For the past, we have abundant reason to thank God that our labor in the Lord has not been without fruit; for the future, there is much, very much for us to do, the field is enlarged, and the demand for labor, constant, increasing, untiring labor, presses upon us.

Our Sunday School interests are not such as it is desirable they should be. The present state of the country has had its influence upon them. Many of our churches have allowed their schools to languish, if not to die, alleging as a reason, that their teachers and superintendents are in the war, and that no one is left to conduct the affairs pertaining to them. And yet, while this plea is regarded by many as a very justifiable reason for the suspension of all effort in behalf of the children about them, and the children too of our soldiers who are fighting the battles of the country; it is true that the children are at home, and are dependent upon such efforts as those who are left at home can make for them, for any knowledge of the Bible.

There are many of our churches, however, who are not neglecting the children, who allow no untoward circumstances, however great they may be, to deter them from their duty in this most important particular. Many of the Sunday Schools are in a more flourishing collection than they have ever been either before or since the war. Indeed many of the churches who suspended  their schools at the beginning of the war are resuming them, expressing a determination, if they cannot do as much as they would desire, to do by the blessing of God what they can. The Board has published, during the year, the "Confederate Sunday School Hymn Book," the first edition of which was ordered by the churches immediately. On application of the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, located at Greenville, this book has been transferred by our Board to that.

The statistical tables of the schools might be transferred from the minutes of last year, otherwise, we are without reports from the various schools.

W. D. Rice,
General Supt. Sunday School and Colportage Board.

2. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ACCOUNTS

The Committee on Accounts beg leave to report: That, they have examined the accounts of Prof. C. H. Judson, Treasurer, with this Convention, in reference to Foreign Missions -- Domestic and Indian Missions -- Education Fund -- Convention Fund -- Convention Minutes, and Foreign Bible Distribution, and find them correct and properly vouched.

Respectfully submitted, W. F. B. HAYNESWORTH, for the Committee.

3. REPORT ON BOARD OF AGENTS

The Committee to nominate the Board of Agents, recommend the following: J. O. B. Dargan, P. C. Edwards, J. A. Broadus, B. C. Pressly, and the officers of the Convention.

R. FURMAN, Chairman.

4. REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE NOMINATION OF THE BOARDS OF THE CONVENTION

The Committee make the following report:

• President. -- Rev. J. C. Furman, D. D.
• Secretary. -- Prof. C. H. Judson.
• Treasurer. -- G. F. Townes.
• Managers. -- Rev. P. C. Edwards, Rev. J. P. Boyce, D. D., Rev. W. D. Thomas, Rev. B. Manly, Jr., D. D.

• President. -- Hon. J. B. O'Neall.
• Secretary. -- Rev. J. J. Brantly.
• Treasurer. -- John B. Carwile.
• Managers. -- W. H. Harrington, G. T. Scott, B. F. Griffin, John R. Gary.

• President. -- T. P. Lide.
• Secretary. -- Rev. J. 0. B. Dargan.
• Treasurer. -- Dr. S. H. Pressley.
• Managers. -- W. D. Rice, E. J. Lide, Rev. G. B. Bealer, Rev. J. W. Burn.

5.  REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON NOTICE OF DECEASED MINISTERS

In recording the death of our venerable and esteemed brother, the Rev. William B. Johnston, D. D., who for many years, was President of this Convention, we deem it unnecessary to take further notice, as the Sermon preached on his life and death will be published by order of the Convention.

Rev. W. P. Hill has also died since the last session of the Convention. He was a man of more than ordinary talents, possessed of much candor and honesty of purpose; was sound in the faith; possessed a degree of earnestness, energy and perseverance which fitted him for the successful prosecution of any enterprise upon which he entered. For many years he was identified with the efforts of the Denomination in promoting every good work. Those of us who labored with him so long in the Convention and on the Board, will ever appreciate highly his faithful and well-directed efforts for the advancement of every good object, and the remembrance of our intercourse with him can never cease to be pleasant. As a preacher of the Gospel, as agent for the raising of funds, and, in every capacity in which he was called to serve, he gave uniform satisfaction, and obtained success. He was cut off in the midst of his usefulness and we deeply mourn his loss.

W. Baskin has also fallen. He had to labor, in a secular calling, for the support of his family, and was never widely known in the Denomination as a preacher. He was, however, a man whose talents fitted him for good and efficient labor, and we deeply regret that his gifts were not called out and rendered available to the Denomination. Many recollect him as the gentle, polite and honored Agent of the S. C. Railroad, at Kingsville. His memory is pleasant to those of us who knew him.

Your Committee desires also to take notice of the death of one who, though at the time of his death a resident of another State, had but recently removed from among us, after a faithful and useful ministry of thirty years duration. Brother James M. Chiles died at Warrenton, Virginia, on the 28th October, 1862, whither he had gone to attend on a wounded son. A pure, gentle, earnest preacher of the Gospel, "full of the Holy Ghost, and of faith," he has left to us a blessed memory. His life in this State was spent in the Edgefield Association for the most part, if not entirely, and long will the brethren of that Association particularly cherish the recollection of his holy, beautiful life. Your Committee beg leave to refer the Convention to an excellent discourse occasioned by his death, preached at Horeb Church, by Rev. J. C. Furman, D. D., and published by request of the church.

Respectfully submitted, J. CULPEPER, Chairman.

C. H. JUDSON, Treasurer, in account with the State Convention of the Baptist Denomination of South Carolina.

FOREIGN MISSIONS

DOMESTIC AND INDIAN MISSIONS

[1862.]		[DR.]
July 28.	To balance last report . . . . .	$18 11
Sept. 10.	Charleston Female Missionary and Education Society of the First Baptist Church, Indian Mission . . . . .	70 00
Nov. 17.	Savannah River Association, Indian Mission . . . . .	11 81
" 17.	Savannah River Association, Domestic Mission . . . . .	164 41
July 28.	1/3 Public Collection . . . . .	32 30
	CONTRA.
July 28.	By paid Rev. M. T. Sumner, Corresponding Secretary . . . . .	50 41
Dec. 9.	Rev. M. T. Sumner, Corresponding Secretary . . . . .	246 22

EDUCATION FUND

CONVENTION FUND

CONVENTION MINUTES

FOREIGN BIBLE DISTRIBUTION

C. H. JUDSON, Treasurer

C. H. JUDSON, Treasurer, in Account with the Furman University

INCOME ACCOUNT 

CONTRA.

