Year: 1875




But if on this first charge Mr. Beecher, following
the delicate instincts Of al honorable man. felt himself be
absolutely without excuse low must his self proach have
been intensified By the additional thought presented him.


that he Lad been the Of beguing Mrs Tlton into an
undue affection himself and thus alternating her from her
husband and destroying the home where that husband might
otherwise have refuge with his ruined foruncs II this


were go and the evidence OF what had himself led him
in ais tnen excited accept MOuOns statement a. rue
there was absolutely but excuse or palai0n WcA nc
could offer TO his accusing conscience for the orene
namely That had intentionally done wrong that though
he might been cupaby careless he had not been con-


ousy guilty Of any conduct tending to encourage the alleged
affection But such defense involved the implication that The
lady had conceived this passion entirely without suggestion from
him his part ane was from
sny such pea BY all the instincts Of gentleman as well "a by
his genuine respect affection for the lady herself
this plea even he could have induced himself 10 make H.


have been fuH defense is the solemn duty Of rcegyman
10 prevent such disaster from arising ont Of his associations
with his flock He gravey fault he fails 10 see and 10
repess the first symptoms Of dangerous affection Tor nm on
the part Of married This gentlemen Is the simple
and obvious meaning Of that language in Nj Beechers state
ment which has been macousy and 50 dishonesty per-
veed for the ends Of this great conspiracy The case az it


then sDpeared in nv eyes says Mr. Beecher speaking Of this
interview strongly against me My old feiow-worker


had been dsposscsed Of his eminent place and influence and


had counseed it, His family had been well nigh broken up
and had advised IT, his wife had become sick and broken IN
mind, l. fuly OecNeu nau Dtti INC CaSe
Of all this wreck by continuing with blind heeGlessnes that
friendship which had beguiled her heart and reused
her husband into fury Of jealousy aiihoush not
caused by any Intentional act Of mine. And should


codv defend mysefg Should hold her up TO contempt as
having thrust her affections upon unsought! Should tread
unon this man and his household in their great adversely All


this for purposes sufficiently obvious has been lndustousy
msrcpreseuted contemplate resort on the part OF M
Becer 10 very line Of defense which IN tins language ne
expressly repudates Though this his only possible de-


ense vet he forbore IT, II either this or silence,
or what was but degree better than silence an acceptance
If all the blame together with earnest disclaimer Of any
intentional wrong lie says: 81 di5clalmed with the
Greatest earnestness all intent TO harm Theodore in his
home or business" Think for moment Of his situ-
+on gentlemen charge the most terrible that could pos


bly confront man in his position, for would be easy 10
show that under the charge of impure propo-
"a, d seem 10 be more difficult to meet than one OF actual
aduery such charge has been suddenly sprung upon him
Ike thunder clap from sky from the gasconading
barecun who orders him Of Brooklyn at the muzze OF


sheet Of "commercia note" but in paper signed by
q lady his friend, his child almost, one whom he
lnovs 10 be- when in her normal condition, pure and
GOOD and truthful How stunning the surprise! how horrible
tho oulcon Is il possible that she have consented TO
~ an accusation? II So what dabocal machination has led
ito And hat be the final result: he has received from
be- indeed frank reacon, with fearful expressions OF re-
o and touching account Of the means Dy which she was
driven 10 such an ac but hardly these consong accounts


cold before he informed Of reretractonl Then she In
~ broken In health and distracted in mind nd al these
troubles have been brought upon family for many years and
t 40 dear 10 him; and he minister Of the gospel. who has
been 10 these people father he the man by whose agency
nil i. ruin had brought about When we consider The


swift rceson Of images presented 10 the man who, IN addi-
m ~ his renorse for the past had to apprehend


20 into public conflict with jealous husband, and with no
% defense than his simple word Of honor can we won
de, that Mr. Beecher deeply agated and excited mani


Bu this IL not an The pastor OF Plymouth Church. sur


unded by troops friends might have rsAed even this ier


bile conflict be absolutely free from bameworthneSS
And It freely asked how could be apologize 10 nus
h VINO brought false charge against him. Bat this


ogenrv had been fofescen The emissay Of Ton entirely
dronped The charge Of improper advances and neither Then nor
sser Afterwards alluded " IT, Bat as!ng he language ADD