J-2-. I . /^ AN HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK ; EMBRACING A NARRATIVE OF THE ORIGIN AND PROGRESS OF THE Baptist Denomination IX CENTRAL AND WESTERN NEW YORK, WITH 1. History of the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society ; 2. Sketch of the Associations in the State ; and 3. Biographical Notices of the Founders of the Convention. By JOHN PECK and JOHN LAWTON. U T I C A : PRINTED BY BENNETT & BRIGHT. 1837. Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1837, By Charles Babcock, Treasurer, In trust for the Baptist Missionary Convention of the State of New York, in the Clerk's Office of the Northern District of New York. CONTENTS Introduction, ... ... History of early churches, ..... Formation of the Otsego Association, " " " Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society, Journals of Missionaries, ....'. Eld. J. Peck, " " A. Bennett, ..... " N. Baker, " " J. Lawton, ..... *• " A, Hosmer, ..... " " J. Upfold, ..... A brief account of the Baptist Education Society of the State of N. Proceedings of the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society, Indian Affairs, ...... Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society, .... Baptist Missionary Convention, .... State of religion in the Territory embraced by the Convention, New York Baptist Register, .... Concluding Remarks, Associational Statistics, Biographical Sketches, Eld. Ashbel Hosmer, . " Emory Osgood, " Stephen Parsons, " Salmon Morton, " P. P. Roots, " Joseph Cornel], " David Irish, " Caleb Douglass, " Jonathan Ferris, . " Enoch Ferris, •' Elkanah Corastock, " Obed Warren, " John Upfold, " Sylvanus Haynes, " Nathaniel Cole, " Nathaniel J. Gilbert, '• Roswel Beckwith, Dea. Squire Manro, PAGE. 7 TO THE BAPTIST 3IISSI0NARY CONVENTION OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, Dear Brethren— In compliance with a resolution passed at your aeasion in Whitesboro, in Oct., 1836, requesting us to draw up an account of the origin and progress of the New York Baptist State Convention, we have entered upon the task, though with great diJiHdence from a deep sense of our incompetence, yet animated by the desire that God may be glorified by a record of His wonders of grace in this region, and anxious to leave to the rising generation a memorial of his dealings with his people in all the way through which he has led them to the present time. Trusting in the Lord, we have proceeded with the arduous work, and have brought it to a close. We now submit it, to be disposed of as you in your wisdom shall think proper, assuring you that we have done the best in our power with the scattered materials and means which we possessed. We are aware that the work is drawn out to a length not contemplated by the Convention ; yet, upon a survey of the whole ground, we could not render it more concise, and do justice to the subject. We regard it as designed hot merely for the present age, but for them that should come after us ; as a thank-offering to God for his abundant goodness to his people, and as a source of materials to some future historian. With ardent prayer that God may long own and bless the labors of this Society whose history, from its infancy, we have endeavored to trace, we remain Your fellow-laborers in the gospel, John Peck, John Lawton. Cazenovia, April 13, 1837. INTRODUCTION. At the session of the Baptist Missionary Convention of the State of New York, held at Whitesboro, Oct. 19 and 20, 1836, the following resolutions were passed, viz. " Resolved, That the rich indications of Divine favor which have been enjoyed by this Convention, from its organization to the present time, are at once the best reward for past exertions and the highest incentive to increased faithfulness." This resolution was sustained by Br. J. Peck, in remarks giving a brief but deeply interesting account of the origin and progress of this body ; after which the following resolution was unanimously passed : " Resolved, That Brn. J. Peck and J. Lawton be requested to draw up a succinct and consecutive account of the origin and progress of this Convention, for publication under the direction of the Board." In compliance' with the above we undertook the work. In view of the whole subject, however, we thought that a full exhibition of the wonderful dealings of Providence with the Baptist denomination in western New York would require an account of their settlement and early history in this section. We have therefore given a brief sketch of many incidents which occurred at this early day, connected with the progress of religion and the establishment of churches. The task, we found, was indeed laborious ; for, as we intended that our narrative should be strictly authentic, nothing was to be taken on trust, and we were required to make thorough and patient search for such documents as would afford the necessary information. 8 INTRODUCTION. In compiling this work, we have been often refreshed by a consideration of the goodness of God, manifested in the enlargement of our churches and the increasing prevalence of the principles of the Bible. Yet we would not forget his favor to other evangelical denominations who have labored for the promotion of the gospel from the earliest settlement of the country. We rejoice in the success of their efforts for the salvation of sinners and the establishment of the saints. The zeal of their missionaries has been praiseworthy, and their labors abundant and successful. Through their efforts numerous churches have arisen, and been supplied with faithful ministers ; while many precious souls have been led to the Lamb of God, and are now rejoicing in hope of immortal glory. These testimonies of Divine favor towards others gladden our hearts, and we wish them prosperity in all their evangelical labors. But our limits forbid our entering upon their particular history, or doing more than recording the expression of our affectionate regard. We acknowledge the kind assistance of a number of brethren in the promotion of this undertaking, and especially that of Br. J, Sniitzer, Secretary of the Convention. HISTORY, OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. The design of the following pages is to give a history of the Baptist Missionary Convention of the State of New York. We have thought that it might be properly introduced by a brief sketch of the rise of the denomination in the central and western parts of the State. In the month of June, A. D. 1773, Ebenezer Knap and Increase Thurstin, with their families, settled on the Butternut creek, within the present limits of the county of Otsego, and about twenty miles southwest from the head of the Susquehanna river. There was then no English settlement west of this nearer than Niagara, in Upper Canada, a distance of more than two hundred miles, nor a single white inhabitant, in any direction, within sixteen miles. Various tribes of the aboriginals were still enjoying their possessions throughout this region, in considerable strength and numbers. Increase Thurstin, Ebenezer Knap, and his wife, were members of a Baptist church previous to the time of the settlement already mentioned. Thus the lamp of civilization was first lighted in this wilderness by Baptists in 1773, who, notwithstanding their isolated situation, were not unmind- ful of their duty to God, but, immediately after their arrival in this inhospitable wild, commenced the worship of God in their families, and on the Lord's day, by singing, exhortation, and prayer — a noble example for all Christians who form new settlements. W BAFTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTXON These religious exercises^ however; produced no remai-ka- Me effect on the unconverted members of those families until the February following^ v/hen,. one evening, EUzabeth LulL the daughter of E. Knap^ and wife of Benj. Lull, Jun., arose from her bed in great distress of mind^ and came down stairs* lepeating the following words r " Shall Simon bear thy cross alone^ And otiier sadnts go free ? Each saint of thine shall find his own ; And there is one for me ' '^ I have lived," said she^ " sixteen years^ and never hud a good thought, spoke a good word, or did a good deed." This made an impression on the mind of her sister Martha, and also on her husband. Thus the work of the Lord began. The father of the family was gone from home, and they had no earthly instructor except their mother^ They continued in this exercise of irdnd until April, when Mrs, Lull and her sister were brought into the liberty of the gospel. In the ensuing smiimer seven more families moved into the place, and united with the first settlers in their religious m.eetings» This summer was a comfortable time with them, in the former part of which the wife of Increase Thurstin, together with Caleb Lull, was brought to rejoice in the Lord, and many otJiers appeared under deep exercise of mind» In 1776 David Fowler, who was a Baptist, and a native^ with five other Indians, from Connecticut and Long Island, removed to a place called Brothertown, (now in the county of Oneida,) and these persons likewise soon set up a religious meetings Hence, it appears that the first religious meetings in this extensive territory were established by Baptists : the first at Butternuts., in 1773, and the second at Brothertown. in 1776. When the war of the American independence took place, the unprotected inhabitants at Butternuts sufiered a sad reverse by merciless white men and Indians.^ Tlieir houses were pillaged and burned, their property all destroyed^ and they themselves driven from their endeared homes. But when peace again smiled upon our beloved country, four of these same persecuted families returned to Butternuts, and in the subsequent year established their religious meetings. BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 11 In 1787 they were privileged with the occasional preaching of the gospel, and some of the hearers were baptized. In August, 1793, a council, consisting of the elder and delegates from the church in Greenfield, in the county of Sarator^a, gave them fellowship as a church in gospel order. They were ten in number, five males and five females. Thus was constituted, in the wilderness, the first church in Butternuts, situate southwesterly from Springfield about thirty-five miles. Springfield church, Otsego Co. — In 1789 Elder William Furman became an inhabitant of that place. In February of the same year they were blessed with a revival of religion. In March following Eld. Furman, with twenty more, united with the former nine in covenant, and were thus constituted a church in gospel order. This was a beautiful sight, a glorious day in the desert : this was the first evangelical standard erected in this howling wilderness. Franklin church, Delaware Co. — In August, 1792, a revival commenced in the town of Franklin, and continued until January, 1793 ; and on the fifteenth of the same month the disciples here received fellowship as a church in gospel order. The church lies southwest from Springfield about fifty miles. Kortright church, Delaware Co. — In the spring of 1793 there appeared a religious attention among the few inhabitants of Kortright. In July following Eld. Jonathan Gray visited them, and baptized seven converts. These, with three more from Eld. Gray's church, entered into covenant, and received from him the right hand of fellowship as a gospel church. On the 30th of October, 1794, delegates from the churches in Great Barrington and Coeymans assembled in council, and ordained Br. Warner Lake as their pastor. This was the first ordination in this wilder- ness. Elds. Gray and Mudge officiated in the solemn service. 1st church, Burlington, Otsego Co. — On the 28th of March, 1794, the first church in Burlington received fellow- ship of a council, consisting of the elder and delegates from the Springfield church. They were ten in number, and situated northwest from Springfield about twenty.four miles. 12 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 2d church, Burlington. — On the 29th of March, 1794, a number of brethren and sisters in the southern part of Burlington covenanted together as a church of Christ. On the 16th of May following a council from the churches in Butternuts, Springfield, and 1st Burlington, met at the house of Br. Paul Gardner, and after prayer, and due inquiries respecting the faith and practice of the brethren by whom the council was called, gave them fellowship as a church of Jesus Christ. Their number was nine. From the 5th of April, 1794, to the 18th of May, meetings were frequent, and many gave a relation of their Christian experience. On the 10th of May Eld. Furman baptized twenty-three persons, and on the 29th of June Eld. Caleb Nichols, of Pownal, a minister of the Shaftsbury Association, baptized twenty-eight. The good work continued until October following, when their number was increased to ninety-eight. This church lies southwest from Springfield twenty-eight miles. 3d church, Burlington, now Edmeston. — In March, 1793, Brn. Jonathan Pettit and Stephen Taylor set up a conference-meeting, on the Lord's day, in the northwest part of Burlington; which they continued until May 11, 1794, when a council of delegates, from Springfield and the 1st and 2d churches in Burlington, convened at the house of Br. Timothy Taylor, and, after due examination of the covenant and articles of the brethren and sisters (ten in number) residing in that part of the town, gave them fellowship as a church. This church lies southwest from Springfield thirty miles. Richfield, now Exeter church, Otsego Co. — Richfield church, numbering nine, was fellowshiped June 14, 1794, by a council of delegates from Springfield and 1st Burlington churches. It is situated west from Springfield about seven- teen miles. 1st church in Otsego, Otsego Co. — On the 18th of December, 1794, Eld. Furman and four brethren, being invited, convened and examined the religious character and circumstances of certain brethren in the town of Otsego, twelve in number, and gave them fellowship as a church of Christ. Its location is west from Springfield about seven miles. BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 13 2d church in Otsego, now Hartwick. — On the 19th of August, 1795, pursuant to a request, delegates from Springfield and Franklin churches convened, and gave fellowship to twelve disciples, (residing in the southern part of Otsego,) as a church in gospel order. This church lies southwesterly from Springfield about twenty miles. Otego church, Otsego Co. — On the 20th of August, 1795, a council of delegates from the churches of Franklin and Springfield assembled, and gave to twelve disciples in Otego fellowship as a church in gospel order. This location is southwesterly from Springfield about thirty-five miles. Fairfield &; Palatine church, Herki3ier Co. — In 1793 Eld. Joel Butler removed to the Royal Grant, and began to preach to a few scattered inhabitants. The Lord so blessed his labors that, in 1794, a church was organized and received fellowship by Eld. Joseph Cornell, consisting of fourteen members. This church lies north from Springfield about twenty-two miles. Church in Norwich, now New Berlin, Chenango Co. — In 1792 a number of Baptist professors met in conference, and, after suitable inquiries, obtained fellov/ship of each other, and continued their meetings until the 20th of January, 1794. They then met at the house of Br. Simeon Camp, where Eld. Joseph Craw, and one brother with him, gave them fellov.ship as a church in gospel order. They were eleven in number. This church lies southwesterly from Springfield about forty-two miles. Schuyler & Whitestown church, now embraced in the town of Deerfield, soon lost its visibility. Church in Charlestown, Montgomery Co. — In this place a number of disciples, at an early period, covenanted together to maintain the public worship of God, and in September, 1793, they received fellowship as a church of Christ, numbering about ten. Eld. Elijah Herrick, who was born in Dutchess Co. 1760, and who was baptized in 1789, at Duanesburgh, commenced preaching the gospel in 1792, and removed to Charlestown in 1794. The following year he was ordained as pastor of the church, where he has continued his labors until the present, with abundant success ; and in the mean time has broken the bread of life to the destitute in the surrounding country. 14 BAPTIST 3IISSI0^•AEY CONVENTION. These were the only churches to give light to a vast extent of wilderness ; and we have mentioned their distance from a given point, to show their scattered situation, and the necessarily accumulated labors of their first public ministers. For a more full account of the organization of the preceding churches, consult " Rise and Progress ot the Otsego Association," by Elds. A. Hosmer and J. Lawton, 1800. OTSEGO ASSOCIATION. THE FORMATION OF THE OTSEGO ASSOCIATION. In the year 1789 Eld. William Furman, then about forty years of age, from St. Coyte, took up his residence in the town of Springfield, in the county of Otsego, N. Y. At this time there was not one Baptist church in the vast territory, bounded as follows : on the east by a meridian crossing the Mohawk at the mouth of the Schoharie river ; on the north and south by parallels of latitude intersecting said meridian on the northern and southern boundaries of the State of New York, and extending west to the Pacific ocean ; and on the west by the Pacific. Eld. Furman was the first minister settling in this extensive wilderness, who was particularly useful in planting churches and promoting the rise of the Otsego Association. Having the glory of God in view, and desirous of the increase of the Redeemer's kingdom, he spared no pains, but exerted himself to the utmost, for the accomplishment of this object. It may with propriety be said of him that he was, under God, the father of these churches. He is now, we trust, 'reaping, in heaven, the reward of his unwearied exertions in the cause of his glorious Redeemer. In the spring of 1794 he proposed to the churches to meet in conference, to consult on the propriety of forming an association. Accordingly, seven churches met on the 4th of Sept., 1794, at the house of WilUam GoflT, in BurUngton. Elds. Peter Worden, Joseph Cornell, and Joseph Craw, from the Shaftsbury Association, being present, took seats with them in their deUberations. After an agreeable interchange of views on the subject, they adjourned until the second Thursday in Jan., 1795, to meet at the house of Paul Gardner, in Burlington. At this meeting, which was held on the 8th 16 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVEJTTlU..* of January, (pursuant to adjournment,) two more churches were added. The plan of an association having been pro- posed, it was unanimously resolved that it should be referred to the churches, with a request that they would appoint delegates to convene at the meeting-house in Springfield, in September following, with power to decide on the propriety of forming an association. On the 2d of Sept., 1795, delegates from the churches were appointed, pursuant to request, and they accordingly assem- bled at the meeting-house in Springfield. The introductory sermon was delivered by Eld. Ashbel Hosmer, from Luke xxiv. 26. A moderator and clerk being chosen, letters from the churches were read, and the following list was taken : Churches. Ministers. No. of Members^ Springfield, William Furman, 56 1st Burhngton, 22 2d " Ashbel Hosmer, 101 3d « 10 Norwich, (now New Berlin,) 30 1st Unadilla, (now Butternutts,) 17 Richfield, (now Exeter,) 22 Stuart's Patent, (now 1st Otsego,) 21 Schuyler, John Hammond, 63 Charlestown, Elijah Herrick, 24 Fairfield, Palatine, Joel Butler, 31 2d Unadilla, (now Otego,) 15 Otsego, 12 Churches, 13 ; Ministers, 5 ; Members, 424. Elds. Cornell and Finch, delegates from Shaftsbury Asso- ciation, took seats with the brethren. Adjourned until 8 o'clock the next morning. September 3. Met pursuant to adjournment. Sermon by Eld. Cornell, from Timothy ii. 3. Proceeded to business. A plan of union for these churches was read, and unanimously adopted. The infant churches being unsuspicious, hospitable, and eager to hear the gospel preached, were often subjected to imposition from artfiil and designing men, claiming to be Baptist ministers, who, dangerous in principle, and corrupt in practice, had already obtruded themselves upon the new \ OTSEGO ASSOCIATION. 17 settlements, and shamefully abused their confidence. It was therefore thought indispensable to devise some efficient means for preventing a repetition of such impositions, and preserve the churches from farther contamination. Eld. Joseph Cornell was accordingly appointed to examine the churches and ministers concerning their faith and practice. The churches and ministers already mentioned, being found to agree in judgment and heart, unanimously resolved to consider themselves at this and future meetings as an associa- tion, by the name of the Otsego Association. The visiting elders and brethren gave them fellowship. A correspondence was opened with the Shaftsbury and Danbury Associations, and a vote was passed to meet annually on the first Wednesday in September, at 10 o'clock, A. M. This being the first interview of the kind ever enjoyed in this wilderness, it was one of intense interest. The presence of the great Jehovah was deeply felt, and the souls of his people expanded with joy. Some, who came to the meeting with a resolution to oppose the forming of an Association, were constrained to acknowledge that God was there ; their opposition ceased, and their souls melted in the pleasure occasioned by the union of their infant churches. Indeed, it was a delightful scene to behold these little flocks scattered throughout this extensive region, coming up out of the wil- derness, evidently led by the good Shepherd to associate together in this capacity, and thereby exhibit what the Lord had done, and what He was still to do, in this once howling desert. Thus in weakness, with much fear and trembling, and amid trials of the most distressing character, was the foundation laid, on which a glorious superstructure has been raised in western New York. In a review of what God did for his people in this hitherto uncultivated country, we are reminded of the prediction of the rise and progress of the kingdom of Christ, Psalm Ixxii, 16 and 9 verses ; "There shall be a handfull of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains ; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon, and they of the city shall flourish like the grass of the earth. They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before Him, and his enemies shall lick the dust." After a sermon delivered before the Association, by Eld. Joel Butler, from these words, "That they may be one," the 2 18 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. following lines, composed by him, were introduced, as expressive of the feelings of the brethren : " One is our God, who reigns above, And one our Savior whom we love ; One is the faith ; the Spirit one, That brings us round Jehovah's throne ; One hope we have, one race we run To our eternal, shining home : One is our Guide, and one the way. That leads to shining fields of day ; And one the song of praise we sing To our eternal, glorious King." The second anniversary of the Otsego Association was holden at Burhngton, Sept. 7 and 8, 1796. The introductory sermon, by Eld. J. Butler, was from John xvii. 22. The letters were read, and the following account was taken: Dismissed, 3 ; excluded, 6 ; died, 2 ; added, 318 ; total, 653. Four churches and four ministers were added at this session — = Franklin, Aurelius, Scipio, and 1st Litchfield ; Eld. James Bacon, Peter P. Roots, David Irish, and John Bostwick. The third session was holden at Fairfield, on the first Wednesday in Sept., 1797. Eld. James Bacon preached the introductory sermon from John xv. 16. The letters furnished the following account : Dismissed, .55 ; excluded, 11 ; died, 5 ; added, 358 ; total number, 1,054. The churches added this year were 2d Litchfield, Kortright, Paris, North Burlington, 2d Richfield, Augusta, Whitestown, and 1st Hamilton ; and Elds. Stephen Parsons, Hezekiah Eastman, and Warner Lake, were received as ministers. The fourth session was held at Franklin, Sept. 5 and 6, 1798. The introductory sermon, by Eld. Stephen Parsons, was from Romans x. 13, 14, 15. The following statistics were furnished by the letters : Dismissed, 20 ; excluded, 40 ; died, 8 ; added, 308 ; total, 1,292. The churches added were 2d Norwich, Pompey, and Oxford ; the ministers were Elds. Stephen Taylor and Simeon Smith. The fifth anniversary of the Association was held at Exeter, on the 4th and 5th of Sept., 1799. Eld. Furman preached the introductory discourse, from 2 Cor. v. 20a The letters presented the following summary : Dismissed, OTSEGO ASSOCIATION. 19 127 ; excluded, 22 ; died, 15 ; added, 452 ; total, 1,659. The churches received this year were Brothertown, 2d Hamilton, (now Madison,) 3d Norwich, Sangersfield, Schuyler, Shortlots, and Worcester. The following churches were organized subsequent to this session : West Brookfield, 20 members, Nov. 9, 1799 ; Warren, 16 members, July 9, 1800; Da Ruyter, 23 members, Dec. 26,1799. Having now mentioned all the churches and ministers found in this country at the close of the last century, except some few beyond the Cayuga lake, we shall proceed to notice briefly some important miscellaneous matter. And first, the revivals enjoyed in the new settlement. Litchfield. In 1796 God was pleased to pour out his Spirit in this place. A few of the inhabitants were professors of the Congregational order, and some were Methodists. Elds. Butler, Hosmer, and Roots, visited them and preached, and baptized a number. The work continued through the summer and winter; in which time the Congregational brethren embraced the Baptist sentiments, and being immersed, with others, formed the 2d church in Litchfield, now Winfield. In 1796 a partial revival took place in Norwich, now New Berlin. Eld. Hosmer visited them, anJ baptized several converts. Exeter. In May, 1797, the Lord began to pour out of his Spirit in this town. A revival took place, in which time twenty-six v/ere added to the church. In 1799 a most remarkable thunder-storm occurred in this part of the country, which, by the blessing of God, was the means of awakening some to a concern for their souls. Soon after ten were added to the church. Oteo. In August, 1798, at a meeting on Lord's day, two young persons appeared in great distress of mind. They went to their parents, and with much humility confessed their faults, and implored forgiveness. On the Thursday following they met in conference. The Lord was present by his Holy Spirit ; saints rejoiced, and many appeared to have a deep sense of their lost condition. The work was carried on by a Divine power. Several ministering brethren visited them in its progress, and were instrumental in promoting it. During this awakening the church received an addition of forty-six. 20 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. BuTTERNUTTs. In January, 1798, Br. John Lawton, from Adtims, Mass., moved into this place, and began to labor in the gospel. The Lord's day of Sept. 26, 1798, was one of much solemnity. The Spirit of the Lord seemed to be present: a number of youth, and others, were greatly alarmed, while the people of God were much encouraged. A young woman gave a relation of her experience, and was received for baptism. Several others appeared in great distress. On the 10th Oct., Eld. Hosmer preached, and baptized four persons ; one of which was an aged Presbyterian professor. On the 25th of the same month, Br. Lawton was ordained, and Lord's day following he baptized eleven persons. The work continued through the winter, during which, and in the spring and summer following, sixty persons were added to the church. One of the number was a woman in her eighty-fourth year, and had been a member of a Presbyterian church sixty years. 1st Hamilton. In the latter part of 1798 a young man. who had been a leader in the merry circles of the youth, was suddenly brought into the deepest corucern for his soul. The pungent and searching preaching of those times, and the heart-broken expressions of this young man, produced such an impression upon several of the youth, that they left their school, and went to see him. They found him in deep distress. The night following there was a conference at the house of Br. Samuel Payne. It was a season never to be forgotten. The tongues of the saints were loosed, and their prayers and exhortations were fervent and searching. Sinners cried, " What shall we do to be saved ?" During the revival one man, an open Deist, who delighted m.uch in Paine's " Age of Reason," despised the Bible, and spake evil of religion, was awakened to a sense of his danger, and, through the goodness of God, was brought into liberty, and, with many others, united with the church. This individual was our late lamented Br. Daniel Hatch, of Eaton, who, notwithstanding his opposition to the Bible then, was afterward made to delight in its truths. The doctrine of grace became his theme, and the interests of the church of Christ lay near his heart. His house was a home for the weary pilgrim, and all the benevolent institutions of the day were cherished by him, and shared in his prayers and liberal OTSEGO ASSOCIATION, 21 contributions. He died Sept. 1, 1836, in the 64th year of his age, and we believe that he sleeps in Jesus. 2d Norwich, now North Norwich. Oct. 1799. An awakening began here, occasioned by the sudden death of two eminent persons in this church, in the course of which they had the assistance of Eld. Hosmer, Taylor, and Roots. About the first of Dec. there appeared a general concern on the minds of the people. The first Lord's day in Dec. Eld. Roots baptized twenty-two; on the second Lord's day fourteen ; and on the third twelve more ; fifty-four, in all. were added to the church during this revival. Of the twenty-two first baptized, were Eld. Nathan Peck, and the wife of Eld. John Peck. Her husband had been baptized about one year previous, by the same administrator, being the second person who thus publicly put on Christ in all that newly settled region. Also of this twenty-two was our late beloved Br. Samuel Pike, of Norwich village, who has recently, and very suddenly, been called to give an account of his stewardship, and to receive, we hope and beheve, the approbation of his Lord. He died Jan. 27, 1837. His father was one of those eminent persons before named. Ordinations.— June 23, 1796, Br. John Bostwick was set apart to the work of the ministry in the 2d church of Otsego, now Hartwick. Eld. Henry Green, from the Vermont Association, preached the sermon; Eld. Butler offered the ordaining prayer ; Elds. Bacon, Roots, and Lake, laid on hands ; Eld. Cornell gave the charge ; Eld. Hosmer the right hand of fellowship ; and Eld. Furman offered the concluding prayer. This was the first ordination in this Association. The services were in the woods. Oct. 25, 1797, Br. Stephen Taylor, of the 3d church Burlington, now Edmeston, was set apart to the work of the ministry. Eld. Butler preached the sermon; Eld. Bacon prayed, and laid on hands with Elds. Furman and Hammond ; Eld. Hosmer gave the charge; Eld. Bostwick the right hand of fellowship; and Eld. Hammond concluded with prayer. The exercises were attended in a barn. Oct. 25, 1798, Br. John Lawton, of Butternut church, was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry. Eld. Butler preached a sermon from 1 Timothy iii. 1 ; Eld. Lesure offered the ordaining prayer, and laid on hands with 22 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. Elds. Bostwick and Smith ; Eld. Bacon gave the charge ; Eld. Hosmer the right hand of fellowship ; and Eld. Taylor offered the concluding prayer. The solemn ceremony was performed on a stage in the open air. Thus have we given an imperfect sketch of the history of the Baptist churches in western New York, until the close of the last centuiy ; containing a view of the rise and increase of the Otsego Association for five years. And, truly, we may say, " What hath God wrought !" At the close of 1799 there were, within the bounds of this Association, thirty- seven churches, fifteen ministers, and 1718 members. The ministers who officiated during this time were Elds, William Furrnan, Ashbel Hosmer, Joel Butler, Elijah Herrick, John Hammond, John Bostwick, Stephen Taylor, John Lawton, Peter P. Roots, Warner Lake, James Bacon, David Irish, Hezekiah Eastman, Stephen Parsons, and Simeon Smith. The first five of these were laboring here previously to the forming of the Association ; no two of them lived nearer to each other than twenty-five miles ; and the residence of one was sixty or seventy from the body of the Association. His services were'confined to the church to which he belonged, and to the destitute region around him. Another, seldom appeared abroad ; so that the weight of the labor lay on the first three, together with a few young men whom the Lord was raising up, and some elders from other associations. Eld. James Bacon, who ministered to the church in Franklin, belonging' to Shaftsbury Association, occasionally assisted them. In 1793 Eld. Joel Butler came to the Royal Grants, and began to preach to a few scattered inhabitants. A considerable opposition was made against him by an ambitious intriguer. which retarded his progress for a short time. But the character of this adversary soon came to light ; and the Lord showed himself with liis sei-vant, and greatly blessed his labors. His calls were numerous ; and as a zealous, active minister, he was greatly instrumental in the growth of the northwestern part of this Association. But he has ceased from his toils, and has gone to enjoy his rest. In June, 1795, Elo. Ashbel Hosmer removed his family into Burlington, and commenced labor with Elds. Furman and Butler. He was zealous and active, and, in the cause OTSEGO ASSOCIATION. 23 of his blessed Master, was ready to encounter all opposition. He strenuously advocated right principles, and, in union with the two former, laid a permanent foundation for the future growth and prosperity of the Baptist interest in this extensive district. Among their most prominent measures was a rule proposed by them, and adopted by the Association, that, when a church desires admission into their body, it should be examined as to its faith and practice, when constituted, and what church and ministers gave it fellowship. If a minister was presented, he was examined in the following manner : Where did you begin to preach ? What church gave you license ? Where were you ordained ? What church and ministers assisted in your ordination ? Where have you labored since ? The adoption of these rules excited the wonder of friends and the malice of enemies ; but the necessity and wisdom of the measure were soon seen, and are felt to the present day ; for, had not those energetic measures been adopted, our country would have been overrun with men of loose principles and corrupt practices. For the country being new, and the settlements small, many men who had lost their characters in the eastern and southern parts, supposing the wilderness to be favorable to their designs, were purposing to come into this country. Some had already come ; while others, hearing of the adoption of those rules, thought it wise to keep away. In consequence of the almost entire desecration of the Lord's day, it was necessary to enjoin upon the church at their formation, and make it an article in their covenant, that they should religiously observe the day ; and also that all heads of families should maintain the worship of God in their houses, by reading the scriptures and vocal prayer. For the establishment of these measures Eld. Hosmer was very zealous. To promote a salutary discipline, and diffuse pure and undefiled religion among the churches, he labored night and day, and endured many privations. But the Lord supported him amid all his trials, and has long since taken him from his labors, to the rest prepared for the children of God. December, 1795, Eld. Peter P. Roots came, and united with the others in this Association, and was eminently useful in carrying forward the work of God in these new settlements. 24 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. In the early part of his labors he was unmarried, and therefore free from the embarrassments of a family. His labors were very useful, and greatly blessed : but having finished his work, his Master called him home, to receive his crown. In 1796 Eld. James Bacon was added to their number, whose unwearied labors, notwithstanding his advanced age, were a source of great comfort to the church and ministers. He, also, was instrumental in raising several churches, of which number were those of Cazenovia, Hartwick, and Delphi. But he has ceased from his work on earth, and gone to his rest in the bosom of that Savior whom he loved and served with a warm and pious zeal. Of him it may be truly said that he came down to the grave like a shock of corn in its season, fully ripe. Elds. Bostwick and Irish were admitted into the Association. Eld. Eastman began at this time to labor in Paris. The same autumn Eld. Stephen Parsons, a man of superior abilities, settled in Whitestown, and commenced laboring with the others. At the next session of the Association, he, with Eld. Lake, of Kortright, was added to that body. In 1797 Stephen Taylor was ordained, and labored with them to good acceptance. In 1798 Eld. John Lawton was ordained, and united his labors with those of his brethren. Elds. Eastman, Parsons, and Irish, have also left the church militant, to join the church triumphant. Thus have nine of those undaunted champions in the cause of Christ put off their armor, and gone to receive their crowns. Five others are yet waiting for their dismission. Of the other one we have no certain information. Eld. Taylor alone remains of the fifteen who were in the Association at the close of the last century. We will now proceed to take a brief view of the labors and privations of these pious men and worthy champions of the cross. An extensive circuit became the lot of each of these men ; especially of the three first, who, being the earliest laborers in this uncultivated country, were counted as leaders in this glorious enterprise, and were regarded as fathers by the younger men. The frequent calls, " Come over, and help us," from the little clusters of saints here and there in the wilderness, subjected them to frequent journeys, OTSEGO ASSOCIATION. 25 in which they had to encounter many obstacles and endure many hardships and various sufferings. They toiled in the - cold and in the heat, by day and by night, traversing the wilderness from one solitary dwelling to another, by marked trees and half-made roads, fording dangerous rivers, and rapid streams, often without a guide, and at the hazard of their lives. They suffered much from hunger and thirst, and frequently had to pursue their journeys through bleak winds and storms both of rain and snow, to meet their appointments and administer to the perishing the bi*8ad of life. The afflictions of some of them were greatly increased, and their tenderest sympathies often excited, by the privations and sufferings in respect even to the necessaries of life to which their families were subjected. Sometimes, in their journeys, on sitting down at the tables of their brethren, to enjoy their hospitality, a recollection of the sufferings of their families at home, would destroy their appetite, and fill them with grief. They could receive but little earthly reward, the country being new, the churches small, and the people hardly able to support themselves, much less to expend a large amount on the preachers. Added to these discouragements was another of greater magnitude, which arose, as has been stated, from the frequent intrusion of men of corrupt principles and practice. These, imagining that the state of the country was favorable to their sinister views, not only journeyed, but in some instances actually removed and settled, in the vicinity of some of the small churches. Through their means divisions and contentions arose, which called for councils, which, whatever might be the conduct of other brethren, the preacher must attend ; and when he had discharged his duty by bearing testimony against their evil conduct, heavy reflections from them and their partisans were the consequences. Yet amid all these discouragements, they continued their exertions, relying on Israel's God. Jehovah crowned their labors with abundant success, and comforted their souls by pouring out his Holy Spirit. Those who had long been professors of religion were induced to unite in church relation ; backsliders were reclaimed, and sinners converted to the knowledge of the truth. Thus the wilderness and solitary place were made glad for them, and the desert began to rejoice, and blossom as the rose. 26 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. The extent of the Association at this time was about one hundred and forty miles from east to west, and about sixty from north to south. The first Association was held in a meeting-house, built by the Baptists and Congregationalists, in Springfield ; the second in the woods ; the third in a barn ; and the fourth and fifth in dv/elling-houses ; and in all these places the presence of the Lord more than supplied the want of convenient accommodations. Having arrived at the commencement of a new century, we shall now proceed to give a brief view of the increase of the Association until the division in 1808, when the Madison Association was formed from it. The sixth session of the Otsego Association was held with the first church in Butternutts, county of Otsego, on the 3d and 4th of Sept., 1800, in a dweUing-house. Present thirty- seven churches, fifteen ministers ; added, 329 ; dismissed, 69 ; excluded, 23 ; died, 10 ; total, 1,764. The churches of Floyd, Norway, and Warren, were added. Eld. Phineas Holcomb, of Warren church, united with the Association. The sermon was by Eld. Lake, from Romans v. 18. The seventh session of the Otsego Association was held at W^hitestown, Oneida county, 2d and 3d of Sept., 1801. Sermon by Eld. Root, from 1 Peter v. 5 : " Be ye clothed with humility." It consisted of forty churches and nineteen ministers. Added, 264; dismissed, 157 ; excluded 37; died, 9'; total,2,031. Churches ofCazenovia,I)eRuyter, Salisbury, Brookfield, German Flatts, and Deerfield, were added this year. Elds. Nathan Baker and Simeon Brown came into the Association. Charlestown, upon their request, were dismissed last year, to unite with the Rensselaerville Asso- ciation. The eighth session of the Otsego Association was held at Springfield, county of Otsego, on the 1st and 2d of Sept., 1802. Sermon by Eld. Caleb Blood, from Acts xxvi. 24. Association organized — an account taken : 42 churches, 19 ministers. Added, 336 ; dismissed, 78 ; excluded, 34 ; died, 17 ; omission of total. Sherburne, Steuben, Homer, and Herkimer, churches, added this session. Aurelius and Scipio churches dismissed at the last session, to unite with Cayuga Association, which was constituted in 1799. Elds. Daniel OTSEGO ASSOCIATION. 27 Robinson and Seba Norton received at this session. Wor- cester and Milford dismissed at the eighth session, to unite with the Rensselaerville Association. Ninth session of the Otsego Association was held at Exeter, county of Otsego, 7th and 8th of Sept., 1803. Sermon by Eld. Parsons, from 2 Cor. iii. 6. Association organized — following account taken : churches, 45 ; minis- ters, 16; added, 282; dismissed, 103; excluded, 43 ; died, 11. Total, 2,116. 2d Butternuts, Lisle, Fabius, and 2d Brookfield, churches, added at this session. Examined and received Eld. Caleb Douglass, of Whitestown church. Tenth session of the Otsego Association was held at North Norwich, Chenango county, 6th and 7th of Sept,, 1804. Association organized — sermon by Eld. Elisha Ransom, from Gal. ii.lO, 20—the following account taken ; churches, 46 ; ministers, 16 ; added, 213 ; dismissed, 95 ; excluded, 37; died, 12; total, 2,334. Westmoreland church added this session. Elds. Vining and Hurlburt received. Voted to recommend to the churches to empower their delegates to revise the constitution at the next session. Next year to meet at Salisbury. The eleventh session of the Otsego Association was held at Salisbury, Herkimer county, 4th and 5th of Sept., 1805. Association organized — sermon by Eld. Hosmer, from Col. iii. 1 — 4. The following account was taken : churches, 50; ministers, 24; added, 205; dismissed, 99; excluded, 47; died, 14 ; total 2,622. The churches received this session were 2d Exeter, 2d Herkimer, 3d Cazenovia, (now Nelson,) Middleford, and Turin. Received this session the church in Brothertown — being dissolved, is left out of minutes. Exam- ined and received as ministers Elds. Asahel Holcomb, Obed Eddy, Joy Handy, Jonathan Hascall, Simeon Camp, and Orange Spencer — recommended to the church that they carefully examine those persons, who assume to be ministers of Jesus Christ, and see that they have credentials of a recent date. Voted not to alter our constitution — our next session to be held with the 2d church in Litchfield, now Winfield, the first Wednesday in September next, at 10 o'clock, A. M. Twelfth session of the Otsego Association, held at Litch- field, 3dland 4th Sept., 1806. Association organized- sermon by Eld. Lawton, from Psalm xcvii. 1 : "The Lord 23 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION, reigneth, let the earth rejoice." The following account was taken : 53 churches ; 26 ministers ; added, 335 ; dismissed, 102; excluded, 61; died, 27 ; total 3,903. The churches in 2d Cazenovia, (now Fenner,) German, (now Pitcher,) 3d Hamilton, and 2d Pompey, (now Delphi,) added this session ; also received Eld. John Peck. Richfield church dropped from the minutes. On a request from Turin church, appointed Brn. Roots, Butler, Hanks, Waldo, and Hicks, to attend a conference at Champion, for forming a new Association, Voted to recommend to the churches to encourage the printing of a weekly sheet of religious intelligence. Agreed to hold our next meeting at Hartwick, on the first Wednesday of Sept. next, at 10 o'clock, A. M. Thirteenth session of the Otsego Association, held at Hartwick, Sept. 2 and 3, 1807. Association organized — sermon by Eld. Salmon Morton, from Proverbs xxiv. 3, 4. The following account was taken : churches, 55 ; ministers, 28; added, 481; dismissed, 68; excluded, 50; died, 24; total, 3,265. The churches of Milford and 4th Butternutts added. Examined and received Elds. Salmon Morton, Ora Butler, and Amos Gill. Voted to encourage a Baptist printer, if one can be obtained. Whereas, a number of the churches in the western part of this Association requested to be set off as a new Association, voted that, whenever they have formed an Association, those churches belonging to this Association shall be dropped from our minutes. Appointed Brn. Vining, Bostwick, Robinson, and Spencer, to visit them at their meeting in German, (now Pitcher,) the last Wednes- day in August next. The following were the churches thus dismissed : Cazenovia, De Ruyter, Eaton, Fabius, German, (now Pitcher,) Hamilton, Homer, Lisle, Madison, Nelson, 2d Norwich, 1st Pompey, 2d Pompey, (now Delphi,) Smithfield, Sherburne, and Westmoreland. Having now arrived at an important stage in the history of the Otsego Association, we would take a retrospective view \ and may we not with propriety exclaim, " What hath God wrought" withinthe short term of twelve years ! Truly, the blessing of God has rested on the habitation of Zion ; and, notwithstanding all the opposition of men and devils, he has preserved and multiplied his people, and given them a goodly heritage. What a contrast! Compare 1795, when the OTSEGO ASSOCIATION, 29 Association was formed of thirteen churches, five ministers, •and four hundred and twenty-four members, there were then in the country two more churches, containing about one hundred and twenty members, and two ministers, making in the whole about fifteen churches, seven ministers, five hundred and forty members, in all this extensive territory. But now, in 1807,^there are, in the Otsego Association, fifty- five churches, twenty-eight ministers, and three thousand two hundred and sixty-five members. Several churches have been dismissed to join other Associations, and a great number of ministers have gone to other places, beyond the bounds of tiiis Association. Recently, also, sixteen churches have received a dismission to form a new Association ; and yet there remain in the body thirty-seven churches. God has not only increased their number, but has multiplied their blessings. How different are the circumstances of his people, and especially of the ministers ! Their condition is greatly ameliorated ; yet their labors are abundant, and their calls are numerous, not only in their immediate vicinity, but to the north, south, east, and west. Settlements are made with amazing rapidity, and the poor destitute people are uttering the Macedonian cry, " Come over, and help us !" CONVENTION BAPlTST MISSIONARY CONVENTION OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK. We come now to the history of the Baptist Missionary Convention of the State of New York. This stream.