THE

EDITED BY J. T. RUSSELL, CORRESPONDING SECRETARY.
JANUARY 1, 1830.

CORRESPONDING EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES.

Deeply sensible of their solemn responsibilities to the churches, and aware of the difficulties which may meet and embarrass them in their management of the great Missionary concerns with which they have been entrusted, the Executive Committee of the Board of Missions have long been desirous of availing themselves of the counsels, and systematic co-operation of the several Presbyteries, in some way which should not mar the simplicity and harmony of the plan of operations which they have heretofore adopted and pursued. They have had this subject repeatedly before them, and after mature deliberation, they have adopted, and would now earnestly recommend, to the particular and immediate attention of Presbyteries, the following method of co-operation with the Assembly's Board, in their future operations.

They recommend to each Presbytery to appoint annually, such a number of the members of their own body, as they may deem necessary, to be styled a "Corresponding Executive Committee on Missions," to be invested with the following powers.

I. To receive, generally, applications for aid from feeble congregations, within the bounds of the Presbytery, which have Pastors or stated supplies, and to recommend the same to the Ex.Committee of the Board of Missions.

II. To devise and execute plans for raising funds in the several congregations within their bounds, which funds shall be reported to the Treasurer of the Assembly's Board, and be held subject to the orders of said Board.

III. To select and recommend to the Ex.Committee of the Board of Missions, Missionary fields, and Missionary labourers, and also, to locate such Missionaries as may be sent to them by the Board for specific instructions.

The above plan of correspondence and co-operation has already been submitted to several Presbyteries, by whom it has been highly approved and cordially adopted and the Ex.Committee of this Board are beginning to experience many important and beneficial results-and we are fully persuaded, that an experiment of a single year will be sufficient to satisfy any Presbytery of the great utility and importance of the measure proposed. It will be perceived, at once, that each Presbytery will, in this way, retain and exercise all the powers which are necessary to the most extended and efficient Missionary operations within their own respective bounds-not inconsistent with the general claims of the country upon the Assembly's Board. By appointing such an Ex.Committee, as we have proposed, who shall be responsible both to the Presbytery and to this Board, they will not only be duly informed of all that may be done by the Board within their bounds,but they will also, guard most effectually against all appropriations, to congregations soliciting aid, which may not be deemed by themselves necessary and expedient. Should Corresponding Committees be prompt and faithVOL. VIII. Ch. Adv.

F

ful in the discharge of their duty, as it is hoped they will be, they will soon become intimately acquainted with the location, wants, and ablities of all the missionary stations, and feeble congregations within their bounds, and by communicating the results of their inquiries to the Assembly's Board, they will afford them essential aid in coming to correct and satisfactory decisions, respecting the various claims which may be made upon them for assistance. In this way, also, the number of Missionaries, in the several Presbyteries may be greatly increased, and the appointment of inefficient or unworthy men may be avoided. In view of these, and many other considerations which will naturally occur to the minds of all who seriously reflect upon this subject, it is earnestly hoped, that Presbyteries will avail themselves of the earliest opportunity to appoint Corresponding Executive Committees, and that they will immediately forward to the Corresponding Secretary of the Assembly's Board, the names and residences of the several members of said Committees.

INDIANA.

COMMUNICATIONS.

