ELEVENTH I % ANNUAL REPORT OF THE 1N.Y. BAPTIST FEMALE BETHEL UNION t > I P y g c 5 \ k ■ I L \ I WITH THE MINUTES OF THE ANNIVERSARY, HELD IN THE OLIVER-STREET MEETING- HOUSE, NEW-Y03K, OCT03EE 17, 1852 NEW-YORK: PRINTED BY HOLMAN & GRAY, 146 WILLIAM STREET 1852. J E ' ; I I hi a] i ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NEW-YORK BAPTIST FEMALE BETHEL UNION, WITH THE MINUTES OF THE ANNIVERSARY, HELD IN THE OLIVER-STREET MEETING HOUSE, NEW-YORK, OCTOBER 17, 1852. NEW-YORK: PRINTED BY HOLMAN & GRAY, 146 WILLIAM STREET, 1852. CONSTITUTION OF THE N. Y. BAPTIST FEMALE BETHEL UNION Art. I. This Association shall be known as £: The New York Female Baptist Bethel Union." Art. II. The object of this Union shall be to aid in the support of the Gospel among seamen in this city, and to cooperate with the First Baptist Mariners' church in its missionary operations. Art. III. Any person contributing annually to the funds of the Society, shall be a member ; and any person who shall pay at one time a sum not less than ten dollars, shall be a member for life. Art. IV. The officers of this Society shall consist of a first and second Directress, Secretary, Treasurer, and twenty managers "who together shall form a Board for the transaction of the business of this Society, five of whom, when regularly convened, shall constitute a quorum. The Board shall have power to fill all vacancies that may occur in their number, and make their own by-laws. Art. 5. The meetings of the Board shall be held on the second Wednes- day in each month. The annual meeting to be held in the month of October, at such time and place as the Board may appoint, when a report shall be presented from the Treasurer and Secretary. Art. VI. The election of officers shall be made at the first regular monthly meeting of the Board subsequent to the annual meeting. Art. VII. No alteration shall be made in this Constitution, except at an annual meeting, by a vote of two-thirds of the members present. First Directress, - Second Directress, Treasurer. - Secretary, First Church. Mrs. Run von, " Rhodes, « Eli Kelley, " T. Thomas. Berean Church. Mrs. Ulyatt, " Forman. Macdougal Street. Mrs. Shaler, " Irwin, Miss Stewart. Mariners' Church. Mrs. Forrester, " Avery, « Allen. OFFICERS. MRS. - MRS. MRS. - • - MRS. MANAGERS. Oliver Street. Mrs. Francis, < ; Tripp, Miss "Williamson. Sixteenth Street. Mrs. Brush, « M'Bride. Stanton Street. Mrs. Sibell, w Mangum. Brooklyn. Miss Williamson. Newark. Miss Norris. C. H. PUTNAM. TRIPP. PHELPS. E. P. SMITH. Norfolk Street. Tabernacle. Laight Street. South Church. ELEVENTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE N. Y. BAPTIST FEMALE BETHEL UNION. The Eleventh Anniversary Meeting of the N. Y. Baptist Female Bethel Union was held in the Oliver Street meeting-house on Lord's-day evening, Oct. 17, 1852. A large and respectable audience were early assembled, and the Rev. Mr. Magoon, pastor of the church, Rev. Ira R. Steward, Chap- lain of the First Baptist Mariners' church, and the Rev. Anders Wiberg, from Sweden, were in the pulpit. The exercises were introduced by Rev. Mr. Magoon, who read the hymn called Prayer for Seamen" which was sung by the choir. After prayer by Rev. Mr. Steward, " The Star of Bethlehem" was sung. Mr. Steward then remarked that, as notice had been given he would preach, he should at least take a text, and the audience might give what name they pleased to any thing he might say. He then read the last clause of Rom. 16 : 2, " for she hath been a succorer of many and of myself also." Mr. S. observed, he should not, on this occasion, treat these words, as originally applied, to the matron of whom the apo tie was speaking ; but he should apply them to a matron of the present day, known to this community by the name of the N. Y. Baptist Female Bethel Union. Of this " servant of the church," he could truly say, *he hath been a succorer of many and of myself also." From the commencement of his labors among seamen in New York, this Society had been one of his chief sources of encouragement and most efficient aid : — in proof of which he would, previous to his own remarks, read their ANNUAL REPORT. The friends and patrons of the Sailor's cause are doubtless expecting from us the usual annual report of its progress and success. We are happy to meet you upon this, our eleventh anniversary, under circumstances so en- couraging ; and we confidently believe, that the present interview, will not only recall a grateful sense of past mercies, but stimulate to greater zeal and energy for the future. You will see that the field of labor is opening and 3 4 ELEVENTH ANNUAL RBPOBT. enlarging before us ; the Lord of the vineyard is supplying new work for our hands, and new encouragement for our hearts ; and unless you are pre- pared to shrink from the responsibilities which you have hitherto so faithful- ly met, your efforts for the ensuing year will be proportionate to the increas- ed demand upon them. As you will, upon this occasion, hear from our Chaplain, all that imme- diately concerns the cause in Cherry-st, we