The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1881-05-21
Correspondence Baifimors County rn;"H.
THE REV. DIR. VAN BOKKELEN.
C,rnx.yII.Lr. May i6,h. L.

cAroSsvILLE, May 10th, lsSl.
Msssr.. Ediiors:-No one who knows the docl.
ity of our Episcopal minister would ever have
thought him capable Of raising "a breeze either
inside or outside Of church circles. His audacity
In questioning the proprety Of Rev. Dr. Van Box.
kclen's talking or preaching within his parish
rs unexpected 10 all outside OF the little church
ring in which he revolvcs a. IL was uncallcd for
by perhaps proper Interpretation and applica-
ton Of the church canon. and certainly by all gen
eral principles of Christian brotherhood ani man.
hood. IL DR.. Van Bokkclen had came among us
either openly or cOverily Ia usurp Rev. Mr.. Pun
netts ministerial functions there gh, have been
some plea under which cau,ionary measures could
be taken but DR.. Van Bokkeien came here with
n heart full Of love for the very trees and stones
of his old vicinity and for his friends aud enemies
alike. lie was urged by his friends sf various
denominations TO deliver the discourse at the Pres.
byterian church. and having been ineapacitatci
from u throat affection for time previous he was
obliged TO ask his hearers indulgence for defects
In delivery, but the maniiness OF hs u,tcranccs
FAR surpassed what usually hear that no defects
were apparent. lie made ne ailusion to the
wounds he had received in the house of his friends
years ago. but even while hearts were softened aud
eyes were moistened In his handling Of the tcader
theme Of love, the deafening peas Of ST. Tim",hy's
bell drowned for time the sound of his voice aud
seemed 10 bespeak that those who controlled IL
were destined 60 still aggravate his wounds. II
there were six worshippers who responded 20 the
cair OF tuat bei " was more tuan tue general OBJ
server could perceive. Gainesville seemed wholly
alive 20 matters Mt the Presbyterian church ON
that afternoon, and men 81 mind and men Of
means, from both city aud country, Eat under the
same roof with horny handed sons Of toll 20 hear
the words Of brotheriy love from Of the noblet
works Of God-an honest man. While the feeling
against Rev. Mr.. Punne,ts action has become very
vehement outside Of his own circle, IL Is probable
that II could be moro justly bestowed upon the
vestrymen who influence his action. lie had
nothing 10 do with the unpleasantness years ago,
and Is certain that whatever malice he may bear
under the guise Of church zeal, IL but Of u com.
Paratively recently grated nature. Socially Rev.
Mr.. Punnett 10 an agreeable gentleman, 90 men Of
his composition can hardly be otherwise; but In
In . ministerial point he has several pulpit peeu.
larities, which some charitable enough 10 call
natural infrmties, but which, nevertheless, his
own friends smile over. For him 60 boast Of his
congregation living In peaceful Christian faith aud
practice will do for all ears but the natives.
The little incident mentioned in "catonsville
cullings" OF last week, OF two commandments st
swords points, IL but one Of many items that
could be brought forth 10 check such boasts. A.
Mr.. Punne,t has expressed his appreciation Of
bringing forth hidden things by honsetop decia.
nation through the medium Of the press, he can
Of course had no serious fault with these little
etchings. The influences Of Christianity arc sup
posed to far outweigh those Of mere humanity
but q certain humane man, making fewer preten-
sions than others, formerly member Of 81. limo
thy's and an enemy 20 DR.. Van Bokkeien at the
separation, has, with his family. openly repented
Of the part he took against the Dr. and extended
the right hand Of fellowship prior TO the eventual
sspday. This man Is no less n person than the
Bergh Of Baltimore. Another, In the person Of n
wsll-to-do leather dealer, IL reported rs having
dsne the came, and the most ultra Of al the Dr.s
opPosers Is reported a. having expressed himself
aserse 10 Mr.. Punnett's late action. IL Il indeed
q remarkable Instance Of the asinine stubbornness
Of which the human heart 10 capable that We have
not before this the entire st Of malice bearers
repenting Of their error. The bulk Of popular
opinion Il fast ranking itself with DR.. Van BOX
keien, and In the event Of any possible eeeesias-
teal anathena Il will grant him . substantial
support. The assurance with which some Of our
greatest soions hereabouts think they have DR..
Van Bokksien BY the horns. and oil the world APP
pisuding, is amusing 10 behold. The news Of such
occurrences among Christian ministers are mss-
sages Of glad tidings 10 men like Bob Tngcrsoll,
aud do for the subversion Of church interests
In month than the best Of preaching can remedy
In year. u.