30 Second Triennial M eeting o f the

PROCEEDINGSOF THE

ADJOURNED MEETING IN CHARLESTON.

Charleston, S. C., May 23, 1849.

T he Second Triennial Meeting, in pursuance o f adjournment from Nashville, convened with the First Baptist Church in Charleston.

At 12 o’clock, m., the Convention was called to order by the President, Rev. W . B. Johnson, D. D.

J. C. Crane, Secretary.After • the reading o f the second chapter o f Philippians, and singing a

hymn, prayer was offered by brother J. R. Kendrick.T he Constitution and Rules 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 mem­bership, and that said committee report who are entitled to seats.

Committee— 5. B . Taylor, J. H . DeVotie, C. J. Elford, J. M cDaniel andI. T . Tichenor.

On motion, the President, Dr. Johnson, was requested to preach the Foreign Mission Sermon, this evening, at 8 o’ clock.

A short time was spent in devotional exercises, during which 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.Prayer by the Rev. Joseph S. Baker.The journal of the meeting held in Nashville on the 2d and 3d M ay, was

read, and ordered to be printed.T h e Committee on Delegations reported the follow ing 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. Wood,* - H. K .: Elly son, Win. Sands,* Rev. Addison Hall,* Rev. W m . A^Baynham,*

Rev. Thos. Hume,* John 1). McGill,* Rev. Daniel Witt,* 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. Wm. P. Parish, Rev. J. Newton Brown,* Rev. J; L; Prichard, Rev. J. S. Bacon, Rev. Andrew Broad-

. dusj* Rev., Wm.. B . T odd,*.R ev. -L: W . Allen,* Rev. Robt. Ryland,* Rev. v Reuben Ford,* Rev. H. W . Dodge,*. Rev. Cornelius .Tyree,* Rev. B. Grims-

ley ,* 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,*

31Southern Baptist Convention.

Rev. T . Herndon,* Rev. Win. H. Kirk,* Rev. 0 . T . Briggs,* Rev. James C. Clopton, Richard Gwathmey,* Rev. Thomas W . Sydnor,* Rev. Samuel Har­ris,* F . H. Robertson, John Turpin, G. R. Myers, G. S. Burton, J. T . Ander­son, 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.

SontJ 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.-ffiev . 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. Wyer,* Rev. J. S. Law.* - ......

gpfejteroa.Alabama Baptist State Convention.^Rev. B. Manly, Jr.,- Rev. M. P. Jewett*

Rev. J, H. DeVotie, Rev. J. W . ChMblissr*''RSvrj:”Hartwell,* Rev. H. Tal- bird,* 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 Convention f i l l e r . L T . Tichendf^Rev. J. N . Mullin, and the fol­lowing; all o f whom wereSbsuttl: KEY S'MSfLatimore,T. H. Waul,. B. W hit­field, 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 ev /J . G. Hall, H . N.-Edmunds/R.'H Bone, Rev. J. S. Parker, N. B. Cranberry, S.. Thigpen, James-L. Mayberry;

■ '\ f.'.;' .-y-y.. • i* Not present. ", ; 'Jr~,

32 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 ing Officers were elected by ballot: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 Stocks, 4 . ------------------------------ ,

M. T. Mendenhall, Treasurer.J. C. Crane, * 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 ing were reported:J. S. Murray, L-. Du Pre, J. M. Ashbum, James Fant.Adjourned to meet to-morrow morning at 9 o’clock.Prayer by the President.

T hursday Morning, 9 o’clock.T he Convention met. Prayer by the R ev. 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 ev . W . C.

Buck, o f K y., as V ice President, and B. Manly, jr., o f Ala., Secretary.T h e brethren appointed at the last meeting to deliver the sermon on

Domestic Missions, not having appeared, a committee consisting of brethren W. Crane, G. F. Adams and R. Holman, were 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.

The report'of. the Foreign Mission Board was read by the Correspond­ing Secretary o f that Board.

On motion, the report and also an abstract o f the Treasurer’s account, read by the acting Treasurer, was received and committed to the Board for publication.

On motion, the follow ing committees were appointed upon the report:—On China, Mission— J. L. D agg, R . W . Cushman, J. S. Bacon, H . D.

Duncan, J. N . Mullin'.On African Mission— J. B. Jeter, J. J. Finch, I. L. Brooks, W . Crane,

P . H. Mell. . ‘ ■ .On New Fields. o f Labor— E. Ball, J. S. Baker, R . Furman, Jas.

M cDaniel, S. S. Sherman. 1Oh 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, Taylor, 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 om inate New Hoards—rThom as' Stocks, H. K . Ellyson, James

M cDaniel, J. P . ’Reid, S. S. Sherman, I . T Tichenor.

Committee on Finance— A lex. Fleet, C. D . , E llis, A . J. Lawton, C. M. Irvin, T . P. Lide.

The report o f the Board of Domestic Missions 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 appointed1st. On Agencies.2d. New Fields of Labor.3d. Religious Instruction of the Colored People.4th. Bible Distribution and Colportage.5th. Organ of Publication.The President stated that these committees would be announced to­

morrow upon the assembling o f the Convention.On motion,Resolved, That the following times of meeting and adjournment of the. Conven­

tion be observed during the remainder of the. session:—To 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. Kendrick, from the Committee on Religious Services, reported, that the Southern Baptist Publication Society would hold a public meeting this evening at 8 o ’clock ; the Foreign Mission Board a like meeting to-morrow evening; and the Domestic Mission Board on Saturday evening. The first to be held at the 1st Baptist Church, and the two latter at the Wentworth Street Church. i

The 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 benedic­tion by the President.

Southern Baptist Convention. 33

T h u r s d a y A f t e r n o o n , 4 o ’ clock . 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 recommend a place for the next meeting o f the Convention. Committee, J. C. Ciopton, J. Peterson, W . P. Hill, R . Holman, J. T . Robert

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 of the Foreign Mission Board. •

Adjourned to meet at the Wentworth St. Baptist Church, at 10 o ’clock to-morrow.

Prayer by brother J. C. Ciopton.

: F riday M orning ,-10 o’clock. .• Convention met.— Prayer by brother'J. H. Outhbert. . : -

T he. committees ordered yesterday on . Domestic M isj^ns, were, an­nounced by the. Chair,.as fo llow s: • ' : . ■ :

Agencies.— .V. R Thornton, J. S. Reynoldson, W - P- H ill,- W . H. Robert,'J-. G . O. W ilk inson .r. , _ . <- * i-fv -

; New Fields:— J. -P. Refd, I . -S. T in s le y ,iW a tk io s ,P e te rs ® ,% J S > -F :

- ; 'SV ■

§>£, . S ecaadc

^TJrislrucdo^of :Colored.:JP^oph'.y-BiJ^ Sanders^ W , P. Farish, X O. B. Dargan, J. T ..R obert, J. X, Anderson, ■,''-TTTviT.;.' ‘ v

■ Bible ^Distribution'and'iOplportagei— T. R r Scott,. F . H. Robertson,. T. W . Rambaut, R . W . Fuller, J. M. T i m m o n s . 1

Organ o f Publication—-J. S. Walthall, J. A - Lawton,. R .. Holman, H . T . Hopkins, Israel E . James. • .

R ev . J. L . D agg, and brotheT J. C. Crane, presented themselves as Cor­responding Messengers from the American Sunday School-U nion, and" were cordially received as such. ■ ' : • • ‘ .

The following,reports, were received,'and ordered io be printed: •T h e committee on thtf China Mission-offered the: following report: • '

• ^ R E P O R T .O N CHINA MISSION.On the importance o f a mission -to China, there can be no diversity o f opinion.

No one deserves "to be considered a disciple o f Christ, who-can contemplate that vast-empire, in which one third of 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 s have felt-the weight o f these considerations, and have been ind deed to employ a.large part of 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..' Your 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 pornts from'which the light o f Divine truth may shine'forth brilhantly»ihttnat region of darkness. -Wq. are aware of difficulties which embar­rass, the operations of 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 of missionaries. The dispensation of Divine Providence which removed Dr.r James- andhis wife from their field of labor, before they had properly entered.it j. is truly mystorious. W e acknowledge the hand of 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, demonstrates1 in'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 of those whose health has been impaired. • As a devoted servant of 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 of• China-.-.'.V.God: has-,' in this event,

opehed-befote our ministersjthe two leaved gates,.as he did anciently, before Cyrus,~ in Ins- conquest of 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-findtits 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. asjo 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 of the Pacific, :in which these emigrants may be.-ttaught the gospel of Christ, and be qualhie.d;to fetufh'as"mission&ies to,their brethren, as now the con­verted sons of Ham leave our Atlantic shores, to convey the.gospel o f salvation to their brethren in Africa! r - . A - J . L. Chairman.

REPORT 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 of no/ordinary importance'.: Were outigasfors, all of-- them, as.deeply impressed with a sense-of:.their obligation to,-tfie heathen,-as the interests of 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' assist­ance, is necessary,: to urge forward the great missionary enterprise. And as all former experience has taught us, that agencies.have/been.more successful than any- other 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 of the Board upon the subject,, and feeling,an entire confidence in the judg­ment and integrity of. that, body, your committee .would recommend a reference of tiic whole matter to the exercise of their best discretion. ' ' ' . ' ; '

W . H. STOKES, Chairman.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON. N E W FIELDS OF MISSIONARY , LABOR FOR TH E FOREIGN BOARD.

• The committee to, consider and report on New Fields of Missionary Labor for the Fbr.eign Board, make, the following report.:—•

As there is no suggestion in" the report of: the'Board concerning any new i and inviting openings,'.in the providence of God,1 fo.r their occupancy; - arid as that body ■ is posted, at a point of observation far more, favorable for'discovery than your com­mittee, canrpretend how to. occupy, they feel a diffidence in- suggesting what, finder

' other circumstances, they .might be willing to do. ' ’ . • ' ■ -'Pour committee, have full confidence in the fidelity and.-'wisdom of 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 ; '

- v_;-.fffGallus.ti>-deKYer•• ^ •'r •: ■ Theijt’land froiii error’s chain.”

,,.bA frica-,. Jong neglec)^ /an fi^w a-^dten^m e^s/the ning to share in the'Senevolence of* •• the'gospelf’ Your”

sympathies, and is'begin- committee canndt boiseon-

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. . \

Who can tell but that it may be the duty of this Convention, ere long, to place a missionaiy.at.New Grenada,-in South America, which -is becoming the thorough­fare for 'thousands, -on- their • way to -the gold region of 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 con­spicuous; part in sending the gospel to- “ every creature;’* a sense of propriety com­pels, 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 ' ELI BALL, Chairman.T he committee on Organs o f Communication made the follow ing

report:—REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ORGANS OF COMMUNICATION.

36 Second -TnennialM eeting o f the

; The committee,to whom Was referred that portion of 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 of 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 of the Board are conducted. The Journal is employed,' for the most.part, in acquainting the -churches with the daily business of 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 of 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 of 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 of the .greatest obstacles to the. success o f the en­terprise in which-we are engaged". No person will long feel much interest in a cause of which', he hears only at remote intervals, and then in. a most superficial manner. If the churches.were .bwught, .by.means of our missionary publications, into an acquaintance with loui^ffi^onaiSw,! they would learn to sympathise1 with, their trials,, and would feel a deeper interest in their work. . Those persons who .have most knowledge of the progress o f 'missions, contribute most to their support. ■

. The largest donations come from those sections of the country in which our peii- odicals have the Widest circulation. . There must bo several hundred thousand" Bap­tists amongst us who learn nothing of our missionary operations from . the. organs of the Society. It is probable that they hear very little from any other source; , heuce’ the meagroncss of their contributions. If instead of 1,50.0 copies of the Journal, 15,000 \vere circulated and read, your committee do -.not say ,that there wonld.be a corresponding increase in‘the receipts of the Society, but they believe that fhe present'amount contributed would be .greatly augmented. Wo believe that every pastor who uses his influence to extend the patronage of our publications, is rendering very efficient.aid to the cause of missions. So important do your com­mittee 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 . BR AN TLY, Chairman.

eotn’mittee to" nomin'ate-- ire>w /Boards reported the.-fol-lowing nomi- ’ nlfi'ons, which were conf i rmed:— .

37

BOARD OF- FOREIGN MISSIONS.P R E S ID E N T .. y.,.

’ J. B. .JETER, Virginia.' . V IC E P R E S ID E N T S .

Ric’r Frii,ER, B. I).J M d.f Basil Manet, D. D .>Ala.,/ W m. -Flood, Mo:, "A Ibx. Fleet, Va.,” •' S. S-Ba’timore, Misa.,- 7 Jas. M- Pendleton-, Ky-FJ. J. James, N. C .,: ' 'W.'C,- Duncan, La., / P. S. Gayle, Tenn.,S. Furman*. S. C-, R. C. Burleson,.Texas, \ -J. S. Bacon, D..D., D. C.,P. H.'Mell, Ga;, ' W. lf. Bayless,. Ark., \ James McDonald, Fla.

JaMbs B. Taylor, Ctifi-esponding Secretary.' A ^ T iiomas, Treasurer. .M. T. Sumner, RecordingSecretary. C, T T W ortham, Auditor. •

: . . • M A N A G ER S. •

Ri Ryland, W . H. G wathmey, -E. K ingsford,A. Snead, -., . W. A.. Bayxham, ' Jos. S. -Walthall, -A. G. W ortham, John TXlman, Sp..,’ . Franklin W ilson;,James Thomas, Jr., •* J. L. Reynolds, ' ! ’ P. B- R obertson,T homas-Ho ie , 1 II. K. Ei.i.yson, M. L. Bickford.

BOARD • OF -DOMESTIC-MISSIONS.*... . . . . - P R E S ID E N T . .-

JAMES H. DeVO’TIE, Alabama.V IC E P R E S ID E N T S .

WI.CranE) Md., . ■ R ichard. Mays) Fla.lf J. HIAtVelLj-D D., Ark^James Fife, Va., . H. Taleird, 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, Gag -,A.;G. H-orton,-Texas, ■ And. R othwf.i.l, D.'C.

■ R .rH olman, Corresponding Secretary.*. . W. HornedcKle, Treasurer.. T. F. Curtis, Recording Sceretury. W. N. Wyatt, Auditor. .

M A N A G ER S,E. D. K ino,S. S. Sherman, L. B, Lane,E. A, -Blunt',J. F. Cocke-, ■

L. V. Tarrant, A. W Chambliss,A. W. CoNNELLA, I,. G Tutt,. .-C. Billinoslea, T homas- Chilton,M. P. Jewett, W iley Wr. Mason.

, W m. P. Chil'ton, ’ A. Gi McCraw.REPORT. ON AFRICAN MISSION: . ;

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 of 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. JETER, Chairman.

In connection w-ith the report- o f this committee, the following- resolutions were 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 mis­sions of 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." Prayer hy brother Poindexter.

38

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 of operation.. V. R. THORNTON, Chairman.

T he Committee to recommend the place o f next meeting, and' to nomi­nate brethren to perform the stated services, reported. Report received and adopted:

Place— Nashville, 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, of Alabama, Alternate. .J. C. CLOPTON, Chairman.

Committee on Finance reported. Report received and Ordered to be printed.

REPORT ON FINANCE.

The committee on Finance respectfully report to the Convention, that they have examined the accounts of the Treasurers, o f the Foreign and Domestic Boards, and find that each account has been properly and correctly settled by a committee ap­pointed 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 of S. C. R. R. Company, and £>. W . R. R. Bank, the interest of 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 Mis­sions that the receipts into the treasury the past year have fallen short of the pre­vious one the sum of $ 2,576 18, whilst the expenditures for the same time (ex­clusive of the chapel fund) have exceeded the receipts the sum of $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 of labor for us to disseminate, the word of eternal life to the perishing millions, all must admit the necessity of some efficient plan calculated to bring funds'into our treasury.

W e therefore most respectfully recommend the adoption of the following reso­lutions: ' . .

Resolved, That it be affectionately urged upon the churches, to adept such meas­ures as will be best calculated to. procure the active co-operation of each of 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 ob­jects of this Convention,: and to receive from them weekly, monthly, or annually, as .may is.dbbmed most expedient j such sums'as they are1 willing 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 seve­ral States connected'with out body. •

A L E X . FLEET; 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:Central- T.heolog.ical Institution-. _ _ "" " ~ ‘ (

.-Prayer by brother R. Holman. "

Second Triennial M eeting o f the

Southern Baptist Convention. 39

Saturday Morning, 9 o’clock.Convention met. Prayer by brother J. Q,. Beattie.T he follow ing reports of committees, were received and ordered to be

printed:REPORT ON TH E INSTRUCTION OF T H E COLORED POPULATION.

Your committee supposed that the subject intended to he referred to their consid­eration, is the religious instruction of this class of 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 of 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 of your Domestic Board, that they have already en­tered 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 of God. As it is his prerogative, and his only, to give the increase, \ve should look for it from him, through the means of 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. To preach the gospel to the poor, was a work peculiarly characteristic of the Saviour. To 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 of Christ and his Apostles. The Apostle Paul, asks, “ flow 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 of 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 Leg­islatures of several o f our Southern States have thought it prudent to lay restric­tions 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 of oral Sabbath school instruction adapted to the capacity o f their minds. Foi this pur­pose 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. SANDERS, Chairman.'In connection with, this subject, the following 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 preach­ing, o f the word o f God as the best means o f discharging this duty! and we .earnest­ly recommend opr churches,,to devote,a‘ stated portion o f their- public exercises to the. particular instruction of. colored persons in the truths of the Bible, v ' i j •.

The following resolution was adopted:Resolved .■unanimously-, That thevthanks-‘.of this Convention, are due, and are

hereby tendered to the. citizens of Charleston, for the kind -hospitalities:so generous­ly .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 of 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 Bible Distribution and Colportage .repqfted:-as fdlo.W f: ordered to ’be printed - ‘ u ‘

REPORT ON BIBLE. DISTRIBUTION AND 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 of 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 of $ 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 . $562 ' 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 of 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 desti­tute 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 of 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 Scrip­tures,. 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 pur­sued 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 ear­liest convenience after their return from Charleston, to establish such organiza­tions, and see that such agencies be employed under them as shall secure the most efficient accomplishment of 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 of effor*. W e presume that the mere indication of a separate Bible fund, in the month1- acknowledgment o f moneys by the Treasurers of the Boajds,: is not enoughs 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; • ■ . ’ kThe subject o f Colportage was also assigned to your- committee.. N.o reference

is made'to this-in the report of the Board,-except as the -term is applicable to the (circulation of the Scriptures. W e are happy to learn, however; that our mission- aries-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 Kjog-mf Zion, It cannpt. be expected,-ho w-

eyerj that the'Board, with their present limited means, should- make anyoutlav forv BJwp -W&, can only recemmendthat^as close an understanding and co­

operation as possible be'maintained wittrthe Board of the Sbuthern'JBapttsf Pub- - hcation Society. - O ' ” " ' 7.

, J. R. SCOTT, Chairman.

40 (Second Triennial Meeting, of-the

Southern Baptist Convention, 41

'S i Resolved, That we entertain a high sense of 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 Organ o f Publication o f Domestic Mission Board re­

ported and their report adopted and ordered to be printed.The committee on the Organ of 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 of 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 he committee on N ew Fields o f Labor for Domestic Missions, reported.T he hour for adjournment having arrived, Convention adjourned by-

prayer from brother Walthall.

Saturday A fternoon, 4 o’clock.T he Convention met. Prayer by brother Jeter.The 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 following resolution adopted, 42 voting in the affirmative and 17 in the neg­ative, more 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.

The 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. The papers were referred to a com ­mittee o f three, to which the President o f the Convention was added. Brethren Johnson, Stocks, M cDaniel and Taylor, committee.

On motion the follow ing 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 following 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 following resolution 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 pre­sent, meeting.

Adjourned to 9 o’clock Monday. ■ ;

, offered by brother Crarf^w as laid on the"

Monday M orning— 9 o’clock .' ••T he Convention met in the 1st Baptist Church. Prayer by Rev. V .

B . Thornton. y •On motion, . - ' i •Resolved, That the next meeting of this Convention be held with- the FirstiBap--

tist; Church at N asitvii-le, Tenn., on the second Friday o f May, 1851. „

42

T h e report o f the committee on N ew Fields o f Labor, o f Domestic Mis­sions, was taken from the table, and accepted and ordered to be printed with the Minutes.

REPORT ON N E W FIELDS OF DOMESTIC MISSION LABOR.The committee to whom was referred the subject o f New Fields of 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 con­templated by this body at its last Triennial Session, meets the highest approbation of your committee, and the happy results attained through their instrumentality, commends the organization to the zealous patronage and ardent prayers of all Christ­ians. 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 re­mark, preferring to submit the whole matter to the Board, who are eminently qual­ified 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 of 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 of 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 of 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 of the written or preached gospel. It is true that from the intense excitement and inordi­nate thirst for gain that prevails among that population, very many of them may close their ears to the truth, and in despite of 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 of all such is that the humble missionary of 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 ob­tain that which is eternal. Shall we refuse to listen to the supplications o f such—■ shall we fail to do the work of 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 of 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 la- I bor, but ionave the wav for the mdf5~geft.ain conversion to the Truth of 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 of 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 evan­gelizing the world to Christ. Establish the truth in California—-kindle a pure gos- pel light on the Western shore of the American Continent, and it .will grow bright­er and brighter until it will have eradicated the. spiritual darkness from the isles, o f

- the ocean, the empires of the East, and the benighted portions of our owni general- 1 jly 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 of 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

Second Triennial M eeting o f the

43Southern Baptist Convention

stimulate us, as citizens, promptly to occupy the territory of California with our missionaries. That the field is destined to be occupied soon, admits of no doubt, and if we fail to engage in the work, others, who in many instances sow broad cast the seeds of error, will unquestionably do so.

In conclusion, it is earnestly recommended to the Board to inquire into the prac­ticability of 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, of all classes, promptly to contribute the necessary means, or by such other agency as they may in their wisdom devise. Your com­mittee close by soliciting the prayers of Christians for our success, and invoking the blessings of Almighty God to rest upon every good word and work in which we may engage. J. P . REID, - 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. By request o f the Convention, the President, Dr. Johnson, accordingly led in prayer.

The report o f the committee on the Appeal o f Rev. W . C. Crane, a mis­sionary 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 of 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 of opinion that the Domestic Mission Board have acted in the case rightly and judi­ciously, and recommend that their decision be sustained. All which is respectfully submitted. W M . B. JOHNSON, Chairman.

On motion,Resolved, That the report of the committee be printed, and that a copy he trans­

mitted by the Secretary to the brother appealing.Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention are due and are hereby tendered to

Mr. D. K . Whitaker for his faithful and able reports of the deliberations and pro­ceedings of 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 of this Con­vention, a copy of the Minutes when published.

T h e President affectionally addressed the Convention. Prayer was offered, and then, on motion, the Convention adjourned toithout day.

J. C. Crane, B. Manly, Jr.

W . B . JOH NSON , President.| Secretaries. v

FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT.

B O A R D O F F O R E I G N M I S S I O N S .

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 hey have endeavored in the fear o f God, to dis­charge their duty. Imperfect as their service may appear, they are con­scious that it has not been without the expenditure o f much time, thought, and prayerful solicitude. Various circumstances combine to render theirs a delicate* and a difficult task. Their own want o f experience in the man­agement o f such an enterprise— the recent establishment o f their missions— the gTeat distance o f the principal stations— and the comparative inexpe­rience o f most o f their missionaries— in view o f all these, they have prose­cuted their labors 11 in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling T h ey now give an account o f their stewardship, with the hope that their brethren o f the Convention, and the God o f ail grace, w ill accept and approve the work o f their hands.

