Some years ago a retired Baptist minister told the following story:
“When I was a young man I lived in a small town in Eastern Canada, and
about the only well educated men in the place were a lawyer and a
doctor, both Roman Catholics. We used to meet almost every afternoon in
the lawyer’s office and discuss the affairs of the nation, and almost
every subject from religion to politics. One day the young lawyer made a
certain statement, when the doctor asked: ‘Where did you get that idea?’
and the lawyer replied (pulling open a drawer in his desk and bringing
forth a well-worn Bible), ‘Why, from this Book.’ The doctor said, ‘Why,
you don’t read that Book, do you?’ ‘Yes,’ replied the lawyer, ‘I have
had this with me since I left home. I promised my mother to read it
every day, and I have never broken my word, because, no matter where I
am, I have read a portion of this good Book every day of my life since I
gave that promise.’” Mr. Richardson asked me who I thought the young
lawyer was, but I could not tell, so he said, “It was Sir Wilfrid
Laurier, and we have been close friends ever since, although he is a
Roman Catholic and I am a Baptist minister. Does this not in some manner
account for Sir Wilfrid’s broad-mindedness in matters of religion?”
A gentleman brought a friend in to lunch at the Reform Club. On that
particular day Sir Wilfrid happened to be there, lunching. The friend’s
name was Mr. Lambe and he expressed a desire to be introduced to Sir
Wilfrid, so, after luncheon in the clubroom, he was presented. When
shaking hands with the “Chief” he started to explain that he was not a
supporter of the Liberal party. Sir Wilfrid continued shaking hands
during the short explanation, and then reached over with his left hand,
and, placing it on Mr. Lambe’s shoulder, said:
“Well, never mind, Mr. Lambe, you know there is more rejoicing in Heaven
over the return of one lost sheep,” etc.
* * * * *
In 1906, when Sir Wilfrid was returned to power, the Liberals gave him a
reception at the old Horticultural Gardens. The “Chief” arrived,
accompanied by quite a party, and, as a prominent supporter was about to
shake hands with him, a little man who had been imbibing, pushed him
aside, held out his hand, and said in a loud voice:
“Welcome to ‘Taranta,’ Mr. ‘Larier’.”
This was momentarily embarrassing to those assembled, but the “Chief”
shook hands heartily with him and asked his name. The little man gave
his name as Lynch, whereupon the “Chief” exclaimed:
“A good Irish name, and a good Irish welcome,” and thus passed off
lightly what might have proved embarrassing.
* * * * *
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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