Download SBC Annual 1849...
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Second Triennial M eeting o f the
PRO CEEDINGS O F THE
ADJOURNED MEETING IN CHARLESTON. C harleston, S. C., M ay 23, 1849. T h e Second Triennial M eeting, in pursuance o f adjournment from N ashville, convened with the First Baptist C hurch in Charleston. A t 12 o’clock, m ., the Convention was called to order b y the President, R ev. W . B. Johnson, D. D. J. C. Crane, Secretary. After •the reading o f the second chapter o f Philippians, and singing a hym n, prayer was offered by brother J. R . Kendrick. T h e Constitution and R ules o f Order were read. On motion, Resolved, That a committee be appointed, to be called the Committee on Delega tions, to whom the delegates shall present their credentials and evidences o f mem bership, and that said committee report who are entitled to seats. Committee— 5. B . T ay lor, J. H . D eVotie, C. J. E lford, J. M cD aniel and I. T . T ich en or. On motion, the President, Dr. Johnson, was requested to preach the F oreign Mission Sermon, this evening, at 8 o’ clock. A short time was spent in devotional exercises, during w hich prayer was offered by brethren Cushman, Jeter, Johnson and Mason. Adjourned to 4 o’ clock , p. m .
A fternoon , 4
o’ clock.
T h e Convention was called to order by the President. P rayer by the R ev. Joseph S. Baker. The journal of the meeting held in N ashville on the 2d and 3d M ay, was read, and ordered to be printed. T h e Committee on Delegations reported the follow in g delegates to the Convention, which was adopted. Ptarslantr. Maryland Baptist Union Association.— Rev. George F. Adams. Seventh Baptist Church, Baltimore.— Rev. Richard Fuller, D . D .,* Rev. R . W . Cushman. William Crane, to represent his own subscription. Rev. Franklin Wilson,* o f Baltimore, to represent his own subscription. Tirfltnta. Virginia Baptist Foreign Mission Society.— Rev. J. B. Taylor, Archibald Thom as,* Rev. J. Jj. Reynolds,* Rev. J. B . Jeter, Rev. R . H . Bagby,* J. B . W ood,* - H . K .: Elly son, Win. Sands,* Rev. Addison Hall,* Rev. W m . A^Baynham,* Rev. Thos. Hume,* John 1). McGill,* Rev. Daniel W itt,* Rev. Samuel G. Mason,* Rev. T . G. Jones,* Rev. James Fife,* Rev. C. B. Jennett,* Thomas : Wallace,* Rev. I. S. Tinsley, Rev. Jacob R . Scott, Rev. W m . P. Parish, Rev. J. Newton Brown,* Rev. J; L; Prichard, Rev. J. S. Bacon, Rev. Andrew Broad. dusj* Rev., W m .. B . T od d ,*.R ev . -L: W . Allen,* Rev. Robt. Ryland,* Rev. v Reuben Ford,* Rev. H . W . Dodge,*. Rev. Cornelius .Tyree,* Rev. B. Grimsle y ,* Rev. CurnberlandGeorge,*>Rev.L. A .Alderson,* Rev. M. Ellison,*- Jas» 'Smith,* Rev. John O. Turpin,* Revs- A . M. Poindexter, W m . Johnson;* Rev. \Reuben Jones,* Charles T . Wortham,* James C. Crane, Rev. Eli Ball, Rev. N. C. Baldwin,* James Semple,* Rev. :J . S. Reynoldson, Rev. .0; B; Brown,*
Southern Baptist Convention.
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Rev. T . Herndon,* Rev. W in. H. Kirk,* Rev. 0 . T . Briggs,* Rev. James C. Clopton, Richard Gwathmey,* Rev. Thomas W . Sydnor,* Rev. Samuel Har ris,* F . H . Robertson, John Turpin, G. R. Myers, G. S. Burton, J. T . Ander son, Rev. Joseph S. Walthall. Bruington and St. Stephen's Female Missionary Society.— Alexander Fleet.
Worth Carolina. North Carolina Baptist State Convention,— Rev. J. J. Finch, Rev. A . N . Purifoy, Rev. J. J. Brantley, Rev. J. McDaniel, C. D . Ellis, J. Peterson. S on tJ Carolina. State Convention o f the Baptist Denomination o f South Carolina.— Rev. I. L. Brooks, C. J. Elford, T . T . Hopkins. Edgefield Baptist Association.— Rev. W . B. Johnson, D : D ., Rev. Z . Watkins, Rev. J. M. Chiles, D. D. Brunson,* N. L. Griffin,* J. O. Nicholson,* J. G. O. Wilkinson, Wm. P. Hill, J. P. Barrat.* Savannah River Baptist Association.— Rev. H . D. Duncan, Rev. W . H . Robert, Rev. W . A . Lawton, A . J. Lawton, B. W . Lawton, Rev. J. Nichols, Rev. T . D. Matthews, B. H. Brown, Rev. J. A . Lawton, Rev. E . L. Whatley, J. M. Taylor. Charleston Baptist Association.— Rev. H. A . Duncan, Rev. J. R. Kendrick, Rev. J. H. Cuthbert, M. T . Mendenhall, James Tupper, Rev. J. S. Antley, Samuel Furman. Edisto Baptist Association.— L. Hickson, E . Tyler. Welch Neck Baptist Association.— Rev. J. M. Timmons, Rev. John Culpepper, Rev. J. O. B. Dargan, Rev. R. Furman, Rev. W . Q. Beattie, T . P„ Lide, A . E . Mclver. Salem Baptist Association.— Rev. J. S. Mims, Rev. P. C. Edwards, G. W . Brooks, J. May bin. —----------------- -s . First Baptist Church o f Charleston.-ffie v . James P. Boycejl Black Swamp Missionary Society.— ReWT^rWv-Rambafft. Saluda Baptist Association.— J. P. Reid, Rev. A . Pace. Cttorgfa. Georgia Baptist Convention.— Thomas Stocks, Rev. B. M. Sanders, Rev. J. L. Dagg, D. D ., Rev. Y. R . Thornton, Rev. W . T . Brantley, Rev. J. S. Baker, Rev. D. G. Daniel, Rev. A . T . Holmes, Rey, W .. H . Stokes, Rev. P. H . Mell, Rev. C. M. Irvin, Rev. N . G. Foster,* (Rev. J. F . Dagga Rev. J. T . Robert, Rev. H . O. W yer,* Rev. J. S. Law.* - ......
gpfejteroa. Alabama Baptist State Convention.^Rev. B. Manly, Jr.,- Rev. M. P. Jew ett* Rev. J, H . DeVotie, Rev. J. W . ChM blissr*''RSvrj:”Hartwell,* Rev. H . Talbird,* S. S. Sherman, A . Yan Hoose,* Rev. L. L. F o x * Rev. D. P. Bestor ,* Rev. R . H . Taliaferro.* Alabama Baptist Bible Society.— Rev. R . Holman, Rev. S. Henderson.* Siloam Baptist Church, Marion.-—Rev. J. H . DeYotie. Cahawba Baptist Association.— Rev. A . G. M ’ Craw.
Baptist State Conventionf i l l e r . L T . Tichendf^Rev. J. N . Mullin, and the fol lowing; all o f whom wereSbsuttl: KEY S'MSfLatimore,T. H . Waul,. B. W h it field, J. Micon, W . Minter, Rev. L. B. Holloway, Rev. J. C. Keeney, Rev. W . C . Crane, W . J. Denson, W . Bond, Rev. E . C. Eager, Rev. G. Tucker, H Dockery, Rev. H . B . Haywood, Rev. G.-S. McCloud, T . G. Blewitt, James Whitefield, Rev. W . M. Farrar, Rev. G. H . Martin, Rev. T . Halliburton, Rev. W . H . Holcombe, Stoph. Adams, W . L. Balfour, James Snodgrass, Rev. T . G. Freeman, Rev. S. I. Caldwell, Rev. R . P. Mills, W . S . Balfour, Rev. J . M. Knight, Rev. D . B. -Crawford, W .- C. Duncan; A . J. Holcombe, A . N . Jones, Rev. J. K . Clinton, !. T . Hinton, R e v /J . G. Hall, H . N .-E dm unds/R .'H Bone, Rev. J. S. Parker, N. B . Cranberry, S.. Thigpen, James-L. Mayberry; ■ '\ f.'.;' .-y-y.. • i * Not present. ", ; 'J r~,
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Second Triennial M eeting o f the
James McGill, William Coleman, Jeremiah Burner, R. T . Sanders, J. Lane, T . W . Broch, T . McCowen. On motion, the follow in g Officers were elected b y b a llot: PRESIDENT.
R ev . W . B. JOHNSON, D. D. VICE PRESIDENTS.
1. R ev. R. B. C. H owell, D. D , 3. R ev . J. B. T aylor, 2. H on. T homas S tocks, 4 . ------------------------------ , M. T . M endenhall, Treasurer. J. C. C rane, * Secretaries_ On motion, Resolved, That ministering brethren present friendly to the objects o f the Con vention, be invited to participate in our deliberations. The follow in g w ere reported: J. S. Murray, L-. Du Pre, J. M. Ashbum, James Fant. Adjourned to meet to-m orrow m orning at 9 o’clock . P rayer by the President.
T hursday M orning , 9
o’ clock.
T h e Convention met. P rayer by the R e v . R . Furman. T h e Convention proceeded to the election o f the 4th V ice President, and additional''?*'' *etary. T h e telt ^ collected the ballots, and reported the election o f R e v . W . C. B u ck, o f K y ., as V ice President, and B . M anly, jr., o f A la., Secretary. T h e brethren appointed at the last meeting to deliver the sermon on D om estic Missions, not having appeared, a committee consisting o f brethren W. Crane, G. F. Adams and R. Holman, w ere appointed to nominate a
brother to perform the service. After retiring a few minutes, the committee nominated brother J. I-L DeVotie, and the Convention unanimously appointed him, and all the arrangements for the meeting were entrusted to the same committee. Brethren Kendrick, Cuiiibo/t., Cohen, Poindexter and Tupper, were appointed a committee to arrange the religious services during the session. T h e report 'of. the Foreign Mission Board was read by the Correspond in g Secretary o f that Board. O n motion, the report and also an abstract o f the Treasurer’ s account, read b y the acting Treasurer, was received and committed to the Board for publication. On motion, the follow in g committees w ere appointed upon the report:— O n China, Mission — J. L . D a g g, R . W . Cushman, J. S. B acon, H . D. Duncan, J. N . Mullin'. On A frican Mission— J. B . Jeter, J. J. Finch, I. L. B rooks, W . Crane, P . H . M ell. . ‘ ■. On New Fields. o f Labor— E . B all, J. S. Baker, R . Furm an, Jas. M cD an iel, S. S. Sherm an. 1 Oh Agencies — W . II. Stokes, G . F . Adam s, J. L . Prichard, H . A . D uncan, I. T . Tichenor. / . On Amendments to Constitution — J. S. Bacon, J. B , T ay lor, J. Culpep per, J; J. Brantley, D : G . Daniel. ‘ Organs o f Publication — W . T , Brantley,, j . S. Mims, J. H . D eVotie, A . N.^Eurifoy, John Turpin. - .v T o !N o m in a te N ew Hoards—rT h o m a s ' Stocks, H . K . E llyson , James M cD aniel, J. P . ’R eid, S. S. Sherman, I. T Tichenor.
Southern Baptist Convention.
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Committee on Finance— A lex . Fleet, C. D . , E llis, A . J. Law ton, C. M. Irvin, T . P. Lide. The report o f the Board o f Domestic M issions was then read by the Corresponding Secretary o f that Board. On motion, Resolved, That the report he accepted and ordered to be printed, and the follow ing committees be appointed 1st. On Agencies. 2d. New Fields o f Labor. 3d. Religious Instruction of the Colored People. 4th. Bible Distribution and Colportage. 5th. Organ o f Publication. T h e President stated that these committees would be announced to m orrow upon the assembling o f the Convention. On motion, Resolved, That the following times o f meeting and adjournment o f the. Conven tion be observed during the remainder of the. session:— T o assemble at 9 o’ clock, a . m., and 4 o ’clock, p. m ., and adjourn at 1 and 6 o’clock, p. m .: excepting to-morrow, when the morning session will commence at 10 o’ clock, a . m . . Brother J. R. K endrick, from the Committee on R eligious Services, reported, that the Southern Baptist Publication Society would hold a public meeting this evening at 8 o ’clo ck ; the F oreign M ission Board a like meeting to-morrow evening; and the Domestic Mission Board on Saturday evening. T h e first to be held at the 1st Baptist Church, and the two latter at the W entworth Street Church. i T h e report o f the Treasurer o f the Convention was submitted, received and referred to the committee on Finance. Adjourned with prayer by the Rev. W m . T . Brantly, and the benedic tion by the President. T
hu rsday
A
fternoon,
4 o ’ clo c k .
T h e Convention met. Prayer by brother Sanders. On motion, a committee was appointed to nominate brethren to preach the Foreign and Domestic Missionary Sermons, and to recom mend a place for the next meeting o f the Convention. Committee, J. C . Ciopton, J. Peterson, W . P. H ill, R . Holm an, J. T . R ob ert On motion, Resolved, That the Secretaries o f the Convention be directed to obtain a suitable book, and have recorded, in a' fair hand, the proceedings o f the meeting which organized this Convention, and all the minutes o f its meetings, and call on the Treasurer for the amount expended in executing this order; .and that said book be placed under the care o f the Foreign Mission Board. • Adjourned to meet at the W entw orth St. Baptist Church, at 10 o ’c lo ck to-m orrow. P rayer by brother J. C. Ciopton. : F r id a y M orn in g ,-10 o’clock. .
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• Convention met.— Prayer by brother'J. H . Outhbert. . :T h e . committees ordered yesterday on . D om estic M isj^ n s , were, an nounced b y the. Chair,.as fo llo w s : • ' : .■ : Agencies.— .V. R Thornton, J. S. R eyn oldson , W - P- H ill,- W . H . Robert,'J-. G . O. W ilk in s o n .r. ,_ . - F :
- ;'SV ■
§>£,
. S eca a d c
^TJrislrucdo^of :Colored.:J P^oph'.y-BiJ^ Sanders^ W , P. Farish, X O. B . D argan, J. T ..R ob ert, J . X , Anderson,
■,''-T T T v iT .;.'
‘v
■Bible ^Distribution'and'iOplportagei— T. R r Scott,. F . H . Robertson,. T. W . Rambaut, R . W . F uller, J. M. T i m m o n s . 1 O rgan o f Publication —-J. S. W althall, J. A - Lawton,. R .. H olm an, H . T . H opkins, Israel E . James. • . R e v . J. L . D a g g, and brotheT J. C. Crane, presented themselves as C or responding Messengers from the Am erican Sunday S ch ool-U n ion , and" w ere cordially received as such. ■ ' : •• ‘ . T h e following,reports, were received,'and ordered io be printed: • T h e committee on thtf China M ission-offered the: follow in g report: • ' • ^ R E P O R T .O N CH IN A MISSION. On the importance o f a mission -to China, there can be no diversity o f opinion. N o one deserves "to be considered a disciple o f Christ, who-can contemplate that vast-empire, in which one third o f the human race are living without hope and without'God, apd feel n0‘ emotion .of pity, or desire to send them the-word o f life. In - fulfilling the Saviour?s last-command, by; which we are required to preach the gospel to every" creature, we are Bound to direct our thoughts and efforts-to the many millions-of this empire, who are hastening" to eternity,’without knowledge Of the way of.salva.tion.- .Your Board shave felt-the weight o f these considerations, and have been ind deed to employ a.large part o f the means under their control in supportof the.China mission.’ W e are not. prepared to suggest any change, o f policy in this respect. .' Y our Bojrd have acted judiciously in. not multiplying your missionary station's, and'thorelg&ninishing their influehceand efficiency. It is, in our judgment, bet-' ter t o ^ ^ l ^ . 'twp stations; which have been established, than to increase- their numbervj^^pfthem be p*rnts from'which the light o f Divine truth may shine'forth brilhantly»ihttnat region of darkness. -Wq. are aware o f difficulties which embar rass, the operations o f the Gautonistation, an&think it not improbable that the Board may find it most judicious to. concentrate their energies at Shanghai. ■We feel much the discouragements which have attended the prosecution o f this mission, in the sickness and’ death o f missionaries. The dispensation of Divine Providence which removed Dr.rJames- andhis wife from their field o f labor, before they had properly entered.it j. is truly mystorious. W e acknowledge the hand o f God in this event, and are.''.c.6fmp'blfed to be. dumb. W e hope the Board, will not be • discouraged from-tlieir attempt'fe supply the. mission with the services of a skilful' ; physician. Such ah aid in 'the'- missionary tvorkj is very-important, not only to benefit the. health of-the-missionaries, but also to recommend the mission to'the natives.' The physician, who; .without rewaid, healsrtheif.'sick, demonstrates1in'a manner which they readily. Comprehend, the benevolent character .of the religion which he professes. They feel the force of such a demonstration, when mere ar. guraent would effect .nothing; . T,;.;;,.-: ■ , t -"W e ofrer no. suggestion to the. Board, respecting the.return of. missionaries on - account of impaired health. There are., doubtless., cases in which missionaries ' have been compelled to abandon the work to which'they liady.ia sincerity, and. .with ' .■Divihe approbation,.devoted their lives. In -selecting men 'for .missiphary service,'' ■ a regard to strength- and constitution, and their adaptedness to bear the toils and exposuth which missionaries, must undergo, isunquestionably; not only, (proper- but indispensable. h;-; X . - J ' ' W e are sorry to. learn that brother Johnson is among the number o f those whose health has been impaired. •As a devoted servant o f Christ, his loss will fee felt, Whether it miiy be necessary to seek another to take his place as an instructor in theology to the native assistants, we do. not advise. Tt is vvorthy of consideration, " whether the ministeis who remain.may not be competent'for some years to come to give theologicafnlistrar.tion. to the natives, without appointing'any one specially to this duty. _ ‘ - ' . We. cannot contemplate.without admiration, the change'vvhich- has- taken place, •. wpthihahe last few-years, in the accessibility o f•China-.-.'.V.God: has-,' in this event, opehed-befote our ministersjthe two leaved gates,.as he did anciently, before Cyrus, ~ in Ins- conquest o f Babylon. Forfiierly, we scarcely ventured to" hope, that the
fSoutkernrBa
35
gospel nnght fee introduced-directly and .opctfly- Hito-'China. W e .pleased ourselves with'the thoBght that-it might-findtit* way -through J3uimah,:as -by 4 back -door. But now,a„dcrorpf entrancens-opened i'n frontj-andsirVe are .invited by "DivineRro■yidence th go.in; and:.possese4he land.- .'.Changes have -taken-plaep in. other parts_of the world} which fill n » with ..admiration, and ^se,etn ito signify, that a glorious day for the interests o f .mankind is at hand-.. W e -will not detain you with comments on;thesevchanges, and:.with:conjectures. a sjo their:;prdhable: effiiet. • But we think ht worthy o f special notice, that our-western; coast , ,which looks over .the; Pacific wave to .China', Is now in its lengthened extent, rapidly; receiving at pbpulatipii which will hold a: near intercourse with the Celestial Empire. Is it not probable, that numerous emigrants,from 'China, will cpihespyer. to:"pur- western settlements,' as emigran-ts.from Europe now throng our Atlantic Spates?' I f so, is.it not important to the 'interests of , the China Mission, that we should hate churches, established on ' the shores o f the Pacific, :in which these emigrants may be.-ttaught the gospel o f Christ, and be qualhie.d;to fetufh'as"mission&ies to,their brethren, as now the con verted sons of Ham leave our Atlantic shores, to convey the.gospel o f salvation to their brethren in Africa! r - . A - J . L. Chairman. REPO R T ON AGENCIES.. v -The commitfee toWhorn was refexred the subject of'Agencies, having bestowed up6n,it ,what thought :thpif. eirchmstariceh’ivould iallhwf beg 'leave to report as follows :-r•: The Foreign Board find themselves engaged in a great work,.requiring not only ■their.'.constant;personal-attention, but'.the;.mpqt.'CQrdi^,c^op.OTaihw ofalkfhe: Bap.tist churches located in the Southern States. Plow, to. secure thih'co-.operatipn, then, becomes, a question o f no/ordinary importance'.: W ere outigasfors, all of-them, as.deeply impressed with a sense-of:.their obligation to,-tfie heathen,-as the interests o f Zion at home and abroad manifestly demand, the employraehtof agents to visit" the. churches would be wholly unnecessary; /But -.this is hot. the fact. Other means have to he-employed to bring into effective service those whose' assist ance, is necessary,: to urge forward the great missionary enterprise. And as all former experience has taught us, that agencies.have/been.more successful than anyother appliance, in exciting the churches,, and in obtaining funds, your committee would recommend iheir appointment in all the Sputhern'States. :v ■ Having therefore expressed their concurrence with the suggestion made in the report o f the Board upon the subject,, and feeling,an entire confidence in the judg ment and integrity of. that, body, your committee .would recommend a reference o f tiic whole matter to the exercise o f their best discretion. '''. ' ; ' W . H. ST O K E S , Chairman.
,
R E PO R T OF COM M ITTEE ON. N E W F IE L D S OF M ISSIO N A R Y LA B O R FOR T H E FOREIGN BO ARD.
•The committee to, consider and report on New Fields o f Missionary Labor for the Fbr.eign Board, make, the following report.:—• A s there is no suggestion in" the report of: the'Board concerning any new i and inviting openings,'.in the providence of God,1fo.r their occupancy; -arid as that body ■ is posted, at a point o f observation far more, favorable for'discovery than your com mittee, canrpretend how to. occupy, they feel a diffidence in- suggesting what, finder ' other circ*mstances, they .might be willing to do. ' ’ . •' ■ 'Pour committee, have full confidence in the fidelity and.-'wisdom o f the.Board in., directing.their missionaries to the places of the highest prohuse.... China" with its broad surface-and'teeming, millions— China, once locked up .by self-sufficiency and' exclusive policy— has been, by .a.mysterious. Providence, opened to the Christian world, and they mow begin to ; ' •• ^
•'r •:
v_;-.fffGallus.ti>-deKYer ■Theijt’land froiii error’ s chain.”
,,.bA frica-,.Jong n eg le c)^ /a n fi^ w a -^ d te n ^ m e ^ s/th e sympathies, and is'beginning to share in the'Senevolence of*• th e'gospelf’ Your” committee canndt boiseon-
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Second -T nennialM eeting o f the
aider- the mission- recently" undertaken in 'Central Africa, as a' wise measure. ■ A s the 'whole earth is-'to .he filled 'with-the knowledge Of the Lord, it is" the- duty, o f air-who intend to obey the-Saviour’s- command, “ Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” , to keep their, eyes upon their Whole field of labor, and go wherever God, by his providence.; may-direct them. . \ W ho can tell but that it may be the duty o f this Convention, ere long, to place a missionaiy.at.New Grenada,-in South America, which -is becoming the thorough fare for 'thousands, -on- their •way to -the gold region o f California. France and Germany,ywould our means permit Us, might amply repay us for missionary and colporteur labor.•' ^Although your committee feel desiroUs that this Convention should bear a con spicuous; part in sending the gospel to- “ every creature;’* a sense o f propriety com pels, them to close -this report without offering any resolution in regard to new fields.of missionary labor. By order oft the committee. ' L - A ■ ;■ ' , v ' E L I B A L L , Chairman. T h e committee on Organs o f rep ort:—
Communication made the follow in g
R E PO R T OF COM M ITTEE ON O RG AN S OF COMMUNICATION. ; The committee,to whom Was referred that portion o f the report which relates to ; the periodicals o f the Convention,.are o f opinion that the organs o f communication already adopted, are sufficient, i f generally patronized, to meet all the wants o f the Society. In addition tp the Missionary Journal, which was commenced about three years ago, the Board'are publishing a small, sheet called the Commission. Spur committee: take great pleasure in expressing their satisfaction with the manner in which b«fth these issues o f the Board are conducted. The Journal is employed,' for the most.part, in acquainting the -churches with the daily business o f our mls- ^ sioharies, and.in-supplying such.additiohal intelligence as may be requisite to keep, the friends of missions fully apprized o f the progress o f their cause, both in the domestic and foreign fields.; whiist. the Commission deduces from the-, information disseminated by the Journal, sufch appeals as .may be calculated to .sustain- the interest o f the .active and to. louse the energies o f the slumbering. The one gives instruction, the other makes the practical application; the two, therefore, should go together. Those who subscribe for the Journal: should regard the Commission as a very important accompaniment. ' ' ' ■' V^ , But .whilst your committee believe that the vehicles/for diffusing .intelligence are sufficient for the purposes of-the Society,they regief.to,learn: that their circulation . is so limited. Ignorance is one o f the .greatest obstacles to the. success o f the en terprise in which-we are engaged". No person will long feel much interest in a cause o f which', he hears only at remote intervals, and then in . a most superficial manner. If the churches.were .bwught, .by.means o f our missionary publications, into an acquaintance with loui^ffi^onaiSw,! they would learn to sympathise1with, their trials,, and would feel a deeper interest in their work. . Those persons who .have most knowledge o f the progress o f 'missions, contribute most to their support. ■ . The largest donations come from those sections of the country in which our peiiodicals have the Widest circulation. . There must bo several hundred thousand" Bap tists amongst us who learn nothing of our missionary operations from . the. organs o f the Society. It is probable that they hear very little from any other source; , heuce’ the meagroncss of their contributions. If instead o f 1,50.0 copies o f the Journal, 15,000 \vere circulated and read, your committee do -.not say ,that there wonld.be a corresponding increase in‘the receipts o f the Society, but they believe that fhe present'amount contributed would be .greatly augmented. W o believe that every pastor who uses his influence to extend the patronage o f our publications, is rendering very efficient.aid to the cause o f missions. S o important do your com mittee consider this subject, and so grievous ha? been/our negligence hitherto, that yohr committee, in conclusion, recommend thaf eyer-y-pastor in. the Convention be desired.to pledge himself to call the attention of the people o f .his charge to the . . importance o f circulating -the Journal and Commission. V .-' . W . T . B R A N T L Y , Chairman. eotn’mittee to" nomin'ate-- ire>w /Boards reported the.-fol-lowing nomi’ nlfi'ons, w hich were c onf i r med:— .
37 BOARD OF- FOREIGN MISSIONS. P R E S I D E N T .. y.,.
’
J. B. .JETER, Virginia. '. V IC E P R E S ID E N T S .
R ic’r Frii,ER, B. I).J M d.f Basil Manet, D . D .> A la.,/ W m. -Flood, Mo:, " A I bx. F leet, Va.,” •' S. S -B a’timore, Misa.,- 7 Jas. M- Pendleton-, Ky-F J. J. James, N. C .,: ' 'W.'C,- D uncan, La., / P. S. G ayle, Tenn., S. F urman*. S. C-, R. C. Burleson,.Texas, \ -J. S. B acon, D ..D ., D. C., P. H.'M ell, Ga;, ' W . lf. Bayless,. Ark., \ James M cD onald, Fla. JaMbs B. T aylor, Ctifi-esponding Secretary.' A ^ T iiomas, Treasurer. . M. T. S umner, RecordingSecretary. C, T T W ortham, Auditor. • :
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Ri R yland, A. Snead, -., A. G. W ortham, James T homas, Jr ., •* T homas-Ho ie , 1
•
M A NAGERS.
•
W . H. G wathmey, . W . A.. Bayxham, ' John TXlman, Sp..,’ J. L. R eynolds, ' ! II. K. E i.i.yson,
-E. K ingsford, Jos. S. -Walthall, . F ranklin W ilson;, ’ P. B- R obertson, M. L. Bickford.
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BOARD •OF -DOMESTIC-MISSIONS.* ...
. . . .
-
P R E S ID E N T .
.-
JAMES H. D eVO’TIE, Alabama. V IC E P R E S ID E N T S .
WI.C ranE) Md., . ■ R ichard.M ays) Fla.lf J. HIA t V elLj-D D., A rk ^ James Fife, Va., . H. T aleird, Alabama,!^'■ E. S. DuLiN, Mo.fr J. J; F inch,.N. 6., .. » T hos. G. Blewett, MissY, J. B. IValler, E.y.f' H. D. DtrNCANi 0., ' A-.. W. PboLE,.Laif ■-.■■■ S. H.. MiLLijLEN, Te-nn., B. M. Sanders, G ag -,A.;G. H-orton,-Texas, ■ A nd. R othwf.i.l , D.'C. ■R .rH olman, ^Corresponding Secretary.*. . W . H ornedcKle, Treasurer. . T. F. Curtis, Recording Sceretury. W . N. W yatt, Auditor. . M A NAGERS,
E. D. K ino, S. S. Sherman, L. B, L ane, E. A, -Blunt', J. F. co*cke-, ■
L. V. T arrant, A. W . CoNNELLA, C. B illinoslea, M. P. Jewett, , W m. P. Chil'ton,
A. W C hambliss, I,. G T utt,. .T homas- Chilton, W iley Wr. M ason. ’ A. Gi McCraw .
REPORT. ON A F R IC A N M ISSION : .
;
The committee to whom was referred, the report o f the Foreign Mission Board on the. African Mission, beg leave to 'present, as the result. o f their investig ations, the following resolutions fo.r the adoption o f the Convention:—■. • . 1. That the Western Coast o f Africa, occupied by our missions, opens an interesting and most encouraging field'of labor, especially among the natives; and that the Board be instructed to prosecute these missions with as much vigor as the means placed at their disposal will permit. 2. That the mission .proposed to be commenced in Central Africa, though likely to -be attended; y;ithf much.difBqultytfiiid .danger, . seCms: to.have -had its origin in providential indibalioris, ; and'to deserve the confidence-arid cordial support o f the Convention, and to claim the fervent "prayers o f the'denominatioh for its success. • . ■• J. B. JE TE R , Chairman. In connection w-ith the report- o f this committee, the following- resolutions w ere a d o p t e d ;:; 7 ■:*""'' > *7' : a . Resolved, Thas the pastors-of, our churches be affectionately requested to impart tothe*colored'membersM; their charges information in relation to. the African mis sions o f the Convention,- and to secure- their 'co-operation,- as-far as, practicable;, in sustaining them. Resolved, That- wo affectionately recommend the churches within onr bounds-to observestnctiyithe-monthly.concert o f pray.er-for the.extensioifdf thQ -Redeemer’s ■kingdom throughout the world.; . .... .v ,.;:..-. *.; e Adjourned to 4 o ’ clock."
P rayer h y brother Poindexter.
38
Second Triennial M eeting o f the F riday A fternoon — 4 o’clock.
The. Convention met.
Prayer by brother H. D. Duncan.
Committee oil Agencies reported.