shall only call your attention to the fact, that the li little one," which you so kindly fostered in its feeble infancy, has now grown, — if not to a vigorous manhood, — yet certainly to circumstances of greater responsibility, and larger demands upon your pater- nal care. Its peculiar features are now more fully developed, and its charac- ter better defined, and it is already breaking " forth on the right hand and on the left." Its branches are taking root in distant lands. — in soils, which as yet, yield no nourishment to sustain them, and they are turning to you for help and succor. The .Mariner's church, though itself dependant upon the benevolence tJf sister churches, has for three years past, in connection with the Female Bethel Union, aided a Colporteur in Sweden, and sustained a missionary in Denmark. It will be remembered that, in Oct. 1849, this Society, at its public anniversary in Broome-st.. unanimously agreed to sustain brother Frederick L. Ilenrickson as its missionary in the last named country. Since that time your Board of Managers has continued to receive from brother Ilenrickson a regular quarterly report of his labors, success and prospects among that people. From these reports it is evident that you have no rea- son to regret this appointment. The Lord has graciously owned and bless- ed our brother in preaching the Gospel to his countrymen. Several of them have been converted, — some from a state of nature. — and others from the errors of the Lutheran church. "When we consider the circumstances under which brother Ilenrickson went out, — a poor sailor, without education, suffering under the physical evil of lameness, and destitute of influence or support, other than the small sum of one hundred dollars annually, which you allowed him, — there can be no question, that an)' measure of success which has attended his labors, must be all of God. lie first preached in his native village of Stige, but circumstances occurred during the last year, which encouraged him to enlarge the field of his usefulness by removiRg to Odense, the second city in size and importance in the kingdom. At the commencement of the year, he had written and published a tract of SO pages, in reply to the false statements of the Lutheran priests, who being roused to enmity and opposition, by the preaching of truth among their people, had set themselves to abuse and vili- fy the Baptists. This tract was circulated in Odense, Copenhagen and other places, and has been alreadv blessed in enlightening many, who were before in error. One of these was a serjeant of Dragoons in Odense, who came to brother Henrickson in tears, to ask what he should do to be saved. This man has since been baptized. It was soon evident that there were several pious persons in the State Church, who had become dissatisfied with their standing, and were ready to hear and embrace the truth ; and brother H. commenced to hold meetings alternately in Stige and Odense. At this crisis he had contemplated a visit to America, to obtain ordination ; but being doubtful whether he ought to leave, in such a state of things, he requested advice of brethren Foster and Nelson, who thought it his duty to remain in Odense. Not being able to obtain a suitable place to hold meetings, he saw no other way than to build one ; and wrote to Mr. Steward to know if he could expect any aid from New York, should he attempt to do so. Mr. Ste- N. Y. BAPTIST FEMALE BETHEL UNION. s ward did not think proper to give him any encouragement, and he finally- obtained help from friends in Denmark to carry forward his building. It is now finished ; — a two story brick house, twenty-eight feet square. His family are accommodated in the lower story, and the upper story is used for meetings. On the 25 th of April, 1852, the First Baptist Church in the city of Odense, was organized — consisting of six persons — three brethren and three sisters. Brother Kobner, the associate laborer with brother Oncken in Hamburg, and others from Copenhagen, were present upon this interesting occasion, and gave the hand of fellowship to the new church. On the same day they unanimously elected brother Henrickson for their pastor, and on the May following he was ordained by the Baptist Association, meeting in Copenhagen. In speaking of the organization of the church, brother H. says, — " There were two other converts present, who have not yet given themselves to us ; and three more that I hope are converted and love us and the Word of God ; — rejoice with us, and praise the Lord for his wouderful goodness to us poor sinners." In his last letter, he says — " Last Lord's-dary we consecrated the waters of Odense by baptizing in them, a convert which the Lord has given us since the organization of the church. — a man of fifty years of age, and the head of a family. His wife seems to be with us in heart. It was a joyful season. "We met in a small summer-house near the water — and sang hymns of praise to God." As soon as this state of things in Denmark was made known to your Board, and they became acquainted with the fact, that