Greatly encouraged by the sanction which your concurrence gave to the plan; and also by that which it received from the approbation of some of the most eminent of the London ministers, of different denominations, to whom I had an opportunity of communicating it on my return home; I proposed it in general to my reverend and worthy brethren in these parts, at a meeting of ministers; which was held here at Northampton, about the middle of August. The proposals were, in the general, very well received; and it was agreed to take them into a more particular consideration in a conference, at our next assembly, to be held at Kettering, on Thursday, the 15th of October.

To that conference, Gentlemen, the sermon with which I now present you, was introductory; and the result of it was, that the heads of the scheme I had concerted with you at Denton, with a few other particulars which had not then occurred to my thoughts, were unanimously approved; and we are taking proper measures for carrying them into execution. And, as this discourse may fall into the hands of some, who may be curious to know what the particulars were; and as I bore them so frequently in my thoughts, through many passages of my sermon, I shall take the freedom here to give an account of them, though, I doubt not, but the most material of them are fresh in your memories.

It seemed most agreeable to the deference due to the reverend assembly, to propose the scheme in the form of queries; on which the following resolutions were formed, nemine contradicente.

I. That it may tend to the advancement of religion, that the ministers of this association, if they have not very lately done it, should agree to preach one Lord's day on family religion, and another on secret prayer; and that the time should be fixed, in humble hope that concurrent labours, connected with concurrent petitions to the throne of grace, might produce some happy effect.

II. That it is proper, that pastoral visiting should be more solemnly attended to; and that greater care should be taken in personal inspection, than has generally been used. And that it may conduce to this good end, that each minister should take an exact survey of his flock, and note down the names of the heads of families, the children, the servants, and other single persons in his auditory, in order to keep proper memorandums concerning each; that he may judge the better of the particulars of his duty with regard to every one, and may observe how his visits, exhortations, and admonitions, correspond to their respective characters and circumstances.

III. That consequent on this survey, it will be proper as soon as possible, and henceforward at least once a year, to visit, if it be practicable, every head of a family under our ministerial care, with a solemn charge to attend to the business of religion, in their hearts, and houses, watching over their domestics in the fear of the Lord, we, at the same time, professing our readiness to give them all proper assistances for this purpose.

IV. That it will be highly expedient, immediately, or as soon as may be, to set up the work of catechising in one form or another, and to keep to it statedly for one half of the year at least: and that it is probable, future counsels may ripen some scheme for carrying on this work, in a manner which may tend greatly to the propagation of real, vital, catholic christianity, in the rising generation.

V. That there is reason to apprehend, there are, in all our congrega tions, some pious and valuable persons, who live in a culpable neglect of the Lord's supper; and that it is our duty, particularly to inform ourselves who

they are, and to endeavour, by our prayers to God, and our serious addresses to them, to introduce them into communion; to which, I question not, we shall all willingly add, cautiously guarding against any thing in the methods of admission, which may justly discourage sincere christians of a tender and timorous temper.

VI. That it is to be feared, there are some, in several of our communions at least, who behave in such a manner as to give just offence; and that we may be in great danger of making ourselves partakers of other men's sins, if we do not animadvert upon them: and that if they will not reform, or if the crime be notorious, we ought, in duty to God, and to them, and to all around us, solemnly to cut them off from our sacramental communion, as a reproach to the church of Christ.

VII. That it may, on many accounts, be proper to advise our people, to enter into little bands, or societies, for religious discourse and prayer; each consisting of six or eight, to meet for these good purposes once in a week, or a fortnight, as may best suit with their other engagements and affairs.

VIII. That it might be advisable, if it can be done, to select out of each congregation under our care, a small number of persons, remarkable for experienced prudence, seriousness, humility, and zeal, to act as a stated council for promoting religion in the said society: and that it would be proper, they should have some certain times of meeting, with each other, and with the minister, to join their counsels, and their prayers for the public good.

IX. That so far as we can judge, it might, by the divine blessing, conduce to the advancement of these valuable ends, that neighbouring ministers, in one part of our land and another, especially in this country, should enter into associations, to strengthen the hands of each other by united consultations and prayer: and that meetings of ministers might, by some obvious regulations, be made more extensively useful than they often are: in which view it was farther proposed, with unanimous approbation, that these meetings should be held at certain periodical times:-That each member of the association should endeavour, if possible, to be present, studying to order his affairs so, as to guard against unnecessary hindrances:-That public worship should begin and end sooner, than it commonly has done on these occasions: That each pastor preach at these assemblies in his turn:-That the minister of the place determine who shall be employed in prayer:— That after a moderate repast, to be managed with as little trouble and expence as may be, an hour or two in the afternoon be spent in religious conference and prayer, and in taking into consideration, merely as a friendly council, and without the least pretence to any right of authoritative decision, the concerns of any brother, or any society, which may be brought before us for our advice:And finally, that every member of this association shall consider it as an additional obligation upon him, to endeavour to be, so far as he justly and honourably can, a friend and guardian to the reputation, comfort, and usefulness of all his brethren in the christian ministry, near or remote, of whatever party and denomination.

