Martinsburgh Gazette

Comical Event.—A worthy clergyman belonging to a parish in New England had the misfortune to have a son of a flighty disposition: although many were the pious admonitions of the virtuous father to bring his son's remissness into subordination with his own, he had to lament, that his monitions and assiduous endeavours were fruitless, and far from being productive of the desired end.

His son's heart was so averse to solemnity, that he could not contain himself at the time of worship, and he was so overstocked with frivolity and mischievous humour, that his father often noticed it while preaching, with much regret, and concluded upon harsher means than he had before used to bring his son to better subjection The next Sabbath he confined him to his house and proceeded to church with the rest of his family, consisting of his wife, two daughters, and his old negro Toney, the service being nearly half performed, and the pastor speaking with much fervency to his audience, his voice was all at once drowned by a sudden and tremendous burst of laughter, from all parts of the church, which confounded him.

This laughter was occasioned by the sudden entrance of his favorite dog who always placed himself next the pulpit door, in full view of the audience; he now appeared decorated in an old gown and wig, powdered and tied on with much taste, which occasioned such peals of laughter, that he with difficulty obtained an explanation in ten minutes. Old Toney who seemed to be more in a state of reserve than any other, cried out from the gallery in great earnestness, 'Massa, Massa! only you look at our Tray, den you see what make dem laff!' The parson opening the pulpit door, the old dog immediately ascended to him, and was so profuse with his caresses, that the pastor could scarcely dismiss his congregation.