River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1897-11-04
THE PREACHER STOLE a PIG.
His Congregation ForsRye and Re-
instated Him.


The love of 'possum'' possesses the
heart of every negro and the eNtremi-
ties TO which he will go to obtain one
are yet an unknown fact. When the
:. 'possum' is not in season his heart
turns TO shoat as the next best flavor
The wise are often taught by bitter
experience that the appetite cannot
always Oe accommodated without risk
and pain. But fools rush in where
angels fear TO tread"
There was an interesting meeting at
negro church down in Mississippi
lately. One OF the brethren had re-
moved from the neIghborhood, but had
to leave a pig behind until he could re-
turn for il. The weather being warm,
the departing one had no faith in any
Of the brethren except his pastor, in
whose charge the pig was placed.
In due time the brother returned. but
the pig was gone.
The pastor could give no account
OF its whereabouts aud the owner went
to a justice OF the peace and asked for
a search warrant.
The negro bailiff, after searching a
number of houses, concluded to in
vestigate the parsons premises. The
parsOn considered the search of his
premises a reflection on his character
as an honest man and minister of the
Gospel, and loudly condemned the pro-
cecding. The constable. however, was
determined to do his duty, ana exam
ined everything about the place except
one trunk, without finding any trace of
the missing porl,cr.
As the officer was about to leave the
pastor rebuked him so sharply that his
ire was aroused, and. turning to his
spiritual adviser, said:
See here, preacher, Use sumpin of a
thief myself; an saince yous got so
much ter say bouten it, Use er gwine
ter famine dat trunk"
Suiting the action to the word he
raised the lid of the trunk and there
lay the pig. Twas grease, but living
grease no more. The preacher had
skinned it nicely ard was only waiting
for the owner TO leave before he began
his feast
The pig was returned to its owner
and meeting of the dignitaries of the
church called 10 try the offender
Having found the pig in his posses
sion, under circumstances he could not
explain away, they had the dead
wood" on him and he owned up" The
congregation was shocked. Silence like
a pail broOded over the august body.
The whispering winds sang requiem
over their departed faith. The only
man with whom they dared leave a
good fat pig had fallen from bis high
estate. Who now could be trusted?
The oppressive silence was at last
broken. \ venerable brother slowly
arose. and, pointing his long. bony
finger ~ the culprii. solemnly asked:
Brother, what made you dun 90
it?"
Dun ., | sarnely cant relate IT,"
WAS it because you are i'm the habit
of stealing and lis wanted to keep in
good Practice
Il 'spects is boutcn dat way.
brother. kase Cord noes | didn't need
il Use got all wants for my regular
'lovancc."
\ sister rose up and said: Il deems
de eNplocusc refractory an moves we
forgive our beloved and worthy pas
tor"
The congregation seemed greatly re-
lievcd and after firing him five dollar s.
which is TO be deducted from the de-
ccmber salary. dismissed tie case. The
pastor cNhortcd his members to at
tend the Friday night prayer meeting
and try and lead better lives.-St.
Louis Republic.