The New York herald., 1870-06-12
Henry Ward Beecher on the Religious Char
ncter of the Late Charles Dickens.

To THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD:-
Ever since you commenced your missionary work
OF trying to Chr .sanlze domestic heahens or civil
lized sayages have been most attentive reader
not only of your own advanced opinions, but or
those truth seeking AMI liberal differences which you
have encouraged in your enlightened congregation
enlightened because charitable, and willing in the
spirit o, love- enter the lists Of argument in order
that the truth may be eiced from the very rubbish
OF the Dark Ages.
Since your last weekly discourse great man has
disappeared from our midst. In due and proper
time not only England, but America, VIII pay the
merted homage which his name and works demand
the hands ofcivlizaton. To-day the sombre clouds
above US are In keeping with the funeral sadness Of
the earth, and the heavens weep at the c0ntempla.
tion OF Of the greatest and best OF the Of
men laid low in the charnel house of mortality. All
nature is sad not that the change can imperil his
immortality shadow the splendor Of his name, but
that in being taken away from our visible midst
the fondes memories OF our natural affections are
sympathising with themselves at the sudden death
OF the forgotten, 1lIStriOus friend OF hu
manity Charles Dickens. His name and his memory
need no eulogiums in religious intelligence. Time
gave him birth, eternity Will celebrate the event.
He rests from his labors his works Will follow on for
ever; the centuries VIII strew immorelles on his
grave and the child OF sorrow in all ages will keep
his memory green. But not In praise OF Dickens
am writing 10 you, my dear religious editor, and
through you, reading to your readers the worlds
funeral service az the grave Of his body, but as a
simple, humble believer in the principles of a love
thai shines not alone into the hearts of men who
boast, and proudly boast, geographical location
that Is blessed by the higher wisdom OF the nine
teenth century, put shines with equal benefcence
on all parts OF Gods created universe.
would feeby but earnestly raise my voice against
that pharisacal cant which takes upon itself to be
the censor OF every noble name that the banks OF
the cold river seeks passage TO the unknown world
beyond. My text is taken from the remarks OF the
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, at the Plymouth prayer
meeting Oh Friday night-the evening OF the day on
! which the news reached us thai Dickens was nc
longer an inhabltant oil the world Of physical ndi-
! yduaiity. Than no ono enertans higher admira.
| ton for the name OF Beecner; but as religious
| teacher and critic am sometimes inclined to think
that he himself travels and trespasses too much on
his reputation OF to-day, an abuse OF which Will not
add 10 the halo that might otherwise surround his
name when he too shall have gone the way OF all the
earth.
The remarks OF Mr.. Beecher to which / alude
| appeared in yesterday mornings papers.
Ire as yet "the dust has returned TO the earth 81
| II was, poor Dickens soul is made the subject u
| flyln0uth theological assay. Mr.. Beecher In tn'
prayer meeting, not contened with leading tn'