RlJJJNG 
 
 AND "Book 
 
 Alls riN li JOLLY. D, D, 
 
- - r-9 
 
 BX 9190 .J6 1908 
 
 Jolly, Austin H. 
 
 Ruling elders' hand-book 
 
RULING ELDERS' 
 HAND-BOOK, 
 
 Specially Prepared for the Ruling Elders of the 
 
 Presbyterian Church in the United States 
 
 of America, 
 
 BY 
 
 REV. AUSTIN H. JOLLY. D. D., 
 
 President Presbyterian College of Florida. 
 
 REVISED EDITION. 
 
 PITTSBURGH, PA. 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN BOOK STORE, 
 
 1908. 
 
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the 
 year 1896, by Austin H. Jolly, in the 
 office of the Librarian of Congress, at 
 Washington. 
 
CONTENTS, 
 
 PART I. 
 
 Qualifications and Duties of Ruling Elders. 
 
 Page- 
 
 Introduction 5 
 
 Chapter. 
 
 I. The Office of Ruling Elder.... 7 
 
 II. Qualitications for the Office 11 
 
 III. The Elder a Man 14 
 
 IV. Elder and Pastor .' 17 
 
 V. Among the People 21 
 
 VI. In the Sabbath School 24 
 
 VIL Alone with God 27 
 
 VIII. Public Prayer 30 
 
 IX. Public Worship 35 
 
 X. Reception of Members 38 
 
 XI. Discipline 42 
 
 XII. The Communion Table 45 
 
 XIII. Representative Character 47 
 
 XIV. In the Higher Courts 51 
 
 PART II. 
 
 Presbyterian Law and Usage. 
 
 Introductory 53 
 
 I. Meetings of the Session 54 
 
 II. Meetings of the Congregation 62 
 
 III. Meetings of Societies, Trustees, etc B7 
 
 IV. Rotary Eldership 70 
 
Contents — Continued. 
 
 ;hapter. p^gK. 
 V, Sessional Records 72 
 
 1 . Ordinary Business 72 
 
 2. In Electing Elders 73 
 
 3. Introduction of Xew Eldei-s 74 
 
 4. Supply of the Pulpit 75 
 
 5. Election of a Pastor 76 
 
 6. Installation of a Pastor 76 
 
 VI. Forms : : 7S 
 
 1. For the Government of a Congregation 78 
 
 2. For the Government of a Sabbath School 80 
 
 PART III. 
 
 Helps in the Pastoral Duties of the Ruling Elder. 
 
 Introductory • 83 
 
 Scripture Lrssoxs for Use ix Family Visitation, 
 
 I. Duties of Parents 84 
 
 II. Where there are Small Children 86 
 
 III, For the Unconverted 89 
 
 IV. For Worldly Christians 92 
 
 V. To Confirm Believers 95 
 
 VI. For Inquirers 98 
 
 VII. To Encourage Believers in Holy Li^ing 101 
 
 VIII. For the Sick Room [ 104 
 
 IX. For the Bereaved 113 
 
 X. Bin-ial Service 117 
 
 XI. Topics for Various Occasions 124 
 
PREFACE TO REVISED EDITION. 
 
 At the earnest and persistent request of the pub- 
 Hshers I am giving to the Ruling Elders of the 
 Presbyterian Church a new edition of this little book. 
 
 It has been in your hands ten years and deserves 
 more revision than I am able to give it at the 
 present time. However, the sacred duties of your 
 ollice do not change and the methods of administering 
 your ofiice has not been materially modified by any 
 recent clianges in our church laws. 
 
 The basic principles of our Church Government 
 remain unchanged, and it is with these w^e have to 
 do especially. 
 
 To the whole body of Elders in our church and 
 especially to that splendid accession to the Eldership 
 through the Reunion I offer this little help in the 
 service you may render to the Master and to his 
 Church. 
 
 EusTis, Florida, 
 
 May, 1908. 
 AUSTIN H. JOLLY. 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 Exegetes may dispute as to the teaching of the 
 Scriptures on the orders of the clergy and on the dual 
 eldersliip ; the teaching and ruling. Historians may 
 differ as to the origin and development of the systems 
 of ecclesiastical government, which are now current in 
 the church. But no reasonal^le man will deny, that 
 when a given system of government has heen adopted 
 hy an ecclesiastical body, it will be best for that body 
 if its officers are thoroughly fitted by nature, education 
 and grace for the discharge of their duties. Elders, if 
 there be elders, should know what their functions are 
 and how to fulfill them, so as to satisfy themselves, 
 their brethren and the Lord. ^'Das versteht sich," 
 as the Germans say. And yet, it is a noticeable fact, 
 that up to the present, no text book, no vade-mecum, 
 or book of ready reference, for the use of the eldership 
 of our church has appeared. 
 
 Dr. Samuel Miller's book "On Ruling Elders" is 
 antiquated ; and besides, it is theoretical and vindica- 
 tory rather than practical. That excellent and indis- 
 pensable work, "The Presbyterian Digest," is too 
 expensive and too general in its scope and contents for 
 extended or effective use by the eldership. It contains 
 much which would be of little use at any time and 
 omits much, as outside of its purpose as a digest of 
 law, which would be of great use at all times to a con- 
 scientious man, desirous of filling his office, but often 
 ignorant of what may be expected or demanded of him. 
 That comprehensive and unexcelled manual, "What 
 
Introduction — Continued. 
 
 is Presbyterian Law," was not designed especially 
 for elders, and hence there is found in it much which 
 the vast majority of our elders- would never need in 
 their experience as officers of the church ; and there 
 are lacking many things, as irrelevant to the intent of 
 the work, which would be of use to all members of the 
 session and materially assist them in ruling, comforting 
 and building up the church. 
 
 Now it is the design of this little manual to teach the 
 rvding elder what he ought to be, what he ought to do 
 and how he ought to do it. 
 
 It might be called Pastoral Theology for Elders, or 
 to adopt a Greek adjective, Presbyteric Theology. As 
 Pastoral Theology shows ministers of the Gospel what 
 they ought to be as men and as pastors, presbyters and 
 preachers : so this teaches elders what their duties and 
 privileges in these directions are. We think that such 
 a book is a desideratum, and we hope and believe that 
 the following attempt of the Eev. A. H. Jolly will meet 
 this want and supply this need. Therefore we wish it 
 Godspeed. 
 
 R. T). AVILSON, 
 
 Western Theological Seminary. 
 
 Allegheny, Pa. 
 
PART I. 
 
 Qualifications and Duties of Ruling 
 Elders. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE OFFICE OF KULING ELDER. 
 
 Presbyterianism, so far as the government of thechurch 
 is concerned, rests upon three fundamental principles 
 which are found in the Word of God and were evidently 
 applied in the early church. They are, '' the parity of 
 the ministry, " ' ' government by elders or presbyters, " 
 and ' ' the unity of the church. ' ' The central and basal 
 idea of our system is in the g-overnment of the church. 
 In this there is an equality of the bishop and the elder, 
 or the ' ' teaching elder ' ' and the ' 'ruling elder, ' ' as 
 they are sometimes designated. In all the higher courts 
 of the church this equality in government is recognized 
 and exercised. An equal number of ministers and elders 
 sit together and deliberate on all questions before them, 
 and the influence of the ruling elder is felt in all the 
 business of the church. 
 
 The individual congregation of the Presbyterian 
 Church is modeled after the form of the ancient Jewish 
 synagogue. All the essential features of that organiza- 
 tion were transferred, as w^ believe, to the Christian 
 Church. No particular attempt was made to prove di- 
 vine authority, yet from apostolic use we are justified 
 in assuming that this form of government is at least di- 
 
 7 
 
8 Ruling Elders^ Hand-hook, 
 
 vinely sanctioned. At first there was no very clear dis- 
 tinction made between the office of bishop and that of 
 the elder, but as there are numerous indirect references 
 to this in the New Testament there seems to be suth- 
 cient authority for the wider separation of the two 
 offices as the church became more thoroughly organized. 
 The main distinction between the two offices has for 
 centuries been that the bishop is si)ecially called to 
 teach while the elder is called to rule. LcuAdiig to others 
 the work of deffiiing the relation of "bishop" and 
 " elder," we propose to deal rather with the office and 
 work of the " ruling elder" as Ave ffiid it in the Pres- 
 byterian Church to-day. But in so doing the divine au- 
 thority for the office is not questioned. We believe that 
 if every elder were to feel the responsibility and dignity 
 of his office, and that his ordination is divinely author- 
 ized, it would add efficiency to all his work. 
 
 A Presbyterian church is not complete in its organi- 
 zation without ruling elders. It is not prepared to ex- 
 ercise all its functions as a church until they as the repre- 
 sentatives of the people are duly ordained and installed. 
 These elders, thus set apart, have authority in all mat- 
 ters pertaining to the spiritual affairs of the congrega- 
 tion. They are duly authorized to receive and dismiss 
 members and to exercise discipline. Being chosen from 
 among the people, they are in a peculiar sense the 
 ' ' representatives of the people, ' ' so that in them the 
 right of self-government is guaranteed to each congre- 
 gation. It is the glory of the Presbyterian Church that 
 its government, like that of our nation, is ''of tlie peo- 
 ple, by the people, and for the j)eople. ' ' This form of 
 
Ridimj Kldcrs Hand-booh: 
 
 government eonserves the rights of each congregation 
 while it ])laces over tliese our "Courts of Review and 
 Control," which mamtam the purity of the church and 
 its doctrines. What a privilege to be a divinely com- 
 missioned oflicer in such an army ! In every congrega- 
 tion the ciders stand with authority second to none. In 
 the i)resl)yterv and synod, and even in the General As- 
 sembly, they hold half the seats, and upon their votes 
 depends every decision. While there are in connection 
 with our church less than seven thousand ministers, 
 there are twenty-seven thousand elders. These, more 
 than equal to our national standing army, not 
 quartered in a few central garrisons, but in seven thou- 
 sand groups upon the open field of the w^orld, are rally- 
 ing an army now numbering a million to its conquest. 
 What may they not accomplish with the blessing of the 
 Lord ! What unlimited possibilities are before these, 
 who with the enduring w^ord as their guide, " watch for 
 souls as those who must give an account ! ' ' 
 
 The principal work of the elder is in the church 
 where he has been called to rule. Only occasionally is 
 he appointed to represent the people in the higher courts 
 of the church, and even then his influence may not be 
 perceptible. But among the people who have called 
 him to this sacred office, meeting them in the house of 
 God and in their own homes, in business relations, in 
 times of affliction, is his most important work. There 
 may be with some elders an ambition to be often in the 
 higher courts of the church and to take a part in the 
 administration of its affairs, but faithful service in 
 this apparently narrower sphere will bring greater 
 
10 Riding Eldevti' Hand-book. 
 
 honor to the name of the Lord. Elders are not ex- 
 pected to know all about ecclesiasticar law nor are they 
 always faniihar with the history and doctrines of the 
 church and the manner of their def.ense. They are 
 often unskilled in Bible learning, as were the fishermen 
 of Galilee ; their attainments in literature may be lim- 
 ited ; they may not be ready with tongu^or pen ; but 
 in the faith of the Son of God and in fitness for guiding 
 souls in the way of eternal life there must be no lack. 
 The Word of God must be their companion and guide. 
 This one book must not be neglected. 
 
 There should also be those natural qualities of true 
 manhood, prudence, kindness, uprightness, sympathy, 
 wisdom and discretion which are necessary to make 
 them efficient in the leadership of the church and in 
 winning the confidence of those who are without. 
 
 Let every elder magnify his office. Let him feel that 
 a divine sanction is upon the office and the divine bless- 
 ing upon his work. Let none ' ' lord it over God' s herit- 
 age," but in meekness and faith exercise those gifts 
 which God has given. Seek by earnest effort and a liv- 
 ing devotion to glorify God in every j)lan or effort, and 
 to lead his church to wider fields of usefulness and to 
 richer experiences of his grace. 
 
CUAlTKli 11. 
 
 QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE OFFICE. 
 
 This is a "spiritual office." Its aim is not the care 
 of church property; not to provide for the pastor's 
 salary or the contingent expenses of the church. It is 
 an element of strength in our system that the financial 
 affairs of the church are committed to other hands. 
 Elders are the divinely appointed channels of spiritual 
 hlessing upon God's people, and upon those whom hg 
 may call into his kingdom. This sacred office has its 
 highest and only function in thoughts for that life 
 which is more than meat. Invested with divine 
 authority, called by his brethren, among whom he moves 
 as a leader and guide, having access to their homes and 
 being cognizant of their temporal and spiritual needs, 
 and knowing their peculiar temptations and trials, he 
 stands in such a position as to be often helpful as 
 counsellor and friend. In this office the princi2)al bus- 
 iness is not to rule. It is rather to love and to feed, to 
 cherish and to guard, so that the exercise of the 
 authority of the office by calling offenders to account 
 may not be necessary. The zeal and faith and 
 patience which humbly labors to keep a wayward one 
 within the pale of the church is, to my mind, a better 
 grace than that which is exercised, too hastily some- 
 times, in the discipline of offending members. 
 
 The qualities of head and of heart essential in bearing 
 the responsibilities of this office are by no means 
 trifling. We may briefly mention some of them. 
 
 11 
 
12 Ruling Elders'' Hand-book. 
 
 The first essential is an undoubted Christian char- 
 acter. The man who leads souls in the way of life 
 must be a man of God. To teach faith he must have 
 faith; to lead others to love Jesus he must love him 
 first. It is not necessary that he be a man of wealth, 
 of learning, of high social standing, but it is absolute- 
 ly necessary that he be a man whose life, hid with 
 Christ in God, bears testimony daily to the truth. 
 What God requires of those who preach he requires 
 also of those who rule. A high standard of Christian 
 dharacter, a deep piety, a heart filled with zeal for 
 God are the first requisites of this sacred office. 
 
 Doctrinal soundness is important. By this I mean 
 a strict adherence to the doctrines of the Bible in gen- 
 eral, and of the Presbyterian Church in particular. 
 Whether it be a part of this office to teach or not, the 
 people expect it of them. The words of the elder have 
 more w.eight because of his office. He may not be 
 skilled in all the doctrinal questions of the church, but 
 he is at least to sincerely adopt ' ' The Confession of Faith 
 of the Presbyterian Church, ' ' and this he cannot do in 
 any proper sense until he has acquainted himself with 
 it and with a clear conscience approved its teachings'. 
 
 Denominational loyalty is important. Not mere 
 devotion to one church, but that spirit of loyalty to his 
 denomination which will prompt him to say with pride, 
 ' ' I am an elder of the Presbyterian Church in the United 
 States of America. ' ' He thus comes to feel the impor- 
 tance of his office, whether he sits with his brethren in the 
 session, or with the chosen leaders of the church in its 
 higher courts. Loyalty to the doctrines and govern- 
 
Jiii/iiKj J'^l(l(.s' Iland-lnxiL. 13 
 
 mont of the cIiurIi, to lier policy, to licr boards, to her 
 missions, to her schools, to her history, every page of 
 which is a record of struggles for truth and for liberty, 
 are all essential to the elder's efficiency. With this 
 army of loyal leaders our grand old church, with its 
 historic doctrines and aggressive agencies and efficient 
 government, will not halt in the conquest of the world. 
 With these twenty-seven thousand leaders to fling our 
 blue banner to the breeze, followed by marshaling 
 hosts that will soon nunil)er a round million, we will 
 hurl to the earth many an opposing Jericho. We will 
 gather under the standard of King Immanuel multi- 
 tudes who will be impressed by a strong, heroic, loyal. 
 Christian manhood. 
 
 Earnestness, prudence, syivipathy, gentleness, 
 FIRMNESS, cheerfulness are important characteristics 
 of the one who w^oiild use this office well. He should 
 be a well rounded, godly man, full of faith and of 
 good works, instant ''in season, out of season," in the 
 discharge of duty. He should l)e alert to the spiritual 
 interest. of those about him. He should be awake to 
 the pressing need of the time in which he lives. He 
 should be ready to every good work, prayerfully 
 watching the "bulwarks and towers of Zion," lament- 
 ing her low estate or rejoicing in her prosperity. He 
 must be a leader, but must be led himself by one who 
 is able to make all grace abound in his servants, from 
 whom Cometh that wisdom which is ' ' first pure, then 
 peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of 
 mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without 
 hypocrisy. " 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 THE ELDER A MAX. 
 
 if the elder is a rej^resentative of the people, he is 
 also a representative to the people. His work is half 
 in deeds, half in example. An elder must be one that 
 "ruleth well his own house, having his children in 
 subjection with all gravity, for if a man know not how 
 to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the 
 church of God?" It devolves upon the ruling elder 
 to set such an example to all the flock as shall show 
 that the true spirit of religion rules in his own home. 
 *' The church in the house" was set up first ; it must 
 be maintained. There must be both family govern- 
 ment and family religion, both for the good of those 
 who dwell there, and for those who are directly or 
 indirectly influenced by the elder's home. 
 
 It is a sad fact, that in these days of rapid transit, 
 and of the mad rush of business, the home life, 
 and especially the home altar, are so neglected. In 
 the morning the hurry to catch the train, and to get to 
 the oflice, and in the evening the demands of society 
 shut religion out. The home life centers at the hasty 
 breakfast and the evening meal. There seems to be no 
 time left for cultivating the spiritual life of the family 
 itself. There is a grave responsibility resting upon the 
 leaders in Israel to stem this tide of worldliness. Not 
 only for our own sakes and for the sake of our families, 
 'but for our influence upon others, we should adopt 
 King Da^dd's resolution : "I will behave myself wisely, 
 I will walk within my house with a perfect heart." 
 
 14 
 
Ralintj Kltlcr.s' lldiid-bouh. 15 
 
 The home of the elder slioukl ])e hospitable. It 
 slioiild he an example of generous, religious cordiality 
 to all who come. It need not l)e elegant, its appoint- 
 ments may he very plain, its tal)le spread only with a 
 iVugal meal ; but whatever the condition, it should be 
 a place where the ^bister is made known in ''the 
 l)reaking of bread." The elder, in dispensing hospi- 
 tality, should endeavor to make his home a center of 
 religious influence, and with this in view, should open 
 it to the social joys of young people. There is a cold- 
 ness, a stiffness which repels, a sanctimoni<jusness 
 which loses influence. And there is a genial manner, 
 a cordial spirit, which, while it frowns upon sin enters 
 heartily into the joys of youth, and adds a charm to 
 the Cliristian life and profession. There are recrea- 
 tions and youthful sports in which a dignified elder 
 may join, and in so doing exert a good influence. But 
 we must disci'iminate. The home of the elder should 
 be absolutely free from every amusement that is doul)t- 
 ful. If tlie elder smiles upon the social glass or the 
 dance, the whole community will accept his endorse- 
 ment, and })lunge into excesses which he would not 
 encourage. Be careful not to encourage a spirit of 
 worldliness, by giving countenance to that which tends 
 to worldliness. It may not be necessary to cry out 
 often against questionable amusements, but your own 
 home cannot be made a place for their encouragement, 
 without w^eakening your influence as a ruler in the 
 house of God. The sanctity of the home is next to 
 that of the house of God. . 
 
