A PRECOCIOUS BOY.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2164, 24 February 1880, Page 3

A PRECOCIOUS BOY.

A clergyman of Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, was lately examining the parish school. In tho course of examination the Bible-class was brought forward. After many questions had been asked and answered, greatly to the satisfaction of the minister, lie proposed that any boy might ask him a question, as lie might thou have an idea what particular information they wanted. A pause ensued. At last a bright-looking boy said, “ Sir I would like to ask one.” — “Well, my little man,” asked - the minister, “ what is the question you arc to ask ?” —“Sir,” said the hoy, “ what was the use of Jacob’s ladder when the angels had wings ?” The minister felt taken aback, took out his snuff-box, and looked at tlie boy. “ I think, my little man, that is tho very question I should have asked of the class, and I will give sixpence to any boy in the class who will answer it.” After a somewhat long pause, one little fellow, third from the bottom, held out his hand. “ ' v ell,” said the minister, “ can you answer that question?” —“Yes, sir.” “Well, what was the use of the ladder when (lie angels had wings ?” —“ Oh, sir, the angels were poukin’ (moulting) at the time, and couldna lice.” The minister is taking an interest in that boy.