THE DEACON AT A CHURCH AFTER HARD WORK.

- The deacon was the owner and overseer of a large pork-packing establishment, and placed himself at the head of the scalding-trough, which in hand, to time the length of the scald, crying,

“Hog in,” when the slaughtered hog was to be thrown into the trough, and

“Hog out,” when the watch told three minutes.

One week the press of business compelled the packers to unusually hard labour, and Saturday night found the deacon completely exhausted. Indeed, he was almost sick the next morning, when church-time came; but he was a leading member, and it was his duty to attend the usual Sabbath service, if he could.

He went, but soon fell asleep. The minister preached a sermon well calculated for effect. His peroration was a climax of beauty.

Assuming the attitude of one intently listening, re recited to the breathless auditory _”Hark! They whisper; angels say –“ “Hog in!” came from the deacon’s pew, in stentorian voice.

The astonished audience turned their attention from the preacher. He went on, however, unmoved, “Sister spirit, come away -.” “Hog out!” shouted the deacon; “tally four!” –

from “American Churches and Slavery,” by the Rev. J. Balme.