New-York tribune., 1871-04-22
IN HOUR WIIH BEECHER.


'UOOsIERs-"TOo ORTHODOX"-THE FATHER
OF FLORICULTURE'--TRANsLA TO BROOK
LYN-METHOD OF MINISTERIAL woRK-HoW
TO BUILD UP A CHURCH.
TO the Editor Of The Tribune
SIR: The prevalent notion about Mr.. Beecher
is that like John the Baptist, he came into the world
preaching and teachingready equipped for his great
ministry Mr. Beecber. the contrary, is but another
Illustration the achievements Of industry and PATIENCE
aided by natural parts and noble purpose once TOOK
occasion ask him the method OF his striking out ana
how he became identified with radicalism In politics and
nberality in religion During the whole period OF my
eleven years ministry in the West" said the pastor of
Plymouth Church, felt my way sounding and testing
my own powers When began the real work OF
the minstry-after my graduation from Lane sem
mary, Ohio-good old Father Hughes as he was
known all over the Sate-a rigid Presbyterian-
examined Inc before my ordination, and pro
nounced me stiny orthodox in fact, "a leetle tother
way, was thrown over into the Congregational camp
in his way" continued Mr.. Beecher; began WORK at
Lawrenceburg the Indiana side OF the ono RIVER
The great ferment the Abolition question had not
then broken into open divisions but 1t soon came,
and was read out Of the Old School body because
sympathzed with the rather antSavery position OF the
New School and with their plea larger personal free
dom in regard TO doctrine. Removed 10 indianapolis
exercised q considerable amount OF caution wanted
to hold what gained. did great deal OF preaching;
and for recreation read great deal on gardening ana
have and INDUCED, at the time my taste in gar
dening."
may here mention that friend in Indianapolis,
speakng of Mr. Beecher's work in that city, told me
that much Of the beauty OF that handsome city was due
10 Beecher, who regarded as the father OF gar
denng and Horticulture in that place. Mr. Beecher con-
tnued 81 thus always tried by due and faithful
attention to both and recreation to keep the
balance between my physical and mental energies.
hold that there must careful proportion maintained
between these two. the man, however great his
strength may be, will soon break down.
"In indianapolis the people would stand some
blazing out on ntemperance and the grosser habits of
society but on Slavery felt that had prepare the
way During the Winter, when the Legislature was In
session. about the year 1874 1885, was believe, the
first minister speak out that subject in the State Of
Indiana and that did, though quite indirectly at the
outset gave notice of series OF discourses upon the
Life and Times Of Moses. During this was
careful not aude to American Slavery once; and yet
there was not a line Of argument used In its defense,
which did not trench and combat according to the
principles laid down in the Scriptures. put the words
entirely into the mouths Of Egyptians on the one hand
and the Israelites the other You old fool fan
ced was the line of remark In Pharaohs court, why do
you come up herei Why don't You 60 down there ana
help the slaves, If you mean to do anythingP
al knew very well that must get the conviction
right Just the power belonged; and that was In
the North After Of my lectures, Kentucky dea-
con came up. / a thundercloud he was hot-in
fact he was hie mad; but when he pushed up 10 let
ny the righteousness of his position seemed to flash
across his mind, and he burst out into good, hearty
laugh saying, Well you have got us this time That
was syly done. II is the impression of some people
understand that pursued similar course OF prepara-
ton for my radical utterances when came to Brooklyn.
But such was not the case. When accepted the call to
that little Congregational body, and came to Brooklyn
in October lsl determined to fling down the gauntlet
at There lot OF empty seats and the people
were beginning to come in. Now, did not want any
man to come in deceived. / wanted disturbing ele
ment to creep In and settle itself to weaken in the
future wanted every hearer TO know just where I
all the radical Issues Of the day. What building
up was be done, wanted 10 be all OF consistency,
and in harmony therefore flung out, right and left,
and spoke my mind There several seasons OF the
year when made it special point to be combative.
Just before eectonday Of these. But 1t had
the effect of wedding out every man who was not ready
to 20 the whole figure and keep with us.
"As to the expediency OF this method" Mr.. Beecher
continued in to a question my part 81 think
that much depends upon ones ntuitions; he must not
DO as other does but must judge Of himself of
his people, OF the times and adapt his to the
dtoDs. He must not compromise his principles but he
may have to question himself, his powers, and feel
his way As TO the question frequently asked me,
whether American ngregations are not too exactng,
and whether conscientious minister can hope to sus
tain himself II he undertakes to meet the requirements
OF the pulpit and OF pastoral work. have this to say
The pastor cannot hope TO do both Every man has just
70 much force. Now AZ he expends all that in
sermon composition, in pulpit efforts then goes
meet the demands upon his sympathy In his parish
he will certainly break down. No man can long sustain
both up the level Of the best OF which he Is capable
know that In my own experience two visits OF condo
lence where heavy draughts are made upon my sym
pathlea really exhaust much as preaching ser
mon OF mn hours length In my own congregation par0
chia work s done mainly by proxy ny our deacon ana
elders Committees. and our sunday school workers.
man who out his strength Tor the pulpit OuRht not
10 undertake, with all the other demands upon h, TO
20 and exhaust himself second time In pastoral
labors As 10 objection that minister cannot know
how or what preach 10 people whose needs he mas no
idea Of from personal Intercourse with them, answer
that do know their needs and troubles. How Don't
suppose that there s enough talking done III every
Church 10 reveal the condition OF the Ock III comes 10
by report by letters IN fullest evidence Ahd then
II could 80 from 4ousc to house, shoaln s, n nave M
reports as my guide When man breaches largely OUT
of his own and experience ne must pfeacn
very largely 10 human nature, touchlhE IL ID great
many points 20 It's sorrows and needs
To another inquiry Of mine he REPLIED ~ great ueai
IL said In these days about mission WORK ana reaching
the IIusscs. Now 10 win aud interest the people 10
whom missions are addressed, would have Things AT
rctiyc but not cxtravHgant as 10 make thei pam
fully feel the contrast OF their condition compared with
that OF the rich. Take plymouth Brthtl, Ior III
stance. ! would have 10 place where even the worst
would feel ut home. would not, however, as cohse
queBce. urge undlscrimnatinR social rccoenUoh' ~
would not be either pleasant pronDle 10 e people
who attend 10 ones sell, In this country, whcic
there egalized and artificial distinctions people
ton and claims, and this feeling must be respected IN
The church, you may have your 'socabes Tor here u
Is quite different from the private house, ana Ill may
meet upon equality.
In respect tonterature would exclude, as We do
not from our Bethel periodicals which are Interesting 10
men who sun all that serious aud spiritual We nave
Ielueht Illustrations Of the Importance Of getting hol
OF men on their own plane, and lifting them up after
nhvln1 nrst secured their iuortSt respect bOr