§. 1. Of the general nature of a Church.
Ir is now something more than two centuries, since CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES first made their appearance in England. After various vicissitudes and removals, in expectation of a less restricted exercise of their religious rights, many of the members of these Churches, in the course of a few years, planted themselves in North America. They have since much increased in numbers; and many Congregational Churches are now established in various parts of the United States, particularly in New England.
It is the object of this RATIO DISCIPLINE to give some account of the Principles and Practices of these favored Churches; it being especially important, now that we are spread abroad over the land, and in consequence of our present prosperity are perhaps too apt to forget our small beginnings, to renew and to maintain an acquaintance with the ecclesiastical doctrines of our revered forefathers; doctrines which are obviously the great bonds and preservers of our association and name. This is the object, particularly had in view.
But before we are prepared to enter into the consideration of the Church state, as modified by the principles