APPENDIX. 485 



Atif;ust 6. The Right Rev. Dr. White informed the Vestry that the Rev. Dr. Black- 

 well had expressed his determination to decline his place as Assi>tant Minister in ihe 

 United Churches, whenever a suitable person can be obtained in his room. It was 

 further expressed that the cause of his resignation was occasional indisposition ; but 

 that he was willing to continue to officiate to allow sufficient time to choose another 

 minister. Whereupon, 



Resolved, That the Right Rev. Dr. White be requested to express to Dr. Blackwell 

 the regret with which the Vestry have received the foregoing intimation ; and more 

 particularly for the cause which has induced it; and that he at the same lime commu- 

 nicate to Dr. Blackwell the sense of the Vestry of the services rendered by him in the 

 discharge of tlie duties of his office, and acquaint him of the resolution of the Vestry to 

 take early measures for releasing him from his station by the election of a successor. 



In performing the duty thus laid on me by the Vestry, I participate in the respectful 

 and affectionate sentiments which they have expressed ; and I further take the oppor- 

 tunity of mentioning that during whatever may remain to me of life, I shall reflect with 

 satisfaction on the harmony which has subsisted between us, and the friendly inter- 

 course in which we have trod, through so long a space of time, and that of our united 

 parochial ministry. 



With my best wishes and my prayers for your happiness, 



I remain, Reverend and dear sir. 



Your humble servant, 



Wm. White. 

 To the Rev. Robert Blackwell, D. D. 



[DR. BLACKWELL'S ANSWER.] 



Right Reverend and Dear Sir : 



When I look back on the long and happy connection that has for so many years sub- 

 sisted between us f.s ministers of the United Churches, the many kind attentions you 

 have shown me, and the affectionate behavior I have always experienced from you, 

 you may be assured that I am very sensibly affected at the dissolution of a connection 

 so happily begun, and continued so long with such uninterrupted harmony and good 

 will. I am fully persuaded that nothing will interrupt the friendly understanding that 

 now subsists between us; but that, as we pass down the vale of years, our brotherly 

 affection will know no change, but in its increase; and that, as we draw nearer the 

 close of life, our hopes of happiness will become brighter and brighter. 



My dear sir, you will please to express to the Vestry the satisfaction I feel at the 

 kind and friendly notice they have taken of my past services; and assure them that 

 they were always performed with a willing heart, a sincere mind, and an ardent desire 

 'hat they might be useful and acceptable to the congregation. 



It is my earnest prayer that their labors in promoting the interest and welfare of the 

 United Churches may be crowned with full success. My best wishes shall ever attend 

 them. 



Right reverend and dear sir, with the highest esteem and veneration for your many 

 amiable and Christian virtues, and with the sincerest wishes for your long life, health 

 and happiness, 



I am your affectionate friend and brother, 



8th August, 1 8 10. Robert Blackwell. 



The Right Rev. William White, D. D., Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal 

 Church in the State of Pennsylvania. 



