Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1897-06-24


sharp speeches Of Two Oid-Time virginia
Preachers TO Each Other. Aiss.s 4.
The revival In the Baptist church, re-
sently closed, and one now being con-
auct,d by the Methodists, have both
been attended by remarkable success.
rhe amity and fellowship between these
denominations are In striking contrast
with the feeling displayed In the begin
ing Of the century, MS manifested then
by the leading exponents Of those
churches. Then there were very few
churches In this section OF the country
and the preachers rode long distances
and held services on Saturdays and Sun
lays, rarely getting TO any one church
oftener than once a month. The old
men of to-day recall this period with
great pleasure and never tire Of relating
their recollections Of those good old
times. The most noted expounders Of
the Gospel In northern Virginia then
were Revs. Roszell, OF the Methodist
church, and Gilmore, Of the baptist
They were rigid and unyiclding be-
iievers, each In the tenets aud doctrines
Of his own faith, and advocates OF the
church militant, considering II their
duty TO "hew to the line, let the chips
fall where they may. In upholding
their doctrines they not only attacked
the opposing principles OF the other
church, but these two, being almost the
only preachers OF their respective de-
nominations in Loudoun and Fauquier,
they frequently indulged In sharp and
vigorous personalities in the pulpit and
elsewhere, which at this day would be
ant 10 beget an unending animosity.
On one occasion they both had APP
pointments in Leesburg on the same
Sunday, and. as was the custom in those
days, they received new members into
the church nt the close OF each series
Of meetings. Returning to their homes
after church the two congregations met
on opposite sides OF the same street.
The Methodist divine, thinking TO de-
liver a smarting thrust In the hearing of
almost the whole OF both flocks, called
across the street to the shepherd Of the
Baptist fold:
How dye do, Brother Gilmore; one
OF your members joined our church to-
day"
"Ah. hn, that's all right" replied the
placid immcrsionist, "hack-sliding Dap-
fists make very good Msthodists."
Constant themes oi difference be-
tween them, upon which an opportuni-
" TO cross swords wRs never suffered
10 pass unnoticed, wers close commun-
ion on the one side and che insufiicicncy
Of infant baptism on The other. One
communion day in thu Baptist church
Rev. Mr.. Roszell made II point 20 be
present, having no service at his own
church on that day. re had a seat on
one OF the front benchss. Mr.. Gilmore
spread the communion talle with great
care just In front OF Whcie the Metho-
dist divine was sitting, and when all
was ready he cleared HIS throat and with
great solemnity said In powerful and
impressive voice:
"Brother Roszell, II this table were
my table 1 should invite you TO psr!ake;
but being my Father'E, Idafe notl"
Instead of sinking through tho floor,
lir. Roszel calmly replied;
-Afother Gilmore, II this were your
table I should await your invitation;
but being my Fathers, l shall help my
self" and, suiting the action TO the
words, reached over and with great seri-
BUSINESS and solemnity, took bread and
wine without molestion, 20 the intense
amusement OF the congregation.
They were both great lights in their
churches. dearly beloved by their peo-
pie, and possessed OF a vigorous Chris
tian fervor that made itself felt and re.
suited In great good wherever their
ministrntions were carried on.--Wash-
inQton Star