New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-02-27
LOCAL MISCELLANY.

MR. BFFCHER REFERRING TO HIS POSITION.
FRIDAY NIGHT TALK AT PLYMOUTH CHURCH oF
UNUSUAL INTHREsT-THE PASTOR SPEAKS
BRIEFLY OF HIS AFFLICHoN-Hls FREkpoM
FROM ANXIETY.
The regular Friday night prayer meeting was held
last evening in the lecture room OF fiymou,h
Church. The audience was unusually large, the
seats were all occupied, the asles were filled with
chairs. and many were obliged to go away, being
unable to gain admittanee. At precisely half-past
7 o'clock Mr. Beecher entered, threw aside his cloak
odiusted number of floral contributions that
adorned the table at his side, and announced the
first hymn of the evening The Rev. Edward
Beecher brother of the pastor, offered prayer, IN
the course of (which he said"In times of trial we
have known that peace of God which passeth all
understanding and by faith we have been able to
cast all our burdens upon Thee. In the past 1hou
hast revealed thyself unto this church. We pray
for this PASTOR and we thank Thee for the peace
| Thou hast given him in the past. May he be 30
filed with the spirit of God that his trials may pass
| from him uninjured. Defend him, vindicate his
righteousness as the light, and his Judgment as the
monday Bring him out of his troubles, so that his
work may rebound to Thy honor
At the conclusion of this prayer Mr.. Beecher read
from PauPs Epstle to the Philippians second chap
ter 18th and 10th verses: THAT We may be blame
less and harmless the Sons of God, without reDuke
| in the midst of crooked and perverse nation
| among whom We shine as lights in the world. Hold
ing forth the word of life that may rejoice in the
day of Christ, that 1 have run ID vain, neither
labored in vain" After this passage had been read
| the congregation seemed to expect some reference
TO the all -absorbng topic of Mr.. Beecbers present
position, and they not to be disappointed The
speaker said the passage did not contain
an absolute command to shine, but that it did
command those who had light to let it shine.
He then cautioned his people against exhibltory
pietv which he characterized form of vanity in
spiritual things. People should be won by love and
not by fear and Christ's disciples should be pure,
like the flowers. The preacher then related the
story of poor seamstress, obscure and miserably
door, whose quiet, Christ-like example had been
very potent for good. A remark which certain
element in the audience seemed to take as refer
ence TO circumstance of the trial, occurred when
Mr. Beecher, in speaking of the effect the influence
of beautiful family had upon its domestics, said
1.-The eoquence of Irish servant girls is greater than
| mine ever can be, when anything touches their
| hearts"
In referring to theess brilliant light of some men,
Mr. Beecber said by way of comparison, Would it
not be ridiculous for glow-wOrm because 1T could
not be Government lighthouse, to say 1T would not
shine at all. Firefies are not very extensive llu-
limitations, but l would rather be a FREELY than
beetle-bug" This saying created little laughter
| in the congregation After uttering the sentence,
Let your light shine wherever you are" Mr..
Beechers face assumed an altered. sad appearance
Instantly every in the house seemed to antici-
pate the character of his closing remarks and every
head was inclined forward to catch each syllable
that fell from his lips. People seemed to hold their
breaths and deathlike stiffness pervaded the en-
tire room. Not the slightest sound was heard save
the regular ticking OF the clock in the back part of
the house.
After this short Stiffness the Plymouth pastor
made brief reference to the troubles which sur
rounded him. He said in substance this For 30
years have preached to you and have tried to ex-
pound the Word of God to you. In my old age, my
Father has seen best to afct me with severe and
prolonged trial. am not half anxious about the
result of this trial that shall live during its con-
tinuance and after it's termination, and pray that
nv example may be that Of trusting, patient fol-
| lower of Christ Jesus and pray that your many
PRAYERS NAV be answered, simply that may be
known to men as a Christian.
Mr. Beecher then read again the passage of Scrip
ture with which he began his " talk" and closed
with prayer asking for more faith in the love of
God, and the peace-beariDg power OF the Holy
Ghost The termination of his invocation was :
" Help us so to live that we may be able to say
Thy will be done. If Thou art with MS. who can be
against u.s." The congregation was dismissed with
the benediction by the pastor.