Received and ordered to be printed:
Th '- Committee on Agencies report: That they fully concur in the views of the Board, and deem it inexpedient to recommend any change in' their previous plan o f operation.. V . R. TH O RN TO N , Chairman. T h e Committee to recommend the place o f next meeting, and' to nom i nate brethren to perform the stated services, reported. Report received and adopted: Place— N ashville, Tennessee. Ministers to preach the sermon on Foreign Missions— Rev. B. Manly, D. D ., of Alabama, Principal; Rev. J. B. Jeter, o f Virginia, Alternate. On Domestic Missions— Rev. Thomas Hume, of Virginia, Principal; Rev. T . G. Keen, o f Alabama, Alternate. . J. C. CLOPTON, Chairman. Committee on Finance reported.
Report received and Ordered to be printed.
REPO R T ON F IN A N C E . The committee on Finance respectfully report to the Convention, that they have examined the accounts o f the Treasurers, o f the Foreign and Domestic Boards, and find that each account has been properly and correctly settled by a committee ap pointed by the respective Boardi for that purpose. That we have settled the account of the Treasurer of this body and find all the charges supported by proper voTiehef?, and that all the funds received by him have been faithfully applied to the objects designated by the donors, imd that theie now -emain in his possession only five shaves of stock o f S. C. R. R. Company, and £>. W . R. R. Bank, the interest o f which only is to be used for the Foreign Mis ion; and the like number of shares in the same institutions, the interest of which is to be applied to the Domestic Mission. In view of the mortifying fact stated in the report of the Board of Foreign Mis sions that the receipts into the treasury the past year have fallen short of the pre vious one the sum of $ 2,576 18, whilst the expenditures for the same time (ex clusive of the chapel fund) have exceeded the receipts the sum o f $3,889 54, and in view of the limited means afforded to the Board ot Domestic Missions, and o f the extended and still opening fields o f labor for us to disseminate, the word of eternal life to the perishing millions, all must admit the necessity o f some efficient plan calculated to bring funds'into our treasury. W e therefore most respectfully recommend the adoption of the following reso lutions: ' . . Resolved, That it be affectionately urged upon the churches, to adept such meas ures as will be best calculated to. procure the active co-operation o f each o f its members, in the glorious enterprise in which'we' are engaged., and that each.church appoint tw o m: more suitable brethren to explain to .every brother and sister, the ob jects o f this Convention,: and to receive from them weekly, monthly, or annually, as .may is.dbbmed most expedient j such sums'as they are1willing to contribute. And that special' care be used' to interest the poorer. members and encourage 'them to contribute even the smallest sums, and thereby elicit their prayers and sympathies. -Resolved, That we recommend that the foregoing resolution, be brought before each of the: Associations and Conventions, at their respective meetings,, in' the seve ral States connected'with out body. • A L E X . F L E E T ; Chairman. Convention adjourned to 9 o’ clock to-morrow, to give an opportunity for brethren to hold a conference in relation to the proposition :for;a:CentralT.heolog.ical Institution-. _ _ "" " ~ ‘ ^ (
.-Prayer by brother R. Holman.
"
Southern Baptist Convention.
39
Saturday M orning , 9 o’clock. Convention met. P rayer by brother J. Q,. Beattie. T h e follow in g reports of committees, w ere received and ordered to be printed: RE PO R T ON T H E IN STRU C TIO N OF T H E COLORED POPULATION. Your committee supposed that the subject intended to he referred to their consid eration, is the religious instruction o f this class o f persons. While no service can be more important, than an imitation, ef' our Saviour to be engaged in giving the gospel to the poor, there can be no class of the poor who have stronger claims upon the people o f the Southern States for such service, than our own servants. These propositions seem to us to be too.plain to need any argument. Such a service, therefore, presents itself as one o f the most prominent objects for the attention of our Convention. Your committee rejoice to learn that this subject has impressed itself so deeply on the minds o f your Domestic Board, that they have already en tered in good earnest on this field' o f labor, and that their labois have not been without effect. The most important question that now temains to be considered, seems to us to he— how can this good work be most effectually accomplished! This question can be answered only from the word o f God. As it is his prerogative, and his only, to give the increase, \ve should look for it from him, through the means o f his own appointment. The question then recurs, has he appointed any such means ; and if so, what are they? His word informs .us that it has pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. He has moreover commanded that the gospel be preached to every creature. T o preach the gospel to the poor, was a work peculiarly characteristic of the Saviour. T o preach the word then, to these people, is the most hopeful means of their religious instruction. In proof o f it we have the precept and example both o f Christ and his Apostles. The Apostle Paul, asks, “ flo w shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard', and how shall they hear without a preacher?” W e can, then; by such means, most effectually furnish them with religious instruction. But while we would place this means o f instruction above ail others, because the Saviour lias so placed it, and has promised to attend it with his blessing, we would not have other means neglected because they are less important. W e would rather take a lesson of instruction from the language of the Saviour when he said, “ This ought you to do, and not leave the other uudone.” The reading of his word we consider next in importance to the preaching of it. But as we know that the Leg islatures o f several o f our Southern States have thought it prudent to lay restric tions on their being taught to read, .and as we are required by the scriptures to. yield obedience to the laws of our land, we would recommend the adoption o f oral Sabbath school instruction adapted to the capacity o f their minds. Foi this pur pose the simpler the course the better. A series of cards for the instruction o f colored persons, published by the Southern Baptist Publication Society, are highly ecommended by those that have used them. B .' M. S A N D E R S , Chairman.' In connection with, this subject, the follow in g resolution, was carried ! Resolved, That, we regard.' the instruction of our” colored .population, as a duty imperatively incumbent up,oii us as Southern Christians; that we regard the preach ing, o f the word o f God as the best means o f discharging this duty! and we .earnest ly recommend opr churches,,to devote,a‘ stated portion o f their- public exercises to the. particular instruction of. colored persons in the truths o f the Bible, v 'i j •. The follow in g resolution was adopted: Resolved .■unanimously-, That thevthanks-‘.of this Convention, are due, and are hereby tendered to the. citizens o f Charleston, for the kind -hospitalities:so generous ly .extended to us-during our. meeting ; .and.we earnestly supplicate .thatiGpd.’s mer-. cy may'descend in rich..effusion, .and,.more, than repay in spiritual blessing, the efforts o f our friends,to render our stay amohg.them.so agreeable.. A ' .Committee on Amendments o f jt-he ^Constitution reported.. - Laid qn. the table for the present. ' 1 '* * Committee on B ible Distribution and Colportage .repqfted:-as fdlo.W f: ordered to ’be printed - ‘ u ‘
40
(Second Triennial Meeting, of-the RE PO R T ON BIBLE. DISTRIBUTION AN D COLPORTAGE.
The committee to -whom -was assigned that part of the report of the Domestic Board which relates to Bible Distribution and Colportage, present the following report.— It is, apparent, from the representations of .the. Boardjvthat this department o f their .efforts has had but an incidental and very subordinate place in their operations. During the whole b-f the.last three years, only $ 1,562.80 has beeff'centr.ibuted for this object; This is an average o f $ 520 93- a year. But it is to he-remarked that $ 1,000 of the. total amount was contributed by a single State; leaving but . $ 5 6 2 ' 80, or an average of $ 187 60 a year, raised by. all the rest together- -In addition to the above, $ 280 50 hasbeen realized by" the sale of Bibles. From this Statement; it must be evident hoW little worth the while it is for this to be made a separate and distinct branch of the operations o f the Board, unless a ■fair prospect exists for a very considerable enlargement of it. But something must be done in this way.' It will never do to send out our missionaries into, the desti tute parts o f ourlahd" without'supplies of Bibles and Testaments to distribute, bv sale or by gift, in their fields of labor. What but the most meagre and- short-lived results ban he hoped for from their prea'ching, when they must still leav.e their hearers without the means of consulting for themselves, at their leisure and their homes, the word o f God! ' But what shall he done!' This question evidently presses hard upon the Board ; for, in their report, they “ earnestly desire the Convention to.recommend some scheme by which our churches may be awakened to the importance of-this subject.” Your committee, have been not a little embarrassed in their efforts to solve the difficulty. They had, at length, deterinined to advise the Convention to institute a new "Board, to whom the business of providing for the circulation of the Scrip tures,. should be specially committed, and to whom both the Domestic and the Foreign Board should look- for their supplies. But on. advising -with those the most competent to counsel in this matter, they have come to the conclusion that the time'for this measure— which will doubtless ultimately be both advisable and practicable— has not. yet arrived. Meanwhile, they see no other course to be pur sued but to carry out, on a larger scale, the same plan that hasbeen hitherto pursued. . . ; In extending the operations under this plan, the principal (step that suggests itself to your committee is, the formation o f State Bible Societies in-those States in which they do not now exist; and. they recommend that the brethren in this Convention from those States be urged to .take this busiriess in hand, and proceed, at their ear liest convenience after their return from Charleston, to establish such organiza tions, and see that such agencies be employed under them as shall secure the most efficient accomplishment o f their design. Though your committee do not feel at liberty now to propose the establishment of a Bible Board, they would suggest that the work of circulating the Scriptures should be -kept.prominently before1 'the chu'tches .as a distinct department o f effor*. W e presume that the mere indication of a separate Bible fund, in the month1acknowledgment o f moneys by the Treasurers of the Boajds,: is not e n o u g h s seeure a proper attention' to this object. Its claim's should be-ufged ‘distinctly on the churches,' and not be left to bo merged in those c f the. general operations of the Boards.' It should be conspicuously held up before minister's and people that it is one thing to provide bread for the mouths of our missionaries, and another to fill - their -hands. witii’ Bibles to distribute'; and that they cannot, without furnishing the . Bible to'the communities in which they 'operate,-hope to'rnake any thing more than a very .transient impression by their labors; • ■ . ’ k The subject o f Colportage was also assigned to your- committee.. N.o reference is made'to this-in the report o f the Board,-except as the -term is applicable to the (circulation of the Scriptures. W e are happy to learn, however; that our missionaries-do,-'to some~exlent,.act as Colporteurs,'in selling and giving other-good books. ■w it is much to be- desired -that more ibe -done. in Ihis-way— an -instrumentality which - has-been,.-so largelyhonored by the K jog-m f Zion, It cannpt. be expected,-ho weyerj that the'Board, with their present limited means, should- make anyoutlav for v BJwp -W&, can only recemmendthat^as close an understanding and co operation as possible be'maintained wittrthe Board o f the Sbuthern'JBapttsf Pub- hcation Society. O' ” " ' 7. , J. R. SC O TT, Chairman.
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41
'S i Resolved, That we entertain a high sense o f the importance of the Southern ■' Baptist Publication Society; and that we hereby commend it to the fostering care of'Southern and Western Baptists. Committee on O rgan o f Publication o f D om estic Mission Board re ported and their report adopted and ordered to be printed. The committee on the Organ o f Communication o f the Board o f Domestic Mis sions, beg leave to report: That they have duly considered the subject, but find it difficult, if not utterly im practicable, to recommend any well devised plan for publication, better than the one now m use. From conversations with the publisher o f the Missionary Journal, and other brethren, we think it probable that some satisfactory arrangements may he adopted by the Secretaries of the two Boards. W e therefore recommend to the Convention to refer the subject to the Boards o f Foreign and Domestic Missions. Respectfully submitted. J. S. W A L T H A L L , Cha’m. T h e committee on N e w Fields o f L abor for Domestic M issions, reported. T h e hour for adjournment having arrived, Convention adjourned byprayer from brother W althall.
S aturday A fternoon, 4 o’clock. T h e Convention met. P rayer by brother Jeter. T h e report o f the committee on N ew Fields for Domestic Missions which was pending at the adjournment, was laid on the table. The report o f the committee on Amendments o f the Constitution, was taken from the table, and after discussion indefinitely postponed, and th'e follow in g resolution adopted, 42 voting in the affirmative and 17 in the n eg ative, m ore than two-thirds. Resolved, That the Constitution be amended so that its meetings shall be held Biennially instead o f Triennially, and that all its provisions conform to this change. T h e Chairman laid before the body a communication from a missionary o f the Domestic Mission Board, appealing from a decision of that Board in relation to the payment o f his salary. T h e papers were referred to a com mittee o f three, to w hich the President o f the Convention was added. Brethren Johnson, Stocks, M cD aniel and T a y lor, committee. On motion the follow in g resolution was adopted: Resolved, That the proceedings of the Convention be committed to the Secreta ries for publication, the expense to be equally borne by the Foreign and Domestic Boards. On motion the follow in g resolution was adopted: Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be tendered to the several Rail roads and other Companies which have afforded facilities to the members in attend-; ing this meeting. The follow in g resolution , offered by brother C ra rf^ w a s laid on the" table for the present. Resolved, That our grateful acknowledgments are due to Almighty God for the benevolent feeling and Christian courtesy so universally maintained during our pre sent, meeting. Adjourned to 9 o’clo ck M onday. ■; M o n d a y M or ning — 9 o’ clo ck .' •• T h e Convention met in the 1st Baptist Church. P ra y er by R ev. V . B . Thornton. y • On motion, . 'i • Resolved, That the next meeting o f this Convention be held with- the FirstiBap-tist; Church at N asitvii-le, Tenn., on the second Friday o f May, 1851. „
42
Second Triennial M eeting o f the
T h e report o f the committee on N ew Fields o f Labor, o f Domestic M is sions, was taken from the table, and accepted and ordered to be printed with the Minutes. RE PO R T ON N E W FIELDS OF DOMESTIC MISSION LABOR. The committee to whom was referred the subject o f New Fields o f Labor in our Domestic Missionary operations, have given it all the attention their limited time would admit, and respectfully report: That the fidelity and perseverance with which the Board of Domestic Missions have sought out and occupied the.most destitute portions of the field of labor con templated by this body at its last Triennial Session, meets the highest approbation o f your committee, and the happy results attained through their instrumentality, commends the organization to the zealous patronage and ardent prayers of all Christ ians. That there are still very many destitute stations in the field, admits of no doubt, but as to the time or manner of supplying them, your committee will not re mark, preferring to submit the whole matter to the Board, who are eminently qual ified and at all times ready to discharge its arduous and responsible duties. ■ The question, however, o f enlarging our operations by occupying new fields, iss I’ one not so easily disposed of, presenting as it unquestionably does, some difficulties. \ S The only ones that present themselves are the recently acquired Territories o f Cal- | f ifornia and New Mexico, and these your committee regard it as vastly important on | | many accounts promptly to cultivate, if it may be done by any means at our com- 1 | mand. The Board have, in their report, presented the prominent difficulties that f I lie in the way, but it is submitted that the work is worthy o f any effort to overcome I | them, particularly as to California. Within the last few months many thousands s of our fellow-men, of our own and other countries have emigrated to that distant f territory; and very many of them from the Southern States o f the Union. There they are entirely destitute of the ordinary means o f grace, and subjected as they ate to the casualties incident to unorganized society, and the diseases o f the climate, are likely to find their way into vast eternity, without one o f the consolations o f the written or preached gospel. It is true that from the intense excitement and inordi nate thirst for gain that prevails among that population, very many o f them may close their ears to the truth, and in despite o f all human effort live and die without God and without hope in the world. But whilst this is true, your committee are well assured that very many others would rejoice to have broken to them the bread o f life, and the earnest prayer o f all such is that the humble missionary o f the Cross may be promptly sent to minister to them in holy things, manifesting that whilst they are intent in seeking gold that perisheth, they are alike anxious to ob tain that which is eternal. Shall we refuse to listen to the supplications o f such—■ shall we fail to do the work o f our Master— will we stand acquitted before God, if we fail to use every means in our power to eradicate their vices and secure the salvation o f our fellow-men in that distant and destitute country? But it is not to send missionaries to California, simply as it is now, that is important, but to California with its teeming millions of inhabitants that are destined to occupy it in a few j years. If is not alone to convert and save its present population that we should laI bor, but ionave the wav for the mdf5~geft.ain conversion to the Truth o f all those ^ wrtntAvill soon coTue'afier Cl^an. Jfarlv impressions arechmcult to eradicate, even if founded m emlf—They are more lasting, as early friends are generally more steadfast through life— the young mind may be bent, the older one must be broken, and.if Baptists believe in the truth o f their principles, and desire to establish them . in California for the truth’s sake, it is absolutely important that the work should be commenced forthwith. But, again, it is important to occupy that extensive field, ' not alone for the reasons before stated, but for the effect it would produce in evan gelizing the world to Christ. Establish the truth in ^California—-kindle a pure gospel light on the Western shore of the American Continent, and it .will grow bright er and brighter until it will have eradicated the. spiritual darkness from the isles, o f - the ocean, the empires o f the East, and the benighted portions o f our owni general1jly favored country. Occupy that field effectually, and its happy' results upon our - China and other distant missions, must soon be-seen and felt, whilst its influences, if properly directed, cannot fail to hasten the long prayed for time “ when the knowledge o f the.Lord shall fill and cover the whole earth.” . But aside from these considerations, which are sufficient o f themselves to enlist the ardent efforts of. all Christians in the work; there is another reason that should
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43
stimulate us, as citizens, promptly to occupy the territory o f California with our missionaries. That the field is destined to be occupied soon, admits o f no doubt, and if w e fail to engage in the work, others, who in many instances sow broad cast the seeds o f error, will unquestionably do so. In conclusion, it is earnestly recommended to the Board to inquire into the prac ticability o f carrying out the foregoing views, and if practicable, to take such steps as may be necessary to accomplish it, either by instructing their agents to urge our fellow citizens o f the South, o f all classes, promptly to contribute the necessary means, or by such other agency as they may in their wisdom devise. Your com mittee close by soliciting the prayers of Christians for our success, and invoking the blessings o f Almighty God to rest upon every good word and work in which we may engage. J. P . R E ID , - Chairman. On motion, Resolved, That the Convention now unite in devout thanksgiving to God, for the harmony and good feelings which have prevailed during the meeting. B y request o f the Convention, the President, Dr. Johnson, accordingly led in prayer. T h e report o f the committee on the Appeal o f Rev. W . C. Crane, a mis sionary o f the D. M . Board, was presented, and concurred in. - The committee to whom was referred the appeal o f brother W . C. Crane, a missionary o f the Domestic Board, from its decision to the Southern Baptist Con; vention, report: That they have patiently heard the documents read on both sides, and are o f opinion that the Domestic Mission Board have acted in the case rightly and judi ciously, and recommend that their decision be sustained. All which is respectfully submitted. W M . B . JOHNSON, Chairman. On motion, Resolved, That the report o f the committee be printed, and that a copy he trans mitted by the Secretary to the brother appealing. Resolved, That the thanks o f this Convention are due and are hereby tendered to Mr. D. K . Whitaker for his faithful and able reports o f the deliberations and pro ceedings o f this body, published in the columns o f the Charleston Courier. Resolved, That the Secretaries be instructed to present to each o f the pastors of this city, who have courteously opened their pulpits to the ministers o f this Con vention, a copy o f the Minutes when published. T h e President affectionally addressed the Convention. P rayer was offered, and then, on motion, the Convention adjourned toithout day.
W . B . J O H N S O N , President. J. C. C rane, | Secretaries. B. M anly, J r .
v
FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT. BOARD
OF
FOREIGN
MISSIONS.
In the return o f another meeting o f the Southern Baptist Convention, the Board are not insensible o f the serious nature o f that account they are called upon to render. T h e y have endeavored in the fear o f God, to dis charge their duty. Imperfect as their service m ay appear, they are con scious that it has not been without the expenditure o f much time, thought, and prayerful solicitude. Various circ*mstances combine to render theirs a delicate* and a difficult task. T h eir ow n want o f experience in the man agement o f such an enterprise— the recent establishment o f their missions— the gTeat distance o f the principal stations— and the comparative inexpe rience o f most o f their missionaries— in view o f all these, they have prose cuted their labors 11in weakness, and in fe a r, and in much trembling T h e y n ow give an account o f their stewardship, with the hope that their brethren o f the Convention, and the G od o f ail grace, w ill accept and approve the w ork o f their hands. MOURNFUL BEREAVEMENTS. Since the last meeting o f the Convention, painful visitations o f the D ivine hand have been experienced. A lthough notice has been taken in the last report, of the death o f brother I . T . Hinton, , one. of the V ice Presidents o f the Board, it w ill not be im proper here to pay a tribute o f respect to his m em ory, and to remind ourselves o f the slender tenure by w hich we hold our earthly existence. A t the last meeting o f the Conven tion, brother Hinton was present, m ingling with his accustomed activity in all the services o f the occasion. To-day, he is not with us. W e shall see his face no m ore on earth. But his mem ory still lives. H is deep interest in the cause o f Christ, his disinterestedness, zeal and perseverance, w ill lon g endear him to the churches o f the South. We. are called upon also to record the death o f several missionaries. The young, ardent, and devoted Clopton, is no more. H e had just begun to speak in the language of the Chinese, and b y his amiable disposition and courteous manner, had secured the regard o f the natives residing immedi ately near him, when he was suddenly arrested by the hand o f death. Scarcely had the tidings o f his early fall reached our ears, when another mournfully, affecting event was occurring in the missionary circle. D r. J. Sexton James and his lady, on their w ay to the city o f Shanghai, had arrived at H on g-kon g. Previous to their passage up the coast to their destined'field, they determined to visit their brethren at Canton. , Return in g from this place, when within sight o f H on g-kon g, the vessel b y a flaw o f wind was sunk, and -brother and sister James, w ho had just retired to the cabin, w ere unexpectedly ushered into the presence of G od. T h e qualifications o f our brother as a physician and Christian;, and o f his esteemed wife, had excited the hope that through them a blessing w ould be communicated to the bodies and souls o f the heathen. But God seeth not -as man seeth/ H e has called tbem'avvay, and to his righteous decisions we. w ould humbly, submit. . ' . . T h e African mission- has also suffered painful bereavements. Beside the death o f brother A . S. Jones, at Cape Palmas,'" w hich .occurred in 1846,
45
Punds.
about the time he was expected to enter our service, the Board are com pelled to record the sudden removal o f F. S. James, o f N e w Virginia. H e was a good man. In the language of one o f his co-adjutors in the w ork, he was pious, amiable, laborious, self-denying, beloved by his people and all w ho knew him . H e sought not his ow n but his heavenly Father’s g lory. F illed with the spirit o f his station, he carried a blessed influence wherever he went. These painful trials in the early history o f their operations, have served deeply to impress the Board with a sense o f their utter helplessness. T h e y have seen and felt the necessity o f hoping only in God, and o f relying Upon him for success in all their movements. . T h ou g h often distressed, they have not yielded to despair. T h eir desire has been that the discipline m ight be sanctified to their increased devotion and usefulness. FUNDS. A t the last annual meeting of the Board, a balance was in the treasury o f $14,863 15. . T h e amount received from all sources during the year, is $ 1-6,927 9 1 ; m aking a total of $31,791 06. T h e expenditure was $2 6,110, leaving a balance of $5,681 06 now rem aining in the hands o f the Treasurer. B y an examination of the Treasurer’s account, M ay 1st, 1848, it w ill be seen that the receipts have this year fallen short o f those of last year b y $2 ,576 18, w hile the expenditure of the present over the last year, including the chapel fund, is $9,275 09. W ithout regard to the chapel fund, the amount received the fiscal year just closed, has fallen short o f the expenditure by $3,889 54. T h e Board cannot conceal the mortifying fact, that w hile they have been gradually enlarging their operations, the contributions o f the churches have been diminished. N or can they fail to see that i f this retrograde m ove ment shall continue, they w ill not only be com pelled to decline other ap pointments, but to recall some o f their brethren already in the field. T h e follow in g is a comparison o f the receipts from the different Southern States for three y ea rs: 1847 Maryland, Dis. of Columbia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri,
§1,553 130 4,525 838 2,591 2,151 1,368 933 765 1,039 95
29 10 38 74 92 87 60 56 25 41 00
1S 48 §807 26 50 00 7,661 56 1,406 58 2,221 84 2,449 75 1,049 16 1,101 44 273 65 1,279 56
.
1849 §823 55 6,083 880 2,736 1,632 1,595 607
23 00 60 78 54 33 33 55
1,073 84 30 00 . 28 00 99 42
T o t a l. §3,183 87 235 10 18,470 54 3,126 10 7,550 30 6,233 95 4,013 09 2,642 55 1,038 90 3,412 80 125 00 28 00 . . 99.42 50,149 72
T h e diminished contributions o f the year just closed, are probably to be attributed to the fact, that at the last annual meeting, a balance in hand o f nearly fifteen, thousand dollars was reported. But it should have been re membered that this embraced the,chapel fund, and, that the demands up'oa the treasury, w ere immediate and heavy. Besides, as our, remittances -'es pecially- to China must be regularly forwarded, it is alw ays necessary to have, in hand a surplus fund. W e sometimes receive in a single month but
.
46
Periodicals.
tw o hundred dollars, when during the same time it m ay be necessary to transmit as many thousands. Special attention is called to the fact, that i f even the present rate o f con tributions be continued, ruinous embarrassment must result. In addition to this, let it be borne in mind, that all our missions are pleading’ for an in crease o f laborers. Several have either already determined to devote them selves to the foreign field, or are seriously considering the question. I f an enlargement o f our operations be contemplated, it is essential that the Board be. actively engaged in seeking suitable men for the w ork. But this they cannot feel authorized to do unless the means to sustain them may be ex pected. T h e Board w ill, therefore, without an increase o f funds, be shut up to the necessity o f continuing the present limited scale o f effort for the evangelization o f pagan lands. Shall this be allow ed? W ill Southern Baptists, with all their vast pecuniary resources, be satisfied with this meas ure o f interest in an object so important and g loriou s? W e trust not. A proper survey o f the subject w ill prepare us to take m ore elevated ground. It is the w ill o f Christ that the gospel be preached to every creature, and he has constituted his people the authorized instruments o f carrying out this purpose. N o r has he left us as Baptists without the means o f con tributing to this result. F iv e or six Sou'hern States might be named, any one o f w hich possesses the pecuniary ability, within the limits o f Baptist churches, to sustain the present missions o f the Southern Baptist Convention, T h e Board are desirous o f m aking a regular and steady advance in their labors from year to year. T h e y have hitherto proceeded upon the pre sumption that this was the w ill o f the Convention. D uring the year just closed new appointments have been made, and the balance in hand at the last annual meeting has prevented embarrassment. But if missionaries n ow under appointment are sustained, and even a few others are sent out, it w ill be necessary to secure a larger annual contribution. In view o f a gradual and judicious expansion, the Board regard it as important to raise, i f possible, during the com in g year the sum o f twenty-five thousand dollars. T h ey have determined to make the effort. T h e y w ill put into operation all the influence they can, and i f they fail, the fault shall not be theirs. T h e y entertain a hope, not by any means extravagant, that their brethren o f the South w ill at once m ake all suitable exertion to secure this amount. I f those w ho have committed to their trust the mammon of unrighteousness w ill m ake liberal contributions; i f pastors w ill bring up the subject before their respective churches, and adopt some system in securing the free w ill offerings o f the members, the desired result w ill doubtless be obtained. W e b eg leave to call the special attention o f the Convention to this subject. PERIODICALS. T h e M issionary Journal, com m enced at the time o f the last Convention, has continued regularly to make its appearance, and so far as the B oard can learn, has given general satisfaction. B ein g the organ o f both the F oreign and Domestic Boards, it m ay be regarded as an important histori cal document and worthy o f general preservation. T h e' number issued is Hot, however, as large as the nature o f the w ork and the-ability o f the de nomination w ould justify. - T h e subscribers have not exceeded fifteen hun dred ; they ought not to be less than five thousand. It is probable that the advance cash-system o f .payments has somewhat contributed to this com par atively small issue, as in many instances, through inadvertence, subscribers have failed to send the m oney, and their names have been stricken from .the list. ’ .. B ein g satisfied that a small, cheap-paper;, suitable for circulation am ong the masses o f society,. Would contribute to the wider diffusion o f missionary
Agencies.
47
intelligence, the Board have commenced the issue o f a monthly sheet en titled “ T h e Commission,” at 25 cents per annum. F ou r thousand and five hundred subscribers have already been secured. T h e favor it has received affords pleasing evidence that its influence w ill be o f th.e happiest charac ter. A m uch larger circulation, however, both o f the Journal and C om mission is demanded by the~exigences o f the Board. T h e experience o f all similar institutions has proved, that the periodical press has been one o f the most effective agencies in sustaining the missionary enterprise. The Board o f the B ap. Miss. Union publish 20,000 copies o f the “ M acedo nian,” and about 4000 copies o f the Magazine. T h e Presbyterian Board o f Missions circulate 8,000 copies o f their M agazine, and 15,000 copies of a small sheet entitled the “ Foreign Missionary,” w hile the Am erican Board o f Commissioners issue not less than 16,000 o f the “ M issionary H erald,” and 47,000 o f their little paper called the “ D ayspring.” It is the desire o f the Board to send the “ Jou rnal” and “ C om m ission ” into every chu rch o f the Southern country, and the Convention are hereby solicited to adopt such measures as may contribute to this desirable result. AGENCIES. T h e Board have found extreme difficulty in procuring men o f suitable qualifications for the agen cy w ork. A t the beginning o f the present year, brethren W m . H. Robert o f South Carolina, and Robert M cN abb o f N orth Carolina, w ho had been faithful laborers on beh alf of the Board, retired from the field, so that in these States no agent is at present em ployed. Brother W m . M. Farrar is still indefatigably engaged as an agent in Mississippi. T h ou g h he finds the em ploym ent toilsome, and at tended with many privations and trials o f faith, yet at the solicitation o f the Board, he is still inclined to persevere. T h e agen cy o f Tennessee and N orth Alabama has been filled by brother R. G. K im brou gh , w ho, with his characteristic zeal, has been visiting the churches and laboring to excite a becom ing liberality. Brother James M . G oodm an is still operating in K entucky. H is influence in that State has been happily felt in diffusing intelligence and aw akening a missionary spirit. T h e services o f our es teemed brother H artw ell, o f Alabam a, were during the last fall procured for that .State, in conjunction with the Domestic Board at M arion, but w e regret to state, that declining health has compelled him to suspend the agency. It w ill thus appear that the Board have in the field no agents ex cepting those operating in Mississippi, Tennessee and K entucky. T h e services o f brother H arvey G oodale, an accepted m issionary for China, have been engaged for a little less than three months within the limits o f the B ig Hatchie Association o f W est Tennessee. This tempora ry agency was prosecuted by special request o f that body, as they have de termined to supply the means for brother G oodale’s support. In the absence o f State agencies, the Cor. Sec. has performed as much labor o f this kind as bis duties at the mission room w ould allow . H e has paid over, during the financial year, the.sum of $ 6 ,3 1 2 27, a large portion o f w hich , was procured by his ow n exertions. A s, however, the corres pondence o f the Board is every month increasing, it cannot be expected that he w ill be able to devote, much attention to the business of; cbliedting funds.- It has been in contemplation to appoint a general agent w ho should take charge o f this w hole w ork, visiting State Conventions, and keeping up the local agencies throughout the Southern country. A brother, eminently qualified for this departnient, the. Board have labored and hoped to obtain, but thus far .they have been.disappointed. It is proper to state,"ihat the Board h a v e recently solicited, brother E li B all, o f V irginia, w h o has^had -no little experience in this department o f labor, to undertake the agency>for
48
Tract Distribution.
