Chapter XIV: Preface (13)

The title of _pope_ was originally given to all bishops. It was first adopted by Hygenus, A. D. 138; and Pope Boniface III. procured Phocas, emperor of the East, to confine it to the prelates of Rome, 606. By the connivance of Phocas, also, the pope’s supremacy over the Christian church was established. The custom of kissing the pope’s toe was introduced in 708. The first sovereign act of the popes of Rome was by Adrian I., who caused money to be coined with his name, 780. Servius II. was the first pope who changed his name, on his election, in 844. The first pope who kept an army was Leo IX., 1054. Gregory VII. obliged Henry IV., emperor of Germany, to stand three days, in the depth of winter, barefooted, at his castle gate, to implore his pardon 1077. The pope’s authority was firmly fixed in England 1079. Appeals from English tribunals to the pope were introduced 1154. Henry II. of England held the stirrup for Pope Alexander III. to mount his horse, 1161, and also for Becket, 1170. “When Louis, king of France, and Henry II. of England, met Pope Alexander III. at the castle of Torci, on the Loire, they both dismounted to receive him, and, holding each of them one of the reins of his bridle, walked on foot by his side, and conducted him in that submissive manner into the castle.” Pope Adrian IV. was the only Englishman that ever obtained the tiara. His arrogance was such, that he obliged Frederick I. to prostrate himself before him, kiss his foot, hold his stirrup, and lead the white palfrey on which he rode. Celestine III. kicked the emperor Henry VI.’s crown off his head while kneeling, to show his prerogative of making and unmaking kings, 1191. The pope collected the tenths of the whole kingdom of England, 1226. Appeals to Rome from England were abolished 1533. The words “Lord Pope” were struck out of all English books 1541. The papal authority declined about 1600. Kissing the pope’s toe, and other ceremonies, were abolished by Clement XIV., 1773. The pope became destitute of all political influence in Europe, 1787. Pius VI. was burnt in effigy at Paris, 1791. He made submission to the French republic, 1796, was expelled from Rome, and deposed, February 22, 1798, and died at Valence, August 19, 1799. Pius VII. was elected in exile, March 13, 1800; he crowned Napoleon, December 2, 1804; was dethroned May 13, 1809; remained a prisoner at Fontainebleau till Napoleon’s overthrow; and was restored May 24, 1814.

Swedenborgians.

Believers in the doctrines of Swedenborg are found in all the states in the Union. In Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio, are eight ordaining ministers, ten priests and teaching ministers, fifteen licentiates, and between thirty and forty societies. There are between two and three hundred towns or places in the United States where the doctrines of the New Jerusalem church are received by some portion of the people.

The number of Swedenborgians in the United States is about five thousand. The societies of this class of Christians in England are more numerous than in the United States. In Sweden they are quite numerous.

PERIODICALS.—The _New Jerusalem Magazine_ is issued monthly at Boston, Mass.; the _Precursor_ is issued monthly at Cincinnati, Ohio; the _New Churchman_ is issued quarterly at Philadelphia.

Unitarians.

Of this denomination, there are about three hundred churches and congregations in the United States, and near that number of ministers. In the city of Boston it is one of the most numerous and influential classes of Christians, having eighteen societies, most of which are large and flourishing. In the Middle, Southern, and Western States their congregations are fewer, but gradually multiplying.

PERIODICALS.—The _Christian Examiner_, the _Monthly Miscellany_, and the _Christian Register_, are published in Boston, Mass.

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A favorite project of Christian philanthropy with the Unitarians has been the “ministry to the poor” in large cities and towns. They have established such an institution in Boston, New York, Cincinnati, Louisville, Providence, and elsewhere. In Boston, three large and commodious chapels have been erected, and three ministers constantly employed, by the aid of funds obtained from individual donors and annual subscriptions from associations in the several churches of the denomination.

Universalists.

There are, in the United States and Territories, one United States Convention, one United States Universalist Historical Society, twelve State Conventions, fifty-nine Associations, eight hundred and seventy-five societies, five hundred and fifty meeting-houses, and five hundred and forty preachers. Besides these, there are twenty-one periodicals published by the order, and twenty new books have been published within the year, besides reprints. There are also five schools in the patronage of the denomination. There is an Educational Association in Maine, a Sunday School Association in Massachusetts, a Publishing Association in Pennsylvania, a public library of fifteen hundred volumes in Ohio, and two Book Associations in Indiana and Illinois.