16 Ruling Elders^ Hcvnd-hool\ 
 
 The religious life of an elder is also closely identified 
 with his business life. His influence for good and his 
 usefulness in the church depend largely on the char- 
 acter he maintains in business. Our neighbors know 
 more of us than we think, and their judgment of us is 
 often more accurate -Qian we desire it to be. The 
 tenderest appeal made in the sanctuary may be nulHfied 
 by the doubtful business transaction of the office or the 
 shop. The meanest man knows well what a Christian 
 ought to be, and sets a high standard for others to fol- 
 low. Even "our enemies being judges," we must 
 stand for truth and righteousness. That was a sublime 
 height to which Job attained when he said, ' ' Let me 
 be weighed in an even balance, that God may know 
 mine integrity. ' ' I would recommend the careful read- 
 ing of the book of Job, chapters xxix, xxx and xxxi, 
 as a standard for prayerful effort. Aj^ply the same ten 
 commands, and the same Sermon on the Mount, to 
 your business and political life, and to your household 
 life, that 3^ou teach in the house of God. • 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 p:lder and pastor. 
 
 The whole work of a Presbyterian church centers in 
 and revolves round the session. Here the pastor and 
 tlie elders plan together for the good of the church. 
 The interests of the whole congregation, both their 
 spiritual needs and their assemblages for worship, are 
 considered. It is most important that there be cordial 
 co-operation and consultation between pastor and el- 
 ders, in order that the session may be efficient. The 
 elder is to l)e the pastor's intimate friend and confiden- 
 tial adviser. He is to be his companion in visiting the 
 people, his associate and peer in the meetings of the 
 presbytery. They can only work together while there 
 is a cordial companionship. No suspicious or half- 
 hearted counsel will do. There must be whole-hearted 
 and earnest sympathy. 
 
 The pastor comes into the community a stranger. 
 His first acquaintances are of necessity the officers of 
 the church. His first information, good or bad, con- 
 cerning the members of the church, comes from the 
 elder. Such information should, be most prudently 
 given. Do not fill the mind of the new minister y/ith 
 every unsavory tradition of the past. He has to deal 
 with the present. Do not keep from him information 
 that would aid him in his work. Prudent advice just 
 at the right time, given not in the spirit of the tale- 
 bearer, but for the good of those who need help, will 
 add greatly to the usefulness of a pastor. 
 
 17 
 
18 Ruling Elders' Hand-hook. 
 
 There should be a feehng of iinphcit confidence be- 
 tween the elder and the pastor, so that on all occasions 
 there ma}^ be the fullest expression of opinion, without 
 fear that confidence will be betrayed or the advice mis- 
 used or misunderstood. A pastor often needs the ad- 
 vice of elders in matters in which he is likely to err 
 through ignorance, or where some duty may have been 
 overlooked. Do not wear}" your pastor with telling 
 what he ought to do, and how he ought to treat this or 
 that one, l)ut an occasional hint in si^ecial cases will 
 enable him to act wisely and to reach those who are to 
 be reached hy some special method. There are many 
 queer people, and we must be queer also to win them. 
 ^' I became all things to all men, that by all means I 
 might save some." 
 
 For a more 2:)leasant purpose than for criticism you 
 may visit your pastor or invite him to 3^our house. Do 
 this in order to devise plans for doing good. Partners 
 in l)usiness consult together often ; you are a spiritual 
 partner with your minister. It is your church as much 
 as his. Just as clearly is it your duty to labor for the 
 Master as it is jowv pastor's duty. Put your heads and 
 hearts together and devise plans of usefulness and the 
 best methods to make them successful. If he sets on 
 foot some plan for quickening the life of the church, 
 aiding the Sabbath school or the Young People's So- 
 ciety, increasing the pi^yer meeting, or reaching the 
 unconverted, tlien back him up heartily. You may 
 make his plan succeed or fail. Make the work of the 
 pulpit effective by your aid. Follow up the invita- 
 tions, appeals and counsels of the pulpit with your own 
 
RnUmj FMlrr,^' Hand-hook. 19 
 
 efforts fur the converyion of sinners. The pastor is try- 
 ing to draw souls to Jesus ; do not draw the other way. 
 Draw with your minister ; follow up his effort with 
 your own. Co-operate with Christ's ambassador in the 
 grandest work that man or angel can covet — the work 
 of saving innnortal souls. Who doubts that if all our 
 elders preached Christ as faitlifully in practice and per- 
 sonal effort as our average minister does in the pulpit, 
 the spiritual droughts would give place to glorious har- 
 vests. '' As ye go, preach,^ ^ is a conmiission to you as 
 well as to your pastor. 
 
 The elder should also bear in mind that his pastor is 
 a man "of like passions with himself." He some- 
 times needs sympathy. He has his sorrow^s, his dis- 
 couragements, disappointments, losses. He is sepa- 
 rated from earthly friends. It ma}" l^e that he has left 
 loved ones far behind, that he might become your pas- 
 tor. He goes amongst the j)eople ministering in" the 
 name of Christ to those in sorrow. Many a burden is 
 half borne by the faithful one who, in the spirit of the 
 Master, '' weeps with those who weep. " When sorrow 
 comes to him where shall he go for sympathy ? Whose 
 tears will mingle with his ? Must the sympathizer him- 
 self weep alone? It is now the elder's turn to minister 
 in the name of Christ. Go to his home when burdens 
 press his heart, and do with him as he would do if the 
 sorrow were yours — kneel with him in prayer, com- 
 mend him to God and to the word of his grace. Do 
 not allow him to feel that because he is a minister he is 
 to bear his burden alone. But make him feel that those 
 whose burdens he has helped to bear are anxious .to 
 bear his burden. 
 
20 Ruling Elders' Hand-hook. 
 
 Here is another obligation of the elder to the pastor: 
 Always shqw due respect for your pastor. " He is the 
 minister of God to thee for good. ' ' He may not be a 
 man deserving of much respect. He may not be faith- 
 ful in duty ; he may be offensive in manner, and even 
 tyrannical in his official actions, but for all that he is 
 the minister of the gosjDel of Jesus Christ. For that, if 
 for nothing else, he deserves respect. As an officer of 
 the church you must maintain this respect to its or- 
 dained teachers. By disresj^ect to the man you may 
 teach disrespect for the office. An insult to the ambas- 
 sador is an insult to the king. 
 
 Finally, if you cannot resiDectfully sympathize and 
 co-operate with your minister in the work of the church, 
 either doubt your own qualification for the office of el- 
 der, or doul :)t tlie propriety of continuing that minister 
 as your pastor. 
 
CIIAPTEll V. 
 
 AMONG THE PEOPLE. 
 
 I wish that elders might he impressed with the 
 importance and the enjoyment of family visitation. Let 
 us call it pastoral visitation: for in this particular the 
 elder is also a pastor. There is so much of pleasant 
 personal experience in what I write here that I write 
 with confident enthusiasm. The hcst elders are husy 
 men, and cannot give much time to visitation. But a 
 little time spent occasionally in this way Avill do great 
 good. 
 
 I would suggest that the congregation he carefully 
 divided into districts, and that one or two elders be as- 
 signed to each. This district is then the field for which 
 these elders are responsible. .Let a house-to-hous^ 
 ^^sitation be made at a suitable season, when the people 
 can be found at home, either having previously arranged 
 for this or trusting to circumstances of the family you 
 visit. Make frequent visits to the aged and the sick. 
 Do not shght the poor. See that new families coming 
 into the community are visited. 
 
 In such visitations read the word of God and pray. 
 In prayer seek for special and needed blessings upon 
 the homes you are in. Make special mention of 
 financial troubles, sickness,, absent ones, and especially 
 pray for any who are away from Christ. Pray also for 
 your pastor, your church, the community, and for any 
 special. work contemplated by the church. 
 
 In conversation talk of the church, and of the 
 spiritual needs of the family. Do not allow the con- 
 
 21 
 
22 Ruling Elders^ Hand-book. 
 
 versation to turn "upon any church trouble. Do not 
 make your visit the occasion for transacting business. 
 Close your ears to rumors and reports against fellow 
 Christians. Make it a pastoral visit in fact as well as in 
 name. 
 
 Attention should be given to the Scripture lessons 
 read. Make that appropriate to the occasion. Read 
 the word believing that "the word of God is quick and 
 powerful. ' ' A brief comment on the word read may 
 not be amiss. 
 
 Another form of this family visitation which I have 
 found specially beneficial is the cottage prayer meeting. 
 The elder is the most suitable person to conduct such a 
 meeting. Form a little company, and go to a home' to 
 spend an hour in prayer and praise. It has a social as 
 well as a spiritual side and both are beneficial. This is 
 specially profitable to those who are hindered from 
 attendance upon the public means of grace. The aged, 
 mothers of small children, those distant from the house 
 of God, and also a large number who are naturally in- 
 different about church attendance, may be greatly bene- 
 fited by such .meetings. 
 
 They also afford a timid elder opportunity to exercise 
 his gifts of speech and also of speaking against growing 
 evils in a community or in favor of spiritual reforms. 
 In a few words he may lay bare the wrong, or present 
 the truth in such manner as to correct error or even to 
 awaken an interest which may spread in gracious out- 
 pouring to the whole congregation. 
 
 It would be a good thing to hold such meetings in the 
 homes of those who have been bereaved. Go to them 
 
RiiUiif/ Elders' Ifa,uJ-/,ook: 23 
 
 and minister in the name of him wli<^ *' came to hind 
 up the broken hearted, to comfort all that mourn," and 
 your mission will be richly blessed. 
 
 In visiting olTenders it is extremely important that 
 the interview be private. It may do harm and make 
 the visit worse than useless to broach the subject in the 
 presence of others, especially of the same family. The 
 same is true in speaking to the unconverted. It is less 
 embarrassing, and the one whom you would lead to 
 Christ will si)eak more freely if you can converse alone. 
 
 In all your visits carry the spirit of the Master with 
 you. Minister in his name by presenting a cheerful, 
 hopeful form of our blessed religion. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 IN Tllli! SABBATH SCHOOL. 
 
 "The cliurch session is charged with maintaining 
 the spiritual government of the church. " The General 
 Asseml )ly has made fi'equent deliverances interpreting 
 this declaration of our Form of Government as speci- 
 ally applical:>le to the Saljl)ath school. The Assembly 
 of 1886 says: "We emphasize the importance of the 
 supervision of the Sabbath school work, and the se- 
 lection of officers and teachers and the general conduct 
 of the school by the sessions of the res2:>ective churches. ' ' 
 
 Each elder stands in official relation to the Sabbath 
 school. It is not so much what the session may do as 
 a body in the control of the school as what they may 
 do as individuals in furthering its interests. Ordin- 
 arily elders are elected to that office because of faithful- 
 ness in service and fitness for leadership in spiritual 
 things. This implies some qualification for teaching 
 also. Here then is his responsibility. Both to teach 
 and to see that the whole work of the school is properly 
 conducted, and to make the work of the school as 
 profitable as possible to all under its influence. This 
 oversight cannot be maintained by staying away from 
 the school. You must be in it and of it in order to 
 help it. 
 
 AVe are too liable to say "The superintendent is so 
 capaljle and is doing so well that we need not inter- 
 fere. " It is not interference Ihat we recommend, but 
 earnest counsel and help. The most efficient officer is 
 
 24 
 
Rzding Elaers' Hand-bocK. 'zb 
 
 always glad to have that. It iri not a liickof confidence 
 in thtnr casliicr that leads tlie directors of a bank t')look 
 carefully over its business, but in order — through com- 
 bined wisdom — tfiere maybe no mistakes. Forget the 
 obnoxious side of "oversight and control" and make it 
 rather cordial sympathy and generous encouragement. 
 
 In the management of the school bear in mind that 
 it is a part of the church, not an appendage to it. 
 In a large measure the success of the churcii is bound 
 up in the efficiency of the Sabbath school. Ths great 
 doctrines of redemption and the distinctive doctrines of 
 our own branch of the church should be inculcated in 
 the young. The Bible and the Catechism should be 
 the text books of every Presi^yterian Sabbath school. 
 Even the songs of the children should be guarded. One 
 of the potent methods of introducing error, and truth 
 also, into the early church, was in the hymns the peo- 
 ple sang. Do the eldero of our churches know that the 
 seeds of many errors are in the ' 'iingle' '' cf tlis present 
 day which we are pleased or obligsd to csill Sabbath 
 school music ? 
 
 Again, here is the place for the grcwt'2. cf tr-3 church. 
 It is the recruiting place of the army of ths T'riuneGod. 
 This miUion of children which are cared for by the 
 elders of to-day will be a million church members in 
 twenty years. They will be the elders and teachers 
 and i^reachers of tlie next generation. And they will 
 be in a large measure the product and reflection of the 
 leaders of to-day. Are the elders of to-day like the 
 * 'children of Issachar, which were men that had 
 understanding cf the times, to know what I^r^^el ought 
 
l26 Ruling Elders^ Hand-booh. 
 
 to do? " Here is the place to develoj) the missionary 
 spirit, personal piety, a love for the house of God, an 
 interest in the work of the church, as well as an ac- 
 quaintance with the Bible and with the doctrines of the 
 church. 
 
CHArTKR VII. 
 
 ALONE WITH GOD. 
 
 ' ' Jesus was alone praying. ' ' The people avouIcI have 
 come at that very hour to make him their king, Ijut it 
 was hetter that he l)e alone with Cirod. Out on the moun- 
 tain the Saviour gained strength for approaching trial and 
 victory over sin and death. There he was prepared "to 
 fmisli the work the Father gave him to do." What a 
 privilege to those who are worried and wearied with the 
 thoughtlessness and the sin of others, to leave the world 
 for awhile to l)e " alone with God." " Enter into thy 
 closet and shut thy door, and thy Father which seeth 
 in secret shall reward thee openly. ' ' The promises of 
 God' s w^ord become more precious as we use them. Ser- 
 vice becomes lighter as we cast our care upon Him 
 whom we serve. Nadab and Abihu had temptations 
 peculiar to their office. So does every one in official posi- 
 tion. The official robe does not cover from the temi)ter. 
 Even the ancient High Priest must offer sacrifice for 
 himself, and then for the sins of the people. "When 
 alone with God we can tell our heart wanderings, our 
 weaknesses, our sins ; we can ask for and will receive 
 help and strength from the great source of strength. 
 Here we receive that wisdom from above which we espe- 
 cially need in leading souls to the way of life. 
 
 But let no ruler of God's house imagine that there is 
 a peculiar manner of blessing to him because of his 
 office. In our Lord's whole ministry upon the earth 
 he only used the precepts and promises that were pre- 
 
 27 
 
28 RiiJ'iinj FJder.-i'' Hand-hool: ' 
 
 pared for the use of all mankind. In temptation, in 
 l)rayer, in teaching he drew from the great storehouse 
 of truth, and exercised only the rights we have in times 
 of need. Let us follow the Lord' s example. Plead the 
 promises. Weave mto an argument the divine assur- 
 ances of help and strengthen the plea we make with a 
 faith that takes no denial. The same course of humil- 
 itv, confession, penitence, communion with God, and 
 faith in his power that cheers any soul, will ever be 
 found the right course for the ruler in God' s house. And 
 as the face of Moses shone with the glory of the Lord 
 when he came out from his presence, so will the face of 
 the leaders in Israel shine when they mingle with the 
 people whom they serve. 
 
 F(jr the sake of others the elder sliould be often alone 
 with God. He writes the names of all the tribes upon 
 his breast and intercedes for them at a throne of grace. 
 The sorrows of some, the sins of some, the worldliness 
 of some, the carelessness and indifference of some make 
 up the burden he carries to the throne. To -piay and 
 to confess because others have sinned is part of his duty 
 as intercessor and friend, may we say as representative 
 of the people. When alone with God tell the whole 
 need of your church, of the people, of the pastor. Tell 
 the trials of the weak, shelter the tempted with the 
 shield of your faith. Tell the sorrows of them that 
 mourn. Tell the wanderings of the worldly, and *the 
 needs of the soul sick of sin. Plead for those who are 
 maddened by vice. Intercede for all as Nehemiah did 
 for his people. Let an interest in others be woven into 
 your prayers and new impulses, higher hopes and 
 
RaliiKj Kldcr-^'' Ibuul-boolc. 21J 
 
 nol>kr puriM)SLri will oxi)aii(l your souhi.syou conic out 
 from the secret place of the ^lost High to mingle with 
 those for whom you have earnestly prayed. 
 
 Let us not hurry our private devotion. Too precious 
 are the moments spent in tlie divine presence to have 
 them crowded with hastily uttered expressions of half 
 formed desires, or to have them filled with the ordinary 
 announcement of our own and others' wants. The 
 place of prayer should he a place for earnest medita- 
 tion, of careful thought upon the things we desire. 
 The words with which we appear before the King 
 should be set in order. Meditate here on divine 
 things. Contemplate the divine attributes. Consider 
 his gracious promises. Ask only for that which in the 
 heart has taken the form of an earnest desire. It is 
 far better to ask for a few things in hope than to pray 
 around the w^orld without a well defined desire. Here, 
 too, is the place to calm the mind for service. Here, 
 " in the secret of his presence," there is rest. It is a 
 calm and sure retreat, and the richest blessings of a 
 loving Father fall upon his servants while they lie 
 prostrate before his throne. 
 
 "There, there on engle wings we soar, 
 And time and sense seem all no more ; 
 And heaven comes down our souls to greet, 
 And glory crowns the mercy seat." 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 PUBLIC PRAYER. 
 
 The elder should be eminently a man of prayer. He 
 should have deep convictions as to the efficacy of 
 prayer, that he may lead others to a like belief. He 
 should believe in direct and definite answers to prayer. 
 He must believe that ' ' the prayer of a righteous man 
 availeth much." From much private communion 
 with God he comes to lead and help others in pubhc 
 prayer. 
 
 We, as Presbyterians, do not have a ritual, and are 
 not much addicted to either reading or recitiiig our 
 prayers. It is not the purpose of the A^Titer to give 
 set forms for various occasions, with the idea that they 
 may take the place of the words ' ' set in order ' ' by 
 the one who leads in prayer. Doctor Ashbel Green 
 calls this ' ' social prayer. ' ' It is a good name, because 
 it has to do with the company of believers assembled 
 together, vrith a community of interests, and with the 
 cause of Christ at heart. If those who lead in prayer 
 would bear this in mind it would be a helpful guide in 
 this part of public worship. 
 
 The following suggestions are offered in the hope that 
 they may be helpful: 
 
 1. You lead in prayer. Public prayer is to be of 
 such a character as to rej)resent the interests of others. 
 Ordinarily petitions of a personal nature should be 
 omitted. But it is highly proper that the special 
 needs of any in the community should be mentioned. 
 
 30 
 
Raluig Eldcr.s' JLind-hook. 31 
 
 The sick, the bereaved, tliose wlio iu the providence of 
 God are liindered from meeting in tlie sanctuary, tliose 
 wlio have returned after prolonged absence, strangers 
 and others whose personal trials call forth sympathy, 
 should be rememberc>d in prayer. It would perhaps be 
 a good rule to formulate a i)rayer so that it will touch 
 upon that which the people are naturally thinking 
 about. 
 
 2. Pmij to the Father. God, the Father, is the 
 hearer and the answerer of prayer. We are to ask in 
 the name of the Son, and in this we are guided })y the 
 Spirit. The Saviour sa^'s : ' ' In that day ye shall ask 
 me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever 
 ye shall ask the Father in my name he will give it 
 you." 
 
