Show Ile chera echers aversion to titles some one asked me why did air mr beecher so persistently decline the title of 0 doctor of 0 divinity writes mrs henry ward beecher in ladles ladies home journal I 1 know no reason except an utter aver bi on to such a thing as a title to bis his name if others accepted the title it was their right and in addressing them mr beecher always used it lie ile used to any that such prefix titles as judge general or doctor designated an individuals duties or calling and were more of a convenience than anything else and in some cases were almost a necessity and rev reverend erkd for a clergyman might be classed in that category ills views are expressed in a letter of of that title now beside me and which I 1 copy aue aug 2 21 ISCO io to the president and hoard board of trustees oam herst beret college GENTLEMEN I 1 have been duly notified that at the lost last meeting of the board of trustees tho the title of D D was conferred upon me it would certainly eive give me pleasure should any respectable institution bear such a worly of rood good will but that amherst collego e rn own mother should so kindly remember a BOH son Is a peculiar gratification but all the ugo of such a title ends with the public publio expression if it the wish to 0 o confer it bo be accepted for the rest it would bo be but an encumbrance and furnish an address by no means agreeable to my taste I 1 greatly prefer the simplicity of that which my mother uttered over me in the holy hour of infant consecration and baptism may I 1 bo be permitted without seeming to undervalue your kindness or dis disesteem esteeming lue tho the honor meant to return it hands that I 1 may y to the end of my lifo life be as thus far I 1 have been simply fenity WARD wand |