A SYSTEM OF LAY AGENCY, IN CONNEXION WITH Congregational Churches, FOR THE DIFFUSION OF THE GOSPEL AMONG OUR HOME POPULATION. This thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to bear it thyself alone; LONDON: PRINTED FOR THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF ENGLAND AND WALES. JACKSON AND WALFORD, 1839. 840. 468 ADVERTISEMENT BY THE COMMITTEE OF THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION OF ENGLAND AND WALES. THE public are indebted for the following Essay to the generous zeal of a Christian philanthropist, whose mind was influenced by a deep concern for the further evangelization of his native land. He felt also a strong anxiety that the Congregational churches of his country should bear a more vigorous and a more adequate part in this great and urgently necessary work. In order to this, it appeared to him indispensable, that the Independent churches and pastors should employ, to a greater extent than heretofore, the zeal and activity of brethren qualified for useful labours among their ignorant countrymen, though not regularly educated for the Christian ministry. To invite attention to this important object, and to elicit discussion on the best methods for accomplishing it, he determined to offer a prize of ONE HUNDRED GUINEAS for the best Essay on the subject of Lay Agency. That additional interest and sanction might be given to the proceeding, he proposed that the management of it should be undertaken by the Committee of the CONGREGATIONAL UNION. The Committee, prepared to promote whatever might seem adapted to advance the efficiency of the Independent churches, ob |