to secure the permanent peace and tranquility of the churches, to express their full conviction of the entire inexpediency of attempting to organize such a United Agency in the West. Resolved, That the Ex. Committee prepare and forward to the Committee of the Cincinnati Presbytery a respectful letter, presenting in detail the reasons which have conducted this Board to the conclusion above expressed." In compliance with the resolution of the Board, and in behalf of the Ex. Committee, I now proceed, gentlemen, to lay before you some of the reasons which, in the opinion of the Board of Missions, render any further attempts to establish a United Agency in the West, entirely inexpedient. 1. The Board deem such attempts entirely inexpedient, because the Union contemplated would be incongruous. Between the Board of Missions and the A. H. M. Society, there is a radical difference in the principles of their organization, responsibilities, and plan of operations. The one is strictly ecclesiastical, the other as strictly voluntary. The one is directly responsible to the highest judicatory of the church for all its acts, and is, in all respects, under its immediate and constant supervision and control-the other is responsible only to a small number of private individuals, and those, too, widely scattered over the country, and actually at variance in their views of doctrine, discipline, and ecclesiastical polity. The one proposes to conduct all its distant operations chiefly by the Agency of Sessions and Presbyteries-the other by voluntary associations and agencies wholly disconnected with ecclesiastical judicatories. Such being the true state of the case, it is perfectly obvious, that the Union proposed, if assented to, on the part of this Board, would imply an utter abandonment of that whole plan of operations which they have formed with great deliberation and care, which has repeatedly been approved by the Assembly, and under their full sanction been earnestly recommended to the churches and Presbyteries in every part of our country. It may, indeed, be said, that the ultimate object of these two missionary Boards is essentially the same to supply the destitute with an able and faithful ministry; and that therefore minor differences, as to the particular method of effecting this great object, should be disregarded. It is also true that evangelical Episcopalians, and sound Presbyterians, have the same ultimate object in view, in all their missionary operations-but still a union, between these distinct denominations, for the purpose of effecting this object, would be regarded by both as extremely unnatural and incongruous-and by the Members of this Board, the proposed union between this ecelesiastical Society, and an irresponsible voluntary association, is regarded somewhat in the same light. 2. The Board deem further attempts to effect this union entirely inexpedient, because it would at once dissolve an auxiliary connexion which has recently been formed, at considerable labour and expense, and after very mature deliberation, between this Board, and a large number of congregations and Presbyteries in the West. In the valley of the Mississippi there are, at the present time, ten or fifteen Presbyteries, and about two hundred Sessions, which sustain to this Board a direct auxiliary relation; and in all these judicatories the plans of the Board have been fully approved, and cordially adopted, and are now in very successful operation; and it is morally certain that the dissolution of this relation would be highly injurious to the cause of domestic missions. 3. The Board deem further attempts at union entirely inexpedient, because they are fully convinced that the proposed Union would be utterly disapproved of, and rejected by a large number of the Presbyteries and a still larger number of the Sessions and congregations in the West. Not a doubt is entertained by a single member of the Board, that you express in your letter of the 26th of July, the honest and deliberate convictions of your own minds when you say, "this communication speaks the sentiments of a large majority of the brethren in the West, who have seriously deliberated on this matter.' In this opinion, however, the Board do not, by any means, agree with the Committee. For the last eighteen months, the Board have maintained an extensive correspondence with pastors, churches and presbyteries in the West, and by means of such correspondence, together with the reports of their missionaries and agents, they have acquired, as they conceive, a pretty accurate knowledge of the views and feelings of the people generally, in reference to this matter. In the course of this extended correspondence, they have received, not only from individual ministers and laymen of high standing and influence, but also, from several important Sessions, Presbyteries and Synods, the most satisfactory assurances of strong attachment, and decided preferFrom the same official sources they have also learned, that many of the presbyteries, and a very large number of the ministers and sessions in the West, ence. are decidedly opposed to a united agency there for missionary purposes. Nor is the most decided opposition to all measures of the kind, suggested by the committee, confined to the West; it exists, also, in many Presbyteries and Synods of the middle and southern States, and their views on this subject have been clearly and repeatedly expressed to this Board. 