A view of Congregationalism

Front matter

d # LIBRARY OF CONGRESS J

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J UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.* r

Preface

The design of this volume is to answer the inquiry, What is Congregationalism ?

It contains a brief discussion of the principles on which Congregational and Calvinistic Baptist churches are organized ; a statement and defence of their doctrines respecting church order and discipline ; an enumeration and explanation of their ecclesiastical practices ; and a consideration of some of the advantages of their church polity.^

No one can be more sensible of the difficulty of executing such a plan, than the writer now is ; had he been equally so before he undertook the task, it might have saved both him and his readers the trouble of this preface.

An apology for the work may, perhaps, be found in its history. About three years since, the writer was appointed, by the Clerical Association of which he is

' The Baptists differ, somewhat, in their ecclesiastical practices, from what is usually denominated the Congregational order ; but, in their general principles of church order and government, the two denominations are identified.

VI PREFACE.

a member, to prepare a dissertation upon Congregationalism. This he was requested to publish. But, though the result of considerable reading and reflection, it was regarded by him as too immature to be offered to the public. A renewal of the request of the Association, at their next meeting, induced the author to rewrite the essay, and to preach the substance of it to the people of his charge. The re-writing of it, swelled the essay into six or eight sermons. Tlie unsolicited opinion of several intelligent parishioners, who were ignorant of the doings of the Association, led to the belief that the substance of the discourses might prove acceptable to the denomination generally. A revision was accordingly begun. This revision led to a further examination of authorities, a multiplication of topics, a more extended range of discussion, and ultimately, to the decision to submit this volume to the judgment of the [)ublic.

The work has been written not for the wise, nor for those, exactly, who are simple ; but for that large class of persons who occupy the intermediate space between the learned and the ignorant.

The English reader will occasionally find a word or phrase in Latin or Greek ; but rarely unaccompanied with a translation, and never, it is believed, in such a position as to break the sense of the sentence.

PREFACE. VU

It is no part of the writer's design to make war upon the opinions of others. He has spoken freely — he has felt constrained so to do — though it is hoped kindly, of lliose from whom he differs.

That tiie writer has fallen into no errors, is more than can be reasonably expected ; but, he has certainly used his utmost care to avoid them. That the opinions expressed in these pages may not be modified, in some particulars, by further investigation, is by no means impossible; but, as they now appear, they are not the offspring of haste, nor — it is confidently believed — of prejudice.

The Appendix contains several articles, both original and selected, of considerable importance to the illustration of the general subject.

Adopting the language of the learned and excellent Samuel Mather, in his '' Apology for the Liberties of the Churches in New England," the author commends his labors to the favor of the churches and to the blessing of God : — '' I am far from assuming anything of authority to myself in the following sheets. If I have collected the sense of others right, and well epitomized their thoughts, which are variously dispersed, and reduced them to a clear and natural order, I shall think it sufficient."

Contents

INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.

PRELIMINARY REMARKS.

Church Polity defined. How regarded under the Mosaic Dispensation — On the introduction of Christianity. Simplicity of order, the distinctive peculiarity of the first Christian churches, page I. The estimation of tJiis subject by the Reformers of the 16th century. Impediment to a thorough reform of the polity of the church, in those days, 2. The subject not much attended to, until the latter part of the 16th or the early part of the 17th century, 3. The interest felt by the Puritans ; especially by the fathers of New Enajland, 4. Present indifference amonor Conffreo-ationalists» Causes : I. Anxiety to promote the union of different denominations in benevolent enterprises, 4. No denominational organizations to promote Congregationalism, 6. II. Influence of Theological Seminaries, 7. 111. A false, but prevalent impression, that it is unnecessary to make direct efforts to promote Congregational views, 8. IV. The dearth of books upon the subject, 8. Note, Proposed history of the denomination, 10.

