Rensselaer Union, Volume 8, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 November 1875 — A Painful Scene and a Touching Confession. [ARTICLE]

A Painful Scene and a Touching Confession.

The Maroa (Ill.) News of a recent date gives an account of the resignation of the pastor of the Christian Church of that village. For some time the reverend gentleman’s habits had 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 neighboring pastor, the unfortunate man delivered the following affecting address: “As a man I have the highest conception as to what the life antjl character of a minister of the Gospel should be. I 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, ,1 desire to tender to this church, for which I have labored so long, my resignation. “ You are aware that I refer to my sin of intemperance. This may be my last opportunity of addressing you, and I warn to ask you that you will not charge this great shame to the religion of Christ. It teaches better things. Charge it all to my own depravity and sinful nature. To you who have not this habit it is strange that I should thus yield to temptation. I well remember the time when I 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 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. I well remember the time when I believed the same. Twelve years ago, when I reached forth my inexperienced hand and took the intoxicating cup, I thought I was sttong; but I developed a habit that pow holds me in chains, and in the most awful slavey that humanity was ever subjected to. It holds me in its embrace when I seek my bed for repose; it disturbs my dreams during the weary hours of night, and seizes me as its prey when I 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 I stood as fair as any minister of the church in Illinois; there was a time when I had as bright prospects and as cheering hopes for the f uture as any of my classmates. But now they are all gone because of intemperance. Oh! that I 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, I sever my connection with you as your pastor with a sad heart. It would be sad under the most favorable circumstances, but much more so as it is. But I shall remain with you in the church, and labor in the community for a livelihood; I will come to your social meetings and work with you in the Sun-day-school, and will do what I can to atone for the great sin I have committed. “ God knows I do not wish to injure His cause. Pray for me that I may yet overcome this besetting sin. I trust I shall be able to conquer. But, should I go down under the withering influence, I ask that you remember me kindly. Whenever you meet me, and under what circumstances, remember there was a time when you were proud of me. But trust me as you may, act toward me as you choose, I 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. I married her a sweet and innocent girl. She has been a patient and faithnil wife. Again, I ask that you will kindly remember my wife and children.”