The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 45
Not So Dull as He Seemed
Not So Dull as He Seemed.
A Well-Known English master in a grammar school was censuring his pupil for the dullness of his comprehension, and consenting to instruct him in a sum of practice, he said "Is not the price of a penny loaf always a penny?" when the boy innocently replied: "No, sir, the bakers sell them two for three halfpence when they are stale."
Be wise to-day; 'tis madness to defer. Therefore see G. R. MOTT, Agent National Mutual Life Association.
A Good Resolution.—A New Orleans paper tells the story of a printer who, when his fellow-workmen went out to drink beer, during the working hours, put in the bank the exact amount which he would have spent if he had gone out to drink. He kept this resolution for five years. He then examined his account, and found that he had on deposit above £100. In the five years he had not lost a day from ill-health. Three out of five of his fellow-workmen had, in the meantime, become drunkards, were worthless as workmen, and were discharged. The water-drinker then bought out the printing-office, went on enlarging his business, and in twenty years from the time he began to put by his money was worth £20,000. The story, whether new or old, teaches a lesson which every young mechanic should try to follow.
A Curious Confession.—A builder, when returning thanks to those who had drunk his health, modestly observed that he was "more fitted for the scaffold than for public speaking."
page 20An Official Banquet Without Wine.—In connection with President Grant's visit to Wilmington, Deleware, was a very pleasant temperance incident. After the banquet given in his honour at the residence of Mr. Heald, attended also by the Governor and members of the Delaware Legislature—a banquet without wine or other intoxicating liquors—a beautiful bouquet of flowers was presented to the President. He was also at the same time addressed by Miss Emma Worrell, who said: "Mr. President, please accept on behalf of Mrs. Heald and the ladies present, this bouquet, with our thanks for your great act in excluding wine from your New Year's reception. Whatever act of your administration be remembered, this act of the man will never be forgotten by the women of our land." The President received the bouquet thus gracefully tendered, with thanks.
page 21A Noble Stand.—"Belshazzar made a great feast for a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand." When kings and governors make feasts, and cover the table with cups of wine, it is difficult to refuse to drink. A young man once did so. Listen to his story. The governor of an English colony made a great feast, and, of course, wine was abundant. Not far from him, at the chief table, was a rising young lawyer who had signed the pledge. "Mr. A.," said the governor, "I shall be glad to drink with you." Here was a trial of faith. "I do not, Sir John, drink wine." was the answer; but I will fill the glass with water." "Do so, sir," said Sir John. During the feast, Sir John often addressed remarks to Mr. A., and, in short, treated him with marked respect. Now, young men, listen to this:—The young lawyer rose and rose in life, and is now the governor of the colony. So keep the pledge and go ahead—will you?