ing Secretary, under date of Aug.31, 1829. In compliance with the earnest and im- Although applied, by the writer, to his own portunate entreaties of several feeble con-particular field of labour, they may with gregations in this state, the Board have re-equal truth and propriety be applied to most cently appointed three additional missiona- of the Missionary stations at the South and rics, for one year each, and a fourth for a West, and are worthy of the serious attenshort period. Although the cause of truth tion of all who would be extensively useful and righteousness is gradually advancing, as Missionaries in those sections of country: yet the spiritual wants of the people in ge- "I am fully convinced that the most efneral are truly distressing. On this subject, fectual way to benefit this people, is by a respectable clergyman of this state, under free intercourse with them, and gradudate of Nov. 5th, 1829, writes to the Corally gaining their confidence. Sociability is one of their most prominent characresponding Secretary as follows:teristics. Reserve they cannot, and "I think, brother, that the cause of will not tolerate. Accessibility, freethe Presbyterian church is gaining in dom of conception and expression, is the this state. More ministers are becom-order of the day." And he, who will ing located, and the churches are in-break to them the bread of life, is excreasing in members. But many parts,pected frequently to mingle in the famiand extensive parts of our state, are in ly circle, not only of the members of the a deplorably destitute condition, as to church, but also of those who take no the gospel ministry. Away from the interest in these things. He is a kind place of my residence, there is no resi- of common property. dent Presbyterian minister nearer than things makes a heavy draw on the little fifty miles. And on some sides the time which a missionary can devote to nearest is eighty and one hundred miles meditation and study-but still it is not distant from this place, and the country without its advantages. He becomes is generally settled. I am in the Mis- better acquainted with the people; can sionary employ, by the Missionary So- better enter into their views and feelciety of Connecticut. But it is only ings, and is, consequently, enabled beta few spots of this wide range that I can ter to adapt his public discourses to occupy. I trust your Board will feel for souls, and for the church in this needy field, and send help.”

This state of

their necessities. And this very private and social intercourse, when properly improved, is what I suppose the apostle means by preaching "from house The following remarks, of a Missionary sake of consistency, are compelled to atto house." Moreover, many, for the of the Board in this State, are extracted tend his preaching, who otherwise would from a letter addressed to the Correspond-seldom or never enter the house of God,"

MISSOURI.

TENNESSEE.

disciples of the Missionary from heaven The following communication, from a re-read the statements and appeals of our vespectable clergyman in Gibson county, nerable correspondent, and answer our inWest District, was received at the office of quiries by the increased fervour of their the Board some time since. It presents prayers, and the liberality of their contribuin an affecting light, both the necessities tions for the relief of the needy:and the claims of this section of the country, To the Corresponding Secretary of the Board and we trust the appeal made to the symof Missions. Rev Sir, The New Shiloh Church, pathy and the charity of those who may be Gibson county, West District, directed able to afford relief will not be in vain.me to forward $5, to be at the dispoWe are happy to state, that two Missiona-sal of the Board of Missions. It was ries have already been sent by this Board thought that justice required us, to preto Tennessee, since this communication sent to you the melancholy state of Ziwas received, but "what are these among on here, (as respects the Presbyterian so many" Let Ministers of the Gospel, who Church.) There are not less than 17 counties in the District. The climate are seeking for employment, and candi- mild, well adapted to the culture of dates for the Holy office, cast an eye over cotton, an abundance of the most pro17 populous counties in a single district, ductive land. The prospect for health containing only three Presbyterian preach- is tolerably good. Its navigable streams ers, and then let each of them ask, on the afford it advantages rarely to be found. The Tennessee runs through its Eastbended knee, "Lord what wilt thou have ern bounds. The Mississippi bounds me to do?" and let them act as the law of the West. The Forked-Deer, Hatchy, love requires. It will be seen that the Obyen, Wolf and Looshatchy Rivers, christians who dwell amidst these wide afford interior navigation. Its populaspread moral desolations, much as they tion sustains a character superior to most have to do at home, and pressing as new countries. Its emigration is rapid, several of the counties tolerably poputheir need of help from others, have not lous, and in this vast region only three been unmindful of the general claims of the Presbyterian Ministers.-The Rev. Missionary cause upon them. They first David Wier, a man of talents, but troupresent their own offering to the church, bled by the white swelling, and a large and then make their appeal to the church helpless family, and is bound to teach in behalf of the destitute around them.-Gillispie, quite an old man and rides school for a support.-The Rev. John This is, as it should be, and we hope the good example of the Shiloh church, will be imitated by many others in similar circumstances. The sum contributed is in itself small-but it is the free-will offering of a feeble, distant church, located in the very centre of a moral wilderness, where their religious privileges, and their pecuniary mcans are alike limited. "They have done what they could," and we doubt not, their humble offering has been followed by many prayers.

