19. A Successful Reencounter.

A Successful Reencounter In carrying out his rule "to make none but pastoral visits, and always to have religion recognized in every social circle in which he mingled," he once had a successful reencounter with a lawyer in Portland who ranked high for wealth and influence, but was skeptical. When he gave his consent to his wife that Mr. Payson might be invited socially to visit them, it was on the condition that he should not converse on religion, nor ask a blessing over his food, nor offer a prayer in his house. But so skillfully did Mr. Payson manage his host that he did ask a blessing, returned thanks, read the Scriptures, and had family prayer, and all at the request of the master of the house! As the critical moment arrived, Mr. Payson inquired of his host, "What writer has said that the devil invented this fashion of carrying round tea to prevent a blessing being asked ?"

" I do not know, sir," replied the lawyer, " who it was ; but we will foil the devil this time. Please to ask a blessing, Mr. Payson." This reminds us of an anecdote of the Rev. Ezekiel Cooper, who is said to have satirized the fashion of handing round tea in this manner. On an occasion of the kind he was heard to exclaim, " What a poor, helpless creature man is, with a cup of tea in one hand, a piece of cake in the other, and a fly on his nose, and no means of getting him off."