the First American Baptist Mission Church in that kingdom, had, in the Providence of God, been cast upon them for support ; — they promptly and unanimously voted another hundred dollars a year to brother Henrickson. It may be interesting to our sisters to know, that brother H. has been married during the past year, and that his wife was the frst convert under his preaching in Denmark. And now, we would say to the friends and patrons of this Society, that we are fully persuaded, they could not have listened to this history of the results of their past labors, without feeling their hearts enlarged, and their hands strengthened for any further effort which the cause of God may demand. He gives us no permission to rest satisfied with what has been done, or, even to continue in the same well doing, but calls upon us to abound in it, more and more. Permit us then to lay before you the oppor- tunity. The Mariner's church in Cherry-st.. — formed at your instigation, — and sustained in part by your aid. are greatly needing the labors of an able and efficient Colporteur in the city of New York. From the nature of their enterprize, it is absolutely requisite to the securing of any extensive good, that seamen, and especially foreign seamen, and strangers, should besought out, instructed, and brought to the house of God, — otherwise their excellent and commodious chapel, has, as far as such are concerned, been built in vain — and in vain does our brother Steward preach from Sabbath to Sab- bath the words of eternal life. While the church were anxiously hoping and looking to have this thing accomplished — the Lord has brought to their very door, a man every way qualified for the work. A Swedish emigrant ship arrived about four weeks ago, bringing three persons, two brethren and one sister, who were obliged by oppression and persecution in their native land, to leave, and seek refuge in this country. One of the brethren, with the sister, who is his wife, were members of Frederick 0. Nelson's church in Sweden, and bring letters from him to the Mariner's church in Cherry-st. 6 ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT. The other brother, who will be presented to you this evening, was formerly a priest in the State church of Sweden. You will hear from himself why he left that church, and how the Lord has led his mind to embrace the Baptist faith. He also brings letters from brother Oncken and brother Nelson warmly commending him to the kindness and fellowship of Ameri- can Baptists. We would only add, that it is the wish of this brother to remain in New York during the winter, in the hope that the Lord will open the way for him to return to Sweden in the spring, as an ordained Baptist minister. In the meantime he is without pecuniary resources, and wishes to sustain himself by means of some employment in the Lord's vineyard. He has expressed a desire to be a Colporteur — the Mariner's church wish to employ him in that work. He is familiar with the German and other languages of the North of Europe, which gives him a great advantage in this mixed comrnunit}'. Sisters of the Bethel Union, we ask if you are willing to bear with them the burden of sustaining this brother — provided, a method can be devised, by which it may be done without an actual increase oj means, but simply by a different direction of them ? We take it for granted, that by this time, all are satisfied that the Bap*. Mar. Church in Cherry -st.. is decidedly a missionary field of labor. If such a feature was not contemplated in its Vir^t organization it has assuredly, in the providence of God, attained to this character. Why then, not allow it a place in the missionary operations of the churches ? We are aware that there is an appropriation to this cause, by the New York State Convention, but why should not the churches themselves, assign to it, such a portion of their bounty as the}' deem right and proper ? One of our city churches, has done this ; — and for five years, has made an appropriation from their Female Home Mission fund, of one hundred dollars, to our Missionary Station in Cherry-st. If others would do the same, how easily could thjy carry on their operations. The method we wish to propose, to meet the calls of the ensuing year, in carrying forward the Mission in Denmark, — and in sustaining the Colpor- teur in Sweden, and the Colporteur in this city. — is this. Let each of the managers of this Bethel Union, who are all doubtless connected with the Home and Foreign Missionary Societies in their respective churches, use their influence with these Societies to procure an assignment of at ]e&st fifty dollars annually, m the objects above named. The sum of Jive hundred and fifty dollars, is all that would be required for the whole. This is ask- ing no more than is done by the Baptists of neighboring churches out of the city. The Female Union has received more than fifty dollars annually, for this cause, for four or five years, from the churches in Newark ; and one of our managers collects more than an hundred dollars yearly from the churches in Brooklyn, — not indeed as an act of the church, or Missionary Society, but from individual members. We cannot but hope and believe that this measure will be cordially adopt- ed ; — and, should the Lord spare us to see another anniversary, — that we shall be called to report its complete success. C. H. Putnam, First Directress. E. P. Smith. Secretary. N. Y. BAPTIST FEMALE PETHEL UNION. 