Year: 1875

Confession.


In the Maroa (Ill) Ne,os of the 25th
of September, is an account of the resig.
nation of Elder J. V. Beekmau, as pas
tor ola church in that village For
some time past the reverend gentleman's
habits have been such as to cause great
grief TO his friends and bring reproach
upon the church. At the close of the
sermon, which was preached by a neigh
boring pastor, Elder Beekman made the
following 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 a man / have the highest concep-
ton as to what the life and character of
a minister of tie Gospel should be. /
know that he should lead consistent
and upright life that can be looked TO
by the community as an example of pu-
rity and righteousness Knowing that
my life has not been such in all respects,
| desire TO tender to this church, for
which have labOred SO long, my resig-
nation.


You are aware that | 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 to the religion of
Christ. 1t teaches better things
Charge it all to my own depravity and
sinful nature. To you who have not
this habit it is strange that should
thus yield to temptation. / well remem-
Der the time when | thought it strange
when others drank and ruined them
selves 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 you are strong and in
no danger. | well remember the time
when | believed the same. Twelve years
ago. when reached forth my inexperi-
enced hand and took The intoxicating
cup, | thought was strong; but de-
veloped habit that now holds me 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; it disturbs my dreams
during the weary hours of night, and
seizes Inc 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 a
time when | stood as fair as any minis
ter of the Church in Illinois; there was
time when / had as bright prospects
and as cheering hopes in the future as
any of my classmates. But now they
are all gone because of iutemperance.
Oh! that could bring the whole world
to hear my warning voice Young la
dies, you can do much to remove this
curse from the world by not countenan-
cling its use among your companions.


Brethren, | sever my connection with
you az your pastor with a sad heart. 1t
would be sad under the most favorable
circumstances, but much more so as it
is. But 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 your
Sunday school, and will do all | can to
atone for the great sin | have commit
ted.


God knows do not wish to injume
His cause. Pray for ME that may yet
overcome this besetting sin. l trust
that | shall be able to conquer. But
should | go down under the whitening
influence, | ask that you remember me
kindly. Whenever you meet me, and
under what circumstances, remember
there was time when you were proud
of me. But treat me as yon may, act
towards me as you choose, l beg 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. married her a
sweet and innocent girl. She has been
a patient and faithful wife Again /
ask that you will kindly remember my
wife and children.