ruling Elders are, among others, these: 1.) They
shall endeavor, by the grace of God, to set a good example, as well to
their own households as to the congregations, by a Christian life and
conversation. 2.) Take care, with the Pastors, that the Evangelical
doctrine and Christian discipline be maintained and perpetuated in the
congregation. 3.) That the debts of the congregation, both principal and
interest, be decreased and removed, by payments from the treasury and by
generous gifts, in the most advantageous manner. 4.) That the Ministers
of the Word in the Congregation be supported. 5.) That the account of
all receipts and expenditures be carefully kept, be submitted to the
whole Church Council on the day before the annual congregational
meeting, be examined, approved and subscribed by the Trustees, and there
be publicly laid before the congregation at the meeting, and be entered
in the Record. 6.) They shall attend the school examinations, and by
several deputies, to be elected by the Church Council from their number,
be present at the annual meeting of Synod, and in all other matters aid
in promoting the welfare of the congregation.

9. The duties of the Vorsteher are, among others, these: 1.) They shall
set an honorable Christian example to the congregation. 2.) They shall
render all necessary aid at the public and special services of worship
and in the administration of the Lord's Supper, especially at the
Kinderlehre and in the visitation of the sick. 3.) They shall gather the
offerings, keep an account of the same, and pay them over to the Elders
as often as they may deem necessary to the welfare of the congregation.
4.) They shall maintain good order at the services of public worship.
5.) Should they find disorder, discord or occasions of offense in the
congregation, they shall endeavor to remove them, or report them to the
Church Council, that remedies may be applied in time. 6.) They shall
collect the pew rents, and the charges for burial places. 7.) They shall
give notice to the Elders of special meetings of the Church Council,
attend all meetings of the Council and especially the annual meetings to
prepare and present the financial accounts, give in beforehand their own
accounts, and help to decide when any important matter is to be
determined or adopted.

10. And inasmuch as church offices and ministrations in the country,
although before God weighty and important, are yet considered
contemptible by the