aerstTey REPORT | | Committee on Conference with Other Christian People | TOGETHER WITH THE REPORT OF THE Committee on Denomination | TO THE | GENERAL CONFERENCE of Free Baptists October, 1907 REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CONFERENCE WITH OTHER CHRISTIAN PEOPLE. TO THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF FREE Dlr 2451) 1 DEOL. a) LES Ea ad OCTOBER 1-8, 1907: MEMBERSHIP AND CHANGES 1. At the last session of General Conference, held at Hillsdale, Mich., Sept. 6-13, 19004, a COMMITTEFR ON CONFERENCE WITH OTHER CHRISTIAN PEOPLE was appointed, “To meet similar committees, which may be appointed by other bodies, and consult re- specting doctrinal and other grounds of union,” and “report to the next session of General Conference.” This committee consisted of the following per- sons: Rev. G. H. Ball, D. D., New York; Rev. R. D. Lord, D. D., New York; Rev. Z. A. Space, New York; Rev. H. M. Ford, D. D., Michigan; President, J. W. Mauck, LL. D., Michigan; Mrs. F. L. Durgin, Minne- sota; Rev. R. R. Kennan, Minnesota ; Hon. G. F. Mosher, LL. D., Massachusetts; Mrs. S. C. G. Avery, New Hampshire; Rev. C. S. Perkins, D. D., New Hampshire; Hon. L. M. Webb, Maine, and Prof. A. W. Anthony, D. D., Maine. 2. The committee organized by the choice of Prof. A. W. Anthony, D. D., chairman, and Rev. H. M. Ford, D. D., secretary. 3. By vote of Conference the committee was em- powered “to fill vacancies in its membership, which may arise from death or permanent physical disability.” Twice during the three years, which have elapsed, has death t caused vacancies, removing two of our oldest and most venerated brethren, Rev. Charles S. Perkins, D. D., of New Hampshire, and Rev. George H. Ball, D. D., of New York. The vacancy caused by the death of Dr. Per- kins was filled by the election of Rev. Thomas H. Stacy, D. D., of Concord, New Hampshire, but the vacancy caused by the death of Dr. Ball still remains.open. It has seemed to the committee as though there could be no immediate successor to the man who, venerable in years and wisdom, had so long been an exponent of the sub- jects which the committee has been considering, and so ably and remarkably has-sustained all manner of right- eous work connected with the interests of education and religion, beth within our denomination and also far be- yond its borders As therefore the unridden horse ofa dead warrior is led in the funeral cortege, behind the body of his master, so we appear today reporting an unoccupied place in the membership of our committee. 4. Rev. R. R. Kennan, of Minnesota, offered. his resignation as a member of the committee. His resignation has been accepted, but the vacancy thereby occutring has not been filled, owing chiefly to the fact that the committee was not fully assured that the power of substitution was intended to include vacancies arising through resignation. The committee therefore now re- porting to you consists of but ten members, nine. of whom are ‘members originally appointed | MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES 5. There have been eight meetings of the cominittee, one at Hillsdale, Sept. 13,-1904,-soon after appointment, for organization; one at Ocean Park, July 14: and 15; 1905, when a general policy to cover the proceedings of the committee, after two days of deliberation, was settled: upon; one in Brooklyn, New: York, on Nov. 14,-1905,: in anticipation of conferences with committees of other. 2 bodies; one on Nov. 15, 1905, and throughout the day, with a large and representative committee of the Dis- ciples, with an adjournment to: the afternoon of Nov. 16; one on the 18th of November, in New York City, with the committee appointed by the National Council of Congregationalists, known as the Committee on Comity, Federation and Union; one on Nov 22, 1905, at Brooklyn, New York, with a committee of eminent Baptists repre- senting their missionary organizations; one at Ocean Park, July 31, 1907, for the formulation of plans: and recommendations to be presented here today; and one on Oct. I, 1407, at Cleveland, for the pose of the esi herewith presented. 6. The meetings held in Brooklyn and New York eee held at that timie and place because of the large assem- blage, calling men of many denominations to the Inter- church Conference on Federation. 7. By correspondence there has, been some Agee with the peopte known as the Church of God, and also with that section of our own denomination, which -in 1892 severed itself from our present General Conference and has called itself the original Free Will Baptist Con- ference of North America. In an informal way individuals have met with representatives of the Disciples and the Baptists in interviews more or less frequent. Members of: the committee have also continued an extensive cor- respondence with brethren of their own body in various parts of the denomination, VARIED TENDENCIES. 