4. The Board deem further attempts at union entirely inexpedient, because they do honestly and fully believe, that, if it could be effected, it would greatly increase the very evils it is designed to remove. The committee state, that there are serious collisions and contentions existing among ministers and churches in the West, in reference to missionary operations. Now, if such be the state of things at present, when every presbytery, pastor, and session, are at perfect liberty, both by the decisions of their respective synods, and of the General Assembly itself, to connect themselves with either Board, as shall be most agreeable to their own wishes, how much greater would such collisions and contentions be, if those who have already made their election, and formed their plan of operations, should suddenly be compelled to abandon their favourite plan, and to adopt another to which they are avowedly and decidedly averse! The Board cannot hesitate to believe, that the consequences would be disastrous in the extreme; and they do most earnestly deprecate the experiment proposed. 5. The Board deem this measure entirely inexpedient, because they are fully persuaded that, under existing circumstances, a far greater amount of good will be accomplished by the distinct and separate action of the two Boards, than could possibly be effected by a united agency. Their conclusions on this subject are based on existing facts, and for a clear development of these facts, they would respectfully refer the Committee to the last Annual Reports, of the Board of Missions, and the A. H. M. Society. From these it will be clearly ascertained, that while the H. M. Society has been steadily and rapidly advancing, for the last two years, in its career of usefulness, extending its operations, augmenting its resources, and increasing its number of missionaries, the Board of Missions has in the mean time, been reorganized by the Assembly, and under the most appalling difficulties and discouragements, has been brought up to the missionary work, with a degree of energy and success, which has far exceeded the most sanguine expectations of its friends, and already secured the confidence and patronage of many who were de cidedly opposed to its reorganization. By carefully analyzing these Reports, it will be found, that the Board of Missions have actually sent into the field, during the last year, a larger number of missionaries, than the A. H. M. Society, as such, has done. Of the 392 missionaries reported by the latter Society, it will be found that 196 are employed and sustained, not by the Parent Society, but by auxiliary societies, the most of which were in successful operation, long before the A. H. M. Society was formed; whereas, the 198 reported by the Assembly's Board, (to which number more than 40 have been added, since the Report was made,) are all employed and sustained by the Board alone, without the agency of a single auxiliary of the kind just named. This comparison is not instituted either for the purpose of detracting from the merits of the A. H. M. Society, or boasting of the success which has crowned the humble efforts of the Board of Missions; but it is instituted simply for the purpose of presenting more distinctly to your view, interesting facts in reference to both those favoured institutions, for the existence of which, all who love the missionary cause, are bound to give thanks to the great Head of the Church, and in view of which, the members of this Board cannot entertain a doubt, that the separate and independent operations of these two Boards, have hitherto been blest of God, to the spiritual benefit of many thousands in our land, who would otherwise have remained destitute of the regular administration of the Word and ordinances of religion. By the exhibition of these facts to the last General Assembly, the same conviction was produced upon the minds of the members generally, as has been expressed by this Board in the foregoing resolution; and it was under this conviction of the inexpediency of the plan of union proposed to them by the Cincinnati Presbytery, that the proposition was dismissed by a large majority of that venerable body. The good actually accomplished, is apparent to all; but the difficulties and collisions complained of by the Committee, appear to be apprehended by comparatively few of the churches and presbyteries. The Board of Missions have never yet experienced, nor do they now apprehend any serious evils, arising out of the separate action of the two general societies. On this subject they have never yet uttered a single complaint, nor have they any to make. They do most sincerely bid their sister institution, God speed, in all judicious efforts to build up the waste places of Zion in every part of the land, and in all the prosperity and successes of that institution, they do most unfeignedly rejoice. There remaineth yet very much land to be possessed, and the Board simply claim what they cheerfully yield to others, the privilege of moving forward kindly, peaceably, and independently, to the occupancy and improvement of such portions of the wide-spread desolations, as may be fully opened to their view, and need their assistance. 