The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-02-19
THE ADVISORY COUNCIL.
The Proceedings in Plymouth
Church Yesterday.
MIR. BEECHER INTERROGATED
A Remarkable Challcnge-DrS Burlington
and StOrrS Decline TO Appear Be-
fore the Council.

The Advisory Council resumed its session yesterday
morning halfpast nine O'Clock, in plymouth church.
with the usual devotional exercises. The galleries
were crowded and considerable interest was mani
tested in the proceedings Ex-Governor Dingley, OF
Maine presided. great deal OF time was occupied
in discussing whether the Rev. Ora storrs and Bud
ington should be invited appear before the Council
and forth whatever facts If any in their pos
session in relation to Mr.. Beecher.
Mr.. CAPES, of Boston, offered a resolution to the
effect that the clergymen mentioned be invited to
make any statement that would throw tight upon the
subject Amer DEBATE the resolution was laid
the table.
Mr. BowENs LETTER
to the Moderator was then read, and the subsequent
presentation OF resolution inviting HIM to appear be-
fore the Council caused somewhat exciting debate
II finally suggested that the members OF The Pym-
Duth Church Committee be allowed to make a state
ment In relation to Mr. Bowens letter, and Mr.. SHEAR
thereupon delivered address upon the subject
contending that in the letter Itself Mr. Bowen was self
convicted. One OF his charges was that Mr.. Beecher
guilty OF perjury in the early days OF the scandal,
when the fact was that up TO 1874 Mr.. Beecher had
never taken an oath in his life The audience APP
pauded-a demonstration that Mr.. Beecher deprecated
being injurious his Mr.. Wolcotts resolu-
lion that Mr. Bowen be invited to explain to the Coun
ril the points upon which he differed from the Plym
Mr.. Capen's resolution, extending an invitation TO
Rev Drs. Burlington and Storrs was then taken from
the table and discussed at length.
Rev Mr. ABBOTT moved that the matter be referred
10 Committee No g. to draft invitation the gentle
men named which adopted, aud the committee re-
tired
MR BKEcHER NrRRRodArRD
Rev. Dr. Il NJ SroRRs here suggested that Mr. Beecher
have opportunity to reply to the question pro-
whether he (Mr Beecher) willing that Dr. storrs
should state the interv he with him his
house, and that DR.. storrs and DR.. Burlington state
everything within their knowledge about Mr. Beecher.
Mr.. BERcuER subsequently replied that he knew OF
no interview with DR.. Storrs which he objected
10 have made known. He also alluded 10
which Dr. storrs was present That was the last occa
sion on which they had met The PRONUNCIATION of the
scandal had called from him denial by the advice Of
his counsel In 1871 and 1872 the of trouble
rolled around him and he had place to to but his
home He went 10 no one but his God II any one
had need 10 complain Of his absolute silence the
members Of his own household If he had thought
that he could have obtained help counsel outside he
would have gone nowhere so cheerfuy and confidently
rs TO Dr. Storrs. Mr. Beecher, in answer TO further
lnterrogatory by the Rev. Mr. Strong, made state
ment reference to the rumors of meeting between
him and Dr. Burlington in New Hampshire. In
answer 70 question by Mr. Fessenden, Mr.. Beecher
read from a statement relative 10 his having con-
iemptuously rejected the overtures made 10 him and
denied the imputation.
A CHALLENGE.
'.And now continued Mr.. Beecher al wish TO hear
The other part of the question: sir-whether am will
Ing that DR.. Storrs and Dr. Burlington should state
anything that they know any facts should hike to
know how much longer a need be at the focus OF
B solar microscope with the in the heavens
eentrated upon him for six months and everything
that could be rakedfrom the North Pole TO the South
Pole and round the earth forty times crcuited-raked
mp and brought in How much longer docs man want
10 hts willingness have the truth
aicated-to be put that pointf II there is any
On earth that has anything 10 ay-if there IL any man
IN earth that has anything to say to my detri-
ment-I am here and now challenge him to
.ay irl tApplausel go further than that
if there be any angel OF God more pres
rent and omnscient challenge him to
ray aught / 90 beyond that and in the name OF our
common Redeemer and before Him who shall Judge you
and me challenge the truth from God Himself Great
applause And what is all this gong dor To-mor-
row morning VIII be said IN the luminous journals,
GWeIl Mr. Beecher-how rhetorically he managed the
natter" and will be put in the religious papers ooh,
yes, that very plausible statement, but-but-."
