THE MINISTER NONPLUSSED.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume VIII, Issue 469, 19 February 1898, Page 2 (Supplement)

THE MINISTER NONPLUSSED.

PULPIT MISADVENTURE,

The Rev. Dr. Mclntyre, a famous American preacher, tells the story of one oi: his experiences as a revivalist. It was his practice to take with him on his circuits a man called Vincent, the owner of a powerful voice, to lead the singing where there was no choir. As hymn books also were scarce in provincial congregations, it was the Doctor's custom to " give out " the hymns two lines at a time. On one occasion Dr. Mclntyre read out two lines of a long-metre hymn preparatory to his sermon and Vincent led the siuging magnificently. The Doctor then took his Bible and read out his text "Is there no balm in Gileacl ? Is no physicianthere V" He laid down his Bible and was on the point of commencing his .sermon when, to his dismay, Vincent's voice arose loud, and resonant, "Is there no bairn in Gilead :" and the congregation followed him lustily. The minister both dismayed mid. angry at Yin-_. cent's stupidity, when the text was duly chanted, said,' " The words I gave you were the text, and not the hymn at all." Again that dreadful voice shook the rafters, " the word;:- I gave you were the text, and not the hymn at all," and again the congregation supported the singer loyally. This was too much for Dr. Mclntyre, who collapsed and sat down in the pulpit, For five minutes he sat, not daring to breathe a word lest that fearful Vincent should' start again. At last he ventured to begin his sermon, and was allowed to proceed in peace. Vincent never Jed the singing again! * 7