A treatise of ruling elders and deacons In which, these things which belong to the understanding of their office and duty, are clearly and shortly set down. By a Minister of the Church of Scotland.
         Guthrie, James, 1612?-1661.
      
       
         
           1690
        
      
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             A treatise of ruling elders and deacons In which, these things which belong to the understanding of their office and duty, are clearly and shortly set down. By a Minister of the Church of Scotland.
             Guthrie, James, 1612?-1661.
          
           92 p.
           
             re-printed by the heir of Andrew Anderson, printer to their most excellent Majesties,
             Edinburgh :
             anno Dom. 1690.
          
           
             A minister of the Church of Scotland = James Guthrie.
             Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Church of Scotland -- Customs and practices -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
     
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           A
           TREATISE
           OF
           
             RULING
             ELDERS
          
           AND
           DEACONS
           .
           In
           which
           ,
           these
           things
           which
           belong
           to
           the
           understanding
           of
           their
           Office
           and
           Duty
           ,
           are
           clearly
           and
           shortly
           set
           down
           .
        
         
           By
           a
           Minister
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           SCOTLAND
           .
        
         
           
             
               1
               Tim.
               5.
               17.
            
             
          
           
             Let
             the
             Elders
             that
             rule
             well
             ,
             be
             counted
             worthy
             of
             double
             honour
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               Tim.
               3.
               
               ●3
            
             .
          
           
             They
             that
             have
             used
             the
             office
             of
             a
             Deacon
             well
             ,
             purchase
             to
             themselves
             a
             good
             degree
             ,
             and
             great
             boldness
             in
             the
             faith
             ,
             which
             is
             in
             Christ
             Jesus
             .
          
        
         
           EDINBURGH
           ,
           Re-Printed
           by
           the
           Heir
           of
           
             Andrew
             Anderson
          
           ,
           Printer
           to
           their
           most
           Excellent
           
             Majesties
             .
             Anno
             DOM.
          
           1690.
           
        
      
       
         
         
         
           The
           Preface
           .
        
         
           
             THe
             LORD
             ,
             whose
             fire
             is
             in
             Zion
             ▪
             and
          
           
           
             whosefurnace
             is
             in
             Jerusalem
          
           ,
           hath
           in
           depths
           of
           his
           wisdom
           
           
             spoken
             by
             terrible
             things
             in
             righteousness
          
           against
           this
           Nation
           ,
           he
           hath
           
             brought
             us
          
           
           
             down
             wonderfully
          
           ,
           and
           hath
           made
           
             our
             breach
             wide
             as
             the
          
           
           
             Sea
             ,
             who
             can
             heal
             us
             ?
             our
             bruise
             is
             incurable
             ,
             and
             our
          
           
           
             wound
             is
             grievous
          
           ,
           for
           the
           
             Lord
             hath
             ▪
             wounded
             us
             with
             the
             wound
             of
             an
             Enemy
             ,
             with
             the
             chastisement
             of
             a
             cruel
             one
             ,
             because
             our
             sins
          
           
           
             were
             encreased
          
           ,
           he
           hath
           
             mingled
             a
             perverse
             spirit
             in
             the
             midst
             of
             us
             ,
             which
             causeth
          
           
           
             us
             to
             erre
             in
             every
             work
             ,
             as
          
           
           
             a
             drunken
             man
             staggereth
             in
             his
             vomit
             ,
             and
             we
             eat
             every
             man
             the
             flesh
             of
             his
             own
             arm
             ,
             for
             all
             this
             his
             anger
             is
             not
             turned
             away
             ,
             but
             his
             hand
             is
             stretched
             out
             still
             ,
             the
             yoke
          
           
           
             of
             our
             transgressions
             is
             bound
             by
             his
             hand
             ,
             they
             are
             wreathed
             ,
             and
             come
             up
             upon
             our
             neck
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             day
             of
             our
          
           
           
             calamity
             ,
             he
             hath
             covered
             us
             with
             a
             cloud
             in
             his
             anger
             ,
          
           
           
             that
             like
             blind
             men
             in
             the
             dark
             we
             grope
             for
             the
             wall
             ,
          
           and
           cannot
           find
           either
           our
           sin
           or
           our
           duty
           :
           some
           cry
           ,
           that
           there
           be
           many
           of
           our
           Prophets
           
           
             who
             have
             not
             discovered
             our
             iniquity
             to
             turn
             away
             our
             captivity
             :
          
           others
           complain
           ,
           that
           not
           a
           few
           of
           them
           ,
           have
           
           
             seen
             for
             us
             false
             burdens
             and
             causes
             of
             banishment
          
           ;
           what
           shall
           we
           do
           whilst
           it
           's
           thus
           with
           us
           ?
           
             surely
             it
             is
          
           
           
             meet
             to
             be
             said
             unto
             God
             ,
             shew
             me
             why
             thou
             contendest
          
           
           
             with
             me
             ,
             I
             have
             born
             Chastisement
             ,
             I
             will
             not
             offend
             any
             more
             ,
             that
             which
             I
             see
             not
             ,
             teach
             thou
             me
             ,
             if
             I
             have
             done
             iniquity
             ,
             I
             will
             do
             no
             more
          
           ;
           untill
           the
           
           Lord
           shall
           reveal
           it
           unto
           us
           ,
           and
           make
           
             us
             wise
             in
             heart
             to
             understand
          
           this
           ,
           and
           speak
           to
           us
           ,
           
             that
             we
             may
             declare
             it
             ,
             for
             what
             the
             Land
             mourns
             .
          
           It
           is
           fit
           that
           in
           the
           things
           of
           the
           Lord's
           controversie
           ,
           and
           of
           our
           duty
           whereto
           we
           have
           already
           attained
           ,
           we
           walk
           by
           the
           same
           rule
           ,
           and
           minde
           the
           same
           things
           .
           I
           do
           suppose
           that
           all
           of
           us
           are
           of
           one
           minde
           in
           this
           ,
           that
           our
           corrupt
           mixture
           in
           Church
           members
           ,
           and
           Church-officers
           ,
           are
           one
           main
           
           cause
           ,
           why
           so
           much
           wrath
           is
           gone
           forth
           from
           the
           Lord
           against
           us
           ,
           and
           doth
           abide
           upon
           us
           .
           The
           Lord's
           design
           upon
           Scotland
           for
           a
           long
           time
           past
           seems
           to
           have
           been
           to
           purge
           
           
             his
             house
          
           ,
           and
           
             as
             to
             have
             his
             ordinances
             pure
             ,
             so
             to
             have
             his
             people
             and
             his
             Officers
             also
             pure
          
           ;
           I
           mean
           not
           of
           a
           higher
           pitch
           than
           the
           doctrine
           and
           policie
           of
           our
           Church
           doth
           reach
           ,
           because
           (
           I
           fear
           not
           to
           say
           it
           )
           the
           measuring
           line
           of
           the
           Sanctuary
           hath
           been
           stretched
           over
           these
           ,
           ●o
           give
           unto
           them
           due
           Scripture
           dimensions
           ,
           concerning
           the
           qualification
           of
           Church
           members
           ,
           and
           Church
           Officers
           :
           If
           in
           these
           things
           our
           practice
           were
           agreeable
           to
           our
           rule
           ,
           we
           needed
           not
           be
           ashamed
           ,
           but
           might
           speak
           with
           our
           Enemies
           in
           the
           gate
           ,
           and
           answer
           him
           that
           reproacheth
           us
           ,
           our
           sin
           is
           ,
           that
           being
           
           weighed
           in
           our
           own
           ballance
           ,
           we
           are
           found
           too
           light
           ;
           how
           many
           Church-members
           are
           there
           in
           Scotland
           ,
           whom
           our
           Church
           discipline
           (
           if
           conscientiously
           weilded
           )
           would
           cut
           off
           as
           rotten
           ,
           How
           many
           Church-Officers
           ,
           whom
           that
           disciplin
           would
           cast
           out
           as
           unsavory
           salt
           ?
           
             we
             have
             rejoyced
          
           
           
             in
             our
             pride
             and
             been
             haughty
             because
             of
             the
             Lord
             's
             holy
             mountain
             ,
          
           but
           have
           not
           so
           zealously
           cared
           ,
           that
           
             holiness
             to
             the
          
           
           
             Lord
             might
             be
             engraven
             in
             all
             the
             pots
             of
             his
             house
             .
          
           We
           have
           boasted
           of
           a
           Reformation
           of
           the
           Ordinances
           ,
           without
           seeking
           as
           really
           to
           reform
           Church-Officers
           ,
           and
           Church-Members
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           Pattern
           thereof
           .
           Pure
           Ordinances
           are
           indeed
           things
           precious
           and
           excellent
           ,
           (
           and
           what
           soul
           among
           us
           that
           hath
           any
           measure
           of
           the
           true
           
           Zeal
           of
           the
           Lords
           house
           ,
           can
           behold
           the
           defacing
           of
           these
           ,
           and
           not
           make
           it
           the
           matter
           of
           their
           lamentation
           )
           yet
           these
           are
           but
           means
           subordinate
           to
           a
           more
           high
           and
           super-excellent
           end
           ,
           to
           wit
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           thereby
           be
           brought
           
             with
             open
             face
             to
             behold
          
           
           
             as
             in
             a
             glass
             the
             glory
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             be
             changed
             unto
             the
             same
             Image
             from
             glory
             to
             glory
             ,
             even
             as
             by
             the
             spirit
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           that
           
             we
             may
             ▪
             all
             come
             unto
          
           
           
             the
             unity
             of
             the
             faith
             ,
             unto
             the
             knowledge
             of
             the
             Son
             of
             God
             ,
             unto
             a
             perfect
             man
             ,
             unto
             the
             measure
             of
             the
             stature
             of
             the
             fulness
             of
             Christ.
          
           It
           is
           true
           ,
           that
           all
           the
           Members
           of
           the
           Church
           visible
           ,
           will
           not
           
             be
             living
             and
             lively
          
           
           
             stones
             in
             the
             Lords
             temple
          
           ,
           neither
           doth
           the
           rule
           of
           Church-constitution
           ,
           hold
           out
           or
           cast
           out
           all
           
           who
           are
           not
           really
           such
           ;
           but
           this
           is
           the
           great
           scope
           that
           all
           of
           us
           ought
           to
           levell
           at
           ,
           that
           all
           the
           Lords
           people
           may
           be
           holy
           that
           all
           who
           profess
           
           faith
           in
           Iesus
           Christ
           ,
           
             may
             walk
             as
             becomes
             the
             Gospel
          
           
           
             of
             Jesus
             Christ.
          
           And
           how
           shall
           this
           be
           attained
           ,
           unless
           these
           who
           bears
           the
           Vessels
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           to
           whom
           the
           charge
           of
           holy
           things
           be
           committed
           be
           holy
           ,
           
             the
             sons
          
           
           of
           Levi
           
             must
             be
             purified
             ,
             and
             purged
             as
             gold
             and
             as
             silver
             ,
          
           before
           they
           offer
           unto
           the
           Lord
           
             an
             offering
             in
             righteousness
          
           ,
           when
           that
           is
           done
           ,
           then
           are
           
             the
             offerings
             of
             Judah
             and
             Jerusalem
             pleasant
             unto
             the
             Lord.
          
           I
           acknowledge
           that
           we
           were
           once
           upon
           a
           fair
           way
           for
           purging
           the
           House
           of
           God
           in
           this
           Land
           ,
           they
           who
           interrupted
           us
           shall
           bear
           their
           burden
           ;
           but
           what
           was
           done
           in
           this
           thing
           ,
           was
           
           not
           more
           refreshing
           to
           gracious
           hearts
           ,
           than
           it
           was
           sorely
           repined
           at
           ,
           and
           opposed
           by
           others
           (
           a
           sin
           that
           provoked
           the
           Lord
           to
           stop
           the
           current
           of
           so
           rich
           a
           mercy
           )
           therefore
           do
           many
           now
           make
           haste
           again
           to
           intrude
           themselves
           upon
           the
           Cangregations
           whence
           they
           were
           once
           justly
           cast
           out
           ,
           and
           not
           a
           few
           amongst
           the
           People
           love
           to
           have
           it
           so
           ,
           as
           though
           there
           were
           a
           conspiracy
           
             to
             return
             to
             Egypt
             ,
             and
             to
             build
             again
             the
             walls
             of
             Jericho
             ,
             and
             repair
             the
             ruines
             of
             Edom.
          
           I
           do
           also
           acknowledge
           it
           with
           thank
           fulness
           unto
           the
           
             great
             Shepherd
             of
             Souls
          
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           a
           great
           company
           of
           gracious
           men
           amongst
           the
           Officers
           of
           his
           Church
           ,
           who
           walk
           in
           the
           ways
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           keep
           his
           charge
           ,
           but
           there
           be
           also
           many
           that
           neither
           do
           so
           ,
           nor
           know
           how
           to
           do
           it
           ;
           To
           say
           nothing
           of
           Ministers
           :
           It
           is
           more
           than
           manifest
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           a
           generation
           of
           ignorant
           ,
           slothfull
           ,
           earthly
           minded
           men
           ,
           who
           bear
           the
           name
           of
           Elders
           and
           Deacons
           in
           many
           Congregations
           ,
           and
           where
           such
           bear
           rule
           ,
           what
           can
           be
           expected
           ,
           but
           that
           the
           People
           should
           perish
           for
           want
           of
           knowledge
           ,
           and
           holiness
           be
           despised
           ,
           and
           ly
           in
           the
           dust
           ,
           
           and
           Congregations
           still
           abide
           in
           to
           swarthy
           a
           temper
           ,
           If
           we
           might
           find
           grace
           in
           the
           Lords
           sight
           ,
           to
           be
           throughly
           convinced
           of
           this
           great
           Church-evil
           ,
           whence
           many
           Church
           evils
           flow
           ,
           and
           be
           brought
           with
           some
           measure
           of
           sincerity
           to
           endeavour
           the
           remedy
           thereof
           ,
           what
           a
           branch
           of
           hope
           might
           it
           be
           ,
           that
           our
           reproach
           should
           be
           taken
           away
           ,
           and
           we
           become
           a
           People
           instructed
           in
           the
           way
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           walking
           to
           the
           Praise
           and
           Commendation
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           which
           is
           now
           evil
           spoken
           of
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           ignorance
           ,
           and
           loose
           conversation
           of
           many
           among
           us
           :
           Therefore
           am
           I
           bold
           as
           pressed
           in
           spirit
           (
           albeit
           one
           of
           the
           weakest
           and
           most
           unworthy
           )
           to
           offer
           this
           little
           Treatise
           ,
           with
           an
           eye
           upon
           this
           end
           .
           And
           let
           me
           without
           offence
           ,
           beseech
           all
           the
           Ministers
           ,
           Elders
           ,
           Deacons
           ,
           Congregations
           ,
           Presbyteries
           ,
           and
           Assemblies
           of
           this
           Church
           ,
           in
           the
           bowels
           of
           the
           Lord
           Iesus
           Christ
           :
           yea
           ,
           let
           me
           ob●est
           them
           by
           the
           blood
           of
           the
           everlasting
           Covenant
           ,
           by
           their
           Zeal
           of
           the
           Lord's
           honour
           ,
           by
           the
           credite
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           by
           their
           love
           to
           
           souls
           ,
           and
           
             by
             the
             sury
             of
             the
          
           
           
             Lord
             ,
             which
             he
             hath
             caused
             to
             rest
             upon
             us
             ,
             because
             he
             purged
             us
             ,
             and
             we
             would
             not
             be
             purged
          
           ;
           and
           as
           they
           desire
           ,
           
             the
             Lord
             should
             bring
             us
             again
             ,
          
           and
           cause
           us
           
             stand
             before
             him
             ,
             and
          
           
           
             leave
             us
             a
             remnant
             ,
             and
             give
             us
             a
             nail
             in
             his
             holy
             place
          
           ;
           that
           they
           would
           each
           of
           them
           in
           their
           stations
           ,
           endeavour
           
             to
             take
             forth
             the
             precious
          
           
           
             from
             the
             vile
          
           ,
           and
           purge
           the
           Lord's
           house
           in
           this
           Land
           from
           corrupt
           Officers
           ,
           and
           corrupt
           members
           ;
           
           
             Oh
             ,
             will
             we
             not
             be
             made
             clean
             ?
             When
             will
             it
             once
             be
             ?
          
