New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-06-24
MIR. BEECHER on ORTHODOX CHURCHES

MIR. BEECHER ON ORTHODOX CHURCHES.
And Mr.. Beecher has not very high re-
gard for the orthodox churches Of the land In his Lie
Thoughts" he says:
The most dangerous ndety OF DAY Is the ihnuen'y
OF rich and orthodox churches
Well we have great many OF that description IN our
vicinity and perhaps might imagine that the DC
nunciation Of the infdelty OF rich and orthodox
misunderstanding the orthodoxy-mght possibly Apply
to Plymouth Church But in this mode Mr. Beecher
denounces, as filed with practical inhdenty, tne
churches in which you are accustomed 70 worship III
this neighborhood-Dr storrss, DIR. Talmages, d.
Cuyler's, Dr. Van Dykes DIR. Budingtons Dr. Duryea's,
and the great churches in the City OF New-forX ihey
are rich and orthodox and the most dangerous nnoehy
of The day and the largest amount OF IT, according W
Mr. Beecher is to be found in those orthodox churches
It may possibly be the effect of their pure ana scs Or
thOdOxy. 49,
pon the subject of the thoughts and doctrines which
heone to Christian church. and the style OF teaching
and discpline appropriate their sacred and solemn
character and object Mr.. Beecher has very free ana
liberal notions. He says, in the first volume OF his ger
MONS" at page 4O6: -
II has been said that the pulpit ought not to be turned
into lyceum for the discussion of customs and policies
and such like topics, Anything that Ia rignt 10 tak
about at all, it is right to talk about In the pulpit
Well the church is not then, holy and sacred temple,
isolated from the practices and the thoughts and the dis
cussons OF the world, dedicated to the worship OF inc
Master to holy reflection to serious thought TO seex
animation and discipline 1t Is place where every
worldly topic may be considered and treated approprt
aely TO the OF the subject 1t not Christ God
mans snfulness, mans repentance, faith redempuoh
that are to be taught there it is all the vast variety
OF selfish and mercenary and temporary topics which
aeitate society," and which may properly be introduced
into the pulpit and discussed by the anonted minister OF
God. And may be permitted to say without onense,
that the practice of Mr. Beecher has very fuy accooea
with his theory; and the result which you would expect
to follow the desecraon OF Gods sanctuary has followed
in Plymouth Church 1t is not orderly spirbroken'
prayerfu worship; it is not service which holds up
Christ and Him crucied; but it is performance which
exhibits Beecher and him gorified. Throughout al MS
sermons arc scattered minutes Of noisy applause and
laughter During this month noticed June 1 report
Of Mr. Beechers sermon which there eighteen no.
tees OF laughter during the delivery OF his sermon
Mr. Fulerton-Laughter and applause
Mr. Beach-Yes; laughter and applause
Mr. Shearman-There was not any applause.
Mr. Beach-Whati
Mr. Observation-Disclosures shearman was asleep probably,
and didn't hear IT, Laughter
Mr. Shearman-I was there.
Mr. Beach-Of course my friend Sherman was there
and he was the loudest clapper In the congregation
[Laughter.l
Mr. shearman-That is perfectly true.
Mr. Beach-we know it true; or would not say It,
Mr. shearman-Because didn't do anything of that
kind, did anybody else.
Me- Beach-Now, gentlemen 1t Is the easiest thing In
the world for Mr. Beecher excite any passion or emo
ton OF our nature no matter what it is. He may make
himself the feeling, impressive teacher OF the great
doctrines and truths of relgon he may make him
self the most perfect humorist w.t. and comedian. All
the varieties human nature are open to his touc ana
he guides them with mastery hand But IL Is Ha1'er
of somewhat serious consideration whether this exhib
ton OF the various characteristics Of great man, In
ducing to amusement and frvoity in the church OF God
rather than to the cultivation OF that reverence and
worship which belong that sacred place, appropriate
TO character so great and magnificent as his Is repre-
scented to be.