Directors shall enter on their duties at the close of the Anniversary next succeeding their appointment; and the said officers and Directors, together with the Directors for Life, shall constitute a Board, seven of whom shall be a quorum at any meeting regularly convened. And it shall be understood, that, should any of the above named Ecclesiastical Bodies neglect or refuse to appoint their proportion of the said Fifty Directors, it shall be the duty of the Society, at its next Annual Meeting, after such deficiencies shall have occurred, to fill the vacancies occasioned by such neglect or refusal. "2. That the following words shall be added to article fourth of the said Constitution, viz. and forward a copy of the same [the Annual Report] to each of the Ecclesiastical Bodies named in the third article of this Constitution.'" Shortly after this Mr. Peters again visited Philadelphia, and requested an interview with the Board of Missions. A special meeting was immediately called, and fifteen members of the Board attended -The propositions from New York were presented, and Mr. Peters received a patient and candid hearing on the subject After considerable deliberation the Board adjourned, in order to afford ample time for inquiry and reflection. Four days af ter, the Board was again convened, and fourteen members attended, and the result of this second meeting was, the adoption of the following minute and resolutions, viz "The consideration of the proposition from the Executive Committee of the American Home Missionary Society was resumed, and after a free discussion, the following resolutions were adopted, viz "Resolved, as the opinion of this Board, that the Board is utterly incompetent to entertain any such proposition as that which is made to them by the Executive Committee of the American Home Missionary Society; inasmuch as the Board has not been invested with any power for such a purpose, by the General Assembly; and further "Resolved, That if this Board did possess the necessary power, it is the opinion of the Board, that the measure proposed is altogether inexpedient; it being the deep conviction of the Board, that the interests of the Presbyterian Church, and the sacred cause of Missions, require that the character and powers of the Board should remain as they are, without any such modification as that which has been proposed. "It was also resolved, That the Executive Committee of this Board be instructed to communicate the above resolutions to the Executive Committee of the American Home Missionary Society." After the friendly interview with Mr. Peters, to which we have referred, and the decided expression of the sentiments and feelings of the Board of Missions, it was earnestly hoped that the Home Missionary Society would permit the whole matter to rest; and that they would at length accede to our propositions for such an undisguised, and friendly, and intimate correspondence, as would effectually obviate all disagreeable collisions, and enable both Boards to prosecute, to the full extent of their wishes and their means, the arduous and benevolent work of Missions. This fondly cherished hope, however, we are sorry to say, has proved fallacious. The tranquillity and peace of the Board of Missions, and of its numerous friends, have again been disturbed by an elaborate Circular, which was issued from the office of the American Home Missionary Society on the 5th of the present month, and addressed, as we understand, not only to all the officers, and many other patrons of that Society, but, also to several members of the Board of Missions, and to some of the Committee who now address you. We do most sincerely wish that this Circular could be placed at once, and at full length, in the hands of all our friends, that they might be the better able to judge of the real wishes and intentions of the Committee in New York. As this however is impracticable, we must content ourselves for the present with giving a brief sketch of its contents, and an equally brief reply. In the introduction to this Circular, the views and purposes of the Committee in New York are very fully disclosed in the language which follows, viz. "It has become manifest to many of the friends of both Boards, that even if we suppose the kindest state of feeling to pervade their Executive Committees, they cannot thus continue to exist and act, without interference both in the collection and appropriation of the charities of the churches; nor can they pursue the Missionary work with that unity of counsel which is essential to its highest prosperity -Impressed with the conviction that these evils cannot be avoided, while the present system of separate action is pursued, several members of both Committees have earnestly desired the adoption of a plan, by which these two Boards might be reduced to one." On this quotation we remark, that as it contains no proof whatever of the positions assumed, it can be regarded only as making known the opinions, or merely gratuitous assertions, of the Committee in New York-It will therefore be a sufficient reply to say, that there are not more than two or three individuals in Philadelphia and New Jersey, belonging either to this Committee, or the Board, who do not utterly disapprove of the plan of amalgamation insisted on by the Committee in New York, and entirely dissent from the opinions above expressed-Nor is there, as this Committee believe, EVEN ONE member of the Board, in either of the places