nication of the American Board, and from that in which the Executive Committee of the Home Missionary Society had been addressed, that no member of the General Assembly's Board of Missions could fail to perceive, that notwithstanding all their frankness, and cordiality, and friendship, they were really regarded and addressed by the Committee in New York, as the promulgators and abettors of a scheme, which must necessarily result in unhappy divisions and contentions throughout the Presbyterian Church; in a diminution of the charities of the churches; and in various other injuries of the most serious kind. As these several letters have been published in the Christian Advocate and the Philadelphian, in the months of September and October last, we forbear further comment here, but would earnestly recommend to you their attentive perusal. But although the Board of Missions felt themselves deeply aggrieved by the reply of the A. H. M. S., yet, as we earnestly deprecated a publick controversy with a sister institution, which had but recently been organized, and had already, as we believed and stated, accomplished much good, we deliberately resolved to make no reply; but in the spirit of meekness, forbearance, and love, steadily and vigorously to move onward in the work assigned us. Agreeably to these resolutions, our Corresponding Secretary and General Agent went forth among some of the churches in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and New York; and in the course of a very few weeks, we had the satisfaction to learn, that nearly forty churches had been organized on the 50 cent plan proposed by our Board; that the General Agent was received with great cordiality, and that the plans and operations of our Board were highly approved by its numerous friends. In the mean time, the Board spared no pains to procure and commission missionaries to supply the destitute, and missionary agents to preach and organize sessions and churches as auxiliaries, in more distant parts of the country: and they now have the pleasure to inform you, that their income for missionary purposes, since May last, already exceeds the sum of five thousand dollars, and is daily increasing; that they have commissioned, within the same period, 78 missionaries, who have been actively employed in 19 different states and territories, besides 11 missionary agents, who have been engaged in their appropriate duties, in 7 different states. Of these missionary labourers, there are 8 in New York; 2 in New Jersey; 23 in Pennsylvania; 14 in Ohio; 5 in Indiana; 4 in Kentucky; 6 in North Carolina; 1 in Arkansas; 2 in Tennessee; 3 in Louisiana; 1 in Missouri; 2 in Florida; 1 in Alabama; 2 in Virginia; 2 in Massachusetts; 2 in Georgia; 2 in Delaware; 7 in Maryland; and I in Michigan.

By comparing the above statement with the last report of the American Home Missionary Society, it will be perceived that this Board, during the nine months which have elapsed since their re-organization, have been enabled to employ about the same number of labourers, if we exclude the single State of New York, as that Society has done-and we confidently believe, from the measures which are now in successful operation, that this Board will soon have a larger income pledged annually for ten years to come, than was that of the Home Missionary Society, for the year which terminated at the date of their last report. These facts being well known to the Society in New York, the Board of Missions were not prepared to expect from them, propositions of so objectionable a kind as have actually been made within the last two months.

Some time in the month of December last, the Rev. Absalom Peters, the Secretary of the American Home Missionary Society, visited this city, for the purpose of raising funds for the Committee in New York; and by a few of our congregations he was cordially received, and liberally aided-other congregations being of choice connected with this Board. During his stay here, Mr. Peters had repeated interviews with the Rev. Dr. Ely, our late Corresponding Secretary and General Agent; and they at length agreed, as individuals, without at all consulting either the Committee or the Board of the General Assembly, to recommend to the committees with which they were respectively connected, a plan for amalgamating the Board of Missions of the General Assembly with the Executive Committee in New York. This plan was first submitted by Mr. Peters to the Committee in New York, and on the 17th of December, 1828, that Committee, by a unanimous vote, adopted a resolution, to propose such an alteration in the 3d Article of their constitution, as should fully embrace the plan of amalgamation. The Articles, as thus conditionally adopted, read as follows-viz.

