introduced, so as to make the story clear. But those persons who have acted so conspicuously, and so pertinaciously, cannot object to the public honor which always follows a laborious duty. Some will ask, what good will such an alternative do? I answer, I intend to show that I have not been the cause of those agitations, which have made the First Presbyterian Church of Elmira a by-word and a hissing throughout the Southern tier. I may have been the innocent occasion, but not the cause. I mean to show that the people have not been the cause, but that, in all cases, they and their Pastor have been drawn into trouble by a small faction, who have succeeded, along with the Presbytery of Chemung, in breaking a bond that was firmly knit, and which nothing but death was likely to sever. I have no intention of entering into argument. I shall tell a plain story, and keep as much as possible to documentary authority, so that all may judge for themselves. I shall not enter into secret motives at present, but keep much that I have in possession for future use, in case some responsible person may think it best to review this narrative.
Especially, I expect great fault to be found with my mentioning the name of Doctor Beadle so prominently, and so frequently. But my friends, and the Doctor’s friends, need not be uneasy: he loves to be before the public in this matter. He says, “I have done God service.” Let it be told to the world, that he has succeeded, after nine and a half years’ hard work, in separating a Pastor from his people. He thinks God will reward him for it. He believes that the old people of the congregation will, through life, thank him for it. He expects, as he walks along the streets of Elmira, on to old age, that the citizens will hold up their hands, and say, “God bless you for that noble perseverance you showed in ridding us of that man.” Yes he expects to give a good account to his Master, and my Master, when we meet together in judgment; and why should he, or his friends, find fault with my associating his name with my name in one small pamphlet, so that we shall go down to posterity in the same boat? For, whatever may be said of Doctor Beadle’s motives and manner in this struggle, all must acknowledge him to be constant, unwavering and undying in his dislikes; so that such persons as admire the Indian’s untiring disposition, have a perfect example in my opponent. And here let such as fret at “Scotch obstinacy,” remember the nine and a half years of unceasing labor, used against the will of the majority, where they had law and gospel, with public feeling on their side. Therefore, in showing forth the obstinacy of a factious leader, I have no apology to offer. If the history be written at all, I might as well leave out my own name as to leave out Doctor Beadle’s.
When Andrew Jackson resolved to remove the deposits from the United States Bank, he, toward the close of the controversy, gave but one reply to all who would argue with him:
“They shan’t take the people’s money to break down the people’s government,” “They shan’t,” etc.I am come to one answer here, and that I shall reiterate throughout this letter and through life.
