The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1874-09-13

PLYMoUTH's PLAYFUL PASTOR The
press (outside of New York; is quite
generally coming to the conclusion
that Plymouth Church, headed by its
playful pastor. is not healthy religi
oas institution. The Boston Post,
paper that has taken decidedly con-
servative course in the Beecher busi-
ness, concludes long article by say
ing:
Thn prayer meetings, too, are far
from being an Insignificant feature in
this ecclesiastical comedy. Applause
prevents tho interest from fagging,
defamation and supplica,ion become
oddly confused, verdict is smuggled
into q prayer, and accusers are de-
nounced as oonspirators of the viper
family which the brethren at last have
got beneath their feet. The "prophet
OF the nineteenth century," who for
the vacation term only has consented
to take the part of a ''playful behe-
moth" laughs to soorn all imputations
aimed at himself. though as the New
York EUening Post says, ''many of
Beeoher's best friends doubt" until
Moulton's statement is decisively
solved, ''whether he is not occupying
q false position in the pulpit and in
society,"" Public Judgment, however.
shows symptoms of steadily settling
down, where the foundations are So
cure. The whirlwind is going by now,
but tho still. small voice is behind NIL
this roar. Society and public morals
do not yet exactly know how much
they are indebted to this still, small
voice. A good many people, still un-
infected with the idolatry of men and
money. that is 30 conspicuous in the
texture of Plymouth Church fellow.
chip, are silently putting to themselves
the question, what it all ministers
We're to pick their associates after this
free fashion, unbosom themselves to
'bleck-mailers" in closer confidence.
hang thus gratefully on the necks of
outside ''heathen," live in the power
of such great darkness" resort to
"devices to save themselves" call in
others to cite up threatening storms"
and plot and counterplot with nnbe-
levers to deaden the influence of
''deacons' meetings" and destroy the
''near and nt xt danger. the woman
how long could the church maintain
it's place and exert it's rightful force in
society, pleading for their playful pas
tors in the regular prayer meetings
that they sit "throned above their car
nal natu res" and that their ''great,
jocund strength" must be allowed,
like the behemoth, plenty of room for
play and recreation? Such honest
sonle, Heaven bless them still! are
much too serious for this world they
are in. They have not enough OF
''great jocund strength" in them.
They are too matter.o fact to compre-
bend the ''game" of employing Moul-
tons to help drop Tiltons from the
church rolls, and the frolicsomeness of
Introducing ''dear Won Moltke" as
side counsellor in Tending off the as
saulting criticisms of al ecclesinstical
council. They are too unsophisticated
to understand how such clerical sports,
ending over Il term of four years.
should have the effect to deepen and
strengthen pastors growth III spirit
nal life, so TINT plain, bnsiness-like,
consistent and terrific statement like
that of the friend who was confided in
until the very last moment, without o
reproach Of ''bIack-mail" to be heard
or seen anywhere. glances off like rain
from q tight roof, and only suggests
another character for hotel parlor
charade. This is, indeed, the mystery
OF mysteries. II Tilton aud Moulton
are inncrutable and hard to find out,
Plymouth Church and It's pastor
defy the most penetrating wit that
ever worked, or any problem, human
or divine.