Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1868-06-06

MORNING SEssEoN.-The association met at
9 o'clock, and engaged in devotional exercises,
conducted by Rev. T. Herndon, of Rappahan-
mock, for half an hour, after which the minutes
of last night were read and approved.
The order of the hour, the report of the State
Mission Board was laid aside nordeT to receive
the report of the Committee on Enrolment,
giving the correct list and location OF the min
listers, with the names of the churches embraced
in the association, with 4 list Of life members,
&c, &c.
The report vas read, adopted and referred
for perfection -
The Committee on Systematic Benevolence
made report, thought their Chairman, Rev.
Geo. B. Taylor, urging the adoption OF plan
for regular and stated contributions, and rec
ommending that contributions be made weekly
ly, but at least once month.
Mr.. Hendren, of Norfolk, advocated the re,
port, and suggested the envelope plan OF
contribution as one likely to succeed.
DR.. Jetcr spoke on the subject with warmth
aud eloquence, urging system OF contributions.
he vas proud OF the Baptist Church, in many
respects, but in this particular of contributions
he was rather ashamed of her. He, however,
predicted that different state Of affairs would
exist in the future, when missions and other
benevolent objects would flourish as never
before.
Rev. r. H. Bagby, followed Dr. Jcter. lie
thought that the people of the church were too
far behind in their duty to religion In regard 10
| contributions, and quoted suDdry passages OF
scripture to show the Importance OF contrlou'
| ting, but unless contributions are freely given
| he thought it would be better not to give at
all. Giving was in his opinion as essential
| duty as prayer Or reading the scripture. lie
argued in favor OF contributions on every Lord, S
Day. If the wants of the body were regularly
attended to he thought that the wants OF the
spirit should be equally satisfied, and then
great good would follow. The speaker concuI-
ed his remarks by reading a series of resolu-
tons embodying the views expressed by him,
and in favor of weekly collections.
The report was then laid OIL the table on mo-
ton of Rev. W. r. Fisher, and the order Of
the morning, the report OF the State Mission
ry Board, was taken up and read by Il. K.
EIyson, of Richmond. The report shows that
II missionaries were employed in Virginia the
past year, who supplied 70 stations in IS towns
and villages and 90 counties. They preached
| 2l42 sermons baptized APT converts; made
1904 visits to families forrcligious CONVERSATION
and prayer; organized new churches, and II
new Sunday schools. The appropriations for
the year were S., 99G 20, and there is now due,
on account Of these appropriations, after de-
Quoting the contributions received at this meet
ing, about 81. 400.
| In regard to the co.ored population the re-
port declares: ''Wc feel now as We have always
felt, the deepest interest in the sprltual inter
est OF this people Recent events though
weakening our influence with them, have not
impaired our obligation to give them the " ord
| of Life Our missionaries recognize this duty
and az opportunity presented have Iabored Tor
their salvation during the past year, with en-
couraping success These laborS, however,
| were of too incidental q character to meet the
| religious wants OF this class Of our population.
| We must have men wholly devoted to their re-
| Iigious instruction, and men OF their own race,
as soon as they can be prepared for the work.
A few suitable brethren could have been Sc
cured if our means had warranted their ap-
pointment, and We believe that many we'll quail
flied, pious, earnest ministers OF Christ may be
found in our State who will gladly labor in
connection with special missions Tor the colorcd
people Most willingly shall we obey your IN
structiuns 10 avail ourselves Of any aid offered
US for the special benefit Of the c0IOred people.
We believe that IS, 900 might be jullci0uSy
expendeG the coming year ia their behalf. "
The report closes with an earnest appeal for
larger and more systematic contributions, with
the view OF appointing larger number of mis-
siOuaries next year
Rev. &. Tyrcc was called to the Chair tenn
porariIy.
The Rev. W. R. Fisher, the General Agent
of the State Mission Board, addressed the as
sembIy, explanatory OF the operations Of The
missionaries and the difficulty under which
they labor and urged vchemCnt!y the support
of State missions, showing the importance Of
early occupying fields before other denomlna-
tons have taken possession Of them. He gave
a brief but interesting account Of his steward
shin, and urged the necessity Of having more
missionaries He gave gratifying account of
the bcraity of the churches, and urged upon
the ministers the establishment of regular and
systematic contributions as i means OF develop
ing the cause. lie estimated that there are
about $4,000 white Baptists in the State at
present, and with all doing their part, though
but little, the cause of missions would
flourish. He closed with an earnest APP
peal on behalf of State missions.
Rev. Mr. Hiden followed, stating that the
Church wanted two things: first, directness;
second devout conservation to the work CT God
self sacrfce-and made an argument of rare
beauty and eoqucnGe 10 support OF his position.
His apostrophc to Virginia and her noble sons,
in conncxion with his second pr0position-sell
saCrlficeW9s most beautiful and erecting,
but not the less just tribute to our old mother
State, and her people.
Rev. Mr. Po1deXter followed Dir. Hidden in
opposition to the continuation Of permanent
agency of the mission board, and thought that
the time had come when the agency could be
dispensed with.
The question Was then taken on the adoption
of the report. and it was adopted.
Rev. Mr. Fisher then offered the following
resolution which was adopted.
Resozved, That the churches which have not
contributed to State Missions, this year, be
requested TO take UP collections during the
months of June and July, for this special Oh
iect, and forward the amounts to j. 3. Wood,
Treasurer, at Richmond, or through their dele
gates to the Treasurer Of the District Assocla
ton.
The report Of the Treasurer OF the State
Mission, Ro.r,1 vvoS rnreivcd road and a1nnrnI