MOURNFUL BEREAVEMENTS.Since the last meeting o f the Convention, painful visitations o f the

Divine hand have been experienced. Although 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 will not be improper here to pay a tribute o f respect to his memory, and to remind ourselves o f the slender tenure by which we hold our earthly existence. At the last meeting o f the Conven­tion, brother Hinton was present, mingling with his accustomed activity in all the services of the occasion. To-day, he is not with us. W e shall see his face no more on earth. But his memory still lives. His deep interest in the cause o f Christ, his disinterestedness, zeal and perseverance, w ill long 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 by his amiable disposition and courteous manner, had secured the regard o f the natives residing immedi­ately 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. Dr. J. Sexton James and his lady, on their way to the city o f Shanghai, had arrived at H ong-kong. Previous to their passage up the coast to their destined'field, they determined to visit their brethren at Canton. , Return­ing from this place, when within sight o f H ong-kong, the vessel by a flaw o f wind was sunk, and -brother and sister James, who had just retired to the cabin, were unexpectedly ushered into the presence of God. T he 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 would 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. would humbly, submit. . ' . .

T he African mission- has also suffered painful bereavements. Beside the death o f brother A. S. Jones, at Cape Palmas,'" which .occurred in 1846,

about the time he was expected to enter our service, the Board are com­pelled to record the sudden removal o f F. S. James, o f N ew Virginia. He was a good man. In the language of one of his co-adjutors in the work, he was pious, amiable, laborious, self-denying, beloved by his people and all who knew him. H e sought not his own but his heavenly Father’s glory. 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 ey have seen and felt the necessity o f hoping only in God, and o f relying Upon him for success in all their movements. . Though often distressed, they have not yielded to despair. Their desire has been that the discipline might be sanctified to their increased devotion and usefulness.

FUNDS.

At the last annual meeting of the Board, a balance was in the treasury o f $14,863 15. . The amount received from all sources during the year, is $ 1-6,927 9 1 ; making a total of $31,791 06. T he expenditure was $26,- 110, leaving a balance of $5,681 06 now remaining in the hands o f the Treasurer. B y an examination of the Treasurer’s account, M ay 1st, 1848, it will be seen that the receipts have this year fallen short o f those of last year by $2,576 18, while the expenditure of the present over the last year, including the chapel fund, is $9,275 09. Without 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 he Board cannot conceal the mortifying fact, that while 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 move­ment shall continue, they will not only be compelled to decline other ap­pointments, but to recall some o f their brethren already in the field. The follow ing is a comparison o f the receipts from the different Southern States for three years:

Punds. 45

1847 1S48 1849 T o ta l.Maryland, §1,553 29 §807 26 §823 23 §3,183 87Dis. of Columbia, 130 10 50 00 55 00 235 10Virginia, 4,525 38 7,661 56 6,083 60 18,470 54North Carolina, South Carolina,

838 74 1,406 58 880 78 3,126 102,591 92 2,221 84 2,736 54 7,550 30

Georgia, 2,151 87 2,449 75 1,049 16

1,632 33 6,233 95Alabama, 1,368 60 1,595 33 4,013 09Kentucky, 933 56 1,101 44 607 55 2,642 55Tennessee, 765 25 273 65 1,038 90Mississippi, 1,039 41 1,279 56 1,073 84 3,412 80Louisiana, 95 00 30 00 125 00Florida,Texas, . 28 00 28 00 .Arkansas, .Missouri, 99 42 . 99.42

50,149 72 .T he 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 re­membered that this embraced the,chapel fund, and, that the demands up'oa the treasury, were immediate and heavy. Besides, as our, remittances -'es­pecially- to China must be regularly forwarded, it is always necessary to have, in hand a surplus fund. W e sometimes receive in a single month but

46 Periodicals.

two hundred dollars, when during the same time it may be necessary to transmit as many thousands.

Special attention is called to the fact, that i f even the present rate o f con­tributions be continued, ruinous embarrassment must result. In addition to this, let it be borne in mind, that all our missions are pleading’ for an in­crease o f laborers. Several have either already determined to devote them­selves 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 ex­pected. The Board will, 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 allowed? W ill Southern Baptists, with all their vast pecuniary resources, be satisfied with this meas­ure o f interest in an object so important and glorious? W e trust not. A proper survey o f the subject w ill prepare us to take more 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 or has he left us as Baptists without the means o f con­tributing to this result. F ive or six Sou'hern States might be named, any one o f which possesses the pecuniary ability, within the limits o f Baptist churches, to sustain the present missions o f the Southern Baptist Convention,

The Board are desirous o f making a regular and steady advance in their labors from year to year. T h ey have hitherto proceeded upon the pre­sumption that this was the will o f the Convention. During 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 now 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 ing year the sum o f twenty-five thousand dollars. They have determined to make the effort. T hey will put into operation all the influence they can, and i f they fail, the fault shall not be theirs. T h ey entertain a hope, not by any means extravagant, that their brethren o f the South w ill at once make all suitable exertion to secure this amount. I f those who have committed to their trust the mammon of unrighteousness w ill make 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 beg leave to call the special attention o f the Convention to this subject.

PERIODICALS.T h e Missionary Journal, commenced at the time o f the last Convention,

has continued regularly to make its appearance, and so far as the Board can learn, has given general satisfaction. B eing the organ o f both the Foreign and Domestic Boards, it may be regarded as an important histori­cal document and worthy o f general preservation. The' number issued is Hot, however, as large as the nature o f the work and the-ability o f the de­nomination would justify. - The subscribers have not exceeded fifteen hun­dred ; they ought not to be less than five thousand. It is probable that the advance cash-system of .payments has somewhat contributed to this compar­atively small issue, as in many instances, through inadvertence, subscribers have failed to send the money, and their names have been stricken from .the list. ’

.. B eing satisfied that a small, cheap-paper;, suitable for circulation among the masses o f society,. Would contribute to the wider diffusion o f missionary

intelligence, the Board have commenced the issue o f a monthly sheet en­titled “ T he Commission,” at 25 cents per annum. Four 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 charac­ter. A much larger circulation, however, both o f the Journal and Com­mission is demanded by the~exigences o f the Board. T he experience o f all similar institutions has proved, that the periodical press has been one of the most effective agencies in sustaining the missionary enterprise. The Board o f the Bap. Miss. Union publish 20,000 copies o f the “ Macedo­nian,” and about 4000 copies o f the Magazine. T he Presbyterian Board o f Missions circulate 8,000 copies o f their Magazine, and 15,000 copies of a small sheet entitled the “ Foreign Missionary,” while the American Board of Commissioners issue not less than 16,000 o f the “ Missionary Herald,” and 47,000 o f their little paper called the “ Dayspring.” It is the desire of the Board to send the “ Journal” and “ Com mission” into every church o f the Southern country, and the Convention are hereby solicited to adopt such measures as may contribute to this desirable result.

AGENCIES.T he Board have found extreme difficulty in procuring men o f suitable

qualifications for the agency work. At the beginning o f the present year, brethren W m . H. Robert o f South Carolina, and Robert M cNabb o f North Carolina, who had been faithful laborers on behalf of the Board, retired from the field, so that in these States no agent is at present em­ployed. Brother W m . M. Farrar is still indefatigably engaged as an agent in Mississippi. Though he finds the employment toilsome, and at­tended with many privations and trials of faith, yet at the solicitation of the Board, he is still inclined to persevere. T he agency o f Tennessee and North Alabama has been filled by brother R. G. K im brough, who, with his characteristic zeal, has been visiting the churches and laboring to excite a becoming liberality. Brother James M . Goodman is still operating in Kentucky. His influence in that State has been happily felt in diffusing intelligence and awakening a missionary spirit. The services of our es­teemed brother Hartwell, o f Alabama, were during the last fall procured for that .State, in conjunction with the Domestic Board at Marion, but we regret to state, that declining health has compelled him to suspend the agency. It will thus appear that the Board have in the field no agents ex­cepting those operating in Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky.

The services o f brother H arvey Goodale, an accepted missionary for China, have been engaged for a little less than three months within the limits o f the B ig Hatchie Association o f West Tennessee. This tempora­ry agency was prosecuted by special request o f that body, as they have de­termined to supply the means for brother Goodale’s support.

In the absence of State agencies, the Cor. Sec. has performed as much labor o f this kind as bis duties at the mission room would allow . H e has paid over, during the financial year, the.sum of $6,312 27, a large portion o f which, was procured by his own exertions. As, however, the corres­pondence 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 who should take charge o f this whole work, 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 have recently solicited, brother E li Ball, o f Virginia, who has^had

-no little experience in this department o f labor, to undertake the agency>for

Agencies. 47

48 Tract Distribution.

Georgia, and that he has consented to commence his efforts in that field sometime during the present summer. T he Board are entirely satisfied o f the expedience of the agency system. Its necessity arises from the well known 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 appropri­ate work, and make suitable effort to call forth and systemize the benevo­lence o f the churches, the expense and toil incident to special agencies would be obviated. But this has not been done, and ■ we fear that many years will elapse ere the contributions of Southern Baptists shall flow reg­ularly and naturally into the treasury. Hence, the position of every well qualified agent may be regarded as unsurpassed in importance and useful­ness. He is, everywhere he goes, performing the work o f a domestic mis­sionary, preaching Christ andhim crucified. But in addition to this,'he is holding up before the churches those great principles o f Christian benevo­lence, which are both inculcated and illustrated by. the gospel. Enforcing 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.

As it may be exceedingly difficult, and even impossible to secure suita­ble agents for all the States, it becomes important that our ministering breth­ren should determine to promote, as far as possible, among 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 American

Tract 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 may yet be secured from the same institution during the pre­sent 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 American Tract Society.

T he opportunity is now furnished our brethren, both in China and Africa, for the judicious distribution of tracts to a wide extent. One of our brethren in Canton writes in September last: “ I went distributing tracts this morning near the factories. T ook assistant H ue and another as a book carrier, and gave away 520 copies o f books and tracts, and preached to the people. At one temple we had a very convenient place prepared to our hand, somewhat like a stand in the open air, from which we preached, and distributed tracts, no man forbidding us.” Our brethren at Shanghai are preparing several small tracts, some o f which 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, which he had had printed at N ingpo. H e says, “ I herewith send you a specimen. " There are two ffoxologies at the end to fill up the page. T hey never printed before a tract in-the shape .of the one I sent before, and I have not yet learned its cost. Each edition consists o f 5000 copies. T h ey 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, upon which l expendedco.nsiderabie care and Attention.”

The missionaries on the coast o f Africa.also express- high gratification in having tracts placed in their hands for distribution.- The facilities thus

■ furnished for the prosecution of] this particular work, w ill doubtless become ' more and: more extensive, while, it is hoped the means necessary for carry­ing it oh will, in correspondent measure, be multiplied. • -

49Bible Fund—M eetings o f the Convention, <!fc.

BIBLE FUND.From the Virginia and Foreign Baptist Bible Society, contributions

amounting to $1,138 38 have been received during the past year. Beyond this, comparatively little has been received from the other States, as will be seen by the table annexed:From Virginia,

“ A lab am a,“ South Carolina,“ Maryland,“ Mississippi,“ Georgia,

North Carolina,

1,138 38 100 00 91 72 60 27 44 00 40 25 15 00

Total, $ 1,49.9 62One o f our missionaries referring to the appropriation for this object,

writes: “ Many thanks to the Board for giving us an opportunity o f testing the amount o f good to be done by the distribution o f the holy scriptures, a privilege I had almost despaired of enjoying.” At ail the stations the brethren have been diligently employed.in giving to the people, entire copies and portions of the sacred volume. T he Board express the hope, that at no distant period, our churches will take a deeper interest in this de­partment o f effort for the salvation o f the world.

MEETINGS OF SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION.Believing that it would contribute to the efficiency o f our operations to

call together the friends o f missions more frequently, the Board would sug­gest the expediency o f so changing the constitution o f the Southern Baptist Convention, as to make its meetings annual, or at least biennial, instead of triennial. T he Boards o f the Convention, both Foreign and Domestic, are so small in number, that it is almost impossible to create, even a local inter­est, by their annual convocations. If, however, the Convention itself should assemble every year, or once in two years, a larger number o f brethren would be brought together and the churches generally be more interested in the mission cause. T he subject is referred to the wisdom o f the Con­vention.

MISSIONS OF THE BOARD.Within the three years iust ended, more than twenty laborers, including

females and native assistants, have been appointed by the Board. In refer­ring definitely to their missionary efforts am ong the heathen during the past year, the Board w ill first point to

CHINA.CAN TON M ISSIO N .'

Missionaries.— I. J. Roberts, F . C. Johnson, G eorge Pearcy, B. W . W h il- den, H. Goodale, Mrs. Pearcy, Mrs. W hilden, M iss,H. A . Baker, four assistants— total 12.During, the past year the Canton station has been subjected to serious in­

terruptions from the. precarious health o f brethren Johnson and Pearcy. T h e former o f these was for several months almost disqualified for the study o f the. language, arid has been therefore unprepared for the work of preaching, to the people. Recent letters inform us that he had begun to address the^.people. By. many, it has been deemed important that he re­turn home from tbe fear that he would find it difficult, if not impracticable, usefullytb prosecute the missionary work. B y special invitation o f the Shanghai m ission,he determined-to make trial o f a more nothern position.

50 Missions in China.

Passage to Shanghai was engaged, but being driven back by adverse winds, he decided to remain still longer in Canton. Later advices indicate that bis health is not likely to improve. He will probably return to this coun­try. Brother Pearcy’s health has also been seriously impaired, and hy the advice o f physicians and the mission, he and Sister Pearcy reluctantly left Canton to remain, at least for a season, in the higher latitude o f Shanghai. After encountering fearful storms during which their lives were in immi­nent peril, they reached Shanghai on the 19th N ov. with improved health. Referring to his plans for the future, brother Pearcy remarks: “ Should the Lord grant us health at Shanghai, I think we shall prosecute the study of the language in the Shanghai dialect, with a view o f remaining there, holding ourselves subject, however, to the wish o f the Board as to where we shall labor. Should they think it best to open a mission at Fuh Chow Fuh next year, and wish me to labor there with any brethren they might send, if there should be a fair prospect that health could be enjoyed so as to prosecute m y labors, I shall be ready to go. I hope you will not infer from anything I have written, that I am wishing to abandon my work and looking to a return home. W h it the Lord may intend concerning me, I know not. I want to labor and die in China. I hope too, to have greater evidence from the churches and ministers at home, that they will not aban­don the work which they have begun in this land.”

Since their arrival at Shanghai, letters have been received which give cheering hope that health will be again restored, and that they may yet be permitted to indulge the cherished wish o f their hearts, in laboring many years for the spiritual good o f the heathen. It is not impossible, as the climate o f Shanghai seems better adapted to the constitution o f brother Pearcy, that they may be transferred to that mission. Brother I. J. R ob ­erts has continued at Canton prosecuting the mission work, though not without serious annoyance and obstruction arising from the feverish condi­tion o f things in that city. The hostilities which at different times have occured between the Chinese and English have awakened a strong preju­dice among the people against foreigners. This prejudice has operated against the occupancy of permanent and eligible positions by the missiona­ries, and whenever they have secured houses away from the foreign facto­ries, they have been liable to petty robberies and abuse. This opposition has been experienced by other missionaries beside our own. In addition to other impediments thrown in his way, brother Roberts was, about the 1st o f October, assailed by a mob while conducting worship in his chapel. A lluding to this, he remarks: “ Before breakfast I made two pastoral vis­its, after breakfast we held the Bible class, and sounded the gong for meet­ing. Forty or fifty collected in the Uet tung chapel, to whom L ye Seen Sang preached. Afterwards, as I was com ing out, three or four shopmen came in, began a disturbance, broke up my congregation, fastened the door and refused to let me out for about two -hours. I sent word to Dr. Parker and he -caused the Chinese authorities to dispatch police men to m y aid. T h ey arrivedahout 5 o’c lock .' W hile imprisoned m y mind was at ease, though I was weary o f hearing their abusive language. W e had preach­ing again after-the disturbers left. W e also took the sacrament, it being our monthly season in course. On the whole it has been a rare day, but a pleasant one to m y soul, I hope I have made5 some progress heaven­ward.” Though these and other trials are experienced, brother Roberts seems to be encouraged in his work. On the 9th o f April, dry treaty stip­ulations with .the English, the gates of the' walled.part o f the city were to b e o p e n e d ,a n d a ‘popular outbreakwas.at:the.*]ast'advicesrapprehended. It- is thought, however, that a more pacific state of-feeling, wii] ultimately'-:- prevail. - In the.expectation of hostility between- the- English .and- -Chinese

Missions in China. 51

which might continue for several months, and in view o f his long absence from this country, brother Roberts thought it-not impossible that he might return home with the expectation, after a brief period, o f renewing his efforts in China. H e proposes, however, that the Board shall aim to carry out a continued system o f operations in the dissemination o f gospel truth in that great city, by preaching, teaching, printing, & c. W riting on this sub­ject, he says, “ Entering upon anything permanently useful, we must have system. During 1849 the city gates, will be opened to foreigners, we suppose that matters will settle down, and that then all things will be ready to enter with energy upon our work, and upon an enlarged scale. Should the Board approve, we may commence in a moderate way and increase our operations to any extent. I lay this plan before the Board for their consid­eration. Should I return to the United States during 1849, I desire to be instrumental in carrying it into effect. I f I should not return, I hope m y suggestions may be o f use to the Board in the prosecution o f this work at Canton. The word o f G od is the more sure word o f prophecy, the prom­ises o f which are an unfailing dependence for future success. W e dare not predict what the result w ill be, but as we see doors opening, the har­vest whitening, and the prospect o f success encouraging, we cannot but be animated. I f we can see the afflicted healed, the ignorant taught, the female elevated in the scale o f social and moral excellence, and the poor have the gospel preached to them, this will look something like primitive times. And, in the exercise o f holy faith and zeal, may we not hope for primitive success in bringing souls to Christ. Pray for us brethren. W e are feeble instruments. But w e have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency o f the power may be o f God and not o f us.”

E re this, the Board hope that brother W hilden and family have arrived at Canton, and that preparatory labors have been commenced by them. W hen he shall have arrived, it is probable that brother Roberts w ill de­cline his proposed return to this country. It is expected the mission at Canton will soon be joined by brother Goodale and sister Harriet A. Baker, a female teacher, both o f whom have been designated to that field. With, the Divine blessing, we may confidently hope they w ill not labor in vain.

Three regular preaching places in the city w ill be statedly occupied by the missionaries and assistants. With respect to the Leen tlen g K i chap­el, brother Roberts says: “ I have had this chapel repaired and improved. It has been removed above stairs and fitted up with ceiling and glass win­dows. Being painted and white washed, it was opened for public worship on the 14th o f September. It w ill comfortably seat more than 100 per­sons, is provided with a bell, and has a room suitably arranged for females, whenever w e shall have a female missionary-or two with whom other fe­males may assemble."

In the same month another place o f worship was opened, called T y- hong-how chapel. “ It is located,” says brother Roberts, “ about half a mile above the Uet tung chapel, and one or two hundred yards from the river, on-a clean street where there are both shops'and families* .It is rent­ed at: 8>l0 per month. This place is not very large, it w ill only accommo­date. 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 theoffer o f twice the- quantity o f ground, and can enlarge when other mission- ' aries come and wish a residence. .1 have a bell also at this place. I opened, the-:place' with singing and prayer, and a short explanatory'dis- course, after which, Chow Seen Sang followed with a discourse from John i i i ' 16: There- were thirty or forty hearers. T h ey ‘politely tqok their seats'and in general listened attentively. .Thanks unto the Lord fdfftgiving us such favorable opportunities?” • . , • . „

52 Missions in China,

The services at Uet tang chapel are still kept up. At all these preach­ing places the assistants seem to. render essential service, either by preach­ing, exhorting or distributing tracts, and portions of the sacred volume.

SHA N G H A I M ISSIO N .

Missionaries.— J. L. Shuck, M. T . Yates, T . W . Tobey, Mrs Shuck, Mrs.Yates, Mrs. Tobey, two native assistants^—total 8.Allusion has already been made to the fact that this station had been re­

quired to pass through painful reverses. Those of the brethren who had commenced operations in that widely 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 of the circle would be compelled to return to this country, thus reducing by one-half their number. The health o f sister T obey becoming so se­riously affected, as to induce at times, a degree o f mental alienation, the labors of her husband have been subject to continual interruption. It has been at length determined by her physicians, and by all who have had any knowledge o f the case, that the best interests of the mission cause demand an immediate return. T h ey will probably reach this country in the fall. A s previously stated, brother Pearcy has found it necessary to seek a cold­er latitude, and is now with the brethren at this station. Should he and his lady be permanently transferred from the Canton to the Shanghai mis­sion, they will be regarded as a valuable acquistion to the missionary ranks

Th e ’ Shanghai , though subject to these and other trials, have been industriously 'engaged in their preparatory labors. They are begin­ning to speak to the people in their own language, the words o f salvation. N or are they without encouraging indications o f the Divine benediction. T he people seem willing to hear. Large 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 off land. Since I last wrote, we have kept up our usual services. A week or two ago, a position for a preaching place, in one o f the most crowded streets within the walls and in the very heart o f the city, was offered to us upon uncommonly reasonable terms. E very thing seemed so reasonable and so providential, that we felt it to be our duty to secure the place, which we have accordingly done. W ith an outlay o f about $200 we shall have a hall which will hold an audience of between four and five, yea,- six hundred persons. The upper story is sufficiently commodious to accommodate the entire families o f both of our native assist­ants when we succeed in getting them up from Canton. Y o n g and Mum have themselves both moved into the upper story, while'the workmen are now turning the whole lower story into a chapel. The brethren will be able to preach in a few weeks, and it is a matter o f great thankfulness that they shall have a most* eligible place in which to . exercise their gifts, and- where,. I sincerely hope* we all may have much 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 every time we preach. T he frbn t, entrance upon the street is eleven feet wide. It is jamm ed in among .other buildings, yet- the main building is so located^ as to secure air, , light'and%^,Uiet. T trust the Lord has guided us in this new measure, and that it majr'result-ia g lory t'o-his name."- Again,-in October, he says: “ Yesterday being Lord’s day. we'bpened, for the first time, our new place o f worship within, the walls of-the city. - I really-found' it good’ speaking'from- a-pulpit 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 Tobey, with Y o n g and Tseang, attend­ed the afternoon service in the city, while Mun 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 lory among this great hea­then people. T o get our new chapel place ready, has been a severe tax upon our time, strength and patience. Y ou 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 hen 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 which each missionary would also preach, and where we might hold all our church meetings. At 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 myself constantly bur­dened with a pressing anxiety, that the Board would so sustain us, as to. bring the whole 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 by brother Shuck while 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 which 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 expe­rience 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 Board deemed it wise, not only to ascertain the facilities and general expediency o f erecting a chapel at Shanghai, but also to consult the contributors themselves. Hence, a cir­cular 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. Accordingly, when sufficient time had been given to learn the views o f their brethren, the Board directed the en­tire fund to be transmitted to Shanghai. A lluding to this fund, one o f the brethren at Shanghai, observes: “ T he plot o f ground about which we wrote, as so admirably situated for the erection o f a chapel, is still for sale. D r. Boon is about closing the bargain for the erection o f his new chapel. Mr. M cK ’s chapel fund, I mentioned in m y last, has arrived. T he Lon­don Missionary Society have decided, to erect two more 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 fe­male, have already presented themselves as professed enquirers after the truth. One man is spoken of-w ho closes his shop on the Lord s day, and goes to hear the word o f the Lord preahhed. “ W hat will- be the final re­sult 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 we da most solemnly pray and desire to see some souls soon converted. Our hearts and eyes are turned to G od, that he would 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 holly to the work o f teaching and preaching Christ among the 'heathen.. 'But we are very, very, feeble. I

beg a special interest in yonr prayers. M y sincere desire is to win Chinese souls to Christ. M ay I more ana more feel that m y sufficiency is of God.”