        
      
       
         
         
           To
           the
           CHRISTIAN
           READER
           .
        
         
           THe
           inducements
           that
           perswaded
           me
           first
           to
           write
           ,
           and
           then
           to
           publish
           this
           little
           Treatise
           of
           
             Ruling
             Elders
             and
             Deacons
          
           ,
           were
           chiefly
           these
           ,
           1.
           
           The
           sensible
           Impression
           that
           the
           Lord
           hath
           made
           upon
           my
           Spirit
           ,
           as
           also
           (
           I
           know
           )
           upon
           the
           spirits
           of
           the
           godly
           of
           the
           Land
           ,
           of
           the
           great
           prejudice
           that
           comes
           to
           this
           poor
           Church
           by
           a
           multitude
           of
           men
           in
           these
           offices
           ,
           who
           neither
           know
           their
           duty
           ,
           nor
           make
           conscience
           to
           perform
           it
           .
           2.
           
           The
           vindicating
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           our
           Church
           concerning
           these
           Church-Offi●ers
           ,
           that
           the
           mouths
           of
           such
           who
           speak
           evil
           may
           be
           stopped
           ,
           and
           others
           who
           stumble
           may
           be
           satisfied
           .
           3.
           
           
           The
           pressing
           desire
           of
           Brethren
           ,
           Ministers
           ,
           and
           Elders
           in
           the
           Presbytery
           and
           Congregation
           ,
           where
           the
           Lord
           hath
           set
           me
           ;
           all
           which
           did
           receive
           some
           spirit
           and
           life
           ,
           when
           I
           found
           my
           Name
           among
           those
           to
           whom
           the
           Gen.
           Assembly
           of
           this
           Church
           did
           commit
           and
           recommend
           this
           work
           long
           ago
           .
        
         
           I
           have
           endeavoured
           to
           handle
           it
           with
           as
           much
           plainness
           and
           evidence
           of
           Truth
           ,
           and
           as
           shortly
           ,
           without
           wronging
           of
           the
           matter
           as
           I
           could
           :
           It
           is
           not
           unlike
           that
           some
           may
           think
           ,
           that
           I
           have
           done
           no
           great
           business
           ,
           because
           I
           have
           brought
           no
           new
           thing
           .
           I
           acknowledge
           that
           it
           is
           so
           ;
           what
           I
           have
           said
           ,
           is
           for
           the
           matter
           (
           I
           trust
           )
           and
           in
           many
           things
           for
           the
           words
           too
           ,
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Scriptures
           ,
           and
           of
           Protestant
           Divines
           ,
           and
           of
           our
           Church
           ,
           in
           the
           Act
           ▪
           s
           and
           Policy
           thereof
           ;
           I
           have
           but
           put
           together
           in
           one
           ,
           and
           digested
           into
           some
           Method
           what
           was
           lying
           
           scattered
           of
           before
           ,
           that
           these
           who
           either
           could
           not
           ,
           or
           would
           not
           be
           at
           the
           pains
           to
           search
           for
           such
           things
           ,
           may
           now
           have
           them
           at
           their
           hand
           .
           Others
           may
           look
           upon
           this
           Treatise
           as
           not
           plain
           enough
           ,
           or
           as
           not
           so
           exact
           ,
           full
           ,
           and
           perfect
           as
           it
           ought
           to
           be
           ;
           with
           these
           I
           shall
           not
           contend
           ;
           I
           have
           done
           what
           I
           could
           ,
           at
           least
           what
           I
           conceived
           best
           in
           order
           to
           the
           ends
           I
           propounded
           to
           my self
           ;
           If
           others
           shall
           find
           favour
           of
           the
           Lord
           to
           do
           better
           ,
           I
           shall
           blesse
           his
           Name
           on
           their
           behalf
           ,
           and
           receive
           and
           make
           use
           of
           their
           pains
           with
           thankfulness
           .
           And
           some
           may
           happily
           think
           ,
           that
           there
           is
           here
           too
           much
           laid
           upon
           Ruling-Elders
           ,
           more
           nor
           they
           shall
           be
           able
           or
           willing
           to
           undertake
           ;
           yea
           ,
           more
           than
           the
           Lord
           doth
           require
           of
           them
           ,
           most
           of
           the
           things
           that
           are
           mentioned
           by
           us
           being
           incumbent
           to
           Ministers
           rather
           than
           to
           Elders
           .
           It
           is
           true
           what
           is
           said
           of
           the
           Elders
           
           duty
           ,
           is
           also
           the
           duty
           of
           Ministers
           ,
           for
           what
           soever
           the
           Elder
           ought
           to
           do
           by
           vertue
           of
           his
           Calling
           ,
           that
           also
           ought
           the
           Minister
           to
           do
           ,
           and
           somewhat
           more
           ,
           but
           so
           far
           as
           we
           know
           ,
           nothing
           is
           spoken
           here
           of
           the
           Elder
           ,
           that
           doth
           not
           belong
           to
           him
           ;
           if
           through
           ignorance
           or
           want
           of
           abilitie
           ,
           or
           neglect
           ,
           or
           custome
           ,
           Elders
           have
           not
           done
           these
           things
           ,
           it
           is
           that
           which
           ought
           to
           be
           helped
           ,
           it
           is
           now
           high
           time
           for
           them
           to
           awake
           ,
           and
           to
           know
           and
           owne
           ,
           and
           follow
           their
           duty
           ;
           and
           for
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           in
           Scotland
           ,
           to
           know
           how
           much
           she
           hath
           smarted
           under
           the
           hands
           of
           ignorant
           and
           slothful
           ,
           yea
           and
           scandalous
           men
           ;
           we
           would
           not
           alwayes
           satisfie
           our selves
           
             with
             disguised
             and
             histrionical
          
           
           
             men
             ,
             puffed
             up
             with
             Titles
             or
             with
             Idols
             ,
             dead
             in
             sins
             to
             be
             Elders
             ;
             but
             would
             seek
             after
             holy
             men
             ,
             who
             being
             endued
             with
          
           
           
             faith
             in
             God
             ,
             and
             walking
             in
             his
             obedience
             ,
             God
             authorizing
             them
             ,
             and
             the
             Church
             his
             Spouse
             choosing
             them
             ,
             and
             calling
             them
             ,
             undertake
             the
             Government
             thereof
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             labour
             to
             the
             conservation
             and
             Edification
             of
             the
             same
             in
             Christ
          
           ;
           Neither
           needs
           the
           qualification
           ,
           or
           multitude
           ,
           or
           difficulties
           of
           the
           particulars
           here
           spoken
           of
           ,
           discourage
           or
           scarr
           any
           :
           It
           is
           not
           so
           much
           the
           measure
           as
           the
           truth
           of
           the
           thing
           that
           is
           to
           be
           looked
           at
           .
           We
           have
           set
           down
           what
           a
           
             Ruling
             Elder
          
           ought
           to
           be
           ,
           in
           regard
           of
           the
           whole
           extent
           of
           his
           Charge
           ,
           sundry
           particulars
           whereof
           the
           most
           part
           of
           Ruling
           Elders
           are
           seldom
           called
           to
           exercise
           ,
           and
           if
           they
           be
           in
           some
           measure
           fitted
           for
           these
           parts
           of
           the
           charge
           which
           God
           calls
           them
           to
           exercise
           ,
           and
           follow
           the
           same
           with
           singleness
           of
           heart
           ,
           they
           may
           believe
           that
           
           they
           shall
           be
           assisted
           ,
           and
           accepted
           of
           God
           in
           Iesus
           Christ
           ;
           the
           Imployment
           is
           not
           theirs
           ,
           but
           the
           Lords
           ,
           from
           whom
           they
           may
           expect
           both
           their
           furniture
           ,
           and
           also
           their
           reward
           ;
           let
           them
           arise
           and
           be
           doing
           ,
           and
           the
           Lord
           shall
           be
           with
           them
           .
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
           A
           Short
           TREATISE
           OF
           Ruling
           Elders
           .
        
         
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               their
               Names
               .
            
          
           
             WHat
             is
             necessary
             to
             be
             understood
             concerning
             Ruling
             Elders
             may
             be
             taken
             up
             in
             the
             explication
             of
             these
             four
             ,
             1.
             
             Their
             name
             .
             2.
             
             Their
             institution
             .
             3.
             
             Their
             Calling
             .
             4.
             
             Their
             Qualification
             and
             Duty
             .
             The
             word
             Elder
             in
             the
             Scripture
             doth
             signifie
             divers
             
             things
             ,
             1.
             
             It
             signifieth
             old
             men
             ,
             or
             men
             come
             to
             age
             ▪
             1
             Tim.
             5.
             1.
             
             
               Rebuke
               not
               an-Elder
               ,
               but
               intreat
               him
               as
               a
               father
               ,
               and
            
             
             
               the
               younger
               men
               as
               brethren
            
             .
             2.
             
             It
             signifies
             those
             who
             have
             lived
             in
             the
             times
             of
             old
             .
             Mat.
             15.
             2.
             
             
               Why
               do
               thy
            
             
             
               Disciples
               transgress
               the
               tradition
               of
               the
               Elders
               .
            
             3.
             
             It
             is
             taken
             for
             honourable
             and
             worthy
             men
             ,
             Isa.
             3.
             2.
             
             
               The
               Lord
               of
               Hosts
               doth
               take
               away
               from
               Jerusalem
               and
               Judah
               the
               Prudent
               and
               the
               Ancient
               .
            
             4.
             
             It
             is
             the
             name
             of
             a
             Spiritual
             Officer
             in
             the
             house
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             Acts
             14.
             23.
             
             
               And
               when
            
             
             
               they
               had
               ordained
               them
               Elders
               in
               every
               city
               .
            
             In
             this
             last
             signification
             it
             is
             taken
             in
             this
             place
             ,
             for
             these
             who
             bear
             Rule
             in
             the
             House
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             are
             called
             Elders
             because
             of
             the
             Knowledge
             ,
             Gifts
             ,
             Experience
             ,
             Prudence
             and
             Gravity
             ,
             wherewith
             they
             ought
             to
             be
             indued
             .
          
           
             The
             Officers
             in
             the
             
             House
             of
             God
             ,
             who
             in
             
             the
             Scriptures
             are
             called
             by
             the
             name
             of
             Elders
             ,
             are
             of
             severall
             soits
             ,
             Preaching
             Elders
             or
             Ministers
             ,
             Teaching
             Elders
             or
             Doctors
             ,
             and
             Ruling
             or
             Governing
             Elders
             ,
             all
             these
             three
             are
             often
             times
             in
             the
             N.
             T.
             comprized
             under
             the
             general
             name
             of
             Elder
             ,
             Act.
             15
             6
             ,
             22.
             
             &
             20.
             
             17.
             1.
             
             Pet.
             5
             It
             is
             the
             Ruling
             Elder
             whom
             we
             have
             now
             to
             do
             with
             ,
             who
             is
             so
             called
             ,
             not
             because
             the
             power
             of
             ruling
             and
             governing
             the
             Church
             belongs
             to
             him
             alone
             ,
             for
             it
             also
             belongs
             to
             the
             Preaching
             ●nd
             Teaching
             Elders
             ,
             or
             to
             the
             Ministers
             and
             Doctors
             :
             But
             because
             to
             rule
             and
             govern
             is
             the
             principal
             and
             chief
             part
             of
             his
             Charge
             and
             Imployment
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             highest
             Act
             of
             his
             Office
             ;
             It
             is
             not
             competent
             for
             him
             to
             Preach
             ,
             that
             belongs
             to
             the
             Pastor
             or
             Minister
             ,
             nor
             to
             teach
             ,
             that
             
             belongs
             to
             the
             Doctor
             ;
             but
             his
             Office
             is
             comprized
             within
             the
             compasse
             of
             Ruling
             and
             Governing
             the
             Church
             ;
             and
             therefore
             he
             is
             called
             the
             Governing
             or
             Ruling
             Elder
             ;
             The
             Apostle
             in
             the
             Epistle
             to
             the
             Rom
             :
             
             ch
             .
             1●
             .
             8.
             calleth
             him
             ,
             
               him
               that
               ruleth
            
             ,
             and
             1
             Cor.
             
             12.
             28
             ▪
             he
             calls
             them
             Governments
             putting
             the
             abstract
             for
             the
             concret
             ,
             Governments
             for
             Governours
             .
             Thus
             then
             we
             have
             the
             proper
             or
             right
             name
             of
             these
             Church
             Officers
             ,
             which
             serves
             to
             correct
             a
             twofold
             mistake
             .
             The
             1.
             is
             ,
             of
             these
             who
             either
             out
             of
             ignorance
             ,
             or
             disdain
             ,
             do
             call
             them
             Lay-Elders
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             were
             a
             part
             of
             the
             People
             only
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             be
             reckoned
             amongst
             the
             Officers
             of
             the
             Lords
             House
             ,
             whom
             the
             Popish
             Church
             in
             their
             pride
             ,
             and
             others
             following
             
             them
             calls
             the
             Clergy
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             the
             Lords
             Inheritance
             ,
             in
             opposition
             to
             the
             Laity
             or
             People
             ,
             whom
             they
             look
             upon
             ,
             as
             base
             and
             much
             inferior
             to
             the
             other
             in
             worth
             and
             Excellency
             ,
             whereas
             all
             the
             Lords
             People
             are
             his
             portion
             ,
             
               and
               the
               lot
               of
               his
               in
               heritance
               ,
               Deut.
            
             32.
             9.
             1.
             
             Pet.
             5.
             3.
             
             The
             second
             mistake
             is
             ,
             of
             these
             who
             do
             call
             these
             only
             Ruling-Elders
             ,
             who
             sit
             in
             Presbyteries
             ,
             Synods
             ,
             and
             General
             Assemblies
             ,
             allowing
             to
             others
             the
             name
             of
             Elders
             ,
             but
             not
             of
             Ruling-Elders
             :
             But
             every
             Elder
             in
             the
             Lords
             House
             is
             a
             Ruling-Elder
             ,
             because
             the
             power
             and
             exercise
             of
             rule
             and
             Government
             belongs
             to
             every
             Elder
             ,
             though
             some
             of
             them
             upon
             speciall
             occasions
             be
             called
             to
             a
             more
             eminent
             Exercise
             of
             it
             than
             others
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             
               CHAP.
               II.
            
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Institution
               of
               Ruling-Elders
               .
            
