>INCIDENTS AND CHARACTERS IN THE EARLY HISTORY OF METHODISM > >By > >The Reverend John Elmore DuBois > >Edited by Elizabeth A. DuBois >© 1998 DuBois Publishing Co, Simsbury, Connecticut. All rights >reserved. > >Nine > >A Study in Contrasts > > My last paper was closed by an incident, showing the unfortunate >effects of excessive levity on the part of a minister, whose name, for >reasons I did not call. > > I shall begin this by relating another of the same party, which further >shows the unfortunate influence of such a practice on the part of the >minister. > > Mr. Wm. Rowland, a pious member of our Church, Rev. L. Q. G. DeYampert >and the preacher above alluded to, started on a tour out West. For some >reason, best known to themselves, the ministers decided not to make >known their calling. In their travels, this unnamed preacher indulged >freely in his ruling propensity for vulgar anecdote, very much to the >annoyance and disgust of his more refined and dignified companions. >Finally they were joined by another gentleman traveling in the same >direction. After listening to the conversation of this indiscreet >minister for some time, the new companion and Mr. Rowland dropped back >and for a time rode together. After some sharp criticism on the part of >the stranger, Mr. R., told him the talker was a minister. > > Immediately on overtaking the other two, the stranger said, "I am told >you are a preacher." The reply was, "I am, sir." Then in language more >pointed than respectful, he was severely rebuked. It is to be hoped >that this chastisement made him a more prudent and discreet man, and >that the recital of this incident may restrain our young men who are >over-charged with a spirit of levity. Preachers cannot be too cautious >in their deportment. The apostle's warning was, "Avoid foolish >jesting." > >[To be continued] >