By sundry amounts paid, viz:
Paid Prof. P. C. Edwards, salary . . . . .	$3,260 61
Prof. J. C. Furman, salary . . . . .	3,165 75
Prof. C. H. Judson, salary . . . . .	4,509 00
Rev. H. A. Duncan, salary, agent . . . . .	251 60
J. F. Dargan, salary . . . . .	142 00
J. F. Lanneau, salary . . . . .	85 00
V. McBee, interest . . . . .	914 88
J. P. Boyce, Treasurer, Theological Seminary . . . . .	4,033 58
Sundry accounts, . . . . .	177 35
Balance in Treasury . . . . .	713 71
	[total,] $17,253 48

C. H. JUDSON, Treasurer.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNT

1862.
	To balance, last report . . . . .	$1,423 38
Oct. 17.	Mrs. Catherine Maner . . . . .	500 00
1863.
Jan. 6.	M. D. Dickey . . . . .	50 00
" 8.	Rev. F. C. Johnson, per Miss E. B. Johnson . . . . .	250 00
" 10.	Rev. J. M Bostick . . . . .	200 00
" 15.	Col. A. W. Dozier . . . . .	100 00
" 19.	C. W. Dudley . . . . .	500 00
" 19.	Mrs. Anne Griffin . . . . .	50 00
" 20.	Silas Johnson, on bond J. B. O'Neall, trustee . . . . .	1,500 00
" 24.	Mrs. Hannah Hart . . . . .	300 00
Feb. 3.	Rev. J. R. Shurley, on bond for land . . . . .	2,000 00
" 14.	Mrs. Eliza Mims . . . . .	300 00
" 20.	Estate of A. Waller, deceased . . . . .	500 00
March 14.	J. M. Miller . . . . .	600 00
April 17.	J. C. James . . . . .	200 00
" 17.	Rev. F. C. Johnson, per Miss E. B. Johnson . . . . .	25 00
" 17.	Col. B. H. Brown . . . . .	1,200 00
May 12.	Col T. E. Ware . . . . .	600 00
" 16.	Rev. F. C. Johnson, per E. B. Johnson . . . . .	100 00
" 20.	T. H. DeGraffenreid . . . . .	500 00
" 21.	R. Bradford . . . . .	500 00
June 4.	Robert Dunbar . . . . .	150 00
" 19.	Col. A. J. Lawton . . . . .	250 00
" 25.	Estate of Conrad Kemmerton, deceased . . . . .	600 00
July 2.	R. B. Cain . . . . .	500 00
" 2.	Estate of Dr. W. B. Johnson, deceased . . . . .	250 00
		[total,] $13 373 38

CONTRA.

1863.
Feb. 9.	By paid Dr. J. P. Boyce, Treasurer S. B. Theo. Seminary . . . . .	$3,600 00
March 16.	" paid V. McBee, on bond for land . . . . .	1,000 00
April 18.	" invested in Confederate 8 per cent. Bonds . . . . .	1,500 00
May 23. "	paid V. McBee, on bond for land . . . . .	1,000 00
July 15.	" 13 interest bearing notes . . . . .	1,300 00
" 15.	" balance due from income . . . . .	4,973 38
		[total,] $13,373 38

C. H. JUDSON, Treasurer.
CONTRA

1861.
Aug. 1.	By paid L. Golden, beneficiary . . . . .	$75 00
Nov. 24.	Paid L. Golden, beneficiary . . . . .	144 15
1862.
July 3.	Paid Confederate tax on script, $600 . . . . .	3 00
" 3.	Amount invested in Graniteville stock . . . . .	1,000 00
Oct. 12.	Paid cash borrowed . . . . .	158 00
" 12.	Paid interest on borrowed . . . . .	3 95
1863.
Jan. 20.	Amount invested in Confederate Bonds . . . . .	1,500 00
April 18.	Amount invested in Confederate Bonds . . . . .	400 00
" 18.	Amount invested in interest bearing notes . . . . .	700 00
" 18.	Interest on do. from January 1, 1863 . . . . .	14 98
July 15.	Stock dividend (invested) . . . . .	1,500 00
" 15.	Cash balance . . . . .	3 92
		[total,] $5,503 00

Present stock in Graniteville Company . . . . . $4,500 00

C. H. JUDSON, Treasurer.

MINUTES

GREENVILLE, S. C., Friday, July 29, 1864.

• The Introductory Sermon was preached at 11 A. M., by Rev. J. A. Chambliss, from Matt. xxvi: 41, after which the Convention was called to order by the President, Rev. J. C. Furman, D. D., and the names of delegates enrolled, as follows:

• Charleston Association. -- R. Furman, T. P. Smith, Julius C. Smith, J. A. Chambliss, R F. Whilden, R. J. Adams, T. A. Wilbur.
• Edgefield Association.-- R. Watson, W. M. Moore.
• Welsh Neck Association. -- J. O. B. Dargan, J. C. Phelps.
• Savannah River Association. -- B. F. D. Perry, H. M. Myers.
• Tyger River Association. -- S. R. Westmoreland, J. C. Furman, J. P. Boyce, W. Williams, B. Manly, Jr., J. A. Broadus, C. J. Elford, P. C. Edwards, G. F. Townes, C. H. Judson, W. D. Thomas, T. Q. Donaldson, H. R. Williams, R. P. Goodlet, W. T. Shumate, C. H. Lanneau, J. M. Runion, T. J. Earle.
• Reedy River Association. -- E. F. Griffin, G. Pinson, S. Barksdale, N. Whitmire, T. D. Gwin, W. McNeely, W. Philips.
• Edisto Association. -- No delegates.
• Bethel Association. -- No delegates.
• Saluda Association. -- J. S. Murray, Thos. Hall, A. Rice, J. M. Magee.
• Moriah Association. -- No delegates.
• Twelve Mile Association. -- No delegates.
• Barnwell Association. -- L. H. Shuck.
• Broad River Association. -- J. T. Ezell.
• Greenville Association. -- W. L. Ballard, W. C. Towbridge.
• Newberry Church. -- No delegates.
• Charleston Female Missionary Society. -- No delegates.
• Newberry Bible Society. -- No delegates.
• Santee Bible Society. -- No delegates.

The Convention then proceeded to ballot for officer, when the following were elected:

• Rev. J. C. FURMAN, D. D., President.
• Rev. J. O. B. DARGAN, Vice President.
• Rev. J. M. C. BREAKER, Secretary.
• Prof. C. H. JUDSON, Treasurer.

An invitation was extended by the Chair to ministering brethren, not delegates to take seats and participate in the deliberations, which was accepted by Rev. J. B. Taylor, Corresponding Secretary of the Foreign Board of the Southern Baptist Convention; Rev. J. E. Chambliss, Agent of the S. C. Colportage Board; Rev. G. F. Bagby, Agent of the Virginia Colportage Board; Rev. B. Manly, Jr., D.D., President of Southern Baptist Convention; Rev. T. J. Knapp, Post Chaplain, Wilmington, N.C.

On motion of Brother Dargan, it was:

Resolved, That the Brethren present known to be members of churches, constituents of the Convention, be recognized as delegates to this body.

On motion, it was agreed that the session of the Convention be held from 9 1/2 A.M., to 1 P.M., and from 4 to 6 P.M.

On motion of Brother Broadus, a committee was appointed to confer with the several Boards of the Convention as to the propriety of changing for this session, the stated order of business. Committee: Brethren Broadus, Boyce and Dargan.

The Convention then went into recess.

FRIDAY, AFTERNOON SESSION

The Convention met and was called to order by the President.

The President announced the several Standing Committee, as follows:

• On Preaching. -- The Pastor and Deacons of the Greenville Church.
• On Time and Place of next Meeting, and persons to perform stated Religious Services. -- J. S. Murray, R. Watson, W. L. Ballard.
• On Accounts. -- C. J. Elford, H. W. Myers, T. P. Smith.
• On Nomination of the Boards, of the Convention. -- B. Manly, Jr., R. P. Goodlet, B. Griffin.
• On Notice of Deceased Ministers. -- J. Broadus, J. A. Chambliss, L. H. Shuck.
• On list of Ministers and their Post Offices.-- B. F. D. Perry, W. R. Huntt, T. D. Gwin.

