VI - Of Elders, and their Office

THE word Elder in the Scripture, sometime is the name of Age, sometime of Office. When it is the name of any Office, some time it is taken largely, comprehending as well the Pastors and Doctors, as them who are called Seniors or Elders.

In this our division, we call these Elders, whom the Apostles call Presidents or Governours. Their office as it is ordinary, so is it perpetuall and alwaies necessarie in the Kirk of God. The Eldership is a spirituall function, as is the Ministerie.

Elders once lawfully called to the office, and having gifts from God meet to exercise the same, may not leave it again. Albeit such an number of Elders may be chosen in certaine Congregations, that one part of them may relieve another for a reasonable space, as was among the Levites under the Law in serving of the Temple.

The number of the Elders in every Congregation cannot well be limited, but should be according to the bounds and necessitie of the people.

It is not necessarie that all Elders be also teachers of the word, albeit the chiefe ought to be such and swa are worthie of double-honour.

What manner of persons they ought to be, we referre it to the expresse word, and namely the Canons written by the Apostle Paul.

Their office is as well severally, as conjunctly, to watch diligently upon the flock committed to their charge, both publickly, and privately, that no corruption of Religion, or manners, enter therein.

As the Pastors and Doctors should be diligent in teaching and sowing the seed of the Word, so the Elders should be carefull in seeking the fruit of the same in the people.

It appertaines 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 actes of the Assemblies, as well particular as generall to be put in execution carefully.

They should be diligent in admonishing all men of their dutie according to the rule of the Evangell.

Things that they cannot correct by private admonitions they should bring to the Eldership.

Their principall office is to hold Assemblies with the Pastors & Doctors who are also of their number, for establishing of good order and execution of discipline, unto the which Assemblies all persones are subject that remaine within their bounds.