The weekly register. [volume] (Point Pleasant, Va. [W. Va.]) 1862-1909, 1875-12-16
A Touching Confession.

We find The following in the Mari
on (Illinois) Nens of September 18th,
being an account Ct ElderJ. V. 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 grief to
his friends and bring rcproach upon
the church. At the close of a sermon
which was preached by q neighbor-
ing pastor, Elder Bcckman made the
following address, which ispublished
as a warning to all men, both young
and old, to avoid the sin and shame
which has come upon this man:
He said: "As a man, have the
highest conception as to what the
life and character of a minister of the
Gospel should be. ! 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 has not been such in allrespects,
IdeSire to tender to this church, for
which l have laborcd so long, my res
ignation.
''You are aware that refer to my
sinof incompetence. 1t may be my
last opportunity of addressing you,
andI want to,ask that you will not
charge this great, shame to the, relig-
ion of Jesus Christ, 1t teaches bet
ter things. Charge it all to my own
depravity and sinful nature. To you
who have not this habit, tits strange
that l should thus yield to tempta-
ton. l well remember the time
when l thought it strange that 9th
crs drank and ruined themselves
with alcohol. am glad that there
are so many young men here this
morning, that I 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. l
well remember the time when I be-
lievcd the same. Twelve years ago,
when l reached forth my inexpcri-
enced hand and took Misunderstanding
cup, l thought l was strong; but de
yeloped a habit that now holdsme in
chains, and in the most awful slavery
that humanity was ever subjected to.
1t holds me in its embrace when
seek my bed for repose. 1t disturbs
my dreams during the weary hours
of night and seizes me as aprey when
l rise in the morning to enter upon
the duties Of the day.
@Proft, oh.proft by my example;
see what it has done for me. There
vas 4 timeNwhen | stood as fair as
any minister in the church in Hi
nois; there was a time when l had as
bright prospects and as cheering
hopes for the future as any OF my
classmates. But now they are all
gone because of inten1pcrance. On!
that l 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
countenancing its use among your
companions.
Brethren, sever my connection
with you as pastor, with sad heart,
1t would be sad under themost favor
able circumstances, but much more
so as it is. But l shall remain with
you in the church, and labor in the
community for a livelihood; l will
come to your social meetings, and
work with YOU in the Sunday School.
and,will do all can to atone for the
great sin have committed.
"God knows I do not wish to in
jurc his cause. Pray for me that I
may yet overcome this bescttins sin.
j trust that | shall be able to conquer.
But should odownunder the with
ering influence, 4 ask that you re-
member NE kindly. Whenever you
meet me, and under whatever circum-
stances, remember there was a time
when you were proud of me. But
treat me as you may, act towards me
as you..choosc, l beg that you will re
member my wife kindly. Do not
give her pain and sorrow because 81