New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-10-21
THE NEWS OF BROOKLYN.
SAID HIS WIFE HAD A DEVIL
THE REV. MR. ASTONS STRANGE FANCY
CAUSED NO END OF TROUBLE.

HIS HOME WAS BROKEN UP AND HIS PAsToRATE
RESIGNED AS THE RESULTS OF HIS AL
LEGGED DECLARATION TO MRS. ASTON
The Windsor Terrace Methodists grew cold tow
ard and refused to support their pastor. the Rev
Henry T.. Aston, because Of the old clergy man
trea tment of his wife. The fact did not leak out
until Yesterday. and might not have become Known
at all hut for the fact that Mr. Aston resigned MS
pastoratc day last week The circumstances
surrounding the case are SO unusual AS 10 Jus'H?
the prediction that at the next meeting OF the
New-York East Conference. In April next, Mr..
Aston will be "superanEuated" that Is. placed on
the superannuated list of worn out or inefficient
ministers with small annual stipend TO keep him
comfortable during the remainder of his life
Mr.. Aston and his wife lived unhappiy together.
and about three months ago their relations be-
came so strained that she went to her friends ard
he went off to the camp-meetng at Sing Sing.
The members Of the Windsor Terrace Church
saw that coldness existed between the couple
and grew res'ive under 1t. Mr. Aston. failing to
receive the support of his parshioners. finally took
up MS abode in the tower Of the church in a single
room. He preached twice after he had
taken this step. hui his congreCaton became scat
tered. Some of them knew of the real reason for
the estransement between the old clergyman and
his wife. but II was not rosed about until yester-
day.
According 10 the story Of the trouble as learned
yesterday, one day last summer the minister
startled and angered his wife by addressing her
substantially as follows Coed wife. bear with
me while perform Christian duty. I desire to
apprise you Of the fact that you are possessed Of
devil. This is a matter Of great concern 10 you
and of profound eiief TO NE intcrfering. IS 1t
does, with my spiritual mcdita,ions. The New Test
ancnt tells us Of how people had devils east out
of them. ! feel that YOU are possessed to-day OF
devil. even as the woman In the New Testament.
II served TO rend and tear her and your devil robs
you of your sweetness Of disposition and makes
life a burden to those who have to live With you
or you. Now wei have ii season of prayer
together and see if the devil can be east out
Reluctantly the indignant wife knel, with her
husband. il is said. Vile ne Informed the Deity
that his wife not only possessed Of a devii but
that IL was a very large one. This went Oh every
day for a week or two, II is said TIL" climax came
one morning at about o'clock. when the minister
aWokc his VIE from sound sleep telling her
:hat II would be well for both OF them 20 have
season OF prayer for the casting out Of the alleged
devil Mrs. Aston angry II is said. that size
slapped her husband in the face The church peo-
pie became indignant too. and sided with the wife.
The Rev Mr.. Aston's brethren in the ministry
think that he showed decided lack Of common
sense in holding that Mrs Aston. who Is apparent
y a good. sensible woman. was possessed of a
devil any demonlike propensity. Mr. Aston Is
regarded level-headed man all topics but
the PERSONAL---VERY. idea with reference to his wifc's