The Wilmingtonian, and Delaware register. (Wilmington, Del.) 1824-1825, 1825-02-03
THE EXCOMMUNICATION.


THE EXCOMMUNICATION.
The following article is copied from Ora
hams descriptive sketches of Vermont.
1.-THE farmer in question was plain pious
man, regular in the discharge of his duty
both to God and his neighbour; but, unlucki
ly, he happened to live near one with whom
he was not inclined to cultivate either civil
or friendly terms. This troublesome per-
sonage was no other then INDUSTRIOUS over
grown he-bear, that descended from the
mountains, trod down and destroyed thu
com-helds, and carried off whatever he laid
his paw-upon. The plundered sufferer
watched him in vain, the ferocious and cum
ming animal, ever finding methods to elude
his utmost vigilance; and at last, it had learn
cd its cue SO thoi oughly, as only to commit its
depredations on the Lords day, when it
knew, from experience, the coast was clear
Wearicd out with these oft repeated tres
passes, the good man resolved, OH the next
Sunday, to stay in the fields, where, with
his gun, he concealed himself. Inc bear
came according to custom--he shot 1t dead.
The explosion threw the whole congregation
flor it was now about the hour OF peoples
assembling to Worship in CONSERVATION.
The cause was enqured into; as soon as the
pastor, deacon and elders became acquainted
with it, they called a special meeting OF the
church and cited their offending brother be-
fore them, to show cause, if any he had, why
he should not be communicated out OF
Christ's church, for his daring impiety. In
vain did he urge from the scriptures them
selves that it was lawful to do good on the
Sabbath day; he pleaded before judges de-
termined to condemn him; and the righteous,
parson, elders, church, viva voice, agreed to
drive him out from amongst them, as polut-
ed and accufst. Accordingly he was cnioin-
ed, Gas is customary on such occasions on
the next Sunday to attend his excommunica-
ton in the church. He did attend but not
entirely satisfied with the justice of the SEN
tence, and too much of soldier to be scand-
allied in SO public manner, for an action
which he conceived to be his duty, he resell
we'd to have recourse to stratagem; he, there
fore, went to the appointment, with his gun
loaded with brace of balls, with his sword
and cartrige box by his side, and his KNAPP
sack on his back, with six days provision in
| it.
Service was about half over when he enter
the sanctuary. He marched leisurely into a
corner and took his position. AS soon as the
benedictian was ended, the holy parson be-
gan his accommodation; but scarce had he
pronounced the words Offending brother,
when the honest veteran cooked and leyelled
his weapon of destruction, at the same time
crying with loud voice, proceed if you
dare-procecd and you are dead man! !" AT
this unexpected attack, the astonlshed cler-
gyman shrunk behind his desk, and his oppo-
nent, with great deliberation recovered his
arms. Some moments elapsed before the
parson had courage to peep from his ccclesi,
astical breastwork; he tremblngly reached
the order to the eldest deacon, desiring him
to read it. The deacon, with stammcrine
accents and eyes starting with alright, be-
gan as he was commanded F.; but no sooner
had he done so, than the devoted victim a
. gain levellcd his piece, and more vehement
ly than before, exclaimed" desist and march
Il will not live with shame-desist and
march, | say, or you are all dead men ~
.. Little need had he to repeat his threats
the man of God leaped from his desk and es-
capped the deacon, elders and congregation
followed, in equal trepidation, the greatest
, confusion prevailed, the women, witt
shricks and cries, sought their homes, and tht
victor was left undisturbed, master the ficlt
.. and of the church to, the doors OF which he
. calmly locked, put the keys in his pocket
, and sent them with his respectst to the pastor
He then marched home with all the honor
, of war, lived thirteen years afterwards, ant
died brother in full communion; declared
to the last (amongst his inmates) that he nc
YES tasted SO great dainty before