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About the Office of Ruling Elders.
1. THough the Pastors of Churches, are originally Entrusted with the whole care of what is to be done, in the feeding and ruling of the Societies, whereof the Holy Spirit has made them Overseers; yet the Wisdom and Goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ has made provision for their Assistance, in the ma∣nagement of those Church-Affairs, which would otherwise too much Encumber them, in devoting themselves to the Word and Prayer.
2. Ruling Elders, are appointed for the Assist∣ance of their Pastors, in the Government of their Churches, and the Inspection of the Fleeks; and although these Officers may not be furnish∣ed with all those Attainments which are necessa∣ry to a Pastor, yet if they are so accomplished, as that they may be Helps to their Pastor, in the management of Church Rule, they may be Chosen thereunto, with much Benefit and Ad∣vantage to the people of God.
3. Whereas 'tis the business of a Ruling Elder to assist his Pastor in Visiting of the Di••••ressed, Instructing of the Ignorant, Reducing of the Er∣roneous, Comforting of the Afflicted, Advising of the De••ective, Rebuking of the Unruly, Dis∣covering the State of the whole Flock, Exercising the Discipline of the Gospel upon Offendors, and promoting the desnable growth of the Church, 'tis necessary that he be a person of a Wisdom, Courage, Leisure, and Exemplary Holi∣ness and Gravity, agreeable to such Employ∣ments.