Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1866-09-21
Trying Preachers i'm Missouri.

The ChriSii6m IHdcr is responsible for the
following:-
II is well known that some of the Judges
in Missouri are very reluctant To enforce the
law against ministers of the Gospel for en-
ercsing their profession without having TAX
en- the test oath, and avail themselves of cv-
cry prctencc to discharge those who are ac-
cllscd. We tell the following tale as It's
told TO lis, vouching for nothing:
Three ministers charged with thhc crime
of preaching the glorious Gospel of the Son
of God. werc arraigncd before Il certain
Judge. They We're regularly indicted. and it
was understood that the proof against them
was very clear.
Are you preachcr?' said the judge to
one of them.
Yes sir replied the culprit
To what denomination do you belong?
Il am II Christian. sir (With dignity)
"A Christianl What do you mean by that?
Are not all preachers Christians?'
Il belong to the sect usually but wrongly
called, Campbelitcs.' (Not quite 50 much
dignity)
'Ahl Then you believe in baptizing peo-
pie, in order that they may be born again,
do youy
i do. sir (Deiiantly.)
Mr.. Sheriff, discharge that man. lie is
an innocent man! he is indicted for preach
ing the Gospel, and there isn't word of
Gospel in the stuff that he preaches it's on
ly some of Alexander Campbell's nonsense.
Discharge the man..
Exit Campbcllite, greatly rejoicing.
Are you II preacher said the judge, adj
dressing the next criminal.
i am, sir said the miscreant.
! OF what denomination are YOU?
| i am Il Methodist, sir Oils looks show
ed it,
Do you believe in falling from gracc?'
| i do. sir (Without hesitation,)
DO you believe in sprinkling people, III
stead OF baptizing them?'
i believe that people can be baptized by
sprnkling.' (Much oiiended)
DO YOU believe in baptizing babiesy
1T is my opinion, sir, that infants ought
to be baptized Indignantly
Not word of Scripture for anything OF
the kind. sir! shouted his honor Mr.. Sher-
i'll. turn that man loosel lie is no preacher
of the Gospel. The Gospel is the TRUTH and
there isn't word of truth in what the man
breaches. Turn him LOOSE It's ridiculous
to indct men on such frivolous pretences
Turn him looseN
Methodist disappears, not at all hurt ii
his feelings by the judicial abuse he has re
ceived.
What are you, siry' said the Judge to th'
third lelon.
Some people call me preacher, sir -
(Meekly.)
What is your denomination?
Il am Baptisty (Head up)
His honor's countenancc fell, and he look
ed sober and sad. After a pause he said:
) DO You believe in salvation by graccY
II do (EirmlV)
: DO you teach that immersion only Is bap
tism?'
That is my doctrine Earnestly
And you baptize none but those who be
2 lieve in Jesus Christi
) That is my faith and practice. (Wit
) emphasis,)
My friend, / fear twill 90 hard with you
G / see you are indicted for preaching tn
Gospel and il appears TO me that by you
5 own confession you are guilty
l Baptist looks pretty blue.
| May it please your honor, said the Bal
lists counsel, springing to his feet, that ma
: never preached the Gospel | have hear
= him say hundred times that he only trie'
c | have heard him try: myself
+ Mr.. Sheriff, discharge that mani he
: not indicted for trying. There's nothing san
! about the mere effort Let him go, slr!-
;. Turn him looses Send him about his bus
! ness am astonishod that the States a