G eorgia, and that he has consented to commence his efforts in that field sometime during the present summer. T h e Board are entirely satisfied o f the expedience of the agency system. Its necessity arises from the w ell know n fact, that comparatively few o f our brethren o f the ministry have undertaken to teach the churches, and enforce upon them the obligation to evangelize the nations. I f every pastor should' perform this his appropri ate w ork, and make suitable effort to call forth and systemize the benevo lence o f the churches, the expense and toil incident to special agencies w ould be obviated. But this has not been done, and ■we fear that many years w ill elapse ere the contributions of Southern Baptists shall flow reg ularly and naturally into the treasury. H ence, the position of every w ell qualified agent may be regarded as unsurpassed in importance and useful ness. H e is, everywhere he goes, perform ing the w ork o f a domestic mis sionary, preaching Christ an dh im crucified. But in addition to this,'he is holding up before the churches those great principles o f Christian benevo lence, w hich are both inculcated and illustrated by. the gospel. E n forcin g these principles and bringing them into practical operation, he is conferring an invaluable blessing upon the-churches themselves, while the far distant and wretched heathen are elevated and saved. A s it may be exceedingly difficult, and even impossible to secure suita ble agents for all the States, it becomes important that our ministering breth ren should determine to promote, as far as possible, am ong their churches, the missionary spirit, and adopt some plan for the regular annual collection o f funds for the foreign field. TRACT DISTRIBUTION. Beside the sum o f five hundred dollars appropriated by the Am erican T ract Society, previous to the last annual meeting o f the Board, nothing has been received specifically for tract distribution. It is, however, hoped that a grant m ay yet be secured from the same institution during the pre sent spring for this purpose. Since this report was finished, two hundred dollars for the Shanghai, and one hundred dollars for the Canton missions have been received from the Am erican Tract Society. T h e opportunity is now furnished our brethren, both in China and A frica, for the judicious distribution of tracts to a wide extent. One o f our brethren in Canton writes in September last: “ I went distributing tracts this m orning near the factories. T o o k assistant H u e and another as a book carrier, and gave aw ay 520 copies o f books and tracts, and preached to the people. A t one temple w e had a very convenient place prepared to our hand, somewhat like a stand in the open air, from w hich w e preached, and distributed tracts, no man forbidding us.” Our brethren at Shanghai are preparing several small tracts, som e o f w hich have been published and distributed. Brother Shuck informs us, about the middle o f last year, that he had just received a part o f the 2nd edition o f the tract on the Fear of Death, w hich he had had printed at N in gpo. H e says, “ I herewith send you a specim en. " T h ere are two ffoxologies at the end to fill up the page. T h e y never printed before a tract in-the shape .of the one I sent before, and I have not yet learned its cost. E a ch edition consists o f 5000 copies. T h e y are now printing ten thousand copies o f our address to the people, and ten thousand- copies o f a- new tract'comprisin-g the fen commandments and com ments, u p on w hich l expendedco.nsiderabie care and Attention.” The missionaries on the coast o f A frica.also express- h igh gratification in having tracts placed in their hands for distribution.- T h e facilities thus ■furnished for the prosecution of] this particular w ork, w ill doubtless becom e ' m ore and: m ore extensive, while, it is hoped the means necessary for carry ing it oh w ill, in correspondent measure, be multiplied. • -
B ible F und—M eetings o f the Convention, l0 per month. T h is place is not very large, it w ill on ly accom m o date. fifty or sixty hearers, but notwithstanding,-.1 es.teem it a great privilege to secure it: Should it prove a good place for a congregation, L have the offer o f twice the- quantity o f ground, and can enlarge when other mission- ' aries com e and wish a residence. .1 have a bell also at this place. I opened, the-:place' with singin g and prayer, and a short explanatory'discourse, after w hich , C h ow Seen Sang follow ed with a discourse from Joh n i i i ' 16: T h ere- w ere thirty or forty hearers. T h e y ‘p olitely tqok their seats'and in general listened attentively. .Thanks unto the L ord fdfftgiving us such favorable opportunities?” • . , • . „
52
Missions in China,
T h e services at Uet tang chapel are still kept up. A t all these preach in g places the assistants seem to. render essential service, either by preach ing, exhorting or distributing tracts, and portions of the sacred volume. SH A N G H A I M IS S IO N .
Missionaries.— J. L. Shuck, M. T . Yates, T . W . T ob ey , M rs Shuck, Mrs. Y ates, M rs. Tobey, two native assistants^—total 8. A llu sion has already been made to the fact that this station had been re quired to pass through painful reverses. Those o f the brethren w ho had com m enced operations in that w idely extended field, were looking forward with solicitude to the arrival o f brother and Sister James. But their hopes were destined to be crushed. Soon after, it was apprehended that one o f the circle w ould be com pelled to return to this country, thus reducing b y one-half their number. T h e health o f sister T o b e y becom ing so se riously affected, as to induce at times, a degree o f mental alienation, the labors o f her husband have been subject to continual interruption. It has been at length determined by her physicians, and by all who have had any know ledge o f the case, that the best interests o f the mission cause demand an immediate return. T h e y w ill probably reach this country in the fall. A s previously stated, brother P earcy has found it necessary to seek a cold er latitude, and is n ow with the brethren at this station. Should he and his lady be permanently transferred from the Canton to the Shanghai mis sion, they w ill be regarded as a valuable acquistion to the missionary ranks The ’ Shanghai , though subject to these and other trials, have been industriously 'engaged in their preparatory labors. T h ey are begin n in g to speak to the people in their own language, the words o f salvation. N o r are they without encouraging indications o f the D ivine benediction. T h e people seem w illing to hear. L arge congregations are assembled from time to time, sitting respectfully and listening attentively to the new doctrine. Referring to this subject, brother Shuck in a letter dated August 28th, thus writes: “ I am again, through a kind Providence, permitted to address you from this far o ff land. Since I last wrote, w e have kept up our usual services. A w eek or two ago, a position for a preaching place, in one o f the most crow ded streets within the walls and in the very heart o f the city, was offered to us upon uncom m only reasonable terms. E v ery thing seemed so reasonable and so providential, that we felt it to be our duty to secure the place, w hich w e have accordingly done. W ith an outlay o f about $ 2 0 0 we shall have a hall w hich w ill hold an audience of between four and five, yea,- six hundred persons. T h e upper story is sufficiently com m odious to accommodate the entire families o f both of our native assist ants when w e succeed in getting them up from Canton. Y o n g and Mum have themselves both moved into the upper story, w hile'the workm en are n ow turning the w hole low er story into a chapel. T h e brethren w ill be able to preach in a few weeks, and it is a matter o f great thankfulness that th ey shall have a most* eligible place in w h ich to .exercise their gifts, andwhere,. I sincerely hope* w e all m ay have m uch to encourage us in our w ork . W e hope to have preaching .there every night, and-three times on the Sabbath, and such is the advantageous position o f the place, that we an* ticipate a large congregation ev ery time w e preach. T h e fr b n t, entrance upon the street is eleven feet wide. It is jam m ed in am ong .other buildings, yet- the main building is so located^ as to secure air, , light'and%^,Uiet. T trust the L ord has guided us in this new measure, and that it majr'result-ia g lo ry t'o-his name."- A gain,-in October, he sa y s: “ Yesterday being L ord’s day. we'bpened, for the first time, our n ew pla ce o f worship within, the walls of-th e city. - I really-found' it good’ speaking'from - a -p u lp it once mores
Missions in China.
53
Y o n g and Miln also preached. W e had a fine congregation o f about four hundred people. Brethren Yates and T obey, with Y o n g and T seang, attend ed the afternoon service in the city, w hile M un and I attended at the chapel place on our own premises. Pray for us that the Master would condescend to bless our feeble endeavors to promote his g lo ry am ong this great hea then people. T o get our new chapel place ready, has been a severe tax upon our time, strength and patience. Y o u have no idea o f the positive and trying inefficiency o f almost every sort o f Chinese, you may have any thing to do with. W h en we are able to secure lamps, we design having preaching in the city every night. The position is so admirable, that we can have large congregations at all times. Our mission should.have as many preaching places, as it has missionaries, each one preaching in them alternately. W e should have also a large, foreign built chapel, in w hich each missionary would also preach, and where w e might hold all our church meetings. A t the same time, if properly sustained from home, we could carry on efficient operations in preaching and book distributing in all the surrounding cities, towns and villages. 1 find m yself constantly bur dened with a pressing anxiety, that the Board would so sustain us, as to. bring the w hole moral and physical force o f the Shanghai mission to bear upon the powers o f darkness.” It wll be proper in this place to refer to the fund collected b y brother Shuck w hile in this country, denominated the Canton chapel fund. It was understood by the Board and the contributors generally, that the collections thus secured by him, were to be appropriated to the erection o f a house o f worship with w hich he was to be identified. At that time, the commencement o f the Shanghai mission was not determined. Subsequently, in organizing the new mission, it was deemed advisable chiefly on account o f his expe rience in the missionary work, to transfer him from the station at Canton. W ith his removal, it became obviously proper, that the designated chapel fund should be transferred with him. But the B oard deemed it wise, not on ly to ascertain the facilities and general expediency o f erecting a chapel at Shanghai, but also to consult the contributors themselves. H ence, a cir cular was published in all the Southern papers stating the views o f the Board, and calling upon any contributors who might dissent from them, to indicate a different appropriation o f their funds. T h e largest subscribers also were, in many instances, consulted on the subject. In no instance was objection urged to the transfer. A ccordin gly, when sufficient time had been given to learn the views o f their brethren, the Board directed the en tire fund to be transmitted to Shanghai. A llu d in g to this fund, one o f the brethren at Shanghai, observes: “ T h e plot o f ground about w hich we wrote, as so admirably situated for the erection o f a chapel, is still for sale. D r. B oon is about closing the bargain for the erection o f his new chapel. M r. M c K ’s chapel fund, I mentioned in m y last, has arrived. T h e L on don M issionary Society have decided, to erect two m ore chapels.” 5 ^Reference to the: letters and journals o f our missionaries --at •■Shanghai w ill exhibit cheering prospect o f Success. Several persons, male and fe male, have already presented themselves as professed enquirers after the truth. One man is spoken o f-w h o closes his shop on the L ord s day, and goes to hear the w ord o f the Lord preahhed. “ W h at will- be the final re sult o f these cases,” writes one -o f the brethren, “ is known only to the great Searcher o f hearts.' Our hopes are not very sanguine, and our -faith is not-.very strong, yet w e da most solem nly pray and desire to see some souls soon converted. Our hearts and eyes are turned to G od , that he w ould pour out his Spirit. , I think there is-on the part o f every^member o f our mission, a desire to give ourselves w h olly to the w ork o f teaching and preaching Christ am ong the 'h eath en .. 'B u t w e are very, v ery, feeble. I
54
African Mission.
b e g a special interest in yonr prayers. M y sincere desire is to win Chinese souls to Christ. M ay I more ana m ore feel that m y sufficiency is of G od.” W e are happy to say that the ladies o f Shanghai are aim ing to collect the youn g, especially females into a school, for the purpose o f giving, in connection with the elementary branches o f general knowledge, instruction in the things o f G od. A lthough this effort w ill be attended with difficulty, they do not despair o f success. B y last advices we learn that a school was about to be opened. B efore w e dismiss that part o f the report w hich relates to the China mis sion, it may be proper to state that our brethren, both at Canton and Shang hai, have unequivocally expressed their opinion o f the desirableness of send in g out as missionaries, medical men o f piety and talents. Such, they re gard as necessary to be employed in healing the maladies of the body, w hile they administer to the necessities o f the soul. That such men would exercise a beneficial influence, especially if united with a know ledge o f the healing art, they possessed ministerial talent, the Board do not hesitate to admit. A lth ough enquiry has been made, none have been found during the last year to g o out as missionary physicians. AFRICAN MISSION. Missionaries.— John D ay, A . P . Davis, B . J. Drayton, J. H . Cheesenian, S. Pervis, W m . A . Johnson, W . W . Stewart, with six additional teachers and interpreters— total 13. BEXLEY
S T A T IO N .
T h is station is occupied b y brother John D ay. T h ou gh bis health has been at different times feeble, but little interruption to his missionary w ork has been experienced. Under his care is a school o f about forty-five boys — some of these are colonists but most are natives. T h ey are required to labor a portion o f every day. R eferring to these youths, our missionary says: “ T h e religious instruction th ey have received, show s itself in their g ood behaviour. T o see them bow their heads around their frugal meals, w hile one o f their number raises his voice in 'grateful thanks to their M aker for his bounty, and devoutly asks his blessing upon it, is enough to fill the heart o f the spectator with jo y . T h e y quietly eat their poor meals, and cheerfully rise to engage in any w ork assigned them.” A gain , he says, in pleading for the means to enlarge his sc h o o l: “ I do not like to say much about a ^school under m y own direction, but I suppose there is not one o f the kind more interesting in the w hole colony. I wish some member o f the Board could visit it. I think what has already been accomplished, would afford sincere gratification.” In addition, to the management o f the school, brother D ay - has supplied regu larly the church at B exley, and as often as possible, has gone into the interior preaching am ong the native towns. u I thiDk," h e writes, “ a large extent o f the Bassa country is ripe for the reception , of truth. A s far as I have been, w hich j s about 75 miles in the interior^-and say 150 miles c o a s t-: w ise, I have fouifd the preaching ofithe w ord acceptable. I have preach ed/ to 1000 persons, 70 miles in the interior, and speaking lo w /fc o u ld be heard by the whole. N ot a whisper, riot a stir, until I had done, every ear attentive, every eye fixed. A ll around where I labor, there is’ ^erfect order: T h e y kneel solem nly before their. M aker-and seem to pray%&T am. ” -ready to cry, w h y, O , w h y are th e y n o t converted" to God. A stranger - w hulff sometimes think they-are fit for'th e ordinances oLthe. gospel.” . "V * * ' • - ‘ . ° c ■ r, „„
African Mission.
55
BASSA COVE.
A t Bassa Cove, and am ong the contiguous native towns, brother A . P. D avis is laboring as our missionary. H e has been permitted to preach the w ord o f life to multitudes o f the degraded heathen around him, besides w hich, the church at Bassa Cove and the school have received his fostering care. H e has also made tours on the coast below , as far as Cape Palmas, and above, am ong the churches and stations on the St. Paul’ s river. Seve ral have been baptized by him. In alluding, to his multiplied labors, he w rites: “ I have endeavored to perform all the duties required at home du rin g the year, besides m y labors and pastoral visits abroad. I have bap tized seven ; five at home and two w hile travelling. A m o n g the last named is m y interpreter. H is name is John B. Davis. H e has taken several tours am ong his brethren alone, since his union with ih e church, and I think to very considerable advantage. M any admire bis improvement, w hile on the other hand, some are enraged. T h e change in his conduct, his refusing to partake in any o f their habits, his distance from them in this respect is a powerful rebuke to them. T h ey feel that there is a reality in the religion o f Jesus, to w hich they are strangers. I have had a number o f applications b y natives to be instructed as m y interpreter has been. T h e y beg that I would take them without p a y ; but the expense o f their board is more than le a n bear. V e r y h igh views o f religion seem to be entertained by them. T h e y believe when a person goes into the water, he has tested his religion or belief in the true God. I am fu lly convinced of the susceptibility o f the natives to improvement. It only remains to make proper efforts under fair circ*mstances. G ive them the same advantages with ourselves, in hearing and learning, and w e w ill have as many, am ong them becom ing interested. It would not be out o f the w ay to remark, as a reason w hy we have so few native children in our schools generally, that w hile a great many have resided in families, yet no general interest is taken in im proving their moral and spiritual condition. W h at is done by a few persons, leaves a large number to be neglected, or to be attended to by some one else, for very few have been found to clothe and send them to school at their ow n expense.” In connection with this region o f country, brother S. Pervis also labors. M O NROVIA.
T h e church at M onrovia being without a pastor, b y permission o f the Board, one o f its missionaries, brother B . J. D rayton, w as engaged for .sev eral months in preaching for them, w hile a portion o f his time was em ployed in the vicinity o f that .town. H e says o f his labors: “ D uring the last three months, I have traveled one hundred and tw enty miles ; preached thirty-seven serm ons; lectured seven times ■ attended "fifteen prayer meet in g s ; visited one hundred and seventy-eight families ; distributed two hun dred and fifteen tracts^ and attended four concerts o f prayer for the spread o f the gospel. : M y Bible class contains thirty-four males and twenty-seven fe males. T h is department.of.my labor is doin g w ell ; much interest seem ing to be manifested. T h e •.Sabbath sch ool is yet in a healthy ‘condition ; the children, both A m ericafls'and natives, are rapidly improving. T h is is an interesting location, and i f sustained properly, m uch good"' can be done. P ra y for me.” . - ■' ■/.■ ••"■■■■■ « -
CAPE PA LM A S.
Subsequently, by direction of-th e Board, brother D rayton passed down': the>coast and-was located:at Gape Palmas.- -B y o p r 'la s t -c o m m u t a t io n s from A frica, w e learned that he had com m enced supplying the languishing
56
African Mission.
church at that place, and was arranging for a series o f efforts on behalf o f the surrounding heathen! “ A s a. field o f labor am ong the natives,” says one of our brethren, “ a more interesting need not be desired. T h ere are large native towns, one in the midst o f the Am erican settlements, and one not m ore than three hundred yards from the government house. One is supposed to contain five hundred houses, and the number o f natives within and directly about the settlements, is at least five thousand. T h e women appear the most degraded o f any natives I have ever seen. In their man ner o f dress, they seem to have less sense o f shame than any I know. F rom almost any part o f the settlement, one m ay see hundreds o f men, w o men and children, without leaving doors or windows. I f a heart could be affected at scenes o f this kind, deep feeling w ill be experienced in visiting Cape Palmas.” KEW
V IR G IN IA .
N ew Virginia,situated a few miles from M onrovia, up the St. P a u l’s river, was the scene o f labor in w hich the lamented brother F . S. James, moved. H e was engaged in conducting a school, and preaching at N ew V irgin ia and in the surrounding towns. His labors were judicious and un tiring. N o r was he without, the tokens o f G od’ s blessing. F rom the time o f his entrance into our service, he. was permitted to baptize many joy fu l believers. W riting from his field, he informs the Board of. the progress o f the w ork as follow s: “ T h e prospect before me is encouraging, especially am ong the inhabitants o f the surrounding settlements; there can be no doubt, but, that by proper management, w e shall have prosperous and influential churches. In regard to the natives, I can yet say but little; it is hoped, how ever, that they are fast, em erging out o f the lon g nights of darkness in w hich they have been enveloped. I do not forget the promises o f God, in reference to Ethiopia, and on every convenient season, try in the best w ay I can to make some impression upon their hearts in regard to their final destiny. There is much to contend with here, arising from the bad effect the conduct o f some o f our people has upon the natives. In m y humble opinion, our first effort is required in cultivating their minds and awaken in g them to a sense o f duty, as many am ong them are in many respects as blind in regard to the spirit o f Christianity as the surrounding heathen. W h en once vve can get the Christian community to co-operate with us by their circ*mspect deportment, the w ork o f civilizing and christianizing the heathen w ill prosper, and we shall see the fruit o f our labors. I have bap tized, since the first o f January, 21 converts, all o f whom seem to be pro gressing in the divine life. I have also administered the L ord’ s supper three times, and have visited the native towns several times. “ T h e church at M iilsburg is in rather a low state, her number is small and in adverse circ*mstances. T h eir house o f worship is somewhat out o f repair, but an effort is now m aking on the part of her members, to put it in good order. T h ey all seem to clin g together, and lon g to see the day arrive when they shall find a suitable person to take the pastoral care o f them. “ T h e church at Louisiana, constituted last N ovem ber, num bering then 8 persons, has since received by letter 4 ; by baptism 8 ; lost by death one, and now numbers 19. T h ey have not as yet any permanent house o f w or ship, but they are m aking an effort to build one, though much hindered by adverse circ*mstances. Their male members number on ly 8, w ho are farmers, and in that w ay get their living. I would be thankful for any as sistance for them in building their house o f worship. I visit them as often as I can, and feel greatly interested in their spiritual welfare.
African. Mission.
,*■>(•*
“ T h e clm rch here, (N e w V irginia,) is m oving onward, and is in a peace able state at present, but like others she has had wars without and fightings within. H er present number is 44, besides two candidates for baptism. T h ey have not as yet any permanent house for w orship, m ore than the tem porary school-house I built last year. T h e m ale members are 21 in num ber, including the old and decrepit ones; have made an effort to build, but I fear they w ill not be able to complete it for sometime. Brother D ay has authorized me to pay towards it $1 00 , but I wish the amount could be a little increased, so that I might have the house built speedily, as our present one is too small and incommodious, especially to visitors who often com e to hear and join with us in our worship. M y school is in 'a prosperous state, though several o f m y original scholars have been taken aw ay by their parents, and put out to a trade, they not being able to support them. M y present list o f names, however, numbers 33, eleven o f w hom read in the Testament, except five w ho spell in from tw o to four syllables, and three in the alphabet. There are, at least, 15 children am ong the n ew ly arrived people, w ho attended the school, and w ill attend regu larly w hen they shall get over the fever.” T h e death o f this lovely youn g man, w hich occurred on the 9th o f last Novem ber, has thrown a cloud over the prospects o f the mission in that re gion. But that cloud, we trust, w ill soon be dispersed. Speaking o f his success, brother D ay states, “ At N ew V irgin ia is a day school o f 62 child ren ; a most interesting Sabbath school, and a church o f between 50 and 100 members, built up principally by his indefatigable labors; besides, he preached in several native villages, and at N e w Orleans he laid the founda tion and built up a church. E v ery thing in his hand prospered, as i f the Lord delighted to bless him.” NEW
GEO RG IA .
A t this place a flourishing school is sustained by the Board under the care o f brother W m . A . Johnson. NEW
O RLEA N S.
T h e school at N e w Orleans is conducted by brother W . W , Stewart. E D IN A .
T h e Board have been induced by his ow n solicitation, and b y the recom mendation o f brother J. D ay, to appoint at this place, brother John H. Cheeseman, who w ill labor as their missionary in the circumjacent region. H e w ill itinerate am ong the Bassas; by w hom he is m uch beloved, preach to the church at Edina, and visit the destitute churches on the coast; inspect the schools connected with our mission, & c., & c . H e has experience in this w ork, having been for some time in the em ploy o f the Baptist Mission ary Union. T h e stations to w hich allusion has been made, as already occupied by the Board are on the coast, and within the jurisdiction of the Am erican colonies. T h is region is from three to four hundred miles long, and from thirty to one hundred miles broad. It contains a population of five or six thousand colonists, and from eighty to ninety thousand native Africans. A wide and effectual door is opened'am ong all these tribes for the proclam a tion o f the gospel. N ot less than twenty men em ployed as preach ers, could find most important positions, w hich might be occupied to advan tage. In addition to these, as m any teachers are required to take.charge o f schools. ■"
8
5S
Central Africa. CENTRAL AFRICA.
T h e Board have been led to contemplate Central A frica as a most invi ting field o f m issionary labor. T h eir attention was first called to it bv bro ther T . J. B ow en, w ho has since been appointed to com m ence its explora tion, and to institute measures for its cultivation. T h is brother, a native o f G eorgia, but m ore recently a resident o f Florida, had for some time been look in g at the probabilities o f a successful entrance into this thickly popu lated region, and becom ing satisfied o f its feasibility, his thoughts were turned to the question o f personal duty in the case. H e decided to attempt the difficult task. A n offer o f him self was made. T h e Board were engaged for several months in obtaining information, and considering all the bear ings o f the question. T h e y resolved, after m uch prayer to G od, for his unerring direction, to enter upon the undertaking. M any difficulties pre sented themselves to their view , but none so formidable as to forbid the at tempt, especially when the w ill o f God in reference to it seemed distinct. It is expected that brother Bow en, in com pany with a white fellow -labor er and two or three colored brethren, w ill repair to this field in the fall o f ttiis year. T h e C hurch Missionary Society, and the W esleyan Mission Society of England, have stations in a part of this great field. T h e char acter o f this region is indicated by the committee in their report, in w hich they say, “ T h e interior country o f A frica watered by the Gtuorra— a river w hich, from its source in the K o n g Mountains down to Tim buctoo, is called the Joliba or great river; and thence to its outlet, the Q,uorra, but is know n to Europeans as the- N ig er— by the tributaries o f the T chad, and by other unknown streams that probably exist, may be in general described as a fertile region, w ell suited to the habitation o f man, and apparently not possessing a climate unfavorable to life, either for the natives or for E u ro peans w ho kn ow how to take care o f themselves. “ A portion o f this region, called W estern Soudan, com prehending the country west o f the Guorra, from Tim buctoo to its entrance into the Delta at Abbazaca, and distinguished throughout for its fertility and comparative ly h igh state o f improvement, includes the kingdom o f Y arriba. O f this kingdom , M urray rem arks: ‘ It is one o f the most fruitful countries on the globe, and is also w ell cultivated and densely peopled. T h e fields are cov ered with thriving plantations o f Indian corn, millet, yams and cotton. The loom is busily plied, though its products are not equal to those in the neigh boring country Nyffe.’ “ In this salubrious and productive kingdom , our missionaries m ight se lect a location, whence they might easily cross the N ig er into N yffe, a very fine country, occupied by the most industrious and improved o f all the ne g ro nation's, and thence extend,their chain o f stations eastward to the k in g d om o f B ornou and even to Abyssinia. ' v “ Located near the N iger, the com m ercial high w ay o f that entire region* the m issionary may, at any time, by means o f the boats that ply on its wa ters, visit the numerous towns that stud its banks. . Departing from- K atan ga, the capital o f Y arriba, a town 1.5; miles in 'circum ference, with a, large population, he m ay descend the fiver,' visiting llabba, E g g a , w hich stretches for four m iles along its western bank, Kacunda,'-'with its peaceable, friendly and industrious inhabitants, and proceeding on to the point o f its confluence w ith the Tchadda, ascend the latter, ai^'pr.SSch Christ crucified to .the immense multitudes o f the .Funda country. Or he m a f^ scen d ;the Nige'r, stopping at the countless intermediate towns and villag.es;kj|p4p Bposa, the capital o f a fertile and well cultivated country; them ^‘te^5§fo^K encompassed b y w ooden walls SO miles in length, ana finally reach T in ? Suctoo itselfythe mart o f an. extensive- trade, and distribute :am ong its mixed
Contributions o f Colored People, Gpc.
59
population the w ord o f life. O r he m ay diverge from the N ig er, and as cend the river that leads to Soccatoo, the largest city in the interior o f A fri ca, and spread within its lofty walls, those sacred influences w h ich w ill ul timately open its twelve gates to let the K in g o f G lory in.” CONTRIBUTIONS OP COLORED PEOPLE. A pleasing interest has been taken in the evangelization o f A frica, by our colored brethren, whenever they have been informed o f the plans o f the Board. F rom the colored people o f a single chu rch , m ore than fifty dol lars have been sent to the treasury. T h e largest contribution from any church in one o f our States was from colored members, and in one instance, nearly twenty dollars from a slave woman w ere forwarded during the finan cial year. M any gratifying instances o f this kind m ight be mentioned, evincing the readiness with w hich this class o f our church members re spond to the claim s o f the perishing heathen. T h e Board w ill venture to suggest, that every pastor on suitable occasions, inform the colored disci ples o f the effort n ow m aking to send the gospel to Africa. Estim ating as they do their ow n religious privileges, and the glorious hopes they enjoy, it w ill be deemed b y them a duty and pleasure to assist in communicating these blessings to others. Beside the actual g ood they w ill confer upon others by their contributions, a benefit w ill be received by themselves. Spiritual j o y w ill be enhanced in the higher appreciation o f the great sal vation. A GREAT W ORK BEFORE US. It would be unwise to expect a successful issue o f our labors without the expenditure o f m uch thought, time and money. W e have before us a g n a t w ork. It w ill be remembered that our missions are from four to twenty thousands o f miles distant; that difficult languages and dialects are to be acquired; and lon g venerated institutions and superstitions to be over thrown. T h en, our missionaries are men o f like passions with ourselves. T h e y are subject to all the infirmities o f human nature, to errors o f ju d g ment and despondency o f spirit, to weariness, sickness and death. W ill it be otherwise expected, that years must elapse and m uch preparatory w ork be performed, ere there shall be a general turning to the Lord. T his has been the experience o f all missionary Boards. One o f the most ju dicious missionaries in China presented as his deliberate opinion, that “ fruit should not be expected too soon. This caution is addressed alike to the sender and the sent. Our pastors must not forget the peculiar circ*mstances o f the case, and the singular phases o f our w ork in China. Missionaries should not be too hasty in exciting expectation. E veryth in g seems to indicate that the conversion of the empire w ill be slow w ork, and in nothing is this m ore conspicuous than in the toiling and plodding, the pains and patience, the time and taxing of. body and mind, w h ich are necessary in order to acquire the means o f free communication with the mass o f the people. A n d after this point shall have been gained, a vast amount o f oral instruc tion must be.im parted; for light w ill slow ly break upon minds all benighted, . and filled with the grossest superstition.” : ■■ In carryingion thenrthe.lenterprise we have commenced, it w ill be need ful to exercise m ucin ipafience and faith. W e must labor on, imparting liberally-of'o.ur time, influence, and money, k n o w in g that, “■in due tim e, w e.shall reap if w e faint not.”
SECOND TRIENNIAL REPORT. B O A R D
OF
D O M E S T I C
M IS S IO N S .
In the natural kingdom the husbandman may, at the close o f the year, celebrate his “ feasts o f ingatherings,’ 5 and seasons o f rejoicing in view o f his rich harvest. H ere seed time and harvest follow in regular succession as indicated by the changing seasons. N ot strictly so in the kingdom o f Christ. H ere the vicissitudes o f the seasons do not mark the succession o f seed time and harvest. But they are often so blended that “ the plou gh man overtaketh the reaper, and the treader o f grapes him that soweth the seed.” Y e t there are privileged seasons in w hich they w ho have planted and they who have watered, may meet and rejoice together over the increase w h ich G od giveth. T h e present is one o f those favored seasons. H ere w e may group together a few clusters o f those precious fruits, and exhibit them to the praise o f H im w ho has prospered the w ork o f our hands. Assem bled as we are, a com pany o f laborers from the various parts o f the L ord’s vineyard, employed in several different spheres, we do well to heed the voice of admonition: “ W hatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy m ig h t; for there is no w ork, nor device, nor knowledge, nor w is dom , in the grave whither thou goest.” F o rce is given to this admonition in the fact, that some o f those who formed this body at its last meeting, and aided in its deliberations b y their / experience and wisdom, have ceased from their labors. T w o V ice Presi dents and four missionaries o f the Board have ended their toils since the last meeting o f this Convention. T h e R ev. B . Chambers, o f South Carolina, Rev. S. S. Parr, o f Missouri. R ev. I. T . Plinton, o f Louisiana, and Rev. W m . M. T ryon , o f Texas, missionaries; Rev. W . Y . Hiter, o f V irginia, and Col. A bsolom Janes, o f Georgia, V ice Presidents o f the • B oard have, we'doubt not, entered into their rest. H o w many o f those who n ow com pose this body w ill finish their course before another meeting, is know n to H im on ly w ho ordaineth all things according to the counsel o f his ow n will. T h e B oard o f Domestic Missions, in presenting this triennial account o f their stewardship, acknow ledge with devout-thanksgiving the Divine favor manifested unto them, and rear a monument o f praise, with the ancient in scription, “ Hitherto the Lord hath helped u s.” B y the aid o f his Spirit, our missionaries have accomplished m uch good by strengthening feeble churches, organizing new', interests, locating permanent pastors, rearing houses o f worship, establishing Sabbath schools, B ibl’e classes, and temper ance societies, 'transforming the general character o f society, and the con version o f sinners. . > ■- . v '-Vv : . A s a detailed account of the proceedings of'th e"'B oard have been pub lished m the annual reports for the year ending Aprft'&st,,Jd5^&icl»!l>848j■ a-general summary only, is necessary here. W e give the e?esult ofeeach J iy ia r separately. V ;j$ r x o m A p ril 1, 1846, to A p r il,1 , 1847, thirty missionaries ano^agents ^|&er^c^inmissioned ; seventy-four stations supplied with-the stated ministry. ^HeyCdeliy.ered 1,200 sermons^and lectures; baptized 145 convert#; re
Summary o f Missionary Labor.
