Home and Foreign Journal, May 1853

VOLUME II. NUMBER II. PUBLISHED BY THE BOARD of domestic missions. МЛШОМ, Л1.ЛВЛМЛ, MAY 1853. Appofulmcnls. Л1 tlie last meeliiig of the Hoard eleven new a|>point- Bints who made. Among them Кет. Win. lt.irkcs.lale, to Horence, N. Ala., in the bounds of the Middle Tennessee general Association. Her. K. Strode, formerly of Shelbyvillc, Tcnn., was appointed missionary to Chattanooga, Tennessee, in place if Bov. Win. Wood, resigned, llro. Strodo is a gentle¬ man of great energy ami power as a preacher. Bro. Wood 10 taking leave of his field, says : “I have baptized one, and know of five professed con- rersions. A church is organized, and furnished with the necessary constitution, covenant, articles of faith, and rules of decorum ; has disposed of a very troublesome dif- ficulty i now numbers thirty; has two deacons, a fair title to its lot of ground, ami likely to сото in possession of qaite a convenient house in which to worship, aud with propriety may c.vpoct in a little while important accessions in membership and strength to the cause here, With the dose of this month I will ha- о been in the service of the lined nino and a half months, in which I have done the kit I could. I cannot sufficiently adore that beneficent ltd compassionate Being, who through peril ar.d alfiiclion км kept me tints fur, aud to his Almighty protection 1 Inro the cause in Chattanooga. May ho bless you, my, dear brother, and preside in the counsels of the Board, give effect to tbo work of faith and labor of love of his ore people, 1 till tho desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.’ 4 Eev. E. Strodo writes : “ There is material hero for a very respectable church, if properly united. Several members are holding letters from other Baptist churches, not having united, as yet, with tho little hand here, hut will do so soon. There is also considerable outside influence for Baptists, which can be nude efficient in building up the cause, if reasonable cforts aro made by our people to do their part of tho work. As to tho place commercially, I think its prospects for tho future in tho highest degree flattering— second to no point in tho Sou'h-west. This may bo supposed somewhat cx- travagant, hut had I time in this communication, I could preient sufficient to mako good my remark. It.s manufac¬ turing resources and facilities aro immense.” Situated as Chattanooga is, at tho head of the Georgia Jlaflroad, on tho lino of the N**bvil In H.U....1, — л. Tennessee river, close to tho Look-cut mountain, ono of tie most delightful places for summer residence and resort is tho Soutli or West, the importance of the field cannot veil ho over estimated. Rev. II. F. Boyakin lias been appointed to tho Baptist church at St. Joseph, Missouri. A friend says : “ It is a young city, of only about 10 or 12 years' Handing, now the second city in the State, and contains a population of 4,000 inhabitants, and over. A railroad 11 about being commenced to connect this place with tho Atlantic cities , othersacoin contemplation ; ami these, and the prospects of Nebraska Territory being organized, aro attracting people hero constantly. “Our church is called the l’irst Baptist church of St. Jo-eph. We number 70 members, two-thirds of which arc bales. There ara tho following churches in this city, via: Roman Catholics, 100 members, meeting-house com¬ pleted ; Presbyterians, 30 members, meeting-house com¬ pleted; Methodist, Soutli, 75 members, meeting-house completed ; Methodist, North, 50 members, mooting-house completed ; Episcopalians, 10 members, meeting-house in contemplation ; Reformers, 10 members, meeting-house renimenccd. All of tho above churches are supplied with regular pastors. Besides theso churches there aro Uni- vcraalists hero, who aro making strong efforts to organizo aod build up n church. There arc also rpuitc a number of Mormons, who hold forth their regular meetings.'’ The Baplist Cause. Mlcanopy, E. Florida. The application of the Baptist church at this point had <“ be laid on the tabic at our last meeting, because tho hoard had gone as far in making appointments as was safe rith the present amount of funds : “ I have never seen а того interesting field than this, and »ae that calls more loudly for the notico of Baptists, and hon which the Board will ere long see and receive a larger rciurn for its aid bestowed. A short sketch of its history “У not ho amiss. “Two years ago I settled in this place an invalid, and ‘tier research and enquiry, I found two Baptist families, i tic eight, the other ten miles from tho place, and the country sparsely settled. Since then the population has >wn pouring in, until the country is now settied with per- bps a population, inferior in intelligence to nono that can b found in any country, and peoplo of good estates. Among them a portion of influential Baptists have pur- clued, but not many are yet settled. Our church nunt- bri now twenty-fire members, hut many of them aro settling in tfie woods, and owing to tho heavy eipcnso connected with that circumstance, are not ablo to con- •ribote, as they would otherwise. Others, that will be “He to contribute largely, will not settle their families bre till neat fall, and wo shall not bare their aid this 5«r. We believo that another year, having gotten through with the expense of building a house fur worship, •e shall he того able to raise 51,000, than we arc this 5300. “Tho persons who are members of no church, aro gene- '% discreet, church-goiog people, and manifest much 'knro for regular preaching. Indeed, the field seems RICHMOND, MAY 1853. BOARDS OF DOMESTIC AND FOR . aST1 1GN MISSIONS OF THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION. ready for tho sickle, and some one must reap the harvest.1 Tho Methodist denomination have already discovered it? and looking upon this as promising to !« ono of the most important points of the State upon which to make a strong hold, aro sending tlu-ir best ministers here, and bare selected it as the place to build a seminary of learning' under the control of Conference. So far as intelligence, trad character are concerned, the Baptists certainly start foremost: and I most sincerely believe, that all which ii necessary for the baptists to leap the harvest, is a gone efficient minister, with tho blessings of the Holy Spirit 1 am persuaded that the church is doing all that it is able to do at present, and now, witli the aid of tho Board, lliia may bo made a point from which may go out an influence to do a mighty work in Florida. The principles ef the Baptists havo not been known among the people of East Florida, and lienee not appreciated. I trust, my brother, •lie Board may respond to our appeal, and aid us all they can. I write by request of the church. Sincerely jours, ROUT. A. CHILD.” Kov. Jes.e Witt, missionary in Texas, reports eight white •ersnui baptized, seven received by letter; sixteen have rofessed conversion, not yet baptized. .. Altogether, this month, about 150 baptisms aro men- jtioned in our reports. Дани (J)nr jfaomirmi. RichmonJ.- Tlie JRtplisl Cliiirch at Hannibal, Mu. At the last meeting of the Roard of Domestic Missions, tliis church applied for assistance to the amount of 8200. It, witli four other applications equally iutercsting, lad to bo laid on the table, because tho Board bad gone os far as it could prudently, witli the amount of funds on baud. Perhaps some church or individual would furnish the Board specially with funds to aid at one or two such points. The following aro the facts of the case i Extract from the Inter of the Committee of the Church. The church is very desirous to retain its pastor’s ser¬ vices, but we find for the coming year it will be impossible to do so, unless we get your assistance. AVo consider this a very important point, and every effort should bo made by os to sustain our cause here. The church lias been heavily taxed in erecting a house, and but little wealth is in our membership. Wo think if wo can get your aid in support of tho ministry for a short time, we will bo ablo by the blessing of God to maintain the cause ourselves. The church witli $200 from you, could support its pastor. Extract from a private letter in regard to Hannibal, Me. It is important for the Baptists to hold a respectable standing. There are now in that city six large houses of public worship, and will bo some two or tlireo того churches built. There are now the Baptist church, Camp- bcllite, two Methodist, northern and southern, .and two р,г л .