Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 November 1878 — One Trial of a Public Lecturer. [ARTICLE]

One Trial of a Public Lecturer.

I remember on one occasion, after the lecture was over, that the audience, which was made up for the most part of farmers and their families, seemed disinclined to go, but held their seats, looking up as if expecting some kind of an afterpiece. This was so unlike a city audience—who rush for the door before the last words are out of the speaker’s mouth —that I couldn’t help remarking the fact to the minister who sat with me in the pulpit. “ Ah, yes,” said he, “ our people are not accustomed to lectures, and they are expecting the doxology! ” “ Then, by all means, let them have it,” I said; “it will do us all good.” “ If you, sir,” said he, “ will stand at the bottom of the steps, the people will be glad to shake hands with you, if you please, as they are going out.” “ Certainly,” I said; “ with much pleasure.” The minister stood up and told the audience that, after singing the doxology, any who pleased might have an opportunity of shaking hands with the lecturer. Accordingly, I took my position near the door; and, if I had been a prize bull-dog, the people couldn’t have been more reluctant to pass me. All stood up, crowding the aisles and passage-ways; but no one moved toward the door. To facilitate matters, I seized one old fellow by the hand and gave it a shake, and passed him along. Then came another, and him I also pumphandled. I held out my hand for the next, a rather furtive-looking youth, with red hair and very speckled face. He approached me in a jerk and deposited 15 cents in my extended palm. Before I could get an explanation, he was out the door aud off. In the meantime, the rest began to move a little faster; and by-and-by another fist full of coppers was thrust into my hand. “ Good Heavens! do they suppose I’m here to take up a collection? They’re actually putting money in my hand! ” I said to the minister, stepping back upon the platform. “Oh no! ” said he, laughing; “ these are only boys who contrived to get in without paying, so they think they must pay you.” That was all the hand-shaking I wanted, so I let the good people depart in peace; and they did seem very much relieved when I got up out of their way. It was money in a good many pockets, I expect.— Boston Commercial Bulletin.