"Act resolutely! If you be the author of the article, answer, like a man, 'Yes I am,' and submit to reproof (indeed!). If you be not the author, answer also in that case like a German man (even this chord the Church does not disdain to strike!)—'No, I am not.' If your time permits, pray visit me for a few hours. Things are more easily explained when face to face. You have no time to lose, as I learn from a sincere and honest friend in Breslau.
"Only believe that I love you sincerely while giving you this advice. Should you consider me mistaken or shortsighted, I cannot help it. You may, in time, be convinced that these lines are dictated by the purest and most anxious affection. God be with you, and with your sincere friend.
"SCHNEEWEISS.
"Neisse, January 12th, 1843."
THE SEVENTY CURATES
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.