LETTERS FROM THE CHURCHES
The First Baptist Church of Christ in San Francisco, to the San Francisco Baptist Association, to be organized in San Francisco, California, on the 26th
October, 1850.
DEAR BRETHREN : The opportunity now afforded us, of welcoming you to our house of worship, to our families, and to our hospitalities, is one to which
we have looked with no ordinary measure of delight, and is hailed with unmingled pleasure. This first denominational convocation in the State, was, a few months since, a
thing barely hoped for, as yet to come, at some distant day. But with the startling events, which have awaked the most drowsy nations of earth, this has hastened as with
the speed of the flying meteor, and we are already called upon to look upon a part of the exercises as matter of record, while the remainder calls loudly for our attention.
Brief
as has been the period of our existence, it nevertheless is so fraught with exciting interest and momentous events, as to warrant a historic sketch thereof at this time.
Our
pastor, Rev. O. C. Wheeler, arrived in this city, as a missionary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, on the 1st of March, 1849. At that time there was only one
place of worship in the town, (a small school house,) occupied by Rev. S. D. Hunt, who had been on the ground four months acting as “chaplain to the people.” On
the 18th of the same month bro. C. L. Ross, having a private house in such a state of forwardness as to afford shelter, (though it was as yet destitute of either doors or
windows,) opened the same for public worship, and bro. Wheeler commenced preaching in it on Sabbath mornings, (it being uncomfortable for the evening.) On the 27th of May
we commenced regular services, both morning and evening, and started a Sabbath School at 1 1-2 o'clock, P. M. And on the 24th of June, according to previous arrangement,
we adopted articles of faith and entered into covenant to be and remain henceforth a regular Baptist church. There were only six of us, four males and two females. On the
6th of July we had a sermon and other exercises appropriate to the public recognition of the church.
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LETTERS FROM THE CHURCHES
Our private house was now full, (three rooms and the verandah,) and accordingly on the 10th of the same month we commenced the task of erecting the first house of Protestant
worship in the territory, our pastor, with his own hands, doing the first work. The house was 30 by 50 feet, and was completed and opened, with appropriate exercises, in
the very short time of 25 days. It was made of the plainest materials, and put together in the cheapest manner; and yet its cost exceeded $6000, which, together with the
expense of a lot (72 by 137 1-2 feet) at $10,000, was borne by one of the brethren, C. L. Ross.
Within a few weeks other Baptists arrived, and with commendable Christian
liberality relieved bro. R. of a portion of the very heavy burden which he had thus far borne, at the same time having supported the missionary and his wife at his own house
from the time of their arrival.
On the 14th of Oct. a Baptist Society, in connection with the church, was organized, and at once resolved to assume the entire support
of our pastor from and after the first of the ensuing month, at the rate of $10,000 per annum, for one year, payable in monthly installments in advance.
Thus within
8 months from the landing of the missionary, he found himself in a well-filled comfortable house of worship, surrounded by brethren who voluntarily engaged to secure him
from pecuniary want, and thus enable him to give “double diligence” in devoting himself “wholly to the work of the ministry.” And on the 21st of
the same month he was permitted to lead “down into the water,” and “bury with Christ in Baptism,” a happy rejoicing convert.
On the 1st of April
our pastor, in view of the reduction of the expenses of living, and especially in the article of rent, requested the Society to reduce his salary for the remaining seven
months of the year, to the rate of $5000 per annum, just half the amount proffered him.
During the spring and summer of the present year, our house of worship was quite
insufficient to accommodate the increasing numbers which flocked thither to hear the gospel. Accordingly on the 4th of Sept., we commenced enlarging it, by the addition
of 25 by 40 feet. This task was begun and completed in the incredibly short space of four days, and the house was used for worship as usual without the loss of a single
Sabbath.
Thus the Lord has prospered us at every step, and enlarged his favors at every repetition.
Our Sabbath School averages about 40, and is sowing the seed
of immortal truth in minds which will, we trust, exhibit the fruit thereof both in the militant and the triumphant church.
