Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1873-09-17
The Book Agent.
AN OVER TRUE TALE.

necessary, but no excellence of one can
furnish any excuse to the other for max
ing himself a nuisance. | talked and
reasoned with him, but my words seemed
to have no effect on his brazen effrontery.
He was shielded by such determination
that he would not, or by such wilful stu
pidity that he could not understand any
thing but that he must sell and the public
must buy. The front attack failed. |
wish now to send a shot after him. 1t
may do him no good, but it will relieve
my mind. Or it may serve as well as
many another shot at venture, and
bring down some other one of tie number
less nuisances who waste time and wear
| temper.
was called from my study by the
message that a gentleman wished to see
me, and could not send up his errand. |
came down with pen in hand that the
visitor might see that was busy.
SIS this the Rev. Mr.. So-and-so ?"
"Yes, SIR"
~ have called" Spoken in one breath
after the manner of agents, as if they
|
word of Aristophones with its one hundred
and fifty -four letters.) II have called to
bring your attention to new, important,
interesting and very valuable work which
supplies place long felt to be vacant in
sacred literature e, which am sure you will
find to be store house OF instruction, a
much-needed companion for the study
| for mol
reading. Its subject is one Of transcen
dent interest. 1t is written in clear and
ucid style. and illustrated by seventeen
steel engravings by the most celebrated
living engravers of the world, and bound
in any style you may desire. 1t is"
| Yes, sir. But | do not care to buy
it, believe"
1t is entitled The Lives and Times of
the Prophets and Apostles 1t is by the
Rev. Theopius Thistlewister, D. d., LII.
D., and is universally commended as one
of the most learned and brilliant exposi-
tions of biblical themes ever offered to the
public. 1t is"
| " Yes, sir but believe that 1 do not
want it,"
1T is published only by subscription
and it will be impossible to procure it ex-
cep. through me, and it contains all the
| fruits of the most recent study of the
Bible, and the Investigations OF the best
scholars brought up to date. 1t is"
Yes. sir but don't want it,
1t is adorned with engravings in the
| highest style of the art, and profusely
illustrated with wood-cuts from pictures
taken on the spot, and bound in red
morocco and gilt, 1t would make"
But don't want it,"
at is a very valuable and interesting
work, and it would be very great as
sistance to any minister to have it scat
tered broadcast through his congregation,
as it would excite deeper interest in the
study of the Bible and add a charm to
the pulpit mlnistrattons by connecting
with them the brilliant writings of Rev.
Dr. Thistletwister. | had an uncle who
was chaplain in the army and l desire to
do what can to Introduce in the families
of this place, good, sound, religious read
ing"
Yes, sir, but l do not wish the book. :"
Then you will be so kind as to give
me the list of the members of your congre
CATION, so that l can call on them aud |
would be obliged to you if you would give
me a note commencing the book"
80 you said before. Do you want me
to write note saying The agent of this
book says it is very good book p
mo, sir; never send people to my
congregation on such errands. have a
principle against giving names for any
purpose of the kind. And 1 cannot COM
mend the book, for have never examined
it,
"Well, if you would just put down
your name on my list, and let me know of
some one who could direct me to some of
your prominent people, would be very
glad to leave you copy at half price, for
| am very anxious to do what | can in
dlffusing solid and religious reading. And
if you could just say a word or two
approving the book
!" But how can l approve of the book
when | have never look ed into it 2"
"WeIl, it is new. important, interest
ing, aud very valuable work."
mo; but it has been very highly
spoken of; and if you will read these
testimonials you will see that it is a
very excellent book, and then you can
commend it,"
al can say, l believe that the persons
who wrote these testimonials thought the
book good one will that do ?"
! "Do you know Rev. DR.. This, of New
York, and Professor that, of - Col
lege? ?"
Eyes, I know one personally, and the
other by reputation"
"They both spoke in high terms of the
volume, and you would believe what they
say, wouldn't you?"
Certainly. But do you want me to
write note saying, l believe that you
say that DR.. This and Professor That said
this was good book p
l "Why, look at the title. 1t tells about
the prophets and apostles; can't you say
that it ls good p
! IL can say that think the apostles
and prophets were good. and, for all ]
know, DR.. Thistlewister is good, and the
book may be good. It may be the best
book ever written on the subject, but
can't commend it, simply because l know
/. nothing about it."
Well, minister can do great dea
in introducing good religious reading iutt
his congregation and the community, aud
l thought. as you were pastor here, yor
would like to recommend superior book
and % help the cause Of religi>n."