ADDRESS 
 
 TO THE 
 
 ESPECIALLY TO THE 
 
 MINISTERS AND MEMBERS 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN, REFORMED DUTCH, AND 
 CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES, 
 
 THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES, 
 
 ON THE SUBJECT OF THE 
 
 PROPOSED UNION 
 
 BETWEEN THE 
 
 AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 
 
 FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS, 
 
 AND THE 
 
 UNITED FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY. 
 
 boston: CROCKER AND BREWSTER. NEW-TORK: JOHN P. HATEN. 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2016 
 
 
 
 https://archive.org/details/addresstochristiOOunse 
 
ADDRESS 
 
 At the late annual meeting of the American Board of 
 Commissioners for Foreign Missions, which was held at 
 Northampton in September, a proposal was made by the 
 Managers of the United Foreign Missionary Society, for an 
 amalgamation of the two institutions; or, in other words, for 
 a union of all the friends of both institutions, in such a man- 
 ner that their missionary efforts might be conducted under 
 one organization. This proposal was offered by the Rev. Dr. 
 McAuley, the Rev. Dr. McMurray,and the Rev. Mr. Crane, 
 as a Committee appointed by the Managers for that purpose, 
 and was received by the Board in the most respectful and 
 fraternal manner. In the discussions, relating to so impor- 
 tant a measure, all who were present seemed to have the 
 same object at heart; viz. the direction of the Christian 
 energies of this country, so as to communicate, in the 
 most speedy and effectual manner, the greatest amount of 
 blessings lo the heathen world. The measure itself was 
 warmly approved; and the following terms of union were 
 unanimously adopted, every member present, both of the 
 Board, and of the Committee from the United Foreign Mis- 
 sionary Society, distinctly expressing his concurrence in 
 them. 
 
 Preliminary terms in contemplation of union. — “As 
 the amalgamation of the two societies cannot be completed 
 till after it shall have received the sanction of the highest 
 judicatories in the Presbyterian Church and the Reformed 
 
4 
 
 I 
 
 Dutch Church, which cannot take place before the meeting 
 of those bodies in May next, the American Board of Com- 
 missioners for Foreign Missions on the one part, and the 
 Commissioners of the United Foreign Missionary Society on 
 the other part, agree to these five preliminary articles, viz. 
 
 “1. A document shall be issued jointly by the Pruden- 
 tial Committee of this Board, and by the Directors of the 
 United Foreign Missionary Society, as soon as it can be 
 conveniently prepared, stating and explaining in what sense 
 the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions 
 is a National Institution; how it is organized; the reasons 
 for hoping and believing, that this organization will continue 
 to receive the confidence of the Christian community; and 
 the reasons which have had weight in promoting the contem- 
 plated union. 
 
 “2. During the interval, which must elapse between the 
 present time and May next, the Directors of the United For- 
 eign Missionary Society will make all practicable exertions 
 to replenish its Treasury; so that, should the proposed union 
 take place, the engagements to be assumed by the American 
 Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions may be as few 
 and as small as possible. 
 
 “ 3 . The Directors of the United Foreign Missionary 
 Society will correspond with the missionaries under its care, 
 explaining to them the proposed union, and advising them, 
 if the measure should be adopted, to transfer their relation 
 to the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- 
 sions. 
 
 “4. The Directors of the United Foreign Missionary 
 Society will direct the missionaries of the several stations, 
 not to enter upon any new measures involving expense, and 
 generally to practice the strictest economy, till the result of 
 this proposed measure shall be known. 
 
 “5. As the Directors of the United Foreign Missionary 
 society contemplate sending an agent to visit the stations 
 west of the Mississippi, the Prudential Committee will, if 
 practicable, send an agent also to accompany him, and ascer- 
 tain from personal inspection, the condition of these stations.’^ 
 
3 
 
 Permanent terms of union . — “The following; principles 
 are adopted as the basis of the proposed union, which princi- 
 ples, when consented to by the United Foreign Missionary 
 Society, and the judicatories above referred to, shall thence- 
 forward be binding on both societies: 
 
 “1. The missionaries now in the employment of the 
 United Foreign Missionary Society shall, if their character 
 and standing remain unimpeached, be receivetl as missiona- 
 ries of the Board; and, if any of them should be unwilling 
 to enter into this new relation, they shall be at liberty to 
 retire from the stations which they now occupy. 
 
 “2. The property, of every kind, belonging to the United 
 Foreign Missionary Society, whether at the missionary sta- 
 tions, or elsewhere, shall be transferred to the American 
 Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, on the ratifi- 
 cation of this union. 
 
 “3. The American Board of Commissioners for Foreign 
 Missions will assume all the engagements of the United 
 Foreign Missionary Society, as they shall stand at the time 
 of said ratification; it being undei’stood, however, that the 
 fourth preliminary article shall have been complied with. 
 
 “4. In the election of members according to the provis- 
 ions of its charter; in the appointment of missionaries, occa- 
 sional agents, and other functionaries; and in the adminis- 
 tration of all its concerns; the American Board of Commis- 
 sioners for Foreign Missions will endeavor to merit the high 
 character of a truly National Institution, and to acquire and 
 retain the affections and confidence of all classes of persons, 
 who have heretofore aided either of these societies, anti of all 
 others who may wish to promote the salvation of the heathen. 
 
