Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1839-04-18
BY REQUEST.
From De Connecticut Obserper.


Communications from the church and SOC
ciety in Harwinton, were laid by their Com
mittees before the Consolation, touching the
dissolution of the pastoral relation between
the Rev, Richard M. Chapman and said
Church and society. from which it appeared
that the society, Qhe pastor and church con-
curring) had agreed to submit to the Conso-
citation the whole subject relating to the dis
solution of the pastoral relation between Mr..
Chapman and the society.
It also appeared further from the votes Of
the church, that they judged it would "tend to
the peace and harmony of the church and
society, as we'll as the interest of their pastor
that he be dismissed" After full and OK
tended hearing of additional statements from
the Committees of the church and society
also from other individuals resident in Har-
winton, and also from Mr.. Chapman, it was
unanimously
Resolred, That in view of the situation of
this people, it is expedient that the Rev. X:
NJ. lChipman be and hereby isl dismissed
from his connection with the church and
people in Harwinton.
We have not come to this result without
much pain and many regrets. 1t is deeply
painful and much to be regretted under any
circumstances, that a church and society
should be deprived of a good and faithful
minister, and that good and faithful minis
ters in any of our churches should be COM
PEELED by circumstances arising among their
people, to leave them but there are I'D TINS
case some circumstances peculiarly trying,
and calculated to excite in some respects, un-
usually painful emotions. 1t has appeared
in the course of the investigation. that there
is an extensive and very unhappy division
among this people, induced in part, and per-
haps mainly by the subject of slavery, as that
subject is now brought into discussion in va
rious parts of the country, and has OF late
been brought into discussion in this place.
We are panied to find that numbers among
this people have yielded so far to their feel
ings of opposition to the discussions which
are going on, in relation to this subject, as to
have come into unpleasant collision with
their minister, and to have brought him into
unpleasant disagreement with some of them.
But while attending to this painful cause of
separation between Mr.. Chapman and his
people, we feel bound to maintain the inde-
pendence of the Christian ministry within
our bounds, and toprotest against the assump-
ton of the right by any people or individuals
TO control their minister in respect to the in
dependent exercise of his own judgment in
relation to his topics for the pulpit. and in
his choice of measures for the good of his
congregation-he being guided by his own
views Of the word of Colby an honest de-
sire for their highest good, and his own con-
viction of duty in given circumstances.
We should regret exceedingly to learn that
the sin OF Slavery as it exists in this country
could not be calmly and dispassionately in.
troduced as a topic of occasional discussion.
or of prayer in our churches and among our
people, and that any other feelings than
those of kindness and good will should be ex-
cited by this subject, when it is SO apparent
that this subject must sooner or later under
60 discussion, and when it is so desirable that
such discussion should be calm and friendly.
Our confidence in Mr.. Chapman as good
and faithful minister Of the Lord Jesus Christ
remains unimpaiIed, and we rejoice that in
all the embarrassing trails through which he
has been called to pass, no stain attaches to
his moral or ministerial character. Wecan,
with cheerfulnesS recommend him to the
churches as one who will approve himself an
acceptable g. useful minister of the Gospel: &
he leavcst this people with our best sympathies
for him in his past trials here and our frater-
nal wishes and prayers for his continual USE
fitness in the kingdom Of Christ, and for his
greater happiness in his future labors where
ever God in his Providence may call him.
To this church and society, we feel bound,
on this present trying and solemn occasion,
atfectionately advise them to exercise toward
each other (when they may appear to differ
on any subject and especially on the subject
of Slavery,) mutual feelings Of kindness and
concession to bury in oblivion what is past
and to unite in future in their best efforts for
the common prosperity Of Zion among them.
The interests Of this large and respectable
people, upon whom, in days past, God has SO
signally Shed down his blessing, loudly de-
mands this of them. And we cannot part
from them on this occasion without urging
upon them, with very great solicitude for
their welfare in times toscome, the affection
ate counsel here suggested. Brethren live
in peace and the God of peace shall be with
you" A true copy of result. Attest,
FospIcK HARRISON, Moderator.
Albert B. Camp, Scribe of Consolation.
FEMALE HERoIsn.-NIrs. Williams Of Ash
bury, Warren CO., on Monday night last, du-
ring the absence of her husband, heard some
one endeavoring to effect entrance into the
house. She inquired who was there but
the intruder did not heed her, and finally sue
ceeded in forcing the door. She then seized
loaded gun, and, threatening the villain
with instant death, demanded an answer !;
still he was silent, but deemed it prudent to
retreat. Summoning fresh resolution, how
ever, he entered second time, and the
dauntless woman shot him down on the spot.
She then ran to the house of Gen. William
son, her father-in-law, a short distance off,
for assistance; which the old gentleman
promptly FASTENED to procure, but on going
TO arouse his negro man, he discovered that
he was absent and the thought struck him
that his negro might possibly be the offender
whom Mrs. w. had shot. Sure enough, on
repairing to the scene of outrage, there he
lay, stiffened corpse. What horrid crime
the villain meditated can only be conjectured;
but his temerity certainly merited death, and
Mrs. w. had the courage to infict it.
Mrs. w. is daughter of Mr.. Drake, of