W e are happy to say that the ladies o f Shanghai are aiming to collect the young, 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 God. Although this effort will 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.

Before we dismiss that part o f the report which relates to the China mis­sion, it may be proper to state that our brethren, both at Canton and Shang­hai, have unequivocally expressed their opinion o f the desirableness of send­ing out as missionaries, medical men o f piety and talents. Such, they re­gard as necessary to be employed in healing the maladies of the body, while they administer to the necessities o f the soul. That such men would exercise a beneficial influence, especially if united with a knowledge of the healing art, they possessed ministerial talent, the Board do not hesitate to admit. Although enquiry has been made, none have been found during the last year to go 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.

B E X L E Y ST A T IO N .

This station is occupied by brother John Day. Though bis health has been at different times feeble, but little interruption to his missionary work has been experienced. Under his care is a school o f about forty-five boys — some of these are colonists but most are natives. They are required to labor a portion o f every day. Referring to these youths, our missionary says: “ The religious instruction they have received, shows itself in their good behaviour. T o see them bow their heads around their frugal meals, while one o f their number raises his voice in 'grateful thanks to their Maker for his bounty, and devoutly asks his blessing upon it, is enough to fill the heart of the spectator with joy . T h ey quietly eat their poor meals, and cheerfully rise to engage in any work assigned them.” Again, he says, in pleading for the means to enlarge his school: “ I do not like to say much about a school under my own direction, but I suppose there is not one o f the kind more interesting in the whole 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 regularly the church at Bexley, and as often as possible, has gone into the interior preaching among the native towns. u I thiDk," he writes, “ a large extent o f the Bassa country is ripe for the reception , of truth. A s far as I have been, which j s about 75 miles in the interior^-and say 150 miles coast-: wise, I have fouifd the preaching ofithe word acceptable. I have preached/ to 1000 persons, 70 miles in the interior, and speaking low /fcou 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 or- der: T h ey kneel solemnly before their. Maker-and seem to pray%&T am.

” -ready to cry, w hy, O , w hy are theynot converted" to God. A stranger- whulff sometimes think they-are fit for'the ordinances oLthe. gospel.” .

"V * * ' - • - ‘ . ° c ■r, <4 -•> - „„

54 African Mission.

African Mission. 55

B A SSA CO V E.

At Bassa Cove, and among the contiguous native towns, brother A . P. Davis is laboring as our missionary. He has been permitted to preach the word o f life to multitudes o f the degraded heathen around him, besides which, 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, among the churches and stations on the St. Paul’s river. Seve­ral have been baptized by him. In alluding, to his multiplied labors, he writes: “ I have endeavored to perform all the duties required at home du­ring the year, besides m y labors and pastoral visits abroad. I have bap­tized seven ; five at home and two while travelling. A m ong the last named is my interpreter. His name is John B. Davis. H e has taken several tours among his brethren alone, since his union with ihe church, and I think to very considerable advantage. M any admire bis improvement, while on the other hand, some are enraged. The 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. They feel that there is a reality in the religion o f Jesus, to which they are strangers. I have had a number o f applications by natives to be instructed as my interpreter has been. T hey beg that I would take them without pa y ; but the expense o f their board is more than le a n bear. V ery high views o f religion seem to be entertained by them. T h ey believe when a person goes into the water, he has tested his religion or belief in the true God. I am fully convinced of the susceptibility o f the natives to improvement. It only remains to make proper efforts under fair circumstances. Give them the same advantages with ourselves, in hearing and learning, and we will have as many, among them becoming interested. It would not be out o f the way to remark, as a reason why we have so few native children in our schools generally, that while a great many have resided in families, yet no general interest is taken in improving their moral and spiritual condition. W hat 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 own expense.” In connection with this region o f country, brother S. Pervis also labors.

MONROVIA.

T he church at Monrovia being without a pastor, by permission o f the Board, one o f its missionaries, brother B. J. Drayton, was engaged for .sev­eral months in preaching for them, while a portion o f his time was em­ployed in the vicinity o f that .town. H e says o f his labors: “ During the last three months, I have traveled one hundred and twenty miles ; preached thirty-seven sermons; lectured seven times ■ attended "fifteen prayer meet­in gs ; visited one hundred and seventy-eight families ; distributed two hun­dred and fifteen tracts and attended four concerts of prayer for the spread o f the gospel. : M y Bible class contains thirty-four males and twenty-seven fe­males. This department.of.my labor is doing w ell ; much interest seeming to be manifested. T he •.Sabbath school is yet in a healthy ‘condition ; the children, both Am ericafls'and natives, are rapidly improving. This is an interesting location, and i f sustained properly, much good"' can be done. Pray for me.” . - ■'

■/.■ • •"■■■■ ■ «- CA PE PA LM A S.

Subsequently, by direction of-the Board, brother Drayton passed down': the>coast and-was located:at Gape Palmas.- -B y o p r 'la st-com m u ta tion s from Africa, we learned that he had commenced supplying the languishing

56

church at that place, and was arranging for a series o f efforts on behalf o f the surrounding heathen! “ As a. field o f labor among the natives,” says one of our brethren, “ a more interesting need not be desired. There are large native towns, one in the midst o f the American settlements, and one not more 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 man­ner of dress, they seem to have less sense o f shame than any I know. From almost any part o f the settlement, one may see hundreds o f men, w o­men and children, without leaving doors or windows. I f a heart could be affected at scenes o f this kind, deep feeling will be experienced in visiting Cape Palmas.”

African Mission.

K E W V IR G IN IA .

N ew Virginia,situated a few miles from Monrovia, up the St. Paul’s river, was the scene of labor in which the lamented brother F. S. James, moved. H e was engaged in conducting a school, and preaching at N ew Virginia and in the surrounding towns. His labors were judicious and un­tiring. N or was he without, the tokens o f God’s blessing. From the time o f his entrance into our service, he. was permitted to baptize many joyful believers. W riting from his field, he informs the Board of. the progress o f the work as follow s: “ T h e prospect before me is encouraging, especially among the inhabitants o f the surrounding settlements; there can be no doubt, but, that by proper management, we shall have prosperous and influential churches. In regard to the natives, I can yet say but little; it is hoped, however, that they are fast, emerging out o f the long nights of darkness in which 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 way 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 my humble opinion, our first effort is required in cultivating their minds and awaken­ing them to a sense o f duty, as many among them are in many respects as blind in regard to the spirit o f Christianity as the surrounding heathen. W hen once vve can get the Christian community to co-operate with us by their circumspect deportment, the work o f civilizing and christianizing the heathen will prosper, and we shall see the fruit o f our labors. I have bap­tized, since the first o f January, 21 converts, all o f whom seem to be pro­gressing in the divine life. I have also administered the Lord’s supper three times, and have visited the native towns several times.

“ T he church at Miilsburg is in rather a low state, her number is small and in adverse circumstances. Their house o f worship is somewhat out o f repair, but an effort is now making on the part of her members, to put it in good order. They all seem to cling together, and long to see the day arrive when they shall find a suitable person to take the pastoral care o f them.

“ T he church at Louisiana, constituted last November, numbering then 8 persons, has since received by letter 4 ; by baptism 8 ; lost by death one, and now numbers 19. They have not as yet any permanent house o f w or­ship, but they are making an effort to build one, though much hindered by adverse circumstances. Their male members number only 8, who are farmers, and in that way get their living. I would be thankful for any as­sistance 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.

“ The clmrch here, (N ew Virginia,) is moving onward, and is in a peace­able state at present, but like others she has had wars without and fightings within. Her present number is 44, besides two candidates for baptism. They have not as yet any permanent house for worship, more than the tem­porary school-house I built last year. The male members are 21 in num­ber, including the old and decrepit ones; have made an effort to build, but I fear they will not be able to complete it for sometime. Brother Day has authorized me to pay towards it $100, 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 come to hear and join with us in our worship. M y school is in 'a prosperous state, though several o f my original scholars have been taken away 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 whom read in the Testament, except five who spell in from two to four syllables, and three in the alphabet. There are, at least, 15 children among the new­ly arrived people, who attended the school, and will attend regularly when they shall get over the fever.”

The death o f this lovely young man, which occurred on the 9th o f last November, has thrown a cloud over the prospects o f the mission in that re­gion. But that cloud, we trust, will soon be dispersed. Speaking o f his success, brother Day states, “ At N ew Virginia is a day school o f 62 child­ren ; 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 ew Orleans he laid the founda­tion and built up a church. E very thing in his hand prospered, as i f the Lord delighted to bless him.”

,*■> (•*

N E W GEORGIA.

At this place a flourishing school is sustained by the Board under the care o f brother W m . A . Johnson.

N E W O R LEA N S.

T he school at N ew Orleans is conducted by brother W . W , Stewart.

E D IN A .

T he Board have been induced by his own solicitation, and by the recom­mendation o f brother J. Day, to appoint at this place, brother John H. Cheeseman, who will labor as their missionary in the circumjacent region. H e w ill itinerate among the Bassas; by whom he is much 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 work, having been for some time in the employ o f the Baptist Mission­ary Union.

T he stations to which allusion has been made, as already occupied by the Board are on the coast, and within the jurisdiction of the American colonies. This 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'among all these tribes for the proclama­tion o f the gospel. N ot less than twenty men employed as preach­ers, could find most important positions, which might be occupied to advan­tage. In addition to these, as many teachers are required to take.charge o f schools. ■"

8

5S

CENTRAL AFRICA.

T h e Board have been led to contemplate Central Africa as a most invi­ting field o f missionary labor. Their attention was first called to it bv bro­ther T . J. Bowen, who has since been appointed to commence its explora­tion, and to institute measures for its cultivation. This brother, a native o f G eorgia, but more recently a resident o f Florida, had for some time been looking at the probabilities o f a successful entrance into this thickly popu­lated region, and becoming satisfied o f its feasibility, his thoughts were turned to the question o f personal duty in the case. He decided to attempt the difficult task. An offer o f himself was made. The Board were engaged for several months in obtaining information, and considering all the bear­ings o f the question. T h ey resolved, after much prayer to God, for his unerring direction, to enter upon the undertaking. Many difficulties pre­sented themselves to their view, but none so formidable as to forbid the at­tempt, especially when the w ill o f God in reference to it seemed distinct.

It is expected that brother Bowen, in company with a white fellow-labor­er and two or three colored brethren, w ill repair to this field in the fall o f ttiis year. T he Church Missionary Society, and the Wesleyan Mission Society of England, have stations in a part of this great field. The char­acter of this region is indicated by the committee in their report, in which they say, “ T he interior country o f Africa watered by the Gtuorra— a river which, from its source in the K ong Mountains down to Timbuctoo, is called the Joliba or great river; and thence to its outlet, the Q,uorra, but is known to Europeans as the- N iger— by the tributaries o f the Tchad, and by other unknown streams that probably exist, may be in general described as a fertile region, well suited to the habitation o f man, and apparently not possessing a climate unfavorable to life, either for the natives or for Euro­peans who know how to take care o f themselves.

“ A portion o f this region, called Western Soudan, comprehending the country west of the Guorra, from Timbuctoo to its entrance into the Delta at Abbazaca, and distinguished throughout for its fertility and comparative­ly high state o f improvement, includes the kingdom o f Yarriba. O f this kingdom, Murray remarks: ‘ It is one o f the most fruitful countries on the globe, and is also w ell cultivated and densely peopled. The fields are cov­ered 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 neigh­boring country Nyffe.’

“ In this salubrious and productive kingdom, our missionaries might se­lect a location, whence they might easily cross the N iger into Nyffe, a very fine country, occupied by the most industrious and improved o f all the ne­gro nation's, and thence extend,their chain o f stations eastward to the king­dom o f Bornou and even to Abyssinia. ' v

“ Located near the Niger, the commercial highway o f that entire region* the missionary may, at any time, by means o f the boats that ply on its wa­ters, visit the numerous towns that stud its banks. . Departing from- Katan­ga, the capital o f Yarriba, a town 1.5; miles in 'circumference, with a, large population, he may descend the fiver,' visiting llabba, E gga , which stretches for four miles along its western bank, Kacunda,'-'with its peaceable, friendly and industrious inhabitants, and proceeding on to the point of its confluence with the Tchadda, ascend the latter, ai^'pr.SSch Christ crucified to .the immense multitudes o f the .Funda country. Or he m af^scend ;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 by wooden walls SO miles in length, ana finally reach T in ? Suctoo itselfythe mart o f an. extensive- trade, and distribute :among its mixed

Central Africa.

59Contributions o f Colored People, Gpc.

population the word o f life. Or he may diverge from the N iger, and as­cend the river that leads to Soccatoo, the largest city in the interior o f Afri­ca, and spread within its lofty walls, those sacred influences which w ill ul­timately open its twelve gates to let the K ing o f G lory in.”

our colored brethren, whenever they have been informed o f the plans o f the Board. From the colored people o f a single church, more than fifty dol­lars have been sent to the treasury. The 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 were forwarded during the finan­cial year. M any gratifying instances o f this kind might be mentioned, evincing the readiness with which this class o f our church members re­spond to the claims o f the perishing heathen. T he Board will venture to suggest, that every pastor on suitable occasions, inform the colored disci­ples o f the effort now making to send the gospel to Africa. Estimating as they do their own religious privileges, and the glorious hopes they enjoy, it w ill be deemed by them a duty and pleasure to assist in communicating these blessings to others. Beside the actual good they will confer upon others by their contributions, a benefit w ill be received by themselves.

It would be unwise to expect a successful issue o f our labors without the expenditure o f much thought, time and money. W e have before us a g n a t work. 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 long venerated institutions and superstitions to be over­thrown. Then, our missionaries are men o f like passions with ourselves. T h ey are subject to all the infirmities o f human nature, to errors of judg­ment and despondency o f spirit, to weariness, sickness and death. W ill it be otherwise expected, that years must elapse and much preparatory work be performed, ere there shall be a general turning to the Lord. This has been the experience o f all missionary Boards. One o f the most judicious 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 circumstances o f the case, and the singular phases of our work in China. Missionaries should not be too hasty in exciting expectation. Everything seems to indicate that the conversion of the empire will be slow w ork, and in nothing is this more conspicuous than in the toiling and plodding, the pains and patience, the time and taxing of. body and mind, w hich are necessary in order to acquire the means o f free communication with the mass o f the people. And after this point shall have been gained, a vast amount o f oral instruc­tion must be.imparted; for light w ill slowly 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 mucin ipafience and faith. W e must labor on, imparting liberally-of'o.ur time, influence, and money, know ing that, “■ in due tim e, we.shall reap if we faint not.”

CONTRIBUTIONS OP COLORED PEOPLE.A pleasing interest has been taken in the evangelization o f Africa, by

Spiritual jo y w ill be enhanced in the higher appreciation o f the great sal­vation.

A GREAT WORK BEFORE US.

SECOND TRIENNIAL REPORT.

B O A R D O F D O M E S T I C M I S S I O 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. Here seed time and harvest follow in regular succession as indicated by the changing seasons. Not strictly so in the kingdom o f Christ. Here 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 plough­man overtaketh the reaper, and the treader o f grapes him that soweth the seed.” Y et there are privileged seasons in which they who have planted and they who have watered, may meet and rejoice together over the increase w hich God giveth. T he present is one o f those favored seasons. Here we may group together a few clusters o f those precious fruits, and exhibit them to the praise o f Him who has prospered the work o f our hands.

Assembled as we are, a company o f laborers from the various parts o f the Lord’s vineyard, employed in several different spheres, we do well to heed the voice of admonition: “ Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy m ight; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wis­dom, in the grave whither thou goest.”

F orce 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 by their

/ experience and wisdom, have ceased from their labors. T w o V ice Presi­dents and four missionaries o f the Board have ended their toils since the last meeting o f this Convention. T he Rev. B. Chambers, o f South Carolina, Rev. S. S. Parr, o f Missouri. Rev. I. T . Plinton, o f Louisiana, and Rev. W m . M. Tryon, of Texas, missionaries; Rev. W . Y . Hiter, o f Virginia, and Col. Absolom Janes, o f Georgia, V ice Presidents o f the

• Board have, we'doubt not, entered into their rest. H ow many o f those who now compose this body will finish their course before another meeting, is known to Him only who ordaineth all things according to the counsel o f his own will.

T h e Board o f Domestic Missions, in presenting this triennial account of their stewardship, acknowledge with devout-thanksgiving the Divine favor manifested unto them, and rear a monument o f praise, with the ancient in­scription, “ Hitherto the Lord hath helped us.” B y the aid of his Spirit, our missionaries have accomplished much good by strengthening feeble churches, organizing new', interests, locating permanent pastors, rearing houses o f worship, establishing Sabbath schools, Bibl’e classes, and temper­ance societies, 'transforming the general character o f society, and the con­version o f sinners. . > ■- . v '-Vv : .

A s a detailed account of the proceedings of'the"'Board have been pub­lished 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$ rx o m April 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

61

ceived by letter 125; 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. These messengers of peace have made 3,500 religious visits to private families.In the performance o f these labors they have traveled 35,661 miles.

The report for the year ending April 1st, 1848, furnishes the following statistics : 50 missionaries and agents; 150 stations occupied ; 1,222 weeks labor performed; 6,026 sermons and lectures delivered; 574 prayer meet­ings; 166 other religious meetings; monthly concert observed at 16 stations; 515 baptisms; 293 additions by letter| 35 Sabbath schools and Bible classes, with 157 teachers and superintendents)" 1,147 scholars, 1,505 volumes o f books in the several schools; 30 pupils and teachers have professed faith in Christ; 6 ministers and 16 deacons have been ordained;7 young men commenced preparation for the ministry; 15 churches have been constituted; 4 meeting-houses commenced, and 4 others completed ; several temperance societies organized, and many pledges to total absti­nence obtained; 6,947 family visits, and 46,600 miles traveled.

During the year ending April 1st, 1849, the Board have employed 57 .■ missionaries and agents, some the whole and others a portion of their time.T he aggregate amount o f time devoted to the work by them- during the 1 year is equal to 36 years. They have delivered 5,782 sermons and lectures; supplied 170 stations with the regular ministry of the w ord; ‘ baptized 683 converts; received by letter 254; restored 2 1 ; held 789 prayer meetings; monthly concert for prayer observed at 17 stations: 140 other \ religious meetings held 27 Sabbath schools reported, with 137 teachers, i 1,222 pupils, and 2,280 volumes o f school books; 6,914 visits to private families, in connection with most o f which the scriptures were read, and practical lectures were made, and prayer offered; 4 meeting-houses have been completed and 10 more commenced ; 14 churcHes Eave been"”consti- tuteclT7W nmristgrs'anffl5~3eacons 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, more than 400 have professed conversion principally through the instrumentality o f our missionaries, but as they were baptized by other ministers they are not reported in their regular labors. B y the principal agency 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.

■» ; - 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 117; 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 held ; 306 other meetings attended; 17,361 family visits; 29 churches constituted; 16 ministers and -31 deacons ordained ; 8 church edifices built and 16 others v commenced ; 157,24^i&iiie^^ayele9 ; : several ^naried.-piriltess^ '

'sion w ho'are not included: imlihis report j-beside's/much other useful labbr.There 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 has not equaled theiivm^jeejfu- tions. During the year seven- mor.e missionaries' Were.employed thanr-wp^.^’j.- commissioned the preceding year, L68 more baptisms; 1 2 .years,

vlabo j: p e r f o r m e d 20. additional’ stations supplied; 10 m ole released the_BnajjU io m . further approDiiations. 29.043

Summary o f Missionary Labor.

62 Finances—Bible Distribution— Our Field.

traveled; more stations have been visited with the outpouring o f the H oly Spirit, and a much larger number o f souls professed conversion.

FINANCES.The amount o f collections for the year ending April 1, 1847, is

$9 ,594 60, to which add $527 35, the balance in the treasury April 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 or the year ending April lstj 1848, the collections were $11,239 50. Adding the balance in the treasury, we have the sum o f $13,468 24. Disbursements for the year $11,602 16. Leaving $1,866 08.

F or the last year the treasurer’s report shows $12,176 62 collected, which with the amount in hand, places at the disposal o f the- Board $14,042 70. Disbursements $13,891 90. Leaving a balance o f $150 80.

The sum total for the three years is $33,011 32. Add to this $527 35, the amount in the treasury April 1st, 1846, and w e have $33,538 07, the amount o f resources for the three years. Disbursements for the same period $33,387 27. Leaving a balance n ow in the treasury o f $150 80. Salaries o f missionaries unpaid and which were due April 1st, 1849, amount to $212 50. Leaving the Board in debt to the amount o f $61 70.

T he amount o f collections from each State for the three years is as fo llow s:—South Carolina,Mississippi,Alabama,Georgia,Virginia,Arkansas,Texas,North Carolina,

BIBLE DISTRIBUTION.

$9,786 46 Maryland, 200 006,684 56 Tennessee, 99 665,154 53 Louisiana, 58 004,940 09 Kentucky, 21 254,724 82 District of Columbia, 20 00

459 67 Florida, 10 00417 50 Missouri, 9 95402 50 Unknown, 21 16

But little has been accomplished in this department compared with the importance o f the cause, and the destitution o f many portions o f our country. $1,843 30 only have been placed in our treasury for Bible dis­tribution during the recess o f the Convention. And $280 50 o f this sum has accrued from the sale o f Bibles. $1,600 o f this amount was furnished by the Virginia and Foreign Bible Society. T h e greater part o f the remainder was contributed by North and South Carolina, through the agency o f Rev. Lewis DuPre, who has been engaged a sm all-portion of his time as our agent in conjunction with the Foreign Board.

Appropriations o f Bibles have been made to Texas, Louisiana,. Missis­sippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, Florida, N orth and South'€a|oli|ia, Virginia and Maryland. • ’ l ...

The B oard earnestly desire the Convention to recommend someschetite by which our churches may be awakened to -the •importance o f this subject. ■: . _■

OUR FIELD. “ ' 'T h e Board 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 occupy its own field. %-Each has more than amplejfield-to require

r-all its energies and resources.- I N ot mp^e than one half the-population o f ^ h e United. States is -adequately, supplied with'the means -of grace. .So far $as'the Southern Beardes concerned,.’ they have net been able to meet'more

. . - ' - '

Our Field. 63

1 \than one half the applications made for assistance. M any more would I nave been made had not those needing it known our inability to grant it. f And many portions o f our country do not contain persons who feel suf­

ficient interest in the subject to even ask for aid. These 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 were 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. Our population

“ Increases in number more than 550 daily— more than an average congre­gation for each minister. This requires an increase o f 365 preachers annually to supply the increase of population. W e then have an ample field. More than we can at present cultivate. Y et toe must cultivate it or it will remain without culture. V ery little was ever done in the Southern field by any domestic missionary organization, evenprevious to the unhap- jiy discussions touching o~ur~civil institution^. Much less can be expected now. Aside from tne hindrance alluded to, there is good reason w hy other organizations should bestow most o f their efforts upon the free States. From the best information furnished by various published reports, the desti­tution North is nearly or quite equal to the destitution South. T ake two examples— Pennsylvania east and Ohio 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. There 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 family was without a Bible. O f Ohio, a re­cent collector o f statistics says there is not more 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 more than one evangelical professor to every two families. And three-eighths of all the churches in the State are without settled pastors. A colporteur in 1845 gives the follow ing description o f one county containing 19,521 souls:— 4,000 cannot read; not a church that has preaching every Sabbath; but one educated minister; one preacher had no Bible, and he preached to two churches; nearly half the families without religious books, and more than one-fifth without the Bible. One man who had been married 20 years and had seven children, neither he nor his children had ever seen a Bible. In a small town o f 119 inhabitants only six Bibles were found. In a neighborhood o f 30 families only 3 Bibles and 2 Testaments were found.

