New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-11
EXAMPLES OF CLERICAL DEPRAvITY.

But let us come to few more definite and
explicit instances of this fal!iby of human nature,
it exists in the pulpit and among rcligionists.
The Rev. Joy II. Farchild. leading Congregational
pastor in Boston, after honorable service in the pulpit
many years. became involved in difficulties with his
congregation in consequence OF his intercourse with its
female communicates He left Boston and was settled
at Exeter probably in consequence Of these runOrs and
which followed him 10 that place. He was accused Of
seduction and trial before council letter read
to the council In which Mr. Farchild admitted that he
had bound the girl by solemn oath to deny
that she ever knew him. The Council inclined and
did give Mr. Farchd the benefit Of the doubt, and he
was not convicted. He aftorward attempted to preach
in Boston, but met with success, was there openly
charged by paper with the crime the 0ense Of adul-
terry and he brought action Of libel against the pub
Usher, and defeated full trial Of all the circum
stances upon justification OF the alleged libel and upon
the proofs with additions, substantially which
presented to the council OF his brethren and whO the
report says, gave him the benefit of their doubts
The Rev. DR.. Fay, who pastor of the first church
in CharlestOwn near Boston, and whom, the gentleman
who gives these minutes states stood eminent and
as popular In Boston Dr. Storrs In BrOOklyn-tbat Mr.
Beccher never stood higher in the estimation, Of
his devoted adhercnts in this city, than did this gentle
man in his pastOrae. After settlement Of 25 years,
attended with great popularity aud with great efficacy
In the effect of his preaching, rumOrs of adultery and
fornicaon began circulate aud he denied the charge,
and took oath that he was innocent He was arragned
aud put trial. and he beloved and popular,
the case at the time attracted such intense interest,
that all the prominent citizens OF all the professions
became involved in the exaInination-the Attorney
General Of the Stateal the digntares of the State.
The trial prOtraeted long, but proof OF the direct
act adduced proof of any confession. The evil
dence depended entirely upon rumors and slight
cumstances and 1t thought insufficient TO justify
verdict Of guilty; and committee appointed to
bring in the result OF the determination Of the church
udicat0ry and this committee through their clerk. who
was friend OF Mr.. Fay. ho awaiting the result
deliberations Of his Judges sent that clerk Mr. Fay
with the direct information that the Judgment
favorable him; and the committee determined to
verdict of acquittal and they did but
their report, and in the Judgment which thoy
mended for adoption, II was stated that the Court had
examined ell the ruinors and charges. Well, there
conscientious upon the tribunal, and onc of
them says cannot sign that report All the rumors
and charges made against the accused have been
amined !" and he named one. Let make a clear
casc said another Lot adjourn and have this spec
ncaton examined and looked to- and then conci
eniiOusy sgn this proposed result" Well, Mr. Fay
then notified Of the turn which the thing had taken,
and he sent for the clerk and told him TO inform the
brethren to adjourn, that he had communication
make and In 10 minutes lie sent for tine clerk again and
handed to him written and a full confession of the
charge that made against him. The new
matter, 1t turned OUT which DIR. Hooker, who
d,ssepted from signing the report first brought
An nv the Committee would have disclosed only his
turntude but would have exposed him to q criminal In
and he heard the declaration OF
General OF the state that the evidence justified It,
before the church udicatOry. he would that no
IN c;od by tho Stato And upon that confession, under