Same subject. Permanency of the pastoral relation.

practice of Congregational churches, is believed to be entirely uniform in this last particular. If it be not a fundamental doctrine of the denomination-as it is said to have been of some of the early dissenters from the papal hierarchy-that their pastors should be poor, certain it is, that the general practice of Congregational churches, very ef fectually accomplishes this work. It is presumed that in New England, the salaries of the Congregational clergy will not average five hundred dollars a year. That minister cannot be considered a bad economist, who can support a family, keep "a bishop's table," and meet the numerous calls for charity, with a yearly stipend of five hundred dollars.

The provision made for the support of the early Congregational ministers of New England, was nominally, less than the average of modern salaries; but, really much better. In nearly every country parish-and there were few others, in those days-every pastor was furnished with "a lot of land," which, with a tolerable husbandry, furnished a support for his family. His salary whether much or little, was generally an addition to what was indispensable to the comfortable support of his family, and went for the purchase of books, the education of his children, and in some instances, became an accumulating fund for his family af ter his decease.

The theoretical practice of our churches (if I may be allowed such an expression) is now, as of old, to ordain a pastor for life but, the understanding has come to be very general, that the connection between a pastor and his flock will be short-lived.

The denomination, however, are beginning to feel the evils of these temporary arrangements; and are more

Concluding remarks—

disposed, of late, to return to the good old way in which their fathers walked; and to give greater permanency to the connection between pastor and church.

I have dwelt, perhaps, too long upon the practice of Congregational churches, and yet it has been but touched upon. Less would not have given anything like a fair view of the practical operation of the principles and doctrines of Congregationalism; and without this, a fair estimate could not be formed of the value of that system of church order, government and discipline, which it is the design of these pages to explain and commend.

But little use has been made of arguments to prove the correctness of the practices which have been detailed in the preceding pages; for most of these practices are deductions and inferences from principles and doctrines, presumed to be established as sound and scriptural, by previous testimony and arguments, and must stand or fall with the foundations on which they rest. So far as our practice is merely providential, it is sufficient for our purpose, that it is not unscriptural, nor unlawful; and that the wisdom and experience of ages have sanctioned it,* and now, what

* Those who would examine the ecclesiastical practice of Congregationalists more particularly, are referred to the "Ratio Disciplinae" of Prof. Upham; a work of great accuracy and merit; and evidently the result of much reading.

In addition to the personal experience which every pastor must obtain in the course of a ministry of ten years, I have consulted in the preparation of this part of my work, Mather's " Ratio Disciplinae Nov-Anglorum," "The Cambridge Platform," Samuel Mather's learned "Apology for the churches of New-England," "The Magnalia," Wise's "Vindication of the Government of New-England Churches" and "Churches Quarrel Espoused," Several ancient pamphlets upon church government, A valuable discourse by

Continued.

shall we say of Congregationalism in practice? Is it not as fair in practice as it is in theory? Does it allow of any disorder or irregularity in the churches? Is there in it any lack of energy and efficiency? Can any churches show a purer or more blameless practice? or one better adapted to effect the great purposes of church organization ?-If not, what more can we ask or expect of any system of church government? I would not speak disparagingly of the practice of other religious denominations, but I must be allowed to say-the better I know, the more fondly do I love the practice of the Puritan, Congregational churches of New England.

Dr. Emmons on "Ecclesiastical Government" (1826), Dr. Hawes' "Tribute to the Pilgrims," Mr. Bacon's "Church Manual," Mr. Mitchell's Guide," and Prof. Pond's excellent little work, "The 'Church."

I have also availed myself of the experience of my revered father, who, for forty years, has been intimately acquainted with the ecclesiastical practice of our denomination; and have submitted my manuscript to the examination of two much respected fathers in the ministry.

Under these circumstances, I may venture to believe that no material error has been fallen into, in detailing the practice of the Congregational churches of New England.

PART V.

ADVANTAGES OF CONGREGATIONALISM.

HAVING discussed the principles and doctrines of the Congregational system of church government, and detailed, with some degree of minuteness, the ecclesiastical practice of the denomination, it will not be regarded as an inappropriate conclusion of this part of the work, to enumerate some of the advantages which, in the opinion of its advocates, this system of church order and discipline possesses over all others.

In saying what he may upon this head, the writer would not speak invidiously of other systems; much less, of those who have embraced them. He is happy to number among his personal friends those who have adopted almost every form of church government. He cheerfully yields to others, what he claims for himself—the right of private judgment. The pages of this work detail the reasons why he is a Congregationalist—a thorough and hearty Congregationalist; and why those with whom he is associated, have adopted the same system of church order.

Our adoption of these principles, and doctrines, and practice, implies that we suppose the system, as a whole, to possess advantages over any other. Some of these supposed advantages will now be briefly enumerated.

1. We regard Congregationalism as the most scriptural system of church government.

We do not assert that all other systems of church government are totally destitute of scriptural authority; nor,