In the retUi;ns o f last year from .38 counties, one-fifth o f the families were destitute o f the B ible.' Some of the free States are vastly better sup­plied than those which we have noticed; others are much w orse; take the whole number and -we presume these make a very fair average. Hence, were .there no other .hindrance, we could not expect much .aid from them.

W e jdu^cultivate our ,o wn 'field; Our political' ties, social relations, and religious! sympathies, are-so identified as to impose a peculiar and strong obligation upon all parts o f the field to engage in this work. <■ Thisfis. the cause o f the?eastern portion o f it. Their offspring; kindred

and fr-fends, are-scattered over the whole field. Our people are migratory, and the movement is westward. N o one family is left unaffected by the spirit of emigratiopr. - W herever 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 enjoy- gospel, privileges or perish for'lack o f knowledge; whether they ascend to, thrones on high or descend to the abyss ofcwo. * *"** ”

64 New Fields— Colored Population, §'c.

It is do less the cause o f the west. They are immediately affected by the benign influences o f religious institutions when established among them, or they are the immediate sufferers if such institutions are wanting. T hey constitute the nucleus around which society is rapidly gathering, which is now in its formative state. And the mass will, 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 among them.

This, 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 among the great mass, can elevate a nation and perpetuate its institutions. Every citizen is interested in the cause o f domestic missions.

T^EW FIELDS.Since the last meeting of this body, much territory has been added to this

.government. What portion o f it will eventually belong to our field is im ­possible to fell. Much interest has been excited in relation to California. Other missionary societies have sent laborers to that field. Several appli­cants 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 fol­low ing reasons:— Tile 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 give heed to one inviting them to seek heavenly treasures. Society there must be for sometime to come greatly agitated— the fermentation must sub­side before much good can be done. The Board have taken no action in this matter. As all these questions are attended with some doubt, they wait any recommendation or instruction o f the Convention.

COLORED POPULATION.This class o f our community is justly exciting much interest among the

. churches. Its importance claims more 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 in­fluence, as far as practicable. T w o are appointed especially to them. This population is estimated at about 3,000,000 ; .o f which . nearly 130,000 belong to Baptist churches, and it is presumed as many more are connected with other religious denominations. Provisions are made in most o f our houses o f worship for their convenience ; and generally those living-in the neighborhood o f churches have access to religious privileges. And it is peculiarly gratifying to know that these advantages are yearly, increasing. Still there are many, very many, who 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 weighty can rest upon us to furnish the gospel to the poor.thahJthe pbliga-

-ACj ig ; ■*#

non to give to our servants.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 communica­tion Ibtiiepoi'tsr.of missionaries, essays and such rnalter as the readers

Agencies and Agents—Aim o f the Board, fyc. 65

might desire to preserve. T he denominational State papers,' w hich have been generously tendered to the Board, have been employed, either by sending copy directly to them or by transfer from the Journal: T he ar­rangement has not altogether answered the demands o f the Board, nor sat­isfied 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 week­ly papers has not been sufficient for those who do not take the Journal, and too much for those who do. Hence, the Board have been, advised to make the weekly papers the direet and immediate method o f communicating with the churches, and employ the Journal for original or selected articles bear­ing upon Domestic Missions, condensed views o f reports o f missionaries, & c. The Board will be under the necessity o f adopting some such meas­ure, unless a much larger circulation can be given to the Journal.

AGENCIES AND AGENTS.N o plan has yet been discovered by which we 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 money, that makes an agent’s visits so necessary, is not for us to determine. But true it is we get but little money where we have no agents. In Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Arkansas alone, we have been able to secure permanent agents. These are active, efficient m en ; have done much towards securing funds, but have done more in elevating the cause and in the performance of missionary work.

AIM OF THE BOARD.In view o f the wants o f our field and the condition o f our missions, the'

Board have resolved to make every laudable effort to raiseJ|2M)00 the present ycar^by the means o f which, they can sustain one hundred""”nis- - ^ I ^ e s r r 'A n y amount short o f this, w ill not enable the Board to carry out its plans and well sustain the interests now under their fostering care. T hey most earnestly solicit the co-operation o f the churches and pastors in securing this amount.

CONCLUSION, ■; CJ ? rOur account is rendered ; our term of appointrpent has expired. We

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 of humanity and o f the Redeemer to this appeal. Your Board are deeply impressed with the sentiment that our people must be imbued with the spirit of piety to give efficiency to their labors of 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, un­less 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 CONSTITUTIONOF THE

S O U T H E R N B A P T I S T C O N V E N T I O N .W e, the delegates from Missionary 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 carrying into effect the benevolent intentions o f our constituents, by or­ganizing a plan for eliciting, combining and directing the energies o f the whole denomination in one sacred effort, for the propagation o f the gospel, agree to the follow ing rules, or fundamental principles ;

A rticle I. This body shall be styled the Southern Baptist Convention.A rt . II. It shall be the design o f this Convention to promote Foreign

and Domestic Missions, and other important objects connected with the R e­deemer’s kingdom, and to combine for this purpose, such portions o f the Baptist denomination in the United States, as may desire a general organi­zation for Christian benevolence, which shall fully respect the independence and equal rights o f the churches.

A r t . III. A Biennial Convention shall consist o f members who con­tribute funds, or are delegated by religious bodies contributing funds, and the system of representation and terms o f membership shall be as follows, 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 representa­tive; an annual contribution of two hundred dollars, as aforesaid, shall en­title the contributor to two representatives ; and so, for each additional one hundred dollars, an additional representative shall be allowed. Provided, however, that when application shall be made for the first time by bodies, or individuals, to be admitted into the Convention, one delegate shall be al­lowed for each one hundred dollars. And provided, also, that in case of great collateral Societies, composed o f representatives, receiving contribu­tions 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 rt . IV . T h e officers o f this Convention shall be a President, four V ice Presidents, a Treasurer, and two Secretaries, who 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 virtue o f his office, members o f the sev­eral Boards.

A rt. V . T h e Convention shall elect at each biennial meeting as many Boards o f Managers, as in its judgment w ill be.necessary for carrying out the benevolent objects it may determine to promote, all which Boards shall continue in office until a new. election. E ach Board shall consist o f a President, V ice Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurer^ Auditor, mid fifteen other members, seven o f whom, including one or more 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 of. alHhe| affairs relating to the object wi'th^vhose interest itr shall S e - charged, a jp which'management shall be intsfect^accordance with the constitutional pro­visions" ad^fed^by jh is CcmTOn'tSon, and such'other instructions .as may be ' - - tinM Ss^& ch-Board shall have -power to m ate sufch

Constitution. 67

compensation to its Secretaries and Treasurer, as it may think right; fill the vacancies occurring in its own b od y ; enact its own by-law s; have an annual meeting at any place it may appoint, and other meetings at such times and places as it may think best; keep a record o f its proceedings and present a report o f them to the Convention at each biennial meeting.

A rt. V I. The Treasurer o f each Board shall faithfully account for all moneys received by him, keep a regular entry o f all receipts and disburse­ments, and make report of them to the Convention, whenever 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 Board, from whose treasury the money is to be drawn, which order shall be signed by its presiding officer.

A rt . V II . T h e Corresponding Secretaries o f the several Boards shall maintain intercourse by letter, with such individuals or public bodies, as the interests o f their respective bodies may require. Copies o f all such communications, with their answers, if any, shall be kept by them on file.

A rt . V III . T he Recording Secretaries o f the several Boards, shall keep a fair record o f their proceedings, and o f such other documents as may be committed to them for the purpose.

A r t . IX . A ll the Officers, Boards, Missionaries and Agents, appointed by the Convention, or by any o f its Boards, shall be members o f some reg­ular church, in union with the churches composing this Convention.

A rt. X . Missionaries appointed by any of the Boards of this Conven­tion, must, previous to their appointment, furnish evidence o f genuine piety, fervent zeal in their Master’s cause, and talents w hich fit them for the ser­vice for which they offer themselves.

A r t . X I. T h e bodies and individuals, composing this Convention, shall have the right to specify the object, or objects, to w hich their contributions shall be applied. But when no such specification is made, the Convention w ill make the appropriation at its own discretion.

A rt. X II . T h e Convention shall hold its meetings biennially, but extra meetings may be called by the President, with the approbation of 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 rt . X III . A n y alterations which experience shall dictate, may be made in these articles, by a vote o f two-thirds o f the members present, at any biennial meeting o f the Convention.

68

TREASURER’S STATEMENTO f funds received and disbursed by the board op foreign missions o f the Southern

Baptist Convention, fo r the year ending April, 1849.

Treasurers' Reports.

Cash on hand, 30 April last per report,823 23

14,863 15

Interest account, Missionary Journal,

Virginia, 6,083 60North Carolina, 880 78South Carolina, 2,736 56Georgia, 1,632 33Alabama, 1,595 33Mississippi, 1,073 84Louisiana, 30 00Kentucky, 607 55

.Texas, 28 00Missouri, 99 42Dis. o f Columbia, 55 00

1,226 2956 00 16,927 91

31,791 06DISBURSEMENTS.

T o the African-Mission, 2,889 95Canton Mission, 5,462 71Shanghai Mission, 8,154 77Chapel fund remitted, 5,292 55Outfit, 605 10Salary account, Sec. and agents, 1,880 00Passage, 1,000 00Interest, discount on uncurrent money,

& c., 25 25Incidental charges, including traveling

expenses, &c., 799 67 26,110 00

Balance on hand, 5,681 06

IREASURER’S REPORT.W illiam H ornbuckle, Treasurer, in account with the

B oard of Domestic Missions of the Southern B aptist Convention.

'—T o balance in treasury the first April, A . D. 1846, $ 527 35

To receipts from individuals, churches, associa­tions and societies, from the 1st April, 1846, to 1st April, 1847, to w it:—

From Alabama, 1,971 84. “ ■ Georgia, 2,184 33

“ South Carolina, 3,498 16“ Mississippi, 1,260 44“ Virginia, 553 33“ Tennessee, 80 00“ , District o f Columbia, 20 00“ Louisiana, 13 50 ' ' **•“ Florida, - ■:£- ■ 10 00 - . • ' .’"-.'s

Norih Carolina, . 'S ? ; # -3:. oo „ 9,594 60

-$?f0;421 95- r

■ •—J.Mi, . . .1 1

Treasurer's Reports. 69

1847—By cash paid missionaries, agents and Corresponding Secre­tary, 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 of April, A . D . 1847,

$6,872 92 376 18 253 87 231 46 158 78

2,228 74

1848—T o balance in treasury the 1st April, 1847,To receipts from individuals, churches, associa­

tions and societies, from the 1st April, 1847, to1st April, 1848, to w it:—

From Alabama, 1,677 94“ Georgia, 1,308 11“ Mississippi, 2,582 62“ South Carolina, 3,147 33“ Virginia, 1,692 15“ North Carolina, 399 57“ Texas, 217 50“ Maryland, 100 00“ Arkansas, “ Kentucky,

72 3713 25

“ Tennessee, 7 50Unknown, 21 16

10,121 95

$2,228 74

11,239 50

$ 13,468 24

1848—By amount paid missionaries, agents and Corresponding Se­cretary, as per vouchers, to April 1st, 1848, 10,074 48

By traveling expenses of agents and Secretary, 578 73By office rent and contingent expenses, 118 38By postage, 50 70By printing and stationery, 25 15By discount on uncurrent money, 19 25By amount paid for Bibles and expenses on same, 735 47By balance in treasury 1st April, 1848, 1,866 08

$ 13,468 24

O f the above amounts received, $ 973 87 was for bible distribution;

Hence, the credit o f 735 47

Transferred to Bible account, $238 401849— T o balance in treasury 1st April, 1848,Ap’l 1— T o receipts from individuals, churches, associ­

ations and societies, from 1st April, 1848, to April 1st,- A . D. 1849, to wit:—

From Mississippi, “ Virginia,

2,841 50 2,479 34

“ South Carolina, 3,140 97“ Alabama, 1,504 75“ Georgia, . 1,447 65

. -Arkansas, 387 30“ Texas, . 200 00“ Maryland, 100 00

. Louisiana, • 45 00• “ Tennessee, 12 16

" “ Missouri, • j. ■ ..> 9 95. •; Kentucky, . . 8 00

1,866 08

12,176 62

TO Treasurer's Report.

1849— By amount paid missionaries, agents and Corresponding Se­cretary, as per vouchers, to April 1st, 1849,

By traveling expenses of agents and Corresponding Se­cretary,

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 53 81 92 50 00 27 18 30 95 64 74

238 40 12 50 50 50

150 8©

$14,042 70

SUMMARY STATEM EN T.To balance in treasury the 1st April, 1846, $ 527 35“ amounts received from various individuals, associations, churches

and societies to 1st April, A . D . 1847, 9,594 60“ 1st April, A . D. 1848, 11,239 50« “ “ “ 1849, 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 II 1,218 44

253 87 420 18 354 30 83 99

973 87 12 50 50 50

150 80

$32,469 60W . HORNBUCKLE, Treasurer B . D . M . S. B . C.

I certify that the above report is correct, and sustained by proper vouchers. April 1, 1849. WM . N. W Y A T T , Auditor.

TREASURERS REPORT ON DOMESTIC B I R p FUND.Receipts and disbursements o f Bible funds, by the Treasurer o f the Domestic Mis-

sion Board o f the Southern Baptist Convention..■ '<

1848 -April 1— T o amount in treasury as reported the 1st April, 1848, $238 40May 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. Taylor,. ' ‘ " 23 00

1849 . ;V 'T*k V . .. .. CFeb. 12—Received ofsBiookliri cteroh, Alabama, by Rev. H. Lee,' ' 1 00Mar. 6— “ 'TTreasurer;-^.the, Newberry Bible Society,^ -

South Carolina, , fefsSsiO’' 00

Treasurer’’s Reports. 71

<26— Received of the Virginia and Foreign Bible Society, 500 00“ E. A . Blunt, treasurer of the Alabama Bible

Society, on account of Bibles sold, 280:50

$ 1,107 90

By bill Bibles shipped to Arkansas, 131 53£t it tt tt Texas, 131 53“ “ “ “ Marion, Alabama, 104 20“ amount in treasury 1st April, 1849, 740 64

$1,107 90

Bibles ordered April, 1849, as follows:—T o Virginia, 100 00“ Maryland, 100 00“ North Carolina, 100 00“ South Carolina, 100 00“ Louisiana, 100 00“ Mississippi, 100 00“ Missouri, 100 00“ Florida, 50 00

$750 00Cash in the treasury to meet the above as reported is 740 64

Deficit, $ 9 36W M . HORNBUCKLE, Treasurer B . D . M . S. B . C.

April 1, 1849.I certify that the above report is eorreet, and sustained by proper vouchers.April 1, 1849. W M . N. W Y A T T , Auditor.I perceive this reports for the year ending April 1,1849. From the report of

the preceding year 1 notice the disbursement o f $ 735 47 for Bible distribution. Which added to the amount about gives the sum of $ 1,843 37. Cor. Sec.

SOUTHER-In BAPTIST -

MISSIO.VARY JOLTRYAlL-YOL. IY. JULY, 1849. NO. 2.

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONTENT!•'-Tfe triennial-' meetingi-of

ville, on the 24 of May, lS*f9:l :.In consequence o f the exist^nT^oi^holerafin that; region, the attendance was small,'and it'was.deemed wise to adjourn to the cxty o f Charleston, S. C. In accordance with this arrangement,‘the Convention assembfecL in that city on the 23d of May . 'About "one hundred delegates were present. This’ was a larger number than might have been reasonably expected, as there was but a limited opportunity o f giving general notice o f the adjournment-. Only three mem­bers appeared from Alabama, and two from Mississippi. Beside these, no repie-

feentative ftom the West was present. All seemed to lament the/circumstances:; f which prevented the association of brethren from different parts of the southern coun- i try. The anticipated enjoyment o f the occasion jyab.tbus diminish'ed,' Stillj all X seemed desirous o f meeting the'iesponsibilities imposed upon them, in'"the fear of-

. / God, and .with a single eye to his glory, The present number o f the Journal con- f: tainS the result o f their deliberathins.' X

SOUTHERN BAPTIST MISSIONARY JOURNAL. y The reader •isf res.pectfully,ireg,uested.:,to consider: the-argument contained' iir ther

Report on Periodicals, :in the present number.That the extended-circulation -of the- Amrnal will greatly facilitate our-plans for:the spread o f ;the gospely-none-cafcfbr*»* - moment doubt. Ifbutafewcopieswere-found-within the limits o f each churchy the supply of men and money for -the- accomplishment of this object would T e abundant. Besides, each subscriber obtains ancquivalent-foriis money.- . : ? -

This number is sent to many persons who 'ate not subscribers.- -■ It-is- not a fair*. ■- specimen o f the>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 of 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's yare^ requested to subscribe .and/Use -1hem influence.-inrCxtendingwits.'eiK!tdaliony';siCTainW' o f subscribers and the money, may be remitted- by mail ,-to' E ulyson ,;Richmond, Ya. - ,

PRAYER EOR THE SPKEAIM )]?' THE G 0S P E L --->“ Prayer also shall he^made fo r Jam cordvmialhfP This is on^^fetK)

ble predictibns relating, to the Messiafryvrith‘whicb-the Gld 'Test^entyabo:

V S S p f c T

Prayer on behalf of Christ and his kingdom! What a privilege to the tine Christian! How 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. Too seldom do the saints pray for the triumph o f their Lord in heathen lands. The god of this world is reigning with undisputed and iron sway over a large portion of 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 mis­sionaries and o f the Boards continually ascending to the throne.

Brethren, beloved-in the Lord, suffer the word of exhortation. In each church o f the South, let the monthly concert of prayer be established, either on the first Monday<of each month or the day before. Let them be truly, missionary prayer meetings. Brief selections from the scriptures, and missionary intelligence should be read, and the hearts of the people stirred up to lay hold on God. At the close, a collection for missions may appropriately be made.

26 Contributions o f Colored People—Publication Society.

The propriety of affording our colored brethren the oppoitunity of contributinj :o the cause of missions, is beginning to attract no little attention. Wherever th sxperiment has been made, it has been found to operate beneficially. They ar

l They behold in their own experience, how the gospel has made them to differ froti I millions, besotted and wretched, in their father-land. The gospel becomes mor 'k precious in their own esteem.* ' W e propose, therefore, that our pastors and leading brethren endeavor on suitabl

occasions to bring this subject before their colored members. Letters from th African mission may be read to them, and facts bearing on the subject, and they b allowed to make their free will offerings to the cause.

The annual meeting of this Society occurred in Athens, on Friday, the 18th of May. Abundant encouragement has been given to the friends of the object during the" past year to persevere in the effort. As stated by the Christian Index, the affairs of the Society are in able, hands. Agents have been laboring in various

to supply to purchasers, books published by other evangelical societies.The report was adopted after an appropriate address by Rev. C. D. Mallary. Several resolutions were passed, amongst which the most important, is one to

ifkise a permanent fund o f $20,000, for facilitating the Society’s operations. The subscriptions are payable in five equal annual instalments. Remarks were made by Brethren Cuthbert, Mallary, Poindexter, and others. W e noticed that several o f the brethren were eager to secuie stock in this enterprise. Some took shares of

• $ 100; others, shares o f a less amount, and though the' evening was far spent and the congregation rather small, we are informed that an amountof upwards $ 1,000 was subscribed. •• . - ■■ - ■ •• •.. . , ■

Hr. Mendenhall was re-elected President and Rev. Mr. Poindexter the Corres­ponding Secretary.

CONTRIBUTIONS OF COLORED PEOPLE.

r r ; ------------------------- -------------------------------- --------r ------- ------------ —ft prepared with warm hearts to give from their little funds to this object, when suil

;j able information is afforded. Their happiness also is increased by the effort

SOUTHERN BAPTIST PUBLICATION SOCIETY.

directions with cheering success. Several new works have been added, in the course o f the year, to the Society’s publications, and arrangements have been made

PROCEEDINGSOP THE

S O U T H E R N B A P T IS T C ONVENTION.SECOND TRIENNIAL MEETING.

N ashville, T e x >\, M ay 2 , 1849.

T he Convention assembled in the house o f worship o f the First Baptist Church, at 10 o’ clock, A . M .; and was called to order by Rev. R . B. C. H ow ell, V ice President. Prayer by Rev. T . G. Freeman, o f Miss.

J. W . K ing and B . M anly, Jr., were requested to act as Secretaries pro tern, and Joseph H. Shepherd as Treasurer pro tern.

The Constitution and Rules o f Order were then read.A Committee on Delegations, consisting o f brethren Cloptonrif Va.,

Freeman o f Miss., and Baker o f Georgia, was appointed to examine the credentials o f delegates, and report the names o f the members o f the Con­vention. They reported the names o f the follow ing delegates as present:

Bethel Baptist Association, (Kentucky and Tennessee)— Rev. R . W il­liams, Rev. R . W . Nixon, Rev. W m . Shelton, Z . Smith.

First Baptist Church, Covington, Kentucky— Rev. J. M. Frost.General Association o f Tennessee— C. K . Winston, James Avent, Rev.

J. R . Graves, Rev. R . G. Kim brough, W . P . Jones, Rev. John Pow ell,H. R . Buchanan, Rev. T . B . Ripley, N . H . M cFadden.

First Baptist Church, Nashville, Tenn.— Rev. R . B . C. H ow ell, Rev.O. J. Fisk, J. H. Shepherd, J. W . K ing, T . A . M cCreery, H . B . Shankland.

Georgia Baptist State Convention— Rev. J. S. Baker.Mississippi State Convention— Rev. T . G. Freeman.Virginia Foreign Mission Society, — R ev. James C. Clopton.Alabama State Convention— Rev. B. Manly, Jr.Muscle Shoal Association, Ala.— Rev. P . M . M usgrove.S. C. State Convention— Rev. J. G. Landrum.Duck R iver Association, Tenn.— Rev. Mat. Hillman. ,Liberty Association, Tenn.— Rev. Bradly Kimbrough.In the absence o f the brethren who had been appointed to preach the

Convention Sermon, a committee, consisting o f brethren W illiam s o f Tenn., M usgrove of A la., and R ipley o f Tenn., was appointed to nominate a preacher for the occasion. T h ey reported brother J. S. Baker, o f G eorgia, who was accordingly appointed.

On motion,Re.solved, That the hours of meeting during the session of the Convention, shall

be 9 A. M. and 3 P. M., and the hours of adjournment 12 M. and 5. P.M.On motion, the correspondence in reference to a postponement and re-,

moval o f the Convention was read ; and after the reading, on motion of brother Frost, o f Kentucky, a committee was appointed to draw up a cir­cular, stating the facts, for. the information o f the denomination.

