But would it not be something worse than folly to part with scriptural forms of government and discipline, because they may have been adopted by the English, Irish, or Scotch churches? Are all precedents necessarily bad, because they come from abroad? If so, then the structure of our Republican government should be exploded, because there were Republics beyond the Atlantic, before ours; and every principle of common and statute law which has ever been acted on in England, should be proscribed as unsuitable to the genius and soil of America! But the idea is too extravagant. The liberality of our institutions cannot alter the nature of things. Truth is the same in Europe as in America. And whatever pre-eminence we may claim in our freedom from tyrannical restraints, both in church and state, it is vain to imagine that we should reject the salutary restrictions of scriptural discipline, to get rid of European precedents, and to screen ourselves from the charge of "hanging behind the changes of our own age." This is not necessary. We may keep pace with the current of moral and religious improvement, without dissolving the bonds of ecclesiastical fellowship, or tearing down those constitutions which have long been found to impart strength and stability to the church, both at home and abroad. We are lovers of liberty, and would rejoice to give accelerated progress to the spirit of improvement. But we love to see liberty regulated by law, and improvement advancing on principles which experience has proved to be practical and sound. And we believe, that both the liberty and improvement of the church have, after a full experiment, been so well secur ed, and so amply promoted, by the operations of her government, that they are not to be placed in jeopardy, by the novel theories of every bold speculator, or visionary projector. In closing these Letters, I have only to add, that the topics which they embrace are believed to be closely connected with the highest interests of the church, and of real religion, If such had not been our solemn convictions, we should never have submitted to the labour of preparing them for the press. They are now, christian brethren, committed to your hands, with earnest prayers to God, that he would make them profitable to your spiritual interests, both as individuals and as a church. As individuals, you must answer for the opinions you form, and the part you take in the affairs of the Redeemer's kingdom. As an ecclesiastical community also, you are accountable to God for the improvement of your privileges. Let no one, then, pass over the subject, as that in which he is not concerned. Examine, and judge for yourselves. And if, after a full examination, you are convinced that the views which we have advanced, have been sustained from the scriptures, let them receive your firm, and decided support. If not, let them be rejected. In either case, let your researches be conducted in the spirit of christian kindness, and the exercise of prayer. And whatever may be the result of your inquiries, in regard to the principles of church order, let me entreat you to hold fast your relation to him who is the church's Lord, and "the head of all principality and power." He is the Sa viour of sinners. His blood cleanseth from all sin. Let your souls rest on the merit of his atoning sacrifice. And let it be our mutual prayer, that when we shall be taken from our stations in the visible church on earth, we may meet in heaven, where present forms of order shall be known no more, but where CHRIST shall be ALL IN ALL. Princeton University Library 32101 063703118 ERRATA. 18th-for "to their," read " to exercise their." 3d--for and," read "an." 14th--for “ Peitherhein," read "peitharhein.” Reference at bottom of the page, for " 6th-for" scriptural,” read “spiritual.” 14th-for it," read "his notions." 21st-for "progency" read " progeny. pas |