2GG 



As Morton's Memoriul, first published in 1GG9, also hears the 

 ?5anction of the venerable lligginson as to its "truth of matter," Ave 

 here continue the passage, commenced on page 5th, marking in italics 

 the words which prove that the confession of faith and covenant was 

 but one instrument. Indeed, a formula of faith distinct from the cove- 

 nant was a thing unheard of in the formation of the early congrega- 

 tional churches of New England. 



" Accordingly it was desired of Mr. Higginson to draw up a confes- 

 sion of faith and covenant in scripture language ; which being done, 

 ivas agreed upon. And because they foresaw that this wilderness might be 

 looked upon as a place of liberty, and therefore might in time be trou- 

 bled with erroneous spirits, therefore they did put in one article into 

 the confession of faith, on purpose, about the duty and power of the 

 magistrate in matters of religion : Thirty copies of the aforesaid con- 

 fession of faith and covenant being written out for the use of thirty 

 persons who were to begin the work. When the 6th of August came, 

 it was kept as a day of fasting and prayer, in which, after the sermons 

 and prayers of the two ministers, in the end of the day, the aforesaid 

 confession of faith and covenant being solemnly read, the forenamed 

 persons did solemnly profess their consent thereunto; and proceeded to 

 the ordaining of Mr. Skelton pastor, and Mr. Higginson teacher, of the 

 church there. Mr. Bi-adford, the Governour of Plimouth, and some 

 others with him, coming by sea, were hindered by cross winds, that 

 they could not be there at the beginning of the day, but they came into 

 the assembly afterward, and gave them the right hand of felloioship, 

 wishing all prosperity, and a blessed success unto such good begin- 

 nings. After which, at several times, many others joined to the church 

 in the same way. The confession of faith and covenant forementioned 

 was acknowledged only as a direction, pointing unto that faith and cov> 

 enant contained in the holy scripture, and therefore no man was con- 

 fined unto that form of words, but only to the substance, end and scope 

 of the matter contained therein. And for the circumstantial manner of 

 joining to the church, it was ordered according to the wisdom and 

 faithfulness of the elders, together with the liberty and ability of any 

 person. Hence it was, that some were admitted by expressing their 

 consent to that written confession of faith and covenant ; others did an- 

 swer to questions about the principles of religion that were publicly 

 propounded to them ; some did present their confession in writing, 

 which was read for them ; and some, that were able and willing, did 

 make their confession in their own words and way ; a due respect was 

 also had unto the conversations of men, viz : that they were without 

 scandel." — New England's Memorial, Davis's Ed. p. 145. 



Rev. W. Hubbard and Rev. J. Higginson, referred to by Dr. Mather- 

 as his assistants in compiling the Magnalia, having been intimate 



