Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1858-01-11
THE FIGHTING PREACHER.

We have heard an excellent story of a rev.
erend gentleman, once citizen of Pittsburg
lie was what the ladies called "dear good
man, and the young misses "a duck of a fell
low" His charity was not confined to those
who were his immediate followers, and in all
the private relations Of life he bore the charac-
ter OF ON honest and upright man. 1t is said,
however, that he possessed V olent temper
and when anything disagreeable occurred be-
hayed IN manner by no means clerical
On one occasion, member of the congrega-
tion as passionate rs himself, reproved him for
using language in the pulpit highly improper
IN itself, and altogether unbecoming one pro-
fessedly 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. - %
tul hsht was the consequence, which continued
for the space of thirty minutes, at the end of
which time the layman was compelled to cry,
- Hold. enough -
The battle ended. and the preacher, with On
injured face, walked home in triumph.
News of the quarrel spread like wildfre
through the congregation. Old ladies put on
their bonnets and ran all over the city to hear
the particulars; fast young men called on the
reverend gentleman, complimenting him high
iy for having behaved so well, and left him
with the assurance of their regard and distin-
guished consideration.
The Sunday following tho church was filled
to excess-all anxious to hear the minister 8
explanation. People of all ranks all condi-
tons men, women and children saints and
sinners, professors Of the manly art of self-de-
fence, all individuals who until that time knew
not what the inside of a church was made of
were assembled there.
Just as the great bell struck for the last time,
the clergyman entered the church. Deliberate
q lad hfs tn tha MI ND ,I,-
contemplated the scene before him. The choir
sang the psalm commencing with
'Biest 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 de-
iversd the following address, which was handed
70 US oy gentleman who was present
Brethren-We are commanded to love our
enemies, and to respect those who despitefully
use Us. 1t is our duty to do So Forgiveness
Is the finest quality in the christian character
1t distinguishes him from all others, and causes
him to be looked upon with respect and admi-
ration He who is able to forgive an injury, is
more than man, because he rises far above
his fellows, and is conscious Of possessing parts
to which others are strangers In nv short,
checkered career, have always endeavored to
overlook every little injury have received
In most Instances / have Deen successf1l-thus
proving that the immortal and the christian
arises Tar above the mere man. But my dear
brethren, it has not always been the case
Frequently my proud heart and violent pas
sions prevail over the command of wisdom and
the voice Of prudence. A few days since / for
got my position and struck an offender am
we'll aware that we are commanded, whom
smitten on the right cheek, to turn the left ::
and only thiak il proper to do go but, my
brethren, lrhen q man nndertQAes 10 core en-
my head, 1 am there >"
The sporting characters present gave three
terrific yells, which created so much confusion
that the services immediately concluded for
the day