ACTIVE PERSUASION.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVII, Issue XXI, 21 November 1896, Page 95

ACTIVE PERSUASION.

An old clergyman was remarkable forliis eccentric ideas and sayings. Among other curious ways he was in the habit of asking a blessing on each particular thing on the table. At breakfast one morning there was some bear meat, and his petition was as follows ;—‘ Lord, bless the coffee, bless the bread and butter, but as to the meat, Lord, I don't know what to say.’ At another time there had been an affray among some men, and one of them was hurt. A trial took place, and the old clergyman, who had seen the fight was called as a witness. 1 What was Salson doing ?’ was the first inquiry. ‘ Oh. he was slashing around,’ replied the old man. ‘ Well, sir, what is that ?’ * He was just knocking about him here aud there.’ ‘ Now, sir, tell us plainly what he did do to this man ?’ asked the lawyer, with a note of vexation in his voice. The clergyman thought a moment, and then answered slowly : ‘ Why. he enticed him,’ ‘ Enticed him 1 How ?’ ‘He enticed him with a crowbar. He used the crowbar to persuade the man, to entice him ; and by a series of pokes and blows hesucceeded,' concluded the reverend gentleman.