An Appeal to the People in Behalf of Their Rights as Authorized Interpreters of the Bible

An Appeal to the People in Behalf of Their Rights as Authorized Interpreters of The Bible
by Catharine E. Beecher
Author of “Common Sense Applied to Religion,” “Domestic Economy,” “Domestic Receipt-Book,” “Letters to the People on Health and Happiness,” “Physiology and Calisthenics,” Etc., Etc.
New York
Harper & Brothers, Publishers
1860

TO The Editors of the Secular Press, THE TRUE TRIBUNES OF THE PEOPLE, CALLED OF GOD IN BEHALF OF THE COMMONWEALTH TO DEFEND LIBERTY OF CONSCIENCE, FREEDOM OF SPEECH, AND THE RIGHT OF ALL TO INTERPRET THE BIBLE FOR THEMSELVES, UNRESTRAINED BY ANY ECCLESIASTICAL POWER, THIS VOLUME IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED.

There is an obvious crisis approaching, in the religious world, on questions of the highest moment. In past time such periods of change have been preceded by a slow and silent preparation, in which multitudes have been led into the same course of thought and feeling. Then, as the crisis approached, some efficient leader lifted the last stone which sustained the protecting dyke, and rode on the summit of the in-rushing tide to notoriety and influence. Thus it was in the day of Luther, in the day of Wesley, and at other periods of religious movement.
At the present time there are indications of a great impending change, which has been preceded by a long course of unobserved preparation. But it is believed that, in this case, it is not to be exhibited, like former ones, by leaders forming new sects and parties, amid more or less of conflict and commotion, but by the agency of the people , and by a healthful, quiet process, which, like leaven, shall gradually assimilate surrounding particles till the whole be leavened.
In conclusion, the indications of the predicted change are set forth as they are manifested in the present position of theologians—of the parochial clergy—of the church—of educational interests—of women—of “Young America”—and of the religious and secular press.