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, [pg 341] 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.