New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-03-05
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
LYMAN REECHER.


Prsrnsa In vols Vol ]. limo. W. 5o3 harper
Brothers
The interes. of this volume consists quite as
much in its quaint pictures Of the "homespnn
,se' of Connecticut as in its presentnent of the
character of tho very remarkable man whom
Il commentaries In the properse sense Of the term,
it can scarcely be called an Autobiography" the
title "Reminiscences would be more appropriate;
f.. il contains no narrative Of the life OF Dr. Beech
or written by himself; but is composed Of o series
of fracmentary recollections pnrposely drawn out
nv his children In the course of familiar converse
tions at an advanced period of his career. Scanty
iustice. in our opinion, is done to the uncommon
qualities of mind and character exhibited by the
great champion OF orthodoxy in Ncw-England-
the hon-hke vigor of his Vill-the tenacious grasp
with which he siezed the objects of faith-the
stringent logic with which he pursued bis convic-
lions into the sphere Of practical religious lfethe
boldness and originality of his images from the
material world-the sublime audacity with which
be flung the banner OF the Lord TO the breeze IN
the presence of the enemy and the stout defiance
with which he loved 10 grapplc with the devil and
Ill bis works Still, enough is set down IN this
volume 10 give us an inkling Of the wonderful old
nan,-to make us aware of the presence Of sin
eulary rich, genial, juicy vital, vascular nature,
70 which the Divine Benignity had been lavish in
sndowments far beyond the usual measure.
The Beecher family for many generations seem
70 have presented, by anticipation, powerful exam
pies of muscular Christianity" The Doctor him
self, to be sure, not remarkable for stalwart
sthevs and sinews;" il was only as an intellectual
athlete that he could have all the honors Of the
Pancratium; but his ancestors were men Of Drawn
and physical might, such as are seldom seen in
these days Of tangled nerves and sour stomachs.
His great grandfather could lift barrel of cider
and drink out OF the bung-hole, without winking;
his grandfather not quite SO strong, being only
able to lift barrel of cider into cart, though he
vas six feet high, and knew how TO strike sturdy
blow on the anvil as q blacksmith. The father of
Lyman was short; "stubbed" as it were; but could
lift barrel of cider and carry it into the cellar;
blacksmith also. He lived well and laid up four or
five thousand dollars, very pretty fortune in those
DAYS. There was a rage for mahogany chairs among
"genteel" people; but he never got beyond cherry.
He knew great deal more than TO blow and smite.
Ee vas one OF the best read men in Ncw-Engiand.
He was familiar with astronomy, geography, and
history was fond of politics, and Ike good Chris
tan was an attentive reader of the only newspaper
then published in Nev-Hayen. Though he had
fine memory for facts, be rather sbsent-minded,
end would sometimes como in from the barn and sit
down or his coat-pocket full Of eggs, much 10 the
discontinue Of his tidy and order-loving wife. He
was married five times. and had twelve children.
Lyman had narrow escape at the very time of
hi4birth. His mother died Of consumption two
GAYS after he was born, and ne was sueh puny lit
Gle wretch, thai the good women in attendance
thought il was no 10 try 10 raise him. So he
was wrapped up and laid aside. After while one
Of the danes of the household thought she would
look and see if lie was alive. and finding he was de-
cidad TO wash and dress him, though under protest
that ait was pity he hadn died withhs mother.
He was now taken 70 be brought up by one OF his
mothers sisters, and was removed from New
Haven TO Guilford. His uncle was thriving
farmer and young Lyman was soon put to hoelng
corn, raking hay, pulling fax, washing and shearng
sheep, and other outdoor labOB adapted TO his
Age.
The style of living was a paragon OF simplicity.
The mother of the family with the assistance OF
neat-handed Annis got breakfast very early. II
was frst served Oh wooden trenchers; when they
began to grow in worldly thrift, on pewter dishes;
ct last as a browning glory, earthern ware. The
neal consisted of rye bread, fresh butter, buck
wheat cakes, and some variety Of the old Connec'
ticut pie, which yet wears its traditional fame.
After the dishes were washed, Annis and Lyman
helped the good "house mother milk the COWS.
Then the women-kind made cheese, and spun TIL
dinner. The sayory board smoked with salt
PORK, vegetables, and pies, corned beef ALSO on
Sundays, never-failing Indian pudding boiled till
Il vas hard as cannon ball, and red as the nslng
sun. The evening spent in visiting, quiet chst
and telling stories around the huge hreside, with
the rerreshment of apples and cider. On Sunday
nights the boys went ACQUIRING
Lyman got his first tineture OF learning IN one OF
The district schools Of the town. The schoolhouse
was great barn Of place, with desks around, and
Q hong desk through the center. The fireplace took
In wood cart length, and it was hot enough at that
end 10 roast an OK, while at the distance OF a few
seats the teeth of the children Chartered with cold
and the ink froze in the pen. At home they always
had family prayers, and the Bible was read every
morning. His aunt became pious when Lyman was
about ten years old. The minister was one Par
son Bray" who came TO visit the newborn soul,
and talked about inability" but the youngster
never heard him preschs sermon that he understood.
This same Parson fitted boys for college, and had
Lyman for pupil-a prosperous farmer withal,
keeping two slaves to till his lands and abundance
Of cattle and hogs-but gave himself little trouble
about his clerical duties. When the ministerial
association net at lis house, they were accustomed
70 dine al Aunt Benton's." AS soon as she saw