as they now appear, they are not the offspring of haste; nor, it is confidently believed, of mere prejudice. The Appendix contains numerous articles 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." Plymouth, N. H. July, 1840. PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. IN publishing a second edition of this little work, the author would first, express his grateful acknowledgments, for the unexpected kindness and favor with which the first edition was received. As the best return that he can make for this, he has endeavored to render this edition of his book more deserve ing of public confidence and regard. To this end, it has been thoroughly revised, and large portions of it entirely re-written; the range of discussion has been considerably extended, and the number of distinct topics multiplied; the usages of our churches have been more particularly detailed, a number of new forms of letters missive, etc. have been inserted, and the most approved modes of transacting ecclesiastical business more distinctly described. The whole amount of new matter which has been thus added, is equal to about one third of the entire volume. It is hoped that the book will now be found a guide, both safe and complete, however humble, to all that pertains to the principles, doctrines, and practice of the Congregational denomination. To those who would examine more fully the testimony of Ecclesiastical History, the author is happy to announce, a forth-coming work, by the Rev. Lyman Coleman, entitled, "The Apostolical and Primitive Church, Popular in its Form of Government, and Simple in its Mode of Worship; with an Introduction, by Dr. Neander of Berlin." That the blessing of the great Head of the Church may attend this, and every effort to awaken and enlighten the public mind respecting the nature and design of a Christian Church-is the heart's desire and prayer to God of the author. Andover, Nov. 3, 1843. CONTENTS. PRELIMINARY REMARKS on church polity, and the influ- INTRODUCTORY NOTICE. Ir is a matter of devout congratulation, that, among the friends of Congregationalism, the scriptural polity of the church is now becoming the subject of more serious and thorough investigation, than for many by-gone years. Unhappily, it has been too long regarded as a matter of insufficient importance to engage the earnest attention of the churches, if not also as positively interfering with the prosperity of religion; nor is it too much to affirm, that an overweening confidence has been reposed in the common sense, the sound judgment, and sterling piety of the Congregational churches, as ensuring to them, in perpetuity, a system of government, so strongly recommended by the purity of its principles, the clearness of its doctrines, the simplicity of its rules, and the consonance of its spirit with the meek breathings of the gospel. But the day of slumber is passing away. Our invaluable religious immunities are coming again to be rightly appreciated. The spirit of Puritanic times is reviving. The labors accomplished, and the sufferings endured by our fathers in defence of a scriptural organization and discipline of the churches, are remembered with increasing veneration and gratitude; and the solemn question, 'What will the Lord have us to do,' for the maintenance of the primitive "order of the gospel," is agitated with |