INNOCENT EMBARRASSMENT.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 182, 6 January 1877, Page 3

INNOCENT EMBARRASSMENT.

There arc many good stories which are not to be found in Dean Ramsay’s collection ; and the following is one of them. It was narrated over a glass of whisky toddy by a well-known minister of the Free Kirk : “Dr M'Tavish is a Presbyterian divine in Scotland. After morning service lie holds a catechetical examination. At this trying ordeal adults as well as juveniles are expected to appear. One female petitioner persistently absented herself. On a certain Sunday the minister overtook the rebellious sheep on her way to the kirk. He reasoned with her. Mrs Brown—such was the lady’s jjnrae—explained that her acquaintance nth theology was of the smallest possible dimensions, and that she did not care to be put to shame before the lambs of the flock. Whereupon that good old man, the clergyman, assured the modest dame that if she promised to remain on that Sabbath he on his part would promise to give her an easy question. The sheep followed, and joined the congregation, Much reassured, she remained for the examination. “ Having asked a number of questions of various members of his Congregation, Dr MTavish at last came to Mrs Brown with his easy question.” “ What is the Seventh Commandment ? he asked in a kindly tone.” “Mrs Brown rose. She blushed violently. She looked hopelessly at the congregation, and then ejaculated, more in sorrow than in anger—- “ Ah Dr M'Tavish, after what passed between us on the road this .morning, I didn’t think ye’d ask ire that question!”