The Carson daily appeal. [volume] (Carson City, Nev.) 1865-1870, 1868-05-27
MARK TWAIN AT CHURcH.-Mark Twain

MAhh Twain Al NHONCh. -Adih " "An
has been to church. He attended twice last
Sunday. Since he returned from the Holy
Land he has carefully avoided ministers, the
promptings of a guilty conscience having
admonished him to beware of them, lest
;, they should "give him blast" to use the
language of the ungodly. He would Dodge
around the corner at the sight of clergy
man, as dog runs from the pound-keeper.
But last Sunday morning he was prevailed
upon to attend church, and his mind was
greatly relieved upon his being cordially re-
ceived after service by the officiating clergy
man, who. in warm terms, complimented his
letters from the Holy Land. He left the
church an altered man, and on his way home
deviated from the shortest route, in order to
pass boldly by numerous churches. He was
suddenly seized with church-going mania,
and in the evening hurried to another
house of worship. He entered boldly,
walked up the aisle with head erect, and
took seat almost Immediately =" under the
droppings of the divine sanctuary" The
clergyman was a new conner, of the Baptist
persuasion, and his sermon was eloquent
and impressive. He told of the visit of
Onesimus to Rome, and the impression
made upon the mind of the simple rustic at
the sight Of such splendor and magnihcence,
and when he inquired for Paul, how the
crowd in that great city ieered and ridiculed
him. "And what is ridicule :" asked the
clergyman. :" 1t is the argument of small
minds on subjects far above their compre-
hension it is the weapon of towards" In
ject of ridicule land" said he, "there are
the letters of this person, Mark Twain, who
visits the Holy Land and ridicules sacred
scenes ard things. The letters are sought !
after and eagerly read, because Of his puer-
lie attempts at wit, and miserable puns
upon subjects which are dear to every |
Christian heart. 1t is not right that he
should take away the faith of the people
without giving them something in return
In fac, he handled the funny traveller with
out gloves, and caused many eyes to turn to-
wards Mr.. Twain, who manifested consider
able signs Of uneasiness. After the service
had concluded, Mark advanced to the preach
,r, and, holding out his hand. said: "Sir, l
lever receive good dressing down which |
deserve unless | thank the party for it. am
Mark Twain. feel that l deserve every
hing which YOU have said about me, and l
wish to heartily thank you" The minister
vas surprised and embarrassed. He had not
Intended to speak nnkindly or IN Justly. ooh,
# course not. l could easily see that BY
our Mariner and tone" replied Mark. q
hink You are wrong in the position you have
taken in regard to the Holy
and" said the clergyman. 81 know |
M replied Mark, but not altogether" ,
Well, no perhaps not altogether" replied {
he clergyman. After few more remarks {
f kindly nature. Mark retired gracefully. I
unnIn- the gauntlet Of the eyes of the i
hole congregation, who had gathered on the +
hurch steps to witness his exit. The scene +
as witnessed and the conversation over {,
card, by number of the audience. Mark
rs been heard to say since, that he is aware
lat he went to great lengths in his Holy
and letters but then, those Pilgrims,
on know they so worried and annoyed the =
missionary" that in the heat of monetary
ASSIGN, he has written many words which his
,nler Judgment did not approve. and which
i'll not appear in his forthcoming book. +
hich is being prepared in the quiet of his v
udv. away from Pilgrim Influences {
. 7. Gail. L