8. The committee at the outset recognized that its own functions were limited to the simple tasks of conferring with representatives of other bodies, and of then report- ing to this, our National Organization. While this task appears simple, yet it has not been easy to satisfy all members of ‘the denominations that our activities could go no further Early in our deliberation it was recog- 3 nized that four pronounced tendencies existed among our people: (1) To unite quickly with the Disciples. (2) To move toward the Baptists. (3). To join with the Con- gregationalists. (4) To remain as we were without any compromise or conference with other people. g. It may be regarded as fortunate that within the membership of the committee these different tendencies were manifest, so that the committee has. at no time been dominated by but one idea. It fairly represents, there- fore, the denomination as a whole. The conferences with the Disciples, Congregationalists, and Baptists, have been of the most cordial and pleasant kind, and have proven that among at least four different religious bodies there exists an essential unity of spirit which doubtless could easily find expression in more intimate relations and closer co-operation. THE FUNDAMENTAL FREE BAPTIST POSITION. ro. As the fundamental spirit in which this whole sub- ject of union is approached by our people, we recommend that this General Conference reaffirm the sentiments ex- pressed, first by the Twenty-sixth General Conference at Marion, Ohio, in 1886, and then by the Thirty-second General Conference at Hillsdale, Michigan, in 1904, as follows: Ii. (1) We believe in the spiritual unity of all the followers of our divine Lord, and desire so to manifest His spirit as to evince our unity with Him and with al! who love Him. 12. (2) We are ready to form such alliances with other Christian bodies as may promise larger results in advancing our Lord’s kingdom. 13. (3) We regard loyalty to Christ and the Bible, and the independence of the local church, as. a basis on which closer relationships with other Christian bodies. may be attained. THE CONGREGATIONALISTS AND DISCIPLES. 14. The committees of both Congregationalists and Disciples believed, that by reason of similarity of Bap- tists and Free Baptists in name and history, as well as in spirit, genius, doctrine and polity, a union of Free Baptists and Baptists gave promise of earliest results, and because a larger union was the ultimate aim and hope of all, both of those committees in a graceful and fraternal spirit concurred in the judgment that it was wise for our formal conferences with them to wait on the issue of our current conferences with the Baptists. 15. We have received from the committees of both Disciples and Congregationalists assurances that they will gladly renew conferences with us at a time of our choosing. THE CASE BETWEEN BAPTISTS AND FREE BAPTISTS 16. The Baptists are not as yet a centrally organized denomination, although preliminary steps have been al- ready taken for the formation of a National Association. Our conference with them has been somewhat hampered by this lack of centralization. We have met individuals; we have met with a large and representative committee formed by a voluntary convention, and approved by their three leading gocieties; we have met members of the Executive Committees of the American Baptist Home Mission Society, and of the American Baptist Missionary Union. In a more or less informal way we have had conference with representatives of several of their state conventions. All of these interviews have been of the most cordial and friendly character. It is -not needful to rehearse in detail our deliberations during these several interviews. The record of the last annual meeting of the American Baptist Missionary Union, held in Washington, D. C., May, 1907, contains an account 5 sufficiently explicit, which at:the same time states their official action up to the present. The report of two of their committees to the Missionary Union is subjoined as follows: -REPORT OF BAPTIST COMMITTEES. 1, Report of the joint committee on union batted Baptists and Free Baptists. _ TZ he the American Baptist Home Mission Society, ~~ the American Baptist Missionary Union and the Amer- ican Baptist Publication Society. . 18 Dear Brethren: Your committee of conference, appointed to represent the boards of the three societies in the matter of the Free axa DEES Denomination, respect- fully report: i9 They found that prior to their appointment, all three societies had voted unanimously at St. Louis, m May, 1905, 1 approval of the following statements: 20 “We are of the opinion that the Baptists-and the Free Baptists are so near together in faith and practice that co-operation 1s not only ‘desirable, but may be made practical;” and the following were made a joint commit- tee to confer with a similar committee from the Free Baptists concerning such co-operation and a_ possible Oe of the two bodies: N. E. Wood, D. D., George Bullen, D. D., H. S. Burrage, D. D., Rev. E. Holyoke, W.C. P. Rhoades, D. D., Professor W. A, Stevens, A. S. Hobart, D. D., G. W. Lasher, D..D., A. G. Slocum, DD, D. W.. Hurlburt, DD, Ly. Crandall, DiD., and G. M. Peters. 21 They also found that in N ovember, 1905, the com- mittee thus appointed met with the Free Baptist com- mittee in Brooklyn; and as a result of that conference adopted as its report at a meeting in Day ton, May, Ba the following: 22. “Resolved, That the Baptists and the Free Baptists are so Closely related by a history which was long com- mon, and has always been kindred, that they enjoy closer ‘personal fellowship and a greater similarity in genius and spirit than are common between two Christian bodies. It 1s recognized as a fact that the original occasion and cause of separation between our two bodies has practic- 6 “ally disappeared, and that in all the essentials of Chris- tian doctrine, as well as of church administration and “polity, we are substantially one.” 23 They also found that the committee at Dayton concluded its report by recommending for adoption the following: 24 “That while we reatiirm the autonomy of the local Baptist church, we recommend a free and fraternal in- terchange of members