South American Mission.—On a representation to the society, that much good might be done among the negro population and the Indians in and around Honduras, in the Bay of Mexico, the society, in 1822, sent out Mr. J. Bourne, who succeeded in establishing a church and congregation.
South African Mission.—In 1831, Rev. W. Davies was sent to Graham's Town, at the urgent solicitation of some Baptists, resident at that place.
Summary.
This society have, in Asia, the Asiatic Islands, West Indies, South America, and South Africa, one hundred and twenty-nine stations and out-stations, one hundred and thirty-four missionaries and assistants, twenty-two thousand four hundred and eighty-eight communicants, and seventeen thousand seven hundred and thirty-five scholars. This statement does not contain the full amount of their labors to the present year.
American Baptist Board Of Foreign Missions.
Missions in Asia.—Rev. A. Judson may be said to be the father of Baptist missions in this country, and, indeed, of the missionary labors of this society. It was his conversion to the principles of the Baptists, while a missionary of the American board in India, that roused them to action. He commenced his labors under discouraging circumstances, at Rangoon, in the Burman empire, 1813. Since then, the operations of this board have become very extensive, embracing immense portions of the Burman empire, Siam, &c. Asia is their principal mission field, and they have laid sure foundations for the evangelization of many parts of that benighted clime.
Indian Missions.—An impression, made, no doubt, by divine influence, of the importance of missions to this people, led, in 1817, to the appointment of J. M. Peck and J. E. Welch to be missionaries to the North American Indians. J. M. Peck commenced their first Indian mission among the Cherokees in 1818. Many tribes are now embraced by the labors of the board, and although the progress of truth has been slow among the “red men,” yet the board have cause to rejoice over their Indian missions.
African Mission.—This mission was commenced by the offer of L. Cary and C. Teage, colored men, to become the messengers of the churches in this work. They commenced their duties, in 1821, at Liberia, where the board continues its efforts for the redemption of Africa, with some success, chiefly among the Bassas.
European Missions.—These missions were commenced in 1832. Professor Chase was sent to explore the kingdom of France, and the Rev. J. C. Rostan commenced a course of evangelical demonstrations at Paris; since which, Germany and Greece have shared the attention of the board. These are missions of the first importance.