National opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1865-1874, 1866-09-21
TRYING PREACHERS IN MIS-.
SOURH.

iht tHFStlnH IH0eT Is Responsible
for the following:
1t is we'll known that some of the
judges in Missouri are verv reluctant
to enforce the law against ministers
of the gospel for exercising their
profession without having taken the
test oath, ard avail themselves of
every pretence to discharge those
who are accused. We tell the fol-
lowing tale as it is told to us, vouch.
ing for nothing:
Three ministers, charged with the
crime of preaching :" the glorious
gospel OF the Son of God.r were ar
raigned before certain Judge
They were regularly indicted, and
it was understood that the proof
against them was very clear.
Are you preacher p said the
Judge to one of them.
Yes. sir" replied the culprit.
''To what denomination do you
bclong?'
Il am a christian, sir.- with
dignity.)
y christian! What do you mean
by that! Are not all preachers
christians"
IL belong to the sect usually call
ed, but wrongly called, Campbell
ties (Not so much dignity.)
"Ah. Then You believe in baptiz-
ing people, in order that they may
be born again. do you p
IL do sir" Deiiantly.)
''Mr. Sheriff, discharge that man!
He is an innocent man! lie is in
dioted for preaching the gospel, and
there isn't word Of gospel in the
stuff that he breaches. 1t is only
some Of Alexander Campbell's nom
sense. Discharge the man.
Exit Tampbelite, greatly rejoicing.
Are you Il preacher y said the
Judge, addressing the second Grim
inal.
:" am, sir" said the miscreant.
"Of what denomination are you ~
~ am a Methodist, SIR (His
looks showed it,
DO you believe ia falling from
grace."
81 do, sir" (Witbcut hcsitatiOn)
"Do You believe in sprinkling peo-
pie, instead of baptizing them y
Il believe that people can be bap-
tied by sprinkling." (Much offend
ed.)
DO you believe in baptizing ba-
bieS ~
at is my opinion, sir, that infants
ought to be baptized" Indignant
w.
Not a word Of scripture in any
thing of the kind, sir.'' shouted his
honor. "Mr. Sheriff, turn that man
loose. He is no preacher of the
gospel. The gospel is the truth,a
there fsn't word of truth i'll what
the man teaches. Turn him loose
: It's ridiculous to in,lict men on such
e. frivolous prrtences. Turn himloose.w
Methodist disappears, not at all
, hurt in his feelings by the judicial
t abuse he has received.
t "What are yor, sir" said the
+ Judge to the third felon.
r "Some people call me q preacher,
, sir" (Meekly.)
g What is your denomination
; ~ am Baptist" (Head up.)
His honor's cOuntenance fell, and
he looked sober and sad. After a
pause he said:
: "Do You believe in salvation by
grace ~
Il do" (Firmly.)
4 "Do you teach that immersion
5 only is baptism y
i THAT is my doctrine Earnest
+ ly.)
$ "And you baptizc none but those
c who believe in Jesus Christ ~
THAT is my faith and practice
l. with emphasis.)
MY friend. fear it will go hard
1: with YOU; ,c you are indicted for
preaching the gospel, and it appears
| to me that 10y your own confession
a You are guilty"
Baptist looks pretty blue.
l. MAY it please your honor" said
the Baptist council, springing TO his
= feet, "that man never preached the
/ gospel. | have heard him say a
. hundred times that he only tried. |
: have heard him trymyself.0
T. Mr.. Sheriff, discharge that man.
He's not indicted for trying. There's
nothing said about the mere effort
' Let him go, sir. Turn him loose
u send him about his business am
: astonished that the States attorney
should annoy the court with such
frivolous indictments"
Exit Baptist, determined to "try
p. again
. Court adjourned.
- "God save the State.a and this hon
Orable court - exclaimed the sheriff
d Amen y said the three preach
Il crs.