CHAP. I.

WHat is necessary to be under­stood concerning Ruling El­ders may be taken up in the expli­cation of these four, 1. Their name. 2. Their institution. 3. Their Calling. 4. Their Qualification and Duty. The word Elder in the Scripture doth signifie di­versThe 2 book of Disc. c. 6. Si. Assert: of the Government of the Ch. of Scotland. 1. part. cap: 1. 1 Tim. 5. 1. things, 1. It signifi­eth old men, or men come to age▪ 1 Tim. 5. 1. Re­buke not an-Elder, but in­treat him as a father, and [Page 20] the younger men as bre­thren. 2. It signifies those who have lived in the times of old. Mat. 15. 2. Why do thy Mat. 15. 2. Disciples transgress the tradition of the Elders. 3. It is taken for honour­able and worthy men, Isa. 3. 2. The Lord of Hosts doth take away from Jerusalem and Judah the Prudent and the Ancient. 4. It is the name of a Spiritual Officer in the house of God.

Acts 14. 23. And when Acts. 14. 23. they had ordained them El­ders in every city. In this last signi­fication it is taken in this place, for these who bear Rule in the House of God, who are called Elders because of the Knowledge, Gifts, Experience, Prudence and Gravity, wherewith they ought to be indued.

The Officers in theThe 2. book of Discipline ch. 6. sect. 1. House of God, who in [Page 21] the Scriptures are called by the name of Elders, are of severall soits, Preaching Elders or Ministers, Teaching Elders or Doctors, and Ruling or Governing Elders, all these three are often times in the N. T. com­prized under the general name of El­der, Act. 15 6, 22. & 20.Acts 15. 6. 22. and 20 17. 1 Pet. 5. Th [...] 2. book of De [...] 6. 8. 3. 17. 1. Pet. 5 It is the Ru­ling Elder whom we have now to do with, who is so called, not because the power of ruling and go­verning the Church belongs to him alone, for it also belongs to the Preach­ing [...]nd Teaching Elders, or to the Ministers and Doctors: But because to rule and govern is the principal and chief part of his Charge and Im­ployment, it is the highest Act of his Office; It is not competent for him to Preach, that belongs to the Pastor or Minister, nor to teach, that [Page 22] belongs to the Doctor; but his Office is comprized within the compasse of Ruling and Governing the Church; and therefore he is called the Gover­ning or Ruling Elder; The Apostle in the Epistle to the Rom:Rom. 12. 8 ch. 1 [...]. 8. calleth him, him that ruleth, and 1 Cor. 1 Cor. 12. 28. 12. 28▪ he calls them Go­vernments putting the abstract for the concret, Governments for Gover­nours. Thus then we have the proper or right name of these Church Officers, which serves to correct a twofold mistake. The 1. is, of these who either out of ig­norance, or disdain, do call them Lay-Elders, as if they were a part of the People only, and not to be reck­oned amongst the Officers of the Lords House, whom the Popish Church in their pride, and others fol­lowing [Page 23] them calls the Clergy, that is, the Lords Inheritance, in opposition to the Laity or People, whom they look upon, as base and much inferi­or to the other in worth and Excel­lency, whereas all the Lords People are his portion, and the lot of his in he­ritance, Deut. 32. 9. 1. Pet. 5. 3. The second mistake is, of these who do call these only Ruling-Elders, who sit in Presbyteries, Synods, and Gen­eral Assemblies, allowing to others the name of Elders, but not of Rul­ing-Elders: But every Elder in the Lords House is a Ruling-Elder, be­cause the power and exercise of rule and Government belongs to every Elder, though some of them upon speciall occasions be called to a more eminent Exercise of it than others.

CHAP. II.

THE Institution ofThe 2 book of Discip. Ch. 6. sect. 2. the Office of Ru­ling Elder, is divine, it is not an ordinance of man, but of God. The Lord Jesus, upon whose shoul­der the Government is, and who is faithfull in all his House, hath in his Eternal Wisdom thought fit to ap­point such an Officer in his House, for the right and orderly Governing thereof. It is true, that by the sloth, or rather by the pride of Teachers, whilest they alone would seem to be somewhat, and by the policy of Sa­tan, and inadvertance of the Church, these Officers were for many Ages together, out of use in the Christian [Page 25] Church. But certain it is, that both the Jewish Synagogue, and after, the Christian Church had Seniores, or Elders, without whose counsel no­thing was done in the Church; That the Jewish Church had such, appears from 2 Chro. 19. 8. Jer. 29. 1. Mat. 16▪ 21, 22, 23, 26, 57, 59. Act. 4. 5. And that the Chri­stianAmbros Com. on 1. Tim. 5. 1. Tert. in his 34 Ch. of Apol. Basil. Mag. Com. on Isay 3. 2. Hier. on that same place. Aug Ep. 137. Greg. con. Cels. lib. 3. Aug. [...]. 3. contra Cresoen. Cap. 56. Church al­so had them in the primitive & purest times thereof, ap­pears from the testimony of ancient Writers, as may be found by these who will take pains to search into these things But we have a more sure word for the Divine Institution of Elders in the Christian Church, then any testimony of man, to wit, the Te­stimony of God, in the Scriptures of [Page 26] the New Testament. The first place of Scripture is Rom. 12. 6, 7, 8. Having then gifts, differing according to the grace that is given us, whether prophe­sie, let us prophesie according to the pro­portion of faith, or Ministery, let us wait on our Ministring, or he that teacheth on teaching, or he that exhort­eth on exhortation; he that gives, let him do it wih simplicity: he that ruleth, with diligence▪ he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulnesse. In which Text, the Apostle doth first comprehend all the severall kindes of ordinary stand­ing Officers in the Church of God, under two general Heads, to wit, Prophecie, whereby is meaned the ordinary facultie of right under­standing and expounding the Scrip­tures, and Ministery, under which is comprehended all other Church­Officers and Imployments: To each [Page 27] of these the Apostle addeth their ge­nerall duties, to wit, that he who pro­phesieth, should do it according to the proportion of faith, h. e. accord­ing to the measure, of the measure of knowledge of the word of faith, that he hath received of God; And he that ministers, let him wait on his ministring, h. e. let him not do it neg­ligently or slothfully, but faithful­ly and diligently. Then he sub-di­vides these two Generalls, into the speciall Offices contained under them; He divides him that prophe­sieth, into him that teacheth, and him that exhorteth, or into the Doctor, to whom the word of teaching or In­struction belongs, and the Pastor, to whom the Word of Exhortation is competent. Under him that mini­stereth, he comprehends, first him that giveth, by whom is meant the [Page 28] Deacon, who is appointed for the supply of the poor▪ Secondly, him that ruleth, by whom can be meant no other then the Ruling Elder, see­ing an ordinary ruling Officer in the Church, who is different from the Pastor and Teacher is here spoken of by the Apostle.

