Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 October 1884 — The Young Parson’s Retort. [ARTICLE]

The Young Parson’s Retort.

Bishop Wilmer, Protestant Episcopal, of Alabama, is one of the readiest men with retort to be found in the States. His first parish was in Virginia. At a certain company, where all the. gentlemen of the neighborhood, were, the young clergyman was present. There was also present a man noted for his infidelity as to Christianity, and for the roughness of his manners and speech to those by whom it was prose sed. This skeptic soon began to talk at the youthful parson, who prudently made no reply. The enemy became more aggressive, and, addressing him directly, said: “Mr. Wilmer, you don’t seeih to like to talk about religion and the Bible.” “Yes, sir,” he.replied: "I do like to talk about it to people who are earnest aud respectful in their treatment of it.” “Well,” rejoined the assailant, “if you will answer me one question I will let you off.” c Mr. Wilmer said: “Sir, I do not know that I care to be let off from anything, but ask me the quest ion, and if it is a proper question, and if I know the answer, I will give it to you.” “Well, sir, I have asked all the preachers I have seen, and none of them could tell me, and now I ask you: What became of the body of Sluses when the devil and the arch-angel had a dispute over it ?”. It was a trying question for the young theologian, and a trying occasion, for the assembled company all silently awaited his reply. He quickly arose from his chair, walked across the room, stood directly in front of his antagonist, and said, firmly and respectfully: “Sir, that question does not concern you in the least.” “Why not, sir?” "Becauseit is perfectly certain that no such angel will ever have any . contest with the devil over your body.”