Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1859-05-12
southern BnptI0t Convcntion.


Church Richmond, Vs., on Friday, the 9th inst.
Long previous to the hour vast congregation had
assembled The seats reserved for the delegates in
the body Of the house all filed, and ths PeWs
on the side aises and in the galleries occupied
by ladies aud SO many of the other sex as we're able
to force their way among them. The aisles and the
| pulpit steps we're also filed with spectators.
Tha Convention was called to order by the Rev.
r. B. c. Howell, D. D and the services we're open
| ed with the hymn commencing
! "The morning light is breaking"
DR.. Howell then read the fourteenth chapter Of
John and prayer was made by Rev T. 9. JONES' of
Norfolk
The Convention next proceeded TO the election of
officers. Messrs, A P Abel, of Virginia, A. f.
Crane Of Marylani, Yauderver. of Alabama Duff
ded of Kentucky, Toon of South Carolina, and Pope
cf Georgia, were appointed Tellers.
Pending the counting Of ballots, the time was
| srent in singing and prayer.
! The telers made the following report: Whole
number Of votes, four hundred and thirty-four;
necessary for a choice, two hundred and eighteen
R B. C. Howell, two hundred and twenty eight; J.
| d JeteF ninety-fve; Richard Fuller, hfty-f0ur.
! Dr.. Howell was thereupon declared elected Presi>
dent upon the announcement of which he addressed
! the convention as follows.
From my heart thank you for this renewed tes-
imonial of your kindness and confidence. For five
successive years you have been pleased to honor me
with this high position, and gratefully have receiv-
ed it. ] have performed the duties imperfeetly, l
know. but yet to the best Of my ability. If errors
have been committed--and it is but natural that
there should have been in administration of go
many years-.hey we're errors of the head and not
errors Of the heart Ga this subject feel profoundS
ly grateful, and can truthfully say that have a
conscience void OF offence to God or man. At the
close Of the last session, determined that would
decline recollection at the present nesting The
infuuces that led TO this determination various
but il may be sufficient to say, thought had long
Pnourh occunipd the chair. and that "a
retire 10 give place TO another. The position toe,
is difficult one-s position Of constant anxiety;
and was desrous TO be relieved from its responsi>
biliiss, especially knew there others more
apable OF performing the duties effectively.
LEGAL Troubles have given my name an identity
with certain great principles of church policy. /
have seen disposition to convert this Convention
into an ecclesiastical court-to the su5version of
those great principles which have existed since
the foundation OF the church; principles which |
love, and viii always adhere to-and fear my re-
tanning the office, may be made the occasion of the
introduction Of new and disturbing elements into
your body. You are assembled here from the whole
South, and have greater questisns to consder than
disputes which belong TO mere local churches.
This is N some measure 6 missionary body Rely>
ing upon your sympathy and support, brothers and
sisters have gone into foreign lands. Let their
interest be embarrassed by bringing into your body
questions which do not belong here, ard which you
have right TO consider. W,re this the place for
the CONFLICT, Wouu cleerIulIy enter the list, ana
maintain the cher shed principles Of the church
perish in their overthrow. This Convention must
oonfne itself TO the objects prescribed by the Com
stituion.' The great principles Of the GOspel-the
Gospel of Christ-must be preached throughout the
world-at home and abroad Glorious is the work
before as, and fearful the responsibility. What
we do if our counsels are divided-What can We ae>
complish without Gods blessing resting on us
what good can we effect without singleness Of pur-
pose, unity and harmony among ourselves?
And now, brethren, in conclusion, respectfully,
but firmly, resign the office of President Of this Con-
Yenlion.
Ga motion Of Rev. DR.. Burrows, of Richmond,
the resignation Of Dr.. Howell, so firmly rendered
was accepted by the Convention.
Rev. Basil Manly, D. D first Vice President
took the chair, by request OF the retiring Iresi'
dent
On motion, the Convention adjourned to meet
again at o'clock, P. VI.
afternoon SeSsioR.--The Convention re-assembied
at ocloek-Rev. DR.. Manly in the chair. The
five hundred aud seventy second hymn was sung,
and Rev. DR.. Toby made prayer
The minutes Of the morning session we're read.
The telers were called to report for President;
wBereupon Mr.. A P. Abel announced-whole num-
Der of votes four hundred and fifty; Necessary for
choice, two hundred and twenty six; J. Jeter
received hundred and forty; r. Fuller, one
hundred and thirty; Judge Chiffon, eighty-seven;
Prnfessor Nell, seventy-two; Manly, Sr, twelve;
J. r. Graves, FIVE; Judge Stocks, two; Mir. Brook,
ons No choice.
The Convention again proceeded 10 vote for Prasi
dent.
On motion Of Mr. B. MsnIy. Jr., the President was
directed to appoint set of teiiers, 60 that the
election of Secretaries and Treasurers might pro
coed forthwith.
While the tellers were out, Rev DIR. Ryland adj
dressed the Convention by request, upon the moral
influence of the present meeting upon the conmuN
nifty a. large.
Tho second hollnt rneulte1 in No cbnice
During the absence of the tellers, Rev Mr.. Mall
lory, Of Georgia. and Mr.. VIM Crane, of Baltimore,
addressed the Convention on religions topics.
The third ballot resulted in no choice
At this point Rev. Mr. Poirdexter arose and an !
nounced that he authorized by Dr. Jeter 10 with
draw his name.
Balloing for President was resumed, the result Of
which was reported as follows: Whole number Of |
votes three hundred and ninety necessary for
choice one hundred and niuety nine; r. Fuller re-
ceivsd i've hundred and six; Prof Nell one hun
dred and twelve; Judge Chilten ten J. i. Jeter
nine.
So the Rev Richard Fuller, D. D Of Baltimore,
was declared elected President of the Convention.
On taking the chair, the President made an qp, |
prOpriate address, thanking the Convention for the
honor, uuexpec edly conferred upon him.
The vote for Secretaries and Treasurer resulted in
the election Of the following:
Secretaries-Rev. YIN, Cary Crane, President of |
semple BroadGus College, Miss Rev. George B. |
Tay Tor, of Siaunton, Va.
Ercrsurer-J. j. TOon, of Charleston, S c.
The convention proceeded 10 ballot for Vice Pre-
sidents.
Gu motion, the telsrs were instructed to report !
tomorrow morning
On-moiian of Rev Mr. Poindexter the convention
agreed to spend half hour every morning commene-
iOg al l0O'eloek it. devotional exercises.
After prayer by Rev J. r. Graves, of Tennessee, |
the Convection adjourned.
A. o'clock, p. NJ and immense congregation SIS
semblcd in the First Baptist Church. to hear the Iu
trCdu6tory Sermon preached by Rev. Duncan r.
Campbell, D. D of Kentucky. This discourse,
from the text .For me live in Christ" listen
ed TO with deep attention, and, We doubt not, with
profit, by the audience.
dividend.
EHNE Boa Of Directors of the Nashville Commercial Insur