I am clearly of opinion I ought not. This discourse
has already been so far extended, that I can only say that the reason
of my determination is shortly this: -- It is my desire, in the
office of a Christian minister, to do nothing which I cannot do with
my whole heart. Having said this, I have said all. I have no
hostility to this institution; I am only stating my want of sympathy
with it. Neither should I ever have obtruded this opinion upon other
people, had I not been called by my office to administer it. That is
the end of my opposition, that I am not interested in it. I am
content that it stand to the end of the world, if it please men and
please heaven, and I shall rejoice in all the good it produces.
As it is the prevailing opinion and feeling in our religious
community, that it is an indispensable part of the pastoral office to
administer this ordinance, I am about to resign into your hands that
office which you have confided to me. It has many duties for which I
am feebly qualified. It has some which it will always be my delight
to discharge, according to my ability, wherever I exist.
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