and ministers and extend a cor- dial invitation to Free Baptists to co-operate with us in our evangelistic, educational, missionary and all other denominational work, im the earnest hope that a com- plete, organic union of these two long separated bodies of Baptist believers may be brought to @ consummation am due time.” 25 Your comnuttce found further that this Dayton report was presented to the Home Mission Society and adopted, with an additional vote referring the detail of the matter to the Board for adjustment. By an oversi ‘cht, however, the report was not presented to the Missionary Union nor to the Publication Society. The Home Mis- sion Board, feeling unwilling to conduct the matter thus inadvertently left upon their hands alone, sought a con- ference with representatives of the other societies. The Executive Committee of the Missionary Union appointed as their representatives: Thomas S. Barbour, D. D., Hens Making DD. J Fs Elder, DY D.; Rev. C. H. Moss and E. H. Stevens. The Publication Socicty ap- pointed Wayland Hoyt, D. D., A. J. Rowland, D. D., John W. Lyell, D« D. and Mr. J. Howard Gendell. The Home Missionary Society appointed A. S. Hobart, D. D., W. W. Pratt, D. D., Frank M. Goodchild, D. D., and Themas J. Villers, D. D. This general commuttee, which was made permanent by the several boards, met at the Home Mission Rooms in New York, October 29, 1906. ‘ Rev. Edward Holyoke, E. E. Chivers, D. D., and H: L. Morehouse, D. D., participated in the deliberations. A second meeting of the committee was held at the Publica- tion Society's Rooms in Philadelphia, March 19, 1907, and a final meeting was held in New York City, April 30, 1907. Ai ~ 26 The committee have recognized that the issue upon a7 which they have been asked to make report presents phases with which they are hardly competent to deal. They believe that the expediency and practicabiltiy of a complete denominational unton should have thorough and widely representative consideration before formal expression of representative judgment 1s attempted. 27 For this reason and in view of the constitution of the committee as representing societics charged with distinctive forms of work, they have deemed it wise to restrict themselves to consideration of the question of co-operation or coalescence 1n dencminational activities. 28 They believe ‘that as between bodies so closely idcnt'fied as the Baptists and Free Baptists, needless duplication of denominational institutions and agencies is to be deprecated on grounds al.ke of economy and fra- ternity. They have, therefore, recommendcd to the boards and Executive Comnuttce. by whom they were ap- pointed, that conference should be had by each of them with the corresponding board of the Free Baptist body, as to the practicability and desirability of co-operation or union of effort in these various forms of work. 29 The committee would now recommend to the so- cieties that in case. as a result of these conferences, some form of co-operation or union is found to be practicable and desirable, its realisation shall be sought at the earliest possible tume. For the committee, THOMAS J. VILLERS, Secretary. 20 I. The subcommittee appointed by the informal conference of representatives of the Free Baptists and the Executive Committee of the American Baptist Mis- sionary Unicn offered the following suggestions: 31 The committee have understood that it was de- sired that they should frame a theoretically possible plan of union in foreign mission work, without expression of judgment as to the desirability of denominational union. 32 Il. Thev believe that in case a general un‘on be- tween the two denominations ts effected, the problem of securing union in foreign missicn work would present little difficulty. At present with the Free Baptists the foreign mission work is a function of a general organi- 8 gation. With the Baptists, this work is conducted by a separate corporate body. It was stated by the Free Bap- tist representatives of the committee that, in their judg- ment, union may most wisely be effected if the organiza- tion ncw maintained by the Baptist body, namely, the American Baptist Missionary Union, shall vote to take up the foreign mission work of the Free Baptists and agree to maintain this work with the same interest with which its present work 1s conducted, the organization to be hereafter recogmzed as representative of the united bodies. 33. Terms of membership in the Union shall apply without discrimination to all churches and members of churches now included in the two denominations. 34 All persons who have held honorary or life mem- bership in the foreign missionary organisation of the Free Baptists should be recognized as holding similar re- lation to the Missionary Union. 35 Il. As respects the practicability of action look- ing toward union in foreign mission work antecedent to general union of the two denominations, 1t 1s believed that doctrinal issues should offer no dificulty to such coalescence. It 1s understood that the practice of churches on the missicn field is the same in both denominations, baptism by immersion upon confession of faith in Christ being required in all cases as antecedent to church mem- bership; and it 1s understood that recogmtion of this position would be required in candidates for appoimtment to missionary service. 360 In case co-operation in foreign mission work 1s entered upon, the following provisions are favored: 1. The Missionary Unton shall conduct the foreign mission work of the two denominations. 