The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1876-05-24


In presenting the Fifteenth Annual Re
port on Foreign Missions, the Executive
Committee, while expressing sentiments of
profound gratitude to Almighty God for the
many tokens of His favor bestowed upon
this work during the year, would, at the
same time, call the attention of the Assem-
bly, to certain facts and features connected
with its present condition, which demand its
earnest and serious consideration. To con-
duct work, involving such great and solemn
responsibilities, and, at the same time, sub
ject to so many unforeseen contingencies, re-
quires all the wisdom that can possibly be
brought to bear npOn it. None can feel the
need of this wisdom more than those upon
whom the chief responsibility of its manage
ment has been devolved.
CHANGES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN THE
MISSIONARY FORCE
Among the events of the year that may be
regarded as unfayorable aud affective, are
the breaches that have been made in the mis-
sionary ranks by death, by Withdrawals from
the service and by the return of missionaries
to this country for the improvement of their
health. While the last Assembly was still
in session, intelligence reached ST. Louis of
the death of Mrs Graybill, of the Mstamo-
ras Mission. This painful and unexpected
event occurred on the 18Th of May, just
when that beloved sister seemed to have en-
tered upon a work of very great PROMISE
On the 18th of August, Rev. G. W. Ley
burn, who had been in Greece only few
months, was summoned to his rest, having
been permitted, during his short sojourn, to
gather few rich shesves on the field where
his early ministry had been spent, and for
the spiritual welfare of which he had never
ceased to pray. Rev. Mr.. and Mrs. HOus-
ton, whose expected return to this county for
the recovery of bis health, was mentioned in
the last Annual Report, arrived In Cslifor-
MIA in June, his health not materially i'm
proved by the sea-voyage. Notwithstanding
his imperfect health, however, Mr.. Houston,
during the autumn and winter, visited many
of the churches in North Carolina, South
Carolina and Georgia, and did much to pro-
mote the interests of the missionary cause
in that part of the country. Miss Mamie
Henderson, of the Campinas Mission, whose
feeble health was also mentioned in the last
Annual Report, after prolonged and per-
sistent effort to remain at her post of labor,
was compelled to return to this country, as
affording the onlv hope of her recovery
She arrived in New York on the 18th Of
September, having had safe voyage, but
even more prostrated than when she left
Brazil. Since then her health has been
gradually improving, but is not yet fully re,
stored. In the autumn, Rev. Hamilton Bal
entine and Mrs Balentine asked leave of the
Committee to give up their station at VInita
in the Cherokee country, to take charge of 8
large female seminary near Tallequah, II
the same nation, which had been rendered
them by the trustees. In view of the very
great Importance of this Institution to the
general welfare of the Cherokee Nation, the
Committee yielded their consent, but we're
sorry to part with these Christian friends
who had labored so long and so faithfully il
connection with the missionary cause. Mr.
Balentine had labored but a few months il
this new department when he also was sum
moned to his rest above.
FlNANCE.
The receipts from all sources amount tt
S6l,273.37. Of this, S46,S49 81 have beer
given by churches and individuals; ST, SIT.
85 by Ladies' Missionary Associations, an,
S6,605. 81 by Sabbath Schools. This aggre
gate exceeds the contributions of last yea
by S19,O3S.9S. The expenditures, in de
spite the most rigid economy that could b
practiced consistently with the preservation
of the missions, has amounted to $50, ,498
76 This, as will be seen by reference
the Treasurers' account, leaves the debt re
duced to $9,84867. By skillful combine
ton of the funds of the Foreign and HON
work, and without any injury to those {
the latter, the interest on the foreign del
during the year has amounted to only $1O1
rs. The whole cost of the Home Depar
ment, including S518 10 paid for publishin
the Missionary, over and above its receipt