 “5. As the American Board of Commissioners for For- 
 eign Missions has heretofore consisted, with few exceptions, 
 of persons belonging to the Presbyterian, Reformed Dutch, 
 and Congregational churches: and as its national character will 
 always ensure the election of a competent and satisfactory num- 
 ber of persons from these religious communities, the Board 
 will send to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, 
 the General Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church, and the 
 
6 * 
 
 several General Associations in , the New England States, as 
 many copies of its Annual Report, and other printed docu- 
 ments, as shall be sufficient to furnish each member of these 
 Bodies with a cop}'; not only as a token of respect, but that 
 means of information may be afforded in regard to the meas- 
 ures of the Board and its missionaries, and to any success 
 which God may grant to its exertions. 
 
 “6. The highest judicatories of the Presbyterian Church 
 and of the Reformed Dutch Church will recommend the 
 American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, as 
 a National Institution, and entitled to the warm support and 
 efficient patronage of the churches under their respective 
 jurisdictions. 
 
 “7. The periodical publications of the Board shall be sent 
 gratuitously to all societies and individuals, now entitled to 
 the periodical publications of the United Foreign Missionary 
 Society; and, on the ratification of this union, the Missionary 
 Herald shall take the place of the Missionary Register.” 
 
 According to the stipulation contained in the first of the 
 preliminary articles above-recited, the Prudential Committee 
 of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- 
 sions, and the Managers of the United Foreign Missionary 
 Society, now issue these pages, as the common document 
 there described. Pursuing the plan of the article, they pro- 
 ceed, without further introduction, to inquire, 
 
 I. In what sense the Board is a National Institution. 
 
 It was a prominent design of the public spirited men, by 
 whom the foreign missionary enterprises of this country 
 were commenced, that the institution, which they formed, 
 should be truly national in its character. The first election of 
 members, under the act of incorporation, was made with this 
 design full in view. The Board previously consisted of eleven 
 members. At the election here referred to, thirteen addi- 
 tional members were chosen. These thirteen, taken collec- 
 tively, resided in seven states of the union, and belonged to 
 all those religious denominations, from which a general co- 
 operation in missionary efforts, conducted under ono organi- 
 
7 
 
 2 ation, could be expected. In subsequent elections, during 
 a period of thirteen years, the same object has been regarded. 
 Of the forty-two members, who now compose the Board, one 
 resides in India, and the rest in nine states of the union; viz. 
 in five of the New England slates, with New York, New 
 Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. 
 
 At the annual meeting in 1819, gentlemen were elected, in 
 nearly all the remaining states, as well as in Europe and the 
 East, to act as Corresponding Members, whose counsel and 
 patronage might promote the common object; and, two years 
 later, a provision was introduced, by which persons are ad- 
 mitted as Honorary Members, on their making a specified 
 donation to the Treasury of the Board. Both these classes 
 of members, though they do not form a part of the corporate 
 body, are invited to join in the deliberations of the annual 
 meetings. In these ways, a fair representation of the friends 
 of missions is obtained, the advice of intelligent men is re- 
 ceived from a distance, and a suitable respect is paid to 
 others, whose conduct has evinced their deep interest in the 
 welfare of the institution. With regard to the future, there 
 is nothing, either in the act of incorporation, or in any decis- 
 ion of the Board, to prevent the election of as many mem- 
 bers from difierent parts of the country, as the interests of the 
 missionary cause may require. 
 
 Thus designed to be national, in its reliance upon the expe- 
 rience, wisdom, and tried character of eminent individuals in 
 all parts of the country, the Board has acquired the same 
 character, to a remarkable extent, in the patronage which it 
 has enjoyed. Though much the greater part of its resour- 
 ces has uniformly been derived from New England, many 
 liberal benefactors have been found in the middle, southern, 
 and western states. 
 
 If the contemplated union should receive the sanction of 
 the ecclesiastical bodies to which it is referred, the patronage 
 from many parts of the countr)’^ will be greater, it may safely’ 
 be presumed, than at any previous time. 
 
 It cannot be expected, however, that this institution 
 will receive the patronage of all the denominations of 
 
Christians in our country, in the same manner as the 
 Jjible Society does. It will be considered rather as under 
 the direction and peculiar patronage of those denomina- 
 tions, from which both institutions have hitherto derived 
 their principal support. From these religious communities 
 the missionaries will be selected as heretofore; and to these 
 communities must the public look for directors, executive 
 officers, missionaries, assistant missionaries, and agents of 
 every kind. Individuals of other denominations may prob- 
 ably hereafter make this Board the channel of their benefi- 
 cence to the heathen, as they have done in time past; though 
 without any expectation of altering the general plan of its 
 operations, or interfering with its management. One of the 
 earliest contributors to the funds of the Board, and, consid- 
 ering his circumstances, the most liberal contributor who has 
 hitherto appeared, was a Baptist. The present venerable 
 President of the American Bible Society, and the generous 
 agent of the Board at Calcutta, though Episcopalians, are mem- 
 bers and patrons. The latter has cheerfully and spontaneously 
 rendered very essential services to the American missions in 
 the east. Quite recently an association has been formed in aid 
 of the Board, by Episcopalians belonging to St. Paul’s church, 
 Boston; with the express reservation, however, that they 
 will be at liberty to send their annual contributions to a Mis- 
 sionary Society of their own denomination, whenever they 
 shall think proper to do so. 
 
 With these explanations, considering that Congregational- 
 ists and Presbyterians of different names constitute a large 
 part of the inhabitants in almost every city and populous towm 
 in the United States; that they are a great majority of all the 
 inhabitants in many large districts; that, taking the whole 
 country together, they are probably the largest denomina- 
 tions of Christians, both in regard to numbers and wealth; 
 and that, if the proposed union should be consummated, they 
 would look upon this Board as their only organ of sending 
 the Gospel to the unevangelized world; and considering, 
 also, that many zealous and public spirited individuals, of 
 other religious denominations, will avail themselves of the 
 
9 
 
 facilities afforde <1 by this Board for conveying: their contribu- 
 tions to reclaim the earth from moral desolation; it can 
 hardly be thoug:ht presumption by any one, to speak of the 
 American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions as a 
 National Institution. 
 
