He was a man of
powerful physique, and his mind must have corresponded to his large and
vigorous body, for the power or influence which he had over his followers
was something extraordinary, if not alarming. As his presence was not
necessary to set the members of his Church in motion, and the "jerks" are
kept up even to the present day, there may be some other explanation for
the singular behavior of his followers; but the memory of their leader is
held in reverence, and by many the "jerks" are still attributed to his
power.
The writer has attended but one meeting where the great McDonald presided,
and, being then young in years, the dress, or rather the undress, of the
man was itself awe-inspiring. It was something unusual to see a man in the
pulpit with his coat and vest laid aside and his shirt open, laying bare
his brawny neck. The man himself was enough to create fear, but when the
activity of the members began, discretion seemed the better part of valor,
and we escaped without ceremony. It would be impossible to convey to the
reader an idea of the awful excitement that always prevailed among his
followers, when under the direct leadership of McDonald himself.
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