Sheffey (1977) - full transcript

Aurelius! Here's
another letter
from Eddie,

begging me to
come live
with him.

Well, it's only
natural.

He wants his
father near
him.

But you wouldn't
be happy in
the city.

And we couldn't
do without you,
anyhow.

Bless you,

that's the sweet
Lord shining
through.

Brother Sheffey,
there's no way I
could pay you back

for what you've done
for folks all over
these mountains--

including me and
my own kin.



Yes?

Does Robert
Sheffey live
here?

Yes, he does
indeed.

Come in.

That's Brother
Sheffey.

Sit down.

My eyes have
faded,

and I don't
recognize
you.

What's on your
heart, my young
brother?

Oh, uh, well,

I’d better tend to
some chores . . .
outside.

I'm sorry to run
you out.

Oh, it happens
about twice a
week.

Folks come from
all over



to get help
from Brother
Sheffey.

I want you to forgive
me for something.

What do you want
me to forgive
you for?

You'll hate me.

Hate you?

Hate me and
despise me.

Oh, God,
forgive
me

and save my
wretched
soul!

Son, whatever
it is,

telling me doesn't
count for much,

but telling Jesus
will take away
the sin,

no matter how big.

I can't
tell Him.

Not until I’ve
come here.

I’ve got to tell
you that . . .

but I can't.

A peace that's
made with God

doesn't need the
forgiveness of
man.

But there was
a time, I’ll
admit,

when I didn't
think this way.

I was about
your age

when I found
the Lord,

and I guess

I was just about
as worthless
a sinner

as there could
be.

Robert?

[Aunt Elizabeth]
Where are you
going?

Out.

Please come in
here where I
can hear you.

Now then, I asked
you where are you
going?

I was going to
meet some--
friends.

It isn't necessary
to be vague, Robert.

I know very well
who your friends
are.

But I was speaking
of your purpose.

Perhaps you've considered
returning to college.

I don't think
college suits
me.

What does suit
you, Robert?

It was your late
uncle's wish

that you would
be provided

with a fine business
opportunity,

but you haven't shown
the slightest
initiative.

Your life is
worthless,
Robert.

Uncle James
was just
about

the richest
man

in this part of
the county,

but now he's
dead

and what
good did

his money
do him?

It's taken care of
you in fine style,

for which you don't
even seem to have

common gratitude.

I'm sorry, Aunt
Elizabeth.

It's just that

there must be
more to life

than making
money.

It seems like
everybody's
running around

like a headless
chicken,

trying to get
things and
do things

without a real
purpose.

My head's like a

bumblebee's nest.

I don't know what
I'm looking for.

Whatever it is,

I'm sure I haven't
found it yet.

Well, you'd better
find it soon.

And in the meantime,

I will thank you not
to bite the hand
that feeds you.

Do try to join the
family for the
evening meal.

[Muley] I
says to him,

"My sins have
been laying
heavy

on my heart
lately,
preacher.

I think I’ll
be there."

[laughter]

[Muley] Hey,
Robert! Come
on in!

You're just
in time here.

Clefus, me,
and Shem here

we're all
going up

to the revival
meetin'.

Come on!

We need to do
something fun.

Oh, look at
Robert there.

He's so somber,
he could sour
milk.

But he needs to
be tee-totally
saved.

Oh say, that's what
my mama's always
telling me.

Now, Clefus,
there's nothing
more fun

than a revival
meetin',

especially if
you got some
corn cobs.

You can kind of
liven the place
up a bit.

Now you're talkin'.
Come on!

Let's go pelt
the old sin
socker.

[congregation singing "Brethren
We Have Met to Worship"]

♪ Will you pray with all your
power, ♪

♪ While we try to preach the
Word? ♪

♪ All is vain unless the
Spirit ♪

♪ Of the Holy One comes down; ♪

♪ Brethren, pray, and holy
manna ♪

♪ Will be showered all
around. ♪

Be seated, friends.
Be seated.

Our service is
almost over,

but God's plan
is so simple

it doesn't need a
long sermon to
explain it.

Our scripture deals
with the prophet
Elijah.

By the hand
of God,

Elijah was taken
into heaven

in a fiery
chariot . . .

You reckon my
mules will catch fire

on the way
home?

Be not deceived.
God is not mocked.

Some of you have
come here
tonight

without knowing
why you're
here.

There may be those
in this room

who have been
searching for
something

without knowing
what they're
looking for.

This Bible teaches
us that we're
all sinners.

it also says
that sinners

can have no fellowship
with God.

Maybe that's
what you've
been looking for

The comforting
hand of . . .

[gasps from congregation]

Well, this book
teaches us

how we can
have that
comfort.

Come on, Robert.

You get him.

No! Let him
alone.

[preacher] God so
loved the world

He sent His son
Jesus

down from heaven

to be a sacrifice
for our sins.

All we have
to do is . . .

All we have to do
is accept God's
offer.

It's a free gift.

What's wrong
with you?

I got to hear
him out.

[Muley] Wasn't hurtin'
nothing, Robert.

We was just havin'
some fun.

I'm all right.

My glasses.

The commotion seems
to be about over,
friends.

Be seated and
we'll finish
the service.

Now look here--
look at this
Bible.

God's offering us
a free gift,

and all we have
to do is ask
Him for it.

I'm going to ask God
to give courage
to anyone

who feels God's
Holy Spirit
urging him

to come forward,

and see from the
Bible how to
be saved.

Well, the service
is over for
tonight, folks.

Thank you and
good night.

I'm sorry for
what they . . .

what we did.

They're really
not so bad.

Most of the crying
anguish in hell'll

surely come from
people

who don't think
themselves bad.

Now, son, is that
why you came
up here?

To apologize
to me?

No.

In God's sight,

all men without
Christ are
equally bad.

Preacher, what
you said about
searching.

I'm the one you
were talkin'. . .

Preacher,

is it as easy as
you say it is?

It is.

Say, you sound
educated.

Can you read?

Yes.

Then read this.

For whosoever shall
call upon the name
of the Lord

shall be saved.

What's your
name, son?

Robert.

Robert Sheffey,
sir.

Well, Robert
Sheffey,

do you believe
this book?

Yes.

Then all you
have to do is

ask God's forgiveness
and be saved.

Can I do it
now?

You can do
it now.

Robert's late
again.

[door opens and
closes]

You're late,
Robert.

I'm sorry, Aunt
Elizabeth.

I apologize.

Well, come on in and
have your supper.

Aunt Elizabeth,

there's something I
want to tell you.

Yes, Robert?

Aunt Elizabeth,
everybody,

there's something
I’ve got to say.

You've already told
us that, Robert.

Yes, well I . . .

I accepted

the Lord tonight.

[Aunt Elizabeth]
You what?

Where have you
been?

At a revival
meeting.

Robert, I should like
to speak to you

in the other
room.

Does our family
church not suit
your liking?

I never heard there
what I heard
tonight.

We are not sheep
of itinerants.

Aunt Elizabeth, I
didn't mean to
hurt you.

Is that what
you want?

To shame us?

To tear down the
good name

of your dead
uncle?

Aunt Elizabeth . . .

I have tried to
bring you

and your brother
up

as my own sons,
with dignity,

with proper
religious
instruction.

If you had to make
some sort of
commitment,

why couldn't you
have done it

in a more
gentlemanly
manner,

and in your
own church?

I didn't make some
sort of commitment.

I was saved.

And I didn't do
it in our
church

because no one
ever asked me.

It will be hard
to forgive you,
Robert,

if you insist on
continuing to
humiliate me.

I'm not trying
to humiliate
you.

I thought you'd
be happy.

I thought you'd be
glad I became a
Christian.

Robert, you were
born a Christian

and reared a
Christian.

We are not weeping,
breast-beating,

repentant sinners

like farmers at
a campground
meeting.

Religion is a
good thing.

No one believed
that more
strongly

than your uncle
and I.

But religion,
like anything
else,

has its proper
place.

