| 717 that year, I traveled for a short time with Bro. W. T. Maitland, he preaching, and I acting as helper. In the winter I visited Bro. Larkey at Ironton, Iowa. Bro. Larkey was quite advanced in years, and a very faithful brother. One Saturday morning he informed me that an announcement for preaching had been made at Hickory Grove Schoolhouse, a place about five miles distant, and that he and I would go and fill the appointment. I told him I had never preached, neither was I able to do so; however, that evening found us at the place appointed. The idea that I was to be spokesman was far from my mind; in fact, I gave the matter no thought. The schoolhouse was packed with people with only a few Saints present. Bro. Larkey opened the services in the usual way, and started to preach as I supposed, but he only talked a few minutes and then introduced me as the speaker of the evening. I arose to my feet without the slightest idea as to what I was going to speak about; and had it been possible would have rushed from the place.
After rising a text impressed itself very strongly on my mind, and I started. I had been speaking as I thought only a short time, and was very much surprised to learn, that I had spoken forty-five minutes. After learning this fact, I felt very much encouraged, and readily understood the Lord had assisted me. I was very grateful for the help thus vouchsafed to me. I was also inspired with much confidence to trust God in the future. At the close of the service Bro. Larkey announced me as the speaker for the following Sunday.
Previous to this time I had always disliked the hymn, "Nearer My God to Thee," and always did my best to shun the use of it. The audience on the Sunday evening was composed chiefly of Presbyterians and their leader started the singing with this good old hymn. Such a change was wrought in me that I thought I never heard anything half so sweet in my life, and since that occasion, it has always been a great favorite with me. It seemed to cause me to realize the close relationship that should exist between God and his ministry. From that period all my time has been devoted to preaching.
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