The foregoing propositions had been carefully selected with proof
statements by Rev. Mr. Newgent. To square them by the Word of God was a
task that even a greater than Doctor Holt might well have shrunk from.
And the opening battle which was to decide the question as to whether
or not the church of Doctor Holt’s choice was identical in doctrine and
practice with the New Testament church resulted in a decided advantage in
favor of the Irishman.
Among the amusing incidents connected with the occasion was an attempt on
the part of the Holt allies to create a demonstration favorable to their
cause. On the day when the subject of baptism was up, a rumor came to
Newgent’s ears that a pretended convert to his opponent’s doctrine would
present himself for admission to the Campbellite Church at the evening
service. A baptismal service would then be held the following morning in
a nearby creek in the presence of the crowd, affording ocular evidence
that the champion of immersion was gaining ground. This, attended
with all the pomp and display necessary to make it impressive, it was
expected, would prove a staggering blow to Newgent, from which even his
wit and humor would not enable him to rally.
He did not give much credence to the rumor, scarcely believing that any
one would resort to such tactics, but thought it best to keep at least
one eye open. The evening services were held in the churches, both
denominations being represented in the village. Each church would have
preaching by a visiting minister of its own faith. Ordinarily those who
cared to attend would go to their own church, the champions themselves
remaining at home to rest and gird themselves for the next day. Newgent,
however, curious to learn whether there was any foundation for the rumor,
on that particular evening attended the service at his opponent’s church.
To his surprise, he saw Doctor Holt there. He then smelled a rat. At the
close of the sermon, Doctor Holt arose, delivered a brief exhortation and
opened the doors of the church. And the rat smelled stronger.
All doubts were dispelled when an old, rusty-looking gentleman limped
forward and gave the preacher his hand. This was the convert that the
eloquence of Doctor Holt had won to the standard of Campbellism—an old,
decrepit man, by no means distinguished for learning or intelligence, who
had been imported from an adjoining county for the occasion!
[Illustration: REV. ANDREW JACKSON NEWGENT