The Committee on order of business presented their report, recommending:

"That the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention be heard at 10 A. M., Saturday; the Colportage Board of this Convention, at 11 A.M.; the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, on Saturday night; and a collection taken for the Colportage Board of this Convention, on Sunday morning, after the sermon of Brother Dargan."

Report concurred in.

On motion of Brother Manly, a Committee was appointed by the Chair to prepare an obituary notice of the late President of this Convention, the late Chief Justice J. B. O'Neall. The Chair appointed Brethren Boyce and Elford said Committee.

On motion of Brother Manly, it was:

Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed to inquire whether any action should be taken by this Convention to aid in providing for the helpless, orphans of our State. The President appointed Brethren Manly, Earle, R. Furman, Dargan and Cartledge the Committee.

Resolved, That the Committee, on aiding orphans, be instructed to report a plan for accomplishing that object in connection with Furman University. 

After remarks by Brethren Dargan, Broadus, Cartledge, Taylor, Boyce, Elford and Manly. On motion of its author, the resolution was laid on the table so as to leave the Committee without restrictions.

On motion, it was:

Resolved, That the Treasurer of the Convention be authorized to pay over to the Colportage Board, the sum of $210.50, received by him from the Charleston Female Missionary and Education Society, for the spiritual wants of our soldiers.

Adjourned. Prayer by Brother J. E. Chambliss.

SATURDAY, MORNING SESSION, July 30

Convention met and was called to order by the President. Prayer by Brother Bagby.

The President appointed Brethren W. Williams, Judson and Phelps, the Committee to nominate delegates to the next Southern Baptist Convention.

Rev. T. W, Rambaut, Agent of Domestic Missionary Board of the Southern Baptist Convention was welcomed to seat in the Convention. Also Rev. Dr. Buist, of the Presbyterian Church.

The time for hearing the Sunday Board having arrived, Brother Dargan submitted the following resolutions:

Resolved, 1. That the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, located at Greenville, S.C., is entitled to the cordial support of the churches. Their work, always important, is now peculiarly so, from the dearth of day schools and the sad multiplication of orphans; and the Board are doing much to advance this great work. We therefore urge the brethren throughout the State to contribute liberally to the object of the Board and to give them active help in the distribution of the excellent Sunday School Books they have already published.

Resolved, 2. That Rev. J. Alexander Chambliss, the General Sunday School Missionary for this State, is recommended to the confidence and regard of the churches.

After remarks by Brethren Broadus, Chambliss and Dargan, the resolutions were unanimously adopted.

Brother Dargan, Corresponding Secretary of the Sunday School and Colportage Board, presented, with accompanying remarks, and as the report of the Board, the report of Rev. W. D. Rice, its General Superintendent. (See Report No. 1)

Pending, the consideration of the report, Brother R Furman submitted the following resolutions:

Resolved, That we have listened with interest to the report of the Sunday School and Colportage Board, and that we hereby express our gratification at the work performed and the degree of success which has accompanied their labors.

Resolved, That the report of the Board be published with the Minutes of the Convention.

After remarks by Brethren R. Furman, Thomas Taylor, Broadus, J. A. Chambliss, Manly, Dargan, A. Rice, J. C. Furman, and W. Williams, the resolutions were unanimously adopted, together with the following amendment offered by Brother Manly:

Resolved, That the suggestion of the Board in regard to the family of Brother Huckins accords with the feelings of the Convention, and that the Board be instructed to make suitable provision for the necessities of the case.
On motion, Brother Rambaut was invited to address the Convention at 5 o'clock this P. M., on the subject of his agency.

The Treasurer of the Convention submitted his report, which was referred to the Committee on Accounts.

On motion of Brother Murray, it was

Resolved, That the Committee appointed at the last session of this body to provide funds to erect a monument in memory of the late Rev. W. B. Johnson, be requested to procure subscriptions for said purpose, the money to be paid when called for, and report to the next session of this body.
 Resolved, That the Secretary be requested to publish the above resolution, with the names of the Committee, in the Confederate Baptist.
 

On motion, it was:

Resolved, That the Convention attend the Commencement Exercises of the Female College at 10 o'clock on Monday morning.

The Convention then went into recess.

SATURDAY, AFTERNOON SESSION

Convention met, and was called to order by the President.

On motion, the Committee on Notices of Deceased Ministers, was allowed till Monday to make out their report, and if not prepared to report then, that they be allowed to complete their report and send it to the Secretary for publication in the Minutes. (See Report No. 2)

On motion of Brother Manly, it was:

Resolved, That the consideration of the plans of the General Association of Virginia be indefinitely postponed.

Resolved, That a Committee of five be appointed to take into consideration the revision of the Constitution of the Convention, and report at our next meeting.

The President appointed Brethren E. T. Winkler, W. D. Rice, B. Manly, Jr., J. O. B. Dargan, and J. M. C. Breaker, the Committee.

The Committee on Aid to Orphans, reported through their Chairman, Brother Manly. Pending the consideration of the report, the time to hear Brother Rambaut arrived. Brother Rambaut proceeded to address the Convention in behalf of the claims of the Domestic Missionary Board of the Southern Baptist Convention.

On motion of Brother Broadus a collection was immediately taken up in aid of the Board, amounting to about $800.

The consideration of the report on aid to orphans was then resumed. After remarks of brethren, the report was adopted. (See Report No. 3.)

Brother Elford, for Committee on Accounts, presented their report, which was adopted. (See Report No. 4.)

The Convention then adjourned. Prayer by Brother Williams.

SUNDAY, July 31, 1864

The Charity Sermon was preached at 11 A. M., by Rev. J. 0. B. Dargan, from Psalm lxvii; 1, 2, after which a collection was taken up for our Colportage Board, amounting to $551, which was afterwards increased to Sl,463. At the same hour Rev. T. W. Rambaut preached in the Church -- in the afternoon Rev. J. S. Murray preached in the Gilliard Chapel, and Rev. Furman in the Baptist Church at night.

MONDAY, 4 O'CLOCK P. M.

The Convention met and was called to order by the President. Prayer by Brother Knapp.

The Committee to nominate delegates to the next Southern Baptist Convention, reported through their Chairman, Brother W. Williams. Report adopted. (See Report No. 5.)

The Committee appointed to prepare an obituary notice of the late Chief Justice O'Neall, asked leave to complete their report and send it to the Secretary to be published with the Minutes. Request was granted. (See Report No. 6.)

On motion of Brother Boyce, the following resolution was adopted:

Resolved, That a Standing Committee on "Obituary Notices," be appointed, to be made up of one member from each Association, with the addition of a Chairman, to gather, during the year, facts concerning deceased ministers and others, and to prepare suitable notices of them, to be reported at the ensuing meeting of this Convention.

The President appointed the following as the Committee: J. A. Broadus, T. P. Lide, R. Furman, L. R. Gwaltney, B. F. D. Perry, J. G. Landrum, W. Curtis, J. J. Brantly, L. Cuthbert, G. W. Pickett, A. Rice, P. Nicholson, J. Arial, L. H. Shuck, J. Harrison, J. L. Reynolds.

