NOT TO BE DENIED.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 7267, 15 October 1891, Page 4

NOT TO BE DENIED.

In a certain church on the border of tho Highlands a movement, contrary to the expressed views of the min-stor, sprang up to inoronso tho attractiveness of tho services. That worthy hold a consultation with sovoral of Ins deacons, in which it waB decided that the reverend gontleruan should, at the closo of his sormon on the following Sabbath, put tho moroontous question beforo the congregation in such a sbapo that shsuno might prevont them voting for ouch a diabolical scheme. Tho day came, and, the sermon over, tho minis ter mndo tho iiccuBtoraed prayer, and then addressed tho congregation : • Beloved biethrcn, I understnnd that there aro among vou some who aic anxious to change tho form of our chinch music by the introduction of a worldly innovation. AH thovse in fnvor of tetiiining its present puic and divino character will please express their dosiro by holding up their hands.' Two or three lonely hands fluttered spasmodically at the rear of the church, but tho pastor, iu no way discouraged, resolved to turn the question round and shove it at them with tho other nnd iirst : ♦ Beloved brethren, I will put the question more plainly to your understanding. All those who aro in favor ot mixing wind and bellows with their devotions will please stand up.' There seemed to bo no backwardness now among tho bicthren. In an instnnt the entire congregation were upon their feet, with tho exception of a few allies the minister hud among the deicons and elders. Tho leverend gentleman was about to speak ngain, when a squeaky voico irom tho far corner of tho church interrupted him. ' Let it gang, meenister, let it gang ; ye see, the deil's gotten the majority o' tho kirk, nao maitter hoo ye pit it to thorn.'