Rare Book Monthly
Articles - October - 2003 Issue
The Doctrine of Caiaphas by Rev. David Murdoch D.D.
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Elmira, April 28, 1851
Rev. and Dear Sir:
Agreeably to your request and my promise, I drop you a line. The Committee met at four o’clock this afternoon to compare notes, and I am sorry to say, that on such comparison there was not such an apparent cordiality and unanimity pervading the public mind as we had anticipated or hoped. Deeply feeling the importance of a correct decision in your case as well as ours, and our knowledge of the public mind at this time is so limited, we have come to the conclusion to ask you to suspend any decision until you hear from us again, which will be in two or three days. In much haste,
Very respectfully, yours,
Orrin Robinson
Rev. and Dear Sir:
Since our last, we have taken great pains to ascertain the sentiments of our congregation, and we think we are not fully prepared to give you a true state of the case.
Upon investigation, it looks much more favorable than when I wrote at the spur of the moment, on Monday, and we are extremely thankful that we took time for reflection and investigation, though we may, in consequence, suffer some delay. We are now able to state facts; then, only undigested inferences.
In explanation, we would say, that for the last eleven years our people have listened to a remarkably plain speaker; and the contrast between his and your voice, speech and pronunciation was so great, that as might well be expected it created a sort of disappointment with perhaps a quarter of the congregation. No complaint is heard except upon that, (with two or three exceptions,) and no excitement exists upon the subject. This is the true state of the existing facts as near as we can learn them; and leaving the matter in your hands for consideration and decision, the Committee (with two exceptions) most cordially would say, that they can see no reason why you should not accept the call, and become our Pastor, as far as the congregation is concerned. And allow us to express the hope that you will do so, and speedily be with us.
In behalf of the Committee,
I am, sincerely and truly, yours,
Orrin Robinson
