THE ANNUAL MEETING.
We have given, as usual, in the Missionary next following our Annual Meeting, a large part of our increased space to the Report of the Executive Committee, the minutes of the meeting, and the addresses made on that occasion. Here we need only to add a few general observations on the special features of the three days at Taunton.
First of all, the attendance was gratifying both as to numbers and quality. The earlier sessions drew together more people than are ordinarily present at the start; and, despite the two rainy days which followed, the numbers increased to the end. The evening meetings were crowded, and, had the weather been fine, would have doubtless overflowed, so as to have made the opening of a second church necessary. It was a representative gathering, too, of ministers, well known for their active interest in all good works, and of substantial laymen from Massachusetts and the coasts beyond. We should be glad if, more and more, the men who contribute either largely or statedly to our work, would come to these assemblies, and question the methods of our work and of our administration of their gifts. The executive officers of the Association desire to maintain relations of perfect frankness with those whose trustees they are, are glad to answer all inquiries, and to submit to all intelligent criticism, to meet with the special committees when requested, and to give all possible information;—sure that, as in this case, such detailed knowledge of their ways and works will only furnish a better basis for the confidence, so largely given, of the churches and the friends of the lowly.
We need not repeat here what is fully set forth in the preceding pages—the reports of the year’s work and of its indorsement by the constituency of the Association. Rather we will confine ourselves to the things which do not there appear.
The sermon, on the first evening, by Rev. S. E. Herrick, D. D., was full of grand thoughts, clothed in words of forceful grace, from the text: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.”—1. Peter, ii, 9.
Three thoughts were deduced from those words set forth, and with ample illustration: (1) God has a people in the world, not marked by geographical or race lines, and yet one people and one nation, who are such through their relation to God by Jesus Christ; (2) This people has undergone a marvellous transformation from darkness into His light; (3) It is intrusted with a solemn priestly function, a sacrificial work, for the redemption of men. The special priestly work of God’s people in this land was set forth, and the historic fact that, having failed to fulfill it, they were made to suffer on the altar of sacrifice, and that unless they should meet the obligations of their office now, they must again be called to an account.
Five papers of great value were read during the meetings. These have been printed in full in the supplement to the Boston Traveller, and largely circulated among our friends.
1. “The Present Time all-important in the salvation of our Country,” by Rev. Stacy Fowler, D.D. The paper showed how this was a critical time in our history as a nation; the great need, a revival of “the American spirit,” especially in these three respects—the nation’s faith in God, the purity of the family, and the elevation of the lowly. The Church must do the work. Incidentally, a strong argument was made to show the deteriorating tendency of the amalgamation of races, sustained by the testimony of Prof. Lewis Agassiz.
2. “The Denominational Polity of the American Missionary Association,” by Rev. G. L. Walker, D. D. The real question is, shall we only seek to Christianize, or shall we also try to Congregationalize the Freedmen? The paper discussed the nature of Congregationalism, and the prevalent characteristics of the colored race; and, from the comparison, drew conclusions not very favorable to the prospects of denominational success, yet by no means discrediting what has already been accomplished in that direction, or discouraging further efforts.
3. “America’s Opportunity the World’s Salvation,” by Rev. C. L. Woodworth. The end of Christian work is to spread the saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. This needs human activities, directed with strategic wisdom and sanctified energy. Each nation has its peculiar work: England to send forth Christian and civilizing agencies through her widely scattered colonies; America to Christianize the peoples from other lands who come to her shores; and to send back, through them, the Gospel of Christian civilization to their benighted countrymen.
4. “A Revival of Righteousness toward the Despised Races of America,” by Rev. Ebenezer Cutler, D. D. That they are despised is the main indictment which the paper details at length. This unrighteousness prejudices our Christian work, restrains the heartiness of many, even, who are engaged in it, and hinders the blessing of God on our labors. This revival must begin by reflection, leading to repentance; must go on to the repeal of unjust and the execution of just laws, to a righteous public sentiment, and such atonement as can be made for past wrongs.
5. “The Work of Half a Generation among the Freedmen,” by Secretary Strieby, in which the progress since emancipation was traced, supported by much important testimony, in material, educational and religious prosperity.
We have given these brief analyses only to serve as an index to the contents of these papers, and not at all as a substitute for their perusal. Still less would it be possible to make good to our readers the misfortune of their absence from this inspiring gathering. We are confident that we shall feel the impulse of it through the year.
We are close upon the threshold of a new year. The churches, many of them, at this time, are making up their schedules of benevolence for 1879. Do not forget, we pray you, to give a good place to the Association, whose work is among the least of these, the Master’s brethren, in our own land. Do not forget, you who apportion your weekly contributions among the various fields, to give its due share, as God shall give you light, to this peculiar work which presses its claims by so many sacred pleas, and on the timely cultivation of which depend so largely the permanence and purity of the spring itself. We would not have you neglect Judea, and Samaria, nor even the uttermost parts of the earth, but only beseech you, earnestly and tearfully, Don’t forget Jerusalem.
Several thousand dollars of the money pledged for the reduction of our debt, is made conditional upon our paying up the full amount by the end of this year. We beg our friends to bear this fact in mind, as a spur to make their thoughts quicker, and their hands obey their generous promptings without delay. We cannot afford to lose this offered help, and you cannot afford to have us. The impetus given at the Annual Meeting to this debt-destroying work is not abated; our friends are reminding us of their interest daily; some of those who were present at the meeting are pressing it, on their own account, in the States from which they came. How soon will you enable us to make our proclamation of emancipation from this bondage?
Our readers will see that we have endeavored, in this number of the Missionary, to present them with the doings and the sayings of the Annual Meeting not already put into print and circulation. The valuable and stirring addresses by Rev. Messrs. Atwood, Heywood and Pike, we have been able to get in form already. Other equally thoughtful and forcible addresses, though reported, have not yet come to us in such shape that we can use them immediately. What you find here is what you did not find in the Supplement to the Traveller. We beg you, then, to “read, mark, learn and inwardly digest.”
A new cartridge, No. 5, of the series of pamphlets begun last year, is ready for distribution, and contains Secretary Strieby’s review of half a generation of work among the Freedmen. As a collation of facts and testimony, we commend it as furnishing to thoughtful men the means of forming their own opinions on the success of past labors, and on the hopefulness and the duty of pressing on the good work already begun patiently to the desired end.
Three Communion Sets are needed for as many churches near Talladega, Ala. Churches at the North can make good use of their old ones if they are about to replace them with new.
We invite attention to the call of Mr. Connett, in another column, for means to erect cheap cottages for the accommodation of students. The small sum needed for each cottage will enable many of our readers to accomplish a definite and useful object, who cannot undertake larger enterprises. We indorse most heartily the appeal.
Miss Rebecca Tyler Bacon, daughter of Rev. Leonard Bacon, D.D., died at New Haven, Ct., October 26th, 1878. She was a woman of rare gifts, of great intelligence, and of extraordinary ability. She had the true missionary spirit in a self-sacrificing devotion for the welfare of others, especially of the unfortunate and the debased.
The Normal Institute, at Hampton, Va., was much indebted to her wise management for its successful organization, and the impress of her mind and spirit will remain while that institution stands. She was a power for good in her native city, where her counsel and direction were given to many public and private charities, with untiring devotion.
Her faithful and tender ministry as the eldest daughter and sister, amid trials and sorrow, are best appreciated by those whom she cheered, and comforted, and strengthened. Thousands in our churches will deeply sympathize with her honored and venerable father in this bereavement.