Plymouth Church Declines Under Beecher's Ministry

S. D. A. Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 10, 1884

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 2

Plymouth Church Declines Under Beecher's Ministry

THE great Plymouth Church of New York seems to be on the wane. Of over 2,500 members, only 60 were present at the annual meeting. The assistant pastor commented disparagingly, saying that the Sunday-school was at a standstill, and contributions sadly falling off. Mr. Beecher also acknowledged the situation, and said he felt as if he was losing his power in the church; he should be glad to be at seventy what he was at forty-five. But he laid the blame on the “order of Providence,” instead of natural results. “Like priest, like people.” If the minister ignores the Bible, the flock will, if they follow him, ignore it also. Evolutionists, in the pulpit or pew, have never been gospel supporters.