The second place of Scripture that proves the Office of Ruling Elders is, 1 Cor. 12. 28. And God hath set some in the Church, first Apostles, second­ly Prophets, thirdly Teachers, after­ward miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, kinds of tongues. Some of the Bibles of the late En­glish Translation read helps in govern­ments, but cross to the Text in the first Language, that bears helps, go­vernments, as two distinct things, and therefore in other Editions of that Translation, this is helped. In [Page 29] this Text the Apostle reckons several Officers of the Church, some extra­ordinary, which were to continue but for a season, such as Apostles, Prophets, Powers or Miracles, gifts of healing, kinds of tongues: Some Ordinary, which were to continue in the Church to the end of the World, and these are Teachers, or the ordinary Church▪Officers, who are exercised in the Word: Helps, h. e. the Deacons, who are appointed for the help and relief of the poor; and governments, h. e. the Governing and Ruling Elders; for it is clear from the words, that the Apostle by Go­vernments, doth mean a Church-Of­ficer, whom God hath set in his Church, for Ruling and Governing thereof, now this cannot be any o­ther of the Church-Officers, for these he hath named besides, and therefore [Page 30] it remains that it is the Ruling El­der.

The third place of Scripture is, 1Tim. 5. 17. Let the Elders that rule well, be counted worthy of double honour, spe­cially they that labour in the word and doctrine. Which Text doth hold forth and distinguish two sorts of El­ders in the Church, to whom the Lord Jesus hath committed the power of Ruling; One sort who do also labour in the Word and Do­ctrine, to wit, Pastors and Teachers: Another sort who do only Rule, and doing it well, are accounted worthy of double honour, and these are the Ruling Elders of whom we speak.

From this that the Office of the2. Book of Discipl. c. 3. sect. 13, 14, 15, 16. Assert: of the go­vernment of the Church of Scotland, part 1. c. 2. pag. 11. and 17. Ruling Elder is of Divine Insti­tution, [Page 31] we gather these conclusi­ons, First, that it is not a thing arbitrary and indifferent for such to wait upon their charge, yea or not, as they please, or as their attendance may contribute for their own or their friends parti­cular, which is the custom of too too many Elders; but that they are bound in conscience diligently to at­tend and follow the duties thereof, whether they be such as they ought, to the several Members of the Con­gregation, or the keeping of Session, or Presbytery, and other Assemblies of the Church, when they are called and desired thereto.

Secondly, that Elders ought to do their Office, not formally and hypo­critically, for the fashion only, but [Page 32] sincerely and honestly, as in the sight of God, by whom they are called un­to this holy Calling, and to whom they must render an accompt of their discharge of this great trust.

Thirdly, they ought not to domi­neer over their fellow Brethren and Elders, but carry themselves hum­bly and serviceably, as these who are appointed of the Lord Jesus for mini­string unto, and edifying of his Bo­dy the Church.

Fourthly, that they ought to car­ry themselves with that authority, holiness, gravity and prudence, that becomes these who are called of God to bear Rule in his House.

Fifthly, that Elders once lawfully called to the Office, and having gifts from God meet to exexcise the same, (unless they be removed therefrom, because of miscarriages) are still El­ders, [Page 33] thogh happily in Congregations where many qualified men may be found,2. Book of Discip. ch. 6. sect. 3. some may be permit­ted for a time to sur­cease from the exercise of the charge, and others be put in their room, as was among the Le­vites under the Law, in serving in the Temple by courses.

Sixthly, that people ought to obey such as these who have the rule over them, and to submit them­selves, because they wait for their souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, Heb. 13. 17. Yea, they would know them as these who are over them in the Lord, and do admonish them, and esteem them very highly in love for their works sake, 1 Thes. 5. 12, 13.

CHAP. III.

AS no man is to in­trude in any im­ployment2 Book of dis. cap. 3. without a lawful Calling, so much less ought any man to intrude him­self without a Calling, into any sa­cred Function in the House of God: Heb. 5.2 Book of dis. cap. 3. 4. Therefore before any take upon him to exercise the Office of Ruling Elder, he ought to be lawfully called there­unto. This Calling is inward or out­ward; the inward Calling is the Te­stimony of a good Conscience, con­cerning some measure of ability and gifts for the Charge, and a sincere, [Page 35] and honest inclination and purpose to imploy these gifts, for the honour of God, the advancement of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and the good of souls.

The outward Calling is to be after the same manner with that of other Church-officers, and it stands in their Election, and in the tryal of their carriage, gifts, and admission to the Charge. The Election is to be made by the Congregation wherein they are to bear charge, Acts 6. 3. 5▪ and 14. 23.

