I also desire to assist you in transferring this magnificent vessel to the next pilot whom God shall appoint; and I wish to transfer it while it is well-manned, well-equipped, and on the clear sea of an unbroken financial and spiritual prosperity.

No man shall ever say that I so far presumed on the generous kindness of this dear church as to linger here until I had outlived my usefulness.
For these reasons I present to-day my resignation of this sacred, precious charge.

It is my honest desire and purpose that this day must terminate my present pastorate.

For presenting this resignation I alone am responsible before God, before this church and before the world.

When you shall have accepted my resignation, the whole responsibility for the welfare of this beloved church will rest on your shoulders--not on mine.
My earnest prayer is that you may soon be directed to the right man to be your minister, to one who shall unite all hearts and all hands, and carry forward the high and holy mission to which God has called you.