Smyrna times., 1868-01-22
MIS- CELLAN US.
DR.. BETHUNE'S WIT.

In the interesting memoir of this distinguish
ed divine, recently published by Messrs. Shell
don x Co., the editor has attempted to repre-
sent the rich and spicy side of the Reverend
Doctors character That he should not be
able to reproduce fully the charms of that
which depends so much on the spirit, voice,
and action of the utterer, will not surprise
those who have had the good fortune to enjoy
DIR. Bethune' acquaintance; while on the other
hand no one. who knows Dr. Van Nest, the
editor, will need to be assured that he has per-
formed his task with admirable tact and skill.
One marked characteristic Of DR.. Bethune's
wit was its playfHlness, and freedom from all
malice. When occasion required it, he could
be severe enough, but his habitual humOr was
generous and kind 1t was brilliant but harm
less sheet lightning blazing but not fOrked, nor
fatal in its stroke. 1t was the overflow of his
own genial life, natural, spontaneous, impressi-
BILE, and often full of classic culture and spark
ling spirit. 1t was, however, held in check by
his dignity and propriety. And while it shone
in conversation, and on the platform, it never
intruded upon the sacred prescincts of the
pulpit.
The Neuo EnglGnders.
Representing the Knickerbocker interest, he
would, as occasion offered, play his jokes upon
the New Englanders One point where he had
them at an advantage, was in the disposition
to leave their bleak homes for more congenial
climes. They reminded him." he said :" of
a Scotchman, who was found shuddering all
over with fearful dream. And what was the
matter, was your father dead? Waur than
that Perhaps your mother? Ma, waur than
that But what frightened you so, did you see
the devil? Far waur than that. Why, what was
it? Hech, mon, | dreamed | wOr book in
Scotland and then he shivered with horror"
On another occasion the toast was given,
Boston, the place from which people go to
all parts of the world" The doctor was
quickly on his feet with the rctort, New
York, the place to which people come from all
parts of the world"
Suadry Ptnnings.
Lecturing on a very stormy night the doctor
observed, "Thoug h the assembly is small, we
have only to open the upper windows, and we
shall have an overdowing house." ''As 1
came round the corner, the wind having de-
ranged my umbrella, l had lively sensation
of what is called 'scudding under bare poles. >"
A gentleman, smaller in stature, speaking be-
fore him at a public meeting, said he did not
know on what principle he was asked to pre-
i cede DIR. Bethpne, except that little wheels al
ways were before big ones. The reply of the
ready orator was by a Scotch anecdote, in
which the spokesman, praisipg lad cries,
"Weel done, wee Willie, muckle ane hae ketch
I (then Captain) Foote addressed the meeting
first, DR.. Bethune said, "You know we had to
put our best foot first tonight" Conversing
with stout gentleman, whose face bore extern
al evidence Of good living, yet who spoke in
feeble tones, complained of his health, and
said that he was as weak as moth, " A
Behemoth, think" replied the laughing
minister.
GizzaYd Better than Brains.
Sometimes, however, his wit was fully
matched by that OF his subject Thus, wher
DR.. Bethune was walking with clergyman
/ almost as full in person as himself, they spiec
: another Brooklyn pastor, who presented a per
!, feet contrast to their rotundity, and who, a.
the time, was suffering from horrible attack
of. the dyspepsia. As he approached, Bethqn'
said to his companion, within hearing of the
3 third party, "See there anybody that look
I so cadaverous as that, can't have good con
r science" The thin parson was wide awake
/ and rejoined, Brethren, don't know abou
4 the conscience, but d rather have the gizzarC
a of one of you, than the brains of BOTH" ThI
: good doctor enjoyed the sharp reply, and ate
; hearty laughter said, = Let us go, we can
make anything out of him to-day. t....
; On another occasion when introducing lanl
) clerical friend of the same denomination
q Baptist, to another intimate companion, witt
: twinkle of his eye, and in tones which nom
+ could more amusingly employ, he added, t
= the ceremonial announcement OF his name an
e nosition, but he's rather shrunk in the wet
Z ting" 81 -aF r.,
o y .ga' anI- A jug Retort. -e' ''i
Z Tn synodical debate, DR.. Bethune, takin
I q one-siided view Of q, subject, xas charge