The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1870-09-11

SHEPHERD AND SHEEP.-The New York
Tribune of the first inst, contains an ar
ticle exhibiting the characteristic amity
existing between Protestant preachers and
their focks, part of which we append:
A scene of kind which has become not
uncommon upon this continent, occurred in
the Church of the Atonement, in Chicago,
on Sunday the 14th inst. 1t is the misfor-
of this Church, to have chronic quarrel
with that part of the flock called Festry-
men. He is accused Of making "ill-timed
and unnecessary remarks in his sermons"
Nor does the Church under his ministry
grow" as it should, to the great detriment
of the treasury. Wherefore the Vestrymen
held meeting and voted to ask DR..
Thayer to resign; and, should he refuse to
do SO, to turn him out. Although not Off
cially served with the document, DR.. Thayer
obtained a copy of it, and on the aforesaid
Sunday, in full congregation, he expressed
his mind, which was not pacific or COM
plimentarv mind, of the aforesaid Festry-
men. The account before us says that he
was "pale with rage" but can we imagine
u gentle shepherd thus disregarding the
Arcadian simplicities of his catiingf DR..
Thayer in substance, said that he did not
believe that majority of the sheep wished
him to resign; and, not to put too fine a
point upon it, he wouldn't. 1t was then
that the Vestrymen rose to do battle, and
such a bleating never was heard in the
fold before. Some were for having a vote
mt once taken ON the subject, and some de-
clared that such course would be " illegal
and revolutionary" Large numbers Of
people sprung to their feet. Dozens were
sesticulating and talking together. Some
swore ESQ to speak) that there should be a
vote. Others affirmed that there should
NO la tha nj o. h.,
affair, was filed with noise and confu-
sion." There was hesitation in some faces,
and wrath in others. Altogether, it was
quite carnal' scene, and what might have
happened we tremble to think, {possibly
manslaughter) if one of the Vestrymen,
who bears the strong and strident name OF
Stridiron, had not, with admirable presence
of mind, ordered everybody to leave the
edifice. He spoke and was obeyed. The
ferocious alteration was renewed upon the
sidewalk, and then the whole flock went
home to the subduing pasturage of their
Sunday dinners, to allay by their pleasant
nibblings, and by either still or strong
waters, the partisan fervors of this extra
ordinary occasion. What will come of all
this, we do not know; but should there be
an actual physical contest, we shall try to
chronicle the fearful fact.
1t has been generally conceded in all
ages of Christianity, that brethren should
dwell together in unity;" but, somehow, in
all ages they have sadly failed to do go;
and church quarrels were never SO con,
mon than at the present time. Being our
selves, although secular, great lovers OF
peace and harmony (when the same can be
maintained without compromising princi-
ple), we wish that the. fact were otherwise;
and 1T does not lessen our regret to observe
that more than moiety of church SQUAD
bles seem to be about things which are not
of the least consequence.