 3. Note the four parts of prayer. These are adora- 
 tion, thanksgiving, confession and petition. All these 
 need not be embodied in each i)rayer, but none should 
 be always neglected. In adoration, 2:)raise the grace 
 and love of God. Remember all the attributes of 
 divinity; adore the giver of every good and j^^i'fect 
 gift. Be thankful; recount the blessings of the past; 
 praise the author of so great and precious promises; 
 confess the sin of the peo^^le. God expects it; sinners 
 need it. Every heart will respond to the penitent 
 publican's prayer, ''God be merciful to me, a sinner." 
 
 Petition is the most definite part of prayer; the 
 l)art we are not liable to forget. It is asking for the 
 things we desire, telling our complaints, seeking balm 
 for our soul's w^ounds, and interceding for others. 
 
32 Ruling Elders' Hand-hook. 
 
 4. Use Scripture in 'prayer. Familiarity with the 
 word of God is the best preparation for public prayer. 
 Here we have the inspired forms that have been on the 
 lips of believers in every age. They have been sanctified 
 by use as well as by divine authority. They are doubly 
 precious because they have been answered so often. 
 They are proper because they are couched in language 
 suited for public use. Yet the proper meaning of each 
 passage of Scripture used in prayer should be considered. 
 
 5. Forms ofiyraycr. I do not recommend the reading 
 of prayers from a prayer-l)ookj nor memorizing and 
 reciting prayers; yet I would recommend either of these 
 rather than entire silence on the part of the ruling elder. 
 Moreover, I do believe that any elder would be greatly 
 helped by keeping at hand a book of prayers, carefully 
 read it, memorize portions, and thus learn in general the 
 language of public prayer. A prayer carefully written 
 and recited from memory would be proper. Be assured 
 tliat the ' ' words set in order before the king ' ' are 
 acceptable. 
 
 6. ' ■ Vain repetitions. ' ' Much has Ueen said wpon 
 this. !Much more will be said before the evil is corrected. 
 Those who lead in public prayer are liable to drift into 
 a habit of repeating words and phrases which become 
 tiresome to the hearer and sometimes leads to sacri- 
 legious ridicule. Simple words and forms of expres- 
 sion should always be chosen. Peculiar expressions 
 and startling and sensational utterances are never in 
 place in prayer. Every word should be distinctly 
 uttered. The natural voice should be used and modula- 
 tion so guarded as not to speak so low that you will not 
 
be lu^anl or so liigli that you will Avoary yourself and 
 those who liear. The tone and manner of one who 
 leads in prayer Ikivc very much to do with the effect 
 upon those who hear. Let your manner be such that 
 the congregation will feel that you are in the very pres- 
 ence of CJod and that you are talking to him. 
 
 7. Individuality. However much we may study the 
 needs and desires of others in order to properly present 
 them at a throne of grace, there is still to be an in- 
 dividuality in our prayer. Our own desires and 
 interests, especially as they pertain to the Kingdom of 
 God, should be prominent j^arts of our prayers. You 
 are interested in some particular cause. It may be a 
 ''hobby" with you, but to you it is of great impor- 
 tance. Don't have a hobby that you cannot pray for. 
 Let it be a burden ujion your heart and the- burden of 
 your prayer, and some will become interested because 
 of your interest, and thus the good cause wall be 
 advanced. Your earnestness will help to answer your 
 prayer. Make prominent in your prayers the thing in 
 which you are interested. Others will do the same, and 
 thus many interests will be represented. You may 
 very properly dw^ell upon missions, temperance, national 
 sins, church unity, Sabbath keeping, worldliness, 
 spiritual declension, the Sabbath school, youth of the 
 church, &c. Make such subjects as these prominent in 
 your public prayers, and you wdll awaken an interest in 
 others. 
 
 8. Divine help in 'praying. We know^ not what to 
 pray for as we ought. We need instruction in prayer. 
 To learn to pray we must often ask of him who taught 
 
34 Ruling Elders' Hand-hook. 
 
 his disciples to pray to teach us the same lessons, 
 is a sad comment on the experiences of some of the early 
 church, ''ye have not because ye ask not; ye ask 
 and receive not because ye ask amiss." Yet in 
 the same connection we are admonished to " draw nigh 
 to God and he will draw nigh to us. " Private prayer 
 and communion with God will aid much in this pubhc 
 duty. The prayer of every follower of Christ should be 
 that of the first disciple : " Lord, teach us to pray." 
 What a stimulus to earnest prayer to know that ' ' the 
 Spirit also helpeth our infirmities and maketh interces- 
 sion for us with groanings that cannot be uttered. ' ' 
 
 9. A most helpful book on this subject is : "With 
 Christ in the School of Prayer," by Andrew Murray. I 
 wish every elder might read it. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 PUBLIC WORSHIP. 
 
 It is an important thing that each church be opened 
 every Sabbath for public worship. ^lany churches are 
 without the service of a stated minister, others have 
 only part of a minister's time and they must either 
 not worship at all in the absence of the minister or the 
 elders must conduct the service. It is the duty of 
 every elder of our church to counteract the idea wliich 
 seems to be growing common, that no religious service 
 can be held without a minister. It is the duty of the 
 elders especially to maintain pul)lic worship, even in 
 the absence of an ordained minister. The congregation 
 can scarcely hope to develop numerically or spiritually 
 that has only one or two ser\dces in a month, while the 
 church is closed entirely all the rest of the time. In such 
 emergencies, the elders must be ''pastors and teachers. " 
 Tliey may expound the Scripture, lecture, or give an 
 exhortation, or read a sermon. I believe that a regular, 
 formal service in which the elder goes into the pulpit, 
 conducts the service in the regular form, and delivers a 
 well prepared address, will do great good. ' Treach the 
 word. ' ' Give dignity to the service and to your office. 
 ^lake it a rule that the church where you act as elder 
 shall be opened every Sabbath and that the people 
 shall have an opportunity to engage in worshij:). I 
 firmly believe that there is something sadly wrong with 
 that session whose church is closed Sabbath after Sab- 
 bath and no effort made to bring the people together 
 to worship. It is a sure way of disbanding a church. 
 
 35 
 
36 Ruling Elders' Hand-book. 
 
 Well does the writer remember the little country 
 church where his father was a faithful elder. From 
 that boyhood experience I know whereof I speak. The 
 church was poor and generally ''vacant." But it 
 was kept alive by the grace of God and by the faithful- 
 ness of the elders. There were only thirty members. 
 The elders lived from one to three miles away. Yet 
 that church was open every Sabbath. Through winter 
 snows and summer heat, through pelting storms and 
 muddy roads the people came — not to hear an eloquent 
 sermon b}^ a noted preacher — but to worship in a meet- 
 ing conducted by ' 'only an elder. " I have seen that 
 church crowded to the doors and that crowd subdued 
 almost to revival earnestness in services where an elder 
 with limited gifts conducted the service, speaking not 
 very good English, and it may be not very sound 
 theology, earnest words that touched many hearts. It 
 could scarcely be said that these elders were ' 'apt to 
 teach, ' ' but what is better, it could be said that they 
 did their duty. 
 
 There are elders in most of our churches capable of 
 doing this work "if there be first a willing mind;" 
 there are wonderful resources in our Presbyterian 
 Church and in the Presbyterian system, which have 
 not yet been develoj)ed. There is a latent power here 
 that needs only to be awakened to its opportunity, 
 needs to be called to the front and its response will 
 prove a rich blessing. Elders should remember that by 
 their ordination they are authorized and commission- 
 ed to do this very work. If the early church scarcely 
 knew the difference between the ' ' teaching elder ' ' and 
 
Ruling Elders^ Hand-book. 37 
 
 "ruling elder" it is certainly possible for our elders now 
 to make this distinction less than it is. 
 
 With this broader conception of your office and with 
 these ordination vows upon you and the care of im- 
 mortal souls pressing, will you not see that the church 
 where you rule is never closed on a Sabbath when you 
 can be there ? Will you not make sure that ' 'saint and 
 sinner shall have his portion, " even though it be your 
 own poor mouth that tells the story ? 
 
 The-Sabbath services and the mid-week prayer meet- 
 ing may all be conducted in this manner to the glory 
 of God and for the good of his people. New workers 
 may be enlisted, latent material developed and new 
 life imparted to many. The people will rally to the 
 support of the elders, they will unite in prayer and 
 effort, and without waiting for a preacher of the word, 
 the church will grow in grace and knowledge, and 
 sinners will be converted unto God. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 RECEPTIOX OF MEMBERS. 
 
 * 'Admission of 23ersons to the sealing ordinances" is 
 a sacred, a solemn duty. It brings joy if carefully per- 
 formed, it becomes a burden if done carelessly. Wis- 
 dom, discretion, prudence and firmness are all necessary 
 in this work of the session. There is sometimes a 
 misguided zeal to have a large accession, and some- 
 times a feeling that because of special manifestations of 
 the Holy Spirit which awakens many, that there is 
 hope for all who come. It is at these special seasons 
 the session is most liable to err. From my own expe- 
 rience, I assure the elders to whom I write that there 
 are times when it is far better not to receive persons 
 than to admit them, only to grieve the church by their 
 sins. It is highly proper, when the session is not 
 entirely satisfied with the profession of those who apply 
 for church membership, to advise them to delay till 
 their faith is clearer, or till the evidence of a change of 
 heart is more apparent. If any take offense, that is 
 evidence that the advice was proper, but in most cases 
 it will be found that they will return with the very 
 evidence that was lacking at first. 
 
 No person should be received simply because he 
 seeks admission to the church. The session, not the 
 individual, is to be the judge of fitness for membership. 
 No one should be allowed to rush heedlessly into so 
 solemn a relationship, without being duly impressed 
 with its sanctity and without feeling the solemn obliga- 
 
 38 
 
Raliwj KIdcr.s' Jf,nnl-h<>ok. 39 
 
 tlon tliiit is thiiH iinpof^ed upon liiin. Not an impulse, 
 ))ut a deep seated conviction should impel to church 
 mem])ership. The Lord's parable of the seed that fell 
 on the rock is in point here. 
 
 Care should be taken during seasons of special awak- 
 ening, or "when evangelistic work has been in progress, 
 or when for any reason, large numl)ers are awakened. 
 Do not think that all who are aroused are truly con- 
 verted. Examine every candidate carefully. Do not ]>e 
 in haste to receive any. Wait a few weeks till convic- 
 tions are settled. The church will not lose by this. 
 It is a gain not to receive a person wdio is not truly 
 converted. If elders would feel that they are equally 
 responsiljle with the pastor in the reception of mem- 
 bers, and that it is a sacred duty to admit only those 
 who are worthy, it would be far better. Often an 
 ambitious pastor, desirous of making a big record of 
 accessions, and not familiar with the character of per- 
 sons applying for membership, leaves a church with, a 
 roll which must needs be purged over and over again 
 before the ill advised work is undone. Session^, being 
 the more permanent factor in the organization of the 
 church, should put a check upon this by guarding more 
 carefully the reception of members. 
 
 In examining candidates for admission to the church 
 we should seek to learn if they have a true sense of sin, 
 a conviction of personal sin, and a hope in the cleans- 
 ing blood of Christ. Find the evidence and ground of 
 a faith that clings to Christ as the only hope of salva- 
 tion. Does the heart warm with love for the Master, 
 and is it ready to be filled wuth his grace ? Is there evi- 
 
40 Eiding Elder. ^i^ Hand-hook. 
 
 dence of a spirit of j^rayer, an interest in the word of 
 life, a determination, to forsake sin and to live in the 
 fellowship of God's children? Is there a willingness 
 to make some sacrifice for Jesus, and to bear some trial 
 for his glory ? Are evil habits and associations aban- 
 doned ? Is there a spirit of forgiveness and a heart 
 free from malice and envy ? These are some of the well 
 known marks of that change from darkness to light 
 which we ex])ect in those who follow Christ. We ought 
 to keep every unsaved person out of the church, and 
 welcome every saved j^erson to its membership. But 
 if in this we often fail we should still maintain the 
 principle. 
 
 As a practical guide in receiving members into the 
 church we make the following suggestions : 
 
 First. Permit only a few to appear before the session 
 at a time. Two, three or four may appear and make 
 their profession, and they be followed by others. As 
 preparatory to this it is a good tiling for the elders each 
 to consult privately with applicants, so as to be familiar 
 with their thoughts and experiences, and to relieve em- 
 barrassment. 
 
 Second. I recommend a written examination if pos- 
 sible. Give such a list of questions as you would ask 
 to an applicant to answer in writing at home, to be re- 
 turned at a future meeting of the session. Having 
 tested this I most heartily recommend it. 
 
 Third. Make those who are received feel that they 
 are actually received into the "fellowship of the 
 church. ' ' A warm hand shake, a few words of Chris- 
 tian greeting, a kindly word of advice to the young will 
 
Raliiiy Eldcrii JIaud-buok. 41 
 
 be a great help to the one beginning the Christian Hfe. 
 Those who can only be received to doubtful disputations 
 should not be received at all. 
 
 Fourth. Let the reception of members be attended 
 by some special attention to it in the church. A social 
 meeting for introduction, or a meeting at the home of 
 one of the elders where religious exercises and social 
 greetings combine to occupy the time, will do good. 
 Sometimes a suitable book, a suggestive tract, or a neatly 
 printed certificate of church membership, will prove a 
 treasure for coming years. 
 
 Fifth. The best protection and 'help we can give to a 
 young church member is a place to work. Of course 
 we should ''lay hands suddenly on no man." But 
 there are unofficial positions where the beginner may be 
 tested and his usefulness Droved. Do not expect be- 
 ginners in the Christian life to prove their efficiency by 
 doing nothing. Put them to work at saving souls for 
 their own good as well as for the good of others. 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 ''.Discipline is the exercise of that authority and the 
 appHcation of that system of laws which the Lord Jesus 
 Christ has appointed in his church." 
 
 ' ' The ends of discipline are the maintenance of the 
 truth, the vindication of the authority and the honor 
 of Christ, the removal of offenses, the promotion of the 
 purity and edification of the church and the spiritual 
 good of offenders." '(Book of Discipline, chap. I.) 
 
 If sessions would keep this object of discipline in 
 mind, there would be a more frequent exercise of it and 
 with better results. Generally it is applied only to 
 gross offenders, and then only with the idea of ridding 
 the church of them and not with an effort to reclaim 
 them. 
 
 There is a hopeful side to this work of sessions that I 
 wish I might impress. It is the j^ossibility of reclaim- 
 ing a large number of offenders by the tender applica- 
 tion of the divine law. We too often set about to get 
 rid of a gross offender, and allow minor offenses to pass, 
 when pra3'erful counsel w^ould reclaim the one and re- 
 strain the other. 
 
 I have in mind three cases in my own experience. 
 The sin was the same. Two of them were tenderly 
 warned of the magnitude of their sin, and urged to re- 
 pent and confess. Both did so after a little time, and 
 the session being fully satisfied of their sincerity, re- 
 stored them to the communion of the church, making 
 
 42 
 
Ruling Kldcr6' Hand-buoL. -V-'t 
 
 public {innoiincement of the action. The other person 
 was ni)t warned or counseled. He was simply let alone. 
 Tlie flagrant sin became a reproach upon the church. 
 Other sins followed, till the i)erson was utterly demor- 
 alized, who might havel^een reclaimed if taken in time. 
 
 Ordinarily, there should be no haste in bringing for- 
 mal charges against offenders. That should be the last 
 resort. It is generally better to patiently wait for a 
 season. Conscience may be quickened and a voluntary 
 confession made, which is far better. But w^hatcver 
 time may elapse before decided action, the offender 
 should know that the session takes notice of the of- 
 fense, and expects amendment to be made. 
 
 No set of rules can be laid down for process against 
 offenders. Each case has its own peculiar surround- 
 ings, and these must be considered. Prudence, gentle- 
 ness, caution, and with it all the thought that the good 
 of the offender is the principal object, will solve many 
 a difficulty. The elder is morally and officially bound 
 to hold confidence in every meml:)er of the church. He 
 must apply the principle that " a man is to be treated 
 as innocent "until he is proven guilty. ' ' Discredit every 
 rumor that you can. Defend the honor of every mem- 
 ber of the church. Believe the worst only when you 
 must. Always bear in mind that the mission of the 
 church of Christ is to seek and to save that wdiich was 
 lost, and to heal that wliich is lame. If the keys of the 
 kingdom have been committed to you, do not misuse 
 your responsibilit}^ by closing the door too soon or by 
 casting out any who might be reclaimed. In some 
 measure apply to yourself the divine promise to the 
 
44 Ruling Elders'' Hand-book. 
 
 weak and erring, ' ' I will strengthen thee, I will help 
 thee, I will cause thee to stand." Bear in mind that 
 the mission of the church is to take these weak onea and 
 nourish them into strength. There may be a limit to 
 patience, but let us err rather on the side of gospel gen- 
 tleness than of legal severity. Every member received 
 into a Presbyterian church is expected to retain his 
 connection with the church of Christ to the end of life. 
 Let us throw such influences around the weak and err- 
 ing as to hold them for the Master, restraining them 
 from sin and aiding them to grow up into the fall stature 
 of manhood in Christ. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 THE COMMUNION TABLE. 
 
 There is no more solemn assem])lage of God's people 
 than where they commemorate the sullering and death 
 of the Saviour. Precious are the blessings which fall upon 
 every church wliile they thus commune with the Lord. 
 Nothing should be admitted to that solemn hour that 
 will mar the service or divert the attention. ' Solemn 
 thought and prayerful contemplation of Jesus Christ as 
 he is ^ ' evidently set forth crucified, ' ' should occupy the 
 time. Extreme care should be taken that the condi- 
 tions be favorable for this. 
 
 Because of some sad experiences I make the follow- 
 ing suggestions. To most of my readers they may 
 seem unnecessary, but I know that they are much 
 needed in some churches. 
 
 Let the elders agree upon one person, either an elder 
 or a prudent woman of the church, who shall prepare 
 the table. See to it that the table is prej^ared before 
 the room is occupied. I have seen a service, otherwise 
 solemn, marred by the opening of packages, arranging 
 linen, drawing stoppers from bottles, etc., in the pres- 
 ence of the congregation. Do not, I beg of you, let 
 this occur. Even if the person whose duty it is to pre- 
 pare the table may live a long distance from the 
 church, he should be sure to reach it in time to per- 
 form his duty so as to avoid these distractions. See 
 that everything is exactly right, and then let the table 
 be properly covered until the elements are needed. 
 
 45 
 
4(5 Ruling Elders' Hand-book. 
 
 Let the elder whose duty it is, remove the cover from 
 the table just before the prayer of consecration. Do 
 nothing while hymns are being sung. Let the elders 
 who have been previously appointed stand to receive 
 rhe elements from the hand of the minister, and at his 
 "signal begin to distribute to the j^eople. The bread 
 should be broken, or cut into small pieces, so that it 
 need not be broken again by the communicant. The 
 cups should be kept properly replenished, so that no 
 one would be obliged to di'ink the ' ' dregs. ' ' Carry 
 the vessels in a dignified manner. Do not swing the 
 urn at your side as you would a pail of water. Avoid 
 undue haste. Be sure that all are served. Serve the 
 officiating minister and others seated with him first. 
 Let the elders be served by the minister after the con- 
 gregation. Have nothing on the table that is not 
 needed, not even a boquet. As soon as all are served cover 
 the table and let it remain thus until the communicants 
 have left the church. 
 