|Which has carried, and is still carrying, the waters of hfe to so many ready to perish, was formed by the union of several tributary streams, which had arisen at different times and places in various parts of the State. We begin with the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society. This Society was formed in the year of our Lord 1807. The population of the country had greatly increased ; the settlements were very much extended at the north, and in the south and west, and the demand for ministerial labor was proportionably increased ; so that it was out of the power of the ministers that were settled to supply it. Several faithful and pious ministers were located between Cayuga lake and Genesee river ; but there was no church or settled minister west of that river, though settlements in that region were rapidly forming, and the spiritual w^ants of the inhabi- tants were very great. But whatever minister visited them, had to encounter all the trouble, fatigue, and privation, of a new country. Eld. Elkanah Holmes, from the New York Missionary Society, labored several years, with success, among the Tus- carora Indians, and preached occasionally to the white inhabitants scattered about in that vicinity. A few mission- aries, also, from the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society, and Shaftsbury Association, had visited this country, and penetrated as far as Long Point, in Upper Canada, and were cheered with knowing that their labors were blessed of God to the edification of saints and conversion of sinners. Among these missionaries, Eld. Lemuel Covil was particu- larly distinguished. He was indeed a flaming herald of the LAKE BAPTIST MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 31 •cross. There are many yet living who cherish for him a most affectionate and grateful remembrance. He now slumbers in the dust of Canada, at CUnton, where he was laboring successfully as a missionary, and whence the Master suddenly called him from his toils below to his rest above. He died universally beloved and lamented- In view of the increased population of the country, their indigent circumstances and spiritual wants, and the multiplied calls for ministerial labor, a number of the friends of Zion met at Pompey, in the county of Onondaga, at the house of Eld. Nathan Baker, Aug. 27, 1807, to consider the propriety of forming a society for the prosecution of the missionary enterprise in the destitute regions around. After mature deliberations on the subject, a constitution was presented and unanimously adopted. The Society was called the Lake Baptist Missionary Society, as it was expected its efforts would be directed principally to what was called the lake country. The constitution made the payment of one dollar annually requisite to membership. At the formation of the Society it consisted of twenty members. Of course, it com- menced its operations with only twenty dollars in the treasuryf! Thus, in weakness and with much fear and trembling, was laid the foundation of that fabric, which now, through the blessing of God, commands the admiration of all the friends of Zion. Thus were the first dawnings of that light, which, like the sun, is shedding widely around its benign influence. October, 28, 1807. The Society met at the house of Br. Elisha Payne, in Hamilton. The following persons were chosen as its officers for the year ensuing: Eld. Ashbel Hosmer, Pres. Eld. Peter P. Roots, Vice-Pres. Elisha Payne, Sec. Dea. Jonathan Olmsted, Treas. Elds. Elisha Ransom, Salmon Morton, David Irish, John Lawton, Ora Butler, and Brn. Simeon Gillett, Benj. Pierce, Thomas Cox, Ebenezer Wakely, John Keep, Samuel Payne, and Mr. Oliver Brown, Directors. At a meeting of the Board at Hamilton, Oct. 28, 1807, it was resolved to appoint Eld. Salmon Morton a missionary for two months, the ensuing winter, and allow him S4 per week for his services. At a subsequent meeting of the Board, at Hamilton, Eld. Morton made a report of his missionary tour of eight weeks ; in which time he traveled to the Genesee river, and the 32 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION^ Holland Purchase, which was then looked upon as the " far west." In his report he said " he was received with great satisfaction by the inhabitants ; and that many of the people of God were made to rejoice in the privilege of hearing the preaching of the gospel in their destitute situation, while many blessings were bestowed on the Society, and ardent prayers addressed to God forks prosperity." He also added, *' It was enough to move a heart of stone^ to witness the expressions of joy made by the people on the occasion. But the parting scenes were peculiarly interesting. Nor could he witness without emotion the tears that were shed, and their earnest solicitations for a continuance of like favors, when, giving the parting hand, and exclaiming, with tears in their eyes, " Do come again. Tell the Society of our destitute situation, and request them to remember us." Upon hearing the report of the missionary, the Board were much animated — thanked God, and took courage. Relying on the kind assistance of Divine Providence, they appointed Eld. Elisha' Ransom a missionary for four weeks. At the same time several brethren in Hamilton, and others, made such liberal donations to the Society, that, together with the annual subscriptions, there was found in the treasury, at the annual meeting in 1808, the sum of $171. The annual meeting of the Lake Baptist Missionary Society was held at German, (now Pitcher,) Aug. 30, 1808. Eld. Ora Butler, moderator ; John Lawton, clerk. Proceeded to choose the officers. Eld. Ashbel Hosmer, Pres. Elisha Payne, Sec. Dea. Jonathan Olmsted, Treas. Samuel Payne, Thomas Cox, Wm. Durfee, Eld. Ora Butler, Salmon Morton, Ebenezer Wakely, John Pecli, and James Purdy, Directors. Resolved to change the name of the Society, and to alter the constitution so as to read as follows : CONSTITUTION. Art. 1. This Society shall be known by the name of the « Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society." Art. 2. The Society shall be composed of those who subscribe to this constitution, and pay in advance at least one dollar to its funds, and also one dollar annually. Art. 3. The object of this Society shall be to send the g0spel,'aDd other meaas of promoting the knowledge of God, HAMILTON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 33 among such of our fellow-creatures as are destitute ; and that either stationary or occasional, as prudence may dictate or funds admit. Art. 4. The members, at their annual meetings, shall appoint, by ballot, a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and eight Directors. The President, Secretary, Treasurer, and five of the Directors, shall be members in good standing in some regular Baptist church. These eleven officers shall compose a Board, of which the President shall be the chair- man and the Secretary clerk. Art. 5. The President, by the consent of the majority of the Directors, who constitute a quorum, shall have power to call a meeting of the Society whenever it shall appear to him necessary ; also, as chairman of the Board, he shall have power, at his discretion, to call a meeting of the Board. And it shall be his duty to call a meeting of the Board when- ever requested by three members. Art. 6. The chairman, with five other members of the Board, shall form a quorum to do business : in case of the chairman's absence, any six members. Art. 7. The Board shall have power to apply the funds of the Society according to their discretion, in all cases in which they shall not be restricted by the special direction of the Society. Art. 8. They shall have power to appoint and to dismiss missionaries, and to transact all other necessary business, during the recess of the Society. Art. 9. The Board shall annually exhibit to the Society a particular account of the missionaries employed — the places where they have been stationed, or to which they have been sent — their prospect of success — also, the state of the funds — receipts and expenditures — and whatever else relates to the institution. Art. 10. The Treasurer shall exhibit, both to the Society and Board, the state of the treasury, whenever called upon for that purpose. Art. 11. The Secretary shall correctly and fairly trans- cribe and record the proceedings, both of the Society and Board, in a book furnished by the Society. Art. 12. In order more effectually to aid the intentions of the Society, a subscription shall be kept open for the benefit 3* 34 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTiaN, of its funds; that all who are disposed may do something to promote so laudable an undertaking. Art. 13. The annual meetings of the Society shall be holden on the day before the meetings of the Madison Asso- ciation ; or at such time or place as the Society shall appoint. Art. 14. The Society shall have power, at their annual meeting, to make such alterations and additions as experience may dictate. Art. 15. Any member of this Society, who wishes to discontinue his membership, upon paying up his dues shall be dismissed. In the years 1809, 1810, 1811, the Society continued its operations, and as its funds were increasing, it was enabled, during that period, to send out the following persons as mis- sionaries : Elds. Salmon Morton, Elisha Ransom, Joel Butler, Ashbel Hosmer, Hezekiah Eastman, John Lawton, John Peck, Alfred Bennett, Nathan Baker, and Jonathan Ferris, who performed their several tours to the satisfaction of the Board, and the abundant joy of those whom they visited, and to whom they administered the word of life. In the beginning of the year 1811 the Society met with a severe loss, in the death of Eld. Oi a Butler, of Westmoreland, son of Eld. Joel Butler. He was a prominent and useful member both of the Society and its Board. No minister of his age in the country possessed greater talents, learning, prudence, piety, or influence. Hence great expectations were raised of his future usefulness in the church, as he was sound in the doctrine of the gospel, and an able minister of the New Testament. But it pleased the Lord to call him, in the midst of his usefulness, to rest from his labors, to the great grief of the church of which he was pastor, and of his numerous brethren and friends. He died in the 40th year of his age. The following was found in the minutes of the Madison Association for 1811 ; "Since our last meeting it has pleased a righteous God to call us to mourning. Our dear brother, Ora Butler, has been called from this militant state to join, as we humbly trust, the saints in glory. He died January 16, 1811. This is the first instance in which we have been called to witness the seat of any of our brethren in the min- HAMILTON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 35 istiy vacated by death since the formation of the Otsego Association. He died of a painful disorder j but his soul appeared full of glory. He left a striking proof of the power of Divine grace to comfort and support in a dying hour. 'The memory of the just is blessed !' " The sixth annual meeting was held in North Norwich, Sept., 1812. The reports of the missionaries, which were very cheering, were read, and it appeared that the Lord had greatly blessed their labors to the comfort of many in the wilderness. The state of the funds was very encouraging. Yet, notwithstanding the cheering accounts from the mis- sionaries, and the pleasing state of the funds, the Society was again called to deep mourning, on account of the mys- terious dispensation of Divine Providence, in removing, by death, its President, Eld. Ashbel Hosmer, who departed this hfe in the fifty-fourth year of his age. He had filled that office since the organization of the Society, and did much in directing its operations. Notwithstanding the bereavement they had met with in the removal of this good man, trusting in the Lord, the brethren were encouraged to move forward. Accordingly, they proceeded to choose the folloAving brethren as a Board for the year ensuing, viz. Eld. John Peck, Pres. Eld. Joseph Coley, Sec. Dea. Warner Goodell, Treas. Elds. John Lawton, Alfred Bennett, John Upfold, Roswell Beckwith, Jonathan Ferris, Nathan Baker, Daniel Hascall, and Br. Thomas Cox, Directors. At a meeting of the Board, Feb. 19, 1812, a circumstance occurred which gave great encouragement to the Board, as it appeared a signal of Divine Providence, to beckon them forward in their holy enterprise. Mrs. Betsey Payne and Mrs. Freedom Olmsted were introduced as a committee from the Hamilton Female Society, and presented the following letter : " To the Directors of the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society : " Brethren — Being sensible of the lost situation into which the human family have plunged themselves by the fall, and that the only way of their recovery is through faith in the Redeemer, and that it has pleased God, by the foolishness of preaching, to save them that believe, and that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, and being 36 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. instructed that they that preach the gospel shall live of the gospel, we have thought it our duty to assist you in your laudable efforts to disseminate the gospel among the destitute ; for which purpose we present you with twenty yards of fulled cloth, and wish you to receive it, and dispose of it for the above purpose. And may the great Head of the church increase our zeal, and bless your endeavors for the advance- ment of his kingdom. " By order, and in behalf, of the Hamilton Female Baptist Missionary Society, "Freedom Olmsted, "Betsey Payne." This was the first Female Society formed in this part of the country ; but the noble example was soon followed by the formation of similar societies in Cazenovia, Fabius, and German : so that the above societies presented to the Board, in Feb., 1814, in articles of their own manufacture, the sum of 8148. In 1812 the Board voted to appoint missionaries for the ensuing year, for the term of twenty-five weeks. The seventh annual meeting of the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society was holden at Homer, Sept., 1813. Reports from the missionaries appointed for the last year were so encouraging, as to induce the Board to make appointments for the term of thirty weeks for the year ensu- ing. We shall now proceed to give extracts from the reports of missionaries, and other interesting documents. JOURNALS OF MISSIONARIES. EXTRACTS FROM ELD. HEZEKIAH EASTMAN'S JOURNAL OF A TOUR TO THE WESTWARD. September 22, 1809, I set out on a missionary tour to the Holland Purchase. On the 28th attended the Cayuga Asso- ciation — an agreeable season. On the 30th came to the Holland Purchase, and met with Eld. Butler, who informed me that a council was to meet at Chautauque lake, to constitute a church and ordain a minister. October 5th, I had to pass the nine mile woods, with only a foot-path and marked trees. It was very cloudy ; night came on, and I soon lost my way — • wandered about in the rain, till at last I gave up all hopes of finding my way out. I then tied my horse, and walked about to avoid suffering with the cold, till about midnight ; when the clouds seemed to break away a little, and had some more light. I then tried to steer my way through the wood, leading my horse and feeling my way. It however soon became dark as ever, with wind and rain, and was exceed- ingly cold. I still kept creeping on, expecting that I must perish. At length I thought that God is in the wilderness, and a present help in time of trouble. I felt encouraged to put my trust in him. At length, directed by a kind Providence, I came to a house. On the next day came to the lake, and with great difficulty passed round the point. The wind and waves were so high, and I was so wet and cold, that I thought I must perish ; but after riding eight miles in this condition, I came to a^house, got some refreshment, and then rode to Canadaway, and met Elds. Butler and Handy. On the 8th came to the place where the council was to meet. On the 10th the council met; a number of brethren and sisters pre- sented themselves, and after due examination received fellow- ship as a church. The church then presented Br. Jones as a candidate for 38 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. ordination. After due examination, agreed to set him apart to the work of the ministry. Elds. Root, Butler, Handy, and myself, assisted in the ordination. The season was delight- ful. On the 17th returned to Canadaway — found Elds. Butler and Handy, the brethren here desiring us to meet with them, to examine into their standing. On the 18th met with the brethren, and gave them fellow- ship as a church. I then continued itinerating from place to place, preaching, exhorting, and warning, as I had opportunity, until the 15th of November, when I set out on my return home. On the 18th came to Phelpstown, where was a revival of religion. I then continued my journey ; and on the 28th arrived in safety at my own house, and found my family and friends in good health. I feel that the Lord has been with me while traveling through the desert and visiting the scattered inhabitants of this wilderness. TOUR OF ELD. JOHN PECK. To the President and Directors of the Hamilton Missionary Society : Dear Brethren — Agreeably to the'appointment I received from you, I left my family, and the dear people of my charge, June 5, 1810, and set out on my tour to the west. I preached at different places until I arrived at Eld. Irish's, in Aurelius, where I preached in the evening, and received much instruction, both as to the country and people where I was going. Next day rode' to Phelps, and the next day, being Lord's day, preached to a crowded and solemn assembly. On Monday I designed to pursue my journey, but by the request of Eld. Wisner and the church I staid and attended the ordination of Br. William Roe, one of their members. I preached in the vicinity daily until the council met. Thursday, June 14, the ordination of Br. Wm. Roe was attended in the following manner : I tried to preach on the occasion, from Psalm cxxvi. 6 ; Eld. Jeremiah Irons offered the ordaining prayer, and laid on hands with Elds. Wisner and Shays; Eld. Solomon Goodell gave the charge; Eld. JOURNALS OF MISSIONARIES. 39 Samuel Messenger the hand of fellowship ; Eld. Daniel Irons made the concluding prayer. The exercises appeared to he attended with the smiles of Heaven. From thence I pursued my journey and preached in Gorham, Palmyra, Bloomfield, and Livonia. In Avon I called on Eld. Wm. Furman, that aged father in the gospel, and the season was agreeable to me. He still' appears to be engaged in the service of his Divine Master, and though he has been called to pass through a scene of trials, yet he appears to be wor- shiping, leaning on the top of his staff. I parted with him, and rode to Batavia — ^preached in the evening at the court- house. Next morning visited the prisoners : some of them were confined for passing counterfeit money, and one for murder. I gave as good advice as I was able ; I tried to demonstrate, from the confinement they here justly suffered, the prison mankind are in by nature, and to show that Christ is the only door to liberty ; and as they expected to have their trial shortly, so they, with all mankind, must be tried at the bar of God ; and if not prepared by grace, they must sink beneath the grave, into that prison where there is no hope of reprieve. After this conversation I tried to pray with them ; some of them appeared much aflfected. After receiving their thanks for my visit I parted with them. I then calculated to go directly to Buffalo, and rode thirteen miles. As I got through the eight mile woods, I came out to a little settlement of three families, and by their request I preached a sermon to them ; and I believe the Lord was present. I had the whole settlement together, and one traveler, which made ten souls, and they all seemed to listen as for eternity. I then rode five miles, and providen- tially put up with a Baptist brother for the night ; and by request pyeached the next morning to a solemn assembly. I thought then to pursue my journey, and took leave of the family, leaving them in tears, and went a half a mile to take some refreshment. Here a number of the neighbors had collected together, and solicited me to tarry longer. Of the number, two women desired to go forward in the ordinance of baptism. I thought, truly, the Lord had more work for me here. I consented to spend the next Lord's day with them, and to preach to them on Saturday, at 10 o'clock ; then rode six miles to a new settlement, and found two brethren 40 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. and a few sisters. They had agreed to meet each Lord's day for the worship of God; they seemed to rejoice to see me come to visit them in their lonely situation ; there had been but one sermon preached in the place by a Baptist, and that by old Eld. Niles, of Sempronius. The next day the settlement came together, and I tried to preach to them, and think it was a comfortable season to my soul ; and it appear- ed to be to others. The next day returned to the afore- mentioned appointment, and preached at 10 o'clock, A. M., to a crowded assembly. After the meeting closed, the two women before mentioned, and a young man, came forward, and related what the Lord had done for their souls. After this I requested that if any one had anything on their minds to communicate, they would embrace the opportunity. I think there were upwards of a dozen that spoke, the most of them being Baptist professors. The season was glorious ; and it seemed that the Lord was there in very deed. Lord's day, June 24, I preached to the people assembled in a grove, there being no house sufficiently large to hold them. At the close I baptized three persons, the first that were baptized in this part of the country. It was a solemn scene, and saints and sinners seemed alike affected. June 25, rode to Buffalo, and, at the desire of the people, preached in the court-house. Next day rode to Eighteen Mile creek, and preached in different places five times ; and as the attention and wish of the people appeared so urgent, I agreed to spend three days with them the next week. I returned to Buffalo, and on Lord's day I delivered two sermons in the court-house. The people gave good attention, and appeared to be thankful for the visit. On Monday returned to Eighteen Mile creek, and preached to the people, who had assembled in a grove. We then repaired to the water-side, and after singing a hymn, and solemn prayer to God, I baptized a woman. The Lord evidently graced his ordinance at this time with his divine presence. After this I preached three times before I left the neighborhood, and every meeting appeared to be attended with some token of Divine approba- tion. The people, notwithstanding the busy season of the year, and the roughness of the roads, would travel some even ten miles on foot, to hear the word of God proclaimed by such a feeble instrument. On Thursday returned to Buffalo, JOURNALS OF MISSIONARIES. 41 and preached to a solemn assembly ; then rode to Clarence, and on Saturday, as I had agreed, met with the brethren in conference. I advised them, when here before, to meet in conference, and gain acquaintance as to their standing, ideas of doctrine, practice, &;c., and try to maintain the worship of God. They met at 1 o'clock, P. M. ; the meeting being opened, they related their Christian experience, convei-sed on articles of faith, practice, and a covenant ; and there was a happy agreement. Then five persons came forward, and related what the Lord had done for their souls, and wished to be baptized. It was a joyful time. Lord's day, July 8, I preached to a crowded assembly, some of whom came from a distance of twenty miles. One man came forty miles for the purpose of attending the meeting. In the afternoon I preached to the youth ; and a more solemn attention I never witnessed. At the close we repaired to the water, three miles distant, where I baptized five persons, three males and two females. It was a continued scene of solemnity. On Monday I thought of setting out for home, but duty called me to stay another day. At 10 o'clock, A. M., I met the brethren and sisters in conference, and we had an agreeable interview. Twenty-one brethren and sisters covenanted together to maintain the worship of God. What a beautiful sight in this wilderness ! At 2 o'clock in the afternoon the people assembled for public worship, and I preached to them. I was now called to pass through a solemn scene. I had formed a short but an agreeable acquain- tance, but now we must part. I took an affectionate leave of them, not expecting to see them again. Many tears were shed. Oh ! how my soul felt to leave them ! — a little handful of brethren and sisters, like sheep without a shepherd in this wilderness ; some of them living ten miles apart, and no one to go before them as an under-shepherd. This passage of truth, however, comforted me : " He shall feed his flock like a shepherd, he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom." I thought I could leave them in the hand of Him that hath said, " I will never leave thee nor forsake thee." Next day I set out for home, and on Saturday, July 14, returned safely to my family, and, through the good- ness of God, found them in good health. From the time when I left home, until my return, was five 4 42 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION, weeks and four days, in which time I traveled about five hundred and fifty miles, attended one council, one ordination, four conferences, baptized nine persons, and tried to preach thirty-six times. I have been blessed with health, and think I have enjoyed some small share of that peace which the world can not give nor take away ; and, though I traveled alone, the way did not seem long, nor the time disagreeable, I subscribe myself, through the grace of God, your unworthy brother and servant in the Lord, John Peck. ELD. ALFRED BENNETT S MISSIONARY TOtJR. On the 24th of Sept., 1810, Eld. Alfred Bennett, of Homer, agreeably to an appointment from the Society, set out on a missionary tour to the westward. On the 29th he arrived at a settlement on the Canesius lake, in the southwest corner of Livonia — preached in the evening to a number of people with some freedom. The next day, being Lord's day, he preached to a numerous assembly. At the close of the meeting a female came forward, and gave a relation of her experience, and desired baptism. He administered the holy ordinance ; and, it being the first time baptism was administered in that place, it was a solemn and a joyful time. At the water, every countenance seemed fixed in solemn attention on the scene, while many faces were wet with tears. From thence he passed on to the north part of Caledonia, and found a few believers, but in a cold state. From thence he rode to Clarence, where Br. John Peck had organized a conference the July before. Here he continued nine days, visiting from house to house, and preaching daily. His interview with the brethren in that place was agreeable. He baptized one person ; two or three others were under strong exercises of mind, and one young lady obtained relief while he was there. From thence, on the 15th of Oct., he rode to Eighteen Mile creek on Lake Erie, and found a goodly number of professors, scattered like sheep without a shepherd. He spent eight days in three several townships, preaching and visiting. Eighteen persons united in covenant to main- tain gospel order among themselves. It was a solemn and joyfUA.time — some mourning, some rejoicing. JOURNALS OF MISSIONARIES. 43 He then passed on to the middle branch of the Buffalo creek, and enjoyed some dehghtful seasons with Christians scattered here and there in this vicinity. A few collected in conference with a view to maintain the cause of the Redeemer among themselves. Taking leave of them, he rode to the ninth town, on the fourth range. Here was a small church in destitute circumstances, yet comfortably united. He preached with them, and then rode to Allen's creek, tenth township, first range. Here was a small church engaged in religion, but greatly needed assistance. Parting with them, he went to a neighboring settlement on the ninth township. Here the Lord was doing a marvelous work. Two were baptized by Eld. Irish. He then returned home, after having been absent seven weeks and three days, and rode five hun- dred miles, preached fifty-seven times, attended one association, three conferences, two funerals, and baptized two persons. TOUR OF ELD. NATHAN BAKER. On the 23d of May, 1811, Eld. Nathan Baker set out on a missionary tour to the westward. On the 28th he arrived at Warsaw, on the Holland Purchase. Here the Lord poured out his Spirit, and gathered souls into his kingdom : about thirty had been added to the church within a few months. On Lord's day, June 2, he preached with the second church in Sheldon. Here he found a number of agreeable brethren, who deserved the attention of the missionaries. June 5th a conference, consisting of Elds. Osborn, Handy, and Jones, with delegates from seven churches, was held in the second church in Sheldon, for the purpose of forming a conference of churches. The season was delightful ; it seemed to present to view an earnest of the glorious spread of the Redeemer's kingdom in this part of the wilderness. How pleasing to the pious soul, to see the various obstacles giving way to the purposes of God ! How enlivening the prospect, that ere long the desolate wilds, which now resound with the frightful yells of the savage, shall become vocal with the praises of God. He then continued riding and preaching until June 18. He preached in Willinck, on Eighteen Mile creek, and 44 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. baptized a female. He then continued preaching from place to place, and saw much of the goodness of God. Meetings, in general, were very solemn, and the audience very much affected. On the 24th he left the Purchase, on his return home ; and continued his journey, preaching occasionally, until July 1, when he arrived at his own house, having been absent forty days, and found his family in health. AN EXTRACT FROM ELD. On the 12th of June, 1811, I left home, and rode to Homer, where I met with Eld. J. Peck, and the next day we rode to Virgil, where we preached. On the 15th we came to Br. Doty's, in Caroline, on the Owego creek. In the evening there came in two Africans, who were slaves, one of them about forty years of age, and member of a Baptist church in Virginia : he appears to be much engaged in religion. The other was a young man about eighteen years of age, newly converted, and desirous of baptism. He gave a satisfactory relation of his Christian experience. The interview closed with prayer by the young slave, who appears to be the Lord's freeman. 16th, Lord's day morning James,* the young African, came in with another, whose name is Abram, and who was desirous of baptism, and gave a satisfactory relation of his experience. We then proceeded to the school-house. It being rainy, many were prevented from attending ; however, there was a handsome collection of people. I preached in the forenoon, and Br. Peck in the afternoon. We then repaired to Owego creek, because there was much water there, and Br. Peck went down into the water with the can- didates, and he baptized them there ; and when they came up out of the water, the candidates went away rejoicing — a most pleasing and solemn season : it brought to mind the ancient prediction, " Ethiopia shall stretch out her hands unto * His proper name is James Ilaborn. After his baptism he soon mani- fested that he possessed a gift that would be useful in Zion. After a suitable trial, the church which was constituted in this place gave him a license to preach, and by the churches assisting, he purchased his freedom. After that he preached for a season to the colored people in Troy ; and has for a number of years been pastor of the African church in New York. JOURNAXS OF MISSIONARIES. 45 thee." It appears that God hath wrought wonderfully among these slaves. There are eighteen of them ; one was baptized last winter, and there was a young woman among them who desired baptism, but could not obtain permission of her master. We found a young white woman, who had obtained a hope, and was convinced of believers' baptism, but had not strength to go forward. There is a little handful of believers, say €ight or ten, who stand in need of assistance. On the 17th we proceeded on our journey to Candor. Here we found a little church in tried circumstances. On the 18th we rode to Owego village, and here, with regret, I parted with Eld Peck, who returned homeward.* I then proceeded on my way alone, preaching every day until the 21st, when, being afflicted with a pleuretic complaint, I was bled, and rode to Capt. Harknes's, in Murraysfield, a settle- ment in Smithfield, Lycoming Go*, Penn., and preached in the afternoon. Being very much indisposed, I tarried until Lord's day, when I delivered two discourses to the people collected. I think I never saw a more solemn, attentive, and affected, 'assembly, than here, especially in the afternoon ; when the eyes and ears of the audience seemed to be opened, and they appeared to catch every word with avidity. It was truly delightful to see a number of blooming youth bathed in tears, while many fathers and mothers gave testimony, by their weeping, of the power of divine truth* Oh ! may God in mercy bless them, and may these hopeful beginnings end in the salvation of their souls and the glory of God ! And may my soul be enabled to praise God for what I have seen and felt this day. Though I was much indisposed, and at one time nearly fainted in the public exercises, yet God upheld me, and caused my soul to rejoice. I felt an unusual regret in leaving this agreeable people. The professors were * He preached in the afternoon at the village, and then rode to Br. Taylor's, and preached at 5 o'clock. On the next day preached to a large col- lection of people at Br. Taylor's, and rode to Caroline, preaching by the way. At this place a large assembly convened, to whom he preached — ti very solemn and affecting season. A few^ of the black people assembled, the rest not being permitted to meet on working days. It is worthy of notice, that these poor slaves held a prayer-meeting every Saturday evening. Next day preached at Br. Kingman's, in Virgil, in the afternoon at Br. John J. Gee's, likewise in Virgil, and the next day returned home, having been absent twelve days, preached fourteen times, and baptized two persons. 4* 46 BAPTIST 3IISSI0NARY CONVENTION. of the Presbyterian order, yet very desirous to be remembered and assisted by the Society. I think that missionaries would find great satisfaction in visiting this people. I then passed on to Burlington, Alba, and Sugar creek, in the town of Tioga. Here I tarried two days, and found eight or ten professors, but in very destitute circumstances. They were remote from any church, and in the space of eight years but two Baptist ministers had visited them. From thence I rode to Burlington, and attended church- meeting. Met the two Eld. Rich's, father and son, who reside at this place — had a very agreeable season — the church in unison. Lord's day, 30th, I preached twice and attended communion. There were between fifty and sixty communi- cants, many of them blooming youth — had a very comfortable season. July 1st I left Burlington — rode down Sugar creek, and passed over to Tawanda creek — preached at Br. Crofut's — an affecting season — a number of blooming youth in tears. 3d of July, preached at Mr. Wilcox's, on Tawanda. Here were two young women that were at meeting yesterday, and had rode seven miles this day to attend meeting. I then rode to the mouth of Tawanda creek — preached in the school - house — had an agreeable time. I then crossed the Susque- hannah river, passed up the Wysox creek, from thence to the Wyalusing, and so on to Bethany, in the county of Wayne — preached twice in the court-house in Bethany, then returned through Hartford to the town of Rush, on Wyalusing creek, where I had an appointment — preached to a solemn and attentive assembly. I then returned to Wysox, and preached to the people. Here I find a little handful of Baptist professors, but no church within twenty miles of them. Indeed, all this part of the country is very destitute of preaching. On the 13th I left Wysox, on my way home, and came to Candor ; on the next day I delivered two discourses to the people. Here I had the pleasure of witnessing some of the pleasing effects of Br. Peck's preaching in this place on his return home. This church has passed through great trials, and have excluded a number of its members on account of their adherence to David Jaynes, and his odious tenets. On Monday I preached twice — 16th rode to Lisle — heard Mr. Bull, a Presbyterian, preach the funeral sermon of a young JOURNALS OP MISSIONARIES. 47 man that was killed by lightning. On the 19th of July I returned home, and found all well, having, in the space of five weeks and three days, traveled four hundred and twenty miles, and preached thirty-seven times. The country through which I traveled is almost entirely destitute of the preached gospel. It is truly affecting to see with what avidity many will try to hear the word, while at the same time others are lamenting their destitute situation. I remain, dear brethren, your unworthy brother in the gospel of Christ, John Lawton. EXTRACT FROM ELD. ASHBEL HOSMER's LAST TOUR. On the 22d of October, 1811, I left my family, and set out on a missionary tour to the westward, preaching as I had opportunity, until the 29th, when I arrived at Clarence, on the Holland Purchase. On the 30th a council met at the house of Br. Johnson, for the purpose of ordaining Br. Bell. The council, after due examination, agreed to unite with the church in setting apart Br. Bell to the work of the ministry by solemn ordination. I preached the sermon, and assisted in the ordination, together with Elds. Furman, Goodale, and Gorton — a very comfortable season. I then returned to Batavia, and proceeded on my way, preaching in Caledonia and Riga, until the 5th of November, when I arrived at Genesee, and preached near Br. White's. On the 6th, in company with Br. White, set out for Nunda. This day rode thirty miles, through the most barren desert that I ever saw — passed the Genesee river about dark. Here I found dear Br. Goodale, who had previously arrived, and appointed a meeting at Br. Hammer's. Here is a new settlement. Some of the people received the news of the meeting at sunset, and came, both men and women, two miles and a half on foot, to hear preaching. After we had both preached, went two or three miles, and between 12 and 1 o'clock obtained some refreshment. On the 6th I set forward, accompanied by a brother who conducted me through the Indian settlements. We crossed the river. I then proceeded on my way, through exceeding 48 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. bad roads, to Candea : the people collected — I preached, and then conversed with them concerning the conduct of one Isaiah Smith, a man who had forfeited his character, but was preaching and baptizing in those parts. I then continued my travels, preaching every opportunity, until the 13th, when I arrived at Danville, where I visited a sick woman, who appeared just departing, but enjoying much consolation. On the 14th I rode to May Mills, in Sparta ; from this place I rode a circle of one hundred miles, and have found but one minister, a few licensed Methodists excepted. On the 16th rode to Nunda, and on the next day returned to Br. Ham- mer's, and met the people, some of whom came seven or eight miles to meeting. I preached one sermon, then baptized a woman, and a girl fifteen years of age — had a conference to consult on the expediency of forming a church. On the 18th rode to the seventh town, first range, and preached at 1 o'clock. The evening was taken up in hearing experiences. 19th, met at 9 o'clock — preached on the subject of baptism ; then baptized two men, one female, and a boy fourteen years of age. On the 21st rode to the river, and met the people in a conference — agreed on sending for a council for forming a church ; then heard experiences ; then repaired to the water, and baptized five males and two females. 22d, an afflicting scene in parting. I then rode on, preaching and exhorting, as opportunity offered, until the 25th, when I arrived at Naples, at the head of the Hemlock lake. Here I found twelve families. I advised them to set up meetings. I then proceeded on my travels, preaching every opportunity ; and on Friday, 6th of December, arrived in safety at my own house in Hamilton, having been absent forty-five days, and preached forty times, attended one council and ordination, three conferences, one church-meeting, and baptized eleven persons. I have found my health and strength increase. I have not wanted for attentive audiences. And what good will come of it, I must leave with Him who is infinite in wisdom. I remain, dear brethren, your affectionate brother and fellow-laborer in the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, AsHBEL HOSMEK. JOURNALS OF MISSIONARIES. 