The General Assembly [pp. 511-546]

General Assembly.
respondence, and your self-denying activity in visiting every
part of the church, you have, by God's blessing, accomplished
a great work in elevating this sacred cause to its just position,
and gathering around it the sympathies of our whole communion. Nor may we forbear to add, that in prosecuting these
manifold official labours, you have greatly endeared yourself
personally to the ministry and membership of the church.
Rejoicing as we do in the auspicious results of these unwearied exertions, we mourn this day the sacrifice they have
cost us. While the church is reaping the harvest-a harvest
which we fully believe she will go on gathering until the Master comes to present her unto himself, a glorious church-the
workman, who has done so much to prepare the ground and sow
the seed, falls exhausted in the furrows. There, dear brother,
we doubt not you would choose to fall-upon that field, to the
culture of which you had dedicated your life.
On behalf of the church we represent, we once more thank
you sincerely and gratefully, for all your labours and sacrifices.
We lift up our hearts in humble and fervent supplication to our
common GOD and FATHER, that his presence may be with you
in this hour of trial. We hear with joy that he does not forget
you; that he is giving you strength according to your day;
and that your peace flows like a river. We plead with him
that if it be possible, this blow may still be averted, and your
health restored. But we desire to commit you into his hands.
That Saviour in whom you trust, will not forsake you. The
Divine Comforter will comfort you and yours. Your covenant
God will be the God of your children.
To Him, the TRIUNE JEHOVAH, we affectionately commend
you-praying that his rod and his staff may comfort you, and
that whenever the summons shall come, an entrance may be
ministered unto you abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom
of our LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST.
On behalf of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian
church, in session at Rochester, N. Y., May 23, 1860.
JOHN W. YEOMANS, Moderator.
WILLIS LORD, Stated Clerk.
ALEXANDER T. MCGILL, Permanent Clerk.
A. G. YERMILYE, Temporary Clerk.
[Signed also by the whole Assembly.]
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