New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-12-05
Touching Confession of n Clergyman.

Touching COME ssion of n Clergyman.
recen. issue of the Maroa, Illinois,
NerS contains an account OF the resignation
of Elder j. J. Beekman as pastor of the
Christian Church of that village. For some
tine pas. the reverend 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 neighb0ring pastor,
Elder Beekman made the following address:
As man have the highest conception
as TO what the life and character of min
lister of the gospel should be. l know that
he should lead a consistent and upright lite.
that can be locked 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 laboret so long,
nv resignation. You are aware that 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 shame to the religion of Christ.
1t teaches better things. Charge it all 10
my own depravity and sinful nature.
To you who have not this habit, it is
strange that | should thus yield to tempta-
ton. | we'll remember the time when l
thought strange that others drank and
ruined themselves with alcohol. am glad
there are SO many young men here this
morning, that may lit my voice in warn
Iug. and beg them to profit by nay example.
You think now that you are strong and in
no danger: | well remember the time when
| believed the same. Twelve years ago
when | reached forth my inexperienced
hand and took the into Sicating cup l
thought | was strong, but l developed
habit that now holds me ia chains,
and il the most awful slavery that
,l,Ta
holds me in its embrace when ! seek my
bed for repose it disturbs my dreams durin g
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. 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 prospects and as cheering hopes for
the future as any of my classmates. But
now they are all gone because of intern
perance. o 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,
] sever ny connection with you as your
pastor with sad heart. 1t would be sad
under the most favor able circumstances, but
much more so as it is. But | shall remain
with you in the church, and labor in the
community for q livelihood. l will come to
your social meetings and work with you in
the Sunday school, and will do all | can to
atone for the grea. sin / have committed.
God knows l do not wish to injure His
cause. Pray for me that / may yet over
come this besettIng sin. trust that shall
be able to conquer. But should go down
under the whitening influence, ask that
you remember me kindly. Whenever you
meet me and under Whatever circumstances
remember there was time when you were
proud of me. But treat me as you may, act
toward me as you choose, beg that you
will remember ny wife kindly. Do not
give her pain and sorrow because of my
wrong doing. Poor woman, she has always
suffered enough. l married her a sweet
and innocent girl She has been patient
and faithful wife. Again I ask that You
will kindly remember my wife and children.