Refreshments for the Pulpit.
Reading edition
In the books of Darlington parish church, the following items appear, which show that, in the olden time, provision was made for comforting the inner man:—
"Six quarts of sack to the minister who preached when he had no minister to assist, 9s.; for a quart of sack bestowed on Jillett, when he preached, 2s. 6d.; for pint of brandy when George Bell preached here, 1s. 4d.; for a stranger who preached, a dozen of ale. When the Dean of Durham preached here, spent in a treat in the house, 3s. 6d."