BX 8956 .P7 1841 
 Presbyterian Churcn m 
 
 The^Form of government, the 
 discipline, and the 
 
THE, 
 
 FORM OF GOVERNMENT, 
 
 
 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 DIRECTORY FOR WORSfflP, 
 
 OF THE 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
 
 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 
 PHILADELPHIA: 
 PRESBYTERIAN BOARD OF PUBLICATION. 
 
 JAMES RUSSELL, PCBLI8HINO AGENT. 
 
 184L 
 
^^>c>:i.^^^^i^^^.^ 
 
THE 
 
 FORM OF GOVERNMENT 
 
 AND 
 
 FORMS OF PROCESS 
 
 PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES OF 
 AMERICA ; 
 
 AS AMENDED AND RATIFIED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 
 
 In May, 1S21. 
 
 BOOK L 
 
 OF GOVERN JIENT 
 
 ^CHAPTER I. 
 
 PRELIMINARY PRINCIPLES.* 
 
 The Presbyterian Church in the United 
 States of America, in presenting to the Christian 
 pubhc the system of union, and the form of 
 government and disciphne which they have 
 adopted, have thought proper to state, by way 
 of introduction, a few of the general principles 
 by which they have been governed in the 
 
 * Note. — This introductory chapter, with the exception 
 of the first sentence, was first drawn up by the Synod of 
 New York and Philadelphia, and prefixed to the Form 
 of Government, &c. as published by that body in 1788 
 In that year, after arranging the plan on which the Pres- 
 byterian Church is now governed, the Synod was divided 
 into four Synods, and gave place to the General Assem- 
 bly, which met for the first time in 1789. 
 
 34* 401 
 
402 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 formation of the plan. This, it is hoped, will, 
 in some measure, prevent those rash miscon- 
 structions, and uncandid reflections, which 
 usually proceed from an imperfect view of any 
 subject ; as well as make the several parts of 
 the system plain, and the whole perspicuous 
 and fully understood. 
 
 They are unanimously of opinion : 
 
 I. That "God alone is Lord of the con- 
 " science ; and hath left it free from the doc- 
 " trine and commandments of men, which are 
 " in any thing contrary to his word, or beside 
 " it in matters of faith or worship :" Therefore 
 they consider the rights of private judgment, in 
 all matters that respect religion, as universal 
 and unalienable : they do not even wish to see 
 any religious constitution aided by the civil 
 power, further than may be necessary for pro - 
 tection and security, and, at th^ same time, be 
 equal and common to all others. 
 
 II. That, in perfect consistency with the 
 above principle of common right, every Chris- 
 tian church, or union or association of particu- 
 lar churches, is entitled to declare the terms of 
 admission into its communion, and the quali- 
 fications of its ministers and members, as well 
 as the whole system of its internal government 
 which Christ hath appointed : that, in the ex- 
 ercise of this right, they may, notwithstanding, 
 err, in making the terms of communion either 
 too lax or too narrow ; yet, even in this case, 
 they do not infringe upon the liberty, or the 
 rights of others, but only make an improper 
 use of their own. 
 
FORM OP GOVERNMENT. 463 
 
 III. That our blessed Saviour, for the edifi- 
 cation of the visible Church, which is his body, 
 hath appointed officers, not only to preach the 
 gospel and administer the sacraments ; but 
 also to exercise discipline, for the preservation 
 both of truth and duty ; and, that it is incum- 
 bent upon these officers, and upon the whole 
 church, in whose name they act, to censure or 
 cast out the erroneous and scandalous ; ob- 
 serving, in all cases, the rules contained in the 
 word of God. 
 
 IV. That truth is in order to goodness ; and 
 the great touchstone of truth, its tendency to 
 promote hoHness ; according to our Saviour's 
 rule, "by their fruits ye shall know them." 
 And that no opinion can be either more perni- 
 cious or more absurd, than that which brings 
 truth and falsehood upon a level, and repre- 
 sents it as of no consequence what a man's 
 opinions are. On the contrary, they are per- 
 suaded that there is an inseparable connexion 
 between faith and practice, truth and duty. 
 Otherwise it would be of no consequence either 
 to discover truth, or to embrace it. 
 
 V. That while under the conviction of the 
 above principle, they think it necessary to 
 make effectual provision, that all who are ad- 
 mitted as teachers, be sound in the faith; they 
 also believe that there are truths and forms, 
 with respect to which men of good characters 
 and principles may differ. And in all these 
 they think it the duty, both of private Christians 
 and societies, to exercise mutual forbearance 
 towards each other 
 
404 FORM OP GOVERNMENT. 
 
 VI. That though the character, qualifica- 
 tions, and authority of church officers, are laid 
 down in the holy Scriptures, as well as the 
 proper method of their investiture and institu- 
 tion ; yet the election of the persons to the 
 exercise of this authority, in any particular 
 society, is in that society. 
 
 VII. That all church power, whether exer- 
 cised by the body in general, or in the way of 
 representation by delegated authority, is only 
 ministerial and declarative ; That is to say^ 
 that the Holy Scriptures are the only rule of 
 faitli and manners ; that no church judicatory 
 ought to pretend to make laws, to bind the 
 conscience in virtue of their own authority; 
 and that all their decisions should be founded 
 upon the revealed will of God. Now though 
 it will easily be admitted, that all synods and 
 councils may err, through the frailty insepara- 
 ble from humanity; yet there is much greater 
 danger from the usurped claim of making laws, 
 than from the right of judging upon laws al- 
 ready made, and common to all who profess 
 the gospel : although this right, as necessity 
 requires in the present state, be lodged with 
 fallible men. 
 
 VIII. Lastly. That, if the preceding scrip- 
 tural and rational principles be steadfastly 
 adhered to, the vigour and strictness of its 
 discipline will contribute to the glory and 
 happiness of any church. Since ecclesiastical 
 discipline must be purely moral or spiritual in 
 its object, and not attended with any civil 
 effects, it can derive no force whatever, but 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 405 
 
 from its own justice, the approbation of an im- 
 partial public, and the countenance and blessing 
 of the great Head of the church universal. 
 
 CHAPTER H. 
 
 OF THE CHURCH. 
 
 I. Jesus Christ, who is now exalted far 
 above all principality and power, (1) hath 
 erected, in this world, a kingdom, which is his 
 church. (2) 
 
 n. The universal church consists of all those 
 persons, in every nation, together with their 
 children, who make profession of the holy 
 religion of Christ, and of submission to his 
 laws. (3) 
 
 (1)1. Eph. i. 20, 21.— When he raised him from the 
 dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly 
 places, far above all principality, and power, and might, 
 and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in 
 this world, but also in that which is to come. Ps. Ixviii. 
 18. Thou hast ascended on high, thou hast led captivity 
 captive: thou hast received gifts for men; yea, /or the 
 rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among 
 them. 
 
 (2) Ps. ii. 6. Yet have I set my king upon my holy 
 hill of Zion. Dan. vii. 14, — There was given him do- 
 minion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, 
 and languages, should serve him : his dominion is an 
 everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and 
 his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. Eph. 
 i. 22, 23. And hath put all things under his feet, and 
 gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 
 which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all 
 in all. 
 
 (3) II. Rev. V. 9. — And hast redeemed us to God by 
 
406 FORM OP GOVERNMENT. 
 
 III. As this immense multitude cannot meet 
 together in one place, to hold communion, or 
 to worship God, it is reasonable, and warrant- 
 ed by Scripture example, that they should be 
 divided into many particular churches. (1) 
 
 IV. A particular church consists of a num- 
 ber of professing Christians, with their off- 
 spring, voluntarily associated together, for 
 divine worship and godly living, agreeably to 
 the Holy Scriptures; (2) and submitting to a 
 certain form of government. (3) 
 
 thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, 
 and nation. Acts ii. 39. For the promise is unto you, 
 and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as 
 many as the Lord our God shall call. 1 Cor. i. 2, com- 
 pared with 2 Cor. ix. 13. 
 
 (1) III. Gal. i. 21, 22. Afterwards I came into the 
 regions of Syria and Cilicia: and was unknown by face 
 unto the churches of Judea which were in Christ. Rev. 
 i. 4, 20. John to the seven churches which are in Asia : 
 Grace he unto you, and peace, from him which is, and 
 which was, and which is to come : and from the seven 
 spirits which are before his throne. — The mystery of the 
 seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the 
 seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the 
 angels of the seven churches ; and the seven candlesticks 
 which thou sawest are the seven churches. See also 
 Rev. ii. 1. 
 
 (2) IV. Acts ii. 41, 47. Then they that gladly re- 
 ceived his word were baptized ; and the same day there 
 were added unto them about three thousand souls. — Prais- 
 ing God, and having favour with all the people. And 
 the Lord added to the church daily such as should be 
 saved. 1 Cor. vii. 14. For the unbelieving husband is 
 sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanc- 
 tified by the husband ; else were your children unclean; 
 but now are they holy. Acts ii. 39. Mark x. 14, com- 
 pared with Matt. xix. 13, 14, and Luke xviii. 15, 16. 
 
 (3) Heb. viii. 5. Who serve unto the example and 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 407 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 OF THE OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. 
 
 I. Our blessed Lord at first collected his 
 church out of different nations, (1) and formed 
 it into one body, (2) by the mission of men 
 endued with miraculous gifts, which have long 
 since ceased. (3) 
 
 II. The ordinary and perpetual officers in 
 the church are, Bishops, or Pastors ; (4) the 
 
 shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished 
 of God when he was about to make the tabernacle ; for, 
 See (saith he) that thou make all things according- to the 
 pattern showed to thee in the mount. Gal. vi. 16. And 
 as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, 
 and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 
 
 (1) I. Ps. ii. 8, Ask of me, and I shall give thee the 
 heathen /or thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of 
 the earth for thy possession. Rev. vii. 9. After this, I 
 beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no man could 
 number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and 
 tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, 
 clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands. 
 
 (2) 1 Cor. X. 17. For we, being many, are one bread, 
 and one body : for we are all partakers of that one bread. 
 See also Eph. iv. 16. Col. ii. 19. 
 
 (3) Matt. X. 1, 8. And when he had called unto him 
 his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean 
 spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sick- 
 ness, and all manner of disease, &c. 
 
 (4) IT. 1 Tim. iii. 1. — If a man desire the office of a 
 bishop, he desireth a good work. Eph. iv. 11, 12. And 
 he gave some, apostles ; and some, prophets ; and some, 
 evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the 
 perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for 
 
 ne edifying of the body of Christ. 
 
408 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 representatives of the people, usually styled 
 Riding Elders {I) and Deacons. (2) 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 OF BISHOPS OR PASTORS. 
 
 The pastoral office is the first in the church, 
 both for dignity and usefulness. (3) The person 
 who Jills this office, hath, in Scripture, obtained 
 different names expressive of his various duties. 
 As he has the oversight of the flock of Christ, 
 he is termed bishop.* (4) As he feeds them 
 with spiritual food, he is termed pastor. (5) As 
 he serves Christ in his church, he is termed 
 minister. (6) As it is his duty to be grave and 
 
 (1) 1 Tim. V. 17. Let the elders that rule well, be 
 counted worthy of double honour. 
 
 (2) Phil. i. 1. — To all the saints in Christ Jesus which 
 are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons. 
 
 (3) I. Rom. xi. 13. 
 
 (4) Acts XX. 28. Take heed therefore, unto yourselves, 
 and to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath 
 made you overseers, [bishops] to feed the church of God, 
 which he hath purchased with his own blood. 
 
 (5) Jer. iii. 15. And I will give you pastors according 
 to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and 
 understanding. 1 Pet. v. 2, 3, 4. 
 
 (6) 1 Cor. iv. 1. Let a man so account of us, as of 
 the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of 
 
 * As the office and character of the gospel minister is 
 particularly and fully described in the Holy Scriptures, 
 under the title of bishop ; and as this term is peculiarly 
 expressive of his duty as an overseer of the flock, it ought 
 not to be rejected. 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 409 
 
 prudent, and an example of the flock, and to 
 govern well in the house and kingdom of Christ, 
 he is termed preshyter or elder.(l) Ashe is 
 the messenger of God, he is termed the angel 
 of the church. (2) As he is sent to declare the 
 will of God to sinners, and to beseech them to be 
 reconciled to God through Christ, he is termed 
 ambassador. (3) And, as he dispenses the 
 manifold grace of God, and the ordinances 
 instituted by Christ, he is termed steward of 
 the mysteries of God. (4) 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 OF RULING ELDERS. 
 
 Ruling elders are properly the representa- 
 
 God. 2 Cor. iii. 6. Who also hath rnade us able minis- 
 ters of the New Testament. 
 
 (1) 1 Pet. V. 1. The elders which are among you I 
 exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the suffer- 
 ings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that 
 shall be revealed. See also Tit. i. 5. 1 Tim. v, 
 1, 17, 19. 
 
 (2) Rev. ii. 1. Unto the angel of the church of 
 Ephesus write. Rev. i. 20. — The seven stars are the an- 
 gels of the seven churches. See also Rev. iii. 1, 7. 
 Mai. ii. 7. 
 
 (3) 2 Cor. V. 20. Now then we are ambassadors for 
 Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray 
 t/ow, in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. Eph. 
 vi. 20. 
 
 (4) Luke xii. 42. — Who then is that faithful and wise 
 steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his house- 
 hold to give them their portion of meat in due season ? 
 1 Cor. iv. 1, 2. — Moreover, it is reauired in stewards that 
 a man be found faithful. 
 
 35 
 
410 FORM OP GOVERNMENT. 
 
 tives of the people, chosen by them for the pur- 
 pose of exercismg government and discipline, 
 in conjunction with pastors or ministers. (1) 
 This office has been understood, by a great part 
 of the Protestant Reformed Churches, to be 
 designated in the holy Scriptures, by the title 
 of governments ; and of those who rule well, 
 but do not labour in the word and doc 
 trine. (2) 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 OF D^EACONS. 
 
 The Scriptures clearly point out deacons 
 as distinct officers in the church, (3) whose 
 business it is to take care of the poor, and to 
 distribute among them the collections which 
 may be raised for their use. (4) To them 
 also may be properly committed the ma- 
 
 (1) 1 TLm. V. 17. Let the elders that rule well be 
 counted worthy of double honour, especially they who 
 labour in the word and doctrine. Rom. xii. 7, 8. Acts 
 xv. 25. 
 
 (2) 1 Cor. xii. 28. And God hath set some in the 
 church, first, apostles ; secondarily, prophets, thirdly, 
 teachers; after that miracles; then gifts of healings, 
 helps, governments, diversities of tongues. See figure 
 (1) above. 
 
 (3) Phil. i. 1. 1 Tim. iii. 8 to 15. 
 
 (4) Acts vi. 1, 2. And in those days, when the num- 
 ber of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmur- 
 ing of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because theii 
 widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then 
 the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unfo them, 
 and said, It is not reason that we should leave tlve word 
 of God and serve tables.. 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 411 
 
 nagement of the temporal affairs of the 
 church. (1) 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 OF ORDINANCES IN A PARTICULAR CHURCH. 
 
 The ordinances estabhshed by Christ, the 
 head, in a particular church, which is regularly 
 constituted with its proper officers, (2) are 
 prayer, (3) singing praises, (4) reading, (5) ex- 
 pounding and preaching the word of God; (6) 
 administering baptism and th-e Lord's sup- 
 
 (1) Acts vi. 3, 5, 6. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out 
 among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy 
 Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this 
 business. — And the saying pleased the whole multitude : 
 and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the 
 Holy Ghost, and Philip, -ami Prochorus, and Nicanor, 
 and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of 
 Antioch ; whom they set before the apostles : and when 
 they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 
 
 (2) 1 Cor. xiv. 26, 33, 40. — Let all things be done 
 unto edifying. — For God is not the author of confusion, 
 but of peace, as dn all churches of the saints. — Let all 
 things be done decently, and in order. 
 
 (3) Acts vi. 4. But we will give ourselves continually 
 to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 1 Tim. ii. L 
 
 (4) Col. iii. 16. — Teaching and admonishing one an- 
 other in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing 
 with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Psal. ix. 11. 
 Eph. V. 19. Also Col. iv. 16. 
 
 (5) Acts XV. 21. Luke iv. 16, 17. 
 
 (6) Tit. i. 9. Holding fast the faithful word as he 
 hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine 
 both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Acts x. 42. 
 — He commanded us to preach unto the people. See also 
 Acts xxviii. 23, Luke xxiv. 47. 2 Tim. iv. 2. Acts 
 ix. 20. 
 
412 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 per; (1) public solemn fasting and thanks- 
 giving, (2) catechising, (3) making collections 
 for the poor, and other pious purposes ; (4) 
 
 (1) Matt, xxviii. 19, 20. Go ye, therefore, and teach 
 all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and 
 of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, &c. And Mark xvi. 
 15, 16. 1 Cor. xi. 23, 24, 25, 26. For I have received 
 of the Lord, that which also I delivered unto you, that 
 the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, 
 took bread : and when he had given thanks, he brake e7, 
 and said. Take, eat; this is my body, which is broken 
 for yoa : this do in remembrance of me. After the same 
 manner also, he took the cup, when he had supped, saying. 
 This cup is the New Testament in my blood : this do ye, 
 as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often 
 as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the 
 Lord's death till he come. Compared with 1 Cor. x. 16. 
 
 (2) Luke V. 35. But the days will come, when the 
 bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then 
 shall they fast in those days. Ps. 1. 14. Offer unto 
 God thanksgiving: and pay thy vows unto the Most 
 High. Phil. iv. 6. — In every thing, by prayer and sup- 
 plication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made 
 known unto God. See 1 Tim. ii. 1. Ps. xcv. 2. 
 
 (3) Heb. V. 12. For when for the time ye ought to 
 be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again, which 
 be the first principles of the oracles of God ; and are be- 
 come such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 
 
 (4) 1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2, 3, 4. Now concerning the col- 
 lection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches 
 of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first dai/ of the 
 week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God 
 hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I 
 come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve 
 by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality 
 unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they 
 shall go with me. Gal. ii. 10. Only they would that we 
 should remember the poor; the same which I also was 
 forward to do 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 413 
 
 exercising discipline ; (1) and blessing the 
 people. (2) 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 OF THURCir GOVERNMENT, AND THE SEVERAL 
 KINDS OP JUDICATORIES. 
 
 I. It is absolutely necessary that the govern- 
 ment of the church be exercised under some 
 certain and definite form. (3) And we hold it 
 to be expedient, and agreeable to Scripture and 
 the practice of the primitive Christians, that the 
 church be governed by congregational, presby- 
 terial, and synodical assemblies. In full con- 
 
 (1) Heb. xiii. 17. Obey them tliat have the rule 
 over you, and submit yourselves : for they watch for your 
 souls, as they that must give acccunt; that they may do 
 it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable 
 for you. 1 Thess. v. 12, 13. And we beseech you, 
 brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are 
 over you in the Lord, and admonish you ; and to esteem 
 them ver}' highly in love for their work's sake, .ind be 
 at peace among yourselves. 
 
 (2) 2 Cor. xiii. 14. The grace of the Lord Jesus 
 Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the 
 Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. Eph. i. 2. Grace 
 he to you, and peace from God our Father, and froin the 
 Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 (3) I. Ezek. xliii. 11, 12. — Show them the form of 
 the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings-out 
 thereof, and the comings-in thereof, and all the forms 
 thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms 
 thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write it in their 
 sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all 
 the ordinances thereof, and do them. This is the law 
 of the house. 
 
 35* 
 
414 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 sisteucy with this beUef, we embrace; p.. the 
 spirit of charity, those Christians who diffei 
 from us, in opinion or in practice, on these 
 subjects. (1) 
 
 II. These assembhes ought not to possess 
 any civil jurisdiction, nor to inflict any civil 
 penalties. (2) Their power is wholly moral or 
 spiritual, and that only ministerial and declara- 
 tive. (3) They possess the right of requiring 
 obedience to the laws of Christ; and of ex- 
 cluding the disobedient and disorderly from the 
 privileges of the church. To give efficiency, 
 however, to this necessary and scriptural au- 
 thority, they possess the powers requisite for 
 obtaining evidence and inflicting censure. 
 They can call before them any offender against 
 the order and government of the church ; they 
 can require members of their own society to 
 appear and give testimony in the cause ; but 
 the highest punishment to which their authority 
 extends, is to exclude the contumacious and im- 
 penitent from the congregation of believers. (4) 
 
 (1) Acts XV. 5, 6. But there rose up certain of the 
 sect of the Pharisees, which believed, saying-. That it 
 was needful to circumcise them, and to command ihtm 
 to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders 
 came together for to consider of this matter. 
 
 (2) 11. Luke xii. 13, 14. And one of the company 
 said unto him. Master, speak to my brother, that he 
 divide the inneritance with me. And he said unto 
 him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you } 
 John xviii. 36. — My kingdom is not of this WDrld. 
 
 (3) Acts XV. from the 1st to the 32d verse. 
 
 (4) Matt, xviii. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20. Moreover, if 
 thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him 
 
FORM OP GOVERNMENT. 415 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 OP THE CHURCH SESSION. 
 
 I. The Church session consists of the pastor 
 or pastors, and ruUng elders, of a particular 
 congregation. (1^ 
 
 II. Of this judicatory, two elders, if there be 
 as many in the congregation, with the pastor, 
 shall be necessary to constitute a quorum. 
 
