Anti-slavery bugle. [volume] (New-Lisbon, Ohio) 1845-1861, 1860-02-11
PIOUS pUGILIsu,

The editor of the Northern Christian Advocate,
in speaking of the anticipated fight in England
between the champions of the English and Ameri-
can rings, says:
"Pugilism, !. O., boxing, is better than cigar
smoking, nonsense-talking, and many other ways
of using time. 1t is q grand muscular practice,
and we love it,"
A correspondent of the Northern Independent,
quotes the above. and thus comments up n it:
"Now, let no one think that we introduce this
to cast odium on our worthy brother. Our object
is quite tho reverse. Let it be fairly understood
that the short extract we have quoted, sets Br.
Ilibbard before US in a new and {urora5le light,
Many Of US have never had the pleasure of his
acquaintance. All we have seen Of him, has beer
during the sessions of our Conference, and we
must confess that we had formed a wrong opinion
of the Dr's temperament. From his sober looks,
his thoughtful visage, his lor g-drawn signs, and
Bishop-lNe appearance in general, with many
others VIC had too hastily como to tho conclusion
that there was not a particle of 'fun," or love of
sport in his entire composition, that he was q gen.
ileman that had deep conscientious scruples against
a loud laugh, and pitching quoits; but the above
extract undeceives rs, and We must say, that we
think all the more Of the man.
The noble art of boring, to our shame be it spo-
Ken, is very much neglected, and it must be a
source of genuine pleasure to all the lovers of the
sport, to see it go nicely advocated by a gentleman
of DR.. Hihbard's deep piety and profound learn
ing. Boxing has go long been monopolized by
low-lived rowdies, until a decent boxing-match
between two gospel ministers is by many consid-
cred as out Of character. This article from DR..
Hibbard, will serve to greatly modify the supersti-
tious tone of the anti-boxing portion of our Church,
and | should not greatly wonder if boxing would
soon become a happy pastime among all the male
members of our congregations. Why not? Was
not the great Apostle to the Gentiles a regular
pugilisti To be sure he was. Hear him! $50
fight ], not as one beating the air." 1t is true the
good book says that a Bishop. or he hat expects
to be one, must be no striker" i. g., he must
not strike first, but there is nothing that forbids
him to be a '~'pugilist, i. e., a boxer"
1t is well known to my brethren, that much Of
our time at Conference passes away rather heavily,
| mean those of US who are not on the s~tereotyp.
plates for committees, and our name is LEGION
During the afternoons, we hardly know what to dc
with ourselves. We loiter around the premises
bewailing our inferiority. Now, would it not be a
capital idea, for the benefit of us, the unemployed
to have some lively amusements? And what could
be more interesting than a little boxing? l know
of no man that could confer more dignity AM
honor on the boxing ring, than the talented DR.
lIib5ard; and if he only takes the lead, it will
not be long before other men of eminence and pie
ty will throw in their influence. lie will draw
with him more than "half of the stars of heaven
We presume the DR.. intends to visit Black Rive,
Conference, during its session at Rome, in Apri
next. Let US, with the most profound respect
ask him to bring with him two pair of boxing
gloves; and, for the sake of the young preachers
lie: him kindly condescend to give US at least on,
public exhibition in the beautiful art of self-de
fence, We will agree to furnish him q partner
worthy of his profound skill. This will throw
new life into our annual gathering, and will insti
into the minds of our young preachers q passion
for boxing: and when it is generally understood
that every Methodist minister is q master toxer
rowdyism in our pr~ayer-meetings and c~amp-meet
ings will come to an end, good order will prevail
throughout all our borders. and a thousand bles
sings will be poured upon the head of tho coura
geous editor who stood at the head Of the gran,
reform. OLYuPIc.