The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-05-21

On receiving intelligence of the unexpected
resignation by Dir. DWIGHT of his pastoral rela-
tons here, and that he was soon to leave our
our people, that we should hear his voice and
see his face no more. 1t was felt that to be de-
priyed Of the Christian labors, the elevated ex-
ample and the useful and patriotic services of
man, whose mind was richly endowed by care
full study, and by long and varied experience,
and who was thoroughly furnished for the
practical work of life, was loss deeply TO be
lamented by any community This sentiment
found expression in communication addressed
to him, freely and cheerfully signed by many
of our citizens without distinction of sect or
party Many others would have gladly added
Their. testimony in honor of the devoted pastor
and faithful citizen, had they been found when
waited upon, or had time permitted.
1t gives us pleasure topublish to-day this hon.
orable testimonial of respect, together with DIR.
DwIGHT's reply:
LETTER TO DIR. DWIGHT
PORTLAND, April, 1864.
ReueTeRd and Dear Sir The undersigned,
a portion of your fellow citizens of Portland,
beg leave to express to you their deep and sim
cere regret that you have felt il to be your duty
to resign your pastoral Office in this city, and
that you are soon to remove from our state
During a period of near one-third of a CEN
fury in which you have lived among us, your
earnest and faithful ministrations in the pastoral
Office, your unwearied efforts in the maintenance
of good order, your uniform support OF the in
situations of piety and sound religious instruc-
ton, have constituted you a conspicuous pillar
in our social edifice, and endeared you to all
the friends of good government and wefl-reg-
ulated society.
circumstances, the withdrawal from a commu-
nifty of q long-tried, earnest and exemplary
christian man is deeply felt and lamented; but
il is more particularly SO at this time, when
the elements of society are stirred and confused,
and the church, and the state, more than ever,
need the wise counsels, the undiminished efforts
and the feryent prayers of every true christian
and philanthropist. At this peculiar juncture
our town can ill afford TO part with citizen,
and our churches with pastor, whose rich ex-
perience, long and faithful service, and exem-
plary walk have given ardor to hope, and conf
dence TO virtue. and strengthened the silver
cords which bind together the substantial in
terests of a free and intelligent people.
1--WE venerate the man. whose heart is warm,
Whose hands are pure, whose doctrines and whose
lie
Coincident. exhibit lucid proof
That he is honest in the sacred cause"
You will not therefore wonder, Dear Sir, that
entertaining such sentiments, we should feel q
deep and abiding sorrow, which is shared by
our whole community, in parting with faith
full minister of the gospel, and devoted, pat
riotic citizen; and We ask you to receive, in the
same spirit with which it is rendered, this ex-
preston of our grateful appreciation of your
life and character, and our earnest desire and
prayers, that, wherever in the Providence of
God, your lot may be cast, you may find friends
notices. grateful, and a people not less devoted
and attached, than those from whom you are
about TO depart, and who now with sincere re-
gret, most affectionately take their leave of
You
Commenting you and yours to the Good
Shepherd, who gently leadeth his flock to green
pastures and by still waters, we subscribe our