With such a scene as is here depicted full before them, and this, too, being only a specimen of the actual condition of whole States and Territories at the South and West, can christians, who abound in wealth, and dwell in these Eastern gardens of the Lord, find it in their hearts to withhold their charities and restrain their prayers? Shall our Missionary Treasuries remain empty, and our benevolent operations be impeded and suspended for want of means? Let the

but little, and myself born out of due season, i.e. no pretensions to literature, and with all,at times a hæmmorrhage of the lungs, and considerably in the decline of life. There are six churches organized. There might be a number of other churches organized, could there be supplies granted. There is an increased and solemn attention to religion thoughout the District, and numbers raised Presbyterians, have joined other churches thro' necessity. In pecuniary matters we are much straitened. Much of our lands are held by men living at a distance: hence the money paid for lands is borne off. With regard to that active service the church requires, in order to its advancement, it appears that we are doing nothing. We want some leader. I have no doubt but an active agent might do much for Zion here.I think an able, well qualified Missionary would be sustained here. The Presbyterians are entering the field. Methodist, Baptist, and Cumberland This is a very important crisis to the church in this country. Sabbath schools

"We are here, and are happy;-happy in each other-in our people-and in our God. Our God has always been good to us, but never more so (to our apprehension) than at present. Our people are kind and affectioate almost

might be formed, and I think Mission- || in time and in eternity, that he was permitary societies could be formed, if there ted to build up one of the waste places of were some active agents sent amongst us Zion. And will not others be encouraged for that purpose. Dear sir, the cry for to go, and do likewise? help is urgent in this section of country, as you may clearly see, and has been The Missionary says:increased by the gracious out pouring of the Divine Spirit. In Shiloh church there were not less than40 professed, at a Camp Meeting in November last, and some since. They have a sabbath school for the black people, the most of whom have professed. We have a Sab-to an excess. They cherish us with bath school in Jackson where I now re- the dainties of their house-with the side, it is well attended. There are but warmth of their hearts, and especially few in this country, yet I think the atten- || with the earnestness of their prayers.tion of the church is more turned to that They are very confident, many of them, valuable institution. I hope the Board that we are sent to them of God, in anof Missions will direct some of the He-swer to their prayers for a minister; ralds of the Cross to come to the help of the Lord, in this desolate part of the vineyard.

Respectfully your Brother in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

KIND RECEPTION OF MISSIONARIES IN OHIO. From many of the Missionaries who have been sent into this state, we have had from time to time, the most gratifying assurances of the unaffected kindness and cordiality with which they have been received by the people. The following extract, from a letter recently received by a member of the Board, from one of our highly esteemed Missionaries, may serve as a specimen of the manner in which they frequently write to us on this subject and also to exhibit some of the prospects of personal comfort and usefulness which are presented before Missionaries, in this wide and interesting field of labour. It may not be amiss to state, that the writer of this letter, had formerly a pastoral charge in this vicinity, and might still have occupied an eligible situation at home-but the importunate cries of the needy reached his ear and affected his heart, and he deliberately chose to take his devoted companion, and enter into the Missionary field, with no other encouragement than a commission from this Board, and an assurance of the humble pittance of $100 a year. He is already reaping the rich reward of his enterprize and self denialin the ingatherings of the first fruits of his labours,and in the gracious indicationswhich are afforded of a plentiful harvest of immortal souls-and we doubt not, that he will have occasion for thanksgiving to God

they accordingly open the way for all the usefulness of which we are capable. We have been able to form four or five Sunday schools, which are going on finely-have formed one church of 14 members in a county seat, and have added 13 to the communion of the church in H. where we reside. Our places of worship are well filled with attentive & sometimes weeping hearers; and altho' there is no general revival, yet such numbers are found anxious, that large additions to the church are expected to be soon made. May the Lord give us a heart to believe, and to labour, and then shall we be sure of his blessing.

The ministers among whom I have fallen, are as simple,fervent & downright a set of men as I ever saw. They have great zeal and a most blessed unction. It would do you good to hear them pray. "One will chase a thousand," for they "trust in God and are strong."

REPORTS OF MISSIONARIES.

NORTH CAROLINA.

Closing report of a Missionary who has been employed for the year past in this state, dated Statesville, N. C. Nov. 14, 1829.

