The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1840-06-09

lor Such Il length OF time! TN the contrary, l
had not the least intention of leaving the church,
, until received what regarded as a public in
! suit from the pulpit, on the Sabbath day. One of
the gentlemen who usually went round with the
bag, on the days of the monthly collection sat OPP
posite to me, and on certain occasion he nod
ded to me, and whispered that / should take his
place. declined, because did not wish to in
terfere with the performance of his duty. Some
delay occurred in consequence DIR. b. observed
it, jumped up, and in his most peremptory man
ner, spoke as follows:
'I have always though it was the duty of the
elders to take up the collection. If have been
mistaken, will take for the time to come
to have persons employed to attend to it, so that
it may be performed without delay, and that all
things may be done decently and in order in the
house Of God" If the offence had been ten times
greater than it was, the pulpit was not the place
to give utterance to such a reprimand. l wrote
him note the next morning, stating that I would
not submit to such an indignity, and that 1 would
prefer quitting the church. He informed Iae in
his answer, that / could not leave his church
without his permission, and that of the session.
sent him another note, in which said would
leave his church whenever pleased. Shortly
afterwards, he sent two of the elders as a commit
tee of the session, to effect an adjustment, and get
me to remain. declined, giving as my reason,
that found nothing but the most abject submits
sion to his dictation, would enable one to avoid
quarrels. This / could not submit to, and it was
therefore better, quietly to out of his way.
In short time paid my pew rent and abdica-
ted.
Towards the conclusion of his note, doctor B.
says my last publication was of that nature, that
was compelled either publicly to explain away
a portion of my attack upon him, or give up my
Office in the Sd Presbyterian church. This is new
to me. was informed that few individuals
were excited by part of sentence. replied
that they did not understand the construction of
language, and that rather than reinquisllthe right
of self-defence, which nothing but death should
| deprive me Of, would not only give up the ell
dership, but withdraw from the Presbyterian
church altogether. 1t was not intimated to me,
tina here was a design the part of any one to
bring charges against me, before the church
courts. 1 suspect that would have been rather
too high-handeda measure even for the courage
of DIR. Breckinridge
The privilege obedience when attacked, is an in
alienable right, and it is a DO one of the dearest
rights ola freeman tits one u resign which would
be an act Of social suicide. care not how great,
nor how influential the man is, who assails me.
will defend myself to the best Of my ability; and
no sect nor party shall deprive me of this only
protection and safeguard Of the weak against the
strong 1t is principle implanted in the merest
worm that crawls the earth.
! made the explanation to which DIR. B. refers,
because found was misunderstood by the eio-
lent men of both parties, and while hold myself
responsible for my opinions and statements, am
unwilling that misrepresentation shall make me
say more than intended DIR. b. says I'praised
papal priests and papism in general" certain
ly am not willing to send them all to the pit of
perdition, without benefit of clergy, as strongly
suspect he is, all who oppose him; bat never
theless have discovered that my professionalism is
so well understood by my Roman Catholic ac-
quaintances, that they think my only chance of
ever reaching Heaven, is on the plea of incinci-
bic ignorance.
i II is calculated to excite painful and mournful
sensations, to see minister of religion so COM
pletely under the control of his turbulent and
ungovernahle passions, as is the Rev. doctor
Breckenridge He is destroying his own use
fulness. Possessed OF respectable talents, and
with great deal Of energy and decision OF char
acter, if he would only initiate the meek and gen
tie, and forgiving conduct OF his master, who
when he was reviled, reviled not again, who fors
gave and prayed not only for his friends, but al
so for his enemies, he would be much more
respected, and would do vastly more good. was
exceedingly grieved when discovered the ex-
tent to which he has allowed his revengeful feel
ings to carry his exhibitions of malice, in his last
numbers. would recommend to him, prayer and
fasting, and more careful study of his Bible,
with the intention of applying its precepts to him.
self, not for the purpose of Illuminating them
against the sins of others, in order that he may
become alitte child, with ali its gentleness and
inability to inHict injury on others, and thus be
enabled to rejoice, not that he has the power to
visit those who oppose him with summary ven
geance, but that he can endure hardship as
good soldier, and submit patiently when pcrsecu-
ted for righteousness sake. Since his attacks on
me, have often been laughed at, for having al
ways been his friend and defender; but the ma
levolence of his last publication, confess, leaves
me nothing to say by way OF apology 1t would
be discreditable to the ferocity of man OF the
world, struggling for the ascendency, amidst the
conflicts Of political parties. sincerely hope and
! fervently pray that he win repent and reform.
S. AMMAN.