named, that would not decisively object against the annihilation of this Board, on the plan of the Committee in New York. Thus much of opinion to meet opinion The grounds and reasons of our opinions will be found substantially set forth in our former address to the churches, and need not here be repeated. After these unqualified expressions of opinion, to which we have referred, the Circular goes on to detail in part, the history of the plan of amalgamation. But while the Executive Committee that now addresses you is carefully represented as “being divided in opinion," and only a mere "majority" of the Board "residing in Philadelphia" are said to have disapproved of the contemplated union, by some omission which we would be desirous to impute, if we could, to forgetfulness in the Secretary, or to an oversight of the printer, the second resolution of the General Assembly's Board, which contains a positive expression of their deep conviction of the inexpediency of amalgamation, is totally suppressed. The Circular further states, that it is the "purpose" of the Committee in New York to place themselves in an "attitude to invite the co-operation of the General Assembly in effecting the proposed union," and that they have "already conferred with several highly respectable members of the Board of Missions, who give it their cordial approbation." It is a matter of deep lamentation with us, Christian brethren, that the "purpose" has thus been formed, and publickly announced, by a voluntary association, which has not yet been three years in existence, but which we have uniformly regarded and treated as an efficient sister institution, to call upon the General Assembly, at its next meeting, by a single blow, to annihilate for ever a Board of Missions which has been for a long series of years sustained, and cherish ed, and approved, by the supreme judicature of our church, and which is chargeable with no recent offence, but what has been given by a prompt and strict obedience to the last orders of that General Assembly which it is proposed to address for its suppression. But we cannot be persuaded, for a moment, that such an act of extermination will ever be placed upon their records. "And we are the more inclined to believe that the plan will" not "be favourably received by the General Assembly, from our having already conferred with several highly respectable members," alluded to in the Circular; and by so doing, are happy to have it in our power to say, we are perfectly assured, that while those distinguished individuals may have indeed expressed their approbation of the plan of amalgamation, in itself considered, and their sincere desire, that all its contemplated results, may one day be realised; they are at the same time decided ly of the opinion, that it is by no means adapted to the age in which we live, nor to the present circumstances of the Church of Christ; and that it would be highly inexpedient and dangerous to bring it at all before the General Assembly. In this matter we do not speak unadvisedly-and we do most sincerely hope, that our bre thren of the H. M. Society, will be induced to pause, before they proceed to measures, which must, almost of necessity, result in consequences which we most solemnly deprecate. The remaining part of the Circular is systematically arranged, and its specified objects are to detail-1. The evils of the present system.-2. The advantages of the proposed union.-3. To answer the alleged objections to the proposed union. As to the evils of the present system, and the advantages of the proposed union, the Board perfectly agree with this Committee in the firm persuasion that they are altogether imaginary and hypothetical. If indeed the Committee in New York are absolutely determined, that the Board of Missions shall be exterminated, that they themselves will be the "single centre," to which applications from congregations needing assistance may be made-that they alone will "maintain a single central office, and a single system of agencies for Home Missions"-then truly it is perfectly easy to perceive that the existence and successful operations of the General Assembly's Board may stand in their way, and that some advantages might be secured to them from its speedy dissolution. But why, we would inquire, has such an attitude been assumed by that Committee? Surely it is not necessary. The Board of Missions have deliberately marked out their own plan of operations, and they confidently anticipate complete success; but it has never once entered into their hearts to conceive, that the Committee in New York must cease to be; nor yet that the sphere of its operations need in any degree to be contracted, in order that the views of the Board may be realized in all their extent. No. We have ever wished, and still do most sincerely wish them, God speed, in all their consistent efforts to collect the charities of the churches, and to send forth faithful heralds of the cross to the destitute. And we are not only will ing, but anxious, that the churches should be left entirely to their own unbiassed and deliberate choice, of the particular channel through which their charities shall flow forth to bless the perishing: nay, more, that the God of all grace may give to the poor a heart to pray, and to the rich a disposition to contribute liberally, 1829. in aid of either of these Missionary Boards, agreeably to the decided preference of every donor. But enough has already been