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Burning truths from Billy's bat

Chapter 53: SAYS WATER MADE NAAMAN SHIVER.
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About This Book

A compact collection of sermons, anecdotes, prayers, and terse sayings built around a dramatic conversion account and practical moral instruction. The pieces address family and motherhood, courtship and marriage, social amusements such as dancing, gambling, and theatre, and critiques of hypocrisy, spiritualism, and nominal religion. Interwoven are vivid recollections, Bible exposition, exhortations to repentance and steadfast faith, and homiletic advice for personal conduct and public testimony. The material favors direct, anecdotal argumentation intended to move listeners toward moral reform and committed Christian practice.

SAYS WATER MADE NAAMAN SHIVER.

He told of a big “snake doctor” stinging Naaman on the shoulder, emitting an unearthly screech and slapping one hand to the offended spot. Then he tried the water again. He got part way in, slipped, stubbed his toe and went hobbling about on his left foot, holding the other in both hands as his facial contortions told of Naaman’s pain after getting hurt. He shivered again, let his teeth chatter with a loud “b-r-r-r,” as he again went into the water, pinched his nose shut after taking a long breath, squinted his eyes and “ducked” under the surface, coming up spluttering, spitting and choking.

Then Billy told of the spots of leprosy on Naaman beginning to itch. He nearly had every one in the tabernacle scratching arms and legs as he vigorously rubbed various spots on his body, and scratched ’em. Then he resumed his ducking stunt. After the seventh dip, he told of Naaman’s flesh being covered with the delicate skin of a babe and of him emerging from the river no longer a leper. Here Sunday ended his monologue with the exclamation, “Gee, wonder what Mrs. Naaman and the kids will say when I come home and they see me cured.”