: Dreamer and Doer John Mark Terry

John Mark Terry is the A. P. and Introduction had a violent temper and a fondness for Faye Stone Professor of Christian Mis- Luther Rice and . Writ- alcohol. Though a member of the Congre- sions and Evangelism at The Southern ers always link their names. They write of gational Church in the town of North- Baptist Theological Seminary. He joined their call to mission and their appointment borough, Massachusetts, he was not active. Southern Seminary in 1993 after as the first American foreign missionaries. Sarah Rice was a lively, intelligent extensive experience on the mission field Baptist authors wax eloquent about their woman who took great interest in her and in theological education. Dr. Terry conversion to . They tell how church as well as her family. She was care- is the author of four books, including Luther Rice came home to America to raise ful to teach her children the Scriptures, and Evangelism: A Concise History and support, and then give the rest of their required young Luther to memorize por- Church Evangelism. attention to Judson’s sacrificial service in tions of the Westminster Catechism. Burma. They ignore Luther Rice for the As a child Luther was a quick learner more sensational career of Judson. and diligent student. He was an obedient Perhaps their emphasis is natural, but child with an amiable temperament. It it seems hardly correct. It could well be that seems that he was a confident youth. When Rice made the greater contribution to Bap- he was sixteen, without consulting his par- tist missions. His indefatigable journeying ents, he contracted to travel to Georgia to and heartfelt appeals awakened to secure lumber for ship building. This trip their responsibilities to a world in need. lasted about six months, and the task was Rice’s career may have been more mun- completed satisfactorily. The family was dane, but it was no less meaningful. apprehensive that Luther would acquire This article focuses on the key period of bad habits on the trip, but these fears Rice’s life, 1813-1820: During these years proved unfounded. he sounded the trumpet call of missions, Luther’s education in the local grammar and Baptists responded. It gives a brief school and experiences on the farm pre- sketch of his life, emphasizing his promo- pared him well for life as a prosperous tion of mission support. Concern for mis- Massachusetts farmer. He had been bap- sions united Baptists in the nineteenth tized as a baby in the Northborough century. The career of Luther Rice spans , but was scarcely the formation of the Baptist denomination interested in spiritual matters. In his nine- in the United States and the development teenth year, this young farmer began of many of its institutions and ministries. reading a biography of John Newton, the Looking to our roots is salutary, and our slave-ship captain who became a Baptist roots are quite instructive. and hymn writer. As Luther began a long spiritual quest, he was pained by the Luther Rice’s Early Years results of self-examination. He wrote a On March 25, 1783, Luther Rice was friend: born the ninth child to Amos and Sarah Rice. Amos Rice was known as “Captain” When I became convinced that I had not experienced a change of heart, Rice because of his long service in the Con- convinced too, that such a change tinental Army. He was a man of excess. He was essential to happiness … and 40 saw, too, clearly that I ought to love for college. He studied three years at the God, and possess absolute submis- sion to his holy will; I was reduced Leicester Academy to prepare himself for unavoidably to keen anguish and college. To defray the expenses of his very great distress…spent most of schooling, he taught in a day school and my time, in literally weeping and wailing…it did also seem to me that gave singing lessons at night. During this if I should find mercy and deliver- time period he led prayer meetings in pri- ance from the wrath to come, I would vate homes. endeavor to rescue others from the same most wretched condition.1 Luther must have done well in his stud- ies because, when he entered Williams Rice continued in his spiritual distress College in 1807, he did so well on the for about two years. His anguish disturbed entrance test he was enrolled as a sopho- his sleep and injured his health. Luther’s more. While at college, Rice was licensed friends became alarmed. to preach by the Mountain Association, Berkshire County, Massachusetts.3 At Wil- At length the period of deliverance liams College, the novice preacher found drew nigh…I felt that I should be a group of students fervently interested in willing thus to put a blank into the hand of God, to be by him filled as missions. Samuel Mills led in the organi- he might please!…I was absolutely at zation of the Sol Oriens Society at the the disposal of God; and should know the details of my destiny just college in 1808. The society developed out as the same should be developed. of a weekly prayer meeting for campus And I found in this disposition of revival. The group soon changed their absolute unreserved submission to the will of God, a sweet and blessed name to the Society of Brethren, and their tranquility.2 main concern was to encourage the con- version of the heathen through the effort Finally, peace came to Luther. He united of society members. When the members with the Congregational Church at North- graduated from Williams, they formed a borough on March 14, 1802, just before his similar society at Andover Seminary. Their twentieth birthday. He became an active “Society of Inquirey on the Subject of Mis- member of the church. His industry in sions” became a model for many other stu- organizing home prayer meetings dent groups. Charles Chaney notes, “What aroused antipathy and distrust among was born in spiritual awakening was chan- many neighbors and church members, but neled into the missionary enterprise.”4 he was not easily discouraged. Luther Rice was an active member of the At the time of his conversion, Rice was missions society. Missions was often on his working with his father on the farm and mind as he went about his activities. He had no plans to leave his work. As the later wrote this account of his decision to youngest son, everyone assumed he would become a missionary: stay on the farm and care for his parents in their old age. A local pastor, however, It was during a solitary walk in the suggested that Luther attend college to woods, behind the college, while meditating and praying on the sub- prepare for ministry. The suggestion aston- ject, and feeling half inclined to give ished the young farmer, but the idea capti- it up, that the command of Christ, “Go into all the world and preach the vated him. Not long after, against his gospel to every creature,” was pre- father’s wishes, Luther began to prepare sented to my mind with such clear- ness and power that I came to a full 41 5 decision. tioned the Board of Commissioners for appointment, but they were hesitant He remembered soon after, “I have delib- because of lack of funds. As Judson later erately made up my mind to preach the related, gospel to the heathen…I do not know but it may be