2. The union, in addition to its present name, “The American Baptist- Missionary Union,’ shall make use upon its literature of a secondary descriptive title, “The Foreign Missionary Organization of the Northern Bap- tists and the Free Baptists.” 3. Membership shall be extended to Free Baptists on the same terms now applying to Baptists. 4 So long as the individual basis of membership is retained, the list of honorary and life members of the 9 original missionary organization: of Free Baptists shall be revived and transferred to the Mi. isstonary Union. ‘ 5s Official representation shall be given to Free Bap- tists as follows: (1) On the Board of Managers, a representation pro- portionate to the number of members i in the denomination, (2) On the Executive Committee, one representative of the Free Baptists in each of the three classes of mem- bers into which the committee.is divided. (3) Representation among the executive officials to be left for future decision, the suggestion being made that a field secretary from the Free Baptists, who shall do for the Free Baptist churches a work analogous to that of District Secretaries of the Union, should be ap- pointed at least during the early years of the new order, and that an assistant secretary from the Free Baptists should be appointed for the foreign department. (4) The BAPTIST MISSIONARY MAGAZINE to be conducted in the interests of the entire work. 6 Under this arrangement, it shall be understood that churches hitherto designating their contributions for spe- cial work may continue so to do with the assurance that their donations will be used as designated. 7 Itis realised that there 1s danger of decrease 1n the offerings of the Free Baptist churches through the adop- tiom cf this plan of co-operative work. It is recognised by Free Baptist members of this conference that the churches of the denomination should regard themselves as under honorable obligation to provide for equivalent of full support of the work hitherto conducted by them and the support of the general officers representing them. It 1s possible that definite safeguards against the danger noted may be desirable; but it ts thought that final judg- ment as to this may most wisely be left with the Exrecu- tive Commuttce who, as well as other-executive officers, will be representative of all interests and under whose leadership is hoped a great advance in interest and con- tributions may be reached by the churches of both denom- inations. 8 As to Woman's Societies: It was found that the situation differs in the two denominations, the Woman's Society of the Free Baptists, unlike the woman’s organi- 10 zations among the Baptists, being independent of the general mission board, though now working in closer co- operation with tt than formerly. This society also, unlike the Baptist societies, engages in both home and foreign mission work. It ts suggested that the relation of the Woman's Free Baptist Society, both to the new consoli- dated general society and to the Woman’s Societies now existing among the Baptists, should be left for conference between representatives of these societies 1n case favor 1s shown to the sea se plan for co- -operation in foreign mission work, GEORGE B. HUNTINGTON, Clerk. SEE EA OF CONFERENCE WITH BAPTI STS. Action. on these reports was taken by the American Baptist Missionary Union, May 16, 1907, as follows: 37. “It was voted to adopt, as recommended. by the Board, the report of the joint commuttee on the union between Baptists and Free Baptists, with the addition of the words, ‘with the concurrence of the other societies.” 38 It was voted to appoint a committee for conference with representatives of the Free. Baptists, with a view to discussion of the desirability of coalescence in foreign mission work on the general basis indicated in the sug: gestion contained in “IP”... The following committee was chosen: N..E. Wood, D. D., A. S, Hobart, D. D., George Ce Whitney, L. A. (oe an bbe est iet lV . Ree De Des Mornay Williams, I. B. ‘Mower, D. D., E, S. Osgood, E. W. Hunt, D. D., Thomas S. Barbour, D. dD, 39. The first definite step was the Brooklyn Declara- tion of November 22, 1905, at a joint conference between our Committee of Twelve, appointed in 1904, and a com- mittee of like number, appointed jointly in May, 1905, a by the American Baptist Home Mission Society, The American Baptist Missionary Union, and The American Baptist Publication Society—that declaration, aye above, was as follows: “Resolved: That the Baptists and Free Baptists are so closely related by a history which was long common, and has always been kindred, that they enjoy a closer personal fellowship and a greater similarity in genius and spirit than are common between two Christian bodies. It is recognized as a fact that the original oc- casion and cause of separation between our two bodies has practically disappeared, and that in all the essentials of Christian doctrine as well as of church administration and polity, we are substantially one.” 40. The Baptist committee reported to the Home Mis- sion Society at Dayton in May, 1906, including the above Declaration, and recommend an interchange of members and ministers, and an invitation to Free Baptists to co- operate in all denominational work, “in the earnest hope that a complete organic union may be consummated in due time.” That report was adopted by the Baptist Home Mission Society, and the details of the proposed co-operation were referred to its executive board, which duly worked out a provisional plan; but by an oversight the report was not presented to the Foreign Missionary Union, or the Publication Society. 