New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-01-16
DIR. CLARK WISHES TO GO.
A STATEMENT 10 HIS PEOPLE.
THE CONGREGATION OF THE CHURCH OF TIL
PURITANS PASSES RESOLUTIONS TO
KEEP IFS PASTOR.

PUR1TANS PASSES RESOLUTIONS TO
KEEP ITS PASTOR.
The congregation OF the Church OF the Puritans In
one hundred and thirtiehst. surprised yesterday
morning when the pastor the Rev. Dr. Clark, prefaced
his usual sermon with statement OF his position
toward the church and the General Assembly OF the
Presbyterian Church. An listened to their PASTORS
remarks with intense interest and at the close when
Dr. Cark's own voice broke as he spoke OF his
pastoral relation to the people, not few eyes were
filled with tears After citing the various pledges he
had taken upon entering the Presbyterian ministry Dr.
Clark said
In the allegiance which solemny promised on as.
suming responsibility OF this church agreed
ccpt the standards OF the Church, their rules OF discipline
long in it, ministry, and 10 study its peace.
When the light OF the last sX months. which has
with perfect clearDess from the General Assembly
voice Of the religious press especially in Endorsement
argument. conducts Of the late herev cases
reluctantly compelled 10 believe that in matters
sidered essential by the Presbyterian Church
cannot conscentousy continue under the obligations
which | gladly assumed twenty years II my
Church in Congresationalism, judges II the
Presbyery in its fraterna courtesy the final Judge
public opinion might have the deciding weight in
staying going but the General Assembly In whose
councils the NewYork Presbytery has but voice
decide what Presbyterian minister should be-
lieVe. Therefore have choice between the Presby
ministry and contention, which is the peace
promised leave the Church IL might have seemed
have waited before making departure. but
have always been accustomed when plainly my way
Of duty not to dare 10 hesitate.
Last spring uttcrances delivered at General
Assembly affirming that certain doctrines fundamental
principles OF the Presbyterian Church. Al ministers in
the convention who could not assent these principles
then asked leave the Presbyterian ministry in
that the Church m9ht DE perfect accord. The
Presbyery of New.York is the Presbyterian Church
only OF 200 PIesbyteres the connection 90
while might b. in harmony with Presbytery. said
u myself II will watch carefully, 10 whether
sympathy the Presbyterian Church a whole
My experience with the seminary and with The Presbycry
in these latter DAYS has adod where rightly
stand. l said to myself IF stay In my pulpit
continue in the ministry, but have stopped my useful
ness"
have said to your children when they have asked me
about the pulling positions in theological controversy
These doctrines. which consider horrible. not
part Presbyterian doctrine" Now that they have
been brought the the belief Of the Church ana
that they there to stay at the front So feel that
this is not the place for me.
think may say that this church in position Of
usefulness to-day thoroughly equipped than
before. Need | say anything about my love for this
church7 | to go? There is a power strong
in whole world force co. have
had temptation after temptation to leave this pulpit for
those that promise greater things but
gave them second thought. But when the Gen
Assembly and the Presbyterian Church large says
me, 1--WE do consent to your remaining In Pres
byterlan pulpit" will depart IN peace. That you give
me vote o confidence does not release You know
me well enough TO know what / viii do when II In
question Of my duty 1t is my duty 20 and o
wish you and the Presbyterian Church "godspccd."
still adhere with all heart to the great doctrines Of
our Standard but | cannot stand in this place aud
preach by silence 10 assent many inerprcta
which essential the greater part Of the
church. | do Judge them l have not Lcen
cu,tomcd you know. TO dwell upon these points But
a. the circumstances to-day. il b, straight
forward and manly your affection could
me, while L hold the pulpit love bcttir than
life from losing my usefulness II am not perfectly
plain and consistent your minister am lost | have
been made TO appear TO give counsel to some OF my
brethren in the ministry in this step. You who know
me. better than that l say II this
church remembers and thinks OF ne i think VI
them. that IS enough.
AT the close OF the morning service congrega
tional meeting was called to consider the commun
cation Of DIR. Clark. George c. lay the chairman
OF the society. presided, and David 5. Wendell acted
clerk. Mr. Lay spoke as follows: As chairman
Of the society Of the Church OF Tie Iuritans | beg
state the object OF this meeting. We have all
heard with deep regret OF the application OF our
pastor to the Prcshytery OF Ncw-YOrk touching his
relation to the Presbyterian Church 1t thought
advisable to have meeting OF the church and con
grcgatiOn with the View Of expressing confidence
In orr pastor, and our love and gratitude to him for
long and faithful service. think voice the senI-
ment OF all members OF the church and congrcga-
ton that the Withdrawal Of DR.. Clark would BE- "A
heavy blow TO this church. and that we should use
our Influence to avert the dissolution OF his pas
Oral relations. AT any rate. can testify to our
appreciation Of his unsclfsh performance OF his pas
toral duties We may with propriety request the
Prcsbytery OF NewlOrk not TO dissolve the relations
which have proved full OF rich experience and
spiritual inspiration TO all members OF church.
Theron G.. Parsons then presented the following
resolution, which was seconded by James II. Bcaes
Ir., and which was adopted without Il dlss ntlng
voice:
whereas, The members Of the church and congregation
OF the Church Of the Purtans deep sorrow
OF the proposal withdrawal Of their pastor Ed.
ward l.. Clark ID. d. from the PRESBYTERIAN Church. by
reason Of the Interpretation put upon
Church by the last General Assembly; and
Whereas. d. Clark has served this church with fidelity
and success for than twenty years and
Whereas The members OF church desire express
their absolute confidence in his sincerity, m0ni
and their love and gratitude for long
voted service.
Resolved. That the Presbytery OF New.York be ear.
nesty requested To declare the Clark
IN his application recently 10 the Pre.by.
terry. insufficient 10 dissolve his pastoral relations with
this church.
Resolved That delegate 10 Piesbytery from
be directed present these resolutions to
Presbytry
Before the resolution was put TO vote however.
Pbilo s. Ely, OF the ruling elders Of the church.
asked permission TO speak. He then expressed his
sorrow that the matter had before the church
but said that every had q right TO settle his
own case with bis conscience. He Gad that the