in Asia.”6 They gave him leave, on condition that he would occasion them no additional expense, but provide for Luther Rice the Missionary his own outfit, and raise the money In June 1810, , a recent for his passage. With this hard con- graduate, returned to Andover Seminary dition he cheerfully complied, and immediately started on horseback, to consult with the faculty about devoting and traveled day and night, though himself to missionary service. He had been in the depth of winter, to raise the 7 greatly influenced by the published reports needful sum. from William Carey in . Hall’s arrival Rice raised the money in only six days, greatly excited the members of the mis- appearing tired, but fully financed at the sions society. Adoniram Judson addressed group’s ordination service at the Taber- a letter to the General Association of nacle Church, Salem, Massachusetts on Massachusetts (Congregational ministers), February 6, 1812. which was meeting in Bradford the same The ordination service was inspiring week. Judson, , Jr., Samuel J. even for the weary Luther Rice. Leonard Mills, , James Richards, and Woods preached the sermon. Samuel Luther Rice all volunteered their services Spring gave the charge. He concluded his as missionaries. Later the group feared that message— their number might overwhelm the asso- ciation; therefore, the names of Richards Go then, with the tender compan- and Rice were deleted. ions of your bosoms, like pilgrims Perhaps one reason Rice allowed his and strangers, and lay your bodies by the side of Ziegenbalg and Swartz, name to be stricken from the list was an that you may meet them and Eliot unresolved love affair. He was engaged to and Brainerd, and all other faithful Rebecca Eaton, a pious young school missionaries in the realms of light, and so be ever with the Lord. We, in teacher from a fine family. Luther spent the mean time, will pray, that the sal- months trying to persuade her to accom- vation of souls may be your joy, and pany him to the mission field. Finally, they crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord. Amen.8 mutually agreed to break their engage- ment, and Luther determined to go to the Immediately after the service the group mission field without a wife. Meanwhile, hurried to the ports of departure. The new the Association responded with alacrity missionaries traveled in two parties. The and formed the Constitution of the Ameri- Judsons and Newells sailed from Salem on can Board of Commissioners for Foreign February 19, 1812, while Rice along with Missions. This group proceeded with plans Hall and Nott left from Philadelphia five to send out the young missionaries. days later. When Rice committed himself to accom- This voyage to India has become famous pany Judson and the others, the date of to Baptists. The new missionaries planned departure was already near. Luther peti- to first visit with William Carey at Seram- 42 pore before establishing their own mission But it is with emotion peculiarly afflicting, that I proceed to inform station. Judson began studying his New you, that…I am compelled to relin- Testament in order to prepare himself to quish a view of that sacred ordinance refute the Baptist position on baptism. In which I had formerly apprehended to be highly important. I am now sat- the process Judson became convinced that isfactorily convinced that only those the Baptist doctrine was correct. It is diffi- who give credible evidence of piety, cult to know how or when Rice changed are proper subjects, and that immer- sion is the proper mode of baptism.10 his views on baptism. In college he corre- sponded with a Baptist pastor on the Having made his long study and pain- subject, and during the voyage to India he ful decision, Rice was baptized on Novem- discussed baptism with two English Bap- ber 1, 1812, in the Baptist church of Calcutta tist missionaries on their way to join Carey. by Rev. William Ward. Luther wrote his Yet, it seems clear that he had not changed parents saying, “It was a comfortable day his mind when he arrived in Calcutta. to my soul!”11 Judson and Rice were both Upon arriving Rice learned of Judson’s men of integrity. They realized that they change of mind, leading him into an inten- could no longer receive support from the sive period of study and prayer. Congregationalists. They wrote the Board William Carey described Rice’s situation of Commissioners immediately, but they in a letter to Dr. William Staughton: were uncertain about their next move. Years later Rice described their feelings: Brother Rice was, on the voyage, thought by our brethren to be the most obstinate friend of Pedobaptism Unassociated with the English Bap- of any of the missionaries. I cannot tists—unacquainted with the Bap- tell what has led to this change of sen- tists in our own country—unable to timent, nor had I any suspicion of it calculate with any satisfactory degree till one morning when he came of certainty what might be the effect before I was up, to examine my Greek of letters sent home—we were three Testament; from some questions solitary individuals disconnected which he asked that morning, I from all the Christian world, in a hea- began to suspect that he was decid- then land, with only scanty means for edly on the side of believer’s baptism. a very temporary subsistence:—but I expect therefore that he will soon we did not doubt that the Lord would be baptized.9 provide for us!12

How did Rice come to this momentous As it turned out, the first problem Rice decision knowing the effect it would have and the Judsons faced was one of legal sta- on his missionary career? He explained tus. Soon after their baptism, the mission- himself in a letter to Rev. Thomas Baldwin: aries were forced out of Calcutta by the British authorities. They transferred tem- The subject respecting the solemn porarily to the Isle of France. They then …and important ordinance of Chris- decided it would be best for Rice to return tian baptism presented itself to my mind in such an attitude, that I could to the United States to confer with the not conscientiously refrain from Board of Commissioners and “to contrib- examining it…I have endeavored, I ute towards engaging the Baptist churches trust, with prayerfulness, in the fear of God, and with no small impres- of America in the mission cause and to sion of the delicacy and high respon- obtain…if practicable, their patronages.”13 sibility of my situation, to give it a careful and very serious examination. Rice returned instead of Judson for two 43 reasons. First, Rice had been quite ill, and to these invitations. Charles Chaney it was thought that a trip to a temperate observed, “What Baptists would not do for climate might aid his recovery. Second, separation of church and state or for fron- Judson was married while Luther tier and Indian evangelization, they were remained a bachelor. Therefore, on March persuaded to do for Luther Rice, Adoniram 15, 1813, Rice left the Judsons on the Isle of and Ann Judson and the eastern mis- France en route to the United States. No sion.”16 ship was going directly, so he embarked While there was no national organiza- on a ship bound for St. Salvador (Bahia), tion