 II. The subject of inquiry next in order is, In ivhat man- 
 ner the Board is ors^anized? This question will be answer- 
 ed by the following statement. 
 
 In the month of June 1810 , it was announced, that four 
 young men, who were then members of the Theological 
 Seminary in Andover, seriously contemplated devoting them- 
 selves to the service of Christ, as missionaries to the heathen. 
 This interesting fact was stated to the General Association of 
 Massachusetts, then in session, and the young men were in- 
 vited to anpear before that body. They appeared according- 
 ly; explained their views; and, in effect, if not literally, im- 
 plored of Christians in our country, the means of o' taining 
 access to the pagan world. 
 
 After deliberating on the subiect, the General Association 
 appointed a Committee of five gentlemen in Massachusetts, 
 and four in Connecticut, to take charge of this great concern; 
 and ‘to devise ways and means, and adopt measures, for pro- 
 moting the spread of the Gospel in heathen lands.’ To this 
 Committee the present name of the Board was given. 
 
 In September of the same year, the nine persons, who had 
 been thus selected, were invited to meet. A majority con- 
 vened; a constitution was formed; and the Board was organ- 
 ized. 
 
 The General Association of Connecticut, at the next meet- 
 ing, which was in June ISll, approved of these measures; 
 and appointed the same gentlemen in that state, as had been 
 first appointed by the General A.ssociation of Massachusetts. 
 This latter body repeated the appointment of five persons; 
 and it was then supposed, that the Board would be perpetuat- 
 ed by annual appointments made in' these ecclesiastical 
 bodies. The institution was then in its infancy. There 
 had been no developement of its powers. The donations 
 ey 
 
10 
 
 actually received into its Treasury amounted to but a smali 
 sum. No missionary operations had been commenced. 
 
 In the mean time, a legacy of thirty thousand dollars 
 had been left to the Board, by the late Mrs. Norris of Salem, 
 who died in April ISll. As the Board was not incorporat- 
 ed, an expensive lawsuit of four years duration was necessa- 
 ry, before the legacy could be recovered; all which time the 
 money lay unproductive in the hands of the executor, who 
 could neither pay it, nor make any use of it, till the question 
 was legally decided. The fact that so large a legacy was at 
 hazard, merely for want of an act of incorporation, made the 
 friends of missions very desirous that similar embarrassments 
 should not exist in future. Application was therefore prefer- 
 red to the legislature of Massachusetts for a charter, by 
 which the Board might receive and hold property, under 
 the protection of law. Such a charter was obtained in the 
 month of June 1S12, and served to increase that public con- 
 fidence in the Board, which had already been expressed in a 
 very unequivocal manner. 
 
 In so important a measure as framing an act of incorpora- 
 tion, very able legal advisers were consulted. It was appar- 
 ent, that the form, which the Board at first received, could 
 not be preserved under a legal organization. The General 
 association of Massachusetts is merely a voluntajy associa- 
 tion, not known to the laws. The same is true of the smaller 
 associations, which are the constituent bodies, whose dele- 
 gates compose the General Association. The appointments 
 of such merely voluntary associations, could not be legally 
 recognized, unless the associations themselves were first 
 icgall}’^ defined; or, in other words, unless all these constitu- 
 ent bodies were first incorporated. This was not desired by 
 any one; and, if it had been desired, there is no reason to 
 think it would have been practicable. 
 
 But had it been practicable to obtain an act, which should 
 have giv^en a legal form to all these ecclesiastical bodies, 
 and should have prescribed that the members of the Board 
 should be annually elected by the General Associations of 
 
11 
 
 Massachusetts and Connecticut; it may be doubted whether 
 the Christian public would have deemed it suitable, that all 
 the members of such a corporation, which was designed to 
 act in behalf of multitudes residing in every part of our 
 widely extended country, should be annually chosen by two 
 independent bodies, composed of men who reside in only 
 two States of the Union. It is to be remembered, that these 
 independent bodies are composed of clergymen only, and are 
 changed almost wholly every year, being the representatives 
 of numerous other independent bodies, composed only of 
 clergymen. 
 
 When the Act of Incorporation was obtained, there seem- 
 ed to be but three ways, in which the members of the cor- 
 porate body could be designated; viz. either by enacting that 
 all persons, who might subscribe a certain constitution, or 
 compact, should be members; or that all, who should pay a 
 certain sum of money to the Treasury, should enjoy this 
 privilege; or that individuals, named in the act, should be 
 authorized to elect associates and successors, who should in 
 the same manner perpetuate the Board. The last of these 
 methods was adopted, for the following reasons. 
 
 1. This organization is analogous to that, which was first 
 chosen by the promoters of missions from this country to 
 the distant heathen. The prominent design, so far as relates 
 to the form of the Board, was, that these interesting con- 
 cerns should be committed to the management of a compara- 
 tively small number of men. Hence the epithet Commis- 
 sioners, which, however inconvenient as an appendage to 
 the name, clearly denotes, that the persons who bear it, 
 were appointed to act for others. As the charter does not, 
 and could not, provide for this delegated character, by’ recog- 
 nizing it in form, all that remains for the Board is, to secure 
 it in fact, by electing such associates, as will be a fair rep- 
 resentation of the friends of missiqps. 
 
