The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1850-05-30

MEETING OF TIE AMERICAN AND FOREIGN BlBLE


MEETING or TIE AMERICAN AND FOREIGN BIBLE
SOCIETY.
The adjourned sitting of the society was held at
p NJ, on Wednesday, 22d inst, in the Mulberry
street Tabernacle, and was, if possible, better at
tended than the previous meeting; indeed, many
were unable to obtain admission. The galleries and
slips were set apart for ladies, and were crowded
to excess with bevy Of beautiful faces and bright
eyes. The main body of the building was filled
with gentlemen. AT the time appointed, the meet
ing was opened by singing hymn, after which
prayer was appropriately offered by the Rev. Mr.
Wheelock.
The PRESIDENT of the sociery then rose, and
spoke as follows:-Christian friends, this morning
l waived the usual half-hsur allotted to the
president, as my remarks were more appropriate
for the present occasion and delighted, instead,
to lisen to our other brethren, who well pleaded
the cause of the society Before proceeding with my
address, must premise respecting the question
which is being agitated, and with regard to the
pamphlet printed and issued by brothers Colgate
and Wycoff, upon their own responsibility, and
without regard to any official station. In reference
to the subject whether the Greek bapt,.o means to
sprinkle, pour, christen, or immerse, or with re-
gard to any Of the questions in reference to these
points, will not from the chair discuss them. /
hope other brethren will take up all these points
and explain everything | should wish. If, how
ever, l should think any necessary explanation
omitted, shall call upon one of the vicepresdents
to take the chair, and claim the right OF expressing
my views on the subject-a courtesy, which am
sure would be willingly granted. But having been
associated with this society from its commence
nent, when il first separated from the British and
Foreign and the American Bible Societies, on
the baptism question, l had wished to present
to you my views of the constitution OF the So
ciety, and of its action under that consti-
tuition. trust, have acted throughout
consistently and conscientiously. i would,
therefore, beg your indulgent attention to docu-
ment have prepared, illustrative and explanatory OF
gers and distinguished brethren at home and abroad,
in reference TO the constitution of the society and
its action also to its action under the restrictive
resolution. The President, Grew DR.. $. H. Gomez
then proceeded to read lengthy and ably prepared
pamphlet in reference to these points giving copous
quotations from his own annual addresses as presi-
dent, from the reports Of the society, and the
speeches and letters Of eminent of the Baptist
persuasion. The following is a concise digest of
the main points; At the separation from the Ameri-
can Bible Society, on the baptism question, which
tist separatists met the same day, with the Rev.
Nathaniel Kendrick as president, for the purpose of
organizing distinct Bible society, the principles
which had caused their disunion from the American
Bible Society. He Grew. Dr. Gomez was appoint
ed chairman of the committee appointed to draft a
constitution and prepare address to the churches
of the Baptist denomination The constitution
submitted was unanimously adopted, and stated
that the single object of the society was to promote
a "wder circulation Of the Holy Scriptures, in the
most faithful version that can be prepared in all
lands, whether Christian, Mahommedan, or Pa
gam" The business of the society was to be con-
Quoted by officers gratuitously; and more than
$2l 600 were subscribed. From this commence
mcnt, and at almost every successive annual gath
ated, that the object of the society was to present
:" faithful translation of the whole Bible, and cir
culate it as widely as possible. He had again and
again declared, that the Bible translated was its
he cccf he
board, and reports issued at different periods, to
the same effect, and the concurring opinions of
many Baptist clergymen. II concludes by describ-
ing the opposition that had been given, mt all hands,
the personal difficulty of which this opposition was
the source. trust, said the president, this histori-
cal statement will be useful in opening the way for
future discussion. In conclusion, Rev. DIR. Cone
rapidly referred to his endeavors to issue the new
version, and Of their failure What have so far
suffered, God only knows! Here ] am; ] cannot
move, so help me God During THE whole exist
ence of the American and Foreign Bible Society,
we have been contending with Baptist opposition.-
Some, who did not wholly oppose, insisted.on con-
firing the society to the foreign field and, in add-
ton, our New England friends have considered our
society as interfering with foreign missions This
has been avowed by them TO my face. l. has been
a matter of difficulty for me to maintain that Chris
tan fellowship so very desirable As an individual,
an American, and Baptist, shall claim my liber.
ty, when terms are applied to me which are applied
to the vulgar, of replying My reputation Is dear,
at least to my wife and children, ana ior thei SAKE
which is the order of the day. II is as follows-
Resolved That the Society in Its issues and crcula
ton of the English Scriptures, be restricted to the
commonly received version without note or comment
The meeting is now open to discussion this
motion.
At this period, the meeting presented scene OF
considerable excitement. The Presidents speech
was listened to with marked attention, but at its
conclusion, members seemed TO awaken 10 the
fact that the time for individual action was arriving,
and it was evident that strong feeling, pro or con,
was entertained by almost every person present
After Quiet was little restored, the Rev. Mr.. Neale
moved that in order TO undue prolongment
of the excitement the resolution that had been
made the order the day, should be taken Of five in the
afternoon. (Tt was then nearly four) This subject
had been for n length OF time claiming the alien
ton OF their brethren all over the country. They
had held meetings at home in every instance, and
had considered the subject grayely aa1 calmly,
and probably many were then prepared, with their
minds fully as much made up as their respected
President !, He had no doubt Of that genteman's
sincerity and conscientousness, and he thought
also the rest Of them were sincere and conscien-
ious and had their views of the constitution of
the society, too. They came hoping 10 have the
privilege Of voting, and he trusted they would give
their decision before many Of the brethren from
the East and West were compelled TO leave. Seye-
raj gentlemen here rose and claimed the hoor.
Amer some little conversation,
Rev. Mr.. JUDD exceedingly regretted the cause
that had called them together on that occasion.
He feared the result for the feelings Of most
sembled were warmly excited in reference to this
question.
SEVERAL brethren (interrupting)-Mr. Presi-
rent, what is before the meeting with cries OF
question and general impotence
Rev. Mr.. JUDD, CONTEMPLATION have no rule OF
order TO prevent a man from speaking his senti-
rnents. Ii you wish to stop discussion, you must
pass resolution of the kind. Suppressed Kisses,
and dozen brethren coniending for the foor.)
Rev. Mr.. WLKE, of BrooklyR-Submitted that
II was rule Of order that the speaker should con-
fine himself 10 the question before the meeting.
This has nothing to do with L.. (Exci,ement)
Rev. q. b. JUDD-l am speaking to the amend
Yncnt. Ii was evident there was great excitement
in the house, and long the debate was contin.
ued il would exist. Brethren's minds were not all
made up; and he hoped that unkindly feelings
might be prevented by prompt and fair discussion
of the question. IL was, however, the privilege OF
the Baptist to utter at least word, his vote, and
that was all they asked (lmpatience, and several
veiccs crying "question.') He was sorry TO tres
pass the patience Of the congregation one minute
and only feeling Of duty induced him to do SO.