J. C. Ryle 
Principles for Churchmen [PDF ebook] 
A Manual of Positive Statements on Some Subjects of Controversy

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. Reverend and Dear Brethren, – Almost the last words of the great Apostle to the Gentiles are before the eyes of my mind to-day: I have finished my course; the time of my departure is at hand. After filling unexpectedly the office of your Bishop for nearly twenty years, I am about to resign a post which years and failing health at the age of eighty-three told me I was no longer able to fill with advantage to the diocese or to the Church of England.<br><br>I have resigned my Bishopric with many humbled feelings. As I look back over the years of my episcopate, I am conscious that I have left undone many things which I hoped to have done when I first came to Liverpool. I am equally conscious that the many things I have had to do with – meetings, ordinations, confirmations, and consecrations – have been done very imperfectly. I only ask you to remember that I was sixty-four, and not a young man, when I first came here, and to believe that, amidst many difficulties, I have tried to do my duty. But I am thankful that our God is a merciful God.<br><br>I can truly say that my approaching separation from Liver pool will be a heavy wrench to me. I shall never forget you. I had ventured to hope that I might be allowed to end my days near the Mersey, and to die in harness. But Gods thoughts are not as our thoughts, and He has gradually taught me by failing health that the huge population of this diocese requires a younger and stronger Bishop.