          
           
             THE
             Institution
             of
             
             the
             Office
             of
             Ruling
             Elder
             ,
             is
             divine
             ,
             it
             is
             not
             an
             ordinance
             of
             man
             ,
             but
             of
             God.
             The
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             upon
             whose
             shoulder
             the
             Government
             is
             ,
             and
             who
             is
             faithfull
             in
             all
             his
             House
             ,
             hath
             in
             his
             Eternal
             Wisdom
             thought
             fit
             to
             appoint
             such
             an
             Officer
             in
             his
             House
             ,
             for
             the
             right
             and
             orderly
             Governing
             thereof
             .
             It
             is
             true
             ,
             that
             by
             the
             sloth
             ,
             or
             rather
             by
             the
             pride
             of
             Teachers
             ,
             whilest
             they
             alone
             would
             seem
             to
             be
             somewhat
             ,
             and
             by
             the
             policy
             of
             Satan
             ,
             and
             inadvertance
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             these
             Officers
             were
             for
             many
             Ages
             together
             ,
             out
             of
             use
             in
             the
             Christian
             
             Church
             .
             But
             certain
             it
             is
             ,
             that
             both
             the
             Jewish
             Synagogue
             ,
             and
             after
             ,
             the
             Christian
             Church
             had
             Seniores
             ,
             or
             Elders
             ,
             without
             whose
             counsel
             nothing
             was
             done
             in
             the
             Church
             ;
             That
             the
             Jewish
             Church
             had
             such
             ,
             appears
             from
             2
             Chro.
             19.
             8.
             
             Jer.
             29.
             1.
             
             Mat.
             16
             ▪
             21
             ,
             22
             ,
             23
             ,
             26
             ,
             57
             ,
             59.
             
             Act.
             4.
             5.
             
             And
             that
             the
             Christian
             
             Church
             also
             had
             them
             in
             the
             primitive
             &
             purest
             times
             thereof
             ,
             appears
             from
             the
             testimony
             of
             ancient
             Writers
             ,
             as
             may
             be
             found
             by
             these
             who
             will
             take
             pains
             to
             search
             into
             these
             things
             But
             we
             have
             a
             more
             sure
             word
             for
             the
             Divine
             Institution
             of
             Elders
             in
             the
             Christian
             Church
             ,
             then
             any
             testimony
             of
             man
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             the
             Testimony
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             the
             Scriptures
             of
             
             the
             New
             Testament
             .
             The
             first
             place
             of
             Scripture
             is
             Rom.
             12.
             6
             ,
             7
             ,
             8.
             
             
               Having
               then
               gifts
               ,
               differing
               according
               to
               the
               grace
               that
               is
               given
               us
               ,
               whether
               prophesie
               ,
               let
               us
               prophesie
               according
               to
               the
               proportion
               of
               faith
               ,
               or
               Ministery
               ,
               let
               us
               wait
               on
               our
               Ministring
               ,
               or
               he
               that
               teacheth
               on
               teaching
               ,
               or
               he
               that
               exhorteth
               on
               exhortation
               ;
               he
               that
               gives
               ,
               let
               him
               do
               it
               wih
               simplicity
               :
               he
               that
               ruleth
               ,
               with
               diligence
               ▪
               he
               that
               sheweth
               mercy
               ,
               with
               cheerfulnesse
               .
            
             In
             which
             Text
             ,
             the
             Apostle
             doth
             first
             comprehend
             all
             the
             severall
             kindes
             of
             ordinary
             standing
             Officers
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             God
             ,
             under
             two
             general
             Heads
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             Prophecie
             ,
             whereby
             is
             meaned
             the
             ordinary
             facultie
             of
             right
             understanding
             and
             expounding
             the
             Scriptures
             ,
             and
             Ministery
             ,
             under
             which
             is
             comprehended
             all
             other
             Church-Officers
             and
             Imployments
             :
             To
             each
             
             of
             these
             the
             Apostle
             addeth
             their
             generall
             duties
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             that
             he
             who
             prophesieth
             ,
             should
             do
             it
             according
             to
             the
             proportion
             of
             faith
             ,
             
               h.
               e.
            
             according
             to
             the
             measure
             ,
             of
             the
             measure
             of
             knowledge
             of
             the
             word
             of
             faith
             ,
             that
             he
             hath
             received
             of
             God
             ;
             And
             he
             that
             ministers
             ,
             let
             him
             wait
             on
             his
             ministring
             ,
             
               h.
               e.
            
             let
             him
             not
             do
             it
             negligently
             or
             slothfully
             ,
             but
             faithfully
             and
             diligently
             .
             Then
             he
             sub-divides
             these
             two
             Generalls
             ,
             into
             the
             speciall
             Offices
             contained
             under
             them
             ;
             He
             divides
             him
             that
             prophesieth
             ,
             into
             him
             that
             teacheth
             ,
             and
             him
             that
             exhorteth
             ,
             or
             into
             the
             Doctor
             ,
             to
             whom
             the
             word
             of
             teaching
             or
             Instruction
             belongs
             ,
             and
             the
             Pastor
             ,
             to
             whom
             the
             Word
             of
             Exhortation
             is
             competent
             .
             Under
             him
             that
             ministereth
             ,
             he
             comprehends
             ,
             first
             him
             that
             giveth
             ,
             by
             whom
             is
             meant
             the
             
             Deacon
             ,
             who
             is
             appointed
             for
             the
             supply
             of
             the
             poor
             ▪
             Secondly
             ,
             him
             that
             ruleth
             ,
             by
             whom
             can
             be
             meant
             no
             other
             then
             the
             Ruling
             Elder
             ,
             seeing
             an
             ordinary
             ruling
             Officer
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             who
             is
             different
             from
             the
             Pastor
             and
             Teacher
             is
             here
             spoken
             of
             by
             the
             Apostle
             .
          
           
             The
             second
             place
             of
             Scripture
             that
             proves
             the
             Office
             of
             Ruling
             Elders
             is
             ,
             1
             Cor.
             12.
             28.
             
             
               And
               God
               hath
               set
               some
               in
               the
               Church
               ,
               first
               Apostles
               ,
               secondly
               Prophets
               ,
               thirdly
               Teachers
               ,
               afterward
               miracles
               ,
               then
               gifts
               of
               healing
               ,
               helps
               ,
               governments
               ,
               kinds
               of
               tongues
               .
            
             Some
             of
             the
             Bibles
             of
             the
             late
             English
             Translation
             read
             
               helps
               in
               governments
            
             ,
             but
             cross
             to
             the
             Text
             in
             the
             first
             Language
             ,
             that
             bears
             
               helps
               ,
               governments
            
             ,
             as
             two
             distinct
             things
             ,
             and
             therefore
             in
             other
             Editions
             of
             that
             Translation
             ,
             this
             is
             helped
             .
             In
             
             this
             Text
             the
             Apostle
             reckons
             several
             Officers
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             some
             extraordinary
             ,
             which
             were
             to
             continue
             but
             for
             a
             season
             ,
             such
             as
             Apostles
             ,
             Prophets
             ,
             Powers
             or
             Miracles
             ,
             gifts
             of
             healing
             ,
             kinds
             of
             tongues
             :
             Some
             Ordinary
             ,
             which
             were
             to
             continue
             in
             the
             Church
             to
             the
             end
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             and
             these
             are
             Teachers
             ,
             or
             the
             ordinary
             Church
             ▪
             Officers
             ,
             who
             are
             exercised
             in
             the
             Word
             :
             
               Helps
               ,
               h.
               e.
            
             the
             Deacons
             ,
             who
             are
             appointed
             for
             the
             help
             and
             relief
             of
             the
             poor
             ;
             and
             
               governments
               ,
               h.
               e.
            
             the
             Governing
             and
             Ruling
             Elders
             ;
             for
             it
             is
             clear
             from
             the
             words
             ,
             that
             the
             Apostle
             by
             Governments
             ,
             doth
             mean
             a
             Church-Officer
             ,
             whom
             God
             hath
             set
             in
             his
             Church
             ,
             for
             Ruling
             and
             Governing
             thereof
             ,
             now
             this
             cannot
             be
             any
             other
             of
             the
             Church-Officers
             ,
             for
             these
             he
             hath
             named
             besides
             ,
             and
             therefore
             
             it
             remains
             that
             it
             is
             the
             Ruling
             Elder
             .
          
           
             The
             third
             place
             of
             Scripture
             is
             ,
             1Tim
             .
             5.
             17.
             
             
               Let
               the
               Elders
               that
               rule
               well
               ,
               be
               counted
               worthy
               of
               double
               honour
               ,
               specially
               they
               that
               labour
               in
               the
               word
               and
               doctrine
               .
            
             Which
             Text
             doth
             hold
             forth
             and
             distinguish
             two
             sorts
             of
             Elders
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             to
             whom
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             hath
             committed
             the
             power
             of
             Ruling
             ;
             One
             sort
             who
             do
             also
             labour
             in
             the
             Word
             and
             Doctrine
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             Pastors
             and
             Teachers
             :
             Another
             sort
             who
             do
             only
             Rule
             ,
             and
             doing
             it
             well
             ,
             are
             accounted
             worthy
             of
             double
             honour
             ,
             and
             these
             are
             the
             Ruling
             Elders
             of
             whom
             we
             speak
             .
          
           
             From
             this
             that
             the
             Office
             of
             the
             
             Ruling
             Elder
             is
             of
             Divine
             Institution
             ,
             
             we
             gather
             these
             conclusions
             ,
             First
             ,
             that
             it
             is
             not
             a
             thing
             arbitrary
             and
             indifferent
             for
             such
             to
             wait
             upon
             their
             charge
             ,
             yea
             or
             not
             ,
             as
             they
             please
             ,
             or
             as
             their
             attendance
             may
             contribute
             for
             their
             own
             or
             their
             friends
             particular
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             custom
             of
             too
             too
             many
             Elders
             ;
             but
             that
             they
             are
             bound
             in
             conscience
             diligently
             to
             attend
             and
             follow
             the
             duties
             thereof
             ,
             whether
             they
             be
             such
             as
             they
             ought
             ,
             to
             the
             several
             Members
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             or
             the
             keeping
             of
             Session
             ,
             or
             Presbytery
             ,
             and
             other
             Assemblies
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             called
             and
             desired
             thereto
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             that
             Elders
             ought
             to
             do
             their
             Office
             ,
             not
             formally
             and
             hypocritically
             ,
             for
             the
             fashion
             only
             ,
             but
             
             sincerely
             and
             honestly
             ,
             as
             in
             the
             sight
             of
             God
             ,
             by
             whom
             they
             are
             called
             unto
             this
             holy
             Calling
             ,
             and
             to
             whom
             they
             must
             render
             an
             accompt
             of
             their
             discharge
             of
             this
             great
             trust
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             they
             ought
             not
             to
             domineer
             over
             their
             fellow
             Brethren
             and
             Elders
             ,
             but
             carry
             themselves
             humbly
             and
             serviceably
             ,
             as
             these
             who
             are
             appointed
             of
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             for
             ministring
             unto
             ,
             and
             edifying
             of
             his
             Body
             the
             Church
             .
          
           
             Fourthly
             ,
             that
             they
             ought
             to
             carry
             themselves
             with
             that
             authority
             ,
             holiness
             ,
             gravity
             and
             prudence
             ,
             that
             becomes
             these
             who
             are
             called
             of
             God
             to
             bear
             Rule
             in
             his
             House
             .
          
           
             Fifthly
             ,
             that
             Elders
             once
             lawfully
             called
             to
             the
             Office
             ,
             and
             having
             gifts
             from
             God
             meet
             to
             exexcise
             the
             same
             ,
             (
             unless
             they
             be
             removed
             therefrom
             ,
             because
             of
             miscarriages
             )
             are
             still
             Elders
             ,
             
             thogh
             happily
             in
             Congregations
             where
             many
             qualified
             men
             may
             be
             found
             ,
             
             some
             may
             be
             permitted
             for
             a
             time
             to
             surcease
             from
             the
             exercise
             of
             the
             charge
             ,
             and
             others
             be
             put
             in
             their
             room
             ,
             as
             was
             among
             the
             Levites
             under
             the
             Law
             ,
             in
             serving
             in
             the
             Temple
             by
             courses
             .
          
           
             Sixthly
             ,
             that
             people
             ought
             to
             obey
             such
             as
             these
             who
             have
             the
             rule
             over
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             submit
             themselves
             ,
             because
             they
             wait
             for
             their
             souls
             ,
             as
             they
             that
             must
             give
             account
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             do
             it
             with
             joy
             ,
             and
             not
             with
             grief
             ,
             Heb.
             13.
             17.
             
             Yea
             ,
             they
             would
             know
             them
             as
             these
             who
             are
             over
             them
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             do
             admonish
             them
             ,
             and
             esteem
             them
             very
             highly
             in
             love
             for
             their
             works
             sake
             ,
             1
             Thes.
             5.
             12
             ,
             13.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Vocation
               or
               Calling
               of
               Ruling
               Elders
               .
            
          
           
             AS
             no
             man
             is
             to
             intrude
             in
             any
             imployment
             
             without
             a
             lawful
             Calling
             ,
             so
             much
             less
             ought
             any
             man
             to
             intrude
             himself
             without
             a
             Calling
             ,
             into
             any
             sacred
             Function
             in
             the
             House
             of
             God
             :
             Heb.
             5.
             
             4.
             
             Therefore
             before
             any
             take
             upon
             him
             to
             exercise
             the
             Office
             of
             Ruling
             Elder
             ,
             he
             ought
             to
             be
             lawfully
             called
             thereunto
             .
             This
             Calling
             is
             inward
             or
             outward
             ;
             the
             inward
             Calling
             is
             the
             Testimony
             of
             a
             good
             Conscience
             ,
             concerning
             some
             measure
             of
             ability
             and
             gifts
             for
             the
             Charge
             ,
             and
             a
             sincere
             ,
             
             and
             honest
             inclination
             and
             purpose
             to
             imploy
             these
             gifts
             ,
             for
             the
             honour
             of
             God
             ,
             the
             advancement
             of
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             good
             of
             souls
             .
          
           
             The
             outward
             Calling
             is
             to
             be
             after
             the
             same
             manner
             with
             that
             of
             other
             Church-officers
             ,
             and
             it
             stands
             in
             their
             Election
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             tryal
             of
             their
             carriage
             ,
             gifts
             ,
             and
             admission
             to
             the
             Charge
             .
             The
             Election
             is
             to
             be
             made
             by
             the
             Congregation
             wherein
             they
             are
             to
             bear
             charge
             ,
             Acts
             6.
             3.
             5
             
             ▪
             and
             14.
             23.
             
          
           
             That
             it
             may
             be
             gone
             about
             in
             the
             more
             
             orderly
             way
             ,
             it
             is
             fit
             that
             a
             nomination
             be
             made
             by
             the
             Minister
             and
             Eldership
             of
             the
             Congregation
             of
             the
             persons
             fittest
             ,
             and
             best
             qualified
             for
             the
             imployment
             ,
             
             and
             that
             the
             names
             of
             the
             persons
             nominated
             by
             them
             ,
             be
             publickly
             intimated
             to
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             they
             desired
             ,
             in
             case
             of
             their
             not
             being
             satisfied
             ,
             as
             having
             exception
             ,
             or
             knowing
             others
             better
             qualified
             ,
             to
             represent
             the
             same
             to
             the
             Minister
             and
             Eldership
             .
             If
             there
             be
             no
             Eldership
             in
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             a
             nomination
             may
             be
             made
             either
             by
             the
             Presbytery
             ,
             or
             by
             the
             most
             judicious
             and
             godly
             Members
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ;
             particularly
             Masters
             of
             Families
             ,
             together
             with
             the
             Minister
             ,
             or
             one
             or
             more
             Ministers
             of
             the
             Presbytery
             ,
             in
             case
             of
             the
             Congregations
             want
             of
             a
             Minister
             .
          
