Missions in Europe.—These missions embrace the labors of the society in Sweden, France, Germany, Ireland, and the Norman and [pg 344] Shetland Isles. Notwithstanding many obstacles, arising from intolerance, ignorance, or superstition, the good work progresses at these missions.
Summary.
In 1840, this society had, in the West Indies, fifty missionary stations; in British North America, eighty-four stations; in Asia, twenty-two,; in the South Seas, twenty-five; in Africa, thirty-one; and in Europe, forty-two stations. In all these countries the society had two hundred and fifty-four stations, six hundred and twenty-three missionaries and teachers, seventy-two thousand seven hundred and twenty-four communicants, and fifty-six thousand five hundred and twenty-two scholars.
Missions Of The Methodist Episcopal Church.
I. Foreign Missions.
1. The Liberia Mission was commenced in 1833, by the Rev. M. B. Cox, who, in a few short months after, was called to his eternal reward. His dying language was, “Though a thousand fall, Africa must not be given up.” Five other missionaries have fallen in the same field. The Liberia mission now includes an annual conference of seventeen preachers, all colored, except the superintendent and the two brethren recently sent out. It has a membership of nearly one thousand, of whom one hundred and fifty are natives. There are thirteen day schools, in which from five hundred to six hundred children are instructed, (of whom about forty are natives, preparing for future usefulness,) fourteen churches, eight mission-houses, three school-houses, one academy, (a stone building,) and one printing-office. Total of missionaries, male and female, twenty-four.
2. The Oregon Mission.—This mission was commenced by Rev. Messrs. Jason and Daniel Lee, and now numbers twenty-one missionaries, including preachers, teachers, physicians, farmers, mechanics, &c. The greater part of these were sent out in 1840, making, with their wives and children, about fifty souls—the largest missionary expedition going, at one time, from this country. They are now laying the foundations of their future work.
3. The Texas Mission was commenced by Rev. Dr. Ruter, assisted by two young preachers, who accompanied him to that country in 1837. An annual conference was established in this mission field in 1840, which now includes three regular presiding elders' districts, and eighteen stations and circuits. It numbers twenty-three travelling preachers, thirty-six local preachers, (i. e., lay preachers, who support themselves, and preach as they have opportunity) and two thousand [pg 345] seven hundred and ninety-five members. There is a college at Rutersville.
II. Domestic Missions.