 III. The pastor of the congregation shall 
 always be the moderator of the session ; except 
 when, for prudential reasons, it may appear 
 advisable that some other minister should be 
 invited to preside ; in which case the pastor 
 may, with the concurrence of the session, in- 
 vite such other minister as they may see meet, 
 
 his fault between thee and him alone ; if he shall hear 
 thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not 
 hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the 
 mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be esta- 
 blished. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it 
 unto the church : but if he neglect to hear the church, 
 let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. 
 Verily 1 say unto you. Whatsoever ye shall bind on 
 earth, shall be bound in heaven : and whatsoever ye 
 shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. 1 Cor. 
 V. 4, 5. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye 
 are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of 
 our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan, 
 for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be 
 saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 
 
 (1) L 1 Cor. V. 4. Li the name of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, 
 with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
416 FORM OP GOVERNMENT. 
 
 belonging to the same presbytery, to preside in 
 that case. The same expedient may be adopted 
 in case of the sickness or absence of the pastor. 
 
 IV. It is expedient, at every meeting of the 
 session, more especially when constituted for 
 judicial business, that there be a presiding 
 minister. When, therefore, a church is with- 
 out a pastor, the moderator of the session shall 
 be, either the minister appointed for that pur- 
 pose by the presbytery, or one invited by the 
 session to preside on a particular occasion. But 
 where it is impracticable, without great incon- 
 venience, to procure the attendance of such a 
 moderator, the session may proceed without it. 
 
 V. In congregations where there are two or 
 more pastors, they shall, when present, alter- 
 natel)^ preside in the session. 
 
 VI. The Church session is charged with 
 maintaining the spiritual government of the 
 congregation ; (1) for which purpose, they have 
 po\ver to inquire into the knowledge and 
 Christian conduct of the members of the 
 church ; (2) to call before them offenders and 
 witnesses, being members of their own congre- 
 gation, and to introduce other witnesses, where 
 it may be necessary to bring the process to 
 issue, and when they can be procured to at- 
 tend ; to receive members into the church ; to 
 
 (1) VI. Heb. xiii. 17. Obey them that have the rule 
 over you, and submit yourselves : for they watch for your 
 souls, as they that must give account ; that they may do 
 it with joy, and not with grief. 1 Thess. v. 12, 13, and 
 1 Tim. v. 17. 
 
 (2) Ezek. xxxiv. 4. 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 417 
 
 admonish, to rebuke, to suspend, or exclude 
 from the sacraments, those who are found to 
 deserve censure ;(1) to concert the best mea- 
 sures for promoting the spiritual interests of the 
 congregation ; and to appoint delegates to the 
 higher judicatories of the church. (2) 
 
 VII. The pastor has power to convene the 
 session when he may judge it requisite ; (3) 
 and he shall always convene them when re- 
 quested to do so by any two of the elders. 
 The session shall also convene when directed 
 so to do by the presbytery. 
 
 VIII. Every session shall keep a fair record 
 of its proceedings ; which record shall be, at 
 least once in every year, submitted to the in- 
 spection of the presbytery. 
 
 IX. It is important that every church session 
 keep a fair register of marriages ; of baptisms, 
 with the times of the birth of the individuals 
 baptized ; of persons admitted to the Lord's 
 table, and of the deaths, and other removals of 
 church members. 
 
 (1) 1 Thess. V. 12, 13. And we beseech you, breth- 
 ren, to know them which labour among you, and are over 
 you in the Lord, and admonish you ; and to esteem them 
 very highly in love for their work's sake. £nd be at 
 peace among yourselves. See also 2 Thess. iii. 6, 14, 
 15. 1 Cor. xi. 27 to the end. 
 
 (2) Acts XV. 2, G. When therefore Paul and Barnabas 
 had no small dissension and disputation with them, they 
 determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of 
 them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and 
 elders, about tliis question. — And the apostles and elders 
 came together for to consider of this matter. 
 
 (3) VII. Acts XX. 17. 
 
418 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 OF THE PRESBYTERY. 
 
 I. The Church being divided into many- 
 separate congregations, these need mutual 
 counsel and assistance, in order to preserve 
 soundness of doctrine, and regularity of disci- 
 pline, and to enter into common measures for 
 promoting knov/ledge and religion, and for pre- 
 venting infidelity, error, and immorality. (1) 
 Hence arise the importance and usefulness of 
 presbyterial and synodical assemblies. (2) 
 
 n. A presbytery consists of all the ministers, 
 and one ruling elder from each congregation, 
 within a certain district. 
 
 HI. Every congregation, which has a stated 
 
 (1) T. The church of Jerusalem consisted of more than 
 one, as is manifest both before and after the dispersion, 
 from Acts vi. 1, 6. Acts ix. 31. A.cts xxi. 20. Acts 
 ii. 41, 46, 47, and iv. 4. These congregations were 
 under one presbyterial government, proved from Acts 
 XV. 4. Acts xi. 22, 30. Acts xxi. 17, 18. Acts vi. 
 That the church of Epiiesus had more congregations than 
 one, under a presbyterial government, appears from Acts 
 xix. 18, 19, 20. 1 Cor. xvi. 8, 9, 19, compared with 
 Acts xviii. 19, 24, 26. Acts xx. 17, 18, 25, 28, 30, 31, 
 36, 37. Rev. ii. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 
 
 (2) 1 Tim. iv. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, 
 which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on 
 of the hands of the presbytery. Acts xv. 2, 3, 4, G, 22. 
 — And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were 
 received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, 
 and they declared all things that God had done with them. 
 — And the apostles and elders came together for to con- 
 sider of this matter. 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 419 
 
 pastor, has a right to be represented by^ one 
 elder ; and every collegiate church by two or 
 more elders, in proportion to the number of its 
 pastors. 
 
 IV. Where two or more congregations are 
 miited under one pastor, all such congregations 
 shall have but one elder to represent them. 
 
 V. Every vacant congregation, which is 
 regularly organized, shall be entitled to be 
 represented by a ruling elder in presbytery, 
 
 VI. Every elder not known to the presby- 
 tery, shall produce a certificate of his regular 
 appointment from the church which he repre- 
 sents. (I) 
 
 VII. Any three ministers, and as man-y 
 elders as may be present belonging to the pres- 
 bytery, being met at the time and place ap- 
 pointed, shall be a quorum competent to pro- 
 ceed to business. (2) 
 
 VIII. The presbytery has power to receive 
 
 (1) VI. Acts XV. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 1 Cor. xiv. 26, 33, 
 40. — Let all things be done unto edifying; — for God is 
 not the author o{ confusion, but of peace, as in all churches 
 of the saints. — Let all things be done decently and in 
 order. 
 
 (2) VII. Acts xiv. 26, 27. And thence sailed to An-. 
 tioch, from whence tliey had been recommended to tho 
 grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. And 
 when they were come, and had gathered the church to- 
 gether, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, 
 and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gen- 
 tiles. Compared with Acts xi. 18. When they heard 
 these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, 
 saying. Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted re->^ 
 pentance unto life. 
 
420 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 and issue appeals from church sessions (1) and 
 references brought before them in an orderly 
 manner; (2) to examine and license candidates 
 for the holy ministry ; (3) to ordain, install, re- 
 move, and judge ministers; (4) to examine and 
 approve or censure the records of church ses- 
 sions ; to resolve questions of doctrine or disci- 
 pline seriously and reasonably proposed; (5) to 
 
 (1) VIII. Acts XV. 5, 6, 19, 20. But there rose up cer- 
 tain of the sect of the Pharisees, which believed, saying-, 
 that it was needful to circumcise them, and to command 
 them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and 
 elders came together for to consider of this matter. — 
 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them 
 which from among the Geniiles are turned to God : but 
 that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollu- 
 tions of idols, and from fornication, and from things 
 strangled, and from blood. 
 
 (•3) Acts xviii. 24, 27. And a certain Jew named 
 Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, ami 
 mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. — And when 
 he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, 
 exhorting the disciples to receive him. Compared with 
 Acts xix. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. 
 
 (3) 1 Tim. iv. 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, 
 which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on 
 of the hands of the presbytery. Acts xiii. 2, 3. As they 
 ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, 
 Separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work whereunto 
 i have called them. And when they had fasted and 
 prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent theru 
 away. 
 
 (4) Acts XV. 2S. For it seemed good to the Holy 
 <jhost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than 
 these necessary things. 1 Cor. v. 3. 
 
 (5) Acts XV. It). Now, therefore, why tempt ye God, 
 to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which nei- 
 ther our fathers nor we were able to bear? Compared 
 with Gal. ii. 4. 5. 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 421 
 
 condemn erroneous opinions which injure the 
 purity or peace of the church ; (1) to visit par- 
 ticular cliurches, for the purpose of inquiring 
 into their state, and redressing the evils that 
 may have arisen in them; (2) to unite or divide 
 congregations, at the request of the people, 
 or to form or receive new congregations, and 
 in general to order whatever pertains to the 
 spiritual welfare of the churches under their 
 care. (3) 
 
 IX. It shall be the duty of the presbytery to 
 keep a full and fair record of their proceed - 
 
 (1) Acts XV. 22, 23, 24. Then pleased it the apostles 
 and elders, with the Av1T&Tff"church, to send chosen men 
 of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barna- 
 bas; namely^ Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief 
 men among the brethren : and they wrote letters by them 
 after this manner : The apostles, and elders, and brethren, 
 send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles 
 in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia: forasmuch as we 
 have heard that certain which went out from us have 
 troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying. 
 Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law; to whom we 
 gave no such commandment. 
 
 (2) Acts XX. 17. And from Miletus he sent to Ephe- 
 sus, and called the elders of the church. Acts vi. 2. 
 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples 
 mito them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave 
 the word of God, and serve tables. Acts xv. 30. So 
 w*hen they were dismissed, they came to Antioch ; and 
 when they had gathered the multitude together, they de- 
 livered the epistle. 
 
 (3) Eph. vi. 18. Praying always with all prayer and 
 supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with 
 all perseverance and supplication for all saints. — Phil, 
 iv. 6. Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by 
 prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your 
 requests be made known unto God. 
 
 36 
 
422 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 mgs, and to report to the synod, everj' year, 
 licensures, ordinations, the receiving or dis- 
 missing of members, the removal of members 
 by death, the union or division of congrega- 
 tions, or the formation of new ones ; and in 
 general, ail the important changes which may 
 have taken place within their bounds in the 
 course of the year. 
 
 X. The presbytery shall meet on its own 
 adjournment; and when any emergency shall 
 require a meeting sooner than the time to 
 which it stands adjourned, the moderator, or, 
 in case of his absence, death, or inability to 
 act, the stated clerk, shajl , with the concur- 
 rence, or at the requesT of tv^'o ministers and 
 tv/o elders, the elders being of different con- 
 gregations, call a special meeting. For this 
 purpose he shall send a circular letter, specify- 
 ing the particular business of the intended 
 meeting, to every minister belonging to the 
 presbytery, and to the session of every vacant 
 congregation, in due time previous to the 
 meeting: which shall not be less than ten 
 days. And nothing shall be transacted at such 
 special meeting besides the particular business 
 for which the judicatory has been thus con- 
 vened. 
 
 XI. At every meeting of presbytery, a ser- 
 mon shall be delivered, if convenient; and 
 every particular session shall be opened and 
 closed with prayer. 
 
 XII. Ministers in good standing in other 
 presbyteries, or in any sister churches, who 
 may happen to be present, may be invited to 
 
FORM OF GOVER^^MENT. 423 
 
 sit with the presbytery, as corresponding mem- 
 bers. Such members shall be entitled to de- 
 liberate and advise, but not to vote in any 
 decisions of the presbytery. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 OF THE SYNOD.* 
 
 I. As a presbytery is a convention of the 
 bishops and elders within a certain district : 
 so a synod is a convention of the bishops and 
 elders withhi a larger district, including at least 
 three presbyteries. The ratio of the repre- 
 sentation of elders in the synod is the same as 
 in the presbytery. 
 
 II. Any seven ministers, belonging to the 
 synod, who shall convene at the time and place 
 of meeting, with as many elders as may be 
 present, shall be a quorum to transact synodical 
 business ; provided not more than three of the 
 said ministers belong to one presbytery. 
 
 III. The same rule, as to corresponding 
 members, which was laid down with respect 
 to the presbytery, shall apply to the synod. 
 
 IV. The synod has power to receive and 
 issue all appeals regularly brought up from 
 the presbyteries ; to decide on all references 
 
 * As the proofs already adduced in favour of a pres- 
 byterial assembly in the government of the church, are 
 equally valid in support of a synodical assembly, it is 
 unnecessary to repeat the scriptures to which reference 
 has been made under Chap. X., or to add any other. 
 
424 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 made to them; to review the records of pres- 
 byteries, and approve or censure them; to 
 redress whatever has been done by presbyte- 
 ries contrary to order; to talvC effectual care 
 that presbyteries observe the constitution of the 
 church; to erect new presbyteries, and unite 
 or divide those which were before erected ; 
 generally to take such order with respect to 
 the presbyteries, sessions, and people under 
 their care, as may be in conformity with the 
 word of God and the estabhshed rules, and 
 which tend to promote the edification of the 
 church ; and, finally, to propose to the general 
 assembly, for their adoption, such measures as 
 may be of common advantage to the whole 
 church. 
 
 V. The synod shall convene at least once in 
 each year ; at the opening of which a sermon 
 shall be delivered by the moderator, or, in case 
 of his absence, by some other member ; and 
 every particular session shall be opened and 
 closed with prayer. 
 
 VI. It shall be the duty ot the synod to keep 
 full and fair records of its proceedings, to sub- 
 mit them annually to the inspection of the 
 General Assembly, and to report to the Assem- 
 bly the number of its presbyteries, and of the 
 members and alterations of the presbyteries. 
 
FORM OP GOVERNMENT. 425 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.* 
 
 I. The General Assembly is the highest ju- 
 dicatory of the Presbyterian Church. It shall 
 represent, in one body, all the particular 
 churches of this denomination ; and shall bear 
 the title of The General Assembly of 
 THE Presbyterian Church in the United 
 States of America. 
 
 II. The General Assembly shall consist of 
 an equal delegation of bishops and elders from 
 each presbytery, in the following proportion ; 
 viz. each presbytery consisting of not more 
 than twenty-four ministers, shall send one 
 minister and one elder; and each presbytery 
 consisting of more than twenty-four ministers, 
 shall send two ministers and two elders ; and 
 
 * The radical principles of Presbyterian church govern- 
 ment and discipline are : — That the several different con- 
 gregations of believers, taken collectively, constitute one 
 church of Christ, called emphatically the church ; — that a 
 larger part oi the church, or a representation of it, should 
 govern a smaller, or determine matters of controversy 
 which arise therein ; — that, in like manner, a representa- 
 tion of the whole should govern and determine in regard 
 to every part, and to all the parts united ; that is, that a 
 majority shall govern: and consequently that appeals may 
 be carried from lower to higher judicatories, till they be 
 finally decided by the collected wisdom and united voice 
 of the whole church. For these principles and this pro- 
 cedure, the example of the apostles, and the practice of 
 the primitive church, is considered as authority. See 
 Acts XV. to the 29th verse ; and the proofs adduced under 
 the last three chapters. 
 
 36* 
 
426 rORM OP GOVERNMENT. 
 
 in the like proportion for every twenty-four 
 ministers in any presbytery : and these dele- 
 gates, so appointed, shall be styled, Commis- 
 sioners to the General Assembly. 
 
 III. Any fourteen or more of these commis- 
 sioners, one half of whom shall be ministers, 
 being met on the day, and at the place ap- 
 pointed, shall be a quorum for the transaction 
 of business. 
 
 IV. The General Assembly shall receive and 
 issue all appeals and references which may be 
 regularly brought before them from the inferior 
 judicatories. They shall review the records of 
 every synod, and approve or censure them: 
 they shall give their advice and instruction in 
 all cases submitted to them in conformity with 
 the constitution of the church ; and they shall 
 constitute the bond of union, peace, correspond- 
 ence, and mutual confidence, among all our 
 churches. 
 
 V. To the General Assembly also belongs the 
 power of deciding in all controversies respect- 
 ing doctrine and discipline ; of reproving, warn- 
 ing, or bearing testimony against error in doc- 
 trine, or immorality in practice, in any church, 
 presbytery, or synod; of erecting new synods 
 when it may be judged necessary ; of superin- 
 tending the concerns of the whole church ; of 
 corresponding with foreign churches, on such 
 terms as may be agreed upon by the Assembly 
 and the corresponding body; of suppressing 
 schismatical contentions and disputations ; and, 
 in general, of recommending and attempting 
 reformation of manners, and the promotion of 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 427 
 
 charity, truth, and hoUness, through all the 
 churches under their care. 
 
 VI. Before any overtures or regulations pro- 
 posed by the Assembly to be established as 
 constitutional rules, shall be obligatory on the 
 churches, it shall be necessary to transmit them 
 to all the presbyteries, and to receive the re- 
 turns of at least a majority of them, in writing, 
 approving thereof 
 
 VII. The General Assembly shall meet at 
 least once in every year. On the day appoint- 
 ed for that purpose, the moderator of the last 
 Assembl}^, if present, or in case of his absence, 
 some other minister, shall open the meeting 
 with a sermon, and preside until a new mode- 
 rator be chosen. No commissioner shall have 
 a right to deliberate or vote in the Assembly, 
 until his name shall have been enrolled by the 
 clerk, and his commission examined, and filed 
 among the papers of the Assembly. 
 
 VIII. Each session of the Assembly shall be 
 opened and closed with prayer. x\nd the whole 
 business of the Assembly being finished, and the 
 vote taken for dissolving the present Assembly, 
 the moderator shall say from the chair, — " By 
 "virtue of the authority delegated to me, by 
 "the church, let this General Assembly be dis- 
 " solved, and I do hereby dissolve it, and re- 
 " quire another General Assembly, chosen in 
 " the same manner, to meet at 
 
 "on the day of A. D. "— 
 
 after which he shall pray and return thanks, 
 and pronounce on those present the apostolic 
 benediction. 
 
42S FORM OP GOVERNMENT. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 OP ELECTING AND ORDAINING RULING ELDERS 
 AND DEACONS. 
 
 I. Having defined the officers of the church, 
 and the judicatories by which it shall be 
 governed, it is proper here to prescribe the 
 mode in which ecclesiastical rulers should be 
 ordained to their respective offices, as well as 
 some of the principles by which they shall be 
 regulated in discharging their several duties. 
 
 II. Every congregation shall elect persons to 
 the office of ruling elder, and to the office of 
 deacon, or either of them, in the mode most 
 approved and in use in that congregation. (1) 
 But in all cases the persons elected must be 
 male members in full communion in the church 
 in which they are to exercise their office. 
 
 III. When any person shall have been 
 elected to either of these offices, and shall have 
 declared his willingness to accept thereof, he 
 shall be set apart in the following manner: 
 
 IV. After sermon, the minister shall state, 
 in a concise manner, the warrant and nature 
 of the office of ruling elder or deacon, together 
 with the character proper to be sustained, and 
 the duties to be fulfilled by the officer elect : 
 having done this, he shall propose to the can- 
 didate, in the presence of the congregation, the 
 following questions : — viz. 
 
 (1) 1 Cor. xiv. 40. Let all things be done decently, 
 and in order. 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 429 
 
 1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old 
 and New Testaments to be the word of God, 
 the only infallible rule of faith and practice ? 
 
 2. Do you sincerely receive and adopt the 
 confession of faith of this church, as containing 
 the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scrip- 
 tures ? 
 
 3. Do you approve of the government and 
 discipline of the Presbyterian church in these 
 United States ? 
 
 4. Do you accept the office of ruling elder 
 (or deacon, as the case may be) in this congre- 
 gation, and promise faithfully to perform all the 
 duties thereof? 
 
 5. Do you promise to study the peace, unity, 
 and purity of the church ? 
 
 The elder, or deacon elect, having answered 
 these questions in the atfirmative, the minister 
 shall address to the members of the church the 
 following question : — viz. 
 
 Do you, the members of this church, acknow- 
 ledge and receive this brother as a ruling elder, 
 (or deacon) and do you promise to yield him all 
 that honour, encouragement, and obedience, in 
 the Lord, to which his office, according to the 
 word of God, and the constitution of this 
 church, entitles him ? 
 
 The members of the church having answered 
 this question in the affirmative, by holding up 
 their right hands, the minister shall proceed to 
 set apart the candidate, by prayer, to the office 
 of ruling elder, (or deacon, as the (1) case may 
 
 (1) Acts vi. 5, 6. 
 
430 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 be) and shall give to him, and to the congre- 
 gation, an exhortation suited to the occasion. 
 
 V. Where there is an existing session, it is 
 proper that the members of that body, at the 
 close of the service, and in the face of the con- 
 gregation, take the newly ordained elder by the 
 liand, saying in words to this purpose, — ''We 
 " give you the right hand of fellowship, to take 
 "part of this office with us." 
 
 VI. The offices of ruling elder and deacon 
 are both perpetual, and cannot be laid aside at 
 pleasure. No person can be divested of either 
 office but by deposition. Yet an elder or dea- 
 con may become, by age or infirmity, incapable 
 of performing the duties of his office ; or he 
 may, though chargeable with neither heresy 
 nor immorality, become unacceptable, in his 
 official character, to a majority of the congre- 
 gation to which he belongs. In either of these 
 cases he may, as often happens with respect 
 to a minister, cease to be an acting elder or 
 deacon. 
 
 VII. Whenever a ruling elder or deacon, 
 from either of these causes, or from any other, 
 not inferring crime, shall be incapable of serv- 
 ing the church to edification, the session shall 
 take order on the subject, and state the fact, 
 together with the reasons of it, on their re- 
 cords. Provided always, that nothing of this 
 kind shall be done without the concurrence of 
 the individual in question, unless by the advice 
 of presbytery. 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 431 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 OF LICENSING CANDIDATES OR PROBATIONERS 
 TO PREACH THE GOSPEL. 
 