During the year our pecuniary contributions
have reached an aggregate, falling little short of $20,000.
Our statistics are as follows:
No. at our organization, 6; received by Baptism, 1; received by Experience,
1; received by Letter, 18; Dismissed, 5; present number, 21.
[17]
In our Sunday School we have 1 Superintendant: 1 Assistant: 60 Scholars, 7 Teachers, (4 males and 3 females,) 200 Vols. in Library.
The Baptist Church of San
Jose to the San Francisco Baptist Association.
DEAR BRETHREN : Cordial is our response to the invitation to meet you by our delegates in this holy convocation. It is
to us the dawn of an auspicious day, hailed with feelings of gratitude and praise. Our earnest wish is that the Divine blessing may rest upon you in all your deliberations:
and lead you to adopt such measures as shall meet the approbation of God and secure our mutual good. Small indeed is the commencement of our organizations, and but few the
spiritual stones that are built upon the edifice of our Zion; but God has told us not to despise the day of small things. Israel was once but a handful of three-score and
ten persons, yet they became a nation of many thousands, able to cope with their strongest foe. The primitive church, under the care of Christ: numbered but twelve, and
at the day of Pentecost an upper room contained the one hundred and twenty, but soon every province numbered its scores of disciples and Christianity its faithful adherents
in all lands. Jacob shall arise though small, “the little one shall become a thousand and the small one a mighty nation.”
We are a small band of thirteen
much scattered and poor in this world's goods. The most of us have reached this land by long and perilous journeys across the desert. Many of our cattle perished by the
way, and nearly all our substance was devoured on the journey. We find ourselves strangers in this land, driven to hardy toil for the support of our families. Hence we are
able to do but little for the support of the Gospel, the institutions of which we prize and hope to enjoy the same here as in our Eastern homes.
Soon we trust, by the
favor of God, to enjoy the blessing of giving of our substance for the support of the cause in our midst and in destitute places around us. In a worldly point of view we
have but little to encourage us. Looking at the promise of a covenant keeping God we have much to cheer our hearts and lead to activity in the cause. There are several within
our borders who call themselves “Baptists,” but they are not, for they believe not in sustaining the ministry and general objects of benevolence. They cannot
unite in our views of gospel duties, hence we have no hopes of their union and co-operation with us. A few we believe are of the stamp who with us can “lap water like
a dog,” and when the test word is presented pronounce distinctly “Shibboleth,” instead of the Ephraimitish; “Sibboleth.”
[18]
We send as delegates to your body our pastor, Rev. L. O. Grenell, Deacon James Appleton, and Benjamin Goodrich.
Written by order of the church, in church meeting,
Oct.19, 1850.
JAMES APPLETON, Clerk.
L. O. GRENELL, Pastor.
___
The First Baptist Church of Christ in Sacramento City, to the brethren assembled
in Convention, with the Baptist church of San Francisco, for the purpose of organizing a Baptist Association, sendeth Christian salutation.
DEAR BRETHREN: Since, in
the providence of God, it has become important that a Baptist.Association should be formed in our new and rapidly increasing community in California, for the purpose of
promoting the prosperity of Zion and the interests of the Baptist denomination, we have appointed with our beloved pastor, Rev. James W. Capen, brethren J. A. Wordsworth,
E. J. Willis and Josiah .Ames, to sit in council with you. Our prayer to God is that he will impart wisdom to your body, and so enlighten and guide you by his spirit that
you may be instrumental in promoting greatly his glory. This church was organized Sept. 14th, 1850, with fifteen members. The Rev. James W. Capen was unanimously chosen
pastor at the same time. Since that time four have been added to the church, three by letter and one by baptism. A Sabbath School has been organized but is yet in its infancy.
We have 250 volumes in the library. We have as yet no house of worship but hold our meetings in the court room ..A good location has been secured for a house by the donation
of some lots by one of our brethren. Efficient measures have been taken to secure the funds necessary to build a convenient and commodious house. Our meetings on the Sabbath
and prayer meetings in the week are well attended and interesting. Harmony and love prevail among us; may such be true of all the churches represented in this Convention.
