I was some time since walking upon the wharf where a fishing boat lay, writes a Christian traveler, and as I was passing and repassing, the master was uttering tremendous oaths. At length I turned to him, and standing beside his boat, said, “Sir, I am unacquainted with your business. What kind of fish are these?” “They are codfish,” replied he. “How long are you usually out, in order to obtain your load?” “Two or three weeks,” he answered. “At what price do you sell them?” “Well, have you had hard work to obtain a living in this way?” “Yes, hard work,” said he. “With what do you bait these fish?” “Did you ever catch mackerel?” “Well, now, did you ever catch a fish without bait?” “Yes,” said he, “I was out last year, and one day when I was fixin’ my line, the bare hook fell into the water, and the fool took hold of it, and I drew him in.” “Now, sir,” said I, “I have often thought that Satan was very much like a fisherman. He always baits his hook with that kind of bait which different sorts of sinners like best; but when he would catch a profane swearer, he does not take the trouble to put on bait at all, for the fool will always bite at the bare hook.” He was silent. His countenance was solemn; and after a pause, as I turned to go away, I heard him say to one standing by him, “I guess that’s a minister.”—Selected.