waiting to welcome Rice, several local Brazil. He had to remain in St. Salvador for groups were keenly interested in missions. two months before securing passage to There were two types of missionary orga- New York. While in St. Salvador he nizations among American Baptists—the offended the wife of the American Consul society and the associational. The society by refusing to christen her baby. Finally, method was more popular in the north, the he arrived in New York on July 17, 1813. associational more popular in the south. The associational approach was based on Luther Rice and Mission Support geography; the society was financially What was the condition of the Baptist based. Both approaches confined their denomination in 1813? One could hardly efforts to home missions until 1812.17 say that there was a denomination. When The Baptists of New England showed Rice returned to the United States, there particular interest in missions. Much of this were 115 associations and about 2400 interest developed through the published churches. Generally, the churches only reports of William Carey. In May 1802, the related to each other through their associa- Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society tions. There were no state conventions and held its first meeting at the First Baptist no institutions other than Brown Univer- Church in Boston. The delegates adopted sity in Rhode Island.14 a constitution which read in part: “The Several efforts had been made to achieve object of this society shall be to furnish united action. After the Continental Con- occasional preaching and to promote the gress refused to disallow religious taxation knowledge of evangelistic truth in the new in 1775, the Warren Association sent a settlements of the United States, or farther, letter to all the Baptists on the continent if circumstances should render it proper.”18 proposing a general meeting of delegates In 1803, the society began publishing the from all the associations to discuss means Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Magazine, of securing full religious freedom. In 1799, which was the second oldest Baptist peri- the Philadelphia Association called for a odical published in this country.19 This “general conference” of delegates from the magazine had a powerful effect in promot- associations. The next year the same asso- ing concern for missions. ciation called for all the associations “to Baptists organized the Salem unite with us in laying a plan for forming Translation and Foreign Missions Society a missionary society, and establishing a in 1812. While the older Massachusetts fund for its support, and for employing society was primarily concerned with missionaries among the natives of our con- domestic missions, the Salem group had a tinent.”15 There was no general response foreign missions orientation: 44 The object of this society shall be to first-hand reports of Rice. When he landed raise money to aid the translation of the scriptures into the Eastern in New York on July 17, 1813, he was languages…under the superin- warmly received by the Baptists. He did tendance of Doctor William Carey: or, not stay with them long but hurried on to if deemed advisable at any time, to assist in sending a missionary or mis- Boston, convinced that he needed to sever sionaries from this country to India.20 his ties with the American Board of Com- missioners before embracing Baptists. The After the news came that Judson and Rice American Board quickly released him, and had become Baptists, the Baptist Society Rice began to solicit support among the for Propagating the Gospel in India and Baptists. Other Foreign Parts was organized in Bos- The young missionary met with the ton. Boston Society in September, 1813. Messen- The Baptists in the United States not gers also attended from the Salem and only organized societies; they also opened Haverhill societies. Those attending made their pocketbooks. Baptists gave more than plans to appeal to Baptists throughout the $3000 to send to the Judsons and Rice in country. At first the Boston Society desired India under the auspices of the Congrega- to invite all Baptists to contribute to the tional Church. Between 1806 and 1814, Judsons and Rice through their organiza- American Baptists gave over $20,000 for tion, but Rice was able to convince them foreign missions. William Carey’s letters that a new national body would garner inspired most of this giving.21 more support. To that end they requested The baptisms of Judson and Rice electri- Rice to travel throughout the middle and fied American Baptists. Their decision was southern states to gain Baptists’ coopera- viewed as “a call in providence upon us to tion and organize missionary societies that extend our views and missionary efforts to would combine their efforts with New that quarter of the globe.”22 As noted above, England.25 a new society was organized immediately On September 29, 1813, Rice left Boston in Boston, followed quickly by societies in on his first southern tour. After stopping Rhode Island and Connecticut. in Northborough to see his parents, he Some Boston Baptists wrote the Baptist proceeded to New York and on to Phila- Missionary Society in England proposing delphia to attend the meeting of the that Adoniram Judson become a mission- Philadelphia Baptist Association. The ary of that society. They promised to Philadelphia Association responded enthu- guarantee his support. The British society, siastically to the idea of a national mission- however, was reluctant, thinking it better ary society. They furnished Rice with let- for American Baptists to organize their own ters of introduction to aid his efforts. The society.23 William Carey wrote in this vein editor of the Missionary Magazine described to William Staughton—“But is it impos- Rice’s experience: sible to form a Baptist Mission Society in America?…indeed stir in this business; this Our esteemed brother Rice…has is a providence which gives a new turn to returned from India, and is now vis- iting our brethren in the south, for the American relation to Oriental Mission.”24 purpose of uniting them with us in Thus encouraged, the Baptists in the this great object. By letters received from him, it appears, that the pro- United States were eagerly awaiting the posed Mission is everywhere 45 received with the utmost cordiality. a general society, and Johnson seized upon On his trip Rice visited the Philadel- phia Association which upon hear- the idea. He volunteered to go as a delegate ing of his baptism and that of Judson himself. With the association’s approval voted to recommend the formation Johnson distributed a circular letter pro- of a society of a similar kind with those already formed in New moting a general meeting. The letter read England to be denominated the in part: Philadelphia Baptist Society for For- eign Missions.26 Since the defection of our dear Rice, Judson and Lady…several Mission- When the Philadelphia Association’s ary Societies have been formed by the meeting adjourned, Rice traveled to the Baptists in America. These societies have as their object the establishment south. He visited Baltimore and then jour- and