If we do not live up to the highest,
how can we expect these poor workers to do so? It is a dreadful thing
to reflect that the parish takes a great deal more interest in an
approaching glove fight than in their religious duties."
"A glove fight, sir?" said Montgomery, guiltily.
"I believe that to be the correct term. One of my patients tells me
that it is the talk of the district. A local ruffian, a patient of
ours, by the way, matched against a pugilist over at Croxley.
I cannot understand why the law does not step in and stop so degrading
an exhibition. It is really a prize fight."
"A glove fight, you said."
"I am informed that a 2oz. glove is an evasion by which they dodge the
law, and make it difficult for the police to interfere. They contend
for a sum of money. It seems dreadful and almost incredible--does it
not?--to think that such scenes can be enacted within a few miles of our
peaceful home. But you will realise, Mr. Montgomery, that while there
are such influences for us to counteract, it is very necessary that we
should live up to our highest."
The doctor's sermon would have had more effect if the assistant had not
once or twice had occasion to test his highest, and come upon it at
unexpectedly humble elevations. It is always so particularly easy to
"compound for sins we're most inclined to by damning those we have no
mind to.
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