Brother Manly presented the report of the Committee to nominate the Boards of the Convention. Adopted. (See Report No. 7.)

On motion of Brother Broadus, it was:

Resolved, That whatever deficiency there may be in the amounts contributed by the Associations to pay for the Minutes of the Convention, the Secretary be, and he is hereby, authorized to draw for said deficiency upon the several Boards of the Convention in proportion to the space which the affairs of these Boards occupy in the minutes, respectively to each other.

Brother Murray presented the report of the Committee on time and place of next meeting, which, after being amended, was adopted as follows:

"That the time of next meeting be Friday before the last Sunday in July, 1865, and that the Introductory Sermon be preached by Rev. J. A. Broadus; Rev. B. Manly, Jr., his Alternate."

On motion of Brother Broadus, it was referred to the Committee to determine the place of our next meeting, the same to be made known to the Secretary in time for publication with the Minutes.

[The Committee, through its Chairman, Brother Murray, subsequently gave notice to the Secretary, that they had, by invitation, appointed as the place of the next meeting of the Convention, the "Cross Roads Baptist Church, three miles Northeast of Chappell's Depot, on the Greenville and Columbia Railroad."]

On motion of Brother Dargan, it was:

Resolved, That the money received by Brother Murray towards the publication of the sermon on the death of Dr. Johnston, not being sufficient for its publication, be placed in the hands of the Secretary of the Convention, together with the manuscript, until arrangements shall be made for its publication.

Brother Manly offered the following, which was adopted:

Resolved, That the circulation of the Confederate Baptist among the soldiers and families of this State, is an important means of usefulness, and that Pastors are affectionately urged to take an interest in increasing the number of its subscribers.

On motion, it was agreed, that the question of the number of copies of the Minutes to be published, be referred to the Secretary of the Convention and the General Superintendent of the Sunday School and Colportage Board.

The Committee on List of Ministers and their Post Offices, submitted their report, which was adopted.

On motion of Brother Murray, it was:

Resolved, That the cordial thanks of the Convention be tendered to the brethren and friends of this place for their hospitable entertainment of the Convention.

The Convention then adjourned (to meet at the Cross Roads Church, three miles from Chappell's Depot, on the Greenville Railroad, Friday before the last Sunday in July, 1865.)

Prayer by Brother Dargan.

J. C. FURMAN, President
J. M. C. BREAKER, Secretary

REPORTS

1. REPORT OF COLPORTAGE BOARD, BY REV. W. D. RICE, GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF ARMY COLPORTAGE.

The work entrusted to our hands by the Baptist State Convention of South Carolina, now in session, of sending the Gospel to our army, has been prosecuted during the past year with encouraging results and varied experiences.

We have found that the more our brethren have gone among these men, the more they are anxious to preach to them the saving truths of the Gospel. They find among them the same classes we have at home -- the young and the old, the learned and the unlearned, the good and the bad. Here are the same hard-hearted, careless, godless sinners, who care neither for God nor regard man, who profane His holy name, who violate His Sabbaths, who despise His laws, and who count even the blood of Christ an unholy thing, and trample His grace and offers of mercy under their feet. And the number of these is not small. Let those who think that our armies are all, or nearly all, converted to God, go among them in their regiments, or along our public highway, and they will soon be convinced that, notwithstanding so much has been done, there remains yet much, very much more, to be done.

But here too, though in smaller numbers, are those who fear God and keep His commandments, who neglect not the assembling of themselves together, who take sweet counsel together, who bear precious fruit unto the Lord, who, as the salt of the earth and as the light of the eye, guide and restrain, and by the grace God, save their ungodly comrades. And here are trembling penitent sinners, who are constantly saying: "Men and brethren what shall we do to be saved?" Here, too, is the hopeful, rejoicing new-born soul, ready to take upon him the vows of God, and to profess Him openly before the assembled multitudes. The returning prodigal comes in from many a battle-field and hospital, and he who has followed his Lord a great way off, is brought back to Him again by some one of the many trying scenes through which he has had to go.

Whatever the field in which the Christian minister loves to labor, here he may find it; whatever the kind of talent he has given him, here he may find its appropriate work; here he may find the sinner and the ungodly, the multitude and the few, the penitent and the believer, the wayward and returning.

God has, in His Providence, opened this broad, this almost boundless field to us, embracing in it every conceivable kind of labor, and adapting itself to every kind of gift, thereby placing the responsibility of its cultivation, not upon one talent, or a kind of talent but placing the responsibility upon every Christian, and particularly upon every minister of the Gospel throughout our broad land. Brethren of the ministry have we done what we could? If any desire to make amends for the past, we say to all such, the harvest is great and the laborers are few.

Twenty-nine brethren have been laboring for the past year, for a longer or shorter time, under the appointment of the Board, as evangelists and colporters. The results of their labors are exceedingly gratifying, in that they furnish the evidence that hundreds have turned to the living God, from their wicked ways, while there are now great numbers of them who, through the instrumentality of these labors, are inquiring the way of salvation. In addition to the numbers baptized, and known to be concerned, the regular preaching of Gospel by these faithful ministers, and their in private, and by the sick bed, with their godly example, all these are bread cast upon the waters, they are God's truth which may not return to Him without accomplishing His designs. So far as has been in our power, at least, we have left these men without excuse.

Besides the preaching of the Gospel, which is our main great object, or rather as connected with it, these ministers have been supplied with, so far as these have been at our disposal, for relieving the pressing physical wants of the sick and wounded, or destitute. In this way we have put shoes upon the bare and shivering feet, clothes upon the naked, and given food to the hungry. Many are the blessing, we have heard pronounced, with quivering lip and tearful eyes, upon the kind donors of these offerings, as we have bestowed them upon the suffering. Individual cases have been witnessed, which would repay us for all the labor and effort made since the beginning of this war in this behalf. We have found, also, that the supplying the natural wants opens the heart, and gives the minister access he could not have otherwise, and we have to acknowledge our indebtedness to Brother Huckins, for teaching us how to "combine labors and cares for the physical with the spiritual wants of our beloved soldiers."

Another department of our effort which we have never relinquished, is the gratuitous distribution of the Bible and the New Testament. We have found great destitution of the Word of God during the past year, and in equal inquiry and demand for it. Nine thousand volumes of this precious treasure has been bought and circulated among the troops, mainly, though not entirely, from South Carolina. For while our efforts are mostly among the troops from our own State, we do a great deal of incidental labor in the hospitals, or where we find regiments from other States quartered with or near by those from South Carolina. Indeed some of our brethren have labored altogether among troops from other States than our own.

We have printed and circulated since the beginning of the war, one hundred different tracts, many of them original. For this year, our labors in this respect, three millions, nine hundred thousand pages.

Our only object in printing and sending out these little messengers of truth, has been to save men from their sins, to point them to the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and we have abundant reason to thank God that this has been the result in many cases. Christians have been comforted and urged to duty, and sinners have been awakened and convicted through these little messengers.

The contributions for army colportage and the physical wants of the soldiers, made to this Board since the meeting of the last Convention in Darlington, amount to $86,629.04, the expenditures amount to $80,967 31, leaving in the hands of the Treasurer $11,380. The collections this year have been made with the announcement that one-half should go to the physical wants of the soldier, and this pledge has been strictly adhered to.

