Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 July 1895 — The Effect of the Hard Times. [ARTICLE]

The Effect of the Hard Times.

A story was recently told of how a preacher tested the effect of the hard times upon his congregation. At the conclusion of one of his sermons he said: “Let everybody in the house who pay their debts stand up.” Instantly every man. woman, and child, with one exception, arose to their feet He seated the crowd, and then said: “Let every man who is not paying his debts stand up.” The exception noted, a care-worn, hungry-looking individual, clothed tn his last summer suit slowly assumed a perpendicular position, and leaned upon the back of the seat in front bf him. “How is it my friend,”

inquired the minister, “that you are the only man in this large congregation who is unable to meet his obligations?” “I publish a newspaper,” he meekly replied, “and my brethren here, who have just stood up, are my subscribers, and ” “Let us pray,” exclaimed the minister.—lndependent Herald.