His Instrumentality in Bringing Forward the American Bible Society, and the United Foreign Missionary Society
Soon after his return from his last tour through the Western and Southern Country, Mr. Mills left New-England, and took up his residence in the Middle States, and within the bounds of the Presbyterian Church. Here he spent two of the most profitable years of his life, unobserved, and almost unknown, yet silently exercising an influence, and setting in motion several illustrious plans of mercy to mankind. He resided alternately in Albany, New- York, Newark, Philadelphia, and Washington; and his attention was here principally occupied in consultinowith men of influence among the Clergy and Laity as to the wisdom and practicability of several of his un accomplished purposes.
Among these was the establishment of a National Bible Society. We have no warrant to say that the idea of a National Bible Society first originated with Mr. Mills. As early as the year 1810, a proposition
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ibr a national institution was submitted to the New-York Bible Society, by tlieRev. Secretary of the British and Foreign Bible Society, accompanied by some very flattering overtures, in the event of carrying the proposition into eifect. Essentially the same proposition was also made to the Philadelphia Bible Society. To this proposition the Directors of both these Societies returned a full and decided negative. And it is but justice to say, that long after this intimation was laid to rest, the plan of the existing American Bible Society originated in the bosom of Mr. Mills.
At the close of the report of the southern and western tour, we lind the sentiment: ‘• If a national institution cannot be formed application in behalf of these destitute ought to be made to the British and Foreign Bible Society for aid.” The formation of this national institution Mr. Mills thought of, and suggested, and pressed the suggestion, long before it probably entered into the mind of any other individual. With the gentlemen who were interested in the early stages of this measure, he had frequent interviews; and though he concealed the hand that moved it forv.ard, was himself the principal mover of the design, and a principal agent in inducing others of greater weight of character to become its abettors. The writer well recollects the efforts of this persevering man to attain this important object. With some hope that the measure might be brought forward by the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, in 1814 he procured a consultation of his fathers and brethren in the ministry as to the expediency of setting the plan on foot at that meeting. Though the writer was not himself interested in the consultation, he had the honour to he a member of the Assembly that year, and is personally acquainted with the iadividuals with whom his friend did consult, as well as with the result of the consultation. It was then thought to be the best advised course, that, for the sake of avoiding every thing like a sectarian influence and form, and embodying the mass of Christian effort of all denominations, the measure should originate with no one ecclesiastical body, but with some one of the State Bible Societies, who could give it currency with the least suspicion of local or party views. It was on the rising of the Assembly that year, that a respectable member of that body, to whom Mr. Mills had intimated the design, on his return from Philadelphia to Boston, had an interview with the venerable man by whose industry and vigilance the proposition was at length submitted to the different Bible Societies, and by whose intelligent piety and princely munificence, so early and powerful an impulse was given to this magnificent institution. It was at this interview the foundation of this lofty edifice was laid; and if it has inscribed on one side the endeared and memorable name of Elias Boudinot, it has on the other the humble inscription of Samuel J. Mills.
The following letter will be regarded as additional evidence of the part which Mr. Mills took in originating this Society. In a communication to the writer, Mr. Smith, his companion on the southern tour, remarks,” Having been associated with Mr. Mills in one
N of his most important undertakings, and having been his constant and conlidential companion for the greater part of a year, amid a great variety of labours, dangers, and trials; at a period too when nearly all his grand schemes of benevolence were in a train of accomplishment, I have enjoyed some important advantages for understanding his very peculiar and interesting character. An important matter that occupied much of the attention of our lamented brother, was the formation of the American Bible Society. It was on his mind for years before it was formed. Indeed, he once gave me distinctly to understand that it originated with him. At a very early period he procured a friend to write one or more essays upon the subject, which were published. He carried the plan with him on both his missionary tours to the south and west, and exerted his influence in favour of the contemplated institution.”
Mr. Mills continued to take a deep interest in the formation of the Bible Society, and to use all his exertions with his friends in favour of it, until the very day arrived on which it was organized. It was on the 8th day of May, 1816, a day long to be remembered in the annals of the American people. A convention of delegates from different Bible Societies in the United States, having been invited to assemble on that day in the city of New- York, “resolved unanimously, that it is expedient to establish, without delay, a general Bible Institution, for the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, without note or comment.” This convention did not close their sessions till they hail prepared and adopted the Constitution and elected the Managers of the Society, and issued an address to the people of the United States, giving information of the existence of the Institution, and inviting their co-operation in the benevolent and exalted cause. It is hardly necessary to remark, that this was a day to which Mr. Mills looked forward with the deepest interest. Of course he was present at the meeting. And when the discussions had proceeded so far that it was no longer doubtful that a union of different denominations would be formed in this stupendous work of charity, then you might have seen him, elevated on a distant seat behind the crowd, contemplating the scene with a look of divine delight, which it would require the pencil of a West or a Raphael to delineate. That countenance was observed at the moment: and it left an impression which will probably be retained among the last traces of memory.
