"We've had a tremendous rain," said Cartwright.
"Yes, sir," said the Baptist brother, "the Lord sent this rain to convince you of your error."
"Ah! what error?"
"Why, about baptism. The Lord sent this flood to convince you that much water was necessary."
"Very good, sir," said Cartwright, "and in like manner he sent this flood to convince you of your error."
"What error?" asked the Baptist brother.
"Why," replied Cartwright, triumphantly, "to show you that water comes by pouring, and not by immersion."
Free and easy as he was in his manner, our preacher had a deep sense of the dignity of his mission, and he was resolved that others should share the feeling, and accord him, in his ministerial capacity, the respect and deference that were his due. His manner of accomplishing this was characteristic, as the following incident will show: Traveling on his circuit in 1805, he put up on one occasion at the house of an old man known as Father Teel, a whimsical old fellow, and supposed to be Cartwright's match in oddity. He had been warned that the old man, though a good Methodist, showed little deference to preachers. It was his custom to rise early, and, as soon as dressed, to give out his hymn, sing it himself, and then go to prayers, without waiting for his family to get up. He served preachers in the same way. Cartwright resolved to beat him at his own game, but the old man was too wary for him.
"Just as day broke," says Cartwright, "I awoke, rose up, and began to dress, but had not nigh accomplished it when I heard Teel give out his hymn and commence singing, and about the time I had got dressed, I heard him commence praying. He gave thanks to God that they had been spared during the night, and were all permitted to see the light of a new day, while at the same time I suppose every one of his family was fast asleep. I deliberately opened the door and walked out to the well, washed myself, and then walked back to my cabin. Just as I got to the door, the old brother opened his door, and, seeing me, said, 'Good morning, sir. Why, I didn't know you were up.'
"'Yes, said I, 'I have been up some time.'