The follow ing brethren were appointed the committee:— R . B . C. H ow ­ell, J. S. Baker, B . M anly, jr., J. M . Frost and T . G. Freeman.

On motion, •: Resolved, That in view of the announced postponement and removal of the Con­vention,-a committee of one from each State represented here, be appointed to consider'and<report'what subjeets at. is legitimatey expedient- orsnecessarySfo&thw' Convention to take action uponatthis time. . ' - IZ.

28

Committee— Brethren J. G. Clopton o f V a., J. S. Baker of Ga., B. Manly, jr. o f Ala., T. G. Freeman of Miss., R . W illiams of Tenn., and J. M. Frost o f K y.

Adjourned to 3 o’ clock, p. m . Prayer by brother W . Shelton, o f Tenn.

Second Triennial M eeting o f the

A fternoon— 3 o’clock.Convention met. Prayer by brother Nixon.T he committee on business of this Convention, reported. Report

received and adopted.On motion,Resolved, T h at, ministering and other brethren present, not delegated to this

Convention, be invited'to sit with ns in onr deliberations.Brethren K ing and M anly were regularly appointed Secretaries pro

tern, and brother J. H. Shepherd, Treasurer pro tem, with instructions to report to the meeting o f this body, which may be hereafter held.

The committee on drafting a Circular reported. Report received and adopted, as follow s:—

C I R C U L A R .To the Delegates to the Southern Baptist Convention, held in Nashville, Man

2d, 1849.Beloved Brethren.;— A portion o f the delegates to this body have assembled

according to the original appointment. W e find the members present few in num­ber, and that they come mainly from a limited territory immediately contiguous to Nashville, and that there are no representatives of either of the Boards, nor reports from the Agents and Managers of our affairs, nor business prepared for action. W e have therefore thought best to adjourn to meet at Charleston, on Wednesday, May 23, 1849.

It is deemed due to you that an explanation of the prominent circumstances which have contributed to this state of affairs, should be made in this public manner.

About the middle of March, letters began to be received in Nashville from all quarters of the South, expressive o f apprehension in relation to cholera, and inti­mating that there would be on this account a very meagre attendance, if any, from abroad at the Convention. The answers given by the brethren here were uniform­ly, that though there had been a few scattering cases of that disease, there was and would he no danger in attending the Convention, and that no one ought to be deterred from coming.

A letter from the President of the Convention, (Dr. Johnson,) dated April 3, was received here about the 10th, proposing a removal o f the Convention to Charleston, to meet on the 23d of May, with the understanding that the next ses­sion, in 1852, should be held in Nashville. The impression was made on the minds o f the brethren here, by that communication, that all that was necessary to give effect and authority-to this proposition was the consent of the 1st Church in Nash­ville. Accordingly, a number of the brethren here were assembled, and consulted on the subject. They considered that apprehensions, whether just or not, existed

■ extensively, and prevailed to such a degree as to preelnde the idea o f a full Con­vention—that, by insisting on the Convention’s being held here, they might prevent

■an effective meeting;of the body at all this.year, without accomplishing any desira- ble result for Nashville; and-though for many reasons, exceedingly regretting” the

- disappointment, they .determined, to agree to the proposition of Dr. Johnson. His letter was accordingly published, together with the assent o f the church here to the

.plan iproposed; and the news was circulated as immediately and extensively as possible. ” ' • - • . ,-v V

Subsequently to this,- a” letter dated-April lfi. was received from Dr. Johnson, stating that the Board had not consented to the plan proposed in his letter o f the 3d; and that consequently the meeting would 'have -to take- place as originally arranged. This produced an announcement in the Tennessee Baptist o f the 26th, that the Convention would still meet m Nashville.. But it was then too late to correct the misapprehensions, and obtain the presence .of the delegates from a dis­

tance. Some of them had started on their route, and meeting the announcement o f the change, returned home; others received it before setting out, and staid at home; while a few received the second announcement, that the Convention would meet in Nashville, and are accordingly present with us. But we are not prepared to tiansact the business of the Convention.

This state of affairs is confusing and embarrassing, and we fear it may damp the zeal of some of the friends of our enterprise, but it has grown mainly out of cir­cumstances beyond human control, and which no wisdom could have foreseen or provided against. That all parties concerned were actuated by the most sincere and ardent desire for the best interests of the great cause, is sufficiently obvious. It becomes us now to endeavor by mutual sacrifices and exertions, to avert as much as possible the evils to which we are exposed. W e strongly hope that there will be a full meeting at Charleston, and that the Spirit of the Almighty may be present with the delegates who may assemble there. By order of the Convention.

R. B. C. HOW ELL, Acting President.Nashville, May 3, 1849.On motion of brother Frost, of Kentucky, the following preamble and

resolution were adopted:— ■W hereas, the apprehension abroad of the existence of cholera in Nashville, has

prevented the attendance of a large number of the delegates of the Southern Bap­tist Convention, especially of the Boards and Officers of that body ;

Resolved, That when the Convention adjourns, it shall adjourn to meet in Charleston, S. C., May 23, 1849.

On motion,Resolved, That while this body, at its present session, refrains from appointing a

time or place for our next Triennial Meeting, it is our decided opinion, in view of the circumstances, that the meeting o f the Southern Baptist Convention, in 1852, should be held in Nashville, Tenn.

Adjourned to 9 o ’clock Thursday, a . m . Prayer by brother John Pow ell, o f Term.

At 8 o’ clock, p. m., according to appointment, the Convention Sermon was preached by brother J. S. Baker, o f Georgia.

Southern Baptist Convention. 29

T hursday Morning, 9 o’clock.Convention met, Prayer by brother Hillman. Proceedings o f the

previous meeting read and adopted.On motion,Resolved, T hat the thanks o f this m eeting be tendered to the editors and

reporters o f the city papers, w h o have kindly rendered their services in reporting the proceedings o f this body.

O n m otion , .

Resolved, T h at the hearty thanks .of this body are due, and hereby tendered to the brethren o f the churches and citizens o f N ashville, w hose hospitalities we. have

-enjoyed..

T he Treasurer p ro fesrereported, that .the meeting having decided to. ad­journ to Charleston on the 23d M ay inst., no funds-'have been placed in his hands. . ' •"

. v After a few 'brief remarks by Dr. H ow ell, on the present encouraging prospects for the speedy and universal spread o f the gospel, the Convention adjourned to meet at'Charleston. S. C , on the 23d o f May, 1849. Prayer

"by brother J. C . Clopton. * - -E . B . C . 'H O W E L L , President pro tem.

Secretaries proi4em.‘ - ^ , t ">> -John W . K ing , B asil M an ly , Jr., S

30 Second Triennial M eeting o f the

PROCEEDINGSOF THE

ADJOURNED MEETING IN CHARLESTON.

Charleston, S. C ., May 2 3 , 1849.

T h e S econ d T r ie n n ia l M eetin g , in pu rsu a n ce o f a d jou rn m en t fro m N a s h v ille , con v en ed w ith th e F irst Baptist C h u r c h in C h arleston .

A t 12 o ’ c lo c k , m . , the C on ven tion w a s ca lled to o rd er b y th e President, R e v . W . B . J oh n son , D . D .

J. C . C ran e, S ecreta ry .A fte r • the rea d in g o f the secon d ch apter o f P h ilip p ia n s , and s in g in g a

h y m n , p r a y e r w as o ffered b y broth er J. R . K e n d r ick .T h e C onstitution and R u le s o f O rd er w ere read.O n m otion ,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 mem­bership, and that said committee report who are entitled to seats.

Com m ittee— 5. B . T a y lo r , J . H . D e V o t ie , C . J. E lfo r d , J. M c D a n ie l an dI . T . T ic h e n o r .

O n m otion , th e P resid en t, D r. J oh n son , w as requested to p rea ch the F o r e ig n M iss ion S erm on , this even in g , at 8 o ’ c lo c k .

A sh ort tim e w a s spent in d ev otion a l ex erc ises , d u r in g w h ic h p r a y e r w a s o ffered b y b reth ren C u sh m an , Jeter, J oh n son and M ason .

A d jo u r n e d to 4 o ’ c lo c k , p. m .

A fternoon, 4 o’clock.T h e C on ven tion w as ca lle d to o rd er b y the P resident.P r a y e r b y the R e v . J osep h S. B a k er .T h e jo u r n a l o f the m eetin g h e ld in N a s h v ille on th e 2d and 3 d M a y , w as

read , and ord ered to b e printed.T h e C om m ittee on D e leg a tion s rep orted th e fo l lo w in g d elegates to the

C on v en tion , w h ich w as 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. Wood,* - H. K .: Elly son, Win. Sands,* Rev. Addison Hall,* Rev. W m . A^Baynham,*

Rev. Thos. Hume,* John 1). McGill,* Rev. Daniel Witt,* 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. Wm. P. Parish, Rev. J. Newton Brown,* Rev. J; L; Prichard, Rev. J. S. Bacon, Rev. Andrew Broad-

. dusj* Rev., Wm.. B . T odd,*.R ev. -L: W . Allen,* Rev. Robt. Ryland,* Rev. v Reuben Ford,* Rev. H. W . Dodge,*. Rev. Cornelius .Tyree,* Rev. B. Grims-

ley ,* 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,*

31Southern Baptist Convention.

Rev. T . Herndon,* Rev. Win. H. Kirk,* Rev. 0 . T . Briggs,* Rev. James C. Clopton, Richard Gwathmey,* Rev. Thomas W . Sydnor,* Rev. Samuel Har­ris,* F . H. Robertson, John Turpin, G. R. Myers, G. S. Burton, J. T . Ander­son, 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.

SontJ 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.-ffiev . 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. Wyer,* Rev. J. S. Law.* - ......

gpfejteroa.Alabama Baptist State Convention.^Rev. B. Manly, Jr.,- Rev. M. P. Jewett*

Rev. J, H. DeVotie, Rev. J. W . ChMblissr*''RSvrj:”Hartwell,* Rev. H. Tal- bird,* 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 Convention f i l l e r . L T . Tichendf^Rev. J. N . Mullin, and the fol­lowing; all o f whom wereSbsuttl: KEY S'MSfLatimore,T. H. Waul,. B. W hit­field, 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 ev /J . G. Hall, H . N.-Edmunds/R.'H Bone, Rev. J. S. Parker, N. B. Cranberry, S.. Thigpen, James-L. Mayberry;

■ '\ f . ' . ; ' .-y-y.. • i

* Not present. ", ; 'Jr~,

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 otion , th e fo l lo w in g O fficers w ere e lected b y b a l lo 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 Stocks, 4 . ------------------------------ ,

M. T . Mendenhall, Treasurer.J. C. Crane, * 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 ing were reported:J . S . M urray, L-. D u P re , J . M . A shbu m , James Fant.Adjourned to meet to-morrow morning at 9 o’clock.Prayer by the President.

T hursday Morning, 9 o’clock.T he Convention met. Prayer by the R ev. 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 ev . W . C.

Buck, o f K y., as V ice President, and B. Manly, jr., o f Ala., Secretary.T h e brethren appointed at the last meeting to deliver the sermon on

Domestic Missions, not having appeared, a committee consisting of brethren W. Crane, G. F. Adams and R. Holman, were 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.

The report'of. the Foreign Mission Board was read by the Correspond­ing Secretary of that Board.

On motion, the report and also an abstract o f the Treasurer’s account, read by the acting Treasurer, was received and committed to the Board for publication.

On motion, the follow ing committees were appointed upon the report:—On China, Mission— J. L. D agg, R . W . Cushman, J. S. Bacon, H . D.

Duncan, J. N . Mullin'.On African Mission— J. B. Jeter, J. J. Finch, I. L. Brooks, W . Crane,

P . H. Mell. . ‘ ■ .On New Fields. o f Labor—E. Ball, J. S. Baker, R. Furman, Jas.

McDaniel, S. S. Sherman. 1Oh 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, Taylor, 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 om inate New Hoards—rThomas' Stocks, H. K. Ellyson, James

McDaniel, J. P. ’Reid, S. S. Sherman, I. T Tichenor.

Committee on Finance— A lex. Fleet, C. D . , E llis, A . J. Lawton, C. M. Irvin, T . P. Lide.

The report o f the Board of Domestic Missions 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 appointed1st. On Agencies.2d. New Fields of Labor.3d. Religious Instruction of the Colored People.4th. Bible Distribution and Colportage.5th. Organ of Publication.The President stated that these committees would be announced to­

morrow upon the assembling o f the Convention.On motion,Resolved, That the following times of meeting and adjournment of the. Conven­

tion be observed during the remainder of the. session:—To 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. Kendrick, from the Committee on Religious Services, reported, that the Southern Baptist Publication Society would hold a public meeting this evening at 8 o ’clock ; the Foreign Mission Board a like meeting to-morrow evening; and the Domestic Mission Board on Saturday evening. The first to be held at the 1st Baptist Church, and the two latter at the Wentworth Street Church. i

The 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 benedic­tion by the President.

Southern Baptist Convention. 33

T h u r s d a y A f t e r n o o n , 4 o ’ clock . T h e C on ven tion m et. P ra y e r b y broth er S an ders.O n m otion , a com m ittee w as appointed to n om in ate b reth ren to p reach

th e F o r e ig n and D om estic M iss ion a ry S erm on s, and to re com m en d a p la ce fo r the next m eetin g o f the C on ven tion . C om m ittee , J. C . C iop ton , J. P eterson , W . P . H il l , R . H o lm a n , J . T . R o b e r t

O n m otion ,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 m eetings, and call on the Treasurer for the amount expended in executing this o rd er ; . and that said book be placed under the care o f the Foreign Mission B oard. •

Adjourned to meet at the Wentworth St. Baptist Church, at 10 o ’clock to-morrow.

Prayer by brother J. C. Ciopton.

: F riday M orning ,-10 o’clock. .• Convention met.— Prayer by brother'J. H. Outhbert. . : -

The. committees ordered yesterday on . Domestic Misj^ns, were, an­nounced by the. Chair,.as follows: • ' : . ■ :

Agencies.— .V. R Thornton, J. S. Reynoldson, W- P- Hill,- W . H. Robert,'J-. G. O. Wilkinson.r. , _ . <- * i-fv-

; New Fields:—J. -P. Refd, I. -S. Tinsley,iW atkios,Peters®,%JS>-F:

- ;'SV ■

§>£, . Secaadc

^TJrislrucdo^of :Colored.:JP^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

Organ 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 Cor­responding 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 CHINA MISSION.On the importance o f a mission -to China, there can be no diversity o f opinion.

No one deserves "to be considered a disciple o f Christ, who-can contemplate that vast-empire, in which one third of 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 s have felt-the weight o f these considerations, and have been ind deed to employ a.large part of 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..' Your 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 pornts from'which the light o f Divine truth may shine'forth brilhantly»ihttnat region of darkness. -Wq. are aware of difficulties which embar­rass, the operations of 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 of missionaries. The dispensation of Divine Providence which removed Dr.r James- andhis wife from their field of labor, before they had properly entered.it j. is truly mystorious. W e acknowledge the hand of 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, demonstrates1 in'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 of those whose health has been impaired. • As a devoted servant of 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 of• China-.-.'.V.God: has-,' in this event,

opehed-befote our ministersjthe two leaved gates,.as he did anciently, before Cyrus,~ in Ins- conquest of 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-findtits 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. asjo 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 of the Pacific, :in which these emigrants may be.-ttaught the gospel of Christ, and be qualhie.d;to fetufh'as"mission&ies to,their brethren, as now the con­verted sons of Ham leave our Atlantic shores, to convey the.gospel o f salvation to their brethren in Africa! r - . A - J . L. Chairman.

REPORT 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 of no/ordinary importance'.: Were outigasfors, all of-- them, as.deeply impressed with a sense-of:.their obligation to,-tfie heathen,-as the interests of 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' assist­ance, is necessary,: to urge forward the great missionary enterprise. And as all former experience has taught us, that agencies.have/been.more successful than any- other 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 of the Board upon the subject,, and feeling,an entire confidence in the judg­ment and integrity of. that, body, your committee .would recommend a reference of tiic whole matter to the exercise of their best discretion. ' ' ' . ' ; '

W . H. STOKES, Chairman.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON. N E W FIELDS OF MISSIONARY , LABOR FOR TH E FOREIGN BOARD.

• The committee to, consider and report on New Fields of Missionary Labor for the Fbr.eign Board, make, the following report.:—•

As there is no suggestion in" the report of: the'Board concerning any new i and inviting openings,'.in the providence of God,1 fo.r their occupancy; - arid as that body ■ is posted, at a point of observation far more, favorable for'discovery than your com­mittee, canrpretend how to. occupy, they feel a diffidence in- suggesting what, finder

' other circumstances, they .might be willing to do. ' ’ . • ' ■ -'Pour committee, have full confidence in the fidelity and.-'wisdom of 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 ; '

- v_;-.fffGallus.ti>-deKYer•• ^ •'r •: ■ Theijt’land froiii error’s chain.”

,,.bA frica-,. Jong neglec)^ /an fi^w a-^dten^m e^s/the ning to share in the'Senevolence of* •• the'gospelf’ Your”

sympathies, and is 'begin- committee canndt boiseon-

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. . \

Who can tell but that it may be the duty of this Convention, ere long, to place a missionaiy.at.New Grenada,-in South America, which -is becoming the thorough­fare for 'thousands, -on- their • way to -the gold region of 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 con­spicuous; part in sending the gospel to- “ every creature;’* a sense of propriety com­pels, 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 he committee on Organs o f Communication made the follow ing report:—

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 .

36 Second -TnennialM eeting o f the

; The committee,to whom Was referred that portion of 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 of 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 of the Board are conducted. The Journal is employed,' for the most.part, in acquainting the -churches with the daily business of 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 of 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 of 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 of the .greatest obstacles to the. success o f the en­terprise in which-we are engaged". No person will long feel much interest in a cause of which', he hears only at remote intervals, and then in. a most superficial manner. If the churches.were .bwught, .by.means of our missionary publications, into an acquaintance with loui^ffi^onaiSw,! they would learn to sympathise1 with, their trials,, and would feel a deeper interest in their work. . Those persons who .have most knowledge of the progress o f 'missions, contribute most to their support. ■

. The largest donations come from those sections of the country in which our peii- odicals have the Widest circulation. . There must bo several hundred thousand" Bap­tists amongst us who learn nothing of our missionary operations from . the. organs of the Society. It is probable that they hear very little from any other source; , heuce’ the meagroncss of their contributions. If instead of 1,50.0 copies of the Journal, 15,000 \vere circulated and read, your committee do -.not say ,that there wonld.be a corresponding increase in‘the receipts of the Society, but they believe that fhe present'amount contributed would be .greatly augmented. Wo believe that every pastor who uses his influence to extend the patronage of our publications, is rendering very efficient.aid to the cause of missions. So important do your com­mittee 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 /B oa rd s reported th e.-fo l-low ing n om i- ’ n lfi'ons, w h ic h w ere c o nf i r me d :— .

37

BOARD OF- FOREIGN MISSIONS.P R E S ID E N T .. y.,.

’ J. B. .JETER, Virginia.' . V IC E P R E S ID E N T S .

Ric’r Frii,ER, B. I).J M d.f Basil Manet, D. D .>Ala.,/ W m. -Flood, Mo:, "A Ibx. Fleet, Va.,” •' S. S-Ba’timore, Misa.,- 7 Jas. M- Pendleton-, Ky-FJ. J. James, N. C .,: ' 'W.'C,- Duncan, La., / P. S. Gayle, Tenn.,S. Furman*. S. C-, R. C. Burleson,.Texas, \ -J. S. Bacon, D..D., D. C.,P. H.'Mell, Ga;, ' W. lf. Bayless,. Ark., \ James McDonald, Fla.

JaMbs B. Taylor, Ctifi-esponding Secretary.' A ^ T iiomas, Treasurer. .M. T. Sumner, RecordingSecretary. C, T T W ortham, Auditor. •

: . . • M A N A G ER S. •

Ri Ryland, W. H. G wathmey, -E. K ingsford,A. Snead, -., . W. A.. Bayxham, ' Jos. S. -Walthall, -A. G. W ortham, John TXlman, Sp..,’ . Franklin W ilson;,James Thomas, Jr., •* J. L. Reynolds, ' ! ’ P. B- R obertson,T homas-Ho ie , 1 II. K. Ei.i.yson, M. L. Bickford.

BOARD • OF -DOMESTIC-MISSIONS.*... . . . . - P R E S ID E N T . .-

JAMES H. DeVO’TIE, Alabama.V IC E P R E S ID E N T S .

WI.CranE) Md., . ■ R ichard. Mays) Fla.lf J. HIAtVelLj-D D., Ark^James Fife, Va., . H. Taleird, 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, Gag -,A.;G. H-orton,-Texas, ■ And. R othwf.i.l, D.'C.

■ R .rH olman, Corresponding Secretary.*. . W. HornedcKle, Treasurer.. T. F. Curtis, Recording Sceretury. W. N. Wyatt, Auditor. .

M A N A G ER S,E. D. K ino,S. S. Sherman, L. B, Lane,E. A, -Blunt',J. F. Cocke-, ■

L. V. Tarrant, A. W Chambliss,A. W. CoNNELLA, I , . G Tutt,. .-C. Billinoslea, T homas- Chilton,M. P. Jewett, W iley Wr. Mason.

, W m. P. Chil'ton, ’ A. Gi McCraw.REPORT. ON AFRICAN MISSION: . ;

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 of 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. JETER, Chairman.

In con n ection w-ith the report- o f this com m ittee , th e fo llow in g - reso lu tion s w e re 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 mis­sions of 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 lock ." P r a y e r h y b ro th e r P o in d e x te r .

38

F riday A fternoon— 4 o’clock.

T h e . C on v en tion met. P ra y er b y broth er H . D . D u n ca 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 of operation.. V. R. THORNTON, Chairman.

T he Committee to recommend the place o f next meeting, and' to nomi­nate brethren to perform the stated services, reported. Report received and adopted:

Place— Nashville, 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, of Alabama, Alternate. .J. C. CLOPTON, Chairman.

Committee on Finance reported. Report received and Ordered to be printed.

REPORT ON FINANCE.

The committee on Finance respectfully report to the Convention, that they have examined the accounts of the Treasurers, o f the Foreign and Domestic Boards, and find that each account has been properly and correctly settled by a committee ap­pointed 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 of S. C. R. R. Company, and £>. W . R. R. Bank, the interest of 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 Mis­sions that the receipts into the treasury the past year have fallen short of the pre­vious one the sum of $ 2,576 18, whilst the expenditures for the same time (ex­clusive of the chapel fund) have exceeded the receipts the sum of $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 of labor for us to disseminate, the word of eternal life to the perishing millions, all must admit the necessity of some efficient plan calculated to bring funds'into our treasury.

W e therefore most respectfully recommend the adoption of the following reso­lutions: ' . .

Resolved, That it be affectionately urged upon the churches, to adept such meas­ures as will be best calculated to. procure the active co-operation of each of 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 ob­jects of this Convention,: and to receive from them weekly, monthly, or annually, as .may is.dbbmed most expedient j such sums'as they are1 willing 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 seve­ral 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:Central- T.heolog.ical Institution-. _ _ "" " ~ ‘ (

.-P rayer by brother R . H olm an. "

Second Triennial M eeting o f the

Southern Baptist Convention. 39

Saturday Morning, 9 o’clock.Convention met. Prayer by brother J. Q,. Beattie.T he follow ing reports of committees, were received and ordered to be

printed:REPORT ON TH E INSTRUCTION OF T H E COLORED POPULATION.

