New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1868-05-17

is in a state of great prosperity. To
these has been added by the
munificent liberality of Dan
iel Drew, ESQ., Of New York,
third institution known as the
Drew Theological Seminary, and To-
Gated on a beautiful tract of land at
Madison, New Jersey. A liberal
charter has Just been obtained from
the Legislature of that State, placing
the Seminary fully under the control
of the General Conference. We in
vite your attention to a careful consid-
Grafton of the question whether the
guardianship Of these institutions,
having, as they do, for their object
the education Of the ministry, is suf-
fciently assured to the Church.
There is, we think, less tendency to
the multiplication of collegiate insti-
tutions than during the former periods
of our Church history, and there is a
growing disposition to more thorough
ly endow and sustain those which have
been founded. Several new semina-
ries have been established in different
parts of our work, and generally, we
think, under favorable auspices. We
trust, however, that they will not be
multiplied beyond the absolute neces-
sites Of the localities; or beyond the
means and disposition of the Church
TO sustain them, In the liberal pat
ronage of our colleges and seminaries
we recognize the strong purpose of
the Church to provide FOR the educa-
ton of its youth. It is our imperative
duty to watch over and to train those
committed to our care, that they may
grow up attached to the doctrines and
to the usages Of Methodism.
The publishing interests of the
Church, we are glad to say, are in a
rosperous condition. The reports of
the book agents, both at New York
and Cincinnati, show very large in
crease in the amount of sales during
the last four years. For specific de-
tails we refer you to the reports Of the
agents, which have already been pre-
sented. With improved facilities and
with an increasing demand for oar pub
locations, we anticipate that the future
will show much greater enlargement.
The periodical press continues to be
an element of great power. It's issues
are priced, and the information diff
fused tends to foster an enlightened
piety. We hope the day is not far
distant when in every family our
Church papers will be found.
Our Sunday schools show an increase
in the number Of children, amounting
to 241,Sl9, being some $4,000 more
than the addition to our membership.
The conversion. reported also exhibit
large advance. New publications
have been issued from the press, local
libraries have been enlarged, and an
increased interest has been awakened
in the modes Of Instruction. The for
nation of Sunday school teachers in
stitutes has added to this interest, and
has been of great service to the cause.
How far additional encouragement
should be given 10 this department of
labor is worthy Of your careful con-
sideration.
The tract report shows an increase
both in collections and disbursements.
A number Of new tracts have also been
added to the list. While much has
been done, we think it worthy of your
consideration whether there is sent
systematic agency for the distribution
Of tracts as the interests of this de-
partment require.
The receipts Of the treasurer of the
Missionary Society show an unparal-
leled increase during the past quadren-
mum. Notwithstanding the centenary
contributions called forth in another
direction the lberality of our people,
notwithstanding heavy drafts were
made in the caller part of it for the
Christian and Sanitary commissions,
and in the latter part for the Church
Extension and Freedman's Aid So
ciety, yet 50 deep and abiding is the
interest in the cause of missions that
the contributions have more than
doubled. The largest receipts of any
previous quadrennium was from 1860
to 1864, amounting to $l,l53,041.
Those from 1854 to 1868 are S2,457,-
546, an increase of S1,304,507 Yet
so many fields have been opened, and
so urgent have been the calls that the
treasury is nowin debt.
Our foreign missions are generally
in a satisfactory condition. In the
Oldest of these, the mission in Liberia,
the progress has been slow, yet it is
thought there has been more of an ag-
| grsssive spirit manifested than during
any previous period. The future also
seems more hopeful. As the con-
dition of the eolored population in
this country is improved, the emigra-
ton to Africa Eill be Of more intelli-
gent and enterPising men. The de-
mands Of commerce, the call for skill
full mechanics md artisans to develop
the resources q that country, and for
teachers to sdpate the youth must
bear to their shores those who will
impart spirit of increased enter
prise. aa
In CONFORMITY with the provision
made by the las General Conference,
| the Liberia Annual Conference, with
the concurrence and appreciation of
the missionaFy secretaries, and the
bishop having .harge of the work,
elected Rev. J, w. Roberts as mis-.
sionary bishop fir Liberia. He visited
this country and was ordained and set
apart for that wek by Bishops James
and Scott, at Jew York, in June,
1866. 1861
| Our mission IN China is progressing
| steadily. Not ontent with occupy
| ing the progi4csOf Tookien, our mis-
-Lo -. - 80 !. -. 4 go e IL.