Done by order and in behalf of the church, Sacramento City, October 19, 1850.
LEONARD LOOMIS, Church Clerk.
The Association is cordially invited to meet with this
church at its Annual Meeting.
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE ON DOMESTIC MISSIONS
Your Committee, to whom was submitted the subject of Domestic Missions, would respectfully present the following report :
It can
scarcely be expected in the limits to which we are compelled to confine ourselves, that we shall do adequate justice to the subject before us, or the demands which it
has upon us as followers of Christ, as Baptists, or as lovers of our fellow men.
In all ages of the church the demands which the cause of Missions makes upon the followers
of Christ has been acknowledged and obeyed, and from the instructions of our Savior to the Apostles when he gave them the great commission to preach the gospel to every
creature, he directing them to begin at Jerusalem, thus sanctioning by his own divine instructions the cause of Domestic Missions.
This instruction is now addressed
to us, and when we regard the wide field open before us in our State - the field that is now already white for the harvest - the paucity of laborers - the character of
population, and the absence of those home influences which formerly surrounded us, we must acknowledge that Domestic Missions in this State call for liberal contributions,
both of labor and money, from the followers of Christ.
In no part of the world will the influence of the faithful and devoted living preacher be more strongly felt.
He comes to the weary and way-worn emigrant, who has forsaken and is pining for his home and the society of his loved ones, and addresses to him the consolations of the
gospel, its gracious invitations of love, and its words of sympathy, directing his thoughts to that better home where parting is no more. He commends him and his to the
watchful care of our kind Heavenly Father, and the words fall not on an unheeding ear or a listless mind, but sink deep into his heart at a time when of all other he is
most fitted to receive - at a time when he feels the want of a friend, one who sticketh closer than a brother. Our many brethren scattered over the mountains - in the
gorges, the ravines, and on the banks of the rivers - how gladly would they welcome the missionary, how it would cheer their hearts, how it would strengthen them, to resist
the temptations
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REPORT ON DOMESTIC MISSIONS (cont.)
that beset them on every hand! How it would comfort them when cast down, console them when in sickness and suffering! Could they have the servant of God to be with them,
and address to them the words of encouragement and consolation, and unite with them in addressing a throne of grace! And shall we not give them the living preacher?
Shall
we not send to them the faithful and devoted missionary!
As our thoughts revert to the short space of 19 months, and we consider the progress made during that period,
we feel that we have great reason for encouragement, and devout thankfulness to our God. The first church of our denomination, organized but 16 months since with but 6 members,
now numbers 21 members; and the house first erected in San Francisco by our denomination, and which then we scarcely expected to see filled, at least till a long time had
elapsed, enlarged to accommodate the increased congregation - its pastor supported by the church and Society - its usefulness and influence constantly increasing - all may
be considered as evidences of the favor and blessing of God. A church organized at Sacramento, (the field where the labors of our lamented deceased brother Kalloch had been
bestowed,) under the pastoral care of Rev. J. W. Capen, numbering 20 members, which from the importance of the point it occupies, is destined to exert a wide and increasing
influence.
A church at San Jose, under the pastoral care of Rev. L. O. Grenell, which we trust is destined to exert an influence which shall be felt far and near.
Our
esteemed beloved brother F. E. Prevaux, has commenced his labors in this place by preaching in a hall opened as a Bethel Chapel, at which the attendance is constantly increasing,
and which promises to be of great importance and usefulness not only to seamen, but also to the inhabitants of that portion of our city. Let us not forget that Paul may
plant and Apollos water but God giveth the increase. Our increase we trust is of God, let us continue to implore him to smile upon us, and let us rely still more upon him
who is our help and our shield.
