The Van Buren press., 1875-11-23
Case of Rev. j. v. Beekman.

For some time past the habits of Elder
J. V. Beckman, pastot of the Christian
Church Of this villiag, have been such as
to cause great grief to hs friends and
bring reproaeh upon the church. At the
close Of the sermon last Sunday. which
was preached by neighboring pastor,
Elder Beekman made the following ad.
press, which we give as warning to all
men, both young and old, to avoid the sin
aud shame which has come upon this
man:
AS man have the highest eoneep-
ton as to what the life and character ola
minister of the gospel should he. |
know that he should lead consistent and
upright life. that he can be looked to by
the community as an example of purity
and righteousness. Knowing that my
life had not been such in all respects,
desire to tender to tlis church, for which
| | have latorcd 80 long, my resignation.
| You are aware that refer to my sin
of intempcrancc 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 to
my own depravity and sinful nature. To
| you who have not this habit it Is strange
that should thus yield to temptation. I
well remember the time when thought
it strange that others drank and ruined
themselves with alcohol.
81 am glad that there are so many
Young men here this morning, that may
| lift my voice in warning and beg them t.
prof by my example. You think now
that ,on are strong and inno danger
well remember the time when | believed
the same. Twelve years ago, when |
reached forth my inexperienced hand and
took the intoxicating cup, | thought |
was strong; but | developed habit that
now holds me in chains and in the most
awful slavery that humanity was ever sub
jected to. IT holds me In its embrace
when seek my bed for rcpose, it distnrbs
my dreams during the weary hours OF
night, and seizes me as its prey when
rise in the morning to enter upon the tia-
ties Of the day.
Profit, oh pfoft by my cxau PIE
Sec what it has done for me. There was
time when stood as fair as any nliltis-
ter of the church of Illinois; there was
time when ! had as bright prospects and
cheering hopes for the future as eny OF
my classmates But now they are all
gone because of intemperance. Oh 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 otcountenancng its use among
your companions.
Brethren. sever my connection with
yon as your pastor with sad heart. IL
would be sad under the most favorable
! circumstances, but much more SO AS It il,
and labor In the community for a liveli.
hood. will come to your social meet
ings, and work with you in the Sunday
school, and will do all that can to atone
/ for the great sin have committed.
"God knows do not wish to injare
his canse Pray for me that may yet
overcome this besctting sin. trust that
| shall be able to conquer But, should
| GO down under the witherng inference.
| ask that you remember me kindly.
| Whenever you meet me, and under what
| circumstances, remember there WAS
/ time when you we're proud Of me. Bat
treat me as you may, act toward me nv
you choose, beg thatyou will remember
my wife kindly, Do not give her pain
and sorrow because of my wrong g-doing.
Poor woman, she has always suffered
enough married her a sweet and inno-
cent girl, She has been a patient and
faithful wife. Again ask that you will
kindly remember my wife and children "
Church Union.
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