THE TWO PULPITS.
-VARIOUS modes have been discovered for carrying on religions controversy : the denizens of Modern Athens show favour to a very piquant kind. Two gentlemen entertained scruples as to the payment of "ministers' money "—an infelicitous impost to which Edinburgh is subject—and rather, than pay, suffered their goods to be taken by distraint. The controversy was thus trans. tarred to the auction-room, and thence adjourned to the street. Great numbers shared in it—far more than those who are called upon to pay the tax ; so that they must have interposed from sheer enthusiasm in theological polemics. They opened their case with groans and abusive words; which failed, however, to convince the auctioneer. Seeing that new efforts were required for the vindication of civil, and religious liberty, the Voluntaries resorted to spitting; and it was truly affecting to see large numbers of earnest and religious men thus draining their constitutions for the purpose of enforcing their spiritual views. Although wickedly hardened against that softening appeal, the auctioneer now became alarmed, and tried to retreat : whereupon his religious instructors proceeded to knock his hat over his eyes and to pummel him with their fists. The hat process in London is called " bonneting " ; and it used to be much employed by young men about town, who practised it upon watchmen : but, of course, the process entirely changes its character when it is sanctified by a religious purpose ; and their chastening of the auctioneer only proved their Christian love. An unholy soldiery was called out to protect the auctioneer; and by help of such means the distraint was enforced. So the two conscientious persons who were happy enough to he the originators of the commotion had the advantage of paying the impost, not in shillings, but in household furniture; a substitution presumed to be gratifying to their religious feelings, though not recommended by pecuniary economy. A good deal of damage was done incidentally, and several rioters were cast into prison ; so that if the recusants have paid the value and somewhat more, they have had their revenge--on their own friends ; which is also consolatory to the pious mind. But true virtue never goes unrewarded.
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