 2. The present organization of the Board, renders that body 
 a real representation of the Christian communit}'^. If mem- 
 bership were acquired by subscribing a constitution, or 
 making a small pecuniary donation, the members present at 
 
12 
 
 an annual meeting would consist principally of tlie inhabit- 
 ants of the place, where the meeting was lield. If it were 
 held from year to year in the same place, the Hoard would 
 be regarded as the missionary society of that place, and not 
 of the country at large. If the annual meetings were held at 
 different places in rotation, the members actually present at 
 any one of the meetings, would, with few exceptions, be ab- 
 sent from the succeeding meeting; so that there would not 
 be even the appearance of indentity; and the Board, in- 
 stead of being a virtual representation of the Christian com- 
 munity, would be one year a small part of that community, 
 assembled in one place, and the next year a distinct part 
 of the same community, assembled in another |)lace. Mem- 
 bers, residing at even a moderate distance, would not feel any 
 obligation to be present, or any responsibility for measures 
 adopted. 
 
 3. The constitution of the Board is such, that a real super- 
 vision of the doings of the executive functionaries is exercis- 
 ed annually, and an efficient control is held in regard to 
 every important measure. But it is obvious that a large so- 
 ciety, assembled to hear parts of a Report and listen to ad- 
 dresses, could not enter into details of business, or give any 
 advice on doubtful or difficult subjects. The great use of 
 annual meetings jn such a society would be, to awaken 
 benevolent feelings, and prompt to corresponding exertions. 
 But the members of this Board assemble once a year, exam- 
 ine the doings of those whom they have appointed to manage 
 its concerns, and, after deliberation and discussion, fix upon 
 certain great principles, which serve as landmarks, in future 
 plans and movements. Residing in different parts of the 
 country, and knowing the wishes and feelings of contributors 
 to the Board, in their respective vicinities, they can make 
 any inquiries, or propose any measures, which the state of 
 things may render expedient. The number of members not 
 being large, the meetings are held from day to day, as long 
 as a majority think expedient, and always till the important 
 business has been transacted. 
 
 The next general subject of inquiry is. 
 
13 
 
 III. The reasons for hoping and believing, that the 
 present organization of the Board will continue to enjoy 
 the confidence of the Christian community. 
 
 Some of these reasons are the following: 
 
 1. If, as is thought to be the case, the constitution of the 
 Board is eminently fitted for the superintendence of mission- 
 ai'y concerns, the religious public will not be ignorant of it. 
 The mass of the people, so far as they are favorably inclined 
 toward the object of missions, wish simply for the most 
 convenient channel for the communication of their benefi- 
 cence to the heathen world. Modes and forms of association 
 are immaterial in their view; and, if they see the manage- 
 Mfient of missionary concerns entrusted, systematically and 
 permanently, to men of experience and known character, 
 they will repose as much confidence in the Board, under its 
 present organization, as they would repose in a body, whose 
 members were annually elected by the votes of all contribu- 
 tors, (were such an election practicable,) and as much as 
 should ever be reposed in any institution merely human. 
 
 2. The principles, on which members have been elected 
 hitherto, are calculated to sustain the public confidence. A 
 considerable proportion of the members were Presidents of 
 Colleges, or Professors in Theological Seminaries, at the 
 time of their election; and more than one fourth part of the 
 present members sustain one or the other of these relations. 
 It need not be said, that gentlemen in these important and re- 
 sponsible stations, are extensively known and highly esteem- 
 ed. They are also more likely, than any others, to be inti- 
 mately acquainted with the character of the missionaries. 
 Another class is composed of venerable men, both among 
 the clergy and laity, who have arrived at an advanced period 
 of life, have discharged numerous public duties, and are not 
 even suspected of valuing the little distinction, which is 
 implied in a selection to these services, except as it may 
 enable them to serve God in their declining days, and to 
 bear a distinct testimony to the excellence of the missionary 
 cause. A small number, of middle age, residing near each 
 other, have been selected to manage the executive business 
 
14 
 
 of the Board; and others, in the same period of life, distin- 
 guished for their active exertions in behalf of charitable ob- 
 jects, and residing in different parts of the union, have been 
 associated in this body. 
 
 It is to be understood that the Board would not think of 
 electing a member, whatever his standing or influence, who 
 was not supposed to be a warm friend of missions, and of ex- 
 perimental religion, and a believer in those cardinal doc- 
 trines of the New Testament, which are sometimes called 
 the doctrines of the Reformation * 
 
 3. The same causes which have led to the selection of 
 such members, as were thought likely to be acceptable to 
 friends of missions generally, and to require and retain tbeir 
 confidence, will always exist, and will almost necessarily 
 produce tbe same effects. It was once well observed by 
 Dr. Worcester, whose memory is greatly to be honored, 
 that the support of missions is “wholly a matter of 
 CONFIDENCE.” There must be confidence on the part of 
 the public, in the Board and its functionaries, at home and 
 
 * During the fifteen years and a half since the Board was formed, fifteen mem- 
 bers have died. Their names, arranged according to the States in which they re- 
 sided, are as follows: 
 
 Maine. Rev. Jesse Appleton, D. D., President of Bowdoin College. 
 
 New-Hampshire. Hon. John Langdon, Governor of the State, 
 
 Rev. Seth Payson, D. D. 
 
 Hon. Thomas W. Thompson, Senator in Congress. 
 
 Massachusetts. Rev. Samuel Spring, D. D. a Member of the Prudential Com- 
 mittee from the origin of the Board till his death. 
 
 Rev. Zepbaniah Swift Moore, D. D., President of Williams College, and sub- 
 sequently of Amherst Collegiate Institution. 
 
 Rev. Samuel Worcester, D. D., First Corresponding Secretary of the Board, 
 in which office he continued till his death. 
 
 Rhode Island. Hon. William Jones, Governor of the State. 
 
