The principles of church polity : illustrated by an analysis of modern Congregationalism and applied to certain important practical questions in the government of Christian churches. Southworth lectures delivered at Andover theological seminary in the years 1879-1881

Front matter

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PRINCETON, N. J.

Ladd, George Trumbull, 1842'

Preface

If an apology is to be made for the appearance of these Lectures in the form of a book, it is best that this apology should express frankly the motives for such appearance which lie in the author's mind. It seemed to him in some sense due to the Lectureship which he has filled for three years, that it should add something to the general literature of its theme. Lectures written on paper, whatever they may accomplish as lectures, perish with the using ; but the printed volume, whether it have many readers or few, at least for a time remains.

Moreover, the reading done in preparation for this writing has convinced the author that his treatment of the subject has some small claim to a certain originality and freshness of form. This impression has been confirmed by the testimony of a few friends, among whom, however, may be counted one who was not long since a master of the whole subject here treated in such a fragmentary way.

That there is now great need of candid and reasonable discussion of all those principles which enter into the constitution and government of Christian churches, few will doubt. It is certain that such need is manifested among those leaders and churches which bear the Congregational name ; nor is this need confined to them alone. Not a few of the elder men in the ministry, of all denominations, seem to be losing

V vi PREFACE.

heart at sight of the rapid changes of form which are going on in the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Christian churclies. And, of the younger men, the great majority are either indifferent to questions of church polity, except as these questions affect their own temporary success, or else are quite confused in thought, and vacillating in action, through lack of attention to the principles involved. If the author shall have any success whatever in his endeavor, it will be in helpiug those who belong to the latter class. In church polity, as in other matters of human thought and action, he who has a firm grasp upon principles need seldom go far or remain long astray ; but he who, without this grasp upon principles, makes himself officious in the effort to mend the rents and seams in the "cake of custom," will probably end by either daubing over its surface, or parting it quite in two.

That some others besides the several score of students to whom he has already had the pleasure of imparting his thoughts may be equallj' interested in the principles of the true church polity, and in the practical handling of churches as accomplished in accordance with these principles, is the utmost that the author can hope.

It is a sad pleasure to him to know that the reading, and kindly, helpful criticism of his manuscript, was among the last things done by Dr. Leonard Bacon ; that almost the last words heard by the author from this great and good man were words of interest and encouragement for the views herein expressed. This acknowledgment, which it was hoped to make to the living, must now be made in memory of the departed.

New Haven, Conn., January, 1882.

SYNOPSIS OF CONTENTS.