 Do not eat of the bread or sup at the wine after 
 the service. Be orderly, dignified, prompt. You are 
 in a position to add much to the solemnity of the 
 service or to mar it l)y clumsiness. Give attention to 
 these little things and you will aid very much in the 
 observance of the Lord's Supper. 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 REPRESENTATIVE CHARACTER OF THE SESSION. 
 
 The session is to represent the best elements and 
 influences of the congregation. They are to study to 
 make themselves proper leaders. There must be a 
 close bond of union between the congregation and its 
 representatives. 
 
 It frequently occurs that the existing session must 
 take steps for the increase of their number. It is 
 proper that they, having carefully considered the inter- 
 ests of the whole congregation, should make plans for 
 election of elders and lay them before the congrega- 
 tion. The session may suggest the number of new 
 elders needed, and may nominate persons whom they 
 consider suitable. 
 
 It should always be borne in mind that the elder is 
 a representative of the spiritual interests of the congre- 
 gation. His own spiritual character is his first qualifi- 
 cation for office. Without that, no one should be 
 considered available. And of this the session is the 
 best judge. A "faction" has no right to exist in a 
 Presb}i:erian church, and as such, has no right to rep- 
 resentation in the session. Yet, we cannot close our 
 eyes to the fact that parties are formed, and their 
 leaders recognized in many churches. It would be 
 proper, where such parties exist and where men wlio 
 are conscientious, and who are loyal to the whole 
 church may be found, to call them to the office of 
 elder. It will often allay ill feelings, and unite those 
 
 47 
 
48 Ruling Elders' Hand-book. 
 
 who would otherwise become estranged. But this 
 ghould not be done in the spirit of rivalry, or to per- 
 petuate factional strife. 
 
 Frequently congregations are made up of various 
 classes in social and business life. ' ' The rich and the 
 poor meet together. ' ' Professional and business men 
 sit at the Lord's table with mechanics and artisans. 
 The fashionable belle passes the communion cup to the 
 servant girl. The employer may sit next to the 
 employe. ' ' The Lord is the maker of them all. ' ' 
 These various classes will feel a deeper interest in the 
 church, and more comfortable in the worship, if from 
 their own number there be a representative in the 
 session. They may not demand it, but nevertheless 
 will feel the lack of it. There are often godly, faithful 
 men, lacking refinement and education, but supplying 
 that lack by their good sense and piety, who may sit 
 with professional and educated- men, and in reality, 
 will be their peers in directing the affairs of the church. 
 Shrewdness, or wealth, or education are not to be 
 regarded as essential qualifications for the office of 
 ruling elder. 
 
 The various agencies and societies of the congrega- 
 tion should, in some manner, be represented in the 
 session. The Sabbath school, the Missionary Society, 
 the Young People's Society, should each have a sym- 
 pathetic representative in the session. 
 
 In many churches the question of geographical loca- 
 tion should be considered. Part of a congregation in a 
 village, and part in the surrounding community should 
 each be represented. So also, where two villages 
 
Ruling Kldcr.>' 1 land-book. 4'J 
 
 or two farming districts are represented. Even in 
 towns iuid cities the "up town" and "down town" 
 districts should have representation. 
 
 There is no rule governing the number of elders ne- 
 cessary to constitute a session. But no church where 
 they can be obtained should have less than three or 
 four. Where there are only two elders both must 
 always be present to "constitute a quorum." And if 
 one of these be feeble, or if the homes of the two be 
 widely separated, it greatly interferes with the work of 
 the congregation and sometimes almost compels pro- 
 ceedings which are not strictly legal. 
 
 It is probably according to custom to have four elders 
 for a church of one hundred members or less, six for 
 two hundred and an elder for each additional fifty mem- 
 bers. 
 
 In some congregations there is an impression that 
 "elder" means "old man," and that no one should 
 be chosen to this office who has not passed the meridian 
 of life. This is a serious mistake. There are effi- 
 cient young men who should be taken while they are 
 young. Under the leadership of men of maturer years 
 they will be prepared for greater usefulness. Their zeal 
 and courage will inspire the members of the church and 
 be a stimulus to the older men with whom they associ- 
 ate. A session composed entirely of inexperienced 
 young men is, of course, not desirable, nor is a session 
 composed entirely of old men very much more desira- 
 ble. Why should a young man at twenty-five or thirty 
 be'considered worthy to sit as moderator of the session 
 and as leader in all the spiritual work of the church, 
 
50 Ruling Elders' Hand-hook. 
 
 and not other young men to be seated with him ashelp- 
 -ers in the work ? 
 
 Let me speak a word confidentially in the ears ot tne 
 elders concerning their own term of service. There 
 may come a time when you should ''cease to act." 
 There may be changes in the congregation, or in 
 yourself, that will make you an improper represent- 
 ative of the people. Of this you may be the best judge. 
 In your closet, alone with God, where . you seek bless- 
 ings upon the church, you may receive light that will 
 lead you to such a course. Do not allow any personal 
 motive or ambition, or a stubborn determination to 
 ' ' rule or ruin, ' ' to get possession of your mind. Your 
 own personal inclinations and interests should always 
 be lost in the higher good of the church of Christ. Con- 
 sider first the honor of Christ and your course will bring 
 honor to yourself. Let the good of the church be your 
 highest interest and you will readily determine when 
 you cease to be a representative of the spiritual interests 
 of the church, or when your service has ceased to be 
 profitable to those who once chose you to be their spir- 
 itual leader. The so-called ' ' rotary system ' ' ought not 
 to be made an expedient for ' ' getting rid of " an unac- 
 ceptable elder. Yet there can be little doubt that the 
 principal reason for its existence is that many elders 
 would not or could, not see when the time of their efii- 
 ciency and acceptance with the people had ended. See 
 to it that no such expedient is necessary to remove you 
 from an ofiice to which you have been called for the 
 glory of God. '^ , ^ ■ 
 
CHAPTKR XIV 
 
 IN THE HIGHER COURTS. 
 
 Our Presl)yterian system embodies the grand idea of 
 the unity of the chiireh. The individual cluirches are 
 hound together locally in the Presbytery. The Presby- 
 teries are bound together in the Synod and in the 
 (leneral Assembly. The elder stands as the peer of the 
 minister in all these higher courts. This is a wide field 
 for usefulness in his office. But only occasionally is 
 the elder in these higher courts, and for that reason 
 his active interest is not continuous. Yet through the 
 agency of our excellent and aggressive church papers, 
 winch ought to be in every eldei''s home, he may be 
 thoroughly informed, and when called upon to attend 
 and vote he may do it intelligently. 
 
 The elders being shrewd business men are often 
 capable of making suggestions, and proposing plans in 
 the business of the church which would not be thought 
 of by ministers. Often an elder lawyer will set a whole 
 presbytery or synod right on a point of law\ Often a 
 practical business man will detect the flaw in a plausible 
 scheme which would otherwise prove itself impracticable. 
 Too many impossible methods are projected by men 
 unskilled in practical business affairs. The church 
 cannot carry on its great benevolent and educational 
 work without these prudent elders. 
 
 They are also needed as the conservators of doctrine. 
 I do not say that they are less aggressive than the 
 ministry, but by reason of their habits and condition 
 
 51 ^ 
 
52 Riding Elders' Hand-hook. 
 
 they are more conservative. They are not likely to be 
 ' ' tossed about with every wind of doctrine. ' ' They 
 will stick to one thing till they are sure of a better. 
 Besides this they stand nearer to the great mass of the 
 people than the ministr}^ They stand nearer to the 
 whole church in doctrine and in practice than the 
 ministry. The ministry have become in a large measure 
 a class, and by reason of their training and professional 
 affinities they flock together. Whatever may be said 
 against the elders it must be said in their favor that 
 they are orthodox. While they are admitted as the 
 equals of the ministry in the higher courts, the church 
 will stand where they do. Their stubborn orthodoxy 
 will prevail. 
 
 Every church should be represented in the meetings 
 of the presbytery. Elders should take a lively interest in 
 the proceedings when present, and when absent should' 
 seek to learn what was done. They should feel that 
 they owe a ser^'ice to the church at large and that with 
 what wisdom they possess they should further the work 
 of the church. Do not feel that you go to presbytery 
 merely to transact the business pertaining to your own 
 church. You are there responsible for the care of others 
 and to transact business pertaining to the grand old 
 church upon which the sun never sets. , Magnify your 
 office. 
 
PART IL 
 
 Law and Usage. 
 
 INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 This is not a "digest" of Presbyterian law. The 
 writer is by no means qualified to prejmre such a work, 
 nor would the limits of this little volume permit its in- 
 troduction here. However, there are some things 
 needed by every session, in order that its work may go 
 smoothly. These are not the disputed or obscure 
 points of law, but the ordinary laws and customs of ses- 
 sions. It is desirable that all sessions proceed by meth- 
 ods which are similar in the transaction of business, 
 and by so doing they may save much trouble to them- 
 selves. 
 
 We have endeavored to collect in the following pages 
 a brief summary of these laws, sometimes giving their 
 exact language and at other times in condensed form. 
 We trust that this may be found helpful to elders in 
 the ordinary discharge of their duties. In more doubt- 
 ful and difficult questions Moore's Digest of Presbyte- 
 rian Law, or Hodge's "What is Presbyterian Law," 
 should be consulted. But in all questions of law and 
 usage our Form of Government and Book of Disci- 
 pline, and Director}^ for Worship should be carefully 
 studied. AVe call special attention to Chapters V, 
 IX, XIII, XIX, XXI, of the Form of Government ; 
 Chapters I, V, VII, IX, XI, XII, of Book of Disci- 
 pline, and Chapters IX and X of the Directory for 
 Worship. A careful study of these will aid any elder 
 in the discharge of the duties of his office. 
 
 53 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 MEETINGS OP THE SESSION. 
 
 Meetings of the session are either regular or infor- 
 mal, but the acts of the latter are only legalized by ap- 
 proval of a regular meeting, and must be recorded with 
 its minutes. 
 
 The Assembly recommends that all church sessions 
 hold monthly meetings. The session may be convened 
 at any time by the call of the moderator, or he must 
 convene it at the request of two members of session, or 
 upon- the order of the presbytery. 
 
 The usual place of meeting is the church, but any 
 convenient place may be selected for any meeting with- 
 out affecting the legality of the proceedings. The 
 pastor is " ex-officio " moderator of the session. The 
 presl)ytery is " pastor " of a vacant church, and a mem- 
 ber of the presbytery is appointed moderator of the 
 session. He stands in the same legal relation to the 
 session and the congregation as a pastor. Every meet- 
 ing of the session should be held under his direction. 
 Only when it is impracticable by reason of sickness, or 
 distance or other cause, should another be invited to 
 preside, and then "only a minister of the same pres- 
 bytery" may do so. However, it is proper for one of 
 the elders to preside in the absence of a minister. " It 
 is not lawful to invite a minister of another presbytery 
 to preside at meetings of the session." 
 
 The moderator of the session, whether he be the 
 pastor of the church or be appointed l)y the presby- 
 
 54 
 
lUdiiuj KUlcrs JI((itd-0(MjL. -jo 
 
 tery, is a member of the session, with all the authority 
 tliat belongs to the office. 
 
 "Two elders, if there be as many in the congregation, 
 with the pastor, shall be necessary to constitute a 
 quorum." But the pastor and one elder is a quorum 
 where there is but one elder, or when all other elders 
 are non-resident and their residence unknown. 
 
 Each meeting of the session should be opened and 
 closed with prayer, and record made of the fact. 
 
 The names of those present and those absent should 
 be recorded. 
 
 The following ' 'order of business' ' is suggested for 
 the use of sessions : 
 
 1. Session opened with prayer. 
 
 2. ^lake roll and note absentees. 
 
 3. Reception of members by profession and by 
 certificate. 
 
 4. Reports of committees previously appointed. 
 
 5. Dismissions by letter to other churches. 
 
 6. Conference as to negligent or offending members 
 of the church. 
 
 7. Conference as to spiritual needs of the church. 
 
 8. Business connected with the Sabbath school. 
 
 9. The Boards of the church. 
 
 10. The music of the church. 
 
 11. The various societies of the church. 
 
 12. Arrangement for the Sacrament of the Lord's 
 Supper. 
 
 13. Election of representative to presbytery. 
 
 14. Prepare statistical report to presbytery '^ before 
 April meeting of presbytery. ' ' 
 
Riding Elders' Hand-hook. 56 
 
 15. Prepare narrative of the state of religion, ' ' before 
 April meeting of presbytery. ' ' 
 
 16. Revise church roll. (See Book of Discipline, 
 Chap. VII, 49, 50, 52.) 
 
 17. Read and correct minutes. 
 
 18. Close meeting with prayer. 
 
 In the transaction of business, sessions should note 
 the following, which embodies recent deliverances of 
 the Assembly on various subjects : 
 
 ^^It is not regular to grant a letter of dismission to a 
 member of the church otherwise than by a vote of the 
 session regularly called. " But ' ' there is nothing in the 
 Form of Government to invalidate the custom of au- 
 thorizing by a vote of session its moderator or stated 
 clerk to issud letters in the interim of meetings of the 
 session to members who are in good* standing and to 
 report such dismissions to the session at its next meet- 
 ing." - 
 
 All reports filled out by the session to be sent to the 
 higher courts of the church are to be signed ' ^ by order 
 of the session." 
 
 ^'The General Assembly (1893) takes notice that the 
 exclusive authority of the session over the worship of 
 the church, including not only the time and place of 
 preaching the word, but also the music and the use of 
 church buildings, is not sufficiently appreciated by the 
 church at large, and that there are frequent complaints 
 that trustees of congregations assume powers and au- 
 thority, especially over music and the use of church 
 buildings, which are not warranted by, b t in conflict 
 with the constitution of the church. ' ' 
 
Kn/iiii/ i'Jdrrs lldnd-hook. 57 
 
 The Assembly enjoins upon the churches loyal ad- 
 herence to our Form of Government, providing that 
 " the authority of the session over all matters of wor- 
 ship is paramount, and at the same time recommends 
 that all such questions be treated with Christian tact 
 and courtesy, in the spirit of love and f orljcarance. " 
 
 ' ' This Assembly (1884) leaves to each session the deli- 
 cate and important matter of arranging and conduct- 
 ing the music, as to them shall seem most to edifica- 
 tion, recommending great caution, prudence and for- 
 Dearance in regard to it." 
 
 "Pastors and sessions are urged (1883) to jDut forth 
 practical and persistent efforts to enlist their entire con- 
 gregations in systematic Bible study and teaching m 
 connection with the Sabbath school. ' ' 
 
 "The General Assembly (1883) emphasizes the duty 
 of church sessions to exercise supervision over their 
 Sabbath schools, especially in the choice of officers and 
 teachers." 
 
 " In the judgment of the General Assembly (1883) 
 greater prominence should be given in Sabbath school 
 contributions to the causes represented by our Boards, 
 that the scholars may be educated to give intelligently 
 to each always. ' ' 
 
 The Assembly (1881) directs church sessions to 
 exercise greater care in preserving accurate rolls of 
 their baptized children who are not communicants. 
 
 "The essential elements in the Lord's Supper are 
 bread and wine. The General Assembly (1881) has 
 always recognized the right of sessions to determine 
 what is bread and what is wine. ' ' 
 
58 lialutg Elders lland-bouk, 
 
 ^^It is the sense of this Assembly (1895) that unfer- 
 mented fruit of the vine fulfills every condition in the 
 celebration of the sacrament. ' ' 
 
 The Assembly (1885) says : ''Inasmuch as the 
 members of sessions are the judges of the qualifica- 
 tions of those to be admitted to the scaling ordinances, 
 and the reception of such is their act, the examina- 
 tion of candidates ought manifestly to be in their 
 presence, unless in special cases of sickness or other 
 hindrance, when this duty may be performed by a com- 
 mittee, under direction of the session. ' ' 
 
 Minutes (1875): ''The vahdity of Roman Catholic 
 baptism is left to the judgment of sessions." "The 
 General Assembly (1891) reaffirms the dehverances of 
 past Assemblies on th-e subject of worldly amuse- 
 ments, ' ' and declares ' ' church sessions fully competent 
 to decide when and how far discipline should be exer- 
 cised. " But (1895) "Xo new terms of communion 
 are to be created by sessions." 
 
 A certificate of dismission is valid ordinarily for 
 only one year after its date. A certificate must be 
 addressed to a particular church. 
 
 A certificate of dismission granted to one who has 
 been absent from the community for a length of time 
 should only certify to the Christian conduct of the per- 
 son up to the date of his leaving the community, 
 unless the session has personal knowledge of his 
 conduct. 
 
 "We suggest that this Assembly (1891) most 
 emphatically request the sessions of our various 
 churches to provide for systematic Biblical instruction 
 
Raiuuj Elders Ilaad-book. .">'.) 
 
 in the Sabbath schools under their care in the principles 
 of temperance as interpreted by our church, and that 
 such instruction be given each quarterly Sabbath." 
 
 The session of a vacant church is responsible for the 
 supply of the pulpit, but may call the congregation 
 together at any time to decide upon questions pertain- 
 ing thereto. After the opinion of the congregation has 
 been thus secured, it should be the basis of action by 
 the session, and especially if any particular course has 
 been ordered by vote of the congregation, such order 
 should be carefully carried out by the session. 
 
 As trustees or deacons are generally responsible for 
 raising funds to pay supplies for the pulpit, and as 
 they are frequently embarrassed in their work, it is 
 very important that they be consulted, so that supplies 
 procured by the session may be promptly paid by the 
 trustees. 
 
 It is a rule worthy of note, that supplies appointed 
 by presbytery are to have precedence to others, and 
 that in many presbyteries their remuneration is fixed by 
 rule of the presbytery. Submission to presbyterial over- 
 sight is the first duty of the session in all such cases. 
 
 It ought not to be necessary to warn sessions of 
 vacant churches against the employment as supplies of 
 men who appear in the community without recom- 
 mendations, with no ecclesiastical connection, submit- 
 ting to no presbyterial authority, and going about from 
 place to place, often creating dissension in churches, 
 and their work at best productive of little good. 
 
 Any minister of the Gospel who deserves credentials 
 can easily procure them, and no one who does not have 
 
6U Ruling Elders' Hand-book. 
 
 some evidence of his being a regular and acceptable 
 minister should be admitted to the pulpit by any 
 session. 
 
 The session of vacant churches should make earnest 
 efforts to procure contributions to all the Boards of the 
 church. It often seems as if the pastor were the only 
 one responsible for this work, and when he is gone 
 nothing is done. Let the session be in earnest in this 
 matter, and see that no work of the church is stopped 
 that can be carried on without the pastor. 
 
 The session of a vacant church should be very careful 
 to have a representative at each meeting of presbytery. 
 Its interests are considered by the presbytery, and it is 
 difficult to do the best for a church when its needs can 
 only be surmised. 
 
 Many a church loses the sympathy of presbytery, 
 and loses its own interest in the work of the church at 
 large by failure to send an elder to presbytery. Go to 
 presbytery prepared to tell what you need, and what 
 your plans may be, and the most careful attention will 
 be paid to your interests, and your church will be 
 strengthened by this attention. 
 
 The constant effort of the session of every vacant 
 church should be to procure a pastor, and no effort 
 should be spared to accomplish this end. In order to 
 accomplish this, there should be frequent communica- 
 tion with other churches of the same pastoral charge, 
 and co-operation with them in procuring supplies with 
 a pastoral settlement in view. 
 
