Beecher

Beecher, Henry Ward, the son of Dr. Lyman Beecher, a well-known American theologian, and president of the Lane Seminary, was born at Lichfield, Connecticut, in 1813, and graduated at Amherst College. Entering the Presbyterian ministry he soon acquired reputation by his eloquence and vigour. In 1847 he was chosen pastor of the Plymouth Congregationalist church, Brooklyn, and drew around him a large following. He preached a broad, attractive form of Christianity, taking also an active interest in politics as an abolitionist. In 1863 he visited England to advocate that cause. He became the subject of an unpleasant scandal in 1874, but a judicial investigation failed to procure a verdict. His independent views on the question of eternal punishment led to his secession in 1882 from the Congregationalists. In 1886 he paid a second visit to England. He died in the following year. Mr. Beecher was a prolific contributor to periodicals, and edited for some years the Independent and the Christian Union. His most popular works were Lectures to Young Men, Life Thoughts, and a novel entitled Norwood.