"Article III. The Officers of the Society shall be a President, Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer, an Auditor, a Corresponding Secretary and a Recording Secretary, who shall be annually appointed by the Society; and Fifty Directors to be appointed annually by the General Conference of Maine, the General Association of New Hampshire, the General Convention of Vermont, the General Association of Massachusetts, the General Association of Connecticut, the Evangelical Consociation of Rhode Island, the General Synod of the Reformed Dutch Church, the German Reformed Sy nod, and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, in proportion to the number of Ministers severally embraced in the above named Ecclesiastical Bodies; which said

Directors shall enter on their duties at the close of the Anniversary next succeeding their appointment; and the said officers and Directors, together with the Directors for Life, shall constitute a Board, seven of whom shall be a quorum at any meeting regularly convened. And it shall be understood, that, should any of the above named Ecclesiastical Bodies neglect or refuse to appoint their proportion of the said Fifty Directors, it shall be the duty of the Society, at its next Annual Meeting, after such deficiencies shall have occurred, to fill the vacancies occasioned by ench neglect or refusal.

"2. That the following words shall be added to article fourth of the said Constitution, viz.and forward a copy of the same [the Annual Report] to each of the Ecclesiastical Bodies named in the third article of this Constitution.'"

Shortly after this Mr. Peters again visited Philadelphia, and requested an interview with the Board of Missions. A special meeting was immediately called, and fifteen members of the Board attended -The propositions from New York were presented, and Mr. Peters received a patient and candid hearing on the subject After considerable deliberation the Board adjourned, in order to afford ample time for inquiry and reflection. Four days affer, the Board was again convened, and fourteen members attended, and the result of this second meeting was, the adoption of the following minute and resolutions,

"The consideration of the proposition from the Executive Committee of the American Home Missionary Society was resumed, and after a free discussion, the following resolutions were adopted, viz"Resolved, as the opinion of this Board, at the Board is utterly incompetent to Entertain any such proposition as that which is made to them by the Executive Committee of the American Home Mis onary Society; inasmuch as the Board not been invested with any power for uch a purpose, by the General Assembly;

and farther

"Resolved, That if this Board did posthe necessary power, it is the opinion the Board, that the measure proposed altogether inexpedient; it being the leep conviction of the Board, that the inrests of the Presbyterian Church, and he sacred cause of Missions, require that he character and powers of the Board old remain as they are, without any ch modification as that which has been proposed.

It was also resolved, That the Execure Committee of this Board be instructed communicate the above resolutions to Executive Committee of the American one Missionary Society." After the friendly interview with Mr. VOL VII-Ch. Adv.

Peters, to which we have referred, and the decided expression of the sentiments and feelings of the Board of Missions, it was earnestly hoped that the Home Missionary Society would permit the whole matter to rest; and that they would at length accede to our propositions for such an undisguised, and friendly, and intimate correspondence, as would effectually obviate all disagreeable collisions, and enable both Boards to prosecute, to the full extent of their wishes and their means, the arduous and benevolent work of Missions. This fondly cherished hope, however, we are sorry to say, has proved fallacious. The tranquillity and peace of the Board of Missions, and of its numerous friends, have again been disturbed by an elaborate Circular, which was issued from the office of the American Home Missionary Society on the 5th of the present month, and addressed, as we understand, not only to all the officers, and many other patrons of that Society, but, also to several members of the Board of Missions, and to some of the Committee who now address you. We do most sincerely wish that this Circular could be placed at once, and at full length, in the hands of all our friends, that they might be the better able to judge of the real wishes and intentions of the Committee in New York. As this however is impracticable, we must content ourselves for the present with giving a brief sketch of its contents, and an equally brief reply.

In the introduction to this Circular, the views and purposes of the Committee in New York are very fully disclosed in the language which follows, viz.—

"It has become manifest to many of the friends of both Boards, that even if we suppose the kindest state of feeling to pervade their Executive Committees, they cannot thus continue to exist and act, without interference both in the collection and appropriation of the charities of the churches; nor can they pursue the Missionary work with that unity of counsel which is essential to its highest prosperity -Impressed with the conviction that these evils cannot be avoided, while the present system of separate action is pursued, several members of both Committees have earnestly desired the adoption of a plan, by which these two Boards might be reduced to one."