A number of our most excellent chaplains, under the appointment of the Government, have had their salaries supplemented by the Board, otherwise they should have been unable to have remained at their posts. Should any brethren be deterred from accepting chaplaincies, because or the inadequacy of the amount paid by the Government, the Colportage Board will be glad to add to that amount so much as will be sufficient to the support of any brother.

We have felt sadly the loss, during the past year, of the counsels and labors of that man of God, Rev. James Huckins, of Charleston, who has been actively associated with us in all our labors among our soldiers. He wore out his life in the service of the Board and of his country, and is, as has been truthfully said, as much a martyr to our cause as though he had fallen by the hands of the enemy. After being permitted to lead multitudes of trembling souls, who were standing on the verge of the grave, to the Saviour of sinners; after wiping away the tear of the weary and toil-worn soldier; after having served his generation, by the will of God, he has fallen asleep in Jesus, and rests from his labors. We cherish his memory as a beloved brother in the Lord. We would imitate his untiring devotion and zeal, in the Master's cause. We covet his prayerful consecration of soul, his inward and heartfelt love to the Saviour of sinners.

It is most respectfully suggested whether the life and labors of such a man has not placed the Denomination in charge, to a very large extent, of the temporal wants, during these times of trouble, of the family he has left without a protector.

2.  ON NOTICE OF DECEASED MINISTERS. REV. JAMES HUCKINS.

[Mainly from an article in the Confederate Baptist, for September 2, 1863.]

This eminent and lamented brother was born in New Hampshire, in the month of April, 1807. Being left an orphan at four or five years of age, he was adopted by a worthy couple who had no children, and who intended to leave their property to him. At fourteen years of age he was converted, and joined a Baptist Church. His religious impressions were very deep; and he consecrated to the Divine Service the full devotion of a tender, impassioned spirit. On his knees, before God, he promised that if the Lord would open a way for him to receive an education for the ministry, his life would be given to the holy work. This was the ruling desire of his heart; and unshaken by the opposition of his adopted parents, the fervid youth retired daily to a bower in the solitude of the forest, and there prayed that God would accept his offering. Eventually the fixed purpose of his heart led him to leave his home, resigning all worldly expectations, and casting himself for help upon the Providence of god. His confidence was not disappointed. General Forbes, of Vermont, extended to him, through life, the interest and affection of a father, and at death confided his sons to his care.

Mr. Huckins was educated at Brown University, Providence, R. I. When he graduated, in September, 1832, his health was much impaired by too close application to his studies, nor was it ever fully re-established. This circumstance led him, after an acceptable ministry of several years, to seek a home in the South. For two or three years he served efficiently as Agent of the Home Mission Society, and, under their patronage, explored Texas as a missionary field. When his report brought to the knowledge of the Board the great need of the Gospel in that new country, the question arose: Who would go there? He cheerfully offered himself; for his Saviour's sake he was willing to undergo the privations and to face the dangers of a life in that wild republic. With his family, he sailed from New York for Galveston, reaching the latter port in the month of January, 1841. In the previous year he had organized a Baptist Church in Galveston, and another in Houston, and he now preached at both places alternately. He was the pioneer Baptist minister in Texas, and his influence grew with that of the young republic to which he had linked his fortunes. When he left Texas, there were in that State not less than eighteen associations of that Denomination, whose views he first preached in the Commonwealth of the Lone Star.

In 1845, the acting board of the society in Boston falsified their pledges to the country by sectional legislation. They resolved that no slaveholder should serve in their employ. Mr. Huckins immediately withdrew from their patronage, and sustained his family independently until the separation between the churches of the North and South, when the Southern Board secured his services. In the interim, he taught successfully a large academy in Galveston for two years, after which he engaged with great energy in endowing Baylor University, which was felt to be a pressing educational want in the State. He traveled by day over the thinly settled country, and at night often slept under a tree, with his saddle for a pillow. Although he endured many trials and hardships, he heartily enjoyed his work.

In 1853, he accepted a re-appointment from the Southern Board of Domestic Missions, and became again the pastor of the Galveston church, over which he presided until he accepted the call of the Wentworth Street Baptist Church, in Charleston. Long will the people of Galveston remember his untiring labors during the epidemics of 1853 and '54, as President of the Howard Association of that city. They were almost unparalleled. No hour of the day or night did he call his own. Often, when completely exhausted, he would throw himself on the bed for a few moments' rest, he would be called to some sick or dying person. At such times not a word of regret ever escaped him. Never was he known to express the slightest impatience at being disturbed, or even to wish that he could have rested a few minutes longer. At one period he had hardly time to change his clothing for eleven days and night, so much occupied was he in nursing the sick and burying the dead.

On the last day of the year, 1859, a letter was published in the Galveston papers, signed by all the Protestant clergymen, and a number of the oldest and best citizens of that place, who had "learned with much regret that he was about removing from their midst, and taking up his residence in a distant city." They bore affectionate testimony to his contributions to the various religious and benevolent operations in the city for years past, and to the part he took in visiting and nursing the sick, relieving the distressed, and consoling the bereaved, during the seasons of pestilence; and they dwelt upon the fact that he had often persevered in his labors of love when a prudent regard to his own life would have dictated repose and quiet. The Howard Association also returned their thanks for his efficient services as member and President, and expressed their admiration of the pure philanthropy and active beneficence which were conspicuous in his life and character.

Followed by these regrets and kind wishes, Mr. Huckins came to Charleston. And there, upon a larger theatre, he displayed the same purity and gentleness as a Christian philanthropist, and left the scene of his labors with similar expressions of grief and praise. In every relation of life, as a husband and father, as a counsellor and friend, as a pastor and chaplain, he was a remarkable example of active, prudent, self-sacrificing goodness. Health, convenience, even life, were forgotten when either a dear friend or a good cause was to be served. Not to refer to instances which those who love him most will preserve amid their tenderest recollections, it is a touching circumstance that when his strength was broken and his eyesight failed, he still continued to labor in the Church and hospitals without relaxation, and notwithstanding the most animated protestations of his friends; and that when at last he had fixed upon a time for leaving Charleston, he exclaimed, that he "would give millions to stay and labor where he was." Alas! The period he had marked was too late! On the very day fixed for his departure, he expired from overwork, a true martyr to his adopted country's cause. After spending a night sleepless with fever, he arose the next morning and addressed himself, with his wanted alacrity, to the duties of the day, made provision for supplying the hospitals and the troops during his absence and for securing further supplies from the country, and then sought refreshment in slumber. It was sleep that knew no waking, save that of the resurrection morn. The kind and generous friend who first beheld his altered countenance, the physicians, the anxious, tearful members of his pastorial charge, all sought vainly to disturb that deep and calm repose. In solitude and silence the waste frame had fallen asleep in Jesus, and the weary spirit had been translated to the Sabbatic rest of God.