           
             The
             trial
             is
             to
             be
             by
             the
             Minister
             and
             Eldership
             
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             or
             in
             case
             of
             the
             want
             of
             these
             ,
             by
             the
             Presbytery
             :
             And
             they
             are
             to
             be
             tryed
             
             both
             in
             regard
             of
             their
             conversation
             ,
             that
             it
             be
             blameless
             and
             holy
             ,
             and
             also
             in
             regard
             of
             their
             knowledge
             and
             experience
             in
             the
             things
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             Affairs
             of
             his
             House
             ,
             and
             of
             their
             ability
             and
             prudence
             for
             Government
             ;
             It
             is
             true
             that
             the
             trial
             of
             Elders
             in
             their
             knowledge
             and
             gifts
             required
             for
             their
             Charge
             ,
             hath
             not
             been
             much
             in
             use
             in
             this
             Church
             ;
             It
             being
             taken
             for
             granted
             ,
             that
             conscience
             would
             be
             made
             of
             making
             choise
             of
             such
             as
             had
             knowledge
             ,
             and
             were
             able
             and
             fit
             ,
             or
             that
             if
             any
             ignorant
             ,
             or
             not
             able
             and
             sitted
             ,
             were
             nominat
             ,
             that
             some
             of
             the
             Congregation
             upon
             the
             intimation
             of
             their
             names
             ,
             would
             except
             against
             them
             ;
             but
             by
             this
             means
             it
             hath
             come
             to
             pass
             ,
             that
             many
             ignorant
             and
             unqualified
             men
             have
             been
             admitted
             Elders
             in
             many
             Congregations
             ,
             to
             the
             
             great
             detriment
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             no
             small
             reproach
             of
             our
             Church
             :
             The
             Apostle
             1
             Tim.
             3.
             10.
             speaking
             of
             Deacons
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             lowest
             rank
             of
             the
             Officers
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             requires
             that
             these
             also
             first
             be
             proved
             ,
             then
             let
             them
             use
             the
             Office
             of
             a
             Deacon
             ,
             being
             found
             blameless
             :
             And
             the
             same
             reasons
             and
             grounds
             that
             plead
             for
             the
             tryal
             of
             a
             Minister
             ,
             pleads
             also
             for
             the
             tryal
             of
             Elders
             ,
             in
             a
             way
             suitable
             to
             the
             qualifications
             required
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             Their
             Admission
             is
             to
             be
             by
             the
             Minister
             
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             or
             one
             appointed
             by
             the
             Presbytery
             ,
             in
             the
             presence
             of
             the
             whole
             Congregation
             ,
             with
             the
             Preaching
             of
             the
             Word
             ,
             concerning
             their
             duty
             ,
             and
             with
             
             Prayer
             and
             Humiliation
             ,
             concerning
             the
             spirit
             of
             their
             Calling
             to
             be
             poured
             out
             upon
             them
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             pleasure
             of
             the
             Lord
             may
             prosper
             in
             their
             hands
             :
             At
             which
             time
             they
             are
             solemnly
             to
             engage
             themselves
             before
             the
             Lord
             ,
             to
             be
             faithful
             ,
             and
             diligent
             ,
             and
             watchful
             over
             the
             flock
             committed
             to
             their
             charge
             ,
             and
             in
             all
             the
             duties
             of
             that
             holy
             and
             honourable
             imployment
             ;
             and
             the
             People
             are
             also
             to
             engage
             themselves
             to
             obey
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             submit
             themselves
             to
             them
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             to
             honour
             them
             ,
             and
             highly
             to
             esteem
             them
             in
             love
             for
             their
             works
             sake
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               IV.
            
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Duties
               of
               a
               Ruling
               Elder
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             Duties
             of
             a
             Ruling
             Elder
             be
             of
             two
             sorts
             ,
             some
             that
             are
             
             personal
             ,
             and
             relate
             to
             his
             conversation
             as
             a
             Christian
             ,
             others
             that
             are
             Official
             ,
             and
             relate
             to
             his
             Ruling
             ,
             as
             an
             Office-bearer
             in
             the
             House
             of
             God.
             
          
           
             His
             personal
             qualifications
             ,
             
             or
             the
             duties
             of
             his
             conversation
             ,
             are
             the
             same
             with
             these
             which
             the
             Apostle
             requires
             in
             the
             conversation
             of
             a
             Minister
             ,
             1
             Tim.
             3.
             2
             ,
             3
             ,
             4
             ,
             5
             ,
             6
             ,
             7.
             and
             6.
             11.
             
             Tit.
             1.
             6
             ,
             7
             ,
             8.
             
             In
             which
             Scriptures
             under
             the
             
             name
             of
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             or
             an
             Overseer
             ,
             he
             comprehends
             all
             these
             Officers
             who
             have
             the
             Oversight
             and
             Charge
             of
             Souls
             ,
             and
             sets
             down
             
             what
             manner
             of
             persons
             he
             would
             have
             them
             to
             be
             in
             regard
             of
             their
             conversation
             and
             carriage
             :
             I
             shall
             speak
             of
             these
             things
             with
             Application
             to
             the
             Ruling
             Elder
             .
             That
             the
             Ruling
             Elder
             ought
             to
             be
             of
             a
             blameless
             and
             Christian
             Conversation
             ,
             is
             above
             question
             ,
             but
             that
             it
             may
             be
             more
             distinctly
             known
             what
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             requires
             of
             such
             in
             regard
             of
             their
             conversation
             :
             I
             shall
             from
             these
             Scriptures
             show
             ,
             First
             ,
             what
             the
             Apostle
             would
             have
             them
             not
             to
             be
             .
             Secondly
             ,
             what
             he
             would
             have
             them
             to
             be
             .
             The
             things
             of
             the
             first
             sort
             are
             these
             :
             1.
             
             A
             Ruling
             Elder
             must
             not
             be
             given
             to
             Wine
             ,
             they
             must
             not
             be
             lovers
             nor
             followers
             of
             strong
             drink
             ,
             nor
             debord
             in
             riot
             and
             excess
             ,
             nor
             tipple
             away
             time
             in
             Ale-houses
             and
             Taverns
             .
             2.
             
             He
             must
             not
             be
             a
             striker
             nor
             a
             brawler
             ,
             nor
             given
             
             to
             quarrelling
             and
             contentions
             .
             3.
             
             He
             must
             not
             be
             covetous
             ,
             nor
             greedy
             of
             filthy
             lucre
             ;
             for
             ,
             
               the
               love
               of
               money
               is
               the
               root
               of
               all
               evil
               ,
               which
               while
               some
               covet
               after
               ,
               they
               erre
               from
               the
               faith
               ,
               and
               pierce
               themselves
               through
               with
               many
               sorrows
               .
            
             4.
             
             He
             must
             not
             be
             a
             novice
             ;
             or
             one
             newly
             come
             to
             the
             faith
             ,
             lest
             
               he
               bepuffed
               up
               with
               pride
               ,
               and
               fall
               into
               the
               condemnation
               of
               the
               Devil
               ,
            
             the
             spirits
             of
             Novices
             are
             not
             yet
             well
             ballasted
             ,
             nor
             brought
             low
             enough
             by
             frequent
             exercises
             of
             the
             Cross
             ,
             and
             so
             come
             to
             be
             more
             easily
             puffed
             up
             ,
             therefore
             there
             is
             need
             that
             he
             be
             an
             exercised
             Souldier
             of
             Iesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             one
             who
             by
             Experience
             is
             taught
             to
             know
             the
             wiles
             of
             the
             Devil
             ,
             and
             is
             able
             to
             endure
             hardness
             .
             5.
             
             He
             must
             not
             be
             self-willed
             ,
             adhering
             pertinaciously
             ,
             and
             without
             reason
             to
             his
             own
             judgment
             ,
             and
             refusing
             
             to
             hearken
             to
             the
             judgment
             of
             his
             Brethren
             ,
             though
             sound
             and
             wholesome
             .
             6.
             
             He
             must
             not
             be
             soon
             angry
             ,
             whether
             upon
             real
             or
             conceived
             causes
             of
             provocation
             .
          
           
             The
             things
             of
             the
             second
             sort
             be
             these
             ,
             1
             ,
             He
             must
             be
             blameless
             .
             
               h.
               e.
            
             One
             who
             walks
             without
             offence
             towards
             God
             and
             men
             .
             2.
             
             If
             married
             ,
             
               he
               must
               be
               the
               husband
               of
               one
               Wife
            
             ;
             such
             a
             one
             who
             shuns
             all
             unlawful
             lusts
             ,
             satisfying
             himself
             with
             ,
             and
             keeping
             himself
             within
             the
             bounds
             of
             the
             Remedy
             provided
             of
             God.
             3.
             
             He
             must
             be
             vigilant
             ,
             watchfull
             over
             his
             own
             soul
             ,
             that
             no
             temptation
             prevail
             upon
             him
             ,
             watchful
             unto
             every
             good
             duty
             ,
             and
             to
             take
             hold
             of
             every
             opportunity
             of
             wel-doing
             .
             4.
             
             He
             must
             be
             sober
             ,
             &
             temperat
             ,
             of
             a
             sound
             and
             humble
             minde
             ,
             moderating
             his
             own
             appetite
             and
             affections
             ,
             
             and
             satisfying
             himself
             with
             a
             moderat
             use
             of
             the
             Creatures
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             things
             of
             this
             world
             .
             5.
             
             He
             must
             be
             of
             a
             good
             behaviour
             or
             modest
             ,
             of
             a
             grave
             and
             staid
             ,
             yet
             of
             an
             effable
             and
             courteous
             carriage
             ,
             neither
             light
             and
             vain
             ,
             to
             the
             loosing
             of
             his
             Authority
             ,
             and
             rendring
             himself
             contemptible
             ,
             nor
             sullen
             ,
             and
             self-pleasing
             ,
             to
             the
             discouraging
             and
             scaring
             away
             of
             the
             flock
             ,
             by
             his
             needless
             distance
             &
             austerity
             .
             6.
             
             Given
             to
             hospitality
             ,
             ready
             to
             receive
             strangers
             to
             his
             House
             ,
             especially
             the
             poor
             ,
             and
             those
             who
             are
             of
             the
             houshold
             of
             Faith.
             7
             ,
             
               Apt
               to
               teach
               ,
               h.
               e.
            
             A
             man
             of
             knowledge
             ,
             and
             able
             to
             instruct
             others
             ,
             one
             who
             hath
             a
             ready
             and
             willing
             minde
             to
             teach
             others
             ,
             which
             is
             not
             so
             meant
             ,
             as
             if
             it
             were
             requisite
             for
             the
             Ruling
             Elder
             to
             be
             endued
             with
             the
             Gifts
             of
             Exhortation
             and
             instruction
             
             competent
             to
             the
             Pastor
             and
             Teacher
             ,
             or
             that
             he
             may
             and
             ought
             to
             imploy
             himself
             therein
             ,
             but
             of
             that
             fitness
             and
             ability
             to
             Teach
             that
             is
             competent
             to
             his
             Calling
             ,
             which
             he
             must
             be
             ready
             and
             willing
             to
             exercise
             so
             far
             as
             belongs
             thereto
             .
             8.
             
             Moderate
             ,
             in
             the
             first
             Language
             ,
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ▪
             ●endered
             patient
             ,
             1
             Tim.
             3.
             
             Not
             rigorous
             nor
             exacting
             the
             hight
             of
             the
             Law
             in
             his
             dealing
             ,
             but
             in
             his
             own
             particular
             of
             a
             condescending
             nature
             ,
             and
             remitting
             something
             of
             strict
             justice
             .
             9.
             
             Patient
             ,
             one
             who
             without
             wearying
             ,
             waits
             on
             his
             duty
             notwithstanding
             of
             difficulties
             ,
             and
             doth
             bear
             the
             delayes
             ,
             untractableness
             ,
             and
             injuries
             of
             others
             .
             10.
             
             One
             who
             rules
             well
             his
             own
             house
             ,
             having
             his
             Children
             in
             subjection
             with
             all
             gravity
             ,
             to
             which
             the
             Apostle
             adds
             this
             reason
             ,
             
               if
               a
               man
            
             
             
               know
               not
               how
               to
               rule
               his
               own
               house
               how
               shall
               he
               take
               a
               care
               of
               the
               Church
               of
               God.
            
             1
             Tim.
             3.
             5.
             
             The
             Church
             of
             God
             is
             of
             larger
             extent
             than
             one
             Family
             ,
             and
             the
             duties
             to
             be
             performed
             in
             it
             ,
             be
             of
             greater
             eminency
             and
             difficulty
             ,
             and
             require
             more
             skill
             ,
             wisdom
             ,
             and
             courage
             ,
             then
             these
             that
             are
             to
             be
             performed
             in
             a
             Family
             .
             The
             ruling
             well
             of
             his
             own
             house
             ,
             doth
             import
             not
             only
             ability
             for
             doing
             of
             it
             ,
             but
             also
             that
             he
             make
             conscience
             of
             ,
             and
             actually
             perform
             these
             duties
             that
             are
             required
             for
             the
             right
             and
             well
             ordering
             of
             a
             Christian
             Family
             ,
             to
             teach
             and
             instruct
             his
             Children
             ,
             and
             Servants
             in
             the
             knowledge
             of
             God
             ,
             to
             take
             care
             of
             their
             sanctifying
             the
             Lord's
             day
             ,
             of
             their
             profi●ing
             in
             Godliness
             ,
             of
             their
             seeking
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             of
             their
             ordering
             their
             conversation
             
             aright
             ,
             to
             read
             the
             Scriptures
             ,
             sing
             Psalms
             ,
             pray
             in
             the
             Family
             ,
             and
             to
             exhort
             ,
             admonish
             ,
             rebuke
             and
             comfort
             all
             that
             are
             of
             his
             houshold
             ,
             as
             their
             condition
             doth
             require
             ;
             for
             if
             these
             duties
             ly
             upon
             all
             Masters
             of
             Families
             who
             profess
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             then
             in
             a
             special
             way
             upon
             Elders
             ,
             who
             are
             appointed
             to
             stir
             up
             ,
             and
             go
             before
             others
             in
             the
             performance
             thereof
             .
             11.
             
             A
             lover
             of
             good
             men
             ,
             one
             whose
             soul
             cleaves
             to
             those
             who
             fear
             God
             ,
             having
             such
             in
             estimation
             above
             all
             others
             ,
             cherishing
             them
             ,
             and
             conversing
             ordinarily
             and
             familiarly
             with
             them
             .
             12.
             
             He
             must
             be
             just
             ,
             one
             who
             is
             straight
             and
             upright
             in
             all
             his
             dealings
             among
             men
             ,
             deceiving
             no
             man
             ,
             defrauding
             no
             man
             ,
             withholding
             nothing
             from
             any
             man
             that
             is
             due
             to
             him
             ,
             but
             giving
             to
             every
             man
             his
             own
             .
             13.
             
             Holy
             ,
             
             careful
             to
             express
             the
             life
             of
             Religion
             ,
             and
             power
             of
             Godliness
             in
             a●
             his
             conversation
             .
             14.
             