61
ceived by letter 12 5; restored 6 ;/organized 10 Sabbath schools, consisting o f 85 teachers and superintendents, 418 pupils, (two o f whom professed conversion,) 1,110 Sabbath school books ; 5 B ible classes, with 72 pupils. A t 6 stations there are houses o f worship in progress o f erection. Th ese messengers o f peace have made 3,500 religious visits to private families. In the performance o f these labors they have traveled 35,661 miles. T h e report for the year ending A pril 1st, 1848, furnishes the follow ing statistics : 50 missionaries and agents; 150 stations occupied ; 1,222 weeks labor perform ed; 6,026 sermons and lectures d elivered; 574 prayer meet in g s ; 166 other religious meetings; monthly concert observed at 16 stations; 515 baptisms; 293 additions by letter| 35 Sabbath schools and B ible classes, with 157 teachers and superintendents)" 1,147 scholars, 1,505 volum es o f books in the several sch ools; 30 pupils and teachers have professed faith in C h rist; 6 ministers and 16 deacons have been ordained; 7 youn g men commenced preparation for the m inistry; 15 churches have been constituted; 4 meeting-houses commenced, and 4 others completed ; several temperance societies organized, and many pledges to total absti nence obtained; 6,947 fam ily visits, and 46,600 miles traveled. D uring the year ending A pril 1st, 1849, the Board have employed 57 missionaries and agents, some the w hole and others a portion of their time. T h e aggregate amount o f time devoted to the w ork by them- during the year is equal to 36 years. T h ey have delivered 5,782 sermons and lectures; supplied 170 stations with the regular ministry of the w ord ; baptized 683 converts; received by letter 2 5 4 ; restored 2 1 ; held 789 prayer m eetings; monthly concert for prayer observed at 17 stations: 140 other religious meetings held 27 Sabbath schools reported, with 137 teachers, 1,222 pupils, and 2,280 volumes o f school b o o k s ; 6,914 visits to private families, in connection with most o f w hich the scriptures were read, and practical lectures were made, and prayer offered; 4 meeting-houses have been completed and 10 m ore com m enced ; 14 churcHes Eave been"” constituteclT7W n m ristgrs'an ffl5~3eacon s have been ordained; 10 churches have released the Board from further a id ; several temperance societies have been formed, and 120 lectures delivered. Besides the additions mentioned above, m ore than 400 have professed conversion principally through the instrumentality o f our missionaries, but as they w ere baptized by other ministers they are not reported in their regular labors. B y the principal agen cy o f these men, two associations and one State convention have been organized. In the performance of this labor, they have traveled 75,643 miles.
.■ 1 ‘ \
i
■»; - T h e general summary o f the prominent results for the three years is as \ \ follow s:— ' j ■ 1 Commissions granted to agents and missionaries 1 1 7 ; time o f Service / equal to 75 years ; 1,243 baptisms; 672 received by letter; 27 restored: 13 ,048 sermons and lectures delivered : 1,363 prayer meetings h e ld ; 306 other meetings attended; 17,361 fam ily visits; 29 churches constituted; 16 ministers and -31 deacons ordained ; 8 chu rch edifices built and 16 others v com m enced ; 15 7,24 ^ i& iiie^ ^ ayele9 ; : several ^ n a ried .-p iriltess^ ' 'sion w h o'are not included: imlihis report j-beside's/much other useful labbr. T h ere has been a gradjaafand steady improvement in the affairs of the , missions during the three: years ; though the Board regret, to state .tha^ the advance o f tbe^closing year on the preceding h as not equaled theiivm^jeejfutions. D urin g the year seven- mor.e missionaries' Were.employed thanr-wp^.^’j.commissioned the preceding y e a r, L68 m ore baptisms; 1 2 . years, vlabo^j: p e r f o r m e d 20. additional’ stations supplied; 10 m ole released the_B najjU i o m . further approDiiations. 29.043
62
Finances—B ible Distribution— Our Field.
traveled; m ore stations have been visited with the outpouring o f the H o ly Spirit, and a m uch larger number o f souls professed conversion. FINANCES. T h e amount o f collections for the year ending A p ril 1, 1847, is $ 9 ,5 9 4 60, to w hich add $527 35, the balance in the treasury A p ril 1st, 1846, gives the sum o f $10,121 95 for the year. Expenditures for the year $ 7 ,893 21. Leaving a balance in the treasury o f $2 ,228 74. F o r the year ending A pril lstj 1848, the collections w ere $11,239 50. A dd in g the balance in the treasury, w e have the sum o f $13,468 24. Disbursem*nts for the year $11,602 16. Leaving $1 ,866 08. F o r the last year the treasurer’ s report show s $12,176 62 collected, w hich with the amount in hand, places at the disposal o f the- Board $14,042 70. Disbursem*nts $13,891 90. L eavin g a balance o f $ 1 50 80. The sum total for the three years is $33,011 32. A dd to this $5 27 35, the amount in the treasury A p ril 1st, 1846, and w e have $33,538 07, the amount o f resources for the three years. Disbursem*nts for the same period $33,387 27. L eavin g a balance n o w in the treasury o f $ 1 5 0 80. Salaries o f missionaries unpaid and w hich w ere due A p ril 1st, 1849, amount to $ 2 12 50. L eaving the Board in debt to the amount o f $61 70. T h e amount o f collections from each State for the three years is as fo llo w s :— South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, Arkansas, Texas, North Carolina,
$9,786 6,684 5,154 4,940 4,724 459 417 402
46 56 53 09 82 67 50 50
Maryland, Tennessee, Louisiana, Kentucky, District o f Columbia, Florida, Missouri, Unknown,
200 99 58 21 20 10 9 21
00 66 00 25 00 00 95 16
BIBLE DISTRIBUTION. But little has been accom plished in this department compared with the importance o f the cause, and the destitution o f m any portions o f our country. $1,843 30 on ly have been placed in our treasury for B ible dis tribution during the recess o f the Convention. And $ 2 80 50 o f this sum has accrued from the sale o f B ibles. $1,600 o f this amount was furnished b y the V irgin ia and F oreign B ible Society. T h e greater part o f the remainder was contributed by N orth and South Carolina, through the agen cy o f R ev. Lew is D uP re, w ho has been engaged a sm all-portion o f his time as our agent in conjunction with the F oreign Board. Appropriations o f Bibles have been made to Texas, Louisiana,. M issis sippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, Florida, N orth and South'€a|oli|ia, V irg in ia and M aryland. • ’ l ... The B o a rd earnestly desire the Convention to recommend som eschetite b y w h ich our churches may be awakened to -the •importance o f this subject. ■: . _■ OUR FIELD.
“
'
'
T h e B oard have deemed it expedient'to' confine their labors within the' Southern or slave-holding States, although applications have been made for appointments in the free States. r' ■ There are sufficient reasons yvhy each Board, Southerns&nd . Northern, should occu py its ow n field. %-Each has m ore than am plejfield-to require r-a ll its energies and resources.- I N ot mp^e than one h a lf the-population o f ^ h e United. States is -adequately, supplied with'the means -of grace. .So far $ a s'th e Southern B ea rd es concerned,.’ they have net been able to m eet'm ore
.
.
-
'
-
'
Our Field.
63
1 \than one h a lf the applications made for assistance. M any m ore would I nave been made had not those needing it know n our inability to grant it. f A nd many portions o f our country do not contain persons w ho feel suf ficient interest in the subject to even ask for aid. T h ese are fields that have been long deprived o f the gospel or never enjoyed it. It is not possible to approximate very near the exact amount o f destitution. But w ere our ministry and churches doubled and judiciously distributed throughout the entire field, there still would be a lack o f means for the religious culture o f our population. T o this add another consideration. O ur population “ Increases in number more than 550 daily— m ore than an average congre gation for each minister. T h is requires an increase o f 365 preachers annually to supply the increase o f population. W e then have an ample field. M ore than we can at present cultivate. Y e t toe must cultivate it or it w ill remain without culture. V ery little was ever done in the Southern field by any domestic missionary organization, ev en p rev iou s to the unhapji y discussions touching o~ur~civil institution^. M uch less can be expected now. Aside from tne hindrance alluded to, there is good reason w h y other organizations should bestow most o f their efforts upon the free States. F rom the best information furnished by various published reports, the desti tution N orth is n early or quite equal to the destitution South. T a k e two examples— Pennsylvania east and O hio west o f the mountains. In the former it is stated, in seven counties, with an aggregate population o f 156,555 souls, there is not a Baptist church or a Baptist minister in their, bounds. T h ere are 28 county seats in a thriving condition without a Baptist church. A Bible society agent estimates 30,000 families destitute o f the Bible. In one county every fourth fam ily was without a B ible. O f Ohio, a re cent collector o f statistics says there is not m ore than one evangelical preacher to 1,800 persons, and that 1,000,000 o f that population are under the pernicious influence of false teachers, or altogether neglect the worship o f God in his sanctuary. In a favored portion o f the State, it is estimated that there is not m ore than one evangelical professor to every two families. A nd three-eighths o f all the churches in the State are without settled pastors. A colporteur in 1845 gives the follow in g description o f one county containing 19,521 sou ls:— 4,000 cannot read; not a church that has preaching every Sabbath; but one educated m inister; one preacher had no Bible, and he preached to two ch u rch es; nearly h alf the families without religious books, and m ore than one-fifth without the Bible. One man w ho had been married 20 years and had seven children, neither he nor his children had ever seen a Bible. In a sm all town o f 119 inhabitants on ly six B ibles w ere found. In a neighborhood o f 30 families on ly 3 B ibles and 2 Testaments were found. In the retUi;ns o f last year from .38 counties, one-fifth o f the families w ere destitute o f the B ib le.' Som e of the free States are vastly better sup plied than those w hich w e h ave noticed; others are m uch w orse; take the w hole number and -we presume these make a very fair average. H ence, w ere .there no other .hindrance, w e could not expect m uch .aid from them . W e jd u^ cultivate our ,o wn 'field; O ur political' ties, social relations, and religious! sympathies, are-so identified as to im pose a peculiar and strong obligation upon all parts o f the field to engage in this w ork. < ■ Thisfis. the cause o f the?eastern portion o f it. T h eir offspring; kindred and fr-fends, are-scattered over the w hole field. Our people are m igratory, and the movement is westward. N o one fam ily is left unaffected b y the spirit of em igratiopr. - W h erever you fix yo.ur-.eye west, there is not a spot but -has^an- ohj|ct / f absorbing' interest tolsome o f you. It cannot be a matter o f indifference whether y o u r offspring, kindred and friends enjoygospel, privileges or perish for'la ck o f k n ow led ge; whether th ey ascend to, thrones on h igh or descend to the abyss ofcw o. * *"** ”
64
New Fields— Colored Population, §'c.
It is do less the cause o f the west. T h ey are immediately affected by the benign influences o f religious institutions when established am ong them, or they are the immediate sufferers if such institutions are wanting. T h e y constitute the nucleus around w hich society is rapidly gathering, w hich is now in its formative state. And the mass w ill, for a long time, sustain the character o f which the particles are composed. Infidelity, in its many forms, popery and other religious errors, with their combined forces, w ill control that people unless Christianity with her Sabbaths and schools be early propagated am ong them. T h is, then, is the cause o f every lover o f the Saviour. It cannot be a matter o f indifference to the lover o f his country, as to the elements that form the government under which he lives. T h e gospel alone,, spread am ong the great mass, can elevate a nation and perpetuate its institutions. E v ery citizen is interested in the cause o f domestic missions. T^EW FIELDS. Since the last meeting o f this body, much territory has been added to this .government. W hat portion o f it w ill eventually belong to our field is im possible to fell. M uch interest has been excited in relation to California. Other missionary societies have sent laborers to that field. Several appli cants have requested appointments by the Southern Board, all o f which have been duly considered. But from the time the first application was made to the present, the finances o f the Board would not justify any such undertaking. Neither were the Board fully persuaded that such a mission at this time would be the most judicious expenditure o f funds, for the fol low in g reasons:— T ile expenses of outfit, passage and support for one year for each missionary, would sustain several missionaries in destitute places in the States. It is also doubted whether the people o f that country, under the present state o f excitement— so bent upon getting gold— would g ive heed to one inviting them to seek heavenly treasures. Society there must be for sometime to com e greatly agitated— the fermentation must sub side before much good can be done. T h e Board have taken no action in this matter. A s all these questions are attended with some doubt, they wait any recommendation or instruction o f the Convention. COLORED POPULATION. T h is class o f our community is justly exciting much interest am ong the . churches. Its importance claim s m ore attention than it receives. 1 T h e missionaries o f the Board are instructed to devote a portion o f their time and service, to the spiritual welfare o f this population within their in fluence, as far as practicable. T w o are appointed especially to them. T h is population is estimated at about 3,000,000 ; .o f which . nearly 130,000 belong to Baptist churches, and it is presumed as many m ore are connected with other religious denominations. Provisions are made in most o f our houses o f w orship fo r their convenience ; and generally those living-in the neighborhood o f churches have access to religious privileges. A nd it is peculiarly gratifying to kn ow that these advantages are yearly, increasing. Still there are many, very many, w ho are .'entirely without the means o f grace. N o stronger claim to give the gospel to "the poor can be urged upon us than the claim o f our colored population; and no obligati^hfjmore w eigh ty can rest upon us to furnish the gospel to the poor.thahJthe pbliga-AC non to g ive to ou r servants.
jig ;
■*#
o r g a n S # ''d o m m u n ic a t io n . -A. - ‘ , Th^'jVEssionary Journal ‘has-been the principal medium o f com m unica tion ^ Ibtiiepoi'tsr.of missionaries, essays and such rnalter as the readers
Agencies and Agents—A im o f the Board, fyc.
65
m ight desire to preserve. T h e denominational State papers,' w h ich have been generously tendered to the Board, have been employed, either b y sending cop y directly to them or b y transfer from the Journal: T h e ar rangement has not altogether answered the demands o f the Board, nor sat isfied the general reader. U p to this date, the circulation is too small to rely upon as the principal organ. And the transfer o f matter to the w eek ly papers has not been sufficient for those w ho do not take the Journal, and too m uch for those w ho do. H ence, the Board have been, advised to make the w eekly papers the direet and immediate method o f communicating with the churches, and em ploy the Journal for original or selected articles bear ing upon Domestic Missions, condensed views o f reports o f missionaries, & c . The Board w ill be under the necessity o f adopting som e such meas ure, unless a much larger circulation can be given to the Journal. AGENCIES AND AGENTS. N o plan has yet been discovered by w hich w e can dispense with agents. Appeals through the press to churches and pastors, do not bring funds to any great extent into the treasury. A few need only an appeal, and they forward their contributions at once. Others need even the solicitations o f an agent. W hether it is the love they cherish for the agent’ s society, or the love o f m oney, that makes an agent’ s visits so necessary, is not for us to determine. But true it is w e get but little m oney where we have no agents. In Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Arkansas alone, we have been able to secure permanent agents. T h ese are active, efficient m e n ; have done much towards securing funds, but have done m ore in elevating the cause and in the performance o f missionary w ork. AIM OF THE BOARD. In view o f the wants o f our field and the condition o f our missions, th e' Board have resolved to make every laudable effort to raiseJ|2M )00 the present y ca r^ by the means o f w hich , they can sustain one hundred""”nis- ^ I ^ e s r r ' A n y amount short o f this, w ill not enable the B oard to carry out its plans and w ell sustain the interests n ow under their fostering care. T h e y most earnestly solicit the co-operation o f the churches and pastors in securing this amount. CONCLUSION, ■; C J
?r
Our account is rendered ; our term of appointrpent has expired. W e have done what we could with the facilities in our possession. Our appeal is before you on behalf of those who may succeed us. Let them not enter upon their labors entertaining serious doubts as to the responses that will •be given by the Mends o f humanity and o f the Redeemer to this appeal. Y our Board are deeply impressed with the sentiment that our people must be imbued with the spirit of piety to give efficiency to their labors o f love. Nominal triumphs may be obtained; the christian name may be made known to every creature, and yet but few victories over sin will be won, un less the spirit of Christ pervade the hearts o f his professed friends. - May the Great Missionary of the Cross guide you ever more. Amen.
PREAMBLE AND CONSTITUTION OF THE
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION. W e , the delegates from M issionary Societies, Churches, and other reli gious bodies o f the Baptist Denomination, in various parts o f the United States, met in Convention, in the city o f Augusta, Georgia, for the purpose o f carryin g into effect the benevolent intentions o f our constituents, by or ganizing a plan for eliciting, com bining and directing the energies o f the w hole denomination in one sacred effort, for the propagation o f the gospel, agree to the follow in g rules, or fundamental principles ; A r ticle I. T h is body shall be styled the Southern Baptist Convention. A r t . II. It shall be the design o f this Convention to promote F oreign and Domestic Missions, and other important objects connected with the R e deemer’s kingdom , and to combine for this purpose, such portions o f the Baptist denomination in the United States, as m ay desire a general organi zation for Christian benevolence, w h ich shall fu lly respect the independence and equal rights o f the churches. A r t . III. A Biennial Convention shall consist o f members w ho con tribute funds, or are delegated by religious bodies contributing funds, and the system o f representation and terms o f membership shall be as follow s, v iz : A n annual contribution o f one hundred dollars for two years next preceding the meeting, or the contribution o f two hundred dollars at any time within said two years, shall entitle the contributor to one representa tive; an annual contribution o f two hundred dollars, as aforesaid, shall en title the contributor to two representatives ; and so, for each additional one hundred dollars, an additional representative shall be allowed. Provided, h ow ever, that w hen application shall be made for the first time by bodies, or individuals, to be admitted into the Convention, one delegate shall be al low ed for each one hundred dollars. And provided, also, that in case o f great collateral Societies, composed o f representatives, receiving contribu tions from different parts of the country, the ratio o f representation shall be one delegate for every thousand dollars, annually contributed for two years, as aforesaid; but the number o f representatives shall never exceed five. A r t . IV . T h e officers o f this Convention shall be a President, four V ice Presidents, a Treasurer, and tw o Secretaries, w h o shall be elected at each biennial meeting and hold their offices until a new election ; and the officers o f the Convention shall be, each by virtu e o f his office, members o f the sev e ra l Boards. A r t . V . T h e Convention shall elect at each biennial meeting as m any Boards o f M anagers, as in its judgm ent w ill be.necessary for carrying out the benevolent objects it may determine to promote, all w hich Boards shall continue in office until a new. election. E a ch B oard shall consist o f a President, V ice Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurer^ Auditor, mid fifteen other members, seven o f w hom , including one or m ore o f the officers,%hall form a quorum for the transaction o f business. T o each Board shtfllhe commitr; ted, during the recess o f the Convention, the entire management o f. alH he| affairs relating to the object w i'th^vhose interest itr shall S e - charged, a j p which'm anagem ent shall be intsfect^accordance with the constitutional pro visions" a d ^ fe d ^ b y j h i s CcmTOn'tSon, and such'other instructions .as m ay be ' -tin M S s^ & ch -B oa rd sh all have -power to m a te sufch
Constitution.
67
compensation to its Secretaries and Treasurer, as it m ay think righ t; fill the vacancies occurring in its ow n b o d y ; enact its ow n b y -la w s; have an annual meeting at any place it m ay appoint, and other meetings at such times and places as it m ay think best; keep a record o f its proceedings and present a report o f them to the Convention at each biennial meeting. A r t . V I. The Treasurer o f each Board shall faithfully account for all m oneys received b y him, keep a regular entry o f all receipts and disburse ments, and m ake report of them to the Convention, w henever it shall be in session, and to his Board as often as required. H e shall also, on entering upon the duties o f his office, give competent security to the President of his Board, for all the stock and funds committed to his care. H is books shall be open at all times, to the inspection of any member o f the Convention and o f his Board. N o moneys shall be paid out o f any o f the treasuries o f the Boards, but by an order from that B oard, from w hose treasury the m oney is to be drawn, w hich order shall be signed by its presiding officer. A r t . V I I . T h e Corresponding Secretaries o f the several Boards shall maintain intercourse b y letter, with such individuals or public bodies, as the interests o f their respective bodies m ay require. Copies o f all such communications, with their answers, if any, shall be kept by them on file. A r t . V I I I . T h e R ecord in g Secretaries o f the several Boards, shall keep a fair record o f their proceedings, and o f such other documents as m ay be committed to them for the purpose. A r t . I X . A ll the Officers, Boards, Missionaries and Agents, appointed b y the Convention, or b y an y o f its Boards, shall be members o f some reg ular church, in union with the churches com posing this Convention. A r t . X . Missionaries appointed by any of the Boards of this Conven tion, must, previous to their appointment, furnish evidence o f genuine piety, fervent zeal in their Master’s cause, and talents w h ich fit them for the ser vice for w hich they offer themselves. A r t . X I . T h e bodies and individuals, com posing this Convention, shall have the right to specify the object, or objects, to w h ich their contributions shall be applied. But when no such specification is made, the Convention w ill m ake the appropriation at its ow n discretion. A r t . X I I . T h e Convention shall hold its meetings biennially, but extra meetings m ay be called b y the President, with the approbation o f any one o f the Boards o f Managers. A majority o f the attending delegates, shall form a quorum for the transaction o f business. A r t . X I I I . A n y alterations w hich experience shall dictate, m ay be made in these articles, b y a vote o f two-thirds o f the members present, at any biennial meeting o f the Convention.
68
Treasurers' Reports. TREASURER’ S STATEMENT
O f funds received and disbursed by the board op foreign Baptist Convention, fo r the year ending A pril, 1849. Cash on hand, 30 April last per report,
Interest account, Missionary Journal,
823 Virginia, 6,083 North Carolina, 880 South Carolina, 2,736 Georgia, 1,632 Alabama, 1,595 Mississippi, 1,073 30 Louisiana, 607 Kentucky, .Texas, 28 Missouri, 99 Dis. o f Columbia , 55 1,226 56
missions
o f the Southern
14,863 15 23 60 78 56 33 33 84 00 55 00 42 00 29 00 16,927 91 31,791 06
D ISBU RSEM EN TS.
T o the African-Mission, Canton Mission, Shanghai Mission, Chapel fund remitted, Outfit, Salary account, Sec. and agents, Passage, Interest, discount on uncurrent money, & c., Incidental charges, including traveling expenses, & c.,
2,889 95 5,462 71 8,154 77 5,292 55 605 10 1,880 00 1,000 00 25 25 799 67
26,110 00 5,681 06
Balance on hand,
IR E A SU R E R ’S REPORT. W illiam H ornbuckle, Treasurer, in account with the B oard of D omestic M issions of the S outhern B aptist C onvention. '— T o balance in treasury the first April, A . D . 1846, T o receipts from individuals, churches, associa tions and societies, from the 1st April, 1846, to 1st April, 1847, to w it:— From Alabama, . “ ■ Georgia, “ South Carolina, “ Mississippi, “ Virginia, “ Tennessee, “ , District o f Columbia, “ Louisiana, “ Florida, - ■:£■ Norih Carolina, . ' S ? ; #
-
r
$ 527 35
1,971 84 2,184 33 3,498 16 1,260 44 553 33 80 00 20 00 **• 13 50 ' ' 10 00 -. •' .’"-.'s -3:. oo „ 9,594 60 -$?f0;421 95 ■ •— J.M i, . . .1 1
69
Treasurer's Reports. 1847— By cash paid missionaries, agents and Corresponding Secre tary, as per vouchers, By traveling expenses o f agents and Secretary, By purchase of horse and buggy, and horse keeping, By printing, stationery and postage, By office rent, furniture and incidental expenses, By balance in treasury the first o f April, A . D . 1847,
$6,872 376 253 231 158 2,228
92 18 87 46 78 74
10,121 95 1848— T o balance in treasury the 1st April, 1847, T o receipts from individuals, churches, associa tions and societies, from the 1st April, 1847, to 1st April, 1848, to w it:— From Alabama, “ Georgia, “ Mississippi, “ South Carolina, “ Virginia, “ North Carolina, “ Texas, “ Maryland, “ Arkansas, “ Kentucky, “ Tennessee, Unknown,
$2,228 74
1,677 1,308 2,582 3,147 1,692 399 217 100 72 13 7 21
94 11 62 33 15 57 50 00 37 25 50 16
11,239 50 $ 13,468 24
1848— By amount paid missionaries, agents and Corresponding Se cretary, as per vouchers, to April 1st, 1848, By traveling expenses of agents and Secretary, By office rent and contingent expenses, By postage, By printing and stationery, By discount on uncurrent money, By amount paid for Bibles and expenses on same, By balance in treasury 1st April, 1848,
10,074 48 578 73 118 38 50 70 25 15 19 25 735 47 1,866 08 $ 13,468 24
O f the above amounts received, was for bible distribution; Hence, the credit o f
$ 973 87 735 47
Transferred to Bible account, $ 2 3 8 40 1849— T o balance in treasury 1st April, 1848, A p ’l 1— T o receipts from individuals, churches, associ ations and societies, from 1st April, 1848, to April 1st,- A . D. 1849, to w it:— From Mississippi, 2,841 “ Virginia, 2,479 “ South Carolina, 3,140 1,504 “ Alabama, 1,447 “ Georgia, . . -Arkansas, 387 “ Texas, . 200 100 “ Maryland, • 45 . Louisiana, 12 • “ Tennessee, • j. ■ ..> 9 " “ Missouri, . 8 . •; Kentucky, .
1,866 08
50 34 97 75 65 30 00 00 00 16 95 00
12,176 62
TO
Treasurer's Report.
1849— By amount paid missionaries, agents and Corresponding Se cretary, as per vouchers, to April 1st, 1849, By traveling expenses of agents and Corresponding Se cretary, By postage, By office rent, By incidental expenses, By printing and stationery, By exchange. By amount transferred to Bible account, By amount transferred to Indian Mission Board, By furnishing mission rooms, By amount in treasury to balance 1st April, A . D ., 1849,
$13,072 18 263 81 50 27 30 64 238 12 50 150
53 92 00 18 95 74 40 50 50 8©
$14,042 70 SU M M ARY S T A T E M E N T . T o balance in treasury the 1st April, 1846, “ amounts received from various individuals, associations, churches and societies to 1st April, A . D . 1847, “ 1st April, A . D. 1848, « “ “ “ 1849,
$ 527 35 9,594 60 11,239 50 12,176 62 $33,538 07
By amount paid missionaries, agents and Corresponding Secretary, from April, 1846, to April, 1849, “ traveling expences of agents and secretary, “ hoise and buggy and horse keeping, “ printing, stationery and postage, “ office rent and incidental expences, “ exchange, “ amount paid for Bibles and transfer to Bible account, “ amount transferred to Indian Mission Board, “ furnishing mission rooms, “ amount remaining in treasury 1st April, 1849,
$28,951 1,218 253 420 354 83 973 12 50 150
II 44 87 18 30 99 87 50 50 80
$32,469 60 W . H O RN BU CK LE, Treasurer B . D . M . S. B . C. I certify that the above report is correct, and sustained by proper vouchers. A pril 1, 1849. W M . N. W Y A T T , Auditor.
TR E A SU R E R S REPORT ON DOMESTIC B I R p FUND. Receipts and disbursem*nts o f Bible funds, by the Treasurer o f the D omestic M is sion B oard o f the Southern Baptist Convention..■ '< 1848 April 1— T o amount in treasury as reported the 1st April, 1848, $ 2 3 8 40 May 29— Received of Zeb. Rudolph, Sr., Alabama, 5 00 31— “ C. H. Cleveland, “ 10 00 .“ , , Rev. A . A . Connella, “ ' . 15 00 “ David Gordon, “ ~ v 5 00 Dec. 15— “ Rev. Lewis.Du Pie, agent, South Carolina, by James B. T aylor,. ' ‘ " 23 00 1849 . ;V 'T *kV . .. .. C Feb. 12— Received ofsBiookliri cteroh, Alabama, by Rev. H . Lee,' ' 1 00 Mar. 6— “ 'TTreasurer;-^.the, Newberry Bible Society,^ South Carolina, , fefsSsiO’' 00
71
Treasurer’’ s Reports. work, .bemg filled mamlyn with'tbe iproceedings- o f tbe-.Gotfventioa?*? The. regular numbers-contain a great, vmiety -of'interestinig.smauer, embracing tfreiw: operations o f our Board o f Poreign and'llomestic Missiqnsy.repoite o f thebmis^.sionaries, .condensed views o f the various- religious eorganazatiohs'ofrour % w if an® foreign lands, essays on-missionsy misceHaneous'intelligence,- missionary-factsy&cA*The JoumaHs valuablemot only for present .usey but as the historicabieeoid'of'theft labors of-Southern Baptists- inythe great work o f evangeli7ing~then bwnJ'and foreign lands. - 1 ~ ’’ •*" Brethren ‘who may receive-1 this number, and" who are not'now subscriber'syare^ requested to subscribe .and/Use -1hem influence.-inrCxtendingwits.'eiK!tdaliony';siCTainW' o f subscribers and the money, may be remitted- by mail ,-to' E u lyson ,; Richmond, Ya. ,
PRAYER EOR THE SPKEAIM )]?' THE G 0S P E L --->
V S S p fc T
“ Prayer also shall he^made f o r Jam cordvmialhfP This is on^^fetK) ble predictibns relating, to the Messiafryvrith‘ whicb-the Gld 'Test^entyabo:
26
Contributions o f Colored People— Publication Society.
