Knoxville journal. [volume] (Knoxville, Iowa) 1874-1986, 1875-10-21
A Painful Scene and Touching Con-
fessiOn.

The Maroa nll.) Nel1s Of recent date
gives an account Of the resignation OF the
pastor of the Christian Church OF that
village. For some time the reverend
eentleman's habits had 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
neighboring pastor, the unfortunate man
delivered the following affecting address:
"As a man have the highest concep-
ton as 10 what the life and character OF a
minister Of the Gospel should be. l know
that he should lead 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 in all respects, l desire TO
tender to this church, for which l have
labored so long, my resignation.
" You are aware that refer to my sin
of intemperance. This may be my last
opportunity Of addressing you, and want
10 ask you that You will not charge this
great shame TO the religion of Christ. II
teaches better things. Charge il all to my
own depravity and sinful nature. To you
who have not this habit il is strange that
should thus yield to temptation. j well
TtIiltIlDti INC hiphSht ~
strange that others drank and ruined
themselves with alcohol. | am glad that
there are 10 many young men here this
warning, and beg them to profit by my
example. You think now that you are
strong, and In no danger. / well remem-
Der the time when j believed the same.
Twelve years ago, when | reached forth
my inexperienced hand and took the in
toxicating cup, | thought / was strong
but developed habit that now holds me
In chains, and in the most awful slavery
that humanity was ever subjected TO. II
holds me in its embrace when / seek
my bed for repose; II disturbs my dreams
during the weary hours Of night, and
seizes me as its prey when rise up in the
morning 10 enter upon the duties OF the
day.
"Proft, oh! profit by my example; see
what 1t has done for me. There was a
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. 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 moi
countenancing its use among your com
panions.
Brethren, sever my connection with
you as your pastor with sad heart. Ii
would be sad under the most favorable
circumstances, but much more SO as il
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 Sun
day.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 i may yet
overcome this besetting sin | trust /
shall be able to conquer. But, should /
90 down under the whitening influence, |
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
trust 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 because Of my wrong-doing.
Poor woman, she has always suffered
enough. married her sweet and inno-
cent girl She has been patient and
faithful wife. Again, ask that you will
kindly remember my wife and chill
deem