We learn that the usages and views of both denominations were plainly set forth, Rev. Nathaniel Brown being appointed to represent the general order and practice of the Freewill Baptists, and Rev. D. Millard to do the same in behalf of the Christian denomination. A general and friendly discussion, abounding in queries and answers, followed, and after much deliberation it was found that the main difference between the two denominations was this, that "the Baptists do not receive any as church members who have not been baptized by immersion, though they extend fellowship and communion to all who live in newness of life; and the Christians receive all as church members who give evidence that they have passed from death unto life, and who live in newness of life." They conversed on many points of doctrine, found no particular difference except on the character of God and of Christ, which they considered to be no bar to their union and fellowship. "We think it duty," said they, "to discard all doctrine which has an immoral effect in society, and to receive and approbate all who come in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ." They agreed to exchange, to labor together in harmony, and to acknowledge themselves "the Church of God," to the exclusion of all party names. In New England I judge the difference was more marked, as some of Mr. B.'s correspondents in the East complained that their ideas of catholic brotherhood had been rejected by them.
His indeed was a mingled cup, into which sorrow at times copiously flowed. In a letter to his brother Nathaniel, dated Mendon, March 25, 1820, we read the following:—
"My home is now in Mendon, where I have a neatly built house surrounded by only three acres I call my own; yet it is pleasant and convenient, it being only half a mile from the meeting-house now going up. I have the care of three churches. But at this time I am surrounded with great afflictions. For more than one year has my dear Mary Jane lain sick, and now she is in the last stage of consumption. She can remain but a few days longer. I rejoice that she is so calmly resigned and so well prepared to go into the world of spirits. How sweet is the presence of religion in these soul-trying scenes! We had a beautiful little son taken from us the 30th of January last, named for our two fathers 'Anthony Peaslee.' Thus with our blessings are afflictions mingled, and our cup is one of mixture."
In a letter to Mr. Moulton he says:
"Though my situation is very local in a land distant from you, and from my friends in the Province, my mind often surveys the north country, where I have travelled, preached, suffered and enjoyed so much of God's holy presence; and a hope still exists that I may again visit the pleasant cottages that have once sheltered me from the chilling blasts of winter. Since I came into this country with you it has ever seemed like home, and I still feel bound in spirit to abide. I find it is a small thing to take the ground, and a greater to keep and cultivate it. But with my joys I have sorrows. January 30th, a pleasant son was taken from us, and a council of six physicians decided as early as last July that Mary Jane cannot recover from the consumption by which she is wasting away. She enjoys much of God's presence, is resigned and patient; but this is a scene of sorrow in which nothing can give comfort but the grace of God. The cause of religion still flourishes in this country. There is a general steadfastness and a good union among the churches. Our congregations are numerous. Hundreds flock together to hear the word of life and the Macedonian cry is heard from every quarter, 'Come over and help us.'
"'Oh, Jesus, let thy beauties be
My soul's eternal food;
And grace command my heart away
From all created good.'"
In anxious watching at the bedside of sickness, and in pastoral labors, the days passed away, till the 4th of April, 1820, when the calm light of the morning shone on the departing spirit of the one who had deeply sympathized with him in all his interests. On the 5th her funeral was attended by a large and solemn concourse, to whom a sermon was preached by Rev. D. Millard, of West Bloomfield, from Phil. 1:21—"To die is gain;" from his pen we will select a few obituary lines.
"Mrs. Mary Jane Badger was born in Farmington, N. H., February 26th, 1798, of respectable parentage. She was the third daughter of the late Col. Anthony Peavy, of that town. At the age of thirteen, she made a profession of religion among a people known by the name of Christians. Her pious walk and modest deportment while but a youth, entitled her to the highest esteem of all who knew her. At the age of eighteen she became united in marriage with Elder Joseph Badger, by which she became separated from her dearest parents, never to see them again on earth. Her constitution was naturally delicate, although for two years while she resided in this country she enjoyed a comfortable state of health. She conversed freely with her husband on death, and gave him some directions about her two little children. Previous to this time she manifested great anxiety concerning them, but from this moment appeared willing to give them up, and seemed to lose that fearful concern for them with which she had hitherto been exercised. But God had otherwise declared for the youngest child. She wept at the afflicting scene, but endured it with much fortitude and resignation. She said to her husband, at the close of a prayer when several of her Christian friends were present, 'I rejoice there is such a scene as death for mortals to pass through; it is the gate of endless joy.' Enriched with early religious experience, she took delight in the singing of certain devotional hymns, such as 'My God, the spring of all my joys,' and 'O Jesus, my Saviour, to thee I submit;'—and her last words were, 'I feel composed, I can put my trust in God.' 'She was,' says Mr. Millard, 'a striking example of female neatness and industry; very exemplary in dress and manners, and particularly chaste and reserved in her conversation. Though she is now no more, yet her memory will long live in the hearts of the virtuous.'"
A tombstone now appears in the burial-ground near the village of Honeoye Falls, bearing the characteristic taste and expressive simplicity of Mr. Badger's genius, on which is inscribed these words: