Book excerpt: This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 edition. Excerpt: ...of this Society on the other. The spirit of the conference was most fraternal and earnest in the desire to do the best thing possible. Slight modifications of the plan were made, and thus it has received the formal approval of both Boards. As there is no general Home Mission organization of colored Baptists, there could be no general committee representing them, corresponding to the committees appointed by the Southern Baptist Convention and this Society, who could be invited to a conference on the subject. Indeed, the first step was to ascertain whether the white Baptists, North and South, could get together on a good working basis which fully recognizes the State Conventions of colored Baptists as essential factors and co-ordinate bodies in the execution of the plan in their respective States. This having been done, it remains to submit the plan to these State Conventions and secure their concurrence, which there is every reason to believe will be heartily given. It is udderstood, also, that the State Conventions of the Southern white Baptists may become parties to the plan of co-operation, thus establishing closer fraternal relations between all concerned. Of course, this plan will not execute itself. For the first two or three years it must receive the close attention of somebody, in order that it may be fairly tested and put on a solid basis. Hence its application to two or three States the first year may be as much as can be judiciously undertaken. It is hoped that within three years, however, it may be extended to every Southern State. There is great cause for thanksgiving and rejoicing in this union of forces, and the promise therefrom of better things for a people who to so large an extent are wards of the Baptists of the United...