41. Upon the failure of concurrent action by the three societies, their executive boards appointed another joint committee, which, at Washington, in May, 1907, reported to the three societies, reciting the report of the original Baptist Committee, and concluding with the four para- graphs marked 26, 27, 28, 29. These paragraphs ap- pear to be the latest official expression of the Baptist brethren, so far as known to our committee, upon the general question of union. The record, as we have it, 12 indicates that the American Baptist Missionary Union voted to adopt this report of the second Committee of Baptists “with the concurrence of the other societies,” but does not reveal what action the other two societies may have taken, 42. Between the annual meetings of 1906 and 1907 of the three Baptist societies, an allied but independent movement originated in conferences between the Execu- tive Committee of the American Baptist Missionary Union as one party, and a company of individual! Free Baptists (some of whom are members of our committee now reporting) as the other parties. Those conferences were upon the particular question of union or coalescence in foreign mission work only. Such union or coalescence might be effected by the Baptist Missionary Union and our General Conference, as far as legal aspects are in- volved, without concurrence of the other two Baptist Societies. The above report “II” (numbered 35 and 36) re- sulted from those informal conferences and the Baptist Missionary Unicon has appointed a committee to confer in the matter with any representatives of the General Conference of Free Baptists. 43. As our committee understands it, the Baptist brethren, as represented by the second committee, desire further time to consider and exchange views among themselves as to the expediency and practicability of a complete denominational union, deem it wise to “restrict themselves to consideration of co-operation or coalescence in denominational activities,” and favor further confer- ence upon the practicability and desirability of co-opera- tion or union of effort in those forms of work which now involve needless duplications of denominational in- stitutions and agencies. At least one of the three repre- sentative societies has approved this position of the com- mittee. 44. In brief, the Baptists have not agreed among themselves that a complete denominational union is ex- pedient or practicable at present. : 45. On the other hand, the Baptist Missionary Union has appointed a committee to confer upon coalescence in foreign work, on the general basis of the report marked “TT” above. REPEY*1@ JHE sbAL LI Sa >, 46. Inasmuch as immediate organic union with the Baptists appears obviously impracticable, we recommend, (1) as to sentiment, that this Conference approve and adopt as its own the sentiments which, first formulated by the joint committee of Baptists and Free Baptists, meet- ing in Brooklyn, New York, November 22, 1905, was adopted by the American Baptist Home Mission Society, at Dayton, Ohio, in May, 1906: “Resolved: That the Baptists and the Free Baptists are so closely related by a history which was long com- mon, and has always been kindred, that they enjoy closer personal fellowship and a greater similarity in genius and spirit than are common between two Christian bodies. It is recognized as a fact that the original occasion and cause of separation between our two bodies has practic- ally disappeared, and that in all the essentials of Chris- tian doctrine as well as of church administration and polity we are substantially one;’ and, 47 (2) As to action, in the spirit of cordial reciprocity we recommend that a committee of conference with Bap- tists be appointed to further consult respecting doctrinal and other grounds for union between Baptists and Free Baptists, in order, that “in case some form of co-opera- tion or union is found to be practicable and desirable, its realization shall be sought at the earliest possible time.” 14 CAUTIONARY CONSIDERATIONS. 48 As expressed by the Thirty-second General Conference at Hillsdale, Michigan, Sept. 12, 1904, we “deem no dis- cussions of union and no movements for union wise or honorable to all the interests involved, which do not con- template and do not promote the union of the whole de- nomination as a body.” We, therefore, do not approve the plan of co-operation or coalescence in foreign mis- sion work, which the American Baptist Missionary Union has proposed or approved, save only as a clearly and definitely recognized step toward organic union, toward which such co-operation, or coalescence, must naturally and inevitably lead. We deem it necessary, therefore, to consider fully, and decide finally, the larger question of complete organic union, before entering upon any plan of partial union. We regard it necessary to hold in abeyance all ques- tions of union which may affect local churches and in- dividuals, until these greater questions have been settled, for the local church and the individual have obligations to the whole which cannot be honorably ignored and set aside. Respectfully submitted, ALFRED WMS. ANTHONY, HENRY M. FORD, JOSEPH W. MAUCK, LINDLEY M. WEBB, THOMAS H. STACY. SARAH C. G. AVERY, LOU M. P. DURGIN, RIVINGTON D. LORD, GEORGE F. MOSHER. ZEPHANIAH A. SPACE. - Cleveland, O., Oct. 2, 1907. 