The Freedom Ring

Darwin, A Sun of the 19th Century - Puck Magazine 1884 Deeply attuned to the progressive intellectual and social currents of the day, Rev. Henry Ward Beecher believed that religion must adapt to changing times. He extolled temperance, embraced women's suffrage, was a staunch abolitionist, and argued that Darwin's theory of evolution was compatible with the Bible.  The following is one of the famous "Evolution Sermons" preached by Beecher in 1885 at Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, New York. Henry Ward Beecher offering his “Evolution Sermons” across the science/religion divide to Herbert Spencer and other evolutionists - Puck Magazine 1885 From Henry Ward Beecher’s Evolution & Religion SINFULNESS OF MAN LESSON : Romans viii: 19–22. “For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope; because the creature itself...

Rev. Henry Ward Beecher was one of the most famous abolitionists, preachers, and inspirational orators during America's long fight against slavery. He became one of the leading voices of moral reason for the North leading up to and all throughout the Civil War. Abraham Lincoln considered him the most influential man in America.      He preached from his famous Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, NY. The church, which is still active till this day, was referred to as the "Grand Central Station" for the Underground Railroad. The church helped usher run away slaves coming from the South through New York and heading up to Canada.     Beecher became popular for his love of America's freedom, liberty and democracy. He became a member and supporter of the Republican Party, helping establish its original party tenets and was one of the most effective supporters of Lincoln's presidential campaign.      Below is an excerpt from one of Beec...