Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1896-04-16
MRS. BEEcHER's REcoLLEcrIoNs.
Great Humor and Courage of the
Famous New York Preacher.

THOSE VINO best knew MIR, BeechSr
recognized good humor as one of the
prominent traits in his character, which
surely did seem TO make all things
tolerable,' even in some Of the most
trying positions in which he was often
placed, writes his widow. A friend
who was often with him, and occa-
sionally, while at the Nest, accompan-
led him in some of the long. rough
horseback rides through the forests,
has often spoken of this unfailing good
humor. which ''overcame WEAKNESS Ia
his companions, and was 80 amusing
as TO Danish all thoughts OF fatigue,
His vitality was wonderful, his wit and
humor irresistible. Physically very
strong, his buoyancy of spirits was 40
unfailing as to make what would other
wise have made these long rides
through the wild woods most tedious,
so fun of pleasure and amusement so
full of enjoyment, that we can never
forget them"
Mr. Beecher always felt that religion
should be a source of unfailing JOY
| Christianity, to his mind was the agent
/ BY which men were not only made
better but happier. He was often
criticised by his brother clergymen, and
also by some members OF his church.
for lack OF solemnity at times in his
pulpit and in his interviews with his
people, 10 which he sometimes replied.
God blessed ME with the disposition
to see the bright side Of life whenever
| could, and also with cheerfulness and
humor, for which | thank Him. be-
| lieve that | can do more toward lead
ing others to love and accept religion,
II brought to them by happy, cheerful
teaching, rather than by working upon
their fears or by too stern solemnity."
/ But If some gross wrong was brought
TO his notice, which should be publicly
exposed or denounced, softness and
! humor vanished--no one more stern or
| fearless.
| ! shall never forget a case of most
! fragrant and cruel wickedness which
was brought TO his notice while we were
In Indiana and over which the town,
generally, was greatly excited, The
next Sabbath Mr.. Beecher alluded to ii
and the author fearlessy and most
severely, The man whose words and
conduct had caused so much excitement
WAS very wicked man and much
feared by his neighbors. For that
reason the members OF the church were
greatly disturbed by their pastors fear
less rebuke, and after service gathered
around him greatly alarmed.
ooh. Mr. Beecher. It was very unwise
of YOU to speak of Mr. so severely
much as he deserves It, You have
risked your life There are some who
Just from love Of excitement and mis-
just from love Of excitement and mis-
chief, or anger at your rebuke, will tell
him what You have said, and we greatly
fear he will make trouble, even II he
does not do you personal harm. In
deed, 1t was not wise"
= do not fear him Mr.. Beecher re,
piled. II did my duty as ! see It, It
would have done no good If | had not
expected he would hear of IT."
The next morning, az usual Mr.,
Beecher went to the postofiice, passing
the large hotel on his way. Many idle
gether on the large yeranda, waiting to
see what this vile man would probably
say or do when Mr.. Beecher returned
from the postofflee. He paid no atten-
ton to the manor TO anything that
had been said or threatened. When he
left, to 60 to the postofflce. was great
ly troubled and begged him not to go,
but as he returned unframed | did not
tell him how fearful had been. But
soon several friends came In, all ex
citement, and told what had happened
On Mr.. Beechers return from the
postofilce the man stepped down from
the veranda and. standing before him
pistol in hand, said in rough often
siye voice.
Il have been told that you said some
ugly things about me yesterday and
repeated, In part, what Mr.. Beecher had
said.
Did you say that sir?"
Not exactly as you have worded 1t,
but that Is about what | intended to
say
Take 1t back, apologize, or I'll shoot
you"
Mr. Beecher looked the rough, ugly
looking fellow sternly In the face for
a moment, and saying: Shoot away"
turned quietly and walked on. The
man followed him some rods from the
hotel, holding the pistol aimed steadily
at Mr., Beecher, and then ashamed to
face the crowd on the hotel steps.
turned down a side street and walked
away Mr. Beecher often passed the
fellow after this, but no word ever
passed between them again This in
cident has been often told with some
embellishments, md additions
strange" My version may not be quite
as exciting and dramatic, yet / have
given II exactly as 1t did occur"
seldom troubled my husband with
any errands connected with household
cares, UD 10 the farm usually some