The herald and mail. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1873-188?, 1875-11-05
A MINISTER'S FALL.
a Painful Scene and IL Touching Confess
sis

\ Painful Scene and IA Touching COnGes-
sion
In the Maroa GIL News Of the 25th
of September, is an account Of the res
ignation of Elder J. V. Beekman as
pastor of the Christian church Of that
village. For some time past the rev.
erend gentleman's habits have been
such as to cause great grief to his friends
and bring reproach upon the church.
At the close of the sermon which was
preached by neighboring pastor, Ell
der Beekman made the following ad-
dress, which we give as a warning to
all men, both young and old, to avoid
the sin and shame which have come
upon this mani
As man | have the highest concep-
ton as to what the life and character
of minister Of the Gospel should be.
[ know that he should lead a consistent
and an upright life; that can be looked
to by the community as an example Of
purity and righteousness. Knowing
that my life has not been such i'll all
respects, [ desire to tender to this
church, for which [ have labored so
long, my resignation.
You are aware that I refer to my
sin Of intemperance. This may be my
last opportunity Of addressing you, and
| want to ask you that you will not
charge this great sin to the religion Of
Christ. It teaches better things.
Charge it all to my own depravitv and
sinful nature. TO you who have not
this habit, it is strange that | should
thus Weld to temptation. | well re-
member the time when | thought it
strange that others drank and ruined
themselves with alcohol. | am glad
that there are so many young men here
this morning, that [ may lift my voice
in warning, and beg them to profit by
my example. You think now that you
are strong, and in no danger. l well
remember the time when | believed
the same. Twelve years ago, when |
reached forth my inexperienced hand
and took the Intoxicating cup, | thought
| was strong; but / developed q habit
that now holds me in chains, and in the
most awful slavery that humanity was
ever subjected to. 1t holds me in its
embrace when | seek my bed for re-
pose; it disturbs my dreams during the
weary hours of the night, and seizes
me as its prey when rise up in the
morning to enter upon the duties OF
the day.
Profit, oh! profit by my example;
see what it has done for me. There
was a time when | stood as fair as any
minister of the church in Illinois; there
was time when | had as bright pros
poets and as cheering hopes for the
future as any of my classmates. But
now they are all gone because Of intem-
perance. O! that [ could bring the
whole world to hear my warning voice.
Young ladies, you can do much to re-
move this curse from the world by not
countenancing its use among your com
panions.
Brethren, | sever my connection with
YOU as your pastor with a sad heart. 1t
would be sad under the most favorable
circumstances, but much more so as it
is. But shall remain with you in the
church, and labor in the community
for a livelihood; | will come to your
social meetings and work with you in
the Sunday school, and will do what |
can TO atone for the great sin | have
committed.
God knows / do not wish to injure
his cause. Pray for me that | may yet
overcome this besetting sin. | trust !
shall be able to conquer. But should
| 90 down under the whitening infu-
ence, [ ask that you remember me
kindly. Whenever you meet me, and
under what circumstances, remember
there was a time when you were proud
of me- But treat me as you may, act
toward me as you choose, [ beg that
you will remember my wife kindly.
Do not give her pain and sorrow be-
cause of my wrong doing. Poor wo-
man, she has already suffered enough.
married her a sweet and innocent
girl. She has been patient and a
faithful wife. Again, l ask that you
will kindly remember my wife and
children.
In the matter of perseverance the