 The session should also confer with the presbyterial 
 committee on supplies, or of vacant churches and 
 
Rulliuj KhUr.s llaii(l-l)()()k. Gl 
 
 unemployed ministers, as the case may be, with a view 
 to securing ministers to supply the 2:)ul2:)it who may be' 
 acceptal)le or avaihible as pastors. 
 
 The Assembly of 1895 decided that a church with a 
 stated supply is a ''vacant church." Such sup])ly, in 
 order to be the legal moderator of session should be 
 appointed by the presbytery. 
 
 The stated supply system is an irregularity, and not 
 a part of our system. Sessions should insist on the 
 consummation of the pastoral relation as being the only 
 legal, and the more permanent method, the method by 
 which the relation of congregation and minister is 
 placed under the control of the presbytery that has 
 oversight of both. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 MEETINGS OF THE CONGREGATION. 
 
 Meetings of the congregation are of two kinds: those 
 which are called by and are under the control of the 
 session, and those which have to do with the financial 
 aSairs of the church, which may be called by the 
 trustees or deacons and may be under their direction. 
 The duties of the latter are determined by the charter or 
 the usage of the church. Their objects are, the elec- 
 tion of trustees, the annual business meeting, where 
 reports of finances are heard, and plans for the future 
 are laid, and matters pertaining solely to church 
 property, such as repairs, imi:)rovements and new build- 
 ings. Even these are subject to the direction of the 
 session and are frequently called by order of the session. 
 It is perhaj^s a safe rule to follow, that all meetings of 
 the congregation not definitely provided for by the 
 charter of a particular congregation are under the 
 direction of and are called by the session. 
 
 At the business or financial meetings of the congi'ega- 
 tion it is i^roj^er that the president of ,the board of 
 trustees should preside, or that a presiding officer be 
 elected by the congregation, but at all other meetings it 
 is the duty of the moderator of the session to preside 
 and the clerk of the session to act as clerk of the meeting. 
 
 "The pastor of a church is, by reason of his office, 
 the moderator of a meeting of the communicants of his 
 church called to elect ruling elders and deacons, and 
 
 62 
 
Ruling Elders^ I land-hook. 63 
 
 this also applies to regularly appointed moderators of 
 Ressioiia who are not pastors." (1886). 
 
 A meeting of the congregation to elect a pastor or 
 elders or deacons, or to act upon a request for dissolution 
 of a' pastoral relation must be called by the session, 
 and the ofiicers of the session are its officers. 
 
 In acting upon a request for the dissolution of a 
 pastoral relation it is not customary for the minister to 
 preside. In such cases the session may invite a 
 neighboring minister to do so, or the congregation, 
 being assembled, may elect one of their own number to 
 preside. 
 
 In a meeting of the congregation to elect ruling elders, 
 the session must call the meeting and conduct the elec- 
 tion. They may also determine the number to be 
 elected, and nominate those whom they think suitable 
 for the office; they may appoint of their own number or 
 of' others the tellers in the election, but doubtful ballots 
 should be referred to the session. 
 
 A full record of such meeting should bo made by the 
 clerk of the session and reported by him to the next 
 meeting of the session, and the facts therein contained 
 should be incorporated with the minutes of that meet- 
 ing of the session. 
 
 In a meeting for the election of elders or deacons the 
 following order may be used : 
 
 1. Call to order and open by prayer. 
 
 2. Recite to the congregation previous action of the 
 session and object of the meeting. 
 
 3. Determine the number to be elected. 
 
 4. Nominations. 
 
64 Ruling Ehhrs* Hand-hook. 
 
 5. Determine how the vote shall be taken. 
 
 6. DeteiTQine who are entitled to vote. 
 
 7. Appoint tellers. 
 
 8. Receive and count the ballots. 
 
 9. Announce result of the election. 
 
 10. Read minutes of the meeting. 
 
 11. Adjourn with prayer. 
 
 It is customary and very desirable that in congrega- 
 tional meetings for the purpose of caUing a pastor to 
 ^'invite some neighljoring minister to preside," but for 
 the convenience of those who must conduct such meet- 
 ings without a minister, the following suggestions are 
 made here : 
 
 The session must take foniial action, calling the con- 
 gregation to meet for the purjjose of calling a j)astor. 
 
 Announcement for this action must be made ' ' on a 
 Lord's day," the time- and place of the meeting being 
 distinctly designated. 
 
 The following order should be followed in the meet- 
 ing of the congregation : 
 
 1. Open with prayer. 
 
 2. See that meeting has been properly called. 
 (Form of Government, Chap. XV, Sec. I.) 
 
 3. ^Vho have the right to vote for pastor. (Form 
 of Government, Chap. XV, Sec. IV. ) 
 
 4. Is the congregation ready to proceed to election 
 of a pastor ? Decide by vote. 
 
 5. Election and announcement of result. 
 
 6. Fix amount of salary, and manner of payments. 
 
 7. Decide who shall sign the call. 
 
Ruling Elders^ Jin mJ -hook. G5 
 
 8. Appoint commissioners to prosecute tlic call. 
 
 9. Endorsement of the call by presiding ofiicer, 
 certifying that meeting wa.s regularly called, whether 
 the call was unanimous or not, who were to sign the 
 call, etc. 
 
 Sessions should by all means avoid congregational 
 meetings on the Sabbath. 
 
 The session may authorize the election of the officers 
 of the Sal)bath school by the school itself, or by the 
 teachers and adult members of the school, but all such 
 action is subject to review and reversal by the session. 
 
 ' • The Supreme Court of the United States has settled 
 the question that in the use of church property for all 
 religious purposes or ecclesiastical uses, the trustees are 
 under the control of the session. The General Assem- 
 bly has also declared that in any case of conflict between 
 the session and trustees the first appeal is to be taken 
 to the people of the congregation, and, if necessary, 
 then to the civil tribunals. 
 
 In every congregation it is important that a definite 
 arrangement be made as to control of funds. It would 
 seem that the session has the control of the funds of 
 the Sabbath school and also of the Contributions for the 
 boards of the church. But an agreement between ses- 
 sion and trustees or deacons should be made, so that 
 their time of taking contributions does not conflict, and 
 so that the expense of the Sabbath school be provided 
 for either out of its own contributions or out of the 
 funds controlled by the session. The session is the 
 congregation in its organized capacity, and it may con- 
 tract debts in providing suppjlies for the Sablxith school 
 
66 Riding Elders^ Hand-book. 
 
 or books for the congregation, and the trustees are 
 bound to jDay them. But a definite agreement is 
 far better, so that it is understood who is to provide for 
 each item purchased and who has control of each con- 
 tribution taken. All '^ receipts and expenditures," 
 whether handled by trustees, deacons or elders, or by 
 the societies of the church, should be included in the 
 annual -congregational report to presbytery, and also 
 carefully rej^orted to the congregation itself. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 OTHER MEETINGS. 
 
 1. Of Church Societies. — There are in every congre- 
 gation, societies, duly organized, which prove great 
 helpers in the work of the church. There seems to be 
 no law of the church governing them, and it is a happy 
 condition that at tlie present time no law seems to be 
 needed. As a matter of fact, such societies are under 
 the super\dsion of the session, but we have never heard 
 of a session that exercised its right of ^'review and con- 
 trol. ' ' However, it is known that certain abuses are 
 likely to creep into churches through these societies, 
 and it is proper to make a few suggestions here that 
 may be helpful in the management of this branch of 
 Christian work. 
 
 All such societies should be considered as the church 
 in its working capacity, and it will not be an unreason- 
 able application of Rule 71, Book of Discipline, to re- 
 gard their proceedings as proper subject for review by 
 the session. 
 
 These societies should understand that in all their 
 undertakings the session should be consulted, and 
 especially so when entertainments, fairs and suppers of 
 a questionable character are proposed. The session 
 may leave the responsibility with these societies, but 
 it would seem better if in every case they were to take 
 the responsibility directly, either lending their endorse- 
 ment or withholding it, according to their judgment. 
 In so doing a safeguard would be thrown around the 
 
 67 
 
QS Riding Elders] Hand-book. 
 
 work of the church, and the session would receive re- 
 cognition as the spiritual adviser of all. 
 
 The Assembly of 1893 calls "fairs and suppers, and 
 similar unbiblical and secularizing expedients, make- 
 shifts for filling the treasury of the Lord. ' ' If this be 
 true, sessional oversight is important. 
 
 It would be well to require each society to make a 
 report once a year of its proceedings, and to make a 
 record of their work in the minutes of the session. 
 
 2. Of Trustees and Deacons. — The work of trustees 
 and deacons is so closely identified with that of the 
 session that each should be informed of the work of the 
 other. The session should report its plans to trustees 
 and deacons so far as connected with their work, and 
 on the other hand they should keep the session fully 
 informed as to their plans and work. 
 
 While the session has charge of supplying the jjulpit, 
 the control of the choir, and of the Sabbath school, the 
 trustees or deacons have control of the funds from 
 which expenses are to be met. Harmonious co-oper- 
 ation will make all go smoothly, and by frequent con- 
 sultation and definite plans the best results will be 
 obtained. 
 
 3. Of Secular Meetings. — Occasionally a church is 
 so situated in a community that there is a demand 
 for the edifice for meetings not strictly religious ; some- 
 times educational, sometimes even political. 
 
 Ordinarily trustees may decide, but it is better that 
 the session be consulted, as the spiritual interests of a 
 community are often involved in such meetings. It is 
 
Riding Eldei'6 Hand-book. 09 
 
 a common method in some places for propagating 
 heresy, and I liave known serious injury to cliurches 
 in this way. The session should be the judj^e, and 
 should exercise extreme care as to the use of church 
 property. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 EOTARY OR TERM ELDERSHIP. 
 
 The office of ruling elder is lifelong. But there is 
 a distinction made between the office and the exercise 
 of its functions. By act of the General Assembly of 
 1876 a section was added to the Fonn of Government, 
 which declares : "If any particular church, by a vote 
 of members in full communion, shall prefer to elect 
 ruhng elders for a limited time, in the exercise of 
 their functions this may be done, provided the full 
 term be not less than three years, and the session be 
 made to consist of three classes, one of which only 
 shall be elected every year." 
 
 This somewhat ambiguous declaration has required 
 explanation, the sum of which we give here : 
 
 A meeting of the congregation to effect the change 
 from the permanent to the term system must be called 
 by the session or by the jijresbytery. 
 
 Elders in office cease to act when others are elected, 
 but of course they are ehgible to re-election. They 
 may also be appointed to i^present the church in th(? 
 higher courts, and may, on in\itation of the session, 
 assist at the communion table. 
 
 In the rotary system there must be three classes, and 
 the full term must be three years. In introducing the 
 system the classes are to be formed by electing some 
 for one year, some for two years and some for three 
 years. Vacancies in any class may be filled at any 
 time by choosing j^ersous for the unexpired term. 
 
 70 
 
RuJiiKj FJiln-s' ll<tiul-h(><>k. 71 
 
 Wlu'ii the iuinil)t'r of eklcr.s is to l)e increased this is 
 done by adding persons to each class, those cliosen for 
 less than three years being elected for only part of the- 
 "full term." 
 
 An elder not re-elected at the end of his term is still 
 an elder, but not in official relation to the congregation. 
 He is not to be enrolled with the session or rejDorted to 
 the presbytery. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 SESSIONAL RECORDS. 
 
 [The following forms for Sessional Records are given, both 
 for the guidance of the Clerk in 'preparing his records, and 
 for the guidance of Sessions in transacting business.'] 
 
 I. Ordinary Business. 
 
 E , January 1, 18 — . 
 
 Pursuant to the callof the moderator, the session 
 met in the church, and Avas opened with prayer. 
 Present, the Rev. M. J. , moderator. 
 Mr. C. P. H., 
 '' G. P., 
 '' AV. S. L., 
 " I. K., elders. 
 Absent, Dr. L. J. and Mr. M. N. 
 The minutes of the last meeting were read and ap- 
 proved. 
 
 Mr. H. gave his reason for being absent from the last 
 meeting of the session ; which was sustained. 
 
 L. M. and C. his wife, and N. O-^ appeared before the 
 session as candidates for admission to the full commun- 
 ion of the church, and 0. R. and Mrs. S. (both unbap- 
 tized). 
 
 They were severally examined respecting their experi- 
 mental knowledge of the religion of Jesus Christ, and 
 the examination being deemed satisfactory, they were 
 admitted into full communion of the church, and it was 
 ordered that on next Sabbath the sacrament of baptism 
 be administered to 0. R. and Mrs. S. 
 
 72 
 
Raliny Eldci'fi^ Jliiiul-hook. 7o 
 
 A. W. R. presented a certificate of dismission from 
 
 the church. It was found in order, and he 
 
 was received into membership of this church. 
 
 J. C. E. was, at his own request, granted a certificate 
 of dismission to tlie church of . 
 
 W. S. L. reported that he had attended the meeting 
 
 of presbytery at , and presented the reports 
 
 of this cliurch to the presbytery. 
 
 The moderator, and A. P. and J. A. "W. were ap- 
 pointed a committee to rearrange our scheme for taking 
 collections to the boards of the church, and to devise 
 means of increasing the offerings of the congregation to 
 these objects. 
 
 The statistical report of the congregation was pre- 
 pared and ordered sent to presbytery. It is as follows : 
 
 S. H. was appointed to represent the congregation at 
 
 the next meeting of presbytery at , and A. 
 
 P. was ap2:)ointed his alternate. 
 
 There being no other business, session adjourned and 
 was closed with prayer. A. P., Clerk. 
 
 II. Minute Respecting the Election ' of Additional 
 Elders. 
 
 The subject of an increase in the number of elders in 
 this church was taken up, and after due consideration, 
 it was unanimously resolved : 
 
 1st. That it is the judgment of the session that the 
 welfare of this church, and the interests of religion in 
 our bounds, render it exj^edient that the number of 
 elders be increased without delay. 
 
 2d. That session hereby recommends the congrega-- 
 tion to elect additional elders. 
 
*4 RnHity K(dcr6 Hand-book. 
 
 3d. The moderator is hereljy directed to call a meet- 
 ing of the congregation, to be held in the church on the 
 day of , for the purpose of elect- 
 ing persons to the office of ruling elder. 
 
 4th. The session hereby instructs the stated clerk 
 of session to place in nomination at the meeting of the 
 congregation, the following persons as being in our 
 deliberate and cordial judgment specially fitted for the 
 office : A. P. F. , J. C. and N. J. It is understood, 
 however, that other nominations may be made by mem- 
 bers of the congregation when assembled to hold the 
 election. 
 
 5th. That there be no confusion in the election, the 
 session calls attention to the rule "that only commu- 
 nicant members of the church have a right to vote. ' ' 
 
 6th. The vote shall, be by ballot. 
 
 7th. The following persons shall act as tellers in 
 the election : A. P., W. S. L and G. B. P. 
 
 8th. Doubtful and disj^uted ballots shall be referred 
 to the session, and they shall decide as to their validity. 
 
 9th. A majority of the votes cast shall be necessary 
 to an election. 
 
 10th. Those elected by the congregation, if the way 
 
 be clear, shall be ordained and installed on the 
 
 Sabbath of . 
 
 III. New Elders Introduced. 
 
 At the first meeting of the session after newly elected 
 elders have been ordained and installed, the following 
 minute should be made : 
 
Riilinc/ Elders^ Hand-book. 7o 
 
 The brethren who were recently elected to the odice 
 of ruling elder V)y this congregation, having been 
 ordained by tlie laying on of hands, and duly installed 
 
 as elders in this church, on the day of 
 
 , were welcomed to their seats as members 
 
 of the session, and their names em-oiled, as follows : 
 
 N. J., havin'jj refused the 6ffice, ^vas not ordained. 
 
 IV. Minute Respecting the Temporary Supply of a 
 Vacant Pulpit. 
 
 The joulpit of this church having been made vacant 
 
 by the of our pastor, it has become the 
 
 duty of the session to provide for the regular mainte- 
 nance of the ordinances of public worship until God 
 shall send to us another pastor in whom the hearts of 
 'th.e congregation may unite. It is therefore 
 
 Resolved, That W. A. W. and C. P. H. take charge 
 of the mid-week prayer meeting, and that until minis- 
 terial supplies may be procured, W. S. S. and J. A. 
 W. conduct the Sabbath service as shall to them seem 
 to the edification of the people. 
 
 That the committee on supplies request the presby- 
 tery at its next meeting to appoint supplies for our 
 pulpit for the Sabbath of each month. 
 
 That if the trustees shall concur, the treasurer of the 
 congregation be directed to pay to the ministers who 
 
 may occupy the pulpit the sum of dollars for each 
 
 Sabbath service. 
 
76 Riding Elder^^ Hand-book. 
 
 V. Minute respecting the election of a pastor. [It is provided 
 in the Form of Government, Chap. XV, Sec. I, that when "the 
 people appear prepared to elect a pastor, the session shall take 
 measures to convene them for the purpose." In pursuance of 
 this direction, the following record should be made :] 
 
 The following minute was adopted : 
 
 The session, having reason to believe that the people 
 of this congregation are prepared with a good degree of 
 unanimity to elect a pastor, adopted the following reso- 
 lutions, namely : 
 
 Resolved^ That a meeting of the congregation, for the 
 
 election of a pastor, be held in the church on , 
 
 ; and that the notice of this meeting be given 
 
 from the pulpit on the next Sabbath, in accordance 
 with the Form of Government, Chap. XV, Sec. III. 
 
 Resolved^ That the stated clerk be directed to invite 
 the Rev. R. A. to attend the meeting of the congrega- 
 tion, and to preside in the proposed election of a pastor. 
 
 Note. — The minister appointed by presbytery as 
 moderator of the session should preside if possible, but* 
 if not, some other minister of the same presbytery. 
 
 Note. — When a meeting is to be held for the elec- 
 tion of a pastor, the clerk of session should see that a 
 call in blank, written or printed, is procured, so that 
 each blank may be properly filled and signature ap- 
 pended. A very convenient form of call is prepared 
 l)y our Board of Publication, and can be secured at any 
 of the depositories of the Board. 
 
 VI. Record of an installation. (When a pastor has 
 been installed in a church, due record should be made 
 of the fact in the minutes of the session. A proper 
 form of such a record would be as follo\vs): 
 
Jill/ ill!/ Khhis Jldiiil-book. 77 
 
 It is with niiie]i joy that tlie session makes reeonl of 
 
 tlie fact that on day of , 
 
 the presl)ytery of installed (or ordained 
 
 and installed) as pastor of this church, 
 
 under most encouraging circumstances. 
 
 In the service Rev. preached a sermon 
 
 from ; Rev. presided and 
 
 proi>ounded the usual questions; Rev. 
 
 charged the pastor, and Rev. ■ charged 
 
 the people. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 FORMS. 
 
 I. Rules for the government of a congregation. [The 
 following form for the government of a congregation is 
 suggested as a guide in preparing the business of the 
 church. It may also serve as ' 'Articles of Incorpora- 
 tion," where churches apj)ly for a charter. But where 
 such application is made, legal counsel should be taken 
 so that it may be conformed to the law of the State in 
 which the church is situated. The State laws vary so 
 that no specific form can be given.] 
 
 Rules for the government of — Presbyte- 
 rian church. 
 
