I. Because, in fulfilment of my vocation as pastor and teacher, I had
reminded the episcopal candidates of their duty. Had I, perhaps, no
right to do so? Yes, it was my privilege and duty,--because I was,
and _still am_, a teacher of religion, and dare not as such betray the
truth, even to obtain thereby a rich living for my treachery. Or, are
the prebends of Breslau infallible? They are as little so as I or any
other man. If Dr. Ritter, and the other members of the Chapter, desire
to represent the Christian religion--that religion of which truth and
love are essential conditions--they must take courage to hear the truth
itself. If I spoke the truth, why was I smitten on the face? Was I,
perhaps, as chaplain, considered too insignificant an individual to
deserve such notice? I dare not suppose this of those whose duty it is
to teach and exemplify the doctrine--"We are all the children of one
father, we are all equal in the sight of God,"--and with whom, in
respect of ordination, I was on an equality. If, however, they have not
understood these words of the gospel, I shall shew that I at least have
comprehended them--for I shall not intermit my endeavours to arouse the
inferior clergy, oppressed and trampled on as they are, from their moral
wretchedness, ignominy, and bondage--because I know what they suffer and
how their hearts bleed, having bled and suffered with them.
I was besides deposed, because I had offended by my dress and the
cutting of ray hair, and because I had set dignity and decorum at
defiance in my performance of the priestly functions.
These accusations have been sufficiently exposed as untrue by the
Declaration of the town of Grottkau. Were they, however, in fact, not
altogether unfounded, (which they have been shown to be,) let them for
a moment be compared with the vicious practices of a no small portion
of the right reverend servants of the Pope, who, notwithstanding the
unanimous condemnation of public opinion, are left in quiet possession
of their offices!---- However painful it may be for me, and presuming
though it may seem to others, I cannot refrain from opposing my moral
character to the high station of those men, who are accustomed to refer
everything to mere sensuality, and to drag down all things into the
mire; and I demand, why was I not accused of drinking, gambling, or
of some particular crime!! Why am I not accused by the right reverend
Council of some negligence in the discharge of my duty? Did they ever
hear even one equivocal report in regard to my moral character!