The independents evidently derive their name from their leading principle in church government, namely, that every Christian congregation ought to be governed by its own laws, without being subject to the jurisdiction of any other ecclesiastical authority. Robinson expressly uses the term in explaining his doctrines on the head of church govern ment, in these words, " Ccetum quendihet particularem, recto institutum et ordinatum, essc totam integrant et pet fectam ecclesiam, ct suis partihus constantem, immediate et indepenticnter, (quoad alias sub ipso Christo," Sce. ; and it is not improbable, that from this very passage the designation was originally de rived. It was publicly assumed by the English indepen dents in 1644, in a publication, entitled ?lpologetical Nar ration of the Independents ; but, in process of time, when a number of turbulent and disco' dam sects, as already mentioned, had begun to arrange themselves under this ex tensive denomination, the proper independents became de sirous to substitute in its place the name of Congregation alists, or congregational brethren.
From the Brownists, with whom they have often been improperly confounded, they differed considerably in many important respects. They were much less uncharitable towards other churches ; and while they regarded their own form of ecclesiastical government as peculiarly rest ing on apostolic authority and example, yet they candidly acknowledged, that true religion might flourish in those communities, which were under the jurisdiction of bishops or presbyteries. They were more attentive in maintaining a regular ministry, and excluding promiscuous teaching in their societies. In regard to doctrine, it appears from " A declaration of the faith and order, owned and prac tised in the congregational churches in England," publish ed in 1658. that m no point of any importance did they dif fer from the Presbyterian Calvinists. " Profitemur coram Deo et hominibus, adeo nobis convenire cum ecclesiis re formatis Belgicis in re religionis, ut omnibus et singulis earundem ecclesiarum fidei articulis, ut habentur in har monia confessionum fidei, parati subscribere—Ecclesias reformatas pro vcris et genuinis habemus, cum iisdem in sacris Del commnnionem profitemur, et, quantum in no bis est colimus." In regard to political principles, they have been too generally and hastily denounced as the uni form enemies of all kingly government, and the most in temperate abettors of republicanism ; but if estimated, not by the proceedings of a political faction, but by the writings of their learned men, and by their avowed forms of doctrine, there will nothing be found to justify these aspersions. On the contrary, it is expressly stated in a public memorial, which they drew up in the year 1647, that, as magistracy in general is the ordinance of God, " they do not disap prove of any form of civil government, but do freely acknowledge that a kingly government, bounded by just and wholesome laws, is both allowed by God, and also a good accommodation unto men." In regard to church government, the nine articles, mu tually adopted in 1691, between the independents and other dissenters in England, may be considered as the founda tion of the present practice, and are in substance as fol lows. The I., relating to churches and church members,
declares, that each particular church has a right to choose their own officers ; and, being furnished with such as are duly qualified and ordained according to the gospel rule, hath authority from Christ for exercising government and enjoying all the exercises of worship within itself. The IL, relating to the ministry, affirms, that ministers ought to be endowed with competent learning, sound judgment, and solid piety ; and that none are to be ordained to the work of the ministry but such as arc chosen and called thereunto by a particular church ; that it is ordinarily re quisite, that every such church consult and advise with the pastors of neighbouring congregations ; and that, after such advice, the person thus consulted about being chosen by the brOtherhood of that particular church, be duly or dained and set apart to his office over them. The III., re lating to censures, prescribes, that offending and scandal ous members be first admonished ; and, if that should prove ineffectual, he excommunicated by the pastors, with the consent of the brethren. The IV., relating to the com munion of churches, asserts, that the particular churches are all equal, and consequently independent ; but that the pastors of those churches have frequent meetings toge ther, that, by mutual advice, support, encouragement, and brotherly intercourse, they may strengthen the hearts and hands of each other in the ways of the Lord. The V., re lating to deacons, acknowledges that the office of a deacon is of divine appointment, and that it belongs to their of fice to receive, lay out, and distribute the stock of the church to its proper uses, but waves the subject of ruling elders, as a point of mutual forbearance. The VI., relating to occasional meetings of ministers, admits, that in weighty and difficult matters, it is needful that the ministers of several churches meet, together, in order to be consulted and advised with about such matters, and that particular churches ought to have a reverential regard to their judgment so given, and not depart therefrom without apparent wounds from the word of God. The VII., re lating to the civil magistrate, prescribes obedience to, and prayer for God's protection and blessing upon their rulers. The VIII , relating to confessions of faith, considers it suf ficient that a church acknowledge the Scriptures to be the word of God, the perfect and only rule of faith and practice, and own either the doctrinal part of the articles of the church of England, or the Westminster confession and catechisms drawn up by the Presbyterians, or the confession of the congregational brethren, to be agreeable to the said rule. The IX., relating to the duty and deportment of the brethren towards those that are not in communion with them, inculcates charity and moderation.