The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1876-01-15

A sad sermon from life was recently
preached by Rev. J. V. Ceekman, Prot
estant clergyman of. March, Illinois. The
unhappy man was a drunkard, but
he admitted his terrible failing and
did a notable and Christian act by
resigning his pastoral charge and preach
ing farewell discourse of warning to his
flock. He said
AS q man have the highest conception
as Co what the life and character of a min
ister of the Gospel should be. know that
he should lead a consistent and upright
life, that he can be looked to By the com
munity ss an example OF purity and right
eousnes. knowing that my life has not
been such in all respects, desire to ten
der up to this church, for which have
laoored 30 long, my Resignation. You are
aware that refer TO my sin of lntemperance.
This may be my last opportunity of ad-
dressing you, and l want to ask you. that
you will not charge this great shan.e 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 J ield to
the TEN ptation. l well remember the time
when l thought it strange that Others
drank and ruined themselves with alcohol.
I am glad that there are so many young
men here this morning, that may lift my
voice In warning anu DSR luom W
by INV example. You think now that you
are strong and in no danger. l we'll re-
mem Der the time when l believed the same.
Twelve years ago, when l reached forth
nv inexperienced hand and took the in tox-
icatipg cup, l thought L was strong; but l
developed habit that now holds me in
chains and in the most awful slavery hQ-
manly was ever subjected to. 1t hoids
me in it's embrace, when l seek my bed
for rePose, il disturbs my dreams during
the weary hours of night, and seiZes me
aB it's prey when Iise 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 a time when
stood as fair as any minister OF the
Church, in Illinois there was a time when
had as bright prospects and cheerful
hopes for the future as any of my class
mates. But now they are all gone because
of intemperance. Oh that could have
the whole world to hear my voice. Young
ladies, you can do much to remove this
curse from the world by not cOuntenancing
it's use among your companions. Breth-
rem, | sever my connection with you as
your pastor with sad heart. 1t would
be sad under the most favorable circum-
stances, but much more so as it is. But
shall remain with you in the Church, and
labor in the community for livelihood. l
will come to your social meetings, and
work with you in the Sunday school, and
will do all that can to atone for the
! great sin that l have committed. God
knows do not wish to iDjure His cause.
Pray for me that l may yet overcome this
| besetting sin. trust that shall be able to
conquer. But, should l go down under
the whitening influence, / ask you to re-
member me kindly. Whenever you meet
me and under what circumstances, re-
member there was a time when you were
proud of me. But treat me as you may, act
toward me az 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 al
ways suffered enough. 1 married her a
sweet innocent girl. She has been pa
tient aud faithful wife. Again l ask that
you will remember my wife and children.
1t is one of the curosities of natural his
bnrso aDiova hia food unoat