 Preliminary declaration. We, the members of 
 
 Presbyterian church, having been duly organ- 
 
 ized by the presbytery of , for the pur- 
 pose of providing and maintaining the public worship 
 of God, in conformity with the ' ' Confession of Faith ' ' 
 and " Directory for Worship," and being subject to the 
 ^'Form of Government" and ''Discipline" of the 
 Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, 
 do adopt the following rules for the government of the 
 affairs of the congregation : 
 
 I. Name. The corporate name of this organization 
 shall be Presbyterian church of ( . ) 
 
 II. Officers. The officers of this congregation shall 
 be the session, a board of deacons and a board of 
 (nine) trustees. 
 
 78 
 
Ruling Elders Iland-honh. 7S 
 
 III. Elections. 1. Ruling elders and deacons shall 
 be elected according to the plan adopted by the congre- 
 gation, in conformity with the '' Form of Government." 
 
 2. Trustees shall be elected for a term of (three) 
 years, (three) of the number being elected (each) year. 
 
 3. All elections shall be by ballot, and a majority oi 
 the votes cast shall be necessary to an election. 
 
 4. All supporters may vote for trustees, but only 
 communicants may vote for ruling elders and deacons. 
 
 5. Any member of the church shall be eligible to 
 hold the office of trustee. 
 
 IV. Trustees. 1. The officers of the board of trust- 
 ees shall be president, secretary and treasurer. They 
 shall be elected annually by the board. 
 
 2. The president shall preside at meetings of the 
 board and at meetings of the congregation which per- 
 tain to its financial affairs. 
 
 3. The secretary shall keep a full record of the 
 proceedings of the board and of the financial meetings 
 of the congregation. He shall receive and keep 
 account of all contributions of the congregation, and 
 shall turn money over to the treasurer and receive a 
 receipt therefor. 
 
 4. The treasurer shall have the custody of all 
 money raised for the use of the congregation. He shall 
 pay out . money only upon the order of the trustees, 
 and shall report quarterly to the board as to the condi- 
 tion of the treasury. 
 
 5. Five members of the board shall constitute a 
 quorum. 
 
80 Ruling Elders^ Hand-book. 
 
 6. Vacancies may be filled l)y appointment of the 
 board until the next (annual) election. 
 
 V. Meetings. 1. The (annual) meeting for the 
 
 election of trustees shall be held on the day 
 
 of . At this meeting the trustees shall make 
 
 a full report of the finances of the congregation, to- 
 gether with any estimates for the coming year that they 
 may deem advisable. 
 
 2. Special meetings for the transaction of business 
 pertaining solely to the financial affairs of the church 
 may be called by the trustees. 
 
 3. All other meetings of the congregation shall be 
 under the direction of the session. 
 
 4. The benevolent funds of the church and all funds 
 belonging to the Sabbath school or any society of the 
 church, shall be under the control of the session. 
 
 VI. Amendments. These rules may be amended 
 at any regularly called meeting of the congregation by 
 the affirmative votes of at least (two-fifths) of the 
 communicant membership of the- church. 
 
 2. A MODEL FORM FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE 
 SABBATH SCHOOL. 
 
 I. Xame. The name of this Sabbath school shall 
 be Presbyterian Sabbath, school. 
 
 II. Officers. Tlie officers of the school shall be a 
 Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Superintend- 
 ent of Primary Department, Secretary, Treasurer, and 
 Librarian. 
 
Ruling Elders^ Hand-hook. 81 
 
 III. Elections. The officers shall be elected l)y the 
 (session) at its regular meeting in (June) and shall 
 serve (one year) beginning with the (first Sabbath of 
 July.) 
 
 IV. Duties of Officers. 1. The Superintendc^nt shall 
 have charge of the opening and closing exercises and 
 the general management of the school. 
 
 2. The Assistant Superintendent shall have charge 
 of tlie teachers, arrangement of classes, division of 
 classes, placing new scholars, and shall take charge of 
 the school in the absence of the Superintendent. 
 
 3. The Primary School Sui^erintendcnt shall have 
 charge of the Primary school, and shall be aided ])y an 
 Assistant and an Organist appointed by the session. 
 
 4. The Secretary shall receive the contributions of 
 the school and keep a full account of the same, turning 
 rnoney over to the Treasurer. He shall also keep a 
 record of attendance of scholars and teachers, and make 
 a written report each (quarter) to the session. 
 
 6. The Treasurer shall receive all money of the 
 school and shall pay it out only on the order of tlie 
 session. He shall report to the session at the end of 
 (each quarter.) 
 
 6. The Librarian shall have charge of the library 
 and of such periodicals and supplies as are distributed 
 in the school. 
 
 V. Sabbath School Committee. The session shall 
 appoint a committee of (three) who shall be known as 
 the ' 'Sablxith School Committee. ' ' 
 
82 Ruling Elders^ Hand-book. 
 
 The duties of this committee shall be to procure all 
 supplies for the school ; take the oversight of the li- 
 brary ; suggest persons as teachers ; recommend to the 
 session the use of funds, and to appoint organist, sing- 
 ers and all assistants in the school. 
 
 VI. Amendments. These rules may be amended at 
 any time by a majority vote of the session. 
 
PART III. 
 
 Helps in the Pastoral Duties of the 
 Ruling Elder. 
 
 INTRODUCTORY. 
 
 The following Scripture Lessons have been 
 selected for the use of elders in their visits 
 among the people. This book is made in size 
 and form so that it may be carried in the pocket 
 and used on such occasions. By a little study of 
 tlie Lessons, and a knowledge of the special 
 needs of the families visited, it may be made use- 
 ful. A number of references are given after each 
 subject, so that variety may be given to readings. 
 
 The Form of Service in burying the dead is 
 adapted from others in common use among min- 
 isters. It is introduced here in order that elders 
 may have at hand and in convenient form a 
 tangible help in comforting the bereaved and con- 
 ducting the funeral service. 
 
 The Prayer Meeting Topics are introduced to 
 aid elders in the selection of suitable topics for 
 meetings which they may be called upon to con- 
 duct. AVe have given a large number with suf- 
 ficient variety for all ordinary occasions. 
 
 83 
 
84 Ruling Elders'' Hand-book. 
 
 SCRIPTURE LESSONS FOR USE IN FAMILY 
 
 VISITATION. 
 
 I. Duties of Parents. 
 
 Deuteronomy 6 : 1-9. 
 
 Now these are the commandments, the statutes, 
 and the judgments, which the Lord your God 
 commanded to teach you, that ye might do tJievi 
 in the land w^iither ye go to possess it : 
 
 That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to 
 keep all his statutes and his commandments, 
 which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and 
 thy son's son, all the days of thy life ; and that 
 thy days may be prolonged. 
 
 Hear therefore, 0^ Israel, and observe to do it : 
 that it may be well with thee, and that ye may 
 increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers 
 hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with 
 milk and honey. 
 
 Hear, 0. Israel : The Lord our God is one Lord: 
 
 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all 
 thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all 
 thy might. 
 
 And these words, which I command thee this 
 day, shall be in thine heart : 
 
 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy 
 children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest 
 in thine house, and when thou walkest by the 
 way, and when thou liest dow^n, and when thou 
 risest up. 
 
 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon 
 thine hand, and they'shall be as frontlets between 
 thine eyes. 
 
 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of 
 thy house, and on thy gates. 
 
Ruling Elders^ lldnd-htutk. 85 
 
 Ephesians 6 : 1-lS. 
 
 Children, obey your parents in the Lord : for 
 this is right. 
 
 Honour thy father and mother ; which is the 
 .first coniinandiuent with promise ; 
 
 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest 
 live long on the earth. 
 
 And, ye fathers provoke not your children to 
 wrath : but bring them up in the nurture and 
 admonition of the Lord. 
 
 Servants, be obedient to them that are your 
 masters according to the flesh, with fear ami 
 trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto 
 Christ ; 
 
 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers ; but as 
 the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from 
 the heart ; 
 
 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, 
 and not to men : 
 
 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man 
 doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, 
 whether lie he bond or free. 
 
 And, ye masters, do the same things unto 
 them, forbearing threatening : knowing that your 
 Master also is in heaven ; neither is there respect 
 of persons with him. 
 
 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, 
 and in the power of his might. 
 
 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may 
 be aV)le to stand against the wiles of the devil. 
 
 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but 
 against principalities, against powers, against the 
 rulers of the darkness of this world, against 
 spiritual wickedness in high places. 
 
S^ Ruling Elders* Hand-book. 
 
 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of 
 God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil 
 day, and having done all, to stand. 
 
 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about 
 with truth, and having on the breastplate of 
 righteousness , 
 
 And your feet shod with the preparation of the 
 gospel of peace ; 
 
 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith 
 ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of 
 the wicked. 
 
 And take the helmet of salvation, and the 
 sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God : 
 
 Praying always with all prayer and supplica- 
 tion in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with 
 all perseverance and supplication for all saints ; 
 
 Also, I Samuel 3 : 1-18. Genesis 48 : 1-22. 
 
 II. Where there are Small Children. 
 
 Matthew 18 : 1-14. 
 
 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, 
 saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of 
 heaven? 
 
 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and 
 set him in the midst of them. 
 
 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be 
 converted and become as little children, ye shall 
 not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 
 
 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as 
 this little child, the same is greatest in the king- 
 dom of heaven. 
 
 And whoso shall receive one such little child in 
 my name receiveth me. 
 
Kali ay Kldcr.s lland-book. ^7 
 
 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones 
 which believe in me, it were better for him that a 
 millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he 
 were drowned in the depth of the sea. 
 
 Woe unto the world because of offences ! for it 
 must needs be that offences come ; but woe to that 
 man by whom the offence cometli ! 
 
 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, 
 cut them off, and cast tliein from thee : it is better 
 for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather 
 than having two hands or two feet to be cast into 
 everlasting fire. 
 
 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and 
 cast it from thee : it is better for thee to enter into 
 life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to 
 be cast into hell fire. 
 
 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little 
 ones ; for I say unto you, That in heaven their 
 angels do always behold the face of my Father 
 which is in heaven. 
 
 For the Son of man is come to save that which 
 was lost. 
 
 How think ye? if a man have an hundred slieep, 
 and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave 
 the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, 
 and seeketh that which is gone astray? 
 
 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto 
 you, he rejoiceth. more of that sheep, than of the 
 ninety and nine which went not astray. 
 
 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is 
 in heaven, that one of these little ones should 
 perish. 
 
 Also, Luke 2 : 40-52 ; I John : 1-14. 
 
S8 Rtdiiig Eldevii Hand-book. 
 
 Proverbs 4 : 1-15. 
 
 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, 
 and attend to know understanding, 
 
 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my 
 law. 
 
 For I was my father's son, tender and only he- 
 loved in the sight of my mother. 
 
 He taught me also, and said unto me. Let thine 
 heart retain my words : keep m}^ commandments, 
 and live. 
 
 Get wisdom, get understanding : forget it not ; 
 neither decline from the words of my mouth. 
 
 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee ; 
 love her, and she shall keep thee. 
 
 Wisdom 7S the principal thing ; therefore get 
 wisdom : and with all thy getting get under- 
 standing. 
 
 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee : she shall 
 bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 
 
 She shall give to thine head an ornament of 
 grace : a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. 
 
 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings ; and 
 the years of thy life shall be many. 
 
 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom ; I 
 have led thee in right paths. 
 
 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be strait- 
 ened ; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not 
 stumble. 
 
 Take fast hold of instruction ; let her not go : 
 keep her ; for she is thy life. 
 
 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go 
 not in the way of evil men. 
 
 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass 
 away. 
 
RidiiKj Kldcrn' Jlmid-hook. bd 
 
 III. For the Unconvehted. 
 Isaiah 55 : 1-13. 
 
 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the 
 waters and he that hath no money ; come ye, 
 buy, and eat ; yea, come buy wine and milk 
 without money and without price. 
 
 Wherefore do ye spend money for that luhich is 
 not bread? and your labour for that which satis- 
 fietb not ; hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye 
 tha> which is good, and let your soul delight itself 
 in fatness. 
 
 Incline your ear, and come unto me : hear, and 
 your soul shall live ; and I will make an ever- 
 lasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies 
 of David. 
 
 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the 
 people, a leader and commander to the people. 
 
 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou 
 knowest not, and nations tJiat knew not thee shall 
 run unto thee, because of the Lord thy God, and 
 for the Holy One of Israel ; for he hath glorified 
 thee. 
 
 Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call 
 ye upon him while he is near : 
 
 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the 
 unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him 
 return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy 
 upon him ; and to our God, for he will abund- 
 antly pardon. 
 
 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither 
 are your ways my ways, saitli the Lord. 
 
 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, 
 so are my ways higher than your ways, and my 
 thoughts than your thoughts. 
 
90 RuUag Elder.-^' Hand-book, 
 
 For as the rain cometli down, and the snow 
 from heaven, and returneth not thither, but 
 watereth' the earth, and maketh it bring forth 
 and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and 
 bread to the eater : 
 
 So shall my word be that goein forth out of my 
 mouth : it shall not return unto me void, but it 
 shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall 
 prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. 
 
 For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth 
 with peace : the mountains and the hills shall 
 break forth before you into singing, and all the 
 trees of the field shall clap their hands. 
 
 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, 
 and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle 
 tree : and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for 
 an everlasting sign that shall not be cut ofip. 
 John 3 : 1-21. 
 
 There was a man of the Pharisees, named 
 Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews : 
 
 The same came to Jesus by night, and said 
 unto him. Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher 
 come from God : for no man can do these 
 miracles that thou doest, except God be with 
 him. 
 
 Jesus answered and saia unto nim, Veriiy, 
 verily, I say unto thee. Except a man be born 
 again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 
 
 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be 
 born when he is old ? can he enter the second 
 time into his mother's womb, and be born ? 
 
 Jesus answered. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 
 Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, 
 he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 
 
Rtd'nuj rjilvr^' llaiiil-hook. \)\ 
 
 That which is born of the llesh is flesli ; and 
 that which is born of tlie Spirit is spirit. 
 
 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be 
 born again. 
 
 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou 
 hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell 
 whence it cometh, and whither it goetli : so is 
 every one that is born of the Spirit. 
 
 Nicodemus answered and said unto liim, How 
 can these things be? 
 
 Jesus answered and said unto him. Art thou a 
 master of Israel, and knowestnot these things ? 
 
 . Verily, verily, I say unto thee. We speak that 
 we do know, and testify that we have seen ; and 
 ye receive not our witness. 
 
 If I have told you earthly things, and ye 
 believe not, liow" shall ye believe, if I tell you of 
 heavenly things ? 
 
 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but 
 he that came down from heaven, even the Son of 
 man w^hich is in heaven. 
 
 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the 
 wilderness, even so must the Son of man be 
 lifted up. 
 
 That -whosoever believeth in Mm should not 
 perish, but have eternal life. 
 
 For God so loved the world, that he gave his 
 only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in 
 him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 
 
 For God sent not his Son into the world to con- 
 demn the w^orld ; but that the world through him 
 might be saved. 
 
 He that believeth on him is not condemned : 
 but he that believeth not is condemned already, 
 
92 Riding Elders' Hand-book. 
 
 because lie liatli not believed in the name of the 
 only begotten Son of God. 
 
 And this is the condemnation, that light is 
 come into the world, and men loved darkness 
 rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 
 
 For every one that doeth evil liateth the light, 
 neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should 
 be reproved. 
 
 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, 
 that his deeds may be made manifest, that they 
 are wrought in God. 
 
 Also, Luke 12 : 1-21, Mark 8 : 27-28. 
 
 IV. For Worldly Christians. 
 Luke 13 : 23-30. 
 
 Then said he. Unto what is the kingdom of 
 God like ? and whereunto shall I resemble it ? 
 
 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man 
 took, and cast into his garden ; and it grew, and 
 waxed a great tree ; and the fowls of the air 
 lodged in the branches of it. 
 
 And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the 
 kingdom of God ? 
 
 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid 
 in three measures of meal, till the whole was 
 leavened. 
 
 And he went through the cities and villages, 
 teaching, aud journeying toward Jerusalem. 
 
 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few 
 that be saved ? And he said unto them. 
 
 Strive to enter in at tlie strait gate : for many, 
 I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall 
 not be able. 
 
Muling Eldcr-'i' Ilaiul-hook. *d'6 
 
 When once the master of the house is risen up, 
 and liath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand 
 without, and. to knock at the door, saying. Lord, 
 Lord, open unto us ; and he sliall answer and say 
 unto you, I know you not wlience ye are : 
 
 Then shall ye begin to say. We have eaten and 
 drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in 
 our streets. 
 
 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not 
 whence ye are ; depart from me, all ye workers of 
 iniquity. 
 
 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, 
 when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Ja- 
 cob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, 
 and you yourselves thrust out. 
 
 And they shall come from the east, and from 
 the west, and from the north, and from the south, 
 and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. 
 
 And, behold, there are last which shall be first ; 
 and there are first which shall be last. 
 Romans 12 : 1-21. 
 
 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mer- 
 cies of God, that ye present your bodies a living 
 sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your 
 reasonable service. 
 
 And be not conformed to this world ; but be ye 
 transformed by the renewing of your mind, that 
 ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, 
 and perfect will of God. 
 
 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to 
 every man that is among you, not to think of 
 himself more highly than he ought to think ; but 
 to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to 
 every man the measure of faith. 
 
94 Ruling Elders^ Handbook. 
 
 For as we have many members in one body, 
 and all members have not the same office : 
 
 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and 
 every one members one of another. 
 
 Having then gifts differing according to the 
 grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us 
 prophesy according to the proportion of faith ; 
 
 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering : or 
 he that teacheth, on teaching ; 
 
 Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation ; he that 
 giveth, let him do it with simplicity ; he that rul- 
 eth, with diligence ; he that sheweth mercy, with 
 cheerfulness. 
 
 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that 
 which is evil ; cleave to that which is good. 
 
 Be kindly affectioned one to another with broth- 
 erly love ; in honour preferring one another ; 
 
 Not slothful in business ; fervent in spirit ; serv- 
 ing the Lord ; 
 
 Rejoicing in hope ; patient in tribulation ; cori- 
 tinuing instant iai prayer : 
 
 Distributing to the necessity of saints ; given to 
 hospitality. 
 
 Bless them which persecute you ; bless, and 
 curse not. 
 
 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep 
 with them that weep. 
 
 Be of the same mind one toward another. 
 Mind not high things, but condescend to men of 
 low estate. *Be not wise in your own conceits. 
 
 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide 
 things honest in the sight of all men. 
 
 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live 
 peaceably with all men. 
 
Ruling Elders' ILind-hook. 95 
 
 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but 
 rather give j)lace unto ^vrath ; for it is written, Ven- 
 geance is mine ; I will repay, saitli the Lord. 
 
 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him ; if 
 he thirst, give him diink ; for in so doing thou 
 shalt lieap coals of fire on his head. 
 
 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with 
 good. 
 
 Also, Luke 16 : 19-31. Psalm 73. 
 
 V. To Confirm Believers. 
 Romans 5 : 1-11. 
 
 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace 
 with God through our Lord Jesus Christ : 
 
 By whom also we have access by faith unto this 
 grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the 
 glory of God 
 
 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations 
 also : knowing that tribulation worketh patience ; 
 
 And patience, experience; and experience, hope : 
 
 And hope maketh not ashamed ; because the 
 love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the 
 Holy Ghost which is given unto us. 
 
 For when we w^ere yet without strength, in due 
 time Christ died for the ungodly. 
 
 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die : 
 yet peradventure for a good man some would even 
 dare to die. 
 
 But God commendeth his love toward us, in 
 that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 
 
 Much more then, being now justified by his 
 blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. 
 
