[The publication of the following Reports on the Burman Mission, on Indian Missions, and on the communication of the Virginia State Bible Society, as presented to the Convention at its late session, and appended to the Report of the Board, was neces sarily deferred to our present number.]

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The Committee, appointed to prepare a Report upon the state of the Burman Mission, would respectfully submit the following :

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They esteem it cause for deep and devout gratitude, that God has continued so signally to guard and bless this Mission. Rejoicing, as do our churches, in the humble confidence, that they have endeavored to preserve the apostolic discipline and ordinances in their simple purity, it is matter of delight to see these combined with what seems like the returning display of apostolic energy and adventurousness, and crowned with some measure of apostolical success. These may be followed by the trials that tested the faith of apostles. From the unstable and capricious governments of the East, constant danger may well be apprehended for the converts who shall be gathered from beneath the shadow of idolatrous fanes and despotic thrones into the fold of Christ. And your Committee believe it the duty of our American Churches to remember their Burman brethren, as men who may be called to seal their testimony with their blood, and to swell by their personal sufferings the long line of christian martyrs. The Guardian of the Church will not save it from trials like these. He has often preserved best its purity by causing it to pass through the searching fires of persecution; has bereaved his people that he might strengthen them, and smitten, that he might consolidate his kingdom. The ravages of death in some fields of missionary labor tilled by others of our christian brethren, while they remind us of our comparative exemption from similar desolation, were probably intended not only to excite our fraternal sympathy, but also to awaken us to the personal sensibility of our danger and dependence; and perhaps, yet more, to prepare us for scenes of like trial and of equal or deeper gloominess.

Your Committee are unable to give language to the emotions with which they regard the completion, in the Burman language, of a version of the Scriptures. For the grace which has upheld the life and health of the beloved translator, they would feel and record their profound gratitude. Needing, as a first version must, the continuous revision of the author, it is yet no slight achievement. It is matter of wondering praise to Almighty God, that at length the fountains of heavenly inspiration have been unlocked to the Empire of Burmah. Upon American Baptists must now rest the work of sending a copy of these Scriptures into every household of that acute and inquiring nation; and your Committee trust that our denomination will regard the event as a solemn call from on high to greater and more systematic exertions throughout our churches, in aid not only of this enterprize but of the general labors of the American Bible Society.

Your Committee fear that we have not yet learned to feel sufficiently the oppressive responsibility imposed by Divine Providence upon us, as a denomination, in giving to the Baptists of this nation the exclusive supply of the spiritual wants of Burmah. Other evangelical denominations have relinquished to us the undisputed culture of this territory; and your Committee cannot but think it the duty of our churches to send forth into the Burman Mission at least as many laborers, as would have been commissioned to enter upon it, had other divisions of "the sacramental hosts of God's elect" sent into this field their sectarian laborers, to act as our rivals, or our coadjutors. To effect this ardent duty, not merely are the treasures of the church to be expended with a more free and unsparing hand; but men,, qualified and devoted men, in greater numbers are now demanded, to rush forth in this the season of opportune proviidences, and to stay, if it may be, the downward career of the generation that are even now passing, day by day, from the homes of Burmah into the prisonhouse of hell. Our churches, and especially the pastors and the young men of our churches, are summoned, as churches scarce ever before were, to come to the rescue- - to the rescue of thousands from the ruin that has neither end nor alleviation.

Still it is believed that, although for the present generation large draughts are to be made upon the strength and resources of the church in our own country,

