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fraught with more moderation and charity, than belonged to the system of Robert Brown.

Sec. 112. These people, on separating from the establishment, became organized into two Churches, the history of one of which, after a little time, is unknown. Of the other, Mr. John Robinson, a learned, pious and accomplished divine, was not long after elected pastor, and Mr. William Brewster, elder and teacher.

The Church, whose history is in a great measure unknown, had for its pastor, for a time, Mr. John Smith; but its members falling into some errors, it became neglected, and little more is known of it. Of the other Church, Mr. Richard Clifton was the first pastor. He was an eminently pious and devoted minister, and singularly successful in his preaching. Mr. Robinson, who succeeded him as pastor, was among his converts.

Sec. 113. The existence of such a people could not long remain unknown; nor was it compatible with the intolerance of the times to leave them unmolested. The spirit of persecution arose against them like a flood; to escape which, in 1608, Mr. Robinson and his flock took refuge in Holland.

To us who live at the present day, it seems incredible, that a man so accomplished, so unassuming, so inoffensive, as Mr. Robinson was-and a people so harmless, pious and humble, as were his flock, should not have been tolerated in England, but although the fires of Smithfield were quenched, toleration was a virtue unknown on English ground.

Sec. 112. Into how many Churches were they at first organized? What is known of one of them? Who was the pastor of the other? What was his character? Who was elder and teacher?

Who was pastor of the first named church? What became of it? Who was the first pastor of the second?

Sec. 113. Did the Church of Mr. Robinson enjoy peace? Whither did they flee?

When?

In exile alone, was security to be found from the pains and penalties of non-conformity to the Church of England. But even escape was difficult. Mr. Robinson and his Church were obliged to depart by stealth. The strong arm of law had barred every harbour and vessel against them, and not without the severest trials, did they, at length, fect their escape.

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Sec. 114. On arriving in Holland, the pilgrims, for such they might be truly called, first established themselves at Amsterdam, but the following year, they removed to Leyden, where, for twelve years, they lived in much peace, and were greatly prospered.

Here they were joined by many from England. The congregation became large, and the Church numbered 300 communicants. In doctrine, they were Calvinistic; in discipline, exact; in practice, very exemplary. It was a high encomium on the purity and inoffensiveness of their lives, which the Dutch magistrates passed from the seat of justice: "These English have lived among us now for 12 years, and yet we have never had one suit, or action, come against them."

Sec. 115. Although the condition of the pilgrims in Holland was thus peaceful and prosperous, they had many reasons for wishing to remove. The fathers in the Church were dropping away; fears were entertained, lest their young men would be overcome by temptation, and their Church, in a few years, be lost. Hence, they strongly wished for a place, where they might perpetuate the precious blessings which they enjoyed.

Did they escape with difficulty? What rendered escape difficult? Sec. 114. Where did they first settle in Holland ? Whither did they remove? What was their condition here ?

By whom were they joined? What doctrines did they hold? What was said of them by the Dutch magistrates?

Sec. 115. Why did they wish to remove from Holland?

Sec. 116. At length, they resolved to go. It was settled, that a portion of the Church, under charge of Elder Brewer, should embark, for America, leave having been obtained of the Virginia Company to begin a settlement, at the mouth of the Hudson river.

It was designed that Mr. Robinson and the remainder of his flock should remove, when things were duly prepared; but he never followed them. Various circumstances, for a time, prevented, and in March 1625, death put a period to his valuable life. His removal excited great grief among all his Church, who justly regarded him as a spiritual father, and one who had power with God. The family of Mr. Robinson, and the remainder of his people, soon after joined the emigrants in America.

Sec. 117. Preparation having been made for removal, on the 6th of September, 1620, one hundred and one souls set sail from Southampton, in England, accompanied by the fervent prayers of all who were left behind. For two months, they were tossed on the stormy ocean. To add to their calamities, the captain, who had been bribed by the Dutch, carried them north of their destination; and instead of settling at the mouth of the Hudson, they landed on the rock at Plymouth, on the 22d of December, and began the settlement of New England.

Sec. 116. Whither did they resolve to go? What plan did they adopt?

Who were to follow? Did Mr. Robinson ever come to America? What prevented? What became of his family, and the remainder

of his flock?

Sec. 117. When did the emigrants leave England, after touching there? How many sailed? How long did their voyage last? What added to the calamities of their voyage? Where did they land? When?

Sec. 118. For nine years from this date, the Church of Plymouth was destitute of a stated pastor, and consequently deprived of the enjoyment of the ordinances. This was a great grief to the pious pilgrims. Yet, under the preaching of Elder Brewer, the Church flourished, and grew. In 1629, Mr. Ralph

Smith became their pastor.

As Mr. Brewer was only a ruling elder and teacher, he had no authority to administer the ordinances. This latter was the exclusive prerogative of the pastor. The pastor was a practical and experimental, and the teacher a doctrinal preacher. The elders assisted the pastor in the work of discipline, and were ordained, like the ministers. It was the business of the deacons to distribute the elements

Sec. 118 How long was the Church of Plymouth destitute of a pastor? Who preached for them? Did the Church flourish? Who was their first pastor?

Why could not Elder Brewer administer the ordinances? Wherein did the offices of pastor and teacher differ? How did the elders assist the pastor? Were they ordained? What was, the

in the celebration of the sacrament, and to provide for the poor. These were the officers of the Church of Plymouth, which was the model of the Congregational Churches of New England, for many years afterwards.

At a subsequent period, the office of pastor and teacher was united in one man; ruling elders were generally discontinued, although they are still retained in a few Church

es.

The grand principle of the Church at Plymouth, and of the Churches which were subsequently formed on the Congregational plan, was that of independence. Every Church had the exclusive right to choose its ministers, and to exercise discipline, according to its sense of the Scriptures.

Synods and general councils were acknowledged, as warranted by the Scriptures; but they were only advisory bodies.

Sec. 119. The colony of Plymouth had been established but a few years, before the attention of many others in England, who were denied liberty of conscience, was directed to America, as an asylum from their oppressions. These, therefore, among whom were numbers distinguished for their learning, rank and wealth, came over, and settled at Salem, Charlestown, Roxbury, Dorchester, and other places.

Sec. 120. In the years 1635 and 1636, as the number of planters had considerably increased, the churches of Dorchester, Waterbusiness of deacons ? Did the Churches, which were afterwards formed in New England, for some time, resemble that at Plymouth? What change, at length, took place, in respect to pastor and teachWhat office was generally discontinued? What was the grand principle, upon which the Congregational Churches were formed? Who chose the ministers ? Who administered discipline? What councils were acknowledged? What power had they?

er?

Sec. 119. Did the colony at Plymouth soon have accessions? Where did the new emigrants settle? Sec. 120. When was Connecticut settled? By whom?