Your committee supposed that the subject intended to he referred to their consid­eration, is the religious instruction of this class of 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 of 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 of your Domestic Board, that they have already en­tered 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 of God. As it is his prerogative, and his only, to give the increase, \ve should look for it from him, through the means of 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. To preach the gospel to the poor, was a work peculiarly characteristic of the Saviour. To 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 of Christ and his Apostles. The Apostle Paul, asks, “ flow 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 of 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 Leg­islatures of several o f our Southern States have thought it prudent to lay restric­tions 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 of oral Sabbath school instruction adapted to the capacity o f their minds. Foi this pur­pose 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. SANDERS, Chairman.'In connection with, this subject, the following 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 preach­ing, o f the word o f God as the best means o f discharging this duty! and we .earnest­ly recommend opr churches,,to devote,a‘ stated portion o f their- public exercises to the. particular instruction of. colored persons in the truths of the Bible, v ' i j •.

The following resolution was adopted:Resolved .■unanimously-, That thevthanks-‘.of this Convention, are due, and are

hereby tendered to the. citizens of Charleston, for the kind -hospitalities:so generous­ly .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 of 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 Bible Distribution and Colportage .repqfted:-as fdlo.W f: ordered to ’be printed - ‘ u ‘

REPORT ON BIBLE. DISTRIBUTION AND 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 of 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 of $ 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 . $562 ' 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 of 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 desti­tute 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 of 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 Scrip­tures,. 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 pur­sued 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 ear­liest convenience after their return from Charleston, to establish such organiza­tions, and see that such agencies be employed under them as shall secure the most efficient accomplishment of 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 of effor*. W e presume that the mere indication of a separate Bible fund, in the month1- acknowledgment o f moneys by the Treasurers of the Boajds,: is not enoughs 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; • ■ . ’ kThe subject o f Colportage was also assigned to your- committee.. N.o reference

is made'to this-in the report of the Board,-except as the -term is applicable to the (circulation of the Scriptures. W e are happy to learn, however; that our mission- aries-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 Kjog-mf Zion, It cannpt. be expected,-ho w-

eyerj that the'Board, with their present limited means, should- make anyoutlav forv BJwp -W&, can only recemmendthat^as close an understanding and co­

operation as possible be'maintained wittrthe Board of the Sbuthern'JBapttsf Pub- - hcation Society. - O ' ” " ' 7.

, J . R . S C O T T , Chairman.

40 (Second Triennial Meeting, of-the

Southern Baptist Convention, 41

'S i Resolved, That we entertain a high sense of 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 Organ o f Publication o f Domestic Mission Board re­

ported and their report adopted and ordered to be printed.The committee on the Organ of 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 of 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 he committee on N ew Fields o f Labor for Domestic Missions, reported.T he hour for adjournment having arrived, Convention adjourned by-

prayer from brother Walthall.

Saturday A fternoon, 4 o’clock.T he Convention met. Prayer by brother Jeter.The 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 following resolution adopted, 42 voting in the affirmative and 17 in the neg­ative, more 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.

The 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. The papers were referred to a com ­mittee o f three, to which the President o f the Convention was added. Brethren Johnson, Stocks, M cDaniel and Taylor, committee.

On motion the follow ing 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 following 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 following resolution 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 pre­sent, meeting.

Adjourned to 9 o’clock Monday. ■ ;

, offered by brother Crarf^w as laid on the"

Monday M orning— 9 o’clock .' ••T he Convention met in the 1st Baptist Church. Prayer by Rev. V .

B . Thornton. y •On motion, . - ' i •Resolved, That the next meeting of this Convention be held with- the FirstiBap--

tist; Church at N asitvii-le, Tenn., on the second Friday o f May, 1851. „

42

T h e report o f the committee on N ew Fields o f Labor, o f Domestic Mis­sions, was taken from the table, and accepted and ordered to be printed with the Minutes.

REPORT ON N E W FIELDS OF DOMESTIC MISSION LABOR.The committee to whom was referred the subject o f New Fields of 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 con­templated by this body at its last Triennial Session, meets the highest approbation of your committee, and the happy results attained through their instrumentality, commends the organization to the zealous patronage and ardent prayers of all Christ­ians. 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 re­mark, preferring to submit the whole matter to the Board, who are eminently qual­ified 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 of 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 of 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 of 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 of the written or preached gospel. It is true that from the intense excitement and inordi­nate thirst for gain that prevails among that population, very many of them may close their ears to the truth, and in despite of 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 of all such is that the humble missionary of 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 ob­tain that which is eternal. Shall we refuse to listen to the supplications o f such—■ shall we fail to do the work of 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 of 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 la- I bor, but ionave the wav for the mdf5~geft.ain conversion to the Truth of 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 of 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 evan­gelizing the world to Christ. Establish the truth in California—-kindle a pure gos- pel light on the Western shore of the American Continent, and it .will grow bright­er and brighter until it will have eradicated the. spiritual darkness from the isles, o f

- the ocean, the empires of the East, and the benighted portions of our owni general- 1 jly 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 of 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

Second Triennial M eeting o f the

43Southern Baptist Convention

stimulate us, as citizens, promptly to occupy the territory of California with our missionaries. That the field is destined to be occupied soon, admits of no doubt, and if we fail to engage in the work, others, who in many instances sow broad cast the seeds of error, will unquestionably do so.

In conclusion, it is earnestly recommended to the Board to inquire into the prac­ticability of 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, of all classes, promptly to contribute the necessary means, or by such other agency as they may in their wisdom devise. Your com­mittee close by soliciting the prayers of Christians for our success, and invoking the blessings of Almighty God to rest upon every good word and work in which we may engage. J. P . REID, - 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. By request o f the Convention, the President, Dr. Johnson, accordingly led in prayer.

The report o f the committee on the Appeal o f Rev. W . C. Crane, a mis­sionary 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 of 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 of opinion that the Domestic Mission Board have acted in the case rightly and judi­ciously, and recommend that their decision be sustained. All which is respectfully submitted. W M . B. JOHNSON, Chairman.

On motion,Resolved, That the report of the committee be printed, and that a copy he trans­

mitted by the Secretary to the brother appealing.Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention are due and are hereby tendered to

Mr. D. K . Whitaker for his faithful and able reports of the deliberations and pro­ceedings of 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 of this Con­vention, a copy of the Minutes when published.

T h e President affectionally addressed the Convention. Prayer was offered, and then, on motion, the Convention adjourned toithout day.

J . C . C r a n e , B . M a n ly , J r .

W . B . J O H N S O N , P residen t.

| Secretaries. v

FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT.

B O A R D O F F O R E I G N M I S S I O N S .

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 hey have endeavored in the fear o f God, to dis­charge their duty. Imperfect as their service may appear, they are con­scious that it has not been without the expenditure o f much time, thought, and prayerful solicitude. Various circumstances combine to render theirs a delicate* and a difficult task. Their own want o f experience in the man­agement o f such an enterprise— the recent establishment o f their missions— the gTeat distance o f the principal stations— and the comparative inexpe­rience o f most o f their missionaries— in view o f all these, they have prose­cuted their labors 11 in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling T h ey now give an account o f their stewardship, with the hope that their brethren o f the Convention, and the God o f ail grace, w ill accept and approve the work o f their hands.

MOURNFUL BEREAVEMENTS.Since the last meeting o f the Convention, painful visitations o f the

Divine hand have been experienced. Although 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 will not be improper here to pay a tribute o f respect to his memory, and to remind ourselves o f the slender tenure by which we hold our earthly existence. At the last meeting o f the Conven­tion, brother Hinton was present, mingling with his accustomed activity in all the services of the occasion. To-day, he is not with us. W e shall see his face no more on earth. But his memory still lives. His deep interest in the cause o f Christ, his disinterestedness, zeal and perseverance, w ill long 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 by his amiable disposition and courteous manner, had secured the regard o f the natives residing immedi­ately 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. Dr. J. Sexton James and his lady, on their way to the city o f Shanghai, had arrived at H ong-kong. Previous to their passage up the coast to their destined'field, they determined to visit their brethren at Canton. , Return­ing from this place, when within sight o f H ong-kong, the vessel by a flaw o f wind was sunk, and -brother and sister James, who had just retired to the cabin, were unexpectedly ushered into the presence of God. T he 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 would 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. would humbly, submit. . ' . .

T he African mission- has also suffered painful bereavements. Beside the death o f brother A. S. Jones, at Cape Palmas,'" which .occurred in 1846,

about the time he was expected to enter our service, the Board are com­pelled to record the sudden removal o f F. S. James, o f N ew Virginia. He was a good man. In the language of one of his co-adjutors in the work, he was pious, amiable, laborious, self-denying, beloved by his people and all who knew him. H e sought not his own but his heavenly Father’s glory. 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 ey have seen and felt the necessity o f hoping only in God, and o f relying Upon him for success in all their movements. . Though often distressed, they have not yielded to despair. Their desire has been that the discipline might be sanctified to their increased devotion and usefulness.

FUNDS.

At the last annual meeting of the Board, a balance was in the treasury o f $14,863 15. . The amount received from all sources during the year, is $ 1-6,927 9 1 ; making a total of $31,791 06. T he expenditure was $26,- 110, leaving a balance of $5,681 06 now remaining in the hands o f the Treasurer. B y an examination of the Treasurer’s account, M ay 1st, 1848, it will be seen that the receipts have this year fallen short o f those of last year by $2,576 18, while the expenditure of the present over the last year, including the chapel fund, is $9,275 09. Without 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 he Board cannot conceal the mortifying fact, that while 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 move­ment shall continue, they will not only be compelled to decline other ap­pointments, but to recall some o f their brethren already in the field. The follow ing is a comparison o f the receipts from the different Southern States for three years:

Punds. 45

1847 1S48 1849 T o ta l.Maryland, §1,553 29 §807 26 §823 23 §3,183 87Dis. of Columbia, 130 10 50 00 55 00 235 10Virginia, 4,525 38 7,661 56 6,083 60 18,470 54North Carolina, South Carolina,

838 74 1,406 58 880 78 3,126 102,591 92 2,221 84 2,736 54 7,550 30

Georgia, 2,151 87 2,449 75 1,049 16

1,632 33 6,233 95Alabama, 1,368 60 1,595 33 4,013 09Kentucky, 933 56 1,101 44 607 55 2,642 55Tennessee, 765 25 273 65 1,038 90Mississippi, 1,039 41 1,279 56 1,073 84 3,412 80Louisiana, 95 00 30 00 125 00Florida,Texas, . 28 00 28 00 .Arkansas, .Missouri, 99 42 . 99.42

50,149 72 .T he 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 re­membered that this embraced the,chapel fund, and, that the demands up'oa the treasury, were immediate and heavy. Besides, as our, remittances -'es­pecially- to China must be regularly forwarded, it is always necessary to have, in hand a surplus fund. W e sometimes receive in a single month but

46 Periodicals.

two hundred dollars, when during the same time it may be necessary to transmit as many thousands.

Special attention is called to the fact, that i f even the present rate o f con­tributions be continued, ruinous embarrassment must result. In addition to this, let it be borne in mind, that all our missions are pleading’ for an in­crease o f laborers. Several have either already determined to devote them­selves 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 ex­pected. The Board will, 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 allowed? W ill Southern Baptists, with all their vast pecuniary resources, be satisfied with this meas­ure o f interest in an object so important and glorious? W e trust not. A proper survey o f the subject w ill prepare us to take more 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 or has he left us as Baptists without the means o f con­tributing to this result. F ive or six Sou'hern States might be named, any one o f which possesses the pecuniary ability, within the limits o f Baptist churches, to sustain the present missions o f the Southern Baptist Convention,

The Board are desirous o f making a regular and steady advance in their labors from year to year. T h ey have hitherto proceeded upon the pre­sumption that this was the will o f the Convention. During 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 now 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 ing year the sum o f twenty-five thousand dollars. They have determined to make the effort. T hey will put into operation all the influence they can, and i f they fail, the fault shall not be theirs. T h ey entertain a hope, not by any means extravagant, that their brethren o f the South w ill at once make all suitable exertion to secure this amount. I f those who have committed to their trust the mammon of unrighteousness w ill make 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 beg leave to call the special attention o f the Convention to this subject.

PERIODICALS.T h e Missionary Journal, commenced at the time o f the last Convention,

has continued regularly to make its appearance, and so far as the Board can learn, has given general satisfaction. B eing the organ o f both the Foreign and Domestic Boards, it may be regarded as an important histori­cal document and worthy o f general preservation. The' number issued is Hot, however, as large as the nature o f the work and the-ability o f the de­nomination would justify. - The subscribers have not exceeded fifteen hun­dred ; they ought not to be less than five thousand. It is probable that the advance cash-system of .payments has somewhat contributed to this compar­atively small issue, as in many instances, through inadvertence, subscribers have failed to send the money, and their names have been stricken from .the list. ’

.. B eing satisfied that a small, cheap-paper;, suitable for circulation among the masses o f society,. Would contribute to the wider diffusion o f missionary

intelligence, the Board have commenced the issue o f a monthly sheet en­titled “ T he Commission,” at 25 cents per annum. Four 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 charac­ter. A much larger circulation, however, both o f the Journal and Com­mission is demanded by the~exigences o f the Board. T he experience o f all similar institutions has proved, that the periodical press has been one of the most effective agencies in sustaining the missionary enterprise. The Board o f the Bap. Miss. Union publish 20,000 copies o f the “ Macedo­nian,” and about 4000 copies o f the Magazine. T he Presbyterian Board o f Missions circulate 8,000 copies o f their Magazine, and 15,000 copies of a small sheet entitled the “ Foreign Missionary,” while the American Board of Commissioners issue not less than 16,000 o f the “ Missionary Herald,” and 47,000 o f their little paper called the “ Dayspring.” It is the desire of the Board to send the “ Journal” and “ Com mission” into every church o f the Southern country, and the Convention are hereby solicited to adopt such measures as may contribute to this desirable result.

AGENCIES.T he Board have found extreme difficulty in procuring men o f suitable

qualifications for the agency work. At the beginning o f the present year, brethren W m . H. Robert o f South Carolina, and Robert M cNabb o f North Carolina, who had been faithful laborers on behalf of the Board, retired from the field, so that in these States no agent is at present em­ployed. Brother W m . M. Farrar is still indefatigably engaged as an agent in Mississippi. Though he finds the employment toilsome, and at­tended with many privations and trials of faith, yet at the solicitation of the Board, he is still inclined to persevere. T he agency o f Tennessee and North Alabama has been filled by brother R. G. K im brough, who, with his characteristic zeal, has been visiting the churches and laboring to excite a becoming liberality. Brother James M . Goodman is still operating in Kentucky. His influence in that State has been happily felt in diffusing intelligence and awakening a missionary spirit. The services of our es­teemed brother Hartwell, o f Alabama, were during the last fall procured for that .State, in conjunction with the Domestic Board at Marion, but we regret to state, that declining health has compelled him to suspend the agency. It will thus appear that the Board have in the field no agents ex­cepting those operating in Mississippi, Tennessee and Kentucky.

The services o f brother H arvey Goodale, an accepted missionary for China, have been engaged for a little less than three months within the limits o f the B ig Hatchie Association o f West Tennessee. This tempora­ry agency was prosecuted by special request o f that body, as they have de­termined to supply the means for brother Goodale’s support.

In the absence of State agencies, the Cor. Sec. has performed as much labor o f this kind as bis duties at the mission room would allow . H e has paid over, during the financial year, the.sum of $6,312 27, a large portion o f which, was procured by his own exertions. As, however, the corres­pondence 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 who should take charge o f this whole work, 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 have recently solicited, brother E li Ball, o f Virginia, who has^had

-no little experience in this department o f labor, to undertake the agency>for

Agencies. 47

48 Tract Distribution.

Georgia, and that he has consented to commence his efforts in that field sometime during the present summer. T he Board are entirely satisfied o f the expedience of the agency system. Its necessity arises from the well known 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 appropri­ate work, and make suitable effort to call forth and systemize the benevo­lence o f the churches, the expense and toil incident to special agencies would be obviated. But this has not been done, and ■ we fear that many years will elapse ere the contributions of Southern Baptists shall flow reg­ularly and naturally into the treasury. Hence, the position of every well qualified agent may be regarded as unsurpassed in importance and useful­ness. He is, everywhere he goes, performing the work o f a domestic mis­sionary, preaching Christ andhim crucified. But in addition to this,'he is holding up before the churches those great principles o f Christian benevo­lence, which are both inculcated and illustrated by. the gospel. Enforcing 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.

As it may be exceedingly difficult, and even impossible to secure suita­ble agents for all the States, it becomes important that our ministering breth­ren should determine to promote, as far as possible, among 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 American

Tract 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 may yet be secured from the same institution during the pre­sent 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 American Tract Society.

T he opportunity is now furnished our brethren, both in China and Africa, for the judicious distribution of tracts to a wide extent. One of our brethren in Canton writes in September last: “ I went distributing tracts this morning near the factories. T ook assistant H ue and another as a book carrier, and gave away 520 copies o f books and tracts, and preached to the people. At one temple we had a very convenient place prepared to our hand, somewhat like a stand in the open air, from which we preached, and distributed tracts, no man forbidding us.” Our brethren at Shanghai are preparing several small tracts, some o f which 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, which he had had printed at N ingpo. H e says, “ I herewith send you a specimen. " There are two ffoxologies at the end to fill up the page. T hey never printed before a tract in-the shape .of the one I sent before, and I have not yet learned its cost. Each edition consists o f 5000 copies. T h ey 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, upon which l expendedco.nsiderabie care and Attention.”

The missionaries on the coast o f Africa.also express- high gratification in having tracts placed in their hands for distribution.- The facilities thus

■ furnished for the prosecution of] this particular work, w ill doubtless become ' more and: more extensive, while, it is hoped the means necessary for carry­ing it oh will, in correspondent measure, be multiplied. • -

4 9Bible Fund—M eetings o f the Convention, <!fc.

BIBLE FUND.F r o m th e V ir g in ia a n d F o r e ig n B aptist B ib le S oc ie ty , con tribu tion s

a m ou n tin g to $ 1 ,1 3 8 3 8 h a v e b een rece iv ed d u r in g th e past yea r . B e y o n d this, com p a ra tiv e ly little h as been received from th e o th er States, as w ill be seen b y the table a n n e x e d :

From V irginia,“ A lab am a,“ South Carolina,“ Maryland,“ Mississippi,“ Georgia,

North Carolina,

1,138 38 100 00 91 72 60 27 44 00 40 25 15 00

Total, $ 1,49.9 62One o f our missionaries referring to the appropriation for this object,

writes: “ Many thanks to the Board for giving us an opportunity o f testing the amount o f good to be done by the distribution o f the holy scriptures, a privilege I had almost despaired of enjoying.” At ail the stations the brethren have been diligently employed.in giving to the people, entire copies and portions of the sacred volume. T he Board express the hope, that at no distant period, our churches will take a deeper interest in this de­partment o f effort for the salvation o f the world.

MEETINGS OF SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION.Believing that it would contribute to the efficiency o f our operations to

call together the friends o f missions more frequently, the Board would sug­gest the expediency o f so changing the constitution o f the Southern Baptist Convention, as to make its meetings annual, or at least biennial, instead of triennial. T he Boards o f the Convention, both Foreign and Domestic, are so small in number, that it is almost impossible to create, even a local inter­est, by their annual convocations. If, however, the Convention itself should assemble every year, or once in two years, a larger number o f brethren would be brought together and the churches generally be more interested in the mission cause. T he subject is referred to the wisdom o f the Con­vention.

MISSIONS OF THE BOARD.W ith in th e th ree y ea rs iust en ded , m ore than tw en ty la b orers , in c lu d in g

fem ales and native assistants, h av e been appointed b y the B oa rd . In refer­r in g d efin ite ly to th e ir m iss ion a ry efforts a m o n g th e heathen d u r in g the past y ea r , th e B o a rd w il l first poin t to

CHINA.CAN TON M ISSIO N .'

M ission a ries.— I . J. R ob erts , F . C . J oh n son , G e o r g e P e a r c y , B . W . W h i l - den , H . G o od a le , M rs. P e a r c y , M rs. W h ild e n , M is s ,H . A . B a k e r , fo u r assistants— total 12.D u r in g , th e past y e a r th e C anton station h as b een subjected to ser iou s in ­

terru p tion s fr o m the. p re ca r iou s health o f breth ren J oh n son and P e a r c y . T h e fo rm e r o f th ese w a s fo r sev era l m on th s a lm ost d isqu a lified fo r th e s tu d y o f the. la n g u a g e , arid has been th ere fore u nprepared for th e w o r k o f p reach in g , to th e p eop le . R e c e n t letters in fo rm u s that h e had b e g u n to a d d ress the^.people. B y. m a n y , it h as been deem ed im p ortan t that h e re­turn h om e fr o m tb e fear that h e w o u ld find it d ifficu lt, i f n ot im p ra ctica b le , u s e fu l ly tb p rosecu te th e m iss ion a ry w o rk . B y sp ec ia l in v ita tion o f th e S h a n g h a i m is s io n ,h e determ in ed -to m a k e trial o f a m o r e n oth ern position .

50 Missions in China.

Passage to Shanghai was engaged, but being driven back by adverse winds, he decided to remain still longer in Canton. Later advices indicate that bis health is not likely to improve. He will probably return to this coun­try. Brother Pearcy’s health has also been seriously impaired, and hy the advice o f physicians and the mission, he and Sister Pearcy reluctantly left Canton to remain, at least for a season, in the higher latitude o f Shanghai. After encountering fearful storms during which their lives were in immi­nent peril, they reached Shanghai on the 19th N ov. with improved health. Referring to his plans for the future, brother Pearcy remarks: “ Should the Lord grant us health at Shanghai, I think we shall prosecute the study of the language in the Shanghai dialect, with a view o f remaining there, holding ourselves subject, however, to the wish o f the Board as to where we shall labor. Should they think it best to open a mission at Fuh Chow Fuh next year, and wish me to labor there with any brethren they might send, if there should be a fair prospect that health could be enjoyed so as to prosecute m y labors, I shall be ready to go. I hope you will not infer from anything I have written, that I am wishing to abandon my work and looking to a return home. W h it the Lord may intend concerning me, I know not. I want to labor and die in China. I hope too, to have greater evidence from the churches and ministers at home, that they will not aban­don the work which they have begun in this land.”

