■Jl !X rAM. u.^1 S MANUAL FOR MISSIO^IARY CANDIDATES OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS. m •>; ■ Hi ;/ - —f. >; MANUAL FOIt MISSIONARY CANDIDATES OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS. BOSTON: PRESS OF CROCKER AND BREWSTER, 47, Washington-street. 1845 . Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2018 with funding from Columbia University Libraries https://archive.org/details/manualformissionOOamer MANUAL FOK MISSIONARY CANDIDATES. This pamphlet is intended to serve as a manual for candidates for employment as missionaries under the direction of the American Board of Commissioners for •Foreign Missions. It will be sent to such, as soon as they become known to the Prudential Committee by their offers of service, and when requested, to 'any persons who contemplate becoming connected with the Board ; and will serve instead of many written and verbal answers to inquiries, which must otherwise be proposed to the Secretaries or Treasurer. It will ever be presumed, that the candidate has made himself ac¬ quainted with the contents of these pages, and that nothing need be repeated to him which is here con¬ tained. 1. The Various Descriptions of Missionary Laborers. 1. Ordained ministers of the Gospel. These are called missionaries. All others, whether licensed preachers, physicians, teachers, printers, etc., are assist¬ ant missionaries, but, in the Reports of the Board, are generally designated by their specific occupations. 2. Physicians. 3. Teachers. 4. Secular superintendents, in a few of the mis¬ sions. 4 5. Printers and book-binders, in some of the mis¬ sions. 6. Farmers and other secular laborers, in some of the Indian missions. 7. Unmarried female teachers; rarely, however, except where they can have homes in the families of relatives, or in families where there has been the tie of long intimacy and personal friendship. II. Time of deciding whether to become a Mis¬ sionary to the Heathen. This question, whenever decided, should be in view of existing circumstances ; in other words, in view of the providence of God as now perceived and under¬ stood. It should be with an humble reference to the divine pleasure. “ If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this or that.” The reasons in favor of an early de¬ cision are briefly these: 1. In colleges, and sometimes in the academy, the student may enjoy nearly or quite all the helps in forming a decision, that he will find in the theological seminary; and frequently he is old enough, and his judgment mature enough, even in the early stage of his education, to decide this or any other question of personal duty. 2. An early decision, of the nature proposed, is de¬ sirable in reference to its bearing on the mind and conscience of the student. 3. A student who decides early to devote himself to the cause of foreign missions, will be more useful to that cause during his studies preparatory to the ministry, than he otherwise could be. 4. An early decision in favor of becoming a mis¬ sionary to the heathen, makes a man more courageous and cheerful after he has entered the field of missions, and probably will render Ifim more efficient and useful as a missionary. 5. An early and serious consideration of this sub¬ ject, with a view to a speedy decision, either that it is or is not our duty to become missionaries, with an oc- 5 casional reconsideration of the subject, is the most likely way of avoiding mistakes in regard to our proper sphere of labor. It may be added that an early decision to be a mis¬ sionary will be no disadvantage to a man who is provi¬ dentially prevented from becoming one. When a decision is formed to become a missionary, the proper course to pursue in relation to it is, neither to take pains to conceal it nor to make it known. If a man is under the guidance of humble benevolence, with his selfish desires subdued by love to Christ and to souls redeemed by the blood of Christ, he will be in little danger of ostentation, and need not fear the con¬ sequences of having it known that he is aspiring to the missionary office, even should he afterwards find that his duty requires him to remain at home. A sin¬ cere regard for duty, and a resolute pursuit of it, are far less apt to be injurious to a man’s usefulness, than is a timorous shrinking from responsibility when duty calls. III. Qualijications of Missionaries and Assistant Mis¬ sionaries. Of these some are indispensable for all candidates for the missionary work, whatever may be the de¬ partment in which they desire to be employed ; others are especially requisite in each of the several depart¬ ments of that work. A brief enumeration of the most important qualifications of each kind is all that will be attempted here. Of the first class, are 1. Decided, enlightened, uniform piety; compre¬ hending correct views of the great doctrines and duties of Christianity; strong love to Christ, and to the souls of men; and corresponding consistent habits in the candidate’s daily walk with God, in the duties of the closet, and in his conversation and conduct in his in¬ tercourse with Christian brethren, and before the world. , 1* 6 2. A full conviction of the duty of going in person to the heathen, with a strong love for the work of mis¬ sions ; that he may be fitted to encounter the ex¬ posures, hardships, and discouragements incident to the missionary life. 3. Good common sense, a sound judgment, and a quick, discernment and good knowledge of human character. 4. An amiable disposition, including kindness, gen¬ tleness, forbearance, frankness, and an habitual desire to accommodate others, and render them happy and itseful. 5. Steadiness and firmness of character, with pa¬ tience, perseverance, and cheerfulness. 6. Industry, economy, and the habit of attending faithfully, punctually, and thoroughly to whatever busi¬ ness he undertakes. 7. Good bodily health, and the prospect of enjoying it in the field of labor which he desires to occupy. 8. Good intellectual abilities ; with a mind trained to use its powers to the best advantage, and well fur¬ nished with useful knowledge. Menial powers and attainments of the highest order, will find ample scope in the missionary work. And ordinarily no one who does not rise to a respectable mediocrity, in these par¬ ticulars, ought to think of going on a foreign mission. Readiness in acquiring languages is especially impor¬ tant in most missions. 9. The desire and habit of self-improvement. 10. A willingness to labor in any department, when called to it, and an unfeigned humility. 11. It is important that the candidate for mission¬ ary employment should sustain a fair character among those who know him. Any gross neglect or deficiency in duty, any transaction in which he has been engaged, that has fixed a stain upon his character, and brought him under suspicion, is to be regarded as a disqualifi¬ cation, and might, if he should enter the missionary service, bring much reproach upon the cause. His standing should be such, that when his intention is announced, the common, spontaneous sentiment of those who know him will be, that he is well quali¬ fied for the work. 7 As to the second class of qualifications, viz. special fitness for a particular department of labor;— A preacher of the gosjiel should have made such at¬ tainments in all the branches of theological learning, as would give him a respectable standing among the pastors of our churches. He should love the work of preaching, and be devoted to it as the great business of his life. A missionary physician should have what would in this country be esteemed a competent medical educa¬ tion ; and he should be prepared to make his profess¬ ional knowledge and skill all directly subservient to the furtherance of the gospel.. It is important that he should be well acquainted with the natural sciences, and especially that he should