CHAPTER III.

Exhorter in Charge.--The First Sabbath.--The Superb Singing.--Class and
Prayer Meetings.--A Revival.--Stockbridge Counted In.--A Remonstrance.--
Another Exhorter Found.--Decide to Hold a Great Meeting.--The Loaves
and Fishes in the Lad's Basket too Few.--Chief Chicks.--Conversion of a
Noted Character.--Quarterly Meeting at Fond du Lac.--Licensed to
Preach.--Camp Meeting at Clason's Prairie.--Camp Meeting at
Brothertown.--Church Enterprise.--Missionary Merchant.--Logging
Bee.--Successive Labors.

My first Sabbath, April 4, 1845, as "Exhorter in Charge," gave me an
opportunity to take the measure of my new field of labor. The chapel, as
before stated, was constructed of logs. These were hewn on both sides,
thus giving a smooth appearance both within and without. The logs were
halved together at the ends, and filled between with small pieces of
wood laid in morter, and, on the whole, the chapel made a very
respectable appearance. It contained rude seats that would accommodate
about one hundred and fifty persons, and furnished standing room in
addition for one hundred more.

On the advent of the young "Elder," for it was their custom to call all
ministers by that name, the chapel was packed to its utmost capacity.
Opening the services with great perturbation of spirit in the presence
of so vast a crowd, I proceeded with difficulty until the people arose
to sing. Instantly I was at ease. I was not a stranger to good singing,
for my surroundings had always been fortunate in this particular, but, I
am free to say, that, up to that hour, my ears had never been so
thrilled by Christian melody. The tones were not as mellow as those of
the African, but they were more deep and thrilling. Inclined rather to a