As his Jesuitical plan of terrifying had not the effect which he probably desired, he tried other means to entrap me; and behold! a denunciation appeared to him likely to achieve his purpose. About a year before, it had been observed by a burgess nearly related to the priesthood, that I wore a shorter coat, and longer whiskers, than accorded with his orthodoxy, and he denounced me in consequence. Dr. Ritter had not delayed, from his giddy height of holiness, to set me right, in the genuine style of ecclesiastical dictation. I had replied to his communication in something like the following terms:--It would grieve me, by my external appearance, to give offence to any pious Christians, and I should gladly (though my present dress is exactly what I wore while in the Seminary) avoid it. I would indeed even relinquish my vocation were I considered unfit for it. I added at the close, that I might be able to exonerate myself in some particulars, but that I would not occupy, with such insignificant matters, his valuable time, which was doubtless demanded for the consideration of things of more importance.* Proceeding upon this, Dr. Ritter applied to Kaspar Hoffmann, clerical superintendent at Grottkau, and called upon him to report concerning me.** I had never interfered with this Kaspar Hoffmann. In money matters, usually an apple of discord between vicars and curates, I had allowed him to do as he pleased. He paid me only 32 dollars annually (16 were added by the town,) and derived handsome profits from offices, which I, perhaps, discharged for him,*** Still he would gladly have seen me removed, because we held opposite opinions, and I enjoyed the good-will of the community, which he seemed to grudge me. He truly reported the _crimina_, which he had perceived in me, and added, that he spoke the sentiments of _all_ the citizens, although, as it afterwards appeared, he had _two_ only on his side. * Dr. Ritter says In his lecture, when alluding to this occurrence, that he does not know whether I have vindicated myself. Very satisfactory! ** Kaspar Hoffmann showed me this application before my departure. *** Curate Pech, a learned, accomplished, and distinguished man, wearied with the long-protracted contest, had taken a curate and retired. **** From one dollar, which I received for reading the burial service, he deducted 10 silver groschen. May I ask whether an usurer takes so large a percentage, as such a curate from his chaplain?