X. That it may be proper to enter into some farther measures, to reguJate the admission of young persons into the ministry.The particulars here were referred to farther consideration: but, so far as I can judge, the plan proposed will be pretty nearly this :-That if any student, within the compass of this association, desires to be admitted as a preacher, he apply to the ministers at one of their periodical meetings; when, if they be in the gene

ral satisfied, that he is a person of a fair character, in sacramental communion with a christian society, and one who has gone through a regular course of preparatory studies, they will appoint three of their number, to examine more particularly into his acquaintance with, and sense of the great doctrines of christianity, as delivered in the scripture, and into the progress he has made in literature, the views with which he professes to undertake the ministry, and in general, his aptness to teach: in order to judging of which, it may be proper, that a theological thesis be exhibited in latin, and a popular sermon, composed by the candidate, be submitted to the perusal of the examiners: that if they in their consciences believe, he is fit to be employed in the christian ministry, they give him a certificate of that approbation, which he may be desired to produce at the next general meeting, that his testimonials may be signed by all the associated ministers present, and he solemnly recommended to God by prayer.

Thus, gentlemen, you have a view of the scheme, as it now lies before us, and as every article, except the last, not yet considered among us, was approved at Kettering, at the time above-mentioned, I will take leave to add one particular more, which has since occurred to my thoughts, and which I here submit to your consideration, and to that of my other reverend brethren, into whose hands this may fall, especially those of our own association.

XI. Qu. Whether something might not be done, in most of our congregations, towards assisting in the propagation of christianity abroad, and spreading it in some of the darker parts of our own land? In pursuance of which it is further proposed, that we endeavour to engage as many pious people of our respective congregations as we can, to enter themselves into a society, in which the members mayjengage themselves to some peculiar cares, assemblies, and contributions, with a regard to this great end. I will not swell this dedication with the particulars of that scheme, which has been formed to this purpose; but rather chuse to insert at the bottom of the page a copy of such an association, which I am endeavouring to introduce among my own people, and which several have already signed. It is a feeble essay; and the effects of it in one congregation can be but very small: but if it were generally to be followed, who can tell what a harvest such a little grain might at length produce? May God multiply it a thousand-fold *.

Excuse me, my reverend and dear brethren, that I have detained you so long with these various particulars; and permit me to conclude this

*We whose names are subscribed, being moved, as we hope and trust, by a real concern for the propagation of the kingdom of Christ in the world, have determined to form ourselves into a society for that end, on the following terms:

1. That we purpose, as God shall enable us, to be daily putting up some earnest petitions to the throne of grace, for the advancement of the gospel in the world, and for the success of all the faithful servants of Christ, who are engaged in the work of it, especially among the heathen nations.

II. That we will assemble, at least four times a year, in our place of public worship, at such seasons as shall by mutual consent be appointed, to spend some time in solemn prayer together on this important account: and we hereby engage, that we will, each of us, if we conveniently can, attend at such meetings; unless such circumstances happen, as to lead us in our own consciences to conclude, that it will be more acceptable in the sight of God, that we should be employed in some other business elsewhere.

III. We do hereby express our desire, that some time may be then spent, if God give an opportunity, in reviewing those promises of scripture, which relate to the establishment of our Redeemer's kingdom in the world; that our faith may be supported, and our prayers quickened, by the contemplation of them.

address, with beseeching you to join with me in humble prayer to him, who knows the sincere regard to the temporal and eternal happiness of his creatures, by which the plain things of this dedication and sermon are dictated, that he may honour both with his blessing. If any parts of the scheme here laid before you, have not indeed that subserviency to the great end proposed, which they are imagined to have, it would be a peculiar pleasure to me to be better informed: yet I must take the liberty to say, those must be strong arguments, which will prevail against the experience of the happy effects, which have for some time, in my own congregation, attended those, alas, too imperfect attempts, which I have made to carry them into execution. But if they are, as I assuredly believe, calculated to revive the languishing interest of real religion, may your advice, my honoured friends, in concurrence with that of my worthy brethren in these parts, and with the se rious expostulations contained in the ensuing discourse, prevail on others to make the trial of them, which surely they will not repent in the nearest views of eternity.