support of foreign missions and neyed on to Washington, D.C. Leaving it is contemplated that delegates from them all will convene in some cen- Washington, the missionary rode on tral situation in the United States for toward Richmond. During this stage of his the purpose of organizing an efficient journey, Rice began to catch a vision of and practicable plan, on which the energies of the whole Baptist denomi- what Baptists could become: nation in America, may be elicited, combined and directed, in one sacred While passing from Richmond to effort, for sending the word of life to Petersburg in the stage, an enlarged idolatrous lands.28 view of the business opened upon my contemplations. The plan which Buoyed by this support Rice retraced his suggested itself to my mind, that of forming one principal society in each steps northward. As he went, he encour- state, bearing the name of the state, aged associations and societies to partici- and others in the same state auxiliary to that; and by these large or state pate in the general meeting. When Rice societies, delegates be appointed to revisited Washington, he received an invi- 27 form one general society. tation to address the Congress of the United States. After hearing his sermon, With this expanded vision Rice pressed that august body contributed sixty-seven on to the south, visiting churches and dollars for missions.29 By May of 1814, sev- associations in the Carolinas and Georgia. enteen societies had been established for As he traveled, he helped to organize new the purpose of supporting foreign mis- missions societies. He received a warm sions. Luther Rice’s efforts had born fruit reception and good hearing at every stop, in both money and concern. being greatly aided on his initial and Delegates from the societies were sum- subsequent trips to the south by three moned to meet in Philadelphia on May 18, outstanding Baptists: , 1814. The meeting convened as planned William B. Johnson, and Jesse Mercer. All with twenty-six and seven laymen three showed great interest in the cause of in attendance. They represented eleven missions. states and the District of Columbia. Dr. Rice first met Furman at the Charles- Furman was elected chairman of the pro- town Baptist Association meeting. Furman ceedings. After much deliberation the gave firm support to Rice’s plan. When the group voted to establish “The General Mis- missionary visited the Savannah associa- sionary Convention of the Baptist Denomi- tion, he found an enthusiastic supporter in nation in the United States of America, for W. B. Johnson. They discussed the idea of 46 Foreign Missions.” The delegates decided Only a man made of stern stuff could with- to meet every three years, and the new stand such rigors. A. H. Newman wrote organization soon was called the “Trien- that Rice was “possessed of a robust con- nial Convention.” stitution, he was able to endure an incred- The Convention elected twenty-one ible amount of rough travel, and his commissioners to act ad interim. These eloquence and enthusiasm won the hearts commissioners were called the “Baptist of multitudes to the cause he had Board of Foreign Mission.” Richard Fur- espoused.”34 The itinerant was over six feet man was elected on the first ballot to be tall, and he had a strong voice. He excelled president on the board, but declined at extemporaneous speech, sometimes because his home was so distant. On the showing a dramatic flair. Certainly his second ballot Dr. Baldwin was elected as industry and zeal tested his physical president with William Staughton as cor- stamina. During the year 1815-1816, Rice responding secretary.30 spent most of his time in the western and It is difficult to discern Luther Rice’s role southern states. He reported to the Board in the Convention. Apparently he kept a in May 1815 that there were seventy-one low profile. He was asked to serve on a mission societies organized and cooperat- committee to formulate a plan to reach the ing.35 This was no accident. These societ- “heathen” and on a committee designated ies were the fruit of his tireless travels. to receive reports from local mission soci- The entry in Rice’s Journal for August eties.31 In one of its first acts, the Board 31, 1816, reads: voted to enroll Luther Rice as a mission- ary under appointment. However, they Madison Co., Virginia. Proceed to Culpepper Courthouse 13 miles; get officially requested that he my horse shod; thence to Groundvine 13 miles; thence to Battle Run near continue his itinerant services, in the Gaines Crossroads 8 miles; find the United States, for a reasonable time; Shiloh Association in session—Mis- with a view to excite the public mind sion business attended to my satis- more generally, to engage in mission- faction—invited to preach this after- ary exertions: and to assist in origi- noon and tomorrow—Association nating societies, or institutions, for adjourns—Preach “good shepherd.” carrying the missionary design into Go to Bro. Conner’s 3 miles, + 3 = 29 execution.32 miles today = 412 miles this week. Three nights rode all night—one of them in much comfort. Probably The Board had good reason to ask him slept not more than 10 hours in 6 days to remain in the States; at the meeting he and nights. My coming to the asso- turned over to them $1836.67, which he had ciation appears to have been impor- tant.36 collected on his southern tour.33

The Board commended Rice in their Luther Rice, The Missionary 1816 meeting on his successful efforts to Itinerant raise money and organize societies. The The years from 1814 to 1817 were the Board also expressed its pleasure that Rice busiest and happiest years of Rice’s life. He declined the presidency of Transylvania traveled constantly to promote the cause University in Kentucky. They renewed the of missions. The records of his travels are missionary’s assignment— as remarkable as the man who made them. 47 Let him attend as many associations Rev. Luther Rice, agent of the Board… in the south and west as may be in his power, visiting, if possible, St. suggest the expediency of maintaining Louis and its vicinity; and spend the such an agency for a period to come.”40 winter forming societies, collecting Rice did not let this praise go to his head. monies, and effectuating arrange- ments for keeping up a regular inter- He made even greater efforts the next year. course between the Board, and all the In April 1818, he wrote Dr. Staughton: associations and mission societies in the United States.37 Since the date of my letter to you, the 16th of May, 1817, I have traveled As compensation they paid Luther eight 9359 miles, and received 5443 dollars dollars a week, plus expenses. and 57 cents. The expenditures con- nected with this course, including my Though underpaid and overworked allowance of $8 per week, distribu- Rice continued his faithful service. He tion of the last Annual Report; paper, printing, and distribution of the wrote Dr. Staughton on May 16, 1817, Luminary; paper for the report this reporting: year; postages, etc. have amounted only to 1963 dollars and 67 cents.41 Since June 19, 1816, I have traveled 6600 miles—in populous and in Rice’s accomplishments are all