Rev. and Dear Sir,-In presenting this, my last report, I would say, when I survey the wide spread moral desolation of these western counties, I lament that so little has been done; but surely we have great reason to rejoice that even something, as we trust of eternal importance, has been effected. Since my last report, I have delivered 12 discourses, visited 27 families, distributed a number of tracts, and travelled 165

of knowledge;" while the parsimonious hand of others only adds another knot

miles. The Presbyterian churches, in the counties which have been the scene of my labors, have increased in num-to their purse strings. I have hinted bers and importance, and in the spirit at the situation of Rutherford, Burke of the gospel; and are becoming more and Lincoln counties; but they are far and more firmly fixed. The churches from being the worst. West of Burke, of Nazareth, Fairview, and Friendship, lies Buncombe. In this county are five S. C. where I spent a part of last spring, or six small congregations, supplied at previously to my engagement with the present by two ministers, who are, Board of Missions, and which I have however, by no means permanently setvisited twice since, are enjoying a de- tled. Still west of Buncombe are two lightful revival. Forty seven have other counties, viz: Haywood and Mabeen recently added to the church at con, never yet, as far as I know, visited Fairview, Greenville District. I have by a Presbyterian clergyman. Northbeen able to collect for the Board only east of Buncombe and Burke, are $35 00, viz: from Morgantown congre- Wilkes, Ash, Surry, Stokes, Rockinggation, $18 00; Concord, $5 00; Sher-ham and Davidson counties, lying conrills, $4 15; Friendship, S. C. $3 623; tiguous, and in all this vast extent of the balance from individuals. To this country, stretching along the north I give $500 as a donation. This makes western part of North Carolina, 300 $40 00 I hold for the Missionary Board. || miles in length, and nearly one hundred The reasons why I could collect noin breadth, there are but three small more, are the following: 1. Rutherford || Presbyterian congregations, and but and Burke counties have each lately re- one minister, the Rev. A. W. Gay, who solved to supply all their destitute with preaches in Wilkes, and teaches a school the holy scriptures, in two years from for support. last May. This will devolve principally on the Presbyterians in those counties. 2. The Young Men's Missionary Society of Concord Presbytery, which has supported a Missionary the last sixteen months in Burke county, at their last anniversary resolved to raise one thou-others, though doing some good, yet sand dollars, for the purpose of supplying, in part, the destitute in the bounds of the Presbytery with the preaching of the Gospel. This is certainly considerable for this society, just struggling into existence. You will perceive from my reports, that I have spent the most of my time in assisting my brethren at communions, and preaching in their congregations. The reason is, their peculiar situation. Here are three large and populous counties, with each only one Presbyterian minister. These brethren divide their labors among a number of congregations, insomuch that they appear to perform the work rather of missionaries than of pastors.And it is thought more advisable to strengthen and build up feeble churches than to organize new ones, when there is no probability of supplying them.

I cannot close this report without laying before the Board (and would that I could lay it before every student of theology) the moral destitution of some of the western counties of North Carolina. I know, however, that such appeals have been multiplied until those "who prefer Jerusalem above their chief joy," often "weep in secret places" for the want of resources to relieve those who are "perishing for the lack

But, perhaps, I may be told, that these counties are supplied by other denominations. By whom? I would ask. The Baptists? They have, it is true, a few preachers living in these counties, but some of them cannot read; and

either from necessity or custom preach to the same people, only once a month. Are these people supplied? But are they supplied by the Methodists? Their circuit-riders go round once in two, three, or perhaps, four weeks. But a large portion of the territory over which they travel, they can visit only on week days, when generally but very few, except the members of class attend. And this as we have remarked, only once in two, three, or four weeks. Besides they have a few local preachers. Now, I would ask, are these people supplied with spiritual food? It is believed that one half, perhaps more, do not hear a sermon once a month; perhaps not once in three months or more! Yet it has been said not two years ago, that one of the counties mentioned above was well supplied; when at the same time there must have been, at a moderate calculation, (judging from neighboring counties which have been explored,) three or four hundred families destitute of the Bible in this very county, notwithstanding it is published from Boston to New Orleans, that they are well supplied. But I forbear. Let us, while we send the "Macedonian" cry abroad, "pray the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth more laborers into his