By adding the numbers of societies, etc., in the British Provinces, to those in the United States, there are, at present, the grand total of one General Convention, twelve State Conventions, fifty-five Associations, eight hundred and ninety-five societies, five hundred and fifty-six meeting-houses, and five hundred and forty-six preachers.

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PERIODICALS.—_Gospel Banner and Christian Pilot_, Augusta, Me.; EASTERN ROSE-BUD, Portland, Me.; _Universalist and Family Visitor_, Contoocookville, N. H.; _Universalist Watchman_, Montpelier, Vt.; _Trumpet and Universalist Magazine_, Boston, Mass.; _Christian Freeman and Family Visitor_, Boston, Mass.; _Universalist and Ladies Repository_, Boston, Mass.; _Light of Zion, and Sabbath School Contributor_, Boston, Mass.; _Star and Palladium_, Lowell, Mass.; _Gospel Messenger_, Providence, R. I.; _Universalist_, Middletown, Ct.; _New York Christian Messenger_, New York city; _Universalist Union_, New York city; _Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate_, Utica, N. Y.; _Western Luminary_, Rochester, N. Y.; _The Nazarene_, Philadelphia, Pa.; _Christian Warrior_, Richmond, Va.; _Southern Universalist_, Columbus, Ga.; _Star in the West_, Cincinnati, Ohio; _Christian Teacher_, Lafayette, Ind.; _Better Covenant_, Rockford, Ill.

MISSIONARY STATISTICS.

We have been much assisted in our missionary statistics by the kindness of the secretaries of the several Missionary Boards, and by permission of the proprietor, Mr. F. Rand, for the use of his valuable Missionary Chart, prepared with great care, in 1840, by the Reverend Messrs. Jefferson Hascall and Daniel Wise.

Those of the Congregationalists, Baptists, Methodists, and Episcopalians, are brought down to 1841, and are quite accurate; but the efforts of some of the other denominations in this great and glorious cause are not fully stated, as some of the items have not been reported.

First Protestant Missions.

The first Protestant mission on record was undertaken in 1559, by Michael, who was sent into Lapland by Gustavus Vasa, king of Sweden.

John Eliot commenced the first mission to the Indians at _Nonantum_, now Newton, Massachusetts, in 1646. This mission gave rise to a society in England for the propagation of the gospel in New England, and to the formation of several other missionary stations; so that, in 1696, there were thirty Indian churches in New England.

In 1705, Messrs. Ziegenbalg and Plutcho, under the auspices of Frederick IV., king of Denmark, commenced a mission at Tranquebar, in South Hindoostan, which was very successful. Its fruits continue to the present time.

In 1728, a mission was begun by Schultze, at Madras, under the patronage of the Christian Knowledge Society. In the following thirty-three years, fourteen hundred and seventy converts united with the church.

Moravian Missions.

The Moravians trace their origin to the ninth century, when the king of Moravia united with the Greek church.

WEST INDIAN MISSION.—The Moravians commenced their mission on the Island of St. Thomas in 1732. Its commencement was occasioned by a conversation between a negro, named Anthony, and some servants of Count Zinzendorf. The negro said he had a sister at St. Thomas, who was deeply anxious to be instructed about religion. This remark was repeated to one of “the _brethren_,” named Leonard Dober. He determined to visit St. Thomas, “even,” as he said, “if he were obliged to sell himself for a slave to effect his purpose.” Dober went; and though, for a time, little good was effected, yet, in 1736, the Lord poured out his spirit, and many of the slaves were awakened. There are now two stations on this island.

In 1734, they began their mission on the Island of St. Croix. It was soon abandoned, but was reëstablished in 1740. In 1754, missions were commenced on the Islands of St. Jan and Jamaica; in 1756, at Antigua; in 1765, at Barbadoes; in 1777, at St. Christopher’s; and at Tobago in 1790.