our hopes, under God, for the evangelization of Burmah must rest, mainly and eventually, upon the churches that God is now gathering within the bosom of that empire. Tracts prepared by Burman christians with a native's mastery of his own familiar idiom, and with a nice adaptation to the peculiar feelings, the varied and flickering habits and fashions that distinguish each people from their neighbors, and which only one of themselves can perfectly catch and successfully address; - translations polished with a skill in language which few can attain but in their own vernacular tongue; - and Burman pastors and evangelists trained by Burman teachers, are yet, we trust, to occupy and to bless the fair regions now resigned to the dreamy reign of Gaudama. But American christians must give, and pray, and sacrifice more upon the model of primitive times, ere this can be effected. With these views, your Committee cordially adopt and renew the suggestion contained in the Report of the Board of Managers, in favor of a Missionary Seminary in Burmah; and commend the object to the remembrance of American Baptists in their local societies for Foreign Missions, in the prayers and alms of the sanctuary, and in the devotions of the closet. With regard to the missions commenced or prepared in other and adjoining portions of heathen Asia, and which, as your Committee believe, have been heretofore considered as coming within the scope of the duties assigned to the present Committee, they would urge upon the churches the need of fervent prayer in relation to the plans and laborers and funds that shall be needed in the missions now commenced in Siam, and determined upon for Arracan and China. Your Committee trust that from the astounding and overwhelming magnitude of the latter enterprize especially, our churches may be thrown back into that salutary state of conscious weakness, and earnest prayer, and simple faith, by which they may be prepared to become approved and mighty instruments in the Redeemer's hand, for the subjugation of these nations to the obedience of the faith. In the history of our infant mission at Bankok, your Committee would commend to the especial observation of our churches the fact that the labors of Abeel, Gutzlaff and Morrison, beloved brethren of other communions, have been instrumental in preparing the converts who have been added to the Baptist Church of Christ in Siam. In these circumstances in the well-known fact that our christian brethren of other churches have joyfully resigned to our single occupancy the field of Burmah, though as accessible to them as to ourselves, in this blessed interchange of aid, in the mutual excitement and support given by evangelical Protestants of various sects to each other, your Committee would hail the proof that we are indeed of one heart, and that in all the greater points at least of christian faith, we are of one mind.

And, lastly, your Committee would say, that they cannot deem this a time for relaxation in our efforts, or for indolent self-gratulation in the review of the success already vouchsafed. What are the few and scattered sheaves already gath ered, compared with the fields that wave in wide luxuriance before your Society? What the six hundred and nineteen baptized since the foundation of the Burman Mission, to the myriads that have, in that space of time, and within the same land, gone from a death-bed unblest by the light of heavenly truth into those regions where truth shone in upon the soul with a sudden blaze that tortured and blasted them by its radiance, and, awaking them to their true condition, revealed at once the fact of their utter despair and their endless condemnation. Your Committee feel that the church may in this matter be misguided alike in their calmness and in their zeal; - that they may venture too confidently, and triumph too soon. The haze of romantic interest which clings to the perilous life of the missionary may charm the distant observer, but, melting away before a nearer view, leaves us shocked by the difficulties when seen in their hard and bare reality. Nothing will sustain him in his arduous toils, or uphold the Church in their efforts on his behalf, but a heart overflowing with love to God and man, sober ly conscious of the whole difficulty, schooled to patient and protracted diligence, and sternly resolute in the duty it has undertaken. Nothing can give to the Mission enterprize prosperity but the outpoured Spirit of God; and that effusion we may not expect but in answer to earnest and prolonged and united pra y er,-prayer that shall prove its sincerity by bringing with it the offering and the alms-deed, prayer that, taught by the Spirit, shall win the descent of the Spirit, and open again the heavens from which it came down.

DANIEL SHARP, Chairman,

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The Committee to whom was referred the subject of Indian Missions, beg leave to REPORT.

The more we contemplate the history and condition of the Indian tribes on our continent, the more do we feel that they have strong claims upon our sympathies, our prayers and our exertions. It is true, that the enterprise of conducting Christian missions among them is not invested with that attractive charm which belongs to missions among the nations of Asia, whose territories are immense, and who are increasing in population, wealth and power. The Indians are emphatically a people "scattered and peeled," without wealth, without power, without the elements of progress and increase, and thence, without every thing which would tend to make a mission among them deeply interesting to a worldly mind. But, as Christians and as men, we would not forget that the soul of an Indian is as precious as that of a Burman or a Hindoo; and while the story of his wrongs is fresh in our memory, while we think of the wounds and the woes, the losses and the degradation, which have come upon his people in consequence of their connection with the white men, and that they are still inhabitants of the same country and subjects of the same government with ourselves, we feel bound to them by the strongest ties and the most imperious obligations.

