The Hillsborough recorder., 1877-07-04
WEDDING FEES.

mduy 1paiS "Eo, e'Sn VI" "i"'o.e'
was sitting ir tho office Of lawyer who
was one OF his members, chatting on various
subjects, and as the pastor happened to
speak uf the hard times. and the dilatori.
ness Of the church IN paying his small salary
the lawyer remarked;
!, Now hardly agree with you. pastor.
IN your assertion That ministers are paid
less for their work than sDy other ciass Of
professional men. They have a g.eat deal
given to them in one way or the other,
donation parties. Christmas presents. dc.
Then the item Of wedding fees. which you
seldom hear them speak about, but which
must amount to quite sum. several hun.
dred dollars in the course ofa year, brings
them IN good revenue
!. Do you think so 7 said the clergyman.
/. Now, to come right down TO dots, what
do.you suppose is about the average fee
that | receive -
!. should say that twenty dollars was a
low estimate. saii the lawyer. Here in
New York have often known persons to
give one hundred dullars. and fifty dollar
fee il quito common. but considering the
fact that you marry good many of the
poor or those whoare moderately well off,
as well Us the rich. should think. as
said, that twenty dollars was a pretty low
average.
/. That calculation is rather large said
the minister, :. but still cannot tell ex'
aetly. as have not reckoned up what |
have received this yea"
{" No, presume not, said the lawyer
!. hive noticed that ministers donst gen.
orally know how much they have received,
when the sum is pretty large, but | rather
think they would il il was a small one.
But l viii tell you wat will 40. will
give you ton dollars for half your next fee,
and don't believe shall lose anything
by it either. Do you accept that -
The minister hesitated moment aud
then said, !. Yes. we'll, yes, III accept
lhat--ten dollars for half the next fee.Y
lie soon babe him good morning and went
home to dinner. While be was at the
table the bell rang. aud the servant came
in saying man at tue door wished 10 see
him mumcht. .--lle found rough looking
farmer standing there, who accOsted blu
thus:
!. Good morning. DR.. Al came intC
see ifyou could just tie me up this morning
Sal and | have been talking about il !
good while. aud we've come to ;ae conclu-
sion that 'talnt any use TO wait any longer.
oh, yes said the doctor, " walk in.
walk IN. Where do ,ou want to be mar.
ried.
I" Right here. said the farmer. :" il
you're willin. SAILS IN the wagon aud III
bring her iD.'
So he brought in a blooming country
maid, and the minister, who had doiied hi'
gown. aud slipped on his best Sunday coat
made them one in his most impressive style
After the ceremony aud the congratulations
the farmer said:
.About the fee. pastor, we haunt mon
ey. but Thought your children might b
fond Of pups.'' Saying which be tippet
up a small box, and out ruled little whit,
pup % the piano.
The minister could scarce constrain hi
mirth, but thanked tho bridegroom ans
told him the children would be glad Of ]
and babe him pleasant good morning
lie finished his dinner. then putting th
pup carefully back iuto the box, be startc,
with il under his arm for The lawyers Of
fee.
Ills friend was quite surprised TO see hir
so soon sgaiu. but the pastor soon relieves
his curiosity By sayirg:
II bad no idea when | accepted you
offer this morning that | should have !
come so soon TO claim IL; and hardl
think should have accepted Il SO quickly
had | known | was to marry couple e
day, and receive such An unusual and ~
expected Zee. Generally there is not :
much difference IN then. but This was
perfect surprise 70 me-"
7" No backing out. now, said the lawyt
. that bargain was fair and square, au