Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1857-09-17
The Fighting Preacher.

We have heard an excellent story of rev.
erend gentleman, once citizen of Pittsburgh.
He was what the ladies' call " a dear good
man." and young misses o duck of fellow" !"
His charity was not confined to those who
were his immediate followers and in all the
private relations of life be bore the character
of an honest upright man 1t is said, howev.
er, that he possessed violent temper, and
when anything disagyeesble occurred, behaved
in manner by no means clerical.
On one occasion, member of his eongre-
CATION, as passionate as himself, reproved him
for using language in the pulpit highly improp-
er in ITSELF and altogether uubecoming one
professedly devoted to the service of his Divine
Master The clergyman replied that he was
governed by his own sense of propriety, and
that he would permit no puppy to speak to
him in that manner
To this, a blow was the only reply. \
dreadful fight was the consequence, which con-
timed for the space of thirty minutes at the
end Of which the layman cried
" Hold. enough Y
The battle ended, and the preacher with sr
injured face, walked home in triumph.
News of the quarrel spread ike wild fire
through the congregation. Old ladies put on
their bonnetsr and ran over the city to hear
all the particulars fast young men called on
the reverend gentleman compliment him
highly for behaving so well, and left him with
the assurance of their great regard aud dis
tinguished consideration
S.. The Sunday following the church was filled
to excesS-all anxious to hear the ministers eX-
PLANTATION. People of all ranks, all conditions
men, women and children-saintS and sinners
professors OF the manly art of seifdefence
all 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 wended his way TO the pulpit,
aud calmly contemplated the scene before him.
The choir sung the psalm commencing with
RIest is the nan who shuns the place,
Where SINNERS love 10 meet
After which the preacher made a short and
fervent prayer. He then took his text, and
delivered the following address, which was
handed to Us by gentleman who was pres
ent
BrctkreG-We are commanded TO love our
enemies and respect those who despitefuly
use US 1t is our duty to do So Forgiveness
is the iuest quality in the christian character.
1t distinguishes him from all others, and caus-
es him TO be looked upon with respect aud ad
miratiou He who is able 10 forgive al iniu-
~ is more than man, because he rises far
aboye his fellows, and is conscious of possess
ing parts to which Others are strangers Iu
my short chequered career, have always
endeavored 10 overlook every little injury
have received. In most instances have been
successful-thus proving that the immortal
and that the christian arises far above mere
man. But my dear brethren, it has no. al
ways been the case. Frequently nv proud
heart and violent passions prevail over the
commands of wisdom, aud tae voice of pru-
dence 4 few days since l forgot M posi-
ton and struck the offender | am well aware
of the fact that we are commanded when snit-
ten on the right cheek to turn 10 the left
sud only think it oulv proper to do so but
nv brethren ,e4eE ~aE aadsrtak<s fg ars "a
zg had, Ia tssre =
The sporting characters present gave three
terrific Wells. which created 50 much confusion
that the services immediately concluded for
the day.