 Connecticut. Gen. Jedidiah Huntington. 
 
 Hon. John Treadwell, Governor of the State. 
 
 Rev. Timothy Dwight, D. D., President of Yale College. 
 
 New-York. Col. John Lincklaen. 
 
 Divie Bethune, Esq. 
 
 New-Jersey. Hon. Elias Boudinot, L.L. D., First President of the American 
 Bible Society. 
 
 District of Columbia. Elias Boudinot Caldwell, Esq. Clerk of the Supreme 
 Court of the United States. 
 
 To persons acquainted with the public and private character of leading men in 
 the religious community, not a word need be said respecting tliis list of names. 
 
15 
 
 abroad; confidence on the part of the Board, in its function- 
 aries, and in the patronage and support of the friends of 
 missions; confidence on the part of missionaries, in the 
 Board and the Christian community; and confidence on the 
 part of those, who conduct the executive business of the 
 institution, in the candour, intelligence, and steady zeal of 
 their associates of the Board, and of the multitude of their 
 Christian brethren. Alt this confidence is necessary to the 
 prompt and successful prosecution of the missionary work. 
 If the public were to withdraw confidence in the Board, 
 resources could not be found for carrying on the present 
 system of operations for three months. We are not to 
 suppose, however, that such a calamity will be suffered to 
 take place without cause; and we trust in the protecting 
 care of the Lord of missions to prevent the existence of any 
 cause, which should forfeit a confidence so long enjoyed, 
 and on which so much is depending. But it is more to the 
 design of this argument to say, that if the members of the 
 Board have any regard for the success of the cause, in which 
 they are embarked; — if they feel any responsibility for the 
 stewardship, which is placed in their hands; — if they wish 
 to sustain any reputation for integrity and consistency; — 
 they will aim to secure the best and most durable interest in 
 the affections of the people of God, by doing what is right, 
 and leaving the issue to His disposal. 
 
 4, The organization of the Board is of such a nature, as 
 to make its functionaries feel a double responsibility. All 
 agents for religious charities must feel a responsibility to the 
 public, so far as their doings attract public attention; and, in 
 regard to missionary societies, the public ultimately know 
 all that is material in their operations. But in large popu- 
 lar societies, nothing can be done at the meetings other than 
 to make public statements, which must be received without 
 examination; whereas, at the annual meetings of the Board, 
 all the doings of the Committee are brought under review. 
 And this review is taken by men, who do not act in their 
 private capacity, or as friends of the cause merely, but who 
 are selected for this special service; who have regularly 
 
16 
 
 attended to tlie same duties for a series of years; who are 
 familiar with the details of the business; and who wish for in- 
 formation, both on their own account, and that they may com- 
 municate it to others. Perhaps no plan has yet been de- 
 vised more favorable to a due feeling of responsibility, than 
 the one which has been here described, and which received 
 its form from peculiar circumstances, under the control of 
 divine providence, without a distmct anticipation, on the 
 part of its promoters, of all the advantages, which have since 
 been realized. 
 
 But should the wisdom of the Christian community dis- 
 cover practicable improvements of the plan, there is no rea- 
 son why they should not be adopted. The subject may 
 therefore be left to the judgment and integrity of those, who 
 may have the direction of these concerns in future years. 
 It need not be doubted, that, if the Christian church is faith- 
 ful to itself and its Lord, a succession of devoted men will 
 be provided by Him, to act in behalf of their brethren for 
 the benefit of the perishing nations. 
 
 IV. The only remaining topic of the present discussion 
 is an enumeration of Ihe reasons which have had loeight 
 in promoling the contemplated union. 
 
 These reasons are numerous, and might be urged at con- 
 siderable length, and by many powerful considerations. 
 They are simple, however, and easily understood, and com- 
 mend themselves equally to the mind and heart. 
 
 1. The Board is unlimited in its design. 
 
 It was originally intended to become a channel, in which 
 the blessings of the Gospel might be conveyed to any part of 
 the unevangelized world. All the pagan nations, whether 
 residing upon our own continent, or beyond the ocean, were 
 regarded as within the scope of American beneficence. So 
 far as resources should be afforded, and Providence should 
 open ihe way to fields of missionary labor, the heralds of 
 mercy were to proceed in every direction. And they have 
 proceeded to the aboriginal tribes of our country; — to differ- 
 ent places in Asia, remote from each other; — to Polynesia: 
 — to South America; — and measures are taken to send others 
 
n 
 
 to Africa. This being the case, it would seem desirable, 
 that those Christians who, are united in their belief of essen- 
 tial doctrines, and who do not differ greatly in their views 
 of church government, or in regard to the qualifications for 
 admission to the holy ordinances of religion, should have 
 their efforts concentrated in a work, which is large enough 
 to employ the energies of all, and whose importance can 
 never be adequately estimated. One society, with a re- 
 spectable income, can certainly prosecute a great work 
 more vigorously, than two societies, with the same income 
 divided between them. 
 
