,” said the preacher, resuming -their lessons, “you had one of the best mothers -in the world, did you not?” He admitted -that he had.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span></p> - -<p>“She taught you to say your little prayers?”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said the great man, as the tears -started from his eyes.</p> - -<p>“And you never doubted her word?”</p> - -<p>“No—never.”</p> - -<p>“That was simple faith in mother. Now, -in your mind go back to mother, and though -she is dead, look up into her face as when -you were a child, and trust her as you did -then. That will represent the soul looking -up to Jesus and trusting him for salvation. -That is all Christ requires of a sinner.”</p> - -<p>As the preacher finished this little homily -on faith, the colonel was weeping like a -child. “Jack,” he sobbed, “is that all there -is in coming to Christ to be saved?”</p> - -<p>“That is all there is,” and before the -preacher could continue the discussion -further, the light broke in upon the humble -and contrite heart. “I’ve got it,” he interrupted -with much emotion, at the same time -grasping the preacher’s hand with all the -strength his six-months’ illness had left -him. Thus, the man who all the years of -his eventful career, by his own wisdom and -logic and learning knew not God, was at -the last critical moment melted and transformed -by the light from Calvary, and a -great life was snatched as a brand from the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> -eternal burning. The lawyer, the statesman, -the scholar, the orator received the -kingdom of heaven on the Savior’s easy -terms, “as a little child,” and two days later -his soul passed into the presence of Jehovah.</p> - -<p>Rev. Mr. Newgent delivered the funeral -oration. Men of prominence from various -parts of the country helped to swell the -vast throng that was present at the funeral -service. The story of the colonel’s conversion -from skepticism to simple, saving faith -in Christ was related by the speaker, and -produced a profound impression.</p> - -<p>The paper with which this chapter is -concluded refers to the life-long association -of the two men, Johnston, the “young cavalryman -of Indiana,” and Newgent, the “boy -chaplain.” It was read before a special -meeting of the Steele Post G. A. R., and auxiliary -orders of Rockville shortly after -Johnston’s death by Mrs. White, the wife of -Judge A. F. White of that city. Judge -White was also a soldier and a life-long -friend of Johnston and Newgent. The doctor -referred to in the paper had served as -a physician in the Confederate army, but -afterward took up his residence in Rockville, -where he built up a large practice. -The three men were present with the wife -when Colonel Johnston died, and helped to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span> -make up the scene in the death chamber so -dramatically described in the paper.</p> - -<div class="blockquote"> - -<p class="center">“LIGHTS OUT.”</p> - -<p>“It is midwinter in east Tennessee in -1863. The rivers are flooded, the valleys -desolate, the mountain gaps gorged with -snow. It is the home of mountain patriots; -it must be held at all hazards to the last. -This is Lincoln’s solemn wish; it is a part -of Grant’s giant plan when Mission Ridge -is stormed. A young cavalryman of Indiana -is one of the ten thousand who keep -freedom’s vigils along the Clinch, the Holstein, -and the French Broad. He munches -his meager rations of parched corn; he rides -the wild mountain roads night and day; he -obeys to the letter his orders to hold to the -last man the ford of a remote mountain -stream. A buckshot buries itself in his -wrist, making a wound which heals long -after the war and a scar which he carries -to his grave. The old flag stays in east Tennessee.</p> - -<p>“He has a comrade from a neighboring -county who shares with him the suffering -and sacrifice of that desperate campaign, -he is the “boy chaplain” of the brigade.</p> - -<p>“It is the same winter along the Rappahannock -and the Rappidan. The snow, like<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> -a measureless shroud, covers the numberless -dead of the debatable land between the Potomac -and the James. There is another -soldier, a mere boy, a young artilleryman -from the Shenandoah, who is one of the -thousands who hold Lee’s unbroken lines. -His battery long since won its title to glory. -It helped to clear the mountain gaps of the -Blue Ridge; its red guns helped feed the -fires which lighted up the valley of death -for Pickett’s dauntless charge. Ill fed, -ragged, but inbred with the chivalry of the -South, he is in it all. There is victory at -Chancellorsville, but defeat at Gettysburg; -but St. Andrew’s cross still gleams blood red -on the breast of the South, The Stars and -Bars still flash defiance from Marye’s Hill.</p> - -<p>“The young artilleryman also has a comrade -from the valley, a young trooper who -rides with Ashby’s cavaliers in all their wild -forays.</p> - -<p>“Two flags, two oaths of allegiance, the -culminating hates of a hundred years, separate -these two young soldiers of the North -and the South. But they are not alien in -blood, they are brothers of the same race, -Anglo-Saxon from the first Americans to the -last. They speak the same tongue, their -mothers read the same Bible, prayed to the -same God; their forefathers fought for the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> -same country—Nathaniel Greene at Yorktown, -Washington on Cambridge Heights.</p> - -<p>“It is midsummer of 1904. The cavalryman -of ’63 is dying; not in the weary hospital -of pain; not on the perilous edge of -battle. More than forty years have passed -since the grim midwinter of east Tennessee.