Prayer on behalf of Christ and his kingdom! What a privilege to the tine Christian! H ow natural is this duty! And yet may we confidently declare that this duty and privilege are strangely neglected by those who profess to love him. T oo seldom do the saints pray for the triumph o f their Lord in heathen lands. The god o f this world is reigning with undisputed and iron sway over a large portion o f the earth; yet they seem comparatively indifferent. The haivest truly is great, and the laborers are few, but they seldom ask that more laborers may be sent out into the field. Nor are fervent and believing supplications on behalf o f the mis sionaries and o f the Boards continually ascending to the throne. Brethren, beloved-in the Lord, suffer the word o f exhortation. In each church o f the South, let the monthly concert o f prayer be established, either on the first Monday>
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30
Second Triennial M eeting o f the
PROCEEDI NGS O F THE
ADJOURNED MEETING IN CHARLESTON. C harleston,
S . C .,
M ay
23, 1849.
T h e S e c o n d T r ie n n ia l M e e t in g , in p u r s u a n c e o f a d jo u r n m e n t f r o m N a s h v i l l e , c o n v e n e d w ith th e F ir s t B a p tist C h u r c h in C h a r le s to n . A t 12 o ’ c l o c k , m ., th e C o n v e n t io n w a s c a lle d to o r d e r b y th e P r esid en t, R e v . W . B . Johnson, D . D . J. C . C ran e, S ecreta ry. A ft e r •th e r e a d in g o f th e s e c o n d c h a p te r o f P h ilip p ia n s , a n d s in g in g a h y m n , p r a y e r w a s o ffe r e d b y b r o th e r J. R . K e n d r ic k . T h e C o n stitu tio n a n d R u l e s o f O r d e r w e r e re a d . O n m o tio n ,
Resolved, That a committee be appointed, to be called the Committee on Delega tions, to whom the delegates shall present their credentials and evidences o f mem bership, and that said committee report who are entitled to seats. C om m ittee— 5. B . T a y l o r , J . H . D e V o t i e , C . J . E lf o r d , J . M c D a n ie l a n d I.
T . T ic h e n o r .
O n m o t io n , th e P r e s id e n t , D r . J o h n s o n , w a s req u ested to p r e a c h th e F o r e i g n M is s io n S e r m o n , th is e v e n in g , at 8 o ’ c lo c k . A s h o r t tim e w a s sp e n t in d e v o tio n a l e x e r c is e s , d u r in g w h i c h p r a y e r w a s o ffe r e d b y b r e th r e n C u s h m a n , J eter, J o h n s o n a n d M a s o n . A d jo u r n e d to 4 o ’ c l o c k , p. m .
A fternoon , 4
o’ clock.
T h e C o n v e n t io n w a s c a lle d to o r d e r b y th e P r e sid e n t. P r a y e r b y th e R e v . J o s e p h S. B a k e r . T h e jo u r n a l o f th e m e e t in g h e ld in N a s h v i lle o n th e 2 d a n d 3 d M a y , w a s r e a d , a n d o r d e r e d to b e p rin ted . T h e C o m m itte e o n D e le g a t io n s r e p o r te d th e f o l l o w i n g d e le g a te s to th e C o n v e n t io n , w h i c h w a s a d o p te d .
Ptarslantr. Maryland Baptist Union Association.— Rev. George F. Adams. Seventh Baptist Church, Baltimore.— Rev. Richard Fuller, D . D .,* Rev. R . W . Cushman. William Crane, to represent his own subscription. Rev. Franklin Wilson,* o f Baltimore, to represent his own subscription. Tirfltnta. Virginia Baptist Foreign Mission Society.— Rev. J. B. Taylor, Archibald Thom as,* Rev. J. Jj. Reynolds,* Rev. J. B . Jeter, Rev. R . H . Bagby,* J. B . W ood,* - H . K .: Elly son, Win. Sands,* Rev. Addison Hall,* Rev. W m . A^Baynham,* Rev. Thos. Hume,* John 1). McGill,* Rev. Daniel W itt,* Rev. Samuel G. Mason,* Rev. T . G. Jones,* Rev. James Fife,* Rev. C. B. Jennett,* Thomas : Wallace,* Rev. I. S. Tinsley, Rev. Jacob R . Scott, Rev. W m . P. Parish, Rev. J. Newton Brown,* Rev. J; L; Prichard, Rev. J. S. Bacon, Rev. Andrew Broad. dusj* Rev., W m .. B . T od d ,*.R ev . -L: W . Allen,* Rev. Robt. Ryland,* Rev. v Reuben Ford,* Rev. H . W . Dodge,*. Rev. Cornelius .Tyree,* Rev. B. Grimsle y ,* Rev. CurnberlandGeorge,*>Rev.L. A .Alderson,* Rev. M. Ellison,*- Jas» 'Smith,* Rev. John O. Turpin,* Revs- A . M. Poindexter, W m . Johnson;* Rev. \Reuben Jones,* Charles T . Wortham,* James C. Crane, Rev. Eli Ball, Rev. N. C. Baldwin,* James Semple,* Rev. :J . S. Reynoldson, Rev. .0; B; Brown,*
Southern Baptist Convention.
31
Rev. T . Herndon,* Rev. W in. H. Kirk,* Rev. 0 . T . Briggs,* Rev. James C. Clopton, Richard Gwathmey,* Rev. Thomas W . Sydnor,* Rev. Samuel Har ris,* F . H . Robertson, John Turpin, G. R. Myers, G. S. Burton, J. T . Ander son, Rev. Joseph S. Walthall. Bruington and St. Stephen's Female Missionary Society.— Alexander Fleet.
Worth Carolina. North Carolina Baptist State Convention,— Rev. J. J. Finch, Rev. A . N . Purifoy, Rev. J. J. Brantley, Rev. J. McDaniel, C. D . Ellis, J. Peterson. S on tJ Carolina. State Convention o f the Baptist Denomination o f South Carolina.— Rev. I. L. Brooks, C. J. Elford, T . T . Hopkins. Edgefield Baptist Association.— Rev. W . B. Johnson, D : D ., Rev. Z . Watkins, Rev. J. M. Chiles, D. D. Brunson,* N. L. Griffin,* J. O. Nicholson,* J. G. O. Wilkinson, Wm. P. Hill, J. P. Barrat.* Savannah River Baptist Association.— Rev. H . D. Duncan, Rev. W . H . Robert, Rev. W . A . Lawton, A . J. Lawton, B. W . Lawton, Rev. J. Nichols, Rev. T . D. Matthews, B. H. Brown, Rev. J. A . Lawton, Rev. E . L. Whatley, J. M. Taylor. Charleston Baptist Association.— Rev. H. A . Duncan, Rev. J. R. Kendrick, Rev. J. H. Cuthbert, M. T . Mendenhall, James Tupper, Rev. J. S. Antley, Samuel Furman. Edisto Baptist Association.— L. Hickson, E . Tyler. Welch Neck Baptist Association.— Rev. J. M. Timmons, Rev. John Culpepper, Rev. J. O. B. Dargan, Rev. R. Furman, Rev. W . Q. Beattie, T . P„ Lide, A . E . Mclver. Salem Baptist Association.— Rev. J. S. Mims, Rev. P. C. Edwards, G. W . Brooks, J. May bin. —----------------- -s . First Baptist Church o f Charleston.-ffie v . James P. Boycejl Black Swamp Missionary Society.— ReWT^rWv-Rambafft. Saluda Baptist Association.— J. P. Reid, Rev. A . Pace. Cttorgfa. Georgia Baptist Convention.— Thomas Stocks, Rev. B. M. Sanders, Rev. J. L. Dagg, D. D ., Rev. Y. R . Thornton, Rev. W . T . Brantley, Rev. J. S. Baker, Rev. D. G. Daniel, Rev. A . T . Holmes, Rey, W .. H . Stokes, Rev. P. H . Mell, Rev. C. M. Irvin, Rev. N . G. Foster,* (Rev. J. F . Dagga Rev. J. T . Robert, Rev. H . O. W yer,* Rev. J. S. Law.* - ......
gpfejteroa. Alabama Baptist State Convention.^Rev. B. Manly, Jr.,- Rev. M. P. Jew ett* Rev. J, H . DeVotie, Rev. J. W . ChM blissr*''RSvrj:”Hartwell,* Rev. H . Talbird,* S. S. Sherman, A . Yan Hoose,* Rev. L. L. F o x * Rev. D. P. Bestor ,* Rev. R . H . Taliaferro.* Alabama Baptist Bible Society.— Rev. R . Holman, Rev. S. Henderson.* Siloam Baptist Church, Marion.-—Rev. J. H . DeYotie. Cahawba Baptist Association.— Rev. A . G. M ’ Craw.
Baptist State Conventionf i l l e r . L T . Tichendf^Rev. J. N . Mullin, and the fol lowing; all o f whom wereSbsuttl: KEY S'MSfLatimore,T. H . Waul,. B. W h it field, J. Micon, W . Minter, Rev. L. B. Holloway, Rev. J. C. Keeney, Rev. W . C . Crane, W . J. Denson, W . Bond, Rev. E . C. Eager, Rev. G. Tucker, H Dockery, Rev. H . B . Haywood, Rev. G.-S. McCloud, T . G. Blewitt, James Whitefield, Rev. W . M. Farrar, Rev. G. H . Martin, Rev. T . Halliburton, Rev. W . H . Holcombe, Stoph. Adams, W . L. Balfour, James Snodgrass, Rev. T . G. Freeman, Rev. S. I. Caldwell, Rev. R . P. Mills, W . S . Balfour, Rev. J . M. Knight, Rev. D . B. -Crawford, W .- C. Duncan; A . J. Holcombe, A . N . Jones, Rev. J. K . Clinton, !. T . Hinton, R e v /J . G. Hall, H . N .-E dm unds/R .'H Bone, Rev. J. S. Parker, N. B . Cranberry, S.. Thigpen, James-L. Mayberry;
■
'\
f.'.;
' .-y-y..
•
* Not present.
i
", ;
'J r~,
32
Second Triennial M eeting o f the
James McGill, William Coleman, Jeremiah Burner, R. T . Sanders, J. Lane, T . W . Broch, T . McCowen. O n m o tio n , th e f o l l o w i n g O ffic e r s w e r e e le c t e d b y b a l l o t : PRESIDENT.
R ev . W . B. JOHNSON, D. D. VICE PRESIDENTS.
1. R ev. R. B. C. H owell, D. D , 3. R ev . J. B. T aylor, 2. H on. T homas S tocks, 4 . ------------------------------ , M. T . M endenhall, Treasurer. J. C. C rane, * Secretaries_ On motion, Resolved, That
ministering brethren present friendly t o the objects o f the C on ven tion , b e invited to participate in our deliberations. The follow in g w ere reported: J . S . M u rray, L-. D u P r e , J . M . A s h b u m , Jam es F a n t.
Adjourned to meet to-m orrow m orning at 9 o’clock . P rayer by the President.
T hursday M orning , 9 T h e Convention met.
o’ clock.
P rayer by the R e v . R . Furman.
The Convention proceeded to the election of the 4th Vice President, and additional''?*'' *etary. T h e telt ^ collected the ballots, and reported the election o f R e v . W . C. B u ck, o f K y ., as V ice President, and B . M anly, jr., o f A la., Secretary. T h e brethren appointed at the last meeting to deliver the sermon on D om estic Missions, not having appeared, a committee consisting o f brethren W. Crane, G. F. Adams and R. Holman, w ere appointed to nominate a
brother to perform the service. After retiring a few minutes, the committee nominated brother J. I-L DeVotie, and the Convention unanimously appointed him, and all the arrangements for the meeting were entrusted to the same committee. Brethren Kendrick, Cuiiibo/t., Cohen, Poindexter and Tupper, were appointed a committee to arrange the religious services during the session. T h e report 'of. the Foreign Mission Board was read by the Correspond ing Secretary of that Board. O n motion, the report and also an abstract o f the Treasurer’ s account, read b y the acting Treasurer, was received and committed to the Board for publication. On motion, the follow in g committees w ere appointed upon the report:— O n China, Mission — J. L . D a g g, R . W . Cushman, J. S. B acon, H . D. Duncan, J. N . Mullin'. On A frican Mission— J. B . Jeter, J. J. Finch, I. L. B rooks, W . Crane, P . H . M ell. . ‘ ■. On New Fields. o f Labor— E. B all, J. S. Baker, R. Furman, Jas.
McDaniel, S. S. Sherman. 1 Oh Agencies — W . II. Stokes, G. F. Adams, J. L. Prichard, H. A. Duncan, I. T. Tichenor. / . On Amendments to Constitution — J. S. Bacon, J. B , T ay lor, J. Culpep per, J; J. Brantley, D : G . Daniel.
‘ Organs o f Publication — W. T, Brantley,, j. S. Mims, J. H. DeVotie, A. N.^Eurifoy, John Turpin. - .v T o !N o m in a te N ew Hoards—rThomas' Stocks, H. K. Ellyson, James McDaniel, J. P. ’Reid, S. S. Sherman, I. T Tichenor.
Southern Baptist Convention.
33
Committee on Finance— A lex . Fleet, C. D . , E llis, A . J. Law ton, C. M. Irvin, T . P. Lide. The report o f the Board o f Domestic M issions was then read by the Corresponding Secretary o f that Board. On motion, Resolved, That the report he accepted and ordered to be printed, and the follow ing committees be appointed 1st. On Agencies. 2d. New Fields o f Labor. 3d. Religious Instruction of the Colored People. 4th. Bible Distribution and Colportage. 5th. Organ o f Publication. T h e President stated that these committees would be announced to m orrow upon the assembling o f the Convention. On motion, Resolved, That the following times o f meeting and adjournment o f the. Conven tion be observed during the remainder of the. session:— T o assemble at 9 o’ clock, a . m., and 4 o ’clock, p. m ., and adjourn at 1 and 6 o’clock, p. m .: excepting to-morrow, when the morning session will commence at 10 o’ clock, a . m . . Brother J. R. K endrick, from the Committee on R eligious Services, reported, that the Southern Baptist Publication Society would hold a public meeting this evening at 8 o ’clo ck ; the F oreign M ission Board a like meeting to-morrow evening; and the Domestic Mission Board on Saturday evening. T h e first to be held at the 1st Baptist Church, and the two latter at the W entworth Street Church. i T h e report o f the Treasurer o f the Convention was submitted, received and referred to the committee on Finance. Adjourned with prayer by the Rev. W m . T . Brantly, and the benedic tion by the President. T
hu rsday
A
fternoon,
4 o ’ clo c k .
T h e C o n v e n t io n m et. P r a y e r b y b r o th e r S a n d e r s . O n m o tio n , a c o m m itte e w a s a p p o in te d to n o m in a t e b r e th r e n to p r e a c h th e F o r e ig n a n d D o m e s t ic M is s io n a r y S e r m o n s , a n d to r e c o m m e n d a p la c e f o r th e n e x t m e e t in g o f th e C o n v e n tio n . C o m m it te e , J. C . C io p t o n , J. P e te r s o n , W . P . H i l l , R . H o lm a n , J . T . R o b e r t O n m o tio n ,
Resolved, T h a t the S ecretaries o f the Convention b e directed to obtain a suitable b o o k , and have record ed, in a' fair hand, the p roceedin gs o f the m eeting w h ich organized this C onvention, and all th e m inutes o f its m eetin gs, and call on the T reasu rer fo r the am ount expended in e xecu tin g th is o r d e r ; . and that said b ook be placed under the care o f the F oreig n M ission B o a rd . •
Adjourned to meet at the W entw orth St. Baptist Church, at 10 o ’c lo ck to-m orrow. P rayer by brother J. C. Ciopton. : F r id a y M orn in g ,-10 o’clock. .
• Convention met.— Prayer by brother'J. H. Outhbert. . :The. committees ordered yesterday on . Domestic Misj^ns, were, an nounced by the. Chair,.as follows: • ' : .■ : Agencies.— .V. R Thornton, J. S. Reynoldson, W - P- Hill,- W . H. Robert,'J-. G. O. Wilkinson.r. , _ . -F :
-;'SV ■
§>£,
.
Secaadc
^TJrislrucdo^of :Colored.:J P^oph'.y-BiJ^ Sanders^ W, P. Farish, X O. B.
Dargan, J. T..Robert, J. X, Anderson,
■,''-TTTviT.;.'
‘v
■Bible ^Distribution'and'iOplportagei— T. Rr Scott,. F. H. Robertson,. T.
W . Rambaut, R. W . Fuller, J. M. T i m m o n s . 1 O rgan o f Publication —-J. S. Walthall, J. A- Lawton,. R .. Holman, H . T. Hopkins, Israel E . James. • . Rev. J. L. Dagg, and brotheT J. C. Crane, presented themselves as Cor responding Messengers from the American Sunday School-Union, and" were cordially received as such. ■ ' : •• ‘ . The following,reports, were received,'and ordered io be printed: • The committee on thtf China Mission-offered the: following report: •' • ^ R E P O R T .O N CH IN A MISSION. On the importance o f a mission -to China, there can be no diversity o f opinion. N o one deserves "to be considered a disciple o f Christ, who-can contemplate that vast-empire, in which one third o f the human race are living without hope and without'God, apd feel n0‘ emotion .of pity, or desire to send them the-word o f life. In - fulfilling the Saviour?s last-command, by; which we are required to preach the gospel to every" creature, we are Bound to direct our thoughts and efforts-to the many millions-of this empire, who are hastening" to eternity,’without knowledge Of the way of.salva.tion.- .Your Board shave felt-the weight o f these considerations, and have been ind deed to employ a.large part o f the means under their control in supportof the.China mission.’ W e are not. prepared to suggest any change, o f policy in this respect. .' Y our Bojrd have acted judiciously in. not multiplying your missionary station's, and'thorelg&ninishing their influehceand efficiency. It is, in our judgment, bet-' ter t o ^ ^ l ^ . 'twp stations; which have been established, than to increase- their numbervj^^pfthem be p*rnts from'which the light o f Divine truth may shine'forth brilhantly»ihttnat region of darkness. -Wq. are aware o f difficulties which embar rass, the operations o f the Gautonistation, an&think it not improbable that the Board may find it most judicious to. concentrate their energies at Shanghai. ■We feel much the discouragements which have attended the prosecution o f this mission, in the sickness and’ death o f missionaries. The dispensation of Divine Providence which removed Dr.rJames- andhis wife from their field o f labor, before they had properly entered.it j. is truly mystorious. W e acknowledge the hand o f God in this event, and are.''.c.6fmp'blfed to be. dumb. W e hope the Board, will not be • discouraged from-tlieir attempt'fe supply the. mission with the services of a skilful' ; physician. Such ah aid in 'the'- missionary tvorkj is very-important, not only to benefit the. health of-the-missionaries, but also to recommend the mission to'the natives.' The physician, who; .without rewaid, healsrtheif.'sick, demonstrates1in'a manner which they readily. Comprehend, the benevolent character .of the religion which he professes. They feel the force of such a demonstration, when mere ar. guraent would effect .nothing; . T,;.;;,.-: ■ , t -"W e ofrer no. suggestion to the. Board, respecting the.return of. missionaries on - account of impaired health. There are., doubtless., cases in which missionaries ' have been compelled to abandon the work to which'they liady.ia sincerity, and. .with ' .■Divihe approbation,.devoted their lives. In -selecting men 'for .missiphary service,'' ■ a regard to strength- and constitution, and their adaptedness to bear the toils and exposuth which missionaries, must undergo, isunquestionably; not only, (proper- but indispensable. h;-; X . - J ' ' W e are sorry to. learn that brother Johnson is among the number o f those whose health has been impaired. •As a devoted servant o f Christ, his loss will fee felt, Whether it miiy be necessary to seek another to take his place as an instructor in theology to the native assistants, we do. not advise. Tt is vvorthy of consideration, " whether the ministeis who remain.may not be competent'for some years to come to give theologicafnlistrar.tion. to the natives, without appointing'any one specially to this duty. _ ‘ - ' . We. cannot contemplate.without admiration, the change'vvhich- has- taken place, •. wpthihahe last few-years, in the accessibility o f•China-.-.'.V.God: has-,' in this event, opehed-befote our ministersjthe two leaved gates,.as he did anciently, before Cyrus, ~ in Ins- conquest o f Babylon. Forfiierly, we scarcely ventured to" hope, that the
fSoutkernrBa
35
gospel nnght fee introduced-directly and .opctfly- Hito-'China. W e .pleased ourselves with'the thoBght that-it might-findtit* way -through J3uimah,:as -by 4 back -door. But now,a„dcrorpf entrancens-opened i'n frontj-andsirVe are .invited by "DivineRro■yidence th go.in; and:.possese4he land.- .'.Changes have -taken-plaep in. other parts_of the world} which fill n » with ..admiration, and ^se,etn ito signify, that a glorious day for the interests o f .mankind is at hand-.. W e -will not detain you with comments on;thesevchanges, and:.with:conjectures. a sjo their:;prdhable: effiiet. • But we think ht worthy o f special notice, that our-western; coast , ,which looks over .the; Pacific wave to .China', Is now in its lengthened extent, rapidly; receiving at pbpulatipii which will hold a: near intercourse with the Celestial Empire. Is it not probable, that numerous emigrants,from 'China, will cpihespyer. to:"pur- western settlements,' as emigran-ts.from Europe now throng our Atlantic Spates?' I f so, is.it not important to the 'interests of , the China Mission, that we should hate churches, established on ' the shores o f the Pacific, :in which these emigrants may be.-ttaught the gospel o f Christ, and be qualhie.d;to fetufh'as"mission&ies to,their brethren, as now the con verted sons of Ham leave our Atlantic shores, to convey the.gospel o f salvation to their brethren in Africa! r - . A - J . L. Chairman. REPO R T ON AGENCIES.. v -The commitfee toWhorn was refexred the subject of'Agencies, having bestowed up6n,it ,what thought :thpif. eirchmstariceh’ivould iallhwf beg 'leave to report as follows :-r•: The Foreign Board find themselves engaged in a great work,.requiring not only ■their.'.constant;personal-attention, but'.the;.mpqt.'CQrdi^,c^op.OTaihw ofalkfhe: Bap.tist churches located in the Southern States. Plow, to. secure thih'co-.operatipn, then, becomes, a question o f no/ordinary importance'.: W ere outigasfors, all of-them, as.deeply impressed with a sense-of:.their obligation to,-tfie heathen,-as the interests o f Zion at home and abroad manifestly demand, the employraehtof agents to visit" the. churches would be wholly unnecessary; /But -.this is hot. the fact. Other means have to he-employed to bring into effective service those whose' assist ance, is necessary,: to urge forward the great missionary enterprise. And as all former experience has taught us, that agencies.have/been.more successful than anyother appliance, in exciting the churches,, and in obtaining funds, your committee would recommend iheir appointment in all the Sputhern'States. :v ■ Having therefore expressed their concurrence with the suggestion made in the report o f the Board upon the subject,, and feeling,an entire confidence in the judg ment and integrity of. that, body, your committee .would recommend a reference o f tiic whole matter to the exercise o f their best discretion. '''. ' ; ' W . H. ST O K E S , Chairman.
,
R E PO R T OF COM M ITTEE ON. N E W F IE L D S OF M ISSIO N A R Y LA B O R FOR T H E FOREIGN BO ARD.
•The committee to, consider and report on New Fields o f Missionary Labor for the Fbr.eign Board, make, the following report.:—• A s there is no suggestion in" the report of: the'Board concerning any new i and inviting openings,'.in the providence of God,1fo.r their occupancy; -arid as that body ■ is posted, at a point o f observation far more, favorable for'discovery than your com mittee, canrpretend how to. occupy, they feel a diffidence in- suggesting what, finder ' other circ*mstances, they .might be willing to do. ' ’ . •' ■ 'Pour committee, have full confidence in the fidelity and.-'wisdom o f the.Board in., directing.their missionaries to the places of the highest prohuse.... China" with its broad surface-and'teeming, millions— China, once locked up .by self-sufficiency and' exclusive policy— has been, by .a.mysterious. Providence, opened to the Christian world, and they mow begin to ; ' •• ^
•'r•:
v_;-.fffGallus.ti>-deKYer ■Theijt’land froiii error’s chain.”
,,.bA frica-,.Jong n eg le c)^ /a n fi^ w a -^ d te n ^ m e ^ s/th e sympathies, and is'b eg in ning to share in the'Senevolence of*• th e'gospelf’ Your” committee canndt boiseon-
Second -T nennialM eeting o f the
36
aider- the mission- recently" undertaken in 'Central Africa, as a' wise measure. ■ A s the 'whole earth is-'to .he filled 'with-the knowledge Of the Lord, it is" the- duty, o f air-who intend to obey the-Saviour’s- command, “ Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature,” , to keep their, eyes upon their Whole field of labor, and go wherever God, by his providence.; may-direct them. . \ W ho can tell but that it may be the duty o f this Convention, ere long, to place a missionaiy.at.New Grenada,-in South America, which -is becoming the thorough fare for 'thousands, -on- their •way to -the gold region o f California. France and Germany,ywould our means permit Us, might amply repay us for missionary and colporteur labor.•' ^Although your committee feel desiroUs that this Convention should bear a con spicuous; part in sending the gospel to- “ every creature;’* a sense o f propriety com pels, them to close -this report without offering any resolution in regard to new fields.of missionary labor. By order oft the committee. '
L - A
■
;■ '
T h e committee on Organs o f rep ort:—
, v
' E L I B A L L , Chairman.
Communication made the follow in g
R E P O R T O F C O M M IT T E E O N O R G A N S O F C O M M U N IC A T IO N .
; The committee,to whom Was referred that portion o f the report which relates to ; the periodicals o f the Convention,.are o f opinion that the organs o f communication already adopted, are sufficient, i f generally patronized, to meet all the wants o f the Society. In addition tp the Missionary Journal, which was commenced about three years ago, the Board'are publishing a small, sheet called the Commission. Spur committee: take great pleasure in expressing their satisfaction with the manner in which b«fth these issues o f the Board are conducted. The Journal is employed,' for the most.part, in acquainting the -churches with the daily business o f our mls- ^ sioharies, and.in-supplying such.additiohal intelligence as may be requisite to keep, the friends of missions fully apprized o f the progress o f their cause, both in the domestic and foreign fields.; whiist. the Commission deduces from the-, information disseminated by the Journal, sufch appeals as .may be calculated to .sustain- the interest o f the .active and to. louse the energies o f the slumbering. The one gives instruction, the other makes the practical application; the two, therefore, should go together. Those who subscribe for the Journal: should regard the Commission as a very important accompaniment. ' ' ' ■' V^ , But .whilst your committee believe that the vehicles/for diffusing .intelligence are sufficient for the purposes of-the Society,they regief.to,learn: that their circulation . is so limited. Ignorance is one o f the .greatest obstacles to the. success o f the en terprise in which-we are engaged". No person will long feel much interest in a cause o f which', he hears only at remote intervals, and then in . a most superficial manner. If the churches.were .bwught, .by.means o f our missionary publications, into an acquaintance with loui^ffi^onaiSw,! they would learn to sympathise1with, their trials,, and would feel a deeper interest in their work. . Those persons who .have most knowledge o f the progress o f 'missions, contribute most to their support. ■ . The largest donations come from those sections of the country in which our peiiodicals have the Widest circulation. . There must bo several hundred thousand" Bap tists amongst us who learn nothing of our missionary operations from . the. organs o f the Society. It is probable that they hear very little from any other source; , heuce’ the meagroncss of their contributions. If instead o f 1,50.0 copies o f the Journal, 15,000 \vere circulated and read, your committee do -.not say ,that there wonld.be a corresponding increase in‘the receipts o f the Society, but they believe that fhe present'amount contributed would be .greatly augmented. W o believe that every pastor who uses his influence to extend the patronage o f our publications, is rendering very efficient.aid to the cause o f missions. S o important do your com mittee consider this subject, and so grievous ha? been/our negligence hitherto, that yohr committee, in conclusion, recommend thaf eyer-y-pastor in. the Convention be desired.to pledge himself to call the attention of the people o f .his charge to the . . importance o f circulating -the Journal and Commission. V .-' . -
W . T . B R A N T L Y , Chairman.
eotn’m ittee t o " nom in'ate-- ire>w /B o a r d s re p o rte d th e .-fo l-lo w in g n o m i’ n lfi'o n s , w h i c h w e r e c o n f i r me d :—
.
37 BOARD OF- FOREIGN MISSIONS. P R E S I D E N T .. y.,.
’
J. B. .JETER, Virginia. '. V IC E P R E S ID E N T S .
R ic’r Frii,ER, B. I).J M d.f Basil Manet, D. D .> A la.,/ W m. -Flood, Mo:, " A I bx. F leet, Va.,” •' S. S -B a’timore, Misa.,- 7 Jas. M- Pendleton-, Ky-F J. J. James, N. C .,: ' 'W.'C,- D uncan, La., / P. S. G ayle, Tenn., S. F urman*. S. C-, R. C. Burleson,.Texas, \ -J. S. B acon, D ..D ., D. C., P. H.'M ell, Ga;, ' W . lf. Bayless,. Ark., \ James M cD onald, Fla. JaMbs B. T aylor, Ctifi-esponding Secretary.' A ^ T iiomas, Treasurer. . M. T. S umner, RecordingSecretary. C, T T W ortham, Auditor. • :
. .
Ri R yland, A. Snead, -., A. G. W ortham, James T homas, Jr ., •* T homas-Ho ie , 1
•
M A NAGERS.
•
W . H. G wathmey, . W . A.. Bayxham, ' John TXlman, Sp..,’ J. L. R eynolds, ' ! II. K. E i.i.yson,
-E. K ingsford, Jos. S. -Walthall, . F ranklin W ilson;, ’ P. B- R obertson, M. L. Bickford.
-
BOARD •OF -DOMESTIC-MISSIONS.* ...
. . . .
-
P R E S ID E N T .
.-
JAMES H. D eVO’TIE, Alabama. V IC E P R E S ID E N T S .
WI.C ranE) Md., . ■ R ichard.M ays) Fla.lf J. HIA t V elLj-D D., A rk ^ James Fife, Va., . H. T aleird, Alabama,!^'■ E. S. DuLiN, Mo.fr J. J; F inch,.N. 6., .. » T hos. G. Blewett, MissY, J. B. IValler, E.y.f' H. D. DtrNCANi 0., ' A-.. W. PboLE,.Laif ■-.■■■ S. H.. MiLLijLEN, Te-nn., B. M. Sanders, G ag -,A.;G. H-orton,-Texas, ■ A nd. R othwf.i.l , D.'C. ■R .rH olman, ^Corresponding Secretary.*. . W . H ornedcKle, Treasurer. . T. F. Curtis, Recording Sceretury. W . N. W yatt, Auditor. . M A NAGERS,
E. D. K ino, S. S. Sherman, L. B, L ane, E. A, -Blunt', J. F. co*cke-, ■
L. V. T arrant, A. W . CoNNELLA, C. B illinoslea, M. P. Jewett, , W m. P. Chil'ton,
’
A. W C hambliss, I , . G T utt,. .T homas- Chilton, W iley Wr. M ason. A. Gi McCraw .
REPORT. ON A F R IC A N M ISSION : .
