Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-05-10
Southern Baptist Convention.

We learn from the Richmond papers that
this convened in that city on the 9th inst,
and that on the first ballot, the Rev. ID. b. c..
HOWELL, d. d., of this city, was elected
President of the Convention. Dr. Ii. ad-
dressed the Convention as follows:
From my heart / thank you for this re-
Rewed testimonial of your kindness and con-
fdence. For five successive years you have
been pleased to honor me with this high posi-
ton and gratefully have / received it. l have
performed the duties impertcctly. / know,
bat yet to the hest of my ability. If errors
have been committed-and it is but natural
that there should have been inan administra-
ton of so many years, they were errors OF the
head and not errors of the heart. On this
subject | feel profoundly 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 de-
inc reelection at the present meeting.
Tue influences that led to tins determination
were various but il may be sufficient to say
/ thought | had long enough occupied the
chair, aud that it was time to retire, TO give
place to another. Tue position, too, is diff
fcult one-a position of constant anxiety;
and was DESTROYS to be relieved from its re-
spOn-ibilities, especially as l knew there
were others more capable of performing the
duties effectively.
Local troubles have given my name an
identity with certain great principles of
church policy. | have seen a disposition TO
convert this Convent on into an ecclesiastical
court--to the subversiUn of those great prin-
cipies which have existed ever since the
foundation of the church; principles which
love, and will always adhere to-and | fear
my retaining the Office, may be made the oc-
casion Of the Introduction of new and disturb
ing elements into your body. You are as
sembled here from the whole South, and
have greater questions to consider than mere
disputes which belong to mere local church
es. This is in some measure missionary
body. Relying upon your sympathy and
support, roihcrs and sisters have gone into
foreign lands. Let not their interest be EN-
barrasscd by bringing into your body ques-
lions which do not belong here, and which
you have no right to consider. We're this the
place for the conflict. would chrerfully en-
ter the list. and maintain the cherished prin-
ciples Of the church or perish in their over
throw. This CONVEX must conline itself
to the objects prescribed by the Constitution.
The great principles of the Gospel--the Cos
pei OF Christ--must be- preached throughout
the world--at home and abroad. Glorious is
the work before us, aud fearful the RESPONSE
bility. What can we do il our Councils are
divded-what can we accomplish without
Gods blessing resting on us--what good can
we effect without singleness OF purpose, unity
and harmony among ourselves.
Aud now, brethren, in conclusion, | re-
sp 'cttnlly, but firmly, reslgn he office of Presi
dent of this Convention.
On motion Of Rev. DR.. Burrows of Rich
mond, the resignation of DR.. Howell SO firm
ly rendered. was accepted by the Convention.
Rev. Basil Manly, ID. d., first Vice-Presi-
dent, took the chair, by request OF the relir-
ing President.
The Rev. Richard Fuller, ID. D.. of Balti-
more, was declared elected President of the
Convention ON the 9th ballot.
On taking the chair. the President made
an appropriate address, thanking the Con-
vention for the hhnor, Unexpectedly conferred
upon him.
The vote for Secretaries and Treasurer re-
suited in the election If the following:
Secretaries--Rev. Wm. Carey Crane, Presi-
dent ofSemple Broaddus College, Mississippi;
Rev. George b. Taylor. of Stanton, Virginia.
Treasurer-Rev. J. J. Toon, of Charleston.
O.