7 TREASURER'S REPORT. As we have spoken of sustaining Churches, Missionaries, &c, some may be led to infer that our Treasurer's Report must annually show a footing of thousands ! Happily for us, our operations require no expensive machinery to carry them forward : if anything has been accomplished, it is by the simplest means and smallest possible expense. From the first step which was put forth by the Society, when, eleven years ago, in all your weakness and poverty, with not an hundred dollars in your treasury, and no prospect of aid or countenance from any quarter, — no hope but in God, and in the word of his grace, which says, " commit thy way unto the Lord ; trust also in him and he will bring it to pass ;" — you ventured to hazard the charge of folly and presumption, by opening a room — hiring a chaplain — and pledging yourselves to " sustain a preached gospel among seamen;" from this period of anxious experiment and trembling hope, to the present moment of grateful confidence and suc- cess, — you have cheerfully and patiently pursued the same course of weak- ness and dependence. Your annual receipts have never much exceeded $500, and they often fall short of that sum. The money is collected by your Managers, chiefly among the members of their respective churches. You are indebted also to the friends in Brooklyn and in Newark for very liberal contributions. When the smallness of the individual subscriptions are considered, it will be evident that the Society owes much to the untiring efforts of its mana- gers. Since our first organizations, they have paid into the treasury $6012.00. of which $2040.25 has been collected for erecting the Chapel, and the re- mainder, $3965.75 for the support of the gospel at the Mariners' Chapel, and in Denmark. Of this sum, the amounts collected by your Managers in the several churches are as follows 3 viz : FIRST CHURCH. From June, 1841, to October, 1852. Chiefly by Mrs. Cooper and Mrs. Runyon, - $393 30 For Building Chapel, by Mrs. Runyon, 420 00 c: by Mrs. Eli Kelley, + *- - - 120 00 Collection at Anniversary at the church, - - - - - 72 50 Donations from Female Home Miss. Soc, by Mrs. Runyon, - 520 00 Donation from ladies of First ch.. per Mrs. Runyon, - - - 50 00 From Piscataway, by Mrs. Runyon, 100 62 " New Brunswick, " - - - - * - - 30 50 $1706 92 OLIVER STREET. Collected by Managers — chiefly by Mrs. Tripp and Mrs. Francis, $513 29 Collection at first Anniversary in Oliver street, - - - 20 00 " second do. " - - - - - 125 00 " third do. « 38 07 $696 36 I ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT. STANTON STREET. Collected by Managers — chiefly by Mrs. Gray, Mrs. Sibell. and Mrs. Mangum, -------- $300 50 Collection at Anniversary in the church, • - - - - 33 18 $423 08 BEREAN CHURCH. Collected by Managers — chiefly by Miss Chapel, Mrs. Ulyat and Mrs. Forman, $159 75 Collection at Anniversary in the church, - - - - - 46 50 $206 25 MACDOUGAL STREET. Collected by Managers — chiefly by Mrs. and Miss Stewart, Mrs. Shaler and Mrs. Irwin, $133 50 SIXTEENTH STREET. " Collected by Managers— chiefly by Mrs. Brush and Mrs. McBride, $147 03 Collection at Anniversary in the church, - - - - - 34 00 $181 03 NORFOLK STREET. Collected by Managers — chiefly by Mrs. Elgreen, - - $28 49 Collection at Anniversary in the ehurch, - - - - - 66 76 $95 25 TABERNACLE CHURCH. Collected by Managers — chiefly by Mrs.W. Colgate and Mrs. Reimer, $55 50 HOPE CHAPEL. Collection at Anniversary, ------- $30 00 Donation from Cold Spring Temperance Soc, by Mrs. Bellamy, 17 30 $47 .30 BROOKLYN CHURCHES. From the Bethel Society, by Mrs. Lewis, - $72 50 Collected by Miss Williamson, ------- 454 00 $526 50 NEWARK CHURCHES. Collected by Miss Sarah Norris, $270 90 FIRST BAPTIST MARINERS' CHURCH. Collected for Building the Chapel— chiefly by Mrs. C. H. Putnam, $1356 25 By Managers — Mrs. Middleton, Mrs. Avery, and Mrs. Forrester, 296 69 Collection at Anniversary in the chapel, - - - - - 15 87 $1668 81 Whole Total, - $6012 00 After reading the Report, a collection was taken up amounting to $38.07. N. V. BAPTIST FEMALE BETHEL UNION. 9 Mr. Steward said he felt it his privilege to both move and second, the acceptance of this report j and also to express his most sanguine belief that the plan which it had suggested for strengthening and enlarging the opera- tions of the Society will be promptly met. and fully carried out in the ensu- ing year. He then added, that as the audience had been referred to him, as pastor of the church, for further information upon its present circumstances and position, he would read a copy of a letter to their agent in Maine, who requested such a statement as he could present to the churches in that quar- ter. This letter was as follows : — Dear Bro. Stockbridge, — I am happy to have the privilege of answer- ing the enquiries in your last in relation to our operations, as it is our desire that correct information relative to our enterprise may go forth into all the world. 