urgent
necessity and the weightiest reasons, but willingly attend and also
assist as much as possible, in serving vacant congregations connected
with it, etc.

7. They shall themselves discharge the duties of their office in Church
and school, as faithful stewards, as God may give them health and
strength, and not have any minister or student take their place, who has
not been examined and duly called and ordained in accordance with our
Evangelical Church government, etc. It is not in conflict with this rule
that our regular ministers should invite another of rightfully called
ministers connected with us, when visiting them, to preach for them.

8. If a pastor of our congregation, should give occasion for serious
offense, scandal or injury to the congregation, either in doctrine, or
in life and conversation, or by violation of this church constitution;
then the degrees of admonition shall be impartially followed, in the
manner here described: (1.) The Elders, or two-thirds of them, shall
lay before such Pastor, with gentleness, the offense in doctrine of life
which have been evident, or which have been sustained by two or three
indisputably credible witnesses, and if he prove to be guilty, admonish
him to amendment. (2.) Should this avail nothing, the whole church
council shall invite the nearest Pastors of the United Congregations to
meet at a convenient place, and in their presence renew the admonition.
(3.) Should this also fail of the desired end, the matter shall be
considered at a special meeting of the United Ministerium, or at the
annual meeting, if it admits of such delay, and there be thoroughly
examined, and the minister, if found to be guilty, and offending, shall
be suspended from his office and benefices, and a full account thereof
be published.

9. The election of a Pastor shall be held in the following manner: The
whole Church Council shall consult with the older Pastors of the United
Congregations, and carefully deliberate on this important matter and
take note of the grace, gifts and experience of the several pastors, and
at successive sessions impartially consider which one would best suit
the vacant congregation, and at the same time would be willing to accept
a call. When they agree upon some one as suitable for the congregation,
they then invite him to preach a trial sermon, or as a visitor, and
several Sundays or other days afterward, they shall ask the communicant
members of the congregation f