H.
Edward Dreier, Amos D. Carver, Wm. E. Davenport, W. F. Osborne, H. A.
Garthewait, A. K. Powell, Frederick W. Starr, Louis N. Chapin, Dwight
Studwell, Henry Sanger Snow, A. Stanwood, Seabury N. Haley, Wm. Tupper,
Frederick W. Heinrich, H. W. Wheeler, M. C. Ogden, John H. Jackson,
George A. Price, W. P. Long, Mr. Carpenter, Mr. Ramsay, Mr. Kenyon, Mr.
Smith, Mr. Bingham, Mr. Ayers, Mr. Aderley, and many others.

_BUYING A SLAVE GIRL_

It is impossible to understand accurately the early history of Plymouth
Church, and realise the position it held in the country, as well as its
influence over its members, without some knowledge of the general
history of the times. It was a period of great political ferment. The
slavery question was looming up as the "irrepressible conflict." The war
with Mexico, at its height when the church was organised, precipitated
the discussion as to the extension of slave territory. The discovery of
gold in California (February, 1850) opened up possibilities of national
growth undreamed of before, and which stirred the greatest ambitions,
especially in the slave states. The passage of the fugitive slave law
(September, 1850) was but fuel to the flame. Into the discussions of the
time two Congregational ministers threw themselves with all the ardour
of their natures, and exceptional ability--Henry Ward Beecher, of
Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, and Joseph P. Thompson, of Broadway
Tabernacle, New York. Nor did they lack for hearty support by their
churches. The men who stood behind them were equally in earnest with
themselves. The pulpits--or rather platforms--of both were free for the
presentation of the cause of justice and liberty, and many scenes in
them have become historic.

On one occasion the Broadway Tabernacle, at that time located on
Broadway near Duane Street, was opened for a mass meeting. Mr. Beecher
was advertised to speak, and the house was packed. He was listened to
with closest attention and deepest interest, but the climax came when
turning round he lifted a chain that had been taken from a slave in the
South, held it for a moment high above his head, then dashed it to the
floor, placed his foot upon it and said: "In this way we propose to deal
with the slave power in the South." The effect upon the audience was
thrilling and the applause fairly rocked the building.

Another scene, which none who witnessed it could ever forget, was in
Plymouth Church. It was Sabbath mornin