Morning Star

For the Morning Star.
Union of the Freewill and Free Communion Baptists,
Brother Burr:
Presuming that all concerned will wish to know what has been done relative to the union of the F. W. and F. C. Baptists, I would just say, that two (Eld. J. N. Hinkley and the writer) of the committee appointed by our last G. Conference attended the G. Conference of the Free Baptist denomination, on the 9th and 10th inst, and that after a full and free examination of matters of difference between us, and of the promised advantages of a union, it was determined that there was no reason why we should remain two denominations. Therefore, resolutions were passed that we be no longer two, but one. As bro. E. Mack of Dover was present, we chose him to fill bro. Darling's place; and as bro. Mack will give the particulars of the meeting and resolves, I will add nothing more on this point.

It being known that there were existing difficulties in Columbus and Brookfield, between churches of these two orders, that prevented a complete union, the F. Baptist G. Conference appointed a committee (viz: Elders A. Griffith and L. Gardner, and Dea. V. Elliot) to sit with us, in removing said difficulties. Sept. 14. Committee met in the vicinity of these difficulties, and examined them; and we rejoice in being permitted to announce to all concerned, that they are entirely settled, and that union, fellowship and love exist among them; and we pray that "brotherly love may continue," & abound more and more.

We found the Free Baptist brethren pious, humble, and zealous. They are laboring for order; and they manifest a good missionary spirit. They have quite a number of young men of worth, with very flattering talents, entering the ministry; and they are not like some of our young brethren, thinking that they know enough to be able ministers without study, or scientific acquirements; for they are storing their minds with useful knowledge. Some of them are in their Academical and others in their Collegiate course, and will soon graduate.

A word to those brethren and churches of our order, situated in the vicinity of Free Baptist churches. Dear brethren, as it is certain that these two denominations are hereafter to be one, I wish to advise you. 1st. If there have been transactions that have caused disfellowship of each other, or prejudice against each other, that you would take immediate steps to remove prejudice and restore fellowship. 2nd. Where there are a few F. W. B. brethren in the vicinity of a Free Baptist church, which is in favor of the union, that you immediately unite with said church. 3rd. Where there are two small churches, one of each order, which could do better in one church, that you immediately consolidate into one; and report to the most convenient Q. M. whether Freewill or Free Communion. For whether we call ourselves F. W., Free Communion, or Free Baptists, it is the same thing. For we shall all merge into one General Conference; and 4th, that Q. Ms. do the same.
H. WHITCHER.
Batavia, N. Y., Sept. 18, 1840.