Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 247, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 October 1912 — That Clever Preacher. [ARTICLE]

That Clever Preacher.

A negro preacher, whose supply of nominy and bacon' was running low, decided to take radical steps to impress upon his flock the necessity for contributing liberally to the church exchequer. Accordingly, at the close of the sermon, he made an impressive pause, and then proceeded as follows: “I hab found It necessary, on account ob de astringency ob de hard times an’ de gineral deficiency ob de circulatin’ mejum in connection wld dis chu-ch, t’ interduce ma new ottermatic c’lection box. It is so arranged dat a half dollah or quatah falls on a red plush cushion without noise; a nickel will ring a small bell distinctly heard ’by de congregation, an’ a button, ma fellow mawtels, will fiah off a pistol; so you will gov’n yo’eelves accordingly. Let de c’lection now p’ceed, while I takes off ma hat an’ gibs out a hymn.”—Tit-Bits.