GREENLAND MISSION.—This was commenced in 1733, at New Herrnhut, or Lusatia, by Matthew and Christian Stach, when the congregation of the brethren at home amounted to but six hundred members. They persevered through cold, hunger, and discouragement, though for five years they had no conversions. Greenland is _now_ a Christian country.

NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN MISSIONS.—These were begun in Georgia, 1735, among the Creeks, at the instigation of Count Zinzendorf. It was followed by numerous other stations, many of which have since become extinct.

SOUTH AMERICAN MISSIONS.—Surinam, a Dutch settlement in Guiana, was the scene of their first operations here, about 1735 or 1738. They began on the invitation of a planter. Several other settlements were attempted, but were subsequently abandoned, for various causes. In 1767, they commenced a prosperous station at Paramaribo.

LABRADOR MISSIONS.—Supposing that a natural affinity subsisted between this people and the Greenlanders, the brethren commenced their labors here in 1752. This attempt failed; but, in 1770, a settlement was effected at Nain, by the agency of Messrs. Haven, Drachart, and Jensen.

SOUTH AFRICAN MISSION.—George Schmidt was the father of this mission. He commenced it in 1737; but it was afterwards abandoned for about fifty years, until, in 1792, a permanent settlement was effected at Gnadenthal, one hundred and thirty-five miles east of Cape Town.

NOTE.—The brethren have also had missions, at different periods, in Asiatic Russia, Egypt, Persia, Lapland, Guinea, Algiers, Ceylon and the Nicobar Islands; all of which, for various causes, have been abandoned.

Summary.

In the year 1840, the Moravians had, in the afore-mentioned places and in South Africa, forty-seven stations and out-stations, one hundred and ninety-seven missionaries and assistants, seventeen thousand seven hundred and three communicants, and fifty-seven thousand two hundred and fifty-five souls under their care.

London Missionary Society.

The extensive and splendid missions of this board originated with the Rev. David Bogue, while on a visit to London. From his suggestions, the society was formed, in 1795, by several ministers of various denominations.

SOUTH SEA ISLANDS.—The society commenced their labors among these isles by sending out thirty-six missionaries, in 1796, who arrived safely, and commenced their duties at Otaheite, Tongataboo, and St. Christina, in March, 1797. Subsequently, they spread their influence over nearly all the islands of the Pacific Ocean. These missions have been eminently successful.

NEW SOUTH WALES.—This mission was begun by the labors of Mr. Threlkeld, in 1826, in Bahtabee, on Lake Macquaire.

SOUTH AFRICAN MISSIONS.—The success of the missions in the islands of the Pacific and South Seas, turned their attention to this dark land. Dr. Vanderkemp, who was their first laborer, began his labors on the River Keis Kamma, in Caffraria, in 1799. In 1801, he removed to Graff Reinet, and preached to the Hottentots in that vicinity. These missions afterwards spread very widely among the Caffres and Hottentots.

EAST INDIAN MISSIONS.—The society’s missions in this most interesting quarter of the globe were commenced at Calcutta and Chinsura, by the Rev. Mr. Forsyth, in 1798. Subsequently, their stations spread over Northern and Peninsular India, India beyond the Ganges, into China, Siam, and some of the Asiatic Isles.

GUIANA AND WEST INDIES.—At the request of a pious Dutch planter, Mr. Wray was sent to Demerara, in Guiana, in 1807. This was the beginning of the society’s operations in South America.

OTHER MISSIONS.—Beside these, are the European and Mediterranean islands missions, which, though of recent date, are promising in their aspects.

EDUCATION.—This society has several presses distributed over the vast field occupied by their agents, by means of which millions of pages are annually scattered among the people. They publish tracts parts of the Scriptures, &c. &c. They have also upwards of four hundred native assistants, which are not mentioned in the following summary.

Summary.

From the best accounts we can obtain, this society had, in 1840, in Asia, the South Sea Islands, Africa, Guiana, and in Europe, about five hundred and fifty missionary stations and out-stations, one hundred and sixty-four missionaries, five thousand communicants, and about twenty-five thousand scholars.

American Board Of Foreign Missions.

