Chapter 1 begins with the founding of Dorchester in order to explain the roles, responsibilities, and expectations set by towns in both civil and ecclesiastical affairs. The first generation began with the utopian ideal of an association of saints, with men and woman as spiritual equals in the eyes of God. Dorchester’s founding minister, Richard Mather, provides a window into the challenges of first-generation congregants and ministers. Mather played a key role in making recommendations for congregational procedures, rules, and practices during the first generation and the transition in membership for the second generation. Because of his influence and adherence to strict church membership, he offers a compelling comparison of the ideas of ministers and laymen. This chapter then expands to explore towns and congregations throughout New England in order to illustrate the connections between civil and religious authorities and church discipline in implementing and enforcing a godly social order. Although church discipline was central to maintaining Puritan standards, the practice also created fissures between ministers and the laymen who controlled the process.