On this quotation we remark, that as it contains no proof whatever of the positions assumed, it can be regarded only as making known the opinions, or merely gratuitous assertions, of the Committee in New York-It will therefore be a sufficient reply to say, that there are not more than two or three individuals in Philadel phia and New Jersey, belonging either to this Committee, or the Board, who do not utterly disapprove of the plan of amalgamation insisted on by the Committee in

in nd of either of these Missionary Boards, agreeably to the decided preference of every donor.

But enough has already been said respecting the Circular in question; and without even naming the objections to our plan which the Committee in New York have remarked upon, but not answered; and without specifying the still more numerous and insurmountable objections, which exist in our own minds to the plan of amalgamation or dissolution proposed, we confidently make our appeal, Christian brethren, to your candid judgments, to your consciences, and to your hearts, and we solemnly ask you, whether you are prepared to merge all the Missionary operations of the Presbyterian Church in these United States, in a single Involuntary Association, which never has been, and never can be, truly responsible to any organized Ecclesiastical Body? For it is too plain to require proof, that a repreponsibility to nine separate and independent bodies, each of which would be entitled to insist on an obedience to its own instructions, and in case of refusal, to withhold its approbation, is utterly inconsistent with any responsibility that can be useful, or even deserving of the name.

Did we suppose it possible, brethren, that you could answer in the affirmative, the interrogatory which we have just proposed, we would pause, and most seriously request you to consider the real import of the command which was given to the church by its glorious Head and King, "Go YE into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.' We would endeavour by argument to enforce the obligation which clearly rests upon you, and upon all, not merely as individuals, but as constituent parts of the visible church, to be earnestly engaged, in a distinctive, associate capacity, both in the work of Foreign and Domestick Missions. We would place in full array before you, the constraining example of the Apostles and primitive churches, and of the church indeed in every age of light, and benevolence, and action: and we would specify the jealou ies, and strifes, and contentions, and divisions, and heresies, and schisms, which must almost unavoidably result to the 'church, from the surrender of her covenanted rights and privileges of a Missionary character, into the hands of any given number of irresponsible individuals, how ever pure their intentions, or however good their motives. But such a deprecated result we do not anticipate. We will only entreat you, then, brethren, candidly and attentively to consider, and promptly to answer, by your prayers, your counsels, and your contributions, the high and undeniable claims which the Presbyterian Church, as such, has upon you. Re

member, brethren, that ever since the organization of the first General Assembly, in 1789, that venerable Body has been steadily advancing in the work of Christian Missions. During the first 27 years, its operations were conducted by a Committee, annually appointed for the purpose. In 1816, the sphere of Missionary operations was enlarged, by the organization of the Board of Missions. In the course of these 39 years, great and incalculable good has been accomplished by the Missions of the Assembly, both among the Indians of the wilderness, and the unhappy Africans of our country, and the destitute and perishing white population of our land, throughout almost every State and Territory of the American Union. By the instrumentality of Missionaries sent forth by the Assembly, previous to the month of May last, nearly nine hundred Presbyterian churches have been collected and organized, and many thousands of souls have thus been brought into the visible fold of Christ.

The Presbyterian Church, in the year 1704, embraced but a single presbytery, which was in that year organized in Philadelphia, comprising six ministers, and having under its care eight or ten congregations. It now comprises ninety presbyteries, and 1968 congregations, and extends from Maine and Montreal on the East and North-to Louisiana and the Floridas on the West and South: and it is substantially true to affirm, that this increase of numbers and territory is the fruit of Presbyterian Missions, conducted by the church, as such.