             He
             must
             b●
             one
             who
             holds
             fast
             the
             faithful
             Wor●
             that
             he
             hath
             been
             taught
             ,
             one
             wh●
             is
             stable
             in
             the
             ●aith
             holding
             fa●
             the
             truth
             of
             God
             ,
             without
             wave●ing
             or
             turning
             aside
             to
             error
             .
             Lastly
             ,
             he
             must
             be
             one
             who
             hath
             good
             report
             of
             these
             who
             are
             without
             lest
             he
             fall
             into
             reproach
             and
             snare
             of
             the
             devil
             ,
             〈◊〉
             he
             must
             be
             such
             a
             one
             ,
             whose
             blameless
             conversation
             ▪
             and
             sober
             and
             Christian
             walking
             doth
             extort
             a
             testimony
             even
             from
             these
             who
             know
             not
             God
             ,
             and
             who
             doth
             by
             well-doing
             put
             to
             silence
             the
             ignorance
             of
             foolish
             men
             ,
             that
             if
             any
             speak
             evil
             of
             him
             as
             of
             an
             evil-doer
             ,
             they
             may
             be
             ashamed
             who
             speak
             falsly
             against
             his
             good
             conversation
             in
             Christ.
             The
             Apostle
             comprehends
             
             all
             these
             summarly
             in
             two
             sentences
             ,
             [
             1
             Tim.
             4.
             12.
             
             Be
             thou
             an
             example
             of
             the
             believers
             in
             word
             ,
             in
             conversation
             ,
             in
             charity
             ,
             in
             spirit
             ,
             in
             faith
             ,
             in
             purity
             ,
             1
             Tim.
             6.
             11.
             
             But
             thou
             O
             man
             of
             God
             ,
             flee
             these
             things
             ,
             and
             follow
             after
             righteousness
             ,
             godliness
             ,
             faith
             ,
             love
             ,
             patience
             ,
             meekness
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               V.
            
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               duties
               of
               their
               Calling
               which
               are
               more
               private
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             duties
             of
             
             their
             Calling
             are
             these
             that
             belong
             to
             their
             watching
             over
             ,
             and
             ruling
             of
             the
             flock
             ,
             and
             they
             be
             of
             two
             sorts
             ;
             some
             that
             they
             are
             to
             perform
             by
             themselves
             
             alone
             ,
             and
             so
             may
             
             be
             called
             
               More
               private
               duties
            
             ;
             others
             that
             they
             are
             to
             perform
             jointly
             with
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             Over
             seers
             of
             the
             
             House
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             may
             be
             called
             
               more
               publick
            
             .
             The
             duties
             of
             their
             Calling
             ,
             that
             be
             more
             private
             ,
             are
             all
             these
             that
             private
             Christians
             are
             bound
             to
             perform
             each
             of
             them
             unto
             another
             by
             the
             Law
             of
             charity
             and
             love
             ,
             and
             these
             are
             ,
             first
             ;
             to
             
               instruct
               one
               another
               ,
               Joh.
            
             4.
             29.
             
             Acts
             18.
             26.
             
             Secondly
             ,
             to
             
               exhort
               and
               stir
               up
               one
               another
               ,
               to
               provoke
               unto
               love
               and
               good
               works
               ,
               Heb.
            
             10.
             24
             ,
             25.
             
             Thirdly
             ,
             to
             
               admonish
               and
               rebuke
               one
               another
               ,
               Levit.
            
             19.
             17.
             
             First
             ,
             privately
             ,
             and
             if
             they
             will
             not
             hearken
             ,
             
             then
             before
             Witnesses
             ,
             &
             if
             yet
             they
             will
             not
             hearken
             ,
             then
             to
             tell
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             if
             they
             will
             not
             hear
             the
             Church
             ,
             then
             to
             tell
             the
             Church
             ;
             and
             if
             they
             will
             not
             hear
             the
             Church
             ,
             then
             let
             them
             be
             unto
             us
             as
             Heathens
             and
             Publicans
             ,
             Math.
             18.
             15
             ,
             16
             ,
             17.
             
             Fourthly
             ,
             to
             comfort
             the
             afflicted
             ,
             and
             to
             support
             the
             weak
             ,
             1
             Thess.
             5.
             11.
             
             Fifthly
             ,
             to
             restore
             those
             who
             are
             fallen
             ,
             Gal.
             6.
             1.
             
             Sixthly
             ;
             To
             reconcile
             these
             who
             are
             at
             variance
             ,
             Math.
             5.
             9.
             
             Seventhly
             ,
             To
             pray
             one
             for
             another
             ,
             Jude
             20.
             
             Eighthly
             ,
             To
             visit
             the
             sick
             ,
             and
             those
             who
             are
             in
             bonds
             and
             distress
             ,
             Math
             ,
             25.
             36.
             
             All
             these
             duties
             Elders
             are
             to
             perform
             to
             the
             several
             Members
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             by
             vertue
             of
             their
             Calling
             .
             The
             Scriptures
             do
             expresly
             mention
             some
             of
             them
             ,
             as
             incumbent
             unto
             them
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             admonishing
             
             
               these
               over
               whom
               God
               hath
               set
               them
               ,
            
             1
             Thess.
             5.
             12.
             
               visiting
               and
               praying
               over
               the
               sick
               ,
               Jam.
            
             5.
             14.
             
               feeding
               the
               flock
            
             by
             Instruction
             ,
             Exhortation
             ,
             Rebuke
             and
             Comfort
             in
             such
             a
             way
             as
             is
             competent
             to
             their
             station
             .
             Act
             20.
             28.
             
             The
             rest
             we
             may
             warrantably
             gather
             by
             analogie
             and
             proportion
             from
             these
             ;
             If
             privat
             Christians
             be
             obliged
             thereto
             ,
             much
             more
             are
             Christian
             Elders
             ,
             who
             have
             the
             charge
             of
             Souls
             ,
             in
             a
             special
             way
             obliged
             thereto
             .
             These
             things
             are
             well
             expressed
             in
             the
             sixth
             Chap.
             of
             the
             second
             Book
             of
             Discipline
             .
             
             [
             As
             the
             Pastors
             and
             Doctors
             (
             
               say
               they
            
             )
             should
             be
             diligent
             in
             teaching
             and
             sowing
             the
             ●eed
             of
             the
             Word
             ;
             so
             the
             Elders
             should
             be
             careful
             in
             seeking
             of
             the
             fruit
             of
             the
             same
             of
             the
             People
             .
             
             It
             appertains
             to
             them
             to
             assist
             the
             Pastor
             ,
             in
             Examination
             of
             them
             that
             come
             to
             the
             Lords
             Table
             ▪
             Item
             in
             visiting
             the
             sick
             ,
             they
             should
             cause
             the
             Acts
             of
             the
             Assemblies
             aswell
             particular
             as
             general
             ,
             to
             be
             put
             in
             execution
             carefully
             ▪
             they
             should
             be
             diligent
             to
             admonish
             all
             men
             of
             their
             duty
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             rule
             of
             the
             Evangel
             ;
             things
             that
             they
             cannot
             correct
             by
             privat
             admonition
             ,
             they
             should
             bring
             to
             the
             Eldership
             .
          
           
             From
             what
             hath
             been
             said
             concerning
             these
             duties
             of
             Ruling
             Elders
             these
             three
             things
             follow
             ;
             First
             ,
             that
             they
             ought
             to
             be
             men
             of
             such
             ability
             ,
             as
             are
             in
             some
             measure
             able
             to
             instruct
             ,
             exhort
             admonish
             ,
             rebuke
             ,
             comfort
             ,
             pray
             ,
             and
             do
             these
             duties
             now
             mentioned
             .
             Secondly
             ,
             That
             it
             is
             needful
             for
             them
             ,
             not
             only
             to
             have
             some
             measure
             of
             ability
             
             for
             these
             things
             ,
             but
             also
             to
             have
             some
             measure
             of
             dexterity
             ,
             wisdom
             ,
             experience
             ,
             tenderness
             in
             following
             the
             same
             .
             Thirdly
             ,
             That
             they
             be
             well
             acquainted
             with
             the
             condition
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             the
             Members
             thereof
             ,
             and
             therefore
             be
             careful
             to
             observe
             their
             carriage
             ,
             and
             frequently
             to
             visit
             and
             take
             inspection
             of
             Families
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             instruct
             the
             ignorant
             ,
             exhort
             the
             negligent
             ,
             admonish
             the
             sloathful
             ,
             and
             rebuke
             those
             who
             walk
             disorderly
             ,
             comfort
             the
             afflicted
             ,
             establish
             those
             who
             waver
             ,
             visit
             the
             sick
             ,
             encourage
             these
             who
             do
             well
             ,
             and
             see
             piety
             and
             godliness
             promoted
             in
             Families
             ,
             and
             every
             one
             edifying
             another
             in
             love
             ,
             walking
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             comfort
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             VI.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               these
               duties
               which
               are
               more
               publick
               ,
               and
               which
               they
               are
               ●o
               perform
               joyntly
               with
               others
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             duties
             of
             Elders
             which
             
             are
             more
             publick
             ,
             and
             which
             they
             are
             to
             perform
             joyntly
             with
             others
             ,
             are
             these
             which
             ly
             upon
             them
             in
             the
             Assemblies
             or
             Courts
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             which
             are
             made
             up
             of
             Preaching
             Elders
             ,
             Teaching
             Elders
             ,
             and
             Ruling
             Elders
             :
             These
             Assemblies
             are
             in
             our
             Church
             of
             four
             sorts
             ;
             either
             they
             are
             of
             the
             Elders
             of
             particular
             Congregations
             ,
             which
             
             is
             the
             Church
             Session
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             Elders
             of
             moe
             Congregations
             than
             one
             lying
             near
             together
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Presbyterie
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             Elders
             of
             moe
             Presbyteries
             then
             one
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             Provincial
             Synod
             ,
             or
             of
             the
             Elders
             Commissioners
             from
             all
             the
             Presbyteries
             in
             the
             Land
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             General
             or
             National
             Assembly
             :
             To
             these
             we
             may
             adde
             a
             fifth
             sort
             ,
             to
             wit
             ,
             that
             which
             is
             made
             up
             of
             Elders
             ,
             from
             all
             or
             diverse
             Nations
             professing
             the
             Faith
             of
             Jesus
             Christ.
             
          
           
             Whilst
             we
             speak
             of
             Elders
             ,
             of
             which
             the
             Assemblies
             of
             the
             Church
             are
             made
             up
             ,
             we
             mean
             all
             sorts
             of
             Elders
             :
             Ministers
             ,
             Doctors
             ,
             and
             Ruling
             Elders
             .
             It
             is
             true
             ,
             that
             in
             the
             Congregations
             of
             our
             Church
             ,
             because
             of
             the
             want
             of
             maintenance
             ,
             there
             be
             few
             ,
             or
             no
             Doctors
             ,
             or
             Teaching
             Elders
             distinct
             from
             Pastors
             
             or
             Ministers
             ,
             who
             perform
             the
             duties
             both
             of
             the
             Preaching
             Elder
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             Teaching
             Elder
             ,
             only
             in
             the
             Schools
             of
             Divinity
             are
             such
             .
          
           
             In
             all
             Assemblies
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             Ruling
             
             Elders
             being
             therto
             rightly
             called
             ,
             have
             power
             to
             sit
             ,
             write
             ,
             debate
             ,
             vote
             ,
             and
             conclude
             in
             all
             matters
             that
             are
             handled
             therein
             ,
             Acts
             15.
             2.
             and
             6.
             22
             ,
             23.
             
          
           
             The
             things
             which
             be
             handled
             in
             the
             Assemblies
             
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             be
             either
             matters
             of
             Faith
             ,
             matters
             of
             Order
             ,
             matters
             of
             Discipline
             ,
             or
             that
             which
             concerneth
             the
             sending
             of
             Church-officers
             ,
             according
             to
             which
             they
             have
             a
             fourfold
             power
             :
             1.
             
             That
             which
             is
             called
             Dogmatick
             ,
             whereby
             they
             
             judge
             of
             Truth
             and
             Error
             ,
             in
             points
             of
             Doctrine
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             only
             .
             2.
             
             That
             which
             is
             callee
             Diatactick
             ,
             by
             which
             they
             discern
             and
             judge
             of
             the
             circumstances
             of
             these
             things
             that
             belong
             to
             the
             worship
             of
             God
             ,
             as
             Times
             ,
             Places
             ,
             Persons
             ,
             and
             all
             such
             particulars
             in
             Ecclesiastick
             Affairs
             as
             are
             not
             determined
             in
             the
             Word
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             general
             Rules
             thereof
             ,
             concerning
             order
             and
             decency
             ,
             avoiding
             of
             scandal
             ,
             doing
             all
             to
             the
             glory
             of
             God
             ▪
             and
             to
             the
             edifying
             of
             the
             Church
             .
             3.
             
             That
             which
             is
             Critick
             or
             Corrective
             ,
             by
             which
             Censures
             are
             exercised
             upon
             the
             scandalous
             and
             obstinate
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             are
             penitent
             again
             admitted
             to
             the
             Ordinances
             ,
             Fellowship
             &
             Society
             of
             the
             Church
             .
             4.
             
             That
             which
             is
             called
             Exousiastick
             ,
             by
             vertue
             of
             which
             they
             send
             ,
             authorize
             
             and
             give
             power
             to
             Church
             officers
             to
             serve
             in
             the
             house
             of
             God
             All
             these
             Assemblies
             are
             not
             to
             exer
             ▪
             cise
             all
             these
             powers
             ,
             but
             to
             keep
             themselves
             within
             their
             due
             bounds
             ,
             the
             Inferior
             leaving
             these
             things
             that
             are
             of
             more
             common
             concernment
             to
             the
             Superiour
             ;
             but
             in
             all
             these
             Powers
             ,
             Ruling
             Elders
             have
             a
             share
             ,
             and
             do
             put
             forth
             the
             same
             in
             exercise
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             measure
             that
             belongs
             to
             the
             Assembly
             whereof
             they
             are
             Members
             ,
             Acts
             15.
             6.
             22
             ,
             23.
             
             Howbeit
             the
             execution
             of
             some
             decrees
             of
             the
             Church-assemblies
             ;
             such
             as
             the
             Imposition
             of
             hands
             ,
             the
             pronouncing
             the
             Sentence
             of
             excommunication
             ,
             the
             receiving
             of
             Penitents
             ,
             the
             Intimation
             of
             the
             Deposition
             of
             Ministers
             ,
             and
             such
             like
             ,
             do
             belong
             to
             Ministers
             alone
             .
          
