South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1875-11-12
A Touching Confession.

We find in the Marion OILY Ne,cs OF
the 25th of September. an account of the
resignation of Elder J. V. Beckman as
/ pastor OF the Christian church of tina,
village. For some time past the Rev
/ gentleman's habits have been such rs 10
cause grief to his friends and bring re-
proac h upon the church. At the close
OF 'he sermon which was preached by a
neighboring pastor, Elder Beekman m ade
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 man, / have the highest con.
ceptlon as 10 what the life and charac.
ter OF minister Of tie Gospel should DE,
know that he should lead a consistent
and an upright life, that he can be look.
ed TO by the community as an example
OF purity and righteousness. knowing
that my life has not been such in all re-
! spects, | desire TO tender to this church.
Tor which L have labored so long. my
Resignation.
GU are aware that refer To my sin
o! intemperalce. II may be nv las, on.
portunity of addressing you, and want
10 ask that you will not charge this rreat
shame to the religion Of Christ. Itteach.
e5 better things. Charge it all TO my
own deprarlty and sinful nature, 10
you who have not this habit. il is strange
That | should thus yield to temptation.
| well remember the time when thought
, 1t strange that others drank and ruined
themselves with alcohol. | am Glad
Tat there are 50 many young men here
thi5 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. | we'll re.
member the time when | believed the
| same. Twelve years ago, when reach
CT forth my inexperienced hand and
took the Intoxicating cup, | thought
was strong; but | developed habit
1 that now holds me in chains, and in the
most awful slavery that humanity was
ever subjected to. IL holds me in its
embrace when seek my bed for repose
1t disturbs my dreams during the wca-
~ hours ofnight and seizes me rs its prey
when | rise mp 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 Il time when stood as fair as any
! minister of the church in Illinois: there
was a time wheT had rs bright pros
poets and rs cheering hopes for the
iutnre as any of my class mates. But
now they arc all gone because OF intern.
perance. OH that could bring the
whole world 10 hear my warning voice.
oANg ladies', you can do much 10 re-.
move this curse from the world by not
eonntcnancin9 its use among your com.
panions.
brethren, | sever my connection with
You rs Your pastor witha sad heart. 1t
world be sad I'm Ter the most favorable
circumstances. but much moro so as it
Is. But 1 shall remain with YOU in the
church. and labor in the Community for
Il livelihood; | will come TO your social
meetings and work with you in the suns
day school and will do all | can 10 a.
tone for the great sin have committed.
God knows do not wish TO iniure
his cause. Pray for me that / may vet
overcome 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 ne. But treat me rs You may. act
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 aratient and faithful wife. Again
} ask that You will kindly remember my
wife and children"