That it may be gone about in the more1. Book of discip. 8. heads touching the Election of Elders and Dea­cons. orderly way, it is fit that a nomination be made by the Minister and Eldership of the Congregation of the persons fittest, and best qualified for the imploy­ment, [Page 36] and that the names of the per­sons nominated by them, be pub­lickly intimated to the Congregati­on, and they desired, in case of their not being satisfied, as having excep­tion, or knowing others better qua­lified, to represent the same to the Minister and Eldership. If there be no Eldership in the Congregation, a nomination may be made either by the Presbytery, or by the most judi­cious and godly Members of the Congregation; particularly Masters of Families, together with the Mi­nister, or one or more Ministers of the Presbytery, in case of the Con­gregations want of a Minister.

The trial is to be by the Minister and Eldership1. Book of dis­cipline 8 head of the Congregation, or in case of the want of these, by the Presbytery: And they are to be try­ed [Page 37] both in regard of their conversa­tion, that it be blameless and holy, and also in regard of their knowledge and experience in the things of God, and of the Affairs of his House, and of their ability and prudence for Go­vernment; It is true that the trial of Elders in their knowledge and gifts required for their Charge, hath not been much in use in this Church; It being taken for granted, that con­science would be made of making choise of such as had knowledge, and were able and fit, or that if any ig­norant, or not able and sitted, were nominat, that some of the Congrega­tion upon the intimation of their names, would except against them; but by this means it hath come to pass, that many ignorant and unqua­lified men have been admitted El­ders in many Congregations, to the [Page 38] great detriment of Religion, and no small reproach of our Church: The Apostle 1 Tim. 3. 10. speaking of Deacons, which is the lowest rank of the Officers of the Church, re­quires that these also first be prov­ed, then let them use the Office of a Deacon, being found blameless: And the same reasons and grounds that plead for the tryal of a Mini­ster, pleads also for the tryal of El­ders, in a way suitable to the qua­lifications required in them.

Their Admission is to be by the Mi­nisterSee the manner of Electing and admit­ting Ministers and Elders, prefixed to the old Psalm Book. of the Con­gregation, or one appointed by the Presbytery, in the presence of the whole Congregati­on, with the Preaching of the Word, concerning their duty, and with [Page 39] Prayer and Humiliation, concerning the spirit of their Calling to be pour­ed out upon them, and that the pleasure of the Lord may prosper in their hands: At which time they are solemnly to engage themselves be­fore the Lord, to be faithful, and dili­gent, and watchful over the flock committed to their charge, and in all the duties of that holy and honour­able imployment; and the People are also to engage themselves to o­bey them, and to submit themselves to them in the Lord, and to honour them, and highly to esteem them in love for their works sake.

CHAP. IV.

THe Duties of a Ruling Elder be of two sorts, some that are [Page 40] personal, and relate to his conversa­tion as a Christian, others that are Official, and relate to his Ruling, as an Office-bearer in the House of God.

His personal qualifications,1. Book of Discipline, 8. head. 2. Book of Discipline, chap. 6. or the duties of his con­versation, are the same with these which the Apostle requires in the conversation of a Minister, 1 Tim. 3. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. and 6. 11. Tit. 1. 6, 7, 8. In which Scrip­tures under theThe manner of E­lecting Ministers and Elders. Jun. Eccles. lib. 2. ch. 2. ch. 3. name of [...], or an Overseer, he comprehends all these Officers who have the Oversight and Charge of Souls, and sets down [Page 41] what manner of persons he would have them to be in regard of their conversation and carriage: I shall speak of these things with Applicati­on to the Ruling Elder. That the Ruling Elder ought to be of a blame­less and Christian Conversation, is above question, but that it may be more distinctly known what the Holy Ghost requires of such in re­gard of their conversation: I shall from these Scriptures show, First, what the Apostle would have them not to be. Secondly, what he would have them to be. The things of the first sort are these: 1. A Ruling El­der must not be given to Wine, they must not be lovers nor followers of strong drink, nor debord in riot and excess, nor tipple away time in Ale­houses and Taverns. 2. He must not be a striker nor a brawler, nor given [Page 42] to quarrelling and contentions. 3. He must not be covetous, nor greedy of filthy lucre; for, the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some covet after, they erre from the faith, and pierce themselves through with many sorrows. 4. He must not be a novice; or one newly come to the faith, lest he bepuffed up with pride, and fall into the condemnation of the Devil, the spi­rits of Novices are not yet well bal­lasted, nor brought low enough by frequent exercises of the Cross, and so come to be more easily puffed up, therefore there is need that he be an exercised Souldier of Iesus Christ, and one who by Experience is taught to know the wiles of the Devil, and is able to endure hardness. 5. He must not be self-willed, adhering pertinaciously, and without reason to his own judgment, and refusing [Page 43] to hearken to the judgment of his Brethren, though sound and whole­some. 6. He must not be soon angry, whether upon real or conceived causes of provocation.

