Excerpt from Congregationalism and Church-Action With the Principles of Christian Union, Etc I. Will this book be read? 1. It is short, and suited to the present period. 2. It presents principles which are the life of civil and religious liberty, the knowledge of which, in the community, is sadly deficient: - fundamental thoughts which must become paramount, at this juncture, for the prosperity of the Church and country; and facts, showing the true position of men and things. 3. It is intended to be a word in season, in reference to the present exigencies of the Church and Nation; - encouragement to those who would see the Church and the State just and mighty, each in its own destined sphere, and both on the rock of New Testament Truth: of counsel to those who sustain ecclesiastical domination in any form, sacrifice principle to party, and smother freedom of speech. II. This book is a compilation rather than a systematic treatise, - a book of statements rather than of discussion. The language of others is often used, and occasionally a paragraph; - this admission is their credit, instead of the usual marks of quotation. The Ministry and the Church are in a transition state. Philanthropy and Benevolence plead that the new state may be what Christ shall approve - and what the world needs. III. What is said of Oberlin is designed to bespeak for truth a hearing; and for its advocates common justice and courtesy. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.