Evening star., 1898-05-13


would be great. He also implored that the
outcome of the meeting would be the ad-
vancement of Christs kingdom in the
world.
II, 1898, and addressed ITO my dear breth-
rem of the session and the dear people Of
the First Presbyterian Church." was read.
DR.. SundcrlnnIs Letter.
1t was as follows:
THE day has at last arrived to which
have SO long looked forward with painful
solicitude. when 1 feel that am no longer
able to meet the responsibilities or perform
the labors of a pastorate which, by your
continued kindness and forbearance l have
been permitted to hold so long, for I had
been ten years in the Gospel ministry be-
fore l came to this church, in the begin
ming of 1853.
Gladly would I spare you and myself
the painfulness of this occasion did not
the inevitable infirmiues of advancing age
render it impossible for my whole heart
is bound up in the future fortunes of our
dear old church. as it has been in all our
history of the past, and / most keenly feel
that no man in the Presbyterian ministry
in this country has ever had more loyal
generous and confding people than have
had through all the trials and changes that
nave passed over US. 1t has been our for
tune as individuals and as a church to wit
ness and to be part of the great and
stirring scenes of half century the most
remarkable in many respects in the annals
oil the world. 1t Is with wonder and amaze
iheht al the goodness of Gods providence
toward us that look back over all the Way
IN which we have been led as a people
ana now upon review of my ministry
among you am conscious of my many
Ialures and shortcomings, and if at any
time or under any circumstances | have
done wrong in thought word or deed to
any one among you l here humbly confess
II ana pray you to forgive it and to think
kindly of me as you can.
1t is one of the chief griefs of NV min
lstry that in all these years L have had a
circle OF personal friends, to whom / have
peeh ana sun am warmly attached, but
"hoin L nave never been able either by my
preaching or by the influence of the per-
sonal example of my life to induce to make
a public profession of their faith in Christ
ana 10 become active members in the spir-
I'uai uPpul!dins or the church. This grief
shiIl carry with me to my grave.
And still | hope for the better thinps
rEder the ministry of some one who may
follow me in the pastorate of this church.
One Great AIieviation.
But. dear friends, the sadness of the
step am now taking has one great aIIe-
Walton for which shall ever be profound
ly thankful to God. The association of DR..
Ialmage with me in this pastorate has
been one OF great relief amid the cares and
Tolls OF our ministerial life, and | can never
be grateful enough that in retiring from
my post of duty in this church | am to
leave 1t in the hands of the foremost
preacher of his time, and it is needless to
say that you Will consider his position and
influence in the world and provide for him
that assistance which he must of necessity
require in the world with labors in which
he is engaged.
or course, when my pastoral relation to
the church is dissolved. TO take effect from
the the lst of July ensuing, L shall neither
ask nor expect any continuance of my SAL
airy. And hereupon l must and do ask
your concurrence with my reques: for a
dissolution of my pastoral relation to this
church, which was presented to the Wash
lhSton city presbytery in the month of
Al :il last and TO take such other action
in connection Herewith as may seem to
you expedient.'
The Church's Tribute.
The following testimonial was offered and
adopted:
"Our pastor, the Rev. Byron Sunderland,
D. D., while yet in the full enjoyment Of
the unfeigned love, confidence and esteem
of his people, has voluntarily requested the
dissolution of his pastoral relations with
this church, from July next, because only
OF his inability to meet the full RESPONSE
bilities thereof.
For nearly fifty years he has ministered
unto this people with the most unselfsh
devotion, zeal and affectionate concern
Delng gentle among us even as a nurse
cherisheth her children approving himself
a minister of God in much patience in af-
fiictions, in distresses; comforting the sick.
the troubled and the weary with the con-
ISOLATION wherewith he was comforted of
God. Through his splendid consecrated
scholarship and profound learning, ballast
ed by the solid tenets of Calvin and Knox.
he has wrought nightly for God attained
unto wise counsels and brought this church
to the forefront, not only in our connection
Fearing God only, he failed not to de-
clare the whole counsel of his will and in
the crises which swept over both the
church and the state there came from him
no uncertain sound.
He stOrmed with intrepid spirit iniauity
in high places, and wasted with consuming
fire inventions forged for the undoing of
men. Nevertheless he forgot not for what
intent he had been called but sought earn
estly by the meekness and gentleness of
Christ to bring all men to the saving
knowledge of His truth.
For all these years together he has held
the loving favor of a devoted people and
the high respect of the community whose
veal he has conserved by his distinguished
ability lofty courage and godly walk and
conversation.
BE IL, therefore, resolved, that, as II
would be a greater kindness on our part
a church and people to yield than op-
the same Is, therefore, hereby acceded to-
BE II further resolved, That being af-
fectionately desirous os the inspiration of
his presence, his wise counsels and rfpe
experience. that he be continued with us
as pastor emeritus, at a salary to be agreed
upon between himself and the board of
trustees"
1t was ordered that an engrossed copy of
this paper be furnished DR.. Sunderland.
duly attested by the stated clerk, and the