The things of the second sort be these, 1, He must be blameless. h. e. One who walks without offence to­wards God and men. 2. If marri­ed, he must be the husband of one Wife; such a one who shuns all un­lawful lusts, satisfying himself with, and keeping himself within the bounds of the Remedy provided of God. 3. He must be vigilant, watch­full over his own soul, that no temp­tation prevail upon him, watchful unto every good duty, and to take hold of every opportunity of wel­doing. 4. He must be sober, & tem­perat, of a sound and humble minde, moderating his own appetite and af­fections, [Page 44] and satisfying himself with a moderat use of the Creatures, and of the things of this world. 5. He must be of a good behaviour or mo­dest, of a grave and staid, yet of an effable and courteous carriage, nei­ther light and vain, to the loosing of his Authority, and rendring himself contemptible, nor sullen, and self­pleasing, to the discouraging and scar­ing away of the flock, by his needless distance & austerity. 6. Given to hos­pitality, ready to receive strangers to his House, especially the poor, and those who are of the houshold of Faith. 7, Apt to teach, h. e. A man of knowledge, and able to instruct o­thers, one who hath a ready and willing minde to teach others, which is not so meant, as if it were requisite for the Ruling Elder to be endued with the Gifts of Exhortation and in­struction [Page 45] competent to the Pastor and Teacher, or that he may and ought to imploy himself therein, but of that fitness and ability to Teach that is competent to his Calling, which he must be ready and willing to ex­ercise so far as belongs thereto. 8. Moderate, in the first Language, [...] ▪ [...]endered patient, 1 Tim. 3. Not rigorous nor exacting the hight of the Law in his dealing, but in his own particular of a condescending nature, and remitting something of strict justice. 9. Patient, one who without wearying, waits on his duty notwithstanding of difficulties, and doth bear the delayes, untrac­tableness, and injuries of others. 10. One who rules well his own house, having his Children in subjection with all gravity, to which the A­postle adds this reason, if a man [Page 46] know not how to rule his own house how shall he take a care of the Church of God. 1 Tim. 3. 5. The Church of God is of larger extent than one Family, and the duties to be per­formed in it, be of greater eminency and difficulty, and require more skill, wisdom, and courage, then these that are to be performed in a Family. The ruling well of his own house, doth import not only abili­ty for doing of it, but also that he make conscience of, and actually perform these duties that are requir­ed for the right and well ordering of a Christian Family, to teach and instruct his Children, and Ser­vants in the knowledge of God, to take care of their sanctifying the Lord's day, of their profi [...]ing in Godliness, of their seeking of God, and of their ordering their conver­sation [Page 47] aright, to read the Scriptures, sing Psalms, pray in the Family, and to exhort, admonish, rebuke and comfort all that are of his houshold, as their condition doth require; for if these duties ly upon all Masters of Families who profess the Gospel, then in a special way upon Elders, who are appointed to stir up, and go before others in the performance thereof. 11. A lover of good men, one whose soul cleaves to those who fear God, having such in estimati­on above all others, cherishing them, and conversing ordinarily and fa­miliarly with them. 12. He must be just, one who is straight and up­right in all his dealings among men, deceiving no man, defrauding no man, withholding nothing from any man that is due to him, but giving to every man his own. 13. Holy, [Page 48] careful to express the life of Religi­on, and power of Godliness in a [...] his conversation. 14. He must b [...] one who holds fast the faithful Wor [...] that he hath been taught, one wh [...] is stable in the [...]aith holding fa [...] the truth of God, without wave [...] ing or turning aside to error. Last­ly, he must be one who hath good report of these who are without lest he fall into reproach and snare of the devil, [...] he must be such a one, whose blameless conversation▪ and sober and Christian walking doth extort a testimony even from these who know not God, and who doth by well-doing put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, that if any speak evil of him as of an evil­doer, they may be ashamed who speak falsly against his good conver­sation in Christ. The Apostle com­prehends [Page 49] all these summarly in two sentences, [1 Tim. 4. 12. Be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spi­rit, in faith, in purity, 1 Tim. 6. 11. But thou O man of God, flee these things, and follow after righte­ousness, godliness, faith, love, pati­ence, meekness.

CHAP. V.

THe duties of1 Book of discip. 8. head. 2. Book discip. 6. chap. their Cal­ling are these that belong to their watching over, and ruling of the flock, and they be of two sorts; some that they are to perform by themselves [Page 50] alone, and so mayAsser. of the Go­vernment of the Church of Scot­land. 1. part. ch. 2. 1 part. p. 15. be called More pri­vate duties; others that they are to perform jointly with the rest of the Over seers of theJun. Eecles. lib. 2. cap. 3. p. 107. House of God, and may be called more publick. The duties of their Calling, that be more private, are all these that private Christians are bound to perform each of them un­to another by the Law of charity and love, and these are, first; to in­struct one another, Joh. 4. 29. Acts 18. 26. Secondly, to exhort and stir up one another, to provoke unto love and good works, Heb. 10. 24, 25. Thirdly, to admonish and rebuke one another, Levit. 19. 17. First, pri­vately, and if they will not hearken, [Page 51] then before Witnesses, & if yet they will not hearken, then to tell the Church, and if they will not hear the Church, then to tell the Church; and if they will not hear the Church, then let them be unto us as Heathens and Publicans, Math. 18. 15, 16, 17. Fourthly, to comfort the afflicted, and to support the weak, 1 Thess. 5. 11. Fifthly, to restore those who are fallen, Gal. 6. 1. Sixthly; To reconcile these who are at variance, Math. 5. 9. Seventhly, To pray one for another, Jude 20. Eighthly, To visit the sick, and those who are in bonds and distress, Math, 25. 36. All these duties Elders are to per­form to the several Members of the Congregation, by vertue of their Calling. The Scriptures do expresly mention some of them, as incum­bent unto them, to wit, admonish­ing [Page 52] these over whom God hath set them, 1 Thess. 5. 12. visiting and praying over the sick, Jam. 5. 14. feeding the flock by Instruction, Ex­hortation, Rebuke and Comfort in such a way as is competent to their station. Act 20. 28. The rest we may warrantably gather by analogie and proportion from these; If pri­vat Christians be obliged thereto, much more are Christian Elders, who have the charge of Souls, in a spe­cial way obliged thereto. These things are well expressed in the sixth Chap. of the second Book of Discipline.2 Book of Dis. cip. 6. ch. [As the Pastors and Doctors (say they) should be diligent in teaching and sowing the [...]eed of the Word; so the Elders should be careful in seeking of the fruit of the same of the Peo­ple. [Page 53] It appertains to them to assist the Pastor, in Examination of them that come to the Lords Table▪ Item in visiting the sick, they should cause the Acts of the Assemblies as­well particular as general, to be put in execution carefully▪ they should be diligent to admonish all men of their duty, according to the rule of the Evangel; things that they can­not correct by privat admonition, they should bring to the Eldership.