 I. The H0I7 Scriptures require that some 
 trial be previously had of them who are to be 
 ordained to the ministry of the gospel, that this 
 sacred office may not be degraded, by being 
 committed to weak or unworthy men ; (1) and 
 that the churches may have an opportunity to 
 form a better judgment respecting the talents 
 of those by whom they are to be instructed 
 and governed. For this purpose presbyteries 
 shall license probationers to preach the gospel, 
 that after a competent trial of their talents, and 
 receiving from the churches a good report, 
 they may, in due time, ordain them to the 
 sacred office. (2) 
 
 II. Every candidate for licensure shall be 
 taken on trials by that presbytery to which he 
 most naturally belongs; and he shall be con- 
 sidered as most naturally belonging to that 
 presbytery within the bounds of which he has 
 ordinarily resided. But in case any candidate 
 should find it more convenient to put himself 
 under the care of a presbytery at a distance 
 from that to which he most naturally belongs, 
 lie may be received by the said presbvtery, on 
 
 (1) iTim. iii. 6. Not a novice. 2 Tim. ii. 2. And 
 the thing's that thou hast heard of me among many wit- 
 nesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall 
 be able to teach others also. 
 
 (2) ITim. iii. 7. 3 John 12. 
 
432 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 his producing testimonials either from the pres- 
 bytery within the bounds of which he has com- 
 monly resided, or from any two ministers of 
 that presbytery in good standing, of his exem- 
 olary piety, and other requisite quahfications. 
 
 III. It is proper and requisite that candidates 
 ipplying to the presbytery to be licensed to 
 preach the gospel, produce satisfactory testi- 
 monials of their good moral character, and of 
 their being regular members of some particular 
 church. And it is the duty of the presbytery, 
 for their satisfaction with regard to the real 
 piety of such candidates, to examine them re- 
 specting their experimental acquaintance whh 
 religion, and the motives which influence them 
 to desire the sacred office. (1) This examina- 
 tion shall be close and particular, and, in most 
 cases, may best be conducted in the presence 
 of the presbytery only. And it is recommended 
 that the candidate be also required to produce 
 a diploma of bachelor or master of arts, from 
 some college or university: or, at least, authen- 
 tic testimonials of his having gone through a 
 regular course of learning. 
 
 IV. Because it is highly reproachful to reli- 
 gion, and dangerous to the church, to intrust 
 the holy ministry to weak and ignorant men, (2) 
 the presbytery shall try each candidate, as to 
 his knowledge of the Latin language ; and the 
 original languages in which the Holy Scrip- 
 
 (1) Rom. ii. 21. Thou, therefore, which teachest an- 
 other, teachest thou not thyself? &c., in connexion "with 
 figure (1), page 431. 
 
 (2) See figures (1) and (2), page 431. 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 433 
 
 tures were written. They shall also examine 
 iiim on the arts and sciences ; on theology, 
 natural and revealed ; and on ecclesiastical 
 history, the sacraments, and church govern- 
 ment. And in order to make trial of his 
 talents to explain and vindicate, and practi- 
 cally to enforce, the doctrines of the gospel, 
 the presbytery shall require of him, 
 
 1. A Latin exegesis on some common head 
 in divinity. 
 
 2. A critical exercise; in which the can- 
 didate shall give a specimen of his taste and 
 judgment in sacred criticism; presenting an 
 explication of the original text, stating its con- 
 nexion, illustrating its force and beauties, re- 
 moving its difficulties, and solving any import- 
 ant questions which it may present. 
 
 3. A lecture, or exposition of several verses 
 of Scripture ; and, 
 
 4. A popular sermon. 
 
 V. These, or other similar exercises, at the 
 discretion of the presbytery, shall be exhibited 
 until they shall have obtained satisfaction as to 
 the candidate's piety, literature, and aptness to 
 teach in the churches. (1) The lecture and popu- 
 lar sermon, if the presbytery think proper, may 
 be delivered in the presence of a congregation. 
 
 VI. That the most effectual measures may 
 be taken to guard against the admission of in- 
 sufficient men into the sacred office, (2) it is 
 recommended, that no candidate, except in 
 
 (1) 1 Tim. iii. 2. — Apt to teach. See also the fore- 
 going quotations. 
 
 (2) See figure (1), page 431. 
 
 37 
 
434 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 extraordinary cases, be licensed, iiniess, aftei 
 his having completed the usual course of aca- 
 demical studies, he shall have studied divinity 
 at least two years, under some approved divine 
 or professor of theology. 
 
 VII. If the presbytery be satisfied with his 
 trials, they shall then proceed to license him in 
 the following manner : The moderator shall 
 propose to him the following questions : viz. 
 
 1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old 
 and New Testaments to be the word of God, 
 the only infallible rule of faith and practice ? 
 
 2. Do you sincerely receive and adopt the 
 confession of faith of this church, as contain- 
 ing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy 
 Scriptures ? 
 
 3. Do you promise to study the peace, unity, 
 and purity of the church? 
 
 4. Do you promise to submit yourself, in the 
 Lord, to the government of this presbytery, or 
 of any other presbytery in the bounds of which 
 you may be called ? 
 
 VIII. The candidate having answered these 
 questions in the affirmative, and the moderator 
 ! saving offered up a prayer suitable to the oc- 
 casion, he shall address himself to the can- 
 didate to the following purpose: — "In the 
 " name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by that 
 " authority which he hath given to the church 
 " for its edification, we do license you to preacli 
 " the gospel, wherever God in his providence 
 " may call you : and for this purpose, may the 
 " blessing of God rest upon you, and the Spirit 
 "of Christ fill your he3iXt.—^?nenf'' and re- 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 435 
 
 cord shall be made of the licensure in the fol- 
 
 lowing or like form : viz. 
 
 
 At the 
 
 day of 
 
 the presbytery of 
 
 having 
 
 received testimonials in favour of 
 of his having gone through a regular course 
 of literature : of his good moral character ; 
 and of his being in the communion of the 
 church : proceeded to take the usual parts of 
 trial for his licensure : and he having given 
 satisfaction as to his accomplishments in litera- 
 ture; as to his experimental acquaintance with 
 rehgion ; and as to his proficiency in divinity 
 and other studies ; the presbytery did, and 
 hereby do, express their approbation of all these 
 parts of trial : and he having adopted the con- 
 fession of faith of this church, and satisfactorily 
 answered the questions appointed to be put to 
 .candidates to be licensed; the presbytery did, and 
 hereby do license him, the said 
 to preach thje Gospel of Christ, as a probationer 
 .for the holy ministry, withirj the bounds of this 
 ^presbytery, or wherever else he shall be orderly 
 called. ... 
 
 .- IX. When any candidate for licensure shall 
 h^ve occasion v\rhile his trials are going on, to. 
 remove from the bounds, of his own presbytery 
 into those of another, it shall be considered as 
 regular for the latter presbytery, on his produ- 
 cing proper testimonials from the former, to take 
 up his trials at the point at which they were 
 left, and conduct them to a conclusion, in the 
 same manner as if they had been commenced 
 by themselves. 
 
436 FORM OP GOVERNMENT. 
 
 X. Ill like manner, when any candidate, after 
 licensure, shall, by the permission of his presby- 
 tery, remove without its limits, an extract of 
 ihe record of his licensure, accompanied with 
 a presbyterial recommendation, signed by the 
 clerk, shall be his testimonials to the presbytery 
 under whose care he shall come. 
 
 XI. When a licentiate shall have been preach- 
 ing for a considerable time, and his services do 
 not appear to be edifying to the churches, the 
 presbytery may, if they think proper, recall his 
 license. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 OF THE ELECTION AND ORDINATION OF BISHOPS 
 OR PASTORS, AND EVANGELISTS. 
 
 I. When any probationer shall have preach:: 
 ed so_ much to the satisfaction of any congreg a- 
 tion's that the people appear prepared in elect 
 srgasUiv, th esess io^ sh all take measures to con-, 
 yeae^h em for this purpos e : and it shall always^ 
 be the d uty of the session to convene' them T 
 when a majority oi the' persons entitl e d to vo te 
 in_Jhe case, s hall, by a petition, request that a 
 meeting may b'e called! 
 
 II. When such a meeting is intended, the ses- 
 sion shall solicit the presence and counsel of 
 some neighbouring minister to assist them in 
 conducting the election contemplated, unless 
 highly inconvenient on account of distance ; in 
 which case they may proceed without such as- 
 sistance. 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 437 
 
 -III. On a Lord's-day^ immediately after pub- 
 lic worship, it shall Jdc intimated from the pul- 
 ,pit, that all the menibers of that congregation 
 are requested to meet on ensuing, 
 
 at the church, or usual place for holding public 
 worship ; then and there, if it be agreeable to 
 them, to proceed to the election of a pastor for 
 that congregation. 
 
 IV. On the day appointed, the minister in- 
 vited to preside, if he be present, shall, if it be 
 deemed expedient, preach a sermon ; and after 
 sermon he shall announce to the people, that 
 he will immediately proceed to take the votes 
 ofjh e electors of th at congregation, for a pas- 
 tor, if such b e their desirej and when this de- 
 sire s'haii be expresse d by a maj ority of voices, 
 he shall then proceed to take votes accordingly. 
 In this election, no person shall be entitled to 
 vote who refuses to submit to the censures of 
 the church , yegiTlarly administered ; or who does 
 i iot contribute his just proportio n^ according to 
 his own engagements, or the rules of that con- 
 gregation, to all its necessary expenses. 
 
 V. When the votes are taken, if it appear 
 that a large minority of the peop le are averse 
 froni the candidate who has a majority of votes, 
 and cannot be induced to concur in the call, the 
 presiding minister shall e ndeavour to dissuade, 
 the congregation from prosecuting it further . 
 But if the people be nearly, or entirely, unani- 
 mous; or if the majority shajl m sisLupon their 
 _right to call a pastor, the presiding minister, in 
 
 that case, after using his utmost endeavours to 
 persuade the congregation to unanimity, shall 
 37* 
 
438 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 proc eed to draw a call, in due form, an d toJiaye 
 jt^suT) snnbRd } ) y the electo rs ; certifying at the 
 same tim e, in writing, the nmnber and circum- 
 stances of Ih ose who do not concur in the call^ " 
 all which proceedings shall be laid before the 
 presbytery, together with the call. 
 
 VI. The call shall be in the following or like 
 form: viz. 
 
 The congregation of being, on 
 
 sufficient grounds, well satisfied of the ministe- 
 rial qualifications of you and 
 having good hopes, from our past experience 
 of your labours, that your ministrations in the 
 Gospel will be profitable to our spiritual inte- 
 rests, do earnestly call and desire you to under- 
 take the pastoral office in'" said' cbngrega'tion ; 
 promising you, in the discharge of your duty, 
 all proper support, encouragement, and obe- 
 dience in the Lord. And that you may be free 
 from worldly cares and avocations; we hereby 
 promise and oblige ourselves to pay t5*you the 
 sum of '** in regular quar- 
 terly (or half yearly, or yearly) payments, 
 during the time of your being and continuing 
 the regular pastor of this church. In testimony 
 whereof, we have respectively subSCfibed our 
 names, this day of A.D. 
 Jittested by A. D. Moderator of the meeting. 
 
 VII. But if any congregation shall choose to 
 subscribe their call by their elders and deacons^ 
 
 "or by their trustees, or jby a select, conimittepj 
 they shall be a^ liber ty to do so. But it shall, 
 in such case, be lully certified to the presbytery, 
 by the minister, "or other person who presided, 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 439 
 
 that the persons signing have been appointed, 
 for that purpose , by a puWic vote oi the con- 
 gregation; 'and that the call has been, in all 
 other respects, prepared as above directed. 
 
 VIII. When a call shall be presented to any 
 minister or candidate, it shall always be viewed 
 as a sufficient petition from the people for his 
 instalment. The acceptance of a call, by a 
 minister or candidate, shall always be considered 
 as a request, on "his part, to be installed at the 
 same time. And when a candidate shall be 
 ordained in consequence of a call from -any 
 congregation, the presbytery shall, at the same 
 time, if practicable, install him pastor of that 
 congregation. 
 
 IX. The call, thus prepared, shall be pre- 
 sented to the presbytery, under whose care the 
 person called shall be ; that, if the presbyt ery^ 
 thjnkit expedient to, present 'the call to him^ it 
 Inaylreaccordingly presented : and no minister 
 or candidate shall receive a call but through 
 the hands of the presbytery. 
 
 X. If the call be to the licentiate of another 
 presbytery, in that case the commissioners de- 
 puted from the congregation to prosecute the 
 call, shall produce, to that judicatory, a certifi- 
 cate from their own presbytery, regularly at- 
 tested by the moderator and clerk, that the call 
 has been laid before them, and that it is in 
 order. If that presbytery present the call to 
 their licentiate, and he be disposed to accept it, 
 they shall then dismiss him from their jurisdic- 
 tion, and require him to repair to that presby- 
 tery, into the bounds of which he is called ; and 
 
440 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 t) jfire„to submit himgplf to the usual trials pre- 
 paratory to ordination, mmm -.9^. , 
 
 XI. Trials for ordination, especially in a dif- 
 ferent presbytery from that in which the can- 
 didate was licensed, shall consist of a careful 
 examination as to his acquaintance with ex- 
 perimental religion ; as to his knowledge of 
 philosophy, theology, ecclesiastical history, the 
 Greek and Hebrew languages, and such other 
 branches of learning as to the presbytery may 
 appear requisite ; and as to his knowledge of 
 the constitution, the rules and principles of the 
 government, and discipline of the church ; to- 
 gether with such written discourse, or dis- 
 courses, founded on the word of God, as to the 
 presbytery shall seem proper. (1) The presby- 
 tery, being fully satisfied with his qualifications 
 
 •ibr,the..sacred office, shall appoint a day for his 
 ordination, which ought to be, if convenient, in 
 that church of which he is to be the minister. 
 It is also recommended that a fast day be ob- 
 served in the congregation previous to the day 
 of ordination. (2) 
 
 XII. The day appointed for ordination being 
 come, and the presbytery convened, a member 
 of the presbytery, previously appointed to that 
 duty, shall preach a sermon adapted to the oc- 
 casion. The same, or another member ap- 
 pointed to preside, shall afterwards briefly recite 
 fi-om the pulpit, in the audience of the people, 
 the proceedings of the presbytery preparatory 
 
 (1) See the proofs in sections 1,2, 3, 4, of chapter iv 
 
 (2) Acts xiii. 2, 3. 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 441 
 
 to this transaction : he shall point out the na- 
 ture and importance of the ordinance ; and en- 
 deavour to impress the audience with a proper 
 sense of the solemnity of the transaction. 
 
 Then, addressing himself to the candidate, 
 he shall propose to him the following questions, 
 viz. 
 
 1. Do you believe the Scriptures of the Old 
 and New Testaments to be the word of God, 
 the only infallible rule of faith and prac- 
 tice ?(1)' 
 
 2. Do you sincerely receive and adopt the 
 confession of faith of this church, as containing 
 the system of doctrine taught in the Holy 
 Scriptures ? (2) 
 
 3. Do you approve of the government and 
 discipline of the Presbyterian Church in these 
 United States ? (3) 
 
 4. Do you promise subjection to your breth- 
 ren in the Lord ? (4) 
 
 5. Have you been induced, as far as you 
 know your own heart, to seek the office of the 
 holy ministry from love to God, and a sincere 
 desire to promote his glory in the gospel of his 
 Son ? (5) 
 
 6. Do you promise to be zealous and faith- 
 ful in maintaining the truths of the gospel, and 
 the purity and peace of the church ; whatever 
 
 (1) 2 Tim. iii. 16. Eph. ii. 20. 
 
 (2) 2 Tim. i. 13. 
 
 (3) See figure (2) above. 
 
 (4) 1 Pet. V. 5. 
 
 (5^ 1 Cor. ii. 2. 2 Cor. iv. 5. 
 
442 FORM or GOVERNMENT. 
 
 persecution or opposition may arise unto you 
 on that account? (1) 
 
 7. Do you engage to be faithful and dihgent 
 in the exercise of all private and personal du- 
 ties, which become you as a Christian and a 
 minister of the gospel ; as well as in all relative 
 duties, and the public duties of your office ; en- 
 deavouring to adorn the profession of the gos- 
 
 .. pel by your conversation ; and walking with 
 exemplary piety before the flock over which 
 God shall make you overseer ? (2) 
 
 8. Are you now willing to take the charge 
 of this congregation, agreeably to your declara- 
 tion at accepting their call ? And do you pro- 
 mise to discharge the duties of a pastor to them, 
 as God shall give you strength ? (3) 
 
 XIII. The candidate having answered these 
 questions in the affirmative, the presiding 
 miriister shall propose to the people the follow- 
 ing questions : — 
 ^ , 1. Do you, the people of this congregation, 
 '^^'continue to profess your readiness to receive 
 ^^k-Kc.^ ■ whom you have called 
 
 to'^be your minister ? 
 . g^^^f 2. Do you promise to receive the word of \i^^ ^ 
 . ' truth from his mouth, with meekness and love; ' .c^^i^ 
 and to submit to him in the due exercise of 
 discipline ? (4) 
 
 3. Do you promise to encourage him in his 
 
 (1) Acts XX. 17 to 31. 
 
 (2) See the epistles to Timothy and Titus throughout. 
 
 (3) 1 Pet. V. 2. 
 
 (4) James i. 21. Heb. xiii. 17. 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 443 , "^^ 
 
 arduous labour, and to assist his endeavours for 
 your instruction and spiritual edification ? (1) ->^ 
 
 4. And do you engage to continue to him, " 
 while he is your pastor, that competent worldly tJ * 
 maintenance which you have promised ; and ^^*' 
 jvvhateveii_else_ you may see needful for the 
 honour of religion, and his comfort among 
 you ? (2) 
 
 XIV. The people having answered these 
 questions in the affirmative, by holding up their 
 right hands, the candidate shall kneel down in 
 the most convenient part of the church. Then 
 the presiding minister shall, by prayer, (3) and 
 with the laying on of the hands of the presby- 
 tery, (4) according to the apostolic example, 
 solemnly ordain him to the holy office of the 
 gospel ministry. Prayer being ended, he shall 
 rise from his knees; and the minister who pre- 
 sides shall first, and afterward all the members 
 of the presbytery in their order, take him by 
 the right hand, saying, in words to this purpose, 
 a We giye you the right hand of fellowship, to 
 '•' take part of this ministry with us." (5) After 
 which the minister presiding, or some other 
 appointed for the purpose, shall give a solemn 
 charge in the name of God, to the newly or- 
 dained bishop, (6) and to the people, (7) to per- 
 
 (1) 1 Thess. V. 12, 13. 
 
 (2) 1 Cor. ix. 7 to 15. 
 
 (3) Acts xiii. 2, 3. 
 
 (4) 1 Tim. iv. 14. 
 
 (5) G-ii. ii. 9. Acts i. 25. 
 
 (6) 2 Tim. iv. 1, 2. 
 
 (7) Mark iv. 24. Heb. ii. 1. See also figures (3). 
 (4), page 442, and (1), page. 443-. • 
 
444 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 severe in the discharge of their mutual duties ; 
 and shall then, by prayer, recommend them 
 both to the grace of God, and his holy keeping, 
 and finally, after singing a psalm, shall dismiss 
 the congregation with the usual blessing. And 
 the presbytery shall duly record the transaction. 
 
 XV. As it is sometimes desirable and im- 
 portant that a candidate who has not received 
 a call to be the pastor of a particular congre- 
 gation, should, nevertheless, be ordained to the 
 work of the gospel ministry, as an evangelist 
 to preach the gospel, administer sealing ordi- 
 nances, and organize churches, in frontier or 
 destitute settlements ; in this case, the last of 
 the preceding questions shall be omitted, and 
 the following used as a substitute : — viz. 
 
 Are you now willing to undertake the work 
 of an evangelist ; and do you promise to dis- 
 charge the duties which may be incumbent on 
 you in this character, as God shall give you 
 strength ? 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 OP TRANSLATION, OR REMOVING A MINISTER 
 FROM ONE CHARGE TO ANOTHER. 
 
 I. No bishop shall be translated from one 
 church to another, nor shall he receive any call 
 for that purpose, but by the permission of the 
 presbytery. 
 
 II. Any church, desiring to call a settled 
 minister from his present charge, shall, by com- 
 missioners properly authorized, represent to 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 445 
 
 the presbytery the ground on which they plead 
 his removal. The presbytery, having maturely 
 considered their plea, may, according as it ap- 
 pears more or less reasonable, either recom- 
 mend to them to desist from prosecuting the 
 call, or may order it to be delivt^red to the 
 minister to whom it is directed. If the parties 
 be not prepared to have the matter issued at 
 that presbytery, a written citation shall be 
 given to the minister and his congregation, to 
 appear before the presbytery at their next 
 meeting. This citation shall be read from the 
 pulpit in that church, by a member of the 
 presbytery appointed for that purpose, imme- 
 diately after public worship ; so that at least 
 two Sabbaths shall intervene betwixt the cita- 
 tion and the meeting of the presbytery at which 
 the cause of translation is to be considered. 
 The presbytery being met, and having heard 
 the parties, shall, upon the whole view of the 
 case, either continue him in his former charge, 
 or translate him, as they shall deem to be most 
 for the peace and edification of the church ; or 
 refer the whole affair to the synod at their next 
 meeting, for their advice and direction. 
 
 III. When the congregation calling any set- 
 tled minister is within the limits of another 
 presbytery, that congregation shal l obtain leave^ 
 from the presbytery to which thev belong to 
 apply to the presbytery of which he is a mem- 
 ber : and that presbytery, having cited him and 
 his congregation as before directed, shall pro- 
 ceed to hear and issue the cause. If they agree 
 to the translation, they shall release him from 
 '38 
 
446 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 his present charge ; and having given him pro- 
 per testimonials, shall require him to repair to 
 that presbytery, within the bounds of which 
 the congregation calling him lies, that the pro- 
 per steps may be taken for his regular settle- 
 ment in that congregatioii : and the presbytery 
 to which the congregation belongs, having re- 
 ceived an authenticated certificate of his release, 
 under the hand of the clerk of that presbytery, 
 shall proceed to install him in the congregation, 
 as soon as convenient. Provided always, that 
 no bishop or pastor shall be translated without 
 his own consent previously obtained. 
 
