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BATTLE CREEK BY A. D. P. VAN BUREN
As an instance of his ability to preach without preparation, we give the following: lie and Deacon Solomon Case attended, in 1843, the Baptist State Convention, held in the eastern part of the State. They had gone with their own conveyance. As they drove into town, Elder Harris was informed that the clergyman who was to preach the introductory sermon had failed to come, and that he was appointed in his place. At this, Deacon Case advised the Elder not to undertake so great a task unprepared; to decline. The latter, taking Ms Bible out of Ms coat pocket, said to the Deacon, "take care of your team; " and finding a seat on the grass beneath the shade of a tree near by, selected his text, went into the convention, and preached an able and powerful discourse.
As a speaker, Elder Harris was clear, forcible, and convincing. He was never misunderstood; he always interested and inspired his hearers. His diction, like the pure Saxon words that he used, was strong and vigorous. Says a writer who knew him well: "He seldom wrote, yet his language was plain, strong, terse, concise, and often impassioned. Rejecting ornament, and not often seeking for illustration, his force consisted in the clearness of his propositions, the strength of his logic, and the earnestness of his manner. Though not a graduate of a college, he was an educated man. Pew had ampler knowledge of men and books, of facts and principles, and few were more ready in the application. His mind had been enriched by extensive reading, by original and independent reflection. Though mostly self-educated, he was the warm friend and patron of colleges and theological schools. "
Michigan
Page 47
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