Optatus-Ambrose-Augustine—Apostolical Constitutions-Iso-

dore-Gregory-Facts incidentally stated by the Fathers

concerning some of the Elders-Syrian Christians.-p. 73--105.

CHAPTER V.

Testimony of the Witnesses for the Truth in the Dark Ages,

-Waldenses-Albigenses-Bohemian Churches-Calvin deriv-

ed this feature in his ecclesiastical system from the Bohemian

Brethren.-p. 106-119

CHAPTER VI.

Testimony of the Reformers--Zuingle-Oecolampadius-

Bucer-Peter Martyr--John A Lasco--Calvin--Whitgift--

Dean Nowell-Ursinus--Confession of Saxony-Szegeden--

Magdeburgh Centuriators-Junius-Zanchius-Parœus-Pis-

cator_Cartwight—Greenham-Estius-Whitaker-Ruling El

ders generally established in the Reformed Churches.--p. 120

--144,

CHAPTER VII.

Testimony of eminent divines since the Reformation-Owen--

Baxter--English Puritans--of New England-Goodwin--

Hooker-Cotton--Davenport--Thorndike-Cotton Mather-

Edwards-Kromayer-Baldwin---Suicer-Whitby--Watts-

Doddridge--Neander--Dwight.--p. 145--171.

CHAPTER VIII.

Ruling Elders necessary in the Church;--The importance

of Discipline to the purity of the Church--Discipline cannot

be maintained without this class of officers, or persons of

equivalent powers--The Pastor alone cannot maintain it--

The whole body of the Church cannot conduct it in a wise and

happy manner-Prelatists and Independents both obliged to

provide substitutes for them-This provision, however, inade-

quate.--p. 172-191.

CHAPTER IX.

Nature of the Ruling Elder's office--Analogy between their
office and that of secular rulers-Their duties as members of
the Church Session-Their more private and constant duties
as "overseers" of the Church-Their duties as members of
higher judicatories--Question discussed whether they ought

to be called lay-Elders-Duties of the Church members to their
Elders-Elders ought to have a particular seat assigned them.
-p. 192--215.

CHAPTER X.

Distinction between the office of Ruling Elder and Deacon--
The persons whose appointment to take care of the poor is re-
corded in the sixth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, were
the first Deacons-The question discussed, whether they were
Deacons at all-Whether the first Deacons were preachers
and baptizers?-Deacons were never ecclesiastical Rulers--
The office of Deacon dropped by many Presbyterian Churches,
-The offices of Ruling Elder and Deacon united in the same
men, in Scotland and the United States--This not desirable---
Reasons for this opinion.-p. 216—243.

CHAPTER XI.

The qualifications proper for the office of Ruling Elder-
It is not necessary that they be aged persons-It is of the ut-
most importance that they have unfeigned and approved
piety-That they possess good sense, and sound judgment----
That they be orthodox, and well informed in gospel truth--
That they have eminent prudence-That they be of good report
among them who are without-That they be men of public spirit,
-That they be men of ardent zeal, and importunate prayer.
p. 244--259.

CHAPTER XII.

Of the Election of Ruling Elders--Who are proper Elec-
tors?--Ought they to be elected for life, or only for a limited
time?--Of the number of Elders proper for each Church--Of
those who may be considered as eligible to this office--whether
a man may be a Ruling Elder in more than one Church at the
same time.--p. 260-274.

CHAPTER XIII.

Of the Ordination of Ruling Elers--Ordination a necessary
designation to office-Proofs from Scripture The laying on of
hands--Not always connected with the special gifts of the
Spirit--This ceremony ought to be employed in the ordination
of Ruling Elders--Probable reason of its falling into disuse--
Authorities in favor of its restoration-Who ought to lay on

hands in the Ordination of Elders-Advantages of imposing
hands in ordaining this class of officers.—p. 275--293.

CHAPTER XIV.

On the resignation of Ruling Elders-Their removal from
one Church to another-The method of conducting discipline
against them.--p. 294--301.

CHAPTER XV.

The advantages of conducting discipline upon the Presby-
terian plan-It is founded on the principle of Representation—It
presents one of the best barriers against Clerical ambition and
encroachments-furnishes one of the best securities for preserv-
ing the rights of the people-Furnishes to Ministers efficient
counsel and support-Favorable to despatch and energy-Ac-
complishes that which cannot be attained in any other way-
Favorable to union and co-operation in enterprizes of Christian
benevolence.--p. 302-322.

AN ESSAY, &c.

CHAPTER I.

INTRODUCTORY.

OUR once crucified, but now exalted Redeemer, has erected in this world a kingdom which is his Church. This Church is either visible or invisible.

By the invisible Church we mean, the whole body of sincere believers, of every age and nation, "that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one, under Christ, the glorious Head thereof." Part of these are already made perfect in heaven. Another portion are at present scattered over the earth in different denominations of professing Christians, though not certainly distinguishable from others by the human eye. And the remainder are in future to be gathered in by the grace of God;when the whole number of the "redeemed from among men," will be united in one holy assembly, which is the "spouse," the "body of Christ, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all.”

By the visible Church is meant the body of those who profess the true religion, together with their children. It is that body which is called out of the world, and united under the authority of Christ, the Head, for the purpose of maintaining Gospel Truth

B