A country minister in Scotland, who was much annoyed by two members of
his congregation, Macpherson and Macintosh, sleeping during the sermon,
hit upon a way to put an end to this state of matters. Calling on
Macintosh, he said: "By the way, Mr. Macintosh, have you ever noticed
Mr. Macpherson sleeping during the sermon?" "Many a time," replied
Macintosh, virtuously. "Well, next Sunday you might sit beside
Macpherson and try and keep him awake." "I'll do that sir," said
Macintosh. Then the minister went to Macpherson and went through the
same programme concerning Macintosh.
Next Sunday it was highly amusing to those in the secret to see
Macintosh and Macpherson sitting next to each other, both perfectly wide
awake.
324
When once thy foot enters the church, beware, God is more there than
thou; for thou art there only by His permission. Then beware and make
thyself all reverence and fear.
--_Herbert._
325
Take the child to church, whether he likes it or not. What he likes has
nothing to do with it; what is best for him is the only question.
--_Bishop Vincent._
326
There are two classes of people in the church; the one is made up of
those who do the hard work of the church, and the other of those who sit
at home and--criticise.
--_Lutheran Weekly._
327
Men are dependent on circumstances, and not circumstances on men.
--_Herodotus._
328
A great merchant was asked by what means he contrived to realize so
large a fortune as he possessed. His reply was: "Friend, by one article
alone, in which thou may'st deal too if thou pleasest--civility."
329
Civility is a desire to receive civility, and to be accounted well-bred.
--_Rochefoucauld._
330
The clergyman who lives in the city may have piety, but he must have
taste.
--_Emerson._
331