Judge, 1883-05-05 · page 1 of 16
Judge — May 5, 1883 — page 1: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
# The Judge Magazine Cartoon Explained This 1893 cartoon satirizes Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, a prominent Brooklyn minister. The caption reads: "The Congregational Brethren of Brooklyn Imploring the Rev. Beecher to return to the Fold." The cartoon depicts clergymen (shown with top hats and shepherd's crooks, emphasizing their pastoral role) attempting to lure back a demonic or devilish figure representing Beecher. The "Congregational Fold" sign references his church affiliation. The satire mocks Beecher's departing from or controversial relationship with his congregation. The grotesque depiction suggests the magazine viewed his actions or positions as morally troubling. Beecher was historically controversial—this likely references his involvement in a sensational adultery scandal of the 1870s that damaged his reputation despite his acquittal.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
ENTERED AT THE POST OFFICE AT NEW YORK AS SECOND CLASS MATTER. COPYRIGHT 1881 AY THE JUDGE PUBLISHING CO. Price NEW YORK, MAY 5, 1883. 10 Cents. : Sw si haem oG The Congregational Brethren of Brooklyn Imploring the Rev. Beecher to return to the Fold.