The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1882-12-06
Hampden Sidney College.

MeSSTS. Ed1t0TS, ,-Ihe board or IruS-
tees of this venerable institution was
called to hold special meeting on the
18th ult., at which the Rev. j. M. P. At
kinson, D. D., President of the College,
rendered his resignation of the Office he
had held so long and with such eminent
ability.
After regretfully accepting this resig-
nation, the Rev. DR.. Hoge was requested
to prepare minute expressive of the
feelings of the Board in reference to its
action; which is as follows:
When the Trustees of Hampden Sid
ney College received an intimation that
it was the intention of the Rev DIR. At
kinson to resign the Office he had held
for nearly twenty years with such honor
to himself and with such satisfaction to
the guardians, patrons, and friends of the
College, the wish was generally expressed
that he might be induced to change his
purpose, or at least to defer its execution.
But the letter he has addressed to us con-
tanning, as it does, the assurance that in
consequence of impaired health he had
come to the unalterable decision to sever
his official connection with the College,
both from regard to its interests, and as
afording him the best prospect of restor-
alton to health when released from the
cares and responsibilities of the position,
leaves nothing to the Board but to accept
the resignation so Internationally made.
But while the Board accedes to this
request, it is constrained to say that it
does so only for the reasons DR.. Atkinson
so strongly urges, and with the convic-
tion that in taking the action it is doing
what he most desires and what he is per-
suaded will be most conducive to his own
welfare.
The Trustees of the College take ad-
vantage Of this occasion for giving express
sion not only to their sense of the loss the
College sustains in the withdrawal of DR..
Atkinson from its service, but of their es-
innate of him as a man, and of the noble
work he has accomplished in advancing
in so many ways the interests of the in
stitution. During his administration the
permanent fund has been largely in.
creased and the annual income of the
College nearly doubled. Provision has
been made for instruction in French and
German, and Professor OF the English
Language, Literature, and History has
been appointed. and is now happily dis
charging the duties of his office.
AS a teacher, DIR. Atkinson sound
scholarship, united with the ability to
impart instruction, has been recognized
and appreciated by those most competent
to judge of such qualifications for the
Presidential chair, and to these gifts he
has added what is no less important than
technical knowledge even of the no.
blest sciences-a personal influence which
has not only commanded the respect and
won the affection of his pupils, but which
has left its impress upon their character
and stimulated them to the pursuit of
whatsoever things are true, honest, lust
pure, lovely, and of good report.
The Presidents of other colleges may
have had the advantage of supervising a
larger number of students, but none have
been more successful in imparting the
knowledge of what makes life most
worth living, or in enforcing the purest
precepts by personal example of su-
preme devotion to duty. Therefore,
hesotCed, That the foregoing is but the sim
cere expression of the respect regard, and affec-
ton to which DIR. Atkinson is entitled from
every member Of the Board Of Trustees of
Hampden Sidney College.
Re8olOed, That the Board deeply sympathises
with Dr. Atkinson in the afliction which causes
the severance Of the official tie which has so
long and happily united us, and that to this as
surance it adds the earnest wish and prayer that
he may soon be restored to health, and be abun-
lvy Gal,l IL. l.. IL
good providence OF God may hereafter call him.