Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1845-10-03
CONFESSION OF JOHN B. COUGH.


Mr. Cough appeared before the commit.
Tee at the hour appointed. His appearance
was much as heretofore, with the exception
of fallen and sofiened expression Of coun-
tcnance, which became him ON so peculiar
an occasion. Having been requested to
speak, he gave u,terance TO the following
Confession, which was pronounced in firm
and manly, but modest tone -
BELOVED BRETHREN To me this occa-
sion seems SO extraordinary is so difler.
ent from what !, and you too, had any reason
TO expect, few days ago-,hat You must
bear with me if my manner and my matter
also should appear rather confused. Indeed.
(said the speaker, much affected and leaning
against the walI,) am not well
No language could convey TO the reader
an idea of the tone in which these last words
were uttered, nor Of the thrilling effect that
they had upon his auditors
l say not WE'LL speak not of physical
Hines but it is hcre-Oh my God it is
here-[he laid his hand upon his heart who
shall say what a day may bring orh?-I
All! dearly have | learned to appreciate the
sacred injunction of the invincible Paul
Let him that thinketh he slandeth, take
heed lest he fall! have, indeed, preached
to others, and have mysels become a cast
away! If man never iorpves me-for |
have no right to cxpec, forgiveness from man
~, in my present low estate, do still hear
voice from Calvary, hear those blessed
tones Of mercy-'My grace is sufficient 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 apostacy-no, no, |
will not use that word. Who says that my
temptation and my weakness entail dishon-
or upon the great cause of which have been
any there be, compare the loss and the gain.
Let them call up the hosts of redeemed men
and women: let them summon the wives
and children who, in every town, by the sea
side and by the woods, in city and country,
bless God every morning that they rise, and
every evening that they lie down, for the
glorious pledge-that pledge which snaiched
Il father and a husband from the arms of
ruin-that drove back the rushing wave from
their >dwellngs-ihat raised the fallen man
| l&om the mity pit, and placed his ieet upon
rock.
| Would they compare my single fault with
all this redemption who looks at the sun
to see one spot upon his disc, and then
swcars there is no day light because that elo-
rious orb contains few dissertations upon
its surface?
Nay, what is my own case in connection
with the Great Temperance Cause what
is fly upon the Ui.wheel what is drop
in the ocean2
Have ], indeed given evidence of my sim
certify Oh. let those who think soft ac-
customed TO the intoxicating cup-let them
try but for one year--for one monih--or for
one week, TO conquer the inexinguishable
thirst that consumes their being-thev will
learn how much sincerity is required 10 alb
stain, for a short time, from the seductive
bowl
Beloved Brethren! | could not say less
You are already aware--and thanks TO the
incorporate editors. the public are pretty
generally aware, of the situation in which
was found. II is necessary that give de.
tailed account of The facts. | could vel
wish to be spared this duty: but, like the
Spartan boy, l must nerve myself to endure
though the fire eat into my heart.
In the city of New York there is little
edihce, at the corner of Centre and Reade
streets, of hiqe construction, being made
up principally of glass lights Here re-
paired to get glass Of soda water with {
friend who had invited me, whose name i
is unnecessary to mention, as believe he
was gulless of any evil intention. The
soda was drawn for me but the man had nj
syrup in his shop, and used Lucina Cordia
as a substitute. Such was the peculiar ellcc
, of this cordial upon me, that | lost the us,
r of my reasoning faculties to great degree
my old appetite for ardent spirits revived II
me as if some Internal demon had been per
mitted 10 lash the unresisling helm of m,
judgment--thrown away the compass--an,
let loose the winds of heaven upon my pi
loiless bark. As walked down Cenir
street, | felt the most intense desire for wo
men and wine. As passed the tavern
and bar.rooms, | could scarcely resist the in
clination TO rush in and satisfy NY cravn
, appetite.
In passing Lothian's corner met youn
woman. an acquaintance Of some years
standing, who was tying her shoe. Bein
dark, l accidentally touched her elbow j
, passing. She then recognized me and Gale
me by name; stopped, and after mo
| ment's conversation, she requested me I
call with her and see fallen sister whor
she was DESTROYS Of rescuing from the abys
4 of ruin.
a As il is a part of my mission 10 redeer
r the lost, and to raise the fallen, gladly con
senied, although myself standing on the We
ry precipice that overhung the vortex.
entered with her house in Walker stree
where found an elderly lady and the sis,e
/ Of my female companion. After iediou
conversation. a feeling hardly TO be describe
in words came over me--ihe burning, ra
8 ging appetite for liquors. The little whic
A was found in the house only added to I'll
fame. ! gave money 10 a young woman
= and procured more and here my memor
: fails. What happened afterwards | can n
q more tell than the maniac who struggles vii
his chain in the asylum for n'aniacs. Fro
;, that moment all is chaos.
10 My example, more than words. bids hi
. that s.snde,h take heed lest he fall
Hope TO be again in the field. ] hope