49 TOUR OF ELD. JOHN UPFOLD. To the President and Directors of the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society: Dearly Beloved Brethren — Agreeably to a previous appointment, I have lately performed a mission of three weeks. I left home May 19th, and traveled northward as far as Lake Ontario, preaching in nearly all the destitute settlements I could find in my way. My opportunities of preaching were as follows, viz. Twice in Manlius, four times in Camillus, seven times in Lysander, six times in Hannibal, once in Volney, once at Oswego Falls, and six times in Cicero ; making in the whole twenty-seven sermons which I delivered to a very destitute people. During my mission I generally preached with freedom of mind, and my hearers appeared solemn, and in some instances to receive the word gladly, I believe that a people more destitute of gospel preaching will scarcely be found in America ; nor, perhaps, a people that will treat the missionaries with greater respect than those to whom I have been preaching; and such are my feelings for them, that I am willing to make them another missionary visit, if God in his providence will permit. I remain, dear brethren, yours, very sincerely, John Upfold. Fabius, June 17, 1813. At the eighth annual meeting of the Society, holden at Hamilton, Sept., 1814, the reports of the missionaries were so pleasing, that the Board thanked God, and, taking courage, appointed missionaries for forty weeks. It had been for a long time considered highly important that a religious paper should be established for the benefit of the Baptist denomination. Several resolutions had been passed by the Otsego Association for the purpose. But no efficient measures were adopted to effect so desirable an object until April, 1814, when Elds. Peter P. Root, Daniel Hascall, John Lawton, and John Peck, upon their own responsibility, commenced the publication of a magazine of forty-eight pages duodecimo, three times a 3'ear, entitled "The Vehicle." The first number was published in May, 50 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 1814 ; the second in August. At the meeting of the Society, Sept., 1814, the proprietors of the magazine, considering that the avails of the pubhcation might be of advantage to the funds, made an offer of the same to the Society, to be pub- lished under their patronage, when the following preamble and resolution were passed : " Whereas, the proprietors of ' The Vehicle ' have made an offer of the same to the Society, so that the avails may accrue to the funds, therefore, " Resolved, unanimously. That this Society accept of said offer." The Society then appointed Elds. John Lawton, John Peck, and Daniel Hascall, editors, (subsequently Elds. N. Kendrick, T. Purinton, and A. Bennett, were associated with them,) and Eld. J. Peck general agent. This work was continued through four volumes, consisting of forty-five numbers, when, at the union of the Society with the Convention, it was merged in the Register. At the close of the first volume the title was altered to the " Western Baptist Magazine," and published quarterly. The benefits of the publication, in communicating religious knowledge, kindling a missionary spirit, and shedding light upon the movements of the Christian world, are too well known to need any comment. The eighth annual meeting of the Hamilton Baptist Mis- sionary Society was held at Morrisville, Sept., 1815. The secretary and treasurer presented their reports. It appeared the Lord had so blessed the operations and increased the funds of the Society, that they were induced to appoint missionaries for forty weeks. It was resolved that the Board be directed to make application to the Legislature for an act of incorpora- tion. It was further resolved that the Board be instructed to pay its missionaries five dollars per week for their services. At this meeting Eld. John M. Peck, as an agent from Eld. Luther Rice, met the Society, and solicited aid for the Board of Foreign Missions. The brethren had previously been informed of the change of views of Br. Judson and wife, and also of Br. Rice, in relation to the mode and subjects of baptism. They had learned that Br. Judson and wife were gone to Burmah, and that Br. Rice had returned to solicit funds to support the mission ; and also that a general con- HAMILTON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. &1 vention had been formed for the purpose of sustaining missions among the heathen. It was with pleasure that a number of brethren formed themselves into a Society, to be known by the name of the " Madison Society, auxiliary to the Baptist Convention of the United States for Foreign Missions." About the same time the Utica Foreign Mission Society was formed, which has done much for the support of the great cause of foreign missions. But, notwithstanding the ardent zeal enkindled in the breasts of the brethren for evangelizing the heathen, yet their ardor for supplying the destitute at home w as not abated, but increased. They believed then, as experience has since taught, that these precious interests are only parts of one vast field, which the great Head of the church has embraced in one commission, whose influence on each other is recipro- cally beneficial. Home is the foundation of foreign operations, and foreign prosperity kindles up expansive desires and noble energy at home. It becomes, therefore, all the saints to see to it that the high responsibilities attached to^ each are faithfully discharged. The Lord has given ample treasure to his people to meet all the claims he makes upon them for those great interests, and the saints more and more perceive and feel it. Of what benefit would be all the wealth which God is pouring into the coffers of his children, if he did not provide these blessed ways for its expenditure ! It would certainly ruin them ; they would be fearfully exposed to the consumption of it on their appetites and lusts. The ninth annual meeting of the Hamilton Baptist Mis- sionary Society was held at Cazenovia, Sept. 10, 1816. The report of the Board was received, by which it appeared, that they had employed missionaries, from whom they received accounts of the performance of fifty-one weeks' service the year past. The reports were exceedingly cheering, and greatly encouraged the Society to go forward in their labor. They then proceeded to the choice of officers, as follows : Eld. John Peck, Pres. John Lawton, Sec. Daniel Lath, rop, Treas. Elds. Joseph Coley, Nathan Baker, and Brn, Ebenezer Wakely, John Keep, Samuel Torrey, Jonathan Olmsted, Joseph Card, Thomas Cox, Directors. The President, Secretary, and Treasurer, were continued in their respective offices until the union of the two bodies : in 1825, also, Eld* 52 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTIO^^ John Peck general agent. The following brethren, at differ- ent periods, were subsequently elected members of the Board : Elds. Nathan Peck, Frederick Freeman, Daniel Hascall, Alfred Bennett, O. Warren, Thomas Purinton, Nathaniel Cole, Nathaniel J. Gilbert, Philander Kelsey, Robert Powell, John S. King, and Brn. James Nickerson, Isaac Rindge, and Charles W. Hull. Brn. Wakeley and Olmsted, being mem- bers of the Legislature, were appointed to present to that body the petition for an act of incorporation, and conduct the matter as agents of the Society. The Board, at their subsequent meetings, appointed missionaries for the term of eighty weeks for the year ensuing. The tenth annual meeting of the Society was held at North Norwich, Sept. 9, 1817. An interesting report of the Board was read, by which it appeared that the Lord still smiled on their labors, and blessed the efforts of their mis- sionaries in preaching to the destitute. These cheering results served greatly to strengthen their hands and encourage their hearts to persevere in their laudable work. At this meeting the act of incorporation was received, and read as follows : CHARTER. An Act to incorpwate the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society, (Passed March 28, 1817.) Whereas, John Peck, and certain other persons, have formed themselves into a Society by the name and style of the " Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society," for the purpose of propagating the gospel among the destitute, and have prayed to be incorporated, the better to promote their bene- volent design, therefore. Be it enacted^ by the People of the State of New York, represented in the Senate and Assembly, That all such persons as now are, or hereafter may become, members of said Society, according to such rules as they may agree upon or establish, shall be, and hereby are, ordained, constituted, and appointed, a body politic and corporate, in fact and in name, by the name of the '• Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society." And by that name they, and their successors, shall and may have succes- HAMILTON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 53 sion, and shall be persons, in law, capable of suing, and being sued, pleading and being impleaded, in all courts and places whatsoever, in all manner of action and actions, suits, matters, causes, and complaints, whatsoever. And that they and their successors may have a common seal, and may change and alter the same at pleasure. And also that they and their successors, by the name of the " Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society," shall be, in law, capable of purchasing, holding, and conveying, any estate, real or pef sonal, for the use of said Society ; provided always that such real or personal estate shall not at any time exceed the annual value of two thousand dollars. § 2. And he it further enacted, That, for the better carrying into effect the objects of the said Society, the officers of the same shall consist of eleven directors, to wit : a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and eight other directors, who shall hold their office for one year, or until others are chosen in their stead, and shall be elected on the second Tuesday in September, in each year, or at such other time, and at such place, as the corporation shall from time to time appoint. And that every election shall be by ballot, by a majority of the members pres- ent at such meeting. 1 § 3. Be it further enacted^ That the following persons shal be the first directors of the said Society, to wit : John Peck> first President ; John Lawton, first Secretary ; Daniel La- throp, first Treasurer ; and Joseph Coley, Nathan Baker, John Keep, Thomas Cox, Samuel Torrey, Joseph Card, Alfred Bennett, and Samuel Payne, other Directors of said Society ; all of which Directors shall hold their office respectively until the second Tuesday of next September, or until others be chosen in their stead. § 4. And he it further enacted, That, at every meeting of the Directors of the said Society, when six Directors are met, they shall be a quorum for transacting any business concern- ing said Society which may come before them, or may adjourn from time to time, as circumstances may require. § 5. And he it further enacted, That the said corporation* and their successors, shall have full power to make, constitute* ordain, and establish, such bye-laws, rules, and regulations, as they from time to time shall judge proper for the management, well-being, and regulating, the said Society, provided always 5 54 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. that no regulation shall be made in any wise to control the religious principles, or affect the rights of conscience, of any person whatsoever ; and provided further, that such bye-laws, rules, and regulations, be not repugnant to the constitution and laws of the United States, or of this State, § 6. And be it further enacted, That this act be, and is, hereby declared to be a public act ; and shall be construed in all courts and places benignly and favorably for every purpose therein intended. § 7. A7id be it further enacted^ That this act shall be and re- main in force and virtue for the term of twenty-five years, provi ded, nevertheless, that, if the said Society shall appropriate their tunds, or any part thereof, to any purpose or purposes other than those intended and contemplated by this act, or shall at any time pass any law or regulation affecting the rights of conscience, that thenceforth said corporation shall cease, and be void ; and provided, further, that nothing herein contained shall be construed to prevent the Legislature at any time, in their discretion, within the said period, from altering or repealing this act. At a subsequent meeting of the Board at North Norwich,, the act of incorporation was read and approved. The Society directed their President to present the thanks of the Society to Brn. Wakeley and Olmsted, for their faithful and assiduous services in obtaining the act of incorporation. They then proceeded to the choice of officers. The Society then voted to adjourn, to meet at Delphi, oa the Wednesday after the 3d Lord's day in February next. The new Board met immediately, and appointed missiona- ries for the term of seventy-four weeks. Having now approached the period when the Baptist Education Society of the State of New York was formed, the object of which was so intimately connected with the prosperity of domestic and foreign missions, we shall proceed to give a brief account of its rise and progress. In doing this, we shall draw, without reserve, from documents already published, what may serve our purpose, both in fact and language. We deem it advisable to present, in a consecutive and unbroken view, the origin, character, and present state, of the institution. A BRIEF ACCOUNT ®r THE BAPTIST EDUCATION SOCIETY OF THE STATE OF N. Y^ This institution seems to have had its origin in the necessi- ties of the churches ; and it now occupies an elevation to which, it is behoved, God has called it by the increasing demands of his churches and his cause. This interesting feature of its history will be readily discovered by tracing its course from its origin to the present time. In the year 1817 the Baptist denomination in this State numbered about three hundred and ten churches, two hundred and thirty ministers, and twenty -eight thousand membei-s. The character of the ministry, at and before that time, is too well known to need description. Their godliness, their zeal for the truth in its purity, their laborious fidelity, and their success in winning souls for Christ, " will be had in everlasting remembrance." Especially now it is needless for the pen of eulogy to record their praise, while so many hearts still beat among us, on which, as « living epistles," are written their " letters of com- mendation," the memory of their worth. But with this just tribute to their excellence must be coupled the acknowledge- ment, that, in those important aids which human learning and intellectual culture afford to the servants of the gospel, they were comparatively deficient. This they deeply realized, and felt the importance of having something done to aid those "who were coming forward to engage in the ministry. At the period above mentioned, there were, in the entire State west of the Hudson river, only three ministers who had received a collegiate education. Meantime the cause of general educa- tion was advancing. Light was more and more diffused throughout the community ; the public mind was becoming more intelligent, and the public taste more refined ; the advo- cates of error, from its most tolerable to it^ most fearful form, were bringing increased resources to its defense j and the 56 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION, ' whole business of a religious instructor, both in the church and in the world, was becoming more complicated and diffi- cult. The work of missions had also been going on for years with increasing success. There was an imperious call for " able ministers of the new testament," both at home and abroad. To meet this demand, God was raising up young men for the ministry in many of the churches : but no pro- vision had been made for their education. Under these circumstances, a few friends of the Savior felt the importance of doing something to aid these youths in their preparation for the work before them. God seemed to be speaking in the necessities of his cause, and calling on them to engage in this enterprise. For the better accomplishment of the object, "The Baptist Education Society of the State of New York" was formed, on the 24th of Sept., 1817. It consisted, at first, of only thirteen persons, each of whom subscribed to pay $1 annually. Although some minor amendments have since been made to the consti- tution of the Society, its fundamental principles remain unaltered. The simple and exclusive object of the organi- zation, was, the improvement of the Christian ministry. Its funds are specifically appropriated to the aid of indigent and approved candidates, and none are admitted to participate in its benefits except such as have obtained the approbation of the churches, and furnish continued evidences of personal piety and a call to the gospel ministry. These are essential features in the plan of this Society. It was founded in the belief that God selects his own ministers ; and no measure contravening this principle can be admitted, without sacrifi- cing the confidence of the churches. Whenever it shall be the means of raising up a graceless ministry to take the oversight of the flock, it will have lost its original character, and merited the reprobation of the people of God. The winter following its formation, a number of young men applied for assistance, the first of whom was our Br. Wade, now a devoted laborer on Burman shores : Br. Kin- caid entered soon after. He became a member of the same class with Br. Wade, whom he soon followed to the same field of labor, to exhibit the same intrepid fidelity in his Master's service, and to reap the same glorious reward in souls won from heathenism for Christ and for heaven. The divine bless- IBAPTIST EDUCATION SOCIETY. V7 ^ng which attends and prospers the labors of such men, seems in the nature of a sanction to the means employed to prepare them for the work. For two years the students were taught Ijy private instruction and at academies ; but in the spring of 1820 a Literary and Theological Institution was opened in the village of Hamilton, Madison Co., for the education of all under th« patronage of the Society, and such as might afterwards be received. In its infancy, with little experience and less means, it was unable to go far in opening the foun- tains of science and theology, and in giving to an unexpected number of young men that mental culture and pecuniary aid which were desirable ; nor, indeed, were many of its bene- ficiaries, on account of their advanced age, and other cir- cumstances, prepared for anything more than a limited course. As the Institution has advanced, these difficulties have diminished, and circumstances have increased its opportuni- ties for efficient action, and enhanced its corresponding responsibilities. The same intimations of the Divine pleasure, which encouraged the original formation of the Institution, have from time to time required the farther extension of its plan and the multiplication of its means of usefulness. The whole course of study, at first adopted, embraced a period of only three years ; some time after it was extended to four, and now occupies six, years. The course is divided into four years for collegiate and two for theological studies. The time required for a complete education, at common colleges and theological seminaries, is seven years. By the arrangement at Hamilton, therefore, a year is saved to each student; and in the education of a hundred young men a hundred years of ministerial labor are secured to the church and to the world. This saving of time is made, it is believed, without the sacrifice of any amount of the mental discipline and theological knowledge essential to a thorough education. The unity of plan, and the harmony of opera- tion, which, in that institution, combine the collegiate and theological studies into one single and complete course, present advantages to the students there, superior, perhaps, to any that can be furnished at our common colleges and seminaries in their separate conditions. It will be understood that the extension of the classical course does not supersede a limited one, embracing English ^* 58 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION and theological studies, adapted to the circumstances of young men for whom the other would not be advisable* Four years are allowed to complete this course ; and those who enter upon it, somewhat advanced in the common English branches, may do it in less time. This is regarded by the Faculty as an important branch of the Institution,^and to the young men who prefer taking it, every facility is afforded for prosecuting it with success. An Academic department has also been organized, com- prising a course of two years for preparatory studies. The same facilities for redeeming time are afforded here. Un- der the vigilant culture of the principal and his assistants, a student in that department will accomplish a greater amount of preparation for his higher course, in one year, than he would at an ordinary academy in a much longer time. The entire plan, then, embraces that of an ordinary academy, college, and theological seminary — so united as to save more than a year from the whole, and so harmonizing and mutually aiding each other as to furnish the means of a more thorough theological education than are usually found elsewhere. To meet the increasing necessities of the Institution, the Faculty has from time to time been enlarged, and now embraces eight instructors, who are aided, as they need, by efficient assistants. Although the organization of this Institution is such as to provide for the whole course of ministerial education, both literary and theological, and in this respect differs from all others in the country, its managers have constantly dis- claimed any aim at originality. They appear at all times to have watched, with humble yet wise fidelity, the indica- tions of Providence, and have uniformly endeavored to bring to bear upon its interests the experience of former times, the increasing light of science, the combined wisdom of the age, and the continued developements of the counsels of grace. The Institution is located on a farm of one hundred and seventy acres in the village of Hamilton. Its site is eligible and commanding. Nature has done much for the bold and beautiful hill on which the buildings have been erected, and rendered it capable of improvement to an almost unlimited extent.^ It overlooks the fertile valley in which HAMILTON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 59 the village is situated, commanding a prospect of very con- siderable extent and variety. The scene is altogether one of interest, and favorable in its influence on the taste and feelings of the students. Since the formation of the Society, about one hundred and fifty young brethren have taken their entire course of education at the Institution ; upwards of two hundred more have been assisted to some extent, who have entered the field of their labors; and the present number in all the departments is one hundred and seventy. Fourteen have gone out from this Institution as missionaries to Eastern Asia, one to Africa, and twelve into the Great Western Valley. There are now as many as fifty in the Institution who are preparing for foreign missions ; between twenty- five and thirty for Eastern Asia, and others for western missions. HAMILTON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. We return now to the proceedings of this Society, which met at Delphi, Feb. 17, 1818. After attending to some business of minor importance, it was resolved that the time of the annual meeting be changed to the Wednesday follow- ing the 3d Lord's day in February, and also that at each annual meeting a sermon be preached, and a collection taken for the benefit of the funds. The doings of the Board for the year will be seen in the report of the next annual meeting. The Society then adjourned to meet at Cazenovia, on the Wednesday after the 3d Lord's day in Feb., 1819. The Society held their eleventh annual meeting in Caze- novia, Feb. 24, 1819. Eld. Frederick Freeman preached, from Romans x. 14. A collection of $10 was taken for the foreign and domestic missions. The Board presented their report, which was read and accepted. Their officers were then chosen. After the choice of officers, ten female societies presented donations to the amount of $320 57. The next annual meeting is to be held at De Ruyter. We will now give an extract from the report of the Board, 60 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. presented at the above meeting of the Society, Feb. 24, 1819. "Dear Brethren — The time of our service having expired, it becomes our duty to render an account of our stewardship. We have endeavored to keep in sight the great object the Society has in view, which is to disseminate the blessed truths of the gospel among the destitute. Accor- dingly, it has been our study to seek those places which were most destitute ; but in this we needed great wisdom, and our minds wei'e often deeply affected with a view of the situation of our country in respect to a preached gospel. What a wide waste lies around us ! In almost every direc- tion we see vast numbers of precious immortals destitute of the bread of life, and almost every passing breeze wafts to our affected ears a Macedonian cry, ' Come over, and help us !' Amidst these circumstances, we have acted according to our best judgment ; and if we have erred, it is, we trust, from the head, and not from the heart. " We have, since our appointment, employed the following missionaries : Eld. Daniel Hascall, six weeks ; Samuel Churchill, six weeks ; Peter P. Roots, twenty-two weeks ; John Lawton, eighteen weeks; Solomon Johnson, twenty weeks ; Roswell Beckwith, eight weeks ; J. Ferris, three weeks ; Cyrus Andrews, nine weeks and three days ; Fred. Freeman, four weeks and four days ; Nathan Peck, eight weeks and five days ; Timothy Sheppard, fourteen weeks and six days. All these have made a return of their labor. We have also appointed Eld. Hanks, thirteen weeks ; War- ner Goodell, six weeks; Eld. E. M. Spencer, ten weeks; Eld. Rufus Freeman, twelve weeks ; Eld. Galusha, six weeks ; Eld. Nathan Baker, six weeks ; Eld. John Peck, four weeks ; Eld. Dutcher, six weeks ; Eld. Bennett, four weeks ; Eld. Purinton, four weeks ; and Elder Throop, four weeks. From these we have received no returns, yet have reason to believe that much of the service is performed. " Eld. John Peck was appointed agent for the Society, to visit missionary societies already formed, and to organize others, and to endeavor to stir up the public to contribute to the funds of the Society. In the appointment of missiona- ries, and in designating the field of operations, we have not been actuated by local prejudices, but have endeavored to HAMILTON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 61 keep in view the best interests of Zion. Some of our mis- sionaries have traveled through the northern counties of this State, in the towns contiguous to the St. Lawrence ; while others, passing south of the Cayuga lake, have proclaimed a risen Savior through numerous towns, to Lake Erie. Others, again, have found their way into Upper Canada, and made known the word of God on the regions around Lake Ontario ; while some have penetrated the fertile State of Ohio, and there dispensed the word of life. " As it is not the intention of the Society to have the funds lie useless, you will perceive that we have made appointments exceeding all former examples. We have appointed mission- aries for a term equal to the labors of one missionary for three years, six months, and two weeks. "We have received accounts of the performance of two years and fthirty weeks' service. The consequence, is, that our funds are nearly exhausted. You will readily perceive the necessity of further exertions on the part of the Society, and all the friends of truth, in order to enable the Board to pursue their laudable designs. " It is possible that some cold-hearted calculators may cen- sure us for imprudence in the numerous appointments we have made. But we presume there is not a bosom in which a spark of divine philanthropy glows, but would act in the same manner, in similar circumstances. "To hear the numerous calls and earnest entreaties for help — to witness the ecstatic joy that is often apparent upon being visited by a minister of the gospel — the satisfaction enjoyed in such interview — the earnest solicitations for a renewal and continuance of such favors — the multitude of tears shed on the occasion of parting — is enough to melt the most flinty heart, and reduce apathy itself to the tenderest sensibilities, to excite the most unwearied exertions, and secure the most liberal contributions for so noble and godlike a purpose. Without the continued exertions of the friends of truth, the Board must discontinue their operations, and in unavailing sorrow sit down and listen to the pathetic cries of the desti- tute, without the means of affording any relief. " What ! must it be so, that this Society, which has arisen to such respectability, and in the course often years dispensed so many blessings, and upon whom the blessing of thousands 62 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. of destitute souls has come, — must it now terminate its course, and cease its pious labors ? Nay, it can not be ! Our trust is in Him, whose is the earth and the fullness thereof, and in whose hand are the hearts of all flesh, and who can turn them as the rivers of water are turned. He who hears the young ravens cry, and supplies their wants, will hear the cries of his destitute children, and will provide for their relief. And we have the fullest confidence in your benevolence and Christian philanthropy, and believe that you will continue your laudable exertions in this glorious cause. " Since our last meeting, God has seen fit to call oflf from a world of sin and sorrow, and from a scene of pain and distress, to a world of joy and love, our dear and venerable father in the gospel. Eld. Elisha Ransom, who has long been a useful member of this Society. His labors are terminated, and his soul is at rest in the bosom of his dear Redeemer. We, brethren, must soon follow him into the eternal world. Let us be prepared ; and while we live, let us not be weary in well- doing, knowing that in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. By order of the Board, "John Feck, President, "John Lawton, Secretary, ^^ The twelfth annual meeting of the Hamilton Baptist Mis- sionary Society was held at De Ruyter, Feb. 23, 1820. The Secretary's and Treasurer's report were read, and accepted. Twenty-eight Female Societies, and one Young Men's Society, presented donations to the amount of $651 49. Then proceeded to choose ofiicers for the year ensuing ; after which they adjourned, to meet at Hamilton, on the Wednes- day after the third Sabbath in Feb., 1821 — Eld, Lane to preach the introductory sermon. Eld. Bennett his substitute. From 1819 to 1820 was an important season. The calls from the destitute were so numerous, that the Board ventured to appoint missionaries for one hundred and sixty-nine weeks. Also, there was a call from the aboriginals in the wilderness, for assistance in their distressed circumstances. Much time was spent in inquiring into their situation, and laying a foundation for efforts to ameliorate their condition. This required more funds than the Board possessed. Hence they HAMILTON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 63 (as will be seen by the report) took measures to augment their funds. We now give the following extract from the report : "After our appointment, we began to feel impressions with respect to the duty we owed to the Indians in this State, as well as to our own people ; to accomplish which we found it necessary to adopt means to increase our funds. With this view, we appointed Eld. J. Peck an agent, to visit the several female societies, to encourage them, and to organize new ones, and to increase a missionary spirit in the public mind. His exertions were crowned with unexpected success, as will appear from his report." REPORT OF THE AGENT. Dear Brethren — I feel it my duty to present you with the following abstract of my labors, agreeably to your appoint- ment. In March, 1818, I visited the people in Morris ville ; where, after preaching a sermon, and making some explana- tory remarks, with the assistance of Eld. Lawton, I formed a Female Missionary Society, consisting of twenty-nine members. Three brethren united with the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society. May 10. Visited the Female Society in Hamilton, and de- livered a discourse ; after which eleven persons united with the Society, and twelve men with the H. B. M. S. 12. Preached to the Female Society in Eaton. Twelve females were added to the Society, and twelve males to the H. B. M. S. 13. I met with the people in Nelson, and preached to them ; after which organized a Female Society, consisting of ninety-one members. Three males united with the H. B. M. S. This was a solemn time, and will, I believe, be long remembered by some of the assembly. 18. Preached in Solon, and organized a Female Society, consisting of twenty-five females. One man united with the H. B. M. S. 20. Preached to the females in Truxton, where sixty-four females united in a Society, and seven males joined the H. B, M. S. 64 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 24. Preached in Cazenovia village. Formed a Female Society, consisting of thirty-six members. Here the scene was interesting : the Lord is pouring out his Spirit. 31. Preached to the Female Society in Fabius — a blessed season — twenty-nine females united with the Society. Junel. Preached to the Female Society in Cazenovia. Thirteen were added to their number, and five males to the H. B. M. S. 5. Met with the Female Society in Delphi. Fifteen were added to this Society. The missionary cause seems to lie near their hearts. 8. Preached to the Female Society in Lenox. Eighteen were added at this time, and thirteen males to the H. B. M. S. 9. Preached to the Female and Juvenile Societies in Smithfield. Fourteen were added to the Female Society, and two males to the H. B. M. S. It was a pleasing scene to wit- ness a number of young men renouncing their expensive youthful vanities, for the more important and more pleasing service of the blessed Redeemer. Instead of spending their money in sensual gratifications, they are seen casting their mites into the treasury of the Lord. 15. Preached in Manlius, and with the assistance of Eld. Baker, formed a Female Society, consisting of fifty-five per- sons. Two males joined the H. B. M. S. I spent two days in this place. There appeared some tokens of good ; some mercy-drops have fallen. O may these be a prelude to a plen- tiful shower of Divine grace ! 17. Preached to the Female Society in Pompey & Manli- us. This Society has labored under many discouragements, but now seem much encouraged. Thirteen united at this time. 28. Preached to the Female Society in Homer, and was much pleased to see the zeal here discovered in the cause of missions. Fourteen were added to the Society, and three to the H. B. M. S. 20. Preached in TuUy. After sermon, organized a Female Society of thirty-two females, and five males united with the H. B. M. S. This was a pleasant, solemn, and interesting, season. I believe the presence of the Lord was enjoyed. 30. Preached to the Cayuga Centre Society. They seem much encouraged. HAMILTON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 65 July 13. Preached to the first Female Society in German, and likewise to a Congregational Female Society. Twenty- seven females were added to the Society, and five men to the H. B. M. S. 14. Went, in company with Eld. Lawton, to Lisle, and preached to the Female Society. Twenty-three were added to their number, and fifteen to the H. B. M. S. 15. We visited Smithville. The Lord seemed to be present at this meeting. Fifteen females joined the Female Society, and twenty-seven males the H. B. M. S. 17. Preached to the second church in German, and formed a Society of nineteen females ; eight males joined the H. B. M. S. August 3. Preached to the Female Society in De Ruyter. Eight were added to the Society, and six males to the H. B. M. S. 11. Preached in Peterboro. Thirty females united in a Society, and ten males were added to the H. B. M. S. 12. Preached to the first church in Nelson. Sixty-two females united in a Society, and seven males united to the H. B. M. S. Sept. 13. Preached to the Female Society in Sherburne. Thirteen were added, and five to the H. B. M. S. 14. Preached at Norwich village — organized a Female Society consisting of twenty-three members, and four males united to the H. B. M. S. It appeared that the presence of the Lord was enjoyed. 15. Preached to the North Norwich Female Society ; twenty-four new members were received, and two males united to the H. B. M. S. I rejoiced to see the engagedness of the people here in the blessed cause of the Redeemer. 17. Preached in Smyrna village. After sermon twenty females formed themselves into a Society, and three males united with the H. B. M. S. I believe the Lord was present by his Holy Spirit. Oct. 8. Preached in Georgetown — twenty-five females united in a Society. I trust the presence of the Lord was enjoyed. Jan. 28, 1820. Preached to the Female Society in Madi- son — four females united with the Society, and five males with the H. B. M. S. 6 66 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CQNVENTIOrf* Pursuant tO' my instructions, I have preached to thirty- two Missionary Societies, thirty of which are Female Societies, auxiUary to the H, B= M. S., one a Young Men's Society, and one Female Society of the Congregational order. Thirteen of these Societies I assisted in organizing ; three others I assisted in coming into operation ; fourteen have contributed to the funds heretofore. The Societies organized while I was present, consisted of four hundred and ninety-one members. Those who joined Societies pre- viously formed, were two hundred and fifty-three. The males who united with the parent Society were one hundred and sixty-two. The total number of those who, the year past, have united, in my presence, for the purpose of con- tributing to the augmentation of our funds, are nine hundred and six persons. I have spent forty-two days in my agency.. Yours, affectionately, John Peck. By the reports of the missionaries for the last year, it appears that their labors have been blest as much as in any former time. As a specimen, yve shall give an extract or two from the report of Eld. Azariah Hanks. The Board have received from him an account of thirteen weeks' service performed in the State of Ohio. He observes : " We have reason to bless God for the display of his grace in this part of the land. Light is spreading by the instrumentality of missionaries ; the fruits of which we have seen within the year past, as you may learn by the minutes of the Associa- tion. The number of churches added the last session is nine, and nine more are formed within the limits of the Associa- tion ; which are chiefly the fruits of missionary labors." It appears^ from his report, that their missionaries have been greatly blessed in their labors, and were acceptable to the people,- who were very solicitous for a continuance of those favorsc. Eld. Warner Goodell gives an account of a six weeks' tour in the State of Ohio, in which he corroborates the account of Eld. Hanks concerning the success attending missionary labor in that State. Among other pleasing accounts he gives the following : " In Atwater there is a glorious outpouring of God's Spirit. Here I spent four or HAMILTON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 6^ five days in preaching and visiting from house to house: this was as precious a season as ever I enjoyed. I preached seven times to crowded assembUes, and all appeared solemn as eternity. Such an outpouring of the Spirit I never before saw. In almost every house in the town some were crying for mercy, while others were rejoicing in the Lord. All worldly business was laid aside by some ; their daily food became indifferent to them, and sleep departed from their eyes. It was no uncommon thing to see husband or wife, and some- times both, overwhelmed in tears ; with their children weeping around them, under concern for their souls, and crying for mercy ; and all I could do was to point the poor distressed souls to the Lamb of God. When I left them their cry was, ' Do come again. Do send missionaries to see and help us.' " He further observes : " The Lord is pouring out his Spirit in many towns in this part of the country ; churches are arising ; the wilderness begins to blossom like the rose." Eld. Goodell was a man of eminent piety, and deeply engaged in the cause of truth. He was a faithful minister and a zealous missionary. But his heavenly Father has called him from his labors, and, as we believe, has received him into his eternal rest. INDIAN AFFAIRS. Having now arrived at the period in which the Society commenced its operations for Indian reform, we shall proceed to give a consecutive account of the measures adopted and pursued to execute its benevolent design, together with some of the happy effects produced. It has been already men- tioned, that, in the winter and spring of 1819, unusual impressions rested on the minds of several of the members of the Boai'd of the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society, respecting the state of the Indians in our country. At a meeting of the Board in May, 1819, a resolution was passed, that it was our duty to try to do something for their relief. Accordingly, Br. F. Freeman was appointed to visit the Oneida and Stockbridge tribes, and inquire into their situation ; which duty he performed. In August he made a report of his mission, from which it appears that the Indians were highly gratified with the attention paid to them, and were sensible of their situation, and exceedingly desirous of assis- tance from their white brethren ; but concluded there was a necessity of a grand council, in order to discuss the question " whether the Indians would receive civilization and Chris- tianity." But they observed that they were not able to convene such a council, by reason of their poverty. He gave them some encouragement — that, if such council was thought necessary, the Board would afford them some assistance ; though he did not expect they would call a council till the Board should be consulted. The Board, on receiving this communication, immediately appointed a committee, consisting of Elds. Lawton, Baker, Kendrick, and J. Peck, to visit the Oneidas, and make further inquiries ; and, if thought necessary, to give them further encouragement. The committee immediately proceeded to fulfill their mission. Arriving at Oneida, they found that INDIAN AFFAIRS. 69 the Indians had dispatched their runners to convene a general council, depending on the assistance of the Board. The committee, appealing to the public liberality, obtained ample supplies, to the great satisfaction of the Indians, The Board met at Nelson, Nov. 25, 1819. The committee appointed by the Board to visit several tribes of Indians in this State, made their report, from which we give some extracts : " Your committee took the earliest opportunity for an interview with the Oneida and Stockbridge Indians, and met the chief men of those tribes the 31st of August. They were much gratified in finding Eld. Root on the ground, who had been preaching a number of sermons to the Stockbridge Indians, and assisted your committee by his advice. After an interview with Mr. Williams, the Episcopal teacher of the Oneidas, who entered into the views of your committee with much interest, and became their interpreter, a confer- ence was had with the Indians. The object of the Board, in sending this committee to them, was clearly stated. They were informed that God, who was favoring their white brethren around them with the gospel, accompanied with many temporal and spiritual blessings, had put it into the hearts of the Hamilton Missionary Society to pray for their red brethren, and to desire to do them good — that the Board sent this committee to inquire into their circumstances, and their relation with other Christian societies — to know whether they were receiving all that assistance to aid them in obtain- ing the knowledge of the gospel, and to promote schools for their children, which their circumstances demanded. The fullest assurances were given them, that this Board had no intention of interfering with what other societies were doing ; but if there were an opportunity of affording them, or any other tribes, what assistance this Board could give, it would be cheerfully granted." They appeared much gratified with the attention paid them, and said the subject was of great importance ; they wanted time to think of it. The Stockbridge chiefs said they would give their answer now : they were thankful that our missiona- ries had visited them occasionally, but they had a missionary who had been laboring among them, with whom they were well satisfied ; they had schools taught among them, chiefly 6* 70 BAPTIST BIISSIONARY CONVENTIOIT. by men of their own tribe ; but should be glad of any assis* tance that our Society could afford them in supporting and improving their schools. At the time appointed, your committee met the Oneida chiefs, and received their answer, connected with many interesting observations. They expressed their thanks that God had put it in your hearts to inquire into their wants, with a desire to afford them assistance. They spake of their poverty and depression, and contrasted their present with their former condition. They said their fathers were a great nation, and extended over a large country, and were a re- spected and powerful people. But their nation had become reduced to a small number, and were driven into a corner : they had become poor and despised, and rejected of men, and of many who called themselves Christians. They said they were needy, and should be very glad of assistance. They said they had a teacher, Mr. Williams, among them, whom they very much esteemed. They said they had no schools among them for their children, and they implored assistance to establish and support them. Any aki that can be given them for this purpose will be thankfully received. The chief spoke of a council which was soon to be held at Oneida, for the purpose of bringing the several tribes in this State into a general result to receive the gospel ; but they said they were unable to support it. They therefore wanted the assistance of your committee^ and for this purpose they presented the following letter : " To the Committee of the Board of the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society : " Brothers — We rejoice to hear your wish to promote our temporal and spiritual good. It is our wish that we, the Indian tribes in this State^ may know and receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. For this purpose we have called a council ; and we expect the chief men from several nations will be together by the last of this week. The sole object of this council, is, to encourage our Indian brethren to embrace the doctrines of Christianity. We trust this will meet with your approbation. As the expense of supporting such a INDIAN AFFAIRS. 71 council will be considerable, may we presume to ask you, brothers, to assist us in this matter. his " Captain X Peter. mark, his " William X Tahonu-en-tamgeon. mark, his " William X Jogohani. mark, his " John X Brandt. mark. his " Hendrick X Paulis. mark. " I hereby certify that the above is correct. " Eleazer Williams, " A religious instructor to the Oneida Indians. "Oneida, Sept. 2, 1819." You will judge of the embarrassment of your committee, after receiving the above letter, and not having expected an occurrence of this kind. They had no funds in their hands, nor were they authorized to expend any for such a purpose. However, they were constrained to view it as a peculiar providence that the Board, without knowing of this coimcil, or being aware that the Indians were expecting any imme- diate communication and assistance from them, should be led to fix on so early and propitious a moment to meet the exigences of this important case. Being deeply impressed with the conviction that something ought to be done to help them, your committee, by making an appeal to public liber- ality, received an ample supply. The council met the week following. Your committee felt it important, that, if any of the Indians should adopt a resolution in favor of receiving the gospel and missionaries among the tribes that are desti- tute, explicit encouragement should be given them. Your committee, in compaiay with Elds. Warren and Gilbert, Dea. Samuel Payne, and Br. Daniel Hatch, who were appointed by the Madison Association to advise with them, met the council on Friday, and had an interview with a number of chiefs from different tribes. They gave some account of the proceedings of their council, and of the opposition made to Christianity by pagans 72 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. and Quakers in their connection. They said they were divided among themselves ; they had their prejudices and difficulties to overcome. These could not be removed at once ; it would require time. They manifested a painful conviction of their dark, miserable, perishing condition, and the necessity of their having the gospel. They were highly gratified to learn the friendly dispositions of this Board towards them, and hoped that nothing would discourage them from pursuing the object of spreading the gospel among their tribes. They said if this Society should give up, and be discouraged, on account of meeting with difficulties, they should think their faith was small ; but if they should not be discouraged, but persevere, the Great Spirit would help them, and the object would be accomplished. They said another council was soon to be held at Buffiilo, and then we should know more of their situation. After giving them assurance that no exertions would be wanting on the part of the Society to promote the gospel among them, and receiving assurances from them that they would do all in their power to aid in the prosecution of the grand design, according to their usual custom, they presented a staff, as a pledge of their friendship and fidelity, to ensure the fulfillment of what they had promised. An aged Tuscarora chief, by the name of Prentup, in behalf of the others, presented the staff; and Eld. Warren, being the oldest among those treating with them, was selected by the venerable chief to receive it in behalf of his brethren. After the ceremony, accompanied with appropriate remarks, was gone through with, your committee, with the rest, thought it expedient to reciprocate the compliment. They procured three small Bibles, elegantly bound in morocco and gilt, one in the French language, and the others of the common English version. After these Bibles were obtained, the chiefs, by request, met their white brethren again, and received their tokens of friendship with no ordinary emotions This closing interview was more interesting than anything which had occurred before. The Indians repeated their solicitations for assistance, saying they had long been in the wilderness, and had been lost, but they began to discover some light, and they wanted more. The Tuscarora chief, INDIAN AFFAIRS. 