be well read on the great leading topics of Christian theology. A teacher should be qualified to teach and govern a respectable village school with acceptance. His love for teaching should be such, that he can cheerfully adopt it as the business of his life. Mechanics and farmers should of course be masters of the business of their respective departments, and fully resolved to make all their labors subservient to the great object of the mission. The foregoing qualifications are requisite in females, whether married or unmarried, who go out as assistant missionaries, so far as they arc applicable to their sphere of labor and their peculiar circumstances. In all ordinary cases, it is expected that those who enter on missionary service will do it with the expecta¬ tion of continuing in it through life. IV. Time and manner of application to the Prudential Committee for an appointment. If the candidate be in a theological seminary, the proper time for him to make his offer of service to the Board is at or near the commencement of his senior year. In other cases, it is desirable that the offer should be made not less than six months before the candidate expects to complete his preparation for the work. 8 The offer should be written, and should be address¬ ed to the Secretary for the home correspondence, or to the Secretaries. The candidate should give a brief history of himself, as to his age, residence, early edu¬ cation, habits, and employments, his religious expe¬ rience, his views and motives in desiring the mission¬ ary work, the department of labor in which he wishes to engage, and the field he prefers, if he has any pre¬ ference, with the reasons of his preference. He should state particularly whether he has a sound con¬ stitution and enjoys good general health, or the con¬ trary ; whether any thing in the state of his health in¬ dicates that he ought to seek in his field of labor a climate specially adapted to it; whether he is in debt, or expects to be so when his studies are completed ; whether he expects to go as a married or single man; and in short any particulars respecting himself, which he thinks the Committee ought to know in acting upon his offer of service. This paper, while it should be as brief as circumstances will permit, should be drawn up with great frankness on the part of the can¬ didate. He may expect the Secretaries to use a cor¬ responding frankness toward him. No candidate should feel himself to be unkindly treated, if told that his prospect of usefulness in the missionary work will not justify his being sent forth. Nor ought he to re¬ gard such a reply as dictated by any other motives than a regard to his highest usefulness, and to the best interests of the cause of Christ. It is usual for the offer of those, who are to go as the wives of missionaries, to be made through their intended husbands. V. Testimonials of Candidates. The Committee regard it as solemnly incumbent on them, before appointing any person a missionary, or assistant missionary of the Board, to obtain as thorough a knowledge as possible of his character and qualifica¬ tions for the work to which he aspires. For this rea¬ son a personal acquaintance Avith him is sought in all cases where it is possible. In the first instance, how- 9 ever, written testimonials are collected and sent on by the candidate. They should relate, 1. To his Christian character and his good standing as a church member. 2. To his natural talents and temper. 3. To his judgment, discretion, and common sense. 4. To his literary and theological attainments, or his professional or mechanical ability and skill, accord¬ ing to the department in which he wishes to labor. 5. To his diligence in the improvement of time, and of opportunities of usefulness. 6. To his capacity for acquiring influence over those with whom he associates, and his fidelity and skill in using his influence for their good. 7. To his personal appearance, manners and ad¬ dress. 8. To any peculiarities of character, habits, or con¬ stitution, indicating special fitness or unfitness for any particular field or department of missionary labor. 9. To his general character and standing. The proper persons to furnish these testimonials are, 1. The pastor, or, if there is no pastor, the deacons or elders of the church to which the candidate belongs, or where he has been in the habit of attending public worship, and is best known since he made a profession of religion. 2. His principal teacher or teachers in his literary course. If he is a graduate, the president or professors of the college that gave him his degree. 3. If he ofiers to go as an ordained missionary, the professors of the seminary where he pursued his theo¬ logical studies ; or if he studied privately, the minister under whose direction he studied. He should present also the ordinary testimonials from the ecclesiastical body by which he was licensed or ordained. If he is a physician or a teacher, the persons with whom he pursued his professional studies should give him testi¬ monials in regard to his proficiency in them. 4. It is desirable that one or more judicious Chris¬ tians, besides his pastor, either ministers or laymen, 10 who are well acquainted with the candidate, should give freely their opinion of his fitness for the work. In the case of a female, an intelligent and pious woman in whose family she has resided, or who has otherwise become well acquainted with her, may give much valuable information. The more full, minute, and explicit these testimo¬ nials are, the better. They should be sealed by the writers, and addressed to the Secretary for the home correspondence, or to the Secretaries of the Board. When these testimonials have been laid before the Committee, if they be such as to encourage a farther acquaintance, the candidate, if not a female, will ordi¬ narily be invited to visit the Missionary House, in Boston, previous to any final action on the case. VI. Qiiestions to Missionary Candidates. Missionary candidates are requested carefully to consider the questions which follow, and be prepared to answer them in their offer of service, or in the inter¬ views which they may subsequently have with the Prudential Committee or the Secretaries. 1. What, in your view, are the leading doctrines and precepts of the Scriptures ? 2. Have you doubts respecting the doctrines com¬ monly held by the churches sustaining the missions under the care of the Board ? or any views relating to church organization and government, which would prevent your cordially recognizing and co-operating with, as ministers of Christ, the missionaries employed by the Board ? 3. M^hat are your views of religion as a matter of experience ; and of the work of the Holy Spirit on the heart ? And what leads you to think that you are a Christian experimentally, and by the renewal of the Spirit ? 4. How long have you been in the church; and what have been your habits of feeling and acting as a Christian ? 5. In what view does it seem to you to be impor¬ tant that the gospel should be preached to the hea- 11 then; and on what grounds are Christians under obli¬ gations to send it to them ? 6. What are your views of duty as a preacher of the gospel ? What leads you to desire the missionary employment ? And what is the manner of life you propose to yourself as a missionary ? 7. How do you regard hardship, suffering, and peril incurred in prosecuting the missionary work ; and to what extent are you taking them into account and preparing yourself to encounter them ? 8. What are your views and your purpose relative to entering for life into the missionary work ? 9. What is your age ? What is your native place ? Where has been your residence ? And in what busi¬ ness and employments have you been engaged ? 10. What course of education have you pursued; and what knowledge have you of the Latin, Greek, or Hebrew language ; or of any living foreign language ? Do you acquire languages with facility ? 