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GO YE THEREFORE AND TEACH; *** TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS WHATSOEVER I HAVE COMMANDED YOU.-MAT. 28: 19 & 20.

One person in every eight in the United States is of African descent.  No denomination has so much at stake in these people as we have.  Already since their emancipation they begin to vote and hold office; already they are selecting untaught preachers and teachers from their own ranks, and the results are alarming.

Above all things they need truly pious and educated Pastors, Deacons, Superintendents, and Teachers trained up from their own Churches.

The Baptists have had under instruction during the past year, about 2000 of them, who give promise of becoming wise leaders.  But what are these among four millions?

This Society and the Theological Institute are now one; and the united voice of the denomination is, that this work is urgent beyond all others.

Rev. Dr. J. W. Parker, speaking in Tremont Temple, Boston, of the present opportunity at the South, said: "Within five months, there should be $50,000 in our Home Mission Treasury for the establishment and support of schools and, "he exclaimed with thrilling emphasis, "I know, I KNOW there never was, since Christ hung on the cross of Calvary, such an opportunity. THERE HAS BEEN NO SUCH DAY.'

For Freedmen's Education, and Southern Work Address,
Rev. JAMES B. SIMMONS, Cor. Sec'y.

AMERICAN BAPTIST HOME MISSION ROOMS
ROOM 12, NO. 39 PARK ROW,
New York, July 12" 1869

Rev. J. Kimball
Freedman's Bureau
Washington D.C.

Dear Bro. Our Treasurer hopes to be ready to respond in a few days to yours of the 8" inst. Be patient with us. Our work presses. 

Please send me a good quantity of blanks, such as I need to enable me to collect rent in your own district particularly; & favor me with specimens at least, for the other districts, if in your power to do so.

Please also give me such information as I need, to enable me beyond doubt to understand how to do this business in conformity with your regulations, so that I may embarrass you & the work the least possible.

Yours truly
James B. Simmons