Page:Correspondence between the Warden of St Columba's College and the Primate of Armagh.djvu/24

 you that I would give no countenance to the introduction into that College of the peculiar views and observances of the agitating party in the Church to which I allude. I can assure you I feel that you are only doing me justice when you say that nothing could be further removed from my thoughts than to do you an injury. But I do not perceive how your resigning your situation now, at my desire, can have the effect of involving you "in utter and irretrievable ruin," any more than when, on a former occasion, you stated that "the moment you had reason to believe that I disapproved of your course of proceeding, you offered to resign, (April 9, 1851,) and as soon as I had declared my disapproval, you voluntarily sent in your resignation, (April 24.)"

In addressing my letter to you I have not violated any of the Statutes of the College. Those Statutes do not hinder me from forming my own opinion of the Warden's conduct, and expressing that opinion to him. In the exercise of the liberty which belongs to me, I have stated to you that, in my judgment, your continuing in the office of Warden is not for the interests of the College. That judgment is unaltered by the explanation of your conduct which you have laid before me. But whether it is your intention to act upon the opinion which I have expressed, or not to do so, I am not able to collect from your letter; and I must request you to let me know your decision without further delay. I do not touch at present upon some matters personal to myself, which are adverted to in