The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1875-10-28
A Painful Scene and a Touching Confession.


In the Maroa (Tl.) Meas Of the 25,th Of Sep
tenlber is an account of the resignation Of FL
der J. V. Beeknlan, az pastor ct a church III
that village. For some time past the reverend
gentleman 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 a neigllboring pastor,
Elder Beeknan made the following address,
which we give as a warning to all men, both
young and old, to avoid the sin and shame
which have come upon this man:
AS a man have the highest conception as to
what the life and character OF a minister of the
Gospel should be. know that he should lead
q consistent and upright life that can be1ooked
to by the community as example Of purity
and righteousness. Knowing that my life has
not been such in al respects, desire to te adler
to this church, for which | have labored so
long, my resignation.
You are aware that refer to my sin Of in
temperance. This may be my last opportunity
of addressing you, and I want to ask you that
you will not charge this great shame to the re-
ligion of Christ. It teaches better things
Charge it all to my own depravity and sinful
nature 70 you who have not this habit it is
strange that | Should thus yield to temptation.
[ well remember the time when | thought it
strange when others drank and ruined them
selves 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 you are strong and in no
danger. well remember the time when be-
iievel the same. Twelve years ago, when I
reached forth my inexperienced hand and took
the Intoxicating cup, thought was strong
but developed Il habit that now holds me in
chains, and i'll the most awful slavery that hui
manity was ever subjected to. 1t holds me in
its embrace when seek my bed for repose it
disturbs my dreams during the weary hours OF
night, and seizes me as its prey when [ rise up
in the morning to enter upon the ddties OF the
day.
Profit, OH. profit by my example. See what
it has done for me. There was time when |
stood as fair as any minister OF the Church in
Illinois; there was a time when had as bright
prospects and as cheering hopes for the future
as any of my classmates. But now they are all
gone because of intemperance. O! that |
could bring the whole world to hear my warn
inc voice. Young ladies, you can do much to
remove this curse from the world by not
countenancing its use among your compan-
ions.
Brethren, sever my connection with you as
your pastor with q sad heart. 1t would be sad
HnQer Lfc HlOSU IdFOidpIC CIRCUMSTANCES, bNt
nlucn more so as it is. Dnt | shall remain with
yeu in the church and labor in the community
for livelihood L will come to your social
meetings, and work with you in your Sunday
school, and will do all | can to atone Tor the
great sin have committed.
God knows do not wish to injure His cause.
Pray for me that [ may yet overcome this be-
setting sin. | trust that shall be able to con-
quer But Should go down under the with
ering influence, / ask that you remember me
kindly. Whenever You meet me, ana under
what circumstances, remember there was atme
when you were proud OF me- But treat me as
you may; act towards Inc as you choose, beg
that You viii remember my wife kindly. DO
not give her pain and sorrows baeallse OF my
wrong-doiDg. Poor woman, she has always
suffered enough. L married her q sweet and
innocent girl. She has been patient and
faithful wife. Again ask that you will kindly
remember my wife and children.