Diary of a Prairie Missionary       Part 2

25^th.   I had set apart to converse with any who might feel disposed to join our Church for the first time. Two applications were made.  A place was today prepared for divine service on the approaching solemnity. Under a roof 22 feet by 18, between a stable and a corn crib, our place of worship was pitched.  Corn "shucks” were spread upon the ground as a floor, while 18 or 20 benches or stools were arranged in front of our stand or pulpit which was erected about two feet from the ground.  On the North Side we had a large waggon drawn UP, and on the South a considerable awning spread which space when filled with seats would accommodate upwards of 200 persons. This was a superior place of worship to many others in the "Far West", and in such a place a heart has been "filled with laughter when hearing the words of Eternal Life. I trust it was so here.

26^th  June.   Was observed as a day of humiliation and self-examination by our people before the Communion season. As I was oommencing the second service for the day Brother Parks made his appearance, having been since Sabbath with his friend from Ky. who was sick.

27^th.    I had to do all myself as Mr. Parks pled to be with his sick friend 16 miles distant. By the session 4 were admitted on certificate & two on examination. Tokens were distributed to about twenty-two.

28^th Lord's Day.    At half past ten our services commenced, and altho the Methodists had held a meeting near us, as they had previously done to prevent their people from attending us, yet our meeting was large, and generally attentive.  After preaching the "Action Sermon”, I proceeded to state to them our views of intercommunion, that as we did not associate with others on this solemn occasion, or permit them to join with us, it was principally a consequence which arose from the Calvinistic view of the Atonement. The Arminian scheme is the basis of intercommunion in my opinion.  Mr. Parks then proceeded to read the warrant offer the consecration prayer and serve the first table. From the second table we were under the necessity of removing a young female, who notwithstanding all that I had said on intercommunion, appeared to come forward as a necessary consequence of her attendance there. So difficult is it to manage those who are “unaccustomed to the yoke”. In the afternoon we had a sermon from Mr.Parks on Rome 5th, lst. At six P.M. I went about half a mile and dispensed the ordnance of baptism at the house of Mr. J. McMillan. my reasons for so doing  were that the mother was then unable to leave her bed, and on Monday I could not overtake it, owing to my previous arrangements. Truly we had a pleasant day.

29^th.    After a sermon by Mr. Parks, I baptized two children, and afterwards. as about to leave this people, among whom I bad spent five Sabbaths, I attempted a word of exhortation, but my feelings overcame me and I was forced to desist. Often have I been similarly situated tho seldom so much affected.  In the afternoon I proceeded to the Jersey Prairie, and preached to an attentive audience. Mr. Parks preached this afternoon near Mr. Jno.  Laurie’s, about 4 miles from Jacksonville.