15 REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON DENOMINATION. In reviewing the present condition of the Denomination, as compared with that of three years ago, there appear many catses of great encouragement and of profound gratitude to God. PRESENT CONDITION OF DENOMINATION. (1) The denomination has become unified and solidi- fied as never before. At the time of the last General Conference, fears, which d:d not appear unfounded, were entertained that there might be a breaking up of the denomination on this question of union, some going one way, some another. But there have been no .seces- sions. Denominational loyalty, deep and consistent, has steadily increased; internal unity has been established. During the three years, the efforts of the Joint Com- mittee representing the Free Baptist Woman’s Missionary Society, and the General Conference have reached the happy completion of a plan of co-operation, acceptable to both parties, not only in theory, but as proven in the actual practice of a year’s experience. These results, begun by the appointment of the Committee in 1898, after nine years, yield most important elements of de- nominational unity and strength, both in Foreign Fields throughout all our missionary activity and in the Home Fie'd, reaching to the outermost circle of local churches. During the last three years, the care and executive ad- ministration of the young people’s societies, of mission study classes, and of many features of young peopies work, or worx for young people, have come under the direction of the Conference Board, thus harmonizing and unifying with the broader plans of the whole de- nomination these most important interests. As at no time in the past, the yearly meetings, State Association and other subsidiary bodies of which our denomination is composed, have turned toward the de- nominaticnal center for advice and direction. The sense of fraternity, sympathy and co-operation has been won- derfully augmenting. (2) The condition of the financial resources of the denomination has improved to a no less remarkable de- 16 eree. The permanent fund of the General Conference three years ago, amounted to $55,922.77; now it is $142,799.71; an increase of $86,876.94. ' More significant still, as indicating the growth of benevo'ence in the denomination, is the steady increase ‘in contributions for Foreign Missions, and other causes. In 1898 the contributions reported of the previous year for Foreign Missions were $12,926.73; in Icor, $14,- 544.27; in 1904, $18,c80.72, and in 1907, $26,179.19; that is, in nine years the contributions for foreign mis- sions have more than doubled, and this has reference to the gifts of the living only (not bequests) and for one object through but ome treasury. During the last three years our Foreign Mission treasury has been relieved of a troublesome debt of more than $8,000. During the last three years also, an indebtedness of $5,000 against the treasury of the Educational Fund has been discharged ‘without special appeal or effort, an obligation which has been carried for more than twenty years. In the meantime our schools and colleges nett made | gains in material equipment, in buildings. and in funds, which may well be characterized as remarkable. Our churches and parishes have added new meeting houses and parsonages. Our property in the mission fields, in India and in Africa, has been improved and increased; -and a new mission field in Barbadoes comes to us, al- ready with an efficient equipment, asking to be recognized as ours. During the three years past, our Morning Star, bestead by conditions in the publishing world, wholly beyond its control, has been put upon a sound financial basis through the generous offerings of many friends east and west. (3) In common with other branches of the Great Kingdom of Christ, the denomination has experienced a gracious quickening, giving notable accessions to our membership and re sulting in a united evangelistic move- ment still in fruitful and promising vigor. EL pao el De LO b UNION. In view of these many tokens of Divine favor and of human good will and accord, our denomination faces 17 with confidence the many perplexing . and © difficult problems of union. We reaffirm, as the fundamental spirit. in which this whole subject of union should be approached by our people, the sentiments expresed, first by the Twenty- sixth General Conference at Marion, Ohio, in 1886, and then by the Thirty-second General Conference at Hills- dale, Michigan, 1904, as follows: (1) We believe in the spiritual unity of all the fol- lowers of our divine Lord, and desire so to manifest His spirit as to evince our unity with Him and with all who love Him. (2) We are ready to form such alliances with other Christian bodies as may promise larger results in ad- vancing our Lord’s kingdom. (3) We regard loyalty to Christ and the Bible, and the independence of the local church, as a basis on which closer relationships with other Christian bodies may be attained. We propose the following reply to our brethren of the Church of Christ: “REPLY TO THE’ DISCIPLES. Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 7, 1907. To the American Christian Missionary Convention, Through tts Comittce on Conference, Rev. E. B. Wakefeld, D. D., Chairman, Hiram, Ohio. Dear and Honored Brethren: The General Confer- ence of Free Baptists in its Thirty-third triennial session at Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 1-8, 1907, received from its Comunittee on Conference with other Christian People, a report of their conferences with your committee, which were held in Brooklyn, N. Y., Nov. 15 and 16, 1905, and carricd on by correspondence and by personal interviews between individuals of the two committees. | We wish to assure you of our hearty appreciation of the remarkable missionary seal and activity of your people; and of our most cordial esteem and fraternal regard. Our Conference in 1886, again in 1904 and at this present session has afirmed the following sentiments as the fundamental spirit in which the subject of union should be approached: | cent 18 _ t.. We believe in. the spiritual unity of all the followers of our divine Lord, and desire so to manifest His spirit “as to evince our unity with Him and with all who love Him, 3 : 2. We are ready to form such alliances with other bodies as may promise larger results in advancing our ‘Lord’s kingdom. 