Part I. Principles Of Congregationalism

A distinction made between principles and doctrines, page 11. Congregationalism defined, 12. Principles of the system : 1. The Scriptures are the only infallible guide to church order and discipline, 13. Necessity of this. Note, Dr. Campbell's admission, 14. Consequences of denying this principle, 15. The character of the apostolic churches explains the New Testament meaning of the word Church, 16. Constitution of the Christian church designed to be permanently the same, 17. The objections, that our circumstances are unlike those of the primitive Christians ; and, that the present prosperous state of the church, requires a more attractive exterior, answered, 17 — 19. Congregationalists thorough Protestants, 20.

II. A church is a voluntary association of profcssincr Christians ^ united by covenant, for the loorship of God and the celebration of religious ordinances, 2\ , Correctness of this principle proved from the Scriptures, 22—27.

X CONTENTS.

III. Ji church should ordinarily consist of only so many as can conveniently assemble together, 28. Scripture testimony upon this point. Provincial churches unknown to the apostles, 29. Milner's objection, founded on the supposed numbers in some of the primitive churches, answered, 30, 31. Slater's representations, corrected, 31 — 36. Episcopalian admissions, 36. Inference from these admitted facts, 37.

IV. ^11 ecclesiastical power in those icho compose the church, 37. Scripture testimony. Elections of officers by apostolic churches, 38.^ Discipline of erring members, 39, 40. Christ's directions, Matt. 18: 15 — 18. Congregationalists, alone, can follow these directions, 41, 42. Note, Dr. Campbell's remark on ^' a church representative," 43.

Part II. Doctrines Of Congregationalism

I. There are but two orders of church officers, Elders and Deacons, page 45. Other helpers in the apostolic churches, 46. Inspiration essential to them. Deaconesses, 47, 48. Elders, what .' 49. Note, on the word '^ ordained" {/jiooTori]aavTBc) Acts 14:21 — 23, pp. 49, 50. Why the primitive churches had a plurality of elders, 51, Elders, the same as pastors, overseers and bishops — Proof, 52 — 54. The term Eider, why applied to Christian teachers, 54. Why called pastors, 55. Admissions of Bloomfield and Waddington. John Owen's remarks, 56. Dr. Campbell's remarks, 57. Deacons, original appointment of, design — a permanent office, 57 — 61. Ruling elders, w^hat .? Their office work described, 57. Objections considered, 62 — 68. Scripture testimony to the correctness of our views, 68, 69.

II. There should he an entire ecclesiastical equality among Christian ministers, 70. Gradations, how introduced into the ministry, 71. View^s of the English reformers upon this subject, 72, note.

III. Councils have no authority over the churches^ 72. Consociational form considered and objected to, 74. Testimony of Ecclesiastical History against it, 75 — 78,

IV. The churches accountable to each other, 78. Communion of churches, how exercised, 79. Note, illustrating the fellow^ship of the New England churches previous to 1648, p. 79. Concluding remarks. Why the fathers of New England loved Congregationalism, 81. A spiritual system, 83.

Part III

TESTIMONY OF ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY TO THE CONGRE- GATIONAL CHARACTER OF THE APOSTOLIC AND PRIMITIVE CHURCHES.

This testimony corroborates our interpretation of the Scriptures, page 85. Mosheim's testimony. The supreme power in the pec-

CONTENTS. XI

pie, 86. The apostles acknowledged this. The people chose their own rulers and teachers. Rejected or confirmed laws. Disciplined offenders. Decided controversies. Determined the causes of presbyters and deacons. Exercised supreme power, 87. Identity of presbyters, elders, and bishops. Distinction between teaching and ruling elders, doubtful, 88. A bishop had charge of a single congregation only, during the 1st and 2d centuries. Admissions of Waddington, 89. How the character of a bishop was changed. City bishops usurped authority over country bishops. Notes, Bloomfield's explanation. Dr. Campbell on the independency of the early Christian churches, 90. Mosheim, on the same topic. All churches on an equality, 91. Deflection of the churches in the 3d century. Clergy corrupted. Minor orders added. These explained, 93. Philosophers corrupt the faith, and princes etc. the order of the church. Influence of Constantine. Assumes the supreme power over the clmrcli. Bishops encroach upon the people, 94. Church and state accommodated to each other, and united. Ecclesiastical nobles created, 95. Corrupt state of the church. Blood-shed and house-burning by rival parties for the bishopric of Rome. Choice of their bishops taken from the people, 96.

