The Dickinson press., 1910-01-29
REslanATIon OF REV. u. J. BROWN

NV
To the official board and members
Of the First Coner eeational church Dick
inson, N. D.
1t is just two years and three months
since l began my work as pastor of this
church. to which service you had called
me. 1t is difficult for me to realize that
1t has been even that long. 80 rapidly
does the time 60 by.
1t is more difficult for me to realize
that am now about to ask for the
termination Of the relationship we then
entered into. And l wish it understood
that contemplate this action. not in a
spirit Of i'll will toward any one, but
on the other hand, with a deep sense Of
appreciation. both on Mrs. Browns and
my own part, of your friendship and
cooperation in all the work we have
been engaged in together. Not all my
hopes and plans have reached compile
ton, neither perhaps, have all your
expectations been realized. My official
relation to thi 8 church and the work
which in that capacity belonged 10 me,
while not such that l dare boast of. yet
has been such as to form ties more or
less strong. Only those who meet in
such intimacy, as is peculiar to a min
lister in his parish. an intimacy which
welcomes him as one of the family,
which has been made sacred by the con-
secration of children in baptism, in the
giving Of. the hand of fellowship to
those ~confessine their faith in Jesus as
Savior and Lord, in counsel in time of
perplexity. in comfort in time of sor-
row. in the ceremony that unites hearts
and lives at the marriage altar, in wait
ing in the hush of the sick room, and
at the bedside Of the dying. standing by
the open grave, in the presentation Of
the truth in public address and the u
sci Of private conversation, only those
say, who have, shared with him in
these intimacies, can appreciate how
strong that. tie becomes. What our as
ISOLATION together means, as a net
result in the advancement of the King
dom Of God, dare not attempt to meas
:ure. Statistics would not prove any,
thing, for values. in the, realm of the
church's activities are not adequately
computed by arithmetic.
am not laying down this pastorate
to take up another. I had that oppor-
tunity within a year and decided in
your favor. An opportunity in a bust
ness way, which I feel sure will have
its open doors for Christian ministry,
has presented itself and it seems 10 me
that l ought not to let it pass.
In all my preaching and teaching, I
have been conscious that I was man of
like temptations and inperfections with
those to whom [ spoke yet, these years
of my passionate have been fruitful of
spiritual good to me. however much or
little they have been worth to you in
like respect. They have deepened my
conviction in the enduring things of the
Chrsitian life. and the place and i'm
portance of the church in the world. I
am more fully than ever satisfied, that
the mission Of life, and its greatest
joy. is fulfilled, only as we strive to
lead others in the pursuit, and into the
possession of The Supreme Good.
If l obeyed the promptings of my heart
l would not make the decision which I
am about to announce; but l am hoping
that good. judgment is asserting itself.
Believing that God guides in. all good
l herewith tender my resignation
as your pastor and leader in an official
relationship. the same to take effect the
IS day of April of the present year. l
would ask you to call a meeting at your
earliest convenience to take action in
this matter. Yours in the bonds of
Christian love and friendship.
w. j. BROWN.