The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-02-21
stand on the result of an impartial investiga-

ton.
The manner in which gentleman of high
sense of personal honor acts in similar cir
cumstances is illustrated by several passages
in the last published volume of the "Diary
of John Quincy Adams" General Jackson
visited Washington while charges were pend
ing against him before Congress in relation to
his campaign in Florida. During that visit
he declined invitations and refused all social
civilities on the ground that it was inconsis-
tent with his self-respect to receive them
while accusations were pending against him.
Instead of accepting invitations to dinners
given in his honor, and consenting to be lion
lied in social festivities, that proud and self
respecting man refused to take any step which
might look as il he were willing to bring
social influence and popular favor to bear on
the minds of his judges. In the investigation
of his conduct before Congress he chose to
stand ON facts and proofs, and scorned the
Fictitious advantage of brilliant reception
in Washington society. This was the proper
attitude of conscious innocence and high
honor, which scorned any vindication
which might be Influenced by personal
popularity. Jackson, strong in sense
of his integrity, refused to be lion
ized-refused to accept even ordinary
social civilities, because his just sentiment of
personal honor revolted against being in
debted for an acquittal to anything extrane-
GUS to the real merits Of the case. Clerical
honor should be at least as sensitive as mill
tary honor, and we can discover no reason
why Beecher should not emulate the laudable
example OF jackson and share his lofty scorn
of getting clear Of accusations by demonstra-
tons of his great personal popularity.
Nothing is more delusive than the idea that
man who makes eloquent discourses on
virtue is, therefore, vrtuous. That great and
acute moralist, DR.. Johnson, in one of the
chapters of ''Rasselas," exposes this delusion
with his customary pungency. The prince, in
the course of his adventures, 'fnds wise
and happy man." to whom he was willing to
make complete surrender of his judgment.
she speaks and attention watches his lips.
He reasons and conviction closes his
periods. This man shall be my future
guide. 1 will learn his doctrines
and initiate his ife." The adviser
of the prince cautioned him against such easy
credulity. ''Be not too hasty," said Imlac,
.'to trust or to admire the teachers Of moral
ity; they discourse like angels, but they live
like men," The prince, as the readers Of
''Rasselas" will recollect very soon found his
Illusions dispeiled by visit to the revered
teacher at an inopportune hour. Mr.. Beecher
must be judged by the evidence Of facts, and
neither his eloquence nor his popularity can
avail him unless he can contute the testimony
of his accusers He must stand or fall by the
proper evidence in the case, and the great dis
play Of eloquence which he makes in his
pulpit is quite as likely to be interpreted
against him as in his favor. If he felt sure
OF his grounds Of defence it would have been
a becoming act of dignity and Of respect for
religion to suspend his pulpit abors until his
character is cleared of an unjust reproach.