An Inducement

Dur'mg last winter a revival was in progresa in one of the country churches near the city. Atuong the regular attendants on the meeting was a beautiful and estimable, but rather unsophisticated young lady, whose friends were very anxious to have her unite wilh the church. She seemcd, however, reluctant to do so ; and the minister in question was requested io " talk to her." 'ïhis he did several times; on one occasion Faying in a jocular manner - "Miss M., if you will join tlie church I 11 uiarry you,'1 meaning he would perfbrm the ceremony. The girl seemed pleased with the proposition and a few evenings after walked up to the altar and united with the church. Some weeks after this, the minister preached at the church, and after the services met the young lady. "Bro.t ," said she, "you know you proniised to marry me if I'd join the church. Are you going to do so? I doo't want to wait any longer." The minister saw his dilemma and attempted to explain. "I meant I would perfbrm the ceremony," he said, "that's all. I can't marry you myself, for I am already married, and lovo my wii'e too niiich to desire to swapherofl'fur anolher. " The young lady became indignaut, declared that she "neverdid have much faith in these town preachers." Our ministerial friend declares that he will never again use any other than plain scriptural argument to induce a young lady to join the church. The Duke of Wellington would never respond to a letter asking for his autograph. A shrewd fallow, however, wrqte to him from l'ortsmouth infbrming ''iui that in the hurry of departure the J)ukc had forgotten to pay for a pair of boots. The reply came, "F. M., the Duke of Wellington never in his life neglected to pay his bootmaker." "I would announce to the congregation that, probably by mistake, there iras tefl at the meeting-house this morning a sinall cotton umbrella, much damaged by time and wear, and of an exceedingly pale blue color; in the place whereof was taken a very large black silk umbrella of great beauty. Blunders of this sort, my brethren, are getting a little too common." Whom did Adam marry, and when did he marry her? One Eve. What was her bridaldrcss? Barely nothing. Noteven a ribbon? No, sho had no need of one; Bhe was a rib bone herself'. When Adam and Eve were in the gardening business, what time did they commenco picking ap pies? In the Fall. What was the flrst itep thcy took in the sugar business? [laising Uain. Why did not Cain make ?ood sugar? Because he was not Abel. Who was the wisest man? Knowor. (Noah.) What did he know ? He knew snough to go in out of the rain.