The Grange advance., 1874-07-01

the following as an extract from Il doc
ument signed by Mr.. Beccher, Brook
lyn, Jan. /, 1871:
1 ask Theodore Ti.ton's forgiveness
and humble myself before him as dc
before my GOD. He would have been
a better man in my circumstances thai
l have been. lean ask nothing except
that he will remember al! the other
breasts that would ache. l will not
plead for myself. I even wish that
was dead.
(Signed. Il. W. BErcr1En-
e cher Interviewed.
NE" York $pecia! tJa1e :6> Chicago Times. |
The Friday evening prayer meetings are az
INSTITUTION Of Plymouth church, and Mr Eeecher
generally presides. Hc c,u-ncd from his farm
AT pcek>kil! to-day, ara this evening conducted
the prAye! meeting. TIE audience was large,
bu! the ed dee was not crowded. There was
large tpri. king OF curious strangers and 8
goodly representation Vi the equally curious
eemi-fa1hfu} OF Brcoklya, who are not etran-
gers to the charms of Mr. Beecher's ministrs-
tious. A considerable number Of those pres
ent were in eager expectation that Mr.. Beccher
wolld make some reference to the recent
charges Of Tilton, but he said lot u word on
the subject.
After the prayer meeting your correspondent
had an interview With the brilliant pastor of
Plymouth church. Strol1ing along on the way
to the meeting of the examiners, Mr.. Beechec
said he had made up his mind that he ought to
take no notice whatever OF the recent state-
ments published by Mr.. Tilton. Taking the
writer's arm, and speaking frankly aud forci.
hly Mr. Rerchar 6o not f,)au,a NJ
Tilton. The whole affair is the fault of med
ding eccleaiasiCs, and do not feel that am
bound to crafty them o. the general public by
noticing Mr. Tilton$ statement. l have Z large
church under my care, and owe duty to my
congregation first. Eesides,'' said Mr..
Beecher, s.nilin. = g! am member of the
press, and my paper requires considerable at
ten'ion from me-
The writer suggested that unfortunately,
there was much in what was recently made
public by mir. Tilton whc . though not con-
elusive in itself, nigh: be snstrued in a worse
sense against MI. Beecher, and might seriously
affect his power for good among his congrega-
ton.
Mr.. Beecher- -(esrnestly)-Ah' yes. that is
true. l do not pledge mvse;t to remain silent
in view Of developments that may possibly
arise, and even now speak only my personal
VIEWS when l say am disposed to make no
reply. MY course, however, VIII depend largely
0, what course the examiners of Plymouth
church may think it best for ne to take II
they deem it for the good oc the congregation
and Of religion that should speak out in reply,
l shall do so promptly and unr,;s akablv, and
will Eut in ite true light much that thought
best to pass over in spirit Of Christian
charity.
Reporter-Do you intend to notice this mat
ter IN your paper>
Mr.. Beecher-No; I don't think ought to
enter into any newspaper controversy. [ must
say frankly that very much admire The tone
and temper in which the press generally has
dealt with this matter. It is sad thing that
| this matter, which is mainly personal one,
both as regards Mr. Tilton, myself, and others,
should be dragged forth to satisfy the prur;-
| ency OF come of the public.
Then Mr.. Beecher said: "ront you think I
| am right:''
Newspaper rivalry seems to have been the
chief original cause Of al this Tilton- Beecher
| scandal. One brother, Mr.. Bowen, who owns
| The Ln&spendent newspaper, is jealous of the
| Christian Union, edited by Beecher. Bowen
! removed Tilton from the editorship of the Znde-
| pendent, and subsequently from the Brooklyue
! Union, and has since bounded him down az
much as possible, and taurted him in regard t.
! this Plymouth church scandal Tlton Gays
himself: II have long borne unjust aspersions.
I ana public man, and find must, in justice ia
| myself, undertake my own defense"