Carroll free press. [volume] (Carrollton [Ohio]) 1834-1861, 1858-08-04
The FIshlIss Preacher.

W. Jaw he@iA ~ NASoNApAs AsSty "
IeyereHd gentleman, once a citizen Of Pitls
burgh. He was wha. the ladies called q
dear cool man, and the young misses =
duck Of q fellow His charity vas not con-
fined 10 those who we're bis immediate fol-
lowers, and in all the private relstious Of
life be bore The character Of an honest and
upright man. II is said, however, thss be
possessed & violent temper, and When any.
thing disagreeable occurred, behaved 10 .
manner BY no means clerical
On one Occasion a member Of the con-
gTegatiOn a. passionate as himself, repro.
we'd bim for using language iD the pulpit
highly improper in itself and altogether
unbeeOming one prOiesasdly devoted to the
service of his Divine Master. The clergy.
man replied that be was governed by be
own sense Of proprlety, and thst be would
permit no puppy to speak to him in that
manner.
To this, q blow was the oulg reply. A
dreadful fight was the consequences, which
continued for the space Of thirty minutes,
ct the end Of which time the lsyman was
compelled to cry, 'Hold-enoughl'
The battle euded, and the preacher, with
an injured face walked home in triumph.
News Of the quarrel spread like wildfre
through the congregation. Old ladies put
on their bonnels and ran all over the city
to hear the particulars; fast young men
called on the reverend gentlemen, cOmpi-
menting him highly for having behaved so
well, and left him with the assurance Of
their regard and distinguished cOnsidsra-
ton.
The Sunday following, the churcL Was
filed TO exces-all anxious to bear the
minister's explanation. People Of all ranks
all conditions Of men, women and children.
saints and sinners. professors Of the manly
ART of self defence. all individuals who un.
til that time knew not what the Inside Of 3
church was made Of, we're assembled there.
Just as the great bell struck the last time
the clergyman entered the church. Delib.
eratsly he wended bis way 10 the pulpit,
and calmly contemplated the scene before
him. TIE choir sang the psalm commen'
cling with
"Blest "a the man who shuns the place
Where sinners love to meet"
After which the preacher made short aud
feryent prayer. He then took bis text, and
delivered the following address, which has
been handed to us by gentleman who vas
present:
"Bretheru: We are commanded to love
our enemies, aud respect those who despite.
fully use us. 1t is our duty to do so.--
forgiveness is the finest quality 10 the
christian character. Il distinguishes him
from all others. and causes him 10 be look
ed upon with respect and admiration. Tie
who ID able to forgive an injury is more
than a man. because he rises far above bis
fellows. and is conscious Of possessing pats
to which others are strangers. In my shoIt
chequered career ! have always endeavored
to overlook every little injury have re-
ceived. In most instances l have been
succossful-thus proving that the immor-
tai and the christian rises far above the
mere msn. But, nv dear brethren. it bss
not always been the case. Frequently my
proud heart and violent passions prevail
over the command OF wisdom and the voice
Of prudence. A few days siuce forgot
my position and struck an offender. I am
we'll aware that we are commanded. when
smitten on the right cheet, to turn the left;
and | think proper to do so; but. my
brethren, when a man undertakes to eGpe
in my head, I'm thsrel"
The sporting charac ers present gave
three terrific yell', which created 80 much
confusion that the services Immediately
concluded for the day.