Testimony of the Apostolic Fathers Previous representations respecting the general order, etc. of the apostolic cliurches corroborated. Clement, of Rome (A. D. 64 — 70), pp. 97 — 102. Testimony of Polycarp (A. D. 108—117), p. 102. Ignatius (A. D. 116). His Epistles corrupted and interpolated. Reliance on these by Episcopalians to prove the existence of three orders in the ministry, 105. His testimony favors Congregational views in several particulars, 106—110. Justin Martyr (A. D. 150). Dr. J. Owen's remarks, HI. Tertullian (A. D. 200). Cyprian (A. D. 250). Dr. Owen's proposition, viz. that for 200 years A. C. no other kind of churches existed but Congregational, 103. Character, etc. of Owen. Dr Campbell's confirmation of Owen's opinion, 114. Dr. Chauncy's collection of ecclesiastical witnesses in favor of Congregationalism, note, 115.

Part IV. Ecclesiastical Practice Of Congregational Churches

I. Organization of Churches. Number necessary, note, page 117.

II. Choice and consecration of church officers, 119. Clioice of a pastor. Trial. Call. Acceptance. Ordaining council, 120. Proceedings of council. Every pastor should be a member of his own church, note, p 121. Order of ordination services. Usages of Congregational churches in Great Britain diflTer somewhat from ours, note. Installation, 122. Imposing hands, early New England practice, note. Choice and consecration of deacons. Ordination of. Why neighboring churches not invited to assist, note, p. 123.

XU CONTENTS.

III. The church assemhled for business, 124. Pastor moderator. Clerk, 125. Majority decide all questions. Practice in Great Britain, note, p. 126.

IV. Admission of Members. Candidates give a public relation of religious experience. Diversity of practice, note, p. 127. Propounding. Admission, 128.

V. Dismission of members. No dismissions without recommendations. Letters of introduction, note, p, 129. No private ways in or out of our churches, 130.

VI. Dismission of a pastor. How effected. Duty of pastor. Church. Council, 131. In case of disagreement about the matter between church and pastor, 132. Practice of English and Scotch Congregationalists, note, p. 133.

Vll. Church discipline. Importance of it, 133. Rule, Matt. 18 : 15 — 18, explained, 134. Shall private steps be alicays taken.? 135 and note. Final action of the church. Restoration of an excommunicated person. What are disciplinary offences .? 136. Christian watchfulness a duty, 137.

Vlil. Discipline of pastors. In the hands of the church, 137. Councils usually called. Mutual or ex parte. Doctrine of Cambridge Platform. Reason for councils, 138.

IX. Wlio shall complain of offenders ? If private, the first to whom the offence is known. If public, one of the deacons, or other experienced person. Every church member bound to see that the regular course is taken, 140. Discipline should not be hurried, 141.

X. Discipline of sister churches . Congregational churches members of one family — Acknowledge their accountability to each other. Doctrine of Cambridge Platform, 141. Procedure in the discipline of an erring sister church, 142. Claim no power to disband erring churches. Withdraw fellowship after the regular steps have been taken without success, 143.

XI. Minor points on ichich Congregationalists differ among themselves, E. g. Raising the salaries of their pastors. By tax on property or pews, by weekly contributions, or yearly subscriptions, etc. etc. All Congregational pastors have a stipulated salary. This usually very small, 144* Comparison between the fathers and the children, on this point. Permanency of the pastoral relation, rather theoretical, than practical, of late. Signs of better times, 145. Reasons for dwelling so long upon the ecclesiastical usages of our churches. The system cannot be estimated properly by a knowledge of its theory alone. Authorities for the preceding detail. Other sources of information pointed out, note. Concluding remarks upon this Part, 146, 147.