said respecting the Circular in question; and without even naming the objections to our plan which the Committee in New York have remarked upon, but not answered; and without specifying the still more numerous and insurmountable objections, which exist in our own minds to the plan of amalgamation or dissolution proposed, we confidently make our appeal, Christian brethren, to your candid judgments, to your consciences, and to your hearts, and we solemnly ask you, whether you are prepared to merge all the Missionary operations of the Presbyterian Church in these United States, in a single voluntary Association, which never has been, and never can be, truly responsible to any organized Ecclesiastical Body? For it is too plain to require proof, that a responsibility to nine separate and independent bodies, each of which would be entitled to insist on an obedience to its own instructions, and in case of refusal, to withhold its approbation, is utterly inconsistent with any responsibility that can be useful, or even deserving of the name. Did we suppose it possible, brethren, that you could answer in the affirmative, the interrogatory which we have just proposed, we would pause, and most seriously request you to consider the real import of the command which was given to the church by its glorious Head and King, "Go YE into all the world and preach the We would engospel to every creature.' deavour by argument to enforce the obli- 139 member, brethren, that ever since the or- The Presbyterian Church, in the year 1704, embraced but a single presbytery, which was in that year organized in Philadelphia, comprising six ministers, and having under its care eight or ten congregations. It now comprises ninety presby. teries, and 1968 congregations, and extends from Maine and Montreal on the East and North-to Louisiana and the Floridas on the West and South: and it is substantially true to affirm, that this increase of numbers and territory is the fruit of Presbyterian Missions, conducted by the church, as such. On the whole, Christian brethren, when you attentively consider the practical exposition, which your revered and pious forefathers have given you of their sense of the real import of the command to evangelize the world-and the immense benefits which have resulted to the cause of truth and righteousness from their united counsels, prayers and efforts, as a distinct portion of the Christian Church; and when you revert to the statements which have now been given you, relative to the present flourishing condition of the Assembly's Board, and the still more animating prospects which are full before them we do most confidently expect, that you will not only be prepared to discountenance at home and abroad, all attempts to dissolve the General Assembly's Board of Missions, but, also, that you will become permanent supporters and patrons of that Board, by putting forth prompt and vigorous efforts to increase its resources, and that, above all things, you will let us share in your friendly counsels, and in your unceasing, fervent prayers. Wishing you grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, we remain, beloved brethren, sincerely and affectionately, yours in the Lord. Signed in behalf of the Executive Com- ASHBEL GREEN, President. Most of the congregations in this city and its vicinity, have already been organized on the 50 cent plan, and we expect, by a special effort, to raise here several thousand dollars more for the current year. The Board are now considerably in debt to their Missionaries and Agents, and they are extremely desirous of extending, as soon as possible, their missionary operations, in order that they may in some degree meet the pressing calls which are made upon them daily from different quarters, and particularly from the South and West. Moreover, they are convinced that the continuance and successful operations of the Board hereafter, will materially depend on the zeal and liberality of their friends, at the present interesting crisis. The following letter has been addressed to a number of select individuals, who, it is hoped, will add their names to the subscription of From their knowledge of your particu$100 per annum, for ten successive lar attachment to the Presbyterian Church, years, with the condition specified. and to those institutions which are speAs it is impossible for the Commit- cially designed and calculated to promote tee to be acquainted with all the in- its prosperity, and from their confidence dividuals, of liberal minds and ade- in your christian liberality, the Board have been encouraged to hope, that you will quate means, who may be disposed not only excuse the liberty they have to favour this subscription, we hope taken in addressing you, but that you will that some of our readers, who may also feel a disposition to forward your not be specially addressed, will send name, to be added to the $100 subscripin their names, either to the Gene-ion, or, in some other way, efficiently to ral Agent or to the Editor of the Christian Advocate. Office of the Board of Missions of the General No. 210, south Third Street, Philadelphia, Dear Sir,-By order, and in behalf of the Board of Missions of the General Assembly, we beg leave respectfully to commend to your very particular attention, the general objects and plans of the Board, as developed in a Circular appended to the Minutes of the last Assembly, and also in a second Circular, which we have felt ourselves