The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1911-10-31

experiences, Tie IuIuSS LAdC hdfe AAo00
for YOUR best and highest interest have
bpen matters Of deepest concern to
ne. | have rejoiced with you in all
YOUR joys. and have Wept with you in
YOUR sorrows. We have stood togeth-
er at the marriage altar. when your
sons and daughters We're married and
given in marriage. II seasons OF re-
freshing from On high We have to-
gether given thanks to the Father for
these signs of his favor and love, and
toeether we have stood beside the
open grave to put out of sight our
loved ones.
ct has been my purpose. through the
years to carry out the spirit of the
first message delivered as your pas
tor: II Cor. 1915: And T will most
glady spend and be spent for your
souls
For almost a year it has been
struggle, burdens have been heavy,
a. hard year in many respects, apd no
one is more conscious Of the fact that
the work has not been satisfactory
than I am, but you have been patient
and forbearing.
'*I came to you stranger and with
out experience, this being my first
pastorate. You took me in, giving to
me a, cordial welcome, expressing the
varmest affection and most implicit
confidence. !
There have been many and varied
experiences which have strengthened
the ties of Christian love. Many who
were here at my first coming and who
worshipped with us in the old church
building have gone from the church
below to join the general assembly and
church of the First-born in Heaven.
Some of earth's most faithful. ones.
They rest from their labors and their
works follow them
eve shall not attempt a roll call
of those who have fallen asleep. With
the going of the first, September %,
1890. to the last, September 20, 1911,
make a great host. ] shall ever be
grateful to God for their fellowship.
ITO those who remain to carry On
the work, l feel bound by the tender
est ties. I assure you that distance,
nor any experience, can ever cause
ne to- forget a people who have been
so kind, ror shall cease to make
mention of you in my prayers, thank
ing God on every remembrance OF
you. we are not our own, we nave
been bought with a price, therefore,
we should glorify God in our bodies
and spirits, which are His We should
ever be willing to sink self out of sight
for His glory, and personal preferences
for the coming of the kingdom.
"Brethren, if I know my heart, l
have not followed for the loaves and
fishes, not for ease or worldly pleas
ure. The ministry was not my choice
until after years Of struggle I reallz-
ed that it was Gods and he would not
let me- go. He has 0een good to me,
,, .,,r Leyond anything I have deserved.
7 can ovc7aim with the Psalmist: The
lires have, fallen to me in pleasant
places; yea I have had a goodly heri-
tage'
81 know not the way He is to lead
but do know that He can be trusted
He who has led thus far will lead tc
the journeys end, and through nc
darker way than He himself has trod
Commit thy way unto the Lord. Trus
a'zo in Him and He will bring it tt
Ta@s.'
! and for what seems, to be for the
glorv of Him whose is the work,
! hereby tender my resignation as pas
tor of the First Baptist church, to take
effect not later than the twenty-firs
anniversary of my pestorahe, which
will Re tie Stu of February, 1912, O.
sooner if the Lord should indicate.
81 give notice, in order that You ma;
Re at liberty to look out for some on
20 break unto you the bread of life
md that you may not be deprived o
+ha n7inistrations O. the Word For
cska not the assembling of yourselve