the scriptures-in preparing for preaching-in qualifying himself, by various reading, for the defence of the gospel-in attending upon the judicatories of the church-in watching over the general concerns of the church, and in promoting its welfare;-the co-operation of such officers, is altogether indispensable to the prosperity of any congregation.

Acts vi, 2-4. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said. It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom ye may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 1 Pet. v, 1-3. The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre; but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to his flock. See also James v, 14. Acts xv, 4-6.

122. What are the qualifications necessary for the office of ruling elder?

The qualifications for the office of ruling elder are, sincere piety, sound principles, a capacity for judging, prudence, zeal, and unblemished reputation.

2 Tim. ii, 21. If a man, therefore, purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 1 Chron. xii, 32. And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment. 1 Tim. iii, 4-7. One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest, being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of

the devil. Moreover, he must have a good report of them which are without, lest he fall into reproach, and the snare of the devil.

123. Whom do ruling elders represent in the church?

As the pastor represents the ministry, so ruling elders represent the members of the church. 124. By whom are ruling elders chosen to their office?

As they represent the members of the church, so are they elected to their office by them.

125. How are ruling elders invested with their office?

Having been called by the church, and elected by it, they are solemnly set apart to their office, with prayer, or with prayer and the imposition of hands.

126. What number of elders should there be in every church?

Such a number as will enable them fully to discharge all the duties incumbent upon them, towards all its members.

SECTION VII.

Of Deacons.

127. What is the third spiritual officer in the

church?

The deacon.

128. Is it a part of the duty of the deacon to teach, or to rule in the church?

It is not said to be the duty of deacons either to teach or to rule, in any part of scripture.

129. How is the office of deacon distinguished from that of ruling elder?

The ruling elder, as a representative of the people, sits as a spiritual officer in all the judicatories of the church; but deacons are officers only of that particular church by whose members they are elected, and are not competent therefore to sit as members in any one of the judicatories of the church.

130. What is declared in scripture to be the express duty for which deacons were appointed?

They were appointed, for the purpose of managing the temporal affairs of the church, and especially to attend to the wants of the poor, by inspecting their state and supplying their wants.

Acts vi, 1-3. And in those days when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, it is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 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. 1 Tim. iii, 8. Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre.

131. But did not Philip, who was appointed a deacon, afterwards teach and baptize?

Not while he was a deacon, as far as there is any record in the word of God; but when after

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wards he became an evangelist, he then received and exercised authority to teach and baptize.

Acts xxi, 8. And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Česarea; and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, (which was one of the seven,) and abode with him.

132. Is there a necessity for such officers as deacons, in the church of Christ?

Christian congregations should make provision for those among them, who are incapable of procuring for themselves the necessaries of life; and officers are very requisite to find out and visit such persons, and to manage the funds raised for their support.

133. Is it very advisable that the temporal relief given by the church, should be administered separately from its spiritual instructions

and consolations?

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This is very advisable, to prevent hypocrisy, and an undervaluing of such spiritual communications.

134. What are the qualifications necessary for a deacon?

A deacon should possess piety, integrity, diligence and respectability.

1 Tim. iii, 8-12. Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine; not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved: then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers; sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

135. In the distribution of the funds to the poor, are the deacons responsible—and in subordination—to the teaching and ruling elders?

They are; for we find that even after their appointment, the apostles and elders had in trust, the collections made for the poor.

Acts xi, 30. Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

136. How are deacons elected to their office? They are elected by the suffrages of the members of the churches to which they belong; and are set apart by prayer and the imposition of the hands of the pastor and elders.

See Acts vi.

SECTION VIII.

Of the election of officers.

137. Have the members of churches an undoubted right to choose their own pastors, elders, and deacons ?

Yes; churches, in common with all other free societies, have this privilege.

Acts i, 15, 26. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of the names together were about a hundred and twenty;) and they gave forth their lots: and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. Acts vi, 5. And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch. 2 Cor. viii, 19. And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind. Acts xiv, 23. And