6. The Board deem further attempts to effect the proposed union, entirely inexpedient, because all past efforts to effect this object have not only failed, but they have also occasioned serious disquietude and dissatisfaction, not only in the minds of the friends of the Board generally, but also in the minds of many of the warm friends of the H. M. S., in this section of the country. It is now nearly two years since the secretary of the H. M. S. presented in person to this Board, a plan of union between the two societies. He then urged at full length, the reasons which rendered a union desirable in his own view, and in that of the Committee in New York. The whole subject was then very maturely canvassed and candidly considered by this Board, and the result was a full conviction of the utter inexpediency of the proposed union. Since that time the subject of a general union, and also of a limited union in the Valley of the Mississippi, has been presented in various forms and aspects before this Board, and the decision of the Board, and of its friends generally throughout the country, has uniformly been the same. From the proceedings of the last Assembly in reference to this matter, it is perfectly manifest, that a large majority of its members entirely approved of this decision. The Board do very deeply regret, that the Presbytery of Cincinnati should have thought it necessary, after the doings of the Assembly, to agitate again this unpleasant subject, and they do now, gentlemen, earnestly and affectionately entreat you, and through you, the Presbytery, to consider prayerfully the resolution which they have adopted, and the reasons which they have assigned for it. They have no doubt, the Presbytery have been actuated by the purest motives in the measures they have adopted, and in the propositions they have directed you to make to this Board. Your communication has been received, and considered in the same spirit of kindness and candour with which it was submitted; and after having bestowed upon it the most careful and prayerful deliberation, the Board find themselves under the painful necessity of expressing in the most decided manner, an opinion entirely different from that of their brethren of the Committee and Presbytery. While the Board feel themselves solemnly constrained to adopt this course, they do nevertheless cherish the most fraternal affection and regard for the Committee and the Presbytery whom they represent, and they wish them to be assured, that the Board will promptly adopt all proper and consistent measures in their power, to prevent collisions, and to promote peace and harmony throughout the churches. The Board do most sincerely believe, that if the churches in the West are left to make their own election of the particular channel through which their charities shall flow forth to bless the perishing, and the Presbyteries to adopt and pursue such plans as they may severally deem most expedient to promote the cause of Missions, existing evils will soon be removed, and harmony and peace will pervade every section of the church, in reference to future Missionary operations. By order of the Ex. Committee, and in the name and in behalf of the Board of Missions of the General Assembly, I am, gentlemen, very respectfully, yours, &c. JOSHUA T. RUSSELL, Corresponding Secretary. SELECTIONS FOR THE MONTHLY CONCERT. CEYLON. JOINT LETTER FROM THE MISSION- tions. work, in a greater or less degree, at all our stations, and granting us a season of refreshing from his presence. It is now Unusual attention to Religion at the Sta-about six weeks since we first witnessed manifest tokens of a special divine influIt is a most pleasing duty which we semblies. Perhaps we may even go back ence upon the minds of a few in our ashave to perform at this time, to commu-as far as the monthly missionary prayer nicate to you, from this distant land, the meeting, in October, at Batticotta, for joyful tidings that God is reviving his the first appearances of an approaching us. revival. An unusual degree of feeling was manifest on the occasion, and more than ordinary fervency in prayer for a revival of the work of the Lord among "O Lord revive thy work," was a prayer frequently, and I trust sincerely and earnestly offered on that day. Our own children were very particularly addressed and remembered at the throne of grace. The effect upon the minds of some of them appeared to be very salutary. From that time an increased seriousness was manifested in some of our families. But nothing very marked until the quarterly season of communion at Panditeripo, on Thursday, the 21st of October. It was then very evident that God was near us; that he was stirring up his children to repentance, to humiliation, to prayer, and to increased diligence and zeal to labor in his service. It was a heart-searching season, as well as a time of love and mercy. Many of the native members of the church appeared to receive such an impulse, as by the blessing of God to rouse them from their slumbers, and prepare them for the coming of their Lord, From Panditeripo two of the brethren went to Batticotta to labor in the seminary. Such was their encouragement, that they continued their special exertions through Friday and Saturday, and one of them over the Sabbath. It now became manifest that God was reviving his work in the seminary. On Saturday a special season of prayer and thanksgiving was held by the brethren present with reference to this object. On the forenoon of the Sabbath, instead of the usual exercises in the chapel, the time was spent in earnest exhortation and prayer. The afternoon was spent by the brethren present in special prayer for the divine blessing. In the evening another general meeting was held in the chapel. The work of God was evidently advancing. A considerable number in the seminary, who, a few days before, were careless and secure in sin, were more or less anxious to inquire their way to heaven. The members of the church were much excited to labor and pray for the conversion of those around them. Some in particular, who for a few months past had appeared to be in a lukewarm state, were greatly roused from their lukewarmness and stupidity, and by repentance and confession, and