Part V. Advantages Of Congregationalism

I. It is the most scriptural system of church government. All governments classed as monarchical, aristocratical, or democrat!-

CONTENTS. XUl

cal, page 150. Episcopacy, monarchical ; Presbyterianism, aristocratical ; Congregationalism, democratical. Episcopacy, Romish, compared with (Congregationalism. Church of England compared, J50. Its form, expensiveness, etc. 152. American Episcopacy, identical with the English, J 53. Order and government of, 154. Points of difference between American Episcopacy and Congregationalism. Mistake of bishop Hobart, 155. Methodist Episcopal Church compared, 158. Its organization, etc. 159. Anti-republican. The people excluded from the government of. J. Wesley's remark — Watson's. The system instituted by Mr, Wesley, 161. Method of disciplining erring members, 162. Presbyterianism considered, and compared with Congregationalism. Points of re semblance, 164. Of difference. Provincial or national character of Presbyterianism. The church session, 165. Presb3^tery. Synod. General Assembly, 166. Other denominations classed, 167. Concluding remarks upon this head, 168.

II. Congregationalism encourages self-government, beyond any other system, \6d. Supposed republican tendency of the system, the reason why its friends have been so persecuted. First civil act of the Plymouth fathers, republican in its character, 170. Influence on the civil institutions of New England. Report of English commissioners, 1664. N umber of Congregationalists in New England in 1760, p. 171. Note, Mr. Jefferson's opinion. London Quarterly Review, on the connection between monarchy and Episcopacy, 172.

III . This system promotes intelligence, heyond any other. Intelligence indispensable to Congregationalism. Note, views of a correspondent. R. Watson's fears of a democracy in the government of a church, 174. Influence of this system in establishing schools and colleges, etc. 175.

IV. Ilfurtiishes an efficient harrier against heresy and general corruption, 176. Independency of the churches, a barrier against general corruption. The election of pastors by the churches, a protection from heresy and corruption, 178. The accountability of pastors to the churches, another protection, 179. The objection, that there are, and have been, errors, etc. in Congregational churches, considered. No system exempt from liabilities to error, etc. 179. Corruption of Romanism. Arminianism and tendency towards Popery in the English Episcopal Church. Something of the same in the Protestant Episcopal Church of America. Arianism and Unitarianism, etc.. among Presbyterians, 180. Conclusion. President Odks's commendation of Congregationalism.

Appendix

No. 1. A Letter IMissive from j)ersons wishing to be organized into a Congregational church, page 185.

No. 2. Call from a church to a pastor elect, 185.

No. 3. Letter Missive from a Congregational church to a neighboring church, to attend the ordination of a pastor, 187.

B

XVI INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.

the maintenance of the primitive " order of the gospel," is agitated with an earnestness, and to an extent, that has called forth prompt and able responses from several of the watchmen on the walls of Zion. Upham and Pond, Bacon and Mitchell — not to mention others — have successfully devoted a portion of their strength to the enlightenment of the public mind, and the revival of the better days of New England Congregationalism, when the Mathers, and Cottons, and Wises, stood forth as its expounders and defenders. But there remaineth much land yet to be possessed. Ignorance, fanaticism, and superstition are not yet driven from the field. Other leaders of the " sacramental host" are called for by the exigencies of the times. They can hardly be multiplied too much. The energies of the churches need to be aroused and judiciously directed, if the hopes of the fathers and the aims of their most enlightened sons are ever to be accomplished. The appearance of every new and skilful champion in this cause, will therefore be hailed with pleasure. The field before him is wide. To retain what has been already gained, demands great firmness and prudence. To make further conquests and secure them against future intrusion, requires high resolve and heroic courage. Antagonistical principles are every where to be met and combatted ; and their defenders, relying on that love of variety and change, which is wrought so deeply into the constitution of man, press onward with bold hearts and confident expectation, of establishing themselves in possession of the same ground once covered exclu-

INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. XVli

sively with the trophies of Congregational and evangelical achievement. Their efforts are commensurate with their hopes. Their pulpits abound with earnest discussions — their presses teem with elaborate arguments — their measures are all conceived and carried out with an address that indicates a determination to put to flight the imperfectly organized, and unmarshalled hosts of Congregationalism. Nor are they to be blamed for their conscientious adherence to principles they believe to be scriptural, nor for any honorable efforts they make to extend those principles. Their consistency is worthy of honor— and more than that — of imitation. Would that the friends of Congregationalism might emulate their zeal, and furnish to the world equally bright examples of devotedness, in defence of their distinguishing views of church polity. But how rarely, in point of fact, is "the order, the discipline, and the worship of the church," discussed in a Congregational pulpit I How long the term of years, in which no volume came from the press, explaining and vindicating the principles, doctrines and usages of our churches ! How few, jejune and powerless are the measures that have been adopted to secure the influence of those principles over any portion of the public mind ! There is a reason assigned for this ; but is it defensible ? If the weightier matters of the law may not be omitted, are we justified in neglecting to pay our tithes of the mint, annise, and cummin ? If the great doctrines and duties of vital godliness are of paramount importance, are the doctrines and duties involved in the scriptural regula-

XVlll INTRODUCTORY NOTICE.

tion of the churches of no importance at all ? Let everything have its appropriate place in the church of the living God ! True — it will not be inquired in the day of judgment — ' belonged you to this denomination or that — were you an Episcopalian, a Presbyterian, or a Congregationalist ;' but will not the amount of individual spirituality, and usefulness, be inquired after ? and is there no intimate connection between the improvement of the heart and the observance of the most scriptural form of church government and discipline ? It is the firm conviction of my own mind, that the symmetry and perfection of the Christian's character depend in no slight degree, on his acquaintance with the teachings of the Holy Spirit on '' the order of God's house," and his obedience thereto. And it is under this conviction, that I cheerfully venture a compliance with the suggestion of the beloved and respected author of the following pages, to associate my own name with his, by this brief introductory notice, in an earnest enforcement of the claims of this subject, to the renewed and prayerful attention of the whole body of Congregational ministers and churches. The volume has evidently been prepared with great care and labor. It embodies in a succinct form, and in regular order, the distinguishing features of Congregationalism, as it has hitherto been received by the great body of our denomination, whether in our own or other lands, and discriminates fairly between this and other systems of ecclesiastical government, that claim like it, the Holy Scriptures as their basis. It is a work well adapted to the existing wants of

INTRODUCTORY NOTICEJ. Xl%

the Congregational community, and conducted throughout in a spirit of candor and faithfulness that all must admire, whether or not they approve of the conclusions at which it arrives. Its highly popular form of discussion, its simple yet elegant style, together with its studied brevity and fulness, recommend it strongly to the widest circulation.

Finally, if Congregationalism finds much to commend it, in its consonance whh the genius of Christianity, and with the meek spirit of Christ and his apostles, and with the design of Revelation to place all men on an equality of rights and privileges before God, and lead them to look beyond all forms, and penetrate the mysteries of godliness — it finds not a little additional commendation to us, in the fact that it stood approved to the judgment of the Fathers of New England, men of whom the old world was not worthy, and of whom the new world thinks not highly enough — men of learning, zeal, and self-sacrificing devotion — men who boldly threw off from them the manacles of religious despotism, and every shred of the false faith protected by it, pushing to the utmost their researches into the oracles of God, and receiving his testimony without equivocation or demur, even at the cost of expatriation and the loss of all the pleasures of kindred and home. We honor their memory, we hold fast to the inheritance they bequeathed us, and sell not our birthright for the " mess of pottage."

