$214. Permanent rules or constitutions of Conferences.

The different Conferences do not all precisely agree in their particular regulations, although they all have the same general object, and are governed by the same general principles. Each Conference assumes a distinctive name, generally that of the County; and all the particular churches within that County may become members of it, if they see fit. The constitution, by which the Conference is governed, states the number of lay delegates, who shall be members of it, the number and duties of its officers, the time of the annual meeting, the prominent religious exercises, and whatever else is deemed necessary for its organization, usefulness, and permanency.

In particular, there is generally found in the Constitution of each Conference an article to this effect; That it shall neither assume, nor exercise any control in matters of faith, or discipline of the church; although it may give advice, when requested.

$215. Method of organizing Conferences.

The practice, followed in the organization of Conferences, exhibits a due regard to Congregational principles. Any number of churches in the same vicinity may meet together by their delegates, and frame a CONSTITUTION. This constitution is submitted to all the Congregational churches within the limits, which are proposed to be embraced in the Conference. They have, therefore, a fair opportunity to examine it, and to form a deliberate opinion as to its object and tendency. If the churches, to which the constitution is proposed, or a certain number of them, vote to accept it, they then appoint ministers and lay delegates, to meet according to the terms of the constitution, and it thenceforward goes into effect. The articles of the constitution are generally so framed, as to

allow any church to leave the Conference, on its signifying its desire so to do.

$216. Meetings and religious exercises.

The whole session of a Conference generally continues two days; although different conferences may sometimes be found to differ in this respect, as in some others. During this time there are repeated meetings; one of which, commencing the first day early in the forenoon, is termed a meeting for business. The Conference at this time appoint the necessary officers; select committees of arrangements and overtures, to advise and superintend in regulating the business and religious exercises of the session; attend to reports concerning the amount and application of their funds; appoint committees to visit the churches, and do whatever else is necessary of a business nature. The meeting is public; although perhaps less interesting to the audience, than those which are to follow.

The meetings, which are held subsequently in the course of the day, are of a more strictly religious character. Reports are given in, both by the members from the churches themselves and former visiting committees, concerning the state and prospects of the churches within the limits of the Conference; dissertations are read on important subjects of a religious nature; and propositions are made, and discussions are held concerning the duties of Christians and the progress of Zion, intermingled with prayers, and praises, and the preaching of the word of God.

The services of the second day usually commence with a prayer-meeting held early in the morning; at which addresses are made. The Conference meets again in the course of the forenoon; various religious exercises,

under the direction of the committee of overtures, are continued; and, among other things of great religious interest, reports are made by delegates from other Conferences, which show the state of the churches throughout the country. These holy and devout exercises are closed in the after part of the day by a sermon, and the administration of the Lord's Supper; at which time there is not unfrequently a renewal of covenant. Frequently other religious bodies, such as Missionary, Bible, or Education Societies, meet at the same time with Conferences; and give new interest and importance to these deeply solemn and affecting occasions.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURTH.

WORSHIP AND RELIGIOUS CUSTOMS.

217. No time sacred but the Sabbath.

Congregationalists regard no day as holy, (that is to say, divinely set apart to rest and to religious exerci ses,) but the Sabbath, that seventh part of time, which is set apart in the Scriptures. This portion of time was originally the seventh or last day of the week, but since the resurrection of Christ, it has been changed into the first day of the week, called in Scripture the Lord's day.

Other days may be set apart for religious purposes, but the observance of them is not binding on the conscience, except it be for considerations, which are inde pendent of the particular time. This is expressly asserted in the Articles of the Leyden church, which may be considered in some respects the root or fountain of Congregational principles. "The Sabbath, (say those Articles,) is the only day, which is set apart, as holy and

to be kept sacred in the Scriptures; but churches and congregations are at liberty to set apart days of fasting, thanksgiving, and prayer." (See § 17.)

§ 218. Form and ceremonies of worship.

The Sabbath, then, is the select and great day of public worship. The churches meet together for the adoration of the Most High, but the religious services, in which they engage, are unostentatious and simple. They hold it to be much more important to move the heart, than merely to please the imagination, and gratify curiosity.The morning worship on the Sabbath, commonly commences with a short prayer, in which the blessing of God is invoked, in particular, on the solemn acts of worship, which are to be performed. Then follow the reading of the Scriptures, singing, renewed supplications, and the preaching of the Word. The Sermon is followed by another prayer, and in the afternoon by prayer and singing. The services are closed by a benediction of the pastor,, supplicating, in hehalf of his audience, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit.

219. Places of worship and dedications of the samé. No one place, in itself considered, is more sacred than another. God requires the homage of the heart. Such homage is the only suitable and appropriate worship; and when it is given, it matters not, whether it be on mount Gerezim, or at Jerusalem, or at any other place.

Houses of worship, are, neverthless, erected, and are dedicated to that object, with solemn services. The command of God, which requires his people not to forsake the assembling of themselves together, can hardly be fulfilled without them. Nor is the practice of erecting houses of worship more agreeable to the Scriptures, than

to the nature of the human mind, since we soon attach, by the power of association, a sort of sacredness to objects, which possess no such character of themselves.

And hence we every where meet with houses of worship, which are dedicated to God as peculiarly and appropriately his; and thus were dedicated the Tabernacle and the Temple of the Old Testament. The ministers of the neighboring churches assemble together; their prayers and praises, their reading of the Scriptures, and their solemn instructions, all have reference to the interesting occasion, on which they are met. They bring their offering of gratitude before the Lord; and they say, as did Solomon of old, Now, therefore, arise, O Lord God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength.

$220. Custom in respect to ministerial exchanges.

The pastors of the churches often perform for each other the religious exercises of the Sabbath. This is one of the acts of communion, exercised by the churches.

In respect to the particular occasions, on which exchanges are to be made, the pastors are, in ordinary cases, left to exercise their discretion. It is neither the sentiment, nor the Usage of the churches to restrict them on this point; although the right is one, which freqently requires to be exercised with prudence. The wishes of his people ought not to be treated by the pastor with wanton disregard, although they should not control his better judgment.

$221. Of days of fasting and thanksgiving.

It is the custom of these churches to set apart days of prayer and fasting, and of thanksgiving. The language of the CONFESSION of Faith, (CH. XXII,) is, "Solemn humiliations, with fastings and thanksgiving upon specia