11. What is the state of your health? Are you aware of being now or of having been subject to any bodily ailment or infirmity ? Are your habits seden¬ tary or active ? 12. Are any relatives so dependent on you, or like¬ ly to become so, that you are under obligations to make provision for their support ? 13. Are you under engagements, express or im¬ plied, with a view to marriage ? And if so, does your intended wife enter fully into your views and feelings with regard to the missionary work ? Has she a good constitution and good health ? 14. Is there any thing in the organization or rules of the Board, or in the organization or manner of con¬ ducting the missions, which you disapprove ; or which would prevent your laboring happily in connection with the Board, and in conformity with its regulations and those of the missions * The constitution, laws, aud regulations of the Board are appended to this Manual. • 12 VII. Appointment, and consequences of the relation thus created. The appointment and the designation are two dis¬ tinct things. They need not be decided at the same time, and often are not. The first will be decided as soon as possible after the necessary papers are com¬ plete ; and the second as soon after that as circum¬ stances will permit. Candidates who have received their appointment, cannot begin to draw upon the Board for their ex¬ penses, until they actually and by direction of the Committee enter its service. The Board does not pay the debts of missionaries contracted before their ap¬ pointment, nor those which they contract afterwards without being previously authorized by the Commit¬ tee. It is a standing usage not to pay any part of the expenses incurred in the regular preparatory course of study for their profession, as preachers, physicians, teachers, printers, etc. If extra studies are attended to, in conformity with the direction of the Committee, the expenses thus incurred are paid, if necessary, by the Board. No candidate should visit the Committee or Secretaries, expecting the Board to pay his travel¬ ling expenses, unless he has been expressly requested so to do ; nor should he, after his appointment, pursue any course involving expense on the part of the Board, unless expressly authorized to do it. Specific and fixed salaries are given in many of the missions. In the others the actual expenses of the missionaries are paid, of which semi-annual or annual accounts are rendered by the missionaries to the Treasurer of the Board. A limit, however, is now as¬ signed to the aggregate expenses of each mission, and an approximation is constantly making towards fixed salaries in all the missions, as the more economical and satisfactory method ; but nothing will be gained in the end by feing the salaries too soon. The laws and regulations of the Board relating to missionaries and their widoVvs and children, are appended to this Manual. 13 The candidate’s ecclesiastical relations to his relig¬ ions denomination, whatever it may be, are not affect¬ ed by his appointment. The Board is not an eccle¬ siastical body. So far as its constitution is concerned, it can act for any evangelical denomination, and it is now acting, with equal ease and freedom, for four or five. If the candidate is a Congregationalist, or Pres¬ byterian, he remains such, if he chooses to do so. And he is as free as he ever was, or can be, to act in mat¬ ters ecclesiastical. Yet his denomination has by no means a right to claim, that he should go forth for the purpose of extending that denomination among the hea¬ then. At the same time, it is by no means intended that the points of difference in these several denomi¬ nations are unimportant. But it is a glorious fact, that the points which constitute emphatically the message of missionaries to the heathen, are those in which these evangelical denominations do mainly agree. Upon being appointed a missionary of the Board, a new relation and certain mutual obligations are cre¬ ated, which cannot ordinarily be dissolved by the mere pleasure of either party. The guaranty that the au¬ thority invested in the directing agency will not be abused on the one hand, nor the missionaries, on the other, take undue advantage of this relation, is to be found, if any where, in the character of the parties. And the fact should never be lost sight of, that the Board and its Committee and officers have identically the same object in view and the same interest with their mis¬ sionaries. Their object and their interest are nothing else, than to render all the missions and missionaries in connection with the Board as useful as possible. To this they are urged by every motive. This is their study, their aim, their constant endeavor. The mis¬ sionaries are not one party, in the sense of having dif¬ ferent interests, and the Board another; but all are one, in object, pursuit, interest, and feeling.—There may, indeed, be differences of opinion, for a time, as to the best means of accomplishing the common object; occasionally there have been such differences; but 2 14 they have been transient, and must be so, as long as missionaries and their directors are honestly pursuing the same great object. There is another fact in this connection of no small importance; which is, that the Board and its Commit¬ tee and officers sustain a common and equal relation to all the missions and missionaries. Their position is central, with regard to all; they correspond with all; they know the condition and claims of all; and while they know the amount of means placed at their dis¬ posal by the Christian public better than the mission¬ aries can know it, they are bound to see that the claims of all are impartially attended to in the distri¬ bution of those means. The brethren in each of the missions may understand the circumstances, necessi¬ ties, and intrinsic merits of their own missions, better than the Prudential Committee. But they do not and cannot know so well the slate of the other missions. They cannot judge so well of the relative claims of the several missions. They cannot know so well the general bearings of particular measures. Differences of opinion, when they have arisen, have generally been from the difference in the points of observation and in the range of vision. At the same time the more perfect local knowledge and the opinions formed by missionaries upon facts under their personal obser¬ vation, will ever and must ever have much influence in the deliberations of the Committee. VIII. Designation. Candidates for missionary labor should not be un¬ duly anxious respecting their field of labor. Some countries possess attractions for men of peculiar tastes and habits above others ; but the grand attraction by which the missionary should feel himself drawn to¬ wards any country or tribe, is the opportunity afforded him for preaching Christ where he has not before been named, and of exerting his agency to save the miserable and perishing. This he will find common to all the fields. Still it is to be admitted that intel¬ lectual abilities and attainments, habits, bodily con- 15 stitution, and health, and perhaps other circumstances, may render it expedient that a missionary should oc¬ cupy one field rather than another. Too much re¬ gard, however, should not be had to these things. Ardent piety and good sense, with the divine aid and blessing, will enable a man to accommodate himself to almost any circumstances, so far as is requisite for the successful performance of missionary labor. There is much less ground for preference among the various fields of labor, on the whole, than is commonly sup¬ posed. Every candidate should bear in mind also, that his judicious Christian friends and the Committee may be better able to judge than himself, respecting his suitableness for a