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

We find in the Maroa QIl) Msrs Of the
25th Of September an account Of the res
ignatiOn of Elder ]. V. Beekmau as pas
tor Of the Christian Church Of that village,
For some time past the Rev. gentIeman'a
habits have been such as to cause great
griefto his friends and bring reproaCh up
on the church. At the close Of the ser
mon, which was preached by neighbOr-
ing pastor, Elder Beekman made the fol-
lowing 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 aman, Ihave the highest conception
as to what the life and character OF q
minister Of the Gospel should be. know
that he should lead a consistent and an
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 80 long, my resignation.
You are aware that l refer to my sin
Of intemperance. This may be my last
opportunity Of addressing you, and l
want to ask you that you will not charge
this great shame 10 the religion Of Christ.
1t teaches better things, Charge it all to
my own deprsVity and sinful nature, To
you who have not this habit, it is strange
that l should thus yield to temptation.
l well remember the time when l thought
it strange that others drank and ruined
themselves with alcohol, am 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, Iwell remem-
Der the time when / believed the same.
Twelve years ago when | reached forth
my inexperienced hand and took the in.
toxicating cup l thought was strong
but | developed habit that now holds me
in chains, and in the most awful slavery
that humanity was ever subjected to. 1t
holds me in it, embrace when seek my
bed for repOse; 1t 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 1t has done for me. There was
time when stood as fair "a any minister
Of the church in Illinois; there was time
when had as bright prospects and as
cheering hopes for the future as any Of
my classmates. But now they arc all
gone because Of intemperance. OF that
could bring the whole world 10 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, L sever my connection with
you as your pastor with sud heart. II
would be sad under the most favorable
circumstances, but much more so sit Is.
But l shall remain with you In the
church, and labor in the community for
a livelihood; / will come to your social
meetings and work with you in the Sum
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 l 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 time
when you were proud Of me. But treat
ME as 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 q patient and faithful vile.
Again | ask that you will kindly remem.
Der my wife and children.