From what hath been said con­cerning these duties of Ruling Elders these three things follow; First, that they ought to be men of such ability, as are in some measure able to instruct, exhort admonish, rebuke, comfort, pray, and do these duties now mentioned. Secondly, That it is needful for them, not on­ly to have some measure of ability [Page 54] for these things, but also to have some measure of dexterity, wisdom, experience, tenderness in following the same. Thirdly, That they be well acquainted with the condition of the Congregation, and the Mem­bers thereof, and therefore be care­ful to observe their carriage, and frequently to visit and take inspecti­on of Families, that they may in­struct the ignorant, exhort the ne­gligent, admonish the sloathful, and rebuke those who walk disorderly, comfort the afflicted, establish those who waver, visit the sick, encour­age these who do well, and see piety and godliness promoted in Families, and every one edifying another in love, walking in the fear of the Lord, and comfort of the Holy Ghost.

CHAP. VI.

THe duties of Elders which1 Book of disc. 8. head. 2 Book 6. ch. The office and duties of Elders prefixed to the Ps. are more publick, and which they are to perform joyntly with others, are these which ly up­on them in the As­semblies or Courts of the Church, which are made up of Preaching Elders, Teaching El­ders, and Ruling Elders: These As­semblies are in our Church of four sorts; either they are of the Elders of particular Congregations, which [Page 56] is the Church Session, or of the El­ders of moe Congregations than one lying near together, which is the Presbyterie, or of the Elders of moe Presbyteries then one, which is the Provincial Synod, or of the Elders Commissioners from all the Presby­teries in the Land, which is the Ge­neral or National Assembly: To these we may adde a fifth sort, to wit, that which is made up of Elders, from all or diverse Nations professing the Faith of Jesus Christ.

Whilst we speak of Elders, of which the Assemblies of the Church are made up, we mean all sorts of Elders: Ministers, Doctors, and Ruling Elders. It is true, that in the Congregations of our Church, be­cause of the want of maintenance, there be few, or no Doctors, or Teaching Elders distinct from Pa­stors [Page 57] or Ministers, who perform the duties both of the Preaching Elder, and of the Teaching Elder, only in the Schools of Divinity are such.

In all Assemblies of the Church, Rul­ing2 Book of Dis­cipline ch. 6. and chap. 7. Elders being ther­to rightly called, have power to sit, write, debate, vote, and conclude in all matters that are handled therein, Acts 15. 2. and 6. 22, 23.

The things which be handled in the As­semblies1. Book of Dis­cipline ch. 7. of the Church, be either matters of Faith, matters of Order, matters of Discipline, or that which concern­eth the sending of Church-officers, according to which they have a fourfold power: 1. That which is called Dogmatick, whereby they [Page 58] judge of Truth and Error, in points of Doctrine, according to the Word of God only. 2. That which is cal­lee Diatactick, by which they discern and judge of the circumstances of these things that belong to the wor­ship of God, as Times, Places, Per­sons, and all such particulars in Ec­clesiastick Affairs as are not deter­mined in the Word, according to the general Rules thereof, concern­ing order and decency, avoiding of scandal, doing all to the glory of God▪ and to the edifying of the Church. 3. That which is Critick or Corrective, by which Censures are exercised upon the scandalous and obstinate, and such as are penitent again admitted to the Ordinances, Fellowship & Society of the Church. 4. That which is called Exousiastick, by vertue of which they send, au­thorize [Page 59] and give power to Church officers to serve in the house of God All these Assemblies are not to exer▪ cise all these powers, but to keep themselves within their due bounds, the Inferior leaving these things that are of more common concernment to the Superiour; but in all these Powers, Ruling Elders have a share, and do put forth the same in exer­cise, according to the measure that belongs to the Assembly where­of they are Members, Acts 15. 6. 22, 23. Howbeit the execution of some decrees of the Church-assem­blies; such as the Imposition of hands, the pronouncing the Sentence of ex­communication, the receiving of Pe­nitents, the Intimation of the De­position of Ministers, and such like, do belong to Ministers alone.

These being the Duties and [Page 60] Powers of Ruling Elders in the As­semblies of the Church, its requisite that they be indued with such abili­ties and qualifications as are needful for the exercising thereof; but because all Ruling Elders are not alwayes called to sit in all these Assemblies: But one from every Session sufficeth to the Presbytery and Provincial Synods, and a few from every Pres­bytery, and from greater Congre­gations, or Burghs therein to the General Assembly, as also a few from the whole Church throughout a Land, to a more universal Assem­bly; Therefore, though it is to be wished and endeavoured, that all Elders may have due qualifications for all these things; and though spe­cial care is to be taken every where to choose the most qualified, yet in particular Congregations men may [Page 61] be chosen Elders, who have not such a measure of all these qualifications; they being otherwise men of a blameless and Christian Conversati­on, and having such a measure of knowledge, and prudence, as is fit for Governing that Congregation, and judging of the things that are handled in the Session thereof, which for the most part are matters of scan­dal, and trying and admitting of Penitents; but if there be any who are not of a blameless and Christian conversation, and have not some measure of these qualifications requi­red by the Word of God in a Ruling Elder, no Congregation ought to choose any such, nor any Session or Presbytery to admit them to the charge, for it is not seemly that the servants of corruption should have authority to judge in the Kirk of [Page 62] God, and if any such have been ad­mitted, they are to endeavour the re­moval of them, as they would not partake of their sin, and be found guilty before the Lord of the blood of souls, which cannot but suffer prejudice through negligence or ill guiding of such men.

CHAP. VII.

BEcause the Government and Duty of Elders in Congrega­tions, lyes for most part in censuring scandals and scandalous persons, and trying and admitting of penitents; Therefore it is fit to speak somewhat of their right way of following their Duty in these things.

