I.

OF THE

OFFICES IN THE CHURCH.

I.

MINISTERS OF THE WORD.

No

ARTICLE I.

O perfon can be chofen or called to be a Minifter of the Word, who has not previously. become a candidate for the ministry.

ART. II.

A candidate for the miniftry is one, who, after finishing his Theological ftudies, has fubmitted to a public examination; and, upon being found well qualified, is licenced to preach the gospel, and per mitted to accept a call in any congregation.

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ART. III.

Whoever applies to be examined for becoming a Candidate in the Miniftry muft produce to the Syned, or Claffis to which the application is made, the folJowing authentic documents: 1. A diploma, or certificate of his having passed through a regular course of Studies in fome College or refpectable Academy. 2. A Certificate of his having been a member in full communion of the reformed Church,"at least twe years. And 3. A teftimonial under the band and feal of a Profeffor of Theology, declaring fuch-Student to have studied Theology with him (or with fome perfon exprefsly authorised for that purpose by the General Synod,) for the fpace of at least two years; and recommending faid Student as well qualified for becoming a Candidate in the holy Ministry.

ART. IV.

In the examination, strict attention is paid to the attainments of the Student, not only in the original languages of the facred Scriptures, and in compofition, and his method of fermonizing, but he is efpecially examined refpecting his knowledge in Theology, his orthodoxy, his piety, and his views in defiring to become a preacher of the Gofpel.

preach the Gospel, and recommending his perfon and fervices to the Churches.

ART. VII.

A candidate for the Miniftry is permitted only to preach the word, but he may not under any pretence whatever, adminifter the facraments; nor can he be a delegate to reprefent a Church in any ecclefiaftical aflembly,

ART. VIII.

Every candidate for the Miniftry is to confider himself under the immediate direction of the Synod, and the claffis which examined him, and is to visit fuch congregations, and preach in those places to which the Synod, or claffis fhalf fend him: but if no particular directions are given, he may preach at his own discretion in any congregation that shall invite him.

ART. IX.

Upon receiving a call from any particular congregation, a candidate is allowed time to confider the propriety of his accepting it. If more than one call is before him at the fame time, he may determine which he will prefer; but if there be only one, it is

expected he will not finally refufe the fame, before having first refered his difficulties to the Synod, or claffis, and obtained proper advice.

ART. X.

A candidate who has accepted a call, muft offer himself to be examined for his becoming a Minifter. “ In this final examination, befides a repetition of his previous trials in compofition, and fermonizing, the original languages of the facred scriptures, and his knowledge of Theology, as well didactic as polemic; he is interrogated respecting the nature, and admiftration of the facraments, the duties of the Ministry · and his knowledge of ecclefiaftical hiftory and of Church government,

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ART. XI.

Upon giving fatisfaction in the examination, the candidate fubfcribes the following formula, viz.

"WE the underwritten, Minifters of the word "of God, refiding within the bounds of the Claffis of "N. N. Do hereby fincerely and in good confci"ence before the Lord, declare by this our fubfcrip

tion, that we heartily believe and are perfuaded, that all the articles and points of doctrine contained "in the Confeffion and Catechifm of the reformed