... word to function freely, and for each member to feel an integral part of the church's operations, each congregation must be self- sufficient, containing within itself all the offices and power necessary for self regulation. New England's official apologist, John Cotton, termed this form of church government "Congregational", meaning that all authority would be located within particular congregations. Cotton's sermon at Salem ... in 1636, described the basic elements of this system in which people covenanting themselves to each other and pledging to obey the word ... masculines, you have...

• Word Count: 1616
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School