The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1866-09-21
WIT AND JUSTICE IN MISSOURI.

II is well known that some oil the Judges
In Missouri are very reluctant in enforcing
the law against ministers Of the gospel for
exercising the profession without having
taken the test oath. and avail themselves OF
every pretence to discharge those who are
accused. We tell the following tnle rs il
was told to ms. youching for n0thing:-
Three ministers, charged with tho crime
Of preaching the glorious gospel Of the
Son Of God" were arrnigned before Ger
thin Judge. They were regularly indicted,
and il was understood tlIai the proof against
them was very clear.
"Arc you a prcacher'" said the judge
to one Of them.
ayes, SIR" said the culprit.
ITO what denomination do you bclongT
I" nm christian, SIR" with dignity.
"a Christian What do you mean by
that? Are not all preachers Christians p
~ belong to the sect usually called, bul
wrongly called, Complexities" Not SC
much dignity.)
"Ah Then you believe in baptising peo.
pie, in order that they may be born again
do you"
+" Mr.. Sheriff, discharge that man He Is
an innocent man! He Is indited for preach.
lug the gospel, and there isn't word oI
gospel in tile stuff he breaches! It's only
some Of Alexander Canpbells's nonsense
Discharge the man !" ''..
Exit Campbellite, greatly rejoicing.
"Are you preacherf" said the Judge
addressing the next criminal.
81 am. SIR" said the miscrcant.
aOf what denomination are you?
81 am a Methodist, SIR" His look show
ed it.) .....-... u
"Iio you believe in falling from grace p
81 do, sir" (,Yiiholt hesitation.)
+" Do you believe in sprinkling people,
instead Of baplizing themf"
Il believe that people can be baptized
by spriukling." Much offcnded.)
Do you believe in baptizing babies y
alt is my opinion. sir that babies ough,
to he baptized" Indignantly
"Not word Of Scripture for anything
of the kind, sir! shouted his honor. "Mr
Sheriff, turn thut man loose lie is nc
preacher. The gospel is the truth, ant
there ism word Of truth in what that mar
teaches. Turn him loose. It's ridiculou,
to indict men on such frivolous pretences
Turn him loose ~
Methodist disappears, not at all hurt il
feelings by the judicial abuse he had re'
ccived.
"Wl,at are you, sr?" said tho judge tc
another.
"some people call mo preacher, SIR ;
Meekly.) -.
"Whnt is your denomination ?"
81 am baptist" (ilead up)
His hOnOr's countenance fell, and hG
looked SOLVER and sad. After pause be
said:
800 you believe in salvation by grace p
81 do" (Firmly.).
"Do you teach that immersion only j,
baptism 2"
aThat is my doctrine" Earnestly
"And you baptizc none but those who
believe in Jesus Christ ~
That is my faith aud practice with
emphasis.l ~,
sMy friend, fear il will 70 hard with
you see you are indicted for preaching
the gospel, and Il appears to me that by
your own confession you nrc guilty"
Baptist looked pretty blue;
"May it please your honor" said the
laptists counsel. springing to his feet,
/" that man never preached the gospel.
have heard him say hundred times that
he only tried. have heard him try my
seIc"
"Mr. Sheriff, discharge that man! He's
not Indicted for trying There's nothing
said about tho mere effort! Let him GO,
sir Turn him loose Send him about bis
business ! l an ustonished ihat the Stnte :
Attorney should annoy the court with INV
ololls indictments :"
Exit baptist, determining to "try" sgain.