The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1875-10-15
A Painful Scene and a Touching Con-
faSstOn.

In the Maroa Qll.) Neecs OF the 2oth OF
September is an account OF the reslgnal.ou
of Elder j. V. Beekman as pastor OF d
church in that village. For some time past
the reverend gentlenan's habits baVe Dee1
such as TO ciuse great grief TO bis friends ana
bring reproach upon the Church. Az Tue
close of the sermon, which was preached oy
a neiphboripg pastor, Elder Beekman maze
the following address, which we give as a
warming TO all men, both yonng and OLD, TO
avoid the sin and shame which have come
upon this man:
AS man | have the highest conception
az to what the life and character OF MINIS
ter Of the gospel should be. L know that ne
should lead consistent and an upright LIE
that can be looked to by the community as
az example of purity and Righteousness.
Knowing that my life has not been such IN
all respects, I desire to tender to this church,
for which have labored so long, my reslg'
nation.
You are aware that refer to my sin of in
temperance. This may be my last oppor.
tunity of addressing you, and want 10 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 deprayity'
and sinful nature. TO you who have not
this habit it is strange that should thus
yield to temptation. l we'll remember the
time when l thought it strange that others
drank and ruiEed 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 10 20 danger. we'll remember the time
| when believed the same. Twelve years ago.
when reached forth nv inexperienced hand
and took the intoxicating cup, thought l
was strong; but developed habit that
now holds me in chains, and in the most
awful slavery that humanity was ever sub.
iected to. 1t holds me in its embrace when
| I seek my bed for repose it disturbs my
dreams during the very hours of night,
and 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 it has done for me. There was time
when I stood as fair as any minister OF the
| Church in Illinois; there was time when |
had as bright prospects and rs cheering hopes
| { n the future as any Of my classmates. But
| now they are all gone 9ecause Of intcm'
perance. o! that could bring the whole
world TO hear my warning voice. Young
ladies, you can do much to remove this curse
from the world 10y not coun:enalcins its use
among your companions.
Brethren, sever my connection With you
as your pastor with q sad heart. Rwou!d
be sad under the most favorable circum-
stances, but much more so as it is. But
shall remain with you in the church and Ia.
Dor in the community for livelihood 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 com.
mitted.
God knows I do not wish to iniIre His
cause. Pray for me that ! may yet over
come this beSetting sin. trust that shall
be able to Conquer. BIT should go down
uoder the whitening iufluer &C. ask that you
remember me kindly. Whenever you meet
me, and under what circumstances. remem-
Der there was time when you were proud
o lie. Bug treat me as you may, act to-
W rds me US you choose. beg that you will
remember my vile kindly. Do not give her
pam and sorrow because of my wrong-Gong.
Poor woman, she has alw iys suffered enough.
married her sweet and innocent girl. she
mas been patient and faithful wife. Again
I ask I hat you will kindly remember my WIFE
and children.