At two p. m., the Lord’s Supper was celebrated; Rev. Joshua W. Wellman, D. D., and Rev. Cyrus W. Wallace, D. D., officiating.
The Association was called to order at 2.45 p. m., President E. S. Tobey in the chair.
The committee on the debt of the Association, to which Secretary Strieby was added, presented the following statement and suggestions:
The American Missionary Association at its meeting in Taunton, Mass., adopted the following statement and suggestions respecting its debt:
The debt of this Association has been, and still is, a great hindrance to its progress, preventing that advance which is so much needed along the whole line of endeavors. The Association welcomes, with hearty thanks to God, the report of its treasurer, announcing the still further reduction of the debt, bringing the amount down, if all pledges are paid, to $25,000. An effort having been made at this meeting to secure pledges of $25 each, encouraging responses were made, amounting to over $3,000.
In view of these facts it was resolved that an effort be made for the total extinction of the debt, and the following suggestions are offered as to the methods in which our friends may aid us:
1. Individuals and households, who are interested in our work, may send pledges of one or more shares (of $25 each), as their ability and benevolence may suggest, the more wealthy being asked to remember that if the debt is paid, some of the contributions must be large and liberal.
2. Pastors may invite their congregations to make such pledges.
3. Pastors may (as some have volunteered at this meeting to do) bring the subject before the local conferences, and awaken an interest in securing such pledges.
4. The Day of Thanksgiving is near at hand, and a glad offering for this purpose may be an acceptable gift to the God of all mercies, as well as helpful to the Association.