The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-08-25
CHARLEsroN. S. @, Auq. 9M. lS75

| The Rec H. d Hoge d. d., Moderator Of the
! General assembly Of the Pre- Jytertda Church az
the United States:
Rev. and Dear Brother,-I beg very respectfully
to announce to you that, after very painful
mental struggle and many earnest prayers for d.
vine guidance, have come to the conclusion that
it is my duty to decline the call Of the Assembly
to me to become the professor OF Dldaotlc and
Poemic Theology in the Seminary at Columbia
When was informed by az honored brother that
it was his intention to nominate me for that posi-
ton, endeavored to dissuade him from executing
his purpose and when, Notwithstanding my en-
treaties he did me the honor to place me in nomi-
nation before the Assembly, pleaded with the
venerable court to drop my name, on the ground
that was then convinced Of my duty to decline
The Assembly, however, was pleased to elect me;
and the cordial unanimity with which 1t expressed
its Judgment in the matter induced the feeling
that would be acting disrespectiully towards it.
did not give due consideration TO the powerful
presumption thus erected against my individual
convictions. To that effect addressed the Assem-
blv and as it was the last day Of its sessions re-
ouested that some time after its adjournment
should be conceded me for reflection The period
of consideration which followed was the most pain
fpl that I can remember ever having experienced
| O, the one hand, conscious of bowling, in my in
most spirit with profouDdest Difference to the
highest Court of the Church, was extremely re-
tuetspt to assume an attitude towards it, which
would, in the least degree, SAVIOUR of tactousness
On the other hand, reasons which had to my own
mind an ipperiOus force, difficulties which found
myself unable to surmouut opposed compliance
with the call which, but for them, would have been
most cheeriully and readily yielded. | am op-
pressed by the thought that l have made very
responsible and perlous use of the right of private
iudpment If I have erred, may He who knows
the whole case mercifuly forgive me for the sake
of His dea. SOP, and by his almighty Providence
eonpteract the consequences of the mistake. He
Is nv witness that have acted from sincere de-
sire to know His WILL and to Him | humby COM
init all the issues involved in the case
| feel that it is due to the Assembly that l
should add the following explanatory remark9:
l. I did nat regard its action as having the force
of binding injunction; and, consequently. cannot
convict myself of having refused obedience to the
authority Of the Assembly l earnestly hope that
my brethren will take the same view Of the matter.
> have not been il huenced by pecuniary con-
sideratious, or by a regard for temporal advantage,
or BY personal feelings Of an unfaVorabe character
towards others, but solely as | humby trust, by
conscientious convictions.
g. | am unable to see that the fact Of my de-
cliuiag this call WILL as souo of my brethren have
urged, seriously iriure the Seminary. l cherish
sincere love for it, and hope and pray alike that
its best interests will ultimately be advanced by the
course which have taken.
With profound respect aud esteem l subscribe
myself, Rev and dear Brother
Very truly yours in the Gospel of Christ.
JOHN L. GIRARDEAU