;
The committee to whom was referred, the report o f the Foreign Mission Board on the. African Mission, beg leave to 'present, as the result. o f their investig ations, the following resolutions fo.r the adoption o f the Convention:—■. • . 1. That the Western Coast o f Africa, occupied by our missions, opens an interesting and most encouraging field'of labor, especially among the natives; and that the Board be instructed to prosecute these missions with as much vigor as the means placed at their disposal will permit. 2. That the mission .proposed to be commenced in Central Africa, though likely to -be attended; y;ithf much.difBqultytfiiid .danger, . seCms: to.have -had its origin in providential indibalioris, ; and'to deserve the confidence-arid cordial support o f the Convention, and to claim the fervent "prayers o f the'denominatioh for its success. • . ■• J. B. JE TE R , Chairman. In c o n n e c t io n w-ith th e rep ort- o f this c o m m it te e , th e fo llo w in g - r e s o lu tio n s w ere a d o p t e d ;:; 7 ■:*""'' > *7' : a .
Resolved, Thas the pastors-of, our churches be affectionately requested to impart tothe*colored'membersM; their charges information in relation to. the African mis sions o f the Convention,- and to secure- their 'co-operation,- as-far as, practicable;, in sustaining them. Resolved, That- wo affectionately recommend the churches within onr bounds-to observestnctiyithe-monthly.concert o f pray.er-for the.extensioifdf thQ -Redeemer’s ■kingdom throughout the world.; . .... .v ,.;:..-. *.; e A d jo u r n e d to 4 o ’ c lo c k ."
P r a y e r h y b r o t h e r P o in d e x t e r .
38
Second Triennial M eeting o f the F riday A fternoon — 4 o’clock.
T h e . C o n v e n t io n m et.
P r a y e r b y b r o th e r H . D . D u n c a n .
Committee oil Agencies reported.
Received and ordered to be printed:
Th '- Committee on Agencies report: That they fully concur in the views of the Board, and deem it inexpedient to recommend any change in' their previous plan o f operation.. V . R. TH O RN TO N , Chairman. T h e Committee to recommend the place o f next meeting, and' to nom i nate brethren to perform the stated services, reported. Report received and adopted: Place— N ashville, Tennessee. Ministers to preach the sermon on Foreign Missions— Rev. B. Manly, D. D ., of Alabama, Principal; Rev. J. B. Jeter, o f Virginia, Alternate. On Domestic Missions— Rev. Thomas Hume, of Virginia, Principal; Rev. T . G. Keen, o f Alabama, Alternate. . J. C. CLOPTON, Chairman. Committee on Finance reported.
Report received and Ordered to be printed.
REPO R T ON F IN A N C E . The committee on Finance respectfully report to the Convention, that they have examined the accounts o f the Treasurers, o f the Foreign and Domestic Boards, and find that each account has been properly and correctly settled by a committee ap pointed by the respective Boardi for that purpose. That we have settled the account of the Treasurer of this body and find all the charges supported by proper voTiehef?, and that all the funds received by him have been faithfully applied to the objects designated by the donors, imd that theie now -emain in his possession only five shaves of stock o f S. C. R. R. Company, and £>. W . R. R. Bank, the interest o f which only is to be used for the Foreign Mis ion; and the like number of shares in the same institutions, the interest of which is to be applied to the Domestic Mission. In view of the mortifying fact stated in the report of the Board of Foreign Mis sions that the receipts into the treasury the past year have fallen short of the pre vious one the sum of $ 2,576 18, whilst the expenditures for the same time (ex clusive of the chapel fund) have exceeded the receipts the sum o f $3,889 54, and in view of the limited means afforded to the Board ot Domestic Missions, and o f the extended and still opening fields o f labor for us to disseminate, the word of eternal life to the perishing millions, all must admit the necessity o f some efficient plan calculated to bring funds'into our treasury. W e therefore most respectfully recommend the adoption of the following reso lutions: ' . . Resolved, That it be affectionately urged upon the churches, to adept such meas ures as will be best calculated to. procure the active co-operation o f each o f its members, in the glorious enterprise in which'we' are engaged., and that each.church appoint tw o m: more suitable brethren to explain to .every brother and sister, the ob jects o f this Convention,: and to receive from them weekly, monthly, or annually, as .may is.dbbmed most expedient j such sums'as they are1willing to contribute. And that special' care be used' to interest the poorer. members and encourage 'them to contribute even the smallest sums, and thereby elicit their prayers and sympathies. -Resolved, That we recommend that the foregoing resolution, be brought before each of the: Associations and Conventions, at their respective meetings,, in' the seve ral States connected'with out body. • A L E X . F L E E T ; Chairman. Convention adjourned to 9 o’ clock to-morrow, to give an opportunity for brethren to hold a conference in relation to the proposition :for;a:CentralT.heolog.ical Institution-. _ _ "" " ~ ‘ ^ (
.-P ra yer by brother R . H olm an.
"
Southern Baptist Convention.
39
Saturday M orning , 9 o’clock. Convention met. P rayer by brother J. Q,. Beattie. T h e follow in g reports of committees, w ere received and ordered to be printed: RE PO R T ON T H E IN STRU C TIO N OF T H E COLORED POPULATION. Your committee supposed that the subject intended to he referred to their consid eration, is the religious instruction o f this class o f persons. While no service can be more important, than an imitation, ef' our Saviour to be engaged in giving the gospel to the poor, there can be no class of the poor who have stronger claims upon the people o f the Southern States for such service, than our own servants. These propositions seem to us to be too.plain to need any argument. Such a service, therefore, presents itself as one o f the most prominent objects for the attention of our Convention. Your committee rejoice to learn that this subject has impressed itself so deeply on the minds o f your Domestic Board, that they have already en tered in good earnest on this field' o f labor, and that their labois have not been without effect. The most important question that now temains to be considered, seems to us to he— how can this good work be most effectually accomplished! This question can be answered only from the word o f God. As it is his prerogative, and his only, to give the increase, \ve should look for it from him, through the means o f his own appointment. The question then recurs, has he appointed any such means ; and if so, what are they? His word informs .us that it has pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. He has moreover commanded that the gospel be preached to every creature. T o preach the gospel to the poor, was a work peculiarly characteristic of the Saviour. T o preach the word then, to these people, is the most hopeful means of their religious instruction. In proof o f it we have the precept and example both o f Christ and his Apostles. The Apostle Paul, asks, “ flo w shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard', and how shall they hear without a preacher?” W e can, then; by such means, most effectually furnish them with religious instruction. But while we would place this means o f instruction above ail others, because the Saviour lias so placed it, and has promised to attend it with his blessing, we would not have other means neglected because they are less important. W e would rather take a lesson of instruction from the language of the Saviour when he said, “ This ought you to do, and not leave the other uudone.” The reading of his word we consider next in importance to the preaching of it. But as we know that the Leg islatures o f several o f our Southern States have thought it prudent to lay restric tions on their being taught to read, .and as we are required by the scriptures to. yield obedience to the laws of our land, we would recommend the adoption o f oral Sabbath school instruction adapted to the capacity o f their minds. Foi this pur pose the simpler the course the better. A series of cards for the instruction o f colored persons, published by the Southern Baptist Publication Society, are highly ecommended by those that have used them. B .' M. S A N D E R S , Chairman.' In connection with, this subject, the follow in g resolution, was carried ! Resolved, That, we regard.' the instruction of our” colored .population, as a duty imperatively incumbent up,oii us as Southern Christians; that we regard the preach ing, o f the word o f God as the best means o f discharging this duty! and we .earnest ly recommend opr churches,,to devote,a‘ stated portion o f their- public exercises to the. particular instruction of. colored persons in the truths o f the Bible, v 'i j •. The follow in g resolution was adopted: Resolved .■unanimously-, That thevthanks-‘.of this Convention, are due, and are hereby tendered to the. citizens o f Charleston, for the kind -hospitalities:so generous ly .extended to us-during our. meeting ; .and.we earnestly supplicate .thatiGpd.’s mer-. cy may'descend in rich..effusion, .and,.more, than repay in spiritual blessing, the efforts o f our friends,to render our stay amohg.them.so agreeable.. A ' .Committee on Amendments o f jt-he ^Constitution reported.. - Laid qn. the table for the present. ' 1 '* * Committee on B ible Distribution and Colportage .repqfted:-as fdlo.W f: ordered to ’be printed - ‘ u ‘
(Second Triennial Meeting, of-the
40
RE PO R T ON BIBLE. DISTRIBUTION AN D COLPORTAGE. The committee to -whom -was assigned that part of the report of the Domestic Board which relates to Bible Distribution and Colportage, present the following report.— It is, apparent, from the representations of .the. Boardjvthat this department o f their .efforts has had but an incidental and very subordinate place in their operations. During the whole b-f the.last three years, only $ 1,562.80 has beeff'centr.ibuted for this object; This is an average o f $ 520 93- a year. But it is to he-remarked that $ 1,000 of the. total amount was contributed by a single State; leaving but . $ 5 6 2 ' 80, or an average of $ 187 60 a year, raised by. all the rest together- -In addition to the above, $ 280 50 hasbeen realized by" the sale of Bibles. From this Statement; it must be evident hoW little worth the while it is for this to be made a separate and distinct branch of the operations o f the Board, unless a ■fair prospect exists for a very considerable enlargement of it. But something must be done in this way.' It will never do to send out our missionaries into, the desti tute parts o f ourlahd" without'supplies of Bibles and Testaments to distribute, bv sale or by gift, in their fields of labor. What but the most meagre and- short-lived results ban he hoped for from their prea'ching, when they must still leav.e their hearers without the means of consulting for themselves, at their leisure and their homes, the word o f God! ' But what shall he done!' This question evidently presses hard upon the Board ; for, in their report, they “ earnestly desire the Convention to.recommend some scheme by which our churches may be awakened to the importance of-this subject.” Your committee, have been not a little embarrassed in their efforts to solve the difficulty. They had, at length, deterinined to advise the Convention to institute a new "Board, to whom the business of providing for the circulation of the Scrip tures,. should be specially committed, and to whom both the Domestic and the Foreign Board should look- for their supplies. But on. advising -with those the most competent to counsel in this matter, they have come to the conclusion that the time'for this measure— which will doubtless ultimately be both advisable and practicable— has not. yet arrived. Meanwhile, they see no other course to be pur sued but to carry out, on a larger scale, the same plan that hasbeen hitherto pursued. . . ; In extending the operations under this plan, the principal (step that suggests itself to your committee is, the formation o f State Bible Societies in-those States in which they do not now exist; and. they recommend that the brethren in this Convention from those States be urged to .take this busiriess in hand, and proceed, at their ear liest convenience after their return from Charleston, to establish such organiza tions, and see that such agencies be employed under them as shall secure the most efficient accomplishment o f their design. Though your committee do not feel at liberty now to propose the establishment of a Bible Board, they would suggest that the work of circulating the Scriptures should be -kept.prominently before1 'the chu'tches .as a distinct department o f effor*. W e presume that the mere indication of a separate Bible fund, in the month1acknowledgment o f moneys by the Treasurers of the Boajds,: is not e n o u g h s seeure a proper attention' to this object. Its claim's should be-ufged ‘distinctly on the churches,' and not be left to bo merged in those c f the. general operations of the Boards.' It should be conspicuously held up before minister's and people that it is one thing to provide bread for the mouths of our missionaries, and another to fill - their -hands. witii’ Bibles to distribute'; and that they cannot, without furnishing the . Bible to'the communities in which they 'operate,-hope to'rnake any thing more than a very .transient impression by their labors; • ■ . ’ k The subject o f Colportage was also assigned to your- committee.. N.o reference is made'to this-in the report o f the Board,-except as the -term is applicable to the (circulation of the Scriptures. W e are happy to learn, however; that our missionaries-do,-'to some~exlent,.act as Colporteurs,'in selling and giving other-good books. ■w it is much to be- desired -that more ibe -done. in Ihis-way— an -instrumentality which - has-been,.-so largelyhonored by the K jog-m f Zion, It cannpt. be expected,-ho weyerj that the'Board, with their present limited means, should- make anyoutlav for v BJwp -W&, can only recemmendthat^as close an understanding and co operation as possible be'maintained wittrthe Board o f the Sbuthern'JBapttsf Pub- hcation Society. O' ” " ' 7. ,
J . R . S C O T T , Chairman.
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'S i Resolved, That we entertain a high sense o f the importance of the Southern ■' Baptist Publication Society; and that we hereby commend it to the fostering care of'Southern and Western Baptists. Committee on O rgan o f Publication o f D om estic Mission Board re ported and their report adopted and ordered to be printed. The committee on the Organ o f Communication o f the Board o f Domestic Mis sions, beg leave to report: That they have duly considered the subject, but find it difficult, if not utterly im practicable, to recommend any well devised plan for publication, better than the one now m use. From conversations with the publisher o f the Missionary Journal, and other brethren, we think it probable that some satisfactory arrangements may he adopted by the Secretaries of the two Boards. W e therefore recommend to the Convention to refer the subject to the Boards o f Foreign and Domestic Missions. Respectfully submitted. J. S. W A L T H A L L , Cha’m. T h e committee on N e w Fields o f L abor for Domestic M issions, reported. T h e hour for adjournment having arrived, Convention adjourned byprayer from brother W althall.
S aturday A fternoon, 4 o’clock. T h e Convention met. P rayer by brother Jeter. T h e report o f the committee on N ew Fields for Domestic Missions which was pending at the adjournment, was laid on the table. The report o f the committee on Amendments o f the Constitution, was taken from the table, and after discussion indefinitely postponed, and th'e follow in g resolution adopted, 42 voting in the affirmative and 17 in the n eg ative, m ore than two-thirds. Resolved, That the Constitution be amended so that its meetings shall be held Biennially instead o f Triennially, and that all its provisions conform to this change. T h e Chairman laid before the body a communication from a missionary o f the Domestic Mission Board, appealing from a decision of that Board in relation to the payment o f his salary. T h e papers were referred to a com mittee o f three, to w hich the President o f the Convention was added. Brethren Johnson, Stocks, M cD aniel and T a y lor, committee. On motion the follow in g resolution was adopted: Resolved, That the proceedings of the Convention be committed to the Secreta ries for publication, the expense to be equally borne by the Foreign and Domestic Boards. On motion the follow in g resolution was adopted: Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be tendered to the several Rail roads and other Companies which have afforded facilities to the members in attend-; ing this meeting. The follow in g resolution , offered by brother C ra rf^ w a s laid on the" table for the present. Resolved, That our grateful acknowledgments are due to Almighty God for the benevolent feeling and Christian courtesy so universally maintained during our pre sent, meeting. Adjourned to 9 o’clo ck M onday. ■; M o n d a y M or ning — 9 o’ clo ck .' •• T h e Convention met in the 1st Baptist Church. P ra y er by R ev. V . B . Thornton. y • On motion, . 'i • Resolved, That the next meeting o f this Convention be held with- the FirstiBap-tist; Church at N asitvii-le , Tenn., on the second Friday o f May, 1851. „
42
Second Triennial M eeting o f the
T h e report o f the committee on N ew Fields o f Labor, o f Domestic M is sions, was taken from the table, and accepted and ordered to be printed with the Minutes. RE PO R T ON N E W FIELDS OF DOMESTIC MISSION LABOR. The committee to whom was referred the subject o f New Fields o f Labor in our Domestic Missionary operations, have given it all the attention their limited time would admit, and respectfully report: That the fidelity and perseverance with which the Board of Domestic Missions have sought out and occupied the.most destitute portions of the field of labor con templated by this body at its last Triennial Session, meets the highest approbation o f your committee, and the happy results attained through their instrumentality, commends the organization to the zealous patronage and ardent prayers of all Christ ians. That there are still very many destitute stations in the field, admits of no doubt, but as to the time or manner of supplying them, your committee will not re mark, preferring to submit the whole matter to the Board, who are eminently qual ified and at all times ready to discharge its arduous and responsible duties. ■ The question, however, o f enlarging our operations by occupying new fields, iss I’ one not so easily disposed of, presenting as it unquestionably does, some difficulties. \ S The only ones that present themselves are the recently acquired Territories o f Cal- | f ifornia and New Mexico, and these your committee regard it as vastly important on | | many accounts promptly to cultivate, if it may be done by any means at our com- 1 | mand. The Board have, in their report, presented the prominent difficulties that f I lie in the way, but it is submitted that the work is worthy o f any effort to overcome I | them, particularly as to California. Within the last few months many thousands s of our fellow-men, of our own and other countries have emigrated to that distant f territory; and very many of them from the Southern States o f the Union. There they are entirely destitute of the ordinary means o f grace, and subjected as they ate to the casualties incident to unorganized society, and the diseases o f the climate, are likely to find their way into vast eternity, without one o f the consolations o f the written or preached gospel. It is true that from the intense excitement and inordi nate thirst for gain that prevails among that population, very many o f them may close their ears to the truth, and in despite o f all human effort live and die without God and without hope in the world. But whilst this is true, your committee are well assured that very many others would rejoice to have broken to them the bread o f life, and the earnest prayer o f all such is that the humble missionary o f the Cross may be promptly sent to minister to them in holy things, manifesting that whilst they are intent in seeking gold that perisheth, they are alike anxious to ob tain that which is eternal. Shall we refuse to listen to the supplications o f such—■ shall we fail to do the work o f our Master— will we stand acquitted before God, if we fail to use every means in our power to eradicate their vices and secure the salvation o f our fellow-men in that distant and destitute country? But it is not to send missionaries to California, simply as it is now, that is important, but to California with its teeming millions of inhabitants that are destined to occupy it in a few j years. If is not alone to convert and save its present population that we should laI bor, but ionave the wav for the mdf5~geft.ain conversion to the Truth o f all those ^ wrtntAvill soon coTue'afier Cl^an. Jfarlv impressions arechmcult to eradicate, even if founded m emlf—They are more lasting, as early friends are generally more steadfast through life— the young mind may be bent, the older one must be broken, and.if Baptists believe in the truth o f their principles, and desire to establish them . in California for the truth’s sake, it is absolutely important that the work should be commenced forthwith. But, again, it is important to occupy that extensive field, ' not alone for the reasons before stated, but for the effect it would produce in evan gelizing the world to Christ. Establish the truth in ^California—-kindle a pure gospel light on the Western shore of the American Continent, and it .will grow bright er and brighter until it will have eradicated the. spiritual darkness from the isles, o f - the ocean, the empires o f the East, and the benighted portions o f our owni general1jly favored country. Occupy that field effectually, and its happy' results upon our - China and other distant missions, must soon be-seen and felt, whilst its influences, i f properly directed, cannot fail to hasten the long prayed for time “ when the knowledge o f the.Lord shall fill and cover the whole earth.” . But aside from these considerations, which are sufficient o f themselves to enlist the ardent efforts of. all Christians in the work; there is another reason that should
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stimulate us, as citizens, promptly to occupy the territory o f California with our missionaries. That the field is destined to be occupied soon, admits o f no doubt, and if w e fail to engage in the work, others, who in many instances sow broad cast the seeds o f error, will unquestionably do so. In conclusion, it is earnestly recommended to the Board to inquire into the prac ticability o f carrying out the foregoing views, and if practicable, to take such steps as may be necessary to accomplish it, either by instructing their agents to urge our fellow citizens o f the South, o f all classes, promptly to contribute the necessary means, or by such other agency as they may in their wisdom devise. Your com mittee close by soliciting the prayers of Christians for our success, and invoking the blessings o f Almighty God to rest upon every good word and work in which we may engage. J. P . R E ID , - Chairman. On motion, Resolved, That the Convention now unite in devout thanksgiving to God, for the harmony and good feelings which have prevailed during the meeting. B y request o f the Convention, the President, Dr. Johnson, accordingly led in prayer. T h e report o f the committee on the Appeal o f Rev. W . C. Crane, a mis sionary o f the D. M . Board, was presented, and concurred in. - The committee to whom was referred the appeal o f brother W . C. Crane, a missionary o f the Domestic Board, from its decision to the Southern Baptist Con; vention, report: That they have patiently heard the documents read on both sides, and are o f opinion that the Domestic Mission Board have acted in the case rightly and judi ciously, and recommend that their decision be sustained. All which is respectfully submitted. W M . B . JOHNSON, Chairman. On motion, Resolved, That the report o f the committee be printed, and that a copy he trans mitted by the Secretary to the brother appealing. Resolved, That the thanks o f this Convention are due and are hereby tendered to Mr. D. K . Whitaker for his faithful and able reports o f the deliberations and pro ceedings o f this body, published in the columns o f the Charleston Courier. Resolved, That the Secretaries be instructed to present to each o f the pastors of this city, who have courteously opened their pulpits to the ministers o f this Con vention, a copy o f the Minutes when published. T h e President affectionally addressed the Convention. P rayer was offered, and then, on motion, the Convention adjourned toithout day. W . B . J O H N S O N , P r es id e n t.
J . C . C rane, | Secretaries. B . M anly, J r .
v
FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT. BOARD
OF
FOREIGN
MISSIONS.
In the return o f another meeting o f the Southern Baptist Convention, the Board are not insensible o f the serious nature o f that account they are called upon to render. T h e y have endeavored in the fear o f God, to dis charge their duty. Imperfect as their service m ay appear, they are con scious that it has not been without the expenditure o f much time, thought, and prayerful solicitude. Various circ*mstances combine to render theirs a delicate* and a difficult task. T h eir ow n want o f experience in the man agement o f such an enterprise— the recent establishment o f their missions— the gTeat distance o f the principal stations— and the comparative inexpe rience o f most o f their missionaries— in view o f all these, they have prose cuted their labors 11in weakness, and in fe a r, and in much trembling T h e y n ow give an account o f their stewardship, with the hope that their brethren o f the Convention, and the G od o f ail grace, w ill accept and approve the w ork o f their hands. MOURNFUL BEREAVEMENTS. Since the last meeting o f the Convention, painful visitations o f the D ivine hand have been experienced. A lthough notice has been taken in the last report, of the death o f brother I . T . Hinton, , one. of the V ice Presidents o f the Board, it w ill not be im proper here to pay a tribute o f respect to his m em ory, and to remind ourselves o f the slender tenure by w hich we hold our earthly existence. A t the last meeting o f the Conven tion, brother Hinton was present, m ingling with his accustomed activity in all the services o f the occasion. To-day, he is not with us. W e shall see his face no m ore on earth. But his mem ory still lives. H is deep interest in the cause o f Christ, his disinterestedness, zeal and perseverance, w ill lon g endear him to the churches o f the South. We. are called upon also to record the death o f several missionaries. The young, ardent, and devoted Clopton, is no more. H e had just begun to speak in the language of the Chinese, and b y his amiable disposition and courteous manner, had secured the regard o f the natives residing immedi ately near him, when he was suddenly arrested by the hand o f death. Scarcely had the tidings o f his early fall reached our ears, when another mournfully, affecting event was occurring in the missionary circle. D r. J. Sexton James and his lady, on their w ay to the city o f Shanghai, had arrived at H on g-kon g. Previous to their passage up the coast to their destined'field, they determined to visit their brethren at Canton. , Return in g from this place, when within sight o f H on g-kon g, the vessel b y a flaw o f wind was sunk, and -brother and sister James, w ho had just retired to the cabin, w ere unexpectedly ushered into the presence of G od. T h e qualifications o f our brother as a physician and Christian;, and o f his esteemed wife, had excited the hope that through them a blessing w ould be communicated to the bodies and souls o f the heathen. But God seeth not -as man seeth/ H e has called tbem'avvay, and to his righteous decisions we. w ould humbly, submit. . ' . . T h e African mission- has also suffered painful bereavements. Beside the death o f brother A . S. Jones, at Cape Palmas,'" w hich .occurred in 1846,
Punds.
45
about the time he was expected to enter our service, the Board are com pelled to record the sudden removal o f F. S. James, o f N e w Virginia. H e was a good man. In the language of one o f his co-adjutors in the w ork, he was pious, amiable, laborious, self-denying, beloved by his people and all w ho knew him . H e sought not his ow n but his heavenly Father’s g lory. F illed with the spirit o f his station, he carried a blessed influence wherever he went. These painful trials in the early history o f their operations, have served deeply to impress the Board with a sense o f their utter helplessness. T h e y have seen and felt the necessity o f hoping only in God, and o f relying Upon him for success in all their movements. . T h ou g h often distressed, they have not yielded to despair. T h eir desire has been that the discipline m ight be sanctified to their increased devotion and usefulness. FUNDS. A t the last annual meeting of the Board, a balance was in the treasury o f $14,863 15. . T h e amount received from all sources during the year, is $ 1-6,927 9 1 ; m aking a total of $31,791 06. T h e expenditure was $2 6,110, leaving a balance of $5,681 06 now rem aining in the hands o f the Treasurer. B y an examination of the Treasurer’s account, M ay 1st, 1848, it w ill be seen that the receipts have this year fallen short o f those of last year b y $2 ,576 18, w hile the expenditure of the present over the last year, including the chapel fund, is $9,275 09. W ithout regard to the chapel fund, the amount received the fiscal year just closed, has fallen short o f the expenditure by $3,889 54. T h e Board cannot conceal the mortifying fact, that w hile they have been gradually enlarging their operations, the contributions o f the churches have been diminished. N or can they fail to see that i f this retrograde m ove ment shall continue, they w ill not only be com pelled to decline other ap pointments, but to recall some o f their brethren already in the field. T h e follow in g is a comparison o f the receipts from the different Southern States for three y ea rs: 1847 Maryland, Dis. of Columbia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri,
§1,553 130 4,525 838 2,591 2,151 1,368 933 765 1,039 95
29 10 38 74 92 87 60 56 25 41 00
1S 48 §807 26 50 00 7,661 56 1,406 58 2,221 84 2,449 75 1,049 16 1,101 44 273 65 1,279 56
.
1849 §823 55 6,083 880 2,736 1,632 1,595 607
23 00 60 78 54 33 33 55
1,073 84 30 00 . 28 00 99 42
T o t a l. §3,183 87 235 10 18,470 54 3,126 10 7,550 30 6,233 95 4,013 09 2,642 55 1,038 90 3,412 80 125 00 28 00 . . 99.42 50,149 72
T h e diminished contributions o f the year just closed, are probably to be attributed to the fact, that at the last annual meeting, a balance in hand o f nearly fifteen, thousand dollars was reported. But it should have been re membered that this embraced the,chapel fund, and, that the demands up'oa the treasury, w ere immediate and heavy. Besides, as our, remittances -'es pecially- to China must be regularly forwarded, it is alw ays necessary to have, in hand a surplus fund. W e sometimes receive in a single month but
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46
Periodicals.
tw o hundred dollars, when during the same time it m ay be necessary to transmit as many thousands. Special attention is called to the fact, that i f even the present rate o f con tributions be continued, ruinous embarrassment must result. In addition to this, let it be borne in mind, that all our missions are pleading’ for an in crease o f laborers. Several have either already determined to devote them selves to the foreign field, or are seriously considering the question. I f an enlargement o f our operations be contemplated, it is essential that the Board be. actively engaged in seeking suitable men for the w ork. But this they cannot feel authorized to do unless the means to sustain them may be ex pected. T h e Board w ill, therefore, without an increase o f funds, be shut up to the necessity o f continuing the present limited scale o f effort for the evangelization o f pagan lands. Shall this be allow ed? W ill Southern Baptists, with all their vast pecuniary resources, be satisfied with this meas ure o f interest in an object so important and g loriou s? W e trust not. A proper survey o f the subject w ill prepare us to take m ore elevated ground. It is the w ill o f Christ that the gospel be preached to every creature, and he has constituted his people the authorized instruments o f carrying out this purpose. N o r has he left us as Baptists without the means o f con tributing to this result. F iv e or six Sou'hern States might be named, any one o f w hich possesses the pecuniary ability, within the limits o f Baptist churches, to sustain the present missions o f the Southern Baptist Convention, T h e Board are desirous o f m aking a regular and steady advance in their labors from year to year. T h e y have hitherto proceeded upon the pre sumption that this was the w ill o f the Convention. D uring the year just closed new appointments have been made, and the balance in hand at the last annual meeting has prevented embarrassment. But if missionaries n ow under appointment are sustained, and even a few others are sent out, it w ill be necessary to secure a larger annual contribution. In view o f a gradual and judicious expansion, the Board regard it as important to raise, i f possible, during the com in g year the sum o f twenty-five thousand dollars. T h ey have determined to make the effort. T h e y w ill put into operation all the influence they can, and i f they fail, the fault shall not be theirs. T h e y entertain a hope, not by any means extravagant, that their brethren o f the South w ill at once m ake all suitable exertion to secure this amount. I f those w ho have committed to their trust the mammon of unrighteousness w ill m ake liberal contributions; i f pastors w ill bring up the subject before their respective churches, and adopt some system in securing the free w ill offerings o f the members, the desired result w ill doubtless be obtained. W e b eg leave to call the special attention o f the Convention to this subject. PERIODICALS. T h e M issionary Journal, com m enced at the time o f the last Convention, has continued regularly to make its appearance, and so far as the B oard can learn, has given general satisfaction. B ein g the organ o f both the F oreign and Domestic Boards, it m ay be regarded as an important histori cal document and worthy o f general preservation. T h e' number issued is Hot, however, as large as the nature o f the w ork and the-ability o f the de nomination w ould justify. - T h e subscribers have not exceeded fifteen hun dred ; they ought not to be less than five thousand. It is probable that the advance cash-system o f .payments has somewhat contributed to this com par atively small issue, as in many instances, through inadvertence, subscribers have failed to send the m oney, and their names have been stricken from .the list. ’ .. B ein g satisfied that a small, cheap-paper;, suitable for circulation am ong the masses o f society,. Would contribute to the wider diffusion o f missionary
Agencies.
