The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1863-05-31

Mr. Hewett then announced that certificates would be
delivered TO the various classes during the week. and ar
ter the remainder OF the programme had been finished the
exercises closed with benedlctfon
Rev. III. w. Beecher on for Europe.
PLYMOUTH CHURCH DOWN THE BAY-A GRAND Ex-
oURsI0S, ETC.
For the last week the members Of Plymouth church
Brooklyn and the friends and admirers Of Rev
Henry Ward Beecher have boon In FOYER OF excitement
In consequence OF the contemplated departure of that dis
tinguished gentleman on four months European trip
Mr.. Beecher preached both morning and evening on
Sunday last to an immense multitude, the evoning
discourse being an interesting review OF tho
history or the Plymouth church during tho six
teen years OF hts pastorate. He vindicated the
course he had taken upon the great public questions Of
the Time and stated that by far tho largest number
sermons which he preached aimed directly for tho
conversion OF to Christ In referring to hts depar
ure from them for brief season. he said that although
he loft his native land at time Of great connection no
had strong faith In the final Of the Union cause,
and that, although his object In crossing the Allan.
tic was to seek repose from his arduous pulpit and
editorial labors. yet IL fitting occasion presented
itself where no could do the Of country and Of
human liberty any service he would not be found rest
ing, but working.
At the conclusion OF the religious services on Sabbath
evening those members OF tho congregation who could
not Mr. Beecher during the week passed by the pulpit
and took leave Of him; but the majority Of his friends
chose 10 avail themselves Of favorable and plea
SAINT opportunity OF parting with their pastor n
nounced that grand excursion 70 escort Mr..
Beecher down the bay Saturday and that steamboat
had been chartered for the purpose So eager the
members Of the church TO obtain tickets that the sexton
was applied 10 on sabbath the number being limited to
On Tuesday the children Of the Sabbath school
nected with Mr. Beecher's church made him a peripa.
n his nd
literally covered the front OF his house with choice
flowers He appeared the balcony and expressed his
pleasure at Witnessing such beautiful spectacle But
the grand ovation came of yesterday. IN the shape
OF monster excursion down the bay. The steamer
the Merrmac, large and commotious boat which for
mery ran 10 New Orleans and which Is far superior to
after ten O'Clock Mr. Beecher arrived in carriage at the
foot o. Montague street. accompanied by his family The
Heights" 10 the Immediate vicinity Of the dock were
covered with people, the majority VI whom were ladies'
and the steamer moved away Mr. Beecher who stood
at the side OF the vessel bowed repeatedly In response
10 the cheers OF the and the waving OF handker-
chiefs by the ladies' Soon after Mr. Mecher got board
he walked round the steamer aud received the congratu
his friends and exchanged friendly intercourse
with them. Indeed the most democratic individual on
board Mas the almost dozed pastor OF Plymouth church
fine brass band dscoarsed several popular airs which
contributed not little TO the pleasure Of the trip.
There over fifteen hundred people on board the
Merraac and as there was another steamer chartered
for the occasiou-the Jesse Hoyt is fair TO suppose
That the remaining thousand who make up the usual
Sabbath congregation Of Plymouth church that
boat INC excurslons's appeared 70 enjoy themselves
staten Island they manifested the usual symptoms Of sea-
sickness. and consequently were less inclined to converse
than when they started Although Mr.. Beecher was sur
rounded by his friends 10 be supposed that In
large company could DO found who did Dos enter
tain such enthusiastic admiration for him public
his deyotees cherish Our reporter convinced
OF this fact circumstance that occurred Under his i'm
mediate Observation. While two attaches Of the boat
inquired Of his companion II strong enough to bear
tn thai fnntf 1ro clar
does 20 10 the bottom"
About hall past twelve when OF Sandy hook, violent
storm, with thunder and lightning, experienced,
reminding Of the tempestuous manifestations OF ec
quent denuncatons OF tho peculiar institution which
WHINE the storm continued the company entertained
themselves according 70 their tastes Some laughed and
s"d e gsH sHGd bany e on
apple tree" and other popular pieces whHe select Few
Joined 10 the merry dance the band furnishing tho music
little before two O'Clock the City Of Baltimore ap
peared sight, and In few minutes she neared the Mer
rimsc boat was In readiness 70 convey Mr. Beecher
lowered down, amid the cheers Of his parshon-
ers. lie hold beautiful bouquet In his hand,
which he seemed 70 prize highly; The , passengers se
Mr. Beecher got board be was received with great on
thusasm, and doubt he will prove genial associate
on tho voyage, II not afflicted with seasckpess. Con-
siderable delay occason9d by quito number OF per
CONS including ladies' having 70 be transferred from the
Baltimore Merrimac but when they were aksn on
board both steamers got fairly under weigh aud seei in
close proximity each other the excursionts all tho
while cheering Mr. Beeeher. Many q them slnPei We
view Of the After sailing together for shoft no
the Baltimore turned eastward, while the herrmhc
rounded the Hook and steered towards home, arriving
at Brooklyn about Ave O'Clock
The excursion under the immediate supervision OF
the trustees II tho church, and IL was owing 20 their
energy and business talents that nothing occurred 10 mar
the pleasure of the occasion II Is understood that Prof.
r ymond aud the Rev. Mr.. Holmes win be Nj beechers
travelling compaIfns and rumored yesterday that
was by means certain that he win return Ia four
months.