 IV. When any minister is to be settled in a 
 congregation, the instalment, which consists in 
 constituting a pastoral relation between him 
 and the people of that particular church, may 
 be performed either by the presbytery, or by a 
 committee appointed for that purpose, as may 
 appear most expedient: and the following order 
 shall be observed therein : 
 
 V. A day shall be appointed for the instal- 
 ment at such time as may appear most con- 
 venient, and due notice thereof given to the 
 congregation. 
 
 VI. When the presbytery, or committee, 
 shall be convened and constituted, on the day 
 appointed, a sermon shall be delivered by some 
 one of the members previously appointed there- 
 to ; immediately after which, the bishop who is 
 to preside shall state to the congregation the 
 design of their meeting, and briefly recite the 
 proceedings of the presbytery relative thereto.. 
 And then, addressing hhnself to the minister ta 
 
FOHM OP GOVERNMENT. 447 
 
 be installed, shall propose to him the following 
 or similar questions : 
 
 1. Are you now willing to take the charge 
 of this congregation, as their pastor, agreeably 
 to your declaration at accepting their call ? 
 
 2. Do you conscientiously believe and de- 
 clare, as far as you know your own heart, that 
 in taking upon you this charge, you are influ- 
 enced by a sincere desire to promote the glory 
 of God, and the good of his church ? 
 
 3. Do you solemnly promise, that, by the 
 assistance of the grace of God, you will endea- 
 vour faithfully to discharge all the duties of a 
 pastor to this congregation^ and will be care- 
 ful to maintain a deportment in all respects 
 becoming a minister of the gospel of Christ, 
 agreeably to your ordination engagements ? 
 
 To all these having received satisfactory an- 
 swers, he shall propose to the people the same 
 or like questions as those directed under the 
 head of ordination ; which, having been also 
 satisfactorily answered, by holding up the right 
 hand in testimony of assent, he shall solemnly 
 pronounce and declare the said minister to be 
 regularly constituted the pastor of that congre- 
 gation. A charge shall then be given to both 
 parties, as directed in the case of ordination ; 
 and, after prayer, and singing a psalm adapted 
 to the transaction, the congregation shall be 
 dismissed with the usual benediction. 
 
 VII. It is highly becoming, that, after the 
 solemnity of the instalment, the heads of fami- 
 lies of that congregation who are then present, 
 or at least the elders, and those appointed to 
 
448 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 take care of the temporal concerns of that 
 churcli, should come forward to their pastor, 
 and give him their right hand, in token of cor- 
 dial reception and affectionate reg^ard. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 OF RESIGNING A PASTORAL CHARGE. 
 
 When any minister shall labour under such 
 grievances in his congregation, as that he shall 
 desire leave to resign his pastoral charge, the 
 presbytery shall cite the congregation to ap- 
 pear, by their commissioners, at their next 
 meeting, to show cause, if any they have, 
 why the presbytery should not accept the 
 resignation. If the congregation fail to ap- 
 pear, or if their reasons for retaining their pas- 
 tor be deemed by the presbytery insufficient, 
 he shall have leave granted to resign his pas- 
 toral charge, of which due record shall be 
 made; and that church shall be held to be 
 vacant, till supplied again, in an orderly man- 
 ner, with another minister : and if any congre- 
 gation shall desire to be released from their 
 pastor, a similar process, mutatis mutandis, 
 shall be observed. 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 449 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 OF MISSIONS. 
 
 When vacancies become so numerous in any 
 presbytery that they cannot be supplied with 
 the frequent administration of the word and 
 ordinances, it shall be proper for such presby- 
 tery, or any vacant congregation within their 
 bounds, with th« leave of the presbytery, to 
 apply to any other presbytery, or to any synod, 
 or to the General Assembly, for such assistance 
 as they can afford. And, when any presby- 
 tery shall send any of their ministers or pro- 
 bationers to distant vacancies, the missionary 
 shall be ready to produce his credentials to 
 the presbytery or presbyteries, through the 
 bounds of which he may pass, or at least to a 
 committee thereof, and obtain their approba- 
 tion. And the General Assembly may, of 
 their own knowledge, send missionaries to 
 any part to plant churches, or to supply va- 
 cancies : and, for this purpose, may direct any 
 presbytery to ordain evangelists, or ministers 
 without relation to particular churches: pro- 
 vided always^ that such missions be made 
 with the consent of the parties appointed; and 
 that the judicatory sending them, make the 
 necessary provision for their support and re- 
 ward in the performance of this service. 
 
 38* 
 
450 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 OF MODERATORS. 
 
 I. It is equally necessary in the judicatories 
 of the church, as in other assemblies, that there 
 should be a moderator or president ; that the 
 business may be conducted with order and 
 despatch. 
 
 II. The moderator is to be considered as 
 possessing, by delegation from the whole body, 
 all authority necessary for the preservation of 
 order ; for convening and adjourning the judi- 
 catory ; and directing its operations accord- 
 ing to the rules of the church. He is to pro- 
 pose to the judicatory every subject of delibe- 
 ration that comes before them. He may pro- 
 pose what appears to him the most regular and 
 speedy way of bringing any business to issue. 
 He shall prevent the members from interrupt- 
 ing each other ; and require them, in speaking, 
 always to address the chair. He shall prevent 
 a speaker from deviating from the subject: 
 and from using personal reflections. He shall 
 silence those who refuse to obey order. He 
 shall prevent members who attempt to leave 
 the judicatory without leave obtained from 
 him. He shall, at a proper season, when the 
 deliberations are ended, put the question and 
 call the votes. If the judicatory be equally 
 divided, he shall possess the casting vote. If 
 he be not willing to decide, he shall put the 
 question a second time ; and if the judicatory 
 be again equally divided, and he decline to 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 451 
 
 give his vote, the question shall be lost. In all 
 questions he shall give a concise and clear state 
 of the object of the vote ; and the vote being 
 taken, shall then declare how the question is 
 decided. And he shall hkewise be empowered, 
 on any extraordinary emergency, to convene 
 the judicatory, by his circular letter, before the 
 ordinary time of meeting. 
 
 III. The moderator of the presbytery shall 
 be chosen from year to year, or at every meet- 
 ing of the presbytery, as the presbytery may 
 think best. The moderator of the synod, and 
 of the General Assembly, shall be chosen at 
 each meeting of those judicatories : and the 
 moderator, or, in case of his absence, another 
 member appointed for the purpose, shall open 
 the next meeting with a sermon, and shall hold 
 the chair till a new moderator be chosen. 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 OF CLERKS. 
 
 Every judicatory shall choose a clerk, to 
 record their transactions, whose continuance 
 shall be during pleasure. It shall be the duty 
 of the clerk, besides recording the transactions, 
 to preserve the records carefully; and to grant 
 extracts from them, whenever properly re- 
 quired : and such extracts, under the hand 
 of the clerk, shall be considered as authentic 
 vouchers of the fact which they declare, in 
 any ecclesiastical judicatory, and to every part 
 of the church. 
 
452 FORM OP GOVERNMENT. 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 OF VACANT CONGREGATIONS ASSEMBLING FOR 
 PUBLIC WORSHIP. 
 
 Considering the great importance of weekly 
 assembling the people, for the public worship 
 of God ; in order thereby to improve their 
 knowledge; to confirm their habits of wor- 
 ship, and their desire of the public ordinances ; 
 to augment their reverence for the most high 
 God ; and to promote the charitable affections 
 which unite men most firmly in society : it is 
 recommended, that every vacant congregation 
 meet together, on the Lord's day, at one or 
 more places, for the purpose of prayer, singing 
 praises, and reading the holy Scriptures, toge- 
 ther with the works of such approved divines, 
 as the presbytery, within whose bounds they 
 are, may recommend, and they may be able to 
 procure ; and that the elders or deacons be the 
 persons who shall preside, and select the por- 
 tions of Scripture, and of the other books to be 
 read ; and to see that the whole be conducted 
 in a becoming and orderly manner. 
 
 CHAPTER XXH. 
 
 OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY 
 
 I. The commissioners to the General Assem- 
 bly shall always be appointed by the presbytery 
 
FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 453 
 
 from which they come, at its last stated meet- 
 ing, immediately preceding the meeting of the 
 General Assembly; provided, that there be a 
 sufficient interval betw^een that time and the 
 meetingoftheAssembly,for their commissioners 
 to attend to their duty in due season; otherwise, 
 the presbytery may make the appointment at 
 any stated meeting, not more than seven months 
 preceding the meeting of the Assembly. And 
 as much as possible to prevent all failure in the 
 representation of the presbyteries, arising from 
 unforeseen accidents to those first appointed, it 
 may be expedient for each presbytery, in the 
 room of each commissioner, to appoint also an 
 alternate commissioner to supply his place, in 
 case of necessary absence. 
 
 II. Each commissioner, before his name shall 
 be enrolled as a member of the Assembly, shall 
 produce from his presbytery, a commission 
 under the hand of the moderator and clerk, in 
 the following, or like form : viz. 
 
 " The presbytery of being met at 
 
 " on the day of 
 
 " doth hereby appoint bishop of the 
 
 " congregation of [or 
 
 " ruling elder in the congregation of as 
 
 " the case may be ;"] (to which the presbytery 
 may, if they think proper, make a substitution 
 in the following form) " or in case of his absence, 
 " then bishop of the congregation of 
 
 " [or ruling elder in the con- 
 
 •^ gregation of as the case may be :] 
 
 " to be a commissioner, on behalf of this presby- 
 
454 FORM OF GOVERNMENT. 
 
 " tery, to the next General Assembly of the Pres- 
 ^•byterian Church hi the United States of 
 *' America, to meet at on the 
 
 " day of A. D. or wherever, 
 
 "- and whenever the said Assembly may happen 
 '' to sit ; to consult, vote, and determine, on all 
 " things that may come before that body, accord- 
 " ing to the principles and constitution of this 
 "church, and the word of God. And of his 
 " diligence herein, he is to render an account at 
 "his return. 
 
 Signed by order of the presbytery^ 
 
 Moderator^ 
 Clerk.'' 
 
 And the presbytery shall make record of the 
 appointment. 
 
 III. In order, as far as possible, to procure a 
 respectable and full delegation to all our judi- 
 catories, it is proper that the expenses of minis- 
 ters and elders in their attendance on these 
 judicatories, be defrayed by the bodies which 
 they respectively represent. 
 
BOOK II. 
 
 OF DISCIPLINE. 
 
 CHAPTER L 
 
 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF DISCIPLINE. 
 
 I. Discipline is the exercise of that authority^ 
 and the application of that system of laws, 
 which the Lord Jesus Christ hath appointed in 
 his church. 
 
 II. Tiie exercise of discipUne is highly im- 
 portant and necessary. Its ends are^ the re- 
 moval of offences ; the vindication of the 
 honour of Christ ; the promotion of the purity 
 and general edification of the church; and also 
 the benefit of the oflender himself. 
 
 III. An offence is any thing in the principles 
 or practice of a church member, which is con- 
 trary to the word of God ; or which, if it be 
 not in its own nature sinful, may tempt others 
 to sin, or mar their spiritual edification. 
 
 IV. Nothing, therefore, ought to be considered 
 by any judicatory as an offence, or admitted as 
 matter of accusation, which cannot be proved 
 to be such from Scripture, or from the regula- 
 tions and practice of the church, founded on 
 Scripture ; and which does not involve those 
 evils, which discipline is intended to pre- 
 Yeat. 
 
 455 
 
456 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 y. The exercise of discipline in such a man- 
 ner as to edify the church, requires not only 
 much of the spirit of piety, but also much 
 prudence and discretion. It becomes the rulers 
 of the church, therefore, to take into view all 
 the circumstances which may give a different 
 character to conduct, and render it more or less 
 offensive ; and which may, of course, require 
 a very different mode of proceeding in similar 
 cases, at different times, for the attainment of 
 the same end. 
 
 VI. All baptized persons are members of 
 the church, are under its care, and subject to 
 its government and discipline : and when they 
 liave arrived at the years of discretion, they are 
 bound to perform all the duties of church mem- 
 bers. 
 
 VII. Offences are either private or public ; 
 to each of which, appropriate modes of pro- 
 ceeding belong. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 OF PRIVATE OFFENCES. "el^J^ 6 
 
 I. Private offences are such as are known 
 only to an individual, or, at most, to a very few. 
 
 II. Private offences ought not to be imme- 
 diately prosecuted before a church judicatory, 
 because the objects of discipline may be quite 
 as well, and, in many cases, much better at- 
 tained, by a different course ; and because a 
 public prosecution, in such circumstances, would 
 tend unnecessarily to spread the knowledge of 
 offences, to exasperate and harden offenders, to 
 
DISCIPLINE. 457 
 
 extend angry and vexatious litigation, and thus 
 to render the discipline of the church more 
 injurious than the original olfence. 
 
 III. No complaint or information, on the 
 subject of p ersonals an d private^ injuries, shall 
 be admitted, unless those means of reconcilia- 
 tion, and of privately reclaiming the offender, 
 have been used, which are required by Christ, 
 Matt, xviii. 15, 16. And in case of offences, 
 which, though not personal , are private.,, that 
 is, known only to one, or a very few, it is pro 
 per to take the same steps, as far as circum- 
 stances admit. 
 
 IV. Those who bring information of private 
 and personal injuries before judicatories, with- 
 out having taken these previous steps, shall 
 themselves be censured, as guilty of an offence 
 against the peace and order of the church. 
 
 V. If any person shall spread the knowledge 
 of an offence, unless so far as shall be unavoid- 
 able, in prosecuting it before the proper judica- 
 tory, or in the due performance of some other 
 indispensable duty, he shall be liable to cen- 
 sure, as a slanderer of his brethren. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 or PUBLIC OFFENCES. 
 
 I. A PUBLIC offence is that which is attended 
 with such circumstances as to require the cog- 
 nizance of a church judicatory. 
 
 II. This is always the case when an offence 
 
 39 
 
 / 
 
458 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 is either so notorious and scandalous, as that 
 no private steps would obviate its injurious 
 effects ; or when, though originally known to 
 one, or a few, the private steps have been in- 
 effectual, and there is, obviously, no way of 
 removing the offence, but Ty meafl^of a judi- 
 cial process. 
 
 III. An offence, gross in itself, and known to 
 several, may be so circumstanced, that it plainly 
 cannot be prosecuted to conviction. In such 
 cases^hbwever grievous i't maybe to the pious-, 
 to see an unworthy member in the church, it is 
 proper to wait until God, in his righteous pro- 
 vidence, shall give further hght ; as few things 
 tend more to weaken the authority of disci- 
 pline, and to multiply offences, than to com- 
 mence process without sufficient proof. 
 
 IV. When any person is charged with a 
 crime, not by an individual, or individuals, 
 coming forward as accusers, but by general 
 rumour, the previous steps prescribed by our 
 Lord in case of private offences, are not neces- 
 sary; but the proper judicatory is bound to 
 take immediate cognizance of the affair. 
 
 V. In order to render an offence proper for 
 the cognizance of a judicatory on this ground, 
 the rumour must specify some particular sin or 
 sins; it must be general, or widely spread ; it 
 must not be transient, but permanent, and rather 
 gaining strength than declining : and it must 
 be accompanied with strong presumption of 
 truth. Taking up charges on this ground, of 
 course, requires great caution, and the exercise 
 of much Christian prudence. 
 
DISCIPLINE. 459 
 
 VL It may happen, however, that in conse- 
 quence of a report, which does not fully amount 
 to a general rumour, as just described, a slan- 
 dered individual may request a judicial inves- 
 tigation, whicl] it may be the duty of the judi- 
 catory to institute. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 OF ACTUAL PROCESS. 
 
 I. When all other means of removing an 
 offence have failed, the judicatory to w^hich 
 cognizance of it properly belongs, shall judi- 
 cially take it into consideration. 
 
 II. There are two modes in which an offence 
 may be brought before a judicatory : either by 
 an individual or individuals, who appear as 
 accusers, and undertake to substantiate the 
 charge ; or by common fame. 
 
 III. In the former case, process must be 
 pursued in the name of the accuser or ac- 
 cusers. In the latter, there is no need of 
 naming any person as the accuser. Common 
 fame is the accuser. Yet a general rumour 
 may be raised by the rashness, censoriousness, 
 or malice, of one or more individuals. When 
 this appears to have been the case, such indi- 
 viduals ought to be censured in proportion to 
 the degree of criminality which appears at- 
 tached to their conduct. 
 
 IV. Great caution ought to be exercised in 
 receiving accusations from any person who is 
 
460 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 known to indulge a malignant spirit towards 
 the accused ; wlio is not of good character ; 
 who is himself under censure or process ; who 
 is deeply interested, in any respect, in the con- 
 viction of the accused; or who is known to be 
 litigious, rash, or highly imprudent. 
 
 V. When a judicatory enters on the consid- 
 eration of a crime or crimes alleged, no more 
 shall be done, at the first meeting, unless by 
 consent of parties, than to give the accused a 
 copy of each charge with the names of the wit- 
 nesses to support it ; and to cite all concerned 
 to appear at the next meeting of the judicatory, 
 to have the matter fully heard and decided. 
 Notice shall be given to the parties concerned, 
 at least ten days previously to the meeting of 
 the judicatory. 
 
 VI. The citations shall be issued and signed 
 by the moderator or clerk, by order, and in the 
 name of the judicatory. He shall also furnish 
 citations for such witnesses as the accused shall 
 nominate, to appear on his behalf. 
 
 VII. Although it is required that the accused 
 be informed of the names of all the witnesses 
 who are to be adduced against him, at least ten 
 days before the time of trial, (unless he consent 
 to waive the right and proceed immediately) it 
 is not necessary that he, on his part, give a 
 similar notice to the judicatory of all the wit- 
 nesses intended to be adduced by him for his 
 exculpation. 
 
 VIII. In exhibiting charges, the times, places, 
 and circumstances should, if possible, be ascer- 
 tained and stated, that the accused may have 
 
DISCIPLINE. 461 
 
 an opportunity to prove an alibi, or to extenu- 
 ate or alleviate his offence. 
 
 IX. The judicatory, in many cases, may find 
 it more for edification, to send some members 
 to converse, in a private manner, with the ac- 
 cused person ; and if he confess guilt, to endea- 
 vour to bring him to repentance, than to pro- 
 ceed immediately to citation. 
 
 X. When an accused person, or a witness, 
 refuses to obey the citation, he shall be cited 
 a second time; and if he still continue to 
 refuse, he shall be excluded from the com 
 munion of the church, for his contumacy, unti; 
 he repent. 
 
 XI. Although, on the first citation, the per 
 son cited shall declare in writing, or otherwise 
 his fixed determination not to obey it ; thi? 
 declaration shall, in no case, induce the judi 
 catory to deviate from the regular course pre 
 scribed for citations. They shall proceed as if 
 no such declaration had been made. The per 
 son cited may afterwards alter his mind. 
 
 XII. The time which must elapse between 
 the first citation of an accused person, or a 
 witness, and the meeting of the judicatory at 
 which he is to appear, is at least ten days. But 
 the time allotted for his appearance in the sub- 
 sequent citation is left to the discretion of the 
 judicatory ; provided always, however, that it 
 be not less than is quite suificient for a season- 
 able and convenient compliance with the cita- 
 tion. 
 
 XIII. The second citation ought always to 
 be accompanied with a notice, that if the per- 
 
 39* 
 
462 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 son cited do not appear at the time appointed, 
 the judicatory, besides censuring him for his 
 contumacy, will, after assigning some person 
 to manage his defence, proceed to take the tes- 
 timony in his case, as if he were present. 
 
 XIV. Judicatories, before proceeding to trial, 
 ought to ascertain that their citations have been 
 duly served on the persons for whom they were 
 intended, and especially before they proceed to 
 ultimate measures for contumacy. 
 
 XV. The trial shall be fair and impartial. 
 The witnesses shall be examined in the pre- 
 sence of the accused ; or, at least, after he shall 
 have received due citation to attend ; and he 
 shall be permitted to ask any questions tending 
 to his own exculpation. 
 
 XVI. The judgment shall be regularly en- 
 tered on the records of the judicatory: and the 
 parties shall be allowed copies of the w'HoTe*~! 
 proceedings, at their own expense, if they ^. 
 demand them. And in case of references or 
 
 'appears,^tTie"judicatory referring, or appealed 
 from, shall send authentic copies of the whole 
 process to the higher judicatory. 
 
 XVIL The person found guilty shall be ad- 
 monished or rebuked, or excluded from church 
 privileges, as the case shall appear to deserve, 
 until he give satisfactory evidence of repent- 
 ance. 
 
 XVIII. As cases may arise in which many 
 days, or even weeks, may intervene before it | 
 is practicable to commence process against an 
 accused church member, the session may, in \ 
 such cases, and ought, if they think the edifi- 1 
 
 ) 
 
DISCIPLINE. 463 
 
 cation of the church requires it, to prevent the 
 accused person from approaching the Lord's 
 table until the charge against him can be ex- 
 amined. 
 
 XIX. The sentence shall be published only 
 m the church or churches which have been 
 offended. Or, if the offence be of small im- 
 portance, and such as it shall appear most for 
 edification not to publish, the sentence may- 
 pass only in the judicatory. 
 
 XX. Such gross offenders as will not be re- 
 claimed by the private or public admonitions 
 of the church, are to be cut off from its com- 
 munion, agreeably to our Lord's direction, 
 Matt, xviii. 17. And the apostolical injunc- 
 tion respecting the incestuous person, 1 Cor. v. 
 1 to 5. 
 
 XXI. No professional counsel shall be per- 
 mitted to appear and plead in cases of process 
 in any of our ecclesiastical courts. But if any 
 accused person feel unable to represent and 
 plead his own cause to advantage, he may re- 
 quest any minister or elder, belonging to the 
 judicatory before which he appears, to prepare 
 and exhibit his cause as he may judge proper. 
 But the minister or elder so engaged, shall not 
 be allowed, after pleading the cause of the ac- 
 cused, to sit in judgment as a member of the 
 judicatory. 
 
