A long time ago, so the story goes, several English nobles in all their best clothes were on a fox hunt. While following the fox, they came to a closed gate. A poor looking young man sat near the gate.

“Open the gate, Lad,” said the leader.

“No,” said the boy, “this property belongs to my father, and he told me to leave it shut and open it for no one.”

The leader testily replied, “Open the gate, Boy. Do you know who I am?”

“No, sir,” said the boy.

The leader proclaimed, “I am the Duke of Wellington.”

The boy replied, “The Duke of Wellington is a hero in this country, and he would not ask me to disobey my father.” The riding party went on its way.


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About The Author

A third generation preacher, Mike Shannon is Professor of Preaching at Cincinnati Bible Seminary of Cincinnati Christian University. He has served as a preaching minister, church planter, and college professor. His most recent preaching ministry was at the historic First Christian Church of Johnson City, Tennessee. In his nearly two decades at Cincinnati Christian University, Mike has served as both professor and Dean of the Seminary. He has also been an adjunct professor at Milligan College and Northern Kentucky University. Mike is the author or co-author of several books.

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