The Clergyman Began It.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 28 February 1914, Page 4

The Clergyman Began It.

The following story is told of a Yorkshire parish. A young clergyman was taking holiday duty in a moorland district, where the churchgoers were largely made up of farmers and shepherds. The latter were in the habit of bringing their dogs with them to church, and, like their master, they listened quietly during the sermon. The new, clergyman, at his first service started intoning, which the people considered Romish, and, unused to such an innocation, one of the dogs commenced to growl. "Take that dog out!" enjoined the clergyman; but no one moved, and he proceeded with the service. The intoning was renewed, and so also was the howling. "Take that dog out!" commanded the clergyman. I told you before to have it removed." One of the shepherds rose from his seat and dragged the animal outside. Presently shuffling feet were heard comming up the aisle, and the shepherd resumed his seat; but turning to the clergyman, he remarked, "You began it!"