MISSIONS IN ASIA.—The news of the success of English missionary enterprise, seconded by the zeal and influence of S. J. Mills, originated the germ of the invaluable labors of this board, which was organized in 1810. Their first missions were in Asia. Bombay was the scene of their first labors, in the year 1813, and Messrs. Nott, Newell, and Hall, their first missionaries. From Bombay they extended their influence to Ceylon, in 1816; to China, and South-eastern Asia, and to Siam, in 1830.

MEDITERRANEAN MISSIONS.—These missions were begun by sending out Messrs. Parsons and Fisk on a voyage of research. The first station occupied was Beyroot, in Syria, in 1823. To this, stations at Malta, in Greece, at Constantinople, &c., have been added.

MISSIONS AT THE SANDWICH ISLANDS.—A special providence marked the commencement of these missions. Two boys, named Obookiah and Hopu, were, at their own request, brought to America. This gave rise to a train of interesting circumstances, which led to the commencement of the mission, in 1820, by Messrs. Bingham, Thurston, and others. Vast success has attended this mission, especially of late.

NORTH AMERICAN INDIAN MISSIONS.—These were commenced in 1816, among the Cherokees, by the Rev. C. Kingsbury. The Choctaws, the Chickasaws, the Osages, and other tribes, have since shared the labors of the board. The late unhappy removal of the Cherokee nation has done much towards the prostration of missionary success among that interesting but deeply-injured tribe.

MISSIONS IN AFRICA.—The efforts of the board in this quarter of the globe are of recent date. Only seven years have elapsed since their commencement. Some native towns on the western coast, and a numerous aboriginal tribe called the Zulus, on the south-east shore, are the chief objects of their labors at present. This field is considered very promising, and it is confidently believed that its occupation will be one effectual aid in the great work of regenerating that darkened, enslaved, and degraded continent.

In 1841, this board had missions to the Zulus in South Africa, the Grebos in West Africa, to Greece, to Turkey, Syria, the Nestorians of Persia, the Independent Nestorians, the Persian Mahometans, to the Mahrattas in Western India, to Madras and Madura in Southern India, to Ceylon, Siam, China Singapore, Borneo, and to the Sandwich Islands.

They have missions to the Cherokee Indians, the Choctaws, Pawnees, to the Oregon Indians, the Sioux, Ojibwas, Stockbridge Indians, New York Indians, and to the Abenaquis.

Summary Of Foreign Missions.

The number of missions in this department is seventeen; of stations, sixty-one; of ordained missionaries, one hundred and eleven, five of whom are also physicians; of physicians, seven; of teachers, eight; of secular superintendents, two; of printers, eleven; of bookbinders, one; of female helpers, married and unmarried, one hundred and thirty-nine;—making a total of laborers beyond sea from this country of two hundred and eighty. To these add four native preachers, and one hundred and thirty-five other native helpers, and the number of laborers who are employed and supported by the board in the missions beyond sea, is four hundred and nineteen.

Summary Of Indian Missions.

Among the Indian nations, there are twenty-five stations; twenty-five missionaries, two of whom are physicians; two other physicians, five teachers; ten other male, and fifty-nine female, assistant missionaries; three native preachers; and three other native assistants;—total, one hundred and seven.

General Summary.

The number of the missions in 1841 was twenty-six; stations, eighty-five; and ordained missionaries, one hundred and thirty-six, ten of whom were physicians. There were nine physicians not preachers, thirteen teachers, twelve printers and bookbinders, and twelve other male and one hundred and ninety-eight female assistant missionaries. The whole number of laborers from this country was three hundred and eighty-one, or sixteen more than were reported in 1840. To these we must add seven native preachers, and one hundred and thirty-eight native helpers, which made the whole number five hundred and twenty-six, thirty-nine more than in 1840. Nine ordained missionaries, three male and seventeen female assistant missionaries, have been sent forth during the year.

The number of mission churches was fifty-nine, containing nineteen thousand eight hundred and forty-two members, of whom four thousand three hundred and fifty were received the year before.

There were fifteen printing establishments, twenty-nine presses, five type-founderies, and fifty founts of type in the native languages. The printing for the year was about fifty million pages; the amount of printing from the beginning is about two hundred and ninety million pages. Twenty-four thousand copies of the _Missionary Herald_ are now published monthly, and sixty-five thousand copies of the _Day-spring_, a monthly paper, are also issued.