 XXII. Questions of order, which arise in the 
 course of process, shall be decided by the mo- 
 derator. If an appeal is made from the chair, 
 the question on the appeal shall be taken with- 
 out debate. 
 
464 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 XXIII. In recording the proceedings, in 
 cases of judicial process, the reasons for all de- 
 cisions, except on questions of order, shall be 
 recorded at length ; that the record may ex- 
 hibit every thing which had an influence on 
 the judgment of the court. And nothing but 
 what is contained in the record, may be taken 
 into consideration in reviewing the proceedings 
 in a superior court. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 OF PROCESS AGAINST A BISHOP OR MINISTER. 
 
 I. As the honour and success of the gospel 
 depend, in a great measure, on the character 
 of its ministers, each presbytery ought, with 
 the greatest care and impartiality, to watch 
 over the personal and professional conduct of 
 all its members. But as, on the one hand, no 
 minister ought, on account of his office, to be 
 screened from the hand of justice, nor his of- 
 fences to be slightly censured ; so neither ought 
 scandalous charges to be received against him, 
 by any judicatory, on slight grounds. 
 
 II. Process against a gospel minister shall 
 always be entered before the presbytery of 
 which he is a member. And the same can- 
 dour, caution, and general method, substituting 
 only the presbytery for the session, are to be 
 observed in investigating charges against 
 him, as are prescribed in the case of private 
 members. 
 
DISCIPLINE. 465 
 
 III. If ii be found that the facts with which 
 IX minister stands charged, happened without 
 ihe bounds of his own presbytery, that presby- 
 tery shall send notice to the presbytery within 
 whose bounds they did happen : and desire 
 them either (if within convenient distance) to 
 cite the witnesses to appear at the place of 
 trial ; or (if the distance be so great as to ren- 
 der that inconvenient) to take the examination 
 themselves, and transmit an authentic record 
 of their testimony : always giving due notice 
 to the accused person of the time and place of 
 such examination. 
 
 ly. Nevertheless, in case of a minister being 
 supposed to be guilty of a crime, or crimes, at 
 such a distance from his usual place of resi- 
 dence, as that the offence is not likely to be- 
 come otherwise known to the presbytery to 
 which he belongs ; it shall, in such case, be the 
 duty of the presbytery within whose bounds 
 the facts shall have happened, after satisfying 
 themselves that there is probable ground of ac- 
 cusation, to send notice to the presbytery of 
 which he is a member, who are to proceed 
 against him, and either send and take the testi- 
 mony themselves, by a commission of their own 
 body, or request the other presbytery to take it 
 for them, and transmit the same, properly au- 
 thenticated. 
 
 V. Process against a gospel minister shall 
 not be commenced, unless some person or per- 
 sons undertake to make out the charge ; or un- 
 less common fame so loudly proclaims the 
 scandal, that the presbytery find it necessary. 
 
466 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 for the lionoiir of religion, to investigate the 
 charge. 
 
 VI. As the success of the gospel greatly de- 
 pends upon the exemplary character of its 
 ministers, their soundness in the faith, and holy 
 conversation ; and as it is the duty of all 
 Christians to be very cautious in taking up an 
 ill report of any man, but especially of a min- 
 ister of the gospel ; therefore, if any man knows 
 a minister to be guilty of a private, censurable 
 fault, he should warn him in private. But if 
 the guilty person persist in his fault, or it be- 
 come public, he who knows it should apply to 
 some other bishop of the presbytery for his ad- 
 vice in the case. 
 
 VII. The prosecutor of a minister shall be 
 previously warned, that if he fail to prove the 
 charges, he must himself be censured as a slan- 
 derer of the gospel ministry, in proportion to 
 the malignancy or rashness that shall appear in 
 the prosecution. 
 
 VIII. When complaint is laid before the 
 presbytery, it must be reduced to writing ; and 
 nothing fiuther is to be done at the first meet- 
 ing, (unless by consent of parties) than giving 
 the minister a full copy of the charges, with the 
 names of the witnesses annexed ; and citing all 
 parties, and their witnesses, to appear and be 
 heard at the next meeting; which meeting 
 shall not be sooner than ten days after such 
 citation. 
 
 IX. When a member of a church judicatory 
 IS under process, it shall be discretionary with 
 the judicatory whether his privileges of de- 
 
DISCIPLINE. 467 
 
 liberating and voting, as a member, in other 
 matters, shall be suspended until the process is 
 finally issued, or not. 
 
 X. At the next meeting of the presbytery, 
 the charges shall be read to him, and he shall 
 be called upon to say whether he is guilty or 
 not. If he confess, and the matter be base and 
 flagitious; such as drunkenness, uncleanness, 
 or crimes of a higher nature, however penitent 
 he may appear, to the satisfaction of all, the 
 presbytery must, without delay, suspend him 
 from the exercise of his office, or depose him 
 from the ministry ; and, if the way be clear for 
 the purpose, appoint him a due time to confess 
 publicly before the congregation offended, and 
 to profess his penitence. 
 
 XI. If a minister accused of atrocious crimes, 
 being twice duly cited, shall refuse t^ attend 
 the presbytery, he shall be immediately sus- 
 pended. And if, after another citation, he still 
 refuse to attend, he shall be deposed as contu- 
 macious. 
 
 XII. If the minister, when he appears, will 
 not confess ; but denies the facts alleged against 
 him ; if, on hearing the witnesses, the charges 
 appearjmportant, and well supported, the pres- 
 bytery must, nevertheless, censure him ; and 
 admonish, suspend, or depose him, according 
 to the nature of the offence. 
 
 XIII. Heresy and schism may be of such a 
 nature as to infer deposition ; but errors ought 
 to be carefully considered ; whether they strike 
 at the vitals of religion, and are industriously 
 spread ; or, whether they arise from the weak 
 
468 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 ness of the human understanding, and are not 
 likely to do much injury. 
 
 XIV. A minister under process for heresy 
 or schism, should be treated with Christian and 
 brotherly tenderness. Frequent conferences 
 ought to be held with him, and proper admo- 
 nitions administered. For some more danger- 
 ous errors, however, suspension may become 
 necessary. 
 
 XV. If the presbytery find, on trial, that the 
 matter complained of amounts to no more than 
 such acts of infirmity as may be amended, and 
 the people satisfied ; so that little or nothing 
 remains to hinder his usefulness, they shall take 
 all prudent measures to remove the offence. 
 
 XVI. A minister deposed for scandalous 
 conduct, shall not be restored, even on the 
 deepest sorroAV for his sin, until after some 
 time of eminent and exemplary, humble and 
 edifying conversation, to heal the wound made 
 by his scandal. And he ought in no case to 
 be restored, until it shall appear, that the senti- 
 ments of the religious public are strongly in his 
 favour, and demand his restoration. 
 
 XVII. As soon as a minister is deposed, his 
 congregation shall be declared vacant. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 OF WITNESSES. 
 
 I. Judicatories ought to be very careful 
 ind impartial in receiving testimony. All per- 
 
DISCIPLINE. 469 
 
 sons are not competent as witnesses; and all 
 who are competent are not credible. 
 
 II. A competent witness is one who ought 
 to be admitted and heard. The competency 
 of a witness may be affected by his want of 
 the proper age ; by a want of any of the senses 
 essential to a knowledge of the matter which 
 he is called to establish ; by weakness of un- 
 derstanding ; by infamy of character ; by being 
 under church censure for falsehood or perjury ; 
 by nearness of relationship to any of the par- 
 ties ; and by a variety of considerations which 
 cannot be specified in detail. 
 
 III. Where there is room for doubt with re- 
 gard to any of these points, either party has a 
 right to challenge witnesses ; and the judicatory 
 shall candidly attend to the exceptions, and 
 decide upon them. 
 
 IV. The credibility of a witness, or the de- 
 gree of credit due to his testimony, may be af- 
 fected by relationship to any of the parties ; by 
 deep interest in the result of the trial ; by 
 general rashness, indiscretion, or malignity of 
 character ; and by various other circumstances ; 
 to which judicatories shall carefully attend, and 
 for which they shall make all proper allowance 
 in their decision. 
 
 V. A husband or wife shall not be com- 
 pelled to bear testimony against each other in 
 any judicatory. 
 
 VI. The testimony of more than one witness 
 is necessary in order to establish any charge ; 
 yet if several credible witnesses bear testimony 
 to different ^emzVar acts, belonging to the same 
 
470 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 general charge, the crime shall be considered 
 as proved. ^ 
 
 YII. No witness, afterward to be examined, 
 except a member of the judicatory, shall be 
 present during the examination of another 
 witness on the same case, unless by consent of 
 parties. 
 
 VIII. To prevent confusion, witnesses shall 
 be examined first by the party introducing them, 
 then cross-examined by the opposite party : 
 after which any member of the judicatory, or 
 either party, may put additional interrogatories. 
 But no question shall be put or answered, ex- 
 cept by permission of the moderator. 
 
 IX. The oath or affirmation to a witness, 
 shall be administered by the moderator, in the 
 following or like terms : " You solemnly pro- 
 " mise, in the presence of the omniscient and 
 ^' heart-searching God, that you will declare the 
 '' truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the 
 " truth, according to the best of your knowledge, 
 '^ in the matter in which you are called to wit- 
 " ness, as you shall answer it to the great Judge 
 " of quick and dead.'^ 
 
 X. Every question put to a witness shall, if 
 required, be reduced to writing. When an- 
 swered, it shall, together with the answer, be 
 recorded, if deemed by either party of sufficient 
 importance. 
 
 XI. The records of a judicatory, or any part 
 of them, whether original or transcribed, if re- 
 gularly authenticated by the moderator and 
 clerk, or either of them, shall be deemed good 
 and sufficient evidence inevery other judicatory. 
 
 "^J^/SM, ^ / i« . /^^ (AU. /er^, /'v* ^^ 
 
DISCIPLINE. 471 
 
 XII. In like manner, testimony taken by one 
 judicatory, and regularly certified, shall be re- 
 ceived by every other judicatory, as no less 
 valid than if it had been taken by themselves. 
 
 XIII. Cases may arise in which it is not con- 
 venient for a judicatory to have the whole, or, 
 perhaps, any part of the testimony in a parti- 
 cular cause, taken in their presence. In this 
 case a commission of the judicatory, consisting 
 of two or three members, may be appointed, 
 and authorized to proceed to the place where 
 the witness or witnesses reside, and take the 
 testimony in question, which shall be considered 
 as if taken in the presence of the judicatory : 
 of which commission, and of the time and place 
 of their meeting, due notice shall be given to 
 the opposite party, that he may have an oppor- 
 tunity of attending. And if the accused shall 
 desire on^ his part to take testimony at a dis- 
 tance, for his own exculpation, he shall give 
 notice to the judicatory of the time and place 
 when it is proposed to take it, that a commis- 
 sion, as in the former case, may be appointed 
 for the purpose. 
 
 XIV. When the witnesses have all been ex- 
 amined, the accused and the prosecutor shall 
 have the privilege of commenting on their tes- 
 timony to any reasonable extent. 
 
 XV. A member of the judicatory may be 
 called upon to bear testimony in a case which 
 comes before it. He shall be qualified as other 
 witnesses are ; and after having given his testi 
 mony, he may immediately resume his seat as 
 a member of the judicatory. 
 
472 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 XVI. A member of the church summoned 
 as a witness, and refusing to appear, or, having 
 appeared, refusing to give testimony, may be 
 censured for contumacy, according to the cir- 
 cumstances of the case. 
 
 XVII. The testimony given by witnesses, 
 must be faithfully recorded, and read to them, 
 for their approbation or subscription. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 OF THE VARIOUS WAYS IN WHICH A CAUSE MAY 
 BE CARRIED FROM A LOWER JUDICATORY TO 
 A HIGHER. 
 
 I. In all governments conducted by men, 
 wrong may be done, from ignorance, from 
 prejudice, from malice, or from other causes. 
 To prevent the continued existence of this 
 wrong, is one great design of superior judica- 
 tories. And although there must be a last re- 
 sort, beyond which there is no appeal ; yet the 
 security against permanent wrong will be as 
 great as the nature of the case admits, when 
 those who had no concern in the origin of the 
 proceedings, are brought to review them, and 
 to annul or conjirm them, as they see cause ; 
 when a greater number of counsellors are made 
 to sanction the judgments, or to correct the 
 errors of a smaller; and, finally, when the 
 whole church is called to sit in judgment on 
 the acts of a part. 
 
 II. Every kind of decision which is formed 
 in any church judicatory, except the highest, is 
 
DISCIPLINE. 47 
 
 subject to the review of a superior judicatory, 
 and may be carried before it in one or the other 
 of the four following ways. 
 
 SECTION I. 
 
 GENERAL REVIEW AND CONTROL. 
 
 I. It is the duty of every judicatory above 
 a church session, at least once a year, to review 
 the records of the proceedings of the judicatory 
 next below. And if any lower judicatory shall 
 omit to send up its records for this purpose, the 
 higher may issue an order to produce them, 
 either immediately, or at a particular time, as 
 circumstances may require. 
 
 II. In reviewing the records of an inferior 
 judicatory, it is proper to examine. First, 
 Whether the proceedings have been constitu- 
 tional and regular : Secondly, Whether they 
 have been wise, equitable, and for the edifica- 
 tion of the church ; Thirdly, Whether they 
 have been correctly recorded. 
 
 III. In most cases the superior judicatory 
 may be considered as fulfilling its duty, by 
 simply recording, on its own minutes, the 
 animadversion or censure which it may think 
 proper to pass on records under review; and 
 also by making an entry of the same in the 
 book reviewed. But it may be that, in the 
 course of review, cases of irregular proceedings 
 may be found so disreputable and injurious as 
 to demand the interference of the superior 
 judicatory. In cases of this kind the inferior 
 
 40* 
 
474 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 judicatory may be required to review and cor- 
 rect its proceedings. 
 
 TV. No judicial decision, however, of a judi- 
 catory shall be reversed, unless it be regularly 
 brought up by appeal or complaint. 
 
 V. Judicatories may sometimes entirely neg- 
 lect to perform their duty; by which neglect, 
 heretical opinions or corrupt practices may be 
 allowed to gain ground ; or offenders of a very 
 gross character may be suffered to escape: or 
 some circumstances in their proceedings, of 
 very great irregularity, may not be distinctly 
 recorded by them. In any of which cases, 
 their records will by no means exhibit to the 
 superior judicatory a full view of their proceed- 
 ings. If, therefore, the superior judicatory be 
 well advised, by comrnoii fame, Xhd^i such neg- 
 "ects or irregularities have occurred on the part 
 of the inferior judicatory, it is incumbent on 
 them to take cognizance of the same ; and to 
 examine, deliberate, and judge in the whole 
 matter, as completely as if it had been re- 
 corded, and thus brought up by the review of 
 the records. 
 
 VI. When any important delinquency, or 
 grossly unconstitutional proceedings, appear in 
 the records of any judicatory, or are charged 
 against them by common fame, the first step 
 to be taken by the judicatory next above, is to 
 cite the judicatory alleged to have offended, to 
 appear at a specified time and place, and to 
 show what it has done, or failed to do in the 
 case in question: after which the judicatory 
 thus issuing the citation, shall remit the whole 
 
DISCIPLINE. 475 
 
 matter to the delinquent judicatory, with a 
 direction to take it up, and dispose of it in a 
 constitutional manner, or stay all further pro- 
 ceedings in the case, as circumstances may 
 require. 
 
 SECTION II. 
 
 OF REFERENCES. 
 
 I. A REFERENCE is a judicial representation, 
 made by an inferior judicatory to a superior, 
 of a case not yet decided ; which representa- 
 tion ought always to be in writing. 
 
 II. Cases which are new, important, difficult, 
 of peculiar delicacy, the decision of which may 
 establish principles or precedents of extensive 
 influence, on which the sentiments of the infe- 
 rior judicatory are greatly divided, or on which, 
 for any reason, it is highly desirable that a 
 larger body should first decide, are proper sub- 
 jects of reference. 
 
 III. References are either for mere advice, 
 preparatory to a decision by the inferior judi- 
 catory; or for ultimate trial and decision by the 
 superior. 
 
 IV. In the former case, the reference only 
 suspends the decision of the judicatory from 
 which it comes : in the latter case, it totally 
 relinquishes the decision, and submits the whole 
 cause to the final judgment of the superior 
 judicatory. 
 
 V. Although references may in some cases, as 
 before stated, be highly proper ; yet it is, gene- 
 
476 UISCIPLINE. 
 
 rally speaking, more conducive to the public 
 good, that each judicatory should fulfil its duty 
 by exercising its judgment. 
 
 VI. Although a reference ought, generally, 
 to procure advice from the superior judicatory ; 
 yet that judicatory is not necessarily bound to 
 give a final judgment in the case, even if re- 
 quested to do so ; but may remit the whole 
 cause, either with or without advice, back to 
 the judicatory by which it was referred. 
 
 VII. In cases of reference, the members of 
 the inferior judicatory making it, retain all the 
 privileges of deliberating and voting, in the 
 course of trial and judgment before the supe- 
 rior judicatory, which they would have had, 
 if no reference had been made. 
 
 VIII. References are, generally, to be car- 
 ried to the judicatory immediately superior. 
 
 IX. In cases of reference, the judicatory re- 
 ferring ought to have all the testimony^ and 
 other documents, duly prepared, produced, and 
 in perfect readiness ; so that the superior judi- 
 catory may be able to consider and issue the 
 case with as little difficulty or delay as possible. 
 
 SECTION III. 
 
 OF APPEALS. 
 
 I. An appeal is the removal of a cause 
 already decided, from an inferior to a superior 
 judicatory, by a party aggrieved. 
 
 II. All persons who have submitted to a 
 
DISCIPLINE. 477 
 
 jregular trial in an inferior, may appeal to a 
 
 jhigher judicatory. 
 
 : III. Any irregularity in the proceedings of 
 
 .the inferior judicatory; a refusal of reasonable 
 /indulgence to a party on trial; declining to 
 / receive important testimony; hurrying to a 
 \ decision before the testimony is fully taken; 
 \ a manifestation of prejudice in the case; and 
 I mistake or injustice in the decision — are all 
 
 ■ proper groimds nf appeal. 
 
 IV. Appeals may be, either from a part of 
 the proceedings of a judicatory, or from a defi- 
 nitive sentence. 
 
 V. Every appellant is bound to give notice 
 of his intention to appeal, and also to lay the 
 reasons thereof, in writing, before the judica- 
 tory appealed from, either before its rising, or 
 within ten days thereafter. If this notice, or 
 these reasons, be not given to the judicatory 
 while in session, they shall be lodged with the 
 moderator. 
 
 YI. Appeals are generally to be carried in 
 regular gradation, from an inferior judicatory 
 to the one immediately superior.' 
 
 VII. The appellant shall lodge his appeal, 
 and the reasons of it, with the clerk of the 
 higher judicatory, before the close of the second 
 day of their session. 
 
 VIII. In taking up an appeal, after ascer- 
 taining that the appellant on his part has con- 
 ducted it regularly, the Jirst step shall be to 
 read the sentence appealed from : secondly, to 
 read the reasons which were assigned by the 
 appellant for his appeal, and which are on 
 
478 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 record : thirdly^ to read the whole record of 
 the proceedings of the inferior judicatory in the 
 case, including all the testimony, and the rea- 
 sons of their decision : fourthly, to hear the 
 original parties: fifthly, to hear any of the 
 members of the inferior judicatory, in explana- 
 tion of the grounds of their decision, or of their 
 dissent from it. 
 
 IX. After all the parties shall have been 
 fully heard, and all the information gained by 
 the members of the superior judicatory, from 
 those of the inferior, which shall be deemed 
 requisite, the original parties, and all the mem- 
 bers of the inferior judicatory, shall withdraw; 
 when the clerk shall call the roll, that every 
 member may have an opportunity to express 
 his opinion on the case ; after which the final 
 vote shall be taken. 
 
 X. The decision may be either to confirm or 
 reverse, in whole, or in part, the decision of 
 the inferior judicatory; or to remit the cause, 
 for the purpose of amending the record, should 
 it appear to be incorrect or defective ; or for a 
 new trial. 
 
 XL If an appellant, after entering his appeal 
 to a superior judicatory, fail to prosecute it, it 
 shall be considered as abandoned, and the sen- 
 tence appealed from shall be final. And an 
 appellant shall be considered as abandoning 
 his appeal, if he do not appear before the judi- 
 catory appealed to, on the first or second day 
 of its meeting, next ensuing the date of his 
 notice of appeal. Except in cases in which 
 
DISCIPLINE. 479 
 
 the appellant can make it appear that he was 
 prevented from seasonably prosecuting his ap- 
 peal by the providence of God. 
 
 XII. Members of judicatories appealed from 
 cannot be allowed to vote in the superior judi- 
 catory, on any question connected with the 
 appeal. 
 
 XIII. If the members of the inferior judi- 
 catory, in case of a sentence appealed from, 
 appear to have acted according to the best of 
 their judgment, and with good intention, they 
 incur no censure, although their sentence be 
 reversed. Yet, if they appear to have acted 
 irregularly or corruptly, they shall be censured 
 as the case may require. 
 
 XIV. If an appellant is found to manifest a 
 litigious or other unchristian spirit, in the pro- 
 secution of his appeal, he shall be censured 
 according to the degree of his offence. 
 
 XV. The necessary operation of an appeal 
 is, to suspend all further proceedings on the 
 ground of the sentence appealed from. But if 
 a sentence of suspension, or excommunication 
 from church privileges, or of deposition from 
 office, be the sentence appealed from, it shall 
 be considered as in force until the appeal shall 
 be issued. 
 