[Page 63]1. For the Persons about whom their1. Book of Discip. concerning Persons subject to discipline 2. Book of Discip. ch. 1. and 7. censures are to be exercised, it is all the Members of the Congregation indifferently and impartially, without respect of per­sons, the rich as well as the poor, the high as well as the low, their friends, kinsmen, alliance, neigh­bours and acquaintance, as well as others. Ja. 2. sharply reproves these who have the faith of our Lord Je­sus Christ the Lord of glory with respect of persons, by preferring the rich to the poor; and Solomon says, that di­vers weights, and divers measures are an abomination to the Lord, must it not then be worthy of rebuke to have the censures of our Lord Jesus with respect of persons, and to weigh [Page 64] the rich and the poor, the high and the low in divers ballances, by ta­king notice of the one, and passing by the other. 2. It is incumbent to them to exercise their power, not only over the people of the Congre­gation, but also over these of their1. Book of Discip. 8. head. The weekly Assem. of Ministers, elders and Deacons pre­fixed to the old Ps. own number, as all Christians, so so they in a speci­al way who are yoke-fellows in the work of the Lord, ought to consider and admo­nish one another, and if any of them be found negligent, or insufficient, or do in any thing miscarry, to the offence of the Gospel, and blaming of the eldership, he is to be censured by the Minister, or Ministers, and the rest of the Elders, as the degree [Page 65] of his offence doth require, the A­postle Paul, Acts 20. 28. gives charge to all Elders to take heed to themselves, as well as to the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made them Over-seers. 3. As all sorts of scandalous persons, whether in the Congregation, or amongst them­selves: so all sorts of scandals and offences are to be taken notice of by them▪ The Apostle 2 Thes. 3. 6. commands that we withdraw from e­very brother that walketh disorderly, and amongst disorderly walkers, he doth vers. 11. reckon idle persons, who do not work at all, but are busie bodies; intimating to us, that even these scandals and disorders, which are by many little taken notice of & lookt upon as no faults, ought to be taken notice of by the Church, that all her members may walk honestly; and as [Page 66] it becomes the Gospel of Iesus Christ. The Acts of our Church doth ap­point, that whatsoever it be that might spot that Christian Congrega­tion, ought not to escape either ad­monition or censures: So in the or­der of Ecclesiastick Discipline, 1567. Two great neglects there be that by ignorance or custom have crept in a­mong Elders in many Congregations. 1. That they do not take notice of the omission of Duties, as well as of the commission of faults; as for in­stance, If there be any member of the▪ Congregation who lives idlely, and waits not upon his Calling, who is not given to Prayer, who is not cha­ritable to the poor, who waits not upon the publick Ordinances; if there be any Master of a Family who prays not in his Family, who does not bring up his Children in the nur­ture [Page 67] and admonition of the Lord; or 2. Thar they do not take notice of the commission of faults, and scan­dals of all sorts, but of some few only; such as fornication, adultery, and profaning of the Lords Day, and suffering many others, such as tipling, drunkenness, filthy com­munication, lying, cursing, swear­ing, oppression, reproaching of Pie­ty, and Godliness, &c. to pass with­out1▪ Book of Discip. chap. 7. sect. 6. observation.

4. Elders are to take heed, that they bring in no ci­vil questions and Debates before the Assemblies of the Church, and that they do not use nor inflict any civil mulct, or punishment, upon persons convict of scandal, these being pro­per to the Civil Magistrat; The Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and the [Page 68] Censures thereof being Spiritual, and not of this world, John 18. 36.

5. In the taking notice of offences,The Order of Eccle­siastick Discipline, appointed by the As­sembly 1567. And in the Order of Ex­communication, commanded to be Printed by the As­sembly 1571. they are to ob­serve this Order: If the Offence be privat, and known to but a few, then are they in the first place to admo­nish the offender privatly, and if he hearken to the admonition and amend it, needs go no further, nor be dilated to the Church; If he do not hearken nor amend, then is the Elder to take with him some of his Brethren, and to admo­nish the offender before witnesses, and if he hearken, the Church needs not be acquainted therewith, but if [Page 69] he despise this second admonition, then is [...]e to be dilated by the El­der to the Church, that he may be called before the Session, and con­victed and censured by them; This is the Order commanded and prescri­bed by Jesus Christ, Mat. 182. Book of Discip­line, Ch. 6. sect. 12. 15, 16, 17. if the offence be Pub­lick and open, then is the offender without such previous admonition to be dilated to the Session, that ac­cording to the Apostles Rule, 1 Tim. 5▪ 20. They that sin (meaning open­ly) may be rebuked before all, that o­thers may fear.

6. In these dilations, they are to take heed that they do not▪ upon e­very rumor or jealousie, or suspition, bring men to be questioned Publick­ly, as scandalous walkers, but first [Page 70] to be carefull to make diligent and prudent enquiry about the truth of the matter, and to see if it can be proven by Witnesses, or that the scandall thereof be common and fla­grant, or attended with pregnant likely-hoods, and presumptions of truth, before they bring it in publick, that so it may appear to the Congre­gation, and to the party themselves, that they are not questioned and chal­lenged without cause.

7. In the matter of dilation and censure, they are in the fear of God, and in the simplicity and sincerity of of their hearts, to take heed that fear or favour, or solistations, or threat­nings, or gifts, or bribes, make them not passe by, or wink at the fault of any, and that passion, or malice, or privat quarrels, and particulars make them not to dilate, or rip up, or [Page 71] censure the miscarriage of any, and that they carry with all tendernesse and compassion, and moderation, to­wards the offender, that they may aprove themselves to his conscience; that nothing puts them one to dilate him, and proceed against him, but the conscience of duty, and a desire to gain his soul, and to purge the Church of scandals, Gal. 6. 1 2 Cor. 4. 2. Its a high provocation before the Lord, for a Chu [...]ch-Officer to a­buse the power given him of God, for edifying his Body the Church, un­to the satisfying his own passions and corrupt affections.

8. They are to take heed, that they do not use the Censures of the Church as a bodily punishment or penance to satisfie for sin, but a spiri­tual medicine, for humbling and gain­ing of the soul; all Church censures, [Page 72] even Excommunication it self, which is the most terrible and destroying-like censure, being ordained of God for this end, 1 Cor. 5. The Apostle commands to deliver the incestuous person to Satan, not that he may satis­fie for his sin, but that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. The word Satisfaction may admit of a tolerable construction in Church-censures, in order to the re­moving of the scandal before men; but this being so much abused in the Popish Church, and the hearts of men, being so prone to true Gospel repentance, to a meer legal penance, and to conceive, that by meer out­ward submission and obedience to the censures of the Church, that the guilt of their sin is done away before God, Therefore Elders would care­fully shun every thing that may give [Page 73] occasion to the fostering this perni­cious opinion, and take pains to in­struct offenders in the true nature and ends of the censures of the Kirk.