</p> - -<p>“It is the home he has made for his declining -years. The rooms are cool and -sweet, a broad porch looks down a quiet -street, familiar books are everywhere; his -escutcheon over the mantel shows his soldier -record from ’62 to ’65—the old, old story of -duty and glory. A blue book on the table -tells briefly his struggle from the farm to -the halls of Congress; the faces of statesmen, -kinsmen, and friends look down from -their appropriate places on the walls.</p> - -<p>“The good right hand of the veteran lies in -that of another; grief-stricken she keeps her -vows, ’till death do us part.’</p> - -<p>“A grey-haired man holds the other. It is -the soldier of the Rappahannock. Lee’s -battery boy of ’63 is the trusted physician, -the medical confidant, and ministrant of the -Union soldier. With all the knowledge of -a learned and skillful physician, he has -fought the common enemy for the life of -his dying friend. But the odds are too -great. Old pains, old ailments, old wounds<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> -of ’63 outmatch the medical arts of 1904. -But the doctor has known the grief of defeat -before. Once a long time ago he yielded -to the inevitable in the orchards of Appomattox. -He lays his ear close over the failing -heart to catch, if he can, its last lingering -drum-beats in the battle of life. He -places his fingers on the pulseless wrist, -searching for its last faint throb—and they -rest motionless for a moment on the old -scar of ’63. ‘It is over,’ he says very softly.</p> - -<p>“A low word of prayer for the widow and -fatherless falls from the lips of the grey-haired -minister at the foot of the bed. It is -the ‘boy chaplain’ of the dead veteran’s old -brigade—youthful to the end. Another -man beside him, thin-visaged and bent. It -is Ashby’s old trooper, and his eyes are full -of tears as he walks slowly out of the room.</p> - -<p>“‘Lights out.’ ‘The bands in the pine -woods cease. A robin sings close by, as they -will in summer evenings; the fragrance of -old-fashioned flowers steals in through the -white window curtains. The sun sinks behind -the church across the street, the -shadow of its belfry coming in at the open -door. And over all, Lincoln’s worn face -looks down from its place among the pictures -on the wall. Even now with the hush -of death upon us all, we hear his plaintive<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> -prophecy of long ago: ‘We are not enemies -but friends. We must not be enemies. -Though passion may have strained, it cannot -break the bonds of our affection. The -mystic chord of memory, stretching from -every patriot grave and battlefield to every -living heart and hearthstone all over this -broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the -Union when touched again, as they surely -will be, by the better angels of our nature.’”</p> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Experiences of Uncle Jack, by W. Ed. Snyder - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EXPERIENCES OF UNCLE JACK *** - -***** This file should be named 62648-h.htm or 62648-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/2/6/4/62648/ - -Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - - -</pre> - -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/62648-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/62648-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 96ab309..0000000 --- a/old/62648-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62648-h/images/deco.jpg b/old/62648-h/images/deco.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3a80f8e..0000000 --- a/old/62648-h/images/deco.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62648-h/images/illus1.jpg b/old/62648-h/images/illus1.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index e07323f..0000000 --- a/old/62648-h/images/illus1.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62648-h/images/illus2.jpg b/old/62648-h/images/illus2.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 211387d..0000000 --- a/old/62648-h/images/illus2.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62648-h/images/illus3.jpg b/old/62648-h/images/illus3.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 1ba873b..0000000 --- a/old/62648-h/images/illus3.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62648-h/images/illus4.jpg b/old/62648-h/images/illus4.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4272995..0000000 --- a/old/62648-h/images/illus4.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62648-h/images/illus5.jpg b/old/62648-h/images/illus5.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index f052222..0000000 --- a/old/62648-h/images/illus5.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62648-h/images/illus6.jpg b/old/62648-h/images/illus6.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3f24282..0000000 --- a/old/62648-h/images/illus6.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62648-h/images/illus7.jpg b/old/62648-h/images/illus7.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 89edf46..0000000 --- a/old/62648-h/images/illus7.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62648-h/images/illus8.jpg b/old/62648-h/images/illus8.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index d9f53a4..0000000 --- a/old/62648-h/images/illus8.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/62648-h/images/illus9.jpg b/old/62648-h/images/illus9.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 6c6efba..0000000 --- a/old/62648-h/images/illus9.jpg +++ /dev/null |