73 who received the first Bible, appeared deeply impressed with the nature of the present. He said he was unable to read it, but he would get some person to read it to him : he would meditate upon it, and follow its directions ; he would have his young people read it ; he valued it more than he did all the treasures he had in the world, and would keep it as long as he lived. One of the other chiefs was from Canada, and spoke the French language. He was complimented with the French Bible, and received it with equal impressions of gratitude. His remarks indicated a superior mind, in dark- ness and distress, struggling for light. He said his people w^ere once a great and powerful nation, spread over a great country, but they had become a small, feeble, and despised, people. The Great Spirit had driven them out before him for their sins, and given their possessions to another people. They were in a great wilderness, in a dark night, and saw no way to get out. But, said he, you are in the light, and may help us. What you are now doing begins to cheer our hearts, and appears like a little sun to lead us out. He hoped his living in Canada, and belonging to another nation, where he had been taught other customs, (meaning the Roman Catholic,) would not prevent this Society from granting them assistance. If they would not do it now, he hoped they would pray for them. He thought little of ceremonies, but wanted that religion which would do the heart good. All that he said appeared to come from the heart. A number of appropriate remarks were made by Eld. Warren, on presenting the Bible. He said, (holding the staff which had been received from them in one hand, and the Bible in the other,) " You gave us this staff as a pledge of your friendship, and a token of your readiness to co- operate with us in the important object of diffusing the light of the gospel among our red brethren : this book we present to you as a pledge of our love and friendship for you, and our desire to do you good. _ This staff is good to lean upon, and support our steps while traveling through the wilderness : this book is the staff of life, on which your souls may lean and your steps be directed, while traveling through the wilderness of this world. This staff is good to defend us from dogs, and wild beasts, which may assail us : 74 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. this book, or the truth therein contained, will defend your souls, and preserve you from that great enemy who goes about as a roaring lion. This staff, when we come to die, we must leave behind ; it will be of no farther use to us : but this book, in the hour of death, will prove a staff on which your souls may rest, and which will support and defend you while passing through the dark valley, and introduce you into the kingdom of eternal glory." The other brethren present addressed them in turn, replying particularly to all their remarks, expressing the feelings of Christian benevolence towards them, and their brethren, in their bewildered state. The interview was at length closed by prayer, when an affectionate parting took place. The chiefs stated, in the course of their remarks, that shortly a great council was to be holden at Buffalo ; and if the committee would attend, and say the same things to that council which they had to this, it would be of great importance. After mature consideration the committee thought it best that some one should attend. Accordingly, they appointed Eld. N. Kendrick and Dea. J. Olmsted ; who, on receiving necessary instructions from the rest of the committee, commenced their journey for Buffalo. On their way they attended the Cayuga and Ontario Associations. These bodies cordially espoused the cause, and the Cayuga Association appointed Brn. Amasa Sessions and Seth Bur- gess. The Ontario Association appointed Eld. Solomon Goodale, who, with the other two, were to accompany the committee, and assist them. On their arrival at Buffalo they were favored with an early interview with Capt. Parish, an agent for Indian affairs. They stated to him their object, :and he had the goodness to favor it, and very cheerfully tendered his aid to carry it into effect. But as the council did not convene at so early a day as was expected, the com- mittee were under the necessity of leaving the ground. They, however, left Eld. Goodale, and with him a communi- cation addressed to the council, and gave him suitable instructions for his conduct, with a request to make the earliest communication of the result of the council. His returns were received, and were as favorable as could be expected. The most of the tribes were in favor of receiving INDIAN AFFAIRS. 75' the gospel, and all were in favor of schools. The council met Oct. 6, 1819. It is evident that the proceedings of that committee had a favorable bearing on the futm-e opera- tions of the Board in respect to Indian reform. After reading the reports, the Board were satisfied that a door was opened by Divine Providence for doing something to ameliorate the condition of the natives ; and accordingly they appointed Elds. Bennett and Lawton to visit the western Indians, with instructions to call on Mr. Williams, at Oneida, for advice in respect to the manner of treating with them. Accordingly they visited Mr. Williams, and stated to him the object of their visit. He expressed great surprise at their proposed visit to the west, while Oneida was as destitute of schools as any of the western tribes ; and further, that the Indians were anxiously expecting that the Board would set up a school among them. The committee had frequent interviews with Mr. W. and the natives, which were peculiar- ly interesting ; and thought it was their duty to lay the subject before the Board prior to their going to the west. Accordingly, a special meeting of the Board was called, at which they made their report, in substance as follows ; That the Oneidas were astonished that your committee should be going to the west to establish schools, until they were sup- plied, inasmuch as they thought, from what had been already said, the Board would attend to their wants ; and if they did not, they should be very much grieved, and greatly discour- aged, and it would give the pagan party great advantage. The committee, therefore, are of opinion that God has opened a door, that good may be done to the poor Indians at Oneida. After mature consideration and prayer to God, the Board unanimously resolved to establish a school at Oneida ; and appointed Elds. Kendrick, Warren, J. Peck, N. Peck, N. Cole, N. Baker, and F. Freeman, a committee to carry the above resolution into effect. The above-named committee, agreeably to their instructions, soon erected a school-house, to the great satisfaction of the Indians. It was found expedient to erect the school-house on the public square. The committee likewise made a purchase of certain lots of land in the village, for the use of the Society, on which were soon erected houses and barns, together with two mechanics^ shops. 76 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. The Board, at their meeting in Hamilton, unanimously gave Eld. Robert Powell a call to be their missionary and school-teacher at Oneida. Br. Powell, after receiving the call of the Board, and taking some time to reflect on the subjectj gave his answer, in the following letter to the Board : "Hamilton, June 13, 1820. " Dear Brethren — The time is almost expired, in which you were to expect an answer to your proposal with respect to my becoming your school-master to the Oneida tribe of Indians, and your missionary in adjacent settlements. The subject has lain with no small weight on my mind since it was suggested to me. It exceeded anything I ever experienced before : the conflict has been severe, but the struggle is ended — the decision is made — I am at your disposal ; and if I can be useful to the sons of the forest I shall be happy. " But sure I am, if love to God and his cause is not the main-spring of my desires, it would be better for me never to undertake it. My expectations are not sanguine, of imme- diate success in the undertaking. We are taught, by the experience and success of others, that the habits and traditions of the heathen are not overcome at once. Flatter- ing prospects often promise more than we ever realize ; success depends upon a Divine blessing. We are to persevere in the use of the means ; it is God's prerogative to give them success. Should he be pleased to smile upon the undertaking, and make me instrumental of doing some little good to the heathen on our shores, I am content to spend my days, wear out, and die, with Indians. " Subscribing myself yours, in the bonds of the gospel, I remain your unworthy brother, " Robert Powell." Eld. Powell, having accepted the call of the Board, removed his family to Oneida, and on the 4th of December, 1820, commenced an Indian school. By a letter from Br. Powell to the Secretary, dated Jan. 19, 1821, it appeared that the school was in prosperous circumstances : the number of pupils was about forty. The Indians appeared to be much pleased with the school ; the proficiency of the children in INDIAN AFFAIRS. 77 their learning was truly flattering. The school continued in prosperous circumstances through the ensuing season. But the expenses of the Board, in forming the establishment at Oneida, were very great. They had hitherto sustained it without seeking aid from abroad ; but at this time it became necessary. Accordingly, the Board appointed their Presi- dent to take a journey to Washington, to solicit aid from the general government, and also to appeal to the public liberality. He performed the journey, and by God's blessing he received from the War Department a grant of 8350, to be paid annually; from the brethren and sisters in New York, together with some donations by the way, the sum of $932 21, which, with the 8350 from the government, amounts to 81,282 21. Of this sum 8950 11 was in cash; and 8332 10 in books and articles of clothing. This collection, through the blessing of God, was made in the short time of six weeks. When the report was made to the Board, it had a pleasing effect ; it seemed to be a token that God owned their labors ; therefore they thanked God, and took courage ; and with renewed energy they moved forward in the arduous work. The school prospered, notwithstanding the violent opposition of wicked white men, who labored to prejudice the minds of the Indians against the Board; and affairs continued in a pleasing train under the superintendence of Br. Powell, who was very active in^discharging the duties of a superintendent, missionary, and school-teacher. His labors in all these branches were highly acceptable, and duly appreciated by the Board. Under his tuition upwards of three hundred children received more or less instruction ; and his labors were greatly blessed, among both white men and Indians. But to the great regret of the Board, on the 8th of July, 1823, on account of a bad state of health, he requested a dismission. The Board, considering his request reasonable, granted his dismission. They immediately addressed a letter to Eld. Osgood, of Henderson, Jeff. Co., inviting him to accept the superintendence of the station. In August he met the Board, and announced his acceptance bf the appointment. Accordingly, he made arrangements and removed his family to Oneida in October following. At this time the Board employed Br. Ashnah Lawton to teach the school, whose exertions in its management gave good satisfaction. 7 73 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. Eld. Osgood was performing his duties as superintendent greatly to the satisfaction of the Board, and for the prosper- ity of the establishment. Sister Osgood had been received as a missionary, and had the charge of the girls. Br. J. P. Littlefield boarded the boys. Sister Littlefield had also been received as a missionary. Eld. Osgood's influence was soon seen and felt, in his judicious arrange- ment of the affairs of the Society, and likewise in his pre- paring the way for the establishment of a missionary church at Oneida, which, through his exertions, was constituted March 10, 1824. We shall now give an extract from the minutes of the council that gave them fellowship : MISSIONARY CHURCH CONSTITUTED AT 0NEII>A. "A council convened at Oneida, March 10, 1824, by the request of the missionary families, and others residing in that place. The council was composed of the Board of the H. B. M. Society, with delegates from three churches, together with Eld. David Pease, of Cazenovia, and EJd. Horace Griswold, of Fabius. After due examination, the council unanimously agreed to give them fellowship as a church of Christ in gospel order, to be known by the name of the Missionary Baptist church in Oneida. The number > was twenty ; and there were favorable prospects of an increase of members. They also publicly recognized Eld. E. Osgood as pastor of the church, so far as was consistent with his duties as superintendent of the missionary establish- •Tnent. The President gave them the right hand of fellow- ship ; Eld. T. Purinton delivered an appropriate address to the church ; Eld. Pease preached a sermon from 1 Tim. i. 15 ; and Eld. Griswold offered the concluding prayer. The scene was solemn, and evident tokens of the approbation of Heaven were enjoyed. After the exercises the council repaired to the Indian school-house, and had the pleasure of witnessing the prosperous condition of the school. It was an interesting interview. The spectators were greatly pleased in observing the order and regularity evinced in the various operations of the scholars, in whom they dis- covered an aptness to learn satisfactory to every reasonable INDIAN AFFAIRS. 79 person. To conclude the transactions of the day, Eld. John S. King addressed the school, and offered a prayer to the throne of grace, that God would bless and prosper the insti- tution, and specially grant the blessing of salvation upon the Indian children. The children appeared very attentive." Soon after the organization of the church, his health began to fail. In his report to the Board, May 15, 1824, he says : " My own health has been very poor, so that I have not been able to attend to the concerns of the mission with that energy that would be desirable. I have done, however, what I could ; I have rendered myself familiar to the Indians as I have had opportunity. I have prevailed on several chiefs, with other influential Indians, to visit the school; and they have all appeared to be highly gratified. There is no doubt but that the Society is gaining influence in the nation." On the last Lord's day in May, 1824, he preached his last sermon, and broke bread to the church in Oneida for the last time. He was very weak; but his words seemed to be clothed with power. It was thought by some, at this time, that it would be his last sermon. He continued failing until Sept. 12, 1824, when he fell asleep in Jesus, as we confidently hope. For further particulars respecting his life, religious exercises, active and unwearied labors, and quiet and peace- ful death, we refer our readers to his truly interesting memoirs. Sept. 16, 1824. The Board met at the mission-house in Oneida. It was here that the Board received the afflicting intelligence of his death. He died at Utica, and was interred in this village on the 14th of Sept. .Upon receiving this painful stroke of Divine Providence, the Board requested sister Osgood to continue at the station as a missionary, and take charge of the Indian girls, to board and instruct them. Sister Osgood willingly accepted the call ; and continued her faithful and useful labors to the entire satisfaction of the Board, until the mission was removed to Tonawanda. HAMILTON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. The thirteenth annual meeting of the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society was held at Hamilton, Feb. 21, 1821. Sermon by Eld. Bennett; after which twenty-six Female and two Juvenile Societies, together with several indviduals, presented donations to the amount of 8646 65. After receiving the donations, the Secretary read the report of the Board, which was accepted. By the Treasurer's report, it appeared that the receipts for the year past were 81,571 56; expenditures, 81,351 47; balance, 8220 39. Accounts were received from missionaries of one hundred and two weeks and five days' service performed by them. Then proceeded to a choice of officers for the year ensuing. The Society adjourned, to meet at New Woodstock, in Feb., 1822 — Eld. T. Purinton to preach a sermon; in case of fail- ure. Eld. Obed Warren. We give a short extract from the report of the Board : " From an examination of the returns of the missionaries, it appears that they have discharged their duties in a faithful and prudent manner, highly acceptable to the people among whom they labored, and satisfactory to the Board. In many instances their labors have been crowned with the blessing of God, which forms a fresh stimulus to renewed exertion in this glorious cause : and may we be more zealously engaged to diffuse light and knowledge among those who are destitute." We shall now give, as a specimen, a short extract from a report of one of the missionaries. Eld. Nathaniel J. Gilbert labored seven weeks and five days, chiefly on the Holland Purchase. He informs us, " That at Mud Creek the Lord has poured out his Spirit on a school and neighborhood, and num- bers have been called to realize their election of God ;" that " at Concord the Lord has of late poured out his Spirit, and a church has arisen ;" that ' at Bethany the Lord has displayed his HAMILTON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 81 pardoning love, and a church has been organized ; and the prospects are pleasing;" that " in Warsaw God has shone upon his people with the rays of Divine mercy ; and the little church, which was in a low condition, has broken forth on the right hand and left ;" and that « Gainsville, too, hath been refreshed by the outpouring of the Divine Spirit, and a considerable number have become the subjects of saving grace." In the course of his mission he preached fifty-seven sermons and baptized five persons. At their meeting in May, 1820, the Board resolved to con- tinue their exertions for Indian reform in this region of coun- try. To this result they were directed by the openings of Providence, and assurances from the General Convention, held at Philadelphia, of their interest in the measure, and their resolution to aid in the important work, if requested. There are now connected with this Society forty-five Female and three Juvenile Societies. The fourteenth annual meeting of the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society was held at New Woodstock, Feb. 20, 1822. Sermon by Eld. Purinton, from Micah vi. 8. Let- ters from Female and Juvenile Societies, accompanied with their donations, were received. The Secretary and Treasu- rer read their reports, which were accepted. Br. J. Peck, having been appointed to go to New York and Washington to solicit aid to the funds, made his report, by which it appeared that his labors had been abundantly blessed, in con- sequence of which the treasury was greatly replenished ; he having received, during his mission of six weeks, in cash and §oods, the sum of ^1,282 21. The Society then proceeded to the choice of officers for the year ensuing ; and then adjourned, to meet at Homer, in Feb., 1823— Eld. J. Peck to preach, Eld. N. Kendrick his substitute. Extract from the Treasurer's Report, Receipts for the year 1821, including the balance in the treasury, $2,670 97 ■ Expenditures, 2,004 48 Balance remaining, $666 49 7* S2 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. Extract from the Secretary's Report. " In connection with the^'school at Oneida,'^the Board being solicited by leading men of the tribe, and encouraged by the provisions of the general government, have undertaken to assist and instruct the Indians in some of the mechanical arts. They have, therefore, employed Br. Rufus Chapin as a carpenter, and Br. George Burton as a blacksmith, to labor for the Indians, and instruct some of their young men in both of these arts. " During part of the past year the Board have employed iifteen missionaries ; so that ninety -six weeks' and two days' labor have actually been performed, besides one year's ser- vice of Eld. R. Powell at Oneida, " The returns of the missionaries, generally, have been of a cheering nature. They have administered baptism to about seventy hopeful believers, besides bearing the tidings of sal- vation to thousands perishing for lack of vision. In every part of the harvest, where they have labored, a great deal remains to be done. Thousands are perishing for the word of life, and calls are imperious for the continuance of our exertions. Every year furnishes a wider range for the exer- cise of our benevolence, in propagating the gospel, both among the aboriginals and the white population of the wil- derness. It appears evident that the time has come for the gospel to be made known to the savage nations that remain in the uncultivated portions of our country ; and the same spirit which is urging us to pray, and put forth efforts, for their salvation, is creating desires in many of their hearts for the gospel to be spread among them. " Grateful acknowledgements are due to a gracious Provi- dence, which has hitherto watched over the interests of this Society, and directed its operations, accompanying them with the Spirit's influences, which have caused the wilderness and solitary place to be glad, the lame man to leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb to sing. " The Board feel peculiarly gratified with the progress and prospects of the school at Oneida. The names of one hun- dred and twenty children are on the teacher's hst, who have entered the school, and the average niuiiber of attendants at present is about forty. HAMILTON 3IISSI0NARY SOCIETY. 83 " The arduous and complicated labors which have devolved on the Board, to apply your benevolence with discretion' to the objects of mercy, have been accompanied with unceasing supplications for Divine direction, and a solemn conscious- ness that he that planteth is nothing, and he that watereth is nothing, but God that giveth the increase. May he also create a defense upon all his glory, and clothe his instruments with humility as with a garment." The fifteenth annual meeting of the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society was held at Homer, Feb. 19, 1823. Sermon by Eld. J. Peck, from Eph. vi. 8 : " To make known the mystery of the gospel." They had received into the treasury during the past year, in cash and goods, $2,685 65 ; which they expended in paying missionaries, agents, erecting buildings, and sustaining the school at Oneida. The success of the agents in collecting funds, and particularly the success of Eld. A. Bennett in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Mas- sachusetts, is a subject of grateful acknowledgement. Much assistance has been received from the Black River country, through the active labors of Eld. Emory Osgood. Eld. N. Peck was also successful in procuring funds at the west. God is opening the hearts and hands of many to assist, with their prayers and substance, in propagating his gospel among those who dwell in the shadow of death. We have received accounts of eighty-four weeks' service performed by our missionaries the year past. Also one year's missionary labor by Br. R. Powell, at Oneida, and places in the vicinity. The labors of our missionaries have been crowned with the rich blessing of Heaven. The report closes by observing — " The tide of emigration west, which is spreading over extensive regions, is continually enlarging the missionary field ; and the claims of the destitute, on this favored part of Zion, are every year increasing. The success with which God has honored this Society demands the most grateful sense of his mercy, while it authorizes an unshaken confi- dence in his future blessing on the same humble endeavors to spread his gospel. Let no heart fain I, no hand be weak, in this glorious cause. * For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he 84 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. became poor, that ye through his povertymight be made rich.' " The sixteenth annual meeting of the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society was held at Eaton, Feb. 18, 1824. Eld. N. Cole preached a sermon. Psalm xliii. 3 : " O send out thy light and thy truth." The reports of the Secretary, Treas- urer, Superintendent, Superintending Committee, and School- teacher, were read and accepted. Treasury Account, for the year ending Feb. 11, 1824. The sum received, together with the balance in the treas* ury, was $1,851 73 Expenditures, 1,851 73 Abstract from the report of the Board, "During the past year the Board have endeavored to con- sult the best interests of the Society. They have appointed missionaries, from whom they have received returns amounting to eighty-nine weeks. " In consequence of repeated solicitations from three brethren living in Syracuse, after a close investigation of the subject, the Board, viewing the importance of the station, and the destitute condition of some of the toirns adjacent, were unanimously of the opinion that it was their duty to establish a missionary at Syracuse, whose duty it should be to labor in that village, and in places adjacent. Accordingly, in March, 1823, Eld. Nathaniel J. Gilbert was appointed to that station, and in May he commenced his labors in ' that place. The Board have been enabled to continue their operations at Oneida ; and the condition of the establishment at present appears favorable. They have hadto encounter many obsta- cles thrown in their way by the enemy, to excite the pre- judices of the Indians, and awakentheir jealousies. But confiding in the good providence ofGod, they still go forward, fearless of evil. " It is with pleasure we contemplate the rising glories of the Redeemer's kingdom in the world. Divine philanthropy seems pervading the earth ; multitudes have caught the flame, and are exerting all their energies to promote the triumphs of HAMILTON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 85 the cross. And with inexpressible pleasure we recognize you, dear brethren, as zealous in this blessed cause. It appears that Heaven approves your conduct, and has hitherto succeeded your labors. You will readily perceive that our operations are extending, and consequently call for unremit- ting exertions on our part to meet the current expenses. We presume that it is only necessary to make you acquainted with the state of affairs, to call forth your utmost exertions in this blessed cause. It is with pleasure we anticipate the termination of the important contest between truth and error, and when our blessed Redeemer will reign unrivaled over all the earth. But we can not close this report without express- ing our grateful acknowledgements to the female and juvenile associations auxiUary to this Society ; to the Black River, St. Lawrence, and Mexico, Missionary Societies ; and also to numerous individuals who have generously contributed to aid in carrying into effect the benevolent designs of this body." The seventeenth meeting of the Hamilton Baptist Mission- ary Society was held at Nelson, Feb. 23, 1825. Eld. Ben- nett preached the sermon, from Isaiah xxviii. 29. The Sec- retary's and other reports were read and accepted. The school-teacher, and four of his pupils, were present, and their exhibitions were very interesting. Conversation was had concerning the alteration of the name of the Society; whereupon a vote was passed, that a petition be presented to the Legislature, praying for an alteration in the act of incor- poration, so far as to alter the name of the Society to that of the Baptist Missionary Convention of the State of New York ; and also to increase the number of Directors to thirty. The Board were directed to present the petition. They adjourned, to meet at Fabius, on the Wednesday after the third Lord's day in May next. Extracts from the Secretary's Report for 1824. " During the past year, received reports of missionary ser- vices performed to the amount of sixty-five weeks. The accounts from the missionaries were very satisfactory, and seemed to indicate the approbation of Heaven. " Agents were appointed to perform certain duties, which 86 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. they have faithfully performed. The Board feel constrained gratefully to acknowledge the generous and prompt assistance they have received from a liberal public. The Board have in all their proceedings enjoyed harmony and unanimity. " The affairs of the Society were advancing prosperously, when a mysterious stroke of Divine Providence seemed for a while to cast a gloom over the whole scene. They allude to the death of their sincerely lamented superintendent at the Indian station, Eld. Emory Osgood, who departed this life at Utica, Sept. 12, 1824. He had been in the service of the Society but a few months : but through his zeal and activity he had done much in regulating affairs at the mission station. The concerns of the Society had, under his direction, assumed a pleasing aspect. Through the influence of the late super- intendent, a Baptist church was organized at Oneida, March 10, 1824, consisting of twenty members. The school contin- ues in a flourishing condition. Forty children are now under the exclusive patronage of the Society. Br. A. Lawton con- tinues as a teacher of the school, and gives general satisfaction. The pupils make good proficiency in their studies." At the meeting of the Board, in August last. Eld. Sylvanus Haynes and Dea. Squire Manro, members of the Board of the New York State Convention, were present, and expressed a strong desire that a committee from this Board should meet the Convention at Elbridge, in October next, for the purpose of effecting a union between the two bodies, if practicable. A committee was accordingly appointed, who, in company with several members of the Board and of the Society, met the Convention. Whereupon the Convention appointed a committee to confer with them upon the great object in view. During the conference, the committee did not for a moment lose sight of those plain and practical principles incorporated in the constitution of the Society, under which we have for seventeen years so happily, unitedly, and successfully, rallied. They saw no cause to abandon those principles ; although they desired an increase of influence and usefulness, v/hich union with their brethren was calculated to effect. Afler due deliberation, the committee of the Convention agreed to recommend to that body the adoption of the constitution of this Society, with an alteration of the name of this Society, and an increase in the number of Directors. The committee HAMILTON MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 87 of the Board could see no reasonable objection to this meas- ure ; therefore, they agreed to recommend it to your atten- tion. Accordingly, a special meeting of the Society was called in November last, but on account of the badness of the roads, and inclemency of the weather, but few members attended. However, matters were arranged then, as far as was consistent, in anticipation of a complete union at this time. On a review of the scenes through which the Board have pzissed the last year, they have much cause for thanksgiving to God for his special care over them, and his multiplied blessings conferred upon them. The affairs of the Society, although restricted for want of adequate funds, have yet pro- ceeded with a steadiness which indicates the fostering care of Divine Providence, and presages the future benefits to be derived from the united efforts of the friends of religious improvement. An impartial view of the existing state of things in our degenerate world will serve to convince us of the necessity of unremitting exertions for maintaining the blessed cause of our glorious Redeemer. For this cause, a combi- nation of strength and a union of effort are highly requisite. In this State there are more than thirty-nine thousand church- members of the Baptist denomination. Let these be united in one body, and what a formidable phalanx would be pre- sented to the enemy ! And is it not desirable that measures be adopted to produce such a union, that the whole strength of the denomination may be brought to bear on one point? It is with pleasure that we view the indications of the com- plete triumph of our glorious Redeemer. Intelligence is received, from almost every part of the habitable globe, of the increase of light, and of submission to the King of Zion. Jehovah is executing judgment upon the gods of the heathen ; multitudes of idols are thrown to the moles and bats, or given to the flames. At the command of her King, Zion awakes ; she listens to his voice, and begins to assume her beautiful garments, and appears clothed in beauty and arrayed in terror. How lovely the appearance ! Songs are heard from the ends of the earth, giving glory to our God. Let us arise, and with united hearts and joyful voices swell the glorious triumph. But while we contemplate the noble scene, we should remember that we must be active in the blessed service. 88 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. On Wednesday, May 18, 1825, the Hamilton Baptist Mis- sionary Society met, pursuant to adjournment, at the meeting, house in Fabius. An appropriate sermon was deUvered by Eld. Daniel Hascall, from Matt. vi. 19, 20. Eld. John Peck, the President of the Society, gave infor- mation that, agreeably to the petition of the Board, the Legis- lature had passed a law, altering the name of the Society so as to read as follows : An Act to alter the name of the Hamilton Baptist Mission- ary Society, and to increase the number of their Directors. (Passed April 15, 1825.) " Be it enacted by the People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly^ That the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society shall hereafter, and from the date of this act, be known and called by the name of the ' Baptist Missionary Convention of the State of New York ;' and that the said Convention have power to increase the number of their Directors ; and that so much of the act passed March 28, 1817, incorporating the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society, as relates to the name and style of said Society, be repealed." A collection of 817 85 was taken. Let all those who profess to love the Lord, consider the necessity of exerting all their energies to accomplish a com- plete union among the friends of Zion, and to diffuse the |ight of the gospel among the destitute. There is much work before us, and many calls to renewed exertions. Remember our poor red brethren in the midst of us. Go to Oneida, Tona- wanda, Buffalo, &c. &;c., and see there a multitude of inter- esting children in all the extremity of wretchedness. And does not Jesus say, Take these children, and bring them up for me ? How many of the heathen are perishing for lack of vision ! How many precious souls, in our towns and plan- tations, are destitute of the bread of life ! And how many feeble churches have no one to lead them, or to administer to them the word of life ! And do we not perceive that the enemy is on the alert, endeavoring to rally his broken forces, and fall upon the waste places of Zion ? Iniquity abounds, HAMILTON MISSrONAEY SOCIETY* 8B and the love of many waxes cold. In this emergency it becomes the friends of the Redeemer to come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty. In such a cause none should be remiss. Should our country be invaded by an enemy, that should threaten our lives and liberties, and the destruction of our families, would not every man be at his post ? Would he hesitate to part with all his worldly property, if required, to repel the invader, and save his family ? But here is an enemy, the most cruel and dangerous, who threatens the destruction of both soul and body. And are we insensi- ble of his fatal inroads ? How many of our dear children and friends are led in chains by this cruel enemy! And shall we sleep ? Shall we sit down and fold our hands 1 Shall we continue to hug our wealth, and remain unmoved, while the cries of the wretched are sounding in our ears ? Do we not remember the bitter curse denounced on some who came not up to the help of the Lord against the mighty ? In a word, let the importance of the cause, the glory of God, the salvation of souls, and our own happiness, arouse us to united and vigorous exertions in this most glorious cause. By order of the Board. John Peck, Pres. John Lawton, Sec. A collection of 817 85 was taken for missionary purposes. After due consideration, it was unanimously voted to amend the constitution so as to read in the following words: CONSTITUTION. Art. 1. This Society shall be known by the name of the " Baptist Missionary Convention of the State of New York." Art. 2. The Convention shall consist of those only who shall subscribe to this constitution, and pay at least one dollar annually into its funds. Art. 3. The object of this Convention shall be to send the gospel, and other means of promoting the knowledge of God, among such of our fellow-creatures as are destitute ; and that either stationary or occasionally, as prudence may dictate and funds admit. 86 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. Art. 4. The Convention, at each annual meeting, shall appoint a moderator and a recording secretary of the meet- ing. Art. 5. The members, at their annual meeting, shall, by ballot, appoint a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and thirty Directors. The President, Secretary, Treasurer, and twenty of the Directors, shall be members in good standing in some regular Baptist church. These thirty-three officers shall compose a Board, of which the President shall be chairman, and the Secretary clerk. Art. 6. The President, by the consent of five of the Directors, shall have power to call a meeting of the Conven- tion, whenever to him it shall appear necessary ; also, as chairman of the Board, he shall have power, at his discre- tion, to call a meeting of the Directors ; and it shall be his duty to call a meeting whenever requested by five members of the Board. Art. 7. The chairman, with five other members of the Board, shall form a quorum to do business ; and in case of the chairman's absence, any six members. Art. 8. The Board shall have power to apply the funds according to their discretion, in all cases in which they shall not be restricted by the special direction of the Convention. Art. 9. They shall have power to appoint and dismiss missionaries, to form and locate executive committees, and 'to transact all other necessary business of the Convention during its recess. Art. 10. The Board of Directors shall annually exhibit to the Convention a particular account of the missionaries "by them employed ; the places to which they are, or have been, sent ; their prospect of success ; the state of the funds ; their receipts and expenditures ; and whatever relates to the institution. Art. 11. The Treasurer shall exhibit, both to the Conven- tion and Board, the state of the treasury whenever called upon for that purpose ; and give sufficient security for the funds placed in his hands. Art. 12. The Secretary shall correctly and fairly transcribe and record the proceedings of the Convention and Board, in a book furnished at the expense of the Convention. Art. 13. In order more effectually to aid the intention of HAMILTON MISSIONARY SOCIETY, 87 the Convention, a subscription shall be kept open for the benefit of the funds, that all who are disposed may do some- thing to promote so laudable an undertaking. Art. 14. The annual meeting of the Convention shall be on the third Wednesday of October, at 10 o'clock, A. M., at such place as the Convention from time to time may direct. Art. 15. Any person paying ten dollars in cash at one time, will be considered as a member of the Convention for Ufe. Art. 16. Any member of this Convention wishing to discontinue his membership, upon paying all dues may have his name erased. Art. 17, Any number of persons associated for mission- ary purposes, upon a constitution adapted to the interests of this Convention, may become auxiliary to this Convention. And all members of such societies, who pay one dollar to the funds, shall be considered as members of this Convention. Any auxiliary society or any individual, who shall pay fifty dollars in cash or produce into the treasury of this Conven- tion annually, shall have a right to appoint a member to act in the Board of Directors ; and one member for every addi- tional hundred dollars. Art. 18. The Convention shall have power, at their annual meetings, to make such alterations and additions as experience shall dictate, by a majority of three-fourths of the members present. The constitution, thus amended, was unanimously adopted. Upon its adoption, the much-desired coalition took place, and the two bodies cordially united ; thereby combining the strength and consolidating the energies of the missionary interests in the State- Immediately after the union was effected, the individuals who were elected by the State Convention at their meeting in Elbridge, were chosen to act as the Board under the new organization. The Board, under the new arrangement, met at Fabius, May 18, 1825. Eld. J. N. Brown made a report of his proceedings as a missionary at Buffalo, which was deemed highly satisfactory. Br. A. M. Beebee was appointed editor of the ^' Baptist Register," and general agent for the super- 88 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. intendence of its concerns* They proceeded to instruei their missionaries and agents to exert themselves in obtaining subscribers for the "Baptist Register;" and also to receive moneys due for the same. They likev/ise agreed that the publication of the " Western Magazine" should be continued to the close of the fourth volume, and then discontinued ; and that the present editors continue the management of the concern until its completion. In consequence of numerous applications, they appointed missionaries for the term of two years and eighteen v/eeks. They also appointed Elds. J. Peck, R. Powell, and E. Galu- sha,. an executive committee, to manage the whole of the concerns of the missionary establishment at Oneida. And having transacted some local business, they adjourned, to meet at Sangersfield, the 3d Wednesday in August next — - Eld. Haynes to preach. Eld. Comstockhis substitute,. BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION, We purpose now to give a brief sketch of the rise of the Baptist Missionary Convention of the State of New York and its vicinity. In the year 1821 a general opinion prevailed that the time had arrived when the strength of the denomination should be concentrated, and brought more distinctly to bear upon the great missionary enterprise. There had existed, for several years, small missionary societies and associations, in different parts of the State, operating to the extent of their means, but without concert ; and it was the opinion of many judicious brethren that a missionary state convention might be formed, upon such principles as would secure the united action of all these bodies, and bring to their aid a much greater amount of means than could otherwise be obtained ; and thus enable them to do more in supplying the destitute with the gospel than they were doing. With these views the Hudson River Association, at their session in August, 1821, adopted the following resolutions : " Resolved, That a circular letter be written and addressed to all the regular Baptist associations in this State ; inviting them to express distinctly, in their minutes, their deliberate opinion on the propriety of constituting a general convention of the State of New York, to be composed of delegates from every association in the State which may be favorable to the measure ; and that a committee be appointed to draft such a circular, expressing the object to be gained by such a conven- tion, and present it to the next association, " Resolved, That Brn. Malcom, Leonard, and Sommers, be that committee." At the meeting of the Otsego Association, the September following, the aforesaid resolution was referred to a commit- tee, consisting of Brn. Elijah F. Willey, Joseph More, and 8* 90 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. Charles Babcock. This committee reported in favor of immediate action, but recommended that the proposed Con- vention confine its efforts to the support of domestic missions. They also submitted the following resolutions, which were unanimously adopted, viz. " Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed by this Association, as delegates, to meet such other delegates as may be appointed by sister associations, to adopt measures for carrying into effect the above object. " Resolved, That the delegates be requested to hold their first meeting at the village of Mentz, (near Auburn,) in the county of Cayuga, on the third Wednesday of November next, at 10 o'clock, A. M. " Resolved, That we earnestly solicit the associations in this State and its vicinity to unite with us in the above plan ; and that such as may convene before the meeting of the convention as above, at Mentz, will appoint delegates to meet at the above time and place. " Resolved, That Elds. E. Galusha and D. Putman, and Dr. Babcock, be delegates to meet as above ; and that Eld. W. Windsor be substitute, if either fail." In accordance with this resolution, on the 21st of Nov., 1821, delegates duly appointed by the Otsego, Oneida, Madi- son, Franklin, and Cayuga, Associations, assembled in the town of Mentz, Cay. Co., and organized under the name of the Baptist Domestic Missionary Convention of the State of New York and its vicinity. A constitution was adopted, the fourth article of which says, " The object of this Convention shall be to promote domestic missions." The first officers of the Convention were as follows, viz» Dea. Squire Manro, President. Eld. Sylvenus Haynes, Vice-President. Eld. Elijah F. Willey, Secretary. Dr. Charles Babcock, Treasurer. Elds. O. C. Comstock, Solomon Goodale, Elkanah Comstock, J. S. Twiss, John Jeffries, Dea. Jonathan Olmsted, and Brn. Alexander M. Beebee and Isaac Geer, Directors. Among the number who composed the meeting were those faithful servants of the Lord, Elds. Sylvenus Haynes, Caleb Douglass, and Joseph More, and Deas. Asher Wetmore, Squire Manro, and Dr. Francis Guiteau — men full of faith and of the Holy Ghost ; all of whom have ceased from their BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 91 labors, and, we believe, have entered into the joy of their Lord. No one, who attended the meeting, can have for- gotten the singular manifestation of God's power and pre- sence then and there enjoyed, or with what freedom, faith, and fervency, God's blessing was sought upon the labors of that day. Before the Convention closed its session, the following address was adopted, viz. "ADDRESS OF THE BAPTIST DOMESTIC MISSIONARY CONVENTION OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND ITS VICINITY. To all the Associations, Missionary Societies, and Churches, within the said territory, and to the Christian Public. " At a time when the dispensation of mercy is opening to the benighted nations of the earth — when Christian commu- nities, in every country, are awaking from their long slum- bers to liberal exertion — when the Bible and the missionary are making their peaceful way alike into the palace and the cottage of the heathen — with peculiar pleasure we witness the benevolence, assiduity, and perseverance, of many do- mestic missionary societies now in existence, and most cheerfully bid them God-speed. They have done what they could. Still, it is much to be lamented, that, for want of more ample means, their worthy labors are far from supply, ing with the precious gospel the vast multitude in our coun- try who are perishing for lack of vision, or setting in ' order the things that are wanting ' in the destitute churches. " The following disadvantages attend the present state of things : " The separate funds of small societies do not enable them to employ, in all cases, men well qualified for the arduous duties assigned them. Where missionaries labor, they are taken as samples of the denomination by which they are sent out ; or, rather, they are considered as the ablest among their brethren. Ought we not, then, to select for such an important embassy those who possess the best talents, and the most information, as well as the greatest share of pru- dence and piety ? Missionaries are spiritual planters ; and 92 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. let