earnest prayer returned unto God. The studies in the seminary were for a time nearly suspended, to give opportunity for all who desired it, to seek the Lord. It was indeed a cheering and an affecting sight, to behold all the ten little rooms for prayer lighted up till after midnight, and nearly filled with little companies earnestly engaged in reading the scriptures, in exhortation and in prayer. On Monday evening some of the brethren and sisters were at Batticotta at the prayer meeting, which came in turn to that station. It was a most interesting and melting season. Our own children were again particularly remembered at the throne of grace. We mention this because the occasion appeared to be greatly blessed to them. We hope it was a night that one or two of them, at least, will remember with joy, through eternity. But on this subject we rejoice with trembling, lest our hopes should be disappointed. The quarterly meeting with our schoolmasters was to be held on Thursday, the 28th of October, at Manepy. But on account of the state of things in the seminary, it was held at Batticotta. A large number of schoolmasters, and many others connected with our station, and also from Nellore were present, so that the chapel was filled with a very attentive and interesting congregation. It was a day which will long be remembered by all present. All the brethren, together with some of our native assistants, addressed the meeting with much apparent effect. Some were in tears. Many who came there in the morning careless and stupid, were greatly alarmed for their safety. We have heard from different schoolmasters since, that the manner in which they were addressed on that day, made a deep impression on their minds in favor of Christianity. These favorable appearances were, however, by no means confined to Batticotta. Very evident tokens of the divine presence were seen at all our stations, especially in the charity boarding schools at Tillipally and Oodooville. Many very precious meetings have been held at all our stations, when it was manifest that the Lord was present. On the fourth of November we observed a day of fasting and prayer at our several stations, in which our native members united. We found it good and profitable to draw near unto God and to humble ourselves before Him. On the first Tuesday evening in November, the brethren and sisters together with our friends from Nellore, met at Oodooville, according to a previous appointment, for the purpose of uniting with our friends in America, in praying for the young men under the care of the American Education Society; also for our colleges and seminaries of learning, that God would pour out his Spirit upon them, and raise up a multitude of faithful laborers to go forth into the great harvest of the 1 world. We had a very interesting and profitable evening, and propose to continue to observe the evening every month as a season of prayer for this great and glorious object, which is so intimately connected with the spread of the Redeemer's kingdom. wish to guard ourselves and our friends thanksgiving to the Lord. But more es- On the 18th of November we held another meeting of a novel kind at Oodooville, consisting of most of the largest boys and girls in our native free schools. We think it due to our friends that they At least 800 were present on the occa- should be informed of what the Lord is sion, which was one of great interest to doing among us, that they may rejoice us all. When the question was asked, with those that rejoice;" that they may How many of you are in the habit of dai-unite with us in rendering praise and ly prayer and reading the scriptures? a considerable number rose up. These were then taken into another room by themselves, where they were conversed with, and exhorted to persevere in the practice of praying and reading the scriptures. When the question was asked the others, How many of you believe in the truth of Christianity, and are re-eyes to see, and hearts to understand the solved to seek for salvation through Christ? a much larger number immediately arose. When we consider that these children have already considerable knowledge of Christianity, and that they will soon take the lead in society in this district, the question whether they shall be christians, or idolaters, is one of amazing interest and importance. The stations at Oodooville and Manepy, being near to each other, have united in holding a weekly prayer meeting, at which the brethren and all the native members connected with the two stations, and as many others as can be collected, attend. Many short prayers are offered and addresses made on these occasions, which have been productive of great apparent benefit to those present. The brethren at all the stations are also in the habit of going into each others parishes, to assist in holding evening meetings in the school bungalows, at which many people attend, and hear the glad tidings of salvation. We see much to encourage us to persevere in the great and glorious work of preaching the gospel; and we pray that we may be kept in a humble, prayerful, waiting posture, till the Lord shall show us greater things than these. We dare not at present give the number, even of those who are awakened at our several stations, much less of those whom we hope are converted. We shall be much better able to speak with accuracy on this subject a few months hence. We wish, also, to caution our friends against misunderstanding what we have stated. While in the fulness of our hearts we tell them of the favorable appearances we are permitted to witness, we gospel. We are more and more deeply |