History of the Auglaize Annual Conference of the United Brethren Church, from 1853 to 1891 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1892 Excerpt: ...none. We noticed Mr. Heistand sitting behind the desk with the Bible in his hand; he beckoned us forward, and we went, when the following conversation took place. Said we, "What does this mean?" He explained as above. It was then about one hour and a half after the time they had arranged for. We said, "Well, it is too late now, the people are weary, and we had no thought of preaching before night." "Oh," said he, "that's all right; we'll wait, and pray for you." We then asked him if he was going to jjreach, to which he replied, "Yes." Thinking that we should be of one mind regarding a text, we asked him what his text was, and he handed us the Bible and pointed to the verse; and without any further thought than what we could give the subject while they opened the services by song and prayer, we arose, announced the text, and preached as best we could, seemingly to the edification of all present. We noticed, however, something a little unusual among the people, but did not suspect what it was. When the services closed, however, we were overwhelmed by an outburst of laughter, accompanied by, "Well, you are the first preacher that ever dared preach my sermon over after me." That explained all. He had preached, and seeing me coming, he told the people to remain and not say anything, and they would have another sermon. This, like the allegory of the boys and the frogs, was "fun for them, but death to us." We never knew a man to enjoy anything so well as our old friend and brother did this little "ruse." Mr. Heistand was a minister in the Church and Conference for twenty-six years; though not generally employed in the itinerancy, he was never really local. He was devoted, humble, and f...