The Press., 1892-06-09

ter of Wonderment that, on the one hand the penetration of her honorable counsel and the wisdom of the honorable court did not detect the false coin, or, on the other, that all lingering faith in her was effectually removed from the minds of those wAo were conversant with the char acter and daily life of herself and hus- band. That testimony made him to be a monster of iniquity. With few excep- tions it was in direct contradiction to statements PEeviously by Mrs. Fanny 0. Gleason as to her husbands character and conduct their domestic life, her own health, his health, matters of delicacy, the remembrance of her own feelings and actions and the causes thereof, and very many morp of the intricate details of their life together
 Now, in the face of this certain knowl- edge on the part of some, of earnest con- viction on the part of the remainder, in the face of the fact that, with few excep- tions, this very minority represented in your paper have, as individuals, expressed an aversion to, or distrust of, Mrs. Fanny 0. Gleason, up to a comparatively recent ,, date, do they deem the conscientious action of majority of their church "un- l charitable'' and; 'unehristian !'' To which side of our chuI Ich should the term "cred- ulous'' be applied? If this minority sincerely believe that their former pastor is the vile wretch that Mrs. Fanny c. Gleason has, in effect, publicly asserted him to be, if they sin J cerely believe that members of the church :, whose lives have long been in their sight, are perjurers, that well known members of the congregation are also perjurers, if they sincerely believe (since the decision of the coslrt) in, the purity, truth and sin eere christian character of Mrs. Fanny c. Gleason, then we respect their convic- tiOns and honor their courage, and the convictions and courage of their young representative.
 l We give all respect and honor to the motives of our present pastor, who, hav- l ing no personal knowledge of the circum- stances in this sad case, sought way for US out of our painful position. And we believe that he will also respect the mo- tives of that majority, who, while heart | lily desiring to abide by his judgment, could not consistently give any letter of recommendation whatsoever to a woman whom they honestly believe to be under the dominion of evil, and from whom no token of sincere repentance had come, either to the man she has so deeply | wronged, or to the church which she has certainly injured.
 Furthermore, while according to usage, the church may be criticised as to lack of discipline, is it not to it's credit that no nasty summons for the purpose was given Ms. Gleason, that time was allowed for the subsistence of undue excitement, and the consideration of, the matter in a just and 'dispassionate spirit?
 And, lastly, should Mrs. Fanny c. Gleason manifest the spirit of true peni- tence, and with sincere acknowledgment of sin, confess that sin before God, to her husband and to her church, this same "uncharitable and unchristian" majority will heartily give thanks and rejoice in the redemption of a soul. Webelieve that no dissenting voice will then deter it from most gladly and cheerfully recommending her to the csaistinn care, aoisdoms and fet- 1oaoshtp of any church to which she may desire a letter. MRS. w. c. PEAsE.