I have tried to
give you a good
start in life,

but you will
never amount
to anything

unless you learn
to . . .

to control your
emotions.

I’ll give you
a day or two

to think this
over, Robert.

After you have
calmed down,

you will come
to me

and apologize
for your rash
behavior.

I’ll apologize
for nothing.

I’ve done the
right thing.

The only thing
I’ve been wrong
about

has been the
misplaced
values

of this family.

I’ll not humiliate
you any more.

Whoa, boy.

Let's go.

Come on.

[man preaching]

People have been
coming to Jesus

for almost 2000
years,

and no one has
ever been cast
out.

God says to all
those that will
come unto Him

He will in no
wise cast out.

Won't you come and
accept Jesus?

No doubt there are
those here

who have been
putting off

this final decision
for years,

and you know you
ought to be saved,

but you keep telling
God,"No, not yet."

But one day God's
mercy will come
to an end.

Perhaps there are
those in this
room

who have loved ones,
a mother, a wife, a
husband,

who's spent hours
on their knees
praying

for you to come
to Christ.

Come on.

What are you
waiting for?

If God's Spirit is
speaking to you,

why don't you
give in?

It would be a
terrible thing

to hear the
gospel,

and you know that
Christ died for
your sins.

You know you ought
to be saved,

and you leave this
room tonight
unsaved.

You may never have
another opportunity.

You may never come
this close again.

Just think of the
rejoicing in heaven

over one soul that
God loves

when he quits
fighting

and comes to Him.

And there will be
a special blessing

for God's servant

who points that
soul to Christ

and urges him to
overcome

that final barrier.

Lord, we thank Thee

for this soul

that has come
to Thee.

Will thou dismiss us
with thy love and
mercy,

in Jesus name.
Amen.

May the Lord bless
you, my dear
brother.

Do we have a visiting
circuit rider in
our midst?

Oh, no. I’m not
a preacher.

I just spoke a word
of encouragement

to a man that
needed it.

Well then, God's
hand is on the
exhorter

as well as the
preacher.

Do you consider
this work your
calling?

I don't know.

You said I was a
servant,

a servant of
God.

And so you are.

You have done God's
service already.

I'm Cass
Wilkerson.

I'm Robert
Sheffey.

[Wilkerson] I’m
proud to meet
you, Robert.

Say, I wonder.

You sound like you
might have some
education.

I went to college
for a while.

Well, listen.

I’ve got a
proposition
for you.

We've been looking
for a teacher for
our children.

We can't pay much,
but . . .

I’ll take it.

It's only
$30 a . . .

I’ll take it.

My present situation
doesn't suit me
very well,

and . . . and
I’ll take it.

Fine.

By the way, I
noticed what
you did here.

We don't have a
regular preacher

or circuit rider
at the forge.

Maybe you could
double as our
pastor . . .

I'm not
qualified . . .

Well, I saw you
speak . . .

I couldn't
speak to a
group.

Well, it doesn't
matter.

I don't know a
thing about you,
Robert Sheffey,

but I’ve got
a feeling

you're going to make
a fine teacher for
our children.

Is it a bargain?

Yes, sir.

[woman]
Howdy, Cass.

Howdy, Bertha.

Guess this must
be the new
schoolteacher.

Just like I
promised.

Bertha, I’d like
for you to meet
Robert Sheffey.

How do you do?

Robert, this is
Mrs. Kincannon.

We were hoping
you'd still

make that extra
room available.

[Mrs.Kincannon]
Sure can.

Robert will want to
see his room

and get washed up
for supper.

Good day.

Mrs. Kincannon.

Come along,
Robert.

If the room suits
your liking,

it'll be $10 a
month,

including meals.

Washing will be
extra though.

Well, what do
ya think?

Do you think I can
teach children,
Mrs. Kincannon?

Apparently
Mr. Wilkerson
thought so.

He doesn't know
anything about
me.

I promised him
I’d get

a letter of
reference
from college,

but that won't
prove I can
teach

or do anytng
else.

What makes you think
you can't teach?

I’ve never been
able

to speak in front
of a group

any group.

I just can't
say anything.

Maybe it's because
you never had

anything really
important to say.

I mean something you
really believed in.

Mrs. Kincannon, I
feel like--

like God has
something for
me to do,

but I don't know
what it is.

He wouldn't ask me

to do something
I couldn't do,

would He?

No, He wouldn't,

but He might want
something

you just don't know
you can do yet.

God is our friend
to love and
talk to

as we talk to
our mothers
and fathers.

that You're so near
to us constantly.

And I pray, Lord,
that You will be
with these children

and help them
to see Your
beauty,

in Jesus name, amen.

[children] . . . and health and
strength and eyes

that I might see.

[applause]

You did fine.

Well, school's out
for spring planting
and summer.

What are you
going to do
with yourself?

I don't know
for sure.

Teaching has
helped me.

But my calling's
in another
direction.

I heard there's a
revival going on
over at Saltville.

Maybe I could ride
over there and
lend a hand.

Oughtn't you to take
a little time for
yourself?

Maybe make a
visit back to
see your aunt.

I said I’d never
go back, and I
won't.

She shamed me
without mercy,

and it's hard to
forgive her.

Besides,

she probably wishes
to see me even
less

than I wish to
see her.

Hello, there.

Hello yourself,
laddy.

Have you
traveled
far?

Been traveling
two days now.

I spent the night
back alongside
the road.

I found out these
spring nights are
still cold.

Aye, that they
are lad.

I was hoping you
might have room
for a lodger.

I have money
to pay, of
course.

Well, let's
have a look
at you.

You're not a
drummer,

as you have
no wares.

No, I’m not
a peddler.

I'm a teacher
when school's
in session.

Right now
I'm . . .

I'm just a servant
of the Lord.

I'm Robert Sheffey.

Well, now. I’m
Shed McComb.

And you're in
luck, lad.

We got ham and
black-eyed peas,

and there's only me
and my good wife.

You're welcome
to stay, lad.

Come on inside.

Ellie.

So you're headed
to a revival at
Saltville?

How long will you
be preaching?

Oh, I’m not the
preacher.

I'm just going
to try and be
of some help.

How's that, lad?

Sometimes a word
of encouragement
or testimony,

spoken at the right
time can make the
difference.

It's all a man needs
to decide to accept
the Lord.

While we're on
the subject,

I hope you won't
take it amiss . . .

Oh, lad, I know
what you'll be
asking,

and we don't take
it amiss at all.

But the fact is
that Ellie
and I,

well, we're both
trusting the
Lord.

Shed, what about
the church?

What about it?

Well, Mr. Sheffey
here could do it.

Of course
he could.

I should have
thought of it.

What church?

Our church.

I helped
build it.

Uh, but, we don't
have a preacher
yet,

not a regular one
at least.

We're in need of
a good sermoner.

You could
do it.

I could no more
preach than rise
and fly.

Now, lad,

an empty church
house is the
devil's delight.

Now suppose
we . . .

suppose we just
disappoint him
a bit

with a sermon?

But I can't
preach.

We don't need a
fancy sermon,
lad.

Just tell us what
the Lord has laid
on your heart.

Surely that's
why He sent
you to us.

I’ll try.

I'm not promising
anything, but
I’ll try.

I’ll be back
through here
soon.

Maybe, I can
do it then.

It's time,
lad.

Everyone's
here.

The place
is full.

Dear . . .

Dearly beloved,

I’d like to speak
today from the
book of . . .

Genesis.

The message from the
Scripture today
is . . .

The message
is . . .

The message
is . . .

Let me go.

Easy.

I’ve got to get
out of here.

Easy now,
lad.

I’ll not let you
fail, Brother
Sheffey.

You're God's man.
I'm sure of that
now.

How?

I’ve failed. I’ve
made a fool of
myself.

No, no! So you're
afraid.

So what of
that?

It shows you've a
proper respect

for your
responsibilities.

'Tis a fearful thing
to preach the
Word of God.

