The Church Brawl Over a Knife

Ambrose Johnson was asked during special services this week to arise in the colored Baptist church in the suburb of Arlington and declare, in accordance with one of the strict rules of the church, that he was at peace with all the world. Ambrose wasn't, and refused to play the hypocrite by saying so, even though the minister, from the pulpit, commanded him to do so. Upon his refusal, Ambrose was asked to leave the church. He refused to do this, and the minister asked a number of the brethren to volunteer to eject him. There were half a dozen volunteers. Ambrose at first held onto the back of the pew, and this he drew a knife, it is said. For this he was arrested on the charge of displaying a deadly weapon and threatening. In police court yesterday, it was revealed Ambrose only drew his knife to cut off the hanging fingernails of his hands, which had been shivered by the brethren attempting to break his hold on the pew back. Police Judge Wildermuth dismissed him. And now the colored Baptist church at Arlington is split into factions over the question as to whether the rule in regard to standing up and declaring peace with all the world is supported by the scriptures.