 For if, w^hen w^e were enemies, we were recon- 
 
96 Ruling Elders'' Hand-hooh. 
 
 ciled to God by the death of his Son ; much more, 
 being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. 
 
 And not only so, but we also joy in God through 
 our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now re- 
 ceived the atonement. 
 
 Romans 8: 28-39. 
 
 And we know that all things work together for 
 good to them that love God, to them who are the 
 called according to his purpose. 
 
 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predes- 
 tinate to he conformed to the image of his Son, 
 that he might be the firstborn among many 
 brethren. 
 
 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he 
 also called ; and whom he called, them he also 
 justified ; and whom he justified, them he also 
 glorified. 
 
 What shall we then say to these things? If 
 God he for us, who can he against us ? 
 
 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered 
 him up for us all, how shall he not with him also 
 freely give us all things ? 
 
 Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's 
 elect ? It is God that justifieth. 
 
 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that 
 died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even 
 at the right hand of God, who also maketh inter- 
 cession for us. 
 
 Who shall separate us from- the love of Christ ? 
 shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or 
 famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword ? 
 
 As it is written. For thy sake we are killed all 
 the day long ; we are accounted as sheep for the 
 slaughter. 
 
Riding Elderfi Jfand-buolc. 97 
 
 Nay, in all these thiugs we are more than con- 
 querors through him that loved us. 
 
 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, 
 nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor 
 things present, nor things to come, 
 
 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, 
 shall be able to separate us from the love of God, 
 which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
 I John 2 : 1-17. 
 
 My little children, these things write I unto you, 
 that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have 
 an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the 
 righteous : 
 
 And he is the propitiation for our sins : and not 
 for ours only, but also for tJie sins of the whole 
 world. 
 
 And hereby we do know that we know him, if 
 we keep his commandments. 
 
 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his 
 commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in 
 him. 
 
 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is 
 the love of God perfected • hereby know we that 
 we are in him. 
 
 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself 
 also so to walk, even as he walked. 
 
 Brethren, I write no new commandment unto 
 you, but an old commandment which ye had from 
 the beginning. The old commandment is the 
 word which ye have heard from the beginning. 
 
 Agnin, a new commandment I write unto you, 
 which thing is true in him and in you ; because 
 the darkness is past, and the true light now 
 shineth. 
 
98 Ruling Elders^ Hand-book. 
 
 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his 
 brother, is in darkness even until now. 
 
 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, 
 and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 
 
 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, 
 and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that 
 darkness hath blinded his eyes. 
 
 I write unto you, little children, because your 
 sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. 
 
 J write unto you, fathers, because ye have known 
 him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, 
 young men, because ye have overcome the wicked 
 one. I write unto you, little children, because ye 
 have known the Father. 
 
 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye 
 have known him that is from the beginning. I 
 have written unto you, young men, because ye are 
 strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and 
 ye have overcome the wicked one. 
 
 Love not the world, neither the things that are 
 in the world. If any man can love the world, the 
 love of the Father is not in him. 
 
 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, 
 and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is 
 not of the Father, but is of the world. 
 
 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof ; 
 but he thatdoeth the will of God abideth forever. 
 
 Also, Galatians 5: 13-26; I John 2: 1-17; 
 Romans 8 : 1-17. 
 
 VT. For Inquirers. 
 John 10:1-16. 
 Verily, verily, I say unto you. He that entereth 
 not by the door into- the sheepfold, but climbeth 
 
Ruling Elderti' Hand-book. 09 
 
 up some other way, the same is a thief and a 
 robber. 
 
 But he that entereth in by the door is the shep- 
 herd of the sheep. 
 
 To him tlie porter openeth; and the sheep hear 
 his voice ; and he calleth his own sheep by name, 
 and leadeth them out. 
 
 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he 
 goeth before them, and the sheep follow him : for 
 they know his voice. 
 
 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee 
 from him : for they know not the voice of strangers. 
 
 This parable spake Jesus unto them ; but they 
 understood not what things they were which he 
 spake unto them. 
 
 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, 
 verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 
 
 All that ever came before me are thieves and 
 robbers : but the sheep did not hear them. 
 
 I am the door ; by me if any man enter in, he 
 shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find 
 pasture. 
 
 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to 
 kill, and to destroy : I am come that they might 
 have life, and that they might have it more 
 abundantly. 
 
 I am the good shepherd : the good shepherd 
 giveth his life for the sheep. 
 
 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, 
 whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf com- 
 ing, and, leave th the sheep, and fleeth ; and the 
 wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 
 
 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, 
 and careth not for the sheep. 
 
100 Ruling Elder >^' Hand-book 
 
 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, 
 and am known of mine. 
 
 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the 
 Father : and I lay down my life for the sheep. 
 
 And other sheep I have, which are not of this 
 fold : them also I must bring, and they shall hear 
 my voice ; and there shall be one fold, and one 
 shepherd. 
 
 Luke 15 : 11-24. 
 
 And he said, A certain man had two sons : 
 
 And the younger of them said to his father, 
 Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth 
 to me. And he divided unto them his living. 
 
 And not many days after the j^ounger son 
 gathered all together, and took his journey into 
 afar country, and there wasted his substance with 
 riotous living. 
 
 And when he had spent all, there arose a 
 mighty famine in that land ; and he began to be 
 in want. 
 
 And he went and joined liimself to a citizen of 
 that country ; and lie sent him into his fields to 
 feed swine. 
 
 And he would fain have filled his belly with the 
 husks that the swine did eat : and no man gave 
 unto him. 
 
 And when he came to himself, he said. How 
 many hired servants of my father's have bread 
 enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger I 
 
 I will arise and go to my father, and will say 
 unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, 
 and before thee, 
 
 And am no more worthy to be called thy son : 
 make me as one of thy hired servants. 
 
Ruling Elders^ Hand-book. 101 
 
 And he arose, and came to his father. But 
 when he was yet a great way off, his father saw 
 him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his 
 neck, and kissed him. 
 
 And the son said unto him, Father, I have 
 sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am 
 no more worthy to be called thy son. 
 
 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth 
 the best robe, and put it on him ; and put a ring 
 on his hand, and slioes on his feet : 
 
 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; 
 and let us eat, and be merry : 
 
 For this my son was dead, and is alive again ; 
 he was lost, and is found. 
 
 John G : 27-47. RomansUO : 1-13. Isaiah 58. 
 John 19 : 16-37. Isaiah 55. 
 
 VII. To Encourage Believers in Holy 
 
 Living. 
 
 Colossians 3 : 1-17. 
 
 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those 
 things which are above, where Christ sitteth on 
 the right hand of God. 
 
 Set your affection on things above, not on 
 things on the earth. 
 
 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Chi:ist 
 in God. 
 
 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then 
 shall ye also appear with him in glory. 
 
 Mortify therefore your members which are upon 
 the earth ; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate 
 affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, 
 which is idolatry. 
 
102 Ruling Elders' Hand-book 
 
 For which things' sake the wrath of God 
 cometh on the children of disobedience : 
 
 In the which ye also walked some time, when 
 ye lived in them. 
 
 But now ye also put ofiPall these ; anger, wrath, 
 malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of 
 your mouth. 
 
 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put 
 off the old man with his deeds ; 
 
 And have put on the new vian, which is re- 
 newed in knowledge after the image of him that 
 created him : 
 
 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circum- 
 cision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, 
 bond nor free ; but Christ is all, and in all. 
 
 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and 
 beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness 
 of mind, meekness, longsufFering ; 
 
 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one an- 
 other, if any man have a quarrel against any ; 
 even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. 
 
 And above all these things _pw^ on charity, which 
 is the bond of perfectness. 
 
 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to 
 the which also ye are called in one body ; and be 
 ye thankful. 
 
 • Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in 
 all wisdom ; teaching and admonishing one an- 
 other in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, 
 singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 
 
 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all 
 in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to 
 God and the Father by him. 
 
Raliuy Elderfi' Hand-book. lOli 
 
 I John 3 : 1-18. 
 
 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath 
 bestowed upon us, that we should be called the 
 sons of God : therefore the world knoweth us not, 
 because it knew him not. 
 
 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it 
 doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we 
 know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like 
 him ; for we shall see him as he is. 
 
 And every man that hath this hope in him 
 purifieth himself, even as he is pure. 
 
 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also 
 the law : for sin is the transgression of the law. 
 
 And ye know that he was manifested to take 
 away our sins ; and in him is no sin. 
 
 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not : who- 
 soever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known 
 him. 
 
 Little children, let no man deceive you : he 
 that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he 
 is righteous. 
 
 He that committeth sin is of the devil ; for the 
 devil sinneth from the beginning. For this pur- 
 pose the Son of God was manifested, that he 
 might destroy the works of the devil. 
 
 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit 
 sin ; for his seed remaineth in him : and he can- 
 not sin, because he is born of God. 
 
 In this the children of God are manifest, and 
 the children of the devil : whosoever doeth not 
 righteousness is ilot of God, neither he that loveth 
 not his brother. 
 
 For this is the message that ye heard from the 
 beginning, that we should love one another. 
 
104 Ruling Elders'' Hand-book. 
 
 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and 
 slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him ? 
 Because his own works were evil, and his brother's 
 righteous. 
 
 Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you. 
 
 We know that we have passed from death unto 
 life, because we love the brethren. He that 
 loveth not his brother abideth in death. 
 
 'Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer : 
 and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life 
 abiding in him. 
 
 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he 
 laid down his life for us : and w^e ought to lay 
 down our lives for the brethren. 
 
 But wdioso hath this world's good, and seeth 
 his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels 
 of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of 
 God in him? 
 
 My little children, let us not love in word, 
 neither in tongue ; but in deed and in truth. 
 
 Also, Hebrews 4. James 3. 
 
 VIII. For the Sick Room. 
 Repentance for Sin. 
 
 Psalm 51. 
 
 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy 
 loving kindness : according unto the multitude 
 of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 
 
 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and 
 cleanse me from my sin. 
 
 For I acknowledge my transgressions : and my 
 sin is ever before me. 
 
Kaliay JUdvrs llaud-buuk. lUo 
 
 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and 
 done this evil in thy sight : that thou mightestbe 
 justified when thou speakest, and be clear when 
 thou judgest. 
 
 Behold, I was shapen in iniquity ; and in sin 
 did my mother conceive me. 
 
 Behold, thou desirest truth in tlie inward parts : 
 and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to 
 know wisdom. 
 
 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean : 
 wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 
 
 Make me to hear joy and gladness ; that the 
 bones luhich thou hast broken may rejoice. 
 
 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all 
 mine iniquities. 
 
 Create in me a clean heart, God ; and renew 
 a right spirit within me. 
 
 Cast me not away from thy presence ; and take 
 not thy Holy Spirit from me. 
 
 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation ; and 
 uphold me iv'dh thy free Spirit. 
 
 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways ; and 
 sinners shall be converted unto thee. 
 
 Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, O God, thou 
 God of my salvation : and my tongue shall sing 
 aloud of thy righteousness. 
 
 O Lord, open thou my lips ; and my mouth 
 shall shew forth thy praise. 
 
 For thou desirest not sacrifice ; else would I 
 give it : thou delightest not in burnt offering. 
 
 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit : a 
 broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not 
 despise. 
 
106 Ridliiy Elders' Haud-hook. 
 
 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion : build 
 thou the walls of Jerusalem. 
 
 Then shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices 
 of righteousness, with burnt offering and whole 
 burnt offering : then shall they offer bullocks 
 upon thine altar. 
 
 Patience in Affliction, 
 Hebrews 12: 13. 
 
 Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about 
 with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside 
 every weight, and the sin which doth so easily 
 beset uSy and let us run with patience the race 
 that is set before us, 
 
 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of 
 our faith ; who for the joy that was set before him 
 endured the cross, despising the shame, and is 
 set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 
 
 For consider him that endured such contradic- 
 tion of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied 
 and faint in your minds. 
 
 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving 
 against sin. 
 
 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which 
 speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, de- 
 spise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor 
 faint when thou art rebuked of him : 
 
 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and 
 scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 
 
 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you 
 as with sons ; for what son is he whom the father 
 chasteneth not ? 
 
 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all 
 are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 
 
Ruling Eldcm^ Jland-hook. 107 
 
 Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh 
 which corrected i<s, and we gave them, reverence : 
 shall we not much rather lie in subjection unto 
 the Father of spirits, and live ? 
 
 For they verily for a few days chastened ns 
 after their own pleasure ; but he for our profit, 
 that-zre might be partakers of his holiness. 
 
 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to 
 be joyous, but grievous : nevertheless, afterward 
 it yiekleth the peaceable fruit of righteousness 
 unto them which are exercised thereby. 
 
 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, 
 and the feeble knees ; 
 
 And make straight paths for your feet, lest 
 that which is lame be turned out of the way ; but 
 let it rather be healed. 
 
 Brevity of Life, 
 Psalm 90. 
 
 Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all 
 generations. 
 
 Before the mountains were brought forth, or 
 ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, 
 even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. 
 
 Thou turnest man to destruction ; and sayest, 
 Return, ye children of men. 
 
 For a thousand years in thy sight are hut as 
 yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the 
 night. 
 
 Thou carriest them away as with a flood ; they 
 are as a sleep ; in the morning they are like grass 
 which groweth up. 
 
 In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up ; 
 in the evening it is cut down, and withereth. 
 
108 Ruling Eldens' Hand-book. 
 
 For we are consumed by thine anger, and by 
 thy wrath are we troubled. 
 
 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our 
 secret sins in the light of thy countenance. 
 
 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath : 
 we spend our years as a tale that is told. 
 
 The days of our years are threescore years and 
 ten ; and if by reason of strength they he four- 
 score years, yet is their strength labour and sor- 
 row ; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 
 
 Who knoweth the power of thy anger ? even 
 according to thy fear, so is thy wrath. 
 
 So teach us to number our days, that we inay 
 apply our hearts unto wisdom. 
 
 Eeturn, O Lord, how long ? and let it repent 
 thee concerning thy servants. 
 
 O satisfy us early with thy mercy ; that we may 
 rejoice and be glad all our days. 
 
 Make us glad according to the days wherein 
 thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we 
 have seen evil. 
 
 Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and 
 thy glory unto their children. 
 
 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be 
 upon us : and establish thou the work of our 
 hands upon us ; yea, the work of our hands es- 
 tablish thou it. 
 
 A Psalm of Praise. 
 Psalm 103. 
 Bless the Lord, O my soul ; and all that is 
 within me, bless his holy name. 
 
 Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget not all 
 his benefits : 
 
Ruling Elders'' Hand-book, 109 
 
 Who forgivctli all thine iniquities ; who heal- 
 eth all thy diseases ; 
 
 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; who 
 crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender 
 mercies ; 
 
 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good thinrjs ; so 
 that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 
 
 The Lord executeth righteousness and judg- 
 ment for all that are oppressed. 
 
 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts 
 unto the children of Israel. 
 
 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to 
 anger, and plenteous in mercy. 
 
 He will not always chide : neither will he keep 
 his anger forever. 
 
 He hath not dealt with us after our sins ; nor 
 rewarded us according to our iniquities. 
 
 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so 
 great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 
 
 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath 
 he removed our transgressions from us. 
 
 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord 
 pitieth them that fear him. 
 
 ' For he knoweth our frame ; he remembereth 
 that we are dust. 
 
 As for man, his days are as grass : as a flower 
 of the field, so he flourish eth. 
 
 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone ; 
 and the place thereof shall know it no more. 
 
 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting 
 to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his 
 righteousness unto children's children ; 
 
 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that 
 remember his commandments to do them. 
 
110 Ruling Elders^ Hand-book. 
 
 The Lord liath prepared his throne in the 
 heavens ; and his kingdom ruleth over all. 
 
 Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in 
 strength, that do his commandments, hearkening 
 unto the voice of his word. 
 
 Bless ye the Lord, all ye his hosts ; ye minis- 
 ters of his, that djo his pleasure. 
 
 Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of 
 his dominion ; bless the Lord, O my soul. 
 
 Final Victory. 
 I Corinthians 15 : 51-58. 
 
 Behold, I shew you a mystery ; We shall not 
 all sleep, but we shall all be changed. 
 
 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the 
 last trump ; for the trumpet shall sound, and the 
 dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be 
 changed. 
 
 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, 
 and this mortal must put on immortality. 
 
 So when this corruptible shall have put on in- 
 corruption, and this mortal shall have put on 
 immortality, then shall be brought to pass the 
 saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in 
 victory. 
 
 O death, where is thy sting? grave, where is 
 thy victory? 
 
 The sting of death is sin ; and the strength of 
 sin is the law. 
 
 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the 
 victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stead- 
 fast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of 
 the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor 
 is not in vain in the Lord. 
 
Ruling Elders^ Hand-book. 1 1 1 
 
 Coming Glory. 
 
 Revelation 22. 
 
 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, 
 clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of 
 God and of the Lamb. 
 
 In the midst of the street of it, and on either 
 side of the river, was there the tree of life, which 
 bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit 
 every month ; and the leaves of the tree were for 
 the healing of the nations. 
 
 And there shall be no more curse ; but the 
 throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it ; 
 and his servants shall serve him. 
 
 And they shall see his face ; and his name 
 shall be in their foreheads. 
 
 And there shall be no night there ; and they 
 need no candle, neither light of the sun ; for the 
 Lord God giveth them light ; and they shall reign 
 for ever and ever. 
 
 And he said unto me, These sayings are faith- 
 ful and true ; and the Lord God of the holy pro- 
 phets sent his angel to shew unto his servant 
 the things which must shortly be done. 
 
 Behold, I come quickly ; blessed is he that 
 keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. 
 
 And I John saw these things, and heard them. 
 And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to 
 worship before the feet of the angel which shewed 
 me these things. 
 
 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not ; for 
 I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the 
 prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of 
 this book : worship God. 
 
112 ' Riding Elders' Hand-hook, 
 
 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of 
 the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. 
 
 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still ; and 
 he which is filthy, let him be filthy still ; and he 
 that is righteous, let him be righteous still ; and 
 he that is holy, let him be holy still. 
 
 And behold I come quickly, and my reward is 
 with me, to give every man according as his work 
 shall be. 
 
 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the 
 end, the first and the last. 
 
 Blessed are they that do his commandments, 
 that they may have right to the tree of life, and 
 may enter in through the gates into the city. 
 
 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whore- 
 mongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and 
 whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 
 
 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto 
 you these things in the churches. I am the root 
 and the offspring of David, and the bright and 
 morning star. 
 
 And the Spirit and the bride say. Come. And 
 let him that heareth say. Come. And let him 
 that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let 
 him take the water of life freely. 
 
 For I testify unto every man that heareth the 
 words of the prophecy of this book. If any man 
 shall add unto these things, God shall add unto 
 him the plagues that are written in this book. 
 
 And if any man shall take away from the words 
 of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away 
 his part out of the book of life, and out of the 
 holy city, and from the things which are written 
 in this book. 
 
Muling KLdera' Hand-book. 113 
 
 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I 
 come quickly, Amen. Even so, come, Lord 
 Jesus. 
 
 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with 
 you alL Amen. 
 
 IX. For the Bereaved. 
 
 Comfort. 
 
 Joh^l4: 1-14. 
 
 Let not your heart be troubled : ye believe in 
 God, believe also in me. 
 
