Hannah Adams

“ The whole nation of Israel is also named a church; but it was no more than a single congregation, for it had but one place of public worship, viz. first the tabernacle, and afterwards the temple. The catholic church of Christ, his holy nation and kingdom, is likewise a single congregation, having one place of worship, viz. heaven, wherein all the members hold communion; and will, at last, form one general assembly and church of the first-born, whose names are written in heaven. ”

“ In support of the scheme of congregational churches, this denomination observe that the word , which we translate church, is always used in the scriptures to signify a single congregation, or the place where a single congregation meets. ”

“ This denomination appeared in England in the year 1616. John Robinson, a Norfolk divine, was considered as their founder. He possessed sincere piety, and no inconsiderable share of learning. Perceiving defects in the denomination of the Brownists, to which he belonged, he employed his zeal and diligence in correcting them, and in new-modelling the society. Though the Independents considered their own form of ecclesiastical government as of divine institution, and as originally introduced by the authority of the apostles ;-nay, by the apostles themselves ”