RICHARD S. STORRS.

Brainiree, July 20, 1840,

PRELIMINARY REMARKS.

Church polity — by which is meant everything relating to the order, discipline and worship of the Church — if not itself the most important of subjects, is intimately connected with the vital interests of true religion. But, like other questions of interest and importance, it has been very differently estimated and treated in different periods of the world. Under the Mosaic Dispensation, church polity was a subject of such absorbing interest that it came at length to be considered, by the mass of the Jewish nation, as the very substance of religion. But, on the introduction of Christianity, men were taught that it was neither upon Mount Gerizim, nor at Jerusalem, neither with the Samaritan, nor the Jewish ritual alone, that acceptable worship could be performed. The private house, the place of public concourse, the open field, the lake shore, were all made places of public worship; and this too, with the most simple ritual.

In the order, discipline and worship of the first Christian churches, there was as little of formality as was consistent with the great end for which they were organized.

The distinctive peculiarity of their church government was — Simplicity ; and while the violence of persecution continued, they felt little temptation to vary from this.

CONGREGATIONALISM.

Church polity — how estimated by the Reformers.

But, with returning peace and outward prosperity, their simple polity began to give way before the encroachments of worldliness and ambition, until a splendid hierarchal establishment engulfed the churches. Doctrinal errors and licentious practices speedily followed.

At the dawn of the Reformation, these latter enormities attracted special attention ; and so engrossed were the Reformers in the work of purifying the Church from doctrinal errors, and immoral practices, that, at first, they gave little heed to the source through which these had come into the Church. If the connection between purity and simplicity of church order, and of religious faith and practice occurred to them, they acted upon the common principle of reforming the greatest abuses first ; leaving the lesser ones for after consideration. The wisdom of this course is questionable.

There was, however, in those days a serious impediment to a thorough reform, which, if perceived, could not have been easily surmounted : I refer to the connection of the Church with the State. The Reformers leaned on the princes and nobles of this world ; and these were the last men to simplify and spiritualize the polity of the Church. Whether, indeed, they would have countenanced a reform in doctrine and morals even, had this been connected with a thorough reformation in the order, and discipline, and worship of the Church, is problematical. Certain it is, that Wickliffe, the pioneer of the Reformation, lost the support of his prince and of the nobility when he started sentiments which countenanced such a reformation. Whether Luther would have succeeded in his labors without the protection of Frederic, the Elector of Saxony ; whether the Reformation in England could have been

PRELIMINARY REMARKS.

By the Fathers of New England.

carried so far, without the concurrence of Henry VIII, and Edward VI ; whether what was done could have been accomplished except by the co-operation of these princes, without an entire overturn in the polity of the State, is indeed doubtful. However this may be, one thing is certain, that, while these princes supported the Reformers in their partial labors, they held them back from a more thorough and radical reform of the Church; from reinstating it in its primitive simplicity and restoring it to what it was, before the policy of Constantino made it an appendage to the State.

It was not until men began to feel the extreme difficulty of preserving purity of doctrine and practice under a worldly and unscriptural establishment, that their thoughts were turned towards a reformation in the general polity of the Church. The philosophy of the connection between church order and church purity, seems not to have been studied much, prior to the seventeenth century; or at least, not to have been acted upon. Yet, this is remarkable, since all previous history had shown, that a simple form of ecclesiastical government and purity of religious faith had ever been intimately associated.

The English Puritans, if not the discoverers of this connection, were the men who acted most fully upon the discovery.

The religious ancestors of the Congregationalists of New England, of all men who ever lived, had, perhaps, most occasion to study church polity, in all its connections and bearings. Thrown out of the Church which they regarded as the mother of them all, driven to aland of strangers, left to begin the world anew, and to decide what form of ecclesiastical government they would adopt;

CONGREGATIONALISM.

