The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1857-12-04
Next came a maiden fair,
A youth of sickly mien
The Fighting Preacher.

We have heard an excellent story Of
a reverend gentleman, once a citizen Of
Pittsburg.
He was what old ladies call "dear
good man." and young missus "a duck
of a fellow" His charity was net confin-
ed to those who were his immediate fol-
lowers, and in all the private relations of
lifehe bore the character Of an honest and
upright man. 1t was said, however, that
he possessed a violent temper. and when
anything disagreeable occurred, behaved
in manner by means clerical.
On one occasion, number of his con-
gregation, as passionate as himself, re-
proved him for using language in the pull
pit highly improper in itself, and alto
gether unbecoming one professedly devo-
ted to the service Of his Divine Master.
The clergyman replied that he was gov
erned by his own sense of propriety, and
that he would permit no puppy to speak
to him in that manner.
10 this, a blow was the only reply. A
dreadful fight was the consequence, which
continued for the space of thirty minutes,
at the end of which, the layman cried l.:
+ "Hold enough p
"The battle ended and the preacher,
with an injured face walked home in
triumph.
News OF the quarrel spread like Wild
fire through the congregation. Old la
dies put on their bonnets, and ran over
the city to hear all the particulars fast
young men called on the reverend gen.
tleman, complimented him highly for be-
having SO well, and left with assurance
oftheir great regard and distinguished
consideration.
The Sunday following, the church was
crowded to excess;all present being anxious
to hear the minister's explanation. People
of all ranks, all onditions-women men
and children-saints and sinners-pro-
fessors of the manly art Of self-defence-
and individuals who, till that time, knew
not what the inside of church was made
of, were assembled there.
Just as the great bell struck for the
last time-the Clergyman entered the
church. Deliberately he wendell his
way to the pulpit, and calmly contem-
plated the scene before him. The choir
sung the psalm commencing with
"Blcst is the man who shuns the place,
Where sinners love to meet"
After which the preacher made short
and fervent prayer. He then took
his text, and delivered the following ad-
dress, which has been handed to us by a
gentleman, who was present:
BretheaW:-We are commanded to love
our enemies and respect those who des-
pitefully use us. 1t is our duty to do 50.
Forgiveness is the finest quality in the
Christians character. 1t distinguishes
him from all others, and causes him to
be looked upon with respect and atlnira-
ton. He who is able to forgive an injury
is more than man, because he rises far
above his fellows, and is conscious of pos
sessing parts to which others are stran-
gers. In my short chequered career,
always endeavour to overlook every lit
tie injury | have received. In most in
stances l have been successful-thus
proving that she immoral triumphs over
the mortal, and that the Christian risis
far above the mere man. But my deal
brethren, it has not always been so. FIRE.
quently my proud heart and violent pas
sions prevail over the commands of wis