Amid the various themes that press upon the mind in connection with this bereavement, there is one that deserves a particular mention. Mr. Huckins prepared several tracts for distribution in the camps. The first of these was entitled "Goodness Conquers." The design was to show that kindness is the great influence in religion -- the method by which God redeems man, and by which God's servants must bring the guilty to submit to the method of redemption. The tract unfolds the secrets of its author's life. He persistently sought, by the unaffected expression of his sympathy for the suffering, and by liberal and thoughtful supplies for the needy, to open their hearts to the Gospel, which it was his chief object to proclaim. He visited the soldiers in their camps; he slept with them upon "the damp and musty straw;" he sent them supplies of food, coffee and the like; he visited the sick, conversing and praying from cot to cot, and all the while he used the immense personal influence he was thus securing for the good of souls. Often have those who were present been deeply moved by his prayers. They had no formal generalities; they were for the very man by whose bedside he was kneeling; they embraced the very circumstances of his condition; they touched with tenderest sympathy upon his wants and those of his family, and brought them before the throne of heavenly grace. Many cases of convertion have resulted from these labors; how many, can be known on that day only when the secrets of all hearts shall be revealed. The departed pastor and chaplain followed faithfully the example of Him who commanded His word of truth by works of humanity and mercy.

Yet the interest he manifested in our exposed and sick soldiers, was far from being a mere official display. He was profoundly convinced of the righteousness of our cause, and, therefore, engaged with all of his energies in the service of its defenders. His wife was the grand daughter of General Barton, of revolutionary memory, and he himself was deeply impressed with the spirit of that great epoch.

Such a man as Brother Huckins are rare. There are many who can talk for Christ; but how few, alas! who act for Christ; who forget themselves when the honor of that Sovereign Name, and the spiritual welfare of their fellows, are concerned; who innocently and honorably use the appliances of earthly wisdom for the advancement of that kingdom which is not of this world. May this departed servant of God live in his wise and saintly example.

REV. J. LEWIS SHUCK

A name for many years familiar to every American Baptist who took interest in Foreign Missions, and which will remain inseparably associated with the beginnings of the Gospel in the great empire of China.

Brother Shuck was born at Alexandria, Virginia, September 4, 1812. He was there a member of a Sunday School Bible Class, taught for many years by a devoted private Christian, more than a dozen of whose pupils became ministers of the Gospel. At one time young Shuck engaged in the study of law; but at his conversion he abandoned this for the ministry. He studied at the Virginia Baptist Seminary, now Richmond College, and in 1835 went forth as a Missionary to China, where he labored for eighteen years. During all the early years of this period, he and his associates had to contend against very many and very great difficulties and discouragements. But they toiled and prayed in faith and hope; and after long and weary years they began to see cheering fruits of their labors. Before his work in China ended, Brother Shuck had become one of the most widely known and beloved American Missionaries in that country; and it is understood that his acquaintance with the Chinese language and literature was unusually good.

When the separation between the Northern and Southern Baptists took place, and the Southern Baptist Convention was formed, in 1846, Brother Shuck placed himself in connection with that body. In 1853, being on a visit to America, it was arranged that he should be transferred to California, to labor especially among the Chinese, who were settling in that State. Here he continued seven years, working hard as pastor and editor, as well as Missionary. Among the Chinese in Sacramento, he had the great pleasure of meeting some who had been baptized by him in China.

At the breaking out of the present war, he left California, and came home to South Carolina, where he had married his third wife. Settling at Barnwell C. H., he engaged actively in preaching, and at the time of his death was pastor of the Steel Creek and Blackville Churches, who were warmly attached to him, and greatly lamented his loss. His death took place in August, 1863. The previous Spring he lost a young child to whom he was devotedly attached, and the grief which put an end to his life at a time when, from his general appearance of health and vigor, his friends hoped that there were in reserve for him yet many years of active usefulness.

He died a triumphant and happy death, frequently speaking of Jesus as a precious Saviour. On the last night he engaged in singing, "O Lamb of God, I come," and "Sweet Canaan, land of the blest." Trusting in the Lamb of God, he is gone to the land of the blest -- gone to meet not merely his own dear ones who had preceded, not only his comrades in missionary toil who had gone before him, but many who were converted through his labors, among his own countrymen and among the heathen, and who shall be his joy and crown of rejoicing in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming.

The memoir of Mrs. Henrietta Shuck, his first wife, written by J. B. Jeter, ought to be read by all who have access to it, and will be found to give interesting information with reference to the early labors and trials and successes of our departed brother.

The death of three following ministers is noticed in the Minutes of the Reedy River Association, for 1862 and 1863:

REV. E. LINDSEY

A much beloved brother, possessing deep piety and marked humility. He preached a quarter of a century in unbroken succession to the same church, where he was a warmly loved by old and young. He also supplied other churches during a series of years, and with equal acceptability.

REV. R. B. HALK

A member of New Harmony Church, licensed in 1859. He was sent to school two years under the guardianship of the Association, who were anxious, upon the favorable report of his teacher, that he should continue. But saying, "that he could not be satisfied without doing something in this country's cause," he volunteered in the 14th Regiment, and fell at the second battle of Manassas, August 29, 1862, at the age of twenty-four years.

REV. W. M. J. BOYD

This highly esteemed brother volunteered in the 3d Regiment, in July, 1862, and was stricken down at the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862. He was early singled out as a boy of promise, and as he grew in years fully equalled the expectations he had thus excited. In 1847 he became the subject of renewing grace, and was received into the New Prospect Church, and in 1859 was licensed to preach, and was at once felt to be an able minister of the Gospel. After he entered the service of his country, his regiment being destitute of a chaplain, he labored earnestly and faithfully in promoting the spiritual welfare of his comrades in arms.

3. REPORT ON AID TO ORPHANS.

The Committee appointed to inquire whether this Convention should take any steps to aid in providing for the helpless orphans of this State, beg leave to submit the following report:

It is difficult to over-estimate the importance and interest of the object referred to us. It appeals to every noble sentiment of every generous heart. If helplessness and need claim our sympathy -- if innocence involved in deepest suffering demands our aid -- if even self-interest requires us to avert from our land the scourge of a multitude growing up to ignorance and vice -- all these considerations combine with the benevolence taught by our Lord and Master, to forbid that we should have the orphans of our State, and especially those of our deceased soldiers, to grow up without that Christian care and sympathy, which seeks to supply, as far as possible, the place of those whom God's afflictive hand has removed. And if, at times, the magnitude of the work may seem to appall us, this only demonstrates most forcibly the need of prompt, liberal and earnest efforts of every one in every way.

Your Committee does not deem it necessary to discuss the need of doing something, or the importance of doing it at once, or the obligation which rests upon us to do all we can. The only question is the practical one. In what way most effectively can the subject be reached by this Convention? The object is one which pleads for itself. It only needs to be presented to our people to quicken the benevolence of those who have not thought deeply upon it; and appropriate channels must be provided for making available, to the largest extent, the ready liberality of those whose hearts are alive to the subject. The enterprise is one to which every good man must wish success. And if it failed, we should have the satisfaction of having done what we could. It will be more gratifying to have attempted something, even unsuccessful, for an object like this, than to have coldly neglected or timidly shrunk from it.

Something, however, can certainly be accomplished, if not at all that is needed, or all that could be wished. Your Committee venture to propose a plan which can be at once set in operation on a limited scale, and which admits of expansion according to the leadings of God's providence, the necessities of the case, and the means that may be supplied.

We are not prepared, at this crisis, for accumulating funds to organize hereafter an extensive Orphan Asylum. Nor does a large investment in bricks and mortar, in endowment and supplies seem either feasible or desirable at present.

