Page:Selection of amusing and entertaining Irish stories.pdf/24

24 It is their own business, and concerns none but themselves.”—-“But has not God ordered particular ways of worshipping him ? ”—-“ He has directed the mind and spirit with which he is to be worshipped, but not the particular form or manner. That is left for every one to choose, according as it suits his temper and opinions. All these people like their own way best, and why should they leave it to the choice of another? Religion is one of the things in which mankind were made to differ.”

The several congregations now began to be dismissed, and the street was again overspread with persons of all the different sects going promiscuously to their respective homes. It chanced that a poor man fell down in the street in a fit of apoplexy, and lay for dead. His wife and children stood round him crying and lamenting in the bitterest distress. The beholders immediately flocked round, and, with looks and expressions of the warmest compassion, gave their help. A Churchman raised the man from the ground by lifting him under the arms; while a Dissenter held his head, and wiped his face with his handkerchief. A Roman Catholic lady took out her smelling-bottle, and assiduously applied it to his nose. A Methodist ran for a doctor. A Quaker supported and comforted the woman, and a Baptist took care of the children.

Edwin and his father were among the spectators. “ Here,” said Mr. Ambrose, “ is a thing in which mankind were made to agree.”

GOODS AT HALF PRICE.

A WITTY Hibernian, just arrived in London, and wandering about, perceived a blanket at a shop door, with this inscription on it, “ This superior blanket for half price.” Pat walked in, and demanded the price, “Just 5s. sir,” replied the shopkeeper. ‘ ‘ By my sowl, and that’s chape enough! ” And so, folding the blanket up, and putting it under his arm, he laid down 2s. 6d., and was walking off. The shopkeeper intercepted him, and demanded the other 2s. 6d. “ Didn’t you say, you spalpeen, that the price of the blanket was 5s.? And, sure, havn’t I given you the half of it ? And by that same token I wont give up my bargain.” A scuffle ensued, and Pat was taken to Bow-Street; but when there, he pleaded his cause so ably that the Magistrates dismissed the complaint, and advised the shopkeeper never again to ticket his goods at "half price."