The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1876-02-19
THE BEECHER COUNCIL.
Rev. b. w. B. Challenges the
Truth from God Himself.
MIR. Shearman in Tears.

MIR. Shearman in Tears.
After the religious exercise this morn
ing in the advisory council, Deacon
Capon Of Boston introduced preamble
and resolution setting forth thst mas
much as question siX,asked them whether
there were any reasons why Plymouth
Church had forfeited its claims 10 the
confidence of fellowship. Therefore
Resolred, That this council respect
fully request the Rev. K. S. Storrs and
Rev. w. T. Buddington to appear before
it or state such reasons if there be any.
The Deacon said he did not
see how the delegates could conscien-
tiously vote on the question without hrst
having heard the statements OF the other
side. He came to the council with de.
termination to go to the bottom OF this
thing, and he did not know how they
could 90 home without having done SO.
He was as desirous of getting home as
anybody; but because Plymouth church
had suffered so much; because its pastor
and Shearman spd others had suffered,
he thought they should stay and inyesti-
gate the matter.
The discussion OF this resolution wa.
interrupted by Prof +. Abbott, who de
sired to make report of the Business
Committee on Bowen's letter received
last evening. He read a communication
and said the Committee of Plymouth
Church have an opportunity to make
any further statement in regard to the
subject.
Moderator Bacon interrupted the pro.
ceediags to refer to the Business Com
mittee, communication received from
Prof. Smythe, of Andover.
Deacon Capons resolution was laid on
the table that the
Discussion OF the Bowen Matter
might be resumed.
Mr.. Sherman made a statement
regard to the communication
reierring towards adultery, perjury and
hypocrisy, and said the committee de-
manded Bowen to appear before the
Council. The resolution that Bowen be
invited to lay his reasons ibefore the
ed to read that Bowen be invited to ap-
pear before the Council to reconcile the
differences between his statements.
A long discussion occurred upon the
propriety of the Council summoning
Bowen. An attempt was made to lay the
whole subject upon the table, but failed
and finally was disposed of by the adop-
ton of resolution that he be invited 10
appear before the Council at halt-past
seven this evening.
After statement By Mr., Wilson that
Rey. DR., Storrs had written request to
appear before the investigation commit
tee, letter was read from DR.. Storrs,
stating that he never had any knowledge
in regard to the matter.
The discussion OF Deacon Capon's res
olution was resumed, and after numerous
speeches and failure TO lay it on the ta-
bic, it was referred t. the committee on
the sixth question, who retired to consider
the matter.
Here Mr.. Storrs said he thought the
question put by Mr.. Fessend,n, yester-
pav. should be answered. The latter
then repeated the question which he had
asked Yesterday, rs to the pastors will
lingness to have an interview between
DR.. Storrs and himself made public, or
that he should tell all they knew about
him to the public.
Mr. Beecher, apparently impatient to
speak, promptly stepped forward and said
he would make his answer first and then
ANYBODY who wished to supplement
the questions could do SO, He
said ne was glad MIR. Fessenden
had proposed the question, and in ans
wering the first portion of it he would
say he knew of no interview whatever
about which such question should be
asked. After parting with DR.. Storrs on
the night of the silver wedding in Ply
mouth church, with one exception, he
never had the pleasure of meeting him,
tor in two or three weeks after that this
Infamous scandal was promulgated. lie
maintained for a long time absolute
silence, and when DR.. Storrs addressed
brief note to him he did de-
pend on the advice of coun.
sci. He said nothing and
wrote nothing. If they wanted to
recall the history of the church during
1872 and see the troubles he was sub
iected to. they would readily understand
him when he should say ne had no place
TO 90 but to his own home; no one ex.
cept his own family. He had once met
DR.. Buddington in Dr. Storrs' house since
the time mentioned, and they then had
an interview about the matter. DE
then detailed the interview at which be
WAS asked to make n general state
ment. he concluded this por-
ton of his answer by again
asserting that he had no memory OF any
interview that occurred at his home be-
twaen DR.. Storrs and himself.
Mr.. Beccher Begun his speech
in an easy manner but warming up
as ne proceeded, he burst forth in all
his native eloquence. Soon many OF the
delegates were in tears, and Thomas G.
/ Shearman and Rossiter W. Raymond,
" no were on the platform, produced their
/ bandkerchiefs. Mr. Beecher concluded
/ in these words: "If there is any man on
/ earth that has anything TO say 10 my
/ detriment. | here now challenge hun 10
to say It," Cries OF good, good,
/ and "hcar, hear came up
/ from various parts of the church, al
there is any angel Of God l challenge
him to say ought against me; aye, 90
for beyond that, challenge truth from
God himself" These words were uttered
in nsmo.t emphatic AID drarnstii man
ner
The committee to whom the Capon
resolution was referred made report in
favor Of the resolution; that the council
extend cordial invitation 10 Drs. Storrs
and Buddington to give any facts they
msy have in their possession.
Pending discussion, recess was taken
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