the more dreary portions of the country— through wilderness and over rivers— remarkable given his means of transporta- across mountains and valleys—in tion. Normally he rode horseback from heat and cold—by day and by place to place. Sometimes he would ride night—in weariness, and painful- ness, and fastings, and loneliness; but in a stagecoach if one was available. Later not a moment has been lost for want in his career he occasionally took passage of health; no painful calamity has on a steamboat. As he grew older, he rode fallen my lot; no peril has closed upon me; nor has fear been permitted to a horse less and used a small buggy or prey on my spirits; nor even inqui- sulkey more. His sulkey, pulled by his etude to disturb my peace. Indeed, famous horse, Columbus, became a famil- constantly has favourable counte- nance of society toward the great iar sight to Baptists in the south. objects of the mission animated my On his preaching tours Rice’s pattern hopes…I have…received for the mis- sionary object, in cash and subscrip- varied little. He sent letters ahead announc- tion more than $4000.38 ing his coming to each association. In the letters he identified himself and requested During the period described, Rice time on the program to present a mission- attended the North Carolina Baptist Gen- ary appeal. Usually he was warmly eral Meeting of Correspondence, a yearly welcomed, and his sermon well received. meeting in Virginia, a meeting of the Ken- After his sermon he always took an offer- tucky Baptist Mission Society, and assisted ing for missions and distributed copies of in the formation of a mission society in Ten- the Annual Report of the mission board. He nessee. In addition he visited fifteen asso- encouraged each association to elect a cor- ciations in Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, responding secretary to maintain contact Mississippi Territory, the Carolinas, and with the convention and distribute the Georgia.39 The Board recognized his efforts Annual Report in the future.42 and resolved “that the signal successes Luther’s preaching added to his success. that have, under the blessing of heaven, He had great ability to sway an audience. attended the indefatigable labours of the His pleasing manner, appealing voice, and 48 boundless enthusiasm held the attention a language; men of an amiable, yield- ing temper willing to take the lowest of the crowd. William J. Broadus remarked, place, to be the least of all, and the “As a minister of the gospel, I doubt servant of all; men who enjoy much whether brother Rice had an equal in all closet religion, who live near to God, and are willing to suffer all things for 43 these United States.” Certainly his first- Christ’s sake without being proud of hand accounts of Asia and South America it—these are the men. But O, how pricked the interest of his provincial audi- unlike the description is the writer of it!45 ences. Communication was the essence of It is not clear how many candidates were Rice’s responsibilities. His eloquence aided found that fit Judson’s request, but Rice the cause of missions, but his prolific cor- certainly tried. respondence played a large part as well. Another part of Rice’s job was to orga- Journal His is filled with detailed notations nize missionary societies. He had good of hundreds of letters he sent. At every step success in this area. By 1815, twenty-five in his travels he wrote more letters of female societies had been established, and encouragement or reply. The missionary the numbers grew year by year.46 The mis- remarked to a friend: “Frequently, after sionary spokesman found a very respon- completing a day’s ride, instead of indulg- sive audience in the ladies of the Baptist ing in the repose which nature solicits, it is churches. He led these women to form necessary for me to employ my pen; how- women’s Mite or Cent Societies all over the ever, fatigues too often overcome me, or country. These societies contributed to perhaps I too easily yield to the inclination foreign and home missions as well as 44 for rest.” Not only did he correspond innumerable benevolent causes. These while on the road; but when in Philadel- societies eventually joined together in the phia or Washington, he often wrote thirty south to establish the Woman’s Mission- or forty letters a day. Some of his letters ary Union. The main responsibility of were sent to prospective missionaries. He Luther Rice was raising money. This came was anxious to find missionary compan- to be his life’s work. How successful was ions for the Judsons. Finally, he found a he in this endeavor? Contributions by Bap- suitable couple. George Hough, a printer, tists to foreign missions totaled $1239.29 in and his wife were appointed by the Board. 1814, but by 1816 the amount given was They arrived in Burma in 1816. The faith- $12, 236.84, almost a tenfold increase.47 ful itinerant was always alert for mission- Why was Luther Rice able to achieve so ary candidates, and his old comrade much? L.T. Gibson suggests three reasons. Adoniram Judson gave him some sugges- First, he spoke in such specific terms about tions: Asia and South America that his hearers were impressed with his knowledge. Sec- In encouraging other young men to come out as missionaries, do use the ond, he was able to enlist people in his greatest caution. You have hit it right cause. And lastly, he always maintained an in brother Hough. But one wrong- interest in individuals even when dealing headed, conscientiously obstinate fel- low, would ruin us. Humble, quiet, with groups.48 persevering men; men of sound ster- The preceding account may seem overly ling talents (though perhaps not bril- positive, but Rice did find great enthusi- liant) of decent accomplishments, and some natural aptitude to acquire asm in his early itinerations. Unfortunately, 49 that situation lasted only four or five years. Generally the anti-mission Baptists were ultra-Calvinistic in doctrine, Opposition arose, especially in the west. were opposed to academic or theo- When Rice began his travels in that region, logical education for the ministry, he found great interest in missions. In fact, and were hostile to all societies for the promotion of the spiritual and when he visited Kentucky and Tennessee social welfare of mankind. They for the first time, he received larger contri- taught that God in his own time and butions than in the other states. Prior to way would bring his elect to repen- tance and redemption, and that there- 1820, he made several tours of the west fore any effort on the part of man to and met with a good response. After assist God in his redemptive work was not only presumptuous, but 1820, however, an anti-missionary feeling wicked.53 developed.49 Two notable opponents of Baptist mis- Many of these anti-missions Baptists sions (both home and foreign) were John became part of the intriguing Two-Seed- Taylor of Kentucky and Daniel Parker of in-the-Spirit Predestinarian Baptists Tennessee. They opposed missions for two founded by Daniel Parker and also the reasons: first, that the main concern of the Primitive Baptists. In summary Sweet says, missionaries and societies was to get “The total effect of the anti-mission move- money; and second, that the missionary ment in the west was undoubtedly harm- societies were contrary to Baptist church ful to religion generally and to the progress 50 government. of the Baptists in particular.”54 Often the Taylor compared the missionaries to anti-mission speakers would excoriate Rice Judas, “who was a lover of money,” and to for not returning to Asia. That raises an the horse leech which “sucks blood with interesting question. Why did Luther not great vigor.” Taylor went on to call Luther return? It seems that he wanted to go Rice “a modern Tetzel.” He said Rice’s back, at least at first. He wrote Judson on motive was about the same as Tetzel’s and September 30, 1814: that “our Luther by his measures of cun- ning in the same art of Tetzel may alarm The Baptist Board for Foreign all American Baptists.” Parker was no less Missions…readily undertook your support and mine, but thought it nec- slanderous comparing the missionaries to essary for me to continue my labors the money changers whom Christ drove in this country for a time. Of this I from the temple.51 am convinced in my judgement, though it is extremely painful to my What brought on these heated attacks? heart to be thus detained here. I hope, William Warren Sweet suggests several however, in the course of five or six reasons. First, these pastors were opposed months to get the Baptists so well rallied, that the necessity of my to the centralization of authority in the remaining will no longer exist.55 denomination. Second, they resented an educated and paid clergy. Third, they were Judson and Rice were firm friends, and jealous of the better-educated missionar- Adoniram missed his colleague intensely. ies. Fourth, they were simply selfish with There was a note of pathos in his letter to their churches’ funds. And fifth, most of Rice of August 3, 1816: these men held to a hyper-Calvinistic the- ology.52 Sweet writes: You remember that the furlough we gave you on the Isle of France, extended to two years only. Little did 50 we then think, that three or four years work of Columbian College he just could would elapse before we met again… Still permit me to hope, that, as you not let go. At any rate, Judson and Rice are spending the prime of your life never met again in this life. in such valuable services, in America, for the heathen, you will give them your personal services in your old Luther Rice and age; and that we shall unite our Denominational Development prayers together, in an Eastern Luther Rice was a man of many dimen- clime.56 sions. Though he was passionately devoted Perhaps that letter touched Rice deeply. to the cause of foreign missions, he also He wrote the Board in 1817 expressing his cared deeply about other matters. His trav- desire to join Judson in Burma. The Board els in the West convinced him of the need decided, however, “that it is not the duty for home mission work. He stated in 1815, of Mr. Rice, as yet, to depart for the Bur- “Not only do I conceive it proper that a man empire.”57 Judson was not a quitter, mission be established in the West, on and he did not give up easily on Rice. He account of the importance of the region wrote from Rangoon in 1819 saying: itself, but indispensably necessary to sat- isfy the wishes and expectations of pious Your great work is mainly done. If people in all parts of the United States.”60 you should close your American John M. Peck was the first Baptist home labors by actually embarking as a missionary in the west. In 1815, he met missionary, it would add great weight to all your past deeds, and be Luther Rice, who stirred his interest in mis- most suitable and worthy consum- sions. Rice encouraged him to study with mation. You would perhaps do more good in America, by such a measure, Dr. Staughton in Philadelphia, and in 1817 than your presence would effect. It the sent Peck and his would at least stamp a character of family to St. Louis. He had a great minis- sincerity on the whole affair, which 61 multitudes will otherwise question.58 try in that region. On his tour in the south in 1816-1817, Rice met Humphrey Posey. Judson was right. If Luther Rice had Posey had a concern for the Cherokee heeded his advice and returned to Asia, Indians. Rice encouraged him toward this Rice would have been enshrined in the ministry and helped him establish the missionary hall of fame. If he had returned Cherokee mission station at Valley Towns, to Asia, he would have avoided all the North Carolina. This became a project of heartache of his last years. But, he stayed the Triennial Convention.62 in America. Why? One reason is that he Rice also had a continuing interest in wanted to return with a wife. He wrote Baptist publishing. He had made Washing- Judge Tallmadge that he did not “expect ton, D.C. his headquarters and helped to to return to India without being provided establish two Baptist journals that were for in this respect.”59 Another reason may published there. The first, the Columbian have been fear for his health. Luther Star, began publication in 1819, and The became very ill in India, contracting a liver Latter Day Luminary in the next year. Both disease that eventually killed him. Perhaps of these magazines struggled financially. he feared a reoccurrence. One certain rea- Eventually the Columbian Star was trans- son was his work. He became so immersed ferred to Georgia where it became The in raising mission support and later in the Christian Index, the Georgia Baptist state 51 paper.63 redoubled his travels and speaking engage- As early as 1819 or 1820, several impor- ments. The college got off to a good start, tant Baptist leaders began meeting to dis- and in 1823 the Convention adopted a reso- cuss the need for a Baptist tract society. Rice lution of gratitude for the “generous was a leader in this group. Finally in 1824, devotion of the agent to the college, and the Baptist General Tract Society was other concerns of the convention.”66 organized. As usual, Rice wanted to locate it in Washington, but it was located in Luther Rice’s Last Years Philadelphia because of the better printing Luther Rice’s last years were a period establishments there. The Society pub- of trouble, even disgrace. An agreement lished eighty-five thousand tracts the first had been made in 1820 by which Rice was year, and later evolved into the American to give half of his time to raising funds for Baptist Publication Society.64 missions and half to raising funds for the As he pursued his travels, Rice became college. Baptists concerned with missions convinced that Baptists needed institutions began to say that Rice was neglecting the for ministerial training. Perhaps the vocif- work of the mission board (perhaps they erous opposition of untrained preachers in had some reason for this). the west prompted this conviction. What- Rice was not only the chief fund raiser ever the reason, from 1820 on, Rice gave of Columbian College; he also served as much of his time to concerns of ministerial the chief financial officer. This latter job education. In doing this he was convinced proved to be his undoing. He was much that he was aiding the cause of