47
intelligence, the Board have commenced the issue o f a monthly sheet en titled “ T h e Commission,” at 25 cents per annum. F ou r thousand and five hundred subscribers have already been secured. T h e favor it has received affords pleasing evidence that its influence w ill be o f th.e happiest charac ter. A m uch larger circulation, however, both o f the Journal and C om mission is demanded by the~exigences o f the Board. T h e experience o f all similar institutions has proved, that the periodical press has been one o f the most effective agencies in sustaining the missionary enterprise. The Board o f the B ap. Miss. Union publish 20,000 copies o f the “ M acedo nian,” and about 4000 copies o f the Magazine. T h e Presbyterian Board o f Missions circulate 8,000 copies o f their M agazine, and 15,000 copies of a small sheet entitled the “ Foreign Missionary,” w hile the Am erican Board o f Commissioners issue not less than 16,000 o f the “ M issionary H erald,” and 47,000 o f their little paper called the “ D ayspring.” It is the desire o f the Board to send the “ Jou rnal” and “ C om m ission ” into every chu rch o f the Southern country, and the Convention are hereby solicited to adopt such measures as may contribute to this desirable result. AGENCIES. T h e Board have found extreme difficulty in procuring men o f suitable qualifications for the agen cy w ork. A t the beginning o f the present year, brethren W m . H. Robert o f South Carolina, and Robert M cN abb o f N orth Carolina, w ho had been faithful laborers on beh alf of the Board, retired from the field, so that in these States no agent is at present em ployed. Brother W m . M. Farrar is still indefatigably engaged as an agent in Mississippi. T h ou g h he finds the em ploym ent toilsome, and at tended with many privations and trials o f faith, yet at the solicitation o f the Board, he is still inclined to persevere. T h e agen cy o f Tennessee and N orth Alabama has been filled by brother R. G. K im brou gh , w ho, with his characteristic zeal, has been visiting the churches and laboring to excite a becom ing liberality. Brother James M . G oodm an is still operating in K entucky. H is influence in that State has been happily felt in diffusing intelligence and aw akening a missionary spirit. T h e services o f our es teemed brother H artw ell, o f Alabam a, were during the last fall procured for that .State, in conjunction with the Domestic Board at M arion, but w e regret to state, that declining health has compelled him to suspend the agency. It w ill thus appear that the Board have in the field no agents ex cepting those operating in Mississippi, Tennessee and K entucky. T h e services o f brother H arvey G oodale, an accepted m issionary for China, have been engaged for a little less than three months within the limits o f the B ig Hatchie Association o f W est Tennessee. This tempora ry agency was prosecuted by special request o f that body, as they have de termined to supply the means for brother G oodale’s support. In the absence o f State agencies, the Cor. Sec. has performed as much labor o f this kind as bis duties at the mission room w ould allow . H e has paid over, during the financial year, the.sum of $ 6 ,3 1 2 27, a large portion o f w hich , was procured by his ow n exertions. A s, however, the corres pondence o f the Board is every month increasing, it cannot be expected that he w ill be able to devote, much attention to the business of; cbliedting funds.- It has been in contemplation to appoint a general agent w ho should take charge o f this w hole w ork, visiting State Conventions, and keeping up the local agencies throughout the Southern country. A brother, eminently qualified for this departnient, the. Board have labored and hoped to obtain, but thus far .they have been.disappointed. It is proper to state,"ihat the Board h a v e recently solicited, brother E li B all, o f V irginia, w h o has^had -no little experience in this department o f labor, to undertake the agency>for
48
Tract Distribution.
G eorgia, and that he has consented to commence his efforts in that field sometime during the present summer. T h e Board are entirely satisfied o f the expedience of the agency system. Its necessity arises from the w ell know n fact, that comparatively few o f our brethren o f the ministry have undertaken to teach the churches, and enforce upon them the obligation to evangelize the nations. I f every pastor should' perform this his appropri ate w ork, and make suitable effort to call forth and systemize the benevo lence o f the churches, the expense and toil incident to special agencies w ould be obviated. But this has not been done, and ■we fear that many years w ill elapse ere the contributions of Southern Baptists shall flow reg ularly and naturally into the treasury. H ence, the position of every w ell qualified agent may be regarded as unsurpassed in importance and useful ness. H e is, everywhere he goes, perform ing the w ork o f a domestic mis sionary, preaching Christ an dh im crucified. But in addition to this,'he is holding up before the churches those great principles o f Christian benevo lence, w hich are both inculcated and illustrated by. the gospel. E n forcin g these principles and bringing them into practical operation, he is conferring an invaluable blessing upon the-churches themselves, while the far distant and wretched heathen are elevated and saved. A s it may be exceedingly difficult, and even impossible to secure suita ble agents for all the States, it becomes important that our ministering breth ren should determine to promote, as far as possible, am ong their churches, the missionary spirit, and adopt some plan for the regular annual collection o f funds for the foreign field. TRACT DISTRIBUTION. Beside the sum o f five hundred dollars appropriated by the Am erican T ract Society, previous to the last annual meeting o f the Board, nothing has been received specifically for tract distribution. It is, however, hoped that a grant m ay yet be secured from the same institution during the pre sent spring for this purpose. Since this report was finished, two hundred dollars for the Shanghai, and one hundred dollars for the Canton missions have been received from the Am erican Tract Society. T h e opportunity is now furnished our brethren, both in China and A frica, for the judicious distribution of tracts to a wide extent. One o f our brethren in Canton writes in September last: “ I went distributing tracts this m orning near the factories. T o o k assistant H u e and another as a book carrier, and gave aw ay 520 copies o f books and tracts, and preached to the people. A t one temple w e had a very convenient place prepared to our hand, somewhat like a stand in the open air, from w hich w e preached, and distributed tracts, no man forbidding us.” Our brethren at Shanghai are preparing several small tracts, som e o f w hich have been published and distributed. Brother Shuck informs us, about the middle o f last year, that he had just received a part o f the 2nd edition o f the tract on the Fear of Death, w hich he had had printed at N in gpo. H e says, “ I herewith send you a specim en. " T h ere are two ffoxologies at the end to fill up the page. T h e y never printed before a tract in-the shape .of the one I sent before, and I have not yet learned its cost. E a ch edition consists o f 5000 copies. T h e y are now printing ten thousand copies o f our address to the people, and ten thousand- copies o f a- new tract'comprisin-g the fen commandments and com ments, u p on w hich l expendedco.nsiderabie care and Attention.” The missionaries on the coast o f A frica.also express- h igh gratification in having tracts placed in their hands for distribution.- T h e facilities thus ■furnished for the prosecution of] this particular w ork, w ill doubtless becom e ' m ore and: m ore extensive, while, it is hoped the means necessary for carry ing it oh w ill, in correspondent measure, be multiplied. • -
B ible F und—M eetings o f the Convention, l0 per month. T h is place is not very large, it w ill on ly accom m o date. fifty or sixty hearers, but notwithstanding,-.1 es.teem it a great privilege to secure it: Should it prove a good place for a congregation, L have the offer o f twice the- quantity o f ground, and can enlarge when other mission- ' aries com e and wish a residence. .1 have a bell also at this place. I opened, the-:place' with singin g and prayer, and a short explanatory'discourse, after w hich , C h ow Seen Sang follow ed with a discourse from Joh n i i i ' 16: T h ere- w ere thirty or forty hearers. T h e y ‘p olitely tqok their seats'and in general listened attentively. .Thanks unto the L ord fdfftgiving us such favorable opportunities?” • . , • . „
52
Missions in China,
T h e services at Uet tang chapel are still kept up. A t all these preach in g places the assistants seem to. render essential service, either by preach ing, exhorting or distributing tracts, and portions of the sacred volume. SH A N G H A I M IS S IO N .
Missionaries.— J. L. Shuck, M. T . Yates, T . W . T ob ey , M rs Shuck, Mrs. Y ates, M rs. Tobey, two native assistants^—total 8. A llu sion has already been made to the fact that this station had been re quired to pass through painful reverses. Those o f the brethren w ho had com m enced operations in that w idely extended field, were looking forward with solicitude to the arrival o f brother and Sister James. But their hopes were destined to be crushed. Soon after, it was apprehended that one o f the circle w ould be com pelled to return to this country, thus reducing b y one-half their number. T h e health o f sister T o b e y becom ing so se riously affected, as to induce at times, a degree o f mental alienation, the labors o f her husband have been subject to continual interruption. It has been at length determined by her physicians, and by all who have had any know ledge o f the case, that the best interests o f the mission cause demand an immediate return. T h e y w ill probably reach this country in the fall. A s previously stated, brother P earcy has found it necessary to seek a cold er latitude, and is n ow with the brethren at this station. Should he and his lady be permanently transferred from the Canton to the Shanghai mis sion, they w ill be regarded as a valuable acquistion to the missionary ranks The ’ Shanghai , though subject to these and other trials, have been industriously 'engaged in their preparatory labors. T h ey are begin n in g to speak to the people in their own language, the words o f salvation. N o r are they without encouraging indications o f the D ivine benediction. T h e people seem w illing to hear. L arge congregations are assembled from time to time, sitting respectfully and listening attentively to the new doctrine. Referring to this subject, brother Shuck in a letter dated August 28th, thus writes: “ I am again, through a kind Providence, permitted to address you from this far o ff land. Since I last wrote, w e have kept up our usual services. A w eek or two ago, a position for a preaching place, in one o f the most crow ded streets within the walls and in the very heart o f the city, was offered to us upon uncom m only reasonable terms. E v ery thing seemed so reasonable and so providential, that we felt it to be our duty to secure the place, w hich w e have accordingly done. W ith an outlay o f about $ 2 0 0 we shall have a hall w hich w ill hold an audience of between four and five, yea,- six hundred persons. T h e upper story is sufficiently com m odious to accommodate the entire families o f both of our native assist ants when w e succeed in getting them up from Canton. Y o n g and Mum have themselves both moved into the upper story, w hile'the workm en are n ow turning the w hole low er story into a chapel. T h e brethren w ill be able to preach in a few weeks, and it is a matter o f great thankfulness that th ey shall have a most* eligible place in w h ich to .exercise their gifts, andwhere,. I sincerely hope* w e all m ay have m uch to encourage us in our w ork . W e hope to have preaching .there every night, and-three times on the Sabbath, and such is the advantageous position o f the place, that we an* ticipate a large congregation ev ery time w e preach. T h e fr b n t, entrance upon the street is eleven feet wide. It is jam m ed in am ong .other buildings, yet- the main building is so located^ as to secure air, , light'and%^,Uiet. T trust the L ord has guided us in this new measure, and that it majr'result-ia g lo ry t'o-his name."- A gain,-in October, he sa y s: “ Yesterday being L ord’s day. we'bpened, for the first time, our n ew pla ce o f worship within, the walls of-th e city. - I really-found' it good’ speaking'from - a -p u lp it once mores
Missions in China.
53
Y o n g and Miln also preached. W e had a fine congregation o f about four hundred people. Brethren Yates and T obey, with Y o n g and T seang, attend ed the afternoon service in the city, w hile M un and I attended at the chapel place on our own premises. Pray for us that the Master would condescend to bless our feeble endeavors to promote his g lo ry am ong this great hea then people. T o get our new chapel place ready, has been a severe tax upon our time, strength and patience. Y o u have no idea o f the positive and trying inefficiency o f almost every sort o f Chinese, you may have any thing to do with. W h en we are able to secure lamps, we design having preaching in the city every night. The position is so admirable, that we can have large congregations at all times. Our mission should.have as many preaching places, as it has missionaries, each one preaching in them alternately. W e should have also a large, foreign built chapel, in w hich each missionary would also preach, and where w e might hold all our church meetings. A t the same time, if properly sustained from home, we could carry on efficient operations in preaching and book distributing in all the surrounding cities, towns and villages. 1 find m yself constantly bur dened with a pressing anxiety, that the Board would so sustain us, as to. bring the w hole moral and physical force o f the Shanghai mission to bear upon the powers o f darkness.” It wll be proper in this place to refer to the fund collected b y brother Shuck w hile in this country, denominated the Canton chapel fund. It was understood by the Board and the contributors generally, that the collections thus secured by him, were to be appropriated to the erection o f a house o f worship with w hich he was to be identified. At that time, the commencement o f the Shanghai mission was not determined. Subsequently, in organizing the new mission, it was deemed advisable chiefly on account o f his expe rience in the missionary work, to transfer him from the station at Canton. W ith his removal, it became obviously proper, that the designated chapel fund should be transferred with him. But the B oard deemed it wise, not on ly to ascertain the facilities and general expediency o f erecting a chapel at Shanghai, but also to consult the contributors themselves. H ence, a cir cular was published in all the Southern papers stating the views o f the Board, and calling upon any contributors who might dissent from them, to indicate a different appropriation o f their funds. T h e largest subscribers also were, in many instances, consulted on the subject. In no instance was objection urged to the transfer. A ccordin gly, when sufficient time had been given to learn the views o f their brethren, the Board directed the en tire fund to be transmitted to Shanghai. A llu d in g to this fund, one o f the brethren at Shanghai, observes: “ T h e plot o f ground about w hich we wrote, as so admirably situated for the erection o f a chapel, is still for sale. D r. B oon is about closing the bargain for the erection o f his new chapel. M r. M c K ’s chapel fund, I mentioned in m y last, has arrived. T h e L on don M issionary Society have decided, to erect two m ore chapels.” 5 ^Reference to the: letters and journals o f our missionaries --at •■Shanghai w ill exhibit cheering prospect o f Success. Several persons, male and fe male, have already presented themselves as professed enquirers after the truth. One man is spoken o f-w h o closes his shop on the L ord s day, and goes to hear the w ord o f the Lord preahhed. “ W h at will- be the final re sult o f these cases,” writes one -o f the brethren, “ is known only to the great Searcher o f hearts.' Our hopes are not very sanguine, and our -faith is not-.very strong, yet w e da most solem nly pray and desire to see some souls soon converted. Our hearts and eyes are turned to G od , that he w ould pour out his Spirit. , I think there is-on the part o f every^member o f our mission, a desire to give ourselves w h olly to the w ork o f teaching and preaching Christ am ong the 'h eath en .. 'B u t w e are very, v ery, feeble. I
54
African Mission.
b e g a special interest in yonr prayers. M y sincere desire is to win Chinese souls to Christ. M ay I more ana m ore feel that m y sufficiency is of G od.” W e are happy to say that the ladies o f Shanghai are aim ing to collect the youn g, especially females into a school, for the purpose o f giving, in connection with the elementary branches o f general knowledge, instruction in the things o f G od. A lthough this effort w ill be attended with difficulty, they do not despair o f success. B y last advices we learn that a school was about to be opened. B efore w e dismiss that part o f the report w hich relates to the China mis sion, it may be proper to state that our brethren, both at Canton and Shang hai, have unequivocally expressed their opinion o f the desirableness of send in g out as missionaries, medical men o f piety and talents. Such, they re gard as necessary to be employed in healing the maladies of the body, w hile they administer to the necessities o f the soul. That such men would exercise a beneficial influence, especially if united with a know ledge o f the healing art, they possessed ministerial talent, the Board do not hesitate to admit. A lth ough enquiry has been made, none have been found during the last year to g o out as missionary physicians. AFRICAN MISSION. Missionaries.— John D ay, A . P . Davis, B . J. Drayton, J. H . Cheesenian, S. Pervis, W m . A . Johnson, W . W . Stewart, with six additional teachers and interpreters— total 13. BEXLEY
S T A T IO N .
T h is station is occupied b y brother John D ay. T h ou gh bis health has been at different times feeble, but little interruption to his missionary w ork has been experienced. Under his care is a school o f about forty-five boys — some of these are colonists but most are natives. T h ey are required to labor a portion o f every day. R eferring to these youths, our missionary says: “ T h e religious instruction th ey have received, show s itself in their g ood behaviour. T o see them bow their heads around their frugal meals, w hile one o f their number raises his voice in 'grateful thanks to their M aker for his bounty, and devoutly asks his blessing upon it, is enough to fill the heart o f the spectator with jo y . T h e y quietly eat their poor meals, and cheerfully rise to engage in any w ork assigned them.” A gain , he says, in pleading for the means to enlarge his sc h o o l: “ I do not like to say much about a ^school under m y own direction, but I suppose there is not one o f the kind more interesting in the w hole colony. I wish some member o f the Board could visit it. I think what has already been accomplished, would afford sincere gratification.” In addition, to the management o f the school, brother D ay - has supplied regu larly the church at B exley, and as often as possible, has gone into the interior preaching am ong the native towns. u I thiDk," h e writes, “ a large extent o f the Bassa country is ripe for the reception , of truth. A s far as I have been, w hich j s about 75 miles in the interior^-and say 150 miles c o a s t-: w ise, I have fouifd the preaching ofithe w ord acceptable. I have preach ed/ to 1000 persons, 70 miles in the interior, and speaking lo w /fc o u ld be heard by the whole. N ot a whisper, riot a stir, until I had done, every ear attentive, every eye fixed. A ll around where I labor, there is’ ^erfect order: T h e y kneel solem nly before their. M aker-and seem to pray%&T am. ” -ready to cry, w h y, O , w h y are th e y n o t converted" to God. A stranger - w hulff sometimes think they-are fit for'th e ordinances oLthe. gospel.” . "V * * ' • - ‘ . ° c ■ r, „„
African Mission.
55
BASSA COVE.
A t Bassa Cove, and am ong the contiguous native towns, brother A . P. D avis is laboring as our missionary. H e has been permitted to preach the w ord o f life to multitudes o f the degraded heathen around him, besides w hich, the church at Bassa Cove and the school have received his fostering care. H e has also made tours on the coast below , as far as Cape Palmas, and above, am ong the churches and stations on the St. Paul’ s river. Seve ral have been baptized by him. In alluding, to his multiplied labors, he w rites: “ I have endeavored to perform all the duties required at home du rin g the year, besides m y labors and pastoral visits abroad. I have bap tized seven ; five at home and two w hile travelling. A m o n g the last named is m y interpreter. H is name is John B. Davis. H e has taken several tours am ong his brethren alone, since his union with ih e church, and I think to very considerable advantage. M any admire bis improvement, w hile on the other hand, some are enraged. T h e change in his conduct, his refusing to partake in any o f their habits, his distance from them in this respect is a powerful rebuke to them. T h ey feel that there is a reality in the religion o f Jesus, to w hich they are strangers. I have had a number o f applications b y natives to be instructed as m y interpreter has been. T h e y beg that I would take them without p a y ; but the expense o f their board is more than le a n bear. V e r y h igh views o f religion seem to be entertained by them. T h e y believe when a person goes into the water, he has tested his religion or belief in the true God. I am fu lly convinced of the susceptibility o f the natives to improvement. It only remains to make proper efforts under fair circ*mstances. G ive them the same advantages with ourselves, in hearing and learning, and w e w ill have as many, am ong them becom ing interested. It would not be out o f the w ay to remark, as a reason w hy we have so few native children in our schools generally, that w hile a great many have resided in families, yet no general interest is taken in im proving their moral and spiritual condition. W h at is done by a few persons, leaves a large number to be neglected, or to be attended to by some one else, for very few have been found to clothe and send them to school at their ow n expense.” In connection with this region o f country, brother S. Pervis also labors. M O NROVIA.
T h e church at M onrovia being without a pastor, b y permission o f the Board, one o f its missionaries, brother B . J. D rayton, w as engaged for .sev eral months in preaching for them, w hile a portion o f his time was em ployed in the vicinity o f that .town. H e says o f his labors: “ D uring the last three months, I have traveled one hundred and tw enty miles ; preached thirty-seven serm ons; lectured seven times ■ attended "fifteen prayer meet in g s ; visited one hundred and seventy-eight families ; distributed two hun dred and fifteen tracts^ and attended four concerts o f prayer for the spread o f the gospel. : M y Bible class contains thirty-four males and twenty-seven fe males. T h is department.of.my labor is doin g w ell ; much interest seem ing to be manifested. T h e •.Sabbath sch ool is yet in a healthy ‘condition ; the children, both A m ericafls'and natives, are rapidly improving. T h is is an interesting location, and i f sustained properly, m uch good"' can be done. P ra y for me.” . - ■' ■/.■ ••"■■■■■ « -
CAPE PA LM A S.
Subsequently, by direction of-th e Board, brother D rayton passed down': the>coast and-was located:at Gape Palmas.- -B y o p r 'la s t -c o m m u t a t io n s from A frica, w e learned that he had com m enced supplying the languishing
56
African Mission.
church at that place, and was arranging for a series o f efforts on behalf o f the surrounding heathen! “ A s a. field o f labor am ong the natives,” says one of our brethren, “ a more interesting need not be desired. T h ere are large native towns, one in the midst o f the Am erican settlements, and one not m ore than three hundred yards from the government house. One is supposed to contain five hundred houses, and the number o f natives within and directly about the settlements, is at least five thousand. T h e women appear the most degraded o f any natives I have ever seen. In their man ner o f dress, they seem to have less sense o f shame than any I know. F rom almost any part o f the settlement, one m ay see hundreds o f men, w o men and children, without leaving doors or windows. I f a heart could be affected at scenes o f this kind, deep feeling w ill be experienced in visiting Cape Palmas.” KEW
V IR G IN IA .
N ew Virginia,situated a few miles from M onrovia, up the St. P a u l’s river, was the scene o f labor in w hich the lamented brother F . S. James, moved. H e was engaged in conducting a school, and preaching at N ew V irgin ia and in the surrounding towns. His labors were judicious and un tiring. N o r was he without, the tokens o f G od’ s blessing. F rom the time o f his entrance into our service, he. was permitted to baptize many joy fu l believers. W riting from his field, he informs the Board of. the progress o f the w ork as follow s: “ T h e prospect before me is encouraging, especially am ong the inhabitants o f the surrounding settlements; there can be no doubt, but, that by proper management, w e shall have prosperous and influential churches. In regard to the natives, I can yet say but little; it is hoped, how ever, that they are fast, em erging out o f the lon g nights of darkness in w hich they have been enveloped. I do not forget the promises o f God, in reference to Ethiopia, and on every convenient season, try in the best w ay I can to make some impression upon their hearts in regard to their final destiny. There is much to contend with here, arising from the bad effect the conduct o f some o f our people has upon the natives. In m y humble opinion, our first effort is required in cultivating their minds and awaken in g them to a sense o f duty, as many am ong them are in many respects as blind in regard to the spirit o f Christianity as the surrounding heathen. W h en once vve can get the Christian community to co-operate with us by their circ*mspect deportment, the w ork o f civilizing and christianizing the heathen w ill prosper, and we shall see the fruit o f our labors. I have bap tized, since the first o f January, 21 converts, all o f whom seem to be pro gressing in the divine life. I have also administered the L ord’ s supper three times, and have visited the native towns several times. “ T h e church at M iilsburg is in rather a low state, her number is small and in adverse circ*mstances. T h eir house o f worship is somewhat out o f repair, but an effort is now m aking on the part of her members, to put it in good order. T h ey all seem to clin g together, and lon g to see the day arrive when they shall find a suitable person to take the pastoral care o f them. “ T h e church at Louisiana, constituted last N ovem ber, num bering then 8 persons, has since received by letter 4 ; by baptism 8 ; lost by death one, and now numbers 19. T h ey have not as yet any permanent house o f w or ship, but they are m aking an effort to build one, though much hindered by adverse circ*mstances. Their male members number on ly 8, w ho are farmers, and in that w ay get their living. I would be thankful for any as sistance for them in building their house o f worship. I visit them as often as I can, and feel greatly interested in their spiritual welfare.
African. Mission.
,*■>(•*
“ T h e clm rch here, (N e w V irginia,) is m oving onward, and is in a peace able state at present, but like others she has had wars without and fightings within. H er present number is 44, besides two candidates for baptism. T h ey have not as yet any permanent house for w orship, m ore than the tem porary school-house I built last year. T h e m ale members are 21 in num ber, including the old and decrepit ones; have made an effort to build, but I fear they w ill not be able to complete it for sometime. Brother D ay has authorized me to pay towards it $1 00 , but I wish the amount could be a little increased, so that I might have the house built speedily, as our present one is too small and incommodious, especially to visitors who often com e to hear and join with us in our worship. M y school is in 'a prosperous state, though several o f m y original scholars have been taken aw ay by their parents, and put out to a trade, they not being able to support them. M y present list o f names, however, numbers 33, eleven o f w hom read in the Testament, except five w ho spell in from tw o to four syllables, and three in the alphabet. There are, at least, 15 children am ong the n ew ly arrived people, w ho attended the school, and w ill attend regu larly w hen they shall get over the fever.” T h e death o f this lovely youn g man, w hich occurred on the 9th o f last Novem ber, has thrown a cloud over the prospects o f the mission in that re gion. But that cloud, we trust, w ill soon be dispersed. Speaking o f his success, brother D ay states, “ At N ew V irgin ia is a day school o f 62 child ren ; a most interesting Sabbath school, and a church o f between 50 and 100 members, built up principally by his indefatigable labors; besides, he preached in several native villages, and at N e w Orleans he laid the founda tion and built up a church. E v ery thing in his hand prospered, as i f the Lord delighted to bless him.” NEW
GEO RG IA .
A t this place a flourishing school is sustained by the Board under the care o f brother W m . A . Johnson. NEW
O RLEA N S.
T h e school at N e w Orleans is conducted by brother W . W , Stewart. E D IN A .
T h e Board have been induced by his ow n solicitation, and b y the recom mendation o f brother J. D ay, to appoint at this place, brother John H. Cheeseman, who w ill labor as their missionary in the circumjacent region. H e w ill itinerate am ong the Bassas; by w hom he is m uch beloved, preach to the church at Edina, and visit the destitute churches on the coast; inspect the schools connected with our mission, & c., & c . H e has experience in this w ork, having been for some time in the em ploy o f the Baptist Mission ary Union. T h e stations to w hich allusion has been made, as already occupied by the Board are on the coast, and within the jurisdiction of the Am erican colonies. T h is region is from three to four hundred miles long, and from thirty to one hundred miles broad. It contains a population of five or six thousand colonists, and from eighty to ninety thousand native Africans. A wide and effectual door is opened'am ong all these tribes for the proclam a tion o f the gospel. N ot less than twenty men em ployed as preach ers, could find most important positions, w hich might be occupied to advan tage. In addition to these, as m any teachers are required to take.charge o f schools. ■"
8
5S
Central Africa. CENTRAL AFRICA.
T h e Board have been led to contemplate Central A frica as a most invi ting field o f m issionary labor. T h eir attention was first called to it bv bro ther T . J. B ow en, w ho has since been appointed to com m ence its explora tion, and to institute measures for its cultivation. T h is brother, a native o f G eorgia, but m ore recently a resident o f Florida, had for some time been look in g at the probabilities o f a successful entrance into this thickly popu lated region, and becom ing satisfied o f its feasibility, his thoughts were turned to the question o f personal duty in the case. H e decided to attempt the difficult task. A n offer o f him self was made. T h e Board were engaged for several months in obtaining information, and considering all the bear ings o f the question. T h e y resolved, after m uch prayer to G od, for his unerring direction, to enter upon the undertaking. M any difficulties pre sented themselves to their view , but none so formidable as to forbid the at tempt, especially when the w ill o f God in reference to it seemed distinct. It is expected that brother Bow en, in com pany with a white fellow -labor er and two or three colored brethren, w ill repair to this field in the fall o f ttiis year. T h e C hurch Missionary Society, and the W esleyan Mission Society of England, have stations in a part of this great field. T h e char acter o f this region is indicated by the committee in their report, in w hich they say, “ T h e interior country o f A frica watered by the Gtuorra— a river w hich, from its source in the K o n g Mountains down to Tim buctoo, is called the Joliba or great river; and thence to its outlet, the Q,uorra, but is know n to Europeans as the- N ig er— by the tributaries o f the T chad, and by other unknown streams that probably exist, may be in general described as a fertile region, w ell suited to the habitation o f man, and apparently not possessing a climate unfavorable to life, either for the natives or for E u ro peans w ho kn ow how to take care o f themselves. “ A portion o f this region, called W estern Soudan, com prehending the country west o f the Guorra, from Tim buctoo to its entrance into the Delta at Abbazaca, and distinguished throughout for its fertility and comparative ly h igh state o f improvement, includes the kingdom o f Y arriba. O f this kingdom , M urray rem arks: ‘ It is one o f the most fruitful countries on the globe, and is also w ell cultivated and densely peopled. T h e fields are cov ered with thriving plantations o f Indian corn, millet, yams and cotton. The loom is busily plied, though its products are not equal to those in the neigh boring country Nyffe.’ “ In this salubrious and productive kingdom , our missionaries m ight se lect a location, whence they might easily cross the N ig er into N yffe, a very fine country, occupied by the most industrious and improved o f all the ne g ro nation's, and thence extend,their chain o f stations eastward to the k in g d om o f B ornou and even to Abyssinia. ' v “ Located near the N iger, the com m ercial high w ay o f that entire region* the m issionary may, at any time, by means o f the boats that ply on its wa ters, visit the numerous towns that stud its banks. . Departing from- K atan ga, the capital o f Y arriba, a town 1.5; miles in 'circum ference, with a, large population, he m ay descend the fiver,' visiting llabba, E g g a , w hich stretches for four m iles along its western bank, Kacunda,'-'with its peaceable, friendly and industrious inhabitants, and proceeding on to the point o f its confluence w ith the Tchadda, ascend the latter, ai^'pr.SSch Christ crucified to .the immense multitudes o f the .Funda country. Or he m a f^ scen d ;the Nige'r, stopping at the countless intermediate towns and villag.es;kj|p4p Bposa, the capital o f a fertile and well cultivated country; them ^‘te^5§fo^K encompassed b y w ooden walls SO miles in length, ana finally reach T in ? Suctoo itselfythe mart o f an. extensive- trade, and distribute :am ong its mixed
Contributions o f Colored People, Gpc.
59
population the w ord o f life. O r he m ay diverge from the N ig er, and as cend the river that leads to Soccatoo, the largest city in the interior o f A fri ca, and spread within its lofty walls, those sacred influences w h ich w ill ul timately open its twelve gates to let the K in g o f G lory in.” CONTRIBUTIONS OP COLORED PEOPLE. A pleasing interest has been taken in the evangelization o f A frica, by our colored brethren, whenever they have been informed o f the plans o f the Board. F rom the colored people o f a single chu rch , m ore than fifty dol lars have been sent to the treasury. T h e largest contribution from any church in one o f our States was from colored members, and in one instance, nearly twenty dollars from a slave woman w ere forwarded during the finan cial year. M any gratifying instances o f this kind m ight be mentioned, evincing the readiness with w hich this class o f our church members re spond to the claim s o f the perishing heathen. T h e Board w ill venture to suggest, that every pastor on suitable occasions, inform the colored disci ples o f the effort n ow m aking to send the gospel to Africa. Estim ating as they do their ow n religious privileges, and the glorious hopes they enjoy, it w ill be deemed b y them a duty and pleasure to assist in communicating these blessings to others. Beside the actual g ood they w ill confer upon others by their contributions, a benefit w ill be received by themselves. Spiritual j o y w ill be enhanced in the higher appreciation o f the great sal vation. A GREAT W ORK BEFORE US. It would be unwise to expect a successful issue o f our labors without the expenditure o f m uch thought, time and money. W e have before us a g n a t w ork. It w ill be remembered that our missions are from four to twenty thousands o f miles distant; that difficult languages and dialects are to be acquired; and lon g venerated institutions and superstitions to be over thrown. T h en, our missionaries are men o f like passions with ourselves. T h e y are subject to all the infirmities o f human nature, to errors o f ju d g ment and despondency o f spirit, to weariness, sickness and death. W ill it be otherwise expected, that years must elapse and m uch preparatory w ork be performed, ere there shall be a general turning to the Lord. T his has been the experience o f all missionary Boards. One o f the most ju dicious missionaries in China presented as his deliberate opinion, that “ fruit should not be expected too soon. This caution is addressed alike to the sender and the sent. Our pastors must not forget the peculiar circ*mstances o f the case, and the singular phases o f our w ork in China. Missionaries should not be too hasty in exciting expectation. E veryth in g seems to indicate that the conversion of the empire w ill be slow w ork, and in nothing is this m ore conspicuous than in the toiling and plodding, the pains and patience, the time and taxing of. body and mind, w h ich are necessary in order to acquire the means o f free communication with the mass o f the people. A n d after this point shall have been gained, a vast amount o f oral instruc tion must be.im parted; for light w ill slow ly break upon minds all benighted, . and filled with the grossest superstition.” : ■■ In carryingion thenrthe.lenterprise we have commenced, it w ill be need ful to exercise m ucin ipafience and faith. W e must labor on, imparting liberally-of'o.ur time, influence, and money, k n o w in g that, “■in due tim e, w e.shall reap if w e faint not.”