           
             These
             being
             the
             Duties
             and
             
             Powers
             of
             Ruling
             Elders
             in
             the
             Assemblies
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             its
             requisite
             that
             they
             be
             indued
             with
             such
             abilities
             and
             qualifications
             as
             are
             needful
             for
             the
             exercising
             thereof
             ;
             but
             because
             all
             Ruling
             Elders
             are
             not
             alwayes
             called
             to
             sit
             in
             all
             these
             Assemblies
             :
             But
             one
             from
             every
             Session
             sufficeth
             to
             the
             Presbytery
             and
             Provincial
             Synods
             ,
             and
             a
             few
             from
             every
             Presbytery
             ,
             and
             from
             greater
             Congregations
             ,
             or
             Burghs
             therein
             to
             the
             General
             Assembly
             ,
             as
             also
             a
             few
             from
             the
             whole
             Church
             throughout
             a
             Land
             ,
             to
             a
             more
             universal
             Assembly
             ;
             Therefore
             ,
             though
             it
             is
             to
             be
             wished
             and
             endeavoured
             ,
             that
             all
             Elders
             may
             have
             due
             qualifications
             for
             all
             these
             things
             ;
             and
             though
             special
             care
             is
             to
             be
             taken
             every
             where
             to
             choose
             the
             most
             qualified
             ,
             yet
             in
             particular
             Congregations
             men
             may
             
             be
             chosen
             Elders
             ,
             who
             have
             not
             such
             a
             measure
             of
             all
             these
             qualifications
             ;
             they
             being
             otherwise
             men
             of
             a
             blameless
             and
             Christian
             Conversation
             ,
             and
             having
             such
             a
             measure
             of
             knowledge
             ,
             and
             prudence
             ,
             as
             is
             fit
             for
             Governing
             that
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             judging
             of
             the
             things
             that
             are
             handled
             in
             the
             Session
             thereof
             ,
             which
             for
             the
             most
             part
             are
             matters
             of
             scandal
             ,
             and
             trying
             and
             admitting
             of
             Penitents
             ;
             but
             if
             there
             be
             any
             who
             are
             not
             of
             a
             blameless
             and
             Christian
             conversation
             ,
             and
             have
             not
             some
             measure
             of
             these
             qualifications
             required
             by
             the
             Word
             of
             God
             in
             a
             Ruling
             Elder
             ,
             no
             Congregation
             ought
             to
             choose
             any
             such
             ,
             nor
             any
             Session
             or
             Presbytery
             to
             admit
             them
             to
             the
             charge
             ,
             for
             it
             is
             not
             seemly
             that
             the
             servants
             of
             corruption
             should
             have
             authority
             to
             judge
             in
             the
             Kirk
             of
             
             God
             ,
             and
             if
             any
             such
             have
             been
             admitted
             ,
             they
             are
             to
             endeavour
             the
             removal
             of
             them
             ,
             as
             they
             would
             not
             partake
             of
             their
             sin
             ,
             and
             be
             found
             guilty
             before
             the
             Lord
             of
             the
             blood
             of
             souls
             ,
             which
             cannot
             but
             suffer
             prejudice
             through
             negligence
             or
             ill
             guiding
             of
             such
             men
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               VII
            
             .
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Duty
               of
               Elders
               in
               censuring
               scandals
               and
               scandalous
               persons
               ,
               and
               receiving
               of
               penitents
               .
            
          
           
             BEcause
             the
             Government
             and
             Duty
             of
             Elders
             in
             Congregations
             ,
             lyes
             for
             most
             part
             in
             censuring
             scandals
             and
             scandalous
             persons
             ,
             and
             trying
             and
             admitting
             of
             penitents
             ;
             Therefore
             it
             is
             fit
             to
             speak
             somewhat
             of
             their
             right
             way
             of
             following
             their
             Duty
             in
             these
             things
             .
          
           
           
             1.
             
             For
             the
             Persons
             about
             whom
             their
             
             censures
             are
             to
             be
             exercised
             ,
             it
             is
             all
             the
             Members
             of
             the
             Congregation
             indifferently
             and
             impartially
             ,
             without
             respect
             of
             persons
             ,
             the
             rich
             as
             well
             as
             the
             poor
             ,
             the
             high
             as
             well
             as
             the
             low
             ,
             their
             friends
             ,
             kinsmen
             ,
             alliance
             ,
             neighbours
             and
             acquaintance
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             others
             .
             Ja.
             2.
             sharply
             reproves
             these
             who
             
               have
               the
               faith
               of
               our
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               the
               Lord
               of
               glory
               with
               respect
               of
               persons
               ,
            
             by
             preferring
             the
             rich
             to
             the
             poor
             ;
             and
             Solomon
             says
             ,
             that
             
               divers
               weights
               ,
               and
               divers
               measures
               are
               an
               abomination
               to
               the
               Lord
               ,
            
             must
             it
             not
             then
             be
             worthy
             of
             rebuke
             to
             have
             the
             censures
             of
             our
             Lord
             Jesus
             with
             respect
             of
             persons
             ,
             and
             to
             weigh
             
             the
             rich
             and
             the
             poor
             ,
             the
             high
             and
             the
             low
             in
             divers
             ballances
             ,
             by
             taking
             notice
             of
             the
             one
             ,
             and
             passing
             by
             the
             other
             .
             2.
             
             It
             is
             incumbent
             to
             them
             to
             exercise
             their
             power
             ,
             not
             only
             over
             the
             people
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             but
             also
             over
             these
             of
             their
             
             own
             number
             ,
             as
             all
             Christians
             ,
             so
             so
             they
             in
             a
             special
             way
             who
             are
             yoke-fellows
             in
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             ought
             to
             consider
             and
             admonish
             one
             another
             ,
             and
             if
             any
             of
             them
             be
             found
             negligent
             ,
             or
             insufficient
             ,
             or
             do
             in
             any
             thing
             miscarry
             ,
             to
             the
             offence
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             blaming
             of
             the
             eldership
             ,
             he
             is
             to
             be
             censured
             by
             the
             Minister
             ,
             or
             Ministers
             ,
             and
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             Elders
             ,
             as
             the
             degree
             
             of
             his
             offence
             doth
             require
             ,
             the
             Apostle
             
               Paul
               ,
               Acts
            
             20.
             28.
             gives
             charge
             to
             all
             Elders
             to
             take
             heed
             to
             themselves
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             to
             the
             flock
             over
             which
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             hath
             made
             them
             Over-seers
             .
             3.
             
             As
             all
             sorts
             of
             scandalous
             persons
             ,
             whether
             in
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             or
             amongst
             themselves
             :
             so
             all
             sorts
             of
             scandals
             and
             offences
             are
             to
             be
             taken
             notice
             of
             by
             them
             ▪
             The
             Apostle
             2
             Thes.
             3.
             6.
             commands
             that
             
               we
               withdraw
               from
               every
               brother
               that
               walketh
               disorderly
               ,
            
             and
             amongst
             disorderly
             walkers
             ,
             he
             doth
             vers
             .
             11.
             reckon
             
               idle
               persons
            
             ,
             who
             do
             not
             work
             at
             all
             ,
             but
             are
             busie
             bodies
             ;
             intimating
             to
             us
             ,
             that
             even
             these
             scandals
             and
             disorders
             ,
             which
             are
             by
             many
             little
             taken
             notice
             of
             &
             lookt
             upon
             as
             no
             faults
             ,
             ought
             to
             be
             taken
             notice
             of
             by
             the
             Church
             ,
             that
             all
             her
             members
             may
             walk
             honestly
             ;
             and
             as
             
             it
             becomes
             the
             Gospel
             of
             Iesus
             Christ.
             The
             Acts
             of
             our
             Church
             doth
             appoint
             ,
             that
             whatsoever
             it
             be
             that
             might
             spot
             that
             Christian
             Congregation
             ,
             ought
             not
             to
             escape
             either
             admonition
             or
             censures
             :
             So
             in
             the
             order
             of
             Ecclesiastick
             Discipline
             ,
             1567.
             
             Two
             great
             neglects
             there
             be
             that
             by
             ignorance
             or
             custom
             have
             crept
             in
             among
             Elders
             in
             many
             Congregations
             .
             1.
             
             That
             they
             do
             not
             take
             notice
             of
             the
             omission
             of
             Duties
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             of
             the
             commission
             of
             faults
             ;
             as
             for
             instance
             ,
             If
             there
             be
             any
             member
             of
             the
             ▪
             Congregation
             who
             lives
             idlely
             ,
             and
             waits
             not
             upon
             his
             Calling
             ,
             who
             is
             not
             given
             to
             Prayer
             ,
             who
             is
             not
             charitable
             to
             the
             poor
             ,
             who
             waits
             not
             upon
             the
             publick
             Ordinances
             ;
             if
             there
             be
             any
             Master
             of
             a
             Family
             who
             prays
             not
             in
             his
             Family
             ,
             who
             does
             not
             bring
             up
             his
             Children
             in
             the
             nurture
             
             and
             admonition
             of
             the
             Lord
             ;
             or
             2.
             
             Thar
             they
             do
             not
             take
             notice
             of
             the
             commission
             of
             faults
             ,
             and
             scandals
             of
             all
             sorts
             ,
             but
             of
             some
             few
             only
             ;
             such
             as
             fornication
             ,
             adultery
             ,
             and
             profaning
             of
             the
             Lords
             Day
             ,
             and
             suffering
             many
             others
             ,
             such
             as
             tipling
             ,
             drunkenness
             ,
             filthy
             communication
             ,
             lying
             ,
             cursing
             ,
             swearing
             ,
             oppression
             ,
             reproaching
             of
             Piety
             ,
             and
             Godliness
             ,
             &c.
             to
             pass
             without
             
             observation
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             Elders
             are
             to
             take
             heed
             ,
             that
             they
             bring
             in
             no
             civil
             questions
             and
             Debates
             before
             the
             Assemblies
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             do
             not
             use
             nor
             inflict
             any
             civil
             mulct
             ,
             or
             punishment
             ,
             upon
             persons
             convict
             of
             scandal
             ,
             these
             being
             proper
             to
             the
             Civil
             Magistrat
             ;
             The
             Kingdom
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             the
             
             Censures
             thereof
             being
             Spiritual
             ,
             and
             not
             of
             this
             world
             ,
             John
             18.
             36.
             
          
           
             5.
             
             In
             the
             taking
             notice
             of
             offences
             ,
             
             they
             are
             to
             observe
             this
             Order
             :
             If
             the
             Offence
             be
             privat
             ,
             and
             known
             to
             but
             a
             few
             ,
             then
             are
             they
             in
             the
             first
             place
             to
             admonish
             the
             offender
             privatly
             ,
             and
             if
             he
             hearken
             to
             the
             admonition
             and
             amend
             it
             ,
             needs
             go
             no
             further
             ,
             nor
             be
             dilated
             to
             the
             Church
             ;
             If
             he
             do
             not
             hearken
             nor
             amend
             ,
             then
             is
             the
             Elder
             to
             take
             with
             him
             some
             of
             his
             Brethren
             ,
             and
             to
             admonish
             the
             offender
             before
             witnesses
             ,
             and
             if
             he
             hearken
             ,
             the
             Church
             needs
             not
             be
             acquainted
             therewith
             ,
             but
             if
             
             he
             despise
             this
             second
             admonition
             ,
             then
             is
             ●e
             to
             be
             dilated
             by
             the
             Elder
             to
             the
             Church
             ,
             that
             he
             may
             be
             called
             before
             the
             Session
             ,
             and
             convicted
             and
             censured
             by
             them
             ;
             This
             is
             the
             Order
             commanded
             and
             prescribed
             by
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             Mat.
             18
             
             15
             ,
             16
             ,
             17.
             if
             the
             offence
             be
             Publick
             and
             open
             ,
             then
             is
             the
             offender
             without
             such
             previous
             admonition
             to
             be
             dilated
             to
             the
             Session
             ,
             that
             according
             to
             the
             Apostles
             Rule
             ,
             1
             Tim.
             5
             ▪
             20.
             
             
               They
               that
               sin
            
             (
             meaning
             openly
             )
             
               may
               be
               rebuked
               before
               all
               ,
               that
               others
               may
               fear
               .
            
          
           
             6.
             
             In
             these
             dilations
             ,
             they
             are
             to
             take
             heed
             that
             they
             do
             not
             ▪
             upon
             every
             rumor
             or
             jealousie
             ,
             or
             suspition
             ,
             bring
             men
             to
             be
             questioned
             Publickly
             ,
             as
             scandalous
             walkers
             ,
             but
             first
             
             to
             be
             carefull
             to
             make
             diligent
             and
             prudent
             enquiry
             about
             the
             truth
             of
             the
             matter
             ,
             and
             to
             see
             if
             it
             can
             be
             proven
             by
             Witnesses
             ,
             or
             that
             the
             scandall
             thereof
             be
             common
             and
             flagrant
             ,
             or
             attended
             with
             pregnant
             likely-hoods
             ,
             and
             presumptions
             of
             truth
             ,
             before
             they
             bring
             it
             in
             publick
             ,
             that
             so
             it
             may
             appear
             to
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             to
             the
             party
             themselves
             ,
             that
             they
             are
             not
             questioned
             and
             challenged
             without
             cause
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             In
             the
             matter
             of
             dilation
             and
             censure
             ,
             they
             are
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             simplicity
             and
             sincerity
             of
             of
             their
             hearts
             ,
             to
             take
             heed
             that
             fear
             or
             favour
             ,
             or
             solistations
             ,
             or
             threatnings
             ,
             or
             gifts
             ,
             or
             bribes
             ,
             make
             them
             not
             passe
             by
             ,
             or
             wink
             at
             the
             fault
             of
             any
             ,
             and
             that
             passion
             ,
             or
             malice
             ,
             or
             privat
             quarrels
             ,
             and
             particulars
             make
             them
             not
             to
             dilate
             ,
             or
             rip
             up
             ,
             or
             
             censure
             the
             miscarriage
             of
             any
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             carry
             with
             all
             tendernesse
             and
             compassion
             ,
             and
             moderation
             ,
             towards
             the
             offender
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             aprove
             themselves
             to
             his
             conscience
             ;
             that
             nothing
             puts
             them
             one
             to
             dilate
             him
             ,
             and
             proceed
             against
             him
             ,
             but
             the
             conscience
             of
             duty
             ,
             and
             a
             desire
             to
             gain
             his
             soul
             ,
             and
             to
             purge
             the
             Church
             of
             scandals
             ,
             Gal.
             6.
             1
             2
             
             Cor.
             4.
             2.
             
             It
             s
             a
             high
             provocation
             before
             the
             Lord
             ,
             for
             a
             Chu●ch-Officer
             to
             abuse
             the
             power
             given
             him
             of
             God
             ,
             for
             edifying
             his
             Body
             the
             Church
             ,
             unto
             the
             satisfying
             his
             own
             passions
             and
             corrupt
             affections
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             They
             are
             to
             take
             heed
             ,
             that
             they
             do
             not
             use
             the
             Censures
             of
             the
             Church
             as
             a
             bodily
             punishment
             or
             penance
             to
             satisfie
             for
             sin
             ,
             but
             a
             spiritual
             medicine
             ,
             for
             humbling
             and
             gaining
             of
             the
             soul
             ;
             all
             Church
             censures
             ,
             
             even
             Excommunication
             it self
             ,
             which
             is
             the
             most
             terrible
             and
             destroying-like
             censure
             ,
             being
             ordained
             of
             God
             for
             this
             end
             ,
             1
             Cor.
             5.
             
             The
             Apostle
             commands
             to
             
               deliver
               the
               incestuous
               person
               to
               Satan
               ,
            
             not
             that
             he
             may
             satisfie
             for
             his
             sin
             ,
             but
             that
             the
             
               spirit
               may
               be
               saved
               in
               the
               day
               of
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ.
            