9. A great part of Elders work, is, toThe form & order of publick repent­ance perfixed to the old Ps. travel and take pains with scanda­lous persons who are now convict, to bring them to repentance, by season­able and frequent conference, in­structing, exhorting and admonish­ing them, untill they they perceive some measure of true and earnest hu­miliation wrought in them for their sin, and them fitted to evidence and declare the same in publick before the Congregation, that so the scan­dal may be removed.

10. They are not to desire or ap­point any to professe repentance be­fore [Page 74] the Congregation, untill the signes of repentance appear in them. The Incestuous Corinthian sorrowed exceedingly before the Apostle did any thing concerning the receiving of him; And the Discipline of our Church appoints Ministers and El­ders sharply to examine these who offer themselves to repentance, what fear and terrour they have of Gods judgements, what hatred of sin, and sorrow for the same, and what sense and feeling they have of Gods mercies? In which if they be igno­rant, they ought diligently to be in­structed;‘for it is (say they) but a mocking to put such to publick re­pentance, who neither understand what sin is, what repentance is, what grace is, nor by whom Gods mercies and favors are purchased?’ And that after he is instructed in these things, [Page 75] and brought to have some taste of Gods judgements, especially of his mercies in Jesus Christ, he may be presented before the publick Church; These things are set down in the form and order of Publick Repentance, appointed by the Assembly 1567.

Lastly, when the signs and evi­dences of true and unfeigned Re­pentance do appear in these who have offended, Elders would shew themselves ready and willing to re­ceive them with all tendernesse and compassion, and to forgive and com­fort them, and confirm their love to­wards them, 2. Cor. 2. 7, 8.

The number of Elders in every Con­gregation1 Book of discip. ch. 6. Sect. 4. cannot be well limited or de­termined, but it is to be more or less, according to the quantity of [Page 76] the Congregation, and necessities and condition of the people, and as men qualified and fit for the Charge can be found. It hath been an e­vil custom in some Congregations, that rather than they would want any of their wonted number, they would choose unqualified men, and that in several Congregations, the office of Elder hath been given to those of the richer and higher sort, as due to such (though haply of no experience in the things of Jesus Christ, and in many things of an un­tender and blame-worthy conversa­tion) because of their condition in the world, or conceiving that their secular power and credit was the best means to promote the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and men qualified with knowledge and experience in the things pertaining to souls, and of a [Page 77] Christian and godly carriage have been passed by, because of a mean condition in the World. Better it is that the number be few, before we choose the ignorant and scandalous; and that they be of a low degree, if godly, than of a high degree, if o­therwise.

That Elders may the more conveni­entlyActs of the Ass. 1646. discharge their duty; It is conveni­ent that the Congregation be divid­ed into so many parts, and that some competent part be assigned to the more peculiar care and inspection of every Elder; yet so, as he neglect not to take heed to all the flock of God, over which the Holy Ghost hath made him an over-seer.

CHAP. I.

THat we may also understand what doth belong unto Dea­cons, we shall speak of them shortly, after the same order. 1. Of their Name. 2. Of their Institution. 3. Of their Calling. 4. Of their duty and qualificacion.

The word Deacon, largely taken, sig­nifies1. Book of discip. ch. 8. any servant or Minister, Matth. 23. 11. Therefore in the New Testa­ment, it doth sometimes compre­hend all Church-Officers, even the Apostles themselves, 1 Cor. 3. 5. Be­cause every Church-officer is ap­pointed of God, for perfecting of [Page 79] the Saints, for the work of the Ministery, [...],Eph. 4. 12. and edi­fying the Body of Christ. When we speak of Dea­cons in the Kirk,1. Book of Dis­cipline ch▪ 8. it is not taken in this large sense, for any Church-officer of whatsoever sort, but for a certain kind of Church Officers distinct from Pastors, Teach­ers and Elders, to whom the col­lection and distribution of the Goods of the Church doth belong, for the supply of the necessities of the poor.

CHAP. II.

THe Institution of the Office of Deacon in the Church of Christ, is Divine; it's a special Or­dinance and Appointment of Jesus Christ, that there should be Deacons in his House, Act▪ 6. 3. The Apo­stle gives command to the Disciples to choose out among themselves men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost, and of Wisdom, whom they might appoint over the business of the poor, which was accordingly done, as may be seen in the 5 and 6 verses of that Chapter: Neither was this a temporary institution upon this particular occasion, for the Church [Page 81] of Jerusalem only, but for all the Churches1. Book of Dis­cipline 8. chap. of Christ to the end of the world; There­fore the Apostle Paul in several of his Epistles to the Churches, doth mention them, Rom. 12. 8. He ex­horteth him that gives or imparts, (h. e. the Deacon, to whom the care of giving and distributing is committed) to do it with simplici­ty, 1 Cor. 12. 28. he reckons helps, (h. e. Deacons who are appointed for helping the poor) among these Officers whom God hath set in his Church; and writing to the Philip­pians, he directs his Epistle to all the Saints in Christ, with the Bishops (or Overseers, under whom he compre­hends Ministers, Teachers and El­ders) and to the Deacons, 1▪ Tim. wherein he gives Rules concerning [Page 82] the qualification and carriage of all Church-officers, he treats of the Dea­con at large, chap. 3. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.

