A Useless Job

When Dr Macknight had completed his Harmony of the Four Gospels, he went to Edinburgh to arrange about its publication. One of his parishioners, a well-known humorous blacksmith, who, no doubt, thought that the doctor's learned books were rather a waste of time and labour for a country parson, was asked if his minister was at home.

"Na," was the answer; "he's awa' to Edinbro' on a very useless job."

On being asked what this useless work might be which required the minister's presence in teh capital, he replied -

"He's gane to mak four men agree wha ne'er cast oot."