There are many places of importance in this State from which loud and important calls are addressed to us for the missionary, among
which are Stockton, Placerville, Coloma, Sonoma, Marysville and Nevada city. At all of these places we should station, at the earliest possible moment, the minister of
Christ; and he would soon be wholly supported by those among whom he should labor. From the proximity of Stockton to our Southern mines, (it being the depot from which they
receive most of their supplies,) and from the large population already located there, it certainly presents very strong claims. Coloma, Placerville, and the other towns
just mentioned, each the centre of a vast mining region, and the first stopping place of many of our overland emigration, have claims upon us equally strong. How shall the
claims thus made upon us be met? How these wants supplied? These are questions of the greatest moment, and yet the answer is beyond our vision.
[21]
REPORT ON EDUCATION
But of this we feel sure, that a faithful use of all the means and appliances placed in our hands by our Heavenly Father will insure a rich and glorious harvest. In view
of the great responsibilities here seen, let us each ask what is required of me? And as in the fear of God we answer this query verbally, so let us answer it actually.
In
order to this we respectfully recommend the adoption of the following resolution:
Resolved, That this Association appoint a committee of five, to be called the Domestic
Missionary Committee, whose duty it shall be to advise with reference to the location of every new missionary or missionaries who may arrive in the State, without being
designated for any particular field, and to adopt such measures as they may deem expedient for the collection and disbursement of Domestic Mission funds during the year.
Said committee shall appoint its own Secretary and Treasurer, and shall be entitled to and responsible for the control of all monies in the treasury of the Association contributed
for Domestic missions.
Said committee shall be appointed annually, and shall make a report of its doings to the Association at each annual meeting.
J. F. POPE,
O.
C. WHEELER,
L. O. GRENELL, Committee.
COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
It has long since been conceded that national progress, and we may add national existence also, depends on the religiousness of a people. It is not our purpose to
enquire into the truth or falsity of this concession; but to advance a single step and assert that upon the religion and intelligence of the people of our own commonwealth,
must depend their prosperity and happiness.
Let religion be trampled in the dust, and let the education of our youth be neglected; and ere long she who has been so
beautifully called “The Queen of the West,” will lose her fair name, and the rank to which she is entitled, and which she so justly claims. We see no threatening
cloud, the sky of our prosperity is yet clear, and we can but cherish the hope that California is yet to advance until she has taken a prominent rank for religion and intelligence
among her sister States.
But it needs not a prophet's ken to predict her certain and speedy downfall, if, slighting the laws of conscience and the intellect, she spurns
from her religion and education. If the religious and intellectual cultivation of our youth be neglected, and they suffered to grow up in disregard of the divine laws, in
ignorance and vice, our downfall is certain, though it may be preceded by a long and miserable existence. History trumpets forth her voice of warning; and it will be wisdom
in us to heed her voice, gather round the standard
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REPORT ON EDUCATION (cont.)
of religion, education and morality, and do what we can to promote these interests throughout the State.
We are a peculiar people. Never before, perhaps, was there
such a blending of heterogeneous materials as now constitute the State of California. We can and do boast of the religion and intelligence of a part of our population; but
when we consider the vast amount of irreligion, ignorance and immorality, we are persuaded that something must be speedily done, or disorder and confusion will reign supreme.
We may well pause and ask, as men, as philanthropists and Christians, what can what must be done to avert the evils which will surely deluge us, unless the tone of the public
intelligence and morality be greatly elevated?
The first consideration that presents itself to our minds is, that in order to be a successful, prosperous and happy
people, we must be a religious people.
The second consideration is, that to be a successful, prosperous and happy people, we must be an intelligent people.
Religion
and education must join hand in hand to make this State what it should be. Our position, our mineral wealth, our immense and almost inexhaustible resources, combine to make
us a great and powerful State. Heaven has bestowed on us advantages of which no other State or people can boast. If we suitably improve these advantages, we may ere long
become an honor to our Union and a blessing to the world.