But I’ll not let
you quit.

Not if I have to carry
you back in there
myself.

What would I say?

Just tell us. . . .
Tell us anything.

Tell us your testimony.
How you were come to
the Lord.

And that's
how I came

to accept
the Lord.

I went to the revival
for the worst
reason,

but God, in
his mercy,
overruled.

Just as He overruled
here today.

Lord, don't let
us forget

that when You give
us Your commands,

You give us the
strength we
need--

but not more than
we need,

because then we
proud critters

would take the credit
ourselves.

We ask this,

in the name of Jesus
our Savior, amen.

I knew it.

I knew you were
sent of purpose

to preach the
Word of God
to us.

I'm thinking the
devil is more

than a little
unhappy today,
lad.

You done well,
brother.

Thank you,
brother.

You done wonderful,
brother.

Thank you.

Ma'am.

Thank you.

Whoa.

Well, old friend,
that wasn't so bad.

[horse snorts]

All right, I
admit it was

a little tough
at first.

But you know,
old friend?

The Lord was
helping me.

I could feel it.

Maybe I could be
a preacher--

that is,

if that's what the
Lord wanted me to be.

And it's beginning to
look as if He does.

I'm afraid Mr. . . .
Uh . . . Sheffey,

that the presiding
elder

does not find
your request

for license to preach
to be in order.

You simply
cannot expect

the examining committee

to put its stamp of approval

on a person of your . . .

uh, irregular background.

Irregular?

Very little college
training,

and, uh, no seminary
or theological
training.

But many of the
circuit riders

are hardly
educated
at all.

Mr. Sheffey,

we have done
some checking

into your
background.

And?

We found that
you were

a man of some
ambition,

sincere, perhaps,

but that you are a
bit peculiar

in your actions.

Peculiar?

Look, I don't know
what you've
heard . . .

I’ll speak quite
frankly.

We've heard,
for example,

that when you're
supposed to be
teaching school,

you, instead, take
the children out
into the woods

and tell them
stories.

Well, yes,
but . . .

Well, there's
more.

There's your
praying.

It's abnormal.

You've been observed
praying for hours

by the side of
the road,

and your prayers in
your classroom are
unnatural, too.

One boy reported
that you sound

as if you are
talking right
to God.

That may be so,
but tell me,

to whom do you
talk when you
pray?

Be that as it may,
Mr. Sheffey,

we do not want
our licensed
preachers

acting in
peculiar
ways.

But the Bible
says

anyone who preaches
the Word of God

will be considered
peculiar

by the rest of
the world.

I doubt if your
wandering

all over the
mountains

can be considered
preaching.

At least, not from
what I’ve heard.

I do the best
I can

with the talents
God has given
me.

No doubt.

Mr. Sheffey,

why don't you
reconsider
your calling.

Perhaps you
could do
some good

among the
simpler
classes.

I will.

I certainly
will.

Thank you very much
for your advice.

And you may
be assured

that I will pursue
whatever God calls
me to do,

with or without
your official
sanction.

Of course, no one
can keep you from
going about

as an unlicensed
itinerant.

Good day, Mr.
Sheffey.

[Mrs.Kincannon] Here's
some side meat,
dried beans.

Now what you're
going to cook them
in I don't know.

So far most folks
have been

pretty gracious
to take me in.

Be sure you don't
wear your welcome
out.

Mrs. Kincannon,
I never accept

a family's
hospitality

unless I’m sure
God's laid it

on their hearts
to help me.

Robert, you're
like a child.

I never saw anybody
so sure of what God
wanted him to do.

I'm as sure as
if I got one
of those

newfangled
telegraph
messages.

Maybe in a way
I have.

Jesus simply went
about

doing good and preaching
everywhere He went

and I want to pattern
my ministry after
His.

I don't need man's
approval

as long as the
sweet Lord can
lead me

by His Word and
His Spirit.

I’ll be back in
a few months.

Goodbye, Bertha.

Where ya headed
first?

Up towards
Tazewell.

But that's
nothing but
mountains.

It's ten miles
between cabins.

Nothing but trappers
and moonshiners.

But they need the
gospel, too.

Besides, I’m following
some theological
advice.

'Bye, Robert.
Be careful.

Well, Gideon.

God has given us
a beautiful day.

Whoa, boy.

You know, Gideon

I hope Brother Tortoise
was going in that
direction.

Whoa, boy.

Probably somebody
shooting a
squirrel.

All right, preacher
man.

Now get on that
there horse of
yours

and make some
tracks.

Next time I catch you
around here preachin'
or prayin',

I'm gonna aim just
a little lower
than your hat.

Now you get.

You get out of here.

I said get.

Wait!

Come traipsing to pester
in other folks'
business, mister?

[Sheffey] What's
this man done to
you?

I don't suppose
it's any of your
business.

First of all, he's
trespassin' on my
property.

Just like you are.

This man's unarmed.

Well, I only aimed
to scare him a
little bit,

but I’m beginning to
wish I’d saved my
bullet for you.

I'm a little nervous
and kind of careless
with this here gun.

Now you get your
friend and get.

Is this your still?

Well, now whose else
ya think it is?

And how much liquor
can you run in this
still?

Well, if everything
is going good,

I’d run might near
50 gallon a day.

Well, what do you do
with all that?

I sell it.
What do you
think?

[preacher] Yeah,
he sells it

to broken-down
old men.

Shut your mouth.

I got the liquor
for sale,

and they don't
have to buy it,

and there ain't no law
against it neither.

I suppose you're
one of them
preachers too.

I guess I am.

You start your preaching
and praying 'round
here . . .

Dear Lord, You've told
us in Your Word that
strong drink is wicked

and that You despise
drunkenness.

Lord, we know it's not
Your will for this man
to be the means

of turning other men
into wife beaters
and child abusers

and worthless,
drunken idlers.

Lord, destroy
this still.

Make a mighty oak
tree to fall on it,

and to break it to
pieces and destroy
it forever. Amen.

That's a plumb
funny prayer,
mister.

There ain't an
oak tree

in 200 yards of
this whole
place.

Don't underestimate
God's power.

Only the fool says
in his heart there
is no God.

Confound it,
mister.

You've had time for
your preachin' and
prayin'.

Now get your friend
and get on out of
here.

Let this be fair
warning to ya.

Next time I find you on
my property preachin'
and prayin',

I'm gonna shoot
both of you.
Now get out of here.

[preacher]
That scum.

Why does God let people
like that live?

Why doesn't he just
kill them when they
get so rotten?

Excuse me, brother,
but I don't even
know your name.

Frazier.

Tyler Frazier.

[Sheffey] You're
doing God's work
back there.

Don't let bitterness
in your heart

rob you of your
blessing.

Brother Frazier,
you must find
forgiveness

in your heart for
that moonshiner.

Why?

Because God's Word
commands it.

God doesn't tell us
to forgive what that
man's doing.

Is it the liquor
you're angry with
right now?

That man's the
meanest liquor-
maker in Virginia.

Look what he did
to me.

But I say unto you
which hear, love
your enemies;

do good to them
which hate you;

bless them that
curse you;

and . . . and pray for
them that despitefully
use you.

But that man's
hindering
God's work.

Yes, and that we
must pray and
work against,

but not the man
himself.

You must forgive
him.

Hatred and bitterness
in your heart

will ruin your own
effectiveness
for God.

[memory of Aunt Elizabeth]

You will come to me
and apologize for
your rash behavior.

I’ve got to go.

Can you ride on
alone?

It's only a mile
to my cabin.

We can spend
the night.

No, I can't stay.

But the weather--
it's going to
storm tonight.

No matter.

I’ve waited
too long now.

Good-bye.

Looks like a bad
storm comin'.

Let's make haste,
old friend.

[cracking]

Aunt Elizabeth?

Is anybody home?

Aunt Elizabeth?

Aunt Elizabeth!

Annie!

Why, Mr. Robert,
I declare.

