the pulpit. He had a negro man who never could
remember a note of the sermon, though otherwise smart. At last
his master peremptorily told him he would on Monday morning tie
him up and flog him. Next Sunday evening, when interrogated, he
had forgotten all: On Monday morning his master executes his
threat so far, as to tie him up. The fellow then cried out, O
master spare me, for I remember something the minister said. What
is it? said the master. The fellow replied, "_This much may
suffice at this time._" His master was so pleased with his wit
that he forgave him.

_Salem Mercury_, August 12.

* * * * *

From the Rev. Dr. Bentley's notes, edited by Stanley Waters, printed in the
"Salem Gazette," we learn that even in old times people occasionally
absented themselves from public worship on the Lord's Day.

Under date of 1791 we read,--

Jan. 23. No singing through the whole day--not even an attempt.
Mr. Le Favre Swan & Parker promised their assistance, but by
drawing a prize of L300 in the Lottery they have been detained
from Public Worship.

And in 1792,--

Mch. 11. Sunday. The Ship Grand Turk burdened 550 Tons sailed
this day for India, Capt. B. Hodges.

The previous invitations given to the principal Gentlemen of the
Town & the fame of a ship built in the Town & furnished with
Sails from our own manufactories urged a curiosity so strong that
few people were left in our houses of worship. Weather fine.

Thus we see that pecuniary success and pleasant weather were as influential
in 1792 as they are in 1886 in diverting individuals from their ordinary
religious privileges.

* * * * *

The following extracts from the "Salem Impartial Register" of July 27,
1801, will perhaps have interest when considered in connection with some
circumstances which have taken place in Salem within a year or two:--

_THE CONNECTICUT SABBATH._

IN ancient days, 't was God's most sacred will,
To give his law on Sinai's lofty hill,
Whose top terrific issued clouds of smoke,
And thus, amidst the flames, th' Eternal spoke;
Six days, said he, (and loud the same express'd)
Shall men still labor, and on the seventh rest:
But here alas! like yon great pious town,[A]
They break his law, and thus