3. We regard loyalty to Christ ee the Bible, and the independence of the local church, as a basis on which closer relationships with other. Chmsstian POGAES may be “attained. While in our conference with your committee, di- vergences appeared, chiefly however 1n regard to names and forms of expression, and none apparently insuper- able, yet, your committee recognized that; by reason of similarity of Baptists and Free Baptists in name and history, as well as in spirit, genius, doctrine and polity, a union of Free Baptists and Baptists gave promise of earliest results, and because.a larger union was the. ulti- mate aim and hope of us.all, your committce in a graceful and fraternal spirit concurred with ours in the judgment that tt was wise. for further formal conferences with your people to watt on the issue of. our current conferences with the Baptists.. May the Great Head of the Church bless all. your activities and ministries to the extension of His kingdom and the glory and honor of His name. By order of the General Conference of Free Baptists im session at Cleveland, Olio, Oct. 7, 1907. (Signed) JOSEPH W, MAUCK, President. Ne SeePURINDTON »Clerk: We propose the following reply to our brethren of the Papet cen ule Churches : Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 7, 1907. To. the National. Council of Congregational Churches, Through its Committee on Comity, Federation and Unity, “Rev. William Hayes Ward, D. D., 430 Fulton St., New York. City. Dear and Honored Brethren: The Sabato C Sicrace 19 of Free Baptists in its Thirty-third triennial session at Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 1-8, 1907, received, from its Com- mittee on Conference with othe Christian People, a re- port of their conference with your committee, which was held in New York City, Nov. 18, 1905, supplemented by correspondence and personal interviews between indi- vidual members of the two committees. We wish to express our high appreciation of the un- failing courtesy and consideration with which, in a fair minded and tolerant spirit, both our people as a whole and our churches in various parts of the country, have been treated by your people. We appreciate your history, your consistent ecclesiastical independency, your large contributions to education and to Christian citizenship, and the spirit of Christian service with which vou are attempting to. mect and relieve social problems today with the principles of Jesus Christ. Our conference in 1886, again in 1904 and at this present session has afirmed the following sentiments as the fundamental spirit in which the subject of union should be approached by our people: tr. We beheve in the spiritual unity of all the followers of our divine Lord, and desire so to manifest His spirit as to evince our unity with Him and with all who love Him. : | 2. We are ready to form such alliances with other Christian bodies as may promise larger results in ad- vancing our Lord’s kingdom. 3. We regard loyalty to Chnst and the Bible and the independence of the local church, as a basis on which closer relationships with other Christian bodies may be attained. In our conference with your committee, your com- mittee recognized that, by reason of similarity of Bap- tists and Free Baptists in name and history, as well as in spirit, genius, doctrine and polity, a union of Free Baptists and Baptists gave promise of earliest results, and because a larger union was the ultimate aim and hope of us all, your committee in a graceful and fraternal spirit concurred with ours, in the judgment that 1t was wise for further formal conference with you to wait on the issue of our current conferences with the Baptists. 20 May. the Great Head of the Church bless all your activities and ministries to the extension of His kingdom and. the honor and glory of His name. By order of the General Conference of Free Baptists in session at Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 7, 1907. (Signed) JOSEPH W. MAUCK, Pres. N.S. PURITON, Clerk. With reference to union with the Baptists, we affirm the sentiments agreed to by our committee on Confer- efice in session with a committee of Baptists at Brooklyn, N. Y. Nov. 22, 1905, which was approved by the American Baptist Home Mission Society at Dayton, Ohio, in May, 1906, and by the American Baptist Mis- sionary Union, at Washington, D. C., in May, 1907, with the proviso that it receive concurrent approval of the other Baptist Societies. It was also approved in May, 1907, by the American Baptist Publication Society. That expression of senti- ment is: “Resolved: That the Baptists and Free Baptists are se closely related by a history which was long common, and has always been kindred, that they enjoy closer personal fellowship and a greater similarity in genius and spirit than. are common between two Christian bodies. [ft 1s recogmzed as @ fact that the original occasion and cause of separation