The importance of Education in this commonwealth, and the best means for its promotion, should be well considered
by all who desire to promote her general welfare. We have already referred to the heterogeneous character of the materials which compose the State. Our population is composed
of men from every State in the Union; from almost all the countries of Europe; from the Islands of the Pacific; and from several of the countries of Asia. They have come
from every quarter of the globe; and from the flattering inducements which are still held out, we may reasonably expect that a vast multitude will soon follow. How small
a proportion of our present population can be considered intelligent? Nay, rather, how great a portion is made up of the ignorant and degraded? They come among us as foreigners,
but the moment their feet touch our soil, they become our home population; and a brief sojourn among us gives them all the rights and immunities of citizenship.
Such
are the materials of which our State is formed. From these elements of disorder, we wish to create an orderly, law-loving, and law-abiding community. Such a community cannot
be organized without a government of laws. We must have good and wholesome laws, and these laws must be wisely administered. Who make our laws, and who enforce them? Is
it the ignorant, the degraded? No! under such government our disorderly elements would become still more disorderly. It is universally conceded that wisdom and intelligence
are indispensable in our law-givers and our rulers; and the popular voice demands for such offices educated minds.
[23]
Who are to be in future years our Senators and Representatives? They are not those who boast of being the illustrious progeny or noble ancestors. They are not those who
have purchased the right to rule. Every male child, who is a native of these United States, is an heir apparent to the highest office in the gift or the most refined nation
on the globe. Every citizen of the age of thirty years, who has been a citizen of the United States nine years, is eligible to the Senatorship. Every citizen of the age
of twenty-seven years, having passed seven years in the United States, is eligible to the office of Representative of his State.
In our own State, who are to be in
future years the framers of our laws; who the executors of these laws? Every male citizen is eligible to the highest, as well as the lowest offices in the State. The avenues
to office are thus open to all. We see then, that, as a State cannot be prosperous and happy without intelligent rulers, good and wholesome laws; and as our future Senators
and Representatives, our future Governors and Legislators, and all who are to have the management of the intricate machinery of government, are to be selected from the people,
we see the importance of a thorough training of our youth as preparatory to the high and important duties which will ere long be committed to them.
But intelligent
laws and intelligent rulers are not the only essentials. There must also be an intelligent constituency. The people must be intelligent, not a part, but the whole. It is
a truth well established, that the most happy and prosperous people (other things being equal) are those who have the greatest amount of intellectual wealth. Look at our
sister States, and choose one for our model; one whose enterprise and success we should emulate; one whose happiness we should covet! If we mistake not, we shall find our
choice to be that State which has made the greatest advance in the education of youth; and consequently whose men are celebrated for their intellectual and moral worth.
We
should learn, from these considerations, the necessity and importance of vigorous measures being taken for the education of all the youth of our State. Our common school
system should be extensive and open to all. This should be a State Institution, and we are happy to learn that the State has taken steps for the establishment of common
schools. May she never grow weary in this great and glorious work!
But when we look at our position and the character of our population, it would seem as though God
had designed California to be the great moral and missionary workshop for the world. We have representatives from almost every nation on the globe. As Christians who desire
the abolition of idolatry, who labor and pray for the conversion of the nations of the earth to Christ, what more effectual way can we adopt to bring about the glad day,
when “the heathen shall be given to Christ for his inheritance and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession,” than to enlighten and christianize the
foreign portion or our population. If this can be accom-
[24]
plished, (and what can hinder, if we rightly improve the advantages which God has given us:) our influence will be limited only by the bounds of earth.
But as a denomination
we have much to do in the cause of education. We must not only be deeply interested in the system of common schools, but there must be opportunities afforded, seminaries
founded, where our young men may drink deep at the fountain of learning. Such Institutions we must have. Our young men must and will be educated. We should educate them
for the church and the ministry and for every important station in society.
It is impossible to estimate the amount of good which has been accomplished, the influence
which has been exerted throughout the denomination, our own country and the world, by our Baptist Academies and Colleges, our Baptist Literary and Theological Institutions.
As in other States, so should we in this, educate our own men. In this will our influence be extended, the denomination built up, and the cause of Christ greatly advanced.
