Unitarian principles spread

about 1800, widely in the Congregational churches of America, and though a separation took place. between the Unitarians and the Trinitarians, both still retain the Congregational form of church government. ‘ Congregationalism,” according to Dr. Schaff, is the ruling sect of the six Northeastern States, and has exerted, and still exerts, a beneficial influence upon the religious, social, and political life of the whole nation.’ In addition to the Conference, or 'A ociation of Churches, by which they conpenali for common ends, a National Council meets triennially “ for advisory and not juridical ends.” Its declaration, like that of a council of local churches, “ hath so much force as there is in the reason of it.’ In the United States Congregationalists have over 5,700 organizations, 5,790 churches, and 700,000 members, There are six National Societies, through which the charities of Congre- @at i on a lists mainly flow. Everybody's Cyclopedia (Vol. 1) — S **S**