The account I have given applies particularly to Presbyterians, but association meetings were also held by Independents. They did not, however, at these gatherings ordain ministers; ordinations amongst them generally took place in the presence of the church members by whom the pastor was chosen. Orders--technically speaking--maintained by Presbyterians as well as Episcopalians, could scarcely be said to be recognized by Congregationalists, who considered ordination simply as an acknowledgment of the church’s act in electing ministers. The key to the difference between the two denominations is found, on the one hand, in the Presbyterian idea of power being lodged in the ministry, and, on the other hand, in the Congregational idea of power being lodged in the people; and as this distinction and difference affected the subject of ordination, so it did that of admission and discipline. Admission of members amongst Congregationalists depended upon a vote of the church, after an account had been given of the candidate’s religious character. Congregational churches were not all alike as to terms of admission. Some were narrow and severe. They exacted circumstantial proofs of conversion, and an ample confession of faith. In not a few cases this was required to be given in writing. Others accepted the children of members, to use their quaint language, when they took hold of their father and mother’s covenant, and expressed their confidence in Christ’s passion, and repentance from dead works. The Church having nothing to object to “their walking,” they were permitted to partake of the Ordinance of the Supper, and were confirmed.[522] [Sidenote: NONCONFORMISTS.] Yet churches less exacting in terms of admission were curiously vigilant in the oversight of members, and would call people to account even for lying in bed, instead of coming to the communion; for consulting a lawyer on a Sunday afternoon; and for going to a cock-fight when the brethren were met to seek God.[523] Acts of discipline depended upon church votes, and sometimes differences of opinion arose between pastor and people.