it not be forgotten that such was the appellation of a Paul, not of an Apollos. It is a painful consideration that the limited resources of our present societies prevent their employing any suitable person for a considerable length of time. Consequently, the faithful missionary, after entering an important field of labor, and seeing the pleasure of God begin to prosper in his hand, finds that the term of his mis- sion has expired, and the means of his support are exhaust- ed. The wants of his distant and dependent family oppress his mind, and urge his speedy return to their relief. He fears, on the one hand, the just charge of being worse than an infidel if he do not hasten to provide for his own house- hold, and, on the other, a dreadful woe if he continue not there to preach the gospel. The entreaties and tears of anxious sinners and ardent converts overcome him — he tarries a few days longer — God pours out his Spirit — sinners are regenerated — the weeping multitude hang upon him, crying, ' Do not leave us ! we fear going to hell without ever hearing another gospel sermon ! ' But the time has come, and he must tear himself from them. He leaves young and inexperienced converts without instruction, without human protection, without a church to nourish them, exposed to the attacks of Satan, the corruptions of their own hearts, the sophistry and malignity of infidels and false professors. He leaves convicted sinners destitute of an evangelical mes- senger to point them to the Lamb of God, who alone can take away their sin. Could such provision have been made, by an adequate society, as would enable him justifiably to continue a month or two, perhaps many precious immortal beings might, through his instrumentality, have been brought out of darkness and despair into the light of life, to embrace the hope of eternal glory. A church might have been consti- tuted, and a flock in the wilderness inclosed in the gospel fold. " The object of the Convention is to remove such evils, and to produce a greater sum of good : not by destroying, superseding, or opposing, those benevolent missionary socie- ties already in operation ; but by combining, improving, and maturing, them. " The benefits which it is devoutly hoped will result from this institution, are, BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 93 «1. A combination of energies, efforts, and funds. And let it be remembered that ' combined exertion is powerful exertion.' As extreme heat depends on the concentration of many rays into a single point, and as the powerful current of a majestic river is produced by the uniting of its various tributary streams, so, in relation to doing good, the strength of the churches of Christ (as far as human ability extends) consists in a union of their wisdom, their talents, their graces, their charities, and their exertions, in mutual and friendly co-operations. In blending our liberalities, w^e may be able more largely and effectually to supply the destitute, by commanding, for missionary purposes, the first talents and graces committed to our denomination. Is it not highly important that those who enter the enemy's territories, to plant the standard of Emanuel, should be well acquainted with his mode of warfare ? and that he who lays the founda- tion of God's house should be a wise master-builder ? How desirable is it that those who are to organize churches in the moral wilderness, and ' set in order the things that are want- ing ' in those that are scattered, divided, or distracted, should be wise as serpents and harmless as doves — that they should be thoroughly acquainted, not only with human nature and the economy of Divine grace, but with the discipUne of the house of God^ — that they may be able to answer the various inquiries of the ignorant, stop the mouths of gainsayers, reconcile the disaffected, and humble the vain-boaster ? Does not the honor of religion and the good of souls require a mis- sionary board, whose funds wdll authorize them to say to those who are best qualified for the responsible and m.oment- ous work of a domestic missionary, ' Go, enter on missionary ground, and there continue as long as God in his providence directs, and we will provide for your family and flock V " 2. Tlie collection of important and extensive informa- tion. A convention of delegates from every part of this State and its vicinity will bring together numerous interest- ing and essential facts, concerning the want of churches, destitute portions of country, and the operations of the hand of God in different places. And through the medium of that correspondence, which the constitution provides, the moral as well as local situation of that vast and gloomy region in the west will be laid open to the view of the Board, and by 94 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. them to that of the benevolent public. Much time and money are now employed to little effect for want of such knowledge. "3. A judicious distribution and destination of missiona- ries. Owing to an ignorance of each other's proceedings, different societies, in some instances, send more missionaries to some particular places than are needed, while others are left entirely destitute, and, for want of proper information, often direct them to fields of labor far less important and promising than many that remain unoccupied. Whereas, a society, having an ample and distinct view of the whole ground, and also of the different gifts at its command, can adopt and occupy to peculiar advantage. " 4. The continuance of useful and successful missionaries in places where God has smiled, and still smiles, on their labors ; and where existing circumstances and impressions of duty require them to remain. " A transient falling of drops of water scarcely affects the surface of the earth ; but ' a continual dropping wear- eth away stones.' So, notwithstanding a sermon or two from a faithful embassador of Jesus Christ may scarcely produce a perceptible effect, yet a continuation of his min- isterial exertions is often blessed of the Lord for the conversion of hundreds of sinners and the organization of formidable churches. In clearing land of its native growth, we would not pass along, giving a single blow to every tree in the forest ; neither should the mission- ary (unless of necessity) preach a single sermon only to a destitute people. Nor should he leave the infant churches, the solitary convert, like a stalk of wheat in the thick wood- land, to a sickly growth beneath the extended branches of umbrageous oaks ; but make an opening to admit the warmth and effulgence of the sun. " Could you witness the heart-rendings of a missionary about to leave converts weeping on every side, while sinners wring their hands in the agonies of despair, would you not say, ' Let something be done to prolong his stay ? ' As to the duty of supporting domestic missions, need we say any- thing by way of argument ? Tell us, you who have been de- livered from darkness, sin, and death, by the glorious gospel of Christ ! tell us, ye parents who have beloved children in BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 95 the western wilderness, where the voice of a herald of mercy is never heard ! Will you unite with us in bearing the en- dearing testimonies of a once expiring Savior's love to those who dwell in the shades of moral night, and are exposed to the blackness of darkness forever ? May the God of com- passion render you compassionate, and teach you, by happy experience, that there is a giving that is more blessed than receiving." Immediately after the Convention adjourned, the Board commenced their labors ; and although they had no funds in the treasury, yet, relying on the Lord, they during the year gave appointments to Brn. Elon Galusha, Elkanah Comstock, and John G. Stearns, as missionaries. The first annual meeting of the Convention was held at Whitesboro, Oneida Co., Oct. 16, 1822. The meeting was opened by reading a portion of scripture, and prayer. The report of the treasurer exhibited the amount of moneys paid out during the year by order of the Board, to be 8147 84. The report of the Board exhibits the following results from the labors of their missionaries, viz. " That Br. John G. Stearns labored in the vicinity of Buffalo, to their entire satisfaction ; and that the entire expense of his mission was defrayed by the people among whom he preached the gospel. That Br. Elon Galusha had spent a portion of his time at Buffalo, where he had been instrumental in the hand of God of establishing a respectable church of thirty members ; and where he baptized many worthy citizens of the village, it being the first time the ordinance of baptism had ever been administered in that place in its primitive form. In addition to his labors at Buffalo, Br. Galusha visited the Territory of Michigan, and was the instrument of planting the standard of the cross at Pontiac, it being the first Baptist, if not the first Protestant, church, in the Territory. Here, also, he administered the ordinance of Christian baptism, it being the first time the -waters of the Territory had furnished a liquid grave for the disciples of Christ, except at the mission-station among the natives. And that Br. Elkanah Comstock had labored in Centre Co., Penn., where his efforts had been uncommonly blessed in awakening sinners, and in confirming the souls of the disciples." 96 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION* At this meeting it was "Resolved, That a sermon be preached annually at the opening of this Convention, and that a contribution be taken immediately thereafter to fur- ther its benevolent objects." The second annual meeting of the Convention was held at Vernon, Oneida Co., Oct. 15 and 16, 1823. The introduc tory sermon was delivered by Br. Lewis Leonard, fromZech. iv. 7. The report of the Treasurer showed that $311 39 had been received, and 8192 43 had been paid out during the year. The report of the Board states " That they appointed several missionaries, but that two only had accepted the appointment. These were Br. Elkanah Comstock, who continued his labors in Centre Co., Penn., and Br. John N. Brown, who had taken charge of the church at Buffalo." The labors of these brethren are represented as having been " highly beneficial to the churches among whom they labor- ed." The report also mentions one agency which was per- formed without any expense to the Convention, deserving of notice. It was by the venerable President, Dea. Squire Manro. He explored the Territory of Michigan, and repor- ted "That he found the Territory in great moral darkness, very much needing the labor of missionaries, and presenting most favorable openings, where the people are desirous to receive the embassadors of Christ." The third annual meeting of the Convention was held at Elbridge, Onon. Co., Oct. 20 and 21, 1824. The introduc- tory sermon was delivered by Br. Spencer H. Cone, of N. Y. The meeting was highly interesting, and more fully attended than any previous one. The Treasurer reported the amount of his receipts to be $ -, and that of the disburse- ments to be 8704 91. From the report of the Board, it appears that they had appointed Br. Calvin Philleb their agent, and had also commissioned ten or twelve other breth* ren as missionaries ; yet but a few entered the fields assigned them. Br. John N. Brown continued at Buffalo, Brn. John Blain and F. H. Johnson were employed alternately at Oswego, Br. Randolph Streeter at Vienna, and Br. Elkanah Comstock at Michigan. While each of the brethren labor- ed to the entire satisfaction of the Board, none submitted to BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 97 sacrifices as extensive as Br. Comstock. He endured the privations and diseases of Michigan in the early settlement thereof, with unflinching perseverance, and continued to occupy the field assigned him, with untiring faithfulness, until the Lord called him to enter the rest in reserve for his people.' During the period he was engaged in the ministry, the cause was so much extended in that Territory, that he not only assisted in the organization of a number of church- es, but was also permitted to participate in the labor of forming the first Association. At this meeting of the Convention an event occurred, which had long been most ardently desired by all the friends of domestic missions in this State. Upon the request of the President of the Convention, and one of the Directors of the Board, the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society, which had existed for more than seventeen years, were represented by a committee whose object it was to propose a plan upon which a union might be effected between the two bodies. The Convention promptly appointed a committee on their part, and the two committees agreed upon the plan, which the Convention accepted and adopted, and the amalgamation w^as consummated at the subsequent annual meeting of the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society, as has been already stated. As the constitution was so altered as to increase the num- ber of Directors to thirty, it is deemed advisable to append the names of the first officers after the union occurred, viz, Elon Galusha, President. Elijah F. Willey, Secretary, Charles Babcock, Treasurer. Nathaniel Kendrick, John Peck, Sylvenus Haynes, John Jeffries, Squire Manro, Alexander M. Beebee, John Blain, Alfred Bennett, Lewis Leonard, Oliver C. Comstock, John S. Twiss, Thomas Purinton, Jonathan Olmsted, Asa Averill, Daniel Putman, Joel W. Clark, Eliada Blakesley, Leland Howard, Rufus Babcock, Nathaniel Cole, Archibald Maclay, John Lawton, Martin E. Cook, Spencer H. Cone, WiUiam Colgate, John Williams, Thomas Purser, Howard Malcom, Nathan Peck, and Horace Griswold, Directors. Before this election occurred, Dea. Squire Manro, who had been the President of the Convention from its organiza- tion, requested his brethren, in view of his age and infirmi- 9 98 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. ties, to allow him the privilege to retire at least from that office, and to fill it with some brother who had not borne the burden and heat of the day. The Convention complied with his request, but continued him in the Board, so that his counsel was still secured, and his time, his talents, and his property, were unsparingly devoted to the interests of the Convention, until the Master released him from his labors, and received him into the mansions above. The feelings of the Convention and of the Board, in view of the events connected with this meeting, and that of May following, when the union was consummated, will be fully developed by the following address, which they adopted and circulated throughout the State. "ADDRESS OF THE BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION OF THE STATS aP NEW YORK. To all the Missionary Societies, Associations, Churches, and friends of Christian benevolence, through the State. *' The object of this Convention is to promote the knowledge of Christ among such of our fellow-men as are destitute of the ordinary means by which he reveals his grace and glory. To effectuate this purpose extensively, to us it appears important to combine, as far as practicable, the talents, resources, and energies, of our denomination, in every part of the State. And we rejoice to see our brethren in other States adopting such a course. That much good is done by small societies, and even by individuals not in concert, we do not doubt : that abundantly more may be accomplished by a general union, is obvious. What would be the compar- ative force of two armies of equal numbers and equal valor, the one in single and disunited effort, the other in conjoint enoragement ? The former would resemble a mass of loose sand upon the shore, that yields to every wave ; the latter a rock in the ocean, that defies the rushing billows. Such is the respective efficacy of separate and combined exertions in every cause. The most important achievements of which we have a knowledge, in every department of intellectual BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 99 being, are the result of concurrence. There is a most per- fect co-operation of all the glorious persons of the Godhead in the stupendous works of creation, providence, and redemp- tion. The angelic hosts of all move in concert. In the cabinet of every nation on earth there is conjunction. So essential is this to success in any great undertaking, that demons, with all their discordant feelings, co-operate in executing their infernal schemes. If, then, all rational beings, whether holy or unholy, whether on earth, in heaven, or hell, unite with their respective compeers in the production of important effects of joint interest, what an irrefragible proof have we of the great advantages resulting from a concentration of energies 1 '•Where a coincidence of views and feelings forms a common bond of friendship, a combination of effort is doubly advantageous and deeply interesting. Such are all associ- ations in heaven ; such were those of the apostles and primitive disciples ; and such should be those of Christians in the present day^ ' Behold ! how good and how pleasant it is for bi'ethren to dwell together in unity.' How amiable for brethren to labor together in love 1 It is much to be regretted that, in the Baptist denomination, where there is so much unison of sentiment and harmony of feeling, there IS not a more general amalgamation and co-operation, especially in the promotion of domestic missions. Although the whole number of missionaries employed by us bears a very small proportion to the numerous and extensive fields of labor, yet for want of concert, when a Macedonian cry is beard from a particular quarter, many societies, equally anxious to afford relief, and ignorant of each other's designs, pour in their missionaries in abundance, which, besides exciting the false idea that there is an amplitude (or rather superfluity) of funds and laborers to supply all the destitute places in our country, often creates jealousy and alarm. This, and many other evils heretofore mentioned in our cir- culars, may be remedied by a union of all our societies in one general head ; so that, acting as members of one common body, they may afford mutual aid. The benefits accruing from such a concurrence, in addition to those exhibited in our former communications, ai*e 100 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION-. " 1. An extension of acquaintance with both the persons and gifts of our brethren. How exhilarating to behold the faces, and witness a displaj^ of the graces, of those of whose faith and labors we have only heard by the hearing of the ear — to learn the way in which the Lord led them — to take sweet counsel, sympathise, rejoice, pray, and praise, together. Acquaintance thus formed stifles jealousies and prejudices which were founded on an ignorance of each other, and often makes us blush to think of the prepossessions we had cherished. It teaches us, effectually, to judge no man (especially a brother) before we hear him» " 2. An increase of affection. The association and familiar intercourse of friends has a natural tendency to strengthen their attachments. Like the apostle o£ the gentiles, we may feel deep solicitude and sacred regard for those disciples whose faces we have never seen in the flesh ; but to view them bearing the image and breathing the spirit of Christ, and coming up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, fans the spark of fraternal love to a flame. By meeting, consult- ing, and laboring, together, our hearts become most firmly cemented^ Nor does anything more endear Christians than; a union in labors of love. " 3. An acquaintance of knowledge, not only of missionary, hut various other, subjects. Although the principles and gen- eral character of the Christian religion are the same in all places, yet every part of Zion has its peculiarities. Among Christians there is a diversity of gifts widely dispersed, and they have minds differently framed and differently fraught. A large collection of these, together, not only promotes our general information, but furnishes a minute knowledge of the internal state of Zion^ which we could derive as safely and easily from no other source. Each contributes, of his own private store, to the common [stock,~and thus all are enriched, without in the least impoverishing any. " 4. A beneficial assimilation. By an interchange of ideas, a reciprocation af friendly feelings,, a mutual forbearance and condescension, towards those of different habits, each gradually loses his own peculiarities, and amalgamates with the body. Thus brethren become of one heart and one mind. "5. Needful excitement. Although the active mind of BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION, 101 man, like the vibrating pendulum, is constantly in motion, yet, by its own gravitation, it is ever tending towards a state of rest. "Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." By such a coalition, those who have become listless are roused to emulation, fired with ardor, and nerved with vigor. " 6. Encouragement, We'sometimes feel like the prophet Elijah, when he complained that the altars of the Lord were digged down, the prophets slain, and he left alone in perils and distress. But when our eyes behold a goodly number whom God has reserved for the defense of the truth, we receive new strength and resolution. We then feel that those who are for us are more numerous than those who are against us. When the brethren who went from Rome to meet St. Paul, arrived at Appi Forum and the three taverns, the apostle saw them and took courage. Often, when the afflicted and disheartened minister of Christ sets out for such a meeting, his heart is ready to burst with grief. But the first sight of his brethren and companions in tribulation causes his dejected countenance to sparkle with animation, and his bosom to thrill with joy. "7. A greater watch-care aoer the interests of Zion, * In the multitude of counselors there is safety.' A convention of delegates from every part of the State will afford an opportunity to such as are assailed with errors peculiar to their section of country, or involved in distressing and per- plexing cases of discipline, and other difficulties, to consult their brethren who have gained wisdom by experience, and prudence by the things which they have suffered ; and who are remote from those predilections which sometimes bias the judgment of the best of men. Such an intercourse, furnishing, as we have already remarked, a more minute acquaintance with the internal concerns of our churches, will have a tendency to secure them against error, by turn- ing upon them the vigilant eyes of thousands who feel the deepest interest in their welfare. We have named but a few of the many advantages which, it is confidently believed, would result from a general union in our State Convention. We must now proceed to notice the principal objections that have been raised against it. 102 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. " 1. That it tends to aggrandizement, by promoting some of the brethren to more honor than others share. " 2. That large ecclesiastical bodies are dangerous to the cause of Christ. " In answer to the first objection, we need only say that no honor is conferred on any brother by this body but that of a servant. And if any are desirous of the honor of devo- ting much time, much labor, and some cash, too, (without pecuniary reward,) to the precious cause of truth, let them share it as largely as their benevolent hearts may crave ; for the heavier they are laden with it, the more will God be glorified, and suffering humanity relieved. " To the second objection we would reply, that all ecclesias- tical bodies are dangerous, in proportion, not to their numbers, but to the independent power they possess, the temptation they are under to abuse it, and the encouragement they give to unholy ambition. But this Convention, as may be seen by its constitution, is invested with no such power — can acquire none ; consequently, can abuse none. Its members are chosen annually by the brethren. Its funds are all derived from free donations, and must be appropriated ac- cording to the direction of the donor. It affords no encouragement to unholy ambition, as it enjoys no emoluments, pays to its officers no salary, no perquisites, and confers no honorary titles. We are able to discover no more danger, or tendency to aggrandize, in this case, than where the citizens of a town, to promote an object of common interest, and within their own jurisdiction, meet together, elect a moderator and a clerk, pass resolutions, and appoint a com- mittee to carry them into execution. Let none do like a man, who, to avoid a shadow, would run off a precipice. " Is not the fact itself, that many are afraid of combinations, proof of their efficacy ? Why are any alarmed at the first mention of them ? Because wicked men, acting concurrently in a bad cause, have done much evil. By the same rule, virtuous men, by conjoint effort in a benevolent cause, may do much good. " System, so essential to the efficiency of our missionary operations, is less visible in the accumulation than in the distribution of our funds. While we are tenacious of a system of doctrine and a system of discipline, let us estab- BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 103 lish and maintain a system of liberality. To raise a missionary fund, permit us, dear brethren, most earnestly and affectionately to recommend to you the following method : " 1. Let every Baptist association in the State resolve itself into a missionary society, auxiliary to this Convention, and appoint a treasurer and scribe. " 2. Let every church form itself into a branch of the auxiliary society in its own association — elect a treasurer and collector. " 3. Let every member in each church subscribe and pay over to the collector, annually, such sum as circumstances and duty may dictate — give the poor widow an opportunity to cast in her mite, and allow even those indigent members, whom the prosperous brethren are in duty bound to assist, the pleasure of paying at least one shilling annually for the spread of that precious gospel by which they hope to be forever enriched. (Additional subscriptions may be obtained in the society, also.) " 4. Let all the subscriptions be seasonably collected, paid over to the treasurers of the branch societies, and by them forwarded to the associations, respectively, by the delegates of the churches. ^'5. Let the moneys, when duly received and registered by the treasurers and scribes of the auxiliary societies, be for- warded by their delegates to the Convention. "6. In the minutes of the associations, let the amount paid by each church be inserted. " 7. Let the minutes of the Convention exhibit a full account of all the moneys received from the auxiliary societies. " Thus let us walk hand in hand in our labors of love, and each contribute, according to his ability, to the promotion of the precious cause of our blessed Saviour. " With pleasure we state that measures preparatory to a union of the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society with this Convention have been mutually adopted, and no doubt remains of the speedy accomplishment of an object so desirable. We hail its approach as peculiarly propitious. The high standing of that large and respectable society, the talents, zeal and resources, it combines, together with its extensive, steady, and successful, operations, excite the most cheering anticipation of happy results from the contemplated union. ■ :i 104 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. " The appointment of Rev. John Peck, as General Agent of the Convention, will, it is most confidently believed, greatly conduce to its prosperity. His active energy, assiduity, and missionary zeal, are too well known to require our commenda- tion. He has accepted the appointment, and entered upon a discharge of the duties of his office. " The Board, having been instructed by the Convention to inquire into the expediency of issuing a periodical publica- tion, and, if deemed proper, to carry the same into effect, and having received an offer of the ' Baptist Register, ' have resolved to adopt that paper, and enlarge it to the present size of the Christian Secretary. They have appointed A. M. Beebee, Esq., editor, and made arrangements for execu- ting the mechanical work in the best manner. These arrangements, together with the talents, taste, energy, and assiduity, of the editor, inspire us with a confidence that the work will not be inferior to any of the kind now published in the country. " We close by soliciting your prayerful attention to the above plan of operation, and your cordial aid in carrying it into successful execution. " E. Galusha, President, " E. F. WiLLEY, Secretary:' The Board of the Convention met, pursuant to adjourn- ment, at Fabius, in May, when the Hamilton Missionary Society was merged in the Convention, and the Board com- menced their labors. They gave appointments to missiona- ries, which, together with those made at subsequent meetings, provided for five years of ministerial labor among the desti- tute. They also attended to the concerns of the Indian station at Oneida, and laid the foundation for a weekly religious pub- lication. On the day preceding the fourth annual meeting of the Convention, the Board met at Cazenovia village, when they received very cheering reports from the missionaries under their patronage, and from the Indian school at Oneida. The following report of the General Agent was also received, and is here presented, as it exhibits the general feelings of the denomination on the subject of the amalgamation : BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 105 « To the Baptist Missionary Convention of the State of New York. " Dear Brethren — On being informed that I was ap- pointed your agent, I was much exercised in my mind to know what was duty. On the one hand, the thought of being absent for a year from the church with whom I had labored for twenty-one years, together with my own inability to per- form so great a work as would devolve on me, — and on the other, the call of the brethren, and the destitute condition of thousands ready to perish for lack of vision, — operated pow- erfully on my mind, and I felt sensible that I needed wisdom from on high. I therefore had recourse to a throne of grace, and at length I became satisfied in my own mind that it was my duty to accept the call of the Board. « Consequently, on the 1st of January, 1825, 1 commenced my labors as an agent, by visiting some of the societies aux- iliary to the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society, with a view to lead them into the measures of the Convention, and point out to them the importance of general union. In this I happily succeeded. I was then necessarily engaged in editing, distributing, and collecting, for the magazines, which required much labor, a report of which I shall defer until the completion of the work. I also spent much time in obtain- ing an alteration in our charter, and in attending to the con- cerns of the Oneida school, and also of the Baptist Register. «I then proceeded in organizing branch societies in the counties of Madison, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, Oneida, Oswego, and Chenango. After this I visited the Franklin, Saratoga, Hudson River, Otsego, Madison, Cayuga, Ontario, Genesee, and Holland Purchase, Associations, all of which came cheerfully into the measures of the Convention, as auxiliaries. In the vicinity of these Associations I formed branch societies as I had opportunity. I likewise visited general societies or boards, viz. Saratoga, Mexico, New York, Genesee, and Holland Purchase, all of which agreed to aid the Convention. . . "Although soliciting immediate aid was not my principal object, but to bring the strength of our denomination to bear on one point in missionary operations, yet I have received in contributions, and other ways, in cash and property, $1,384 74. 106 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. "I would devoutly acknowledge the goodness of God to me, in the preservation of my health, and for the success that has attended my feeble labors. And under God I would acknowledge the kind attention and unwearied exertion of our brethren in the ministry to promote the great object ; and likewise our dear brethren and sisters in general, who are deserving the thanks of the Board for their labors of love in the glorious cause. Upon a view of the whole subject, I think we have great reason to take courage and go forward. Every circumstance seems to presage the approach of a glo- rious era. " It becomes us, then, to be on the alert. Union and en- ergy should be our motto. Let the whole denomination be united, and they will present to view a powerful phalanx, which will be appalling to the enemies of truth. Then may we with confidence say with the Psalmist, ' Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children ; and let the beauty of the Lord be upon us ; and establish thou the work of our hands upon us ; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.' ^' Yours, in the gospel, "John Peck." The fourth annual meeting of the Convention was held in Cazenovia village, Oct. 19 and 20, 1825. The introductory sermon was delivered by Br. Howard Malcom, of Hudson. The meeting was one of deep and thrilling interest. The delegates sat together in heavenly places, and spectators were constrained to say, " Behold ! how good and how plea- sant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." The re- port of the Treasurer states the receipts for the year then passed to be ^2,725 39 and the disbursements to be 82,269 97. The report of the Board gave a gratifying view of the results of labor performed, and an affecting picture of whitening fields, with no reapers to secure the precious fruits. The fifth annual meeting of the Convention was held at Mentz, Cayuga Co., Oct. 18 and 19, 1826. The introducto- ry sermon was delivered by Br. Ezra Going. According to the provisions of the constitution, Br. Alfred Bennett was chosen moderator, and Br. Horace Griswold clerk. From BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 107 the report of the Board, it appeared they had provided, by appointments of missionaries, for six years and twenty-four weeks of ministerial labor among the scattered settlements of our own and adjoining States, and that the smiles of Heaven had attended the missionaries employed, and the missionary stations under their patronage. During the year then passed the disbursements amounted to 83,361 42. The meeting was one of the most heavenly character, under the influence of which the brethren felt to thank God and take courage. The Board, after the adjournment of the Convention, en- tered upon the duties of their office. Their first business was to appoint the following Executive Committees, viz. On the Oneida Station — Robert Powell, John Peck, John C. Harrison, Nathan Peck, and Nathaniel Cole. On the Tonawanda Station — Eli Stone, K. H. Benedict, and John Miner. On the Squawkey Hill Station — Eliab Going, Anson Tut- hill, and Whitman Metcalf. On the N. Y. Baptist Register — Squire Manro, Asber Wet- more, Amasa Sessions, Jonathan Olmstead, and John Manro. Br. John Peck was reappointed General Agent, and has been continued in that office until the present time. They also made appointments and appropriations accord- ing to the best of their judgment, at this and at their subse- quent meetings, the whole of which, with the results, will appear in their report at the next meeting of the Convention. The sixth annual meeting of the Convention was held in Utica, Oct. 17 and 18, 1827. The introductory sermon was delivered by Br. Leland Howard, from Isaiah ii. 23. Br. Lewis Leonard was chosen moderator, and Br. Jesse B. Wor- ^Qn clerk. The Treasurer reported the receipts, including the balance of last year, to be 84,881 14, and the disburse- ments to be 83,883 02. Death having laid his hand upon Eld. Sylvenus Haynes during the year then past, the Con- vention adopted the following resolution, expressive of their sense of his worth, viz. " Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the widow, children, and other relations, and the public, in the loss that they and we have sustained in the removal, by death, of our much esteemed brother in the ministry. Eld. Sylvenus Haynes, 108 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. who has heretofore taken an active and useful part in our deliberations ; and we would feel especially admonished by this trying providence to increased diligence in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ." That the progress of the Convention may be seen for the year, the following extract from the report of the Board is here submitted : " Dear Fathers and Brethren — Permit us to present to you a concise account of our operations during your re- cess. The spirit of love has been with us in our meetings ; we have enjoyed great harmony in our views, and the utmost cordiality of feeling, and we hope that spirit, which is ever identified with true religion, has been increased by our meet- ing and laboring together. " We have in the field about thirty missionaries, who have either completed or entered upon their appointments during this year ; but we regret that all have not rendered us a re- port. As far as we are able to judge, from what has come before us, we think we have cause of lively gratitude to our heavenly Father, for his kind care over us and our missiona- ries, in affording them success in their labors of love, in min- istering abundant consolation to the children of God, and the quickening influences of his Spirit to dead sinners. Something more than one hundred and sixty have been baptized ; the gospel has been preached to thousands of the destitute ; and many of the children of the natives have been instructed in the principles of science, civilization, and religion. In view of all, we will say, we are encouraged by the blessings that have attended us ; we are strengthened by the increase of the spirit of liberality among our brethren, and the reduction, in a great degree, of the prejudices which have tended so much to hinder our benevolent operations ; and we are excited to renew our exertions, by the opening of new and extensive fields of labor, and the strong cries of the destitute for assistance. But we are destitute of a com- petent number of laborers, and of adequate means ; and we earnestly desire the Lord to send forth laborers into the harvest, and to produce the evangelical spirit of love to our neighbor, as to ourselves ; and we recommend to our brethren in the ministry, and in the churches, to adopt some systematic course of exertion to aid our funds ; and may we enjoy the BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 109 spirit of grace and supplication, and commit our souls and bodies to the care and service of God. " All of which is respectfully submitted by the Board. " Elon Galusha, President, " C. G. Carpenter, Secretary, ''' The officers elected at this meeting of the Convention, were for the most part those who had previously constituted the Board of Directors. A change, however, was necessarily made in the office of Secretary. Br. Elijah F. Willey, who had filled that office from the organization of the Convention, much to the satisfaction of his brethren, being compelled from ill health to relinquish his ministerial labors, and to remove to another part of the State, resigned the office, and Br, Calvin G. Carpenter was elected. The seventh annual meeting of the Convention was held in Troy, Oct. 15 and 16, 1828. Br. S. H. Cone delivered the introductory sermon, from Isaiah liii, 11: " He shall see of the travail of his soul, and be satisfied." Br. Cone v/as chosen moderator, and Brn. John Smitzer and C. G. Carpenter clerks. The representation of associations and missionary societies was very general, and the harmony and fraternal affection which attended the meeting would have led the spectator to say, " See how these brethren love one another !" The Treasurer's report showed the receipts to be $4,113 36 ; and the sum paid out to be $3,108 45. By the following extract from the report of the Board, the amount of their appropriations and appointments, with the success attending the same, will fully appear : " We have been enabled to move onward in the most per- fect concert. Not a single instance of collision has occurred in the Board to interrupt its operations or mar its harmony. We have seen and felt how blessed it is for brethren to dwell and toil together in unity. The fact that all the proceedings of the Board at each of its successive meetings have been inserted, at full length, in the periodical publication under the patronage of the Convention, supersedes the necessity of such a minute detail of our transactions as might otherwise be demanded. 10 110 BAPTIST MISSIOT^ARY COKVEKTIOI^. « General Agent— ISo time was lost in securing and com- manding the services of the General Agents whose labors for several years in the employment of the Board have been so successful, that their continuance was deemed highly important. Nor have his exertions to promote the interests of the Convention, since his last appointment, been less indefatigable or less prosperous than formerly. It has been his constant object to bring into as speedy and as general effect as practicable the systematic course of operations dic- tated by the Convention at its last annual meeting. For this purpose, he has visited numerous churches, associations, and missionary societies, and solicited their co-operation in the plan of contributions to which we have already alluded. In this service Brn. Alfred Bennett and Robert Powell have been associated with the General Agent ; and a degree of success has crowned their efforts, far surpassing the most sanguine expectations of the warmest friends of the system. No less than fifteen associations, embracing more than twen- ty-five thousand members, have cordially and almost unani- mously approved and adopted the plan. Thus we are permitted to see, as the cheering result of a benevolent experiment, the eflect of which was by many deemed veiy doubtful at the time of its adoption, twenty-five thousand of our brethren in this State harmoniously associated, in less than one year, upon an equitable and powerful plan of Christian liberality. This system promises, eventually, to carry the gospel of peace to hundreds of thousands who are destitute of all its consola- tions, and to feed with the bread of life vast mnltitudes of the saints who are hungering and crying in the wilderness and waste places whither they are scattered. " The General Agent has also been engaged in procuring donations and subscriptions, visiting Indian missionary stations, and attending to the general concerns of the Con., vention. He has appointed several sub-agents, whose labors have been highly beneficial. The amount of donations which he has procured is 82,873 84 ; his expenses, 830 95, Term of service, twenty-six weeks. " Oneida StMion—Bv. Stanard continued to superintend the Indian school at this station, and preach to the natives with much success and great faithfulness, until last spring, when his health became inadequate to the duties of his appointment. BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION, 111 He continued to decline until August, when the spirit of this promising youth, so ardent in the cause of Indian reform, and so elated with a strong hope of a blessed immortality, took its departure from earth, with no other regret than that its opportunity to do good to the poor perishing sons of the forest was closing forever. He will long be remembered and lamented by the Indian pupils formerly under his care ; nor can his labor, or his love of labor, in the cause of benevolence, soon be forgotten by the Board, or the patrons who knew him. Sister Osgood, whose zeal, fidelity, and usefulness, as superintendent of the female department for five years, is well known, was constrained by ill health to leave the station on the 5th of Feb. From that period till a short time after Br. Stanard's death, his companion instructed the Indian girls attached to the school to great satisfaction. Soon after the decease of her husband, it was found expedient for her to leave the station. Many and mutual tears were shed by her and her little sable and affectionate pupils, who regarded her as a mother as well as an instructor. « No suitable teacher has since been obtained for this school. The average number of pupils for the year past has been twenty-five. There was in the treasury, at the com- mencement of the year, $232 86. The government allowance is $200. Receipts for the year, $938 15. Ex- penditures, $963 10, exclusive of $12 19 paid to one of the missionaries of the Board, and $104 sent to the Tonawanda station. Now in the treasury of the Executive Committee of this station, " Squawkey Hill Station — From this station we have re- ceived no returns. « Tonawanda Station — The school at this place continued in successful operation, under the superintendence of Br. Bingham, until June, when he was superseded by Br. John Miner. Br. Rollin is still assistant. Soon after the last mentioned date, the school was interrupted by sickness, produced by large bodies of stagnant waters contiguous to the missionary premises. This circumstance has suggested to the Executive Committee the propriety of changing the site of the institution. The number of scholars on an 112 BAPTIST MISSIO?fARY COXVENTIOX, average is twenty. The government appropriation to this station is $172 28. We have not received a full account cf the receipts and expenditures for the year. " The state oi religious feeling at this station is highly gratifying and promising. Two Indian converts have recently been baptized and united to the mission-church ; one of whom has entertained a hope in Christ and maintain- ed family prayer, for three years previous to offering himself for church membership. The other has recently passed from death to life. He is the present interpreter, and son-in-law of Little Bear, the most influential chief of the Christian party. Thus writes a member of the Board, who attended the baptism : ' All the native brethren and sisters, nine in number, were present, who expressed their satisfaction with the relation of the candidates, and we as heartily expresse " It is but a few years since the fii'st efforts were made to meliorate the condition of this benighted people. They then had no knowledge of letters, of the true God, and of the way of salvation by Jesus Christ. Man's origin and destination were subjects with which they were unacquainted. Indis- tinct notions of an hereafter were matters of traditional speculation. Many of the rising generation have been taught in reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, and geog- raphy, and a goodly number are able to read the'^ Bible with ease and propriety. " Should this people ultimately migrate to the west, they will carry the knowledge of letters, of the Bible, and of the Savior ; and although comparatively but few have been con- verted to the Christian faith, yet out of the number which have been added to the church, four have died, leaving satis- factory evidence that they were adopted into the family of the first born, " Will it be too much, to indulge a belief that some of the patrons of Indian reform will haiL with rapture some of the sons of the forest in that woild where difference of dialect and of skin will be unknown amidst the songs of the redeem- ed ? And how would it heighten their astonishment, should the scene be so reversed that they should deem it an honor to sit at the feet of an Indian, to learn new lessons in heavenly science 1 All which is respectfully submitted. "Eli Stone, ^ "Martin Colman, > Ex, Com.