-—-I,-. - ... „„.I ,»3 ..t—t. !Ti.c cnnrcties in con¬ templation arc the Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, and Universal ist, all of whom speak of building cffnrelioa there, which I suppose they will accomplish shortly. The Bap¬ tist cause should he sustained. As they have the house, but arc not able to support their minister without aid, they hope you will grant them some. There arc now under way two plank roads to that place, and ai*o a railroad under contract from there to St. Jo¬ seph, on the Missouri river, Mine 200 miles in length, which will conned the Mississippi and Missouri rivers by railroad, and the road will run through the garden of that Stale. It will go through the best laud, and Hannibal is bound to lo a considerable place. It now has .some 3,000 inhabitants, and will increase rapidly, and make, 1 think, in a fevr jears, a considerable city. The preacher there now is a good man, and also a man of fine sense, and a re¬ spectable preacher, lie is sound in the Baptist doctrine, and I think may do good if he can live or he sustained. Reports of Missionaries. It will he perceived that in the reports wo publish this month a much larger number of baptisms aro recorded than is usual. This is the inure encouraging, as tho season em¬ braced in these reports is emphatically tho rainy and in¬ clement season of tho year, when fewer attend worship, and when therefore fewer usually arc baptized. Several young men arc also reported as preparing for (Lo ministry. Rev. John L. Mills, our missionary at Shclbyvillc, Texas, lias beer, afflicted with sore eyes for nearly three months. Ilis health is now re-established. Rev. R. Shaver retired from the agency of tho Board of Domestic Missions at the closo of Fcb’y last. Rev. Win. Lea, missionary in Arkansas, mentions four whites baptized, two deacons, and ono minister ordained. IIo says: и The great amount of rain, and ill health, will account why my report is not more full. My health is now good. The greater portion of Eastern Ark. is very low and flat, and lias for some weeks been flooded with water, which lias made it almost impossible to pass from one portion of my bounds to the other ; and when I can, I am not expected, owing to tho inclemency of the weather. Pedobaptists havo occupied here for years pretty much alone. About one-third of the baptisms have been from the Pedobaptists. Two ministers will soon bo baptized. This certainly is one of the most prospective fields I have ever seen.. Wo havo formed a General Association for tliis portion of tho State.” Rev. J. II. Clark, missionary in Putnam county, Ga , reports ten whites baptized, six restored, and ten convert¬ ed, not yet baptized. Rev. W. C. Mynatt, missionary in DcKalb со., Ala., reports eight white persons baptized, and four received by letter. Rev. J. II. Breaker, missionary at Key West, one bap¬ tized, and three receired by letter. P.ev. Win. Wood reports eight received by letter. Rev. Jeremiah Reeves, missionary to tho negroes, Dal. las county, Ala., reports 32 received for baptism, and 27 baptized, two restored; all Hacks. One minister and two deacons, whitos, ordained. VIRGINIA. . — — . — Report of Rev. Reuben ford. !q Fifty-fire sermons, and tbo baptism of twenty-six whites ,Mo reported. i 'Things are very encouraging indeed. There lias been kt Interesting stale of things in my field, during tho whole [f the past quarter. Our meetings are atill very interest- ig. My last meeting in tho quarter now ended, was one yf deep interest. I am decidedly of the opinion that tho eastern part of Richmond is ono of tho most promising fields in Virginia. Wo have determined to build a good komo of worship, and fur tliis object to raise the sum of 83000, of which I have taken subscriptions lo the amount of| $4000, ami hope during tho present month to got tbo reminder, ami if so, vro shall commeneo our house as soon ad the weather will admit. Wc are very much in want of a good homo. The hall in which we now worship is en¬ tirely loo small for our congregation : although it will seat from 250 to 300 person*, yet I suppose there wero 50 per¬ sons on yesterday who wished to get scats and could not ohlein them. I baptized during the past quarter two Methodists. Our brethren, in consequence of their heavy expenses incurred in keeping up worship here, in addition to their subscriptions to their respective churches, and the effort which wc arc now making lo build u* a house, will nut he able for some time to do much for the cause of missions. Yet the time will runic, I believe, when the Board will he amply rewarded for what they aro now doing for the peo¬ ple here I do not know that I have aoj tiling more lo compraniejte, that would he of interest to the Board. My labors during the quarter now ended wero as much as I could stand, indeed, at ono time I thought I should havo lo stop for a while, hut I am now very well and hops) lo bo actively engaged during tho present quarter. j SOUTH CAROLINA, i Pendleton.