Since their arrival at Shanghai, letters have been received which give cheering hope that health will be again restored, and that they may yet be permitted to indulge the cherished wish o f their hearts, in laboring many years for the spiritual good o f the heathen. It is not impossible, as the climate o f Shanghai seems better adapted to the constitution o f brother Pearcy, that they may be transferred to that mission. Brother I. J. R ob ­erts has continued at Canton prosecuting the mission work, though not without serious annoyance and obstruction arising from the feverish condi­tion o f things in that city. The hostilities which at different times have occured between the Chinese and English have awakened a strong preju­dice among the people against foreigners. This prejudice has operated against the occupancy of permanent and eligible positions by the missiona­ries, and whenever they have secured houses away from the foreign facto­ries, they have been liable to petty robberies and abuse. This opposition has been experienced by other missionaries beside our own. In addition to other impediments thrown in his way, brother Roberts was, about the 1st o f October, assailed by a mob while conducting worship in his chapel. A lluding to this, he remarks: “ Before breakfast I made two pastoral vis­its, after breakfast we held the Bible class, and sounded the gong for meet­ing. Forty or fifty collected in the Uet tung chapel, to whom L ye Seen Sang preached. Afterwards, as I was com ing out, three or four shopmen came in, began a disturbance, broke up my congregation, fastened the door and refused to let me out for about two -hours. I sent word to Dr. Parker and he -caused the Chinese authorities to dispatch police men to m y aid. T h ey arrivedahout 5 o’c lock .' W hile imprisoned m y mind was at ease, though I was weary o f hearing their abusive language. W e had preach­ing again after-the disturbers left. W e also took the sacrament, it being our monthly season in course. On the whole it has been a rare day, but a pleasant one to m y soul, I hope I have made5 some progress heaven­ward.” Though these and other trials are experienced, brother Roberts seems to be encouraged in his work. On the 9th o f April, dry treaty stip­ulations with .the English, the gates of the' walled.part o f the city were to b e o p e n e d ,a n d a ‘popular outbreakwas.at:the.*]ast'advicesrapprehended. It- is thought, however, that a more pacific state of-feeling, wii] ultimately'-:- prevail. - In the.expectation of hostility between- the- English .and- -Chinese

Missions in China. 51

which might continue for several months, and in view o f his long absence from this country, brother Roberts thought it-not impossible that he might return home with the expectation, after a brief period, o f renewing his efforts in China. H e proposes, however, that the Board shall aim to carry out a continued system o f operations in the dissemination o f gospel truth in that great city, by preaching, teaching, printing, & c. W riting on this sub­ject, he says, “ Entering upon anything permanently useful, we must have system. During 1849 the city gates, will be opened to foreigners, we suppose that matters will settle down, and that then all things will be ready to enter with energy upon our work, and upon an enlarged scale. Should the Board approve, we may commence in a moderate way and increase our operations to any extent. I lay this plan before the Board for their consid­eration. Should I return to the United States during 1849, I desire to be instrumental in carrying it into effect. I f I should not return, I hope m y suggestions may be o f use to the Board in the prosecution o f this work at Canton. The word o f G od is the more sure word o f prophecy, the prom­ises o f which are an unfailing dependence for future success. W e dare not predict what the result w ill be, but as we see doors opening, the har­vest whitening, and the prospect o f success encouraging, we cannot but be animated. I f we can see the afflicted healed, the ignorant taught, the female elevated in the scale o f social and moral excellence, and the poor have the gospel preached to them, this will look something like primitive times. And, in the exercise o f holy faith and zeal, may we not hope for primitive success in bringing souls to Christ. Pray for us brethren. W e are feeble instruments. But w e have this treasure in earthen vessels that the excellency o f the power may be o f God and not o f us.”

E re this, the Board hope that brother W hilden and family have arrived at Canton, and that preparatory labors have been commenced by them. W hen he shall have arrived, it is probable that brother Roberts w ill de­cline his proposed return to this country. It is expected the mission at Canton will soon be joined by brother Goodale and sister Harriet A. Baker, a female teacher, both o f whom have been designated to that field. With, the Divine blessing, we may confidently hope they w ill not labor in vain.

Three regular preaching places in the city w ill be statedly occupied by the missionaries and assistants. With respect to the Leen tlen g K i chap­el, brother Roberts says: “ I have had this chapel repaired and improved. It has been removed above stairs and fitted up with ceiling and glass win­dows. Being painted and white washed, it was opened for public worship on the 14th o f September. It w ill comfortably seat more than 100 per­sons, is provided with a bell, and has a room suitably arranged for females, whenever w e shall have a female missionary-or two with whom other fe­males may assemble."

In the same month another place o f worship was opened, called T y- hong-how chapel. “ It is located,” says brother Roberts, “ about half a mile above the Uet tung chapel, and one or two hundred yards from the river, on-a clean street where there are both shops'and families* .It is rent­ed at: 8>l0 per month. This place is not very large, it w ill only accommo­date. 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 theoffer o f twice the- quantity o f ground, and can enlarge when other mission- ' aries come and wish a residence. .1 have a bell also at this place. I opened, the-:place' with singing and prayer, and a short explanatory'dis- course, after which, Chow Seen Sang followed with a discourse from John i i i ' 16: There- were thirty or forty hearers. T h ey ‘politely tqok their seats'and in general listened attentively. .Thanks unto the Lord fdfftgiving us such favorable opportunities?” • . , • . „

52 Missions in China,

The services at Uet tang chapel are still kept up. At all these preach­ing places the assistants seem to. render essential service, either by preach­ing, exhorting or distributing tracts, and portions of the sacred volume.

SHA N G H A I M ISSIO N .

Missionaries.— J. L. Shuck, M. T . Yates, T . W . Tobey, Mrs Shuck, Mrs.Yates, Mrs. Tobey, two native assistants^—total 8.Allusion has already been made to the fact that this station had been re­

quired to pass through painful reverses. Those of the brethren who had commenced operations in that widely 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 of the circle would be compelled to return to this country, thus reducing by one-half their number. The health o f sister T obey becoming so se­riously affected, as to induce at times, a degree o f mental alienation, the labors of her husband have been subject to continual interruption. It has been at length determined by her physicians, and by all who have had any knowledge o f the case, that the best interests of the mission cause demand an immediate return. T h ey will probably reach this country in the fall. A s previously stated, brother Pearcy has found it necessary to seek a cold­er latitude, and is now with the brethren at this station. Should he and his lady be permanently transferred from the Canton to the Shanghai mis­sion, they will be regarded as a valuable acquistion to the missionary ranks

Th e ’ Shanghai , though subject to these and other trials, have been industriously 'engaged in their preparatory labors. They are begin­ning to speak to the people in their own language, the words o f salvation. N or are they without encouraging indications o f the Divine benediction. T he people seem willing to hear. Large 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 off land. Since I last wrote, we have kept up our usual services. A week or two ago, a position for a preaching place, in one o f the most crowded streets within the walls and in the very heart o f the city, was offered to us upon uncommonly reasonable terms. E very thing seemed so reasonable and so providential, that we felt it to be our duty to secure the place, which we have accordingly done. W ith an outlay o f about $200 we shall have a hall which will hold an audience of between four and five, yea,- six hundred persons. The upper story is sufficiently commodious to accommodate the entire families o f both of our native assist­ants when we succeed in getting them up from Canton. Y o n g and Mum have themselves both moved into the upper story, while'the workmen are now turning the whole lower story into a chapel. The brethren will be able to preach in a few weeks, and it is a matter o f great thankfulness that they shall have a most* eligible place in which to . exercise their gifts, and- where,. I sincerely hope* we all may have much 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 every time we preach. T he frbn t, entrance upon the street is eleven feet wide. It is jamm ed in among .other buildings, yet- the main building is so located^ as to secure air, , light'and%^,Uiet. T trust the Lord has guided us in this new measure, and that it majr'result-ia g lory t'o-his name."- Again,-in October, he says: “ Yesterday being Lord’s day. we'bpened, for the first time, our new place o f worship within, the walls of-the city. - I really-found' it good’ speaking'from- a-pulpit 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 Tobey, with Y o n g and Tseang, attend­ed the afternoon service in the city, while Mun 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 lory among this great hea­then people. T o get our new chapel place ready, has been a severe tax upon our time, strength and patience. Y ou 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 hen 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 which each missionary would also preach, and where we might hold all our church meetings. At 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 myself constantly bur­dened with a pressing anxiety, that the Board would so sustain us, as to. bring the whole 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 by brother Shuck while 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 which 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 expe­rience 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 Board deemed it wise, not only to ascertain the facilities and general expediency o f erecting a chapel at Shanghai, but also to consult the contributors themselves. Hence, a cir­cular 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. Accordingly, when sufficient time had been given to learn the views o f their brethren, the Board directed the en­tire fund to be transmitted to Shanghai. A lluding to this fund, one o f the brethren at Shanghai, observes: “ T he plot o f ground about which we wrote, as so admirably situated for the erection o f a chapel, is still for sale. D r. Boon is about closing the bargain for the erection o f his new chapel. Mr. M cK ’s chapel fund, I mentioned in m y last, has arrived. T he Lon­don Missionary Society have decided, to erect two more 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 fe­male, have already presented themselves as professed enquirers after the truth. One man is spoken of-w ho closes his shop on the Lord s day, and goes to hear the word o f the Lord preahhed. “ W hat will- be the final re­sult 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 we da most solemnly pray and desire to see some souls soon converted. Our hearts and eyes are turned to G od, that he would 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 holly to the work o f teaching and preaching Christ among the 'heathen.. 'But we are very, very, feeble. I

beg a special interest in yonr prayers. M y sincere desire is to win Chinese souls to Christ. M ay I more ana more feel that m y sufficiency is of God.”

W e are happy to say that the ladies o f Shanghai are aiming to collect the young, 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 God. Although this effort will 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.

Before we dismiss that part o f the report which relates to the China mis­sion, it may be proper to state that our brethren, both at Canton and Shang­hai, have unequivocally expressed their opinion o f the desirableness of send­ing out as missionaries, medical men o f piety and talents. Such, they re­gard as necessary to be employed in healing the maladies of the body, while they administer to the necessities o f the soul. That such men would exercise a beneficial influence, especially if united with a knowledge of the healing art, they possessed ministerial talent, the Board do not hesitate to admit. Although enquiry has been made, none have been found during the last year to go 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.

B E X L E Y ST A T IO N .

This station is occupied by brother John Day. Though bis health has been at different times feeble, but little interruption to his missionary work has been experienced. Under his care is a school o f about forty-five boys — some of these are colonists but most are natives. They are required to labor a portion o f every day. Referring to these youths, our missionary says: “ The religious instruction they have received, shows itself in their good behaviour. T o see them bow their heads around their frugal meals, while one o f their number raises his voice in 'grateful thanks to their Maker for his bounty, and devoutly asks his blessing upon it, is enough to fill the heart of the spectator with joy . T h ey quietly eat their poor meals, and cheerfully rise to engage in any work assigned them.” Again, he says, in pleading for the means to enlarge his school: “ I do not like to say much about a school under my own direction, but I suppose there is not one o f the kind more interesting in the whole 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 regularly the church at Bexley, and as often as possible, has gone into the interior preaching among the native towns. u I thiDk," he writes, “ a large extent o f the Bassa country is ripe for the reception , of truth. A s far as I have been, which j s about 75 miles in the interior^-and say 150 miles coast-: wise, I have fouifd the preaching ofithe word acceptable. I have preached/ to 1000 persons, 70 miles in the interior, and speaking low /fcou 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 or- der: T h ey kneel solemnly before their. Maker-and seem to pray%&T am.

” -ready to cry, w hy, O , w hy are theynot converted" to God. A stranger- whulff sometimes think they-are fit for'the ordinances oLthe. gospel.” .

"V * * ' - • - ‘ . ° c ■r, <4 -•> - „„

54 African Mission.

African Mission. 55

B A SSA CO V E.

At Bassa Cove, and among the contiguous native towns, brother A . P. Davis is laboring as our missionary. He has been permitted to preach the word o f life to multitudes o f the degraded heathen around him, besides which, 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, among the churches and stations on the St. Paul’s river. Seve­ral have been baptized by him. In alluding, to his multiplied labors, he writes: “ I have endeavored to perform all the duties required at home du­ring the year, besides m y labors and pastoral visits abroad. I have bap­tized seven ; five at home and two while travelling. A m ong the last named is my interpreter. His name is John B. Davis. H e has taken several tours among his brethren alone, since his union with ihe church, and I think to very considerable advantage. M any admire bis improvement, while on the other hand, some are enraged. The 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. They feel that there is a reality in the religion o f Jesus, to which they are strangers. I have had a number o f applications by natives to be instructed as my interpreter has been. T hey beg that I would take them without pa y ; but the expense o f their board is more than le a n bear. V ery high views o f religion seem to be entertained by them. T h ey believe when a person goes into the water, he has tested his religion or belief in the true God. I am fully convinced of the susceptibility o f the natives to improvement. It only remains to make proper efforts under fair circumstances. Give them the same advantages with ourselves, in hearing and learning, and we will have as many, among them becoming interested. It would not be out o f the way to remark, as a reason why we have so few native children in our schools generally, that while a great many have resided in families, yet no general interest is taken in improving their moral and spiritual condition. W hat 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 own expense.” In connection with this region o f country, brother S. Pervis also labors.

MONROVIA.

T he church at Monrovia being without a pastor, by permission o f the Board, one o f its missionaries, brother B. J. Drayton, was engaged for .sev­eral months in preaching for them, while a portion o f his time was em­ployed in the vicinity o f that .town. H e says o f his labors: “ During the last three months, I have traveled one hundred and twenty miles ; preached thirty-seven sermons; lectured seven times ■ attended "fifteen prayer meet­in gs ; visited one hundred and seventy-eight families ; distributed two hun­dred and fifteen tracts and attended four concerts of prayer for the spread o f the gospel. : M y Bible class contains thirty-four males and twenty-seven fe­males. This department.of.my labor is doing w ell ; much interest seeming to be manifested. T he •.Sabbath school is yet in a healthy ‘condition ; the children, both Am ericafls'and natives, are rapidly improving. This is an interesting location, and i f sustained properly, much good"' can be done. Pray for me.” . - ■'

■/.■ • •"■■■■ ■ «- CA PE PA LM A S.

Subsequently, by direction of-the Board, brother Drayton passed down': the>coast and-was located:at Gape Palmas.- -B y o p r 'la st-com m u ta tion s from Africa, we learned that he had commenced supplying the languishing

56

church at that place, and was arranging for a series o f efforts on behalf o f the surrounding heathen! “ As a. field o f labor among the natives,” says one of our brethren, “ a more interesting need not be desired. There are large native towns, one in the midst o f the American settlements, and one not more 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 man­ner of dress, they seem to have less sense o f shame than any I know. From almost any part o f the settlement, one may see hundreds o f men, w o­men and children, without leaving doors or windows. I f a heart could be affected at scenes o f this kind, deep feeling will be experienced in visiting Cape Palmas.”

African Mission.

K E W V IR G IN IA .

N ew Virginia,situated a few miles from Monrovia, up the St. Paul’s river, was the scene of labor in which the lamented brother F. S. James, moved. H e was engaged in conducting a school, and preaching at N ew Virginia and in the surrounding towns. His labors were judicious and un­tiring. N or was he without, the tokens o f God’s blessing. From the time o f his entrance into our service, he. was permitted to baptize many joyful believers. W riting from his field, he informs the Board of. the progress o f the work as follow s: “ T h e prospect before me is encouraging, especially among the inhabitants o f the surrounding settlements; there can be no doubt, but, that by proper management, we shall have prosperous and influential churches. In regard to the natives, I can yet say but little; it is hoped, however, that they are fast, emerging out o f the long nights of darkness in which 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 way 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 my humble opinion, our first effort is required in cultivating their minds and awaken­ing them to a sense o f duty, as many among them are in many respects as blind in regard to the spirit o f Christianity as the surrounding heathen. W hen once vve can get the Christian community to co-operate with us by their circumspect deportment, the work o f civilizing and christianizing the heathen will prosper, and we shall see the fruit o f our labors. I have bap­tized, since the first o f January, 21 converts, all o f whom seem to be pro­gressing in the divine life. I have also administered the Lord’s supper three times, and have visited the native towns several times.

“ T he church at Miilsburg is in rather a low state, her number is small and in adverse circumstances. Their house o f worship is somewhat out o f repair, but an effort is now making on the part of her members, to put it in good order. They all seem to cling together, and long to see the day arrive when they shall find a suitable person to take the pastoral care o f them.

“ T he church at Louisiana, constituted last November, numbering then 8 persons, has since received by letter 4 ; by baptism 8 ; lost by death one, and now numbers 19. They have not as yet any permanent house o f w or­ship, but they are making an effort to build one, though much hindered by adverse circumstances. Their male members number only 8, who are farmers, and in that way get their living. I would be thankful for any as­sistance 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.

“ The clmrch here, (N ew Virginia,) is moving onward, and is in a peace­able state at present, but like others she has had wars without and fightings within. Her present number is 44, besides two candidates for baptism. They have not as yet any permanent house for worship, more than the tem­porary school-house I built last year. The male members are 21 in num­ber, including the old and decrepit ones; have made an effort to build, but I fear they will not be able to complete it for sometime. Brother Day has authorized me to pay towards it $100, 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 come to hear and join with us in our worship. M y school is in 'a prosperous state, though several o f my original scholars have been taken away 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 whom read in the Testament, except five who spell in from two to four syllables, and three in the alphabet. There are, at least, 15 children among the new­ly arrived people, who attended the school, and will attend regularly when they shall get over the fever.”

The death o f this lovely young man, which occurred on the 9th o f last November, has thrown a cloud over the prospects o f the mission in that re­gion. But that cloud, we trust, will soon be dispersed. Speaking o f his success, brother Day states, “ At N ew Virginia is a day school o f 62 child­ren ; 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 ew Orleans he laid the founda­tion and built up a church. E very thing in his hand prospered, as i f the Lord delighted to bless him.”

,*■> (•*

N E W GEORGIA.

At this place a flourishing school is sustained by the Board under the care o f brother W m . A . Johnson.

N E W O R LEA N S.

T he school at N ew Orleans is conducted by brother W . W , Stewart.

E D IN A .

T he Board have been induced by his own solicitation, and by the recom­mendation o f brother J. Day, to appoint at this place, brother John H. Cheeseman, who will labor as their missionary in the circumjacent region. H e w ill itinerate among the Bassas; by whom he is much 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 work, having been for some time in the employ o f the Baptist Mission­ary Union.

T he stations to which allusion has been made, as already occupied by the Board are on the coast, and within the jurisdiction of the American colonies. This 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'among all these tribes for the proclama­tion o f the gospel. N ot less than twenty men employed as preach­ers, could find most important positions, which might be occupied to advan­tage. In addition to these, as many teachers are required to take.charge o f schools. ■"

8

5S

CENTRAL AFRICA.

T h e Board have been led to contemplate Central Africa as a most invi­ting field o f missionary labor. Their attention was first called to it bv bro­ther T . J. Bowen, who has since been appointed to commence its explora­tion, and to institute measures for its cultivation. This brother, a native o f G eorgia, but more recently a resident o f Florida, had for some time been looking at the probabilities o f a successful entrance into this thickly popu­lated region, and becoming satisfied o f its feasibility, his thoughts were turned to the question o f personal duty in the case. He decided to attempt the difficult task. An offer o f himself was made. The Board were engaged for several months in obtaining information, and considering all the bear­ings o f the question. T h ey resolved, after much prayer to God, for his unerring direction, to enter upon the undertaking. Many difficulties pre­sented themselves to their view, but none so formidable as to forbid the at­tempt, especially when the w ill o f God in reference to it seemed distinct.

It is expected that brother Bowen, in company with a white fellow-labor­er and two or three colored brethren, w ill repair to this field in the fall o f ttiis year. T he Church Missionary Society, and the Wesleyan Mission Society of England, have stations in a part of this great field. The char­acter of this region is indicated by the committee in their report, in which they say, “ T he interior country o f Africa watered by the Gtuorra— a river which, from its source in the K ong Mountains down to Timbuctoo, is called the Joliba or great river; and thence to its outlet, the Q,uorra, but is known to Europeans as the- N iger— by the tributaries o f the Tchad, and by other unknown streams that probably exist, may be in general described as a fertile region, well suited to the habitation o f man, and apparently not possessing a climate unfavorable to life, either for the natives or for Euro­peans who know how to take care o f themselves.

“ A portion o f this region, called Western Soudan, comprehending the country west of the Guorra, from Timbuctoo to its entrance into the Delta at Abbazaca, and distinguished throughout for its fertility and comparative­ly high state o f improvement, includes the kingdom o f Yarriba. O f this kingdom, Murray remarks: ‘ It is one o f the most fruitful countries on the globe, and is also w ell cultivated and densely peopled. The fields are cov­ered 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 neigh­boring country Nyffe.’

“ In this salubrious and productive kingdom, our missionaries might se­lect a location, whence they might easily cross the N iger into Nyffe, a very fine country, occupied by the most industrious and improved o f all the ne­gro nation's, and thence extend,their chain o f stations eastward to the king­dom o f Bornou and even to Abyssinia. ' v

“ Located near the Niger, the commercial highway o f that entire region* the missionary may, at any time, by means o f the boats that ply on its wa­ters, visit the numerous towns that stud its banks. . Departing from- Katan­ga, the capital o f Yarriba, a town 1.5; miles in 'circumference, with a, large population, he may descend the fiver,' visiting llabba, E gga , which stretches for four miles along its western bank, Kacunda,'-'with its peaceable, friendly and industrious inhabitants, and proceeding on to the point of its confluence with the Tchadda, ascend the latter, ai^'pr.SSch Christ crucified to .the immense multitudes o f the .Funda country. Or he m af^scend ;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 by wooden walls SO miles in length, ana finally reach T in ? Suctoo itselfythe mart o f an. extensive- trade, and distribute :among its mixed

Central Africa.

59Contributions o f Colored People, Gpc.

population the word o f life. Or he may diverge from the N iger, and as­cend the river that leads to Soccatoo, the largest city in the interior o f Afri­ca, and spread within its lofty walls, those sacred influences which w ill ul­timately open its twelve gates to let the K ing o f G lory in.”

our colored brethren, whenever they have been informed o f the plans o f the Board. From the colored people o f a single church, more than fifty dol­lars have been sent to the treasury. The 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 were forwarded during the finan­cial year. M any gratifying instances o f this kind might be mentioned, evincing the readiness with which this class o f our church members re­spond to the claims o f the perishing heathen. T he Board will venture to suggest, that every pastor on suitable occasions, inform the colored disci­ples o f the effort now making to send the gospel to Africa. Estimating as they do their own religious privileges, and the glorious hopes they enjoy, it w ill be deemed by them a duty and pleasure to assist in communicating these blessings to others. Beside the actual good they will confer upon others by their contributions, a benefit w ill be received by themselves.

It would be unwise to expect a successful issue o f our labors without the expenditure o f much thought, time and money. W e have before us a g n a t work. 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 long venerated institutions and superstitions to be over­thrown. Then, our missionaries are men o f like passions with ourselves. T h ey are subject to all the infirmities o f human nature, to errors of judg­ment and despondency o f spirit, to weariness, sickness and death. W ill it be otherwise expected, that years must elapse and much preparatory work be performed, ere there shall be a general turning to the Lord. This has been the experience o f all missionary Boards. One o f the most judicious 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 circumstances o f the case, and the singular phases of our work in China. Missionaries should not be too hasty in exciting expectation. Everything seems to indicate that the conversion of the empire will be slow w ork, and in nothing is this more conspicuous than in the toiling and plodding, the pains and patience, the time and taxing of. body and mind, w hich are necessary in order to acquire the means o f free communication with the mass o f the people. And after this point shall have been gained, a vast amount o f oral instruc­tion must be.imparted; for light w ill slowly 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 mucin ipafience and faith. W e must labor on, imparting liberally-of'o.ur time, influence, and money, know ing that, “■ in due tim e, we.shall reap if we faint not.”

CONTRIBUTIONS OP COLORED PEOPLE.A pleasing interest has been taken in the evangelization o f Africa, by

Spiritual jo y w ill be enhanced in the higher appreciation o f the great sal­vation.

A GREAT WORK BEFORE US.

SECOND TRIENNIAL REPORT.

B O A R D O F D O M E S T I C M I S S I O 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. Here seed time and harvest follow in regular succession as indicated by the changing seasons. Not strictly so in the kingdom o f Christ. Here 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 plough­man overtaketh the reaper, and the treader o f grapes him that soweth the seed.” Y et there are privileged seasons in which they who have planted and they who have watered, may meet and rejoice together over the increase w hich God giveth. T he present is one o f those favored seasons. Here we may group together a few clusters o f those precious fruits, and exhibit them to the praise o f Him who has prospered the work o f our hands.

