XLV. TOO MUCH TRUTH.

SOME, perchance, will smile, though I am sure all should sigh, at the following story.

A minister of these times sharply chid one of his parish for having a base child, and told him, he must take order for the keeping thereof.

“Why, sir,” answered the man, “I conceive it more reasonable that you should maintain it. For I am not book-learned, and ken not a letter in the Bible; yea, I have been your parishioner this seven years, present every Lord’s day at the church, yet did I never there hear you read the ten commandments; I never heard that precept read, Thou shalt not commit adultery. Probably, had you told me my duty, I had not committed this folly.”

It is an abominable shame, and a crying sin of this land, that poor people hear not in their churches the sum of what they should pray for, believe, and practise; many mock-ministers having banished out of divine service the use of the Lord’s prayer, creed, and ten commandments.