 In my Father's house are many mansions : if 
 it were not so, I would have told you. I go to 
 prepare a place for you. 
 
 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will 
 come again, and receive you unto myself; that 
 where I am, there ye may be also. 
 
 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye 
 know. 
 
 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not 
 whither thou goest ; and how can we know the 
 way ? 
 
 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, 
 and the life : no man cometh unto the Father, but 
 by me. 
 
 If ye had known me, ye should have known my 
 Father also ; and from henceforth ye know him, 
 and have seen him. 
 
 Philip said unto him. Lord, shew us the Father, 
 and it sufficeth us. 
 
 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time 
 with you, and yet hast thou not known me, 
 Philip ? he that hath seen me hath seen the 
 
114 . Riding 'Elders^ Hand-hook. 
 
 Father ; and how sa3^est thou then, Shew us the 
 Father ? 
 
 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and 
 the Father in me ? the words that I speak unto 
 you I speak not of myself ; but the Father that 
 dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 
 
 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the 
 Father in me : or else believe me for the very 
 works' sake. 
 
 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believ- 
 eth on me, the works that I do shall he do also ; 
 and greater works than these shall he do ; because 
 I go unto my Father. 
 
 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that 
 will I do, that the Father mav be glorified in the 
 Son. 
 
 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will 
 do it. 
 
 Safety. 
 
 Psalm 91. 
 
 He that dwelleth in the secret j)lace of the Most 
 High, shall abide under the shadow of the 
 Almighty. 
 
 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my 
 fortress ; my God; in him will I trust. 
 
 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of 
 the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 
 
 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under 
 his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall he thy 
 shield and buckler. 
 
 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night ; 
 nor for the arrow that flieth by day ; 
 
Muling Elders lltuul-buuk. 115 
 
 Nor for the pestilence </m^ walketh in darkness ; 
 nor for the destruction that wastoth at noonday. 
 
 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten 
 thousand at thy right hand ; hut it shall not come 
 nigh thee. 
 
 Only with thine eyes slialt thou hehold and see 
 the reward of the wicked. 
 
 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my 
 refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; 
 
 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall 
 any plague come nigh thy dwelling. 
 
 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, 
 to keep thee in all thy ways. 
 
 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou 
 dash thy foot against a stone. 
 
 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder : 
 the young lion and the dragon sluilt thou trample 
 under feet. 
 
 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore 
 will I deliver him : I will set him on high, be- 
 cause lie hath known my name. 
 
 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him : 
 I xuill he with him in trouble ; I will deliver him, 
 and honour him. 
 
 With long life wdll I satisfy him, and shew him 
 my salvation. 
 
 Consolation. 
 Isaiah 43 : 2-3. 
 When thou passest through the w^aters T '^^;^7Z6€ 
 with thee ; and through the rivers, they shall not 
 overflow thee : when thou walkest through the 
 fire, thou shalt not be burned ; neither shall the 
 flame kindle upon thee. 
 
116 Ruling Elders^ Hand-book 
 
 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of 
 Israel, thy Saviour. 
 
 Job 5 : 17-19. 
 
 Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth : 
 therefore despise not thou the chastening of the 
 Almighty. 
 
 For he maketh sore, and bindeth up ; he wound- 
 eth, and his hands make whole. 
 
 He shall deliver thee in six troubles : yea, in 
 seven there shall no evil touch thee. 
 I Peter 4 : 12-13. 
 
 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the 
 fiery trial which is to try you, as though some 
 strange thing happened unto you. 
 
 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of 
 Christ's sufferings ; that, when his glory shall be 
 revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 
 I Peter 1 : 3-9. 
 
 Blessed he the God and Father of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant 
 mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope 
 by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 
 
 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, 
 and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for 
 you, 
 
 Who are kept by the power of God through 
 faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the 
 last time. 
 
 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a 
 season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through 
 manifold temptations : 
 
 That the trial of your faith, being much more 
 precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be 
 
Ruling EUhr.s' Ifand-hook. 117 
 
 tried with fire, might be found unto praise and 
 honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ : 
 
 Whom having not seen, ye love ; in whom, 
 though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye re- 
 joice with joy unspeakable and full of glory ; 
 
 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salva- 
 tion of your souls. 
 
 II Corinthians 4 : 17-18. 
 
 For our light affliction, which is but for a mo- 
 ment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and 
 eternal weight of glory ; 
 
 While we look not at the things which are seen, 
 but at the things which are not seen : for the 
 things w^hich are seen are temporal ; but the things 
 which are not seen are eternal. 
 
 X. A Form of Service for the Burial of the 
 
 Dead. 
 
 '^ Note. — Frequently Ruling Elders are called upon to officiate 
 at funerals. For their help we make the following suggestions : 
 
 1. Devote most of the time to reading Scripture, singing 
 hymns and prayer. Extended remarks are generally not profit- 
 able on such occasions. 
 
 2. Try to close the service in half an hour from its begin- 
 ning. 
 
 3. We have found it best generally to begin the service by 
 singing a hymn. Permit mourning friends to select a hymn, if 
 they desire. If not, one of the following may be sung : *' Jesus, 
 lover of my soul." " My faith looks up to thee." "Asleep in 
 Jesus, blessed sleep." "How blest the righteous when he 
 dies." "Beyond the smiling and th© weeping." "It is not 
 death to die." 
 
 (^Vhen the hymn has been sung, read one of the following 
 selections of Scripture. ) 
 
118 Ruling Elders' Hand-book. 
 
 I. GENERAL SERVICE. 
 
 I Corinthians 15: 20-57. 
 
 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and 
 become tlie firstfruits of them that slept. 
 
 For since by man came death, by man came 
 also the resurrection of the dead. 
 
 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall 
 all be made alive. 
 
 But every man in his own order : Christ the 
 firstfruits ; afterward they that are Christ's at his 
 coming. 
 
 Then cometh the end, when he shall have deliv- 
 ered up the kingdom to God, even the Father ; 
 when he shall have put down all rule, and all 
 authority and power. 
 
 For he miust reign till he hath put all enemies 
 under his feet. The last enemy that shall be 
 destroyed is death. For he hath put all things 
 under his feet. But when he saith all things are 
 put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted 
 which did put all things under him. And when 
 all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall 
 the Sod also himself be subject unto him, that 
 God may be all in all. 
 
 Else what shall they do which are baptized for 
 the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they 
 then baptized for the dead? And why stand we 
 in jeopardy every 'hour? But some man will 
 say, How are the dead raised up? and with what 
 body do they come? Thou fool, . . . that 
 which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body 
 that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of 
 wheat, or of some other grain. But God giveth 
 
Rating Elder a^ Hand-book. 119 
 
 it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every 
 seed his own body. All flesh is not the same flesh : 
 but there is one kind of flesh of men, another 
 flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another 
 of birds. There are also celestial bodies and 
 bodies terrestrial : but the glory of the celestial is 
 one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 
 
 [Or begin here.] 
 
 There is one glory of the sun, and another 
 glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars : 
 for one star differeth from another star in glory. 
 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is 
 sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption : 
 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory ; it is 
 sown in weakness, it is raised in power ; it is 
 sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. 
 There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual 
 body. And so it is written. The first man Adam 
 was made a living soul, the last Adam was made 
 a quickening spirit. . . And as we have borne 
 the image of the earthly, we shall also bear 
 
 the image of the heavenly Behold, I shew 
 
 you a mystery ; We shall not all sleep, but we 
 shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twink- 
 ling of an eye, at the last trump ; for the trumpet 
 shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incor- 
 ruptible, and we shall be changed. For this cor- 
 ruptible must put on incorruption, and this 
 mortal must put on immortality. So when this 
 corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and 
 this mortal shall have put on immortality, then 
 shall be brought to pass the saying that is writ- 
 ten. Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, 
 where is thy sting ? grave, where is thy vie- 
 
120 Ruling Elders' Hand-hook. 
 
 tory ? The sting of death is sin ; and the strength 
 of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which 
 giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye 
 steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the 
 work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your 
 labour is not in vain in the Lord. 
 
 {Or^ if the deceased he a child, read ;] 
 Matthew 18 : 1-6. 
 
 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, 
 saying. Who is the greatest in the kingdom of 
 heaven ? And Jesus called a little child unto 
 him and set him in the midst of them, and said: 
 Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, 
 and become as little children, ye shall not enter 
 into the kingdom of heaven. Whoso therefore 
 shall humble himself as this little child, the same 
 is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso 
 shall receive one such little child in my 
 name receiveth me. But whoso shall offend one 
 of these little ones which believe in me, it were 
 better for him that a millstone were hanged about 
 his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth 
 of the sea. 
 
 Mark 10 : 14-16. 
 
 Suffer the little children to come unto me, and 
 forbid them not : for of such is the kingdom of 
 God. Verily, I say unto 3^ou, Whosoever shall 
 not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, 
 he shall not enter therein. And he took them up 
 in his arms, put his hands upon them and 
 blessed them. 
 
Haling Eldera^ Hand-book. 121 
 
 [If an aged believer, read :} 
 
 ' Psalm 92 : 12-15. 
 
 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree ; 
 he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 
 
 Those that be planted in the house of the Lord 
 shall flourish in tlio courts of our God. 
 
 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age ; 
 they shall be fat and flourishing ; 
 
 To show that the Lord is upright ; he is my 
 rock, and there is no unrighteoilsness in him 
 II Timothy 4 : 6-8. 
 
 For I am now ready to be ofi'ered, and the time 
 of my departure is at hand. 
 
 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my 
 course, I have kept the faith. 
 
 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of 
 righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous 
 judge, shall give me at that day ; and not to me 
 only, but unto all them also that love his 
 appearing. 
 
 [To comfort the afflicted, read.-] 
 
 II Corinthians 4: 17-18. 
 
 For our light affliction, which is but for a 
 moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and 
 eternal weight of glory ; while we look not at the 
 things which are seen, but at the things which 
 are not seen : for the things which are seen are 
 temporal ; but the things which are not seen are 
 eternal. 
 
 Lamentations 3 : 31-33 ; 37-41. 
 
 For the Lord will not cast off" forever ; 
 
 But though he cause grief, yet will he have 
 compassion according to the multitude of his 
 mercies. 
 
122 Ruling Elders^ Hand-book. 
 
 For he doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the 
 children of men. 
 
 Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, 
 when the Lord commandeth it not ? 
 
 Out of the mouth of the Most High proceedeth 
 not evil and good ? 
 
 Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man 
 for the punishment of his sins ? 
 
 Let us search and try our ways, and turn 
 again to the Lord. 
 
 Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto 
 God in the heavens. 
 
 Hebrews 12 : 5-12 ; 22-24. 
 
 My son, despise not thou the chastening of the 
 Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him : 
 for whom the Lord loveth he chaste neth, and 
 scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye 
 endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with 
 sons ; for what son is he whom the father chas- 
 teneth not ? But if ye be without chastisement, 
 whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards 
 and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers 
 of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave 
 them reverence ; shall we not much rather be in 
 subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live ? 
 For they verily for a few days chastened us after 
 their own pleasure \ but he for our profit, that we 
 might be partakers of his holiness. Now no 
 chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, 
 but grievous : nevertheless afterward it yieldeth 
 the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them 
 which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up 
 the hands which hang down and the feeble 
 knees. . . Ye are come unto Mount Sion, and 
 
Ruling Elder>i' ILind-bovk. 123 
 
 unto the city of the living God, tiie heavenly 
 Jerusalem, and to an innuinerabie company of 
 angels, to the general assembly and cliurch of 
 the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and 
 to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just 
 men made perfect ; and to Jesus the mediator of 
 the new covenant, and to the blood of sprink- 
 ling, that speaketh better things than tliat of 
 Abel. 
 
 [FoUovjthe reading of Scriptures ivith hrirf remarks or a switahle 
 hymn, and with prayer.] 
 
 SERVICE AT THE GRAVE. 
 [TFaving reached tlie place of burial, read .•] 
 
 I am the resurrection and the life ; he that be- 
 lieveth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he 
 live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me 
 shall never die. John 11: 25-26. 
 
 [Here a hymn may he sung.] 
 
 [Then, while the earth is cast upon the coffin, by some standing hy^ 
 read ;] 
 
 Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God to 
 take out of this world the soul of our departed 
 brother, we therefore commit this body to the 
 ground ; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to 
 dust. And we look for the general resurrection 
 in the last day, and the life of the world to come, 
 through our Lord Jesus Christ ; at whose second 
 coming in glorious majesty to judge the world the 
 earth and the sea shall give up their dead ; and 
 the corruptible bodies of those who sleep in him 
 shall be changed and made like unto his glorious 
 body, according to the working whereby he is 
 able even to subdue all things unto himself. 
 
 [Then close the service with a brief prayer, invoking the divine 
 blessing upon mourning ones and upon all who have attended upon 
 the burial sennce.] 
 
124 ■ Muling Elders^ Hand-book. 
 
 XI. Topics and Readings. 
 For Various Occasions. 
 
 Christ's Treatment of Sinners. 1 Timothy 1 : 15, 
 Matthew 9 : 10-13, Luke 15: 1-2. 
 
 The kind of men God uses. Judges 7: 7. 
 The Secret of Strength. 2 Corinthians 12 : 10, 
 1 Corinthians 10 : 12, Proverbs 3 : 5-7. 
 
 Temptation to Compromise. Exodus 8 : 25-32, 
 and 10 : 7-11. 
 
 The Living Water. John 4 : 1-14, and 7 : 37, 
 Revelation 21 : 6. 
 
 Selling the Birthright. Genesis 25 : 31-34, He- 
 brews 12 : 15-17. 
 
 Preaching to One Man. Acts 8 : 25-33, John 3 : 
 1-21. 
 
 ''We do not Well.'* 2 Kings 7 : 9. (Missionary 
 topic.) 
 
 The test of true religion. Matthew 7 : 15-20, 
 James 1: 27. 
 
 •'Hope thou in God." Psalm 42. 
 
 Our heavenly home. John 14 : 1-4, Revelation 
 21 and 22. 
 
 Religion in a busy life. Daniel 6 : 4-10, Romans 
 12: 11. 
 
 Great and precious promises. 2 Peter 1 : 4. 
 (Bible reading.) 
 
 David and Mephibosheth. 2 Samuel 9 : 1-13. 
 
 The blessings of affliction. 2 Corinthians 4 : 
 15-18, Hebrews 12 : 11, Psalm 119 : 67. 
 
Ruling Elders^ JIand-huok. 125 
 
 Helping others. Joshua 1 : 12-18. (Missionary 
 topic.) 
 
 Ingratitude. Luke 17 : 17-18. 
 
 Lot's choice. Genesis 13 : 10-11. 
 
 The tongue. James 3 : 18, Psalm 39 : 1. 
 
 The penitent's prayer. Psalm 51. 
 
 The prodigal son. Luke 15 : 11-32. 
 
 Compromises dangerous. Numbers 33 : 55-56, 
 Judges 2 : 1-5. 
 
 Christ's purpose concerning us. Acts 26 : 16-18. 
 
 Jacob at BetheL Genesis 28 : 10-22. 
 
 Self-sacrifice rewarded. Matthew 19 : 27-30. 
 
 Keeping ^le heart. Proverbs 4 : 23, Psalm 24 : 
 3-5, Matthew 5 : 8. 
 
 Excuses. Luke 14 : 16-24. 
 
 Do right, regardless of consequences. Daniel 3 
 16-18. 
 
 God expects fruit. Luke 16 : 6-9, Mark 11 
 12-14, John 15 : 1-8. 
 
 Far-reaching consequences of sin. Joshua 7 
 1-26, 2 Samuel 24 : 10-17, Exodus 20 : 3. 
 
 Confessing Christ. Romans 10 : 9-10, Matthew 
 10 : 32-33, Mark 8 : 38. 
 
 Obedience required. 1 Samuel 15 : 22-23, 
 
 The power of a praying church. Acts 12 : 5-17. 
 
 Expecting an answer. 1 Kings 18: 41-46, 
 Mark 11 : 24. 
 
 In debt to all men. Romans 1 : 14, 1 Corinthi- 
 ans 9: 16-23, (Missionary topic.) 
 
 No hiding from God. Genesis 3 : 8-10, Hebrews 
 4: 13, Proverbs 15 : 3. 
 
 The greatest of the graces. 1 Corinthians 13. 
 
 The danger of looking back. Genesis 19 : 17-26, 
 Luke 9 : 57-62. 
 
126 Riding Elders^ Hand-hook. 
 
 The two ways. Matthew 7 : 13-14, Deuterono- 
 my 30: 15-20, Proverbs 14 : 12. 
 
 Payraent of vows. Psalm 76 : 11, Ecclesiastes 
 5 : 4-6, Psalm QQ : 13-14, Psalm 116 : 14. 
 
 Parable of the talents. Matthew 25 : 14-30. 
 
 Walking with God. Genesis 5 : 24, Amos 3 : 3, 
 Hebrews 11 : 5-6. 
 
 Servant of all. John 13 : 1-17, Matthew 20 : 
 20-28. 
 
 The supply equal to the need. 1 Kings 17 : 
 8-16, Deuteronomy 33 : 25. 
 
 The more convenient season. Acts 24 : 25, 
 Luke 9 : 57-62. 
 
 Pride an obstacle to salvation. 2 Kings 5 : 11-12. 
 
 Lukewarmness. Revelation 3 : 14-22. 
 
 Promises of help. Exodus 3 : 12, Jeremiah 1 : 
 8, Matthew 28: 20. 
 
 A lesson on forgiving. Matthew 18 : 21-35. 
 
 Envy and its fruits. Genesis 37 : 11. Acts 7 : 9. 
 
 The conversion of the jailer. Acts 16 : 27-34. 
 
 Tempted like as we are. Hebrews 4. 
 
 Eunning away from duty. Jonah 1 : 1-14. 
 
 Bringing others to Jesus. John 1 : 35-51. 
 
 Love for the church. Psalm 122. 
 
 A prosperous time in Zion. Zechariah 8 : 
 18-23. 
 
 A lesson on Sabbath keeping. Nehemiah 
 13 : 15-22, Exodus 20 : 8-lL 
 
 Temptation, its source and results. James 1 : 
 13-15. 
 
 Christ, the Shepherd. Psalm 23, John 10 : 1-16. 
 
 Christian living. Romans 12 : 1-20. 
 
 The desire of all nations. Isaiah 60. (Mis- 
 sionary.) 
 
lialiny KLdcra'' Hand-book. 127 
 
 The grace of liberality. 2 Corintliians 8 : 1-24. 
 
 Abstinence for the sake of others. 1 Corinth- 
 ians 8:1-13. 
 
 Doing what we can. Mark 14 : 3-9. 
 
 The woman of Canaan. Matthew 15 : 21-25. 
 
 Rich man and Lazarus. Luke 16 : 19-31. 
 
 Unbelief hindering the Lord's work. Matthew 
 13 : 58 
 
 Litercessory prayer. Genesis 18 : 24-33. 
 
 Hearers and doers. James 1 : 23-25, Matthew 
 7 : 21-27. 
 
 The serpent in the wilderness. Numbers 21 : 
 4-9, John 3 : 14-15. 
 
Date Due 
 
 FACIH Tv 
 
 
 
 
 '^^UL/ Y 
 
 
 
 
 --\4 
 
 s 
 
 
 
 Tniii *■- 
 
 ...udai 
 
 
 
 Ar^^ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 1 
 
 
 i 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 f