With
these general remarks, your committee submit the following resolutions:
1. Resolved, That, as Christians, as Baptists, we regard the cause of education with deep and
prayerful interest; and that as a denomination we will do what we can to promote its interests.
2. Resolved, That we regard it as of great importance that speedy measures
be adopted by the denomination to establish a Literary Institution in our own State.
3. Resolved, That a committee of nine be appointed to confer as to the character
of the Institution, the time when and the place where it shall be established; and to take such measures as their own judgement may dictate for its establishment.
Respectfully
submitted,
F. E. PREVAUX,
J. W. RAYMOND,
O. C. WHEELER, Committee.
COMMITTEE ON SABBATH SCHOOLS
More true philosophy and common sense are contained in a simple expression of President Harrison, in reference to the training of youth, than is found in many volumes on the same subject. Being informed that the boys were accustomed to trouble the grape vines on the Sabbath, and the modest suggestion being made that it was necessary to have a trusty dog to guard them, he replied, “Get a faithful Sabbath School teacher to instruct them and I will risk the grapes on the Sabbath.” Religious instruction, seasonably imparted, is a surer preventive to vice and a more direct guard to virtue than physical restraint and punishment. Piety and religion are more potent
[25]
in influence than dogs and iron bars. The infant opens its eyes on the scenes of this life, only to awaken to life and action the little spirit within. “A living
soul,” stamped with immortality, is encased in the little form just commencing a career of probation, that shall direct its energies upward to grasp all good; or leave
it to sink and wander in the mists of darkness forever. With a depraved nature it is prone to evil, yet the ways of life are before it and many are the influences beckoning
it away. Its destiny is in a measure entrusted to others, the parent, the guardian, the church - these are to direct the little stranger, whispering words of caution in
the ear, and, taking it by the hand, lead it to the paths of religion and truth.
How important then the Sabbath School! important in influence on the destiny of the
rising generation, important to the order and peace of society, important to the increase of the church.
On this subject but little need be said. All acknowledge its
utility and importance. All denominations of evangelical Christians, however diverse in their views of doctrine and ideas of church polity, regard this as an honored, efficient
instrument for the good of the church. It is an arm of power, strong against the temple of sin; powerful to prepare materials for the walls of Zion. The Sabbath School is
the nursery of the church, a means greatly owned and blessed of God, ever productive of good results.
Your committee would recommend to the pastors and churches,
lst.
That special attention and care be given to the organizing and sustaining of Sabbath Schools in such place or places within the bounds of the church as circumstances require.
2d.
That care be taken to make the exercises as interesting and profitable as may be, by selecting pious teachers as far as practicable, providing books of suitable numbers
and variety, teaching the children to sing hymns and set pieces, bestowing occasional rewards, &c.
3d. That the pastors preach occasionally on the subject, unfolding
and urging the principles of the word of God upon the church and community, as the ground of right views as well as intelligent and efficient action.
All of which is
respectly submitted,
L. O. GRENELL, for the Committee.
COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN MISSIONS
Your committee on Foreign Missions would respectfully report :
The subject assigned your committee is far too grave in its nature, and too vast in its importance,
and too extensive in its range, to admit of satisfactory discussion within the time allowed us. And yet this same nature and importance and extent would serve to forbid
us to pass it lightly by. Its nature is to teach man the only way of escape from a merited perdition, the only way to a blissful paradise. It is therefore grave as man's
present and eternal weal or woe. It is important as the salvation of the soul,
[26]
as obedience to our sovereign Lord, and the honor of the “Prince of the kings of the earth.”
In sending missionaries abroad we have both the authority
and example of high Heaven, and if the commissioned messengers from the courts of glory, who bore to the first great Foreign Missionary the sustaining viands of paradise,
have any meaning adapted to our circumstances, we have authority equally important for assuming the support of those whom we send.