The number of Indians, however, east and west of the Mississippi is by no means inconsiderable. On this side of the Mississippi there are 81,904, among whom our missionaries, to a very encouraging extent, have preached the word of life successfully. A large proportion of these will emigrate to the Indian Territory west of the Mississippi, as public opinion among them is turning in favor of that project. The Indians of the State of New York have already sent forth a deputation to explore that distant territory; and as there is a high probability that they will determine to go thither, it is exceedingly important that all possible efforts be made before they leave their present location, to give them such instruction as will tend to prepare them for the important exigencies in which they must be placed.

The number of Indians west of the Mississippi is 201,750. Of these, 25,000 are emigrants to the Indian Territory, who, together with 21,820 who were there before, make a total of 46,820 within the territory assigned to them by the United States. Thus far, the hopes which were expressed at the last meeting of the Convention, that the concentration of the scattered tribes into one district which they might call their own, would exert a favorable influence upon their habits and afford superior advantages for instruction, have been very much confirmed. Removed from the pernicious influence of the lower orders of the whites, exposed to fewer temptations to vice, and united, in so large numbers, into a kindred community, they feel that they have reached a new era in their history;they are stimulated to put forth fresh exertions;--they express the desire to be united into one political brotherhood, under a civil government; and as the incentives to war have now disappeared from among thein, moral and saving influences can be brought to bear upon them with greater effect, and with the prospect of more permanent results.

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In view of all the information which we have received from different quarters, and especially in view of the facts which the Reports of the Board have, from time to time, conveyed to us, we cannot but feel that the history of the past is full of incitement to more enlarged and strenuous effort on behalf of the Indians. mere fact, that the teaching of a written language among them has been successful, and also, that the press is now at work, diffusing the light of knowledge and religion among them, speaks volumes of encouragement. Connecting with this the probability of an increasingly rapid change of their habits, in favor of agricultural pursuits and the arts of civilized life, we are furnished with abundant reason to thank God, and take courage, and resolve liberally, in behalf of this outcast race. A consideration of their circumstances at the present moment, has prepared us to receive with pleasure, the intelligence, that a periodical, entitled the Indian Advocate, devoted chiefly to Indian affairs, has been established by bro. Isaac McCoy, than whom there is no man better acquainted with Indian interests, or

more ardent in their promotion. As a considerable space of time must elapse before such a paper can be sustained by the Indians themselves, those among us who may now become its subscribers, will do an act of immediate kindness to that part of the Indian community who can read, and of ultimate benefit to the

whole.

While contemplating the prospect of better days, which has now dawned upon the Indian tribes, it is with heartfelt sorrow that we have heard of the death of our brother, Duncan O'Briant, whose life proved him to be a faithful missionary of the cross, and a faithful friend to the Indians. While we deplore his loss, we rejoice that he has gone to his grave in honor and in peace. The death of our sister Lewis, who, while she lived, was a faithful servant of Christ, also calls for a tribute of affectionate regret; and we earnestly hope, that while thus some are falling from the ranks of missionaries of the cross, others may be raised up to fill their vacant places.

Your Committee cannot refrain from expressing the deep impression made upon their minds by the recent arrival of bro. Evan Jones, one of your missionaries to the Valley Towns in N. C. accompanied by Oganaya, a converted Cherokee and a minister of the Gospel. The privilege of beholding one of the sons of the forest, recovered from the superstitions of savage life by the power of God, through the labors and prayers of his people, has awakened a new interest in their hearts, touching the claims of this injured people upon the sympathies of the white men of America; and they would fondly hope that the members of the Convention, and other Christians here, who have enjoyed this favor, will carry to their homes such feelings as will result in more vigorous efforts to promote this important enterprize. JESSE MERCER, Chairman.

