Ashtabula weekly telegraph. [volume] (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1853-1873, 1863-06-27
AsnTABuLA, 10th June, 1868.

AsnTABuLA, 10th june 1863
Ny DEAR Mr.. EDiToR-Wiil you be kiud enough to per
init through the columns ofthe Telegraph to offer few
observations upon lately trans
pred here, which, ifnot properly explained my par
ay tend, in measure to affect my character. need
inform you that have been located me aRo
by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Cleveland, with view 10
preach the gospel to his people here and to their
condition, morally and socially inasmuch my humble ca
pacity would allow.
For a considerable time bond Of reciprocal affection
seemed to exist between me and congregation
apparently they all seemed to be well pleased with the ex
Of my ministry. and with the great pairs been
taking 10 instruct their little oneto nculcate upon their
tender principles virtue by representing to
them its reward and TO give them horror OF vice. by In
fusng into their souls an idea of the punishment awaiting
hereafter
1t was usual with almost every Sunday to preach
to NY flock at nrs chiefly from the gospel Of the
day some time began to give explanation Of the
commandments OF God had been the subject of Faith
explaining audience the decision the Council
OF Ient regarding those who supposed 10 be the
True Church, which the Roman Catholics believe
be their Alter quoting some extracts gave it my
opinion, aud my h cnvicon that numbers good con-
scenous Proteants would be saved according
hypothesis OF the Roman Catholic Church being
This language of mine, Mr.. Editor fell like thunderbolt
upon the OF some of my audience 1t quite novel
them They talked 1t. Some said was liberal
Others declared it was almost too much so, &c.
had Uncovered this and the next Sunday, instead
tracting in the slightest degree little of what had
preached before reiterated my sentiments for corobora
lion opinion gave them tie views of Of the great
that shed ustre upon the Roman Catholic
Church. Told them again and again that would utter them
freely and iearleSsy, aud regardless of consequences
FROM very portion ofmy congregation have
been determined ruin They have sent piles upon
piles of agans to the Bishop They charged
with associang with Proestans they aid should
speak with protestant minister that IL very strange
Roman Catholic priest should do that amazing
should go visit the houses Of protestant
They found with "for calling the potestants my
brethren When preached In the church, of them in
suited my lodgings for the povocaton should
state that had TO defend myself before the
Bishop the charge of preaching false doctrine but the very
same doctrine which preached at Asbtabua asserted be-
fore his Lordshp 1t the truth believe
and should think myself playing the hypocr II preach
ed differently The mssion Of the true church of upon
earth s enghen the world not to keep 1t in Ignorance
and superstition.
Had consigned the whole world to perdition excepting
the Roman Catholics perhaps my doctrine would have beer
psla able the party who rebeed against will
tespass upon your time and space much longer
merely observe this party to whom have alluded
been doing all In their power OF late TO circulate mcou
lessen in the estimation Of the public some Of then
had the auiacy tell Of the persons who went
the Bishop justify course that the would leave
Ashtabula, the better for me
Is America the ground for the exercise of this inerna
tyranny, Here there is no inquston and need
be afraid Of his % to utter his opinions upon matters
faith aud doctrine.
respect my character and desire justify my
self before Intelligent and eable community through
thu columns Of your weekly will be my apology troubling
you with these lines. l remain, yours,
very respectfully,
RlCHARD .iosEPH AWKWARD,
late Roman Catholic Priest, Ashtabua.