The providence of God has so placed
us that thoughts upon this subject cannot be avoided. We are summoned by hosts of those who have been educated to image worship and mingle daily with the devotees of a thousand
false gods, still clinging to all the disgusting rites of their futish worship.
The general subject of Foreign Missions your committee suppose to be too well understood
to need remark or elucidation from them. Nor would they believe that it is not too deeply embalmed in the affections of every Christian to need exhortation, to enlist the
most energetic and assiduous efforts in its behalf.
We are situated in the great thoroughfare of nations, fast becoming the moral funnel of the earth. We shall soon
be the medium through which the funds of our great missionary organizations in the East will pass to the support of their missions on the other continent, in China and India.
We are on every hand invited, encouraged, constrained, to give immediate and untiring attention to this subject.
Your committee would therefore recommend the adoption
by this body of the following resolutions:
1. Until farther arrangements, this body deem it expedient to have a sermon preached on the subject, and take a collection
in aid of the funds of Foreign Missions, at some time during the session of the Association at each annual meeting.
2. That we recommend to each church composing this
body, the observance of the first Sabbath evening in each month as a concert of prayer, for the general and universal success of missions, and that at each such meeting
a collection be taken for the Foreign Mission treasury.
3. That we recommend to the several churches of this Association, to supply each of its members, and as far
as may be each member of its congregation, with a copy of “The Macedonian,” a monthly sheet published simultaneously in Boston, Philadelphia, Cincinnati and
St. Louis, and advocating this cause.
4. That this Association appoint a committee of three, to be denominated the Foreign Mission Committee, who shall be entrusted
with the general supervision of this department of benevolence, and shall be the legitimate channel through which donations of this object shall pass to their destination.
This
committee shall report to the body annually.
O. C. WHEELER, for the Committee.
COMMITTEE ON STATE OF RELIGION
The committee on the State of Religion submit the following report:
That we regard the condition of our infant churches, surrounded as they are by so much to oppose
their prosperity, as in a high degree encouraging. We cannot however close our eyes to the fact, that our State presents a scene of moral desolation. Vice abounds and presents
every where an unblushing front, a large portion of our communities have been accustomed from youth, at least, to countenance and support the institutions of religion. Yet
the number who thus encourage the efforts of Christians is comparatively small. Many seem to have left their moral principles behind them, to suppose themselves innocent
in pursuing a course of conduct here which they would have deemed highly culpable at home. There are also in all parts of the country large numbers of persons who have once
professed to be Christians, but have now thrown off all restraint and in some instances have become leaders in iniquity. The influence of such persons is hostile to religion.
In many instances the departure of such persons from the church was to be desired. They went out from us because they were not of us. There are many however who are sheep
wandering from the fold.
They have not been able to withstand the overpowering temptations to which they have been exposed. The fiery trial has been too severe for
them. It is also obvious that the whole Christian community have been much affected by those influences which are peculiar to our State. The rapidity with which wealth may
be accumulated serve to bewilder the Christian, to divert his attention from the highest objects of pursuit. Familiarity with scenes of vice makes it appear less criminal
and destructive than it really is. In view of these facts we feel called upon to make greater exertions to promote vital piety among us.
We therefore recommend, that
the first Monday in January be observed by our churches and brethren as a day of fasting and prayer for the outpouring of God's spirit, that there may be revivals of religion
in every portion of our State.
Also, the following:
Resolved, That the backsliden condition of many in California, who are connected with Baptist churches in the
East, calls for the sympathies and prayers of Christians in all parts of our country.
Respectfully submitted,
J. W. CA.PEN, for the Committee.
CORRESPONDING LETTER
THE SAN FRANCISCO BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
TO THE ASSOCIATIONS WITH WHICH WE CORRESPOND
DEAR BRETHREN :
In the good providence of God we have been permitted to form a Baptist Association in this new and flourishing State, hoping by this means more effectually
to promote the great interests of our beloved Zion.
We send you a copy of our minutes to solicit with your correspondence, your sympathies and prayers.
O. C. WHEELER, Moderator.
JNO. F. POPE, Clerk.