Resolved, That brethren J. L. Dagg, Heman Lincoln, Noah Davis, David Jones, and Levi Farwell, be a Committee on the Indian Missions. Resolved, That D. Benedict, J. D. Knowles, C. G. Sommers and Peter Ludlow, be a Committee on the Publications of the Board. Resolved, That John Peck, E. Galusha and N. R. Cobb, and W. Colgate, be a Committee to consider and propose measures to increase the funds of this body. Resolved, That J. D. Knowles, A. Sherwood, and Archibald Maclay, be a Committee to inquire respecting the propriety and the means of enlarging the Missionary operations of the Con vention. Resolved, That brethren Cone, Manly, Sherwood, Brantly, and Crane, be a Committee on the Burman Mission. Resolved, That brethren A. Bennett, C. G. Sommers, D. Benedict, B. Jacobs, A. Sabin, and J. C. Murphy, be a Committee on State Conventions. A communication from the Hudson River Association was received, read, and referred to the last Committee.* Invitations that the Convention be held in Boston and in New York, were laid on the table. Adjourned to 3 o'clock. Prayer by brother Train of Mass. 3 o'clock, P. M. Prayer by brother Galusha. By vote of Convention, the entire Minutes of the Board for the last three years were read. Adjourned to 3 o'clock to-morrow. Sung 133d Psalm. Prayer by brother Going of Worcester. Convention met-Prayer by brother J. C. Murphy-Minutes of yesterday were read. *The following is the minute referred to above. "Resolved, That this Association view with peculiar satisfaction, the progress of our denomination towards a state of happy and united co-operation, in the formation of State Conventions and Local Associations, for the purpose of concentrating the energies of our already numerous churches. We feel impressed with the belief, that the time has arrived, when we should have some regularly constituted bond or centre of union, towards which, as a denomination, we might look. We do therefore respectfully request the Baptist General Convention for Missionary purposes, to take into consideration, at its meeting in Philadelphia, in April, 1829, the propriety of forming an American Baptist Convention for General purposes, to assemble triennially, in some central part of the United States." The Committee on STATE CONVENTIONS, reported in full, and were discharged. See Appendix, [A.] Resolved, That brethren H. Lincoln, N. Waterman, William Colgate,, S. Chapin, and A. Sherwood, be a Committee to report a nomination for a new Board of Managers. Resolved, That brethren Brantly, Dagg, and Staughton, be a Committee to apply to the proper authority, to determine whether an alteration in the style of the Convention, can with facility and safety be made, and in such case, that it be altered so as to be called "The Baptist General Convention," and that the first article of the constitution be amended, to read as follows, viz. " Article I. That this body be styled The Baptist General Convention and its aim shall be to promote Foreign Missions, and other important objects relating to the Redeemer's kingdom." Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be presented to the Rev. Dr Sharp, for his interesting sermon at the opening of the Session, and that a copy be requested for the press. Dr Bolles and Mr Knowles were appointed to communicate this resolution. Resolved, That Wednesday evening next be set apart for special prayer in reference to the sailing of Mr Cephas Bennet, and wife, and that a collection be made on that occasion. [Mr Bennet goes out as printer to the Mission, and carries the cast-iron press lately purchased by the Board, together with a quantity of paper. The types have been cast at Calcutta.] who were members of the last Convention, and of the Board of Managers, Resolved, That the Convention remember with mournful pleasure, the piety, zeal, and faithful services, as well as the private virtues, of their departed brethren; that they cherish for their memory, a strong sense of respect, and pray that God will be pleased to sanctify their death to their families, to the churches with which they were connected, and to the Convention. Resolved, That brethren Williams, Sharp, and Lincoln, be a Committee to prepare rules for the government of this Convention, in the conduct of business, and report at this session. Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be tendered to the Rev. J. D. Knowles, for the very satisfactory manner in which he has executed the important service of preparing a Memoir of the late lamented Mrs Judson; and that this body entertain a grateful sense of his liberality in the gratuitous tender of this valuable book for the benefit of the cause of Missions. Adjourned. Prayer by brother Sabin of Vt. Prayer by brother Peck of N. Y. requested time to report at the opening The Committee to prepare rules, &c. of the next session, which was granted. SIONS reported, and were discharged. See Appendix, (D.) The Committee on INDIAN MIS Resolved, That brethren Bolles and Lincoln, be a Committee to wait on Prayer by brother Jacobs, of Cam- the Secretary of War, and other pubbridge, Mass. lic officers, to put them in possession of the views of the Convention in reference to Indian reform. The Committee on RELIGIOUS PUBLICATIONS reported, and were discharged. See Appendix (E.) MEANS reported, and were discharged. The Committee on WAYS AND See Appendix (F.) Resolved, That to-morrow at three o'clock, a season of devotion be observof this Convention. ed in reference to the important objects next Board of Managers. See page 201. Resolved, That we now elect the Adjourned. Prayer by brother Sherwood of Ga. May 5, Tuesday. Brother Webb, of New Brunswick, prayed. The Committee on the AFRICAN MISSION made a report, which was accepted. See Appendix, (G.) Resolved, That this Convention view with deep concern the deplorable destitution of ministerial labor which exists in many parts of our country. They know that very many of our own churches have no settled pastor, and seldom enjoy even the preaching of the word. Feeling an unspeakable anxiety to see the knowledge of the Lord," cover the earth, they cannot but take a profound interest in all measures calculated to bring forward suitable young men for the ministry. They therefore would urge upon their brethren throughout the country, to pray with constancy and fervor, that the Lord would send forth more laborers into the harvest of souls; and that when youth are found, evidently called of God to this work, they may receive every requisite aid in obtaining such education, as may make them mighty in the Scriptures." Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention be presented to the AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY, for the donation of $1200 to assist in the publication of the Sacred Scriptures in Burmah. Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be presented to the BIBLE SOCIETY OF PHILADELPHIA, for the donation of $100 to assist in printing the Scriptures in the Burman language. Resolved, That the thanks of this Convention be presented to the AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY, for its donation of $300 toward printing Burman Tracts, and also 25,000 pages of Tracts for the Liberia Mission. Resolved, That the valuable and gratuitous services of the Honorable HEMAN LINCOLN, as Treasurer of this Convention, entitle him to the affection and sincere esteem of this body. Resolved, That this Convention view with lively interest, the increasing attention paid by the religious public to Sabbath Schools and Bible Classes, and earnestly recommend their estab lishment, and vigorous prosecution in all our churches and congregations. Resolved, That as the Missionary operations of this Convention do so deeply affect the glory of God, we recommend to the Churches represented in this Convention to observe the first Monday in the three following years, as a day of fasting and prayer, that God would crown with abundant success, their efforts to spread the blessings of the Redeemer's kingdom. Resolved, That in view of the importance of the Missionary enterprise, and with a firm belief that the blessings of God alone can secure the success which we desire; and from a conviction that the prayers of the denomination have been mercifully answered in the late signal outpourings of the Holy Spirit, upon our Mission to Burmah; therefore it is recommended, not merely to every member of this Convention, but to every member the United States, to spend an half of the Baptist churches throughout hour every Sabbath morning, as soon after the rising of the sun as may be outpouring of the Spirit of God upon convenient, to implore the continued the Missionary stations connected with and the world. this body, upon our beloved country, Resolved, That a printed statement lar to that presented at the opening of of the receipts and expenditures, simithis session, be furnished by the Board at each future meeting of this Convention. Resolved, That the next Convention be held with the Oliver street church, in the city of New York. Resolved, That the Rev. W. B. Johnson, of S. C. be appointed to preach the Sermon at the opening of the next Convention. In case of his failure, Rev. Dr. Chapin of D. C. Resolved, That the printing and distribution of the Minutes be committed to the Board of Managers. Adjourned. Prayer by brother Maylin of Pennsylvania. Afternoon-3 o'clock. The time was spent in prayer, singing, and exhortation. Eight or ten brethren took part in the exercises, which were of a peculiarly solemn and affectionate character. The Minutes having been carefully read, corrected, and approved, the Convention adjourned. ROBERT B. SEMPLE, President. APPENDIX, CONTAINING DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE CONVENTION. [A.] STATE CONVENTIONS. THE Committee to whom was referred the consideration of State Conventions, beg leave to REPORT: That after a deliberate investigation of this most important subject, they have experienced great pleasure in contemplating the existence of ten efficient and prosperous State Conventions, embracing the growing interest of the Baptist denomination in as many of the United States. Some of these have contributed to missionary and other objects contemplated in the formation, and under the supervision of this Convention. A statement of what has been accomplished by the different State Conventions to promote the empire of Immanuel would have been made; but the Committee found it impracticable, owing to the absence of their several Annual Reports. Your Committee respectfully suggest the importance of recommending not only the formation of Conventions in all the remaining States of the Union where such Institutions do not already exist; but, that each State Convention be affectionately solicited to transmit to this body at its triennial sessions, an account of the number of Baptist churches and members within its bounds, together with the amount of moneys expended for Foreign and Domestic Missions, Education, Tract, Bible, and other important objects connected with the interests of our denomination; and also a statistical account of Sabbath Schools, Bible Classes, and revivals of religion within their respective bounds; so that an accurate view of our denomination in this country, at least so far as information can be obtained, may be spread upon the pages of our Report. Your Committee beg leave further to report, that in their opinion this Convention does in the most perfect manner, embrace within the bounds of its purview, all that appears to be contemplated in the recommendation of the Hudson River Baptist