Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1845-10-08
From the Boston Temperance Record.
CONFESSION OF JON. B. COUCH,

We hasten 10 lay before our numerous
readers the confession Of John b. Cough,
made at Roxbury, before committee of
the Washingtoniaus.
Mr.. Cough appeared before the COM
mittee at the hour appointed. His aP-
pearance was much as heretofore, with
The exception of a fallen and softened ex-
pression of countenance, which became
him Oh so peculiar an occasion. Having
been requested 70 speak, he gave utter
ance to the following confession. which
was pronounced in firm and manly but
modest tone -
Beloved Brethren-To me this occa-
sions seems so extraordiuary-it is so
different from wt1ut T, aud yuu tuu, had
any reason TO expect, few days ago
that YOU must bear with be if my manner
and nv matter also should appea, rather
confused. Indeed, (said the speaker,
much affected and leaning against the
wall,) am not well
mo language could convey to the read
er an idea of the tone in which these last
words were uttered, nor Of the thrilling
affect they had upon his auditors.
san not ueN.-I speak not Of physical
illness; but it is here Oh! my God! it is
bere-Ghe laid his hand upon his heartl
who shall say what day may bring forth?
All! dearly have learned to appreciate
the sacred conjunction of the invincible
Paul-"Lel him thinketh be stanetb, lake
heed les, be faIl!'' l have, indeed, preached
to others, and have myself become cast.
way, If man never forsives me for |
have no right 10 expect forgiveness from
mani, in my present low estate, do still
hear voice from Calvary; hear those
blessed tones Of mercy-"My grace is
sufficien, for thee" Here the eloquent
speaker covered his face with his hands,
and burst into food of tears
Who says that my disgrace is disgrace
TO the glorious cause of temperance!
Who SAYS that my unworthy apos:acy-
no, no, | will not use that word. Who
saws nv temtaion aud my weakness en-
tail dishouor upon the great cause ofwhich
have been so unworthy aa advocate!
lie, such, if any there be, compare the
loss and and the gain. Let them call up
the hosts of redeemed men and women;
let them summon the wives aud the
children who, in every town, by the sea-
side and by the woods, in city and coun-
try, bless God every morning that they
rise, and every evening that they lie
down, for the glorious pledge-that pledge
which snatched father and husband
from the arms of ruin-that drove back
the rushing wave from their dwellings,
that raised tile fallen man from the miry
pit, and placed his feet upon rock.
Would they compare my single fault
with this redemption? who looks at the
sun 10 see one spot upon his disc, and then
swears there is no daylight because that
glorious orb contains few dissertations
upon its surface?
Nay what is my own case in couuexion
with the Grea. Temperance Cause? what
what is fy upon the mill wheel? wha,
is drop in the ocean?
Have |. indeed evidence ofimy sinceri-
"? let those think so accustomed 10 the
intoxicating cup-let them try for one
year-for one month-or for one week, to
copouer the inextinguishable that con-
sumes their being-they will learn how
much sincerity is required to abstain, for
a short time, from the seductive bowl?
Beloued Brethren! Icould not say less,
bu, I must proceed with my narrative.
You are already aware-and thanks 10
the Incorporate editors, the pnblic are
pretty generally aware of the situation in
which was found. 1t is necessary that !
give q detailed account of the facts. l
could we'll wish to be spared this duty:
but, like the Spartan boy, / must nerve
myself 10 endure, though the fire ca, into
my heart. -,
In The city of New York, there is little
edlice a. The corner Of Centre and Read