Dr. Campbell agrees with Dr. Owen.

church order; and, for nearly forty years, a leader among the English Congregationalists. The work from which I have extracted was written near the close of life; and contains, with his maturest thoughts, his dying testimony to the principles of church government which he advocated; and well deserves the careful study of every one who would fully understand the foundation on which rest our Congregational principles and doctrines.*

But, to show that Dr. Owen is not alone in his opinion, I will quote a few sentences from the learned Presbyterian, Dr. Campbell. Speaking of the character, etc. of churches during the first and second centuries, he says: Every church had its own pastors, and its own presbytery, [i. e. council of church officers, including the deacons], independently of every other church. And when one of the Presbyters came to be considered as the pastor, by way of eminence, while the rest were regarded as his assistants, vicars, or curates, who acted under his direction; as then every church or congregation had but one who was called bishop, so every bishop had but one congregation or church.

"This is a remark," continues he," which deserves your particular notice, as it regards an essential point in the

confutation," was John Cotton's work "On the Keys." See Owen's Memoirs, pp. 55, 56.

* In these remarks, I would not be understood to express an unqualified approval and adoption of all his views of church order and discipline. There are some points on which modern, and especially New England Congregationalists, would slightly differ from Owen; but his writings as a whole, are almost incomparably excellent, sound and learned upon this subject. And yet, they are very little known in N. E. Even the valuable memoir of the life and times of Dr. Owen, has never, to my knowledge, been republished in this country.

Conclusion.

constitution of the primitive church, a point which is generally admitted by those who can make any pretensions to the knowledge of Christian antiquities." Lect. 6. p. 104. This topic is ably, and fully, and satisfactorily considered, in his 7th Lecture.

Thus, I conceive, it has been shown from the testimony of learned and impartial ecclesiastical historians—none of whom, save Dr. Owen, were Congregationalists, and who consequently were without any inducement to misunderstand or misinterpret facts-that the leading principles and doctrines of the Congregational system, were developed in the order and discipline of the apostolic churches; that this organization, for substance, was retained during the first two centuries of the Christian church; and that corruption and error followed the abandonment of the apostolic models. The correctness of their opinions is not made to rest on the bare assertions of these historians-however learned and impartial they are acknowledged to be—but numerous extracts from the apostolic and Christian fathers have been introduced, taken, as it is believed, from unexceptionable sources, to prove the correctness of the statements made, and of the opinions advanced.

And now, though the strength of our cause lies not in the testimony of the fathers, or the opinion of learned men-the Scriptures being our only infallible guide-must it not be conceded by all parties, that the correctness of our interpretation of the Scriptures, or, in other words, the scriptural character of our system-receives strong confirmation from the testimony of the earliest inspired writers of the christian church.*

* The reader will find a very complete view of these testimonies in our favor, collected by Rev. Dr. Chauncy, Pastor of the first church in Boston. Printed 1771, 8vo. pp. 474.

PART IV.

ECCLESIASTICAL PRACTICE OF CONGREGATIONAL

CHURCHES.

THE principles and doctrines embraced by Congregationalists have led to the adoption of certain ecclesiastical practices, which have become a sort of common law to the denomination in this country; at least, in New England. A knowledge of these, is necessary to a perfect understanding of Congregationalism.

There may be slight deviations among us from the practices which will now be specified; but it is believed that in all the essential points, good usage has established the following rules.

I. THE PRACTICE OF CONGREGATIONALISTS IN ORGANIZING CHURCHES.

If in any place a sufficient number* of persons wish to be organized into a Congregational church, an orderly procedure would be, substantially, as follows:

* The number is not fixed: it may be more or less according to circumstances. Under ordinary circumstances, it should not be less than seven; because a less number cannot conveniently perform the duties enjoined by Christ, in the xviii, of Matt, in relation to discipline. When however, there is a reasonable prospect of a speedy addition to their number, if two or three should covenant together in the name of Christ, they may expect his presence and blessing. Tertullian says: " Three persons, though laymen, make a church." Campbell, Lect. 4th, p. 64.

Procedure in the organization of a church.

They would meet together and appoint a committee to advise with one or more of the neighboring Congregational pastors and churches; and if they approved of organizing a new church, to draw up a Confession of Faith and Covenant, with articles of government and practice; and, to make other necessary preparatory arrangements. These arrangements being made, the same committee, in the name of their brethren, would prepare "Letters Missive,' as they are called-that is, letters of invitation—to so many of the neighboring churches as should be agreed upon; soliciting their attendance by pastor and delegate, at an appointed time, to take into consideration the question-Whether the interests of Zion require the organization of a Congregational church in that place?

2. At the time and place specified for the meeting of the council, the several persons proposing to unite in church fellowship, would be present, with the record of their previous proceedings, and a copy of their covenant and articles; and prepared to give any information to the council, which would be necessary to a perfect understanding of the merits of the question before them.

The pastors and delegates of the churches being assembled, one of the number reads the "Letter Missive" by which they are called together; the council then organize, by choosing a moderator and scribe; and proceed, after prayer for Divine direction, to examine the papers laid before them by the committee of the brethren, at whose request they have assembled; and to hear statements from them, respecting the peculiarities of their situation, etc. which render the organization of a Congregational church desirable. If satisfied with their reasons, and with the

* See form of this letter, Appendix No. 1.