On the whole, Christian brethren, when you attentively consider the practical exposition, which your revered and pious forefathers have given you of their sense of the real import of the command to evangelize the world-and the immense benefits which have resulted to the cause of truth and righteousness from their united counsels, prayers and efforts, as a distinct portion of the Christian Church; and when you revert to the statements which have now been given you, relative to the present flourishing condition of the Assembly's Board, and the still more animating prospects which are full before them we do most confidently expect, that you will not only be prepared to discountenance at home and abroad, all attempts to dissolve the General Assembly's Board of Missions, but, also, that you will become permanent supporters and patrons of that Board, by putting forth prompt and vigorous efforts to increase its resources, and that, above all things, you will let us share in your friendly counsels, and in your unceasing, fervent prayers.

Wishing you grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus

The following letter has been addressed to a number of select individuals, who, it is hoped, will add their names to the subscription of $100 per annum, for ten successive years, with the condition specified. As it is impossible for the Committee to be acquainted with all the individuals, of liberal minds and adequate means, who may be disposed to favour this subscription, we hope that some of our readers, who may not be specially addressed, will send in their names, either to the General Agent or to the Editor of the Christian Advocate.

Office of the Board of Missions of the General
Assembly of the Presbyterian Church
in the United States,

No. 210, south Third Street, Philadelphia,
Feb. 23, 1829.

Dear Sir,-By order, and in behalf of the Board of Missions of the General Assembly, we beg leave respectfully to commend to your very particular attention, the general objects and plans of the Board, as developed in a Circular appended to the Minutes of the last Assembly, and also in a second Circular, which we have felt ourselves constrained at the present time to issue, and which will accompany this letter.

We are happy to inform you, that the friends of this Board in the City of Philadelphia, have recently opened a subscription for the purpose of affording efficient and continued aid to the Board, in prosecuting and extending its benevolent operations. Without any special effort, a number of signatures have already been obtained, and sanguine hopes are indulged that a large proportion, probably one half of the whole number, will be secured in this City. We have had the happiness to receive a few names from abroad; and we are encouraged to calculate that many more will be added to the list, as soon as this plan of subscription is more generally

known.

Most of the congregations in this city and its vicinity, have already been organized on the 50 cent plan, and we expect, by a special effort, to raise here several thousand dollars more for the current year. The Board are now considerably in debt to their Missionaries and Agents, and they are extremely desirous of extending, as soon as possible, their missionary operations, in order that they may in some degree meet the pressing calls which are made upon them daily from different quarters, and particularly from the South and West. Moreover, they are convinced that the continuance and successful ope. rations of the Board hereafter, will materially depend on the zeal and liberality of their friends, at the present interesting

crisis.

in

From their knowledge of your particu

lar attachment to the Presbyterian Church, and to those institutions which are specially designed and calculated to promote its prosperity, and from their confidence been encouraged to hope, that you will your christian liberality, the Board have not only excuse the liberty they have taken in addressing you, but that you will also feel a disposition to forward your name, to be added to the $100 subscription, or, in some other way, efficiently to aid them in the present emergency.

It would afford us great pleasure to hear from you as soon as may be convenient. With sentiments of great respect, yours, ASHBEL GREEN,

&c.

ARCHIBALD ALEXANDER,
ROBERT RALSTON,

JAMES MOORE,

SOLOMON ALLEN,

GEORGE W. BLIGHT,*

JOSHUA T. RUSSELL, Cor. Sec. and General Agent.

Hoping, Sir, that you may know of individuals to whom you can apply for sig natures on the plan before alluded to, we give you a transcript of the subscription paper which has been opened in this CityIt is as follows:

"We, the Subscribers, agree to pay to the Treasurer of the Trustees of the Gein the United States of America, for the neral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church Board of Missions acting under said As sembly, the sum of One Hundred Dollars a year, for ten years in succession; provided that one hundred subscriptions of the same amount shall be obtained before the first day of December, A. D. 1829, and it being understood that the death of any subscriber shall render his or her subscription null and void after that event.-Philadelphia, October 26th, 1828."

The Rev. Dr. Ely's absence from the city prevented his signature-He is a subscriber on the plan proposed.