THE REV. DR. GUTHRIE AND THE IRISHMAN

. WHEN the Rev. Dr. Thomas Guthrie took up his abode in Edinburgh as a minister, he was determined to visit all the people in his parish, no matter whether they attended his church or not. This enabled him to understand the social condition of the city, and it frequently brought him into contact with rather strange characters. His courage, both moral and physical, was always equal to any emergency, and, by his wisdom, he made many enemies fast friends. While engaged in visiting the poor, he came one day to the door of an Irish Roman Catholic, who was determined that the Doctor should not enter his house. “You must not come in here,” said he; “you are not called nor wanted.” “My friend,” said the Doctor, “I’m going round my parish to become acquainted with the people, and have called on you only as a parishioner.” “It don’t matter,” said Paddy. “You shan’t come in here;” and lifting the poker, he said, “If ye come in here, I’ll knock ye down.” Most men would have retired or tried to reason; the Doctor did neither, but drawing himself up to his full height, and, looking the Irishman in the face, said—“Come, now, that’s too bad. Would you strike a man unarmed? Hand me the tongs, and then we shall be on equal terms.” The man looked at him in great amazement, and then said—“Och, sure, you’re a quare man for a minister! Come inside.” And feeling rather ashamed of his conduct, he laid down the poker. The Doctor entered, and talked in a way so entertaining and instructive, as to win the man. Pat, when the Doctor arose to go, shook his hand warmly, and said—“Be sure, sir, don’t pass my door without giving me a call,” which invitation Dr. Guthrie took advantage of to the good of both the man and his family.”