What happened?

Where's Aunt Elizabeth?

Ms. White's gone
to glory.

She's what?

Dead. Buried
two days.

Two days?

Annie, I didn't
know.

They tried to
reach you.

I’ve been in the
wilderness
preaching.

I wanted to
see her.

Did she ever
mention me?

She mentioned
you often.

She left
something
for you.

You and Ms. White
were so much
alike.

Both of you proud
folks.

Before she died,

she said when
you came back
here,

I was to give
you this.

Thank you,
Annie.

[voice of Aunt Elizabeth]
"Dear Robert,

the sheep is honored
by God for its
meekness.

Ride upon the
sheepskin,
Robert.

Pray upon it,

and remember the
humility of the
sheep.

You were right;
my values were
misplaced.

God has shown me

that the only thing
of true value in
this world

is salvation through
His Son Jesus
Christ.

I have accepted Him
as my Savior.

May you continue to
follow the Lord

and serve Him
faithfully
all your life.

Kind regards,
Aunt Elizabeth."

She's forgiven me.

She knew I’d
conquer my
own pride.

She died trusting
the Lord.

I wasn't too
late.

Gideon, a day like
this makes me want
to shout for joy.

I feel like a new
creature scrubbed
clean.

You got to be Robert
Sheffey.

I'm a servant
of the Lord.

Do I know you?

No, but most
everybody
around here

knows about you.

When I heard there
was someone up here

prayin' alone on
the side of the
mountain,

figured it had
to be you

so I come up on
purpose to
meet ya.

How long have
you been here?

Oh, about two
hours.

Course, that
don't count
the time

it took me to
get here

after the trapper
who saw you up here

came by and
told us.

I'm James
Stafford.

Pleased to meet ya,
Mr. Stafford.

I thank the Lord for
sendin' you by to
encourage me.

It's nothing to
all the folks

you've encouraged
all these years.

Fact is, I come
up on purpose

to ask you to take
your meal with us.

My wife and family
be right proud if
you would.

Well, Gideon,

I don't think we'll
turn down this
invitation,

will we?

You always talk
to your horse
that way?

Well, Gideon's
pretty good
company;

never disagrees
with anything
I say.

[horse neighs]

At least hardly
ever.

[Sheffey] I guess
Gideon will be as
glad as I am

to get to the
campground.

He'll have a long
time in the clover

with nothin' to
do but get fat.

[Mr.Stafford]
Jimmy.

Jimmy, take care of
preacher Sheffey's
horse.

Yes, sir.

Thank you, son.

Listen, you be
good to him.

Be sure to give him
a drink of cool
spring water--

fresh, mind ya--
and 12 ears of
corn.

Yes, sir,
I will.

Allow you could use
a cool drink of
water yourself.

Come on inside.

Thank you;

that looks good.

[Mr. Stafford]
Now that we've
met,

I should tell you

that your name
and work

are not unfamiliar
to this house.

We've offered
prayers for
your work,

more than once.

I'm obliged to
you.

That's the most
precious favor

we can give to
each other.

Will you offer
thanks for us?

I will,

as soon as our
dear sister here
is finished.

Well, I’m finished
now, Mr. Sheffey.

Haven't you
forgotten the
dumplings?

I don't always
fix dumplings

with stewed
chicken.

Oh.

Dear Lord,

we thank Thee
for this dear
family

and for their
kind hospitality

to Thy
servant.

And we're
grateful

for these material
provisions,

but even Thou
knowest, Lord,

that chicken would
be better with
dumplings.

Amen.

Mr. Sheffey,
I declare.

Now I know
you're Robert
Sheffey.

Everything I’ve
heard must be
true.

Mr. Sheffey,
we heard

that you were a
man of prayer.

A man who felt
so close to God
he could just

talk to
Him about
anything,

and I think
that's
wonderful.

I do too,

and I want you
to consider

this your home
as you travel--

anytime you pass
this way.

We can do that
for the Lord.

The next time

we'll have
dumplings.

Would you speak
at our little
mountain church?

Tell us about your
missionary work.

[Jimmy] Oh,
what about
the Indians;

do you
preach
for them?

Oh, yes,
I have.

But there are very
few Indians
left now

in this part of
the country.

Oh. What about
the blacks

or is that a
dangerous
question

in these times?

Oh, no.

I find that the
dear black
families

are as glad to
have me in
their homes

as the white
folks,

and they usually
serve me
dumplings.

No doubt, your
wife serves you
dumplings too.

I had a wife, but
she died about
ten years ago.

Right sorry to
hear that.

You expecting a
good crowd at the
camp meeting?

I don't rightly
know.

The attendance has
been off the last
few years.

[Mr. Stafford] Times
are changing,
I reckon.

Times are, but men
and women aren't.

We still need the
gospel preached.

I’d be right
sorry to see
the end

to the camp
meeting.

It's about the
only time all
year

we get to see
anybody much.

I doubt Mr. Sheffey
would count that

a real good
reason, Eliza.

[Sheffey] Oh, I count
the fellowship of
God's people

one of the main
blessings of
the meeting.

It's a blessed
sight

to see the preaching
shed packed

with thousands of
folks singing and
happy together.

And I praise the
sweet Lord

for hundreds of
souls I’ve seen
trust Christ.

Education can't
do that.

No, I reckon
it can't.

Well, Brother
Sheffey,

I expect we'll
be there.

I thank you
for that,

and I’d appreciate
it

if you'd invite
your neighbors;

we want to have
a good crowd.

Hey, mister!

Hey!

Did you pass an
old woman on
the trail?

Who?

Have you seen Aunt
Sis, the midwife?

No, I haven't
seen anybody
on the trail.

She's supposed to be
workin' round the
mountain today;

I’ve got to get
her.

Is somebody in your
family sick?

It's my sister;

she's in bad labor--
real bad.

You point me
toward your
house;

I’ll go back there
and do what I can.

It's back yonder,
the way I come;

I’ll go this way.

[girl screams]
Oh, Mama!

Can I go get
her husband?

[girl cries]

Has he been
sent for?

She ain't got
no husband.

What we ought to
do

is call for all
the girls in the
county seat;

[girl cries]

maybe if they saw
a little of the
agony side of it,

they'd do some
different
thinking.

Perhaps so.

But our dear Jesus
is very near to
us all

when we're in
agony of mind
and body.

Let's just make her
as comfortable
as we can.

[girl screams]

Oh, Mama.

It won't be long
now, child.

[Mama] Aunt Sis
is a coming.

[Aunt Sis] Howdy,
Brother Sheffey.

[Sheffey]
Aunt Sis.

Well, I’d better
get busy.

You men folk
be gone.

Oh, Brother Sheffey,
you better say a
little prayer.

They ain't comin'
so easy today.

I’ve lost one
already.

[boy] So you're
Preacher Sheffey;

I heard of you.

And you knew
my pa.

What was the
name again?

Archie Tilton.

I don't remember him.

You ought to;

I heard him
talk of you
plenty of time.

He was a
moonshiner,

and he said you
prayed against
his still,

and he said that
after you prayed

a big tree--as big
around as a wagon
wheel--

come dancin' down
the mountain

and landed smack
dab on his still,

and squashed it
as a stepped-on
chicken egg.

The Lord be praised if
your father changed
his ways.

Pa never made
another drop

of liquor after
that.

He's in heaven
now, anyway.

Son, would you go
get my sheepskin
off my saddle?

I see the sunbeams
comin' through that
tree yonder

like the very gates
of heaven are open,

and I want to pray.

[baby cries]

Is the girl
all right?

Oh, of course
she is.

Those young
ones make a
lot of noise,

but they're
as tough as
pine knots.

Mr. Sheffey.

Mr. Sheffey.

Mr. Sheffey,

I . . . I know
I’ve sinned,

but will God
forgive me,

and use my son and
not curse him?

God's always
merciful,

and life's always a
new beginning.

Let's pray.

This young sister
has confessed

her sin to me
already.

