The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1875-10-28
THE PASTORS CONFESSION.

HE LOOKED UPON THE WINE WHEN 1T WAS
RED AND FELL BY THE wAYsIDE.
The Msros (Ill.) News gives this account
OF the resignation ofElder Beekman as pastor
of the Christian Church of that town: For
some time past the reverend gentlemsn'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, Elder
Beekman made the following address, which
we give as 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 minister OF the gospel
should be. l know that he should lead
CO nsistent 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 in all respects, /
desire to tender to this church, for which
have labored so long, my resignation. You
are aware that / refer to my sin ofintempor-
ance. This may be my last opportunity of
addressing you, and want 20 ask you that
you will not charge this great shame to the
religion OF Christ. 1t teaches better things.
Charge it TO all my own depravity and sin
| ful nature. To you who have not this habit
II Is strange that l should thus yield to
temptation. well remember the time when
L thought IL strange that others drank and
that there are go many young men here this
morning, that
IMAY LIFT MY VOICE IN WARNING.
1 beg them to profit by my example. You
think now that you are strong, and in no
danger. we'll remember the time when l
believed the same. Twelve years ago, when
| reached forth my inexperienced hand and
took the Intoxicating cup, thought was
hint II nod hot
holds me in chains, and in the most awful
slavery that humanity was ever subjected to-
It holds me in its embrace when L seek my
| bed for repose IL 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 duties OF the day. Protiti
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 of IL
linois; there was 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 intempt rance.
oh, that / could bring the whole world to
| hear my warning voice. Young ladies, you
can do much to remove this curse from the
world, by not countenancing its use among
your companions. Brethren, 1 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 livelihood;
1 will come to your social meetings, and
work with you In the Sunday school, and
/ will do all can to atone for the great sin 1
| have committed. God knows L do not wish
to injure his cause. Pray for me that may
yet overcome this besetting sin. | trust
| shall be able to overcome this besetting sin
trust shall be able to conquer. But,
should go down under the whitening inhu-
| ence, ask that you remember me kindly.
| Whenever you meet me, and under what
circumstances, remember there was time
when you were proud of me. But treat me
as you may, act toward me as you choose, i
beg that you will remember my wife kindly.
Do not give her pain and sorrow because OF
my wrong-doing. Poor woman, she has
already suffered enough. L married her 2
sweet and innocent girl. She has been q pa
tient aud faithful wife. Again, / ask you
will kindly remember my wife and children
1t was mean and malicious, no doubt, In
the Chicago Times to charge that Bristow's
wife and family on their return from abroad
had been permitted to land their baggage
without examination; but there was nothing
quite so ridiculous in the charge as there is
In the praise accorded Mr.. Bristow by some
of his defenders and admirers for causing the
| baggage to be examined. It is rare sight,