Seven of the thirty-four boarding-schools have received the name of seminaries, and these contain four hundred and ninety-nine boys; the other twenty-seven contain two hundred and fifty three boys and three hundred and seventy-eight girls;—making a total of boarding scholars of one thousand one hundred and thirty. The number of free schools was four hundred and ninety, containing about twenty-three thousand pupils.

The receipts have been two hundred and thirty-five thousand one hundred and eighty-nine dollars, and the expenditures two hundred and sixty eight thousand, nine hundred and fifteen dollars.

Presbyterian Board Of Foreign Missions.

Until within a few years, this body of Christians united with the American board in their operations among the heathen. A distinct society, under the name of the _Western Foreign Missionary Society_, was formed in 1831, by the synod of Pittsburg, which was merged into the present board in 1837.

Three of the missions of the board were begun by this society, namely, the Western Africa, the Hindoostan, and Iowa and Sac missions.

This board is intending to reënforce its missions, and to occupy several new stations, as soon as the requisite arrangements can be made. Its main efforts will be directed towards Hindoostan, where it has now two presses in active coöperation with its missionaries. This denomination of Christians have the following missions:—Iowa and Sac Indians; Chippewa and Ottawa Indians; Texas; Western Africa, _Kroos_; Chinese, _Singapore_; Siam; Northern India, _Lodiana_, Allahabad, Furrukhabad.

Summary.

This church has now under her care in the foreign field, fifty-seven laborers sent from her own bosom, twenty-three of whom are ministers of the gospel; besides eight native assistants, some of them men of learning, all of them hopefully pious, and in different stages of preparation and trial for the missionary work among their own benighted people. Through the mission stations occupied by these brethren, the church is brought in direct contact with five different heathen nations, containing two thirds of the whole human race. Annual expenditure about sixty-five thousand dollars.

The Presbyterian Domestic Board of Missions employs or aids two hundred and sixty missionaries and agents, who have under their charge about twenty thousand communicants, and twenty thousand Sabbath school scholars. Annual disbursements about thirty-five thousand dollars.

English Baptist Missionary Society.

EAST INDIES.—A mission was commenced at Serampore in 1793. The English Baptists were just awakening to a sense of their responsibility for the conversion of the world, when Dr. Thomas arrived in London, to solicit missionary aid for Hindoostan. The society took him under their patronage, and sent him back in company with Dr. Cary. After laboring successfully in various places, in 1800 Dr. Cary removed to Serampore, which thenceforward became a central station.

WEST INDIAN MISSIONS.—In 1814, a mulatto preacher, named Baker, requested this society to send a missionary to Jamaica. In compliance with this request, Mr. I. Rowe was sent out, who, after laboring with pleasing success, died; and, in 1815, the society sent out Mr. Compere and assistants, who established a mission in Kingston. This was the origin of the Baptist missions in the West Indies.

SOUTH AMERICAN MISSION.—On a representation to the society, that much good might be done among the negro population and the Indians in and around Honduras, in the Bay of Mexico, the society, in 1822, sent out Mr. J. Bourne, who succeeded in establishing a church and congregation.

SOUTH AFRICAN MISSION.—In 1831, Rev. W. Davies was sent to Graham’s Town, at the urgent solicitation of some Baptists, resident at that place.

Summary.

This society have, in Asia, the Asiatic Islands, West Indies, South America, and South Africa, one hundred and twenty-nine stations and out-stations, one hundred and thirty-four missionaries and assistants, twenty-two thousand four hundred and eighty-eight communicants, and seventeen thousand seven hundred and thirty-five scholars. This statement does not contain the full amount of their labors to the present year.

American Baptist Board Of Foreign Missions.

MISSIONS IN ASIA.—Rev. A. Judson may be said to be the father of Baptist missions in this country, and, indeed, of the missionary labors of this society. It was his conversion to the principles of the Baptists, while a missionary of the American board in India, that roused them to action. He commenced his labors under discouraging circumstances, at Rangoon, in the Burman empire, 1813. Since then, the operations of this board have become very extensive, embracing immense portions of the Burman empire, Siam, &c. Asia is their principal mission field, and they have laid sure foundations for the evangelization of many parts of that benighted clime.

