The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-02-02
" CLAW MY MAINE.
How a Sermon was Ruined by the In-
 mates of a Lunatie Asylum.

mates of Lunatic Asylum. l The Rev. Mir. Mulkittle applied for the privilege oi holding extra services at the lunatic asylum. In letter 10 the super intendent, the reverend gentleman said For some tune have been preparing a sermon which think will have great ef- feet on ina.,entive, and particularly. somewhat demented minds. am well aware that you hold regular services at the asylum. but il somehow strikes me that the methods adopted are not sui,a- ole. Lunaties should be regarded as children, and sermon. delivered to them. should partake of the nature of sacred stories"
 The superintendent readily gave his consent, and last Sunday, the Rev. MT. Mulkl,,le. accompanied by several of his deaoons and other church officers, wen, to the asylum. The lunaties were assem- bled Tn the chapel, and when the preacher took his position al the foun- tain from which he would turn d silvey spray of religious delight over the low browed and peak-headed congregation, a smile of well-rpened and mellow sa,is- faction melted and ran over his features.
 The luna,ies gazed at him inten,ly-old men with child-like curiosity, children with the vacant faces of extreme old age, all gave the preacher thelr attention.
 have come Mir. Mulkt,le began, ito talk to you abou, something that you should all like to hear. Of course you all kne~ how sinful man is, and how it is every ones duty 10 love the Lord. l do mol belong to tha, straight-lacket class of men who believe that you, the inmates of this place will go to hell" Turn loose the cat" said young fel- low who sat in front of the preacher Mir Mulki,,le paused and looked stead fastly a, the interrupter.
 Turn |" loose the cat.
 "Wha, do you mean, young man :? Don't ysu know tha, I, IS ver wrong for you 10 speak ou, loud when one who loves you IS talking to you of something akin 10 your soul -
 Turn loose the cat" and the young man arose and stood on one foot. Dis regarding him, the minister returned 10 his subject. when an old fellow. who had been paying strict attention, hoppcd up and sang.
 Bo~ ;hc flute and bea, tie gong
 II. to, fol defo,
 Shat your mouth and siug song, The devils so, a parasol,
 "Old man. will you please si, down" :"
 Blow the-''
 Never mind the flute. l wan, you to sit down and hear wha, I've go, to say
 Eagles foot and hoiiy hook
 Make sinner walk the chalk " and he hopped around like boy. Then, he burst into tears, covered his face with his wi,hered hands and sa, down where he remained during the continua- ton of the exercises without looking up. The minister agaln took up the yarn Of discourse, when a tall man. with beard like wheat straw. called out
 :. An his names Dinnis.'
 Will you please keep quiet =
 ''.ls your name Dinnis =
 Thinking tha; compliance would quie; the man, the minister rephed, yes, I'm Dennis
 Al thls, the man uttered a loud cD, and attempted to force his way from the room, but failing, orouehed down in a corner. The congregation became rest less, and Mfr. Mulki,,le was hurrying his sermon 10 a close, when he noticed a middle-aged man, with rather an intelli- gen, face, silently weeping. The man had listened a,,en,ively during the entire discourse. and Mir. Mulki,,le saw a, once ,ha, his attack of insanity was bu, sligh, and ;ha, his heart had been touched.
 Wiil you please come here 1 said the preacher. holding ou, his hand to the man. He arose and shook hands with the minister
 -How long have you been here " asked Mir. Mulkistie-
 About three months
 You don | look like an insane man. No, but I am to some exfent.r
 "I noticed that you paid close atien- ton to my sermon aYes sirr