From the Divine In­stitution of Deacons,1. Book of Dis. ch. 2. p. 74. we gather 1. That the Deacon is a distinct Officer from the Elder; it is a de­fect and fault in some Congregati­ons, that they put no difference be­twixt those two, but so confounds and mingles them together, as if they were both one, either appoint­ing none for the Office of Deacon, but leaving that charge also upon the Elders, or else giving the Deacons the same power and imployment with the Elders. It's true, what­soever the Deacon may do by vertue of his Office, that same may be done by an Elder, as whatsoever is done [Page 83] by an Elder, may be done by a Mi­nister: because the higher and more eminent offices in the Church, doth include the powers of the lower.

It's also true, that the Deacons may assist in1 Book of Dis­cipline p. 57. judgment with the Minister and Elders, and be helping to them in these things that concerns the oversight of the Congregation, by information and advice; Yet it is necessary that Congregations should so far regard the Ordinance, and reverence the Wisdom of God, in appointing these Officers, as to have both El­ders and Deacons, and to preserve them distinct in their actings and operations, not giving to the Dea­con, or suffering him to assume the Elders office. 2. That Deacons are not to count light of this imploy­ment, [Page 84] or any others to esteem light­ly of them, because they are called thereunto, and do exercise the same; but that they themselves, and all others ought to look upon it as one of these holy and honourable Im­ployments, which the wisdom of God hath thought fit to appoint in his house, for supplying the neces­sities of the Saints. The Lord Jesus himself did not disdain to wash his Disciples feet; Angels are all of them ministering Spirits, sent forth to mi­nister for their sakes who are ap­pointed to be heirs of Salvation; why then should any think it below them to serve the Church of Christ, and to minister to the Saints in this Imploy­ment? 1 Tim. 3. 13.

CHAP. III.

NOne is to step into this Of­fice,2. Book of Discip. chap. 8. but he that is lawfully called ther­to; Unto their Calling its needful, First, That they have abilities and gifts fit for the charge, together with an honest purpose of heart to serve the Lord faithfully in the dis­charge of the same, by seeking his honour, and the good of the Church. 2. That they be chosen by the Con­gregation in which they are to serve, which choice is to be made after the same manner, as that of Ruling El­der. 3. That tryal be taken by the Minister and Elders, concerning their conversation, that it be blameless and [Page 86] holy: And concerning their gifts, that they have that tenderness, dis­cretion, dexterity and prudence, that is fit for that Imployment, and that they be admitted to their Charge with Prayer and Supplication, and opening of the Word concerning their duty publickly in the Congre­gation, where they are solemnly to engage themselves to be faithful in the trust committed to them of God, Act. 6. 3, 5, 6. 1 Tim. 3. 10.

CHAP. IV.

THeir Duty is either that which concerns their Conversation, or their office and calling; for their conversation, the Apostle shews what it must be, 1 Tim. 3. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. [Page 87] They must not be double tongued, nor lyars, nor dissemblers, nor de­ceivers. 2. They must not be given to much wine, nor tiplers, nor drun­kards, nor lovers, nor followers of strong drink. 3. They must not be greedy of filthy lucre, nor such as are covetous, and whose hearts run after the things of the world. 4. They must be grave men, of a pos'd and stayed carriage, and not of a light and vain behaviour. 5. They must be such as hold fast the my­stery of Faith in a pure conscience, h. e. Who do not only know the Do­ctrine of the Gospel, but do hold fast the Faith thereof without wave­ring, and study to have a good con­science, in walking answerably there­to. 6. They must be the husband of one wife, such as abstain from all unlawful lusts, satisfying themselves [Page 88] with the Remedy allowed of God. 7. They must be such as rule their own houses and their children well, such as command and instruct their chil­dren and houshold to keep the way of the Lord, going before them in the practice of piety and godliness, and all holy and religious duties.

CHAP. V.

THe Duties that Deacons are2. Book of Dis­cipline chap. 8. bound to perform in their calling, may be reduced to these heads: 1. That they be careful to take exact notice of such as are poor in the Congrega­tion, and have not wherewith to maintain themselves▪ 2. That they be careful from time to time to col­lect [Page 89] and receive from the several Members of the Congregation, and strangers that come among them, what the Lord shall incline their hearts to give for a supply of the ne­cessities of the poor; and in a season­able and Christian way, to stir up and exhort to Charity and Liberali­ty, that the more may be given. 3. That what is received and collected by them, be faithfully delivered, that it may be put in the Treasury of the Congregation. 4. That they do ti­mously make known the several con­ditions and necessities of the several poor within the Congregation, to the Church Session, that provision may be appointed accordingly for each of them, that so the poor may not be put to begging, to the grief of their spirits, and reproach of the Gospel. 5. That they be careful, [Page 90] honestly and in simplicity, without respect of persons, to distribute and deliver to the poor what is appointed for supply of their necessities; and if they be Orphans, and young ones, or such who have no knowledge or understanding, nor ability to dispose and order the things that concern their food and rayment: That the Deacons honestly imploy and be­stow what is given for their use, that they may be supplyed in these things. 6. That they be careful that what be­longs to the poor be not dilapidated, nor applyed to any other use; and if that there be any stock in the Church Treasure, it be improven to the best advantage, for the benefit & use of the poor; Yet so that the poor be rather always supplyed, than Mo­neys treasured up for a vain shew. 7. That they be careful to take notice [Page 91] of these who are sick, that they may acquaint the Ministers and Elders therewith, for visiting of them; and if that they be poor, their necessities may be supplied.

That Deacons may the more con­veniently discharge their Duty, Its fit that some part of the Congrega­tion be assigned to every one of them for the better inspection of the poor thereof, and that the Diets of col­lecting for the poor be divided a­mongst them.

The number of Deacons in every Congregation is to be according to the proportion of the Congregation, and of the poor therein; and though there be no necessity of an equal number of Elders and Deacons, yet it is fit that each Elder have some Deacon to be assisting to him in the bounds of which he hath more pe­culiar [Page 92] inspection, that so both the one and the other may discharge their duty, with the greater facility to themselves, and with the greater benefit and advantage of the Con­gregation.