Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 17, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 January 1875 — How Gerrit Smith Dismissed a Tedious Visitor. [ARTICLE]

How Gerrit Smith Dismissed a Tedious Visitor.

Mr. Smith’s house was seldom free from visitors. The door was open to all, and even strangers were always w elcome. One day a middle-aged gentleman paid Mr. Smith a visit. He was a perfect stranger, but he was received by the host with his proverbial hospitality. The visitor did not appear to have any special reason for honoring the family With his presence. He was not a distinguished man: he was not a brilliant man; in fact he could properly be classed with the individuals who bear the title of “ bores.” Day followed day. and each evening the family retired with the hope that the morrow would see —the stranger gone. But he came down to breakfast promptly each morning, and got up from the supper each evening with the evident intent of filling the same chair at breakfast the next morning. A week passed by. and with all the members of the familv but Air. Smith hospitality had ceased /to be a virtue. They importuned him (o into the dull head of the guest, if possible, a hint that he was not w anted any longer. That hint was given in a w ay that nothing but united charily and humor could'have inspired. At family worship Mr. Smith as usual invoked the blessing of Heaven upon the different worshipers, closing as follows: “ And, O Lord, wilt Thou vouchsafe Thy fullest blessing to the dear brother who is to depart from us this day.” At the noonday meal there was a vacant chair at the table and more loaves and fishes for the poor wheq the repast was over—the dear brother had departed.— Utica (N. Y.) Observer. A lecturer made his debut in St. Louis recently, and began, by stating that he had capped the doors to be locked, so that no one could escape until he had finished. RgOTOm 'r that«troubles are like babies —they only grow the bigger for being naraed. ‘ ■ .1