1. Our building lot is 76£ feet wide by 100 deep, and cost $11,000. 2. Our Chapel, including projection of tower and rooms in the rear, is 95 feet deep by 60 wide. It is built of brick in a plain substantial manner, with a plain iron fence in front. Under the whole building is a cellar which we rent for $300 a year. On the first floor after passing the vestibule, is a Lec- ture Room 60 feet by 35. In rear of this is a Mariners' Library and Read- ing Room about 18 by 25 feet ; also, two large and two small but comfortable rooms occupied by the Sexton, the rent of which pays his salary. There is also a spare room to be occupied by our sailor friends when sick and unable to provide for themselves. On the second floor is the main audience room, which will seat above and below 1000 persons. In rear of the pulpit are two Committee or dressing rooms connected with the baptistery ; also a room in the tower, in rear of the gallery for the Infant School. The audience room is finished in a very plain manner, and yet the syme- try is such that many call it a beautiful house, by which they evidently mean, beautiful in its simplicity. 3. The whole cost including fixtures and furniture of every description, about $1 5,0.00, making with lot about $27,000. 1. Of this sum we have raised besides paying the interest and all our ex- penses a little over $22,000, (since $1000 more) as follows : In Conn., $2000 ; R. J. $300 ; Mass. $150 ; the rest of New England $50 ; New Jersey $1500 ; Penn. $300, and all the rest of the States, west and South $200 ; making $9,500, leaving a balance raised in New York of over $17,500, or over four-fifths of the whole. Of this about $5,500 has been contributed by other denominations, or about one quarter of the whole. Of large sums among Baptists — one has given $1,500 ; another a legacy of $1,000 ; two $400 each ; three $300 each ; six from $200 to $250 each, and a large number, (exceeding sixty) $100 each. One Congregationalist $300, and several others $100 each. Three Unitarians $100 each. Several Presbyterians, Dutch Reformed, Episcopalians. Methodists, and Quakers or Friends, $100' each. One Roman Catholic, $50. More than $4,000 has been contributed in the Bethel by the pastor and his congregation, which is a large sum for them, considering that they are so poor that the pastor stands No. 5 in point of property, and he is not worth a $1000. Yet for five years, notwithstanding their poverty, the church and congregation have averaged over $300 a year, raised for benevolent objects. More than $10,000 has been contributed under a pledge by the pastor, that he would not leave off begging, as it is called, until the whole debt is cancelled, LO ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT. 5. The Church was organized a little more than eight years ago, with 13 m -mbers ; has had l'JO added since, 10] of whom were by baptism. Of the whole number, 72 were sailors, of which some over 40 are going to sea. Some 18 have become masters and oflicirs of vessels. Three members, two of them sailors, have been licensed to preach. 6. The Church is composed of 16 or 17 distinct nations : namely, English, Irish, Scotch. Welch. French, Dutch, Prussians, Greeks, Swedes, Danes. Norwegians, Fins, Africans, Americans, and two or three German nations, I cannot tell exactly which, as they are away from home. 7. We have not kept any account of the number that have been converted through our sailor missionaries abroad, as I wish we had, but it has been understood all through our history, that the number has been greater than the number that have united with the Church, so that it is a common ex- pression, that ' ; we have more grand-children than children." 8. As all our sailors have a regular commission as missionaries, thvy go right to work wherever they are, getting up Sabbath-schools, prayer-meet- ings, and trying to sustain the cause in some way or other. They are required in their commission to send us written Reports as often as fchey can, of which we receive some 200 in trie course of the year, and from which we have learned of their establishing Sunday-schools and prayer-meetings in Nova-Scotia, Canada. Michigan. Illinois. New Orleans and California. One has nearly built a Meeting-house in Florida, at least it has been done entirely through his influence. We have four children, as I may call them, in South America, which is all the Baptist influence J know of in that dark land of Romanism. One of our sailors, a few years since, unfurled the Baptist banner in Sweden, the result of which is, they now number between 50 and 00 Baptists of the true Jerusalem blade, that can stand tines, imprisonment and banishment without flinching. We also have one sailor missionary in Denmark, who has succeeded in planting the Baptist Standard in the city of Odensa. the second city in the kingdom, where a little church has been organized, and he ordained as their pastor. Some of our sailors have spent considerable time in Cuba and South America, distributing books snd tracts, entirely unmolested by people or priest. 