particular field, and that they can¬ not be supposed to desire him to go to any field, where, on the whole, they do not think that his labors are most demanded and can be most usefully applied. Still, every candidate should be frank on this subject, and may feel assured that the Coiumittee do not de¬ sire him to go to any field where he cannot go cheer¬ fully, and where he cannot be convinced that it is best for him to go. Before the designation is made, the correspondence of the candidates is with the Secretary for the home correspondence. Afterwards, if the designation be to the Indians, it is with the Secretary having charge of the correspondence with Indian missions. If to mis¬ sions beyond sea, it is with the Secretary having charge of the correspondence with those missions. IX. Studies. It is not deemed expedient by the Committee, nor by missionaries already among the heathen, that the regular course of preparatory or theological studies should be neglected or curtailed, with a view to pros¬ ecuting studies more especially adapted to some con¬ templated field of missionary service. The furnish¬ ing and disciplining of the mind, effected by the or¬ dinary course of education, is certainly not less im¬ portant for the preacher abroad, than for the pastor at home ; while the peculiar preparation required for a 16 missionary in a particular country, may generally be much more advantageously made in that country than at home. Or, it may be attended to after completing the regidar and usual course of study, by remaining a few months or a year for the purpose. The experience of the Committee leads them to question the expediency, in ordinary cases, of an or¬ dained missionary’s taking the time necessary to at¬ tend medical lectures. Nor would they ordinarily en¬ courage a physician to delay his dejiarture, that he may pursue the study of theology, unless his age, etc. are such that he can go through a complete course. Nor do the Committee know of any circumstances in which it will be advisable for an accepted missionary or physician to visit any foreign country for the sake of pursuing study there previous to entering his field of labor. X. Agencies. Where a missionary has the talents requisite for performing an acceptable and useful agency among the churches, that service, for a number of months before entering on his mission, would ordinarily be found very useful;—by extending his acquaintance with mankind and with his patrons; by cultivating his power of exerting influence; by increasing his famil¬ iarity with the prineiples and motives on which the missionary enterprise depends for its successful prose¬ cution; and by giving him a deeper insight, than he could otherwise obtain, into the peculiar difficulties which arc to be encountered and obviated in raising funds for missions to the heathen. Occasionally, when the funds are low in tire treasury, it may be very necessary for such candidates to perform a tem¬ porary agency before leaving the country. A consid¬ erable part of the early missionaries of the Board la¬ bored some time as agents, and generally with very evident advantage in all the respects just mentioned. The change of late years in the nature of the agency employed for raising funds, and the appointment of permanent general agents, have combined with other 17 causes to prevent, in great measure, and perhaps too much, the employment of missionaries previous to en¬ tering their field of labor abroad. XI. Debts. It has been already stated that the Board does not pay the debts of those who receive appointments as missionaries. Missionary candidates will, of course, be allowed the time and opportunity required for liqui¬ dating their debts before going to their several mis- sions i and they should be scrupulously careful to see that all such claims on them are cancelled before they leave the country. They are expected to devise their own plans for paying their debts. It is exceedingly desirable that candidates should owe as little as pos¬ sible. Students are apt to run in debt for books, but this is seldom wise. Nor should they run in debt merely because they have friends who are willing to advance them money. XII. Ordination. The missionary having received official notice of his appointment by the Committee, it is left with himself and his friends, or with the ecclesiastical body with which he is connected, to make the arrangements for his ordination. Care should be taken that the time, place, manner, and all the circumstances, be such as to give no just cause for dissatisfaction in any quarter, and such as in the highest degree possible to promote the cause of missions. XIIT. Marriage. Good health is very important in the wife of a mis¬ sionary, though often too little regarded by him when about making an engagement with a view to mar¬ riage. And a minister does not more need intellectual and moral cultivation and cultivated manners in a wife at home, than on a foreign mission, where she is almost his only companion and adviser. Early en- 2 * 18 gagements are by no means desirable. They are not apt to be as judicious as when formed at a later pe¬ riod. Nor is it well to defer all attention to the sub¬ ject till the eve of departure from the country’-, though many excellent wives have been obtained even then. Parents very frequently object to parting with their daughters, when it is first proposed to them ; and this will be the case until they shall have more generally taken this contingency into view while consecrating their infant offspring to God. If the objection is founded in mere feeling, and there is true piety in the parents, it may be expected to yield at length to a calm, judicious presentation of the subject. For ob¬ vious and weighty reasons, marriage should be one of the last preparatory measures. Where the missionary has a long voyage before him, it should in no case take place until his passage is engaged^ and the time of his departure is fixed and near. Great personal inconven¬ ience and evils have been experienced by missionaries from doing otherwise than is here suggested. A par¬ ticular statement of the reasons for the course here re¬ commended, would satisfy all as to the propriety of it. XIV. Outfit. The outfit of a missionary includes the clothing, bedding, etc. necessary for the voyage and for use im¬ mediately after arrival at the place of destination, to¬ gether with a select private library, and furniture for housekeeping. Most of the furniture should ordinarily be procured in the country to which the missionary is going. If it resembles the furniture used by the na¬ tives, so much the better, it it can be rendered tolera¬ bly convenient, as that will make him seem less a for¬ eigner and his house more agreeable. Travelling ex¬ penses preparatory to embarkation, and the cost of passage, are not included in outfit. The necessary expenses for outfit, for conveyance to the field of la¬ bor, and for such travelling expenses previous to de* parture as shall be directed or authorised by the Com¬ mittee, will be paid by the Board. It is, however, de¬ sirable that the relatives and personal friends of the 19 candidate sliould, so far as they are able and disposed, aid in fnrnisbing the outfit. It will increase their in¬ terest in the mission, and relieve the Board from a con¬ siderable expense. Of course, those pious parents, who u'ould have aided their children with funds to commence house-keeping, hcul they been married icith a view to re¬ siding in this country, will not icithhold their aid because their children go as missionaries to the heathen. Why should they ? Collections or subscriptions of money taken up at a public meeting, or out of the circle of a missionary’s personal friends, towards his outfit, are almost always inexpedient, and often injurious in the end. If they are ever made, the sums thus raised should be ac¬ counted for by the missionary to the Treasurer of the Board, as so much cash received for outfit. In like manner, clothing procured in this way, ought to be ac¬ counted for to the Treasurer, and charged as a part of the outfit. Nor should a missionary afterwards re¬ ceive, in any instance, a full allowance from the treas- my for outfit, if friends of the cause have already con¬ tributed money or clothing for that purpose. Application should never be made to an auxiliary society for aid in procuring outfit, nor for an extra allowance beyod what is given by the Board. If the allowance made by the Board is not large enough, it ought to be increased. If it is sufficient, the auxiliary ought not to be requested to enlarge it. Besides, irreg¬ ularities of this kind would lead to evils without end. Well made boxes, of the medium size, are more con¬ venient for packing clothing than trunks.