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| | The Black Preacher |
 | | Then, as the preacher got further into the day's message, he began to chant his lines, the metrics and time intervals of the lines became more and more regular and consistent, and as he became further imbued with the Holy Spirit, the preacher's delivery slid into song. |
 | | This may happen because many of the congregation know the Bible almost as thoroughly as does the preacher, and they creatively anticipate his message; also, in these services the congregation participates actively and creatively in the service, and may for long periods be "hearing" their own celebrations. |
 | | Few preachers have had extensive seminary training; and many of their beliefs, like those of their congregations, are derived from popular traditions. |
| www.arts.state.ms.us /crossroads/narrative/church/na4_text.html (1031 words) |
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