It was long an object of earnest solicitude with Mr. Mills, to see the spirit of missions excited throughout the Presbyterian Church. Though the General Assembly have, from the formation of that venerable body, been engaged in the pious and benevolent work of sending the Gospel to the destitute in the new settlements; and though the missionary concerns of this portion of the Christian Church have been gradually increasing in extent and importance, and proved highly beneficial to the Presbyterian interest, and greatly instrumental in promoting the common cause of Christianity; yet we have done comparatively little in the great cause of Missions,
Though we started in the race early, other denominations, on this, as well as on the other side of the Atlantic, have run far before us. It is time the painful lact were considered and bewailed, that, too intent upon local interests, we have as yet caught little of the spirit which animates our brethren of other denominations, and burns with zeal to shed the light of salvation through the region and shadow of death.
This Mr. Mills saw and lamented. Perceiving the Presbyterian Church to cover so vast a territory, and to possess so large a share of the property of the whole country; :icquainted as he was with the evangelical spirit of her ministers, and the frequent outpourings of the Holy Spirit upon her congregations; he had a powerful conviction, that little else was necessary than to awaken her attention and combine her energies. While this subject was revolving in his thoughts, he was residing at Newark, in New-Jersey, under the roof of one with whom he was acquainted in his youth, who was his father’s friend, and whom he always viewed as a father and a confidant. Here he matured the plan which eventuated in the union of the three Churches, involving the Presbyterians of the General Assembly, the Dutch Reformed, and the Associate Reformed, in that catholic and truly Christian institution, “The Umted Foreign Missiois’Aiiv Society.”
In a communication to his father, dated New-York, May, 1818, he writes, ‘- 1 have expected to visit you this season, but I have lately concluded to attend the settings of the General Assembly at Philadelphia. As yet, I am not determined with respect to he course
1 shall pursue for the summer. I have under consideration some plans, one at least of importance, which will be probably presented to the Assembly: — I mean the formation of a Foreign Missionary Society in the Presbyterian connexion. Dr. G
thinks it important I should aid the object, by using what influence 1 may have with gentlemen, who vAM be present at Philadelphia.”
Mr. Mills attended the Assembly, and in a subsequent communication to the same person, he says,” I have spent a part of my time in Philadelphia and a part in New-York. The Presbyterian Church, it is well known, have heretofore, as a Church, made no exertions to send Missionaries out of the limits of the States. I have for a long time thought it desirable that their attention should be directed to the subject of Foreign Missions; not only with the view of serjding the Gospel to the destitute abroad, but in hope that exertion of this kind might excite more zeal for the ditTusion of religious knowledge in our own country. I conceive the object is secured. The General Assembly, at their last session, chose a committee of seven members to consult with the Dutch and Scotch Churches, and ascertain whether they would not unite with the Presbyterian Church in the formation of a Foreign Missionary Society. The Committees of the Dutch and Scotch are also appointed, and I think the prospect in favour of the union. I conceive tliereis no doubt the Presbyterian
Church will move forward in this business. Dr. G
and Dr. R are on the Committee, and very much
in favour of the rpbject. The formation of a Foreign
102 MEMOIRS OF THK l,ATf-Missionary Society in these churches, will be esteemetl one of the grandest objects which has ever been efTected within their limits. I would not intimate that I have been the prime mover in this business; if! have been permilted with others, to aid the object, it is enough.” Notwithstanding this modest reserve, next to the Spirit of God upon his heart, Mr. Mills iras the “prime mover in this business;” and he had the satisfaction to see the three divisions of the Presbyteriati interest in our country united with perfect harmony, and under the sa’nction of their highest judicatories, in the blessed work of evangelizing the globe.
While upon this part of Mr. Mills’ history, in justice to his memory, as well as the cause he loved, there ought to be brought into view one project, that be did not accomplish: I mean a tour into South America, with a view to explore the country, and prepare the way for Missionary enterprise in that interesting part of the world. It was his own opinion that the United Foreign Missionary Society would eventually set on foot a measure of this sort. On the practicability and probable utility of such a mission, he collected at ditTerent times much important information. He used many elTorts to engage others in this work; and expressed his determination to enter upon it hims?^lf Indeed, he once made overtures of this nature to the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. The plan of such a tour was once in a very considerable degree matured. He
alludes to it in the following letter to Mr. E C,
a beloved brother in the Ministry.
‘’ Kew-Yorh, ‘3d October, 1 81 6.
DEAR SIR,
“1 am happy lu having an opportunity to acknowledge the receipt of your interesting letter, dated Hartlbrd, Sept. 19. It appears to me, that the gentlemen appointed to direct the concerns of the Ovvyhean youth, are competent to manage that business, without instructions from the Board of Commissioners. But no doubt it is best as it is.
