Holmes County Republican. [volume] (Millersburg, Holmes County, Ohio) 1856-1865, 1858-07-08
The Fighting g Preacher.

We have heard an excellent story of q
reverend gentleman, once citizen of Pitts
burg. He was what the ladies call "dear
good man," and the misses ''a duck of a
fellow" His charity was not confined to
those who were bis immediate followers,
aud in all the private relations of life he
bore the character of an honest and upright
man. It is said, however, that he possess
ed violent temper, and when anything
disagreeable occurred, behaved in manner
by no means clerical. la
On one occasion, member of the con-
gregation, as passionate as himself, reprov-
ed him for using language in the pulpit
highly improper in itself and altogether
unbecoming ono professedly devoted to the
service of his Divine Master. The clergy
man 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, blow was the only reply. A
dreadful fight 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
an injured face, walked home in triumph.
News of the quarrel spread like wildfire
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, compli-
menting him highly for having behaved so
well, and left him with the assurance of
their regard and distinguished considera-
tion. ,...
The Sunday following, the church was
filled to excess-al anxious to hear the
minister's explanation. People of all
ranks, all conditions, men, women and chill
dren, saints and sinners, professors of the
manly art of selfdefence, all individuals
who until that time knew not what the in
side of church was made Of, were assem-
bled there.
Just as the great bell struck for the Last
time, the clergyman entered the church
Deliberately he wended his way to the pull
pit, and calmly contemplated the scene be
fore him. The choir sang the psalm COM
mencing with r. y. -.
blessed 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 address which
has been handed to us by gentleman who
was present: Brethren: We are command
ed to love our enemies, and respect those
who despitefully use us. II 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 admiration.
He who is able to forgive an injury, is more
than man, because he rises far above lis
fellows, and is conscious ofpossessing parts
to which others are strangers. In my short
chequered career / have always endeayored
to overlook every little injury l have re-
ceived. In most instances l have been
uccessful-thus proving that the immor-
tal and christian rises far above the mere
man. But, my dear brethren, it has 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 since l forgot
my position and struck an offender. l am
well aware that we are commanded, when
smitten OIL the right cheek, to turn the left !;
and 1 think it proper to do so; but, my
brethren, when man undertakes to cave
IN my lead, Tn there" ,-
The sporting characters present gave
three terrific yells, which created SO much
confusion that the services Immediately con-
cluded for the day. ...-..