m, for
their direction in the exercise of their ministry. The liberal
contributions at Antioch for the brethren which dwelt in Judea, were
sent by the hands of Barnabas and Saul unto the elders in Judea, Acts
xi. 27, 30.

7th. To unite with teaching elders in admitting members into the
fellowship of the church, upon a visible evidence of their being
qualified as the Scriptures direct. Unto them God bath given the keys of
the kingdom of heaven, to open the door of admission unto those whom God
hath received, Matt. xvi. 19.

8th. To meet and consult with the teaching elders about such things of
importance as are to be proposed to the members of the church for their
consent. Hence nothing rash or indigested, nothing unsuited to the duty
of the church, will at any time be proposed therein, so as to give
occasion for contests, janglings, or disputes, contrary to order or
decency, but all things may be preserved in a due regard unto the
gravity and authority of the rulers.

9th. To sit in judgment upon offenders, to take the proof, to weigh the
evidence and determine accordingly, justifying the innocent, and
ordaining censure to be inflicted on the convicted brother, according to
the nature of the offence, Matt. xviii. 15, 17, 18.

10th. Whereas there is generally but one teaching elder in a church,
upon his death or removal, it is the work and duty of the ruling elders
to preserve the church in peace and unity, to take care of the
continuation of its public ordinances, to prevent irregularities in any
persons or parties among them, and to give all necessary aid and advice
in the choice and call of some other meet person to be their pastor, in
the room of the deceased or removed.

CONCLUSION.

_A Summary of the preceding Treatise on Church Government,_

BY QUESTION AND ANSWER.

_Quest_. What is meant by church government?

_Ans_. That particular form and order, which Christ has fixed in his
Church, for the proper management thereof.

_Quest_. How does it appear that there is a particular form of
government appointed in the New Testament Church?

_Ans_. As there is as great, if not greater, need of a government, in
the New Testament Church, than there was in the Old, all the ordinances
of which were most minutely described. Satan is now more experienced in
deceiving, and his agents are still alive, and very actively employed,
in attempting to waste and destroy this sacred vineyard, if without its
proper