This was in the summer of 1823. Rev. Goodwin Stoddard was the presiding
elder, a mighty man when fully aroused. Sunday evening he preached in the
new house during a fearful thunderstorm, and seemed girded like Elijah
running before the chariot of the king. While Jehovah spake in the clouds,
and for a long time the heavens seemed to be "a sheet of flame." He also
spake by his servant, and the response from the people was in tears and
sobs, groans and shouts; and at the conclusion of nearly every sweep of the
preacher's wonderful flights could be heard above the whole a shrill shout
from the hostess, followed by a tornado of amens! When the sermon closed
the storm ceased, and the "slain of the Lord were many." Memorable night!
The people found neither slumber nor weariness, and when the morning dawned
very few had not found a brighter dawn.




CHAPTER VII.


THE QUARTERLY MEETINGS.

These meetings, held in the summer season upon these premises for near a
dozen years, were greatly enjoyed by Elizabeth and the family. The circuit
was large, and most of its two or three dozen appointments would be
represented at what they called the "quarterly visitation." For two or
three hours before noon on Saturday the people were pouring in from all
parts of the circuit, and some from adjoining circuits. Besides what would
consent to sit down to dinner, "lunch" was freely distributed, which very
few refused after a long ride or walk. This lunch business was very handy,
and not unpopular. No plates were used; the people in house or yard took in