Des Arc weekly citizen., 1868-10-20

BigelOw.

lived in the days of martyrs, he would very likely have died at the stake. Two or three well-attested incidents may illustrate his character in this respect. At camp meeting, of which he had charge, in the southern part of the State, after the services of the night had closed and the congregation retired to rest, he was still on the lookout to protect the camp from disturbance or loss. About o'clock in the morning a rowdy crept up stealthily to the rear of canvas tent and had just com menced cutting into it with his pocket knife, when he felt hand upon his shoulder. He turned his head and en- countered the calm and fearless look of Bigelow. Amazed and overawed, the fellow began to stammer out an apolo- gy, and expressed sorrow for what he was doing. "Yes," said Bigelow, with firm hold upon the mans shoulder, q know you are sorry; you are sorry BECAUSE l HAVE CAUGHT YOU" The man pleaded to be released, and prom ised to retire immediately from the ground, or conduct himself with be- coming propriety. Bigelow told him before they parted they must kneel down and pray together. They knelt side by side. Bigelow still keeping hold of the man, offered up one of his fervent prayers. When they arose they found themselves surrounded by quite number, who had been attracted to the spot by the weli-known voice. Being re-enforced he concluded to pro- tract the exercises number of hymns were sung, and prayers offered with special reference to the condition of the poor sinner. At length deep convic- ton seized his heart He cried out, in deep anguish of spirit, God be merci- full to Inc, poor sinnerv Surrounded by this praying circle he pleaded for mercy, and before the dawning of the morning the blessing of pardon came, and he was new creature. At anoth- CT time camp meeting had been great ly disturbed by dsorderly band. One night, under the influence of whis- key, moved and instigated by the devil, they determined to break up the en- campment entirely They selected the most resolute and desperate of the number to act as captain or leader, and met together some distance in the woods, after dark, to mature their plans. A large fire was kindled at the side of fallen tree. They drank and blasphemed, making night hideous with their dreadful oaths. The widest excitement and confusion prevailed. Being informed of what was going on, and having charge of the meeting. Bigelow felt called upon to adopt measures to prevent the disturbance. For this purpose he selected six stout resolute men to go with him, and have a conference with the lawless rabble. As they approached the place, and saw the number and desperation of the crowd, the fortitude of the escorts failed, and with one consent they de- clined to proceed But Bigelow, not in the least intimidated, went forward alone. Unperceived by the mob he mounted the fallen tree, and the first thing they knew of his presence was the announcement of the text, in clear, commanding voice:
 "Ye servants, ye generation of vii pers, how can you escape the damna- ton of'hell p
 The cry was immediately raised. "Take him down." ''throw him into the fire," etc., and some hands were reached out to take hold upon him. The man of God was unmoved, and raising himself to his greatest altitude, his words fell upon them like shocks of electricity:
 "No, you dare not touch me! I am Gods minister, bearing to you fear fal message. and he says, Touch not mine annointed, and do my prophets no harm Let no man dare to put his hand upon me, but listen to what have to say to you in the name of my Mas ter" He then commenced his sermon. With such a theme, and such an audi ence, we may imagine his words fell in torrents as barbed arrows and two- edged swords. The stoutest hearts quailed before him, and one by one disappeared, till the captain of the gang stood alone before the preacher, chained by mysterious power he could not break. Still the sermon progressed, and as the truth flashed and famed be- fore the terrified imagination of the nearer, and burned upon his heart like >coals of fire, he beca ne so overpowered that he fell headlong and insensible to the earth. Bigelow now called for his companions, and gathering up the fallen man, they carried him to tent, and prayed and labored with him till he was most powerfully converted.
 Such was the wonderful power at tending the preaching of this man that sinners would not only tremble under the fearful warning that he uttered, but whole congregations would fre- ouently rise to their feet unconscious ly. forgetting everything but the grand eur and the glory with which he in vested the subject. Judges, statesmen, men of education and science, men of high degree, would be enchained, over- whelmed by the force of his logic, and the startling. magnetic power attend ing his ministrations.