missions. too optimistic in his financial plans for the Always fond of Washington, Rice was college. While a large student body was eager to see a new college located there. In attracted, money came in much more his report to the Convention in May 1820 slowly. The economic depression of the he stated: early 1820s complicated the situation. The Convention had adopted a pay-as-you-go It has afforded me no small pleasure policy, but new buildings were constructed to find it convenient…to bestow some attention on providing at Wash- on credit. The college plunged deeply into ington a site for the institution to pro- debt, and funds were borrowed from the mote the education of the ministry… mission board with the expectation of suffer me to express the deep impres- sion I cannot but feel that the arrival quick repayment. When the Board called of the period of this convention for its funds, they could not be returned. brings with it a crisis, particularly in This prompted a scandal in the denomina- relation to the education of the pious young, brethren in the ministry, of the tion. utmost moment.65 A group of pastors who were very happy that the Convention had departed The Convention voted at that meeting to from its original concentration on missions establish Columbian College. This college intervened. Exhorted by their spokesman, began operations in January 1822. Luther , they called for a complete Rice served as agent and treasurer. investigation and audit. The audit revealed In addition to his work for the mission financial disaster at the college, and Rice board, Luther now had almost sole respon- received most of the blame. Some harshly sibility for Columbian College. He accused him of dishonesty, but the investi- 52 gation proved that he was only guilty of As he lay dying, Rice gave these instruc- imprudent planning and inept book- tions: “Send my sulkey, and horse, and keeping.67 baggage, to brother Brooks, with directions Rice accepted all the responsibility, to send them to Brother Sherwood, and say though he could have shared it with other that they all belong to the college.”71 college officials. In 1826, the Convention The Baptist Convention of South Caro- dismissed him from his responsibilities lina erected a monument over his grave, with the mission board and college. The which reads: Convention further voted to separate Columbian College from convention sup- Perhaps no American has done more for the great Missionary Enterprise. port. The meeting of 1826 was dominated It is thought the first American For- by New Englanders and others opposed eign Mission, on which he went to to Rice. They wanted to return to the spirit India, associated with Judson and others originated with him. And if the of the 1814 constitution of the Triennial Burmans have cause of gratitude Convention. This proved a victory for those toward Judson, for a faith version of advocating a societal rather than a denomi- God’s Word; so they will thro’ gen- erations to come “arise up and call national approach.68 Rice, blessed:” for it was his eloquent After his dismissal in 1826, Rice contin- appeals for the Heathen, on his return to America, which raised our ued without pay to travel throughout the Baptist churches to adopt the Burman country soliciting funds for the college and Mission, and sustain Judson in his 72 missions. He retained much of his popu- arduous toils. larity in the south, and he made most of his itinerations there. He was worried Conclusion about the debt of the college and hence Luther Rice ministered among Baptists made a personal contribution of $3500. To in the United States for twenty-three years his inheritance of $3000 he added his life’s (1813-1836). He led in the transformation savings of $500 that he had saved out of of widely scattered, disorganized churches his salary of $8 a week.69 In 1832, he was into a true denomination. He envisioned elected President of Georgetown College and initiated programs of foreign missions, in Kentucky, but he refused the position to home missions, Christian education, and continue his fund raising efforts. publications, which enrich Baptist life and Rice attended the Triennial Convention witness today. meeting at Richmond in 1835 not know- The records show that Baptists were ing that it would be his last. The delegates interested in missions before Rice returned there represented some of the 8000 from India, but he was a catalyst for Bap- churches with more than 600,000 members. tists. His unceasing travel and exhortations He heard reports from the mission Board accelerated missionary movements that concerning the work of 112 missionaries had been developing since the start of Wil- working in 25 mission stations overseas. liam Carey’s ministry in 1792. The mission- The Board encouraged support for a bud- ary itinerant captured the imagination of get of over $100,000.70 After the meeting, Baptists so they too could share his dreams though ill, he began another tour through and visions. the south. On September 25, 1836, in Rice was gratified to see the develop- Edgefield County, South Carolina, he died. ments that followed the foundation of for- 53 eign mission societies. Baptists discovered Selected Bibliography that the most effective means of promot- ing religion at home is to encourage Source Documents foreign missions. The proliferation of vol- Allen, I. M., ed. The Triennial Baptist untary societies let to an age of benevolence Register No. 2. Philadelphia: Baptist in American . The growing ten- General Tract Society, 1836. dency toward national organizations was ______, ed. The United States Baptist amplified by the formation of the overseas Annual Register for 1832. Philadelphia: societies. The establishment of these over- Baptist General Tract Society, 1833. seas societies led to the division of home Annual Report for 1816-1817, American and foreign missions.73 Baptist Board of Foreign Missions. Luther Rice never found his way back Philadelphia, 1817. to India, but was his contribution less for Baker, Robert A. A Baptist Source Book. that? Lynn May of the Southern Baptist Nashville: Broadman, 1966. Historical Commission says, “Though he Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Maga- never returned to the foreign mission field, zine, Vols. 3 and 4. Massachusetts Rice did more for the cause of missions Baptist Missionary Society, Boston. through his ministry in the United States (Later known as the American Baptist than he could ever have accomplished Magazine.) abroad.”74 Rice was most popular and Proceedings of the First Triennial Meeting of influential in the south. The Triennial Con- the General Convention of the Baptist vention departed from the denominational Denomination in the United States. pattern that Rice had envisioned, concen- Philadelphia: Anderson and Meehan, trating solely on foreign and domestic 1817. missions. Yet, when the Southern Baptist Rice, Luther. The Journal of Luther Rice. Convention organized in 1845, the trees Washington, D.C.: Library of Con- planted by Luther Rice bore fruit. gress Microfilm, n.d. Rice helped awaken Baptists to the need ______. “Origin of American Baptist for Christian education and ministerial