Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1848-06-23
hest. He pretended to preach the Gospel!

anu eite the 'hiiI'steT 10 appear anu answer Ior
himself on the scandalous charge of drunkenness.
There was an unusual number of warrant pews
during service, both morning and afternoon.
Monday came, and early in the day a COM
mi;tec of two deacons waited upon Mr.. Manli.
us, and informed him Of the report in circula-
ton, and of their wish that he would appear on
the next afternoon TO give an account Of himself
as tie church deemed the matter far too serious
TO lie passed lightly over. The minister was
evidently surprised and startled at this. but he
neither denied the charge nor attempted any
PalIiation, merely saying that he would attend
Of course.
ITS plain that he's guilty. said Deacon Jones
to Deacon Todd, as they walked with sober ia
ces, away from the ministers dwelling.
Plain! Yes, it's written in his face replied
Deacon Todd. S much for opposing temper.
ance reform and drinking wine. 1t is a iudg-
ment upon him.
But what u scandal to our church, said Dea.
con Jones.
Yes, | think of that-hc must be suspended,
and not restored till he signs the PLEDGE
don't believe he'll ever do that
why not
HE says he would cut off his right hand
first =
People are very fond o~rcu,,ipg off their right
hand, you know. My word for it, this will do
the business for him. He will be clad enough
to get the matter husned up so easily. shall
go for suspending him until he signs the pledge
don't know but that | will 90 with you.-
II he signs the pledge he is safe.'
And so the two dcacons settled the matter.
On the next day, in grave council assembled,
were all the deacons of the church, besides sun.
dry individuals. who had come as the minister's
friends or accusers. Perkins, who had put t5c
report in circulation, was there at the special
request OF one of the %dcacons, who had ascer-
tanned that he had rs much, or a little more to
say in the matter than any one.
Perkins was called upon rather unexpectedly,
to answer one or two question, Immediately on
the opening of the meeting. but as he was a
slaunch temperance man, and cordially despis.
ed the minister, he was bold to reply.
Mr.. Perkins, said the presiding deacon, as
far as we can learn, this scandalous charge
originated with you | will therefore,, ask Won
did you say the Rev. Mr. Manlius was drunk
at Mr.. Resides dinner p
i did, was the unhesitating answer.
'Were you present al Mr.. Resides? 2
'No, SIR
Did you sec Mr.. Manlius coming from the
house intoxicated 2
'No.'
of your cliarge7 We have convcrscd this NOR
ming with several who were present, nd all saw
.i.-y observed nothing ont Of the way in Mr..
Aianllus on tue occasion of which you speak
ms Is a serious matter, and we should like to
have your authority for a statement so ininrious
10 the reputation Of the minister and the cause
of religion
My authority is Mr.. Burton who was present.
Did he tell you that Mr.. Manlius was in.
~toxicated 2
he said there was a drunken minister there.
and Mr.. Manlius, have ascertained. was tho
only clergyman present.
Wa that os ? asked the deacon OF an indi.
vidual who was at Mr.. Resides.
Mr.. Manlius was the only clergyman there
was replied.
Them said Mr.. Perkins IL there was a
drunken minister there, it must have been Mr..
Manlius. ] can draw no other inference
Ian Mr. Barton be found was now asked.
An individual Immediately volun,eered to 10
IN search Of him. In half an hour he was pro.
huced; AS he entered the grave assembly, lie
looked around witt, great composure upon the
array OF solemn faces and eyes intently fixed
upon him. He did not appear in the least
abashed.
You were at Mr.. Resides last week at a
dinner party, ! believe said the presiding dea.
con.
4 was
Did you see Mr.. Manlius, intoxicated on that
occasion 2
'Mr. Manlius Good heavens no! can
testify upon oath, that he was as solemn as a
Judge. Who says ] made SO scandalous an nj.
legation 2
Burton appeared to grow strongly excited.
j said So cried Perkins in a loud voice.
ity?'
Upon the authority of your own words