  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. |
|
