A PAINFUL SCENE AND A TOUCHING CONFESSION.
We find in the Maroa (Ill.) News of the 25th of September, an account of the resignation of Eld. — as pastor of the Christian Church of 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 neighboring pastor, Eld. — made the following address which he gave as a warning to all men, both young and old, to avoid the sin and shame which have come upon this man:— “As a man, I have the highest conception as to what the life and 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, I 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 want 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 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 strong; but I developed a habit that now holds me in chains, and in the most awful slavery 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 of the future 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 Sunday-school, and will do all 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 that I shall be able to conquer. But should I go down under the withering influence, I ask that you will remember me kindly. Whenever you meet me, and under whatever circumstances, remember there was a time when you were proud of me. But treat 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.”—Sel.