constrained at the present time to issue, and which will accompany this letter. aid them in the present emergency. It would afford us great pleasure to hear from you as soon as may be convenient. With sentiments of great respect, yours, ASHBEL GREEN, &c. ARCHIBALD ALEXANDER, JAMES MOORE, SOLOMON ALLEN, GEORGE W. BLIGHT,* JOSHUA T. RUSSELL, Cor. Sec.and General Agent. Hoping, Sir, that you may know of individuals to whom you can apply for signatures on the plan before alluded to, we give you a transcript of the subscription paper which has been opened in this City— It is as follows: "We, the Subscribers, agree to pay to the Treasurer of the Trustees of the Ge We are happy to inform you, that the friends of this Board in the City of Phila- neral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church delphia, have recently opened a subscrip- in the United States of America, for the tion for the purpose of affording efficient Board of Missions acting under said Asand continued aid to the Board, in prose-sembly, the sum of One Hundred Dollars cuting and extending its benevolent operations. Without any special effort, a number of signatures have already been obtained, and sanguine hopes are indulged that a large proportion, probably one half of the whole number, will be secured in this City. We have had the happiness to receive a few names from abroad; and we are encouraged to calculate that many more will be added to the list, as soon as this plan of subscription is more generally known. a year, for ten years in succession; provided that one hundred subscriptions of the same amount shall be obtained before the first day of December, A. D. 1829, and it being understood that the death of any subscriber shall render his or her subscription null and void after that event.-Philadelphia, October 26th, 1828." The Rev. Dr. Ely's absence from the city prevented his signature-He is a subscriber on the plan proposed. 1829. MISSIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. (Continued from page 91.) NINETEENTH COMMUNICATION. In a letter to the Corresponding Secretary, dated "Strasburg, Dec. 1, 1828," Messrs. James Kerr and Amos Miller say, Church: there "We feel exceedingly anxious to have the regular administrations of the gospel amongst us; believing that it is a means which the Great Head of the Church has made use of in carrying on his work in this place. Two years and a half since there was but one professing member in this place, belonging to the Presbyterian now a congregation organized here, consisting of twenty-five Communicants: and we have no doubt but that, through the faithful preaching of the gospel and the blessing of God, the We are situated in a work will go on. thickly settled country, and in a thriving village. Very soon after our application, which you received, the Rev. Samuel Sturgeon came to our place, recom`mended by the Rev. Mr. Gray, of Easton, who has continued to preach to the acceptance of the people, and appears to be a man calculated to do much good in this place." The letter proceeds to state, that Mr. S has been received under the care of the Presbytery of Newton, and that the congregation has subscribed 250 dollars per annum, for his support. This be ing insufficient for a minister, with a wife and four children, and the people being unable, at present, to subscribe more, the sum of 100 dollars was solicited, for the year, from the Board of Missions, and granted by the Executive Committee. The following extracts are from a letter written to the Corresponding Secretary, by the Rev. Wm. Sickels, dated "Indianapolis, November 23d, 1828. "I left Virginia on the 5th of May, and arrived in this state on the 5th of June, having been detained some days by the inclemency of the weather, and the rise of the waters. On my journey to this state, I preached 20 times. I arrived in Indianapolis on the 18th of June, taking a circuitous route through Decatur, Rush, and Shelby counties, and preaching in destitute places. Mr. Bush, having been dismissed from Indianapolis, I have supplied this church, one half of the time, from the first of July, till they called another minister-a period of four months, for which they will pay me 66 dollars. The Rev. John R. Moreland, of Kentucky, has accepted the call of this congre 141 gation, and is expected here with his fa- "That portion of my time not employ- "The church organized in Hamilton county, has the prospect of being supplied once a month, by the Rev. Mr. Moreland, who is only engaged here for three-fourths of his time. Hamilton, Madison, and Shelby counties are all Missionary ground, there being no stated Presbyterian preaching, and they are counties which are rapidly settling, and are not likely soon to be supplied on the plan of the Home Missionary Society. In Rush county, the prospects are better, and I have partly agreed with the people composing the congregations of Rushville and Olive Ridge, to settle with them. They expect to receive some aid, to enable them to employ me three-fourths of my time, leaving me one-fourth to be employed in missionary labour, in the destitute places adjacent. It is very important to the interests of the Presbyterian Church, in this state, that every settled minister should, if possible, act as a missionary, at least one-fourth of his time. and of This is the only practicable way of supplying many infant congregations; collecting and organizing others. Those congregations in which I expect to settle, |