The American and Foreign Christian Union Volume 8 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1857 Excerpt: ...three faithful servants of Jesus Christ before the Tribunal de Jonsac, (Charente-Inftsrieure, ) which occupied three days. The party principally accused, M. Massy, Jr., a layman, was charged--1st, with having held a religious service in a private house without legal authorization; 2dly, with having spoken disrespectfully of the apostolic and Roman Catholic religion; and 3dly, with having insulted a priest salaried by the State. The second defendant, Mr. Ledoux, was charged with being present with M. Massy at his first-named offense; and the third defendant, Mr. Rambaud, was arraigned for suffering his house to be used on the occasion, though it appeared he was not at home at the time, and knew nothing of the matter till after it was over. In his defense, M. Massy showed, first, that the concourse of persons beyond the number of twenty (which made the meeting illegal) was not anticipated by him, and that it was beyond his control, having been occasioned by the curiosity of the people excited by the denunciations of the parish priest, who had proclaimed him from the altar a wolf and a demon. On the second charge, he clearly showed that he had said nothing in regard to the Romish religion beyond what was justified by the acknowledged rights of discussion. As to the third charge, it was proved that it was rather the priest who insulted him. A most admirable and eloquent plea, reported in full, was made for him by the Rev. E. de Pressensd, a minister of the Taithout chapel in Paris, who was permitted to speak in M. Massy's behalf. His plaidoyer shows that his eminent pulpit eloquence is not superior to his forensic ability. Two professional advocates also spoke with great energy and warmth in behalf of the defendants. In giving sentence, the court acquitted M. Ma...