* The boxes should be numbered, and a list made of every article contained in each. Things to be used on the voyage should be packed separately, and marked accordingly; and every thing should be forwarded to the place of embarkation in such season, and with such precautions to prevent a failure, that they shall be sure of arriving at least ten days before the time of embarkation. * Where the boxes are to be transported on horses any considerable dis¬ tance, it is recommended that the leiiftth be 3 feet, the depth I foot and 6 inches, and the breadth 1 foot and 4 inches ; and the gross weight of the box, when filled, should not exceed 160 pounds. 20 By the rules of the Board no married missionary can receive more than 666 dollars for outfit, and generally the sum actually drawn from the Treasury has fallen considerably short of this amount. Missionaries are sometimes fitted out entirely by their friends, and al¬ most always are so to a greater or less extent. The outfit of a missionary drawn from the Treasury, is not regarded as private property in the same abso¬ lute sense as that property which is inherited, or pro¬ cured by personal exertions ; but is regarded as in¬ trusted to the missionary for the specific purpose of being used in the missionary work. Every missionary, knowing a few facts, and exer¬ cising some thought on the subject, may make out a satisfactory list of outfit for himself He needs to know the length of the voyage—the climates he is to pass through—that bedding is not furnished by the ship— and that no washing is done at sea. He can then cal¬ culate what he will need at sea, and his wife can do the same for herself If three sheets will be required for two weeks, how many will be required for the voyage ? So of pillow-cases, shirts, etc. etc. The number of articles used on the voyage should be as few as possible, yet sufficient, with a few extras for sickness. In warm weather more changes will be necessary than in eold weather. Old clothes -should, be taken and carefully preserved for useon the voyage, and after entering the field. The mattress will gen¬ erally be procured at the place of embarkation. In determining what articles of clothing shall be taken for the voyage and for use after reaching the field, pro¬ ceed orderly, beginning with the outer garment, and note down how many will be needed—thick and thin, coarse and fine, woolen, cotton, etc. Thus :—warm cloak or great coat; coats ; pantaloons ; suspenders; vests ; shirts ; collars; cravats ; stocks ; flannel shirts; drawers ; stockings or socks ; shoes ; boots ; overshoes ; pocket handkerchiefs; hat; caps; watch, with extra crystals and keys; penknives; combs; pencil case and leads; brushes for clothes, flesh, teeth, hair, and shoes ; umbrella and case; shaving apparatus ; writing appa¬ ratus ; bedding; towels. A lady should go through 21 the same course in respect to her clothing. Shirts for tropical climates should usually be made with collars. The seams in all cases should be very strong, as the washing will often be by beating on stones. The amount of furniture to be taken must be determined by the locality of the mission. The difierent classes of furniture are crockery, glass, wooden, iron, tin, etc. As a general rule, the articles to be obtained at the place of the missionary’s residence, are those which are manufactured by the needle. Such articles are generally better made among friends, than those which are found ready made in cities. Donations in stock¬ ings, shoes, etc. should also be thankfully received, and whatever other needful articles can be packed in a small space. But bulky articles, and also heavy ar¬ ticles, unless the place of embarkation is near, should be procured at that place, the freight being a serious addition to the first cost of them. Bring a list, fairly written, of all the articles obtained. Clothing should all be marked with the name of the owner. A passport, obtained from the Secretary of State at Washington, is indispensable to missionaries going to eastern countries, and is important for them wherever they go. The following notice relative to the giving of passports to citizens of the United States designing to visit foreign countries, was issued from the Depart¬ ment of State at Washington, April 4, 1835; viz. “ .Ag citizens of the United States, goinjr to foreign countries, may be sub¬ jected to inconvenience for the want of sufficient evidence of their national character, the Secretary of State deems it proper to give notice, that Passports will be granted by him, gratis, to such citizens, on his being satisfied that they are entitled to receive them. “ To prevent delay in obtaining a Passport, the application should be ac¬ companied by such evidence as may show the applicant to be a citizen of the United States, where that fact is not already known to the Department of State, and with a description of his person, embracing the following particu¬ lars, viz : “Age, — years; stature, — feet, —inches; forehead,—; eyes, — ; nose, — ; mouth, — ; chin, — ; hair, — ; complexion, — ; face, —. “ Where the applicant is to be accompanied by his wife, children, or ser¬ vants, or females under his protection, it will be sufficient to state the names and ages of such persons, and their relationship to the applicant; as one Pass¬ port may serve for the whole. “ Certificates of citizenship, or Passports, granted by the different States and municipal authorities, in the United States, are not recognized by the officers of foreign Governments ; and, for the want of necessary official information as to those authorities, the Ministers and Consuls of the United States in foreign countries cannot authenticate such documents,” 22 The certificate of a Notary Public will be satisfac¬ tory to the Secretary of State. If access cannot be had to a Notary, then get and forward to Washington the best evidence within reach. Tell the Secretary where to send the document. Every missionary should attend to this matter for himself, at an early day after his designation. The missionary’s should be eminently select. Its nature should depend on his particular pro¬ fession. A large library is desirable for but few mis¬ sionaries. In some countries it is exceedingly diffi¬ cult to preserve books from the ravages of insects. In uncivilized countries they will be exposed to nume¬ rous casualties, and will often suffer for want of the care it is impossible to render. Should it happen that necessary books are not taken when the missionary goes out, they can be sent for. A mission library is gradually being formed in connection with the several missions of the Board. A medical library, under the care of the physicians, forms a part of this. Missionaries, previously to leaving this country, or afterwards, should not directly, or through their friends, order books, or periodicals, or any other articles to be sent to them, at the expense of the Board, without being previously authorized to do so. A liberal grant of newspapers and periodicals is made to the several missions annually by the Prudential Committee. XV. Farewell Visits to Friends. It is not wise to take a long time for these. Better for the health of the missionary and his wife, and for all concerned, that they should be short. It is painful to see missionaries, and especially their wives, come on to embark, wearied out, and perhaps their health materially and permanently affected, by a succession of long-continued, spirit-consuming farewells. Expe¬ rience has shown that short visits are much more satisfactory in the end. The Committee, however, aim to give missionaries as early notice as shall be in their power of the time of departure. 