The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-01-03
MIR. ALIENS FAREWELL.
His Five Years Ministry Brought Him
Much Happiness.

Rev. E. a. Allen, pastor of the Sixth
Presbyterian Church, preached his farewell
sermon to large audience yesterday morn
ing. He began by saying that he felt far
more prayerful than preachful, and that he
would not select any particular text, but
speak from one of Pauls favorite words,
finally" But before entering into an ex-
PLANTATION of Pauls words he reviewed
briefly his ministry, which has covered Il
period of five years.
First he said: II want to thank you all
for your generosity, forbearance and
patience. realize how imperfectly and in
adequately I have conducted the work I
ask for you a charitable memory, and l be-
lieve I shall have it. For I am thoroughly
convinced that every member of this
church and congregation has only the kind
est feeling for me- and I am glad that l
can reciprocate It, 1t is true you have
never been able to pay me large salary.
But it is also true, or / believe it to be so,
that you have paid what you could, and
have done it generously. thank God that
all things in this life are not measured by
gold. Do not friendships and fellowships
count for something? Do not prayer and
sympathy mean something? Measured by
these standards, / feel that am immense-
ly wealthy this morning. For I count the
wealth of friendships and fellowships of
greater value than gold or silver or pre-
cious stones"
Mr. Allen then made mention of several
things by way of advice. ''You can be CT
lmmeasurable help to your new pastor by
observing number of little things, which,
for convenience sake, will call the fright
of way" said he. mo Presbyterian MINIS
ter wishes to be a boss But it should be
remembered that they have given years and
years of the best efforts of their life in
preparing for church work Is ii not reason
able to suppose that their orinicns ana
plans are of more value than those of the
laymen? Remember that the minister is
worth more to you when he feels unnam-
pered. Give him your absolute confidence.
Follow him as you have followed me. Be
mindful also, brethren, of your possibilities
and opportunities, and do not e. pect imp0s-
sibilitieS from your minister. While it is
best, of course; to look on the bright side of
church life, it should not be forgotten that
professionalism in this section of the city is
not strong. We have received for example,
over three hundred m ambers, and yet our
net gain is only abe ut one hundred and
sixty. In other words we have dismissed
to other churches enough members to
make church. While we should be CRATE
full that the church has been doubled in
membership, we should also be mindful Of
the discouTagements."
Mr.. Allen then turned to the six express
SlonS of finally" as used by Paul in his
letters. And on the last two points he spoke
as follows: Finally, brethren pray for us
that the word of the Lord may have free
course and be glorified, even as it is with
YOU feel, as l never felt before the need
of your prayers. The work to which L am
called is by no means childs play. 1t Will
require all the energy and skill that I can
command. But to know that I have three
hundred people praying for me will be the
most blessed thought that I can have. And
l am glad to feel that your prayers will
follow me. And now l come to the last, but
most tender finally of all. Finally breth-
rem, farewell. Be perfect be of good COM
fort. Be of one mind. Live in peace, and
the God of love and peace shall be with
you. Yes, to one and ALL good-bye-to the
choir, to the juniors and to the seniors. to
all the ladies' societies, the brotherhood
the board of deacons, the board of trustees,
and last, but not least the sacred session.
/ bid you all kind, loving, a tender
farewell. You have been to me blessing
and a benediction God be with you in all
your homes. in all your work in all your
lives. The God of love, the God of peace
who brought again from the dead our Lord
Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep
through the blood of the everlasting cove
nant, make you perfect in every good work
to do His will, working in you that which
is well pleasing in His sight through Jesus
Christ, to whom be glory for ever and
ever. Amen