PLAGIARISM OF SERMONS.
[To TEE EDITOR OF TEE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Although you "are getting weary , of this . cry of plagiarism," you may perhaps be willing to tolerate one more anecdote. I knew the clergyman to whom it refers, but I have disguised names, though for your private information I have written them on my card.
The Rev. Septimus Smith was many years ago Vicar of St. Cross, Neneham. He made no secret at all of his habit of buying ready-made sermons, any more than of his fondness for old port, and of whist-playing with leading parishioners until midnight of every Saturday. He was a kindly natured, easy- going man, and was popular among his equally easy-going flock. One Sunday morning, on going into the vestry after service, he found his old clerk in tears. " What's the matter, Jones P " inquired the Vicar. "Oh, Sir 1" replied the clerk, "this is a painful surprise for us all." " Surprise, Jones ? what do you mean ? " " Your sermon this morning, Sir. We are all very sorry, and you gave us no warning." " Sermon, Jones P sermon P what do you mean, man P " " Why, Sir, your fare- well sermon. We are all dreadfully cut up." And it is quite true that that morning the Rev. Septimus had actually read an old farewell sermon without either intending or knowing
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