Thou canst take
human mistakes,

and glorify Thy name,

though we must always
bear the scars of our
sins.

Lord, we ask of Thee
a mighty thing today.

Take this little
infant boy

and make of him
Thine advocate

who'll stand in a
hundred pulpits
across this land

and bring a thousand
souls into Thy
kingdom.

Lord, Thy servant
Sheffey would
like to know

before I join Thee
in heaven,

Thy plan for this
little life. Amen.

Not a bad crowd
tonight either.

It's been a
good week.

God has blessed
our efforts.

What do you think,
Robert?

How does it
compare?

It's up some over
last year,

but we've much
work to be done.

I can remember

when we had as
many people

standing outside
the shed as
inside.

We haven't done
badly though.

No, praise God, we've
seen many souls

trust the Lord.

Well, somebody must
think we're a
success;

we're having special
visitors tonight.

Two conference
officials just
came in.

Well now, we must
let neither the
praise

nor the censure
of man divert
our attention

from God's Word.

There's still much
work to be done
here tonight.

Are you one of
the preachers
tonight,

Brother Sheffey?

No. I feel a
great burden.

I believe I’ll
spend some time
with the Lord

during the
preaching.

But, Brother
Sheffey,

you should be on
the platform

where the folks
can see you.

[Sheffey] I’m going
to pray that men and
women

will turn their eyes
from the platform

so they can look
into their own
hearts.

[inaudible conversations]

Hey, wait up!

Brother Sheffey!

[Sheffey]
Hello, Opal.

See how much
he's grown?

There you are,
Brother Sheffey.

You see, we're
all here.

Well, praise the
Lord for that.

Four other families
from our church
are here too.

That's half our
congregation.

Well, thank you,
dear friends, for
your help.

Hello, Mr. Sheffey.

Hello, Eliza.

God has blessed your
meeting, and I’m
thankful for you.

Will there be another
meeting, next year?

Looks like there
will be.

And will you still be
traveling around?

Eliza, make
haste.

The service is
starting.

[Sheffey] I’ll
still be traveling.

[song leader]
Brothers and sisters,

let us open the service
this evening with "How
Firm a Foundation."

♪ How firm a foundation,
Ye saints of the Lord, ♪

♪ ls laid for your faith
ln His excellent Word. ♪

♪ What more can He say ♪

♪ Than to you He hath said ♪

♪ To you who for refuge
To Jesus have fled. ♪

This evening my text is
found in the gospel of
John 3:14-16.

"And as Moses lifted
up the serpent in
the wilderness

even so must the
Son of Man be
lifted up

that whosoever believeth
in Him should not perish

but have eternal life.

For God so loved
the world

that He gave His
only begotten
Son

should not perish but
have everlasting life."

Here are three glorious
and grand truths

of the Word of God
I call to your
attention.

[preacher] Oh, my
dearly beloved,

can't you see that
our Lord's words of
salvation are simple?

For just as the
people of Israel
looked in faith

upon the serpent
of brass and lived,

so must we look upon
our Lord Jesus Christ.

The prophet Isaiah cried,

"Look unto me all ye
ends of the earth
and be saved.

For I am God and
there is none
else."

There are many here
tonight who are anxious
about their souls.

Delay no longer,

but arise now and
come to this altar,

and receive Christ
as your Savior.

Come now,
I beg you.

[congregation sings]

♪ Come ye sinners, ♪

♪ Poor and needy, ♪

♪ Weak and wounded, ♪

♪ Sick and sore; ♪

♪ Jesus ready
stands to save you, ♪

♪ Full of pity,
love, and power. ♪

♪ I will arise and
go to Jesus, ♪

♪ He will embrace me
in His arms; ♪

♪ ln the arms of
my dear Savior; ♪

♪ O there are ten
thousand charms. ♪

[preacher] "Come now,
let us reason together,
saith the Lord.

Though your sins
be as scarlet,

they shall be as
white as snow.

Though they be red
like crimson, they
shall be as wool."

"Come unto me all
ye that labor

and are heavy laden
and I will give you
rest.

Take my yoke upon you
and learn of me.

For I am meek and
lowly in heart,

and you shall find
rest unto your souls."

[Sheffey]
Welcome, sister.

Wait, please.

Our fellowship would
be richly blessed if
you would join us.

I’d hardly
fit in there.

Is there anything
on your heart?

Of course not.

I was just curious.

I just came to see
those people making
fools of themselves.

You can satisfy
your curiosity
better inside.

In there?

I’d be the laughingstock
of the whole town.

Will you come
back again?

I don't know.

I’ll be praying
for you.

Save your prayers
for them.

Jesus died for your
sins as well as theirs.

Died? I’m not
ready for death.

Death to self is
the first step
to eternal life.

Here, I give
this to you.

It's red and
alive like I
am.

You'll have to get

the faded white
flower of death

from somebody else.

"Behold now is the day
of salvation.

Now is the accepted
time."

If the Spirit of God
has made your soul
anxious tonight,

come now to this altar
and receive Christ as
your Savior.

Time and again the
Spirit of God has
spoken to your heart,

and maybe never
again He'll call.

Maybe tonight.

This is the
last hour.

Come now,
I beg you.

Come now.

Young man, has the
Lord spoken to your
heart tonight?

I can't go
down there;

everybody
would see
me.

Let's slip
outside then.

God will meet
you anyplace.

No, I couldn't.

Right here.

Right in your
seat then.

No. Don't tell
me about it.

I don't want
to hear it.

As you will.

The Lord said, "Behold
I stand at the door
and knock."

But you'll have to
open the door and
let Him come in.

Next year,
I promise.

Next year,
not now.

[man behind Sheffey]
Brother Sheffey,

I need to be saved.

[Sheffey]
Amen. Amen.

[Sheffey] You've
seen what the
Bible says,

and you know what
God has promised

and what you
have believed.

Take my Bible.

Hide God's Word
in your heart.

[other man]
Thank you,
Brother Sheffey.

Thank you.

[man on stage]
Mr. Sheffey, might I
have a word with you?

Certainly. Something
on your heart?

No.

I had something
quite different
to say to you.

Do you know me?

No . . . I . . .
Well, I believe
I do.

I thought you would.

I’ll come right
to the point.

Some years ago,

I was compelled
to turn down

your request for
a license.

It was not my
decision.

I merely relayed
it to you.

But I agreed
with it at
the time.

It appeared
that you did.

In short,
Mr. Sheffey,

I’ve come to tell
you that it was a
wrong decision.

Your subsequent
activities have
indicated

that you do indeed
have an aptitude
for your work.

I have little
natural aptitude,

only God's calling.

From what I’ve
heard,

you're largely
responsible for

the success of
this camp
meeting.

Mr. Sheffey,

I’ve come to offer
you our official
sanction.

I heard you're
the one

that wanted to do
away with these
revival meetings.

Not entirely,

not quite
correct.

My concern since my
recent election as
the presiding elder

of this district
has been that
time and money--

God's money, of
course--not be
wasted.

But now that
we have a
big crowd,

you want to
get in on it.

The world is
changing.

Now that the War
Between the States
is over,

the whole country
is opening up to
new ideas.

With better schools
and education,

I believe the
camp meeting
will diminish.

You may be right,

but I believe it'll
grieve the Lord.

It's progress.

It's progress but
in the wrong
direction.

I’ll continue to
support the camp
meetings,

but I won't need
your help to do
so.

You must realize
that by refusing
our support,

you may actually
be hastening the
end

of the very thing
you sought to
save.

Is that your choice?

Choice?

It's no choice
at all.

As far as I can
tell,

you don't even
believe the gospel
I preach,

but you tell me
that by your
support

I can have
bigger crowds

and keep the
camp meetings
open longer.

You want me to do
something I believe
is contrary

to what the Bible
commands.

It's against the
Scriptures,

and against
my conscience.

I will not
do it.

Very well,
Mr. Sheffey.