between our two bedies have practically dis- appeared, and that m all the essentials of Christian doc- trine as well as of church administration and polity, we are substantially one.” To the proposal of the American Baptist Missionary Union to co-operate or coalesce in the Foreign Mission work, we recognize the following obstacle: - Our Baptist brethren, organized as they are with no ecclesiastical body higher than their state conventions and societies, created for special activities, find it diffi- cu't to treat with us as a whole upon questions which relate both to them and to us as wholes, while we have settled it as a policy, according to action taken at Hills- dale, Mich., in 1904, that we “deem no discussion of union 21 and:no movements for union wise or honorable to all the interests involved, which-do not contemplate and do not promote the union of the whole denomination as a body, and not the un:on or consolidation of local churches and associatoins, which would be denominational : disin- tegration.” Because of this difference in organization and because of this settled policy to act as a who!e, we deem it unwise at this time to entertain the proposition to co-operate, or coalesce, in foreign mission work, or to combine in any other sphere of denominational activity, before the main question of union of the denomination as a whole has been decided. The Committee on Denomination recommends that a Convention on Ccnference with other Christian People, consisting of twelve persons, be appointed to meet with a committee, or committees of the Baptists, or with other Committees of Christian bodies, and consult respecting doctrinal and other grounds of. union, and report. to Conference Board. We would instruct the Committee appointed to confer further upon this subject, to invite the Baptists to formu- late with them, antecedent to further discussions, some statement of common belief, or at least some statement which may indicate a common principle under which our differences in belief and practice, so far as they still sur- vive, may be tolerated in associational fellowship; such agreement to be submitted to the constituent bodies of this General Conference by the Conference Board. We propose the following reply to our Baptist brethern: Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 7th, 1907. To the American Baptist Mission Society, the American Baptist Missionary Union, the American Baptist Pub- lication Society, and other Baptists of North Amertca, through their comnuttecs on conference with Free Bap- tists, Professor A. S. Hobart, D. D., Chairman, Ches- ter, Pa; Dear and Honored Brethren: The General Confer- ence of Free Baptists in its thirty-third triennial session at Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 1-8, 1907, received, from its Committee on Conference With Other Christian People, a report of their Conference with your committee, which 22 was held in Brooklyn, N. Y., Nov. 22, 1905, and supple- mented by correspondence and personal interviews be- tween. imdividual members of the two committees. We have reatirmed the sentiments respecting the fundamental spirit with which our people approach the subject of union, as first expressed in 1886 and reiterated im 1904, as follows: tr. We believe in the spiritual unity of all the fol- — lowers of our divine Lord and desire so to manifest His spirit as to evince our unity with Him and with all who love Him, -2. We are ready to form such alliances with other Christian bodies as may promise larger results in advanc- ing our Lord’s kingdom. 3. We regard loyalty to Christ and the Bible, and the independence of the local church, as a basis on which closer relationships with other Christian bodies may be attained. We have affirmed the sentiments adopted by our Joint Committes at Brooklyn in November, 1905, and approved by your Home Mission Society in May, 1906, and your Missonary Union and Publication Society 1 May, 1907, as follows: : “Resolved: That the Baptists and the Free Bapiists are so closely relatd by a history which was long common, and has always been kindred, that they enjoy closer per- sonal fellowship and a greater similarity in genius and spirit than are common between two Christian bodies. It is recogmzed as a fact that the original occasion and cause of separation between our two bodies has practic- ally disappeared, and that in all the essentials of Chris- tian doctrine as well as of church administration and polity, we are substantially one.” We have appointed a committee for further considera- 23. tion of this subject with your committee or committees, consisting of the following persons: Prof. A. W. Anthony, D. D., Pres. J. W. Mauck, LL. D., Rev. H. M. Ford, D. D.., WCET BLOT Lie Rey..0. Wd. Ratch.D, 2, Rev. Ci. Cate, D..D., Mrs. Lucy Phillips Durgin, 4. M. Mrs. Sarah C. G. Avery, HonsG: F. Mosher, LED. Pres. Jo Me Davis, Phe, ROU Sia CY, ee, Pres. Z. A. Space, Lewiston, Me., Chairman. Hillsdale, Mich. Hillsdale, Mich. Brookiyn, N. Y. Greenville, R. I. Providence, R. J. Winnebago, Minn. Wells, Me. Boston, Mass. | Rio Grande, Ohio. Concord, N. H. Keuka Park, N.Y. May the Great Head of the Church bless all your activities and minstries to the extension of His kingdom and the honor and glory of His name. By order of the General Conference of Free Baptists in session at Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 7th, 1907. (Stgned) JOSEPH W. MAUCK, President. N. S. PURITON, Clerk. Respectfully submitted, ALFRED WMS. ANTHONY, RIVINGTON D. LORD, GEO. F. MOSHER, LEWIS B. STILLMAN, | GEO. E. BARNARD. 24.