 2. The operations of the Board are various. 
 
 As the missionary cause is obliged to contend against the 
 apathy, avarice, and prejudice of nominal Christians; the 
 slander and intolerance of infidels and scoffers; and the re- 
 maining selfishness, and ignorance, and narrow views of 
 many true disciples of our Lord; it becomes important that 
 a missionary society should possess every advantage, which 
 fair argument and unquestionable facts will furnish, for 
 maintaining so arduous a struggle. In order to this, it is 
 necessary that the same society should have the charge of 
 different missions, in remote regions, in diverse circum- 
 stances, and carrying forward numerous and diverse opera- 
 tions. All missions are not equally prosperous; all are not 
 equally interesting; and it is according to the plan of God’s 
 administration, that we should not be able to foresee the 
 immediate result of our labors. Discouragements are some- 
 times great and long continued. But when missionary stations 
 are numerous, a part of them are almost always experiencing, 
 one after another, peculiar tokens of the divine favor. The 
 weak faith of timid Christians is thus kept from sinking; 
 and the arms of the strongest are nerved for severer labor. 
 That the greatest encouragement may be derived from suc- 
 cess, however, it is necessary that each contributor should 
 feel that his own contribution has aided somewhat in pro- 
 ducing it. Who that patronized the mission at the Sandwich 
 Islands, for instance, does not rejoice, that, in the merciful 
 
 .S 
 
providence of his Heavenly Father, he was favored with 
 such an opportunity. 
 
 Among the infinitely varying predilections of men, indi- 
 viduals will be found, who wish to aid some missions in 
 preference to others. This propensity, which is capable 
 of producing valuable results, should be gratified, so far as 
 it can be done without injury to the general cause. The 
 fact, therefore, that a missionary society has under its care 
 a variety of evangelical operations, and that it has laborers 
 actually employed among heathens in different continents 
 and islands, and among Mohammedans and Jews, will tend 
 powerfully to attract notice, and to draw forth patronage. 
 Indeed, the accurate observ'er of the rise and progress of 
 religious charities in our country, will not hesitate to say, 
 that the sending of missionaries from among ourselves for 
 the conversion of idolaters, in distant and populous regions 
 of the earth, gave a greater impulse to Christian beneficence, 
 than has been given in any other manner, and by all other 
 evangelical exertions. In this way it has come to pass, that 
 so much greater zeal- has been felt, than ever before since 
 the days of Elliot, for the salvation of the American abori- 
 gines. This was what led, more than any thing else, to 
 the formation of Education Societies. When it was seen 
 and felt, that the field is the world, and that laborers were 
 imperiously demanded for every part of this immense field, 
 the inquiry naturally arose. How is our own country to he 
 supplied with spiritual laborers? and what ought to he 
 done to repair the moral desolations of our Zion? 
 The same effect has been produced in Great Britain, and by 
 the same cause. 
 
 And, since it is perfectly natural, and perfectly justifiable, 
 for contributors to missionary enterpi’ises, especially for the 
 most liberal and self-denying of these benefactors of man- 
 kind, to wish to have some agency in all the good that 
 is done, how gratifying to one of these persons it must be, 
 as he reads of the conversion of American Indians, and 
 Sandwich Islanders, and Hindoos, or traces a missionary 
 tract as it winds its. way to the shores of the Caspian, or 
 
19 
 
 passes over the Gauts from the Coromandel coast, or casts a 
 gleam of light upon the dark mind of the Polynesian savage, 
 to reflect, that in all these works of mercy his humble 
 offering had some share. 
 
 3. Tht proposed union will save time and labor. 
 
 This assertion is so obvious as to require little illustration. 
 Two societies must have two executive committees, two 
 secretaries, at least as many assistant secretaries, two treas- 
 urers, and two sets of agents. Much of this labor may 
 be saved by merging two institutions into one. To every 
 person acquainted with the real state of things, this is a very 
 weighty consideration. The man, who attends an auxil- 
 iary missionary meeting once a year, at the expense of half 
 a day’s time, may regard it as a small matter to conduct 
 missionary operations. But in point of fact, it is a very 
 arduous and difficult matter: and this should be well known 
 and understood by the Christian public. It is not easy to 
 find, in any city of the American union, a sufficient number 
 of suitable men to form active and laborious committees for 
 existing societies; — men, who shall, amidst all their private 
 and professional engagements, hold themselves ready to attend 
 weekly meetings, or to be called together on any emergency. 
 What then shall be said respecting those functionaries, whose 
 whole time is demanded for their respective offices? How 
 are men to be obtained, as a permanent thing, for these 
 agencies in two institutions? Without saying any thing 
 respecting the competency, or incompetency, of the present 
 incumbents, it may be said boldly, that the American 
 churches should see to it, that the best talents and attain- 
 ments, which the country can furnish, during all future 
 years, have the charge of this momentous business. Let it 
 be remembered that, as a people, vve are in great want of 
 able men for the management of public-spirited measures; 
 not because our country is destitute of such men, but because 
 the stations which require them are very numerous, and are 
 multiplying every day. Is one of our colleges in want of a 
 President? or one of our theological seminaries in want of a 
 Professor? A suitable man may perhaps be found, by 
 
20 
 
 searching the land from one end to the other; but the 
 difficulty lies in the fact, that, in all probability, he cannot 
 be spared from the station which he now occupies; and, if 
 he could, he would be called to half a dozen other important 
 stations, if there were any hope of obtaining him. This 
 state of things renders economy in the employment of 
 competent men, a public and imperious duty. 
 
 There are those who, for want of knowledge on the 
 subject, think that any man of good character for integrity 
 may be taken and coerced into these services. If such a 
 course of proceeding were proper and just, who has this 
 pow’er of coercion? We may indeed find men in most of 
 our cities, each of whom will say, “I am willing to give 
 my five hundred dollars a year, or my thousand dollars a 
 year, for religious charities;” and there are those, each of 
 whom might add, “I am willing to rise early, and sit up 
 late, and eat the bread of carefulness, that I may have 
 the ability of doing this;” and yet each of these liberal men 
 would feel compelled to add, ‘‘I cannot give my whole 
 time, nor half my time, to any of these charitable objects, 
 nor to all of them conjoined.” 
 
 4 . The proposed unio>n will also save expense. 
 