The Committee to whom was referred the communication from the Virginia State Bible Society, beg leave to REPORT.

It is now more than two years since the plan was first proposed, and the resolution adopted, of supplying the whole world with the Word of God within a short period of time.

This measure, which originated in Virginia, and in one of the auxiliaries of the Virginia State Bible Society, has been heartily responded to by the American Bible Society, and by other kindred institutions in our own country and other portions of the world. It has received the cordial approbation of many thousands of ministers, of many tens of thousands of laymen, the members of religious bodies, and of deliberative assemblies in this and other countries, all of whom have given the pledge of their vigorous and effective co-operation in the accomplishment of this desired end.

God seems indeed to be opening the way, in his providence, in a very remarkable manner, for the accomplishment of this grand and glorious object. The light of truth and revelation is bursting forth on every side, is removing the darkness of ignorance and superstition in every quarter of the globe, is penetrating the gloom which enshrouds the idolatrous natives of the earth, is spreading its peaceful and heavenly influence in those benighted regions where are the habitations of cruelty, and in the dark valley of the shadow of death is kindling up the lamp of life, the blessed hope of a glorious immortality beyond the grave. Wherever a single ray of light has penetrated, there is evinced an ardent desire for more, an eager demand to know more of the contents of the book of God; and we have reason to believe that many millions of the lost family of man, who have never heard the sound of the glorious Gospel, are prepared for its reception, are ready to cast away their dumb idols, and to fall down and worship the living and true God, and Jesus Christ whom he has sent.

Already the empire of darkness is shaken to its very centre. In South America, the Governments of Chili and Buenos Ayres have recently passed laws permitting the introduction of the Bible, for general use, into their schools and semi

naries of learning. It is true, the Catholic priests have, in some instances, followed up the distribution, and demanded and destroyed the books which have been given-yet many of them have been retained-and others will be supplied. At least, the law is on our side, and we may confidently expect that the cause of truth and righteousness will finally prevail.

A nobleman, Count Rosenbladt, of the north of Europe, has caused to be translated all the proceedings had in this country on the subject of Bible distribution, and is circulating them throughout Norway, Denmark and Sweden.

The British and Foreign Bible Society are already successfully distributing the Bible in Portugal, and they hope soon to obtain equally free access to the hitherto oppressed, deluded population of Asia.

We have heard, with joy and gratitude, of the precious seed sown in Persia, Arabia, Hindoostan and Burmah, by the hands of the honored and lamented Martin and Carey-by our beloved brother Judson, and by others, who are engaged in the noble work of disseminating the word of life among the deluded Moslems and the superstitious and degraded Hindoos. The wall of adamant which has hitherto barred the missionary of the Cross-the entrance to China, is rapidly demolishing, and the intrepid Gutzlaff, with the Word of Life translated by the beloved Morrison, is pouring the light of heaven upon the benighted souls of her perishing millions.

In a word, the emphatic language of the nations of the earth now is,-Give us light-give us the light of heaven.-We are perishing, for lack of vision!

God is affording us, by the indications of his providence, a most delightful assurance of the speedy fulfilment of his promise, that the knowledge of his glory shall cover the whole earth as the waters cover the face of the great deep.

The Committee also beg leave to report the following Resolutions:

Resolved, That this Convention have heard with unmingled satisfaction, of the Resolutions of the Virginia Bible Society and of the American Bible Society, contemplating the distribution of the Word of Life to every accessible family in the world within a short period of time.

Resolved, That this Convention earnestly recommend to their brethren in this country, to sustain this enterprize by their fervent prayers and liberal contributions, and in every appropriate way to lend their cordial and efficient aid in carrying it out to its full accomplishment,

Resolved, That Baptists throughout the world, and especially in the British dominions, be affectionately invited to engage in this great work, and to lend the influence of their exertions to the completion of the noble enterprize of supplying the Word of God, in as short time as possible, to all the reading population of the earth.

All which is respectfully submitted.

J, S. BACON, Chairman.