IMH 75:2 179-180
"Chronicles of Upper Burnet" (1)
1881
Sunday, March 6th.
I took the rather foolish course to-day (considering what
would probably happen tomorrow) of going to Mt Olive
M[ethodist] E[piscopal] Church afoot. Mr. Jonathan Laurence
held forth and the Spirit moved him to hold a short prayerÂ
meeting, preach a short disconnected and rather laughable
sermon and then hold a prayer meeting besides. I spent the
time till night at Madison Hinson's and went with him to
prayer-meeting at night "Brer Jonathan" was there and interjected
a short sermon. Sam Woods(70) came near causing trouble
between himself and Will Bain by some very personal remarks
which he made while giving in his "sperience" which remarks
Will thought were directed at himself. I got home about ten
o'clock. The day was cloudy from sunrise to sunset. Nothing of
any importance transpired while I was gone I believe.
Teaching Note: You will note that William does not attend only one church, but goes
to several. Churches function then as well as now as both religious and social gatherings.
The "sperience" William is describing is the practice in some religions to give a public
and personal confession of sorts about something they have experienced. It was common
in the Methodist church I formerly attended.. not so much in the Quaker that do now.
Will Bain as you may recall is a local school teacher... and a friend of William.
