The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1875-11-03
A MINISTER'S FALL.
. A Painful Scene and a Touching
Confession. 81

We find in the Maroa (Ill.) News of
the 25th of September an account of
the resignation of Elder ). Y. Beck
man as pastor Of the Christian church
of that village. For some time past
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 SER
mon, which was preached by a neigh
boring pastor, Elder Beekman made
the following address, which we give
as o warning toaH men, both young
and old, to avoid the sin and shame
which have come upon this man:
GAS a man / have the highest con-
ception as to what the life and char
acter of a minister Of the gospel
should be. I know that he should
lead a CONSTANT and an upright life,
that can be looked to by the conmu-
nifty as an example Of purity and
righteousness. Knowing that my
life has not been snch in all respects,
/ desire to tender to this church, for
which'I have labored SO long, my res
ignation. 3 ]. -.4s--.,. .S,...-,,S'7sT s. 81.
"You are aware that F1efer to my
sin of intemperance. This may be-.
my last opportunity, Of addressing
you, and I want to ask that you will
Iuotcharge this great shame to the
religion of Christ. ltteaches better
things. Charge it all to my own de-
Iprayity and sinful nature. To you
who have not this hsbit, it is strange
that I should thus yield to ,tempta-
ton. Il well remember, the time
when / thought it strange that 9th.
ers drank and ruined themselves with
falcahol- Lam glad that there are
SO many young men here this morn
ling that Imay lift my voice in wara.
ling I beg them to profit By my ex,ss
ample. You think noV that you arc
strong, and in no danger. Iwell re-
member tbeotime when { believed the
came. Twelve years ago when j.
reached forth myinexperienced hand
and took the intoxicating cup. &
ltAought I was strong but / Develop
led 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 1
seek my bed for repose lit disturbss
my dreams during the weary hours
| Of night, and seizes me as its prey:
when I rise up ip the morning to en-
ter upon the duties eff the day.
aProftl oh, profit by my example ;s
see what it has done for3me. There
l,was d lime when / stood as fair as
any minister of the church of Illinois,
there was time when, I had as
bright prospects and as cheering
hopes for the future as any of my
classmates. 4. But now they are all
gene because Of intemperance. Oh,
thatI could bring the hole world 70
near5my warning voice. Young la
dies, you can do much to remo7e this
curse from the world, by not counte-
lnancing It's use among your compans
ions.
Brethren, / sever my connection
with you as your pastor with sad
heart. It would be sad under the
most favorable circumstances, but
much more so as it is. But / shall re-
main with you in the church and la
Dor in the community for liveli-
hood; T will come to yonr social
meetings and work with you in the:
Sunday-school, and ! will do all / can
to atono for the great sin 1 have COM
mitted. ~,
"God knows I do not wish to injure
his cause. Pray for me that l may
yet overcome this besetting sin. |
trust I shall be able to compute. But
IshouldI 60 down under ihe withering
influence, I ask that you remember
me kindly. Whenever you meet me
and under what circumstances, re.
member there was q time when you
were proud Of me. But treat me as
you may, act towards me as you
choose, I beg that you will remember
my wife kindly. Do not give her
pain snd 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, l ask you will kindly remem-
Der my wife and children" .a,p,