 XVI. It shall always be deemed the duty 
 of the judicatory, whose judgment is appealed 
 from, to send authentic copies of all their re- 
 cords, and of the whole testimony relating to 
 the matter of the appeal. And if any judica- 
 tory shall neglect its duty in this respect ; espe- 
 
480 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 cially, if thereby an appellant, who has con 
 ducted with regularity on his part, is deprived 
 of the privilege of having his appeal season- 
 ably issued ; such judicatory shall be cen- 
 sured according to the circumstances of the 
 case. 
 
 XVII. An appeal shall in no case be entered, 
 except by one of the original parties. 
 
 SECTION IV. 
 
 OF COMPLAINTS. 
 
 I. Another method by which a cause 
 which has been decided by an inferior judica- 
 tory, may be carried before a superior, is by 
 complaint. 
 
 II. A complaint is a representation made to 
 a superior, by any member or members of a 
 minority of an inferior judicatory, or by any 
 other person or persons, respecting a decision 
 by an inferior judicatory, which, in the opinion 
 of the complainants, has been irregularly or 
 unjustly made. 
 
 III. The cases in which complaint is proper and 
 advisable, are such as the following, viz. The 
 judgment of an inferior judicatory may be fa- 
 vourable to the only party who has been placed 
 at their bar ; or the judgment in question may 
 do no wrong to any individual ; or the party 
 who is aggrieved by it may decline the trouble 
 of conducting an appeal. In any of these cases 
 
DISCIPLINE. 481 
 
 no appeal is to be expected. And yet the judg- 
 ment may appear to some of the members of 
 the judicatory, to be contrary to the constitu- 
 tion of the church, injurious to the interests of 
 rehgion, and calculated to degrade the charac- 
 ter of those who have pronounced it. In this 
 case the minority have not only a right to re- 
 cord, in the minutes of the judicatory, their 
 dissent from this judgment, or their protest 
 against it, but they have also a right to com- 
 plain to the superior judicatory. 
 
 IV. Notice of a complaint shall always be 
 given before the rising of the judicatory, or 
 within ten days thereafter, as in the case of an 
 appeal. 
 
 V. This complaint brings the whole pro- 
 ceedings in the case under the review of the 
 superior judicatory ; and if the complaint ap- 
 pears to be well founded, it may have the 
 effect not only of drawing down censure upon 
 those who concurred in the judgment com- 
 plained of; but also of reversing that judg- 
 ment, and placing matters in the same situation 
 in which they were before the judgment was 
 pronounced. 
 
 VI. In cases of complaint, however, as in 
 those of appeal, the reversal of a judgment of 
 an inferior judicatory is not necessarily con- 
 nected with censure on that judicatory. 
 
 VII. None of the members of the judicatory 
 whose act is complained of, can vote in the su- 
 perior judicatory, on any question connected 
 with the complaint. 
 
 41 
 
482 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 OF DISSENTS AND PROTESTS. 
 
 I. A DISSENT is a declaration on the part of 
 one or more members of a minority, in a judi- 
 catory, expressing a different opinion from that 
 of the majority in a particular case. A dissent, 
 unaccompanied with reasons, is always entered 
 on the records of the judicatory. 
 
 II. A protest is a more solemn and formal 
 declaration, made by members of a minority as 
 before-mentioned, bearing their testimony 
 against what they deem a mischievous or erro- 
 neous judgment ; and is generally accompanied 
 with a detail of the reasons on which it is 
 founded. 
 
 III. If a protest or dissent be couched in de- 
 cent and respectful language, and contains no 
 offensive reflections or insinuations against the 
 majority of the judicatory, those who offer it 
 have a right to have it recorded on the minutes. 
 
 IV. A dissent or protest may be accom- 
 panied with a complaint to a superior judica- 
 tory, or not, at the pleasure of those who offer 
 it. If not thus accompanied, it is simply left to 
 speak for itself, when the records containing it 
 come to be reviewed by the superior judicatory. 
 
 V. It may sometimes happen that a protest, 
 though not infringing the rules of decorum, 
 either in its language or matter, may impute to 
 the judicatory, whose judgment it opposes, 
 some principles or reasonings which it never 
 adopted. In this case the majority of the ju- 
 
DISCIPLINE. 483 
 
 dicatory may with propriety appoint a com- 
 mittee to draw up an answer to the protest, 
 which, after being adopted as the act of 
 the judicatory, ought to be inserted on the 
 records. 
 
 VI. When, in such a case, the answer of the 
 majority is brought in, those who entered their 
 protest may be of the opinion that fideUty to 
 their cause calls upon them to make a reply to 
 the answer. This, however, ought by no 
 means to be admitted ; as the majority might, 
 of course, rejoin, and litigation might be per- 
 petuated, to the great inconvenience and dis- 
 grace of the judicatory. 
 
 VII. When, however, those who have pro- 
 tested, consider the answer of the majority as 
 imputing to them opinions or conduct which 
 they disavow ; the proper course is, to ask 
 leave to take back their protest, and modify it 
 in such manner as to render it more agreeable 
 to their views. This alteration may lead to a 
 corresponding alteration in the answer of the 
 majority; with which the whole affair ought 
 to terminate. 
 
 VIII. None can join in a protest against a 
 decision of any judicatory, excepting those 
 who had a right to vote in said decision. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 NEW TESTIMONY. 
 
 I. If, after a trial before any judicatory, new 
 testimony be discovered, which is supposed to 
 
484 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 be highly important to the exculpation of the 
 accused, it is proper for him to ask, and for the 
 judicatory to grant, a new trial. 
 
 II. It sometimes happens, in the prosecution 
 of appeals, that testimony, which had not been 
 exhibited before the inferior judicatory, is repre- 
 sented to exist, and to be of considerable im- 
 portance in the case. 
 
 III. Representations of this kind ought not 
 to be lightly, or of course, sustained. But the 
 superior judicatory ought to be well satisfied, 
 that the alleged testimony is of real importance, 
 before they determine to put the inferior judi- 
 catory to the trouble of a new trial. 
 
 IV. When such testimony, therefore, is al- 
 leged to exist, either by the appellant, or the 
 judicatory appealed from, it will be proper for 
 the superior judicatory to inquire into the na- 
 ture and import of the testimony ; what is in- 
 tended to be proved by it ; and, whether there 
 is any probability that it will really establish 
 the point intended to be established. 
 
 V. If it appear that the fact proposed to be 
 established by the new testimony is important ; 
 that is, if it appear to be such a fact as, if 
 proved, would materially alter the aspect of the 
 cause ; and if there be any probability that the 
 testimony in question will be sufficient to 
 estabhsh the alleged fact; then the superior 
 judicatory ought to send the cause back to the 
 inferior for a new trial. 
 
 VI. Cases may arise, however, in which the 
 judicatory appealed from, and the appellant, 
 may concur in requesting the superior judicatory 
 
DISCIPLINE. 485 
 
 to take up and issue the appeal, with the ad- 
 ditional light which the new evidence may 
 afford. In this case, and especially if very 
 serious injury is likely to happen, either to 
 the appellcnt, or to the church, by the delay 
 which a new trial would occasion, the superior 
 judicatory may proceed to hear the new testi- 
 mony, and to issue the appeal, with the aid of 
 the additional light which that testimony may 
 afford. 
 
 VII. When, however, the judgment of the 
 inferior judicatory is reversed ; and it is ap- 
 parent that the new testimony had considerable 
 influence in procuring the reversal ; it ought to 
 be so stated in the decision of the superior ju- 
 dicatory ; inasmuch as it would be injustice to 
 the inferior judicatory to reverse their decision, 
 upon grounds which were never before them, 
 without explaining the fact. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 JURISDICTION. 
 
 I. When a member shall be dismissed from 
 one church, with a view to his joining another, 
 if he commit an offence previous to his joining 
 the latter, he shall be considered as under the 
 jurisdiction of the church which dismissed him, 
 and amenable to it, up to the time when he 
 actually becomes connected with that to which 
 he was dismissed and recommended. 
 
 II. The same principle applies to a minister • 
 
 41* 
 
486 DISCIPLINE. 
 
 who is always to be considered as remaining 
 under the jurisdiction of the presbytery which 
 dismissed him, until he actually becomes a 
 member of another. 
 
 III. If, however, either a minister, or a pri- 
 vate member, shall bo charged with a crime 
 which appears to have been committed during 
 the interval between the date of his dismission, 
 and his actually joining the new body, but 
 which did not come to light until after he had 
 joined the new body, that body shall be em- 
 powered and bound to conduct the process 
 against him. 
 
 IV. No presbytery shall dismiss a minister, 
 or licentiate, or candidate for licensure, without 
 specifying the particular presbytery, or other 
 ecclesiastical body, with which he is to be 
 connected. 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 LIMITATION OF TIME. 
 
 I. When any member shall remove from 
 one congregation to another, he shall produce 
 satisfactory testimonials of his church member- 
 ship and dismission, before he be admitted as 
 a regular member of that church ; unless the 
 church to which he removes has other satis- 
 factory means of information. 
 
 II. No certificate of church membership 
 shall be considered as valid testimony of the 
 good standing of the bearer, if it be more than 
 
DISCIPLINE. 487 
 
 one year old, except where there has been no 
 opportunity of presenting it to a church. 
 
 III. When persons remove to a distance, and 
 neglect, for a considerable time, to apply for 
 testimonials of dismission, and good standing, 
 the testimonials given them shall testify to their 
 character only up to the time of their removal, 
 unless the judicatory have good information of 
 a more recent date. 
 
 IV. If a church member have been more 
 than two years absent from the place of his or- 
 dinary residence and ecclesiastical connexions, 
 if he apply for a certificate of membership, his 
 absence, and the ignorance of the church respect- 
 ing his demeanour for that time, shall be dis- 
 tinctly stated in the certificate. 
 
 V. Process, in case of scandal, shall com- 
 mence within the space of one year after the 
 crime shall have been committed ; unless it 
 shall have recently become flagrant. It may 
 happen, however, that a church member, after 
 removing to a place far distant from his former 
 residence, and where his connexion with the 
 church is unknown, may commit a crime, on 
 account of which process cannot be instituted 
 within the time above specified. In all such 
 cases, the recent discovery of the church mem- 
 bership of the individual, shall be considered 
 as equivalent to the crime itself having recently 
 become flagrant. The same principle also ap- 
 plies to ministers if similar circumstances should 
 occur. 
 
THE 
 
 DIRECTORY 
 
 WORSHIP OF GOD IN THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 
 IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,* 
 
 AS AMENDED AND RATIFIED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, 
 
 In May, 1821. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 I. It is the duty of every person to remem- 
 ber the Lord's day ; and to prepare for it, before 
 its approach. All worldly business should be 
 so ordered, and seasonably laid aside, as that 
 we may not be hindered thereby from sancti- 
 fying the Sabbath, as the Holy Scriptures 
 require. 
 
 II. The whole day is to be kept holy to the 
 Lord ; and to be employed in the public and 
 private exercises of religion. Therefore, it is 
 requisite, that there be a holy resting, all the 
 day, from unnecessary labours ; and an ab- 
 staining from those recreations which may 
 
 * The Scripture-warrant for what is specified in 
 the various articles of this directory, will be found 
 at large in the Confession of Faith and Catechisms, in 
 the places where the subjects are treated in a doctrinal 
 form. 
 
 489 
 
490 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 be lawful on other days ; and also, as much 
 as possible, from worldly thoughts and conver- 
 sation. 
 
 III. Let the provisions for the support of the 
 family on that day, be so ordered, that servants 
 or others be not improperly detained from the 
 pubUc worship of God ; nor hindered from 
 sanctifying the Sabbath. 
 
 IV. Let every person and family, in the 
 morning, by secret and private prayer, for them- 
 selves and others, especially for the assistance 
 of God to their minister, and for a blessing upon 
 his ministry, by reading the Scriptures, and by 
 holy meditation, prepare for communion with 
 God in his public ordinances. 
 
 V. Let the people be careful to assemble at 
 the appointed time ; that, being all present at 
 the beginning, they may unite, with one heart, 
 in all the parts of pubUc worship : and let none 
 unnecessarily depart, till after the blessing be 
 pronounced. 
 
 VI. Let the time after the solemn services of 
 the congregation in public are over, be spent in 
 reading, meditation, repeating of sermons, cate- 
 chising, religious conversation, prayer for a 
 blessing upon the public ordinances, the sing- 
 ing of psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs ; — 
 visiting the sick, relieving the poor, and in per- 
 forming such like duties of piety, charity, and 
 mercy. 
 
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 491 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 OP THE ASSEMBLING OF THE CONGREGATION, 
 AND THEIR BEHAVIOUR DURING DIVINE 
 SERVICE. 
 
 I. When the time appointed for public wor- 
 ship is come, let the people enter the church, 
 and take their seats in a decent, grave, and 
 reverent manner. 
 
 II. In time of public worship, let all the 
 people attend with gravity and reverence ; for- 
 bearing to read any thing, except what the 
 minister is then reading or citing ; abstaining 
 from all whisperings, from salutations of persons 
 present, or coming in ; and from gazing about, 
 sleeping, smiling, and all other indecent beha- 
 viour. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 OF the PUBLIC READING OF THE HOLY 
 SCRIPTURES. 
 
 I. The reading of the Holy Scriptures, in 
 the congregation, is a part of the public wor- 
 ship of God, and ought to be performed by the 
 ministers and teachers. 
 
 II. The Holy Scriptures of the Old and New 
 Testament, shall be publicly read, from the 
 most approved translation, in the vulgar tongue, 
 that all may hear and understand. 
 
 III. How large a portion shall be read at 
 once, is left to the discretion of every minister : 
 however, in each service, he ought to read, at 
 
492 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 least, one chapter ; and more, when the chap 
 ters are short, or the connexion requires it. He 
 may, when he thinks it expedient, expound any 
 part of what is read : always having regard to 
 the time, that neither reading, singing, praying, 
 preaching, or any other ordinance, be dispro- 
 portionate the one to the other ; nor the whole 
 rendered too short, or too tedious. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 OF THE SINGING OF PSALMS. 
 
 I. It is the duty of Christians to praise God, 
 by singing psalms, or hymns, publicly in the 
 church, as also privately in the family. 
 
 II. In singing the praises of God, we are to 
 sing with the spirit, and with the understanding 
 also ; making melody in our hearts unto the 
 Lord. It is also proper, that we cultivate some 
 knowledge of the rules of music ; that we may 
 praise God in a becoming manner with our 
 voices, as well as with our hearts. 
 
 III. The whole congregation should be fur- 
 nished with books, and ought to join in this 
 part of worship. It is proper to sing without 
 parcelling out the psalm, line by hne. The 
 practice of reading the psalm, line by line, was 
 introduced in times of ignorance, when many 
 in the congregation could not read: therefore, 
 it is recommended, that it be laid aside, as far 
 as convenient. 
 
 IV. The proportion of the time of public 
 
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 493 
 
 worship to be spent in singing, is left to the 
 prudence of every minister : but it is recom- 
 mended, that more time be allowed for this 
 excellent part of divine service than has been 
 usual in most of our churches. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 OP PUBLIC PRAYER. 
 
 I. It seems very proper to begin the public 
 worship of the sanctuary by a short prayer; 
 humbly adoring the infinite majesty of the 
 living God ; expressing a sense of our distance 
 from him as creatures, and unworthiness as 
 sinners; and humbly imploring bis gracious 
 presence, the assistance of his Holy Spirit in 
 the duties of his worship, and his acceptance 
 of us through the merits of our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 H. Then, after singing a psalm, or hymn, it 
 is proper that, before sermon, there should 
 be a full and comprehensive prayer. Firsts 
 Adoring the glory and perfections of God, as 
 they are made known to us in the works of 
 creation, in the conduct of providence, and in 
 the clear and full revelation he hath made of 
 himself in his written word. Second, Giving 
 thanks to him for all his mercies of every kind, 
 general and particular, spiritual and temporal, 
 common and special ; above all, for Christ Jesus, 
 his unspeakable gift, and the hope of eternal 
 life through him. Third, Making humble con- 
 
494 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHir. 
 
 fi^psion of sin, both original and actual; acknow- 
 ledging, and endeavouring to impress the mind 
 of every worshipper, with a deep sense of the 
 evil of all sin, as such ; as being a departure 
 from the Uving God ; and also taking a par- 
 ticukir and affecting view of the various fruits 
 which proceed from this root of bitterness : — 
 as sins against God, our neighbour, and our- 
 selves ; sins in thoaght, in word, and in deed; 
 siijs secret and presumptuous ; sins accidental 
 and habitual. Also, the aggravations of sin, 
 arising from knowledge, or the means of it; 
 from distinguishing mercies ; from valuable 
 privileges; from breach of vows, &c. Fourth, 
 Making earnest supplication for the pardon of 
 sin, and peace with God, through the blood of 
 the atonement, with all its important and happy 
 fruits; for the Spirit of sanctification, and abun- 
 dant supplies of the grace that is necessary to 
 the discharge of our duty; for support and com- 
 fort, under all the trials to which we are liable, 
 as we are sinful and mortal ; and for all tem- 
 poral mercies that may be necessary, in our 
 passage through this valley of tears. Always 
 remeiubering to view them as flowing in the 
 channel of covenant love, and intended to be 
 subservient to the preservation and progress of 
 the spiritual life. Fifth, Pleading from every 
 principle warranted in Scripture ; from our 
 own necessity ; the all-sufficiency of God ; the 
 merit and intercession of our Saviour ; and the 
 glory of God in the comfort and happiness of 
 his people. Sixth, Intercession for others, in- 
 cluding the whole world of mankind; the king- 
 
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 495 
 
 dom of Christ, or his church universal; the 
 church or churches with which we are more 
 particularly coLmec-ted; the interest of human 
 society in general, and in that community to 
 which we immediately belong; all that are 
 invested with civil authority; the nunisters of 
 the everlasting gospel; and the rising genera- 
 tion: with whatever else, more particular, may 
 seem necessary, or suitable, to the interest of 
 that congregation where divine worship is cele ■ 
 brated. 
 
 III. Prayer after sermon, ought generally to 
 have a relation to the subject that has been 
 treated of in the discourse ; and all other public 
 prayers, to the circumstances that gave occasion 
 for them. 
 
 IV. It is easy to perceive, that in all the pre- 
 ceding directions there is a very great compass 
 and variety; and it is committed to the judg- 
 ment and fidelity?- of the officiating pastor to 
 insist chiefly on such parts, or to take in more 
 or less of the several parts, as he shall be led to 
 by the aspect of Providence ; the particular 
 state of the congregation in which he offi- 
 ciates ; or the disposition and exercise of his 
 own heart at the time. But we think it neces- 
 sary to observe, that although we do not ap- 
 prove, as is well known, of confining ministers 
 to set, or fixed forms of prayer for public wor- 
 ship ; yet it is the indispensable duty of every 
 minister, previously to his entering on his office, 
 to prepare and qualify himself for this part of 
 his duty, as well as for preaching. He ought, 
 by a thorough acquaintance with the Holy Scrip- 
 
496 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 tures, by reading the best writers on the sub- 
 ject, by meditation, and by a life of communion 
 with God in secret, to endeavour to acquire 
 both the spirit and the gift of prayer. Not only 
 so, but when he is to enter on particular acts 
 of worship, he should endeavour to compose 
 his spirit, and to digest his thoughts for prayer, 
 that it may be performed with dignity and pro- 
 priety, as well as to the profit of those who join 
 in it ; and that he may not disgrace that im- 
 portant service by mean, irregular, or extrava 
 gant effusions. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 OF THE PREACHING OF THE WORD. 
 
 I. The preaching of the word being an insti- 
 tution of God for the salvation of men, great 
 attention should be paid to the manner of per- 
 forming it. Every minister ought to give dili- 
 gent application to it; and endeavour to prove 
 himself a workman that needeth not to be 
 ashamed ; rightly dividing the word of truth. 
 
 II. The subject of a sermon should be some 
 verse or verses of Scripture ; and its object, to 
 explain, defend, and apply some part of the 
 system of divine truth ; or, to point out the 
 nature, and state the bounds and obligation, 
 of some duty. A text should not be merely a 
 motto, but should fairly contain the doctrine 
 proposed to be handled. It is proper also that 
 
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 497 
 
 laige portions of Scripture be sometimes ex- 
 pounded, and particularly improved, for the 
 instruction of the people in the meaning and 
 use of the Sacred Oracles. 
 
 III. The method of preaching requires much 
 study, meditation, and prayer. Ministers ought, 
 in general, to prepare their sermons with care; 
 and not to indulge themselves in loose, extem- 
 porary harangues ; nor to serve God with that 
 which cost them naught. They ought, how- 
 ever, to keep to the simplicity of the gospel ; 
 expressing themselves in language agreeable 
 to Scripture, and level to the understanding of 
 the meanest of their hearers ; carefully avoid- 
 ing ostentation, either of parts or learning. 
 They ought also to adorn, by their lives, the 
 doctrine which they teach ; and to be exam- 
 ples to the believers, in word, in conversation, 
 in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 
 
 IV. As one primary design of public ordi- 
 nances is to pay social acts of homage to the 
 most High God, ministers ought to be careful 
 not to make their sermons so long as to inter- 
 fere with or exclude the more important duties 
 of prayer and praise ; but preserve a just pro- 
 portion between the several parts of public 
 worship. 
 
 V. The sermon being ended, the minister is 
 to pray, and return thanks to Almighty God : 
 then let a psalm be sung; a collection raised 
 for the poor, or other purposes of the church; 
 and the assembly dismissed with the apostolic 
 benediction. 
 
 42* 
 
498 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 VI. It is expedient that no person be intro- 
 duced to preach in any of the churches under 
 our care, unless by the consent of the pastor or 
 church session. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. : 
 
 OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF BAPTISM. 
 
 I. Baptism is not to be unnecessarily de- 
 layed ; nor to be administered, in any case, by 
 any private person; but by a minister of Christ, 
 called to be the steward of the mysteries of 
 God. 
 
