About the same time seventy Silesian curates inserted a most pathetic
article in "The Sion," and, in an address to Dr. Ritter, implored him
to call me to account, and, if I made any difficulty, to depose me. As I
afterwards learned, this address was not peculiarly well received at the
Chapter, but Dr. Ritter issued a letter of thanks.*
* "I thank you for the Declaration you have sent to me from
seventy clergymen, in regard to the affair of Ronge, and
request you hereby to express to them my acknowledgments and
thanks. The diocese of Breslau may rejoice (if Ritter
compose the diocese) that it possesses such a company (why
not flock!) of worthy young men in the vineyard of the Lord.
Chaplain Ronge is already suspended, and has been summoned
to the Seminary at Breslau. Should he offer any
resistance, I shall commission the Right Reverend Vicarial
Board to dismiss him, without further delay, from the
service of the Church.--Ritter.
"Breslau, Feb. 8, 1843.
"It is requested that the foregoing be forwarded to the
dear colleagues and subscribers of the Declaration against
Ronge.--Strzynby.
"Ratibor, Feb. 16, 1843."
I have not replied to these seventy brethren, because I heard that the
greater number had signed it from fear of Ritter; but I consider that
I have atoned for the neglect, seeing that whilst they, according to
promise, were probably praying for me, I worked industriously for them.