Prisoner for BlasphemyFoote, G. W. (George William)
Religion
Prisoner for Blasphemy
Foote, G. W. (George William)
Blasphemy; Trials (Blasphemy) -- Great Britain
During the chaplain's absences his _locum tenens_ was usually a
gentleman of very opposite characteristics. He was tall, thin, modest,
and even diffident. He slipped into your cell, as I said before, with
the deferential air of an undertaker. His speech was extremely soft and
rapid, although he stuttered a little now and then from nervousness.
"I suppose you know," I asked on his first visit, "what I am here for?"
"Y-e-s," he stammered, with something like a blush. I said no more, for
it was evident he wished to avoid the subject, and I really think he
was sorry to see me persecuted in the name of Christ. He had called, he
said, to see whether he could do anything for me. Could he lend me any
books? I thanked him for the proffered kindness, but I had my own books
to read by that time. Mr. Stubbs's sermons were much superior to Mr.
Plaford's. They were almost too good for the congregation. He dwelt with
fondness on the tender side of Christ's character, and seemed to look
forward to a heaven which would ultimately contain everybody.
On one occasion we had a phenomenal old gentleman in the pulpit. He was
white-haired but florid. His appearance was remarkably youthful, and
his voice sonorous. I heard that he was assistant chaplain at one of the
other London prisons. With the most exemplary fidelity he went through
the morning service, omitting nothing; unlike Parson Plaford, who
shortened it to leave time for his sermon. I wondered whether he would
get through it by dinner-time, or whether he would continue it in the
afternoon. But he just managed to secure ten minutes for his sermon,
which began with these extraordinary words, that were sung out at the
top of his voice: "When the philosopher observes zoophyte formations on
the tops of mountains, he," etc. How singularly appropriate it was to
the congregation. The sermon was not exactly "Greek" to them, but it was
all "zoophyte." I heard some of them wonder when that funny old boy was
coming again.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account