 II. It is usually to be administered in the 
 church, in the presence of the congregation; 
 and it is convenient that it be performed imme- 
 diately after sermon. 
 
 III. After previous notice is given to the 
 minister, the child to be baptized is to be pre- 
 sented, by one or both the parents, signifying 
 their desire that the child may be baptized. 
 
 IV. Before baptism, let the minister use 
 some words of instruction, respecting the insti- 
 tution, nature, use, and ends of this ordinance ; 
 showing, 
 
 " That it is instituted by Christ ; that it is a 
 " seal of the righteousness of faith : that the 
 " seed of the faithful have no less a right to this 
 " ordinance, under the gospel, than the seed of 
 " Abraham to circumcision, under the Old Tes- 
 " lament; that Christ commanded all nations 
 
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 499 
 
 ^* to be baptized ; that he blessed little children, 
 "declaring that of such is the kingdom of hea- 
 "ven; that children are federally holy, and 
 " therefore ought to be baptized ; that we are, 
 "by nature, sinful, guilty, and polluted, and 
 "have need of cleansing by the blood of Christ, 
 " and by the sanctifying influences of the Spirit 
 "of God." 
 
 The minister is also to exhort the parents to 
 the careful performance of their duty: requiring, 
 
 " That they teach the child to read the word 
 "of God ; that they instruct it in the principles 
 " of our holy religion, as contained in the Scrip- 
 "tures of the Old and New Testament ; an ex- 
 "cellent summary of which we have in the 
 " Confession of Faith of this church, and in the 
 " Larger and Shorter Catechisms of theWestmin- 
 " ster Assembly, which are to be recommended 
 "to them, as adopted by this church, for their 
 " direction and assistance, in the discharge of 
 "this important duty; that they pray with and 
 "for it ; that they set an example of piety and 
 " godliness before it ; and endeavour, by all the 
 "means of God's appointment, to bring up 
 "their child in the nurture and admonition of 
 "the Lord." 
 
 V. Then the minister is to pray for a bless- 
 ing to attend this ordinance ; after which, call- 
 ing the child by its name, he shall say, 
 
 " I baptize thee, in the name of the Father, 
 "and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." 
 
 As he pronounces these words, he is to bap- 
 tize the child with water, by pouring or sprink- 
 ling it on the face of the child, without adding 
 
500 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 any other ceremony : and the whole shall be 
 concluded with prayer. 
 
 Although it is proper that baptism be admin- 
 istered in the presence of the congregation; 
 yet there may be cases when it will be expe- 
 dient to administer this ordinance in private 
 houses; of which the minister is to be the judge. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 , OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORd's 
 SUPPER. 
 
 I. The communion, or supper of the Lord, 
 is to be celebrated frequently; but how often, 
 may be determined by the minister and elder- 
 ship of each congregation, as they may judge 
 most for edification. 
 
 II. The ignorant and scandalous are not to 
 be admitted to the Lord's supper. 
 
 III. It is proper that pubhc notice should be 
 given to the congregation, at least the Sabbath 
 before the administration of this ordinance, and 
 that, either then, or on some day of the week, 
 the people be instructed in its nature, and a due 
 preparation for it ; that all may come in a suit- 
 able manner to this holy feast. 
 
 IV. When the sermon is ended, the minister 
 shall show, 
 
 " That this is an ordinance of Christ ; by 
 "reading the words of institution, either from 
 "one of the evangelists, or from 1 Cor. xi. chap- 
 " Ur; which, as to him may appear expedient, 
 
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 501 
 
 " he may explain and apply ; that it is to be 
 "observed in remembrance of Christ, to show 
 " forth his death till he come ; that it is of inesti- 
 " mable benefit, to strengthen his people against 
 " sin ; to support them under troubles ; to en- 
 " courage and quicken them in duty ; to inspire 
 "them with love and zeal; to increase their 
 "faith, and holy resolution; and to beget peace 
 "of conscience, and comfortable hopes of eternal 
 "life.'' 
 
 He is to warn the profane, the ignorant, and 
 scandalous, and those that secretly indulge 
 themselves in any known sin, not to approach 
 the holy table. On the other hand, he shall in- 
 vite to this holy table, such as, sensible of their 
 lost and helpless state by sin, depend upon the 
 atonement of Christ for pardon and acceptance 
 with God; such as, being instructed in the gos- 
 pel doctrine, have a competent knowledge to 
 discern the Lord's body, and such as desire to 
 renomice their sins, and are determined to lead 
 a holy and godly life. 
 
 V. The table, on which the elements are 
 placed, being decently covered, the bread in 
 convenient dishes, and the wine in cups, and 
 the communicants orderly and gravely sitting 
 around the table, (or in their seats before it,) in 
 the presence of the minister ; let him set the 
 elements apart, by prayer and thanksgiving. 
 
 The bread and wine being thus set apart by 
 prayer and thanksgiving, the minister is to take 
 the bread, and break it, in the view of the peo- 
 ple, saying, in expressions of this sort, 
 
 " Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the same night 
 
502 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 "in which he was betrayed, having taken bread, 
 " and blessed and broken it, gave it to his dis- 
 " ciples ; as I, ministering in his name, give this 
 "bread unto you; saying, [here the bread is to 
 "be distributed] Taive, eat: this is my body, 
 " which is broken for you : this do in remem- 
 "brance of me." 
 
 After having given the bread, he shall take 
 the cup, and say, 
 
 " After the same manner our Saviour also 
 "took the cup; and having given thanks, as 
 "hath been done in his name, he gave it to the' 
 "disciples; saying, [while the minister is re- 
 "peating these words let him give the cup] 
 " This cup is the new testament in my blood, 
 " which is shed for many, for the remission of 
 "sins: drink ye all of it." 
 
 The minister himself is to communicate, at 
 such time as may appear to him most conve- 
 nient. 
 
 The minister may, in a few words, put the 
 communicants in mind, 
 
 " Of the grace of God, in Jesus Christ, held 
 " forth in this sacrament ; and of their obliga- 
 " tion to be the Lord's ; and may exiiort them 
 " to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith 
 " they are called ; and, as they have professedly 
 "received Christ Jesus the Lord, that they be 
 " careful so to walk in him, and to maintain 
 "good works." 
 
 It may not be improper for the minister to 
 give a word of exhortation also to those Avho 
 have been only spectators, reminding them, 
 
 " Of their duty; stating their sin and danger, 
 
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 503 
 
 "by living in disobedience to Christ, in neglect- 
 " ing this holy ordinance ; and calling upon 
 "them to be earnest in making preparation for 
 " attending upon it, at the next time of its cele- 
 "bration." 
 
 Then the minister is to pray and give thanks 
 to God, 
 
 " For his rich mercy, and invaluable good- 
 "ness, vouchsafed to them in that sacred com- 
 "munion; to implore pardon for the defects 
 " of the whole service ; and to pray for the ac- 
 " ceptance of their persons and performances ; 
 "for the gracious assistance of the Holy Spirit, 
 " to enable them, as they have received Christ 
 " Jesus the Lord, so to walk in him ; that they 
 "'may hold fest that which they have received, 
 "that no man take their crown; that their con- 
 " versation may be as becometh the gospel ; that 
 "they may bear about with them, continually, 
 " the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also 
 " of Jesus may be manifested in their mortal 
 " body ; that their light may so shine before 
 "men, that others, seeing their good works, 
 "may glorify their Father who is in heaven." 
 
 The collection for the poor, and to defray the 
 expense of the elements, may be made after 
 this ; or at such other time as may seem meet 
 to the eldership. 
 
 Now let a psalm or hymn be sung, and the 
 congregation dismissed, with the following or 
 some other gospel benediction : 
 
 " Now the God of peace, that brought again 
 "from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great 
 " Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of 
 
504 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 "the everlasting covenant, make you perfect 
 " in every good work to do his will, working 
 " in you that which is well-pleasing in his 
 " sight, through Jesus Christ ; to whom be 
 "glory for ever and ever. Amen.'^ 
 
 VI. As it has been customary, in some parts 
 of our church, to observe a fast before the 
 Lord's supper ; to have a sermon on Saturday 
 and Monday; and to invite two or three minis- 
 ters on such occasions; and as these seasons 
 have been blessed to many souls, and may tend 
 to keep up a stricter union of ministers and 
 congregations ; we think it not improper that 
 they who choose it may continue in this 
 practice. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 OF THE ADMISSION OF PERSONS TO SEALING 
 ORDINANCES. 
 
 1. Children, born within the pale of the 
 visible church, and dedicated to God in bap- 
 tism, are under the inspection and government 
 of the church ; and are to be taught to read, 
 and repeat the catechism, the apostles' creed, 
 and the Lord's prayer. They are to be taught 
 to pray, to abhor sin, to fear God, and to obey 
 the Lord Jesus Christ. And, when they come 
 to years of discretion, if they be free from scan- 
 dal, appear sober and steady, and to have suffi- 
 cient knowledge to discern the Lord's body, 
 they ought to be informed it is their duty and 
 their privilege to come to the Lord's r^uppcr. 
 
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 505 
 
 II. The years of discretion, in young Chris- 
 tians, cannot be precisely fixed. This must 
 be left to the prudence of the eldership. The 
 officers of the church are the judges of the 
 qualifications of those to be admitted to sealing 
 ordinances ; and of the time when it is proper 
 to admit young Christians to them. 
 
 III. Those who are to be admhted to seal- 
 ing ordinances, shall be examined as to their 
 knowledge and piety. 
 
 IV. When unbaptized persons apply for ad- 
 mission into the church, they shall, in ordinary 
 cases, after giving satisfaction with respect to 
 their knowledge and piety, make a public pro- 
 fession of their faith, in the presence of the con- 
 gregation ; and thereupon be baptized. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 OF THE MODE OF INFLICTING CHURCH 
 CENSURES. 
 
 I. The power which Christ hath given the 
 rulers of his church is for edification, and not 
 for destruction. As, in the preaching of the 
 word, the wicked are, doctrinally, separated 
 from the good ; so, by discipline, the churcli 
 authoritatively makes a distinction between the 
 holy and the profane. In this, she acts the 
 part of a tender mother, correcting her child- 
 ren only for their good, that every one of them 
 may be presented faultless, in the day of the 
 Lord Jesus. 
 
 43 
 
506 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 II. When any member of the church shall 
 have been guiUy of a fault, deserving censure, 
 the judicatory shall proceed with all tender- 
 ness, and restore their offending brother in the 
 spirit of meekness; considering themselves, lest 
 they also be tempted. Censure ought to be 
 inflicted with great solemnity ; that it may be 
 the means of impressing the mind of the delin- 
 quent with a proper sense of his danger, while 
 lie stands excluded from the privileges of the 
 church of the living God ; and that, with the 
 divine blessing, it may lead him to repentance. 
 
 III. When the judicatory has resolved to 
 pass sentence, suspending a member from 
 church privileges, the moderator shall address 
 hhn to the following purpose : 
 
 '• Whereas you are guilty [by your own con- 
 •' fession, or convicted by sufficient proof, as the 
 ^^ case may be] of the sin of [here mention the 
 " particular ofience] we declare you suspended 
 " from the sacraments of the church, till you 
 "give satisfactory evidence of the sincerity of 
 "your repentance." To this shall be added 
 such advice, admonition, or rebuke, as may 
 be judged necessary; and the whole shall be 
 concluded by prayer to almighty God, that he 
 would follow this act of discipline with his 
 blessing. We judge it prudent, in general, 
 that such censures be inflicted in the presence 
 of the judicatory only; but, if any church 
 think it expedient to rebuke the offender pub- 
 licly, this solemn suspension from the sacra- 
 ments may be in the presence of the congre- 
 gation. 
 
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 507 
 
 IV. After any person hath been thus sus- 
 pended from the sacraments, it is proper that 
 the minister, and elders, and other Christians, 
 should frequently converse with him, as well 
 as pray for him in private, that it would please 
 God to give him repentance. And it may be 
 requisite, likewise, particularly on days pre- 
 paratory to the dispensing of the Lord's sup- 
 per, that the prayers of the church be offered 
 up for those unhappy persons who, by their 
 wickedness, have shut themselves out from 
 this holy communion. 
 
 V. When the judicatory shall be satisfied as 
 to the reality of the repentance of any offender, 
 he shall be admitted to profess his repentance ; 
 and be restored to the privileges of the church. 
 Which restoration shall be declared to the peni- 
 tent in the presence of the session, or of the 
 congregation, and followed with prayer and 
 thanksgiving. 
 
 VI. When any offender has been adjudged to 
 be cut off from the communion of the church, 
 it is proper that the sentence be publicly pro- 
 nounced against him. 
 
 VII. The design of excommunication is, to 
 operate upon the offender as a means of re- 
 claiming him ; to deliver the church from the 
 scandal of his offence ; and to inspire all with 
 fear, by the example of his punishment. 
 
 The minister shall give the church or con- 
 gregation a short narrative of the several steps 
 which have been taken with respect to their 
 offending brother, and inform them, that it has 
 been found necessary to cut him off from the 
 
508 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 communion : and shall in the presence of the 
 church or congregation pronounce this sen- 
 tence, in the following or like form : viz. 
 
 He shall begin by showing the authority of 
 the church to cast out imworthy members, from 
 Matt, xviii. 15, 16, 17, IS; 1 Cor. v. 1, 2, 3, 4, 
 5 ; and shall briefly explain the nature, use, 
 and consequences of this censure ; warning the 
 people to avoid all unnecessary intercourse with 
 him who is cast out. 
 
 Then he shall say, 
 
 "Whereas A. B. hath been, by sufficient 
 " proof, convicted of, [here insert the sin] and 
 "after much admonition and prayer, obsti- 
 "nately refuseth to hear the church, and hath 
 "manifested no evidence of repentance ; there- 
 " fore, in the name, and by the authority of the 
 " Lord Jesus Christ, I pronounce him to be ex- 
 " eluded from the communion of the church.'^ 
 
 After which, prayer shall be made that the 
 blessing of God may follow his ordinance, for 
 the conviction and reformation of the excom- 
 municated person, and for the establishment 
 of all true believers. 
 
 VIII. When one who hath been excommu- 
 nicated shall be so aff'ected with his state as to 
 be brought to repentance, and to desire to be 
 re-admitted to the privileges of the church; the 
 session, having obtained sufficient evidence of 
 his sincere penitence, shall, with the advice and 
 concurrence of the presbytery, restore him. In 
 order to which, the minister shall, on two 
 Lord^s days previous thereto, inform the con- 
 gregation of the measures which have beeu 
 
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 509 
 
 taken with the excommunicated person, and 
 of the resolution of the session to receive him 
 again to the communion of the church. 
 
 On the day appointed for his restoratio!), 
 when the other parts of divine service arc 
 ended, before pronouncing the blessing, the 
 minister shall call upon the excommunicated 
 person, and propose to him, in the presence of 
 the congregation, the following questions : 
 
 " Do you, from a deep sense of your great 
 " wickedness, freely confess your sin, in thus 
 *' rebelling against God, and in refusing to hear 
 '■'• his church, and do you acknowledge that you 
 •'have been in justice and mercy cut ofl" from 
 " the communion of the saints ? Answer^ I do. 
 "Do you now voluntarily profess your sincere 
 " repentance and deep contrition, ifor your sin 
 •'and obstinacy: and do you humbly ask the 
 •'forgiveness ofGod,and of his church? Answer, 
 " I do. Do you sincerely promise, through di- 
 "vine grace, to live in all humbleness of mind 
 " and circumspection ; and to endeavour to 
 •'adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour, by 
 "having your conversation as becometh the 
 " gospel ? Answer, I do.^^ 
 
 Here the minister shall give the penitent a 
 suitable exhortation, addressing him in the 
 bowels of brotherly love, encouraging and com- 
 forting him. Then he shall pronounce the sen- 
 tence of restoration, in the following words ; 
 
 " Whereas you, A. B., have been shut out 
 
 " from the communion of the faithful, but have 
 
 " now manifested such repentance as satisfies 
 
 " the church : In the name of the Lord Jesus 
 
 43* 
 
510 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 "Christ, and by his authority, I declare you 
 " absolved from the sentence of excommunica 
 " tion formerly denounced against you ; and I 
 "do receive you into the communion of the 
 " church, that you may be a partaker of all the 
 "benefits of the Lord Jesus, to your eternal 
 " salvation." 
 
 The whole shall be concluded with prayer, 
 and the people dismissed with the usual bless- 
 ing. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 OF THE SOLEMNIZATION OF MARRIAGE. 
 
 I. Marriage is not a sacrament; nor pecu- 
 liar to the church of Christ. It is proper that 
 every commonwealth, for the good of society, 
 make laws to regulate marriage ; which all 
 citizens are bound to obey. 
 
 II. Christians ought to marry in the Lord : 
 therefore it is fit that their marriage be solem- 
 nized by a lawful minister; that special instruc- 
 tion may be given them, and suitable prayers 
 made, when they enter into this relation. 
 
 III. Marriage is to be between one man and 
 one woman only: and they are not to be within 
 the degrees of consanguinity or affinity prohi- 
 bited by the word of God. 
 
 TV. The parties ought to be of such years 
 of discretion as to be capable of making their 
 own choice : and if they be under age, or live 
 with their parents, the consent of the parents 
 or others, under whose care they are, ought to 
 
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 511 
 
 ne previously obtained, and well certified to 
 the minister, before he proceeds to solemnize 
 the marriage. 
 
 V. Parents ought neither to compel their 
 children to marry contrary to their inclina- 
 tions, nor deny their consent without just and 
 important reasons. 
 
 VI. Marriage is of a public nature. The 
 welfare of civil society, the happiness of families, 
 and the credit of religion, are deeply interested 
 in it. Therefore the purpose of marriage ought 
 to be sufficiently published a proper time pre- 
 viously to the solemnization of it. It is enjoined 
 on all ministers to be careful that, in this mat- 
 ter, they neither transgress the laws of God, 
 nor the laws of the community: and that they 
 may not destroy the peace and comfort of 
 families, they must be properly certified with 
 respect to the parties applying to them, that no 
 just objections lie against their marriage. 
 
 VII. Marriage must always be performed 
 before a competent number of witnesses ; and 
 at any time, except on a day of public humilia- 
 tion. And we advise that it be not on the 
 Lord's day. And the minister is to give a cer- 
 tificate of the marriage when required. 
 
 VIII. When the parties present themselves 
 for marriage, the minister is to desire, if there 
 is any person present who knows any lawful 
 reason why these persons may not be joined 
 together in the marriage relation, that they will 
 now make it known or ever after hold their 
 peace. 
 
 No objections being made, he is then sever- 
 
512 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 ally to address himself to the parties to be mar- 
 ried, in the following or like words : 
 
 " You, the man, declare in the presence of 
 " God, that you do not know any reason by 
 ^' precontract or otherwise, why you may not 
 ^'lawfully marry this woman." 
 
 Upon his declaring he does not, the minister 
 shall address himself to the bride, in the same 
 or similar terms : 
 
 " You, the woman, declare in the presence 
 "of God, that you do not know any reason, by 
 " precontract or otherwise, why you may not 
 " lawfully marry this man.'^ 
 
 Upon her declaring she does not, he is to 
 begin with prayer, for the presence and bless- 
 ing of God. 
 
 The minister shall then proceed to give them 
 some instruction from the Scriptures, respecting 
 the institution and duties of this state, showing, 
 
 " That God hath instituted marriage for the 
 •^ comfort and happiness of mankind, in declar- 
 " ing a man shall forsake his father and mother, 
 " and cleave unto his wife ; and that marriage 
 " is honourable in all ; that he hath appointed 
 "various duties, which are incumbent upon 
 " those who enter into this relation ; such as, a 
 " high esteem and mutual love for one another ; 
 "bearing with each other's infirmities and 
 " weaknesses, to which human nature is sub- 
 "ject in its present lapsed state; to encourage 
 " each other under the various ills of life ; to 
 " comfort one another in sickness ; in honesty 
 " and industry to provide for each other's tem- 
 " poral support ; to pray for and encourage one 
 
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 513 
 
 " another in the things which pertain to God, 
 " and to their immortal souls ; and to Uve to- 
 " gether as the heirs of the grace of Hfe.'^ 
 
 Then the minister shall cause the bridegroom 
 and bride to join their hands, and shall pro- 
 nounce the marriage covenant, first to the man, 
 in these words : 
 
 "You take this woman, whom you hold 
 " by the hand, to be your lawful and married 
 " wife ; and you promise, and covenant, in the 
 " presence of God and these witnesses, that you 
 " will be unto her a loving and faithful hus- 
 " band, until you shall be separated by death." 
 
 The bridegroom shall express his consent, 
 by saying, " Yes, I do." 
 
 Then the minister shall address himself to 
 the woman, in these words : 
 
 " You take this man, whom you hold by the 
 " hand, to be your lawful and married husband ; 
 " and you promise, and covenant in the pre- 
 " sence of God and these witnesses, that you 
 " will be unto him a loving, faithful, and obe- 
 "dient wife until you shall be separated by 
 "death." 
 
 The bride shall express her consent, by say- 
 ing, " Yes, I do." 
 
 Then the minister is to say, 
 
 " I pronounce you husband and wife, accord- 
 "ing to the ordinance of God; whom there- 
 " fore God hath joined together let no man put 
 "asunder." 
 
 After this the minister may exhort them in 
 a few words, to the mutual discharge of their 
 duty. 
 
514 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 Then let him conckide with prayer suitable 
 to the occasion. 
 
 Let the minister keep a proper register for 
 the names of all persons whom he marries, and 
 of the time of their marriage, for the perusal 
 of all whom it may concern. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 OF THE VISITATION OF THE SICK. 
 
