The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1844-06-29
Mn EDITOR :

In your last Democrat ! per
ceive that you have published by request
IN extract Of tho minutes Of the Susquehan
nah Chassis concerning me. These minutes
nave already been published in the proper
organs of the German reformed Synod, viz;
rhe Weekly Messenger & the Chrotliche
IIeischrift; and if no other public print he'd
taken notice Of said minutes, would have
remained altogether silent on the subjecl
but seeing that the political press hes been
used to make known the resolutions of an
Ecclesiastical body, | though, duty To my
self as well aslo the congregations to whom
| dispense the bread of life, prompted mt
to say few words. Since have been
living with my famiiy in Columbia county.
tie people had abundant opportunities o,
becoming acquainted with me, have there
fore but few facts 10 stale for the commu
nily at large
was born and raised in the bosom Of
the German Reformed church, for which
some of my ancestors as Huguenois have
sacrificed their lives. Aier having receiv
ed Classical education IN one Of our GYM
nssinms, | devoted myself 10 the study OF
Theology in two eminent Universities of
Germany. in one Of which graduated
Eleven years ago was examined by a
regular ecclesiastical body and ordained a
minister of the German Reformed church
This ordination was proclaimed valid by
The German Reformed Synod, convened al,
Lewsburg, October ls42. About a year
since received regular call from German
Reformed Congregations in Columbia
county, which call | at last after mature
deliberations accepted, as the pulpls no
more were occupied by a reformed minis
ter. To seven congregations preach since
eight months, the gospel according to the
doctrine of the Heidelberg Calechism and
The peace and harmony which prevails
among them. the Lore the people bear to
me, their full attendance on divine worship,
and other blessed appearances, give me the
rejoicing hope, that am no, laboring here
without the blessing Of our Lord. Ny
congregations are neither BY charter nor
by their constitutions bound To any Synod,
and they know well lha, characteristic
feature of he German Reformed church isl
their democratic republican go.ernment.--|
Nevertheless have no objections, if they
place themselves nrder the jurisdiction of
the German Reformed Synod and follow
their recommendation; such matters leave
to the free choice of the people, and never
will force myself or got forced into congrega
tIons against their will, as perhaps other
ministers believe it their duty 10 do, moi
withstanding the disturbances they may
cause thereby. If The majority of my con
gregalions think il better for their spiritual
welfare 10 choose another pastor in my
place, | am willing 10 resign any day trust
ing irr God, who has gwen me faith and The
power of speech to proclaim lhe great uuIh
Of justification by faith, 10 open unto Inc at
all times a field in which can use His gifts
for the extension OF His Kingdom and the
good Of immortal souls. S0pieni sat.
J, A. FOERSCH.
Caltawissa, June 10.
N. B. The papers in the county which
have copied the former article, will do me
The justice ana copy this also.
usEE11sssess1ssss.eA
Mn. WEBB