9. In our congregation we have a new company of seamen every Lord's- day the year round, which varies in number from 20 or 30 to 70 or 80, which amounts to several thousand in the course of a year, who hear with great attention the glorious " Gospel of the blessed God." I would say, however, in closing, that the influence and importance of such an interest as this, can never be fully understood or appreciated, until that great day when " the sea shall give up the dead that are in it," and the assembled world shall meet before the Great AVhite Throne." Thus, dear brother, I have endeavored to answer your enquiries as cor- rectly as I could, with the facilities I have at hand. In a few things, you see the statement is not exactly definite, but they vary but very little from mathematical exactness, and all are within the bounds of truth. That you may make a profitable use of these items of information, is the prayer of Yours, affectionately, Ira R. Steward. After reading the above. Mr. Steward remarked that it would be seen by this statement, he was pledged to his subscribers, not to cease begging until the entire debt was cancelled. His brethren must therefore bear with him. N. Y. BAPTIST FEMALE BETHEL UNION. 11 for as an honest man he could not do otherwise than beg till this was accom- plished ; and then, he would hold a most joyful anniversary. Mr. Steward then introduced to the audience, the Rev. Anders Wiberg, by reading the following LETTER OF FREDERICK 0. NELSON. Copenhagen, July 24, 1852. Mr. Ira R. Steward, Reo.and honored Sir : — The Lord has wonderfully ordered, in his holy providence, that brother A. Wiberg, the bearer of this, was detained here over yesterday ; consequently he asked for. and it was made my unspeak- ably honorable duty — even me the sinner, the worm, the banished sailor — to immerse him (brother Wiberg,) into Christ's death in the holy ordinance of baptism ; which was done in the Baltic Sea, near to Copenhagen, last night at eleven o'clock. The ways of Jehovah are past finding out ! Let us worship in the dust. Let me tell you, sir, and through you, may it be told to all American Bap- tists, that brother Wiberg is known very extensively within Sweden, among the professors of piety, as a very eminent, exemplary, and evangelical Chris- tian. He has been turned away from his office and living as minister of the State-church of Sweden, for the same reason why unworthy / have been banished the country namely, for his baptist sentiments. He burns with holy desire to be allowed the privilege of proclaiming the truth through the length and breadth of Sweden, his beloved father-land, in spite of all oppo- sition and threatening prospects. But, brethren, he comes to see if American .Christians will not, and cannot take him up, and employ him as a mission- ary to Sweden ? What will you do, brethren? God sends him to you. He has awakened him and raised him up for that purpose ; this is evident. Then it is plain, — here you have the honored and happy privilege of doing something for Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Come forward then, honored American Baptists, and do your duty. The Mormons send us dozens of their false apostles : — shall not the many thousands of American Baptists be willing and able to send one single missionary? What, if he should share the fate of this poor creature ? — I mean, to be banished, (which, after all, is not at all likely,) he has Norway and Denmark open before him. Dear brother Steward, do all you can for him to help him, and recom- mend him to our brethren and to this purpose. He is himself very humble and modest, as you will soon see ; but I doubt not you will rejoice in having made his acquaintance. Yours in Christ Jesus, J. 0. Nelson. REV. A. WIBERG'S ADDRESS. I was born in the northern part of Sweden, very near a little town named Hudiksvall, on the 17th of July, 1816. My parents were peasants. Jn my childhood I had some religious impressions. When about fourteen years of age I was near being drowned, but by almost a miracle was saved from death. I then felt great gratitude to God for his kindness and mercy. In consequence of this event, I became anxious for the salvation of my soul, and began to read the Bible, with other religious books, among which was ' ; The Holy War" of John Bunyan. I was at this time a shopkeeper's clerk in Hudiksvall ; but in consequence of my religious impressions. I felt an 12 REV. A. WIBEKG's ADDRESS. irresistible desire to study, and to be useful, if God would, in his kingdom. I placed myself under the guidance of a pious clergyman in the country, in whose house I remained about a year. During this time I had many good impressions of divine grace. But for the furtherance of my studies, I left this pious clergyman, and was under the teaching of a more learned but ungodly man. Thus thrown under worldly influences. I soon lost all my seriousness. After this I became a scholar in a learned institution, where I staid two years. During this time, between 1833 aud 1835, I was again awakened to anxious concern for my salvation ; but having fallen into sin, 1 despaired of the grace of God. and again became careless. In the year 1835 I entered the University of L'psala. and for my subsistence engaged as a teacher in the families of several of the gentry. 