The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1875-10-16

We find in the Maroa qll.) Naa Of thu
25th OF September an account Of the res
ignation Of Elder ]. V. Beekman as pas
tor Of the Christian Church Of that village
For some time past the Rev. gentleman
habits have been such as to cause grea
grieito his friends and bring reproach up
on the church. At the close Of the ser
mon, which was preached by neighbOr
ing pastor, Elder BCekman made the fol
lowing address, which we give as I
warning to all men, both young and old
to avoid the sin and shame which have
come upon this man:
As aman, have the highest conception
as to what the life and character OF u
minister Of the Gospel should be. know
that he should lead consistent and an
upright life, that can be looked to by the
community US 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 40 long, my resignation.
You are aware that [ refer to my sin
Of intemperance. This may DO 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 to
my own depravity and sinful nature. To
you who have not this habit, it Is strange
that should thus yield to temptation.
! well remember the time when | thought
it strange that others drank and ruined
themselves with alcohol, lam 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 that you are
strong, and in no danger. well remem-
Der the time when / believed the same.
Twelve years ago when | reached forth
my inexperienced hand and took the in.
tOxicatiDg 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; it disturbs my dreams
during the weary hours Of night, aud
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 tho church in Illinois; there was time
when had aS bright prospects and as
cheering hopes for tho future as any Of
my classmates. But now they arc all
gone because of intemperanCe. OF that |
could bring the whole world to hear my
warning voice. Young ladiCs, you can do
much 10 remove this curse from the world
by not CountCnancing Its use among your
companions.
Brethren, l sever my connection with
you as your pastor with sad heart, II
would be sal under the most favorable
circumstances, but much more 30 Asit Is.
But shall remain with you in the
church, and labor in the community for
u LIVELIHOOD; | will come to your social
meetings and work with you in the Sun.
day school, and will do all | can to atone
for the great sin | have committed,
God knows 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. When.
ever you meet me, and under whatever cir.
cumstances, remember there was q time
when you were proud Of me. But treat
me as you may, net towards 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 innocent girl.
She has been q patient and faithful wife.
Again ! ask that you will kindly remem.
Der my wife and children.