Knowing that the minister was very fond of
cherry brandy, one of the
church elders offered to present him with
a bottle on one consideration
–
that the pastor acknowledge
receipt of the gift in the church paper.

“Gladly,” responded the
good man.

When the church magazine came out a few days later,
the elder turned at
once to the “appreciation” column. There he read:
“The minister
extends
his thanks to Elder Brown for his gift of
fruit and for the spirit in
which it was given.”