ges because it is
explanatory of the causes which carried me over many crossroads,
encountered everywhere in my life:

"To the Brooklyn Presbytery--

"Dear Brethren,--After much prayer and solemn consideration I apply
for the dissolution of the pastoral relation existing between the
Brooklyn Tabernacle and myself. I have only one reason for asking
this. As you all know, we have, during my pastorate, built three
large churches and they have been destroyed. If I remain pastor we
must undertake the superhuman work of building a fourth church. I do
not feel it my duty to lead in such an undertaking. The plain
providential indications are that my work in the Brooklyn Tabernacle
is concluded. Let me say, however, to the Presbytery, that I do not
intend to go into idleness, but into other service quite as arduous
as that in which I have been engaged. Expecting that my request will
be granted I take this opportunity of expressing my love for all the
brethren in the Presbytery with whom I have been so long and so
pleasantly associated, and to pray for them and the churches they
represent the best blessings that God can bestow.--Yours in the
Gospel,

"T. DEWITT TALMAGE."

The following resolution was then offered by the Presbytery as follows:

"Resolved--That the Presbytery, while yielding to Dr. Talmage's
earnest petition for the dissolution of the relationship existing
between the Brooklyn Tabernacle and himself, expresses its deep
regret at the necessity for such action, and wishes Dr. Talmage
abundant success in any field in which in the providence of God he
may be called to labour. Presbytery also expresses its profound
sympathy with the members of the Tabernacle Church in the loss of
their honoured and loving pastor, and cordially commends them to go
forward in all the work of the church."

In October, 1895, I accepted the call of the First Presbyterian Church
in Washington. My work was to be an association with the Rev. Dr. Byron
W. Sunderland, the President's pastor. It was Dr. Sunderland's desire
that I should do this, and although there had been some intention in Dr.
Sunderland's mind to resign his pastorate on account of ill-health I
advocated a joint pastorate. There were invitations from all parts of
the world for me to preach at this time. I had calls from churches in
Melbourne, Australia; Toronto, Cana