The New Orleans bulletin. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1874-1876, 1875-10-13
A MINISTER'S FALL.
A PAINFUL SCENE AND A TOUCHING coNFEss1o


25th of September, an account of the resig- |
nation of Elder j. V. Beekman as pastor OF
the Christian Church of that village. For
sometime past the reverend gentleman
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 neighboring pastor, Elder
Beekman made the following address, which
we give as a 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 conception as
to what the life and character of minister OF
the gospel should be. I know that he should
lead a consistent and 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, desire
to tender to this church, for which have
labored so long, my resignation.
You are aware that refer to my sin OF in
temperance. This may be my last oppor-
tunity of addressing You, and l 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
habit it is strange that I should yield to
temptation. we'll 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 I may lit my
voice in warning, and beg them to profit by
nv example. You think now that you are
strong. and in no danger. 1 we'll remember
the time when believed the same. Twelve
years ago, when I reached forth my inexpe-
rrienced hand and took the Intoxicating cup,
I thought was strong; but l developed
habit that now holds me in chains, and IN the
| h,1po ovitu
subjected to. It holds me in its embrace
when seek my bed for repose; it disturbs my
dreams during the weary hours of night, and
seizes me as its prey when l 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 time when
stood as fair as any minister of the Church In
Illinois: there was a time when l had as
bright prospects and as cheering hopes fol
the future as any of my classmates. U! thai
1 could bring the whole world to hear my
warning voice. Young ladies, you can dc
much to remove this curse from the worlo
by not countenancing its use among your
companions %,
Brethren, sever my connection with yor
as YOUR pastor with sad heart. 1t would bt
sad under the most favorable circumstances
Int much more so as it is. But l shall re
main with you in the church. and labor II
the community for a livelihood; 1 will come
. to YOUR social meetings and work with you IL
the Sunday school, and will do what l can t.
atone for the great sin have committed.
God knows do not wish to injure Hi
, cause. Pray for me that may yet overcome
,, this besetting sin. I trust shall be able t.
conquer. But, should I go down under tn
whitening influence, ask that you remembe
me kindly. Whenever you meet me, ant
o;~
was time when you were proud of me. Bu
treat me as you may, act towards me as yo'
choose, beg tina. you will remember m
wife kindly. Do not give her pain and sol
row because of my wrong doing. Poor VIC
man, she has always suffered enough.
4 married her sweet and innocent girl Sh
9 has been patient and faithful wife. Agar
] ask that you will kindly remember my vii
, and children.