New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-09-09
MR.. VOSBURGH RESIGNS.
A SURPRISE EVEN TO HIS FRIENDS,

SURPRISE EVEN TO HIS FRIENDS.
THE LETTER OF REsiGSAuON-THE PASTOR TO
LEAVE THE CHURCH on OCTOBER 81.
The Rev. George B. VOsburgh, pastor Of
the Madison Avenue Baptist Church. Jersey City
Heights, preached last evening upon Heart Power
from the text With the heart the man beeyeth unto
rghteousness.' showing that mankind is led TO believe
in Christ more by the influence OF the heart than by the
intellectual powers At tho conclusion Of his sermon he
read the following letter:
JERSEY CITY. Sept. 8. 1873.
To ne BERGEN Baptist Church:
l hereby tender my resignation pastor OF this
church. take effect October 81 1873 am led TO this
Firstt-Tnat OF health For many months my whole
being has been called into almost constant exercise,
every faculty has been strongly taxed lam overworked
and need rest True am not utterly broken down t
~ avoid this calamity that stop now As IT'S Will
need months OF rest before can go on with my lie Work
Seeoad-wheu entered the ministry twas with the
full determination to remain the pastor OF dly
ded church. The work Of a clergyman IN this advanced
very great and dicut-taxes head and heart 70
Stances best and aDlest Will find his hands fu
II he meets the requirements OF his ONCE ana an sure
no man can DO Justice to himself OF 70 us people
any considerable portion OF his flock are opposed
TO him. Dlscord IN the pew IS regular Msren so g
easter the man IN the pulpit IL also reacts ara idls
like a whitening blight upon the membership 0eheve
it 70 be the duty OF every christian man, esPeeiAR
OF every minister OF the gospel 10 10 az IL
within bis power 10 promote harmOny-to 90 IL
even though IL costs him personal sacrlnce.
When accepted call did so from sense OF Chris
duty, and With the hope th8t might 90 yOn goou
left prosperous, happy ana ullltu ctIoh aAu
sumed charge OF one whose membership was DIVIDED:
whose CONGREGATION was reduced to minimum, and
whose finances we're greatly embarrassed. clme az
the call Of duty II a respectable minority De-
eye that longer be OF assistance 70 men, leei
It be call Of duty TO retire old not come mere 70
further personal ends but for the purpose OF DONG you
good. - -,
Let me saw 10 ell Of my friends. you best show
your friendship for by standing by toe church. L
know that when pastor resigns, there y often ten
dency the part OF his friends, especially u tney
have the feeling that he has been tl-treateds
to leave the church when be leaves IL Is great mis-
take Two wrongs never make a tlgDL nope ana pray
that you Will stand by the church Remember your
coyenauted vows Give Il your money, your presence,
and YOUR prayers. Bury all unkndy feelings Bc mag
nanimous be charitable, be forgiving, tgus showing
the world your actions, that you nave Deeh Win
Christ and learned OF HIN.
After reading his resignation, he made few remarks
in which he stated that his action perempory Is
had been suggested him by many Of the members that
his resignation would not be received by the church,
but his action was final He appreciated most
heartily the expressions of love, friendship and
the loving fidelity OF the members OF the
cbnrcb and he hoped his resignation would be
accepted IN the spirit OF love In when ne ten
dered il 1--WE have but Sabbaths TO spend TO-
getner" said he in closing and let us 10 chaf cover
eaeh others faults and together let US make these lew
sabbaths ofreous refreshing ana great Denshs W
the church" -.s.-.,.,.
The reading Of the resignation caused considerable
excitement among his hearers, me church Oelng
crowded At the conclusion Of the services, many OF
MS friends came him. and with tears IN their eyes
expressed their SORROW at mis- action. HIS reslg-
frirnds With the exception OF halI a dozen.
uring the time that he pastor ne VIII pe io
NEST OF Mr. Vaudeville, a prominent member OF the
ehurch, who Is one Of his warmest supporters