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ART. XXV.

The general Synod will endeavour to procure and preserve a proper fund for the fupport of the profeffor hip of theology, that the perfons fet apart for that office, may not be dependant upon any particular congregation, while they are employed for the common benefit of all the churches.

III.

ELDERS and DEACONS.j

ARTICLE XXVI.

HE manner of chafing elders, and deacons,

THE

is not rigidly defined: A double number may be nominated by the confiftory, out of which the members of the church may choose those who shall ferve. Or, all the members may unite in nominating and choosing the whole number without the interference of the confiftory.-Or, the confiftory, for the time being, as reprefenting all the members, may

choose the whole, and refer the perfons thus chofen, by publishing them in the church, for the approbation of the people. This laft method has been found moft convenient, efpecially in large churches, and has long been generally adopted. But where that, or either of the other modes has for many years been followed in any church, there shall be no variation or change, but by previous application to the claffis, and exprefs leave first obtained for altering fuch cuftom.

ART. XXVII.

The elders with the minifters of the word conftitate, what the Reformed Datch Church properly calls, the Confiftory. But as the deacons have always in America, where the congregations were at firft very fmall, (See Synod Dordr. Art. 38.) been joined with the elders, and wherever charters have been obtained, are particularly named, as forming with them one confiftory; it is neceffary to define their joint as well as refpective powers, From the form of their ordination it is evident, that to the elders, together with the minifters of the word, is commited the spiritual government of each church; while to the deacons belong the obtaining charitable affiftance and the diftribution of the fame in the most effectual manner for the relief and comfort of the poor. When joined together in one board, the elders and deacons have all an equal voice in whate

ver relates to the temporalities of the church, to the calling of a minifter, or the choice of their own fucceffors; in all which, they are confidered as the general and joint reprefentatives of the people: But in admitting members to full communion; in exercifing difcipline upon thofe who have erred from the faith, or offended in morals; and in chufing delegates to attend the claffis, the elders with the minifters have alone a voice.

Notwithstanding, as moft of the confiftories ftill remain fmall, it is refolved that the refpective powers may remain blended; and the elders, and deacons continue to unite in executing the joint rights of a confiftory respecting all the objects of the respective offices as hitherto they have done; and no change in any congregation fhall in this matter be introduced, without first making application for that purpose to the claffis, and obtaining an exprefs regulation for the diftinct and feparate administration of the refpective powers of the elders and deacons.

As many difficulties are known to have arifen in the minds of deacons, refpe&ting the application of monies collected by them in the churches, to any other purposes than thofe of immediate charity; it becomes neceffary to explain this fubject, and remove the difficulties, by declaring that, the defign and objeet of the collections, are not only the relief of the

poor, but also the neceffities of the congregation. Charity extends to the fouls of men as well as their bodies; and procuring the gofpel for the poor is the highest benefit. If the abilities of the congregation, therefore, are not adequate to the building of a church, or maintaining a minifter, by means of fub fcriptions, or any other fund, there is no doubt, but the deacons may, in good confcience affift from their collections, and beftow as much as can be fpared from the immediate wants of the fuffering poor.Finally, as the deacons in every church are to be confidered as ferving the church, fo they are in that fervice, fubordinate to the rule and government of the church which is vested in the confiftory (See Art. 25, of Syn. Dord.) and they ought to fubmit to the advice and direction of the fame. But where no particular directions interfere, the deacons muft proceed agreeably to their own difcretion.

ART. XXVIII.

In order to leffen the burthen of a perpetual attendance upon ecclefiaftical duties, and by a rotation in office to bring forward deferving members, it is the established cuftom, in the reformed Dutch Church, that elders and deacons remain only two years in fervice, after which they retire from their respective offices, and others are chofen in their places; the rotation being always conducted in fuch a man.

ner, that only one half of the whole number retire each year. (See Syn. Dord. Art, 27.) But this does not forbid the liberty of immediately choosing the fame perfons again, if from any circumstances it may be judged expedient to continue them in office, by a reelection.

ART. XXIX.

When matters of peculiar importance occur, particularly in calling a minifter, building of churches, or whatever relates immediately to the peace and welfare of the whole congregation, it is ufual (and it is strongly recommended upon fuch occafions, always) for the confiftory to call together all thofe who have ever ferved as elders or deacons, that by their advice and counfel they may affift the members of the confiftory. Thefe, when affembled, conftitute what is called the great Confiftory. From the object, or defign of their affembling, the refpective powers of each are easily afcertained: Those who are out of office, have only an advisory or counfelling voice; and, as they are not actual members of the board or corporation, cannot have a decifive vote. After obtaining the advice, it refts with the members of the confiftory to follow the counsel given them, or not, as they fhall judge proper. But, unless very urgent reafons fhould appear to the contrary, it will be prudent and expedient in all cafes,

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