On  reaching  Kentucky  and  resuming  the  work  of  a  missionary,
Mr.  Allen  resolved  to  get  clear  of  his  eccentric  ways,  and  be  as
grave  as  Marshall,  and  his  present  companion,  Calhoon.     The  year


ESV.  OAEY   ALUa.  ttl

preTious,  Marshall  seeing  the  impression  made  by  Allen's  hnmor,
resolved  to  relax  somewhat  of  his  gravity  and  follow  the  track  of
Allen.  A  few  attempts,  however,  convinced  him  of  the  absnrdity
of  all  such  attempts ;  and  he  renewed  his  efforts  to  improve  the  powers
Ood  had  given  him,  and  became  the  most  impressive  speaker  in
Kentucky.  Allen  admired  gravity  in  others,  and  felt  his  want  of
it ;  charmed  with  the  ministerial  dimity  of  his  young  friend,  he
determined  to  imitate  him.  With  all  the  gravity  he  could  assume,
lie  went  to  his  next  appointment,  rode  to  the  house  slowly,  dis-
mounted in  a  slow  quiet  manner,  spoke  gravely  to  the  people,
moved  about  in  a  solemn  manner  without  a  smile  or  exciting  a  smile
in  others.  People  were  astonished.  Are  you  unwell,  Mr.  Allen  ?
Has  anything  happened,  Mr.  Allen  ?  Have  you  heard  any  bad
news,  Mr.  Alien  ?  Any  affliction  among  your  friends,  Mr.  Allen  ?
At  last  bursting  into  a  laugh,  to  the  surprise  and  merriment  of  all,
-ke  exclaimed  —  "I  can  play  Calhoon no  loncer."  When  the  excite-
ment was  over,  he  made  them  weep  under  his  sermon.
In  the  fall  of  1793,  Messrs.  Allen  and  Calhoon  returned  to  Vir-
ginia, and  met  the  Presbytery  at  Cumberland  meeting-house,  Nov.
