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"Call for a Missionary Convention," Colored American, July 3, 1841.
CALL FOR A MISSIONARY CONVENTION
The undeniable truth, that we are placed here for some purpose, cannot have failed
again and again to present itself--not in dim shadows, but distinctly, to
every reflecting mind. Nor can the equally obvious fact--that it is designed by our
Creator that we should not be indifferent to the condition and necessities of our
fellow creatures, but rather that we should use every possible means to promote their
present and eternal happiness--be concealed from such.
At a meeting held in the city of Hartford, Conn., on the 5th of May last, when the
destitute condition of the immortal millions of Africans was considered--we, the
undersigned, having been appointed a committee “to issue a circular calling a meeting
of the friends of the missions,” do, therefore, in accordance with the duty assigned
us, and feeling our hearts moved within us to attempt something toward the regeneration
of Africa, invite all our brethren, who feel an interest in the subject of missions,
to meet with us in the city of Hartford, in the State of Connecticut, on WEDNESDAY,
the 18th day of AUGUST next, to take into consideration our responsibilities on this
subject, and to devise measures whereby we may render some efficient assistance to
the great work of converting a world of fallen creatures to their God.
We pray that no consideration of mere temporal interest may deter any from coming
to this Convention. Whatever political privilege we are contending for; whatever
social enjoyment we seek; whatever occupation we may be engaged in--let all
be laid aside for a few days, while we come to the rescue of the perishing souls
of our fellow-men. Let the artist forsake his studio, and the merchant his counting-room;
let the student forego the fascinations of literature, let the mechanic quit his
workshop, and the husbandman his rural domicil and healthful occupation. Let one
and all come, for necessary all our several employments are, and desirable as the
objects we seek must be, what are these when put in counterpoise to the salvation
of the immortal soul of man? Lighter than the buoyant air! Less than nothing, and
vanity! To deny or to doubt that we can effect anything, is to deny and to doubt
whether we are capable of fulfilling the end and aim of our existence, and to question
the sincerity of our devotedness to the religion we profess ; since it is ordained
by the counsel of God, that they who profess themselves the disciples of Jesus Christ,
shall be the instruments by which, and the medium through which, the
whole world shall receive that Gospel which can make them wise unto eternal salvation.
And which of us may know, brethren, how large a portion of the designs of Providence,
our inactivity in the missionary cause may be the means of retarding, if not subverting?
We invite you to meet in Convention on the subject of missions to Africa--not
without thought, not without cause ; but for the following, among many reasons.
And,
1st. Because we are satisfied beyond all question, and we feel assured that you are
also, that the exigencies of that country are great--incalculable.
2d. Because we are desirous that something should be done by us for the land
which our fathers loved as the land of their nativity.
3d. Because we believe the present time to be favorable for the commencement of such
operations.
4th. Because we have no Missionary Society ; and we believe that the organization
of such a Society is needed, and that it could effect much good.
5th. Because our duty requires obedience to the command of Him who died to redeem
us, that we should “go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.”
And finally, we invite you to meet in Convention on this subject, because we are
desirous --God helping us--to discharge our duty in this matter ; and in so
doing, to wash the blood of the nations sitting in darkness, from our skirts.
Could we, brethren, divest ourselves of that worldliness which enters into all our
plans and enterprizes, we might form some just estimate of our individual responsibilities!
With fervent petition that Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, may enlighten your
minds, and warm your hearts, and grant you grace, so to understand your duty that
you may come up to this first Missionary Convention of our people, and there so act,
that at the last great day--that day in which both the heathen, in whose behalf we
are now besought, and we, who are invited to action in their behalf, shall meet before
the Great Judge--you shall not appear before him condemned.
We subscribe ourselves, brethren,
Affectionately, your serv’ts in Christ,
JAMES W. C. PENNINGTON,
AUGUSTUS W. HANSON,
Committee.
N. B. The Convention will be opened with a sermon at half-past 7 o’clock in the
evening of Wednesday, the 18th, as above ; after which the Convention will be organized
by the appointment of proper officers.
Those papers which are favorable to the object are requested to copy.
Hartford, July, 1841