INDIAN MISSIONS.—An impression, made, no doubt, by divine influence, of the importance of missions to this people, led, in 1817, to the appointment of J. M. Peck and J. E. Welch to be missionaries to the North American Indians. J. M. Peck commenced their first Indian mission among the Cherokees in 1818. Many tribes are now embraced by the labors of the board, and although the progress of truth has been slow among the “red men,” yet the board have cause to rejoice over their Indian missions.

AFRICAN MISSION.—This mission was commenced by the offer of L. Cary and C. Teage, colored men, to become the messengers of the churches in this work. They commenced their duties, in 1821, at Liberia, where the board continues its efforts for the redemption of Africa, with some success, chiefly among the Bassas.

EUROPEAN MISSIONS.—These missions were commenced in 1832. Professor Chase was sent to explore the kingdom of France, and the Rev. J. C. Rostan commenced a course of evangelical demonstrations at Paris; since which, Germany and Greece have shared the attention of the board. These are missions of the first importance.

General Summary.

This board have missions as follow:—In North America, to the Ojibwas, near Lake Superior; the Ottawas, in Michigan; Oneidas, in New York; Otoes, near the junction of Missouri and Platte Rivers; Shawanoes, including the Delawares, Putawatomies, and Western Ottawas, in the Indian Territory; Cherokees, Creeks, and Choctaws, in the Indian Territory. In Europe, they have missions to France, Germany, Denmark, and Greece;—to the Bassas, in West Africa;—in Asia, to Burmah and the Karens; to Siam and China, Arracan, Asam, and to the Teloogoos.

The number of Indian missions is eight; stations and out-stations, sixteen; missionaries and assistant missionaries, twenty-eight; native assistants, ten; churches, sixteen; baptisms reported the last year, two hundred and seventy-one; present number of church members, one thousand three hundred and twenty-four; schools, seven; scholars, one hundred and ninety-two.

The number of European missions is three; stations and out-stations, twenty; missionaries and assistant missionaries, seven; native preachers and assistants, twenty-three; churches, twenty-seven; baptisms the past year, one hundred and eighty-seven; church members, five hundred and fifty-eight.

In the mission to West Africa there are two stations, five missionaries and assistant missionaries, one native assistant, two churches of twenty-five members, and two schools containing eighty-five scholars.

The number of the Asiatic missions is eight, stations and out-stations, sixty-two; missionaries and assistant missionaries, fifty-nine; native assistants, seventy-seven; churches, thirty-two; baptisms the past year, three hundred and seventeen; church members, one thousand eight hundred and two; schools, thirty-five, scholars, five hundred and sixty.

Grand total, twenty missions, one hundred stations and out-stations, ninety-nine missionaries and assistant missionaries, one hundred and eleven native preachers and assistants, seventy-seven churches, seven hundred and eighty baptisms the past year, more than three thousand seven hundred members of mission churches, forty-four schools, and eight hundred and seventy-seven scholars.

The annual expenditure of the board is about eighty thousand dollars.

Free-Will Baptists.

This flourishing class of Christians have not, until recently, directed their efforts to a foreign field. They now occupy one station in Orissa, where they have two missionaries with their ladies. Two other missionaries are about being located, for which purpose funds are now provided.

Episcopal Missions.

The Church of England has been actively engaged in missionary operations since the year 1698, when the “Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge” was formed. In 1701, the “Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts” was instituted. The “Church Missionary Society” was established in 1800. These societies are still in active and vigorous operation. They have missions in every quarter of the globe, and their annual expenditures, for the propagation of the Gospel, amount to about one million three hundred and seventeen thousand three hundred and fifty-six dollars.

The Episcopal Church in the United States established a _Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society_ in 1820; and the General Convention of 1835 resolved, That the Church itself was the missionary society and that every member of the Church, by baptism, was, of course, bound to support her missions. The missionary field was declared to be THE WORLD, _domestic missions_ being those established within the territory of the United States, and _foreign missions_ those without that territory. At each triennial meeting of the General Convention, a Board of Missions, consisting of about one hundred members, is selected from the different dioceses. This Board has the general supervision of all the missionary operations of the Church; and meets annually, or oftener, if necessary.