             The
             word
             Satisfaction
             may
             admit
             of
             a
             tolerable
             construction
             in
             Church-censures
             ,
             in
             order
             to
             the
             removing
             of
             the
             scandal
             before
             men
             ;
             but
             this
             being
             so
             much
             abused
             in
             the
             Popish
             Church
             ,
             and
             the
             hearts
             of
             men
             ,
             being
             so
             prone
             to
             true
             Gospel
             repentance
             ,
             to
             a
             meer
             legal
             penance
             ,
             and
             to
             conceive
             ,
             that
             by
             meer
             outward
             submission
             and
             obedience
             to
             the
             censures
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             that
             the
             guilt
             of
             their
             sin
             is
             done
             away
             before
             God
             ,
             Therefore
             Elders
             would
             carefully
             shun
             every
             thing
             that
             may
             give
             
             occasion
             to
             the
             fostering
             this
             pernicious
             opinion
             ,
             and
             take
             pains
             to
             instruct
             offenders
             in
             the
             true
             nature
             and
             ends
             of
             the
             censures
             of
             the
             Kirk
             .
          
           
             9.
             
             A
             great
             part
             of
             Elders
             work
             ,
             is
             ,
             to
             
             travel
             and
             take
             pains
             with
             scandalous
             persons
             who
             are
             now
             convict
             ,
             to
             bring
             them
             to
             repentance
             ,
             by
             seasonable
             and
             frequent
             conference
             ,
             instructing
             ,
             exhorting
             and
             admonishing
             them
             ,
             untill
             they
             they
             perceive
             some
             measure
             of
             true
             and
             earnest
             humiliation
             wrought
             in
             them
             for
             their
             sin
             ,
             and
             them
             fitted
             to
             evidence
             and
             declare
             the
             same
             in
             publick
             before
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             that
             so
             the
             scandal
             may
             be
             removed
             .
          
           
             10.
             
             They
             are
             not
             to
             desire
             or
             appoint
             any
             to
             professe
             repentance
             before
             
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             untill
             the
             signes
             of
             repentance
             appear
             in
             them
             .
             The
             Incestuous
             Corinthian
             sorrowed
             exceedingly
             before
             the
             Apostle
             did
             any
             thing
             concerning
             the
             receiving
             of
             him
             ;
             And
             the
             Discipline
             of
             our
             Church
             appoints
             Ministers
             and
             Elders
             sharply
             to
             examine
             these
             who
             offer
             themselves
             to
             repentance
             ,
             what
             fear
             and
             terrour
             they
             have
             of
             Gods
             judgements
             ,
             what
             hatred
             of
             sin
             ,
             and
             sorrow
             for
             the
             same
             ,
             and
             what
             sense
             and
             feeling
             they
             have
             of
             Gods
             mercies
             ?
             In
             which
             if
             they
             be
             ignorant
             ,
             they
             ought
             diligently
             to
             be
             instructed
             ;
             
               for
               it
               is
               (
               say
               they
               )
               but
               a
               mocking
               to
               put
               such
               to
               publick
               repentance
               ,
               who
               neither
               understand
               what
               sin
               is
               ,
               what
               repentance
               is
               ,
               what
               grace
               is
               ,
               nor
               by
               whom
               Gods
               mercies
               and
               favors
               are
               purchased
               ?
            
             And
             that
             after
             he
             is
             instructed
             in
             these
             things
             ,
             
             and
             brought
             to
             have
             some
             taste
             of
             Gods
             judgements
             ,
             especially
             of
             his
             mercies
             in
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             he
             may
             be
             presented
             before
             the
             publick
             Church
             ;
             These
             things
             are
             set
             down
             in
             the
             form
             and
             order
             of
             Publick
             Repentance
             ,
             appointed
             by
             the
             Assembly
             1567.
             
          
           
             Lastly
             ,
             when
             the
             signs
             and
             evidences
             of
             true
             and
             unfeigned
             Repentance
             do
             appear
             in
             these
             who
             have
             offended
             ,
             Elders
             would
             shew
             themselves
             ready
             and
             willing
             to
             receive
             them
             with
             all
             tendernesse
             and
             compassion
             ,
             and
             to
             forgive
             and
             comfort
             them
             ,
             and
             confirm
             their
             love
             towards
             them
             ,
             2.
             
             Cor.
             2.
             7
             ,
             8.
             
          
           
             The
             number
             of
             Elders
             in
             every
             Congregation
             
             cannot
             be
             well
             limited
             or
             determined
             ,
             but
             it
             is
             to
             be
             more
             or
             less
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             quantity
             of
             
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             necessities
             and
             condition
             of
             the
             people
             ,
             and
             as
             men
             qualified
             and
             fit
             for
             the
             Charge
             can
             be
             found
             .
             It
             hath
             been
             an
             evil
             custom
             in
             some
             Congregations
             ,
             that
             rather
             than
             they
             would
             want
             any
             of
             their
             wonted
             number
             ,
             they
             would
             choose
             unqualified
             men
             ,
             and
             that
             in
             several
             Congregations
             ,
             the
             office
             of
             Elder
             hath
             been
             given
             to
             those
             of
             the
             richer
             and
             higher
             sort
             ,
             as
             due
             to
             such
             (
             though
             haply
             of
             no
             experience
             in
             the
             things
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             in
             many
             things
             of
             an
             untender
             and
             blame-worthy
             conversation
             )
             because
             of
             their
             condition
             in
             the
             world
             ,
             or
             conceiving
             that
             their
             secular
             power
             and
             credit
             was
             the
             best
             means
             to
             promote
             the
             Kingdom
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             and
             men
             qualified
             with
             knowledge
             and
             experience
             in
             the
             things
             pertaining
             to
             souls
             ,
             and
             of
             a
             
             Christian
             and
             godly
             carriage
             have
             been
             passed
             by
             ,
             because
             of
             a
             mean
             condition
             in
             the
             World.
             Better
             it
             is
             that
             the
             number
             be
             few
             ,
             before
             we
             choose
             the
             ignorant
             and
             scandalous
             ;
             and
             that
             they
             be
             of
             a
             low
             degree
             ,
             if
             godly
             ,
             than
             of
             a
             high
             degree
             ,
             if
             otherwise
             .
          
           
             That
             Elders
             may
             the
             more
             conveniently
             
             discharge
             their
             duty
             ;
             It
             is
             convenient
             that
             the
             Congregation
             be
             divided
             into
             so
             many
             parts
             ,
             and
             that
             some
             competent
             part
             be
             assigned
             to
             the
             more
             peculiar
             care
             and
             inspection
             of
             every
             Elder
             ;
             yet
             so
             ,
             as
             he
             neglect
             not
             to
             take
             heed
             to
             all
             the
             flock
             of
             God
             ,
             over
             which
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             hath
             made
             him
             an
             over-seer
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             I.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               Deacons
               .
               Of
               their
               Names
               .
            
          
           
             THat
             we
             may
             also
             understand
             what
             doth
             belong
             unto
             Deacons
             ,
             we
             shall
             speak
             of
             them
             shortly
             ,
             after
             the
             same
             order
             .
             1.
             
             Of
             their
             Name
             .
             2.
             
             Of
             their
             Institution
             .
             3.
             
             Of
             their
             Calling
             .
             4.
             
             Of
             their
             duty
             and
             qualificacion
             .
          
           
             The
             word
             Deacon
             ,
             largely
             taken
             ,
             signifies
             
             any
             servant
             or
             Minister
             ,
             Matth.
             23.
             11.
             
             Therefore
             in
             the
             New
             Testament
             ,
             it
             doth
             sometimes
             comprehend
             all
             Church-Officers
             ,
             even
             the
             Apostles
             themselves
             ,
             1
             Cor.
             3.
             5.
             
             Because
             every
             Church-officer
             is
             appointed
             of
             God
             ,
             for
             perfecting
             of
             
             the
             Saints
             ,
             for
             the
             work
             of
             the
             Ministery
             ,
             
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
               〈◊〉
            
             ,
             
             and
             edifying
             the
             Body
             of
             Christ.
             When
             we
             speak
             of
             Deacons
             in
             the
             Kirk
             ,
             
             it
             is
             not
             taken
             in
             this
             large
             sense
             ,
             for
             any
             Church-officer
             of
             whatsoever
             sort
             ,
             but
             for
             a
             certain
             kind
             of
             Church
             Officers
             distinct
             from
             Pastors
             ,
             Teachers
             and
             Elders
             ,
             to
             whom
             the
             collection
             and
             distribution
             of
             the
             Goods
             of
             the
             Church
             doth
             belong
             ,
             for
             the
             supply
             of
             the
             necessities
             of
             the
             poor
             .
          
        
         
           
           
             
               CHAP.
               II.
            
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Institution
               of
               Deacons
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             Institution
             of
             the
             Office
             of
             Deacon
             in
             the
             Church
             of
             Christ
             ,
             is
             Divine
             ;
             it
             's
             a
             special
             Ordinance
             and
             Appointment
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             ,
             that
             there
             should
             be
             Deacons
             in
             his
             House
             ,
             
               Act
               ▪
            
             6.
             3.
             
             The
             Apostle
             gives
             command
             to
             the
             Disciples
             to
             choose
             out
             among
             themselves
             men
             of
             honest
             report
             ,
             full
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             ,
             and
             of
             Wisdom
             ,
             whom
             they
             might
             appoint
             over
             the
             business
             of
             the
             poor
             ,
             which
             was
             accordingly
             done
             ,
             as
             may
             be
             seen
             in
             the
             5
             and
             6
             verses
             of
             that
             Chapter
             :
             Neither
             was
             this
             a
             temporary
             institution
             upon
             this
             particular
             occasion
             ,
             for
             the
             Church
             
             of
             Jerusalem
             only
             ,
             but
             for
             all
             the
             Churches
             
             of
             Christ
             to
             the
             end
             of
             the
             world
             ;
             Therefore
             the
             Apostle
             Paul
             in
             several
             of
             his
             Epistles
             to
             the
             Churches
             ,
             doth
             mention
             them
             ,
             Rom.
             12.
             8.
             
             He
             exhorteth
             
               him
               that
               gives
               or
               imparts
            
             ,
             (
             
               h.
               e.
            
             the
             Deacon
             ,
             to
             whom
             the
             care
             of
             giving
             and
             distributing
             is
             committed
             )
             to
             do
             it
             with
             simplicity
             ,
             1
             Cor.
             12.
             28.
             he
             reckons
             helps
             ,
             (
             
               h.
               e.
            
             Deacons
             who
             are
             appointed
             for
             helping
             the
             poor
             )
             among
             these
             Officers
             whom
             God
             hath
             set
             in
             his
             Church
             ;
             and
             writing
             to
             the
             Philippians
             ,
             he
             directs
             his
             Epistle
             to
             all
             the
             Saints
             in
             Christ
             ,
             with
             the
             Bishops
             (
             or
             Overseers
             ,
             under
             whom
             he
             comprehends
             Ministers
             ,
             Teachers
             and
             Elders
             )
             and
             to
             the
             Deacons
             ,
             1
             ▪
             Tim.
             wherein
             he
             gives
             Rules
             concerning
             
             the
             qualification
             and
             carriage
             of
             all
             Church-officers
             ,
             he
             treats
             of
             the
             Deacon
             at
             large
             ,
             chap.
             3.
             8
             ,
             9
             ,
             10
             ,
             11
             ,
             12
             ,
             13.
             
          
           
             From
             the
             Divine
             Institution
             of
             Deacons
             ,
             
             we
             gather
             1.
             
             That
             the
             Deacon
             is
             a
             distinct
             Officer
             from
             the
             Elder
             ;
             it
             is
             a
             defect
             and
             fault
             in
             some
             Congregations
             ,
             that
             they
             put
             no
             difference
             betwixt
             those
             two
             ,
             but
             so
             confounds
             and
             mingles
             them
             together
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             were
             both
             one
             ,
             either
             appointing
             none
             for
             the
             Office
             of
             Deacon
             ,
             but
             leaving
             that
             charge
             also
             upon
             the
             Elders
             ,
             or
             else
             giving
             the
             Deacons
             the
             same
             power
             and
             imployment
             with
             the
             Elders
             .
             It
             's
             true
             ,
             whatsoever
             the
             Deacon
             may
             do
             by
             vertue
             of
             his
             Office
             ,
             that
             same
             may
             be
             done
             by
             an
             Elder
             ,
             as
             whatsoever
             is
             done
             
             by
             an
             Elder
             ,
             may
             be
             done
             by
             a
             Minister
             :
             because
             the
             higher
             and
             more
             eminent
             offices
             in
             the
             Church
             ,
             doth
             include
             the
             powers
             of
             the
             lower
             .
          
           
             It
             's
             also
             true
             ,
             that
             the
             Deacons
             may
             assist
             in
             
             judgment
             with
             the
             Minister
             and
             Elders
             ,
             and
             be
             helping
             to
             them
             in
             these
             things
             that
             concerns
             the
             oversight
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             by
             information
             and
             advice
             ;
             Yet
             it
             is
             necessary
             that
             Congregations
             should
             so
             far
             regard
             the
             Ordinance
             ,
             and
             reverence
             the
             Wisdom
             of
             God
             ,
             in
             appointing
             these
             Officers
             ,
             as
             to
             have
             both
             Elders
             and
             Deacons
             ,
             and
             to
             preserve
             them
             distinct
             in
             their
             actings
             and
             operations
             ,
             not
             giving
             to
             the
             Deacon
             ,
             or
             suffering
             him
             to
             assume
             the
             Elders
             office
             .
             2.
             
             That
             Deacons
             are
             not
             to
             count
             light
             of
             this
             imployment
             ,
             
             or
             any
             others
             to
             esteem
             lightly
             of
             them
             ,
             because
             they
             are
             called
             thereunto
             ,
             and
             do
             exercise
             the
             same
             ;
             but
             that
             they
             themselves
             ,
             and
             all
             others
             ought
             to
             look
             upon
             it
             as
             one
             of
             these
             holy
             and
             honourable
             Imployments
             ,
             which
             the
             wisdom
             of
             God
             hath
             thought
             fit
             to
             appoint
             in
             his
             house
             ,
             for
             supplying
             the
             necessities
             of
             the
             Saints
             .
             The
             Lord
             Jesus
             himself
             did
             not
             disdain
             to
             wash
             his
             Disciples
             feet
             ;
             Angels
             are
             all
             of
             them
             ministering
             Spirits
             ,
             sent
             forth
             to
             minister
             for
             their
             sakes
             who
             are
             appointed
             to
             be
             heirs
             of
             Salvation
             ;
             why
             then
             should
             any
             think
             it
             below
             them
             to
             serve
             the
             Church
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             to
             minister
             to
             the
             Saints
             in
             this
             Imployment
             ?
             1
             Tim.
             3.
             13.
             
          
        
         
           
           
             CHAP.
             III.
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Calling
               of
               Deacons
               .
            
          
           
             NOne
             is
             to
             step
             into
             this
             Office
             ,
             
             but
             he
             that
             is
             lawfully
             called
             therto
             ;
             Unto
             their
             Calling
             its
             needful
             ,
             First
             ,
             That
             they
             have
             abilities
             and
             gifts
             fit
             for
             the
             charge
             ,
             together
             with
             an
             honest
             purpose
             of
             heart
             to
             serve
             the
             Lord
             faithfully
             in
             the
             discharge
             of
             the
             same
             ,
             by
             seeking
             his
             honour
             ,
             and
             the
             good
             of
             the
             Church
             .
             2.
             
             That
             they
             be
             chosen
             by
             the
             Congregation
             in
             which
             they
             are
             to
             serve
             ,
             which
             choice
             is
             to
             be
             made
             after
             the
             same
             manner
             ,
             as
             that
             of
             Ruling
             Elder
             .
             3.
             
