The Colonial church was easy-going as regards doctrines and life, and yet it left its impress on the generations it served. There were churches built in good taste and served by parsons who were scholars if they were not religious enthusiasts. That they were over-fond of fox-hunting and sometimes took a bit too much wine is true, but as they were also the schoolmasters they were perhaps entitled to a little relaxation. A man who preached on Sunday and buried and married, as well as taught six days in the week, was pretty busy. The parsons were farmers besides. -- Introduction.