Association, as expressed in the 38th Article of the Minutes of that body, for 1828. All which is respectfully submitted, ALFRED BENNETT, Chairman. [B.] BURMAN MISSION. The Committee to whom was referred the consideration of the Burman Mission, beg leave to REPORT: We regard the subject of the Burman Mission as one of the very first magnitude, and preferring claims to your regard, which should be carefully pondered and duly appreciated. Your Committee are of opinion that a period so rich in success, so bright with expectation, and so inviting to benevolent and renewed effort, has seldom distinguished the history of any Christian enterprise; and it is certain that the Burman Mission never before assumed an aspect so much adapted to the excitement of intense solicitude. The tide of intelligence which has lately rolled in upon us from that remote and gloomy region, sweeps off from our minds those misgivings which previously paralyzed our endeavors, and once more rouses to action our dormant affections. Indications which cannot be mistaken, are marking out the Burman Empire as the future scene of Gospel churches; and many redeemed souls, as we ardently trust, have already followed the Saviour's footsteps amid the baptismal waters, and are now enjoying the peace of God, which passeth understanding. Upon a careful examination we most cordially approve the plan of operations which your Missionaries in that quarter have pursued, and upon which your Board have bestowed their sanction. The changes which have taken place, and the locations which have been sought, in consequence of the fluctuating residence of the natives, have all been the obvious result of prudence, and an untiring devotion to the missionary cause. The brethren have evinced in all their transactions the frankness, humility, and self-denying spirit of faithful ministers. All their plans have been submitted to your Board, and no important step taken without its advice and approbation. Whilst this disposition on the part of the Missionaries to conform to the intentions and directions of your institution remains as it now is, a harmonious and successful prosecution of the work may be confidently anticipated. Were it possible, we would rouse the slumbering energies of every Baptist in the Union, in reference to the mission now under consideration. This globe hardly presents a more ample field for exertion in the cause of Christ.The climate of the country is, on the whole, not adverse to human life. The numerous rivers with their branches which water it, afford an abundance of fertile land, capable of supporting a dense population; and hence, contiguous towns and villages, containing from 200 to 1000 inhabitants, may be found to an almost indefinite extent. Rice and poultry, with a great variety of fruits and vegetables, are the principal articles of food. The state of those useful and domestic arts by which the accommodations indispensable to comfort may be obtained, is sufficiently advanced for all the common purposes of life. In addition to the facilities already stated, we must not omit the fact that most of the male Burmans are able to read. By this circumstance they will be rendered accessible by means of the press, and tracts and copies of the Scriptures may be diffused among them to any extent. We feel a peculiar interest in presenting to the notice of the Convention the custom of the Missionaries in bringing into the field of active labor the services of native Christians. Whilst such assistants may be employed at an expense seven eighths less than what is necessary for American or European teachers, they exert a more direct and powerful influence. The continuation of this practice is therefore strongly recommended. A brother in New-York, with his wonted liberality, engages to furnish annually, should no intervention of Providence hinder, the sum requisite to support one native preacher. This will be about $100 per annum, and we do confidently hope that many others will be found both able and willing to imitate this noble example. The plan submitted by Mr Boardman, for the establishment of native schools is wise and judicious. It requires no arguments to prove that the most likely way to the demolition of the abominable idolatries which enfetter the souls of the heathen is the introduction of rational and Christian education among the rising generation. We therefore earnestly recommend the adoption of the plan as far as may be compatible with the means at cominand. We find that the accounts of your Missionaries have been faithfully and regularly transmitted to your Board, and that the utmost economy and frugality have prevailed in their expenditures. In conclusion, the Committee would express their unfeigned and heartfelt thankfulness to the God of all grace for the signal manifestations of his favor vouchsafed to the Burman Mission, and pray that he may continue to smile upon your Missionaries and native teachers and Board of Managers in all their future efforts to spread abroad the savor of the Redeemer's name. Respectfully submitted, S. H. CONE, Chairman. [C.] ON ENLARGING OPERATIONS. The Committee appointed to inquire respecting the expediency and the means of enlarging the Missionary operations of the Convention, REPORT: That they have considered the subject referred to them, with a strong conviction of its importance; and their reflections and consultations have led them to a decided opinion, that the Convention owes it to the Head of the church, to the denomination which it represents, and to a world lying and perishing in wickedness, to multiply its efforts to diffuse the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ. They feel, that our churches possess ample ability to prosecute missionary endeavors, of a far more enlarged range than those in which the |