I remember being greatly struck by an overcoat, worn by a clergyman I had the pleasure of meeting many years ago at this village, which seemed to me a pretty good substitute for the miraculous purse of Fortunatus. The garment to which I allude was long and wide, and cut round somewhat in the shape of a spencer. The inside lining formed one capacious pocket, into which the reverend gentleman could conveniently stow away newspapers, books, and sermons, and, on a pinch, a fat fowl, a bottle of wine, or a homebaked loaf of bread. On the present occasion, the kind mistress of the house took care that the owner should not travel with it empty; so, to keep him fairly balanced on his horse, she stowed away into this convenient garment such an assortment of good things, that I sat and watched the operation in curious amazement.
Some time after I happened to dine with a dissenting minister at Mr. ---'s hous e. The man had a very repulsive and animal expression; he ate so long and lustily of a very fat goose, that he began to look very uncomfortable, and complained very much of being troubled with dyspepsy after his meals. He was a great teetotaller, or professed to be one, but certainly had forgotten the text, "Be ye moderate in all things;" for he by no means applied the temperance system to the substantial creature comforts, of which he partook in a most immoderately voracious manner.
"I know what would cure you, Mr. R---," said my friend, who seemed to guess at a glance the real character of his visitor; "but then I know that you would never consent to make use of such a remedy."
"I would take anything that would do me good," said black-coat with a sigh.
"What think you of a small wine-glass of brandy just before taking dinner?"
"Against my principles, Sir; it would never do," with a lugubrious shake of the head.
"There is nothing on earth so good for your complaint."
"Do you reelly think it would serve me?" with a sudden twinkle of his heavy fishy eyes.
"Not a doubt of the fact" (pouring out a pretty large dram); "it will kill the heartburn, and do away with that uncomfortable feeling you experience after eating rich food. And as to principles, your pledge allows it in case of disease."
"True," said black-coat, coquetting with the glass; "still I should be sorry to try an alcoholic remedy while another could be found."