New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-02-09
THEY BID HIM GODSPEED.
DIR. F.. T.. CLARK'S RESIGNATION ACCEPTED.
MEMBERS OF TIE CHURCH OF THE PILGRIMS
ADOPT RESOLUTIONS,

MEMBERS OF TIE CHURCH OF THE PILGRIMS
ADoPT RESOLUTIONS,
A meeting was held last evening in the chapel II
the Presbyterian Church OF the Purans. one-indrec'
and-thrtlch-st. near Tifh-ave., to take action OH
the proposed dissolution OF the pastoral relations OF
the rev. DR.. Edward L. Clark with the church About
200 people were present three-fourhs OF the number
being women. The Rev. DR.. F. Il. Marlng, at the
request Of the session presided. DR.. Clark dill MOI
attend the meeting. Frederic f. Dickinson, secre-
tary OF the session. chosen secretary OF tn"
meeting.
After brief devotional services. DR. Marlng an
nohnced the purpose Of the meeting. letter was
then read from DR.. Clark. In 1t he stated at some
length the reasons which induced him to withdraw
from the church. He said he had always felt morally
bound respect the opinions OF the General Assembly
OF the Presbyterian Church law. He was alarmed
towever when that body unanimously agreed that no
revision should affect the Cavanism OF the Comics
sion Of Faith.
Last May he continued. the General AS
sembly by u unanimous vote passed 'deliverance.'
stating that the original Scriptures without
and every one who could not believe. In Christian
honor. should withdraw. II also directed the Pres
bvteries TO try for heresy those who would not I'm
nedatcy Withdraw.
at Is clear to after nine months OF anxious
INQUIRY that my conservative, views hopele sly con
In believing that there liberty change In the in
terpretat!on Of the standards. cannot in future
honestly satisfy thoughtful inluircrs they approach
the communion. | might stay in my pulpit with
mental reservation but without candor what service
could render you your children"
DR.. Mlrlng asked for an expression OF views on
the part OF those present After some Hesitation
Elder George G. Lay arose and offered these resolu
tons:
whereas The Rev DR.. Edward l.. Clark has requested
the Church Il the Purtan, with which he has been for
twenty years Identified join with him in request to
Prcsbycry OF NewYor for dissolution OF his pa
tolal relations with this church. and
Whereas This request 1, mad by him solely on the
ground conscience and imperative duty, from which he
cannot in honor ecapc; and
whereas The history Of church IS incomplete with
recognition OF the untirng service and noble person.
Atty Of it, only paor who is enshrned in all our hearts
Now BE- 1t
Resolved the Church OF the puritans pllces on
record IL, nconsolbe regret that Circumstances have
controlled pastor make such application TO the
Prcsbyeiy Necessary. . That tins church does again
expires, absolute confidence in its pastor It's gratitude
him for years Of usefulness and unsclhsh deNo
son church and reluctance in taxing any part In
the severance OF pastoral relations B. That this church
unite with him in such application only at his earnest re-
quest We DO this pledge OF sincere affection for
him. but with hearts Ju of urspcakabc sorrow and re-
greet We desire however TO record the fact that IL Is
against WILL and In spite OF our una, alng nonstahce
that leaves united and harmonious church. T. That
tender Dr. Clark hearty gratitude for all minis
ririons Of the past and express confidence that In
congcna duty aad in the service OF the Master whom
he has followed fidelity and love. lie Will find peace
prosperity and happiness
No discussion followed there seemed to be moth:
Ing to discuss. a committe was then appointed to
represent the church at the Presbytery next week,
when the case will come before that body for consdera
lion. Those appointed were Theion r.. Parsons am
Thomas j. Rush, representing the session.: Trustee
In, mi and ID -
tonnl exercises closed the meeting, which lasted less
than hour