The Eldership Question [pp. 231-246]

1872.] THE ELDERSHIP QUESTiON. 245
2.Our second reason is, il~at election for a term of years,
with eligibility to a new term, is most in accordance witli the
nature of the office, as defined in the "Book." "Ruling Elders are properly the representatives of the people, chosen
by them for the purpose of exercising government and discipline, in conjunction with pastors and ministers." (Form
of (;ov., Chap V.) The government of our churcli is not a
hierarchy. At its base lies the "congregational assemblies,
(Chap. VIII), exercising "government," not as a democracy,
but through their chosen "representatives." It is not in accordance with republican institutions, that "representatives
of the people" should hold their office by a tennie which
virtually removes all direct responsibility to their constituents; and in tbe event of their becoming "unacceptable in
their official character to a majority of the congregation,"
leaves no redress, save by a process which is always exasperating and often impracticable. See Chap. XXIII., Sec.VII.
3.Our third reason is, that every advantage claimed for
the unlimited tenure is inherent in the mode of electing for
a limited service. For it is morally certain that an elder who
is acceptable "in his official character to a majority of the
congregation to which he belongs," will be re&:lected, so long
as he is willing to serve. And the Book itself implies that
he ought not to serve when he has become "unacceptabJ~
in his official character to a majority of the congregation."
Any attempt to keep an unacceptable elder in his office, as
an`acting elder," must result either in his virtual withdrawal
from active duty, or in uneasiness in the congregation, or
both.
4.Our fourth reason is, that the mode of electing for a
limited service is eminently adapted to a growing church,
where the best material is not always at first attainable, and
where it is of the first importance to bring into the session
the v1gorons and energetic, as wdl as the tried and experienced.
The question is a practical one. Many of our congregations now elect for a term of service. Many arc adopting
this mode in their new elections. The Assembly of 1872 will