Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1872-05-02
REPLY TO -


1t will be remembered that in our last
issue we noticed the resignation of Rev.
Jas. G.. Mason, the Pastor of the Presby-
terial Church in this place and gave some
of his reasons for so doing. We are frank
to say it was not our intention to do an
injustice to either of the Presbyterian
Churches. But stated facts that we had
been very careful in getting up. Yet a
communication signed 81" appeared in
last Saturdays issue of the Patriot, which
contained some reflections upon US. as
well as some uninanly and ungenerous
filings at Mr.. Mason, whose character is GER
tainly SO far above reproach that it cannot
be injured in this community. We very
much regret that there is one in our midst
Who is willing and anxious to throw mud
upon a Minister of the Gospel,-one who
has grown up among US, and by his energy
and perseverance. is rapidly acquiring a
name, in the cause of his mission.
Mr. Mason has been successful in building
up his Church In this place. and has all
the time been unwilling to have the
Church sever its connection with the Re
united Gener-l Assembly, and this alone
we presume is the cause of the attack up
on him.
We learn that his church has been per-
fectly harmonious until an attempt was
made to form an Independent Church,
which he did oppose and which we pre-
sumo lie had a perfect right to oppose:
We arc requested by 81" to inform
ourselves, &C., and then correct any mis-
representations.
Well the first misrepresentation we
correct is the ungenerous fling at Mr..
Mason regarding his resignation. From
oil the information hat we can get, and
we have been very careful in searching
for truth, not one of his Church even
adciScd him to resign, and his resig-
nation was first spoken of by himself, but
no doubt some of his members desired
him to resign that they might be allie to
carry out the proposition of Independence.
In regard to his family furnishing so many
votes for him. we believe there is but one
member beside himself, and understand
that she is not a member of the Jonesboro'
Church. However he has some relations
in the Church, and it is but natural that
they should oppose his resignation. To
insinuate that he opposed the indepen-
dent movement on the ground that it
would reduce his salary is perfectly con-
temptible. 1t may not be generally
known. but in the last four years he has
had two calls of greater pecuniary adj
vantage than his Church here has given
him. Yet he refused, preferring to re-
main with his own people.
In regard to the difficulties existing be-
tween Mr.. Mason's Church and the
Southern Presbyterian Church, we have
no desire whatever to interfere, as they
will no doubt be settled in the proper
way.
We do not know who Mr.. 81" is, but
suggest that if he is a young man begin
ing life that one Of the best maxims is,
''to mind your own business" And if
an older man. one who should have some
experience in the business of life, "never
utter an insinuation or seek to injure one
whose character is equal, if not far supe-
rior, to your OWL"
We respectfully refer our readers to
the Card of Mr.. Mason. which appears in
this mornings issue. He being the Pas
tor of the Church, certainly knows and
understands the whole matter better than
outsiders. Still we have made it our
business to get the facts, and are perfectly
satisfied hat there has been no mistate-
ment on our part. We look upon Mr.
Mason as a worthy. energetic and Chris
tian gentleman, one who would not con-
descend to do an %imprudent act, either by
chicanery or otherwise. And those who
attempt to injure him in the place where
he was raised will certainly make a great
failure.
As to ourselves, we do not think it
proper to notice the attack upon the
HERALD AND TRIBUNE further, as those
who attempt to injure us only aid in in
creasing our business, and further our eff
forts to do good.