Evening star., 1867-06-11
their witnesses, among whom were DID Fo-
ley, w. II. Ward, DR.. Morgan, G.. L. Walker,
ID. D. Dag idson. and others.

their witnesses, among whom were DID Fo-
ley, w. II. Ward, DR.. Morgan, G.. L. W Walker.
ID. ID. Davidson, and others.
Rev. A. A. K. Taylor, counsel for defense,
then presented q written paper. stating that he
thought this one Of the most remarkable cases
from beginning to end, remarkable for the
reckless and ungenerous manner in which II
was inaugurated, for the extreme pertlnaclty
and disregard Of Christian character with
which 1t has been relentlessly pursued, rs
well as for the utter and disgraceful failure
with which its conclusion has been con fessedly
marked. This matter was practically opened
against these gentlemen about the middle OF
March last in a historical sermon by the pas
tor of this church, which was followed by a
brief article in the Erening Star, undsr the
familiar initials of s.T. T. F.,' although the
knowledged prosecutor publicly declared
in his speech Of May 18th, that his suspicious
of Unfair dealing were aroused 'sabout one year
ago." . uf
Mr.. Taylor then reviewed the ease, and re-
ferred to the pamphlet entitled "The Wedge
Of Gold" This ill-judged and unfortunate
pamphlet appearing anonymously, like the
assassins stab in the dark was diligently cir
iculated ia all quarters where it would be
likely to affect the moral standing or busin ess
character or social relations OF the accused
Who the Aehan was who found this wedge OF
gold we have not been permitted the oDpor
tinity to bring to light in this abortiye trial.
But as 1t was begotten in sin and brought
forth in iniquity, so let it die. He next re-
ferrsd to the minority report Of the board OF
the STAR over the signa.ure of the pastor,
Rev. Mr.. Campbell. + or a period covering
two and a half months these gentlemen have
rested under the gravest personal imputa-
tions, most diligently circulated in every
family in the church, and freely preached in
all the community. Their business has been
seriously restricted and impaired, their own
minds and hearts, and the minds and hearts
kept in a state OF most anxious solicituds,
and the interests OF the Church of God have
been most deeply embarrassed and injured.
This little church. Just arising out Of a long
period OF trial to the promise of day Of
prosperity. has received needless blow,
which has made 1T tremble and totter to its
very foundations. ..s....a. ; .s.- +
The defendants had from the very start as
serted their entire innocence Of the iniquity
alleged to have been practiced by them. They
have earnestly demanded proof of the charges.
They have declared themselves always ready,
before the proper tribunal, to offer testimony
which would fully exculpate them In every
particular They have diligently sought for
their case full, open and thorough investiga-
ton. They have opposed every delay and
offered every opportunity for impartial exam
ination. Amidst hindrances most strangely
and unwarrantably thrown in their way,
charged in the most solemn manner 1t were
possible for prosecutors to assume. and most
relentless spirit, Of acts "of unmitigated VII
lainy," they have patiently waited the oppor-
tunity which their accusers would grant them
OF clearing their skirts and saving their fair
lame. Under an informal prosecution before
the public, which assumed the shape rather
OF persecution. and held their eputation IN
suspense before the world, they have re-
framed from appealing to the public press
in any manner, and have Kept on in their
course steadtastly, and more patiently than
could have been expected. only asking that
they might be heard in their own de-
fence, and demanding that the examin-
such as to exhaust and end the case.
The history Of the church will show that
these gentlemen have been Its NEST liberal
e suppor ters, and the most generous and for
bearing friends OF its pastor. And under all
these circumstances am free to say that a
mere ungrateful, unnecessary and unwar-
rantable attack has never been made upon
Christian integrity and Christian diligence
and zeal.
The prosecution went into this case and
urged it ON for months, without ever having
e examined into the facts to see whether their
cause was true or false. They come here
in the midst OF the trial with the decla-
ration that they have fonnd neW eDi-
dence which will not warrant them in pro-
ceedipg further in the prosecution. Whose
evidence is 1T, forsooth; that OF Mr.. Foley2 The
defence, sir. has had an affidavit of Mr. Foley
on hand for nearly q month which covers all
the essential points in this evidence they con-
fess TO have newly discovered. He felt bound
to say that more ughtIess, wicked, and
utterly unjustfiabie disregard of the sacred
character Of fellow-man, more indefensi-
bic attack upon the interests of the Church of
represented III QeT cOQsecTate te0 Offl-
GERS, more ungrateful pursuit OF men who
had proved themselves to be generous and
faithful to an unusual degree, he had ne yer
heard of in all his days.
Mr.. Heron never was, in any sense, the
agent Of this church, nor its pastor, as alleged
in the speech OF Mr.. Fowler. He was simply
the agent of Mr.. Page iR the settlement Of his
whole estate, and was responsible to no one
but to Mr.. Page. Mr. Church never was the
agent OF Mr. Page He only rallied with MI.
HERON, in generous self sacrifice to the rescue
OF the interests of the church, which were i'm
periied in the condition of the property, feel
ing assured that unless he did the church
would not secure anything at all. This they
botn did reluctantly, and with simple desire
to advance the interest Of the church. And
for this they deserve the franks OF all the
friends OF the church. There was a silent
partner in this business behind the scenes, of
whom we have refrained to speak, for his own
sake, at the request OF these gentlemen we
OF the part which that gentleman
has taken in this lamentabIe affair from its in-
ception TO the drawing up of those tremendous
articles OF Indictment. nearly as long and q aite
as formidable as the military bill, we refrain
from speaking
In con ciusion, he offered statement to be
placed on the minutes, declaring that they had
ever been ready to answer every insiR uation
OF wrong doing, and their only desire was
that the truth might be made to appear to all
that every one should see their only aim had
been to protect the interests of the church and
not to benefit themselves.
heF. john CntSLcr OdcTeO d IeSOldtlO0 QG
claring that our decision as a Presbytery is,
thatthe charges are false, from beginning to
end, and that the condact and motives Of
Messrs. Heron and Church in this matter
haye evinced perfect integrity, and that they
are entitled to the undiminished confidence OF
the church. The Presbytery also finds itself
obliged, by the developments OF this case,
solemnly to adrnonish the parties with whom
the prosecution originated, ana all others, to
exercise in future the greatest caution in enter
tanning suspicious or giving expressions. to
Of brethren upon inadeq uate
grounds, and without anxious regard to the
peace of the church and the honor of religion.
The Moderator decided that the parties in
terested in the prosecution and defense had no
vote, bat were supposed to be out of the room
during the eassage of the resolution.
.Ur. Baird arose to speak, when
Rev. DIR. Tustn said there were Judges in
the room who would like to have word TO
say. t ~ # a.. ~ ...'
DR.. Baird thought the gentleman had ex-
pressed his opinion on the case some time
since. DIR, B. continued, and stated the pros
byfery had made Mr.. Fowler present the
charges.
DIR. Gurley hoped the Presbytery would
hear Rev Mr.. CamPbeif, as much had been
said relating to him personally.
Mr.. Evans hoped Mr.. Campbe1 would not
be allowed to vote. Hr- sg.. ~ ,.. ~. =.
Several members objected to this, as Mr..
was not party TO the prosecu-
ton. -Ha a's .IrGF Ey .----
Mr Campbell said his name had freq uently
been men toned in this matter, and he desired to
have his actions understood, Not one step Of
all this prosecution would have been taken if