New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-25
WILL QUIT BIBLE CLASS.
John D. Rockefeller, jr., Must Stop
W0rk for Time.

John D. Rockefeller, jr., yesterday startled his
Bible class at tho Fifth Avenue Baptist Church
by announcing that ne was run down in
health that unless ne took an immediate rest he
was in danger of a complete nervous and physt-
cal collapse. similar to the breakdown he suffered
two years ago. At that time Mr.. Rockefeller's
condition was so grave that his physicians or
dered twelve months complete withdrawal from
all kinds Of work. and he was compelled to take
a trip abroad
Members of the Bible class were greatly
shocked at their leaders appearance yesterday.
His face was pale and his eyes showed the effect
Of physical strain. There were several who SAID
that he appeared even more sick than at the
time of hts last breakdown.
Despite his evident i'll health Mr.. Rockefeller
managed to give his usual Bible talk.
~ am sorry" he said after the lesson, that I
was unable to be with you during the last two
weeks. am the moro sorry because I fear
must remain away from the class for the next
two or three Sundays, I am worn out and need
a rest. deem it expedent TO take it now. so as
to avoid another breakdown such as, YOU may
remember 1 suffered a few years ago. don't
like 10 leave the class but comforted in
the thought that In our assistant leader. the
Rev. Mr.. Richardson. I have good substitute
Although Mr.. Rockefeller spoke Of being alb
sent "two or three Sundays" his next remark
showed that he deemed it likely that 1t would
be several weeks before he actually would be
able TO resume the leadership OF the class.
Perhaps I shall he able 70 be with YOU some
times. even though I cannot conduct the class
he said II may be in town now and then and
may come here and sit among you as a plain
member and listen TO the proceedings even
though ] must not take any part in them.
Afterward. when I am completely rested hope
30 resume the active leadership again
After the session the members crowded around
Mr. Rockefeller. and were profuse in their ex-
pressIons oF sympathy. The Rev. w s. Rich
ardson. acting pastor OF the Fifth Avenue Bap-
tist Church, said 10 Tribune reporter: Yes.
Mr. Rockefeller does look sick. hut think he
Is only tired out. and win be al right after a
few weeks rest. He has been working too
hard"
Members Of tho class expressed a belief that
Mr. Rockefelers condition was largely brought
about by the recent death of his sister.
From an authoritative source it was learned
that Mr. Rockefeller had been much worried be-
cause Of the publicity which attends his Rible
class work. member OF the class who is
close personal friend of Mr.. Rockefeller yester-
day told Tribune reporter that a few months
ago Mr. Rockefeller became so annoyed because
of this publicity and the ridicule cast upon his
work in certain quarters that he seriously en-
tertained the idea of giving up the leadership
Of the class In this connection. according to
The Tribune's informant. he sought the advice
OF many influential public men including sew
eral college presidents.
Some of these told him frankly that n would
be wise. under tho circumstances to give up the
class. but the majority declared that II was his
duty 10 go ahead with the work Among these
latter was President Faunce Of Brown Univer-
sity. Or. Faunce az one time pastor Of the
Fifth Avenue Baptist Church. and Mr.. Rookie
feller valued his advice above all others Dr.
Faunce told him that it was his duty to stick"
and that he was doing good and valuable work
Mr.. Rockefeller accordingly abandoned the idea
/ Of handing in his resignation. but he IS still
greatly annoyed at the limcight east upon him
and his Bible class, according TO The Trbune's
informant.
Mr.. RockcfeIers formal talk yesterday was
on Failure" based upon the life OF jeremiah
lie declared earnestly that though a man
died before the completion Of his task he had
not lived I'm vain.
After the session several young men congrat-
ulated young Mr.. Rockefeller on the escape of
! his sister Mrs. f. Parmalee Prentice who as
! told in Yesterdays Tribune figured in an ex-
citing carriage accident on Saturday
/ Yes | understand il indeed very mar
/ row escape said Mr. Rockefeller. Il should not
/ have cared TO be there"