23 In taking leave of friends aim, in the spirit of Chris¬ tian meekness and love, to exert a salutary spiritual influence upon them. You are probably to see each other no more in this world. Leave them as if such were your expectation. At the same time let there be no worldly sorrow. The Christian missionary, surely, ought to take the high ground of an immortal being. You and your Christian friends hope to meet again. Let the thought of such a meeting as heaven will af¬ ford, and of the blessed nature of the work which calls you abroad, fill your minds and hearts, and throw over your deportment when bidding adieu to earthly friends a holy serenity becoming the missionary cause. You are not driven forth by any stern sense of duty, but drawn by inclination. This parting with friends for Christ, and from love to the souls he has redeemed, is a privilege; and so is this leaving of native land and the blessings of civilized society. While you weep you will rejoice, and may it be with a joy un¬ speakable and full of glory. The missionary, from the lime of his appointment, should be Sure and keep the Secretary who has the correspondence with him informed where letters will find him in the shortest possible time. This may be of great importance to him, as his designation and de¬ parture may by various means be unexpectedly hasten¬ ed or delayed. XVI.. Departure for the Field. Impatience is sometimes manifested by missionaries to depart immediately to their fields of labor; or at least to know definitely at what time their departure may be expected. This should be suppressed by the reflection that numerous circumstances connected with the community at home, the Board, the mission, and the means of conveyance to it, may render delay una¬ voidable, or at least expedient. In respect to many missions it is quite impossible to tell definitely, a length of time beforehand, when conveyance to them may be obtained. Candidates should also be aware that the Committee cannot be less anxious than they to have 24 them enter their respective fields, and be employed in their appropriate work, with the least possible delay. The importance of having it known at the Mission¬ ary House where letters will be sure to find the mis¬ sionary, has already been remarked. This informa¬ tion should be kept there from the time of his appoint¬ ment, and indeed of his otfer of service. He should on no account fail of being at the place of embarkation on the day appointed. It is better too to reach the place on the very day named, than sooner, as he will not be expected before that day, and may find no lodgings provided for him, and the officers of the Board wholly engaged with other persons or things. The perfection of punctuality is in being neither be¬ fore nor after the time. At the place of embarkation he will be lodged in private families, if such accommodations can be con¬ veniently obtained ; and he should take care not to re¬ peat the mistake which some have made on first en¬ tering a private family, of supposing themselves in a boarding-house. Every reasonable attention will be given by these hospitable families to the comfort of their guests, but it should be received as a favor, not required as a right. By no means encroach upon the established order of the family, by xmseasonable hours, morning, noon, or night; and by all means let the families see that their hospitality and kindness are appreciated. If it is found necessary for any cause, to procure lodgings in a boarding-house, it will usually be in some pious family which feels interested in missions and mission¬ aries, and where it will hardly be wise for the mission¬ ary and his wife to regard themselves as mere boarders. They cannot be so regarded by such a family; they are rather inmates, objects of interest, who are expected to feel and manifest an interest in all of eveiy name and condition who love our Lord Jesus Christ. It should be remembered, too, that generally in such houses there are more or less pious men and women residing, who are the friends and patrons of missions. The Treasurer and Secretaries will be found muoli occupied with business. The missionary’s chief inter¬ course will be with the Treasurer, and with the Secre- 25 tary having charge of the correspondence with the mission to which he is destined. The Secretary will give him all the advice necessary, but it should be re¬ membered that he has probably to draw up the in¬ structions for the company about to embark, and also to write by the vessel in which that company sails (in case the missionary goes beyond sea) to all the mis¬ sions in that part of the world; and these letters are often long, requiring much thought and care in their composition. He will, however, render every neces¬ sary aid, as a thing of course. The same may be said of the Treasurer and of the other Secretaries. A competent man will he at the Ilouse, whose duty it will be to advise the missionaries, if it be necessary, in the purchase of the remaining articles of their outfit; and if necessary, to conduct them to places where these articles can most advantageously be had. Be¬ nevolent ladies, also, frequently volunteer to assist the females of the mission families in making their pur¬ chases, and in otherwise preparing for the voyage. The services of such ladies are always gratuitous, re¬ sulting from their deep interest in the cause. In pur¬ chasing his outfit, every missionary must judge in great measure himself as to his own wants ; and it is for him to see that his own peculiar habits and taste are suited. The reflections, which have sometimes been made by missionaries on the pious merchants, of long establish¬ ed character, in our cities, to whom they have been recommended, when they have afterwards discovered that certain better and cheaper articles were purchased elsewhere, have generally been very unjust—the re¬ sult of some misapprehension. If those, who rank among the best men in the world, and stand above all suspicion where they are best known, are not to be trusted, who is ? Experience has shown that it is best for missionaries to be assisted, at such times, only so far as is neces¬ sary to enable them to be in readiness on the day of embarkation. They come on five or ten days before the time of sailing, on purpose to attend to this very thing ; and it is better, on all accounts, that should purchase the articles, and pack at least their clothing 3 26 and bedding. They are then better satisfied with the articles and with the packing, and they kirow where to look for a thing when they want it. A full and accurate account should be kept of the manner in which all money received from the treasury of the Board has been expended, noting particularly what is for travelling expenses, and what for outfit, and an abstract of these expenses should be given to the Treasurer before embarkation. An invariable rule with the Committee is not to de¬ lay a ship an hour beyond the time appointed for sail¬ ing. There frequently are delays ; but missionaries should have all things in readiness to go on board when the appointed time comes, and expect so to do. Public instructions are not always given to mission¬ aries