100 CHURCH UNITY 



cient and a more ubiquitous functionary 

 than the bishop in the Episcopalian sense of 

 that word. The only important separatrix 

 between Congregationalists and Baptists 

 on the one hand and Presbyterians on the 

 other, regards the authority of the general 

 body over the particular congregation. But 

 even here the difference is much less wide 

 than it seems, since both Baptists and Con- 

 gregationalists have for many years been 

 developing a central power which in fact, 

 though not in theory, to a great extent 

 commands the particular churches. 



There would thus be formed an im- 

 mense presbytero-Congregational ecclesias- 

 ticism standing face to face with a mighty 

 Episcopal ecclesiasticism made up of all the 

 churches that are governed by bishops ; for 

 these too, must, in time, draw together 

 into practical working unity. Well, will 

 these ecclesiasticisms stand apart forever, 

 or will further blending occur, making 

 one that colossal twain ? I am of opinion 

 that that last chasm will at length be 

 closed, and American Christendom be made 

 one indeed. Ecclesiastical overseership is 

 really very important. Here the bishop's 

 polity has, for practical work, an immense 