Present indifference to the subject.

being men of piety, and learning, and experience ; familiar with the Scriptures ; well read in the history of the world ; conversant with the treasures of antiquity — with the writings of the Fathers of the Church, and with classic authors; having had great experience of the workings of an ecclesiastical establishment in their native land, and having enjoyed opportunities while in Holland to examine the polity of the Reformed Churches on the Continent ; and feeling the deep responsibility of laying aright the religious foundations of a new world — it was natural, it was unavoidable, that the subject of church order, and discipline, and worship, should arrest, and fix, and for a time, all but absorb their attention. If men in their circumstances could not, did not, study to advantage this great subject, then may we well despair of ever having it thoroughly and impartially investigated. Our fathers did study the science of church polity, and the fruits of their study New England — yea, the world itself, has long been gathering.

For many years after the settlement of New England, the subject of church order and government received much attention: some have thought too much. But he who has well weighed the bearings of this question upon the interests of pure religion, will be of a different opinion.

However it may have been in the days of our fathers, certain it is, that for many years past, this subject has excited far too little interest among the descendants of the New England Puritans.

Various causes have contributed to produce this state of things. Among the more prominent, perhaps, may be named :

1. The anxiety of Congregationalists to unite different denominations in benevolent religious societies. To ac-

PRELIMINARY REMARKS.

Influence of union in benevolent enterprises.

complish this, there has been a readiness to keep out of sight, and even to sacrifice our denominational peculiarities. However benevolent the design of these Unions, the result of them has been to injure Congregationalism. Episcopalians, and Methodists, and Presbyterians, while they have united with us in this joint-stock labor sufficiently to neutralize Congregationalism, have kept up their separate and denominational organizations.

But we have had nothing of this sort, by which to propagate our own peculiar views. And while Congregationalists have been furnishing a large proportion of the funds of these Unions, as a denomination, they have derived no benefit from them. They have even, with an unauthorized generosity, yielded the entire advantage to other denominations.

** What then, shall we give up all united attempts to save souls, for fear of injuring Congregationalism V^ If the question were — shall we save souls, or promote the interests of any particular denomination ? it would be easy to answer. This, however, is not the question. It is — shall we, in connection with our efforts to save souls, endeavor to promote the interests of what we esteem as the most scriptural and excellent system of church government in the w^orld ; or shall we utterly disregard this ? Bishop Hobart thought that a few Bibles, and the residue of Common Prayer Books, were better for a destitute neighborhood than all Bibles,^ I would be content, if permitted to write upon every Bible this simple Congregational sentiment THIS IS THE ONLY INFALLIBLE GUIDE TO THE PRIN- CIPLES OF RELIGION AND CHURCH GOVERNMENT.

* See Mc Vicar's " Professional Days of Bishop Hobart/' 1*

CONGREGATIONALISIW.

Influence of union in benevolent enterprises.

Our Home Missionary societies have founded hundreds of churches in the Western and Southern States ; and New England Congregationalists have supplied a very large proportion of the means and men which have established and sustained these churches; and yet, scarce one in fifty of these is upon the Congregational Platform. Scores of young men, professedly Congregationalists, have gone out from our Theological Seminaries and thrown themselves into the bosom of the Presbyterian Church. And why have they done this? — '^ To do goodP And could they not have done good and yet have retained their Puritan principles ? Have these made New England an intellectual and moral garden ; and yet shall we be told, that they will not answer for the South and West ? Had New England men and money carried New England principles of church government wherever they went, and boldly and faithfully sustained them, other sections of our country would now more nearly resemble the land of the Pilgrims. I would neither hinder nor help other denominations in establishing their favorite institutions. The land is wide enough for us all. Let each denomination peaceably labor to do the utmost good, in that way which seems to it most accordant with the Divine will. If we are brethren, our object is the same ; though our methods of attaining it, are different. If the question be, Shall there be a Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Methodist, or no church ; my influence and my money shall freely go for either. But, if the question be, Shall it be either of these, or a Congregational church ? I am bound by my principles to say — the lattery by all means.