on leaving the countr}^ These are never regard¬ ed as an essential part of the preparations for a mis¬ sion. Yet public statements of plans and principles, on occasion of the departure of missionaries, are useful to the cause, and the general custom will no doubt be continued, so far as time, health, and other circum¬ stances will permit. Shortly before embarkation, the Prudential Committee and other officers of the Board, with their wives, are accustomed to spend a few hours, generally in the evening, in familiarly imparting hints and cautions to the missionaries respecting their intercourse with each other and the ship’s company during the voyage, their first steps on arriving at the place of their destination, their intercourse with their missionary brethren, their correspondence with the officers of the Board and with their friends, etc. etc. The latter part of the evening is devoted to Christian acquaintance, together with such more informal con¬ versation as may tend to promote Christian sympathy and fellowship. No missionary, male or female, should fail of attending this meeting. The ship in which the passage is engaged, as well as the accommodations on board, will be as good as the Committee are able to obtain. Besides the ordi¬ nary ship stores, the Board makes the necessary extra provision for the comfort of the sick. INIissionaries should remember their calling, and not requhe too 27 much, either for the voyage, or after having entered their fields of labor. It is easy to expend money, and where each one in a considerable company expends a little unnecessarily, the amount of the needless ex¬ penditure may be great. But with what difficulty is money for this object obtained ! How many Christians give only one quarter of a dollar in a whole year! When tempted to expend this small sum unnecessa¬ rily, think of that. Just before sailing, it is usual to unite in a prayer, and in the singing of a hymn on board the vessel—on deck, if the weather permits. Friends are then re¬ quested to leave the ship, that it may be got under way. The singing of a farewell hymn by the mission¬ aries, while the ship is falling off from the wharf, is never expedient. The crew are then hurrying to all parts of the vessel to set the sails, and the singing is necessarily troublesome and annoying to the pilot and officers. XVn. The Yo^jage. The following memoranda were drawn up by a mis¬ sionary at the close of the third long voyage he had taken. They subsequently received the formal ap¬ proval of one of the older missions. “ 1. When the vessel has left the wharf the berths should be put in order and the luggage adjusted as soon as possible, to be in readiness for sea-sickness. Missionaries have sometimes stood gazing at the land and other objects, or conversing with each other, till sea-sickness has come on, and they have then been compelled to pass several days in circumstances more unpleasant than can easily be described. “ 2. As soon as sea-sickness is past, (if there are several missionaries,) a few general rules should be made concerning the time and manner of daily wor¬ ship, if circumstances will allow it; and also concern¬ ing the hours for study or reading, and for social inter¬ course. Also a list should be made out (if there is not one already) of all the articles furnished by the Prudential Committee, or by the friends of the cause, 28 for common use, comfort, and convenience of the mis¬ sionary company. This list should be shewn to each individual, and the time and manner of using these things he determined. Some regulations of this kind are very important to the comfort of the company, nor should the making of them he delayed longer than is necessary; and when once made, they should be care¬ fully observed by each individual. “ 3. As soon as sea-sickness is past, missionaries begin to think (as they should do,) about worship on the Sabbath. This is not unfrequently a delicate sub¬ ject to manage, and nothing should be said respecting it to the captain, or to any person on board ship, till the missionary company have decided upon the man¬ ner in which it shall be done. For this purpose some one should be appointed to converse with the captain, and it should be requested as a favor, and not as a thing confidently expected. The subject should also be mentioned to him at a suitable time—not at table, nor in the presence of his officers, nor of any other company, but when he is alone. “4. All intercourse with the crew should be in strict accordance with the rules of the ship, one of which always is, that no passenger is to speak to any sailor while the latter is on duty, and especially not to the helmsman. The captain should be requested to communicate to passengers the regulations, etc. of his vessel. “ 5. Never interrupt the captain or any officer while taking their solar or lunar observations, or while en¬ gaged in calculating their reckoning. If they appear quite willing to tell what their reckoning is, still they should not be asked too frequently, as this is vexa¬ tious, and quite unnecessary, if each missionary will only communicate to the others what he has ascer¬ tained on this subject. If the captain appears unwil¬ ling to speak about his reckoning, then no inquiries should be made. “ 6. Be careful not to be in the way of officers or sailors when they are performing any evolutions of the vessel; and in rough weather, when such are often to be performed as quick as possible, and both officers 29 and sailors are in an excited state of mind, passengers shoidd remain below. The windward side of the rpiarter deck is properly the captain’s place, and should be occupied by no one when he is on deck. “ 7. Be careful to shew due respect at all times to the captain as the commander of the ship. Remem¬ ber that, like the commander of an army in the field, he is often quite a different man on board his own. vessel from what he is in the scenes of social life. Be careful also to shew him due respect as the master of the family. Never ask for any thing with which the table is not furnished, (salt and water excepted,) un¬ less health requires it; and then it is commonly better to mention it beforehand (with the reason annexed) to the captain or steward. Be careful not to make too much conversation at table, on subjects which, from their nature, are unpleasant to him, or in which, from his want of knowledge, he cannot take a part. “ 8. A part of the time on the passage should be devoted to acquiring further knowledge of the history, state, etc. of the mission or place to which they are going. Some missionaries have made many unhappy mistakes, and suffered much in various ways for want of knowledge which might easily have been acquired upon their passage. “ Every missionary, (whether man or woman,) who goes abroad, should acquire some knowledge of the different parts of the ship, as their names, uses, etc.; also of the philosophical principles on which a ship is constructed and managed at sea. They should also acquire some knowledge of navigation, as the manner of taking observations, and the use made of them in calculating longitude and latitude; the manner of as¬ certaining the progress of the ship by throwing the log; al.so of keeping the log-book, etc. Such knowl¬ edge can be easily acquired during their passage, if some method like the following is pursued. Let the missionary company agree to attend to these subjects at some stated limes, as, for example, once every week. At such times let each one communicate to the others what he may know on the particular subject in question, and let arrangements be made for obtain- 3# 30 ing further information for the next meeting. Cap¬ tains are not generally unwilling to shew their instru¬ ments, to explain their use, etc. as far as will be necessary (if the plan suggested should be pursued) for each person to acquire a knowledge of the subject above referred to. But they will very likely be dis¬ pleased, if called on repeatedly to explain the same things and to answer the same inquiries to different individuals of the same company. Every company of missionaries should have a system of navigation for their common use.” Another missionaiy, of equal experience, has added the following hints : “ 1. Never find fault with the food at table, nor complain of your accommodations, nor of the ship it¬ self Commanders of vessels are exceedingly sensi¬ tive on all these points. “ 2. Let your intercourse with the sailors be under the approbation of the captain, and be not too familiar, as that will weaken the authority of the commander, which must be in a measure despotic, or at least pa¬ ternal. “ 3. Let your ardent zeal (and ardent it should be) to benefit those on board, be directed by knowl¬ edge. Study times and seasons, and let patience have its perfect work. Be not over greedy, even of doing good. It will be well to postpone all direct efforts for the conversion of the seamen, until the good will of the captain and officers is secured, and the ship is fairly at sea. It always occupies several days to get things in ‘ sea trim,’ as it is termed; and during this time nothing should be attempted with the sailors, and perhaps nothing until there has been public wor¬ ship once or twice.” CONSTITUTION, LAWS AND REGULATIONS OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMIS¬ SIONERS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS. ACT OF INCORPORATION. COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. In the year of our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twelve; An Act to Incorporate the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Alissions. Whereas William Bartlet and others have been associated under the name of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, for the purpose of propagating the gospel in heathen lands, by supporting missionaries and diffusing a knowledge of the holy Scriptures, and have prayed to be incorporated in order more eflect- ually to promote the laudable object of their association. Sec. 1 Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled. a')id by the authority of the same, That Wil¬ liam Bartlet, Esq., and Samuel Spring, D. D., both of Newhury- port, Joseph Lyman, D D., of Hatfield, Jedidiaii Morse, D D., of Charlestown, Samuel Worcester, D D., of Salem, the Hon. AVil- LiAM Phillips, Esq., of Boston, and the lion. John Hooker, Esq., of Springfield, and their associates, be, and they hereby are incorpo¬ rated and made a bodv politic by the name of the AMERICAN BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS FOR FOREIGN MIS¬ SIONS, and by that name may sue and be sued, plead and be im¬ pleaded, appear, prosecute, and defend, to final judgment and execu¬ tion ; and in their said corporate capacity, they, and their successors forever, may take, receive, have and hold in fee-simple or otherwise, lands, tenements, and hereditaments, by gift, grant, devise, or other¬ wise, not exceeding the yearly value of four thousand dollars ; and may also take and hold by donation, bequest, or otherwise, personal estate to an amount, the yearly income of which shall not exceed eight thousand dollars ; so that the estate afore.said shall be faithfully appro¬ priated to the purpose and object aforesaid, and not ^otherwise. And the said corporation shall have power to sell, convey, exchange, or lease all or any part of their lands, tenements, or other property for the benefit of their funds, and may have a common seal which they may 32 alter or renew at pleasure. Provided, however, that nothing herein contained shall enable the said corporation, or any person or persons, as trustees for or for the use of said corporation, to receive and hold any gift, grant, legacy, or bequest, heretofore given or bequeathed to any person in trust for said Board, unless such person or persons, could by law have taken and holden the same, if this act had not passed. Sec 2. Be it farther enacted, That the said Board may annually choose from among themselves, by ballot, a President, a Vice Presi¬ dent, and a Prudential Committee ; and, also, from among themselves or others a Corresponding Secretary, a Recording Secretary, a Treas¬ urer, an Auditor, and such other officers as they may deem expedient; all of whom shall hold their offices until others are chosen to succeed them, and shall have such powers and perform such duties as the said Board may order and direct; and in case of vacancy by death, resigna¬ tion, or otherwise, the vacancy may in like manner be filled at any legal meeting of the said Board. And the said Treasurer shall give bond with sufficient surety, or sureties, in the judgment of the Board, or the Prudential Committee, for the faithful discharge of the duties of his office. Sec. 3. Beit farther enacted. That all contracts, and deeds, which the said Board may lawfully make and execute, signed by the chair¬ man of the said Prudential Committee, and countersigned by their clerk, (whom they are hereby authorized to appoint,) and sealed with the common seal of said corporation, shall be valid in law to all intents and purposes. Sec. 4. Be it farther enacted. That the first annual meeting of the said Board shall be on the third Wednesday of September next, at such place as the said William Bartlet may appoint, and the present officers of said Board shall continue in office until others are elected. Sec 5. Be it farther enacted. That the said Board, at the first an¬ nual meetinar aforesaid, and at any subsequent annual meeting, may elect by ballot any suitable persons to be members of said Board, either to supply vacancies, or in addition to their present number. Sec. 6. Be it farther enacted. That the said Board shall have power to make such bye-laws, rules, and regulations, for calling future meet¬ ings of said Board, and for the management of their concerns, as they shall deem expedient; provided the same are not repugnant to the laws of this Commonwealth. Sec. 7. Be it farther enacted. That one quarter part of the annual income from the funds of said Board shall be faithfully appropriated to defray the expense of imparting the Holy Scriptures to unevangelized nations in their own languages : Provided, that nothing herein con¬ tained shall be so construed as to defeat the express intentions of any testator or donor, who shall give or bequeath money to promote the great purposes of the Board. Provided, also, that nothing herein con¬ tained shall be so construed as to restrict said Board from appropriating more than one quarter of said income to translating and distributing the Scriptures whenever they shall deem it advisable. Sec. 8 . Be it farther enacted. That not less than one third of said Board shall at all times be composed of respectable laymen; and that not less than one third of said Board shall be composed of respectable clergymen ; the remaining third to be composed of characters of the same description whether clergymen or laymen. Sec. 9. Be it further enacted. That the Legislature of this Com¬ monwealth shall at any time have the right to inspect, by a Committee of their own body, the doings, funds, and proceedings of the said Cor¬ poration, and may at their pleasure alter or annul any or all of the powers herein granted. 33 In the House of Representatives, June Vith, 1S12. This bill having had three several readings, passed to be enacted. TIMOTHY BIGELOW, Speaker. In the Senate, June 20mi Hkm »(tHI iiw4i Wn^Jwoa* ‘ ‘ ra5l» WUttttWi lUiiJWnlb aiil 1i>tH»H Sff W « '$^••‘*7 2 1 , (tfduHMOl It'fc • w' flllll.jfef*'’^ * vi’f^WlW . 4^ T el.ia MIW* « Al #« ^ law .M!»4d tt »* *mo»_- J 4i ; \t ' .■■‘t , Ktv^ * M* y^ l/fty^.nf .V441«rfEMJMQFffAT f*iiyin M<-iv^r» r:v«8iw*0 4 W * t ♦.'«' >• I':. -r, Vr ■7*-< *v a * * -• » .-^ %4 '»“