1 now studied till the year 1840 for the degree of Master of Arts. Partly from the nature of my studies, and partly from conversation with infidel and ungodly men, I became an infidel. 1 might say much about my miserable condition during this time, but think it best to draw a veil over that which it is so painful to remember. This I can say from my own sad experience, that it is a most unhappy thing to be an infidel. But the Good Shepherd, notwithstanding all this, ceased not to seek his lost sheep. Through the summer of 1849, he suffered me to have no rest in my spirit. One night I awoke with a fearful sense of the terrors of annihilation. I rose from my bed. clasped mv hands, and cried out, K God! why hast thou created me to die as a beast ?" In the autumn of this same year it happened that a pious friend came came into my room, where 1 was indulging in a light, trilling disposition of mind, and said to me, among other things, " It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." At these words I pasued : they were as darts in my heart. I began to think : " If the Bible is really the Word of the living God ; if there is really after this life a state of rewards and punishments which shall endure for ever, how dreadful would it be for thyself to have the Word of God against thee ! Thou hast not been on the other side of the grave, and it may be possible that the Bible is right and thou art wrong." I now determined to take the safe side of this great question, and to be a believer in the Word of God. I fell on my knees, and with tears sought the " living God." From this hour the Lord has continued to carry on his good work in my soul. But it was long before I came to the knowledge of salvation through Christ. I was under Moses, seeking justification by the works of the law, until the year 1842. In this time I read many German books of a mystical and theosophical character, frhm which I imbibed the notion that I must become perfect, principally through means of prayer. I consequently became diligent in prayer, and could continue in praying whole hours. But instead of attaining to my object, I became more and more acquainted with the power of sin through the corruption of my own heart. At last I was quite near to a state of despair. I saw nothing but death and hell before me. I had " the sentence of death in myself." But God, even Jesus, who raises the dead, ''passed by me, and said unto me, when I was in my blood, Live ?" By means of a German writer, John Arndt, and through the riches of divine grace, I was enabled to look upon Him who was lifted up on the cross for my sins, as the Israelites looked upon the brazen serpent in the wildnerness, and I was healed. I believed on him who justifieth the ungodly, and being justified by faith, I had peace with Ged through our Lord Jesus Christ. In the spring of 1843 I became a priest in the State Church of Sweden. This Church, like the Methodists, sends her ministers from one place to N. Y. BAPTIST FEMALE BETHEL UNION. 13 nnother ; consequently, I was sent to several stations as helper to aged pastors. At all these places the Lord was pleased evidently to bless my labors in his vineyard, and I was permitted to see many fruits of the preached Word. But I soon began to have scruples about admitting un- godly men to the Lord's Supper, as is the custom in Sweden. I was persuaded from the Scriptures that this practice was not right. My health was at this time much impaired from too great exertion of my strength in preaching, and as I did not know what steps to pursue in regard to my scruples, I asked and obtained from the Consistory of Upsala, permission to suspend my labors for a season. For about two years I was now at leisure, and occupied myself in translating and publishing Some works of Dr. Luther. I also edited a newspaper called ;; The Evangelist." In the spring of 1851, a friend of mine in Stockholm, where I then resided was going to Hamburg on business, and requested me to accompany him as an interpreter of the German language. In Hamburg I visited the Baptist church, and made acquaintance with the beloved brethren Oncken and Kobner ; also a missionary by the name of Elvin. The constitution, disci- pline, and the spiritual and pious life which I discovered in this church, very much pleased me. I thought I saw in them the true apostolic order. To their doctrine of baptism, however, I could not assent, as I had been trained up in the Lutheran Church, and was much attached to the writings and system of Luther. I had warm disputes with the above-named brethren, and left them