 This is apparent from what has been already said. But 
 when it is considered, that if two institutions, having the 
 same object in view, continue their separate operations, 
 there will be a necessity of sending agents from both 
 to the same parts of the county; that, in many instances, 
 two journies to the western wilderness w'ill be required, 
 where one would otherwise answer every purpose: and that 
 the contingent expenses of two separate establishments must 
 be defrayed; — it will appear, that this is a subject of no 
 trifling consequence. 
 
 5 . There is no necessity that the two institutions should 
 remain distinct. 
 
 The members of both agree essentially in their views of 
 Christian doctrine. They employ the same sort of men for 
 missionaries; — men who were educated in the same schools, 
 preach the same great truths in the same manner, are per- 
 
21 
 
 soually acquainted with each other, and are closely bound 
 together by ties of friendship and of Christian affection. 
 They rely upon the efficacy of a Saviour’s blood for the 
 pardon of their own sins; and they present to perishing 
 men of all classes the atonement of an almighty Redeemer, 
 applied by the new-creating Spirit, as the only ground of 
 hope, the only way to holiness and to God. 
 
 It is to be remembered also, that the patrons and sup- 
 porters of both institutions harmonize, almost without an 
 exception, in their religious belief. Many individuals send 
 their contributions to both; and many others feel a deep 
 interest in the success of both. In short, there is as perfect 
 a union on this subject, among those who believe in experi- 
 mental religion, as perhaps ever existed among so many 
 individuals on any subject of common interest; — a union,, 
 which will enable them to act together with the greatest 
 cheerfulness and energy. If w’e can suppose, that the mis- 
 sionaries should hereafter cease to preach Jesus Christ and 
 him crucified; and if they should preach any other Gospel 
 than that which Paul preached; — the support now derived 
 from the Christian community would immediately fail. 
 
 6. S^ich a union loill remove the danger of collision. 
 
 If these institutions should continue their separate exis- 
 tence and operations, there wilt be constant danger of 
 interference; — a danger, which no human wisdom, prudence, 
 or piety can entirely obviate. Agents will proceed from 
 each society to the same places, they will often arrive at 
 the same time, or one immediately after another, the plans 
 and measures of one will seem to thwart the designs and 
 calculations of the other; and each will meet with many a 
 severe repulse, both from ministers and people, as a conse- 
 quence of the dread of this apprehended collision, or the 
 dislike of repeated applications for the same object. It is 
 to be presumed, that the conductors of both Societies will 
 always be on harmonious terms; but can it be supposed, that 
 all the agents to be hereafter employed will have such a 
 share of the meekness of wisdom, as to give no offence, in 
 these difficult and constantly varying circumstances? And 
 
22 
 
 if the agents should be perfect, will not partizans arise for 
 one society, who will plead with zeal fora particular mission, 
 or a particular class of operations, to the disparagement of 
 missions under the care of the other society? Will not 
 extravagant encomiums of one provoke disadvantageous com- 
 parisons? And will not the efforts of both be thus weakened, 
 and many individuals prevented from giving an efficient 
 and systematic patronage to either? If the missionary 
 exertions of the country should be increased, and the need 
 of greater and still greater resources be felt, the evils here 
 adverted to will be greatly augmented; and agents, instead 
 of pleading the cause of a suffering world with boldness, 
 will be timid and hesitating, lest they should seem to 
 encroach upon the claims of a sister institution. 
 
 7. This measure loould greatly promote Christian af- 
 fection. 
 
 Union of effort in behalf of the heathen world, tends 
 powerfully to increase brotherly love among those, who 
 are thus united. It brings them to be acquainted with 
 the same individuals, acting as their agents and almoners. 
 It fixes their minds on the same objects, and those of the 
 highest interest. It multiplies the subjects of common con- 
 cern. So far as benevolent feelings are called into action, 
 the amiableness of the Christian character’ is apparent; and 
 those who behold in each other the lineaments of their 
 heavenly origin, will be the more closely drawn together, 
 the more they are called to act in the same connexion, and 
 for the accomplishment of the same purposes. This tendency 
 of united counsels and efforts assumes a vast importance, 
 when the rapidly increasing population of our country, and 
 our extensive territory, and our capability of exerting a 
 moral influence, are considered. 
 
 8. Such a union is expected. 
 
 There has been, for two years or more, an extensive and 
 prevailing expectation of a union of the two Societies; and 
 this expectation has been grounded on the propriety of such 
 a measure. When the proposal was first intimated in print, 
 it was done anonymously, by an editor not connected with 
 
either institution; and it was given forth as a rumor or sug- 
 gestion. Yet this unofficial proposal was received with the 
 utmost greediness; and much disappointment was expressed, 
 that the union should be delayed for a single year. How 
 much greater will be the disappointment, if such a union 
 should now be prevented, after the proceedings which have 
 been inserted at the commencement of these pages, and 
 after the cordial approbation with which they have been 
 greeted. Nor is this approbation confined to words. Com- 
 munications have been received from a distance, stating that 
 greater exertions would now be made, as the paralyzing 
 effect of applications from two societies for the same object, 
 would no longer exist. 
 
 After these statements and remarks, the decision may 
 cheerfully be left to the enlightened judgment and conscien- 
 tious integrity of those, to whom God has given a standing 
 and influence in the American churches. It may not be 
 amiss, however, to add, that if the proposed union should not 
 be sanctioned, very good and satisfactory reasons will be ex- 
 pected for declining it. The proposal was made with entire 
 unanimity, after long consideration, and prayerful attention, 
 and with the approbation of many of the most liberal patrons 
 of the United Foreign Missionary Society. It was received 
 with great cordiality, and the same unanimity, with which it 
 was made. The Christian public have regarded it with 
 great favor, and it is generally hailed as the prelude to more 
 efficient labors, and more extensive and liberal sacrifices, 
 than our country has yet witnessed. 
 
