The times., 1899-04-05
PASTORAL RELATIONS ENDED.
Resignation of DIR. TaImaEe Ac
ceptcd by the Prcsbytcry.

The final step in the severance of the
pastoral relations OF the Rev. DIR. T. De
Witt Talmage of the First Presbyterian
Church, of this city, was taken yesterday
at the regular semi-annual meeting of the
Presbytery, held in Gunton Temple Memo
rial Church.
The resignation had been previously ac-
cepted by the congregation of the First
Presbyterian Church. and affirmative ac-
tion was taken by the Presbytery without
discussion.
DR.. Talmage himself called the matter
up yesterday; and in brief speech set
forth the reasons why he considered it his
duty to resign, as follows:
After a delightful pastorate in the First Pres
byterian Church of this city, l now ask for the
dissolution of the pastoral relation For long
while l have felt called to more general work
than a fixed pastorate allows. but | have not
before now seen the way clear to undertake it,
The demands of religious journalism upon me
have greatly increased. and my opportunities for
religious service in other directions have been
greatly multiplied. do not propose to stop
preaching, but if the Lord permits | will preach
more than 1 ever have preached. After a few
more weeks of comparative rest from absorbing
work l hope to be very busy.
In closing my service in the First Presbyterian
Church | wish to express the delight | have had
in Gospel work and in friendships that will last
for time and eternity. l have had full and un-
hindered way Of declaring the whole council Of
God, and what JOY it has been to me to offer
the mercy and comfort of the Gospel Sabbath
by Sabbath to the people Ii has been to me
a great satisfaction that / have been upheld
by the unanimous support of the official boards
of the church, and they have re-enforced me IN
everything | have proposed.l My relation to that
church somewhat peculiar, in the fact that
! was called 10 preach with the distinct under
standing by both boards that pastoral visitation
and other kinds of pastoral work would not be
required of me, but would be done by others.
With that understanding accepted the call, and
the years have passed happily
Meanwhile the acquaintanceships have formed
with the members OF churches of all denomina-
tions is something for which l thank God and
thank them. II will be a matter OF rejoicing
to me forever that have pitched my tent in this
glorious Capital.
| desire to retain membership in this Presby-
terry. and | will not allow this occasion to pass
without saving that though i have belonged to
various ecclesiastical bodies, in none OF them
have / found a more consecrated and genial
brotherhood than in this Presbytery, and | pray
the blessing of God upon these brethren and the
people of their charge, and hope we may often
meet in the fields of Christian usefulness, and
when our work Is done meet in the great harvest
home when the sheaves come in and tine reap
ers are the angels" When ''the King in
His Beauty we will realize how very poor was
! our best earthly service.
Complimentary speeches were then made
by the First Church commissioners.
Messrs. Dubois and Sergeant. and the
Presbytery ordered DR.. Stuchell to formal
| ly declare the pulpit of the First Presby-
terian Church vacant next Sunday. j. AS
pinwall Hodge, Secretary OF the Board OF
Education, made an interesting address on
| the work of the board.
At the afternoon session formal commit
| tee reports were made and considerable
htrsi frapSacted
Exercises were held last evening under
the auspices of the Presbyterian Christian
Endeavor Missionary Union, an address be-
| ing made by Rev. DR.. Charles Wood. OF
Philadelphia, on the Y. NJ. c. A. work ID
| that city.
The deliberations of the Presbytery were
presided over by Rev. George S. Duncan
Phi D., who was elected moderator at the
| first meeting on Monday night.