 I. When persons are sick, it is their duty, 
 before their strength and understanding fail 
 them, to send for their minister, and to make 
 known to him, with prudence, their spiritual 
 state; or to consult him on the concerns of 
 their precious souls. And it is his duty to visit 
 them, at their request, and to apply himself, 
 with all tenderness and love, to administer spi- 
 ritual good to their immortal souls. 
 
 II. He shall instruct the sick out of the Scrip- 
 tures, that diseases arise not out of the ground, 
 nor do they come by chance; but that they are 
 directed and sent by a wise and holy God, 
 either for correction of sin, for the trial of 
 grace, for improvement in religion, or for other 
 important ends : and that they shall work to- 
 gether for good to all those who make a wise 
 improvement of God's visitation, neither de- 
 spising his chastening hand, nor fainting under 
 his rebukes. 
 
 III. If the minister finds the sick person to 
 be grossly ignorant, he shall instruct him in 
 
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 515 
 
 the nature of repentance and faith, and the 
 way of acceptance with God, through the me- 
 diation and atonement of Jesus Christ. 
 
 IV. He shall exhort the sick to examine 
 himself, to search his heart, and try his former 
 ways, by the word of God; and shall assist 
 him, by mentioning some of the obvious marks 
 and evidences of sincere piety. 
 
 V. If the sick shall signify any scruple, 
 doubt, or temptation, under which lie labours, 
 the minister must endeavour to resolve his 
 doubts, and administer instruction and direc- 
 tion, as the case may seem to require. 
 
 VI. If the sick appear to be a stupid, thought- 
 less, and hardened sinner, he shall endeavour 
 to awaken his mind; to arouse his conscience; 
 to convince him of the evil and danger of sin ; 
 of the curse of the law, and the wrath of God 
 due to sinners ; to bring him to an humble and 
 penitential sense of his iniquities; and to state 
 before him the fulness of the grace and mercy 
 of God, in and through the glorious Redeemer; 
 the absolute necessity of faith and repentance, 
 in order to his being interested in the favour 
 of God, or his obtaining everlasting happiness. 
 
 VII. If the sick person shall appear to have 
 knowledge, to be of a tender conscience, and to 
 have been endeavouring to serve God in up- 
 rightness, though not whhout many failings 
 and sinful infirmities; or if his spirit be broken 
 with a sense of sin, or through apprehensions 
 of the want of the divine favour ; then it will 
 be proper to administer consolation and encou- 
 ragement to him, by setting before him the free- 
 
516 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 ness and riches of the grace of God, the all- 
 sufficiency of the righteousness of Christ, and 
 the supporting promises of the gospel. 
 
 VIII. The minister must endeavour to guard 
 the sick person against ill-grounded persuasions 
 of the mercy of God, without a vital union to 
 Christ ; and against unreasonable fears of death, 
 and desponding discouragements ; against pre- 
 sumption upon his own goodness and merit, 
 upon the one hand, and against despair of the 
 mercy and grace of God in Jesus Christ, on the 
 other. 
 
 IX. In one word, it is the minister's duty to 
 administer to the sick person instruction, con- 
 viction, support, consolation, or encouragement, 
 as his case may seem to require. 
 
 At a proper time, when he is most com- 
 posed, the minister shall pray Avith and for 
 him. 
 
 X. Lastly, the minister may improve the 
 present occasion to exhort those about the 
 sick, to consider their mortality ; to turn to 
 the Lord and make their peace with him ; in 
 health to prepare for sickness death, and judg* 
 ment. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 OP THE BURIAL OP THE DEAD. 
 
 I. When any person departs this life, let the 
 corpse be taken care of in a decent manner ; 
 and be kept a proper and sufficient time before 
 interment. 
 
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 517 
 
 II. When the season for the funeral comes, 
 let the dead body be decently attended to the 
 grave, and interred. During such solemn oc- 
 casions, let all who attend conduct themselves 
 with becoming gravity; and apply themselves 
 to serious meditation or discourse : and the 
 minister, if present, may exhort them to con- 
 sider the frailty of life, and the importance of 
 being prepared for death and eternity. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 OF FASTING, AND OP THE OBSERVATION OP THE 
 DAYS OP THANKSGIVING. 
 
 I. There is no day under the gospel com- 
 manded to be kept holy, except the Lord's 
 day, which is the Christian Sabbath. 
 
 II. Nevertheless, to observe days of fasting 
 and thanksgiving, as the extraordinary dispen- 
 sations of divine providence may direct, we 
 judge both scriptural and rational. 
 
 III. Fasts and thanksgivings may be ob- 
 served by individual Christians; or families, 
 in private ; by particular congregations ; by a 
 number of congregations contiguous to each 
 other ; by the congregations under the care of 
 a presbytery, or of a synod ; or by all the con 
 gregations of our church. 
 
 IV. It must be left to the judgment and dis- 
 cretion of every Christian and family to deter- 
 mine when it is proper to observe a private 
 fast or thanksgiving; and to the church-ses- 
 
 44 
 
518 DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 sions to determine for particular congregations, 
 and to the presbyteries or synods to determine 
 for larger districts. When it is deemed expe- 
 dient that a fast or thanksgiving should be 
 general, the call for them must be judged of 
 by the synod or General Assembly. And if 
 at any time the civil power should think it 
 proper to appoint a fast or thanksgiving, it is 
 the duty of the ministers and people of our 
 communion, as we live under a Christian gov- 
 ernment, to pay all due respect to the same. 
 
 V. Public notice is to be given a convenient 
 time before the day of fasting or thanksgiving 
 comes, that persons may so order their tempo- 
 ral affairs, that they may properly attend to 
 the duties thereof 
 
 VI. There shall be public worship upon all 
 such days : and let the prayers, psalms, por- 
 tions of Scripture to be read, and sermons, be 
 all in a special manner adapted to the occasion. 
 
 VII. On fast days, let the minister point out 
 the authority and providences calling to the 
 observation thereof; and let him spend a more 
 than usual portion of time In solemn prayer, 
 particular confession of shi, especially of the 
 sins of the day and place, with their aggrava- 
 tions, which have brought down the judgments 
 of heaven. And let the whole day be spent 
 in deep humiliation and mourning before God. 
 
 VIII. On days of thanksgiving, he is to give 
 the like information respecting the authority 
 and providences which call to the observance 
 of them ; and to spend a more than usual part 
 of the tin>e in th^ S^^^'^S °^ thanks, agreeably 
 
DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 519 
 
 to the occasion, and in singing psalms or hymns 
 of praise. 
 
 It is the duty of people on these days to 
 rejoice with holy gladness of heart; but let 
 trembling be so joined with our mirth, that no 
 excess or unbecoming levity be indulged. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 THE DIRECTORY FOR SECRET AND FAMILY 
 WORSHIP. 
 
 I. Besides the public worship in congre- 
 gations, it is the indispensable duty of each 
 person, alone, in secret ; and of every family, 
 by itself, in private, to pray to, and worship 
 God. 
 
 II. Secret worship is most plainly enjoined 
 by our Lord. In this duty every one, apart by 
 himself, is to spend some time in prayer, read- 
 ing the Scriptures, holy meditation, and serious 
 self-examination. The many advantages arising 
 from a conscientious discharge of these duties, 
 are best known to those who are found in the 
 faithful discharge of them. 
 
 III. Family worship, which ought to be per- 
 formed by every family, ordinarily morning and 
 evening, consists in prayer, reading the Scrip- 
 tures, and singing praises. 
 
 IV. The head of the family, who is to lead 
 in this service, ought to be careful that all the 
 members of his household duly attend; and 
 that none withdraw themselves unnecessarily 
 
620 UIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP. 
 
 from any part of family worship ; and that all 
 refrain from their common business while the 
 Scriptures are read, and gravely attend to the 
 same, no less than when prayer or praise is 
 offered up. 
 
 V. Let the heads of families be careful to 
 instruct their children and servants in the prin- 
 ciples of religion. Every proper opportunity 
 ought to be embraced for such instruction. But 
 we are of opinion, that the Sabbath evenings, 
 after public worship, should be sacredly pre- 
 served for this purpose. Therefore we highly 
 disapprove of paying unnecessary private visits 
 on the Lord's day; admitting strangers into 
 the families, except when necessity or charity 
 requires it ; or any other practices, whatever 
 plausible pretences may be offered in their 
 favour, if they interfere with the above im- 
 portant and necessary duty. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 GENERAL RULES FOR JUDICATORIES.* 
 
 1. The moderator shall take the chair pre- 
 cisely at the hour to which the judicatory stands 
 adjourned; shall immediately call the members 
 to order; and, on the appearance of a quorum, 
 shall open the session with prayer. 
 
 2. If a quorum be assembled at the hour 
 appointed, and the moderator be absent, the 
 last moderator present shall be requested to 
 take his place without delay, 
 
 3. If a quorum be not assembled at the hour 
 appointed, any two members shall be compe- 
 tent to adjourn from time to time, that an 
 opportunity may be given for a quorum to 
 assemble. 
 
 4. After calFmg the roll, and marking the 
 absentees, the minutes of the last sitting shall 
 be read, and, if requisite, corrected. 
 
 * The following rules, not having been submitted to 
 the presbyteries, make no part of the Constitution of the 
 Presbyterian Church. Yet the General Assembly of 
 1821, considering uniformity in proceedings in all the 
 subordinate judicatories, as greatly conducive to order 
 and despatch of business, and having revised and ap- 
 proved these rules, recommend them to the synods, pres- 
 byteries, and sessions, as a system of regulations, which, 
 if they think proper^ may be advantageously adopted by 
 them. 
 
 44* 5-21 
 
522 GENERAL RULES FOR JUDICATORIES. 
 
 5. It shall be the duty of the moderator, at 
 all times, to preserve order, and to endeavour 
 to conduct all business before tho judicatory to 
 a speedy and proper result. 
 
 6. It shall be the duty of the clerk, as soon 
 as possible after the commencement of the ses- 
 sions of every judicatory, to form a complete 
 roll of the members present, and put the same 
 into the hands of the moderator. And it shall 
 also be the duty of the clerk, whenever any 
 additional members take their seats, to add 
 their names, in their proper places, to the said 
 roll. 
 
 7. It shall be the duty of the clerk, imme- 
 diately to file all papers, in the order in which 
 they have been read, with proper endorse- 
 ments, and to keep them in perfect order. 
 
 8. It shall be the duty of the moderator, 
 carefully to keep notes of the several articles 
 of business which may be assigned to particu- 
 kir days, and to call them up at the time ap- 
 pointed. 
 
 9. The moderator may speak to points of 
 order, in preference to other members, rising 
 from his seat for that purpose j and shall de- 
 cide questions of order, subject to an appeal 
 to the judicatory by any two members. 
 
 10. Business left unfinished at the last sit- 
 ting, is ordinarily to be taken up first. 
 
 11. A motion made must be seconded, and 
 afterwards repeated by the moderator, or read 
 aloud, before it is debated ; and every motion 
 shall be reduced to writing, if the moderator 
 ar any member require it. 
 
GENERAL RULES FOR JUDICATORIES. 523 
 
 12. Any member, who shall have made a 
 motion, shall have liberty to withdraw it with 
 the consent of his second, before any debate 
 has taken place thereon ; but not afterwards, 
 without the leave of the judicatory. 
 
 13. Motions to lay on the table, to take up 
 business, and to adjourn, and the call for the 
 previous question, shall be put without debate. 
 On questions of order, postponement, or com- 
 mitment, no member shall speak more than 
 once. On all other questions, each member 
 rnay^speak^ twice, but not oftener, without ex- 
 
 ^^ess leave of thejiidicatofy." 
 
 ^. _14.- When a question is under debate,' no ^ 
 motion shall be received, jiijiless to adjourn, ItoJ 
 lay on the table, to postpone indefinitely, to 
 postpone to a day certain, to commit, or to 
 amend ; which several motions shall have pre- 
 cedence in the order in which they are herein 
 arranged ; and the motion for adjournment 
 shall always be in order. 
 
 15. An amendment may be moved on any 
 motion, and shall be decided before the original 
 motion. 
 
 16. If a motion under debate contains seve- 
 ral parts, any two members may have it di- 
 vided, and a question taken on each part. 
 
 17. The previous question shall be in this 
 form : " Shall the main question be now put V^ 
 and when demanded by a majority of the mem- 
 bers present, shall be put without debate ; and 
 until it is decided, shall preclude all amend- 
 ment and further debate on the main ques 
 tion. 
 
524 GENERAL RULES FOR JUDICATORIES. 
 
 18. If the previous question be decided in 
 the affirmative, the main question shall be im- 
 mediately put without debate ; if in the nega- 
 tive, the debate may proceed. 
 
 1 9. A question shall not be again called up, 
 or reconsidered at the same sessions of the 
 judicatory at which it has been decided, unless 
 by the consent of two-thirds of the members 
 who were present at the decision ; and, unless 
 the motion to reconsider be made and seconded 
 by persons who voted with the majority. 
 
 20. A subject whi ch has been indefinitely 
 postponed gj ^i ifa^^ by the operation of the^pre-\ 
 
 C VIOUS questionTor by a. (\\ x^ot mofinn for \ri^e- J 
 jnite postponemen t^ shall not be again called 
 up during the sanie sessions of the judicatory, 
 unless by the consent of three-fourths of the 
 members who were present at the decision. 
 
 21. Every member, when speaking, shall 
 address himself to the moderator, and shall 
 treat his fellow members, and especially the 
 moderator, with decorum and respect. 
 
 22. Without express permission,' no member 
 of a judicatory, while business is going on, 
 shall engage in private conversation; nor shall 
 members address one another, nor any person 
 present, but through the moderator. 
 
 23. No speaker shall be interrupted, unless 
 he be out of order, or for the purpose of cor- 
 recting mistakes or misrepresentations. 
 
 24. It is indispensable that members of ec 
 clesiastical judicatories maintain great gravity 
 and dignity while judicially convened; that 
 they attend closely, in their speeches, to the 
 
GENERAL RULES FOR JUDICATORIES. 525 
 
 subject under consideration, and avoid prolix 
 and desultory harangues : and when they de- 
 viate from the subject, it is the privilege of any 
 member, and the duty of the moderator, to call 
 them to order. 
 
 25. No member, in the course of debate, 
 shall be allowed to indulge in personal reflec- 
 tions. 
 
 26. If more than one member rise to speak 
 at the same time, the member who is most 
 distant from the moderator's chair shall speak 
 first. 
 
 ■^'27. When more than three members of the 
 judicatory shall be standing at the same time, 
 the moderator shall require all to take their 
 seats, the person only excepted who may be 
 speaking. 
 
 28. If any member act, in any respect, m a 
 disorderly manner, it shall be the privilege of 
 any member, and the duty of the moderator, 
 to call him to order. 
 
 29. If any member consider himself as ag- 
 grieved by a decision of the moderator, it shall 
 be his privilege to appeal to the judicatory; 
 and the question on such appeal shall be taken 
 without debate. 
 
 30. Members ought not, without weighty 
 reasons, to decline voting, as this practice 
 might leave the decision of very interesting 
 questions to a small proportion of the judica- 
 tory. Silent members, unless excused from 
 voting, must be considered as acquiescing with 
 the majority. 
 
 31. It is the duty of the moderator to appoint 
 
526 GENERAL RULES FOR JUDICATORIES. 
 
 all committees, except in those cases in which 
 the judicatory shall decide otherwise. 
 
 32. The person first named on any commit- 
 tee, shall be considered as the chairman there- 
 of, whose duty it shall be to convene the com- 
 mittee ; and, in case of his absence, or inability 
 to act, the second named member shall take 
 his place, and perform his duties. 
 
 33. When various motions are made with 
 respect to the filling of blanks with particular 
 numbers or times, the question shall always 
 be first taken on the highest number, and the 
 longest time. 
 
 34. When the moderator has commenced 
 taking the vote, no further debate or remark 
 shall be admitted, unless there has evidently 
 been a mistake ; in which case, the mistake 
 shall be rectified, and the moderator shall re- 
 commence taking the vote. 
 
 35. When a vote is taken by ballot in any 
 judicatory, the moderator shall vote with the 
 other members ; but he shall not vote in any 
 other case, unless the judicatory be equally 
 divided ; when, if he do not choose to vote, 
 the question shall be lost. 
 
 36. The yeas and nays on any question 
 shall not be recorded, unless it be required by 
 one-third of the members present. 
 
 37. All judicatories have a right to sit in 
 private, on business which, in their judgment, 
 ought not to be matter of public speculation. 
 
 38. Besides the right to sit judicially in pri- 
 vate, whenever they think it right to do so, all 
 judicatories have a right to hold what are com- 
 
GENERAL RULES FOR JUMCATORIES. 527 
 
 monly called " interlocutory meetings,^^ or a 
 sort of committees of the whole judicatory, in 
 which members may freely converse together 
 without the formalities which are usually ne- 
 cessary in judicial proceedings. 
 
 39. Whenever a judicatory is about to sit in 
 a judicial capacity, it shall be the duty of the 
 moderator, solemnly to announce from the 
 chair, that the body is about to pass to the 
 consideration of the business assigned for trial; 
 and to enjoin on the members to recollect and 
 regard their high character, as judges of a court 
 of Jesus Christ, and the solemn duty in which 
 they are about to act. 
 
 40. In all process before a judicatory, where 
 there is an accuser, or prosecutor, it is expe- 
 dient that there be a committee of the judicatory 
 appointed, (provided the number of members 
 be sufficient to admit af it without inconve- 
 nience) who shall be called the Judicial Com- 
 mittee ; and whose duty it shall be, to digest 
 and arrange all the papers, and to prescribe, 
 under the direction of the judicatory, the whole 
 order of the proceedings. The members of this 
 committee shall be entitled, natwithstanding 
 their performance of this duty, ta sit and vote 
 in the cause, as members of the judicatory. 
 
 41. But in cases of process on the ground of 
 general rumour, where there is, of course, no 
 particular accuser, there may be a committee 
 appointed, (if convenient) who shall be called 
 the Committee of Prosecution, and who shall 
 conduct the whole cause on the part of the 
 prosecution. The members of this committee 
 
528 GENERAL RULES FOR JUDICATORIES. 
 
 shall not be permitted to sit in judgment in the 
 case. 
 
 42. No member shall retire from any judi- 
 catory, without the leave of the moderator, nor 
 withdraw from it to return home, without the 
 consent of the judicatory. 
 
 43. The moderator of every judicatory, above 
 the church session, in finally closing its sessions, 
 in addition to prayer, may cause to be sung an 
 appropriate psalm or hymn, and shall pro- 
 nounce the apostolical benediction. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 A. 
 
 Page 
 
 Appeals 476 
 
 Assembly, general, of the , 425 
 
 mode of dissolving 427 
 
 B. 
 
 Baptism, of the administration of 498 
 
 Bishops or pastors, of 408 
 
 election and ordination of 43G 
 
 C. 
 
 Call, form of a 438 
 
 how subscribed 438 
 
 how to prosecute a 439 
 
 Candidates, of licensing 431 
 
 Church, of the 405 
 
 censures 505 
 
 of the officers of the 407 
 
 ordinances in a particular ; . . . 411 
 
 government, of 413 
 
 Clerks, of 454 
 
 Commissioners to the general assembly 452 
 
 Complaints 480 
 
 Congregations, vacant, assembling for worship 452 
 
 D. 
 
 Deacons, of 410 
 
 of electing and ordaining 428 
 
 Dead, of the burial of the 516 
 
 Discipline, general principles of ; 455 
 
 Dissents 482 
 
 E. 
 
 Elders, ruling of 409 
 
 of electing and ordaining 428 
 
 Ejccommunication, of 506 
 
 F. 
 
 Family worship, directory for 519 
 
 Fasting, of the observation of days of 517 
 
530 INDEX. 
 
 G. 
 
 Page 
 
 Government, form of 401 
 
 preliminary principles of 401 
 
 I. 
 
 Instalment 446 
 
 J. 
 
 Judicatories, church, the several kinds of 413 
 
 jurisdiction of 485 
 
 general rules for 521 
 
 License, form of 435 
 
 Limitation of time 486 
 
 Lord's Day, of the sanctification of the 489 
 
 of the administration of the 500 
 
 M. 
 
 Marriage, of the solemnization of 510 
 
 Minister, of the translation of 444 
 
 Missions, of - 449 
 
 Moderators, of 450, 463, 521, 526 
 
 their autliority and duty 450 
 
 ministers perpetual, of church sessions 416 
 
 of presbyteries, synods, and the general as- 
 sembly 451 
 
 how to be chosen 451 
 
 O. 
 
 Offences, private 456 
 
 public 457 
 
 Ordinances in a particular church 411 
 
 Ordination, trials for 440 
 
 questions proposed at 441 
 
 mode of 440, 444 
 
 P. 
 
 Pastoral charge, resignation of a 448 
 
 Prayer, of public 493 
 
 Preaching, of 496 
 
 Presbytery, of the 418 
 
 Process, forms of actual 459 
 
 against a bishop or minister 464 
 
 Protests, nature of 482 
 
 Psalin«, singing of «,.. ^ 492 
 
INDEX. 531 
 
 Q. 
 
 Page 
 
 Questions of order 463, 523 
 
 Quorum, of a 415, 419, 423, 426 
 
 R, 
 
 References 475 
 
 Removals of candidates and licentiates 435 
 
 of a minister 444 
 
 Resignation of a charge 430, 448 
 
 Revision of records 473 
 
 S. 
 
 Sabbath, of the 485> 
 
 Sacraments, to be dispensed o«ly by an ordained minister 498 
 
 Scriptures, of public reading of the 491 
 
 Sealing ordinances, of admission to 504 
 
 Secret worship, directory for 519 
 
 Session, the church 415 
 
 Sick, the visitation of the 514 
 
 Synod, organization of a 423 
 
 T. 
 
 Testimony, of new 483 
 
 Thanksgiving, of the observation of days of 517 
 
 W. 
 
 Witnesses, of 468 
 
 Worship, of religious, the directory for 490 
 
^ 
 
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