The star. (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1874-1875, 1875-02-23
Science '. Orthodox ReligiOn-Mr. Beeoher's
Influence.

Henry Ward Beecher has insensibly
precipitated the issue, which had been
slowly gathering force, of pure science
v. orthodox religion. Entirely irrespec.
tive OF his culpability in this trial, the
event has hastened the conflict. He has
been at the head of the eiectic school OF
theologians, who drew their texts from
the Scriptures and their illustrations
from science. This divided allegiance
has been maintained with very conside-
rable success by Mr.. Beecher, his over
whelming talent concealing his illogical
position. In almost every city OF the
his plan. In Chicago there are two.
One of these, Rev. David Swing, has
gone out Of his denomination, persecuted d
out as some say by his orthodox col
leagues. Another, Rev. Robert Collyer,
has just been taken to task by Univer
salist clergyman, DIR. Ryder, for advis-
ing his congregation to go to a beer hall
on Sunday afternoons and hear the mu-
sic. MIR. Beecher might have preached
his eclecticism, or, rather, religious 0p-
timism, to the end OF his days, and 1t
except for his scandal. But the scandal
has dragged along so mysteriously and
indecisiYely that more than half the peo-
pie Of this country have stopped inquir-
ing into the facts, and are engaged in
oyerhauling the Brooklyn religion. Just
at this time, too, auspiciously for such
an inquest, the cities are placarded with
DR.. Draper's new book, ''The Conflict
Between Science and Religion" While
The scandal has been developing, DR..
Tyndall has startled the religious world
by putting forth the challenge that here
alter religion must take its own side
Nf thn otr rxyLt In a. Il 81,
whole of the opposite pavement. The
with Mr.. Beecher, even more than the
ultra-orthodox school. He appears to
have retreated into orthodoxy, and has in
formal letter recently resubscrlbed his
adherence to the cardinal texts of his
former sect, while still obs innate against
revival preaching, human depravity and
future punishment.
There is a belief in Brooklyn that the
surrounding orthodox churches will no
longer exchange members on credentials
Win Plymouth, but this cannot he prov
ed until an occasion arises to test it.
While very many clergymen have at
his brother, and the assistant pastor
port OF their clerical office to the de-
iendant. The production in Court of
the Storrs letter has given sort of le-
gal recognition to the half smothered dis
putes, or rather coldness, between
StOrrs and Beecher and their respective
adherents. More than this, 1t is claimed
in Brooklyn that the Episcopal, Catholic
and Presbyterian churches are receiving
from the scandal accessions OF member
ship. While proceeding to the Court
one morning, about fortnight ago, the
writer encountered one of the. humber
rectors of an Episcopal congregation,
the scandal trial had any Interior relig-
ious influence. He replied about as fol- |
lows:
81 think that the scandal had In the |
earlier stages very prenicious influ-
enoe. For some time il seemed that
Satan was loose in the world. Immoral |
literature, prints, anecdotes and every
Of yileness received stimula- |
tion from it. But the latter effects have
been rather encouraging to law and
morals. The judicial strietness of the |
trial itself has compelled general re-
spect for authority. There is a hope
and belief that whoever is the injurer in l
this contest will be punished with rigor
Besides, the laxity Of religious teaching,
partly arising out of over liberal poll
tics, has been corrected. Heads of fam
lies, wives and young men are begin
ming to want their religion strong and |
After the triumph OF the |
Union arms IN the war, everybody SEEM
I'D to be going crazy. SpirItualism, wo.
mems rights, children's rights, even
rights OF draught animals, were brought |
upon the rostrum, and we appeared to
De driving the Republic into q chaos OF
never attempted by any
great government since the Revolution
churches are attended by a quieter class
,f parishioners. Hard times in business
8 also great corrective of the lo0seness
u the long flush times we have had."-I
n. Y. Herald. |
A careful editor in Kentucky informs
lis readers that man who was run
,ver by train was cut into fifty y-nine |
)iaG6a.