And am in Judgment between two devils, ''bu" and
"f" aughter.) Nothing that say Is taken to be true,
and am put upon perpetual trial on my veracity;
Tor although am willing 70 be tried. don't disguise
From myself suppressing every sentiment OF natural
horror that pertains TO gentleman. know perfectly
well this whole process is continuous trial and cruci-
nxon Of every sentiment OF honor and every sens
billy Of my soul and that am questioned and cues
toned and questioned and questioned, as have been
through months and years, on the snpposton that
the truth has not oeea got at Ana suppose IL Will
be TO the end OF my life don't look with any great
hope for the result OF this Council don't look for
any hope nom the result OF any council or
tribunal ihinK there is hope in the grave
and beyond; but for me expect 10
walk with couded bead, not understood, until
TO heaven, aud that is not far onthat not far
away. And am content 10 bear just that lot that
my dear Lord put on me- He knows what is best /
have accepted Though the natural man rebels once in
. while and bubbles out grace the puts il
down. But content TO walk so. All my sorrow
II that the preciousness OF the Gospel which II has
been given me to preach hndered somewhat by this
trouble; but 70 work for Christ and save men, my
calling, and not TO vindcate myself tAppause.)
This portion OF Mr. Beecher's address had visible
eject on the audience
DR. BAcoS suggested that further inquiries this d.
recton be postponed until Drs Storrs and Burlington
appear the Council The form OF the invitation
was then submitted action again deferred and
the morning meeting closed with prayer
THE AFTERNOON SESSION.
The Council reassembled shortly after two O'Clock,
the galleries being again crowded with visitors. The
proceedings were watched with renewed interest The
chair occupied oy Ex-Governor Dngley, who called
upon the Rev. Mr. Deane, Of Indianapolis, TO oner
prayer
Rev Mr. SrRoSo presented the report OF Special
Committee No as substitute for The one previously
offered. II recommended that the Council extend
cordial invitation DIR. Storrs and Or Burlington TO
come before the Council TO and with any iacts which
might be within their knowledge touching the ques-
tons before the Council resolution was made 10
that effect, and Dr. Parker seconded the resolution.
Dr. BACON said ,--st from the first he had been i'm
pressed with the fitness to invite DR. storrs and Or
Burlington 10 the Council. not TO summon them
witnesses but TO invite them 10 make any statement
which they desired 10 make in relation the objects
for which tue Council had assembled He had thought
of extending them a iraternal invitation after the
Council had concluded, more 10 confer with them
brethren and with Mr.. Beecher In a private session
He thought that would be the proper method Of pro-
cedure In view Of all the circumstances
DR. PkRKKR said that, while he had no objection TO
the proposition he thought that the statements any
wers 70 Be made should be set forth IN public
The report of the comm ttee was accepted, and the
question arose on the adoption Of the resolution.
Rev. Mr. BRowS, Of Newark, urged the necessity Of
having the statement made in public.
President PoRTER submitted that neither OF the rev
ercnd gentlemen mentioned should be put IN false
positjon II was not sure that they would accept an
invitation and false constructions might be placed on
their refusal He thought that the resolution should
be 30 guarded 10 prevent any possibility OF mistake
Dr. WoLoorT thought that the resolution was worded
In Christian spirit and he heartily Endorsed IL Inc
Council could not afford TO reject IT, IL was essential
10 the object Of the Council
The resolution was unanimously adopted, and DR..
Bacon, Dr. Sturtevant and President Porter were APP
pointed q committee inform Dr. Storrs and Dr Bud
ington Of the action Of the Council and 10 ask them
in what manner they desired make statements, II