 An explanation with reference to one or two subjects, 
 which may seem to require it, will now be subjoined. 
 
 Some persons have supposed, that, in case a union was 
 formed, a stipulation would be made, in regard to the place 
 where the executive business of the Board should be trans- 
 acted. But this does not seem at all necessary. It is a sub- 
 ject, which may safely be left to tbe wisdom of the Board in 
 all succeeding times. Nothing is therefore said respecting 
 it, In the above-recited terms of union; and it is a somewhat 
 
curious fact, that there is not a single record, either in the 
 doings of the Board, or of the Prudential Committee, which 
 prescribes, or even mentions, the city, town, or state, in 
 which the functionaries of the Board shall reside, or in 
 which they shall transact their official business. So long, 
 indeed, as advantages are derived from the Act of Incorpora- 
 tion, it will be necessary that the Board should have its 
 treasury, and the principal seat of its business, in Massachu- 
 setts. Though these advantages are not small, and should 
 not be rashly abandoned; }^et, if greater advantages can be 
 gained by a removal of the seat of business to any place 
 without the limits of that State, than can be retained by its 
 continuance there, the Board will doubtless be able to dis- 
 cern the fact, and w'ill decide this question, like every other, 
 with a solemn reference to what shall appear to be duty at 
 the time. 
 
 It may be, well to say, for the information of many, into 
 whose hands these pages may fall, that it happened providen- 
 tially, and without any peculiar attachment to place, or re- 
 gard to personal considerations, that the business of the 
 Board has been done in Boston. It should be added, how- 
 ever, that this providential disposition of the matter ought 
 not to be disregarded, for the following reasons. 
 
 Though New-York is the great emporium of our country, 
 yet, as every merchant knows, there is six times, if not ten 
 times as much direct intercourse between Boston and India, 
 or the Sandwich Islands, as between New-York and the 
 same places. There is also a regular commerce betw'een 
 Boston and the Levant; so that the missionary stations 
 beyond sea are much more easily accessible from Boston, 
 than from any other place in the United States. The same 
 would be true w'itb respect to any missions, on the west and 
 northwest coast of America, the western coast of Africa, the 
 shores of the Persian gulf, the Malayan Archipelago, or any 
 part of Polynesia. The foreign trade of New'-York is prin- 
 cipally with Europe, the West Indies, South America, and 
 Mexico; whereas the foreign trade of Boston, though less in 
 amount, is carried on with every part of the world; and of 
 
26 
 
 course furnishes the means of conveying missionaries to 
 almost every heathen country, and corresponding with them 
 and supplying their necessities, after their respective stations 
 are formed. 
 
 In this connexion it is proper to add, that the friends of 
 missions in Massachusetts have made larger contributions of 
 time and money for sending the Gospel to the heathen na- 
 tions, and to the destitute of our own country, than the in- 
 habitants of any other State in the Union; and that there are 
 in Boston contributors to these objects, whose unceasing 
 liberality is thought to be not inferior to that of any equal 
 number of men, in similar circumstances, even in Great Brit- 
 ain, or any other part of Christendom. These facts are 
 mentioned merely for the sake of communicating informa- 
 tion, and not at all for the sake of blazoning the charitable 
 deeds of men, who had much rather humble themselves 
 that they have done so little, than look with exultation upon 
 what divine grace has enabled them to do. It may be hoped 
 that the time is not distant, when the whole American com- 
 munity will engage, with a zeal equally diffused and per- 
 vading every part, in these works of heavenly beneficence. 
 Even then, Massachusetts, considering her dense population 
 and her wealth, will be able to hold a respectable standing, 
 though she should be surpassed by some of the more highly 
 favored States of the Republic. 
 
 No anxiety need be felt on this subject. The Committee 
 of the United Foreign Missionary Society frankly declared 
 in the deliberations at Northampton, that they had no other 
 wish respecting it, than that it should always be left to the 
 wisdom of the Board. They added, that the other great relig- 
 ious charities, W’hich have the seat of their operations in the 
 city of Nevv-\ork, require as much labor and care, as can be 
 commanded, at present, for these services. 
 
 It may seem that a brief history of the operations of the 
 Board to the present time, and of the origin and progress of 
 the United Foreign Missionary Society, with an account of 
 the engagements of both institutions, and of the present 
 state of the missions under their care, should form a part of 
 
26 
 
 this document. But it will appear, on reflection, that such 
 an addition would have swelled these pages too much- As 
 the periodf'cal publications of both Societies have presented 
 these topics much in detail, and as these details are copied 
 into many other papers, the necessity of inserting them here 
 is removed. 
 
 The preceding statements, explanations, and arguments, 
 are respectfully laid before the Christian public, with earn* 
 est prayers that all, who shall be called to act with refer- 
 ence to this subject, may be guided by wisdom from above, 
 and that the glory of God, and the salvation of souls may 
 be promoted by the result of their deliberations. 
 
 LEONARD WOODS, 
 JEREMIAH EVARTS, 
 SAMUEL HUBBARD, 
 WARREN FAY. 
 
 WILLIAM REED, 
 
 WILLIAM McMURRAY, 
 
 JOSEPH McELROY, 
 WILLIAM W. PHILLIPS, 
 
 Exemtive Commit- 
 
 EBENEZER MASON, 
 ZECHARIAH LEWIS, 
 MOSES ALLEN 
 
 tee of the 
 U. F. SI. S. 
 
 SYDNEY E. MORSE. 
 
 J 
 
 February, 18^J6