ART. XVII.

Among the minifters of the gofpel equality shall be preferved in their minifterial labours, and as far as poffible in other things, agreeably to fuch arrangements as the confiftory, or if need be, the claffis fhall make. A fimilar equality fhall also be maingained among the elders and deacons.

ART. XVIII.

The office of the TEACHERS or PROFESSORS of Theology is to explain the holy fcriptures, and vindicate the pure doctrines of the gospel against herefy and error.

ART. XIX.

The congregations fhall endeavour to raise public funds for the fupport of Audents in theology.

ART. XX

In churches where a number of able minifters are fettled, the practice of difcuffing theological thefes fhall be inftituted, that by fuch exercifes fome may be prepared for the miniftry; pursuing however therein, the fpecial appointment and order of the general fynod.

ART. XXI.

The confiftories in every congregation fhall be careful to provide good Schoolmafters, who are able, not only to inftru& children in reading, writing, grammar, and the liberal sciences; but alfo to teach them the catechifm, and the firft principles of rcligion.

ART. XXII.

The Elders fhall be chofen by the fuffrages of the confiftory, and of the deacons in making this choice it fhall be lawful, as fhall beft fuit the fituation of each church, either to nominate as many elders, as fhall be judged neceffary, for the approbation of the members in full communion, and upon their being approved, and found acceptable, to confirm them. with public prayers and engagements; or, to propofe a double number, that the one half of thofe nominated may be chofen by the members, and in the fame manner confirmed in their office. In either made of election the confirmation is to be agreeable to the form, inftituted for that purpose.

ART. XXIII.

The office of ELDERS (befides what is common to them with the minifters of the word, expreffed in

Art. xvi.) is, to take heed that the minifters, together with their fellow elders and deacons, faithfully difcharge their refpective duties; and alío, before, or after the Lords Supper, as time and circumftances permit, and as fhall be moft for the edification of the congregation, to affift in performing vifitations, in order particularly to inftruct and comfort the members in full communion, as well as to exhort others to the regular profeffion of the christian religion.

ART. XXIV.

The Deacons shall be chofen, approved, and con. firmed in the fame manner as the elders.

ART, XXV.

The office peculiar to the DE ACONS is, diligently to collect the alms and other monies appropriated for the ufe of the poor, and with the advice of the confiftory, chearfully and faithfully to diftribute the fame to ftrangers, as well as to thofe of their own houfhold, according to the meafure of their refpective neceffities; to vifit, and comfort the diftreffed, and to be careful, that the alms be not mifufed; of the diftribution of which, they shall render an account in confiftory at fuch time, as the faid confifto. ry fhall determine, and in the prefence of fo many of the congregation as may choose to attend.

ART. XXVI.

The deacons shall endeavour to maintain a good correfpondence, with the overfeers of Poor-houses, and other public almoners, in order that the alms may be the better distributed among thofe, whose neceffities are the greatest.

ART. XXVII.

The elders and deacons fhall ferve two years, and the one half be changed annually, and others appointed in their room, unless the fituation or advantage of fome particular churches fhould otherwife require.

ART, XXVIII.

As it is the duty of chriflian Magiftrates to countenance the worship of God, to recommend religion by their example, and protect the members of the community in the full and regular exercise of religious liberty; fo it is the duty of minifters, elders, and deacons, zealously, and faithfully to inculcate upon all their congregations, that obedience, love, and homage, which they owe to the magiftrates. All ecclefiaftical perfons fhall by their own good conduct, in this refpect, give an example to the con

gregations,and, by a becoming reverence, endeavour to excite, and maintain the favourable attention of government to the churches-to the end that each mutually fulfilling their refpective duties in the fear of the Lord, all fufpicion and jealoufy may be prevented, and a happy confidence, conducive to the welfare of the churches, be preferved.