The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1868-05-30
To the Buptists of West virginia.

Three years ago there were very few
Baptist Missionaries in the State of
West Virginia. The churches were sRf-
fering from the effects of long var
but few additions had been reported
for years rpast-churches, pastors. and
associations felt that some general or
ganization was needed around which
all the ,Baptists in the State could be
induced to fally-one that would COM
mend itself to their confidence and sup
port. AT q time deemed By some inap-
spicious) a few brethren met, and in the
spirit of dependence upon the Father OF
Lights they conferred together, aud az
ter taking council of brethren from diff
ferent States, resolved to organize
what Is now known as the Baptist
General Association of West Virginia
This is an independent religious body.
1t neither dictates to churches or min
listers. Itis,engaged exclusi vely ~ the
work of State missions. The churches
and associations are free to cooperate
with any organization they may select
in the work of Foreign Missions. There
is great destitntion in West Virginia,
and home has the first and strongest
claim npon us. Let us make the home
field productive and. then we Will be
better able to assist in the important
work OF Foreign Missions. State Mis-
sions is an independent work, one that
we can perform without difficulty, one
that we can perform better than any
one else. I'VE know the field we have
to cultivate, its resources and import
anee better than any one else. The
State Missien Board have, had about
thirty months experience in conducting
this work, The following report VIII
show how they have succeeded:
During the year closing last DC to6er,
there were 19 missionaries commission
ed, who performed AS weeks service,
delivered 1874 sermons and address
es, Supplied 80 stations, baptized 2oo,
and received by letter 62 persons, max
ing 800; travelled 49, ,220 miles, made 1881
family visits, and collected on their
fields for various objects over SlOOO"
Their reports for the two quarters OF
the present year, have, in many re-
spects been more encouraging than they
were last year. When we consider the
condition of our churches when they
embarked in this truly noble work
and contrast it with their present con-
dition we are forced to exclaim, BE
hold the wonderful works of the Lord ?,
It is truly marvellous What ground
for hope and encouragement do these
reports not furnish the friends of mis-
sions.
Much has been done, but much re-
mains to be done. We need more men,
men who are willing to give themselves
to this work, men of strong faith. Then
we need the means for sustaining them.
Let us pray the Lord of harvest to send
MS the men. Then dear brethren will
you not assist us in securing the means
for feeding and clothing themf
am sorry to be compelled to inform
you that at the last meeting of the
Board, we were compelled to borrow
money to pay the salaries of the mis-
sionaries. Not a pastor sent up one
dollar to that meeting. All that was
reported was collected by the mission
aries, aud the corresponding Secretary.
Now, dear brethren, this work must not
cease, we appeal to you as ministers
and as laymen, to como at once to our
aSShIaUCt. w Z ltGl dSSul Ghhb a i'''AS
effort during the next month on the
part of those who may read these lines,
will secure a sum sufficient to relieve
the Board, and enable it to so forward
witk its work. We now ask a free
will offering for the Lord. We do Not
ask for large sum, we only ask that
between now and the 18th of July that
one thousand persons lciit send as one dol
lar cach-by mail. Will pastors read
this proposition to their congregations
and urge them to respond 10 it prompt
". How small the sum, but remember
it will make glad the hearts Of the no
be missionaries, who are reaching the
Cross of Christ
Let all who read these lines respond
to this urgent request. Do not wait for
your next meeting, enclose the dollar,
and send it by mail. Direct as fol-
lows:
j. B. HARDWICKE,
Cor Sec 5. NJ. B.
Parkersburg, w. Va. q