The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-08-24
HIS HEALTH.
Dr. Persons Declination of the Call of Tab
ernacle Church Inspired by His Weak
Physical Condition.

A the weekly prayer meeting of the Tabernacle
Church, last night long letter was read from
Rev Arthur T. PiersOn, D. D., justifying his ac-
tlon in declining the call extended to him by the
congregation, which had called forth some criti-
| cism. In the course of it he says:
Since gave encouragement to the enterpris 9
circumstances have developed which could not
nave been foreseen. Such circumstances should
De regarded as providential indications of duty.
II the enterprise has taken on any features
| which deDend on nv lea,iprsbin Iar tb,u, he
dropped. Retain only what is essential in the
| Judgment OF the church. Modify your basis,
the leadership should not remain but a short
time at the most. BY that time the
by my conduct that it would be
harder than ever for new man to undertake TO
1t is folly to talk of disbanding or abandoning
a work which has connected with il such a
large and noble band of Christians. 1 know
their superior nowhere. God will not forsake
| You because He has mother leader. The modi-
hcatlons which may be necessary may be, in
GODS eyes, just what is needed for its highest
As TO leader "mbued with my IDEAS"
would rather the enterprise did not have such a
man Inere are plenty of men imbued with
Gods ideas, who can be obtained to carry on
GOds work. am suspicious of any enterprise
,. on pears voo sr0ug marks OF lnhlvldualty OF
It's leader THIS Is the main difficulty in Moody's
| church in Chicago.
To conclude. let me say that would rather
work than to do any other work of
which 1 can think; but in my pres
ent state of doubt, nay, more, of positive
conviction that ought not to do so, and with
the positive testimony of competent and i'm
partial physicians that conld remain only for
limited time in that climate, l should assume
| leadership at best, only with a half heart.
am.so constituted that l can do nothing by
halves. must have, as the basis of all success
| ful work, clear conviction that / am in the
| way of duty, in order TO knde the courage and
the enthusiasm necessary to overcome hin
ORANGES and difficulties. do not believe that
Goa would allow my conscience to be SO dis
| turbed, and my health to be imperiled IL he
| calls me to carry on so great a work among you,
| And believe that if the work hangs my
| leadership it is on the wrong basis and would
| not have His blessing. l never would have
| given the movement my encouragement had
l not been assured that IL crystaiZed about a
| principle and not about person. TOabandon it
| ON account of my withdrawal is to justify a
| taunt of its worst enemies, THAT it was a mere
personal movement"
In private letter to of the church's COM
mttee, DR.. Pierson clearly shows that the con-
| dtion of his health and the probable detriment
| to his physical condition, should he continue his
| residence in indianapolis, were the prevailing
causes of his declination. He says that DIR. D.
Hayes Agnew warned him that his vitality was
| running low, and he himself discovered that a
| serious ailment, which had troubled him ever
since his removal to Detroit, fourteen years ago,
| was relieved and his condition improved by sea
| air. DR.. Agnew advised him that he climate In
| the interior is peculiarly unfavOrable to one Of
| his temperament The Doctor cOnfesses that he
| is not little surprised at the extent to which
| his vital powers have been reduced, He weighs
| thirty pounds less than he did when he went to
Detroit, aud his nervous system is so pros
| trate that he has been scarce able to eat
| or sleep. He has signified to Bethany Church
| (Wanamaker'sl, Philadelphia, that If his health
Will permit he will take charge of that field Oct.
1. But he SAYS II he shall not have grown de-
cidedly better by Sept he will go to Europe be-
| fore assuming any new pastoral charge.
OF the Philadelphia field, DIR. PiersOn speaks
| enthusiastically. He says: "Here is exactly
what want-access to thousands of people
| every Lords day, industrial college and
| pastors college already prOjeetec: church of
| the people and for the people In actual working
order, established without friction ntagO-
nsm with other churches. If God had made
| church for me, or me for a church, cannot I'M
| agine more perfect adaptation"
DR.. Pierson, at present, is staying at his old
| home, New Y ork city, at 90 Maiden Lane.