A certain congregation could not find a pastor. They knew what
they wanted. He must be a sound and able theologian, a literary
man, up in science, polished to the last degree, good-looking,
genial, a mixer, sympathetic, a hustler, not heady, humble
minded, etc. A visiting minister, who knows them, told this
story:
“A certain gentleman came to a horse-dealer and gave the
following order: ‘I want a young horse with spirit and speed
in him--something I’d like to drive myself for my wives and
daughters. He must be entirely without blemish and work in
single or double harness. He must be a perfect carriage-horse,
and also good under the saddle, with several gaits. And he must
be absolutely afraid of nothing.’
“‘Ah, I see--I see,’ replied the dealer. ‘You want a hoss
without a speck on him; mettlesome, but gentle; young, but
easily governed; guaranteed not to shy at anything; perfect any
way you want to use him, in single or double harness, or as a
saddle-hoss, with all the gaits.’
“‘Yes, yes,’ interrupted the gentleman, ‘that’s what I want
exactly.’
“‘My friend,’ answered the dealer, ‘there ain’t no sich hoss!’”
The congregation doubtless caught the point.--_Presbyterian of
the South._
(1478)
See BEING BEFORE DOING.