History Of American Congregationalism Classic Reprint

Excerpt from History of American Congregationalism Toward the end of the last century Williston Walker, then Professor of Church History in Hartford Theological Seminary, wrote A History of the Congregational Churches in America for the American Church History series. Dr. Walker has put all American church historians deeply in his debt for his profound scholarship and his books have been standard. But great chapters in all history have been written in the last fifty years and there have been highly important developments in Congregationalism which now merit record and recognition. It has seemed to representatives of the Congregational fellowship, therefore, that the time had come for another history of their beginnings and subsequent fortunes and achievements. This book is the result. It has been written in collaboration, and the division of labor between the two authors is evident in its structure and organization. But some of the later chapters are of composite authorship and throughout the whole really demanding enterprise there has been, between the writers, a constant interchange of suggestion and mutual criticism. There is in the book some measure of repetition; this both the reader and the critic will note. That was inevitable, though the authors have sought to reduce it to a minimum. There are differences of opinion between all authoritative students as to the confused beginnings of English Separatism and Independency. The statements herein contained are supported by dependable documentation, but the specialist may find occasion for disagreement. All possible pains have been taken to achieve accuracy in names, dates, and facts. If there are still errors they should not, the authors trust, affect the general accuracy of the narrative. The authors confess their affection for the Fellowship of Churches to which they belong, their pride in its achievements, and their confidence in its principles. So much the critic will soon discern for himself. But they have not, they hope, permitted their loyalties to cloud their critical faculties. They have not minimized the more unhappy phases of early American Puritanism, nor failed to recognize the significant contribution of other communions to American religious life through any sectarian concern. They trust that the appendices and bibliography may be of service to students not only of Congregationalism, but of American religious history generally. 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.

Excerpt from Congregationalists in America: A Popular History of Their Origin, Belief, Polity, Growth and Work This book is an attempt to tell the story of the rise of modern Congregationalism and its growth in America. It is prepared for busy pastors, Sunday-school teachers, Bible classes, Christian Endeavor societies and all others who wish to know what the Congregational denomination stands for, what it has done in this country, what it is fitted to do, and how it is related to the kingdom of God. The chief difficulty in writing this book has been to condense into required limits the great amount of material which belongs in such a history, and at the same time to preserve a popular narrative form. Many important events and movements have been described only in the briefest outlines, which would have accumulated interest in proportion to the space given to them. Many things which must seem to many readers worthy of a place in this volume have of necessity been omitted. I have endeavored to make a continuous story of the Congregationalism of three hundred years, and my rule of selection has been to include the things which seem most essential to the continuity of the history. I have not allowed myself to take the space or to burden the pages with references in detail to authorities, though the temptation to do so was great. But I have not aimed to discuss controverted questions with students. The majority of readers have not at hand the authorities which might have been cited, nor do they usually take the pains to search for them; and this book is intended for popular use. 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.

This is a new release of the original 1942 edition.

Excerpt from Congregational History, 1700-1800: In Relation to Contemporaneous Events, Education, the Eclipse of Faith, Revivals, and Christian Missions The distinct and oft-repeated testimonies of Dr. Priestley on this subject - especially when deserted and left to endure the miseries of virtual banishment at Northumberland, in Pennsylvania - should be carefully examined and deeply pondered. 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.

Excerpt from Pilgrim Deeds and Duties: A Handbook of Congregational History and Outlook, Prepared for the Tercentenary of Congregationalism in America, 1620-1920 This brief book has been prepared by direction of the Tercentenary Commission. It is especially designed to be of service in promoting study of the fundamental convictions around which Congregationalism centers. It is thus directly related to the first item of the proposed Tercentenary Program, a copy of which will be found in the Appendix. Both in the preparation of the manuscript and its revision, several persons have had a share. It is hoped that the composite View of Congregational history and principles thus secured may be more widely representative than could otherwise be the case. 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.