^^ "Wm, B. Brown, > The thirteenth annual meeting was held at Utica, Oct. 15 and 16, 1834. Br. Peter Ludlow delivered the introductory discourse, from Psalm Ixvii. 2 : " That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations." Br, Lewis Leonard was moderator, and Brn, Smitzer and Z» Freeman clerks. The meeting was unusually full. Twenty- 128 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. six associations were represented, and delegates were appoint- ed by four other associations, who were absent. A most delightful flow of fraternal kindness pervaded the session, and the brethren felt a consciousness that the Lord was in the midst. The fact being announced that God had changed the countenances of three valued brethren, and sent them away, the following resolution was adopted : " Resolved, That this Convention are deeply sensible of the loss they have sustained, during the past year, in the death of that aged and faithful servant of Christ, Rev. Dr. John Stanford, of the city of New York, senior Vice-Presi- dent, and of Dea. Joshua Harpham, of the city of Troy, one of the Directors, and of Br. Joshua Chandler, of Spafford, a Life Member ; and that the Convention tender their Christian sympathies to their afflicted families." The receipts into the treasury for the year, were $11,051 71; orders paid amounted to i7,924 81. From the report of the Board it appears that appropriations and appointments were made to provide for thirty years of minis- terial labor among the destitute, at an expense of $6,096. The amount of labor reported as performed was twelve years and thirty-six weeks, for which orders were drawn on the treasury amounting to #4,825. The following extract from the report is added, as it ex- hibits the views of the Board with reference to the labors performed, and the present views of the denomination respect- ing the Convention : "We learn, however, from these reports, that our missionaries, both traveling and stationed, have been laborious, preaching the gospel publicly, and from house to house, and in general have been quite successful in building up churches, in com. forting, instructing, and guiding, the saints, and in gathering fruit unto everlasting life. About thirty years of ministerial labor have been performed under the appropriations of your bounty, and in many places the additions have been large, but the aggregate number baptized we have not the means of ascertaining. A very laudable zeal is excited among the churches to provide respectable places of worship, to maintain the stated ministry, to help forward the plans of the Convention, to sustain Sunday-schools, and to aid various benevolent institutions. The exciting and cherishing of this BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 129 zeal we regard as worthy of a high place among the favorable results of missionary operations. Many churches have already, from being beneficiaries, become the patrons, of the Convention. " The Convention. — The Convention, as its plans are now matured, and its character established, and its operations systematized, is capable, with the approbation of God, of becoming a most powerful auxiliar in the cause of benevo- lence ; and, indeed, the providence of God has called us to a great work. " The State of New York probably sustains one-third of the dependence for supplying North America with the gospel ; and considering the proportion that Baptists bear to the whole number of evangelical Christians, what a vast respon- sibility rests on them, and what induce *iient to put forth at this time their strongest efforts in effecting this noble purpose." The following resolutions were unanimously adopted ; ^'•Resolved, That we believe home missionary exertions are fully identified with foreign operations, and that the suc- cess of the latter in a great measure depends upon the success of the former; and further, believing that God graciously designs the American churches to take an impor- tant station in the aims of the saints for the subjugation of the world to the authority of Christ, we can not too earnestly press upon our brethren the necessity of renewed and much increased exertion, and that we regard the claims of the American Baptist Home Mission Society as second in impor- tance to those of no other benevolent institution which demands the patronage of the denomination, and we earnestly solicit the churches with which we are connected to contri- bute liberally to its funds. ''^Resolved, That, in view of the increasing ability of our denomination in this State, and the just and pressing claims which the great valley of the west and other portions of our country embraced in the field of the American Baptist Home Mission Society present, we pledge to that body ten thousand dollars, to be raised in this State the ensuing year." The fourteenth annual meeting was held in Albany, Oct. 21 and 22, 1835. Br. Aaron Perkins delivered the sermon, from Zech. xiv. 8. Br. S. H. Cone was moderator, and 130 BAPTIST JIISSIONARY CONVENTION. Brn. B. M. Hill and D. Bellamy were clerks. The meeting was one of delightful interest, and though somewhat less numerously attended than the last, still twenty-six associa* lions were represented, and all the delegates appeared to feel that they " sat together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." The Treasurer's report showed the receipts to be $17,636 35, and the amount paid out to be 816,009 64. With reference to the events that occurred, and to the labors that were performed, the following extract from the report of the Board will furnish a full view : "Dear Brethren — In surrendering to you the trust you were pleased to commit to our hands at the last annual meeting, we would, in compliance with the constitutional requisition, present a report of our doings the past year. In performing this duty, we would record our acknowledgment of the Divine goodness, which has been over, and v/ith a single exception preserved, us from the ravages of death, presided in all our deliberations, promoted harmony in all our decisions, and crowned our efforts to extend the cause of Christ with favorable results. " The instance of death referred to was that of our dear brother, Dea. Squire Manro. Although this event was anti- cipated, yet when it occurred it produced in our minds those feelings which are peculiar to the saints when called to part with a worthy and efficient coadjutor in the cause of God. Such was emphatically the character of Dea. Manro. During a long life he was a man of active and enlarged benevolence. His time, his talents, and his substance, were consecrated to the cause of Christ. At the organization of this Convention he was called to fill the office of President, in which he continued for several years, until his age and infirmities prompted him to resign. Since that time he has, as a Vice-President, ever manifested a glowing zeal to have the Convention occupy those extensive fields which were opening before it : and even to his dying day his prayers and alms for the missionary enterprise were not relaxed. But the Master whom he had long served, and for whose coming he had patiently waited, has terminated his labors, and called him to receive the rewards of grace. " At the commencement of the last conventional year the spirit of enlarged benevolence appeared to be richly diffused BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 131 among the brethren then present ; insomuch that, notwith- standing there remained a balance due of nearly $800 on the pledge given to the American Baptist Home Mission Society the preceding year, yet, with an ardor akin to that of apostolic days, the Convention resolved unanimously to at- tempt to raise $10,000 the past year to aid the A. B. H. M. S. in its labors in the Valley of the Mississippi. To accomplish this object, it was evident but a small amount was required from each of the seventy thousand Baptists in this State ; yet, aware of the fluctuations of the human mind, we were desirous that no efforts should be left untried to secure that sum, and also to provide for the necessities of our own par- ticular field of labor. " The experience of the past having fully confirmed us in the opinion that the success of benevolent efforts, so far as the securing of funds is concerned, is intimately connected with the services of experienced and efiicient agents, we lost no time in securing the entire services of our former Gen- eral Agent ; and we are happy to say, that, since the first of January, he has been most indefatigably engaged in the specific duties of his office. From the success with which his labors were crov/ned, we were convinced it would tend very much to increase the amount of the receipts of the Convention, if all the churches could be visited, and the claims of God and a lost world be spread before them ; hence we felt the necessity of more agents, and in February the Board made choice of Eld. Lewis Leonard to be associated with the General Agent. Br. Leonard accepted the appoint- ment, but was unable, in view of his engagements with his people, to enter upon the duties of the office until the first of May ; and ever since that time, we have to regret, that, owing to circumstances beyond his control, he has been able to devote only a part of his time to the duties of his agency ; yet we are sensible his labors have been highly beneficial in swelling the amount of contributions to our treasury. Agreeably to the power vested in the General Agent, he has appointed sub-agents, of whom he will speak in his report. " In our last report we communicated the fact that our dear brother, Dea. Joshua Harpham, of Troy, who for many years had been a member of this Board, had been called to give an account of his stewardship. We have now the 132 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION, satisfaction to communicate the intelligence that Dea. Harpham, after having served his generation by the will of God, left in his last will and testament a legacy of ^1,000 to this Convention. This legacy has recently been paid, by the acting executor of the will ; and though dead, yet by this provision Dea. Harpham will aid a number of feeble churches, and send the light of life to the benighted and perishing in the great valley of the west. " At our meeting in February last, the late Secretary, Br, Calvin G. Carpenter, who had for eight years served the Convention in that office, to the entire satisfaction of all concerned, tendered his resignation of the same. As a Board, we should have been happy could we have prevailed upon him to continue in office until the present time ; but as his decision was peremptory, we were under the necessity of accepting his resignation, and of electing a secretary for the residue of the year, according to the constitutional provision. We therefore proceeded to an election, and were unanimous in the choice of Br. John Smitzer, who has discharged the duties of that office since May last. " Results of Labor. — The amount of ministerial labor per- formed during the year can not be definitely stated, as many whose appointments were made during the year have not definitely reported, and others, whose reports are due, have not performed this service : from the reports received, it appears that thirty years of ministerial toil have been pro- vided for in fifty different churches, forty.six of which are located in twenty-four counties in this State, and the remain- ing four in as many different counties in northern Pennsyl- vania. In addition to the churches aided, twenty-four mis- sionaries have reported ten years and nine weeks of labor performed ; thus making an aggregate of forty years and nine weeks of labor laid out upon the destitute through your munificence. As the result of this service, one church has been organized, which has received the fellowship of an ecclesiastical council, and two conferences have been set in order, preparatory to their being recognized as distinct churches. How many souls have been hopefully converted to God, we must leave to be shown by the Judge of all the earth at the day of decision ; it is, however, our privilege to say, that, from the reports received, it appears three hundred BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 133 and five, who, in the judgment of charity, had passed from death unto life, have been baptized. Unquestionably, had all the reports due been received, this number would have been increased. " Tonawanda Station. — ^By all devoted Christians, the con- dition of the natives is regarded as interesting ; nor have we been destitute of a desire to benefit them. The remem* brance that their ancestors were once lords of this soil — that they are fast wasting away — -and that comparatively but few are interested in the blessings of redemption, has led us, for a number of years, to devote a portion of your benefactions to provide for the instruction, both of themselves and their children, in the way of righteousness, and in the common branches of education. The annual report of the Executive Committee who have the charge of that department is here annexed, as furnishing a full view of our labors and success the past year : "* Your committee feel it to be their duty and privilege, first of all, to record the goodness of the Lord in preserving the mission family, and the children under their care, from the influence of disease, and from the arrows of death. It would gladden our hearts could we present some very cheer- ing intelligence to the Convention ; but this is not our privi- lege : yet we rejoice to say that the good hand of the Lord iias been manifest in the midst of trials, which has kept our hearts from fainting in the day of adversity, " ' At the commencement of the last conventional year, the situation of the station was somewhat discouraging^ The formxr superintendent had retired from the charge of it, and the brother who was appointed by the Board to succeed him, after spending a few weeks on the ground, declined the appointment. Under these circumstances, the committee felt no small embarrassment, as it became their duty to obtain some person forthwith to enter upon the duties of superin* tendent. Fortunately, the providence of God pointed out Br. James B. Rollin, and the committee appointed him for the time being, until they might be able to obtain some other person ; but upon further acquaintance with Br. Rolhn, in which his adaptation to the service was developed, the com- inittee arrived at the conclusion that the Lord had prepared him, to fill the office of superintendent of the station; they 13 134 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. accordingly gave him a permanent appointment. Since his appointment, Br. Rollin has been united in marriage with a sister Alcott, who appears to be a help-meet for him, and an important assistant at the station. The natives appear to be much attached to the new superintendent, and all the mission-family ; and it is fondly hoped a more interesting state of things will follow the current year. " * The school for the Indian children has been continued through the year, accompanied with demonstrations of the Divine favor. The largest number in attendance at any time has been thirty-seven ; the average attendance is thirty- five. The children are from the Oneida, Tuscarora, and Seneca, tribes. They have made good proficiency in their studies, and appear to be happy in the mission-family.' '• Conclusion. — In reviewing the labors of another year, we rejoice that so much has been done in this department of benevolent effort. We find, too, the liberality of the friends of the Savior, and of a perishing world, far in advance of what had been before developed ; and we are conscious, that, with the wealth possessed by the denomination in this State, still more noble and philanthropic exertions may be confident- ly expected. The Convention has a strong hold upon the hearts of the people of God ; and many remember it in their prayers before the throne, and are unwilling to deprive themselves of the privilege of being fellow-laborers with their brethren in multiplying the means to enlighten, to purify, and to save, the ruined race of man. When we com- menced the labors of the year, we felt that the hearts of all were under the control of the King of Zion ; and as we advanced, we have made our anxieties and our wants known to Him whose is the silver and gold, with the cattle upon the thousands of hills, in our interesting State ; and at every point he has been better to us than our fears. The amount which is reported as being received has enabled us to redeem our pledges ; and we are prepared to say, in laying before you the result, ' The Lord reigneth ! let the earth rejoice /' " Elon Galusha, Pres. "John Smitzer, S'ec." The following Board of Officers was chosen : Elon Galusha, President. Charles Babcock, Treasurer. John Smitzer, Secretary. Nathaniel Kendrick, Bartholomew T. Welch, Archibald Maclay, Cornelius P. Wyckoff, John Bowen, John Lawton, Spencer H. Cone, Oliver C. Comstock, John R. Ludlow, Jonathan Going, Elijah Herrick, Jonathan Olmsted, Ell Stone, Thomas Purinton, Davis Dimock, Daniel Hascall, Edward Kingsford, Lewis Leonard, Charles G. Sommers^ Aaron Perkins, William Witter, Benjamin Sawin, Nathan Peck, George Benedict, William R. Williams, Benjamin M, Hill, Beriah N. Leach, Elisha Tucker, Isaac Newton, Henry Davis, Alfred Bennett, Norman Fox, Joseph Elliot, Alexander M. Beebee, Daniel Eldredge, Wm. B. Curtis, Joshua Fletcher, Amasa Smith, William Roe, Vice-Presidents. John Peck, S. B. Burchard, Wm. B. Brown, Joshua A. Burke, Edward Bright, Jr., William Colgate, William Cobb, Alanson L. Covell, Cyrenius M. Fuller, Benjamin Putnam, Joshua Gilbert, Seth Gregory, Friend Humphrey, Ehsha D. HubbelljChancellor Hartshorn J*almerTownsend,JohnManrov 140 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. Calvin G. Carpenter, Samuel F. Phoenix, Amasa Sessions, Oren Sage, Eleazer Savage, Albert G. Smith, Ebenezer Wakeley, David Bellamy, Pharcelliis Church, Richard Clark, James Nickerson, William Arthur, Philander Kelsey, Di- rectors. STATE OF RELIGION IN THE TERRITORY EMBRACED BY THE CONVENTION. The following summary, drawn up from the minutes of associations which have been received, will exhibit the state of each at their last session. " The Berkshire Association says, ' We have not enjoyed, to any great extent, the outpourings of God's Spirit ; yet he has continued with us in mercy, and preserved us from dis- sensions and schisms.' The number baptized is fifty-seven, of which the church of Tioga received thirty-four. " The Black River Association have received but thirteen by baptism during the year. They say, ' Our changes are not indicative of a revival spirit in our churches ;' and yet they add, ' Some of them have been refreshed, and some souls have been, as we trust, born into Christ's visible kingdom.' They have come up, with a commendable liberality, to bear their proportion of labor in the moral conquest of the world ; and hope that ere long the songs of salvation will be echoed from one extremity to the other of the territory they occupy. " The Canisteo River Association was formed in July, and held their first session in September. At this meeting they resolved themselves into a Missionary Society, auxiliary to the Convention. They say, ' The whole territory embraced within the limits of the Association is missionary ground.' In communicating their request to be recognized as an aux- iliary, they express their determination to cultivate the field, and hope to be aided by their brethren with their prayers and alms. " Cataraugus. This Association was formed from churches connected with the Holland Purchase Association, in Feb., 1836, and held their first session in June following. As BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 141 many of the churches are the fruit of recent missionary labor^ they appear to have felt the importance of direct action on the subject ; hence, they resolved themselves, as soon as orga- nized into an Association, into a Missionary Society, and resolved to attempt to raise at least twenty-five cents for every member in the Association. Immediately, the delegates of a number of churches pledged the amount of the sum which would be due from them. At their meeting in June, we are informed by the Agent, they presented $200 as the first fruits of their distinct organization, and resolved to attempt to raise $300 the coming year. " The Cayuga Association report that several of the churches have been much refreshed by the showers of grace which they have enjoyed. As the result, one hundred and five have been baptized and added to the churches. They are deter- mined to share with their brethren in the labors necessary to fill the earth with the knowledge of the Lord. Hence, while their contributions for the foreign mission, and other benevo- lent institutions, were more than usual, they succeeded in making up $400 for the Convention, and resolved to attempt to raise, for the same object, $500 the current year. " Chautauque Association, This body has not been favored with enlargement as in former years, yet one hundred and six are reported as being added by baptism to the churches of which it is composed. At the last session a resolution v/as passed to raise $500 for domestic missions, nearly all of which it is supposed will be needed in the territory over which the Association extends. " The Chenango Association were permitted to sit together in an heavenly place at their last anniversary. ' Many of our churches,' they say, ' have been visited with the reviving influences of the Spirit during the year, while peace and harmony generally pervade our borders.' Although they had large additions the preceding year, yet they report at this session the pleasing fact that two hundred and fifty-six joyful souls had been baptized into Christ and put on Christ. They appear to be determined to show their faith by their works ; hence, while they believe the gospel must be preached, that men may hear, and, hearing, believe and be baptized, they paid the Agent nearly $700 for the Convention, their pledge being but $500 ; and realizing how much blessedness 142 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. there is in serving the Lord with their substance, they resolv- ed to raise at least 8700 the current yen.v for the Convention, " Cortland Association. This body, which ever since its organization has not been behind the most Kberal in benefi- cence, has not retrograded the past year : nor has the Lord left the churches without the visits of his grace. Although all have not been alike favored, yet two hundred and twenty-one precious souls, who, having received the word gladly, were baptized and added to the churches, are so many pledges of his faithfulness to Zion. Although the pledge to the Con- vention, 8600, was not quite redeemed at the time of their session, yet such is their ardor in the home mission enterprise, that they resolved to raise at least $700, and furnish the bal- ance of the past, the current, year. " Dutchess Association. This division of the sacramental host of God's elect, though few in numbers, yet they possess much of the spirit of the Master. They resolved to raise at least $400 the current year for the cause of domestic mis- sions ; and as they look upon the whitening fields around them, they desire to sustain a laborer who may be constant- ly occupied in thrusting in the gospel sickle, and in securing the precious fruits of immortality. They report an addition of sixty-one to the seven churches of which the Association is composed. " 7%e Essex and Champlain Associations were united the past year, and now compose but one band. They represent their last session as one of great interest. Their sympathy is aroused in behalf of the sheep of Christ who are sparsely scattered over the two counties embraced in their limits, and they raised 8100 to aid the Convention in its labors of love. Several of the churches have been much increased in num- bers and strength. The whole number baptized is one hun- dred and fifty-nine. " FranMin. This Association, for a number of years past, have mourned at their anniversaries, because the epistles from the churches have so generally been in the language of sad-' ness. But at the last session a different aspect appeared upon the face of many of the communications, announcing the pleasing fact that the Lord had made the place of his feet glorious in the midst of them, causing their fellow-men to bow at his throne, and to find mercy. They fondly hope they BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 143 may see greater victories achieved, by Zion's King, than have yet appeared. The Association reports an addition of seventy-seven by baptism. They have ever been a most efficient auxiUary of the Convention, and are determined not to relax their efforts until the triumphs of the cross have become universal. " The Genesee Association. This body, though less favored with revivals the past than during some former years, were not left entirely without witness. They report an addition by baptism of forty-three. They enter into the work of bene- volence with a good degree of zeal, and, in view of the expanding fields before them, have resolved to increase the amount of their contributions. " The Genesee River Association report an addition of one hundred and thirty who have believed in the Lord Jesus with all their hearts, and have been baptized. They are unwilling to be deprived of the privilege of mingling their labors and sacrifices for the salvation of their fellow-men ; hence they say, with reference to the Convention, ' We will cheerfully co-operate with our brethren thus devotedly engaged ; and will, by the blessing of God, raise this year the sum of $300 for the accomplishment of those most desirable objects they have in view.' " The Holland Purchase Association has been somewhat diminished in the number of its churches, by the formation of the Cataraugus Association, The event was effected with much harmony, and the kindest of feeling, the better to accommodate the churches and promote the general interests of the cause. The last session of this body was one of most thrilling interest, and the exhibitions of a spirit of enlarged benevolence were most delightfully apparent. Although the pledges given by the churches were not all made out at the time, yet it is hoped the residue is forthcoming. It was, however, in favor of the American & Foreign Bible Society that the most thrilling interest was excited ; for, after a ser- mon upon the subject, more than 81000 was subscribed on the spot by the delegates, as a kind of nucleus, around which the donations of the churches will be gathered, and in due time be forwarded to the proper treasury. They report an addition of two hundred and eight by baptism, and resolved to raise at least 8500 for the Convention the current year. 144 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION^ " Hudson River Association. The Lord has made his arm bare in the view of several of the churches of this Associa- lion. The First church in Troy, and the Broome street (New York) church, each received one hundred by baptism ; several other churches in the city were much refreshed and enlarged, while the churches on the majestic river, whose name they bear, have not been left without a witness. These pledges of God's faithfulness have enabled the Asso- ciation to report the delightful fact that six hundred and sixty-four praying souls have been brought into their fellow- ship as workers together with God. They are determined still to hold that prominence among the auxiliaries of the Convention to which they have attained ; and as a token of their unbroken confidence in the plans of that body, they have resolved to raise at least 81500 the current year to re- plenish the treasury. " The Limngston Association say, ' We are a feeble body, numbering only eight churches and four hundred and eighty- eight communicants.' During the past year they have em. ployed and paid a missionary, who has labored under their direction for three months : besides which they have aided the funds of the Convention and of foreign missions. Ac- cording to their numbers, they appear to be fully determined to assume their share in the toils and sacrifices necessary to the moral conquest of the world. They report nine baptized, and say, ' Our prospects are encouraging ; our present session has been very pleasant.' " The Madison Association enjoyed a most lovely season at their last session ; the exercise of the kindest fraternal feeling pervaded all their deliberations and decisions, and the liberality of the churches furnished more than the amount pledged to the Convention. They report an addition of two hundred and seventeen joyful believers, among whom was one nearly ninty-two years old. In their corresponding let- ter they say, ' Several of our churches have been favored with precious revivals, while nearly all have received the tokens of Divine favor.' Notwithstanding the large number baptized, yet, in consequence of the multitude who have emi- grated to the west, the total number has been reduced nearly one hundred. Hence, in fixing the amount of their pledge, they have named a like sum to that raised the past year — » $800. BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION, 145 *' Monroe Association— ^This band of disciples were permit- ted tlie privilege of sitting together in an heavenly place in Christ Jesus during their last session. A peculiar harmony pervaded their councils and decisions, while the pleasing fact that two hundred and nineteen praying souls, who had been baptized into Christ and put on Christ, were added to their number, was hailed as a pledge that the Lord still remember- ed Zion. Although they were disappointed in not furnishing all the means to aid the Convention they had designed, yet they paid nearly $500, and resolved to raise at least $900 for the coming year. " The New York Association, although not directly an aux* iliary, are nevertheless engaged, to a very interesting extent, in the same blessed work. They have aided a number of feeble churches belonging to the Association, located on Long Island, and in New Jersey, with one at Newburgh. In these labors of love they have expended $650, and have furnished $100 for Indian reform. They report the pleasing fact that two hundred and forty-seven have been added to the churches by baptism, and evince their determination to participate in the labor of sustaining all the good works of the day. " Niagara Association, This portion of the sacramental host, though not permitted to exult in the victories of grace achieved among them as in former years, yet they are deter- mined to hold on their way, do their duty, and pray God to give the increase. They recommend to the churches they represent, to aid the funds of the Convention, not only at the rate heretofore recommended, but with a liberal increase of the bounty. They report an addition of sixty by baptism ; and as the Association extends over two counties, they re- commend the formation of a Bible society in each county, auxiliary to the < American &; Foreign Bible Society.* " The Oneida Association report one hundred and thirty- four baptized ; in their corresponding letter, however, they say, * Two or three churches only have enjoyed refreshings, and on some others a few mercy -drops have fallen, while the majority have remained quite stationary. There is good reason for this : less has been done in the churches for the salvation of sinners the year past, than in former years, and the result is accordingly. Although, when the liberalities of 13 14'6 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. the churches were counted, it was found that the pledge of last year was not redeemed, yet the delegates more than made up the defficiency on the spot* " Onondaga Association. The report of this Association^ though less fraught with incidents expressive of the victories of Zion's King than at some other sessions, is nevertheless most interesting in its details, as it exhibits those traits of Christian character which tend to promote the glory of God,. They have not, however, been passed by of the Master in the dispensing of his favors, for they report fifty-four baptized and added to the church the past year. And while they are favored in the providence of God, with an amount of means equal to any other Association in central New York, they have determined not to be behind their brethren in sustain- ing the cause of benevolence. They promptly redeemed the pledge they gave to the Convention last year, and resolved to attempt to raise at least $600 the current year, while the claims of kindred institutions are responded to with a be- coming liberality. " Ontario Association has been much refreshed the past year.^ Several of the churches have enjoyed the visits of 21ion's King, who has multiplied the victories of his grace among them. Tliey report an addition of one hundred and twenty- six joyful converts, who,, having believed through grace, have been baptized. They feel themselves enlisted in every en- terprise which is, designed to fill the earth with the knowl- edge and the glory of the Lord. " The Oswego Association^ although of but four years' stand- ing, are nevertheless desirous to assume their full share of responsibility in carrying out the great commission to disciple the nations* Their recent session was one of great harmony,- and was attended with marked expressions of the presence of the Lord. They have resolved to sustain a missionary m the county, and are persuaded that an additional laborer would find much land which can not by the one employed be cultivated. The past year has not been to them like some which preceded it, when each of the reapers brought his sheaves with him ; yet they hope the good seed has taken root, and will soon invite the reaper's sickle. They report an addition of eighteen by baptism. " Otsego Association. In their corresponding letter they say,- BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVE3\TION-. 147 *The present session of the Association has been one of great harmony and Christian affection. Several of the churches have during the year enjoyed seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and the interest felt in the benevolent operations of the day exceeds what lias ever before appeared.' They report the baptism of two hundred and fifteen, to whom the Lord has granted repentance unto life — the redemption of the pledge of 8500 given the Convention the last year, with an additional sum, $120 — and the recommendation to the churches to raise at least ^600 to aid the cause of home missions the current year. This is the oldest Association in western New York, and they appear desirous of setting an example worthy to be imitated by the rest. " RensselaervUle Associaticm are still deteraiined to hold up the light of life, and to contribute th^ir prayers and alms for the conversion of the world. During the past year the Lord has appeared in the midst of several churches, and enabled them to exult in the victeries of his grace. They report one hundred and fifty-seven lovely disciples, who, having gladly received the word, were baptized and added to the churches* " The Saratoga Association, although they have suffered a diminution of nearly two hundred, and have parted with several valuable ministering brethren, most of whom have emigrated to the far west, yet they are determined not to be discouraged ; fully oonfident that the cause is the Lord's and he will not suffer it to fail. A few of the churches have re- ceived a visit from the King of saints, who made the place of his feet glorious in their midst. The whole number bap- tized in the Association is one hundred and eleven. They furnish about $400 for the Convention, and resolved to raise at least $500 the current yeai% " The Seneca Association say, * At our present session we have enjoyed a season of unusual interest. We have among us some things to deplore and some things to approve : among the former, are, a want of zealous attention to religious iis'.ers. S. Bloss, Jr. P. P. Brown, J. P. Simmons T. Martin, Bap 48 1 2 49 nis . N6. 92 114 115 14 66 58 139 53 191 212 181 94 ters. Churches. Steuben, Trenton, Trenton Vill. Utica, Verona, Vernon, 1. Vienna, 2. Vienna, 1 Westmorel'd 2 Westmorel'd Whitesboro, Whitesboro branch at New- Hartford. 3 Licentia Ministers. A. Williams, N. Wattles, A.F.Rockwell T. Wilks, W. Dickins, D.D.Ransom, J. W. Gibbs, Bap 3 10 9 13 34 No. 93 93 32 194 C. A. Clark, J. Mallery, D. Alcott, Zelora Eaton, James Rhodes, 154 80 3S T. Martin, W. Pepper, C. P. Sheldon, C. Read, tes. 1 37 50 237 C. Hartshorn, G. Bridge, aes. 19 M 22 2259 1795. OTSEGO ASSOCIATION. 1836. 1. Burlington, 2. Burlington, N.Burlington, Brookfield, Cooperstown, Columbia, Edmeston, Exeter, Fairfield, FrankfiDrt, Litchfield, Little Falls, Morehouse- ville, Newport, W. M. Burch, D. Cutler, H. Turner, L. Raymond, S. Taylor, R. T. Smith, B. Phelps, L. Ransted, C. Pearce, D. Morris, David Pratt, A.F.Rockwell 1 37 77 23 102 27 191 8 101 37 10 205 30 90 1 77 2 111 2 46 1 76 13 14 223 Norway, Otsego, Oppenheim, Plainfield, Pleasant Val. Richfield, Russia, Springfield, Stratfi)rd, Salisbury, Schuyler, Warren, W. Winfield, Fort Plain Sc Canajoharie, W. B. Curtis, Geo. Holt, J. Wells, E. Miner, A. Smith, S. Hitchcock, D. Robinson W. Hodgson, W. Thomson, D. Putnam, S. Hutchins, 23 Churches. 22 Ministers. 1 Licentiate 46 131 60 1 40 6 64 6 128 92 i, 6 35 70 94 I, 4 97 112 14 61 6 106 20 2 15 2496 1824. ONONDAGA ASSOCIATION. 1836. Camillus, Canton, Clay, Elbridge, A. Graham, 2 47 T. Brown, L. Beadle, 3 112 H. Warner, 89 C. M. Fuller, 3 283 Fabius, 1. Lysander, 2. Lysander, Fayetteville, O. Montague, Or en Judd, Peter Witt, WHutchinson 272 55 91 123 ASSOCIATIONAL STATISTICS. 171 Churches. IMinisters. Bap. No. Churches. Ministers. Bap. No. Manlius & Sullivan, Allen Breed, 35 Onondaga Hill, D.D .Chitten- den, 44 Pompey Cen. H, Jones, 48 Syracuse, S. Wilkins, 1 204 Manlius Squa. D. Bellamy, 16 198 Tully, I. Bellows, Marcellus, B.W. Capron, — Everts, 14 186 John Johns, 192 Lafayette, R. Streeter, 1 40 1. Onondaga, Cicero, N.Farnswerth 83 J. Holloday, 1 49 2. Onondaga, S. Gardner, 1 86 ■ 19 Churcl les. 16 Ministers. 6 Licentiates. 57 2137 1813. ONTARIO ASSOCIATION. 1836. 1. Benton, 1. Bristol, W. Bloomfield Bristol & Na- ples, l.Canandaig'a Canandaigua Village, Geneva, Hopewell, Gorham, John GofF, S. Goodale, P. Sabin, H. Monger, A. Thorp, J. Hally, M. Allen, U. B. Miller, J. Sears, A. W. Howes, E. Haskell, W. Witter, A. Haskell, 18 Churches. 1 95 77 64 22 2 59 36 100 1 113 31 1 96 Italy, IW. More, Junius & Tyre iV. Baker, Manchester, N. Barrell, Middlesex &.| Gorham, C. Bateman, 1. Phelps, 2. Phelps, 3. Phelps, Macedon, Seneca Falls, H. Shute, Jr. Wm. Roe, C. Rice, P. Turk, P. Spear. 44 73 175 91 151 91 72 159 80 123 1593 17 Ministers. 5 Licentiates. 1832. OSWEGO ASSOCIATION. 1836. Colosse, C. Marshall, 161 2. Palermo, A. Keith, 10 38 Hannibal, P. Woodin, Phoenixville, N. Camp, 1 52 D.McFarland 2 257 Pulaski, C. B. Taylor, 2 89 Hastings, S. D. Dean, 2 68 Parish, D. Martin, 30 Mexico, W. Frary, 109 Richland, E. Burdick, 1 84 New Haven, W. Frary, 72 Sandy Creek, 62 Orwell, 43 Volney, 39 Oswego, J. Waterman, J. Hollinbeck, C.W.Denison, 237 18 1339 14 Churc les. . 11 M mii 3ters. 2 Licentia tes. 172 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. 1789. KENSSELAERVILLE ASSOCIATION. 1636. 3ap, No. ; Ministers, Bap. No. Rensselaer & Berne, Renssel'ville, 1. Westerlo, Greenville, S. Westerlo, Berne &-Knox R. Wingar, Jr. S. Paddock, D. Corwin, WM.Doolittle R, Wingar, Jr. 51 95 25 184 22 131 5 38 70 Duanesburgh & Florida, Charleston, 2. Schoharie, N. Baltimore, Durham, Middleburgh, C. Herrick, E. Herrick, S. Hare, H. Hervey, 83 144 102 60 62 37 12 Churches. 8 Ministers. 157 1057 1804. SARATOGA ASSOCIATION. 1836. Amsterdam, Am-iesville, Ballston Spa, Broadalbin, Burnt Hills, Clifton Park, Corinth, Edinburg, 1. Galway, 2. Galway, 1. Greenfield, J.I.Whitman, 3 71- A. B. Earl, 2 26 C. B. Keyes, G. Roe, 2 219 271 S. Shorten, G. W. Harris, 190 A. Peck, S. Poraeroy, 3 131 H. H. HafF, 1 3 95 84 D. Corey, M. L. Fuller, T. Day, 3 60 J.S.M'Collom, 13 229 H. H. Haff, 78 2. Greenfield, Halfmoon, Milton, Moreau, Northampton, Providence, Saratoga Springs, Schuylerville, Stillwater, A. H. Palmer, 34 T. Powell, J. V. Ambler, H. Slade, A. Seamans, W. Groom, E. P. Dye, J. Fletcher, J.W.Olmsted, J. Wescot, 5-. Wright, E. Wescot, E.B. Cran(lalll2i 46 223 192 35 170 112 182 142 180 20 Churches. 16 Ministers. 9 Licentiates. 1112736 1832. SENECA ASSOCIATION. 1836. Big Flatt, Catlin, Covert, Elmira, Enfield, Factorpille, Farmerville, 1. Hector, 2. Hector, 3. Hector, 4. Hector, A. Jackson, 4 92 TSSheardown 183 R. Woolsey, 2 139 A. Jackson, 3 103 J. F. Stark, 79 H. Ball, 11 49 B. S. Clay, 8 100 B. R. Swick, 4 102 E. Kimbal, 7 90 23 R. G. Lewis, 72 Ithaca, Lodi^ Newfield, Ovid, Painted Post: Reading, Romulus, Southport Conn., under the pastoral care of Eld. Daniel Miner ; andy following the tradition of my fathers, without examining the subject of baptism, had my child sprinkled. "Oct., 179&, removed to Middletown, Conn., and joined a church of the same order. A number of the brethren, living in the same vicinity, and remote from the body of the churchy maintained meetings in my neighborhood during the winter season, and for a considerable time I attended only as a hear- er. But after severe trials for several weeks, I was con» strained to take an active part in exhortation and prayer.^ In so doing I obtained deliverance, and went on my way re- joicing. I remained in this place more than five years, and continued to enjoy the consolations of religion most of the time. In 1785 I removed to Sandersfield, Mass., where I found myself in a very destitute region. No religious de- nomination maintained public worship within seven miles* In these circumstances I felt irresistibly urged, with one other individual, to establish a meeting. In conducting divine worship, I endeavored, as far as I was able, to instruct the people, without entertaining the thought of ever attempting- to preach. Through many trials and discouragements, our meetings were continued a.bout two years. Not far from BIOGRAPHIES CALEB DOUGLASS. 209 this time the health of my wife became seriously impaired, and she sunk into a fatal decline, which terminated her earthly existence on the 19th day of August, 1788." With this mournful event his memorandum closes. In 1789 he was married to Sarah, daughter of Daniel Hall, of Meriden, Conn. He continued his public exercises, but en- dured severe trials in relation to baptism, especially when those who had experienced religion under his improvements questioned him on the subject. He removed to Whitesboro, N. Y., 1791. After a full investigation, he became thoroughly convinced of the invalidity of infant sprinkling, and of the correctness of the sentiments maintained by the Baptist de- nomination respecting the ordinances of the gospel. Under the influence of these views, he joyfully received the sacred rite at the hand of Eld. Stephen Parsons, 1796, being one of the first persons ever baptized in Whitestown. Not far from this time a Baptist church was formed in the village of Whitesboro, of which he became a member. Although at its organization this little branch of Zion consisted of but seven individuals, he lived to see it embrace more than three hundred members. In 1799 he was chosen deacon of said church ; was subsequently called to the exercise of his min- isterial gifts : and on the 7th of January, 1802, was set apart, by ordination, to the work of the gospel ministry. Eld. Stephen Parsons, Hezekiah Eastman, and John Stevens, officiated on the occasion. In 1803 he yielded to the earnest solicitations of his breth- ren, and consented to take the pastoral charge of the church in Whitesboro, which he continued to do with fidelity and success till 1816, when he was succeeded by Eld. Galusha. This transfer of his pastoral responsibilities, which was at nis own instance, and effected by his own persevering efforts, neither abated his activity nor his usefulness. While, as a nursing father, his zeal for the welfare of the church at home was not ^diminished, his evangelical labors in destitute neighborhoods, and among feeble churches abroad, were more abundant. Thus he spent eight happy years, making glad the hearts of many, and rejoicing in the increasing prosperity of the dear church with whose interests the ten- derest sympathies of his soul were interwoven. At times his cup of blessing seemed to overflow, while he 18* 210 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. saw his beloved children and grand-children bowing to the sceptre of mercy. On one occasion he had the unspeakable satisfaction of seeing one of his daughters and four of her children buried with Christ in baptism ; and from their sub- sequent conduct derived abundant evidence that they had risen in newness of life. But his cup was not entirely un- mingled. While, with the rapid increase and uninterrupted harmony of the church, as well as in the conversion of his own offspring, his soul was delighted^ the laxity of habits, the want of liberality and punctuality in many of the pro- fessed disciples of Christ, often distressed him. He was also the subject of considerable bodily affliction. At one time he was brought to the verge of the grave ► All hope of his recovery was abandoned. He set his house in order, committed himself into the hands of God, and with great calmness of mind and firmness of hope waited for the signal of his departure. But just as he was about to wave a final adieu to all sublunary things, the Lord rebuked the disease, and bade him return to life and health. His respite from the pains of the flesh was not, however, of very long continuance. In February, 1824, he was attacked with a violent inflammation of the eyes, which rendered him a contin- ual sufferer during the remainder of his days. The tempo- ral interests of his numerous family, the youngest of whom was advancing toward manhood, rendered it expedient in his view to change his location, and in September follov/ing he removed to Gorham, Ontario Co., N. Y. Of the subsequent scenes of his mortal life, the following account is furnished by his affectionate daughters : " The inflammation in his eyes increased till total bline- ness ensued. The change from a life of activity to confine- ment, together with the tendency of his disease, produced an extreme nervous affection, and a consequent depression of spirits. Aug., 1830, he was called to part with his dear companion, the solace of his declining years, who possessed a kindred spirit with his own. This was an unexpected trial, but he felt to say, ' It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good.' He expected soon to follow her, and realized the importance of being in actual readiness to receive the sum- mons. His situation seldom allowed of visiting the house of God, but he was occasionally favored witli the preaching of ;he gospel in his own house. BIOGRAPHIES — CALEB DOUGLASS. 