The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1878-05-18
letter from the New Episcopal
bishop OF West Virginia Resign
ing AIS Charge in Baltimore.

bkhAlOp VI
ing ais Charge in Baltimore.
MKxoHIAL CHURCH REcToRY, L
BAIrTMoRE, MD, May 8, 1878.
TO de Naty of Menodal Church:
GEsrLEMEN-It becomes my painful
duty 10 resign into your hands the rector
ship Of Memorial Church.
The circumstances which make this
step necessary have NOT been, as you
know, Of my own choosing, In the proyi-
Jepce Of God l have been called to a po'
~sitiop, whose responsibilities ! do not
feel At liberty to decline, and therefore
alter Ascension Day; May Soth, shall
cease to be your rector. doeg al.
I cannot undertake to express with
in the limits OF q letter the many
thoughts that rise In my mind as ! thus
give back to your keeping the charge
with which you entrusted me nearly five
yeSrs AGO; nor can I thus adequately
thank Won for the kind confederation you
have always shown me, and the hearty
support you have given me throughout
nv entire ministry.
1 cannot recall any difference that has
ever occurred TO mar the pleasant rela-
lions existing between Us; certainly to me
he evening Of the vestry meeting has
been one Of the :mostenjoyabls oil the
whole month.
II cannot DO otherwise than q source Of
-. ,.ooI Qualification 10 me also to teel
that 10 their kindly relations toward me
he yestry truly represent the congrega.
ton. It Is with deep regret that l par
rom 90 many dear friends to whom 1t has
been my privilege to minister during
these years.
/ have shared your joys, your grieis
and have experienced your sustaining
sympathy in the time Of my own greai
sorrow. The memory Of my ministry
among you Ia one that will keep green
and / trust will often be refreshed BY 8
returp 10 these familiar scenes.
hi no small satisfaction for me to be
lieye that 1 leave you q united and happy
congregation, and that by Gods blessing
upon your efforts for the last four years
the Indebtedness upon the church Is so iai
reduced as to give promise oil Its speed!
Allow me TO counsel q continued econ
omy, a policy looking forward TO moth
ing less than the absolute ownership, tret
Of all membranes, Of all the property
10 any way connected with the church
A few more years q watchfulness a1t
~self.control will accomplish this result
/ think it will be entirely proper Tor me
to add that while l have much to lamen'
in the ineficiency Of my ministry among
you. vet l have nothing to regret a. tc
The general character Of my teaching
The old "story Of mans ruin by sin, and
of Gods remedy for this ruin in Christ
and that the remedy Is Just rs great al
the ruin" l have tried 10 tell faithfully
/ may often have told It only feebly, bul
nv conscience acquits me Of ever putting
any scheme Of mans devising in the place
of the simple gospel plan, aLook ! and b
saved "wash and be clean"
It Is possible that some have tired o
this cold, old story but l feel more and
more each year, that life is too short ant
too solemn for a preacher Of the gospel te
wander far from the cross.
Were my ministry prolonged among
you for many years, what could do bu,
carry on more earnestly what l have beer
trying to do during these years-"to g
10 and out among you and to teach yor
publicly, and from house to house testi
lying 10 all repentance towards God mi
faith in our Lord Jesus Christ"
And now, my brethren and friends,
commend you all, and the church whicf
for so long a time it has been my happi'
ness 10 serve, l commend you to God an
to the word Of His Grace, which Is able Il
build you up and give you an inheritanc'
among them that are sanctfed.
Faithfully and afiectionately you
friend aud PASTOR,
In reply to the above letter, the Vestr.
tender the Bishop elect warm and cor
dial assurances Of their respect and alice
ton, expressing their deep regret at part
ing with him.