The Ten Commandments and the Umbrella
Man - proudest possession was his umbrella - finest in village, always took it to church to show it off.
One Sunday came with sad face and without umbrella. Priest asked where it was.
"Can't find it anywhere, think jealous neighbour has stolen it, but no proof."
Priest: "Idea - use Bible to find truth. Invite neighbour to dinner, turn conversation to Ten Commandments, recite them, watch neighbour's face at no. 8: Thou shalt not steal."
Next Sunday, man in church with smile and umbrella.
Priest: "Ah, reciting Ten Commandments worked, I see."
Man: "Yes, but didn't need to get to no. 8. Already when I recited no. 7: Thou shalt not commit adultery - well, I remembered where I'd left it!"
I was told this one evening by a good friend and great raconteur, Hans-Werner.
After posting this, I was delighted to hear from my father that he'd been told the same story in the 1960s by the parish sexton and grave-digger, Peter Coppenhall. In fact, it was Peter who taught me how to dig graves - the first part-time job I ever had!
Prayer the Gods Answered is another tale H-W told me.
After posting this, I was delighted to hear from my father that he'd been told the same story in the 1960s by the parish sexton and grave-digger, Peter Coppenhall. In fact, it was Peter who taught me how to dig graves - the first part-time job I ever had!
Prayer the Gods Answered is another tale H-W told me.
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