We suggest that efforts be made to raise funds to be at once appropriated in aid of helpless orphans; that the facilities of existing institutions of learning and of private schools be used, so far as they can be made available; that arrangements be made to call forth the benevolence of the more wealthy and less needy sections of our State, to relieve the burden of those districts where orphancy and destitution dwell most together; that public attention can be so directed to the subject as to stimulate the private exercise of charity, and arouse to action the sympathies of those who have hearts to aid, but who, for any reason, do not choose to cooperate with us; and all this will contribute besides to form a public sentiment for the promotion of general education. Whatever is thus accomplished by us, will be that much more than would otherwise have been done, will promote instead of hindering kindred enterprises on the part of other Christians or citizens, and may stir up to greater zeal those whose means and energy may enable them to accomplish the work still more thoroughly. And therein we may, and will rejoice.

It does not appear to be necessary to depart from the existing organization of the Convention to promote this object. We have already a Board of Education, designed hitherto to promote especially theological education. Until that object can be again successfully forwarded, on the restoration of peace, the attention of that Board may be appropriately turned by direction of the Convention to promoting the sound and thorough education of the orphans of our land under religious influences.

Your Committee propose the following resolutions:

1. Resolved, That we recognize the obligation as Christians and as patriots to do our full share towards the proper education of the youth of our State, and especially of the orphans of our deceased soldiers.

2. Resolved, That the Board of Education of this Convention be authorized and instructed to take this matter in charge, and to mature and carry out a plan for he purpose in accordance with the views herewith presented.

3. Resolved, That the said Board shall endeavor to secure at once the cooperation of our associations and churches in any way that may be practicable.

Respectfully submitted, B. MANLY, JR., Chairman.

4. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ACCOUNTS.

The Committee on Accounts respectfully beg leave to report, that they have audited the Annual Account of the Treasurer of the Convention, and find the same to be correctly stated and properly vouched.

C. J. ELFORD, Chairman.

C. H. JUDSON, Treasurer, in account with the State Convention of the Baptist Denomination in South Carolina.

DR.

1863.
Aug. 1.	To balance in hand for Minutes . . . . .		$6 00
" 1.	Bible distribution . . . . .		25 00
" 28.	Tiger River Association, for minutes . . . . .		28 70
Nov. 20.	To George Rhodes, Treasurer Savannah River Association for minutes . . . . .		19 50
" 20.	Library for Furman University . . . . .		7 55
" 20.	Convention fund . . . . .		208 50
1864
March 26.	To Mrs. C. L. Brown, Treasurer Charleston Female Missionary and Education Society, for the spiritual wants of soldiers on the coast . . . . .		210 50
July 30.	To W. N. Moore, Treasurer Edgefield Association, for minutes, 1863 . . . . .	11 05
" 30.	W. N. Moore, Treasurer Edgefield Association, for minutes, 1864 . . . . .	21 50	32 55
" 30.	Welsh Neck Association, for J. M. C. Breaker . . . . .	20 00
" 30.	Moriah " " . . . . .	10 00
" 30.	Charleston " " '62 . . . . .	10 50
" 30.	Edisto " " . . . . .	20 00
" 30.	Bethel " " . . . . .	5 00
" 30.	Salem " " . . . . .	15 00
" 30.	Saluda " " . . . . .	6 00
" 30.	Reedy River " " . . . . .	29 50	116 00
			[total,] $654 30

CONTRA.

1863.
Nov. 9.	By paid Rev. J. B. Taylor, Bible distribution . . . . .	$25 00
" 26.	Dr. J. P. Boyce, Treasurer Theological Seminary . . . . .	208 50
" 26.	C. H. Judson, Treasurer Furman University . . . . .	7 55
" 23.	Rev. J. M. C. Breaker, for minutes . . . . .	50 00
1864.
July 30.	W. D. Rice, for soldiers on the Coast . . . . .	210 50
" 30.	J. M. C. Breaker, minutes . . . . .	152 75
			[total,] $654 30

Respectfully submitted, C. H. JUDSON, Treasurer.
GREENVILLE, S. C., July 30, 1864.

5. REPORT OF COMMITTEE TO NOMINATE DELEGATES TO THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION.

The Committee submit the following as delegates to the next Southern Baptist Convention:

J. L. Brookes, J. L. Reynolds, J. J. Brantly, J. P. Boyce, J. A. Broadus, B. Manly, Jr., H. D. Duncan, J. G. Landrum, J. O. B. Dargan, R. Furman, J. C. Furman, T. P. Lide, J. M. C. Breader, B. C. Pressly, W. D. Thomas, G. B. Bealer, T. P. Smith, J. C. Smith, L. R. Gwaltney, Jas. Tupper, C. J. Elford, E. T. Winkler, J. M. Timmons, B. W. Edwards, W. D. Rice, J. C. Phelps, J. Culpeper, R. F. Whilden, J. S. Murray, J. A. Chambliss, P. C. Edwards, B. F. D. Perry, B. F. Griffin, L. H. Shuck, J. M. Bostick, W. F. B. Haynesworth, A. M. Cartledge, S. Barksdale, W. Williams, I. D. Durham, L. C. Hinton, S. W. Bookhart, S. W. Mobley, Thos. Hall, E. H. Able, C. C. Gwin, Jeptha Gwin, J. Kendrick, Allen Robertson, C. Felder, W. W. Gwin, A. K. Durham, J. H. Felder, B. Williamson, W. S. Henry, T. H. Pope, W. G. Whilden, J. K. Mendenhall, T. D. Gwin, Larkin O'Neall, John Huffman, J. M. Staggers, J. G. Pressly, J. G. Milner, T. A. Wilbur, W. B. Heriot, W. Goldsmith, Toliver Robertson, B. F. Mauldin, S. Griffith, S. Watson, G. W. McIver, W. Y. Leitch, S. H. Pressley, J. L. Williams, J. Nicholes, J. Keith, J. E. Wingate, J. F. Dargan, L. Dupree, H. M. Myers, Dr. W. James Dargan.

6. HON. J. B. O'NEALL.

The Committee appointed to prepare a notice of the death of chief Justice O'Neall, who was but recently a President of this Convention, beg leave respectfully to present the following:

JOHN BELTON O'NEALL was born on the 10th of April, 1793, near Bobo's Mills, in Newberry District, South Carolina. He was the son of Hugh O'Neall and Ann Kelly, his wife -- his ancestors on both sides being of ancient Irish families. In his youth he had facilities for education that were unusual for that period of time. In February, 1811, he entered the Junior Class of South Carolina College, and in December, 1812, was graduated with the second honor of that institution. He devoted himself to the profession of the law, and from the commencement obtained a large and lucrative practice. In 1816 he was elected to the House of Representatives, in the Legislature of South Carolina. He was again elected in 1822, 1824, and 1826 -- and during the last two terms was the Speaker of the House. In December, 1828, he was elected an Associate Judge, and in 1830 a Judge of the Court of Appeals. On the abolition of that Court, he was transferred to the Court of Law. In 1850, he became President of the Court of Law Appeals and of the Court of Errors. Upon the re-organization of a separate Court of Appeals, he was, with great unanimity, appointed Chief Justice of South Carolina. It would have been superfluous to attempt to describe the manner in which these several offices of public trust have been filled. His thorough business habits, his untiring industry, his incorruptible integrity, his conscientious discharge of every office conjoined with his great learning, enabled him to establish for himself a position unequalled by any man in like positions in the history of the State.