I complimented
your influence,

but don't
overestimate it.

[Tyler Frazier]
Robert, I was
looking for you.

Did you hear
that?

Yes, I heard.

You were right,
dead right.

[Sheffey] Tyler, we've
got to work harder
than ever,

that's all.

You already cover
more miles in a
year

than any three regular
circuit-riding preachers
I know.

I mean, we've
got to pray
harder.

That reminds me,
I had the strangest
experience tonight.

I met a young woman
hiding behind this
tree,

listening to
the preaching.

Well-to-do?

She was dressed
right fancy.

You know her?

Heard of her.

I don't know her
name, though.

From some wealthy
family.

Preacher Maiden.

[Maiden]
Yes.

Brother Bob talked
with our mysterious
visitor tonight.

That poor
girl;

I feel sorry
for her.

She comes to
the services
quite often,

but she never
comes inside.

She needs to
be saved,

and she
knows it;

but she's afraid

she'll have to
give up her
social standing.

A rich, young woman
coming secretly by
night.

Reminds me of
Nicodemus

in the Book
of John.

Lady Nicodemus.

Well, I hope I didn't
scare Lady Nic away
for good.

[Maiden] I doubt
that.

There aren't many
that can get away

when you pray
for them.

Where are you headed
on such a day, brother?

Hunting for a job;

heading down to
the saw mill.

If they don't
hire me,

guess we'll plumb
starve to death
this winter.

You ought not to be
out in this weather

in clothes
like that.

Ain't got no others;

no socks at all.

Besides, it weren't
as bad when I
started.

From here, saw
mill's just as
close as home.

Hold on a minute.

What are you doing?

Taking off my
socks.

What for?

For you,
of course.

My toes might well
be froze as yours.

My boots are better
than yours;

besides God will
take care of my
needs.

I’ll be praying
that you get
your job.

Much obliged.

Much obliged.

What's that
noise outside?

Papa.

Hello!

Who's there?

Is that you,
Brother Sheffey?

Jimmy, quick!

Jimmy, take care of
Preacher Sheffey's
horse.

Oh, Mr. Sheffey.

What happened?

He must have got
caught in a snow
storm

up in the
mountain.

Oh, must you
ride in such
weather?

Face is all
cut to pieces
by the sleet.

We weren't expecting
you

this time of year,
Brother Sheffey.

I was wondering

how to get you the
socks I knitted for
you last week.

Here they are.

I hope you
like indigo.

Yes.

Indigo will
be fine.

[Sheffey] I think
a fair exchange
is in order.

Merry Christmas,
Eliza.

Oh, The Scarlet Letter
by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

Wherever did you
get it?

Thank you,
Robert.

I often think that
this home means
to me

what the home of
Lazarus, Mary, and
Martha meant to Jesus.

That's a great
compliment.

I meant it
to be.

Eliza, how long
have I known you
and your family?

Well, let's see.

One summer you
stopped by

on your way to
preach to a
convict camp.

And the next year
you were off to
convert

all of West
Virginia.

Only the southern
half.

Then after that you
were off to the
Cumberland Gap

and then . . .

With a good many
stops coming
and going

at my favorite
place.

Do you feel at
home here?

I feel at home
with you.

Eliza,

I would be honored
if . . .

Robert,

I . . . can't
pretend this
is a surprise.

We both knew where
our hearts have
been leading us.

The possibility
has been discussed
in this house.

And?

My parents are
afraid

that your constant
travel

would be a hardship
for me.

Eliza, what are
your feelings?

I’ll come to that.

First, I wanted you
to know

how my family feels.

They still believe in
you and your work.

Now Robert,

what were you saying
a minute ago?

When?

What?

What were you
going to ask me?

I said, I would be
honored if . . .

if . . .

Robert, are you asking
me to marry you?

I was.

Then I accept.

What?

I accept.

You do?

Oh, yes.

I’ll marry you.

Well, you sure
went around the
cowshed about it.

Robert, we're too old
to fool ourselves.

I love you, and I
want to be with you.

But I believe in
you, too,

and I want to help
you in your work.

God is good.

I want you to continue
your ministry

just like before.

I’ll travel less,
Eliza;

I’ll make a
home for
you.

No, Robert.

You follow God's
calling and I’ll
be content.

I do love you.

God is so good.

Robert!

Does Mrs. Sheffey
live here?

Indeed she does.

We're not so sure
about that Mr.
Sheffey, though.

It's good to be
home, Eliza.

Oh, you've been gone
so long, Darling.

I missed you.

Where's Eddie?

Eddie, where are you?

Pa!

In the apple
tree.

Pa!

Hello.

Hello, Eddie.

Good to see you.

Have you been
a good boy?

Have you been
fishing lately?

No, you want
to go?

I’d like to go.

I’ve got something
for you.

Oh, good.

And for your
mother too.

Gideon,
let's see.

The big one is
for your mother.

Oh, thank you,
Darling.

And the best one
is for you.

Thank you.

And how have the
meetings been?

Oh, we had a
wonderful
revival.

[Sheffey]
Good meetings.

These are all
prayer requests.

There's so many.

There's more.

Papa, I’ll make
a list so you can
remember them all.

I’ll put these
aside.

I’ll get to them
when I can.

It will soon be
time for me to
ride the circuit

to persuade people
to come to the
campground.

You can't persuade
everybody

all by yourself.

Eliza, if you don't
support me, I don't
know what I’ll do.

Whatever God wants
you to do,

I’ll stand
with you.

I know you will;

you're a pearl
of precious
worth.

Do we know anybody
named Beamer?

[Mrs.Sheffey]
Oh, that one.

She sounds like
she's in bad
trouble.

She sent a
homemade map.

She lives someplace
called Bear Wallow
in West Virginia.

It's too far;

it's dangerous.

Robert, you're not
listening to me.

Yes, I am.

You're telling me
you don't want me
to go

because it's
too far.

And because
it's dangerous.

You don't know
what kind

of people are
up there.

They're people
in need.

They sent
for me.

Everybody sends
for you.

They think you're
some kind of
miracle worker.

Well, if they do,
I must go and
disappoint them.

Besides, I can
introduce them
to someone

who can work a
miracle in their
lives.

All right.

But please,
Darling,
be careful.

I will, Eliza.

Who is it?

[Sheffey]
Are you
Mrs. Beamer?

Yeah.

I'm Robert
Sheffey.

I had a
letter . . .

Oh, Brother
Sheffey,

I knowed you come.

Mama said if I ever
needed anybody for
anything, you'd come.

No matter what.

I . . . can't take
it no more.

He's gonna kill me.

And maybe the
babies too.

Your husband put
those cuts

and bruises all
over you?

Yes.

He's not such a
bad man

when he's not
drinking.

Honest, he's not.

And what do you
want me to do?

I don't know,
Brother Sheffey.

Where is he
now?

I don't know
for sure.

Out drinking.

You can't talk to
him when he's
drinking.

[drunken singing]

He'll kill you if
he catches you
here.

[Mr. Beamer] Woman,
get my vittles.

You be a hustling
now or I’ll whip
you again.

He's out cold.

He'll be like
that for four
or five hours,

and then he'll
wake up.

And then he's
sober?

Then he starts
drinking again.

That's when he
starts beating
me.

If I take his
liquor, he'll
kill me.

We can't talk
to him.

We'll try something
else.

Brother Sheffey,

why are you taking
his clothes off?

[Sheffey] There's
no clothes in
hell.

Nothing to hide
behind.

In hell?

What do you
mean?

You're not
gonna . . .

We're going to give
your man a taste
of hell--

for one night
only.

Oh.

Please, don't
hurt him.

[Sheffey] You bring
some fire from the
stove.

Oh, that liquor
will sting him.

Let's take
him home.

He'll do better.
I know he will.

Stand back, child.

Oh.

Huh.

Huh.

What?

No!

Oh, no.

No!

Ahhh!

Oh, no. No.

No.

Nooo!!

Help! No!

