Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1908-06-19
Of the Watervi|Ie Free
Baptist Conference.
Resolution Passed Favoring
Consolidation With Baptists.
Business Finished, Final Sermon
Preached, FareweIls Said.

day afternoon, after very successful
series of meetings. Reports from rep
resentatives and delegates were re-
ceiveI. A sermon was preached by Rev.
f. E. Crockett of Chestervile, dele
gate from the Pennington quarterly
meeting, and the final word of parting
was spoken by Rev. E. G. Page of
Oakland.
The most important matter consid-
cred was the question of uniting with
the BAPTIST denomination. The confer
ence expressed itself as in general,
though not unanimously, in favor OF
the proposition and the resolution as
drawn by the main bodies of Baptlsts
and Free Raptists was passed. The
place of the next meeting was left
with the clerk.
The exercises of the day were opened
with a devotional service at $50, lead
by f. L. Landman of Pittsfeld. The
reports of delegates to other bodies
were called for. Rev. A. l.. Gerrish
of Oakland reported the session of
the Arson conference and Rev. A. ID.
Dodge of Waterville reported the Bow
doin conference Rev. J. l.. Smith of
Clinton had attended the quarterly
meeting at Weld and reported the
same Rev. f. f. Crockett of Chester
vile, delegate from the Pennington
quarterly meeting, gave an interesting
report.
The appointment of the delegates to
other bodies was referred to the nom
mating committee.
The question. "Shall we accept the
basis of union between Baptists and
Free Baptists as reported in the
Starr" was then discussed.
The first speaker was Rev. A. d.
Dodge Of Waterville. He read the baS-
is of union. Mr.. Dodge believed that
the spirit of God is leading back to-
ward fellowship Of the Baptist and
Free Baptist denominations. 1--WE find
ourselves practically on the same
ground our church polity is the
same" said Mr.. Dodge.
There is no reason why we should
stand out as a separate denomination
from the great Baptist body. The Free
Raptists have everything to gain and
nothing to lose by uniting with the
Baptists. SO long as we are allowed
independence in the local churches. We
have much to gain along missionary
lines If we are interested in the COM
ing cof the kingdom of God we should
adont this basis of union.
Rev. j. L. Smith of Clinton believed
that there was something in name
after ALL He pointed cut that the uni
on would result either in two bodies,
Baptists and United Baptists, on that
the word "united" would be in time
dropped.
"In such a union the larger body is
usually not generous. 1t is more
Christikc for the larger body to ex-
crcise the spirit of generosity. than
for the smaller body to exercise the
spirit Of humility.
"The Lord prayed that all his peo-
pie might be one; not that some of
with the great Baptist denomination.
put farther away the day when all
his people should be one? 1t is the du-
ty of the church to be one. l do not
contend for union: l contend for
unity. | stand with every man or cv-
cry woman. and say let us be one in
Jesus Christ. Let us build together on
Christ Jesus and that is enough.
"Ir this proposed union means that
the Baptist body shall draw the line
harder and faster, am not of it. but
il it means that it shall be the extern
sion of the spirit of unity, heart and
SOUL l am with it. If the proposition
Il, to lead the Free Baptists off into
bondage somewhere. | don't want to
go. am a Protestant still. If it is to
lead the Free BaptiSts INTO a larger
liberty, l want to go.
Rev. T.. G. Page of Oakland said in
part:
1.-THE time will never come when the
Free Baptists as a whole. will be in
favor of such a union. We may be one
in heart. one in effort. The Free Bap-
fists | believe, can accomplish more
if we remain as we are. BenJalnln
Randall was disfellowshiped from the
Eaptist church because he preached
free salvation. He did not go out OF
the Baptist church voluntarily. Inc
Free Baptist mission is not yet accom-
nlishcd."
Rev. Irving b. Mower spoke, repre-
senting the Baptist denomination. he
said that he thought of the matter OF
union from the side OF the admins
tration of the work, rather than from
the theological and philosophical SIDE.
He wished to speak on the practical
side of the question. He instanced the
fields Of Arson and East Dlxheld,
samples of about 25 fields. where there
should be immediate union of Bap-
fists; and Free Baptists for the proper
carrying on of the work
There is general disposition to lg-
more the theological differences con-
Guided Secretary Mower
Rev. f. c. Whittemore. d. d., OF
Waterville, also speaking for the Bap-
fist church, said that here in Maine
Christian workers are in the face of
a great work. He said that there is
growing appreciation. on the part OF
the Baptists, of the position of BenJa-
min Randall and the Free Baptists. He
was wholly in sympathy with the
spirit of general unity.
1.-THE Free Baptist churches. If there
be union. will be free to worship as
they have done in the past 1t does
seem to me. my brethren. that if we
unite we will do more for the glory of
Cod 7 believe that no man will lose