— Report of lieu. T. P. Earle. oincejl mado my last report, 1 hate young 'tninfiT'uicehantt,'and V hejfn woman?1 '"T йог years ago the young man came to l’endlcton an infidel, ami of course careless «I””'1 f — - — .J —ci.i. Under the influence of some pious friends, he was induced to attend the Sunday school, wlicro ho became interested in Hie Bible class, aud soon in ids soul’s salvation. IIo lias ever since continued nu interested member of the Bi¬ ble class, as well as a faithful teacher ill tho Sunday school, and is now a consistent and worthy memlicr of tbo church. Ill's brother I hope will join soon. All other items as be¬ fore. The Sunday school is in at cry flourishing condition. Л1.ЛИЛМЛ. Rloiintseille.— Report of lire. /’. .'/. Miitgrore. Ei closed you lr.no my report for the last quarter. I base nothing of much importance lo communicate to the Hoard. You will see that I have baptized twenty-three duriig the quarter. There is pot, however, that interest maniested ill my Held that I wish to see, yet there aro seme who are as zealous in the good work ns ever. Ono of tic members I baptized was formerly a Uuiversalist, hut b now ouo of the most active members wo linve. Somo have come out from Pcdobaptist traditions, and embraced the truth as it is in Jesus. There has been no email stir in Bionntsville of late, about a sermon I preached last sunnier on communion, in which I set the matter before the people in a different light to what they had been nc- custnned lo hearing from Pedobaptists. Tho last month of in / quarter has been very rainy here, so much so that it lia< been impossible to do much labor. MIMKMPM. A"»cMz. — Report of Rir. 11. B. Gibbs. IV) have at length emerged from the clouds ami the wilderness. Our brethren look witli favor on our position, ami give us their prayers and’ their countenance. This affords us great encouragement. Our meetings for prayer afford us opportunities fur freely expressing lo each other theso indications of the good hand of God upon us; and then wo low and ask that wo may feel the responsibility we aro under, to extend tho ltonor of our risen Redeemer. Then our souls go out in fervent prayer for tho impenitent. It was at a time like this, a few weeks sinco, that the pas¬ tor felt impressed to ask if there was not one who wished the prayers of God's peoplo in his behalf; and three rose up and thus requested it. Tho same evening a young friend, of only fifteen years, related to us the dealings of God with her soul, and was received for baptism. As wc returned to our homes that night wo felt refreshed ноте thing like tho two disciples, perhaps, for wo had evidence of the presence of the Sariour. All our meetings for prayer arc precious seasons. Wo feel as though wc had lost our usual feast when the night is inclement, and wc cannot meet. Wo haro been interrupted in Ibis way sev¬ eral times during the quarter. But we enjoyed another privilege, of which wc must speak. On Lord's day night, the lfllh icst., we met in our house. A large assembly convened-iuost of them young people. Wc spoke from the words of the Saviour recorded in John, xiv, 15; showing that obedience rises out of hue to the Saviour. Tho audience were solemn and attentive. We then led the young friend spoken of abovt) down iato the watery grave, where she put on Christ according to tho primitive mode. The season was one of thrilling interest to ns all. We expected to enjoy a similar occasion last Lord’s day, but tlm inclement weather pre¬ vented. Thus is the Lord giving ns gTcat encouragement. " c that ns a church wo feel grateful, end aro ready for tho work of the lard. Wo ara very anxious to see this city conquered and taken captive by truth. Лот the lard is evidently waiting to bless, tho peoplo seem im¬ pressible, ami we hope ere long to speak of a groat display of grace. You notico in my report the number of visits is large, lat mo say that I regard this port of my work as peculiar¬ ly important. Private conversation and prayer is the strong arm of the pastor. Here, especially, wo believe this essential in building up the cause. Many aro thus called out who would not otherwlw опте. Many of thoae visits havo been frequent calls on the sick. Clear Creek Church, located at Washington, 0 miles from Natchez, has been destitute of tbo preached word for two years. At their request I havo visited thorn, and preached three times. 