Noooo!!!

Uuh.

He's all right.

I’d better be
on my way now.

I’ll ride
through the
clearing

and get shed of
the evidence of
our deed.

What if he
remembers?

He'll never
mention it
to you.

A man returning
from hell

won't care to
talk about the
experience.

I think you're
going to have a
sober husband

for a while.

I’ll stop
back later,
Mrs. Beamer.

The only thing
that will cure
him permanently

is the gospel of
Jesus Christ.

If I can talk
to him,

maybe I can win
him to the Lord.

Thank you,
Mr. Sheffey.

♪ How firm a foundation, ♪

♪ Ye saints of the Lord, ♪

[continues humming song]

What's the trouble,
old boy?

Surely my singing's
not that bad.

[Sheffey]
What's this?

What happened?

Don't rightly know.

My horse just
dropped down
like he was shot.

I'm afraid
he's a goner.

Well now, we're not
far from a town.

You can buy
another horse
there.

I ain't got but
four dollars.

You know of
any four-dollar
horses for sale?

Don't lose
faith now.

God will provide
if we trust Him.

Let me talk to
the Lord about
it.

[Sheffey] Dear Lord,
would You require
so much?

There's no use
praying.

Go get your harness.

What did you say?

You'll need your
harness to put
on Gideon here.

We ain't beggars.

I told you
I ain't got
no money.

You need no money.

The Lord's laid it
on my heart to do
this for you.

Take him for
Jesus' sake.

We'll pay you
back somehow.

Oh, no.

God will supply
my needs.

Only . . . leave
me alone with
him a minute.

Old friend,

it's not what
I want;

it's what
I must do.

I won't forget how
you've served me--

through the snow and
across the miles.

You've been a
good friend.

We'd kind of like to
know who we're
obliged to.

I'm Robert Sheffey.

So you're
Brother
Sheffey.

Folks say what you
pray for always
comes to pass.

Sometimes
praying can
be an excuse.

The horse
was already
provided;

there was
nothing to
pray for.

God bless you.

Be kind to him,

and he'll give
you good
service.

Feed him only
good grain.

And give him
fresh limestone
water.

Bye, old friend.

Why, Brother Sheffey,
is that you?

It's me.

The sweet angels
are not out today.

How come you're
walking, preacher?

I gave Gideon away
to a needy family.

Can you loan me
a horse to get
home, Aurelius?

[Aurelius] You know
I will, Brother
Sheffey.

[man on porch]
Hold on, now.

I’ll pay for you
a new Gideon.

Just happens
there's a horse
auction tomorrow.

Now ain't that
a coincidence.

[auctioneer]
$50 once,
$50 twice,

sold to the man
in the brown
hat for $50.

Bring on the
next horse.

Ain't that a
dandy, boys?

Look at those
feet.

Look at the
conformation.

Anyone would be proud
to own this horse.

[Nye Finley]
That's the horse

we need to buy for
the preacher.

Who'll start the bid?

65.

65 I got. Now who
will give me 70?

75.

80.

82.

82 dollar bill
now.

90.

90 I got. Would
anybody go 95?

Last time around.

$90 once?
$90 twice?

$91.

$91 then.

$91 once, twice.
Sold for $91
right over here. Hot diggity!

There's your
new horse,
preacher.

I won't waste
any time or
effort;

I’ll call
you Gideon.

Bring my saddle
and bridle.

Just a minute
preacher,

these horses are
fresh from the
west.

They've never
been broken yet.

We'll get along
just fine.

You can let him
go.

Move along,
Gideon.

Thank you,
friends.

You've been kind
to God's servant.

Come on.
Giddyup,
Gideon.

Robert, Robert,
it's Eliza,
Darling.

I'm here.

[Aurelius]
Brother Sheffey,
can you hear me?

I remember the
stream.

What happened?

[Aurelius] Far as
we can tell,

your horse saved
your life.

Aurelius found you
and brought you
home.

That was several
days ago.

Several days . . .

I need to get back
on the trail.

No.

The doctor says

you won't be riding
anywhere

for a long time.

You must rest
now, Darling.

[Sheffey] Toby, I
appreciate your
driving me

all over creation
while I’ve been
sick.

It's been a
blessing to
help you

in your work,
Brother
Sheffey.

I’ll be able
to ride Gideon
again soon.

Whoa.

[Eliza] Robert.

Eliza.

Did you have a
good trip,
Darling?

Wonderful trip,
Eliza.

Oh, but look!

Here we stand
leaving poor
Toby.

Good day,
Mrs. Sheffey.

Toby, thank you.

We'll see you
again next
week.

Have you taken
care of yourself,
Robert Sheffey?

I stayed with
the Beamers.

They took good
care of me.

Did you see Eddie
this trip?

Yes, and look at
the new suit he
gave me.

That boy, he's going
to spend all his
money on us.

Hello, Zeke.

Oh, Darling.

Eliza, I had a
wonderful trip.

That buggy's not
as good as
Gideon,

but it was a great
blessing to be able
to visit the sick

and help bear
their burdens.

Well, just remember,
when you get Gideon
back:

no more than
ten miles at
a stretch.

You haven't been on
a horse for almost
three years.

When I get to
heaven,

I'm going to
ask the Lord

why he made a
woman's head
so hard.

And he'll tell you
it's to make up for
your soft one.

Hello, Brother Bob;
you at home?

That sounds like
Tyler Frazier.

But . . . what
would bring
him now?

[Tyler Frazier] Hello,
Brother Bob.

[Sheffey] Hello,
Brother Tyler.

Eliza.

Tyler come on
in.

Warm yourself
by the fire.

Tyler, you're
here so soon.

I wasn't looking
for you until
spring.

I'm not ready to
leave

for the campground
circuit yet.

I'm afraid there won't
be any need for that
this year, Bob.

The camp meeting's
been closed.

Closed?

Robert.

Why? What
happened?

Same old excuse--

not enough interest,
new age.

Tyler, they
can't do this.

We've got to
do something.

We'll open the
meeting on our
own.

It's not that
easy.

Lots of problems--
very little public
support,

no official
church sanction.

That campground
was built by
people like us,

people who
believed
in it.

Surely they can't
keep us from
using it.

Some would
like to.

At any rate, there'll
be no meeting
this year.

It may take
a few years,

but we'll
bring it
back.

We can do
it.

We must.

Hi, Mr. Sheffey.
Hi, Mr. Sheffey.
Hi, Mr. Sheffey.

[Frazier] lt isn't
going to be

the biggest crowd
we've ever had,

but it's not
bad for a new
beginning.

From what I
hear,

the only reason
there's a
meeting at all

is because of
you and Brother
Sheffey.

I wonder if
everything
I’ve heard

about him is
true.

Likely it is.

I’ve never known
his equal.

He's like one of the
mighty warriors
of the faith

in the book
of Hebrews.

Closer to God than
most of us can
even imagine.

When will Brother
Sheffey be
arriving?

Excuse me.

What's going on
there?

What are you
boys doing?

Put those pipes
out.

We ain't hurting
nothing.

You're endangering
a thousand people.

Think what
could happen

if one of these
wooden buildings
caught fire.

The whole place
would be gone
in a minute.

Yeah,

it might at that.

Now, take those
pipes off the
premises.

Brother Sheffey!
Brother Sheffey!
Brother Sheffey!

Hello, boys and
girls.

Brother Bob,
so glad to
see you.

I want you to
meet Ed Bailey
here.

He's from the
conference.

Well, Mr. Bailey,

I hope the conference
hasn't sent you here

to hinder our
work.

No, Brother Sheffey.

I'm here on my own
because I love the
camp meetings,

and I’ve heard
what you've done
for this one.

Then we're glad
to have you.

We need all the
help we can get.

Mr. Sheffey?

Mr. Sheffey.

Yes?

It's me,
Mr. Sheffey.
Ed Bailey.

What is it?

It's what you
said about the
conference.

I apologize if
I was abrupt.

