The San Francisco call., 1897-08-29

accept this when Rev. James Small sud.
denly resigned whereupon Rev. Mr. Nc
Williams was called. Meanwhile | have
only manifested the very kindliest feelings
for him. He need not be concerned bout
my mistakes or merits. I am nswera Bile
icr all things TO my congreg cation, myself.
my God
CWillians," said FL. f. Magill, treasurer
of Mr.. Davis church to-day. II have al
ways thought by his many demonstra-
tions that he was one Of DR.. Davis best
friends, ana l cannot conceive OF his sud
den turn.
"Dr. Edwards Davis was never held in
hig her esteem by mis- congregation, other
wise the church would have voted for
union on condition that neither pastor
should be engaged Out of a membership p
of 250 there was but one opposing vote.
1t is true that one of the nine officers is
opposed 10 him, but it is because he has
never been able to run the church and die
tate ideas to the PASTOR"
Rev. Glen McWiIlIams' resignation.
which will be read 10 the congregation of
the First Christian Church tomorrow
morning, is as follows:
OAKLAND Cal, Aug. 81, 1897.
To the Bo1rd Of Elders and Dedcons and MEM
berS Of the First Christian Church, OaE and. Cal
My DEAR BRETHREN During the past two
L
another church OF the Disciples of Christ in
reference 10 prospective call to the pastorate
of that body. l have carefully and prayer
fully weighed every argument which has been
made in favor of my removal to their city. |
have reached the conclusion that 1t is my duty
10 accept call from that people, II one should
be UNANIMOUSLY extended 10 me.
A few days ago received a letter extending
10 me an invitation to visit their church on
the first Sunday in Septe N Der. 1t is dee to
the church of my present pastorste and to
81 to Hranx hot fl1
times within the last few months ! have re-
ceived overtures from churches that were
willing TO give me larger compensation for
my services than ! have received from my
present pssiorate These offers did not move
me, because l believed it my duty to remain
in Oakland.
Since coming among you we have worried
toge tner harmoniously and happily, and those
who know the con dition of the church when
was first called 10 be its pastor must feel th /
God has rewarded our labors with exec p
Iional prosperity.
am not unmindful of your tender regard
for me and OF your earnest opportunities 10
remain with you. have the profoundest ap-
probation of all your expressions OF comb
dence and affection l will ever cherish re-
membrsnce of the kindness which you have
bestowed upon me and the support you have
give me in all my conf cts with the enemies
OF truth and righteousness.
l am not ungrateful for the many favors
/ have received from the good eople OF Oak
land.
debtedness to the press OF this city and San
Francisco Tor The many opportunities il has
afforded me lor the dissemination of my
views upon many important questions
My decision to accept pastorate in some
other city is based solely upon the conviction
that can accomplish moIe for the cause OF
my Divine Master than can reasonably hope
to accOmp ish here.
Your church is now in better condition
than when first came among you. May you
be guided by the wisd ON of our Heavenly
Father, may you grow in grace and pety. Tue
result OF. my labors as your pastor is such tn at
l feel l can sever my connection with you
without inficting any serious injury upon the
cause.
You can easily procure the services of a
spiritual leader who will not only prevent any
disintegration, but make you stronger than
you have ever been.
As it is my purpose to accept an invitation
which have received 10 occupy the pulpit of
the First Christian Church of Stock ton, Cal.
on Lords Day, September 5, / hereby tender
my resignation TO you. TO take effect on Sun.
day. August %.
Fervently invoking upon you the guidance
OF the Divine Spirit in the selection OF my sue
cessor, and sincerely desiring your sympathy
and prayers in the new field which am about
to enter, am your servant in Chris,
GLEN MCWILLIAMs