Foreign Missions.” The Cross and training. Though his efforts were resented Baptist Journal, October 1835, pp. 1-2. and misunderstood, he persevered in this Sweet, William Warren. Religion on the as in all things. W. O. Carver said that American Frontier: The Baptists 1783- Luther Rice “inaugurated every form of 1830. New York: Cooper Square, 1964. effort which our denomination has today Taylor, James B. Memoir of Rev. Luther except orphanages and hospitals.”75 One Rice, 2nd ed. Nashville: Broadman, could add the radio and television minis- 1937. try in modern times, but it is not hard to Woods, Leonard. A Missionary Memoir: imagine Luther’s enthusiasm for these new The Sermon and Addresses Preached at technologies. He literally gave his life the Ordination of Adoniram Judson and riding the rugged trails of rural America Luther Rice. Boston: Samuel T. to visit churches, camp meetings, and as- Armstrong, 1812. sociations spreading his passion for world missions. “He was surely one of our great- est pioneers.”76 54 Secondary Sources the Formation of the Triennial Convention.” Southwestern Journal of Books Theology 6 (April 1964) 5-14. Baker, Robert A. The Southern Baptist May, Lynn E., Jr. “Foundations Laid by Convention and Its People 1607-1972. Luther Rice.” Baptist History and Nashville: Broadman, 1974. Heritage 8 (April 1973) 69-73. Burrage, Henry S. A History of the Nettles, Tom J. “Patterns of Financial Baptists in New England. Philadelphia: Giving for Missions Support Among American Baptist Publication Society, Southern Baptists.” Baptist History and 1894. Heritage 14 (January 1979) 27-36. Carleton, William A. The Dreamer Weaver, Rufus W. “The Place of Luther Cometh. Atlanta: Home Mission Rice in American Baptist Life.” Board, 1960. Review and Expositor 33 (April 1936) Chaney, Charles L. The Birth of Missions 121-145. in America. South Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library, 1976. Dissertations Newman, Albert Henry. A History of the Elsbree, Oliver Wendell. “The Rise of the Baptist Churches in the United States. Missionary Spirit in America.” Ph.D. Philadelphia: American Baptist Dissertation, Columbia University, Publication Society, 1915. 1928. Paschal, George Washington. History of Gibson, L. T. “Luther Rice’s Contribu- North Carolina Baptists, 2 vols. tion to Baptist History.” S.T.D. Raleigh: North Carolina Baptist State Dissertation, Temple University, 1944. Convention, 1955. Taylor, Raymond Hargus. “The Triennial Thompson, Evelyn Wingo. Luther Rice: Convention, 1814-1815: A Study of Believer in Tomorrow. Nashville: Baptist Cooperation and Conflict.” Broadman, 1967. Th.D. Dissertation, The Southern Torbet, Robert G. A History of the Bap- Baptist Theological Seminary, 1960. tists. Valley Forge: Judson, 1963. Vail, Albert L. The Morning Hour of ENDNOTES American Baptist Missions. Philadel- 11James B. Taylor, Memoir of Rev. Luther Rice, phia: American Baptist Publication 2nd ed. (Nashville: Broadman, 1937) Society, 1907. 25-26. 12Ibid., 30-31. Articles 33Ibid., 48. Barnes, W. W. “The Development of a 44Charles Chaney, The Birth of Missions in Denominational Consciousness America (South Pasadena, CA: William Among American Baptists.” South- Carey Library, 1976) 191. western Journal of Theology 2 (October 55Taylor, 82. 1918) 60-78. 66Ibid., 77. ______. “Luther Rice—Baptist Seer.” 77Ibid., 90-91. Southwestern Journal of Theology 2 88Leonard Woods, A Missionary Memoir: The (January 1918) 81-94. Sermon and Addresses Preached at the Ordi- Howe, Claude L. “The Significance of nation of Adoniram Judson and Luther Rice 55 (Boston: Samuel T. Armstrong, 1812) Magazine, December 1813, 353. 46Massachusetts Baptist Missionary 38. 27Taylor, 133. Magazine, March 1815, 142. 99Letter from William Carey to Dr. Wil- 28Massachusetts Baptist Missionary 47Newman, 394. liam Staughton, dated October 20, Magazine, March 1814, 7-8. 48Gibson, 75. 1812, Massachusetts Baptist Mission- 29Evelyn Wingo Thompson, Luther 49William Warren Sweet, Religion on the ary Magazine 3 (September 1813) 322. Rice: Believer in Tomorrow (Nashville: American Frontier: The Baptists 1783- 10Letter from Luther Rice to Rev. Tho- Broadman, 1967) 93. 1830 (New York: Cooper Square Pub- mas Baldwin, Massachusetts Baptist 30Ibid., 98. lishers, 1964) 61. Missionary Magazine 3 (May 1813) 31L. T. Gibson, “Luther Rice’s Contri- 50Ibid., 68. 293. bution to Baptist History” (S.T.D. dis- 51Ibid. 11Taylor, 104. sertation, Temple University, 1944) 52Ibid., 72-74. 12Luther Rice, “Origin of American 74. 53Ibid., 67. Baptist Foreign Missions,” The Cross 32“Constitution and Proceedings of the 54Ibid., 76. and Baptist Journal (October 1835) 1. General Missionary Convention,” 55Taylor, 139. 13Taylor, 119. Massachusetts Baptist Missionary 56Proceedings of the First Triennial Con- 14Lynn E. May, Jr., “Foundations Laid Magazine, September 1814, 68. vention, 163. by Luther Rice,” Baptist History and 33Thompson, 99. 57American Baptist Magazine, Septem- Heritage 8 (April 1973) 70. 34Albert Henry Newman, A History of ber 1817, 174. 15Chaney, 196. the Baptist Churches in the United 58Adoniram Judson, “Letter to Luther 16Ibid. States (Philadelphia: American Bap- Rice,” June 24, 1819, Archives of the 17Robert A. Baker, The Southern Baptist tist Publication Society, 1915) 394. Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Convention and Its People (Nashville: 35Taylor, 14. Board, Richmond, Virginia. Broadman, 1974) 98. 36Luther Rice, The Journal of Luther Rice 59Thompson, 125. 18Henry S. Burrage, A History of the (Washington: Library of Congress 60Newman, 396. Baptists in New England (Philadel- Microfilm, N.D.). 61Burrage, 146. phia: American Baptist Publication 37“Proceedings of the Baptist Board of 62George Washington Paschal, History Society, 1894) 138. Foreign Missions,” Massachusetts of North Carolina Baptists, 2 vols. (Ra- 19The oldest Baptist publication was Baptist Missionary Magazine, Septem- leigh: North Carolina State Conven- the Georgia Analytical Repository pub- ber 1816, 343. tion, 1955) 2:538. lished by Henry Holcomb in 1802- 38American Baptist Magazine (Suc- 63Baker, 121. 1803. ceeded the Massachusetts Baptist Mis- 64Ibid., 113-114. 20Massachusetts Baptist Missionary sionary Magazine), November 1817, 65Taylor, 170-171. Magazine, September 1812, 215. 219-220. 66Ibid., 174. 21Baker, 107. 39Ibid., 216-217. 67Newman, 399-400. 22“Report of the Baptist Missionary 40Ibid., September 1817, 172. 68American Baptist Magazine, June 1826, Society,” Massachusetts Baptist Mis- 41Ibid., July 1818, 371. 181. sionary Magazine, September 1813, 42Thompson, 138. 69William A. Carleton, The Dreamer 349. 43Taylor, 244. Cometh (Atlanta: The Home Mission 23Burrage, 153. 44Ibid., 154. Board, 1960) 67. 24Massachusetts Baptist Missionary 45The General Convention of the Bap- 70Thompson, 196. Magazine, September 1813, 153. tist Denomination in the United 71Ibid. 25Burrage, 153. States, Proceedings of the First Trien- 72Ibid., 237. 26“Remarks on Foreign Missions,” nial Meeting (Philadelphia: n.p., 1817) 73Chaney, 203-204. Massachusetts Baptist Missionary 164. 74May, 72. 56 75Taylor, 16. 76May, 73.

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