“I thank you for suggesting the expediency of an exploring Mission to the Rev, Fathers at Hartford, and am happy to hear that they approve of the object. I have long thought, that to effect what we wish in the best manner, it would be desirable to sail in a ship commanded by officers who should have the business of exploring and ascertaining the best Missionary stations particularly in view during the voyage. But perhaps such an opportunity ought not to be expected. But I confess I am tired of delays. have for some time past been endeavouring to pass the limits of these states and territories. I am ’ pestered in this pin-hole here.’
‘’ Thus far my experience proves, that the further I proceed from home, the greater good God enables me to do. By his blessing, most has been effected at the most distant points. I do not know that a similar result would follow on the Mission we contemplate; but I should like to try it, and alone, if it seems the will of heaven. I hope you will lose no time in making the inquiries necessary to ascertain whether a passage could be obtained on board the ship which you refer to in your letter. I should wish to know the character of the commodore, or captain; and if a Chaplain is wanted, what would be the services expected from one acting in that capacity? I shall wish to know at what places the ship will touch during the voyage; and I should particularly wish you to give me the opinion of my Christian friends in the vicinity of Boston, relative to my qualifications for the contemplated service. You will have opportunity to see the gentlemen belonging to the Prudential Committee of the Board of Foreign Missions, and I hope you will converse with them on this subject. Were I to engage in this service, I should hope a brother might be ibund who would go with me. Perhaps the Lord will incline you to engage in this work.
“It is expected that the ship Eagle, commanded by Captain Davis, will sail from Boston in a few weeks, for the Northwest Coast. The ship will call at the Sandwich Islands during the voyage; but there are objections to going in one engaged in the Northwest trade. Still a list of inquiries might be presented, requesting particular information with respect to the state of the islands, and other places where the ship should call. I hope this hint will be kept in mind.
“My dear brother, should I leave this country, and you remain here, you must supply my place, or find some person who will. I cannot leave the benevolent plans I have in view, without some one to see them perfected.
“Yours allectionately,
“SAMUEL J. MILLS.”
REV. »AMUEL J. MILLS. 105
it is to be regretted that it was found necessary to abandon this enterprise, and it is to be hoped the abandonment is not final. The Spanish possessions present an extensive field for Missionary labour, and are at present unoccupied, except by the Catholscs. It is the opinion of Humboldt, that the territory which the government of Spain claims, even north of the Isthmus, contains six millions five hundred thousand inhabitants. Since the recent revolution, and especially in the province of Venezuela, there can be no serious obstacles to the introduction of Missionaries into that country; and certainly none at all to a tour, which shall have in view the attainment of a more perfect knowledge of the true condition of South America, ascertain what Missionary stations may be established, and which shall commence the distribution of the Bible throughout that extensive country. In a very appropriate and eloquent address to the Churches under their care, the Managers of the United Foreign Missionary Society say — “As soon as the southern forests yield to the hand of cultivation, our limits will extend to Mexico; and the whole region of death, from the river Del Norte to Cape Horn, will reach from our own door:”’ and they justly demand — “Who on earth, rather than ourselves, are the people to pour the river of life through that desolate region?”’ — We hope the time is not far distant, when two or more men will traverse the whole of this dreary wilderness, and return with a report that will wake up the American Church to a sympathy for the miseries of her perishing neighbours. The first object of Missionaries to 1(TB MEMOins OF THE LATE
that country would prob:il)ly be, to visit Old Mexico, with liberty to proceed from Mexico, either by the eastern or western coast, on toward the southern part of the continent. It would be very desirable, if they went down the eastern coast, to touch at the principal places until they arrived at Buenos-Ayres; thence by land to Lima, St. lago, endeavouring to visit the principal places, until they arrive at Acapulco, and thence across to Vera Cruz by Mexico. If they went down the western coast, they would most likely go from Mexico to Acapulco, and thou pursue the route which has been described, through Peru and Chili to Buenos Ayres, and thence up the eastern coast to Carthagena.
Whatever may be the obstacles to such a Mission, they are no more than have been surmounted in other portions of the earth. What has been accomplished in South America by the United Brethren, forms no criterion by which to judge of the success of Missionary effbrts in the present age of the world, and present condition of that community. The trials which they experienced are not to be looked for again: the scenes of Berbice, Surrinam, Bombay, and Parrimaribo, will never probably be acted over again while the world stands. Let it not be forgotten that the question, whether »South America shall be free, is to be determined by the question whether she is to be Christian? Liberty without godliness, is but another name for anarchy or despotism. Let philosophers and statesmen argue as they please — the religion of the gospel is the rock on which civil liberty rests. You have never known a people free
Without the Bible; with it, they cannot long be slaves. Let not the American Churches forget, that more than one quarter of the circumference of the globe lying immediately under their eye, is little else than an extended dungeon, where forty millions of immortal beings are in the gall of bitterness and the bonds of iniquity.