It might seem that, surrounded by such cares he could have found no time for the performance of other public duties. But, on the contrary, we find him devoting himself in various other ways to what he deemed the vital interests of the country. His devotion to agriculture contributed in great part to its advancement in South Carolina, but especially in his native District of Newberry. To his labors and personal influence, too, is the State indebted for the successful completion of the Greenville and Columbia Railroad. His activity in these respects was but an index of his more private labors in every way in which the material prosperity of the State could be advanced.

Outside of his legal labors, perhaps Judge O'Neall was known in no respect so well as in the character of an ardent advocate of Total Abstinence from all intoxicating drinks as a beverage. To this work he devoted himself during the most vigorous years of his manhood, and continued his labors to the time his death. He became known as the Apostle of Temperance in South Carolina, and occupied the highest position among its most distinguished advocates in North America. No one man has performed more voluntary labor in this cause than he.

It was the privilege, however, of those who knew Judge O'Neall in his private life to appreciate most highly the true nobleness of his character. His public life displayed the sterner, his private life the gentler traits of true and noble manhood, each in equal perfection. God blessed him in the selection of a noble companion, whom He spared unto the end of his life. On the 25th of June, 1818, he was married to Helen, eldest daughter of Captain Sampson and Sarah Strother Pope. All the children of this marriage preceeded their honored father to the grave. He himself died on Sunday, the 27th of December, 1863, being seventy years, eight months and seventeen days old.

To the Convention of the Baptist Denomination in South Carolina, the great loss experienced in the death of Chief Justice O'Neall has arisen, not so much from his relations to private or to public life, as from the fact that he was an humble follower of Jesus Christ, and an ardent co-worker with his brethren in the advancement of His kingdom. His parents were of the sect of Friends or Quakers; but from the time that Brother O'Neall made a profession of Christianity, he was an ardent advocate of the religious views held by the Calvinistic Baptists.

A great revival in the town of Newberry, in 1831, gave origin to the Baptist Church at that place. On the records of that church, under date of Saturday, January 26th, 1833, is the following extract: "Received by experience, John B. O'Neall." "No mention is made of the baptism," says the present Pastor, "it probably took place on the following Saturday." In the minutes of Saturday, March 22d, 1834, is another item of importance: "Resolved, That it is expedient to appoint three additional deacons of this church, who are requested to conduct all prayer meetings from time to time, and to take part in any other religious exercises to which they may be prompted by the spirit, in aid of the Pastor of this church." Under the above resolution were appointed John B. O'Neall, M. T. Mendenhall and Drayton Nance. "In compliance with the request of the above resolution," says a correspondent, "religious meetings were conducted by the brethren named with great regularity for a considerable time. Judge O'Neall's addresses, lectures and exhortations are still remembered, by those who used to hear them, as characterized by all the vehemence and earnestness which at a late period marked similar efforts in the cause of temperance. He was at that time very active in the church. Since the period of my connection with it, the judge was not a great deal with us, but whenever at home, he was a constant attendant upon the public ministry of the Gospel, and felt much interest in all that concerned the welfare of the church."

"He carried into the church," says another correspondent, "the same characteristics which distinguished him in similar affairs, great zeal, energy, ardor and devotion. These qualities, connected with great ability, made him the effective Christian he was. Judge O'Neall was distinguished, I think, for his humility as a Christian, and though occupying posts in the State, and receiving, at times, an homage which was well calculated to foster worldly pride, he always retained that kind of humility which condescends to small things and to men of low estate. His piety, as exhibited at home, around he fireside and in private life, displayed this quality most strikingly. It was beautiful to behold. It was his custom to hold family prayer, night and morning, when, gathering his family, white and black, around him, he invoked the blessings and pardon of Heaven upon them in a most simple and touching manner, and if a friend or stranger happened under his roof, he invariably prayed for him directly and pointedly. His simple, touching and fervid manner of addressing a throne of grace showed his strong faith in a special Providence. He was remarkable for a tender regard and sympathy for all around him. If his humblest servant was seriously sick, he exhibited a warm sympathy for him, and made him a subject of prayer around the family altar, and often have I seen him accompany the remains of a servant to the burying ground, and stand by the grave during the funeral service with a reverence, humility and awe which showed how deeply his heart was imbued with Christian faith and charity, and how surely he felt that God was no respector of persons. * * * It is hardly necessary for me to speak of his charity. He was loved and revered in his own District as the friend of the widow and orphan. Indeed, this was his reputation throughout the State. Enjoying a reputation for liberality, and occupying a position which exposed him to calls of this kind, it is not too much to say that he has expended a small fortune in responding to such calls. He was quite as much distinguished for the kind of charity which marked the good Samaritan -- that gentle and kind sympathy which will observe and even hunt out and relieve the wants and distresses of others by counsel, advice and sympathy, as well as donations of money.

"But I think Judge O'Neall's most distinguished traits as a Christian was, that he was not ashamed of the religion of Christ. It was this that made him so eminently useful. No man, certainly no layman in the Baptist Denomination, nor in any other, has excited so wide-spread an influence for good as he. Before assembled multitudes, in charging juries, in sentencing criminals, or making temperance speeches, he always made it a point to enforce directly or indirectly the truths of Christianity. At home, in his own church, he was in the habit, for many years, of conducting prayer meetings, and delivering addresses when there was no service in the church. He continued this until he was seriously injured by an accident on the railroad, after which he discontinued public speaking of all kinds. His prayers and lectures on such occasions were warm, fervent and effective. He would usually take a chapter or portion of one, and make a running comment. Often he would select a Psalm, the fervid eloquence and poetic sentiment and language of which seemed congenial to him, and gave him an opportunity, which seemed to delight him, of expiating on the goodness, power and glory of God."

We have given these extracts from those who knew him best, because they set forth so beautifully the life [of] one who, with all his honors, cherished most his position as a servant of Christ, and who, amid the multiplicities of a life of extraordinary activity and labor, still remembered his dependance upon God, and sought his aid, and strove to guide others too in the way of life.

It is not surprising that when such piety was united with such greatness, his brethren should have loved and honored him. At the session of this Convention, held in July, 1858, he was elected President, an office in which he continued until July, 1863, when his failing health forbade his further attendance upon its meetings.

It is thus, that as a body, his brethren of the State Convention are called upon to put upon record the sorrow they experience at his death. His ardent labors and his wise counsels are no longer permitted to us by our Heavenly Father. But the memory of his name shall be with us, inspiriting to active zeal and earnestness, to kindliness and charity, and to deep humility of hear. Be it the duty of others to mourn the learned and just judge, the active and zealous patriot, the public spirited and benevolent citizen. We can unite with them in all of this, and the more deeply, because we know more of him. But be it our duty and our mournful pleasure to think of him as a brother well beloved in the Lord, who hath been a co-worker with us -- and whose prayers and tears and labors have mingled with ours in our labors for Christ and for the glory of his cause. Be it our duty also ever to thank God for his bright example, and to strive, with like simple mindedness, to obey God and glory only in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.