The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1870-09-06
The Three Preachers.

VI Iue SOSpel lOT CAOTCloluB tuelr pIOleo-
sion without having taken the test oath,
and avail themselves of every pretence
to discharge those who are accused. We
tell the following tale as it is told to us,
vouching for nothing
Three minis ters, charged with the
crime of preaching "the glorious gospel
of the son of Cod" we're arraigned be-
fore certain Judge. They were regu-
larly indicted, and it was understood that
the proof against them was very clear.
Are you preacher?" said the Judge
to one of them.
Yes sir" replied the culprit.
To what denomination do you be-
long?'
81 am Christian, sir" with dig
nity)
"a Christian What do you mean by
that? Are not all preachers Chris
tians ?"
II belong to the sect usually called
but wrongly called Campbellites."
(Not so much dignity.)
"Ah! Then you believe in baptizing
people, in order that they may be born
again, do you"
al do, sir" -Defantly.-
"Mr. Sheriff, discharge that man ! He
is an innocent man He is indicted for
preaching the gospel, and there is not a
word of gospel in the stuff he breaches
It is only some of Alexander Campbelps
nonsense. Discharge the man y
Exit Campbellite, greatly rejoicing.
care you preacher 2" said the Judge,
addressing the second criminal.
"I am, sir" said the miscrcant.
"Of what denomination are your
Il am Methodist, sir" His looks
showed it.
"Do you believe in falling from grace,
sir?"
"I do sir" Without hesitation
"Do you believe in sprinkling people,
instead of baptizing them 7"
"I believe that people can be baptized
by sprinkling." Much offended
"Do you believe in baptizing babies p
"It is my opinion, sir, that infants
ought to be baptized. Indignantly
"Not a word of S cripture for any
thing of the kind, sir !" shouted his hon
or. "Mr. Sheriff, turn that man loose
He is no preacher of the gospel. The
gospel is truth, and there is not word
of truth in what that man teaches Turn
him loose 1t is ridiculous to indict men
on such frioulous pretences Turn him
looseW
Methodist disappears, not at all hurt
in his feelings by the judicial abuse he
had received.
"What are you, sir?" said the Judge,
to third felon. =,
"some people call me preacher, sir"
-Meekly.-
"What is your denomination 7?
"I am Baptist" Head up
His Honor's countenance fell, and he
looked sober and sad After pause he
said
"Do you believe in salvation by ygrace?'
al do" Firmly
"Do you teach that immersion only, is
baptism 2"
"That is my doctrine, sir" Ear
nestly.-
"And you baptize none but those who
believe in Jesus Christ ?"
"That is my faith and practice. -
With emphasis
"My friend, 1 fear it will go hard
with you. 1 see you are indicted for
preaching the gospel, and it appears to
me that by your own confession you are
guilty"
Baptist looked pretty blue.
"May it please your Honor" said the
Baptist's 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 myself"
"Mr. Sheriff, discharge this man He
is not indicted for trying! There is
nothing said about the mere effort Let
him go, sir 1 am astonished that the
States attorney should annoy the court
with frivolous indictments.
Exit Baptist, determined to "try''
again.
Court adjourned
"God save the State and this honora-
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