The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1889-06-02

ever Is FOR tho highest Interests Of The
congregation"
DIR. Sparkle spoke In his most dulcet
tone, but as soon as Mr. Grundy left
the room he sat down and wrote as fol-
lows to the Rev. Jonathan:
"Dear Sir-From what I bear OF the
sermon delivered by you last night, |
regret that l am obliged to conclude
that you are altogether unsuited to my
curacy. MY people have become accus-
toned to original. or at all events indie
pendent thought in the pulpit. and do
not suppose you would yourself main
tain the applicability Of either of these
words to the discourse with which you
favored them. ! return the testimonials
YOU sent me, and remain yours, faith
fully, p SPARKLE"
Having sent this i'll tempered produc
ton to the post. the unfortunate man
was forthwith ashamed of himself and
would gladly have recalled il. lie blamed
himself for all that had happened, and
became a victim to horrible romorse and
abiect fear. His wife, who had learned
something of what had passed, had hoi
own suspicious; but, like a wise woman,
she kept them to herself, and did her
best 10 comfort her husband.
That very afternoon the Rev. iona
than Cribber, in no, indignation, sought
out the clerical agent who had made up
l. oil Of
and bearded him in his den.
AT first he stated his case without
mentioning any names.
81 can only say replied the suave
cleric who devoted his energies to help
ing his weaker brethren "that for origin.
atty of thought and freshness of treat.
mcnt | consider The Foolishness OF
Preaching to DO among my master
pieces. | could show YOU numerous let
tiers that have received in reference to
that very sermon. There must, take
it, DO something very unfortunate in
your voice or mode Of delivery. Now
/ am about to form clerical elocution
class. and would strongly urge upon
you"--
"My voice is excellent. sir have been
congratulated upon it again and again,
roared the Reverend jonathan.
IL do not doubt It's power, sir re.
piled the clerical agent. with a dcpre.
catory motion Of the Land, "LGt it may
nccd"-
You talk about l,;;crs, sir. Read
that, said the iratc Cribbcr. interrupt.
ing him and llinging DR.. Sparkle's note
upon the table.
The agent read the letter, and then,
after few minutes conversation, he re-.
marked:
DO you mean to say that you gave
thcm Tho Foolishncss OF Preaching in
DR.. SparLlo's church,"
Il do; and why not: paid you 70,
the sermon.
you told me YOU were in Lincoln
diocese when sent it 10 YOU.
and 50 | was. but came TO town e
sec after Dr.. Sparklc's curacy. | had o
perfect right 10 preach tie sermon,
said the Rev. Jonathan iiCrColy.
Eyes, suppose you haG-at your own
risk" admitted the agent
"Rut it has lest me an excellent Gu
racy," continued the igaic Crbber.
"And you have lost me "a excellent
client. Good morning.
On the following Sunday Dr. Sparkle's
pulpit was occupied by Mr.. llayfaIr,
and it was announced that the vicar, ~
obedience 10 the percmptory orders Of
lis medical adviser. had gone abroad
for few weeks.
The doctor is now. with his faithful
wife by his side, recruiting his energies
and laying in a genuine stock If fresh
IDEAS. He has resolved for the future
to have no secrets from Mrs. Sparkle
and 10 oschew Skeletons - London
Truth.