Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1879-07-11
Selected sMisfellaap,
A STRANGE WEDDING FEE.

Many years ago, Now York minis
ter was waiting in tho office Of lawyer
who was one Of his members, chatting
on various subjects, and as tho pastor
happened to speak of tho hard times,
and dilatoriness Of the church in paying
his small salary, the lawyer remarked =
"Now, | hardly agree with you, pas
tor, in your assertion that ministers are
paid less for their work than any other
class of professional men. They have
great deal given to them in one way
or another, donation parties, Christmas
presents, etc. Then the item Of we'd
ding fees, which you seldom hear Thorn
speak about, but which must amount to
several hundred dollars in tho course Of
the year, brings them in a good rove
nue."
do you think so p said the clergy
man. "Now, come right down to dots,
what do you suppose is the average fee
that | receive 7"
Il should say twenty dollars was a
low estimate" said the lawyer. "Ilero
in New York | have often known per-
sons to give one hundred dollars, and
fifty dollar fee is quite common, but
considering the fact that you marry a
good many Of the poor, or those who are
moderately well off, as well as the rich,
| should think, as / said, that twenty
dollars was pretty low average"
"That calculation Is rather large"
said the minister, "but still | cannot
tell exactly all | have received this
year"
"No, presume not, said the lawyer.
81 have noticed that ministers don't
generally know how much they have re-
ceivcd, when the sum is pretty large,
but rather think they would if it was a
small one. But | will give you ten dol
lars for half your next fee, and | don't
believe shall loose anything by it
either Do you accept thatY
The minister hesitated moment, and
then said: "Yes-well, yes I'll accept
that--tcn dollars for half the next fcc."
lie soon babe him good morning, and
went to his dinner. While he sat at
tho table tho bell rang, and the servant
came in saying a man at the door wished
to see him moment He found a rough
looking farmer standing there, who ac-
costcd him thus -
Good morning, DR.. A. came in
to sec if you could just tic me up this
morning. Sal and / have been talking
about it good while, and wovo como to
the conclusion that. faint any use TO wait
any longer"
"Oh yes" said the doctor walk in,
walk in. Where do you want to be
married."
"Right hero" said tho farmer, "If
you're willin'. SAILS in the wagon, and
I'll bring her in"
So be brought in blooming country
maid, and the minister, who had dolfcd
his gown and slipped on his best coat,
made them one, in bis most impressive
style. After the ceremony and the CON
CALCULATIONS the farmer said -
About the fec, minister VIC hain't
got much money, but / thought your
children might be iona OF pups.
Saying which he tipped up a small
box, and out rolled little white pup on
the piano.
The minister could scarccry contain
bis mirth, bat thanked the bridegroom
and told him the children would be glad
Of il, and badc him pleasant good morn
ing. lie finished bis dinner, then put
ting the pup carefully back into the box,
he started with It under his arm for the
lawyers Office.
His friend was quite surprised 10 see
him 70 soon again but the pastor relieved
his curiosity by saying -
II had no idea when | accepted your
offer this morning that should have
come 50 soon ~ claim il and hardly
think / should have accepted it quickly,