A Gentleman in the State of Connecticut, regularly attended
publick worship on the Lord's day with all his family: On the
Sunday evening he always catechised his children and servants on
the principles of religion, and what they heard the minister
deliver from the pulpit. He had a negro man who never could
remember a note of the sermon, though otherwise smart. At last
his master peremptorily told him he would on Monday morning tie
him up and flog him. Next Sunday evening, when interrogated, he
had forgotten all: On Monday morning his master executes his
threat so far, as to tie him up. The fellow then cried out, O
master spare me, for I remember something the minister said. What
is it? said the master. The fellow replied, "_This much may
suffice at this time._" His master was so pleased with his wit
that he forgave him.
_Salem Mercury_, August 12.
* * * * *
From the Rev. Dr. Bentley's notes, edited by Stanley Waters, printed in the
"Salem Gazette," we learn that even in old times people occasionally
absented themselves from public worship on the Lord's Day.