             That
             tryal
             be
             taken
             by
             the
             Minister
             and
             Elders
             ,
             concerning
             their
             conversation
             ,
             that
             it
             be
             blameless
             and
             
             holy
             :
             And
             concerning
             their
             gifts
             ,
             that
             they
             have
             that
             tenderness
             ,
             discretion
             ,
             dexterity
             and
             prudence
             ,
             that
             is
             fit
             for
             that
             Imployment
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             be
             admitted
             to
             their
             Charge
             with
             Prayer
             and
             Supplication
             ,
             and
             opening
             of
             the
             Word
             concerning
             their
             duty
             publickly
             in
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             where
             they
             are
             solemnly
             to
             engage
             themselves
             to
             be
             faithful
             in
             the
             trust
             committed
             to
             them
             of
             God
             ,
             Act.
             6.
             3
             ,
             5
             ,
             6.
             1
             
             Tim.
             3.
             10.
             
          
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               IV.
            
             
          
           
             
               Of
               their
               Duty
               .
               First
               of
               their
               Conversation
               .
            
          
           
             THeir
             Duty
             is
             either
             that
             which
             concerns
             their
             Conversation
             ,
             or
             their
             office
             and
             calling
             ;
             for
             their
             conversation
             ,
             the
             Apostle
             shews
             what
             it
             must
             be
             ,
             1
             Tim.
             3.
             8
             ,
             9
             ,
             10
             ,
             11
             ,
             12.
             
             
             They
             must
             not
             be
             double
             tongued
             ,
             nor
             lyars
             ,
             nor
             dissemblers
             ,
             nor
             deceivers
             .
             2.
             
             They
             must
             not
             be
             given
             to
             much
             wine
             ,
             nor
             tiplers
             ,
             nor
             drunkards
             ,
             nor
             lovers
             ,
             nor
             followers
             of
             strong
             drink
             .
             3.
             
             They
             must
             not
             be
             greedy
             of
             filthy
             lucre
             ,
             nor
             such
             as
             are
             covetous
             ,
             and
             whose
             hearts
             run
             after
             the
             things
             of
             the
             world
             .
             4.
             
             They
             must
             be
             grave
             men
             ,
             of
             a
             pos'd
             and
             stayed
             carriage
             ,
             and
             not
             of
             a
             light
             and
             vain
             behaviour
             .
             5.
             
             They
             must
             be
             such
             as
             hold
             fast
             the
             mystery
             of
             Faith
             in
             a
             pure
             conscience
             ,
             
               h.
               e.
            
             Who
             do
             not
             only
             know
             the
             Doctrine
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             but
             do
             hold
             fast
             the
             Faith
             thereof
             without
             wavering
             ,
             and
             study
             to
             have
             a
             good
             conscience
             ,
             in
             walking
             answerably
             thereto
             .
             6.
             
             They
             must
             be
             the
             husband
             of
             one
             wife
             ,
             such
             as
             abstain
             from
             all
             unlawful
             lusts
             ,
             satisfying
             themselves
             
             with
             the
             Remedy
             allowed
             of
             God.
             7.
             
             They
             must
             be
             such
             as
             rule
             their
             own
             houses
             and
             their
             children
             well
             ,
             such
             as
             command
             and
             instruct
             their
             children
             and
             houshold
             to
             keep
             the
             way
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             going
             before
             them
             in
             the
             practice
             of
             piety
             and
             godliness
             ,
             and
             all
             holy
             and
             religious
             duties
             .
          
        
         
           
             
               CHAP.
               V.
            
             
          
           
             
               Of
               the
               Duties
               of
               their
               Calling
               .
            
          
           
             THe
             Duties
             that
             Deacons
             are
             
             bound
             to
             perform
             in
             their
             calling
             ,
             may
             be
             reduced
             to
             these
             heads
             :
             1.
             
             That
             they
             be
             careful
             to
             take
             exact
             notice
             of
             such
             as
             are
             poor
             in
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             have
             not
             wherewith
             to
             maintain
             themselves
             ▪
             2.
             
             That
             they
             be
             careful
             from
             time
             to
             time
             to
             collect
             
             and
             receive
             from
             the
             several
             Members
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             strangers
             that
             come
             among
             them
             ,
             what
             the
             Lord
             shall
             incline
             their
             hearts
             to
             give
             for
             a
             supply
             of
             the
             necessities
             of
             the
             poor
             ;
             and
             in
             a
             seasonable
             and
             Christian
             way
             ,
             to
             stir
             up
             and
             exhort
             to
             Charity
             and
             Liberality
             ,
             that
             the
             more
             may
             be
             given
             .
             3.
             
             That
             what
             is
             received
             and
             collected
             by
             them
             ,
             be
             faithfully
             delivered
             ,
             that
             it
             may
             be
             put
             in
             the
             Treasury
             of
             the
             Congregation
             .
             4.
             
             That
             they
             do
             timously
             make
             known
             the
             several
             conditions
             and
             necessities
             of
             the
             several
             poor
             within
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             to
             the
             Church
             Session
             ,
             that
             provision
             may
             be
             appointed
             accordingly
             for
             each
             of
             them
             ,
             that
             so
             the
             poor
             may
             not
             be
             put
             to
             begging
             ,
             to
             the
             grief
             of
             their
             spirits
             ,
             and
             reproach
             of
             the
             Gospel
             .
             5.
             
             That
             they
             be
             careful
             ,
             
             honestly
             and
             in
             simplicity
             ,
             without
             respect
             of
             persons
             ,
             to
             distribute
             and
             deliver
             to
             the
             poor
             what
             is
             appointed
             for
             supply
             of
             their
             necessities
             ;
             and
             if
             they
             be
             Orphans
             ,
             and
             young
             ones
             ,
             or
             such
             who
             have
             no
             knowledge
             or
             understanding
             ,
             nor
             ability
             to
             dispose
             and
             order
             the
             things
             that
             concern
             their
             food
             and
             rayment
             :
             That
             the
             Deacons
             honestly
             imploy
             and
             bestow
             what
             is
             given
             for
             their
             use
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             supplyed
             in
             these
             things
             .
             6.
             
             That
             they
             be
             careful
             that
             what
             belongs
             to
             the
             poor
             be
             not
             dilapidated
             ,
             nor
             applyed
             to
             any
             other
             use
             ;
             and
             if
             that
             there
             be
             any
             stock
             in
             the
             Church
             Treasure
             ,
             it
             be
             improven
             to
             the
             best
             advantage
             ,
             for
             the
             benefit
             &
             use
             of
             the
             poor
             ;
             Yet
             so
             that
             the
             poor
             be
             rather
             always
             supplyed
             ,
             than
             Moneys
             treasured
             up
             for
             a
             vain
             shew
             .
             7.
             
             That
             they
             be
             careful
             to
             take
             notice
             
             of
             these
             who
             are
             sick
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             acquaint
             the
             Ministers
             and
             Elders
             therewith
             ,
             for
             visiting
             of
             them
             ;
             and
             if
             that
             they
             be
             poor
             ,
             their
             necessities
             may
             be
             supplied
             .
          
           
             That
             Deacons
             may
             the
             more
             conveniently
             discharge
             their
             Duty
             ,
             It
             s
             fit
             that
             some
             part
             of
             the
             Congregation
             be
             assigned
             to
             every
             one
             of
             them
             for
             the
             better
             inspection
             of
             the
             poor
             thereof
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             Diets
             of
             collecting
             for
             the
             poor
             be
             divided
             amongst
             them
             .
          
           
             The
             number
             of
             Deacons
             in
             every
             Congregation
             is
             to
             be
             according
             to
             the
             proportion
             of
             the
             Congregation
             ,
             and
             of
             the
             poor
             therein
             ;
             and
             though
             there
             be
             no
             necessity
             of
             an
             equal
             number
             of
             Elders
             and
             Deacons
             ,
             yet
             it
             is
             fit
             that
             each
             Elder
             have
             some
             Deacon
             to
             be
             assisting
             to
             him
             in
             the
             bounds
             of
             which
             he
             hath
             more
             peculiar
             
             inspection
             ,
             that
             so
             both
             the
             one
             and
             the
             other
             may
             discharge
             their
             duty
             ,
             with
             the
             greater
             facility
             to
             themselves
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             greater
             benefit
             and
             advantage
             of
             the
             Congregation
             .
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .
        
         
         
         
         
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A42358-e190
           
             Isa.
             31.
             9
             ▪
             
          
           
             Psal.
             65
             5.
             
          
           
             Lam.
             1.
             9.
             
          
           
             Lam.
             2.
             13.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             30.
             12.
             
             1●
             .
          
           
             Isa
             19.
             14
             ▪
             
          
           
             Isa.
             9.
             20.
             
          
           
             Lam.
             1.
             14.
             
          
           
             Lam.
             2.
             1.
             
          
           
             Is.
             59.
             10.
             
          
           
             Lam.
             2
             14.
             
          
           
             Job
             10.
             2.
             
          
           
             Job
             34.
             31
             ,
             32.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             9.
             12.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             24.
             13.
             
             Isa.
             1.
             25.
             
             Ezek
             ,
             20.
             38.
             
             Zeph.
             3
             9.
             
          
           
             Zeph.
             3
             ,
             11●
             
          
           
             Zech.
             14.
             20.
             21.
             
          
           
             2
             Cor.
             3.
             18.
             
          
           
             Ephes.
             4.
             13.
             
          
           
             Mat.
             20.
             16.
             
          
           
             Psal.
             93.
             5.
             
          
           
             Phil.
             1.
             27.
             
          
           
             Mal.
             3.
             3
             ,
             4.
             
          
           
             Ezek.
             24.
             13
             
          
           
             Ezra
             .
             9.
             8
             ,
          
           
             Jer.
             15.
             19.
             
          
           
             Jer.
             13.
             27.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A42358-e1070
           
             Iunius
             Eccles
             .
             1
             ,
             2
             ,
             c.
             3.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A42358-e1190
           
             The
             2
             book
             of
             Disc.
             c.
             6.
             
             Si.
             Assert
             :
             of
             the
             Government
             of
             the
             Ch.
             of
             
               Scotland
               .
               1.
               part
               .
               cap
               :
               1.
               1
               
               Tim.
               5.
               1.
               
            
          
           
             Mat.
             15.
             2.
             
          
           
             Acts.
             14.
             23.
             
          
           
             The
             2.
             book
             of
             Discipline
             ch
             .
             
               6.
               sect
               .
               1.
            
             
          
           
             Acts
             15.
             6.
             22.
             and
             20
             17.
             1
             
             Pet.
             5.
             
             Th●
             2.
             
               book
               of
               De●…
            
             6.
             8.
             3.
             
          
           
             Rom.
             12.
             8
             
          
           
             1
             Cor.
             12.
             28.
             
          
           
             The
             2
             book
             of
             Discip.
             Ch.
             6.
             sect
             .
             2.
             
          
           
             Ambros
             Com.
             on
             1.
             
             Tim.
             5.
             1.
             
             Tert.
             in
             his
             34
             Ch.
             of
             Apol.
             
               Basil.
               Mag.
            
             Com.
             on
             Isay
             3.
             2.
             
             Hier.
             on
             that
             same
             place
             .
             
               Aug
               Ep.
            
             137.
             
             
               Greg.
               con
               .
               Cels.
               lib.
            
             3.
             
             Aug.
             ●
             .
             3.
             
               contra
               Cresoen
               .
               Cap.
            
             56.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             
               Book
               of
               Discipl
            
             .
             c.
             3.
             sect
             .
             13
             ,
             14
             ,
             15
             ,
             16.
             
             
               Assert
               :
               of
               the
               government
               of
               the
               Church
               of
            
             Scotland
             ,
             part
             1.
             c.
             2.
             pag.
             11.
             and
             17.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Book
             of
             Discip.
             ch
             .
             6.
             sect
             .
             3.
             
          
           
             2
             Book
             of
             dis
             .
             cap.
             3.
             
          
           
             2
             Book
             of
             dis
             .
             cap.
             3.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Book
             of
             discip
             .
             8.
             heads
             touching
             the
             Election
             of
             Elders
             and
             Deacons
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Book
             of
             discipline
             8
             head
             
          
           
             See
             the
             manner
             of
             Electing
             and
             admitting
             Ministers
             and
             Elders
             ,
             prefixed
             to
             the
             old
             Psalm
             Book
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Book
             of
             Discipline
             ,
             8.
             head
             .
             2.
             
             Book
             of
             Discipline
             ,
             chap.
             6.
             
          
           
             The
             manner
             of
             Electing
             Ministers
             and
             Elders
             .
             
               Jun.
               Eccles.
               lib.
               2.
               ch
               .
               2.
               ch
               .
               3.
               
            
          
           
             1
             Book
             of
             discip
             .
             8.
             head
             .
             2.
             
             Book
             discip
             .
             6.
             chap.
             
          
           
             Asser.
             of
             the
             Government
             of
             the
             Church
             of
             Scotland
             .
             1.
             part
             .
             ch
             .
             2.
             1
             part
             .
             p.
             15.
             
          
           
             Jun.
             Eecles
             .
             lib.
             2.
             cap.
             3.
             p.
             107.
             
          
           
             2
             Book
             of
             Dis.
             cip
             .
             6.
             ch
             .
          
           
             1
             
               Book
               of
               disc
            
             .
             8.
             head
             .
             2
             Book
             6.
             
               ch
               .
               The
               office
               and
               duties
               of
               Elders
               prefixed
               to
               the
               Ps.
               
            
          
           
             2
             Book
             of
             Discipline
             ch
             .
             6.
             and
             chap.
             7.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Book
             of
             Discipline
             ch
             .
             7.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Book
             of
             Discip.
             concerning
             Persons
             subject
             to
             discipline
             2.
             
             Book
             of
             Discip.
             ch
             .
             1.
             and
             7.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Book
             of
             Discip.
             8.
             head
             .
             The
             weekly
             Assem
             .
             of
             Ministers
             ,
             elders
             and
             Deacons
             prefixed
             to
             the
             old
             Ps.
             
          
           
             1
             ▪
             Book
             of
             Discip.
             chap.
             7.
             sect
             .
             6.
             
          
           
             The
             Order
             of
             Ecclesiastick
             Discipline
             ,
             appointed
             by
             the
             Assembly
             1567.
             
             And
             in
             the
             Order
             of
             Excommunication
             ,
             commanded
             to
             be
             Printed
             by
             the
             Assembly
             1571.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Book
             of
             Discipline
             ,
             
               Ch.
               6.
               sect
               .
               12.
            
             
          
           
             The
             form
             &
             order
             of
             publick
             repentance
             perfixed
             to
             the
             old
             Ps.
             
          
           
             1
             Book
             of
             discip
             .
             ch
             .
             6.
             
             Sect.
             4.
             
          
           
             Acts
             of
             the
             Ass.
             1646.
             
          
        
         
           Notes for div A42358-e3570
           
             1.
             
             Book
             of
             discip
             .
             ch
             .
             8.
             
          
           
             Eph.
             4.
             12.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Book
             of
             Discipline
             
               ch
               ▪
            
             8.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Book
             of
             Discipline
             8.
             chap.
             
          
           
             1.
             
             Book
             of
             Dis.
             
               ch
               .
               2.
               p.
               74.
            
             
          
           
             1
             Book
             of
             Discipline
             
               p.
               57.
            
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Book
             of
             Discip.
             chap.
             8.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             Book
             of
             Discipline
             chap.
             8.