21 1 " To prevent his mind preying upon itself, and to dissipate the gloom in which it was enveloped by a seclusion from the pleasures of society, and from the light of day, he engaged in domestic labors, related Bible anecdotes to his little grand- children, and employed them in reading to him the word of life. One of these little ones read the New Testament en- tirely through in his hearing six times. At intervals he enjoyed the Divine presence, but most of the time complained of darkness. He often expressed his gratitude to God that he was never left to despair. "In Feb», 1832, during a protracted meeting, which he was enabled to attend a part of the time, many souls were hopefully brought to the knowledge of the Savior, among whom were his two youngest children, who soon united with the Baptist church in that place. The other ten had previ- ously entertained a hope^ and nine of them were professors. He then felt to adopt the language of Simeon, ' Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.' From this time he enjoyed nrore of the pre- senee of his Redeemer, and felt an unshaken reliance on the promises of God. From the commencement of the disease in his eyes, his bodily sufferings were severe, and continued to increase till they were terminated by death, "From the 15th of May, 1833, he was almost entirely confined to his bed^ and gradually failed till Sept. 22, when he was attacked by the malady which closed his earthly career. His last days were those of excessive suffering. But his patience was remarkable. He contemplated his ap- proaching dissolution with perfect composure, and seemed fully conscious that his hope was well founded." His disease progressed rapidly, and on Sept. 27, 1833, he "fell asleep." His funeral sermon was preached on the fol- lowing day, by Eld. John Peck, of Cazenovia, an intimate friend of the bereaved family, and for many years a beloved fellow-laborer with the deceased. It was regarded by the afflicted relatives as a special favor of their heavenly Father, that a minister of Jesus Christ, so particularly acquainted with their departed sire, and so much endeared to him and to them, should have been providentially present on the sol- emn occasion, to bedew the death-bed of that venerable ser- vant of God with generous tears, and place the kiss of affec- 212 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. tion upon his cold cheek — to assuage the grief of the mourn- ers by his tenderest sympathies, and to impart to them pre- cious consolations from the word of life. A father in Israel has fallen ; but faithful memory will embalm him. He has left a numerous posterity to bewail him ; but they mourn not as those who have no hope. He had an extensive circle of relatives who survive him, besides twelve children, seventy-two grand-children, and twenty-five great-grand-children ; total one hundred and nine. All his children, and twenty of his grand-children, cherish a hope of salvation through the blood of Christ ; and all except one of these have publicly consecrated themselves to the service of God, in the Baptist communion. How unspeakable the blessing which that patriarch must have enjoyed, as the time of his exit approached. Just as he was about to close his eyes upon every terrestrial object, he saw his twelve children all embraced in the ark of safety, and cherished the fond hope of hailing them hereafter upon the banks of everlasting deliverance. How incomparably preferable such a privilege to that of leaving them in the possession of millions. Oh ! let me not only " die the death of the righteous," but let my dying couch be moistened by the tears and hallowed by the prayers of pious children. — We should do injustice to the claims of departed worth, as well as to those of surviving friends, and the Christian church, if we were not to give at least a brief sketch of the character of our lamented father in Zion. His virtues were not few, nor were his faults numerous. In whatever relation or respect we contemplate him, we shall find many things to approve, somewhat to admire, and very little to deplore. As a man^ he was above everything sordid, and "provided things honest in the sight of all men." His morality was pure, and his principles inflexible. He united consistency, energy, and stability of character. He was unaspiring and unpretending, yet independent and decided, in his opinions. As he was exceedingly careful not to tres- pass upon the rights of others, he was proportionably wounded by an encroachment upon his. But while he retained a deep sense of injuries received, and expressed the strongest disap- probation of the conduct of those by whom they were inflict- ed, he was far from indulging a spirit of retaliation. He BIOGRAPHIES CALEB DOUGLASS. 213 was remarkably grateful for favors, and always cherished the most kindly recollection of his benefactors. He was justly admired for his signal hospitality, and universally esteemed as a citizen and a neighbor. Notwithstanding his early education was very limited, and his mind never highly cultivated, yet, being possessed of natural talents above mediocrity, and seeking information with more than common avidity, he acquired a very respect- able fund of knowledge. This was principally of a practical character, but not therefore the less valuable in its results. Entering the ministry at a period in life when he was encum- bered with the expenses of a family, and receiving but a pittance for his public services, he was of necessity still a man of business. And, as such, he was a pattern of industry frugality, and economy. His original occupation was that of a mechanic. But the labors of the shop were exchanged for those of the field. He was systematic and energetic in all his movements. Being uniformly accustomed to early rising, he found no occasion for toiling at unseasonable hours. He aimed at doing everything at the right time, and in the best manner. His rule of order was, " A place for everything, and every- thing in its place." Although a large portion of his active life was devoted to the duties of the ministry, while he com- municated and taught his children to communicate freely to the necessities of others, still, by his prudence and perseve- rance, the industry of his family, and the blessing of Heaven, he rose from poverty to a considerable degree of affluence, and left all his children in the possession of a competency of this world's goods, as well as spiritual treasures. In speaking of the manner in which he discharged his rela- tive duties, it is but just to say that his fraternal, conjugal, and parental, relations, were all sustained with fidelity and tenderness. As a brother, his example, his counsel, and his kindness, greatly endeared him to his brethren, two of whom appear to have been awakened by his admonitions, and event- ually embraced a hope of salvation. As a husband, he was affectionate and faithful. He anticipated the wants and regarded the wishes of his companion. He identified her character, her interests, and her happiness, with his own. His absence was always a subject of regret, and his presence 214 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. ever an occasion of joy. As a father, he was kind and indulgent. To some his government might have appeared rigid, but its influence was kindly, and its happy results com- mend it to all. He was aware that the insubordination of children is ruin — that undue indulgence is so far from in- creasing their attachment to parents, that it saps the very foundation of filial respect and love. He watched over the conduct of his offspring with deep solicitude, and often car- ried them to the mercy-seat in the arms of faith and prayer. His timely instructions and admonitions were taken from lessons of experience and the word of God. The salutary habits, unsullied reputation, and animating prospects, of all his children, proved an ample reward of all his parental anxieties, labors, and prayers. As a Christian, he had much decision of character, ardor of zeal, and perseverance of effort. The subject of religion was the principal theme of his conversation, and its promo- tion the paramount object of his pursuit. We have known but iQ\Y who were more ready to sacrifice private interest to public good. He was emphatically a man of prayer ; and the burden of his supplications was, " Thy kingdom come." His attachment to the cause of Christ was inviolate and immutable. He could adopt the language of David, and say, " If I forget thee. Oh ! Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth ; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy." He was proverbial for his punctuality, both in the intercourse of business and the duties of religion — a virtue which is as valuable as it is rare. He considered all the appointments of the church as sacred, and allowed no secular interest to interfere with them. We could most de- voutly wish that his example in this respect were more gen- erally copied by church-members. It would greatly encourage the heart and strengthen the hands of pastors, and equally pro- mote the harmony, love, and the practical piety,of the churcheF. As a deacon^ he " magnified his office." Instead of regar- ding it as merely nominal, as we have reason to fear many do, he was conscious that it involved high responsibilities and imposed most important duties. In that department he was vigilant, active, and extensively useful. He sought out and relieved the wants of the poor, administered comfort BIOGRAPHIES CALEB DOUGLASS. 215 to the sick, urged the claims, seconded the efforts, and sus- tained the influence, of the minister, and sought to promote the spirituality and prosperity of the whole church. Such a deacon is a treasure to the people of God, and has his record on high. May the Lord give us many such ! For the want of them Zion languishes ; the unruly are not sub- dued ; backsliders depart farther and farther from duty ; the poor and the afflicted are unrelieved ; ministers are neglected and discouraged ; and in many instances the candlestick is removed out of its place. As a minister of the gospel, he was firm and faithful, but unusually retiring. Deeply im- pressed with the dignity and sanctity of the office, sensible of the deficiency of his education, and diffident of his abili- ties, he shrunk from its responsibilities, and would probably never have assumed it but for the earnest solicitations of the church, by whom his qualifications were more justly appre- ciated. Having with trembling submitted to public ordina- tion, and feeling pressed by the weight of obligation connec- ted with that solemn consecration, he seized upon every facility, the better to prepare himself for the duties of his high vocation. By religious intercourse, the aid of judicious authors, and a prayerful investigation of the sacred scrip- tures, he acquired an accurate and thorough knowledge of the doctrines and duties embraced in the Christian system. Considering the amount of secular business with which he was encumbered, his reading was somewhat extensive, prin- cipally of a theological and historical kind, rarely miscella- neous. The writings of Gill, Fuller, Booth, Boston, Baxter, and Mosheim, were very conspicuous in his small but well- selected library; and with these he was quite famiHar. While he found many things in each of these authors to admire, and was very partial to some of the productions of Gill, his doctrinal views were evidently coincident with those of the evangelical Fuller. In his public ministry he exalted the sovereign grace of God in the salvation of sinners, but insisted alike upon strict obedience to the cross of Christ ; nor did he fail to season his discourses with the sweets of Christian experience. As a preacher, he exhibited more of a sound judgment and a warm heaft than of a lively imagination. His manner was plain, ardent, and solemn. In prayer he was copious. 216 BAPTIST MISSIONARY COTs'VENTION. appropriate, and impressive. In discipline he was prompt and decisive. His admonitions were in general timely and faithful ; but his violent opposition to evil and his (Jangerous temperament sometimes betrayed him into severity. As a pastor, he was vigilant and affectionate, attentive to the sick, and kind to the poor. Such was his liberality, that, to these, and to the cause of benevolence, he gave more than the whole amount which he received for ministerial services. Relying upon his own industry and the blessing of God for temporal support, he succored many of the saints, and his house was the stranger's home. There remains yet unnoticed one trait in the character of Eld. Douglass, which deserves to be set in bold relief. Adis- iNTERESTEDNEss which is justly comparable to that displayed by the ancient Baptist, when, without envy or mortification, he said of him by whom he was to be superseded, " He must increase, but I must decrease." There is something in this disposition so opposite to that which reigns in the unsancti- fied, selfish heart, that renders it as difficult of acquisition as it is noble in its nature. That man must have a signal degree of grace, who, for the general good, can voluntarily hide himself in the shade of another. Yet such an attain- ment is exceedingly desirable, as it is one of the crowning excellencies of the Christian religion, which sheds a lustre on the Savior's character, and is admirably adapted to the happiness and usefulness of the individual who is thus exalted. Such was the high privilege of the worthy servant of God who is the subject of these remarks. Like the sun setting in a cloudless sky, he shone most brilliantly when retiring from the pastoral office. He was the first to propose that step. He saw a generation come up around him, possessed of ad- vantages of education altogether superior to those which he had enjoyed. He perceived that the state of society was vastly changed, and judged that a younger man, of different attainments, would be better adapted to the interests of that community than himself. He fixed his mind on a brother whom he deemed qualified for the station, urged the church to obtain him, and made personal efforts and sacrifices to effect the object. Having succeeded in getting that brother upon the ground, he procured for him a comfortable settle- ment, resigned to him the pastoral charge, and continued to BIOGRAPHIES CALEB DOUGLASS, ^ 217 act as one of his warmest advocates and liberal supix)rters. During the first year of his labors, he contributed more for his support than he had himself received from the whole congregation any preceding year. So far from being moved to envy, when he saw the hearts of the people turning towards the young pastor, he was constantly provoking them to love him, spreading the mantle of charity over his faults, and using every proper means to increase his influence at home and abroad. He never administered advice to him in a dictatorial man- ner, but always with parental tenderness. He watched over and cherished all the interests of his junior brother with unceasing kindness, and greatly rejoiced in his increasing prosperity and usefulness. By such a magnanimous and disin° terested course of conduct, he not only secured the lasting gratitude and love of him whose usefulness and happiness he thus promoted, and procured the smiles of an approving con- science and an approving God, but, by strengthening the b:inds of union in the church of Christ, and consecrating his heart and all his influence to the advancement of the Re- deemer's kingdom, he has deeply entrenched himself in the hearts of the saints, and entailed a blessing on his memory which will accompany it to his latest posterity. How unamiable is the conduct, and how unenviable the lot, of that minister in like circumstances, whose conduct forms a perfect contrast with thi^ noble example. Regard. less of the march of improvement, either stationary or retro- grade, he holds on upon his pastoral charge, till the church, to preserve its own existence, or to prevent the young, enter- prising, and well-informed, of the congregation from aban- doning their place of worship, is constrained to obtain a more efficient and enlightened minister ; then he ascribes the con- duct of the church to pride and popularity ; looks with an anxious eye upon his successor, magnifies his faults, miscon- strues his nvotives, indulges a spirit of jealousy and detrac- tion, tells how little he requires for preaching, (perhaps nothing,) and what a salary " this proud youngman" demands ; careful not to state that he himself owns a farm well-stocked, is driving bargains, growing rich, and laboring in the field six days in the week, fostering and increasing his own flock, while the flock of God is scattered, and torn, and bleeding, 19 218 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONV^ENTION. and his impenitent neighbors are rushing on to perdition^ unheeded and unadmonished. Although the brother by whom- he is superseded may give himself wholly to the ministry, studying, visiting, preaching, praying, conversing, and abounding in the work of the Lord seven days in the week^ while he receives but a scanty support, he charges him with laziness, love of money, priestcraft, and robbery, and seems to delight in counteracting his influence, and distracting, if not destroying, the church over which he presides. Could tears tarnish the lustre of heaven, the sainted Douglass would still weep over such an unlovely scene. He was a warm friend of ministerial education — -was one of the founders of the Hamilton seminary — continued its decided advocate and supporter through life, and gave a dying pledge of his undying interest in its prosperity. While we ardently desire that older ministers may tread in his steps, we as devoutly pray that our young Elishas may wear the mantle and breathe the spirit of this departed Elijah. But we would that others should follow him only wherein he fol- lowed Christ. We are far from claiming perfection for this dear servant of God, and as far from being blind to his faults. Full well we know that sin, which has shaded the fairest scenes and polluted the purest joys of earthy has also marred the loveliest visage and sullied the brightest virtues of the sons of God. Eld. Douglass had his share of human frailty. Under trials he was sometimes impatient ; under provocations somewhat irritable ; and toward those who differed from him in sentiment or practice, his feelings were rather rigid. But so prominent and so numerous were his redeeming qualities, that in the eye of charity his imperfections were almost annihilated, and by the atoning blood of the Savior they were blotted out forever. We have pursued him in life, and found him diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. We have fol- lowed him through the furnace of affliction, and seen him " glorify God in the fire." We have witnessed his conflict with the last enemy, and seen him bear away the palm of victory to the world of glory. And now, while his rapt spirit reposes on the bosom of God, let us aspire to equal usefulness in life, triumph in death, and rest in heaven. BIOGRAPHIES JONATHAN FERRIS. 219 JONATHAN FERRIS. '* Oh ! Jonathan, thou wast slain in thy high places. I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan ; very pleasant hast thou been unto me !" Religion, in its operations on the human mind, is designed to produce a portrait of the Divine character ; and in what •can we more clearly discover the lovely perfections of our adorable Savior, than in the virtuous and upright lives of his dear children in this world ? In reviewing the conduct of those who have appeared eminent in piety, and have now taken their departure into the eternal world, the religious traits in their character shine forth in the most vivid color, and produce a fascinating effect on the mind of the observer, and imperceptibly lead to the great Fountain of all moral beauty. Examples produce greater effects than precepts. For this reason the spirit of inspiration has favored us with the previous traits in the lives of holy men of old. The ex- ample is worthy of imitation ; for " the righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance." Eld. Jonathan Ferris was the son of Dea. Israel Ferris, and was born in Stamford, Dutchess Co., N. Y., on the 25th of April, 1778. From a child he was a subject of serious impressions. He at length obtained a satisfactory evidence of his adoption, and in the year 1796 was baptized by Eld. Elkanah Holmes, then a missionary among the Indians. He was the first person that was baptized in the town of Norwich, Chen. Co., N. Y. Soon after his baptism a church arose in that town, with which he united. He was married to Miss Rhoda Purdy, daughter of Dea. James Purdy, of Plymouth, Chen. Co., N. Y., in 1798, May 20, 1803, he received a license from the church to improve his gift in preaching ; and August 25, 1808, he was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry, in the church in North Norwich, by solemn ordination. He continued his pastoral labors with this church until Oct. 25, 1817. His labors in this place were greatly blessed to the edification of the people of God and the awakening of sinners. There was from year to year a gradual increase of numbers in the 220 BAPTIST HISSIOXAKY C0^-VE?^TIO:^. church. But in the years of 1810 and — 11 a glorious revival took place, during which eighty-three precious souls; were added to- the church, many of whom were youth. In this hallowed season of Divine influence his soul was on the wing, rejoicing in the glorious triumph of l>ivine grace, and laboring incessantly to promote the glorious cause of the divine Redeemer. In 1816 it pleased tl:i€ Lord again to pour out his Spirit on this church and society, which produced an addition of sixty souls to the church. About the same time a shower of Divine influences descended on the village of Norwich, which caused an accession ef one hundred and one members to thre church in that place. In this revival Br. F. was very active and exceedingly useful. He baptized nearly all the new members, as their pastor. Eld. J. Randall, was unable to administer, by reason of a dislocation of his slioulder. But in tlie midst of his useful labors in this vicinity. Prov- idence seen^/ed to call upon him to relinquish his pastoral charge. Accordingly, on the 25th of Oct. 1817, he gave in' his resignation, and removed to Milo, in the county of YateSy N. Y. Here he was called upon to take the pastoral care. of the church in Milo and Jerusalem. In this relation he con- tinued until the time of his melancholy exit. His labors in- this vicinity were greatly blessed, especially the last year, m which he was called upan to baptize a large number in Pultney* But it pleased the sovereign Disposer of all events to pre- sent him with a bitter cup, of which he mu&t drink ; for on- the 6th of Sept. 1820, the desire of his eyes, the wife of his 3fouth, was called from these mortal shores to tlie enjoyment of brighter pleasures in the world above. The stroke was heavy ; yet with due submission he bowed to the v/ill of God. On the occasion he writes thus : " After being wedded to her about twenty-tw-o years, death hath dissolved tlie conneetion, and left me with seven motherless children, and a large circle of relatives and friends to mcurn under the bereaving prov- idence. I knov/, O Lord ! that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me." In 1821 he married the widow Rachel Roberts, a worthy member of the church in Montgomery, Penn., under the pastoral care of the Rev. Silas Hough. In this woman he found an agreea- ble companion, a kind motlier to his children^ and a rea£ lielper in tlie gospeL BIOGRAPHIES JONATHAN FEREIS. 221 But this happy family were not allowed long to enjoy each t)ther ; for on Tuesday, the 17th of June, 1823, about 4 o'clock, P. M. a cloud arose from the southwest, highly charg- ed with the electric fluid, and seemed to pass over, but soon returned ; the lightning and thunder were incessant. Br» F. observed the clouds had a singular appearance, and seemed anxious to watch their movements, and frequently went to the door, until requested by his daughter to come away. He came and took a seat by her, but in a moment left the seat, and went to the window ; but as he was stooping to look out, the angel of death, arrayed in flames, gave the fatal stroke, and his soul took its departure to the realms of glory. The explosion damaged the house very much, but no other person received any lasting injury. His daughter's apron was set on fire, and when the neighbors entered they found his clothes burning, but could perceive no signs of life in him. He was interred on the following day, when an appropriate discourse was delivered by Eld. Amos Chase, to a large and deeply affected congregation, from Psalm xii. 1 : " Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth ; for the faithful fail from among the children of men." He had for some time previ- ous to his death been exercised with an unusual concern for the souls of his fellow-men, and preached with much freedom and fervency on the distinguishing doctrines of the gospel. On the Sabbath before his death he preached three sermons, with much power, seeming to his hearers to possess unusual liberty of thought and utterance. His last text was in Acts XX. 21 : " Testifying both to the Jews and to the Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ." His labors were divided between three distinct congregations, among two of which some hopeful appear- ances cheered his heart, while the one with which he was local- ly situated seemed to remain unaffected under his pious and faithful admonitions and pathetic prayers. This circum- stance seemed to try his faith, and to move him to tears ; but God still chose to hide from him the thing which he intended to do for that people, and called him to cease from his labors and enter into his rest. On the Sabbath following this melancholy providence the people appeared much affected ; the saints were aroused to ^ sense of their duty, and strengthened to take up their cross 19* 22'3 BAPTIST MISSrONARTT CONVENTIOIT. and come up to the help of the Lord, notwithstanding He had removed their imoer-shepherd from them ; while sinners, impressed with the thoughts of death, judgment, and eternity, cried, What shall we do ? and same, in view of the misim- provement of their time and neglect of his ministry, reproached themselves, saying, " How often has he warned us of our danger, and prayed for our souls, and we regarded it not !" About twenty on that day rose up in tlie congrega- tion, and asked the prayers of God's people for them. A subsequent account states that many souls there have been hopefully brought into gospel liberty ; soine had been bap- tized, and the woi-k v/as still progressing. As a husband and parent, he was exemplary, kind, and afectionate. As a friend, faithful and sincere. As a Christian, meek and holy ; and being favored with a melodi- ous voice, he might be considered as one of the sweet singers of Israel *.. he took great delight in singing the praises of God. As a minister, although liis preaching talents were not above mediocrity, he was sound in the faith, and a irrm advocate of the doctrine of free grace. As a pastor, he wa& exemplary, gently leading the flock, and feeding tliern with the sincere milk of the word ; always endeavoring to main- tain pea. On the 8th day of October his funeral was attended by a ninier- ous assembly of neighbors and Christian friends. When we view the successful service of this departed saint, the uniform piety which he maintained through a long life of trials, and his entire submission to the Divine will through his last illness, we can not but admire the grace that enabled him thus to finish his course. ELKANAH COMSTOCK. Eld. Elkanah Comstock was born in New London, Ct., Sept. 30, 1771. He was blessed with a religious education. At what age he publicly embraced the religion of Christ is not known ; yet early in his adult years he was found among the followers of Jesus. His mind soon began to be impressed with a sense of the great work of the ministry, from which he attempted to flee, as Jonah ; and, like him, tried his for- tune at sea ; but it pleased God to frustrate all his plans, and render unsuccessful every attempt in worldly prosperity, while he lived in rebellion against the dictates of the Spirit. Under repeated disasters his mind was led to reflect seriously on his course of life, and soon came to the decision, by God's assistance, to take up the ministry for his lot. In 1797 he was married to Miss Sarah Green, a very amiable and pious young lady, in whom he found an help- meet indeed. She most cheerfully divided the sorrows of life with him, and patiently endured the complicated trials that an all- wise Providence saw fit to apportion them. In the year 1802 he moved to Albany, N. Y., or rather in the county of Albany, and in 1807 he moved to Scipio, Cayuga Co. He lived in the county of Cayuga, in the towns of Scipio and Owasco, about seventeen years. During this period he itinerated in the new settlements of Pennsylvania and the western part of New York. Many dear children of God were made to rejoice, and joyfully testified to his labors of love, while they were built up in the truth under his wholesome instruction. 226 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. His labors in the Cayuga Association entitle him to the grateful recollections of the church in that body, and, in fact, the whole region of country around. Not a council, hardly, was called, but he was one of the members, and the labors of the scribe fell upon him. He had many privations to contend with — a large family to think of, with narrow means; and yet, no man was more punctual to all his appointments. His Master's business seemed to be first in his regards, and his own last. He not unfrequently felt the neglects of brethren in supplying his wants according to their obligations ; but he bore all with astonishing submission. It was rare that you heard a complaint from his lips ; he met you with a smile in his humble mansion, even when straitened for the necessaries of life. His children were always kept in remarkable order, and occupied in some useful industry. His early advantages had been very small ; but he had so improved his time, after entering the ministry, that he acquired a good education, and his theological knowledge was not surpassed by any of his brethren. In the year 1824 the Territory of Michigan was rapidly settling, and the few scattered sheep in the wilderness sent forth a Macedonian cry. Br. Comstock was appointed a missionary by the N. Y. B. State Convention, and removed his family to Michigan, and located in the village of Pontiac. At this time there was not a Protestant minister in the whole Territory. He sought the objects of his Master's love by many an obscure path amidst the recesses of the wilderness. The Baptist churches in Michigan, which received the labors of our brother in their ijicipient state, gratefully acknowledge his labors of love and fatherly counsel. In 1826 or 7 was formed the first Baptist Association in Michi- gan. He aided in forming a sound creed, and sowed the good seed of the kingdom. Not long after he came to this place he was brought very low by a distressing fever ; his family despaired of his life, but the Lord was merciful, and restored him to a comfortable state of health. His constitu- tion, however, was much impaired; and with regret his friends saw him sinking under the weight of years and in- firmities. In Dec, 1830, it pleased the Lord to visit him again with affliction, in the death of a dear daughter ; and on the following February he was called to drink yet deeper BIOGRAPHIES ELKANAH COMSTOCK. 227 in the cup of affliction, by the loss of his dear partner — a woman of uncommon amiabiUty, and possessing apparently all the desirable qualities for a minister's wife. In this dark providence his faith was called to a severe trial which resulted in much holy joy, while he trusted in God, believing that " all things work together for good to them that love God." Not long after the decease of his wife, he resigned the pastoral charge of the church at Pontiac, over which he had presided since its organization. His health gradually declined ; and in the fall of 1833 he went to New London, the place of his nativity, in hopes that a change of air and climate might in some measure restore his health ; but a wise Providence ordered it otherwise. Soon after his arrival in his native place he was taken with the dropsy, which ter- minated his valuable life on the 13th of May, 1834. After the death of Br. Comstock was announced in Pon- tiac, as soon as circumstances admitted, a funeral discourse was delivered in presence of a crowded assembly. The dis- course was founded on the passage in Ephesians iii. 8 : "Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" — the text chosen by Br. Comstock nearly two years before his death. Br. Comstock left a very respectable family — six sons and two daughters — most of whom have arrived to manhoodo One son and one daughter are worthy members of the Bap- tist church in Pontiac. Br. Comstock was an able and bold supporter of the doctrine of Christ. He sought to please his Master, and was " determined to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified." He was a man, therefore, that had imperfections ; yet it is just to say he was exemplary in his course as a man and a minister ; his counsel was sought by the friends of truth ; he was ever ready to assist the feeble churches ; and the people of God have reason to be grateful to the Lord of the vineyard for such a faithful ser. vant in laying the foundation of correct principles in a new country. For the space of about thirty-two years spent in the vine- yard, under all the complicated trials that fell to his lot, he never swerved from the spirit of the gospel. In the afflictions of God's people he took a deep interest. He was a ready 228 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. scribe, and his general knowledge of business rendered him very acceptable to the public. As a private citizen, he was much respected, and his death much lamented ; as a father, he was rarely excelled ; his pious example in his family, and his very affectionate parental kindness, rendered him pecu- liarly dear to his children ; and they sorrowed most of all that he died far from home, and that they should see his face no more. Thus died our Br. Comstock, in the sixty-third year of his age, and was gathered home to participate in " the rest which remains for the children of God." OBED WARREN. Eld. Obed Warren was born of pious parents, in Plain- field, Ct., March 18, 1760. At the age of seven he was a subject of the awakening, and he afterwards thought of the saving, influence of the Spirit of God. This, however, he kept to himself for several years. His parents removed, w^hile he was young, into Dudley, Mass., where he made a profession of religion, and united with the Baptist church in that place, at the age of fifteen. Here he entered the min- istry, and on the day he was twenty-one years old delivered his first sermon. He had a call in Halifax, Vt., where he was ordained, and continued for several years, until he removed to Salem, N. Y. Here he spent a great part of his public life, and was instrumental of building up a respectable church and society. He was favored ^vith several revivals of religion among his people, and was extensively useful in that region of country, in his visits to the churches that were destitute, and in the Vermont Association, of which he was a member. After laboring successfully in Salem nearly twenty years, he had a conviction that his work in that place was done, and that God called him to another part of his harvest. This, however, did not accord with the wishes and judgments of his people. Their parting was painful, yet in his view a duty. He labored for a time with neighboring churches in Cambridge and Hoosick, and at length removed to Delphi, in the county of Onondaga. He spent about two years in that »rOGRAPHIES — ©BED WARREN. 229 place, in which time the church built them a house of wor- ship, and were favored with a revival of religion, which greatly increased their number. The cloud on which his eye was constantly intent then directed his removal to an afflicted people in Scipio, with whom he labored, much to their satisfaction, the following year. Before the expiration of the year, however, he received a call from the 1st Baptist church in Eaton, which, from various circumstances, he deemed it his duty to accept. By this removal he was placed near the centre of the Madison Association, the Ham- ilton and Madison Missionary Societies, and near the Bap- tist Literary and Theological Seminary, in all of which he took a very decided interest. It is presumed that in no part of his life was he more active, or more useful in the general interest of the kingdom, than in the three years he resided in that place. He was an active member of the Board of the Hamilton Missionary Society, and was one of their agents. He was also a firm supporter of the Theolo- gical Institution. At different times he filled the office of President of the Board, of Chairman of the Executive Com- mittee, and of agent for collecting funds. His correctness of judgment, known integrity, and weight of character, gave him much influence in removing the fears and obviating the prejudice of many against the Institution. He embraced the object as a very important one, and entered fully into the principles of the constitution, and the measures adopted for its support. When he came to Eaton, he considered that as his last remove ; but He, who directs the steps of man, had a work for Warren to do in Covet. The winter before his death he was called to that place, and went in " the fullness of the hlessing of the gospel of Christ." In July following he wrote to a correspondent as follows : " It will be agreeable to you to hear that I am in health, and have full employment in this destitute region. There is a little revival in this church ; nine, beside myself, have joined it by letter since I came here. Last Sabbath a large assembly went from the meeting-house to the lake-shore — a very pleasant situation for the occasion : there was much water. Some others, we hope, have been brought out of darkness into the light and liberty of the gospel." 20 230 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. His care for the theological school, from which he was removed about seventy miles, is expressed in the close of this letter, which was written but six weeks before his death, and was his last communication on the subject. " My brother, your employment at Hamilton is closely connected with the interest of Zion. You are sensible that the instruc- tion you give to the young men under your cure will have effect, after we rest from our labors. Were our churches favored with pastors, whose understandings are fruitful in the mysteries of the kingdom, and who are well versed in the laws of our God, and men who imitate the ancient apostles in self-denial, faithfulness, and perseverance, there would be much less difficulties in the churches, and the mouths of a multitude of gain-sayers would be stopped. My brother, I pray God you may have wisdom to perform your duty to the young brethren ; and you will be pleased to have me exhort you to teach and warn every one of them continually, while under your direction. Do write, and let me know how the school prospers." About three weeks before this letter was written, he wrote to Eld. John Peck, informing him that his brother-in-law, Eld. Jonathan Ferris, of Milo, was instantly struck dead by a flash of lightning. He also mentions the chastening of his Father's rod, which he had just experienced upon himself, as another pledge of his love. " Last Sunday," says he, " I had a severe turn of cholic — endured more pain than I have in any one day for several years. I have not regained my usual health ; yet, through the tender mercies of God, was able to preach three sermons last Sabbath — experienced much satisfaction while preaching, and believing, ' Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.' You know, my brother, that I experience less pain and sickness than is usual for one so far advanced in age. Our heavenly Father knew it was for my good to have a few hours of severe pain. Since that, I have much comfort in viewing Him who endured pain, and hath died for us, and hath con- quered death and the grave. Almighty Savior ! help me to cry by faith, ' O death, where is thy sting ? O grave, where is thy victory V O that all the saints were more fervent in their desires that the Lord of the harvest would send forth laborers ! O that all the laborers might work daily as though BIOGRAPHIES OBED WARREN. 231 they were doing their last work ! How seldom do we, my brother, when we preach, or converse with one another, speak as though we reaUzed there is but a single step between us and the eternal world ! O for more fervency in praying — more energy and spirituality in preaching, exhorting, and warning sinners to flee from the wrath to come ! Do, my brother, pray for me, and may we unite in praying for each other, and for all our brethren in the ministry, that we may have the empty things of this world beneath our feet — that our souls may bel blessed, and our tongues anointed with the spirit of the gospel — that we may come to our assemblies every Sabbath, and at all times, in the fullness of the blessing of Christ — that the flock under our charge may be fed v/ith the sincere milk of the word, and our garments be pure from the blood of our impenitent hearers. Should we thus live and preach, and walk in the law of the Lord, the light of the Lord, the love of the Lord, it would be no matter whether we were summoned by chain-lightning, a fit of apoplexy, or fever, or consumption, to meet our God and Redeemer ; for dying would only be going home." It was not, however, till he felt the pangs of death that he relinquished the sanguine expectation of having his life pro- longed. When taken from the sanctuary, about three weeks before his death, he knew not his Father's design, but sup- posed he should soon be returned to his labors, and see more of the salvation of God among his people. During his ill- ness he had strong expectations of recovery, and even when death was changing his countenance, one of his daughters asked him if he did not think he was dying. He answered, *' No ; I shall live and preach the gospel." A member of his church, standing by, said to him, *' Br. Warren, you are dying." He replied, without the least alarm, "Well, fare- well ; I am pure from the blood of men." He spoke but once more, and fell asleep in Jesus, in the sixty-fourth year of his age, and forty-third year of his ministry. He was favored through life with a firm constitution, never impaired by sickness, or age, nor by the most arduous labors. He had a strong mind, but little cultivated in early Ufe, and never much improved in classical literature ; but richly stored with good sense — a well-regulated judgment, correct views of national interests, and of the doctrine of the word of God. 282 BAPTIST MISSIOXAHY CO>'VENTIOr^% His decision of character and firm attachment to truth would never allow him to coimtenance error, even to save the feel- ings of a friend. He haci an untiring spirit in controversy, when he beUeved the cause of God was concerned, and feared not to encounter a host. He had elevated views of the Christian ministry, and spared no pains to expose and remove from the churches those who degraded the office. He was an able counselor and faithful leader in the church of God. He was solemn and devout in prayer, and appeared usually to enjoy much of the spirit and presence of the Savior. His preaching was plain, practical, and impressive, calculated to awaken sinners and edify saints. In fine, his whole character and deportment, as a man, a Christian, and a minister, united many excellencies which are worthy of imitation. Kendrlck's Sermon. JOHN UPFOLD. Eld. Upfold, the youngest of four sons of Mr. George Upfold, a respectable farmer in Cranley, county of Surrey, England, was born Nov. 29, 1766. We find no account of his juvenile years. The first authentic account is as follows : Having been unsuccessful in business, he obtained a commis- sion as an officer in the excise. In this situation he vv^as soon made to realize the wickediiess of his heart and life. He was passing by a Dissenting place of worship in Mid- hurst,* in the county of Sussex, to attend the king's business, at a time when some person was preaching, from whose lips he heard the following words: "Brethren, you have a God to go to." These words, which were intended by the preacher to comfort the saints in a time of persecution, pierced Mr. Upfold's heart. He was fully convinced that he was an undone creature, as he was living without hope and without God in the world. His conduct, for weeks and months, appeared to him unpardonable, as he could not real- * About this time the spirit of persecution ragged in Midhurst to an alarm- ing degree ; and a bandittilhad actually assembled to break up the meeting, when Mr. IJpfold passed by, and soon succeeded in drivirxg the minister frona, the pulpit > BIOGRAPHIES ^JOHN UPFOLD. 233 ize the justice of God in extending mercy to such a sinful creature. However, in an hour of temptation and distress, God, of his infinite goodness, vvas graciously pleased to hush his troubled mind into peace. He was enabled to realize how life and immortality are brought to hght through the gospel, and the words of the apostle John suggested^ them- selves with power to his mind : « The blood of Jesus Christ deanseth from all sin.^^ This gave him great reason to hope that God, for Christ's sake, had forgiven him for all his transgressions. ' ^ When Mr. Upfold had obtained a satisfactory evidence of his adoption into the family of God, he was greatly concerned for the souls of others. He soon left the service of his Brit- annic Majesty, to devote himself to the service of the King of Zion. And although he was conscious of his inability to preach among the heathen the gospel of Christ, yet he ven- tured to offer his service to the London Missionary Society. He was examined by a committee, who returned his name as a candidate for missionary labors. About this time the ship Duff was taken by the French, with sixty missionaries on board. This damped the missionary spirit for a time, during which he turned his eyes to America ; and soon after left his native country. This took place in the spring of 1801. Soon after his arrival he had an opportunity of seeing Dr. Baldwin administer baptism. This led him to an inves- tigation of the subject. He carefully examined the scripture, ^ and soon became convinced, that believers were the only subjects of baptism, and that immersion was the only mode. He was baptized by Eld. B. Titcomb, of Portland. Me. Soon after this he became associated with the Baptist ministers. In the autumn of 1801 he removed from Boston to Portland, in Maine, and united with the Baptist church, and soon became a licentiate to preach the gospel. In the spring of 1805 he removed to Fairfield, Herkimer Co., N. Y., and on the 4th of Jan. 1807, he was ordained to the ■work of the ministry by a council ©f delegates from the churches in Hamilton, Herkimer, 2d Sahsbury, Whitestown, Norway, and Deerfield. Among the ministers attending were those early veterans of the cross, Elds. Hosmer, Eddy, Douglass, and Card. He immediately associated with them in proclaiming the word of truth in the new settlements. 