fice of Rulers and Teachers, and that this
office (in spite of the fallen state of the Church) should be in
being even down to the close of the present dispensation.
Accordingly, we find from Acts xiv. 23, xx. 17, Tit. i. 5, and 1 Pet.
v. 1, that soon after the saints had been converted, and had
associated together in a Church character, Elders were appointed to
take the rule over them and to fulfil the office of under-shepherds.

This must not be understood as implying, that, when believers are
associated in Church fellowship, they ought to elect Elders according
to their own will, whether the Lord may have qualified persons or
not; but rather that such should wait upon God, that He Himself would
be pleased to raise up such as may be qualified for teaching and
ruling in His church.

(2) How do such come into office?

Ans. By the appointment of the Holy Ghost, Acts xx. 28.

(3) How may this appointment be made known to the individuals called
to the office, and to those amongst whom they may be called to labour?

Ans. By the secret call of the Spirit, 1 Tim. iii. 1, confirmed by
the possession of the requisite qualifications, 1 Tim. iii. 2-7, Tit.
i. 6-9, and by the Lord's blessing resting upon their labours, 1 Cor.
ix. 2.

In 1 Cor. ix. 2, Paul condescends to the weakness of some, who were
in danger of being led away by those factious persons who questioned
his authority. As an Apostle--appointed by the express word of the
Lord--he needed not such outward confirmation. But if he used his
success as an argument in confirmation of his call, how much more may
ordinary servants of the Lord Jesus employ such an argument, seeing
that the way, in which they are called for the work, is such as to
require some outward confirmation.

(4) Is it incumbent upon the saints to acknowledge such and to submit
to them in the Lord?

Ans. Yes. See 1 Cor. xvi. 15, 16, 1 Thess. v. 12, 13, Heb. xiii. 7,
17, and 1 Tim. v. 17. In these passages obedience to pastoral
authority is clearly enjoined.

II.--Ought matters of discipline to be finally settled by the Elders
in private, or in the presence of the Church, and as the act of the
whole body?

Ans. (1) Such matters are to be finally settled in the presence of
the Church. This appears from Matth. xviii. 17, 1 Cor. v. 4, 5, 2
Cor. ii. 6-8, 1 Tim. v. 20. (2) Such matters are to be finally
settled as the act of the whole body, Matth. xviii. 17, 18. In this
passage the act of exclusio