AN OBSTINAIE SINGIST.

Dunstan Times, Issue 632, 29 May 1874, Page 3

AN OBSTINAIE SINGIST.

Something quite now in the annals of jurisprudence « incs to us from North Carolina. It is the report of a cause of “ The St.ve v. William Linkhaw, indicted for misdemeanour.” And amnions case itis. The unfortunate man was pr- secuted under the'st.V.iP 4 for “ disturbing a religious congregation.” .Sweet William is. it appears. a momner of the Methodist Church, an l is accustomed to sing after a fashion so retarded that “ at the end of each verse his voice is heard when all the other singers have ceased.” The effect of this was duplex. Half the congregation laughed, while the other moiety “ got m il.” The “ irreligious and frivolous ” also attended to enjoy the fin. The “ serious and devout” became indignant. Slid William would sing. Sometimes the preacher, for four of profane merriment, would order no singing at all. The presiding older refused

to preach in the church on account of William Linkaw’s had singing. Leading members of the assembly interfered and privately labored (with William, beseeching him to sing no mo?a. But he know his rights, and knowing dared maintain them. ■He didn’t appeal to the Personal Liberty .ill!—not he ! lie fell back noon his vested immunities as a Christian. He said, with a courage worthy of Martin Luther, that “ he'd worship God, and that as .a part .of In's wmrhin it was his duty to sing” And so he did; and with such dolibentiri that at the end of every verso he wn two and one-half bars behind Flesh and blind couldn't stand it. The eonstabli was sent for, who toot William into custody ; the grand jury indicted him ; the pj’fty jur/ found him guilty of singing out of time. He has appealed.