20* 2^4 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. His first labors after leaving Fairfield, in 1809, were per- formed in the towns of Remsen, Boonville, Leyden, and Western. And in some of these towns a reformation was produced, and churches formed in the first three towns, un- der his administration. Up to 1816 his labors were contin- ued in the churches of Fabius and Sangersfield, and in sev- eral missionary towns, the last of which was performed in Upper Canada. This circumstance opened a way for his removal into that province in the autumn of the same year. The labors required in this extensive field were severe, and the toils of nine years' exertions to answer the numerous calls in this then so destitute region reduced his physical energies, and greatly impaired his health. Thus enfeebled, he returned to this Stale, and took up his residence in Mon- tezuma, and preached to the acceptance of the people in that village two years ; and in Hannibal, and other parts of the county of Oswego, he passed the closing year of his life. On the 5th day of September, 1828, while sitting at the table of his morning meal, he was instantly seized ^vith a cutting pain, as from the thrust of a dagger, in the region of the kidneys, where he had long endured a local affection. It was immediately followed with all the alarming indications of a malignrnt fever. Eld. Upfold departed this life the 12th of the same month, at Hannibal, Oswego Co. His preaching was with plainness of speech and uncor- ruptness of doctrine. Salvation through the grace and truth . which came by Jesus Christ was the substance of his theme, and he dwelt with peculiar delight on the sovereigi^ry of its dispensation. His integrity as a man, and his faithfulness as a minister, have secured him the friendship and Christian affection of many, who will sorrow most of all that they shall see his face no more. The glowing sentiment of the Psalmist, expressed in the text he selected for his funeral, " Lord, I have loved the habitation ©f thy house, and the place where thine honor dwelleth," was beautifully illustra- ted in his life and in his death. The peculiar distresses of his last moments did not obscure his views of the crown laid up for him, nor divert his attention from the delights of singing and prayer. Around the same bed where his freed soul was disencumbered of its clay, he gathered the weeping remnant of his family, and sounded his approach to the por- BIOGRAPHIES — SYLVANUS HAYNEff. 235 tals of paradise in notes of praise and in the voice of sup. plication. In one of his last conversations, with his arms stretched forth in the attitude of dedication, he made a final surrender of himself, soul, and body, and exclaimed^ in the language of the penitent, '^'^Here, Lord, I give myself away, 'Tis all that I can do." SYLVANtJS HAYNES. Eld. Sylvajtus Haynes was born at Princetown, Mass.^ Feb. 22, 1768. His father's name was Joseph Haynes. In early childhood he used to attend secret prayer ; and had so deep a sense of sin, and of his exposedness to Divine wrath that he spent his hours alone in prayers and tears. He de- termined to live no longer as he had done^ but to attend to religioa^in earnest. He soon, however, became as thought- less as ever. But through mercy, those powerful impressions were frequent, and he had such views of his sinfulness, and of his danger of eternal ruin, that he was impelled to prayer. At about the age of fourteen he was much addicted to pitching quoits : and he delighted in anticipating the pleasure he should take in the diversion, when the season should open. But it occurred to his mind that he had heard it said, " That people often become much attached to this world, just before they were going to leave it." "This," said he, "'brought death and judgment into view, and forever spoiled all my diversions." Thus God made use of his quoits as arrows to pierce his heart. He now felt himself among the greatest of sinners. His Ufe appeared a continued series of sin. He saw that he had offended a just and holy God, and tramp- led on the blood of a crucified Redeemer. He viewed him- self altogether in the hands of that God against whom he had so long rebelled; from whom he could not flee ; before whose justice he could not stand ; and whose wrath he could not endure. His convictions were extremely pungent* Despair seemed ready to seize his trembling soul. A view of the many mercies of God to him, and his ingratitude for them all, often filled him with grief and shame. He was greatly affected to think he had so long slighted the calls^ 236 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION, warnings, and invitations, of Christ in the gospel. When he saw how he had grieved the Holy Spirit, he wondered that he had not finally left him. So great was his distress, that he thought if he could not obtain relief he must sink to the grave. While thus distressed, he concluded, that, if he could give himself to God, unreservedh^, he would accept of him. But he was soon convinced, that, if his salvation depended on his giving himself to God in a right way, he never should do it, unless divinely assisted. This led him to a deeper sense of his utter lost and undone condition. Yet he resolved, God enabling him, to cry for mercy as long as he should live ; and if he must sink to hell at last, to go praying. He had such views of the deceitfulness of his heart, that he feared he should be left to settle down on a false hope. After a long season of distress, in which he endured the most pungent convictions, God was pleased to reveal Christ in him as the hope of glory. From this time he had such vivid views of the glorious plan of salvation as caused him to rejoice in the hope of a blessed immortality. Then he could triumphantly say, " My Lord and my God, my Christ and my Savior, my heaven and my home." About the age of seventeen, he began to have scruples about his baptism, (as he had only been sprinkled in his infancy.) But after a close examination of the Bible, with fasting and prayer, he was convinced that believers were the only subjects of this ordinance, and immersion the only proper mode. Accordingly, July 5, 1786, he was baptized by Eld. Isaac Beal, of Leicester, Mass., and soon after joined the church under his care. He was then in his nineteenth year. He long had severe trials respecting his call to the work of the ministry. After much prayer and fasting, and great strugglings in his own mind, he finally gave up, and sub- mitted the matter entirely to G©d, leaving all the consequen- ces with him. A door in providence soon opened, and he commenced preaching the last Sabbath in March, 1789. He preached in Princetown about a year. During this period his labors were blessed, and several were converted to God through his instrumentality. In March, 1790, he removed to Middle town, Vt. July 8, 1791, he received ordi- nation, and took the pastoral charge of that church. Elds. Beal, Cornell, Blood, and Green, assisted at the ordination. BIOGTfAPHniS — SYLVANTTS HAYNEff. 23"^ August 16, 1791, he was married to Miss Louisa Gardner, a member of Middletown church. In 1792 a small revival took place, under his ministration. In 1800 and 1801 another revival took place, in which seventeen souls were added to the church. In the year 1808 he had strono- exercises of mind, and ardent desires for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit ; and on the evening of the last Sabbath of October the work of God commenced at a conference-meet- ing, and went on powerfully. In the course of a year from its commencement were baptized and added to the church. In November, 1817, a precious work began, 5nd during the work he baptized fifty-three. Notwithstanding this good work, he felt it to be his duty to remove to some other place. Accordingly, in October, 1817, he removed with his family to Elbridge. Shortly after his location at this place thirty were added to the church, three of whom were awakened under his preaching. In the year 1820 a revival commenced, during which seventy. eight were baptized. On Saturday, March 19, 1825, his wife departed this life, in hopes of a glorious immortality. On the 28th of January, 1826, he was married to Miss Mary Coman, of Cheshire, Mass. This lady had been a professor of religion for many years. But it was but a short time that she enjoyed his company. In less than a year death severed the bond, and removed him from this vale of tears to the mansions of rest. He died Bee. 30, 1826, after a little more than a fortnight's confinement from his ministerial labor. He had been engaged in baptizing^ only three weeks before his death. He died as he had lived, with a hope full of im- mortality. Tlie approach of death was welcomed, for it only opened the portals of glory. The nature of his disease, which w-as an ossification of the heart, admitted his saying very little. But it appeared evident from his brief answers that he died in the triumphs of faith. He was interred on the first day of January, 1827, amid the tears of a bereaved church, and an immense concourse of weeping friends from various places, whom the melancholy providence had brought together, to testify their high respect for a great and good man. A sermon was delivered by Eld. Wyckoff, of Auburn, who about twenty months before performed a similar service at the death of his wife. 238 BAPTIST 3IISSI0NARY CONVENTION. Br. Haynes was of sound judgment, correct principles, and a faithful, affectionate preacher of the gospel. In him young preachers found a father and a friend ; distressed churches a healer of breaches ; and tempted souls a sympathizing guide. His many painful labors for the salvation of sinners, the peace of the churches, the general spread of the gospel, and the purity of the ministry, will never be fully appreciated until the time when he shall stand before his judge, and hear the words of his mouth, " Well done, good and faithful ser- vant." P. S. The foregoing is but a mere minute of this great and good man's life. The writer of this postscript sat under his ministry for near two years — ^had seen him in various circumstances ; and in his opinion he had few superiors, as a minister or Christian. His sermons were uniformly excel- lent ; rarely was it that you heard one not above mediocrity. They were all watered with his tears, both in his study and in the pulpit. He preached the truth in view of the judg- ment ; and not a few have heard him repeatedly say, at the conclusion of his discourses, " I am now ready, brethren, to step from this pulpit to the judgment." There was another expression not uncommon with him when addressing his people, worthy of being remembered. " Brethren, we ought so to live always that death will be a privilege." When conversing about death, he seemed to be always ready to depart. I have known him when absent from home, at the house of a brother, express himself much as follows : " It is perfectly indifferent to me whether I live to see home. If I die by the way, it is no matter ; when the Lord has done with me here, I am ready to go." And yet, no man loved his family more than he, or more highly enjoyed the society of his friends or the institutions of his country. These great interests were near his heart, and according to his ability he gave to each, systematically and prayerfully. The Institu- tion at Hamilton no man prized higher. He felt the want of early advantages, and he was desirous that his young brethren should be liberated from embarrassments under which he had suffered. By his industry, and persevering improvement of every leisure hour, he had acquired quite a fund of knowledge ; and by the constant use of his pen in composition, he not only acquired a readiness in writing, but BIOGRAPHIES— SIMEON BROWN. 239 he wrote with great force and beauty. Many of his essays have adorned tlie early volumes of the Register ; and they may be now turned to and examined with interest and profit. SIMEON BROWN. Died, in Brookfield, N. Y., on Saturday, the 23d of July, 1826, Eld. Simeon Brown, in the 79th year of his age. He was a native of Stonington, Conn., where it was the pleasure of the Lord to make him a subject of renewing grace, and call him into his service. He was baptized and joined the church under the pastoral charge of his father. It was soon manifest to him and the church that God had a work for him to do ; and he was obedient to the heavenly mandate. Con- ferring not with flesh and blood, he was often heard telling of the wonderful work of grace on his heart, the unbounded love of a Savior, and recommending Christ wherever oppor- tunity presented. He soon began to preach the unspeakable riches of Christ to a gainsaying world. After laboring to much acceptance among the people where he first joined, in 1792, he removed to Brookfield, where he immediately erected an altar for God. He soon began meetings in his own log- house. Here, also his labors were blessed, and a church soon formed, and he ordained their pastor. From that time, till age and infirmities disabled him, he statedly administered the word of life to his flock, and had the satisfaction to see a respectable church and society multiplied around him, and a large and commodious meeting-house finished and dedicated to the service of God. After long and successful labors among the people, he by degrees gave up his charge. In the spring of 1826 he was attacked with a shock of the palsy, which eventually terminated his earthly career. He gradually declined after the attack, and had no hope of re- covering. When he could talk, he did it with freedom, on his departure, and sure hope through grace. Notwithstand- ing his long and arduous labors in the vineyard of the Lord, he rested alone on Christ for salvation, and the happy plaudit, " Come, ye blessed of my Father." Through his last illness it was very difficult to converse with him, and some time before his death he was entirely speechless, and gradually 240 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. declined, and died away as the expiring taper, without a groan or struggle. Through the course of his Christian pilgrimage he exhibi- ted the sincerity of his profession, and the evidences of his mission, and never appeared to be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. His method of preaching was evangelical ; he dwelt not on controversy, but, well-instructed in the essential truths of revelation, he kept nothing back that was profitable to the people of his charge. The church have indeed been called to witness the removal of a living member, with whom they took sweet counsel ; but they are comforted with the confidence that he is transplanted to a more genial soil, where he will ever bloom in the paradise of God. NATHANIEL COLE. Eld. Nathaniel Cole, Jr., the son of Eld. Nathaniel and Anna Cole, was born July 14, 1780, in the town of Swansey, Mass., where he resided until he was twelve years of age. Daring a revival of religion in that town, when he was about the age of eight years, he experienced his first religious im- pressions ; and it was at this period he thought the Lord showed mercy to his soul. When he was twelve years of age his father removed into Richfield, Otsego Co., N. Y., where he resided nearly five years, teaching school and work- ing at his trade. During his residence in this place he mar- ried Miss Polly Whitney, in 1806. In 1807 he removed into Smithfield, Madison Co., where, from the state of his health, he was compelled to engage for some time in mercantile business. He officiated eight years as a justice of the peace, and four years as judge of the county court. In 1812 he was a member of the Legislature. From the time of his first awakening he ever manifested a reverence for religion. This he evinced by his zeal to pro- mote its interests, and his concern for the welfare of the church. In 1816 he was baptized by Eld. Nathaniel L. Moore, and united with the Baptist church in Fenner. He very soon began the improvement of his gifts, by addressing the people from passages of scripture. In 1806 he removed to Lenox, but not out of the bounds of this church. Soon after this, BIOGRAPHIES NATHANIEL COLE. 241 his mind being more deeply impressed with the duty of devo- ting himself entirely to the preaching of the gospel, he took measures to rid himself of his principal business, and com- menced preaching Jesus and the resurrection. April 8, 1818, he was set apart to the work of the ministry by solemn ordi- nation, and took the pastoral care of the church. In Jan., 1819, he was brought to the brink of the grave by acute in' flammation of the liver, from which he never entirely recov- ered ; however, he so far regained his health as to be useful in Zion. He was a number of years an active member of the Board of the Hamilton Baptist Missionary Society, and of the Bap- tist Convention of the 8tateof New York, after the union of those bodies. He was deeply interested in Indian reform, and was one of the Executive Committee for the Oneida sta- tion, from its estabhshment to the day of his death. In March, 1825, he was again brought very low by bleeding at the lungs. From this time he relinquished his pastoral duties, without any hope of resuming them. He, however, in some measure recovered, so as to be able to oversee his temporal concerns, and to preach a few times. But in March, 1827, his disorder assumed a more threatening aspect and baffled all human skill. He now saw the time of his departure was at hand, and therefore set his house in order ; he settled his temporal concerns, gave directions to his family concerning his funeral, and respecting their tern- poral affairs in years to come. He then said, " I feel like one that is waiting to take his leave." He was exercised with much severe pain, but bore it with great patience. He continued to dechne until the 4th of July, when, about 6 o'clock,?. M., perceiving his end was nigh, took the parting embrace with his family, shook hands with all in the room, and in a few moments his immortal spirit left this world of sin and woe, to celebrate the high praises of God in the kingdom of immortal glory. His funeral was attended on the 7th, and an appropriate discourse was delivered, by Eld. John Peck, from Acts. viii. 2: ''And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.'' A vast crowd of people assembled in the woods on the pre- mises of the deceased. Everything around seemed to increase the solemnity of the scene ; when, after singing the 242 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. " Dying Christian," and other appropriate hymns, his remains were conveyed to the family burying-ground, and decently interred. He was a man of fixed principles, and was strenuous in maintaining his opinions, almost to a fault. He was par- ticularly zealous in contending for the distinguishing doctrine of free grace, on principles consistent with agency and moral obligation. On those points, as well as many others, he con- tended manfully. He was a man of stern integrity. This trait in his character was evinced in his conduct as a justice of the peace, a judge of the court, and a legislator. He was the distinguished individual who detected the mischievous bribery which was going on among the members of the House in 1812, and was instrumental in bringing the principal offender to condign punishment. In this transaction he evinced a mind superior to the influence of popular opinion — that looked with disdain on the glitter of proffered gold — and possessed with a high regard to the principles of equity and honor ; and, conscious of the justice of his cause, could haz- ard almost everything dear ; and scarcely aided by a single friend, could for many days, with undaunted firmness, stem a torrent of opposition, which must have overpowered the courage of any ordinary mind, until he carried his point, and commanded even the respect of his virulent opposers. He possessed a quick, discerning mind, and a readiness of communication. His style of preaching was argumentative, though sometimes he was quite pathetic. He was respecta- ble as a preacher, but exceeded in private argument, and in desultory conversation : here he was often eloquent. He was a judicious counselor, and was called upon by churches and individuals to assist in settling their difficulties. But he has finished liis work, and is gone, we trust, to receive his reward. NATHANIEL J. GILBERT. Nathaniel J. Gilbert was the son of Elmer and Mary Gilbert. He was born in Weston, Fairfield Co., Conn., on the 28th of April, 1786, but removed with his parents when young into the State of New York. But few facts of his BIOGRAPHIES NATHANIEL J. GILBERT. 243 juvenile years are preserved : 'tis said he was never known to utter a falsehood, and the sacred regard he had cherished for truth distinguished his whole life. Being under the necessity of constantly laboring on a farm while young, his opportunities for acquiring an educa- tion were very limited ; yet, by his untiring efforts in after- life, he not only obtained a good English education, but also stored his mind with a fund of rich and varied learning. At the age of twenty-one he was married to Miss Phebe Grow, who lives to feel the loss of his society. Soon after his marriage he became the subject of grace, and was bap- tized by Eld. Levi Hall, then of Pleasant Valley, Orange Co., but who has since fallen asleep. Having made a pro- fession of religion, Br. Gilbert felt a deep interest in the spiritual welfare of his neighbors, and he commenced en- deavoring to warn them of their danger, and to point them to the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world. At this time he resided in Sullivan county, about sixty miles from the place where the church of which he was a member usually assembled for divine worship ; and as several other members of the same church were located near him, they were in the habit of maintaining public worship, as a branch, and Br. Gilbert ministered unto them much to their edifica- tion. Some time in the year 1810 he left this place, and removed to the town of Windsor, Broome Co., where he commenced clearing land for a farm. At the period of his settlement there were but five Baptist professors in the whole town, and these were scattered over about fifteen miles of territory ; yet such was Br. Gilbert's anxiety to have the standard of the cross erected in the town, that he sought them out, em- bodied them in a conference, and appointed a place where they resolved to endeavor to maintain the worship of God. The place selected for their meetings was about four miles from the residence of Br. Gilbert ; yet neither the summer's heat nor the winter's cold prevented his meeting with and preaching unto them, although he had to travel on foot through a trackless forest, where not even a marked tree was found to guide his footsteps, and often in the winter the snow two feet deep. But the Lord did not suffer him to labor in vain ; the moral desert soon began to blossom ; a church was or- 244 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. ganized, and he was ordained pastor. For several years he continued to labor in this field, much to the satisfaction of the church and the community who attended his ministry. In 1818 he received an invitation to become the pastor of the church in North Norwich, Chen. Co., on the acceptance of which he removed toihat place, and continued for five years to go in and out before them, in the faithful discharge of his sacred office. While he labored with this church, in view of the destitution which almost everywhere prevailed of ministerial labor, and having the consent of the church, he accepted three appointments from the Hamilton Baptist Mis- sionary Society,for short periods, to labor among the destitute. These appointments he filled to the abundant joy of thou- sands, to whom he administered the bread of life, and also to the entire satisfaction of the Board. In 1822 three active brethren who had settled at Syracuse, considering the prospect of the enlargement of that place, and believing it would be for the glory of God, and the ad- vancement of his kingdom, to have the gospel preached there in its purity, made repeated and urgent requests to the Board of the H. B. Missionary Society for assistance. After pro- per investigation of the claims of the place, and mature de- liberation, with reference to the individual to be employed, the Board, at a meeting held in March, 1823, arrived at the conclusion, in which they were unanimous, to appoint Br. Gilbert their missionary at Syracuse. Upon his acceptance of the appointment he removed his family, and commenced the occupancy of the field, where, after toiling for more than nine years, the Master called him to his rest. From the very commencement of his labors the Divine blessing appears to have attended his ministry. The little church, which had been formed previous to his removal there, became much enlarged; a house of worship was erected, the funds for which he was enabled to obtain. For several subsequent years appropriations were made by the Board of the H. B. M. S., to them in sustaining their pastor, yet, by the bless- ing of God on his labors, Br. Gilbert had the happiness to see the church so increased in numbers and wealth, that they were able not only to support the gospel among themselves, but also to do more for benevolent purposes than they had ever received. jSIOGRAPHIES NATHANIEL J. GILBERT. 245 Of Br. Gilbert it may emphatically be said, he was an able minister of the New Testament ; he was familiarly ac- quainted with the doctrines of the gospel, and had a peculiarly happy talent in bringing the truth to bear upon the con- sciences of his hearers. His voice was loud, his articulation clear and distinct, and his manner pathetic, and at times full of energy. As a paster, his labors among his people were abundant : nor were there many whose talents equaled him in this department of his duties. He also felt a lively inter- est in the welfare of the churches around him ; and, not regarding his own ease, he labored much to build them up by visiting and preaching among them. In all the benevolent movements of the day his heart beat in unison with the most liberal. During the last two years of his life he entered with his whole soul into the labors of protracted meetings ; and it is confidently believed that hun- dreds of precious souls who were converted to God in the meetings he attended, will at last appear as the seals of his ministry. The winter before his death a most interesting protracted meeting was held in Syracuse, in which it was judged upwards of one hundred obtained mercy. Of these Br. Gilbert had the privilege of baptizing ninety-six, who were added to the church. This was the most interesting period of his ministry ; yet his humility remained peculiarly manifest. Thus he lived and labored, until the very day before he was called to join the company of the redeemed in glory. On Lord's day, July 22, 1832, the day before he died, he preached four times, from the following texts, viz. : " Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."" (Matt. V. 16.) " Because I have called and ye refused, I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded, but ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamities ; I will mock when your fear cometh.^' (Proverbs vi. 24 — 26.) "Wherefore, gird up the loins of your mind ; be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter i. 13.) « But fear thou God." (Ecc. V. 7.) For a few days previous he had been attended with a bowel complaint, but the night following the day of 21* 246 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. this extraordinary labor he had but little rest, while he was the subject of great anxiety in consequence of the illness of his wife, who had exhibited some of the premonitory symp- toms of cholera. On the following morning he called on a physician to visit his wife, and on his return home he entered his study, and was diligently employed with a subject he had been investigating. Soon after one of his brethren called, and was greatly alarmed at his appearance ; but Br. Gilbert said he was not much unwell. A very few moments after the physician arrived, who immediately told him that his countenance indicated that he had the cholera ; to which he replied he thought not. Almost immediately after he spoke of a strange sensation in one of his feet ; it was the cramp, connected with the collapsed state of the cholera. He then retired to his room, and the spasms commenced, and increased, soon reaching his bowels. He suffered the most excruciating pains, but he endured them with great patience and resignation to the will of God. To a friend who stood by him he remarked, " I little thought, yesterday, that I should be in this situation to-day, but God has done perfectly right." Towards noon some faint hopes were cherished that he might recover ; but in the afternoon his symptoms became more alarming, and ere the midnight hour arrived, the painful intelligence was announced that Eld. Gilbert was no more. Many were the hearts that were wrung with sorrow, not only in Syracuse, but in the towns adjacent, as the tidings fell upen their ears ; saying, " A great man has fallen in Israel." Thus, in the forty-seventh year of his age, and the twenty, fifth year of his ministry, in full hope of a glorious immor- tality, Br. Gilbert left this vale of tears, to enjoy the sweet embraces of his Redeemer in those mansions prepared for the people of God. By the death of Br. Gilbert, his widow, who was raised as from the borders of the grave, mourns the loss of a most affectionate husband ; the two sons a tender and indulgent father ; the church a most faithful and efficient pastor ; and the ministry one of their most lovely and endeared associates. BIOGRAPHIES ROSWEL BECKWITH. 247 ROSWEL BECKWITH. Eld. RoswEL Beckwith was born in Lyme, New London Co., Conn., Oct. 21, 1753. He became early the subject of religious impressions, through the kind and faithful instruc- tions of a pious mother. At the age of seven he was often impressed with a sense of his sins, but not till he had entered on his thirteenth year did he find deliverance from the power and dominion of sin through the blood and righteousness of Christ, About the same time a brother, younger than him- self, obtained a hope in the Savior, and, together, engaged in the work of the Lord. Though babes in Christ, they went forth from house to house, and pointed sinners to the Lamb of God. Their invitations were heeded, and by the blessing of God a glorious ingathering of souls into his kingdom fol- lowed. A day of darkness with him ensued : it was long and dreary. At the age of twenty-seven he was married to Lydia Dorr, of Lyme, Conn., a worthy person, who shared his joys and sorrows until the year 1834, when she fell asleep in Jesus. He resolved never to head the family-circle without erecting the altar of prayer. This he did, though darkness encom- passed him. In the discharge of this duty he found some peace ; yet his deliverance was not complete until he was thirty-three years of age. At this time he united with a separate Congregational church. Soon he became satisfied that the Lord had called him to blow the trumpet of the gos- pel, and he received fellowship of the church to that effect. At the age of forty-seven he removed from thence to Coeymans, Albany Co., N. Y. Here his labors become more abundant. A people that had desecrated the Sabbath soon were brought to enjoy its privileges, and very many to hallow it, through his instrumentality. A church was soon formed — the fruits of a revival under his ministry — to which he continued to preach. During this revival he was request- ed to deliver a sermon on infant baptism. This he promised to do, so soon as he could investigate and arrange the subject. He resorted to the " law and testimony" for proof upon this 248 BAPTIST MISSIONARY COT^'ENTION. "heaven-born doctrine," as he then considered it. But he appUed to the wrong source for evidence ; and not being dis- posed to seek it from others, he reUnquished the doctrine as having no foundation but in the fruitful inventions of men. This led him to a close examination of the institutions of the gospel, which resulted in a union with the regular Baptists. Soon a church was formed, of which he became the pastor, and was ordained in April, 1801. In 1805 he removed to Cazenovia, Mad. Co., N. Y. He united with the first church in Nelson, and labored with them about eight years. He then joined the church in Peterboro, where he preached most of the time for seven years. When age and infirmity had closed upon him, he united with the Baptist church in Cazenovia, and remained a member, until he, with other disciples, formed a separate church |in Cazenovia Village, A. D. 1820. Truly it may be said the temporal and spirit- ual interests of this church were greatly promoted through his vigilance and care. Eld. Beckwith was a man of integrity and firmness. His resolutions were prosecuted with a zeal characteristic of his age. He was a veteran of '76. In the field of battle, and in prison, he showed a devotion to his country and to the cause of freedom worthy of imitation by every friend of free institutions. These characteristics have been most clearly exemplified in his Christian career. Was he devoted to his country? — he was more so to his Redeemer. Was he ready to be sacrificed on the altar of liberty ? — he was more so upon the altar of his God. In evil as well as in good report he was the same ardent and unwavering friend of the Savior. As a minister, like Moses, he was slow in speech, yet pos- sessed an inventive mind. He was sound in the faith, and had clear conceptions of gospel truth. At the fireside he excelled. His instructions were well-timed, and most inter- esting in kind. Here he was often eloquent. The listener always felt himself in the presence of a superior man, and a bold and decided Christian. He w^as emphatically a peace- maker, and seldom engaged in settling a difficulty between brethren without effecting a reconciliation. He was constant at the house of prayer, even when the infirmities of age might have plead an exemption. Thus he continued until within a few weeks of his death, which took place Feb., 1836, BIOGRAPHIES SQUIRE MANRO. 249 in the 83d year of his age. In his last sickness he said to a friend, " The Lord hath built this tabernacle, and often repaired it ; and as he is now about to take it down, I am will- ing he should do it in his own time and way ;" and added, "He will do it just right, and will raise it up at the last day." He also added, " I have no wish to live or to die ; I am will- ing to leave all with my blessed Savior ; and as I lay here upon my bed, he hands me texts of scripture just as I need them for my comfort and consolation." His last hours were peculiarly calm and peaceful, and in him was exemplified the sentiment of the Psalmist, " Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright ; for the end of that man is peace." SQUIRE MANRO. Dea. SauiRE Manro was born in Rehoboth, Mass., June 27, 1757. He was the oldest son of Nathan Manro. His grand- father, William, with his great-grand-father, John, em- igrated from Scotland in the early settlement of America. His grand-mother was the grand-daughter of Col. Benjamin Clark, the distinguished officer in King Philip's war. At the commencement of the revolutionary war he entered the ser- vice of his country, at the age of eighteen, and continued in the army three years, during which time he was constantly exposed to dangers and hardships, being located directly on the sea-board. In this school he took so deep an interest in the welfare of his country, that the principles of civil and religious liberty were firmly rooted in his political sentiments at an early period of his life. He had intended to live a ma- ratime life, and his studies had been directed accordingly ; but the war frustrated his design. At the age of twenty-two he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of John Daggett, who is still living, and by whom he had ten children, six of whom survive him, and all enter- tain a hope in the mercy of God. He took a farm on shares to support his little family in that place, but soon found that this method would yield him an insufficient income, as his family was increasing. Therefore, in about three years, he 250 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. hired fifty acres of land in Lanesborough, Mass., mostly new ; but he had the privilege of paying his rent by clearing more land. After thus contracting for his removal into the then new country, he took his little effects, with his wife and two small children, and ventured towards the place of his destina- tion. But in crossing the Connecticut river his goods were precipitated into the stream, and a portion of them, together with all his spending money, (ten dollars in silver,) were ne- ver recovered ; and he was dependent on the charity of the people for his expenses the rest of his journey. Here he learnt a lesson that was never forgotten by him in after days ; for whenever the poor applied to him for aid, after God had blessed him with the wealth of this world, they were never turned empty away. Not long after his settlement in Lanesborough, his atten- tion was called up to the great concerns of religion. His Christian experience, with his views of the order of Christ's house, are related by himself as follows : " My mind was call- ed up to the subject of religion in the winter and spring of 1784, then residing in Lanesborough. The subject of lisli- gion was the constant topic of conversation with my wife ; and although her mind was not apparently so deeply inter- ested as my own, yet the Lord gave her rest in Jesus, and left me behind, while I was still resting on my own works. This circumstance removed my reliance from every creature help, and my anguish of heart was extreme. I then looked for some extraordinary operation from God, as there had been upon my wife. I was brought to the straight to see that I %vas a very great sinner, and that God would be just in my eternal condemnation. It seemed as though my doom was fixed, until one day, when ploughing in the field, I had to quit work and give up all for lost. I turned out my oxen, went into the house, gazed at the Bible, and sat in solemn silence ; when, all at once, the language of John to his disciples, ' Be- hold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world,'' came to my mind with the utmost strength and power. It sunk deep into my heart. I viewed, in the most clear man- ner, how God could be just, and the justifier of such a rebel worm, justly doomed to everlasting banishment from his peaceful presence ! From that moment I saw all things were new, and ' old things had passed away.' I saw such a beau- BIOGRAPHIES SQUIRE MANRO. 251 ty and glory in a risen Savior, that I could but desire to serve him the rest of my days. My great anxiety then, was, to know what God would have me do. I accordingly com- menced a thorough search of the scriptures, to know my du- ty. I conversed with many of the saints of God for infor- mation ; and, on examination, serious doubts arose respect- ing the practice of my parents, for I was educated a Presby- terian. I conversed with my Presbyterian pastor, Mr. Col- lins ; and, instead of being confirmed in my former views, I found that they were completely changed. I could no long- er support infant sprinkling from the Bible, but was confirm- ed in the sentiment that believers were the only subjects, and immersion the only scriptural mode. After being thus established, I was yet unwilling to submit to the performance of the duty that was so clearly pointed out in the gospel ; till at length God visited me with a rod in taking away two of my children by death, in a very sudden manner. This pro- vidence entirely broke me down, and made me willing to say. Thy will be done, O Lord ; I will submit with pleasure. I then presented myself to the Baptist church, and thus ac- knowledged my Lord and Master in his own appointed way. I united with the church under the care of Eld. Peter Wor- den, and was baptized by Eld. Joseph Cornell." By his zeal for the cause of his Master, and his care for the church, it soon became evident that he possessed the ne- cessary qualifications for an office in the church. He was accordingly chosen and set apart, by prayer and laying on of hands, to the office of a deacon. The duties of this office he continued to perform to good acceptance, and in great faithfulness, till God saw fit to call him from serving tables in his earthly court, to receive a crown of immortal honor in the upper and better world. In the year 1799 he exchanged his property in Lanesbo- rough for the farm on which he lived till his death, in Camii- lus, now Elbridge, Onon. Co., N. Y. The country was then new, and land very cheap ; by which means his property became greatly increased in value. He kept a public house for some years, appropriating the proceeds to the purchase of new lands, the rise of which, with his industry and economy, soon rendered him a very wealthy farmer. Yet, in all his advancement, it never contributed to the fostering of pride 252 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. in his deportment towards his fellow-men or in the world. When it was thought advisable to build a meetincf.house, he sustained a great share of the expense, and gave it to the church. Towards the latter part of his life he was much afflicted with the gravel and dropsy. About five years ago he was very severely attacked, from which it was feared he would never recover ; yet he was so far restored as to be able to do business at home and abroad. He not only met with the church at home, but in the meetings of the several benevolent societies. During his illness, whenever there was a meeting of the State Convention, or its Board, or any other public meeting to do good, from which he was detained by ill health, he would send his respects to them, and bid them persevere in the good cause. And when he could no longer meet with them, he would send his money, still assuring them that it was accompanied with his prayers to God that he would succeed the effort with his blessing. The last conventional meeting that he ever attended was at Mendon, in 1833, which even then was more than his broken constitution was able to endure. It was many months before he was recovered from the fatigue of that journey. He never attended public wor- ship but little after that period. Whenever I called on him in any period of his confine- ment, he was anxious to know the state of the church, that he might mourn with them that mourn, and rejoice with them that rejoice. During any period of his confinement from public worship, it was his constant practice, on the return of the family from meeting, to inquire after the text and sub- ject the first thing, and then he would make comments that were both interesting and instructive. At one time, when he was thought to be near his end, his physician entering his room, he said to him, " Oh, my dear doctor, do love that precious Jesus — I am almost gone — but I must tell you how good Jesus is to my poor soul. Oh, that precious, precious Jesus." He would often say that he was afraid he should be left to murmur — that he should be impa- tient under his pain. " O that I may wait till the Lord's time come — my heavenly Father knows best," A few days before his death a friend called on him, who was professedly a Universalist : he called him by name as he came to his BIOGRAPHIES SQUIRE MANRO. 253 bedside, as though filled with the deepest concern for the welfare of his friend, and said, " Universalism is poor stuff ; it won't do you any good. Love the precious Savior, or you must be lost forever." At another time he said to his pas- tor, " Oh, my dear elder, preach, preach Christ and him crucified. My time is short : I am living by the day — I ex- pect every day to be my last. I am looking and hoping for it to come ; then shall I be satisfied when I awake in thy likeness. When shall I get home ? but I fear that I shall be impatient. Oh, how good God is !" All the blessings he enjoyed he seemed to realize as com- ing from God, saying, " What reason I have to be thankful to God, that he has given me such kind children, to take such special care of me in my sickness. Well, well, God will reward them." The day before his death, he said, "My day is at hand, and the hour of my death will be the happiest hour of my life. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better." There was no particular change till his last moments. There were times when he would seem to be rather lost, and he would not apprehend questions clearly ; but for the most part he had his reason perfectly. On the morning of his death, which was on the 31st of March, he was helped into his chair. He was in great dis- tress — said but little — wished to lie down. Some refresh- ment was brought him ; as he was taking some tea, he coughed, and raised a little — said, " I am going," and sunk down into the arms of death, without a struggle or a groan. His wife, who was out of the room at breakfast, hastened in ; but it was only to see the last gasp ; his spirit had fled, to dwell in his long-sought rest. On the third day from his death the funeral services were attended at his dwelling, and a sermon on the occasion ad- dressed to the mourning family and friends, from 2 Cor. v. 20 : " We pray you, in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." The corpse was then deposited in his own family burying-ground, and on the following Sabbath a discourse was delivered to the church. Thus, a great and good man has fallen in Israel. The writer can truly say, the more I reflect on his worth, the more I feel the loss of Dea. Manro. He was a man of unu- sual strength of mind. He would often sit silent, when in 22 254 BAPTIST MISSIONARY CONVENTION. / council with his brethren, during many lengthy discussions on some intricate subject, till nearly at the close, when he would rise, and spread out the whole subject with perfect ease, and devise means for solving each point to the entire satisfaction of all. He usually weighed a subject well before giving his opinion, yet, when his mind was made up, he was sanguine in supporting his position, and, some have supposed, to a fault. When in the house of worship, he usually mani- fested his disapprobation by the countenance he wore. When the subject was especially interesting to him, his soul seemed so fully absorbed in it that he forgot everything else ; a flood of tears would involuntarily burst from his eyes, and nodding his head he would say, " Yes, yes, that is true," or, " This is right," or, "Amen," or reach to a friend sitting near, that he might share with him in the blessing. He seemed to make all around him interested in the subject in which he himself was delighted. He took a deep interest in all the benevolent objects of the day ; ministerial education lay near his heart. He not only bestowed a scholarship on the Institution at Hamilton, but made liberal donations to it besides. When the monthly contribution was taken up for the foreign mission, he used to give five dollars a month for that ; he was equally liberal towards the domestic and other objects of benevolence. He was a zealous advocate of the sentiment that the gospel min- ister should not only be well supported, but that it be done by equality, according to the gospel, as God had prospered him. Although he strenuously maintained the doctrine of a lim- ited atonement, yet he warmly approbated the duty and obli- gation of the sinner, and would often close his arguments on this subject with, " Well, well, I love to hear that blessed doc- trine, Come, come, come. His house was always known as the Christian's home ; and it was made doubly so by his interesting conversation on the subject of religion — for this was ever his topic ; no one could pay or receive a visit from him, without learning they were with a man of God. He was not without his enemies, as persons of wealth sel- dom are ; but his were few. The latter part of his life was more particularly occupied with the various objects of bene- BIOGRAPHIES SQUIRE MANRO. 255 volence, for few of them existed when he first made a pro- fession of religion. He was ever forward in promoting the welfare of the church, at home or abroad. " Blessed is the death of the righteous." END ERRATA. Page 17, line 22, it ought to be, " these infant churches." " 19, " 30, " Otego," not Oteo. " 28, '• 3, "2,903," not 3,903. " 88, A part of the doings of the Board in Fabius, May 18, 1825, is put in the middle of the Report of the Board made in Nelson, Feb. 23, 1825. Date Due ' f> 1