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An Indian and a Preacher

One upon a time, a preacher

Of a certain “good” man’s band,

Went forth upon a mission

Out in Indian land.

He gave the chief a Bible

And journeyed on his way,

But came back through that section,

At a somewhat later day.

The chief called on the preacher –

Whatever did give rise?

“Chief want to be a Christian,

Me ready to be baptized.”

The preacher brought his “Jordon,”

A little china bowl,

Then catechized the Indian

With reference to his soul.

The chief gazed at the vessel

Edith an apprehensive look.

“The pond, be much too little,

You give ‘um chief wrong book.”

The preacher urged and argued

That the small amount would do,

But failed to turn the Indian

From his “heap much water” view.

But the preacher finally consented

To let his custom slip;

He’d go down the river

And give the chief a dip.

‘ No, No,” the chief responded,

‘You try to change God’s plan

From dip to little sprinkle –

Me guess you be wrong man!”