The Obserber

Observer, Volume 4, Issue 89, 27 May 1882, Page 162

The Obserber

Sattjbday, Mat 27th, 1882.

THEOLOGICAL PLBASANTEIES,

Aa a rule one does not look for much genuine humour in the pulpit or on the theological plot* form. The wit dispensed from these sources is mostly so elephantine and insipid that one hardly knows whether to laugh or cry. It is only in the mad dissipation and abandon of the steam of the tea-urns that the saturnine theologian shakes off the depressing odour of the brimstone and the melancholy reflections on man's sinful and fallen nature. At such times the staid members of the congregation are occasionally startled and scandalised by some specimen' of ungodly levity, which allows the cloven foot to peep out from under the surplice. At the recent valedictory meeting, at which a presentation was made to the Key. Samuel Edger, one of the speakers, catching the prevailing spirit of enthusiasm, so. far forgot himself as to venture upon a mild joke. In expatiating on the numerous shining virtues and burning eloquence of the Rev. Samuel, he remarked that the best sermon he had ever heard from his lips was a discourse in the Parnell Hall on the parable of the clay in the hands of the potter ; and then, suddenly struck with a brilliant idea, he went on to remind the meeting, that " they had also a reverend Potter in their midst, whom he hoped the Master would use as clay in making — making " — but here the speaker was at a loss for a simile, and there was an awkward pause. Mr J. 0. W., from the body of the'hall, promptly came to the rescue with the suggestion, "Little Pots," an observation which caiised general titterings, and suffused the face of the speaker with guilty blushes.