I persuade myself, gentlemen, that in the midst of those various cares and labours for the public service, to which, weak as I am, divine providence has called me, you will sometimes be repeating for me those suitable and pathetic petitions, which you were pleased, at Denton, and elsewhere, during my late interviews with you, to offer on my account; petitions, which, I never recollect without a most sensible pleasure, and by the very remem

IV. It is also our desire, that whatever important informations, relating to the progress of the gospel, be received from the various parts of this kingdom, or from foreign lands, by any members of the society, they may be communicated to us at our general quarterly meetings: and the rest of us make it our request to our minister, that he will, where he can with convenience do it, keep up such correspondences; that we may be more capable of judging, how far God answers our prayers, and those of his other servants, in this regard.

V. We further engage, that on these days of general meeting, every one of us will, as God shall be pleased to prosper us, contribute something, be it ever so little, towards the carrying on of this pious design; which shall be lodged in the hands of a treasurer, to be chosen at the first meeting, to be disposed of by him, and four other trustees, then also to be appointed, in such a manner as they shall judge most convenient, towards supporting the expence of sending missionaries abroad; printing bibles, or other useful books, in foreign languages; establishing schools for the instruction of the ignorant; and the like.

VI. That the pastor for the time being, if one of the society, be always one of those trustees; and that four more be annually nominated by the society, at the first meeting after new-year's day, with a power of chusing their treasurer out of their own number; and that the accounts of the former year be then laid before the society, or before a committee appointed to examine them.

VII. That members, after the first meeting be admitted by the consent of the majority of the society present, at some stated meeting; and that if any member think fit to withdraw, he signify that purpose to the society, or to one of the trustees.

VIII. That brief minutes be taken at every meeting, of the business dispatched, the persons admitted, the contributions made at it, &c.

To these rules we subscribe our hands, heartily praying, that God may quicken us, and many others by our means, to greater zeal in this, and in every good word and work; and that joining in spirit with all those, who in one place or another, are devoting their lives to the advancement of the gospel, we may another day partake of their joy.

brance of which I find myself animated to this very day. On my part, dear brethren, be assured of all the most affectionate good wishes, which sincere esteem, and grateful friendship can inspire. May that spirit of grace and supplication, the happy effects of which I so delightfully observed in those of you, on whom I had then an opportunity of attending, be in a still richer abundance poured forth upon you all! May you open your mouths boldly to declare the mysteries of God, as faithful witnesses to the truth and purity of his gospel, in the midst of a degenerate and back-sliding age! May you teach, not only publicly, but from house to house! May a truly primitive and scriptural discipline, which it is our privilege, that amidst all our discouragements we are able, not only to pray for, but to exercise, be impartially maintained! And in consequence of all this, may you have the pleasure to see your assemblies flourishing! May you feel your hearts daily cheered and animated, by the visible success of your labours! and may there be no contention among you, unless it be who shall exert himself with the most exemplary prudence, zeal, and love, in the prosecution of so good a work! May each of you, in the sphere which providence has assigned him, be a burning and a shining light! And may the lustre of your fervent and active piety awaken, if any of them slumber, our brethren of the established clergy, to guard against that growth of the dissenting interest, which must otherwise be the probable consequence of such measures! May they all emulate the most faithful and zealous among us, in the purity of their doctrine, in the seriousness and spirituality of their address, in the vigilance of their pastoral inspection, in their tender care to train up the rising generation for God, and above all, in the distinguished sanctity of their lives! This will unite our hearts in such mutual esteem and affection, that even while in different communions, we shall treat each other like brethren and friends, and fellow-labourers in the vineyard of Christ; far more endeared by our common love to our divine master, and the souls he has redeemed, than alienated by our different apprehensions, as to the particular mode by which that interest is to be promoted. The question between us will not then be, "How much may we lawfully impose?" and "how much may we lawfully dispute?" But on the one side, it will be enquired, "what may we wave?" and on the other, "what may we acquiesce in, from a principle of mutual tenderness and respect; without displeasing our common Lord, and injuring that great cause of original christianity, which he has appointed us to guard?" Thus may the flames of undissembled love purge away our dross, and cement us into one mass; where the union will be the closer, in proportion to the degree in which the metal is the nobler, and the more refined ! And thus may it cause those fetters to fall off, under the weight and the streightness of which, however they may have been gilded over, the worthiest persons that wear them must secretly groan! We are praying and waiting for that happy day, which whenever it appears, will be the glorious earnest of the revival of the protestant, and of the christian cause. In the mean time, may each of us have a pleasing consciousness, that we are labouring to promote it; or at least that while we are waiting for the appearance of the great physician among us, we do not, by our own rashness, exasperate those distempers, which in his absence we cannot heal! A wish, and a care, in which, I am sure, you will concur with,

Gentlemen,

Your most affectionate Brother, and faithful and obliged Humble Servant, P. DODDRIDGE,

Northampton, Feb. 1, 1741-2.