The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1869-10-13
Resignation Of Rev. DR.. sprague.


DR.. Sprague has been so long known and re-
spected as one of the lest, most useful and dis
tinguished Presbyterian ministers in the country,
that the event of his resignation may be appro-
priatey taken for a sp@ia notice of his life and
character. The following is from the Ne,o York
1.-The Rev. VIM. B .Sprague, D. D., has re-
signed the pastoral change Of the I'd Presbyterian
church, Albany He has ministered to that peo-
pie more than forty years. with measure of sue
cess and usefulness rarel If ever, exceeded by any
pastor. 1t is but fewilays since he commemo-
rated the 10th anniversary of his settlement there
preaching from the appropriate words, These
forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee.
When he reached the goldly age of 70, though his
bow was still abiding istrength," he offered his
resignation, which his afptiOnate people declined
to accept, But he has d good sense to perceive
that the harmony and srperity Of a large con-
pastor before tie years comAsn when be shall be
s. ee their waSts, aad re- Is =
dgaib asks them to allow him TO retire from tneIf
service.
During these forty years Of one ministry, only
two communion seasons have passed without addi-
tons TO the membership of the church, and 1t now
numbers COS.
While he has stood at his post, the churches
around him have changed their pastors over and
over again. In the entire Synod of Albany there
is but one besides DR.. Sprague who has been forty
years over one church. In this time, the First
church in Albany has had four pastors, the Third
four, the Fourth seven, the First Reformed Dutch)
five, the Second three the Third nine; and so OF
other denominations. And in the midst of paste.
raj labors the most faithful and exemplary, DIR.
Sprague has found time and strength for literary
efforts astonishing for their extent and value
His contributions to the periodical literature of the
day have been many No minister in the United
States has been so often called upon for special
sermons and addresses on important occasions.
These discourses have generally been published
and are counted by hundreds, forming many large
volumes His biographical works, including the
Annals of the American Pulpit, are a substantial
part Of American literary and religious history
and will live long after his own life is added by
some other hand to the series
The following is the expression made by the ell
ders and Trustees in the following resolutions:
ReSolved That, in accepting the resignation Of
the Rev. DR.. Sprague as pastor Of the church We
represent, we desire specially to acknowledge the
Divine goodness in which his pastoral connection
originated which has continued it in uninterrupted
harmony through so many years, and made it sucf
special blessing to our church and the community
at large
Resolved That we cordially express to our be
loved pastor our esteem and affection and entire
satisfaction with his ministratons amongst us, and
our prayer that his life may be spared and bis
health maintained for many years yet to come.
ReSolved, That, as an expression of our affection
and esteem for our venerated pastor, provision
for his future support be made by annuity, OF
otherwise securing to him the sum of two thous
and dollars yearly during his life.