, 1874-04-12

10 ths Editor Of The Chicago Tribune:
SIN: In Fridays TRIBUNE, in IN article on
archaeological discoveries ia Mexico, occurs tho
following sentence: "Thore arc :.
q largo number Of CROSSES, for which, under a
heathen diispansation, it is exceedingly difficult
to account"
your space to correct what appears to be
widely prevalent misconception on this point.
It ia By no means i exceedingly difficult to ac-
count" for the existence OF the CROSS In Mexico,
as religions symbol, when tho fact is known
that it is one OF the oldest and most widely
used Of sacred emblems. It is by no means con-
fined to Christianity, neither did it originate
with it.
And this statement holds true Of not ono only,
bnt Of all tho different forms and varieties that
the cross has assumed. Those passing under
the name OF st. George, St. Andrew, the Maltese,
the Greek, tho Latin, all may be traced to the
remotest antiquity, and hayo appeared in both
hemispheres-
detailed description or to discuss the meaning Of
the pre-Christian symbol, though it might be
interesting and profitable at another timo. I
only wish to call attention to the fact. Yours,
DC, IL. ). SAVAGE.
WHO WOULD lE A MINISTER?
To the Editor Of The Ch1cd4o Tribune:
SIN: Who, indeed, would be minister? Not
1,-rather an honest hod-carricr, or anything
HuclG HUL CuusLa1lLlJ uulGE Llt 6pIHGuGu5luu VI
being victimized- A poor, simple creature, want-
ing both in literary ability, moral ind physical
courage, may do we'll cuough,-because, like q
quiet but goadod beast, he will stand slapping in
the faco on ono side without resentment, and
then turn the other to be treatod in tho same
manner,-but really good, talented, and coura-
geous minister, is ut once liable to onTlous and
malicious attacks BY those to whom IN eccleaias
tical court affords 30 much chance Of SUCCESS.
where they can bring charges without specifca-
4Fy1 8I,H 14ff
endoes, insinuations, and heagsays, and
the use outside to anonymous let
terB, or resort OF any other strategy.
In the name of common aenge, il man ia guilty,
three yeazs to provo it 2 Now, admitting these
ecclesiastical courts were instituted by tho best
Of men, prompted by genuine motives (Which, no
doubt, they wore), and that in some cases, BY
shutting out the public gnze, good results may
follow. still. in others, it absolutely depriTes
man Of all chance Of defending ii,imself.
First, il tho accusad and his witnesses are
honorable men, then. being honorable, their
word. whether under oath or not, il equally re-
liable; whereas, the accuserB may be Of the most
dishonorable order, with witnesses whose words
are aa !" dicers' oaths when not in fearof being
caught at perjury Good people, md par
ticulnrly ministers, think what 3 posi-
ton is this for man who neYer has yet heard
hia antecedents questioned. Then, again, inas-
much as tue accused cannot compel the attend
ance OF Witnesses, he is virtually deprived Of
them, for the reason that very. very few when
tr,cd are found to be, like the Rev. John Cor
don, current gold, indeed, as they will not in
convenience themselves in the least, and neither
for friendship nor principles sake can thoy be
coaxed to the mark. Mans inhumanty to
man" reminds ono Of school OF porpolses !;
iuiure one, and he is instantly set upon b. tho
whole school and devourcd. How often do 20
hear said, II dont't believe word Of it; but I
dcnt't want to get mixed up in the matter"
Thus they will see fellow-creatura trodden to
death for fear of offending his prosecutors. Such
rnan docs not reflect that the Evil One is al
ways on the alert, and that he himself may be
the next victim Unfortunately, the public ear
Is always open, and ready to receive with avidity
rich morsel rejecting on anotheE fetlow-being,
and here is 3 wido field for malicious scouDdrels
to work. They know how to pick their hearers,
and carefully avoid those who would wish to
know both sides, and who would pause to think
Why these people SO anxious to injure others.
| CHARLES MORGAN.
| BLUE 1sLkyp, March s, 1874.