Henry Ward Beecher

American Congregational minister, abolitionist, and writer of the 19th century

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About

Henry Ward Beecher (1813-1887) was an American Congregational minister, abolitionist, and social reformer. Brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe, he became famous for his eloquent preaching at Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, attracting thousands of worshippers weekly. He supported the antislavery cause, notably by funding rifles for settlers in Kansas, nicknamed 'Beecher's Bibles.' After the Civil War, he advocated for moderate Reconstruction, women's suffrage, and evolutionary theory. A prolific author, he wrote essays, novels, and sermons. His career was marred by a highly publicized adultery trial in the 1870s, from which he was acquitted.

Major works

Seven Lectures to Young Men (1844)essays
Star Papers (1855)essays
Norwood, or Village Life in New England (1868)novel
Life of Jesus, the Christ (1871)biography
Evolution and Religion (1885)essays

Key milestones

1847Becomes pastor of Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, a position he holds until his death.
1856Actively supports the antislavery cause in Kansas; the rifles sent are nicknamed 'Beecher's Bibles.'
1875Civil trial for adultery with Elizabeth Tilton; the jury fails to reach a verdict, and he is exonerated by ecclesiastical tribunals.

Themes

AbolitionismSocial reformOratory and preachingScience and religionWomen's suffrage

Sources: id.loc.gov · britannica.com · npg.si.edu

“Hold yourself to a higher standard than anybody else expects of you.”

— Henry Ward BeecherTheme · Personal Development

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“Do not keep the alabaster boxes of your love and tenderness sealed up until your friends are dead. Fill their lives with sweetness. Speak approving, cheering words while their ears can hear them and while their hearts can be thrilled by them.”

— Henry Ward BeecherTheme · Love

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“We never know the love of our parents for us till we have become parents.”

— Henry Ward BeecherTheme · Family

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“Greatness lies not in being strong, but in the right use of strength.”

— Henry Ward BeecherTheme · Wisdom

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“To array a man's will against his sickness is the supreme art of medicine.”

— Henry Ward BeecherTheme · Health

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“One's best success comes after their greatest disappointments.”

— Henry Ward BeecherTheme · Success

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“No man can tell whether he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has.”

— Henry Ward BeecherTheme · Wisdom

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“The highest happiness on earth is in marriage. Every man who is happily married is a good man; every woman who is happily married is a good woman.”

— Henry Ward BeecherTheme · Marriage

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