Cured by a Joke.

Otago Witness, Issue 1901, 10 July 1890, Page 42

Cured by a Joke.

Many stories are told of disease having been cured, with no treatment whatever, by an accidental impression made on the mind. The wife of a wealthy farmer had been bed-ridden for many years, and unable to rise or walk without help. A Baptist minister visited the family, and the host showed him his thrifty farm, in which .he evidently took an honest pride. 44 Your farm seems to be one of the best in this part of the country," observed the guest. 11 Yes, it is, sir," answered the host, with a beaming face ; 4I and what is more, it's all paid for."

Similar comments on the barns, stock, &c, brought forth assurances that they, too, were " all paid for." Dinner-time came, .and the family, with their guest, gathered at the table. The invalid occupied a bedroom adjoining the dining room, in order that when the family were at table she might hear their conversation through the open door. The clergyman was asked to say grace, and began thus :

14 O Lord, we thank Thee for the abundance now spread before us ; we thank Thee that it is all paid for " Here a sudden interruption came from the invalid in the next room, who, on hearing her husband's pet phrase put into a prayer, burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. Entirely forgetting her condition, she sprang out of bed, and stood holding her sides, and shaking all over with mirth when the family rushed in. That solemn joke cured her of her ailment.