No, I . . .

Well, you were,

but you were right
in what you said.

I feel it myself.

I guess that's
why I’m here.

You see the
new attitudes

creeping in among
your leaders.

It's so hard
to understand.

They pick the
Bible apart;

criticize
everything
I believe,

and they do it
so smoothly.

I don't know
what to think.

Look.

What are they
trying to do?

They want to call
themselves
Christians

because it's
respectable,

but they try
to tear down
everything

that Christianity
has ever been
based upon.

They say that
Christ is not
the Son of God,

but they try to
support a
religion

that's based on
this very fact.

They claim that
the Bible is only
a human book,

but everything they know
about their religion
is based on it.

They claim to follow
Christianity,

and then deny
everything

that Christianity
has ever taught.

But on the
other hand,

there's so many
other good men

who still believe
everything I
believe.

There are a
good many,

but they seem to
have less and
less influence.

It's always the
liberal attitudes
that are attractive.

You think I must
make a choice.

It will not be
an easy choice.

What about you?

My choice is
easy. . . .

Or rather, it's
already made.

Years ago,
when I was
denied

a preaching
license,

it was a great
sorrow to me.

But I
determined
to follow

the leading
of the Lord
anyway.

In these latter
years

I have come
more and more
to rejoice

that I am not
obligated.

I do not have
to choose

between my
loyalty to some
organization

and the Word
of God.

When you put it
like that,

it's not really
much of a
choice.

Doesn't seem
so to me.

It's more a
matter of
courage.

Brother Sheffey,
will you pray
for me?

We didn't have
as big a crowd
as we'd hoped,

but it's a start.

We'll do better
next year.

Oh, I almost
forgot.

Here's your
souvenir.

What's
that?

It's from a friend
of Robert's,
Lady Nic.

Did you talk
to her?

Nobody did
this year,

but she hasn't
forgotten.

What's this
all about?

Lady Nic is a woman
who lives nearby

from one of the
finest families.

She's been
coming

to the camp meetings
off and on,

long as I can
remember.

But she can't
quite overcome
this world

for the sake of
the next one.

That rose--

she sends it to
Robert every
year

as a symbol of
her defiance.

I still believe
God's going to
save her.

Then she will send
a white rose of
surrender.

See you,
Brother Tyler.

God bless you.

[Mr. Bailey] See
you, Mr. Frazier.

We'll see you next
year, Brother
Sheffey.

Where is that
letter?

How I do miss Eddie
since he grew up
and went away.

Ah, here it is.

"Dear Reverend
Sheffey,

I finally got
your address
from a peddler.

Throughout my
lifetime I’ve
been told

that many years
ago

you stood at
my unmarried
mother's bed

and prayed for
God to make a
preacher of me

and stand me in
many pulpits
across the land

until I had brought
a thousand souls
into the kingdom.

It is my joy
to inform you

that I have served
churches

from Tennessee
to Texas,

and up to the sixth
of this month

the total that I’ve
led to the Lord

came to 1000
converts.

And it's signed,

"Archibald "Archibald
Tilton." Tilton."

The sweet Lord
manifests
Himself

in so many
wonderful
ways.

Robert,

hasn't the time
come now

when you can be
a rocking chair
preacher?

You have no business
riding all over
creation.

I have all the
business in
the world--

my sweet Lord's
business.

You're not getting
younger, Darling.

I don't feel any
older, though.

I feel like I’m
as strong as
ever.

It was reopening
the campground,
Eliza.

It gave me new
life.

It didn't give
you a new body.

They thought they
could close it
down.

And now that it's
started again,

we'll keep it
going.

But we can't do
it sitting
around.

You can't go
like you
used to.

It's coming on
winter soon now.

You don't know
how many times

I’ve pictured
you lying
somewhere

in a snowdrift

and nobody finding
you 'til spring.

My dear Eliza,
all right.

All right.

For your sake, I’ll
take it slower
this winter.

[horseman]
Brother Sheffey!
Brother Sheffey!

Brother Sheffey!

Brother Sheffey,
the campground,
it's burning!

Burning? The
campground?

Yes, sir, I just
came from there.

The whole thing's
on fire.

No, it can't be.

Yes, sir, it is.

You can see the
smoke from the
top of the hill.

Go on, Toby,
go to the top
of the hill.

See if you can
see the fire.

Yah, come on.
Get. Yah.

Robert, no.

You've been sick.

[Eliza] Robert,
Robert, stop.

There's nothing
you can do to
help.

[Eliza] Robert.

It's all on fire,
Brother Sheffey.

Robert!
Come back!

Ro . . .

Ro . . .

Look at the smoke.

Let me take
your horse.

You bring mine.

Tell Eliza
not to worry
about me.

Rob . . .

Ro . . .

Mrs. Sheffey!

Mrs. Sheffey!

More.

Quick.

[Sheffey]
Hold my horse.

Oh, Brother Bob.

I'm afraid it
wasn't an
accident.

No one knows
who,

but somebody did
it deliberately.

Tyler, looks like we
have our work cut
out for us again.

No, Robert, not
again. lt can't
be done.

It can!

I’ll do it
myself . . .

Alone if I
have to!

The doctor!

Eliza!

Eliza!

Eliza!

You better speak
to her;

she's sinking
fast.

Eliza . . .

Eliza . . .

I always thought

I’d put you

to rest first--

to be sure

everything was all . . .

all right.

Eliza, I love
you.

[Sheffey sobs]

Lord, how can
it be?

How have I
failed you?

What have I
done wrong?

Everything I’ve
loved is gone.

Have I been
wrong?

Is the world
right?

Oh, Lord.

All gone.

Everything.

My dear Eliza.

Lord, forgive these
feet of clay.

Forgive my pride.

Forgive my trusting
in my own strength.

Forgive me.

Brother Sheffey,

Brother Sheffey,

Brother Sheffey.

That's what I’ve
got to tell you.

It was me that burned
the campground.

Oh, mercy.

Oh, mercy.

I thought it would
help if I . . .

But after all
you told me,

I’ve ruined
everything
for you.

You could never
forgive me.

I forgave you
long ago.

My dear sweet
Lord

convicted my heart
of pride and
bitterness--

only then I didn't know
who should receive
my forgiveness.

Now my joy and
blessing are
complete.

Blessing?

But the campground
will never be
rebuilt, will it?

No.

I used to think that
it would be rebuilt.

In fact, I thought
I would do it,

but that was only
my own pride.

My own pride.

The campground is
gone forever.

God never forces
His will on men.

He calls them
unto Himself,

but if they will
not follow Him

then they have to
go their own way.

The campground
is gone

not because you
burned it,

but because God's
people didn't
want it,

and God let them
have their own
way.

Every time we
give up a part
of our faith

to try to fit
into the ways
of the world,

we lose it forever.

We lose a precious
part of God's
promise.

Sacrificed to the
world,

and the world will
never give it back.

And someday

when the world
tells us

we can no longer
have our religion

except where
they say,

and God is driven
from our schools

and our government
and our homes,

then God's people
can look back

and know that our
religion was not
taken from us;

it was given up,

handed over bit
by bit

until there was
nothing left.

[preacher] "Ye are
the light of
the world.

A city that is set
on a hill cannot
be hid.

Let your light
so shine before
men

that they may
see your good
works

and glorify your
Father which is
in heaven."

Beloved Sheffey, we bid
thee not farewell

but only for a little
while good night.

Thou shalt rise soon
at the first dawn

of the resurrection day
of the redeemed.

It is we who linger in
the darkness.

Thou art in God's own
light.

Our night too shall soon
be past

and with it all our
weeping.

Then with thine our song
shall greet the morning

of the day that knows no
night.

Then at his voice thou
shalt spring

from thy couch of earth

fashioned like unto his
glorious body.

Until then, beloved,
sleep.

We praise God for thee

and expect to praise God
with thee. Amen.

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Copyright 2002
Bob Jones University
Greenville, SC 29607