There are two standing committees of this Board,—the _Committee for Domestic Missions_ and the _Committee for Foreign Missions_, to whom, during the recess of the Board, the care and management of the missions is confided. This Society now has under its charge one hundred and forty-five domestic, and twelve foreign stations, employing eighty-five domestic and eleven foreign missionaries, and also eighteen teachers and assistants in the foreign stations.

The expenditures of this Board, for the year 1841, were sixty-one thousand five hundred and eighty-six dollars and thirty-seven cents. This Society has missionary stations in Athens, Crete, Constantinople, China, (Maca,) Cape Palmas and other stations in Western Africa, and in Texas.

Society For Propagating The Gospel Among The Indians And Others.

This society derived its origin among the Puritans, in England, in 1648. The charter under which it now acts was granted by the legislature of Massachusetts, in 1687. Its list of past and present members in 1840, comprised one hundred and twenty-five names of the most eminent divines, jurists, and laymen in Massachusetts, in which state the operations of the society are chiefly confined. The funds of this society, in 1840, amounted to thirty-six thousand three hundred and eighty-seven dollars, the income of which is annually expended for the “propagation of the gospel” among the needy and destitute.

In conformity with the spirit and design of this ancient and venerable society, all measures in any degree of a party or sectarian character, are scrupulously avoided.

Wesleyan Or English Methodist Missionary Society.

Scarcely had Mr. Wesley raised the standard of Methodism in England, before he turned his attention to the wants of other lands. America presenting a vast field for missionary labor, he sent over Richard Boardman and Joseph Pilmore, in 1769. These were the first Methodist missionaries. From their labors the Methodist Episcopal church in the United States gradually came into being. Dr. Coke was preëminently useful in establishing missions in various places This society was organized in 1817.

WEST INDIES.—A peculiar providence marked the commencement of this mission. Dr. Coke, with three preachers, was proceeding to Nova Scotia, in September, 1786, but was driven, by stress of weather, to Antigua. Finding a number of serious persons there, he preached Jesus to them, and by his labors laid the foundation for extensive missions.

BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.—About 1779, several Methodist emigrants were the means of awakening many souls. Among these was Mr. Black, who, after laboring for some time with zeal and success, was appointed the superintendent of the mission in British North America. This mission embraces Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Canada, Newfoundland, and Honduras.

MISSIONS IN ASIA.—The plan of establishing missions in Asia originated with Dr. Coke; and, in 1813, he sailed, with Messrs. Harvard, Clough, Ault, Erskine, Squance, and Lynch, for Ceylon. Unfortunately, he died on the passage. The brethren, after many trials, reached Ceylon, and commenced their labors at Jaffna, Batticaloa, and Matura. From Ceylon, the society directed its attention to continental India, where their labors have become very extensive.

MISSIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA.—These missions were begun in 1816, by Rev. Barnabas Shaw, among the Namaquas, a tribe of Hottentots. These missions have subsequently spread over large portions of this benighted land.

MISSIONS IN THE SOUTH SEAS.—These missions include the Friendly Isles, New Zealand, New South Wales, &c. They were commenced at the latter place, in 1815, by Mr. Leigh, who began his duties and labors at Sydney, with favorable auspices and good success.

MISSIONS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.—These were commenced in Gibraltar, in 1804, by Mr. McMullen, who died a few days after beginning his labors. The mission was then suspended until 1808, when Mr. William Griffith was appointed to its charge. Besides this mission, the Methodists have stations at Malta, Alexandria, and Zanto.

MISSIONS IN EUROPE.—These missions embrace the labors of the society in Sweden, France, Germany, Ireland, and the Norman and Shetland Isles. Notwithstanding many obstacles, arising from intolerance, ignorance, or superstition, the good work progresses at these missions.

Summary.

In 1840, this society had, in the West Indies, fifty missionary stations; in British North America, eighty-four stations; in Asia, twenty-two,; in the South Seas, twenty-five; in Africa, thirty-one; and in Europe, forty-two stations. In all these countries the society had two hundred and fifty-four stations, six hundred and twenty-three missionaries and teachers, seventy-two thousand seven hundred and twenty-four communicants, and fifty-six thousand five hundred and twenty-two scholars.

Missions Of The Methodist Episcopal Church.