1 havo been supplied, however, here. Wc luipo that tho time is uot distant, when wo ■hall he blessed of Godin tho couversion of many souls. LOUISIANA. Grand Cheniere. — Report of Ree. F.. B. Carter. He mentions tho baptism of seven while persons, and the conversion of uino not yet baptized, Grand Cheniere — Tho church at this place I believe is in peace at present, but wo have had to exclude three of our members. Calcasieu Pass — tn this small settlement wo have had some pleasant times. Wo hare baptized two, and two more profess a hope in Christ. There is a deep interest fell by ail of tliis people. Johnson's Bayou.— I have baptized four at this point sinco my last report ; there tiro four того that profess hope in Christ at tliis place. I think wo will constitute a eliaroh at tliis point soon. I am preaching at three other points occasionally, with some interest. ТКХЛН. Galveston.— Report of Rev. J. B. Stiteler. This closes my connection with tho Board at .larion. I cannot fully express my appreciation of tho confidence they have reposed in me, nor the high appreciation which I have of the cause in which they aro engaged. I trust that I shall not only fool their personal conduot (0 myself; but also a lively Interest In tbo eiiuso of domostio missions. During my connection with this Board, I havo fulfilled my trust to tho best of my ability- My success has not been such as 1 haro desired, but I sincerely hopo that my labors havo not been in vain. Duty is ours, but tho re¬ sults are Gnd'.s, I shall remove from hero to Washington county, where I shall, in all probability, accept a professorship, which has been tendered to mo by tho unanimous voto of the trustees of Baylor University, which is now in a very nourishing condition. I have decided upon tliis course, as far ns 1 have сото to a decision, solely from a sense of du¬ ty, und tho того readily, ns at least part of my time will he occupied in preaching. aitssotni. St. l.ottis— Report of Rev. Joseph Walker. 1 1 is possible ami almost probable that I may find it no- ecssary to leavo St. Louis early iu tho onsuing summer. This climate has extremes of heat and cold, which are very injurious to my constitution, and tho very frequent changes and sudden transitions of tlio weather have caused me several spells of sickness. My wife has enjoyed no good health during her residence in this oily, and while I do not ascribe her afflictions entirely to tho climato of this placo, I am certain that much of it can ho traced to that cause. Whether these would be good reasons for abandoning a position wlicro there is so much need of the gospel, and wlicro some good at least has been done, aro questions now occupying my thoughts. I am sure that it is a bad policy tc leave a church during the summer months, especially a neie interest, but this, in tny case, should I continue here, would be unavoidable. I believe, knowing, as I think I do, the viow-s ami feelings of brethren, I could manago so as lo leave the church, should I deem it my duty, without any serious detriment to her prosperity. By selecting a man with the consent of tr.y church, whom tho 2nd Church would approve, tho end would be accomplished. Tho chief end, then, of tliis epistle, is this : Would tho Board con¬ tinue their support throughout this year, the saroo as to me should I deem it tny duty to leave, and with tho aid of all the other parties interested, procure a man to lake my placet I should like to bo able to say that tboy would, nor do I, much doubt but that they will, I’lcase writo me on this subject. sifter service yesterday morning, I heard of one inqui¬ rer as to the way of salvation. The extreme illness of tny wife, ever since two weeks before Christmas, has prevented me from malting family visits, so that I cannot report tho condition of my church and congregation. Expecting for several days that she must die, I could not leavo her bedside; and although ihs is now convalescent, her claims on my watchfulness will confine tnc to thc^»inc a week longer, at least. St. Louis.— Report of Rev. E. J. Owen. This church was constituted on September 22nd, 1851. It consisted of sixteen members from the 2nd church of this city, and two from other churches. We commenced under very unfavorable circumstances, yet, through th* kind blessing of God, we have continued to increase gradq ually in number and in efficiency. Many members from the church and congregation hare been taken from ns any ting the year, some by the hand of death, aad others oy r