without being convinced of the errors of infant sprinkling. But at my departure from Hamburg, brother Kobner presented me with several tracts about baptism, among which was a German translation of Pengilly's tract on this subject. This treatise I read on my return to Sweden, and when I saw the exposition which he gives of 1 Cor. vii. 14, my former confidence in infant baptism began to be shaken. From this passage I saw that the apostle could have known nothing of this practice, or he- would not speak of the children of the Corinthian church being unholy, because baptism would have made them holy without their being made holy or legitimate by the believing parent. I now began with eagerness to read Hinton's " History of Baptism," but it was long before I could be fully persuaded. I must here state, that before my visit to Hamburg, a number of pious Christians in the north of Sweden had left the State Church from consci- entious scruples about its doctrines and ministers. As these Christians knew my sentiments in regard to the errors of the State Church, and put confidence in me as an evangelical and orthodox minister of the gospel, they applied to me to separate myself from that Church and become their pastor; I was just about to comply with the request, when I went to Hamburg and became acquainted with the Baptists, as I have before related. But now, as I had begun to be a Baptist, I was obliged to send them word I could not sprinkle their children, because I thought it not right. My friends were much shocked and amazed at this. They knew not what to make of the matter, but wrote to a clergyman in Finland, a man of learningand high esteem among them. This good friend satisfied them by describing " the Anabaptists" in a manner which brought to remembrance the cruel denun- ciation of Luther: " They are not only devils, but devils possessed of worse devils." Thus I was made to appear in the eyes of my former friends a noxious heretic and an apostate, not only from the Lutheran faith, but from the Lord Jesus Christ. What was I to do ? I wrote to them letter after letter, but without seeming effect, because they also received, on the other hand fresh supplies of Lutheranism from their learned friend in Finland, 14 REV. A. WIBKRo's A0DHKSS. At last 1 promised them I woHld write a book about the matter, in reply to the false statements and calumnies of this man ; but I was in great straits about it, being but partly persuaded in my own mind. However, as I be- lieved the truth to lie on the side of the Baptists. I be^an to write this book, confiding in Him who lias said, "If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God." I needed help upon many things, and wrote to brother Nelson, telling him I had become a Baptist in sentiment, but wished to read more works upon the subject. He sent me Dr. Carson's valuable work, u Baptism in its Mode and Subjects," and also several tracts. Having studied these, and compared the arguments and statements with the Greek New Testa- ment, I became fully satisfied upon all matters belonging to the Baptist question. My own work upon the subject was completed before I left my native country for America, and was left in the hands of the printer. Soon after my return from Hamburg, 1 became dangerously ill, and re- mained so for about three months. It pleased the Lord, however, to call me again from the gates of the grave. As soon as I had recovered so much strength that 1 was able to write, 1 sent to the Consistory and requested *ny dismission from the State Church. Beforo this tribunal I had been twice summoned to answer to the charge of adhering to those Christians in the North who had separated themselves from the Church. The first time I had long disputes with several members of the Consistory about Church discip ine and order. They contended that I ou Ellis, Mrs. Callom, Mrs. Hemmenway, Mrs. Charles S Stewart, Mis. S. H. Cone, Mrs. Dr. Devan, Mrs. Withington, Mrs. Steward, Mrs. Benedict, Mrs. Bellamy, Mrs. Evarts, Mrs. C H. Putnam, Mrs. James Lee, Mrs. Zebedee Ring, Mrs. George W. Bliss, Mrs. Jordan, Mrs. Daniel Lewis, Miss Charlotte Lewis, Mrs. Brouner, Mrs. Jas. H Townsend, Mrs. Alfred Decker, Mrs. D. Dunbar, Mrs. 0- S. Tripp, Mrs. Dr. Dowling, Mrs. Brush, Mrs. Sarles, Mrs. Thos. B. Smith, Mrs. Samuel R. Kelly, Mrs. E. L. Magoon, Mrs. Dr. Welch, Mrs.E. E. L. Taylor, Mrs. Dr. Hodge Miss Julia Avery, Miss Eliza B. Stewart, Mrs. Wells, Mrs. L. Wheeler, Mrs. A. Corning, Miss N. Stone, Mrs. Schroeder, Mrs. S. S. Pollard, Mrs. George Gault, Mrs. Litchfield, Miss Hannah E. WatkinSj Mrs. Capt. Eveleigh, Mrs. Chas. Olmsted, Mrs. Chas. Keily, Mrs. Elenora Forrester, Mrs. John B. Durbrow, Mrs. Caroline 0. Hiscox, Miss Priscilla Adams, Mrs. Samuel Raynor, Miss C. M. Jacobs, Madame Kossuth, Mad'elle Jenny Lind, Mrs. John Barter, Mrs. Peder Sather, Miss Abigail Cox, Mrs. Joseph T. Sanger, Mrs. Jacob A. Cobb, Mrs. Simeon Pepper, Mrs. E. R Yale, Mrs. Theodore Clark, Mrs. Adam T. Tiebout, Mrs. Eliza Baldwin, Mrs. Susanna Ulvatt, Mrs. Elizabeth Clark, Miss Eliza A. Tousley, Mrs. Jane D. Marks. I