Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1859-05-13

Mr.. W. Mallory, Of Alabama, chairman Of
the special committee to whom was referred
that portion Of the missionary report relating
to the need Of more workers, presented the fol
lowing resolutions which they recommended fol
the adoption of the Convention:
/. Resolved, That in view Of the ample re-
sources Of our Southern Baptist churches, and
the vast fields for missionary labor. which, in
the providence Of God, are now spread before
US, we should feel solcmnly called upon during
the coming year to make the greatest possible
efforts, not only to strengthen the missions al
ready established, but to take possession Of
such new fields as can be occupied to the great
est advantage.
,. Resolved, That our Foreign Mission Board
in cndcavoring to carry ont this great design
is entitled to the special sympathy, prayers
and liberal &C. operation of all the churches en-
braccd in the constituency Of this body.
3. Resolved, That in carrying forward our
missionary enterprises W should all be pro-
foundly and habitually impressed with our alb
solute dependence upon the Holy Spirit, not
only for the raising up Of suitably qualified Ia
borers. but for the browning Of their laborS
with desired success.
4. Resolved, That the policy Of the Board
in encouraging individuals, Churches, and
members Of Churches whom God has blessed
with ample pccuniary means in friendly CO.
opcration with orr Board to represent them.
selves as far as possible by efficient laborers in
our missionary fields, meets with Our most
hearty appreciation.
5. Resolved, That IN view Of the requisite
number of Gospel laborers, il becomes all our
Ministers and Churches to bctake themselves
speedily to humiliation, fasting and prayer, that
God may be graciorsly pleased soon to raise
up Il great company of wise and holy men, not
only for the supply of our home restitution,
but for Africa. and China. and Japan, and all
calls upon us to occupy.
All the resolutions in favor OF Foreign Mis-
sions were unanimously adopted.
The spirit in favor of carrying out the oh
jects Of all Foreign Missionary reports became
very intense and eloquent, and persuasive al
dresses were delivered on the point.
Mr.. j. l.. Cross, of Tenn, spoke in favor OF
missionaries going whereSoever the word Of
God was needed, and not look after comforta,
BILE quarters. hut say, Lord what will, thou
have me 10 do
Mr.. j. II. Corley. of Ga, gave his expert
cncc, and expressed his desire TO join in the
missionary undertaking. OF his six children
he willingly devoted his W sons to the cause.
Mr.. Crawford, a Missionary from China, and
Mr.. Percy, returned missionaries. spoke of the
good Of the cause and the happiness Of SUITE.
ring for Christ's sake. Mr.. Clarke explained
his former position in this regard, and felt de.
sire to Join in all actions and services for the
cause of missions.
The report Of the committee to whom was
referred the resolutions OF the Georgia State
Convention, was read and adopted, and its
views accorded with.
Mr.. \. VI. Poindextcr, of Va, as 4 member
of the Board Of Missions, stated that they being
the appointecs Of the Convention, were willing
to hold that position only as long as the Con-
vcntion desired it.
In the forenoon period for devotional exer-
ciscs, Mr.. G. +. Sturgiss offered a prayer; G4l>t
hymn was sung. Mr.. P. II. Nell. Of Ga, and
Mr.. Culpcppcr led in prayer. After considera-
bic and feeling addresses from different mem
bcrs in favor Of missions. Rev. Mr.. NAL
lory offered up n prayer for all mis-
sionaricS, for increase Of laborcrs and for the
health Of all who become servants Of Chris
tianity in the missionary cause.
MT. %. y. DToluuuS, TUIl tHc C'lliillittCc W
whom was referred the question on need of
more foreign missionaries, gave his report. 1t
reviewed the increase Of missionary laborers
and represented it as highly necessary; also
that every member Of the Baptist Church.
whose circumstance did not absolutely cut him
off from the work. should consider whether it
NAV not be his duty to become q missionary.
They should likewise enquire into the wants
Of the brothers abroad and do all possible 10
help them. The report urged parents to in
still 4 missionary feeling into the bosom Of their
children. The report was unanimously adopt
ed.
Judge W. p. Chiffon Of Alabama, as Chair.
man, brought in the report of the committee of
enquiry, as to the improvement Of the system
of missions and missionary operations.
Upon the consideration the committee had
bestowed upon the subject. no plan had been
suggested and none occurred to the committee
contemplating Il change in the present system.
They recommended the following rcsolu-
tons:
l.. Resolved, That in the judgment of this
Convention, it is incYpcdicnt to make any
change in the existing plans of missionary opc-
rations.
.. Resolved, That in case any churches,
associations or other bodies entitled to repre-
scntation in this Convention, should prefer to
appoint their W missionaries and to assume
the responsibility of defraying their salaries
and entire expenses, that the respective Boards
arc authorized, under our present organization
and fundamental rules. to become the disburS-
ing agents of those bodies so appointing mis-
s%ionarics and appropriating funds, whether
.,.L ,a,tr;t,t;o, kn ;ptnpIn1 for tho rIvili1o-
ton or cvangclization Of the heather.
Some amendments on technical terms were
proposed to the above resolution, in order to
render it no way incomprehensivc; but they did
not alter its meaning or the general acceptation
of the resolutions.
Before the question was put TO the vote OF
the Convention. regarding the passage of Judge
Chilton's report, 4 lengthy debate took place
regarding the object, mode Of ordination. quail.
~fcation, condition, remuneration, duties and
power of the missionaries sent out. as well ms
that of the Board Of Foreign Missions.
On motion. it was decided that the private
rules. or bylaws. which regulate the action of
the Board Of Foreign Missions. should be read.
These rules were accordingly read by the
Corresponding Secretary, Mr.. j. B. Taylor, and
the course. generally, Of the Board, in its va
rious undertakings, was explained by DR.. j. b.
Jcter, President Of the Board.
The object was TO show that none hut ser
viceablc and energetic men were TO be engaged,
whose actions should not be influenced by the
Board, only so far as the rules explained. The
object being TO %civilize the barbarous. reclaim
the erring, instruct the ignorant, and Christian
izc the heather; the rules, therefore, Of the
Eo,.;r, Missionary pnor5 ,,orn nc tho Roorl
conceived, best adapted for this purpose.
The qualifications of a missionary were
easily discerned. The questions arising were
was he intellectually qualified? Was he Of
right moral and christian character?
After numerous members had expressed their
views in regard to the mode of appointing
missionaries, Judge Chiffon, BY request, re-
read the resolutions Of the Committee Of which
he was Chairman. and made some sound, prac-
teal, mattcr-of.fact, common sense remarks
-. a. A.. ,,,.,,op tb,,c nrorlat,tn in