SECOND TRIENNIAL REPORT. B O A R D
OF
D O M E S T I C
M IS S IO N S .
In the natural kingdom the husbandman may, at the close o f the year, celebrate his “ feasts o f ingatherings,’ 5 and seasons o f rejoicing in view o f his rich harvest. H ere seed time and harvest follow in regular succession as indicated by the changing seasons. N ot strictly so in the kingdom o f Christ. H ere the vicissitudes o f the seasons do not mark the succession o f seed time and harvest. But they are often so blended that “ the plou gh man overtaketh the reaper, and the treader o f grapes him that soweth the seed.” Y e t there are privileged seasons in w hich they w ho have planted and they who have watered, may meet and rejoice together over the increase w h ich G od giveth. T h e present is one o f those favored seasons. H ere w e may group together a few clusters o f those precious fruits, and exhibit them to the praise o f H im w ho has prospered the w ork o f our hands. Assem bled as we are, a com pany o f laborers from the various parts o f the L ord’s vineyard, employed in several different spheres, we do well to heed the voice of admonition: “ W hatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy m ig h t; for there is no w ork, nor device, nor knowledge, nor w is dom , in the grave whither thou goest.” F o rce is given to this admonition in the fact, that some o f those who formed this body at its last meeting, and aided in its deliberations b y their / experience and wisdom, have ceased from their labors. T w o V ice Presi dents and four missionaries o f the Board have ended their toils since the last meeting o f this Convention. T h e R ev. B . Chambers, o f South Carolina, Rev. S. S. Parr, o f Missouri. R ev. I. T . Plinton, o f Louisiana, and Rev. W m . M. T ryon , o f Texas, missionaries; Rev. W . Y . Hiter, o f V irginia, and Col. A bsolom Janes, o f Georgia, V ice Presidents o f the • B oard have, we'doubt not, entered into their rest. H o w many o f those who n ow com pose this body w ill finish their course before another meeting, is know n to H im on ly w ho ordaineth all things according to the counsel o f his ow n will. T h e B oard o f Domestic Missions, in presenting this triennial account o f their stewardship, acknow ledge with devout-thanksgiving the Divine favor manifested unto them, and rear a monument o f praise, with the ancient in scription, “ Hitherto the Lord hath helped u s.” B y the aid o f his Spirit, our missionaries have accomplished m uch good by strengthening feeble churches, organizing new', interests, locating permanent pastors, rearing houses o f worship, establishing Sabbath schools, B ibl’e classes, and temper ance societies, 'transforming the general character o f society, and the con version o f sinners. . > ■- . v '-Vv : . A s a detailed account of the proceedings of'th e"'B oard have been pub lished m the annual reports for the year ending Aprft'&st,,Jd5^&icl»!l>848j■ a-general summary only, is necessary here. W e give the e?esult ofeeach J iy ia r separately. V ;j$ r x o m A p ril 1, 1846, to A p r il,1 , 1847, thirty missionaries ano^agents ^|&er^c^inmissioned ; seventy-four stations supplied with-the stated ministry. ^HeyCdeliy.ered 1,200 sermons^and lectures; baptized 145 convert#; re
Summary o f Missionary Labor.
61
ceived by letter 12 5; restored 6 ;/organized 10 Sabbath schools, consisting o f 85 teachers and superintendents, 418 pupils, (two o f whom professed conversion,) 1,110 Sabbath school books ; 5 B ible classes, with 72 pupils. A t 6 stations there are houses o f worship in progress o f erection. Th ese messengers o f peace have made 3,500 religious visits to private families. In the performance o f these labors they have traveled 35,661 miles. T h e report for the year ending A pril 1st, 1848, furnishes the follow ing statistics : 50 missionaries and agents; 150 stations occupied ; 1,222 weeks labor perform ed; 6,026 sermons and lectures d elivered; 574 prayer meet in g s ; 166 other religious meetings; monthly concert observed at 16 stations; 515 baptisms; 293 additions by letter| 35 Sabbath schools and B ible classes, with 157 teachers and superintendents)" 1,147 scholars, 1,505 volum es o f books in the several sch ools; 30 pupils and teachers have professed faith in C h rist; 6 ministers and 16 deacons have been ordained; 7 youn g men commenced preparation for the m inistry; 15 churches have been constituted; 4 meeting-houses commenced, and 4 others completed ; several temperance societies organized, and many pledges to total absti nence obtained; 6,947 fam ily visits, and 46,600 miles traveled. D uring the year ending A pril 1st, 1849, the Board have employed 57 missionaries and agents, some the w hole and others a portion of their time. T h e aggregate amount o f time devoted to the w ork by them- during the year is equal to 36 years. T h ey have delivered 5,782 sermons and lectures; supplied 170 stations with the regular ministry of the w ord ; baptized 683 converts; received by letter 2 5 4 ; restored 2 1 ; held 789 prayer m eetings; monthly concert for prayer observed at 17 stations: 140 other religious meetings held 27 Sabbath schools reported, with 137 teachers, 1,222 pupils, and 2,280 volumes o f school b o o k s ; 6,914 visits to private families, in connection with most o f w hich the scriptures were read, and practical lectures were made, and prayer offered; 4 meeting-houses have been completed and 10 m ore com m enced ; 14 churcHes Eave been"” constituteclT7W n m ristgrs'an ffl5~3eacon s have been ordained; 10 churches have released the Board from further a id ; several temperance societies have been formed, and 120 lectures delivered. Besides the additions mentioned above, m ore than 400 have professed conversion principally through the instrumentality o f our missionaries, but as they w ere baptized by other ministers they are not reported in their regular labors. B y the principal agen cy o f these men, two associations and one State convention have been organized. In the performance of this labor, they have traveled 75,643 miles.
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■»; - T h e general summary o f the prominent results for the three years is as \ \ follow s:— ' j ■ 1 Commissions granted to agents and missionaries 1 1 7 ; time o f Service / equal to 75 years ; 1,243 baptisms; 672 received by letter; 27 restored: 13 ,048 sermons and lectures delivered : 1,363 prayer meetings h e ld ; 306 other meetings attended; 17,361 fam ily visits; 29 churches constituted; 16 ministers and -31 deacons ordained ; 8 chu rch edifices built and 16 others v com m enced ; 15 7,24 ^ i& iiie^ ^ ayele9 ; : several ^ n a ried .-p iriltess^ ' 'sion w h o'are not included: imlihis report j-beside's/much other useful labbr. T h ere has been a gradjaafand steady improvement in the affairs of the , missions during the three: years ; though the Board regret, to state .tha^ the advance o f tbe^closing year on the preceding h as not equaled theiivm^jeejfutions. D urin g the year seven- mor.e missionaries' Were.employed thanr-wp^.^’j.commissioned the preceding y e a r, L68 m ore baptisms; 1 2 . years, vlabo^j: p e r f o r m e d 20. additional’ stations supplied; 10 m ole released the_B najjU i o m . further approDiiations. 29.043
62
Finances—B ible Distribution— Our Field.
traveled; m ore stations have been visited with the outpouring o f the H o ly Spirit, and a m uch larger number o f souls professed conversion. FINANCES. T h e amount o f collections for the year ending A p ril 1, 1847, is $ 9 ,5 9 4 60, to w hich add $527 35, the balance in the treasury A p ril 1st, 1846, gives the sum o f $10,121 95 for the year. Expenditures for the year $ 7 ,893 21. Leaving a balance in the treasury o f $2 ,228 74. F o r the year ending A pril lstj 1848, the collections w ere $11,239 50. A dd in g the balance in the treasury, w e have the sum o f $13,468 24. Disbursem*nts for the year $11,602 16. Leaving $1 ,866 08. F o r the last year the treasurer’ s report show s $12,176 62 collected, w hich with the amount in hand, places at the disposal o f the- Board $14,042 70. Disbursem*nts $13,891 90. L eavin g a balance o f $ 1 50 80. The sum total for the three years is $33,011 32. A dd to this $5 27 35, the amount in the treasury A p ril 1st, 1846, and w e have $33,538 07, the amount o f resources for the three years. Disbursem*nts for the same period $33,387 27. L eavin g a balance n o w in the treasury o f $ 1 5 0 80. Salaries o f missionaries unpaid and w hich w ere due A p ril 1st, 1849, amount to $ 2 12 50. L eaving the Board in debt to the amount o f $61 70. T h e amount o f collections from each State for the three years is as fo llo w s :— South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Virginia, Arkansas, Texas, North Carolina,
$9,786 6,684 5,154 4,940 4,724 459 417 402
46 56 53 09 82 67 50 50
Maryland, Tennessee, Louisiana, Kentucky, District o f Columbia, Florida, Missouri, Unknown,
200 99 58 21 20 10 9 21
00 66 00 25 00 00 95 16
BIBLE DISTRIBUTION. But little has been accom plished in this department compared with the importance o f the cause, and the destitution o f m any portions o f our country. $1,843 30 on ly have been placed in our treasury for B ible dis tribution during the recess o f the Convention. And $ 2 80 50 o f this sum has accrued from the sale o f B ibles. $1,600 o f this amount was furnished b y the V irgin ia and F oreign B ible Society. T h e greater part o f the remainder was contributed by N orth and South Carolina, through the agen cy o f R ev. Lew is D uP re, w ho has been engaged a sm all-portion o f his time as our agent in conjunction with the F oreign Board. Appropriations o f Bibles have been made to Texas, Louisiana,. M issis sippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, Florida, N orth and South'€a|oli|ia, V irg in ia and M aryland. • ’ l ... The B o a rd earnestly desire the Convention to recommend som eschetite b y w h ich our churches may be awakened to -the •importance o f this subject. ■: . _■ OUR FIELD.
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T h e B oard have deemed it expedient'to' confine their labors within the' Southern or slave-holding States, although applications have been made for appointments in the free States. r' ■ There are sufficient reasons yvhy each Board, Southerns&nd . Northern, should occu py its ow n field. %-Each has m ore than am plejfield-to require r-a ll its energies and resources.- I N ot mp^e than one h a lf the-population o f ^ h e United. States is -adequately, supplied with'the means -of grace. .So far $ a s'th e Southern B ea rd es concerned,.’ they have net been able to m eet'm ore
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Our Field.
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1 \than one h a lf the applications made for assistance. M any m ore would I nave been made had not those needing it know n our inability to grant it. f A nd many portions o f our country do not contain persons w ho feel suf ficient interest in the subject to even ask for aid. T h ese are fields that have been long deprived o f the gospel or never enjoyed it. It is not possible to approximate very near the exact amount o f destitution. But w ere our ministry and churches doubled and judiciously distributed throughout the entire field, there still would be a lack o f means for the religious culture o f our population. T o this add another consideration. O ur population “ Increases in number more than 550 daily— m ore than an average congre gation for each minister. T h is requires an increase o f 365 preachers annually to supply the increase o f population. W e then have an ample field. M ore than we can at present cultivate. Y e t toe must cultivate it or it w ill remain without culture. V ery little was ever done in the Southern field by any domestic missionary organization, ev en p rev iou s to the unhapji y discussions touching o~ur~civil institution^. M uch less can be expected now. Aside from tne hindrance alluded to, there is good reason w h y other organizations should bestow most o f their efforts upon the free States. F rom the best information furnished by various published reports, the desti tution N orth is n early or quite equal to the destitution South. T a k e two examples— Pennsylvania east and O hio west o f the mountains. In the former it is stated, in seven counties, with an aggregate population o f 156,555 souls, there is not a Baptist church or a Baptist minister in their, bounds. T h ere are 28 county seats in a thriving condition without a Baptist church. A Bible society agent estimates 30,000 families destitute o f the Bible. In one county every fourth fam ily was without a B ible. O f Ohio, a re cent collector o f statistics says there is not m ore than one evangelical preacher to 1,800 persons, and that 1,000,000 o f that population are under the pernicious influence of false teachers, or altogether neglect the worship o f God in his sanctuary. In a favored portion o f the State, it is estimated that there is not m ore than one evangelical professor to every two families. A nd three-eighths o f all the churches in the State are without settled pastors. A colporteur in 1845 gives the follow in g description o f one county containing 19,521 sou ls:— 4,000 cannot read; not a church that has preaching every Sabbath; but one educated m inister; one preacher had no Bible, and he preached to two ch u rch es; nearly h alf the families without religious books, and m ore than one-fifth without the Bible. One man w ho had been married 20 years and had seven children, neither he nor his children had ever seen a Bible. In a sm all town o f 119 inhabitants on ly six B ibles w ere found. In a neighborhood o f 30 families on ly 3 B ibles and 2 Testaments were found. In the retUi;ns o f last year from .38 counties, one-fifth o f the families w ere destitute o f the B ib le.' Som e of the free States are vastly better sup plied than those w hich w e h ave noticed; others are m uch w orse; take the w hole number and -we presume these make a very fair average. H ence, w ere .there no other .hindrance, w e could not expect m uch .aid from them . W e jd u^ cultivate our ,o wn 'field; O ur political' ties, social relations, and religious! sympathies, are-so identified as to im pose a peculiar and strong obligation upon all parts o f the field to engage in this w ork. < ■ Thisfis. the cause o f the?eastern portion o f it. T h eir offspring; kindred and fr-fends, are-scattered over the w hole field. Our people are m igratory, and the movement is westward. N o one fam ily is left unaffected b y the spirit of em igratiopr. - W h erever you fix yo.ur-.eye west, there is not a spot but -has^an- ohj|ct / f absorbing' interest tolsome o f you. It cannot be a matter o f indifference whether y o u r offspring, kindred and friends enjoygospel, privileges or perish for'la ck o f k n ow led ge; whether th ey ascend to, thrones on h igh or descend to the abyss ofcw o. * *"** ”
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New Fields— Colored Population, §'c.
It is do less the cause o f the west. T h ey are immediately affected by the benign influences o f religious institutions when established am ong them, or they are the immediate sufferers if such institutions are wanting. T h e y constitute the nucleus around w hich society is rapidly gathering, w hich is now in its formative state. And the mass w ill, for a long time, sustain the character o f which the particles are composed. Infidelity, in its many forms, popery and other religious errors, with their combined forces, w ill control that people unless Christianity with her Sabbaths and schools be early propagated am ong them. T h is, then, is the cause o f every lover o f the Saviour. It cannot be a matter o f indifference to the lover o f his country, as to the elements that form the government under which he lives. T h e gospel alone,, spread am ong the great mass, can elevate a nation and perpetuate its institutions. E v ery citizen is interested in the cause o f domestic missions. T^EW FIELDS. Since the last meeting o f this body, much territory has been added to this .government. W hat portion o f it w ill eventually belong to our field is im possible to fell. M uch interest has been excited in relation to California. Other missionary societies have sent laborers to that field. Several appli cants have requested appointments by the Southern Board, all o f which have been duly considered. But from the time the first application was made to the present, the finances o f the Board would not justify any such undertaking. Neither were the Board fully persuaded that such a mission at this time would be the most judicious expenditure o f funds, for the fol low in g reasons:— T ile expenses of outfit, passage and support for one year for each missionary, would sustain several missionaries in destitute places in the States. It is also doubted whether the people o f that country, under the present state o f excitement— so bent upon getting gold— would g ive heed to one inviting them to seek heavenly treasures. Society there must be for sometime to com e greatly agitated— the fermentation must sub side before much good can be done. T h e Board have taken no action in this matter. A s all these questions are attended with some doubt, they wait any recommendation or instruction o f the Convention. COLORED POPULATION. T h is class o f our community is justly exciting much interest am ong the . churches. Its importance claim s m ore attention than it receives. 1 T h e missionaries o f the Board are instructed to devote a portion o f their time and service, to the spiritual welfare o f this population within their in fluence, as far as practicable. T w o are appointed especially to them. T h is population is estimated at about 3,000,000 ; .o f which . nearly 130,000 belong to Baptist churches, and it is presumed as many m ore are connected with other religious denominations. Provisions are made in most o f our houses o f w orship fo r their convenience ; and generally those living-in the neighborhood o f churches have access to religious privileges. A nd it is peculiarly gratifying to kn ow that these advantages are yearly, increasing. Still there are many, very many, w ho are .'entirely without the means o f grace. N o stronger claim to give the gospel to "the poor can be urged upon us than the claim o f our colored population; and no obligati^hfjmore w eigh ty can rest upon us to furnish the gospel to the poor.thahJthe pbliga-AC non to g ive to ou r servants.
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o r g a n S # ''d o m m u n ic a t io n . -A. - ‘ , Th^'jVEssionary Journal ‘has-been the principal medium o f com m unica tion ^ Ibtiiepoi'tsr.of missionaries, essays and such rnalter as the readers
Agencies and Agents—A im o f the Board, fyc.
65
m ight desire to preserve. T h e denominational State papers,' w h ich have been generously tendered to the Board, have been employed, either b y sending cop y directly to them or b y transfer from the Journal: T h e ar rangement has not altogether answered the demands o f the Board, nor sat isfied the general reader. U p to this date, the circulation is too small to rely upon as the principal organ. And the transfer o f matter to the w eek ly papers has not been sufficient for those w ho do not take the Journal, and too m uch for those w ho do. H ence, the Board have been, advised to make the w eekly papers the direet and immediate method o f communicating with the churches, and em ploy the Journal for original or selected articles bear ing upon Domestic Missions, condensed views o f reports o f missionaries, & c . The Board w ill be under the necessity o f adopting som e such meas ure, unless a much larger circulation can be given to the Journal. AGENCIES AND AGENTS. N o plan has yet been discovered by w hich w e can dispense with agents. Appeals through the press to churches and pastors, do not bring funds to any great extent into the treasury. A few need only an appeal, and they forward their contributions at once. Others need even the solicitations o f an agent. W hether it is the love they cherish for the agent’ s society, or the love o f m oney, that makes an agent’ s visits so necessary, is not for us to determine. But true it is w e get but little m oney where we have no agents. In Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Arkansas alone, we have been able to secure permanent agents. T h ese are active, efficient m e n ; have done much towards securing funds, but have done m ore in elevating the cause and in the performance o f missionary w ork. AIM OF THE BOARD. In view o f the wants o f our field and the condition o f our missions, th e' Board have resolved to make every laudable effort to raiseJ|2M )00 the present y ca r^ by the means o f w hich , they can sustain one hundred""”nis- ^ I ^ e s r r ' A n y amount short o f this, w ill not enable the B oard to carry out its plans and w ell sustain the interests n ow under their fostering care. T h e y most earnestly solicit the co-operation o f the churches and pastors in securing this amount. CONCLUSION, ■; C J
?r
Our account is rendered ; our term of appointrpent has expired. W e have done what we could with the facilities in our possession. Our appeal is before you on behalf of those who may succeed us. Let them not enter upon their labors entertaining serious doubts as to the responses that will •be given by the Mends o f humanity and o f the Redeemer to this appeal. Y our Board are deeply impressed with the sentiment that our people must be imbued with the spirit of piety to give efficiency to their labors o f love. Nominal triumphs may be obtained; the christian name may be made known to every creature, and yet but few victories over sin will be won, un less the spirit of Christ pervade the hearts o f his professed friends. - May the Great Missionary of the Cross guide you ever more. Amen.
PREAMBLE AND CONSTITUTION OF THE
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION. W e , the delegates from M issionary Societies, Churches, and other reli gious bodies o f the Baptist Denomination, in various parts o f the United States, met in Convention, in the city o f Augusta, Georgia, for the purpose o f carryin g into effect the benevolent intentions o f our constituents, by or ganizing a plan for eliciting, com bining and directing the energies o f the w hole denomination in one sacred effort, for the propagation o f the gospel, agree to the follow in g rules, or fundamental principles ; A r ticle I. T h is body shall be styled the Southern Baptist Convention. A r t . II. It shall be the design o f this Convention to promote F oreign and Domestic Missions, and other important objects connected with the R e deemer’s kingdom , and to combine for this purpose, such portions o f the Baptist denomination in the United States, as m ay desire a general organi zation for Christian benevolence, w h ich shall fu lly respect the independence and equal rights o f the churches. A r t . III. A Biennial Convention shall consist o f members w ho con tribute funds, or are delegated by religious bodies contributing funds, and the system o f representation and terms o f membership shall be as follow s, v iz : A n annual contribution o f one hundred dollars for two years next preceding the meeting, or the contribution o f two hundred dollars at any time within said two years, shall entitle the contributor to one representa tive; an annual contribution o f two hundred dollars, as aforesaid, shall en title the contributor to two representatives ; and so, for each additional one hundred dollars, an additional representative shall be allowed. Provided, h ow ever, that w hen application shall be made for the first time by bodies, or individuals, to be admitted into the Convention, one delegate shall be al low ed for each one hundred dollars. And provided, also, that in case o f great collateral Societies, composed o f representatives, receiving contribu tions from different parts of the country, the ratio o f representation shall be one delegate for every thousand dollars, annually contributed for two years, as aforesaid; but the number o f representatives shall never exceed five. A r t . IV . T h e officers o f this Convention shall be a President, four V ice Presidents, a Treasurer, and tw o Secretaries, w h o shall be elected at each biennial meeting and hold their offices until a new election ; and the officers o f the Convention shall be, each by virtu e o f his office, members o f the sev e ra l Boards. A r t . V . T h e Convention shall elect at each biennial meeting as m any Boards o f M anagers, as in its judgm ent w ill be.necessary for carrying out the benevolent objects it may determine to promote, all w hich Boards shall continue in office until a new. election. E a ch B oard shall consist o f a President, V ice Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurer^ Auditor, mid fifteen other members, seven o f w hom , including one or m ore o f the officers,%hall form a quorum for the transaction o f business. T o each Board shtfllhe commitr; ted, during the recess o f the Convention, the entire management o f. alH he| affairs relating to the object w i'th^vhose interest itr shall S e - charged, a j p which'm anagem ent shall be intsfect^accordance with the constitutional pro visions" a d ^ fe d ^ b y j h i s CcmTOn'tSon, and such'other instructions .as m ay be ' -tin M S s^ & ch -B oa rd sh all have -power to m a te sufch
Constitution.
67
compensation to its Secretaries and Treasurer, as it m ay think righ t; fill the vacancies occurring in its ow n b o d y ; enact its ow n b y -la w s; have an annual meeting at any place it m ay appoint, and other meetings at such times and places as it m ay think best; keep a record o f its proceedings and present a report o f them to the Convention at each biennial meeting. A r t . V I. The Treasurer o f each Board shall faithfully account for all m oneys received b y him, keep a regular entry o f all receipts and disburse ments, and m ake report of them to the Convention, w henever it shall be in session, and to his Board as often as required. H e shall also, on entering upon the duties o f his office, give competent security to the President of his Board, for all the stock and funds committed to his care. H is books shall be open at all times, to the inspection of any member o f the Convention and o f his Board. N o moneys shall be paid out o f any o f the treasuries o f the Boards, but by an order from that B oard, from w hose treasury the m oney is to be drawn, w hich order shall be signed by its presiding officer. A r t . V I I . T h e Corresponding Secretaries o f the several Boards shall maintain intercourse b y letter, with such individuals or public bodies, as the interests o f their respective bodies m ay require. Copies o f all such communications, with their answers, if any, shall be kept by them on file. A r t . V I I I . T h e R ecord in g Secretaries o f the several Boards, shall keep a fair record o f their proceedings, and o f such other documents as m ay be committed to them for the purpose. A r t . I X . A ll the Officers, Boards, Missionaries and Agents, appointed b y the Convention, or b y an y o f its Boards, shall be members o f some reg ular church, in union with the churches com posing this Convention. A r t . X . Missionaries appointed by any of the Boards of this Conven tion, must, previous to their appointment, furnish evidence o f genuine piety, fervent zeal in their Master’s cause, and talents w h ich fit them for the ser vice for w hich they offer themselves. A r t . X I . T h e bodies and individuals, com posing this Convention, shall have the right to specify the object, or objects, to w h ich their contributions shall be applied. But when no such specification is made, the Convention w ill m ake the appropriation at its ow n discretion. A r t . X I I . T h e Convention shall hold its meetings biennially, but extra meetings m ay be called b y the President, with the approbation o f any one o f the Boards o f Managers. A majority o f the attending delegates, shall form a quorum for the transaction o f business. A r t . X I I I . A n y alterations w hich experience shall dictate, m ay be made in these articles, b y a vote o f two-thirds o f the members present, at any biennial meeting o f the Convention.
68
Treasurers' Reports. TREASURER’ S STATEMENT
O f funds received and disbursed by the board op foreign Baptist Convention, fo r the year ending A pril, 1849. Cash on hand, 30 April last per report,
Interest account, Missionary Journal,
823 Virginia, 6,083 North Carolina, 880 South Carolina, 2,736 Georgia, 1,632 Alabama, 1,595 Mississippi, 1,073 30 Louisiana, 607 Kentucky, .Texas, 28 Missouri, 99 Dis. o f Columbia , 55 1,226 56
missions
o f the Southern
14,863 15 23 60 78 56 33 33 84 00 55 00 42 00 29 00 16,927 91 31,791 06
D ISBU RSEM EN TS.
T o the African-Mission, Canton Mission, Shanghai Mission, Chapel fund remitted, Outfit, Salary account, Sec. and agents, Passage, Interest, discount on uncurrent money, & c., Incidental charges, including traveling expenses, & c.,
2,889 95 5,462 71 8,154 77 5,292 55 605 10 1,880 00 1,000 00 25 25 799 67
26,110 00 5,681 06
Balance on hand,
IR E A SU R E R ’S REPORT. W illiam H ornbuckle, Treasurer, in account with the B oard of D omestic M issions of the S outhern B aptist C onvention. '— T o balance in treasury the first April, A . D . 1846, T o receipts from individuals, churches, associa tions and societies, from the 1st April, 1846, to 1st April, 1847, to w it:— From Alabama, . “ ■ Georgia, “ South Carolina, “ Mississippi, “ Virginia, “ Tennessee, “ , District o f Columbia, “ Louisiana, “ Florida, - ■:£■ Norih Carolina, . ' S ? ; #
-
r
$ 527 35
1,971 84 2,184 33 3,498 16 1,260 44 553 33 80 00 20 00 **• 13 50 ' ' 10 00 -. •' .’"-.'s -3:. oo „ 9,594 60 -$?f0;421 95 ■ •— J.M i, . . .1 1
69
Treasurer's Reports. 1847— By cash paid missionaries, agents and Corresponding Secre tary, as per vouchers, By traveling expenses o f agents and Secretary, By purchase of horse and buggy, and horse keeping, By printing, stationery and postage, By office rent, furniture and incidental expenses, By balance in treasury the first o f April, A . D . 1847,
$6,872 376 253 231 158 2,228
92 18 87 46 78 74
10,121 95 1848— T o balance in treasury the 1st April, 1847, T o receipts from individuals, churches, associa tions and societies, from the 1st April, 1847, to 1st April, 1848, to w it:— From Alabama, “ Georgia, “ Mississippi, “ South Carolina, “ Virginia, “ North Carolina, “ Texas, “ Maryland, “ Arkansas, “ Kentucky, “ Tennessee, Unknown,
$2,228 74
1,677 1,308 2,582 3,147 1,692 399 217 100 72 13 7 21
94 11 62 33 15 57 50 00 37 25 50 16
11,239 50 $ 13,468 24
1848— By amount paid missionaries, agents and Corresponding Se cretary, as per vouchers, to April 1st, 1848, By traveling expenses of agents and Secretary, By office rent and contingent expenses, By postage, By printing and stationery, By discount on uncurrent money, By amount paid for Bibles and expenses on same, By balance in treasury 1st April, 1848,
10,074 48 578 73 118 38 50 70 25 15 19 25 735 47 1,866 08 $ 13,468 24
O f the above amounts received, was for bible distribution; Hence, the credit o f
$ 973 87 735 47
Transferred to Bible account, $ 2 3 8 40 1849— T o balance in treasury 1st April, 1848, A p ’l 1— T o receipts from individuals, churches, associ ations and societies, from 1st April, 1848, to April 1st,- A . D. 1849, to w it:— From Mississippi, 2,841 “ Virginia, 2,479 “ South Carolina, 3,140 1,504 “ Alabama, 1,447 “ Georgia, . . -Arkansas, 387 “ Texas, . 200 100 “ Maryland, • 45 . Louisiana, 12 • “ Tennessee, • j. ■ ..> 9 " “ Missouri, . 8 . •; Kentucky, .
1,866 08
50 34 97 75 65 30 00 00 00 16 95 00
12,176 62
TO
Treasurer's Report.
1849— By amount paid missionaries, agents and Corresponding Se cretary, as per vouchers, to April 1st, 1849, By traveling expenses of agents and Corresponding Se cretary, By postage, By office rent, By incidental expenses, By printing and stationery, By exchange. By amount transferred to Bible account, By amount transferred to Indian Mission Board, By furnishing mission rooms, By amount in treasury to balance 1st April, A . D ., 1849,
$13,072 18 263 81 50 27 30 64 238 12 50 150
53 92 00 18 95 74 40 50 50 8©
$14,042 70 SU M M ARY S T A T E M E N T . T o balance in treasury the 1st April, 1846, “ amounts received from various individuals, associations, churches and societies to 1st April, A . D . 1847, “ 1st April, A . D. 1848, « “ “ “ 1849,
$ 527 35 9,594 60 11,239 50 12,176 62 $33,538 07
By amount paid missionaries, agents and Corresponding Secretary, from April, 1846, to April, 1849, “ traveling expences of agents and secretary, “ hoise and buggy and horse keeping, “ printing, stationery and postage, “ office rent and incidental expences, “ exchange, “ amount paid for Bibles and transfer to Bible account, “ amount transferred to Indian Mission Board, “ furnishing mission rooms, “ amount remaining in treasury 1st April, 1849,
$28,951 1,218 253 420 354 83 973 12 50 150
II 44 87 18 30 99 87 50 50 80
$32,469 60 W . H O RN BU CK LE, Treasurer B . D . M . S. B . C. I certify that the above report is correct, and sustained by proper vouchers. A pril 1, 1849. W M . N. W Y A T T , Auditor.
TR E A SU R E R S REPORT ON DOMESTIC B I R p FUND. Receipts and disbursem*nts o f Bible funds, by the Treasurer o f the D omestic M is sion B oard o f the Southern Baptist Convention..■ '< 1848 April 1— T o amount in treasury as reported the 1st April, 1848, $ 2 3 8 40 May 29— Received of Zeb. Rudolph, Sr., Alabama, 5 00 31— “ C. H. Cleveland, “ 10 00 .“ , , Rev. A . A . Connella, “ ' . 15 00 “ David Gordon, “ ~ v 5 00 Dec. 15— “ Rev. Lewis.Du Pie, agent, South Carolina, by James B. T aylor,. ' ‘ " 23 00 1849 . ;V 'T *kV . .. .. C Feb. 12— Received ofsBiookliri cteroh, Alabama, by Rev. H . Lee,' ' 1 00 Mar. 6— “ 'TTreasurer;-^.the, Newberry Bible Society,^ South Carolina, , fefsSsiO’' 00
71
Treasurer’’ s Reports.
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