Assembled as we are, a company o f laborers from the various parts o f the Lord’s vineyard, employed in several different spheres, we do well to heed the voice of admonition: “ Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy m ight; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wis­dom, in the grave whither thou goest.”

F orce 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 by their

/ experience and wisdom, have ceased from their labors. T w o V ice Presi­dents and four missionaries o f the Board have ended their toils since the last meeting o f this Convention. T he Rev. B. Chambers, o f South Carolina, Rev. S. S. Parr, o f Missouri. Rev. I. T . Plinton, o f Louisiana, and Rev. W m . M. Tryon, of Texas, missionaries; Rev. W . Y . Hiter, o f Virginia, and Col. Absolom Janes, o f Georgia, V ice Presidents o f the

• Board have, we'doubt not, entered into their rest. H ow many o f those who now compose this body will finish their course before another meeting, is known to Him only who ordaineth all things according to the counsel o f his own will.

T h e Board o f Domestic Missions, in presenting this triennial account of their stewardship, acknowledge with devout-thanksgiving the Divine favor manifested unto them, and rear a monument o f praise, with the ancient in­scription, “ Hitherto the Lord hath helped us.” B y the aid of his Spirit, our missionaries have accomplished much good by strengthening feeble churches, organizing new', interests, locating permanent pastors, rearing houses o f worship, establishing Sabbath schools, Bibl’e classes, and temper­ance societies, 'transforming the general character o f society, and the con­version o f sinners. . > ■- . v '-Vv : .

A s a detailed account of the proceedings of'the"'Board have been pub­lished 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$ rx o m April 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

61

ceived by letter 125; 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. These messengers of peace have made 3,500 religious visits to private families.In the performance o f these labors they have traveled 35,661 miles.

The report for the year ending April 1st, 1848, furnishes the following statistics : 50 missionaries and agents; 150 stations occupied ; 1,222 weeks labor performed; 6,026 sermons and lectures delivered; 574 prayer meet­ings; 166 other religious meetings; monthly concert observed at 16 stations; 515 baptisms; 293 additions by letter| 35 Sabbath schools and Bible classes, with 157 teachers and superintendents)" 1,147 scholars, 1,505 volumes o f books in the several schools; 30 pupils and teachers have professed faith in Christ; 6 ministers and 16 deacons have been ordained;7 young men commenced preparation for the ministry; 15 churches have been constituted; 4 meeting-houses commenced, and 4 others completed ; several temperance societies organized, and many pledges to total absti­nence obtained; 6,947 family visits, and 46,600 miles traveled.

During the year ending April 1st, 1849, the Board have employed 57 .■ missionaries and agents, some the whole and others a portion of their time.T he aggregate amount o f time devoted to the work by them- during the 1 year is equal to 36 years. They have delivered 5,782 sermons and lectures; supplied 170 stations with the regular ministry of the w ord; ‘ baptized 683 converts; received by letter 254; restored 2 1 ; held 789 prayer meetings; monthly concert for prayer observed at 17 stations: 140 other \ religious meetings held 27 Sabbath schools reported, with 137 teachers, i 1,222 pupils, and 2,280 volumes o f school books; 6,914 visits to private families, in connection with most o f which the scriptures were read, and practical lectures were made, and prayer offered; 4 meeting-houses have been completed and 10 more commenced ; 14 churcHes Eave been"”consti- tuteclT7W nmristgrs'anffl5~3eacons 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, more than 400 have professed conversion principally through the instrumentality o f our missionaries, but as they were baptized by other ministers they are not reported in their regular labors. B y the principal agency 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.

■» ; - 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 117; 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 held ; 306 other meetings attended; 17,361 family visits; 29 churches constituted; 16 ministers and -31 deacons ordained ; 8 church edifices built and 16 others v commenced ; 157,24^i&iiie^^ayele9 ; : several ^naried.-piriltess^ '

'sion w ho'are not included: imlihis report j-beside's/much other useful labbr.There 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 has not equaled theiivm^jeejfu- tions. During the year seven- mor.e missionaries' Were.employed thanr-wp^.^’j.- commissioned the preceding year, L68 more baptisms; 1 2 .years,

vlabo j: p e r f o r m e d 20. additional’ stations supplied; 10 m ole released the_BnajjU io m . further approDiiations. 29.043

Summary o f Missionary Labor.

62 Finances—Bible Distribution— Our Field.

traveled; more stations have been visited with the outpouring o f the H oly Spirit, and a much larger number o f souls professed conversion.

FINANCES.The amount o f collections for the year ending April 1, 1847, is

$9 ,594 60, to which add $527 35, the balance in the treasury April 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 or the year ending April lstj 1848, the collections were $11,239 50. Adding the balance in the treasury, we have the sum o f $13,468 24. Disbursements for the year $11,602 16. Leaving $1,866 08.

F or the last year the treasurer’s report shows $12,176 62 collected, which with the amount in hand, places at the disposal o f the- Board $14,042 70. Disbursements $13,891 90. Leaving a balance o f $150 80.

The sum total for the three years is $33,011 32. Add to this $527 35, the amount in the treasury April 1st, 1846, and w e have $33,538 07, the amount o f resources for the three years. Disbursements for the same period $33,387 27. Leaving a balance n ow in the treasury o f $150 80. Salaries o f missionaries unpaid and which were due April 1st, 1849, amount to $212 50. Leaving the Board in debt to the amount o f $61 70.

T he amount o f collections from each State for the three years is as fo llow s:—South Carolina,Mississippi,Alabama,Georgia,Virginia,Arkansas,Texas,North Carolina,

BIBLE DISTRIBUTION.

$9,786 46 Maryland, 200 006,684 56 Tennessee, 99 665,154 53 Louisiana, 58 004,940 09 Kentucky, 21 254,724 82 District of Columbia, 20 00

459 67 Florida, 10 00417 50 Missouri, 9 95402 50 Unknown, 21 16

But little has been accomplished in this department compared with the importance o f the cause, and the destitution o f many portions o f our country. $1,843 30 only have been placed in our treasury for Bible dis­tribution during the recess o f the Convention. And $280 50 o f this sum has accrued from the sale o f Bibles. $1,600 o f this amount was furnished by the Virginia and Foreign Bible Society. T h e greater part o f the remainder was contributed by North and South Carolina, through the agency o f Rev. Lewis DuPre, who has been engaged a sm all-portion of his time as our agent in conjunction with the Foreign Board.

Appropriations o f Bibles have been made to Texas, Louisiana,. Missis­sippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, Florida, N orth and South'€a|oli|ia, Virginia and Maryland. • ’ l ...

The B oard earnestly desire the Convention to recommend someschetite by which our churches may be awakened to -the •importance o f this subject. ■: . _■

OUR FIELD. “ ' 'T h e Board 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 occupy its own field. %-Each has more than amplejfield-to require

r-all its energies and resources.- I N ot mp^e than one half the-population o f ^ h e United. States is -adequately, supplied with'the means -of grace. .So far $as'the Southern Beardes concerned,.’ they have net been able to meet'more

. . - ' - '

Our Field. 63

1 \than one half the applications made for assistance. M any more would I nave been made had not those needing it known our inability to grant it. f And many portions o f our country do not contain persons who feel suf­

ficient interest in the subject to even ask for aid. These 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 were 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. Our population

“ Increases in number more than 550 daily— more than an average congre­gation for each minister. This requires an increase o f 365 preachers annually to supply the increase of population. W e then have an ample field. More than we can at present cultivate. Y et toe must cultivate it or it will remain without culture. V ery little was ever done in the Southern field by any domestic missionary organization, evenprevious to the unhap- jiy discussions touching o~ur~civil institution^. Much less can be expected now. Aside from tne hindrance alluded to, there is good reason w hy other organizations should bestow most o f their efforts upon the free States. From the best information furnished by various published reports, the desti­tution North is nearly or quite equal to the destitution South. T ake two examples— Pennsylvania east and Ohio 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. There 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 family was without a Bible. O f Ohio, a re­cent collector o f statistics says there is not more 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 more than one evangelical professor to every two families. And three-eighths of all the churches in the State are without settled pastors. A colporteur in 1845 gives the follow ing description o f one county containing 19,521 souls:— 4,000 cannot read; not a church that has preaching every Sabbath; but one educated minister; one preacher had no Bible, and he preached to two churches; nearly half the families without religious books, and more than one-fifth without the Bible. One man who had been married 20 years and had seven children, neither he nor his children had ever seen a Bible. In a small town o f 119 inhabitants only six Bibles were found. In a neighborhood o f 30 families only 3 Bibles and 2 Testaments were found.

In the retUi;ns o f last year from .38 counties, one-fifth o f the families were destitute o f the B ible.' Some of the free States are vastly better sup­plied than those which we have noticed; others are much w orse; take the whole number and -we presume these make a very fair average. Hence, were .there no other .hindrance, we could not expect much .aid from them.

W e jdu^cultivate our ,o wn 'field; Our political' ties, social relations, and religious! sympathies, are-so identified as to impose a peculiar and strong obligation upon all parts o f the field to engage in this work. <■ Thisfis. the cause o f the?eastern portion o f it. Their offspring; kindred

and fr-fends, are-scattered over the whole field. Our people are migratory, and the movement is westward. N o one family is left unaffected by the spirit of emigratiopr. - W herever 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 enjoy- gospel, privileges or perish for'lack o f knowledge; whether they ascend to, thrones on high or descend to the abyss ofcwo. * *"** ”

6 4 New Fields— Colored Population, §'c.

It is do less the cause o f the west. They are immediately affected by the benign influences o f religious institutions when established among them, or they are the immediate sufferers if such institutions are wanting. T hey constitute the nucleus around which society is rapidly gathering, which is now in its formative state. And the mass will, 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 among them.

This, 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 among the great mass, can elevate a nation and perpetuate its institutions. Every citizen is interested in the cause o f domestic missions.

T^EW FIELDS.Since the last meeting of this body, much territory has been added to this

.government. What portion o f it will eventually belong to our field is im ­possible to fell. Much interest has been excited in relation to California. Other missionary societies have sent laborers to that field. Several appli­cants 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 fol­low ing reasons:— Tile 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 give heed to one inviting them to seek heavenly treasures. Society there must be for sometime to come greatly agitated— the fermentation must sub­side before much good can be done. The Board have taken no action in this matter. As all these questions are attended with some doubt, they wait any recommendation or instruction o f the Convention.

COLORED POPULATION.This class o f our community is justly exciting much interest among the

. churches. Its importance claims more 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 in­fluence, as far as practicable. T w o are appointed especially to them. This population is estimated at about 3,000,000 ; .o f which . nearly 130,000 belong to Baptist churches, and it is presumed as many more are connected with other religious denominations. Provisions are made in most o f our houses o f worship for their convenience ; and generally those living-in the neighborhood o f churches have access to religious privileges. And it is peculiarly gratifying to know that these advantages are yearly, increasing. Still there are many, very many, who 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 weighty can rest upon us to furnish the gospel to the poor.thahJthe pbliga-

-ACj ig ; ■*#

non to give to our servants.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 communica­tion Ibtiiepoi'tsr.of missionaries, essays and such rnalter as the readers

Agencies and Agents—Aim o f the Board, fyc. 6 5

might desire to preserve. T he denominational State papers,' w hich have been generously tendered to the Board, have been employed, either by sending copy directly to them or by transfer from the Journal: T he ar­rangement has not altogether answered the demands o f the Board, nor sat­isfied 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 week­ly papers has not been sufficient for those who do not take the Journal, and too much for those who do. Hence, the Board have been, advised to make the weekly papers the direet and immediate method o f communicating with the churches, and employ the Journal for original or selected articles bear­ing upon Domestic Missions, condensed views o f reports o f missionaries, & c. The Board will be under the necessity o f adopting some such meas­ure, unless a much larger circulation can be given to the Journal.

AGENCIES AND AGENTS.N o plan has yet been discovered by which we 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 money, that makes an agent’s visits so necessary, is not for us to determine. But true it is we get but little money where we have no agents. In Virginia, South Carolina, Mississippi and Arkansas alone, we have been able to secure permanent agents. These are active, efficient m en ; have done much towards securing funds, but have done more in elevating the cause and in the performance of missionary work.

AIM OF THE BOARD.In view o f the wants o f our field and the condition o f our missions, the'

Board have resolved to make every laudable effort to raiseJ|2M)00 the present ycar^by the means o f which, they can sustain one hundred""”nis- - ^ I ^ e s r r 'A n y amount short o f this, w ill not enable the Board to carry out its plans and well sustain the interests now under their fostering care. T hey most earnestly solicit the co-operation o f the churches and pastors in securing this amount.

CONCLUSION, ■; CJ ? rOur account is rendered ; our term of appointrpent has expired. We

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 of humanity and o f the Redeemer to this appeal. Your Board are deeply impressed with the sentiment that our people must be imbued with the spirit of piety to give efficiency to their labors of 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, un­less 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 CONSTITUTIONOF THE

S O U T H E R N B A P T I S T C O N V E N T I O N .W e, the delegates from Missionary 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 carrying into effect the benevolent intentions o f our constituents, by or­ganizing a plan for eliciting, combining and directing the energies o f the whole denomination in one sacred effort, for the propagation o f the gospel, agree to the follow ing rules, or fundamental principles ;

A rticle I. This body shall be styled the Southern Baptist Convention.A rt . II. It shall be the design o f this Convention to promote Foreign

and Domestic Missions, and other important objects connected with the R e­deemer’s kingdom, and to combine for this purpose, such portions o f the Baptist denomination in the United States, as may desire a general organi­zation for Christian benevolence, which shall fully respect the independence and equal rights o f the churches.

A r t . III. A Biennial Convention shall consist o f members who con­tribute funds, or are delegated by religious bodies contributing funds, and the system of representation and terms o f membership shall be as follows, 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 representa­tive; an annual contribution of two hundred dollars, as aforesaid, shall en­title the contributor to two representatives ; and so, for each additional one hundred dollars, an additional representative shall be allowed. Provided, however, that when application shall be made for the first time by bodies, or individuals, to be admitted into the Convention, one delegate shall be al­lowed for each one hundred dollars. And provided, also, that in case of great collateral Societies, composed o f representatives, receiving contribu­tions 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 rt . IV . T h e officers o f this Convention shall be a President, four V ice Presidents, a Treasurer, and two Secretaries, who 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 virtue o f his office, members o f the sev­eral Boards.

A rt. V . T h e Convention shall elect at each biennial meeting as many Boards o f Managers, as in its judgment w ill be.necessary for carrying out the benevolent objects it may determine to promote, all which Boards shall continue in office until a new. election. E ach Board shall consist o f a President, V ice Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurer^ Auditor, mid fifteen other members, seven o f whom, including one or more 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 of. alHhe| affairs relating to the object wi'th^vhose interest itr shall S e - charged, a jp which'management shall be intsfect^accordance with the constitutional pro­visions" ad^fed^by jh is CcmTOn'tSon, and such'other instructions .as may be ' - - tinM Ss^& ch-Board shall have -power to m ate sufch

Constitution. 67

compensation to its Secretaries and Treasurer, as it may think right; fill the vacancies occurring in its own b od y ; enact its own by-law s; have an annual meeting at any place it may appoint, and other meetings at such times and places as it may think best; keep a record o f its proceedings and present a report o f them to the Convention at each biennial meeting.

A rt. V I. The Treasurer o f each Board shall faithfully account for all moneys received by him, keep a regular entry o f all receipts and disburse­ments, and make report of them to the Convention, whenever 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 Board, from whose treasury the money is to be drawn, which order shall be signed by its presiding officer.

A rt . V II . T h e Corresponding Secretaries o f the several Boards shall maintain intercourse by letter, with such individuals or public bodies, as the interests o f their respective bodies may require. Copies o f all such communications, with their answers, if any, shall be kept by them on file.

A rt . V III . T he Recording Secretaries o f the several Boards, shall keep a fair record o f their proceedings, and o f such other documents as may be committed to them for the purpose.

A r t . IX . A ll the Officers, Boards, Missionaries and Agents, appointed by the Convention, or by any o f its Boards, shall be members o f some reg­ular church, in union with the churches composing this Convention.

A rt. X . Missionaries appointed by any of the Boards of this Conven­tion, must, previous to their appointment, furnish evidence o f genuine piety, fervent zeal in their Master’s cause, and talents w hich fit them for the ser­vice for which they offer themselves.

A r t . X I. T h e bodies and individuals, composing this Convention, shall have the right to specify the object, or objects, to w hich their contributions shall be applied. But when no such specification is made, the Convention w ill make the appropriation at its own discretion.

A rt. X II . T h e Convention shall hold its meetings biennially, but extra meetings may be called by the President, with the approbation of 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 rt . X III . A n y alterations which experience shall dictate, may be made in these articles, by a vote o f two-thirds o f the members present, at any biennial meeting o f the Convention.

68

TREASURER’S STATEMENTO f funds received and disbursed by the board op foreign missions o f the Southern

Baptist Convention, fo r the year ending April, 1849.

Treasurers' Reports.

Cash on hand, 30 April last per report,823 23

14,863 15

Interest account, Missionary Journal,

Virginia, 6,083 60North Carolina, 880 78South Carolina, 2,736 56Georgia, 1,632 33Alabama, 1,595 33Mississippi, 1,073 84Louisiana, 30 00Kentucky, 607 55

.Texas, 28 00Missouri, 99 42Dis. o f Columbia, 55 00

1,226 2956 00 16,927 91

31,791 06DISBURSEMENTS.

T o the African-Mission, 2,889 95Canton Mission, 5,462 71Shanghai Mission, 8,154 77Chapel fund remitted, 5,292 55Outfit, 605 10Salary account, Sec. and agents, 1,880 00Passage, 1,000 00Interest, discount on uncurrent money,

& c., 25 25Incidental charges, including traveling

expenses, &c., 799 67 26,110 00

Balance on hand, 5,681 06

IREASURER’S REPORT.W illiam H ornbuckle, Treasurer, in account with the

B oard of Domestic Missions of the Southern B aptist Convention.

'—T o balance in treasury the first April, A . D. 1846, $ 527 35

To receipts from individuals, churches, associa­tions and societies, from the 1st April, 1846, to 1st April, 1847, to w it:—

From Alabama, 1,971 84. “ ■ Georgia, 2,184 33

“ South Carolina, 3,498 16“ Mississippi, 1,260 44“ Virginia, 553 33“ Tennessee, 80 00“ , District o f Columbia, 20 00“ Louisiana, 13 50 ' ' **•“ Florida, - ■:£- ■ 10 00 - . • ' .’"-.'s

Norih Carolina, . 'S ? ; # -3:. oo „ 9,594 60

-$?f0;421 95- r

■ •—J.Mi, . . .1 1

Treasurer's Reports. 69

1847—By cash paid missionaries, agents and Corresponding Secre­tary, 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 of April, A . D . 1847,

$6,872 92 376 18 253 87 231 46 158 78

2,228 74

1848—T o balance in treasury the 1st April, 1847,To receipts from individuals, churches, associa­

tions and societies, from the 1st April, 1847, to1st April, 1848, to w it:—

From Alabama, 1,677 94“ Georgia, 1,308 11“ Mississippi, 2,582 62“ South Carolina, 3,147 33“ Virginia, 1,692 15“ North Carolina, 399 57“ Texas, 217 50“ Maryland, 100 00“ Arkansas, “ Kentucky,

72 3713 25

“ Tennessee, 7 50Unknown, 21 16

10,121 95

$2,228 74

11,239 50

$ 13,468 24

1848—By amount paid missionaries, agents and Corresponding Se­cretary, as per vouchers, to April 1st, 1848, 10,074 48

By traveling expenses of agents and Secretary, 578 73By office rent and contingent expenses, 118 38By postage, 50 70By printing and stationery, 25 15By discount on uncurrent money, 19 25By amount paid for Bibles and expenses on same, 735 47By balance in treasury 1st April, 1848, 1,866 08

$ 13,468 24

O f the above amounts received, $ 973 87 was for bible distribution;

Hence, the credit o f 735 47

Transferred to Bible account, $238 401849— T o balance in treasury 1st April, 1848,Ap’l 1— T o receipts from individuals, churches, associ­

ations and societies, from 1st April, 1848, to April 1st,- A . D. 1849, to wit:—

From Mississippi, “ Virginia,

2,841 50 2,479 34

“ South Carolina, 3,140 97“ Alabama, 1,504 75“ Georgia, . 1,447 65

. -Arkansas, 387 30“ Texas, . 200 00“ Maryland, 100 00

. Louisiana, • 45 00• “ Tennessee, 12 16

" “ Missouri, • j. ■ ..> 9 95. •; Kentucky, . . 8 00

1,866 08

12,176 62

TO Treasurer's Report.

1849— By amount paid missionaries, agents and Corresponding Se­cretary, as per vouchers, to April 1st, 1849,

By traveling expenses of agents and Corresponding Se­cretary,

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 53 81 92 50 00 27 18 30 95 64 74

238 40 12 50 50 50

150 8©

$14,042 70

SUMMARY STATEM EN T.To balance in treasury the 1st April, 1846, $ 527 35“ amounts received from various individuals, associations, churches

and societies to 1st April, A . D . 1847, 9,594 60“ 1st April, A . D. 1848, 11,239 50« “ “ “ 1849, 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 II 1,218 44

253 87 420 18 354 30 83 99

973 87 12 50 50 50

150 80

$32,469 60W . HORNBUCKLE, Treasurer B . D . M . S. B . C.

I certify that the above report is correct, and sustained by proper vouchers. April 1, 1849. WM . N. W Y A T T , Auditor.

TREASURERS REPORT ON DOMESTIC B I R p FUND.Receipts and disbursements o f Bible funds, by the Treasurer o f the Domestic Mis-

sion Board o f the Southern Baptist Convention..■ '<

1848 -April 1— T o amount in treasury as reported the 1st April, 1848, $238 40May 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. Taylor,. ' ‘ " 23 00

1849 . ;V 'T*k V . .. .. CFeb. 12—Received ofsBiookliri cteroh, Alabama, by Rev. H. Lee,' ' 1 00Mar. 6— “ 'TTreasurer;-^.the, Newberry Bible Society,^ -

South Carolina, , fefsSsiO’' 00

Treasurer’’s Reports. 71

<26— Received of the Virginia and Foreign Bible Society, 500 00“ E. A . Blunt, treasurer of the Alabama Bible

Society, on account of Bibles sold, 280:50

$ 1,107 90

By bill Bibles shipped to Arkansas, 131 53£t it tt tt Texas, 131 53“ “ “ “ Marion, Alabama, 104 20“ amount in treasury 1st April, 1849, 740 64

$1,107 90

Bibles ordered April, 1849, as follows:—T o Virginia, 100 00“ Maryland, 100 00“ North Carolina, 100 00“ South Carolina, 100 00“ Louisiana, 100 00“ Mississippi, 100 00“ Missouri, 100 00“ Florida, 50 00

$750 00Cash in the treasury to meet the above as reported is 740 64

Deficit, $ 9 36W M . HORNBUCKLE, Treasurer B . D . M . S. B . C.

April 1, 1849.I certify that the above report is eorreet, and sustained by proper vouchers.April 1, 1849. W M . N. W Y A T T , Auditor.I perceive this reports for the year ending April 1,1849. From the report of

the preceding year 1 notice the disbursement o f $ 735 47 for Bible distribution. Which added to the amount about gives the sum of $ 1,843 37. Cor. Sec.