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

Featured

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

(0 User reviews) 1259

By Abil Kile Posted on Nov 15, 2025

In Category - History

Authors: Beecher, Catharine Esther, 1800-1878 Published By : Beecher, Catharine Esther, 1800-1878

Book Language: English

Hey, I just read something fascinating. It's from 1869, but it feels surprisingly current. Catharine Beecher (Harriet's sister) wrote this short book arguing that regular people—not just politicians or preachers—should be the ones to interpret the Bible. She was fighting against a specific, rigid religious authority of her time. It's not a dry theological text; it's a passionate call for intellectual freedom and common sense. The main conflict is between established religious power and the individual's right to think. At under 100 pages, it's a quick but powerful glimpse into a battle over who gets to define truth, and it will make you think about similar debates happening today.

Read "An Appeal to the People in Behalf of Their Rights as Authorized Interpreters of…" Online

This book is available in the public domain. Start reading the digital edition below.

START READING FULL BOOK

Instant Access Mobile Friendly

Book Preview

A short preview of the book’s content is shown below to give you an idea of its style and themes.

Chapter III. Questions Connected with the Augustinian Theory. Chapter IV. The Difficulties Involved in the Augustinian Theory. Chapter V. The Augustinian Theory in Creeds. Chapter VI. Modes of Meeting Difficulties by Theologians. Chapter VII. Theologians Themselves Concede the Augustinian Dogmas Indefensible. Chapter VIII. The Augustinian Theory Contrary to the Moral Sense of Mankind. Chapter IX. The Principles of Common Sense Defined. Chapter X. Common Sense Applied to Gain the Existence of God. Chapter XI. The People’s Mental Philosophy. Chapter XII. The Nature of Mind, or Its Powers and Faculties. Chapter XIII. Nature of Mind.—Regulation of the Thoughts. Chapter XIV. Nature of Mind.—The Moral Sense, or Moral Susceptibilities. Chapter XV. The Nature of Mind.—The Will. Chapter XVI. Constitutional Varieties of the Human Mind. Chapter XVII. Nature of Mind.—Habit. Chapter XVIII. The Nature of Mind Our Guide to the Natural Attributes of God. Chapter XIX. The Nature of Mind Our Guide to the Moral Attributes of God. Chapter XX. Additional Proof of the Moral Attributes of God. Chapter XXI. Nature of Mind as Perfect in Construction. Chapter XXII. Right and Wrong—True Virtue. Chapter XXIII. Laws and Penalties—Sin and Holiness. Chapter XXIV. Love to God And Love to Man. Chapter XXV. Increased Civilization Increases Moral Difficulties. Chapter XXVI. Humility and Meekness. Chapter XXVII. The Standard of Right and Wrong Decided by The Risks of Eternity. Chapter XXVIII. The Destiny of Man in the Future Life. Chapter XXIX. What Must We Do To Be Saved? Chapter XXX. How Far Reason and Experience are Sufficient Without Revelation. Chapter XXXI. Augustinian Creeds and Theologians Teach the Common‐Sense System. Chapter XXXII. Augustinian Creeds and Theologians Contradict the Common‐ Sense System, and Thus, Also, Contradict Themselves. Chapter XXXIII. The Augustinian Theory Not In The Bible. Chapter XXXIV. A Reliable Revelation From The Creator Impossible If It Contains The Augustinian Theory. Chapter XXXV. Tendencies of the Two Opposing Systems. Chapter XXXVI. Tendencies of the Two Systems As They Respect the Cultivation of the Moral and Intellectual Powers. Chapter XXXVII. Tendencies of the Two Systems in Respect to Individual Religious Experience. Chapter XXXVIII. Tendencies of the Two Systems in Reference to the Character of God. Chapter XXXIX. Tendencies of the Two Systems as to Church Organizations. Chapter XL. Tendencies of the Two Systems in Regard to Humility, Meekness and a Teachable Spirit. Chapter XLI. Tendencies of the Two Systems in Regard to Dogmatism, Persecution and Ecclesiastical Tyranny. Chapter XLII. Tendencies of the Two Systems as Shown in Controversy and Sects. Chapter XLIII. Practical Tendencies of the Two Systems. Chapter XLIV. Tendencies of the Two Systems in the Training of Children. Chapter XLV. The People Rejecting the Augustinian System.—Position of Theologians. Chapter XLVI. Present Position of the Church. Chapter XLVII. State of the Pastors of Churches. Chapter XLVIII. The Position of Popular Education. Chapter XLIX. The Position of Woman as Chief Educator of Mind. Chapter L. Present Position of Young America. Chapter LI. Present Position of the Religious Press. Chapter LII. The Present Position of the Secular Press. Chapter LIII. What The People Will Do? Note. Notes. Footnotes [Cover Art] 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. CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION. 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...

This is a limited preview. Download the book to read the full content.

Continue Reading Full Book

The Story

This isn't a novel with characters and a plot. Instead, think of it as a direct, urgent speech from 1869, captured in print. Catharine Beecher, a famous educator and writer, saw a problem. She believed that a specific group of religious leaders (the "Cumberland Presbyterian Church") was wrongly claiming to have the sole, correct interpretation of the Bible. She wrote this "Appeal" directly to everyday Christians.

Her argument is simple but bold: you, the people, have the right and the ability to read and understand scripture for yourselves. You don't need a special class of interpreters telling you what to think. She lays out her case, point by point, urging her readers to trust their own reason and conscience.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how personal and fiery it feels. This isn't a detached essay; Beecher is genuinely upset and trying to rally people. You can feel her belief in democratic access to ideas. While the specific church dispute is historical, the core theme is timeless: who controls information and meaning? It connects directly to modern conversations about media literacy, authority, and trusting "experts" versus your own judgment.

Reading her defend the "common mind" is incredibly empowering, even now. It's a reminder that battles for intellectual independence aren't new.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who enjoy historical primary sources that don't feel dusty, or anyone curious about the roots of American religious and social thought. If you like seeing how past debates echo in the present, you'll find this short book surprisingly engaging. It's a sharp, clear snapshot of a woman using her voice to challenge power and advocate for the public's right to think.

✅ Public Domain Content

This masterpiece is free from copyright limitations. You do not need permission to reproduce this work.