The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-09-23
DIR. wlTHRow's DEcLrNATroN
The Reasons Why He Stays I'm Boston and
Does Not Go to Chicago

The Reasons Why He Stays In Boston and
Does Not Go to Chicago.
Boston Herald, Monday.
At the close of the sermon, yesterday morn
ing, in the presence of large congregation. Rev.
DR.. Withrow announced to his people in Park
street Church that his decision was made to ra-
main where he is, and that he had declined the
Chicago call on last Wednesday night He
added: NEARLY three months ago, as you know
the Third Presbyterian Church, of Chicago.
gave me hearty call to become their pastor It
was through nothing that / did, or got DONE
that they were led to do it When they did it,
the act was as enthusiastically performed as the
thought had been spontaneously conceived. My
first impulse was to frankly say to you that
would accept, because, having been in this pull
pit for ten years. / did not know but another
teacher and leader might better do the the work
l came to you from the Presbyterian body. NY
life had been within the circles of it's influence
and under the instruction Of its schools From
infancy have never doubted the great truths of
religion which are known by the name of evan
gellcaL believe in the trinity, as the evangel-
zeal church of Christendom has believed it. And
in the lost and ruined condition of our race and
the perlshlng need that every soul has who is not
already regenerated by accepting Christ as his
Savior l reverently and with ever-increasng
gratitude accept and believe what soma
have scsofingly called "a bloody theology"
when | cannot sing There is a fountain
filled with blood" in the same sense that I
know, and you know that evangelical christen-
dom means it, then l will announce my de-
lection, and depart to where there are pupits
provided for such as begin by denying that 1--WE
have redemption through his blood And
lastly believe that to every intelligent moral
agent there is given such knowledge of the diff
ference between right and wrong, that if he
will follow the right as God gives him light, he
shall be saved And that every such one as
does not will go away into everlasting punish
ment" at death.
lief with me. They have been preached in love
and without compromise in this pulpit for the
last ten years Upon them the smile of Provi-
dence has rested all the while we have lived
together IN harmony which has not had a jar.
Although the inducements and attractions
that drew me were very strong my hope is that
have got at 1.-THE will of the Lord" say not
that have, but only that hope have. 1t was
in this trust that on Wednesday night of the
last week wired my declinature Of the CALL and
then mailed the next morning the following
communication:
BOSTON, Sept 16, 1886.
Edward NJ. Teall ESQ.,, Chairman, and Brethren Of
the Session of the Third Presbyterian Church. Chi,
cago, ul.-My Dear Brethren: Last night | wired
you the following words: Il am constrained to con.
clude and do conclude must decline the call
Never has question of duty come before me- as q
Christian pastor which gave me such solicitude ia
reaching conclusion as has the question of your call.
x l have not followed my preferences Ac.
ceptng your call, should have been quite of the
warm sympathy and generous ministerial fellowship
of the many pastors editors and theological profess
ssrs of Chicago who have kindly pledged the
same With all my heart wish had such brethren
for near neighbors But, after many weeks of the
most earnest and ceaseless prayer that offered
to God for light in such matter, my duty has become
clear, and must stay where and give up all that
your exceptionally splendid cal extended to my heart
and home
In doing this however. there will be no obstinacy
of heart withholding in the continuance of my la
bors here. The hearty and unbroken harmony Of
this historical old Park Church and the cordial
ministry and laty hereabouts will lay me under an
agreeable obligation to do the very most and best
of which am capable.
And now, my dear brethren. although this decision
is final. and will forbid thinking of enjoying
your church fellowship. as otherwise would have
joyed it. yetlet you that my poor prayers
have any prevailing power, you will soon be led to
lect for your vacant pulpit and pastorate occupant
who will bs ever much more capable of filling them
than your humble servant in Him.
T T WTTHROw