Smyrna times., 1898-03-23

counts has been paid, and likewise have
payments been made on other debts of
longer or shorter standing. And now
after due inquiry l learn that the en-
tire Indebtedness of the Board is only
$500. Thus it will be seen that during
the period named, the church has not
only maintained itself in its usual gen
erOus manner, but has also paid de BITS
to the amount of S145O, and this too.
without the sounding of trumpets or
clap trap methods.
These things were no insignificant
achievement in the face of all the dis
cOuragements and endorsements en-
cOuntered, and they reflect great credit
upon the church and are an indication
of the vast possibilities within her
reach, when the situation is free from
these obstacles.
The spiritual achievement of the
church are not so readily measured as
the material are. And it is true that this
church is not all that it ought to be
moral V and spiritually. But l would
ask, what church ever did measure ND
to all of its spiritual possibilities? Yet
there is spiritual life, fire and power
IN this church, as genuine and in as
large a measure as / have ever found il
ual life and perceptions sufficient to
apprehend spiritual things NAV read
lily demonstrate this life and power bv
| coming into proder relations with the
Church.
The hour of my departure is at hand
and my successor will soon stand in
this place. Let me bespeak for him.
whoever it may be. the same hearty
greeting and cordial support. which
you accorded to me. Do not take his
measure the first time he stands before
you IN the sacred desk, for the situa-
ton Will be novel to him and possibly
| embarrassing, and he may not do him
self justice. But if YOU rally around
him he will soon be free and God will
wonderfully bless you through his ad-
mlnlstratlOn. Should he come whom
you have called through your official
board, allow me to assure you that /
nave only good things to say concern
ing him
And now in conclusion permit
word for myself. | can command no
language to express my obligation to
the whole church in general, as well
as to the otficiary in particular, for the
cordial support accorded to me during
my pastOrate here; nor can words ex-
press my appreciation of the uniform
courtesy and kindness extended to nv
family and myself. / have endeavOred
TO attend to my business and let other
peoples business alone. But | am not so
VAN as to presume that my ministry has
been perfect or even universally sat
lstactory, nor that have measured up
to the ability of or achievements of the
many distinguished men of God who
have occupied your pulpit / simply
tried to do my duty without fear or
favor. l humbly confess nv failure to
attain to my ideals, and l deeply de-
plore the limited success that has
crowned my labOrs among you. But
l stlll fondly cherish the hope that the
seed sown will yet yield a rich harvest
IN the good of the Church and for the
glory of God.
thank you for your cOurtisies and
and kindness to me and mine and pray
God may richly compensate you for
the same. And allow me to assure YOU
of our unfeigned love for YOU, and that
we will ever cherish the fondest mem
orles of you. | will depart from
Smyrna with heavy heart, realizing
that have some of my warmest and
truest friends and some of Gods no
blest men and women. But I will
bear away with me your images en-
graved in my heart, sincerest affection
and among the brightest pictures in the
art gallery of my mind Will be the
pleasant memories of my pastorate in
Asbury Methodist Episcopal church of
Smyrna Delaware. ADAM STENGLE.
Mar. 18th, 1898.