Democratic Sentinel, Volume 13, Number 35, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 September 1889 — That Spoilt It. [ARTICLE]

That Spoilt It.

An eccentric clergyman in Cornwall, says London Pick-Me-Up, had been much annoyed by a way his congregation had got into of looking around to take stock of later comers. After enduring the annoyance for some time, he said, on entering the reading-desk one day: “Brethren, I regret to see that your attention is called away from your religious duties by your very natural desire to see who comes in behind you. I promise, henceforth, to save you the trouble by naming each person who may enter, and I hope that the service will then be allowed to proceed without interruption.” He then began, “Dearly Beloved,” but paused half way to interpolate, “Farmer Stubbins, with his wife and daughter.” Farmer Stubbins looked rather surprised, but the minister, with perfect gravity, resumed liis exhortation. Presently he again paused. “Sam Curtis and William Giggle.” The abashed congregation kept their eyes studiously beut on their books. The service proceeded in the most orderly manner, the parson interrupting himself every now and then to name some newcomer. At last he said, still w'ith the same perfect gravity: “Mrs. Symonds, of the Red Lion, in a new bonnet.” In a moment he felt his mistake, but it was too late. Every feminine head in the congregation had turned round to look at the new bonnet.