That night they spent at Stone's home, and the doctor soon perceived that one of the greatest things in the way was Stone's wife. Accordingly he gave her much attention, and the three searched the Scriptures the greater part of the night. A large crowd assembled the next day to hear the discussion. Dr. Bullard announced that there would be no debate, but that he would preach that morning and Stone in the afternoon; also that there would be an immersion immediately after the morning discourse. Much to the surprise of all, both Mr. and Mrs. Stone presented themselves for baptism when the invitation was given.
We have already learned that efforts were being made to return to apostolic Christianity in different places in the East, and I mentioned these efforts first because as emigration is most usually westward, the influences thus exerted spread far and wide. This is one of the reasons why the plea to return to the original practice of the apostolic churches has been more effective in the West than in the East.
I now give attention to a great movement that was inaugurated in what was then called the "West," through the untiring labors of Barton W. Stone and others. Stone was born in Maryland, December 24, 1772. His father died and the mother, being left with a large family of children, moved to Pittsylvania County, Va., in 1779, where the manners and customs of the people were very simple, and contentment seemed to be the lot of all, and happiness dwelt in every breast amidst the abundance of home stores, acquired by honest industry. His first teacher was a tyrant, who seemed to take pleasure in whipping and abusing his pupils for every trifling offense. When called upon to recite, he was so affected with fear, and so confused in mind, that he could say nothing, and remained in that school only a few days. He was then sent to another teacher, who was patient and kind, and he advanced so rapidly that after five years' training his teacher "pronounced him a finished scholar." This fired him with ambition and spurred his efforts to rise to eminence in learning.
About this time some Baptist preachers came into the neighborhood and began preaching to the people, and great excitement followed. Multitudes attended their ministrations, and many were immersed. Immersion was so novel that people traveled long distances to see the ordinance administered. Young Stone was constant in his attendance, and was particularly interested in hearing the converts relate their experiences. Of their conviction and great distress they were very particular in giving an account, and how and when they obtained deliverance from their burdens. Some were delivered by a dream, a vision, or some uncommon appearance of light; others by a voice spoken to them--"Thy sins are forgiven thee"; and others by seeing the Savior with their natural eyes. Such experiences were considered good by the Church, and those relating such were baptized and received into full fellowship. The preachers had an art of affecting their hearers by a tuneful voice in preaching. Not knowing any better, he considered all this a work of God, and the way of salvation.