cordially to co-operate with them in those plans of usefulness they recommend; to strengthen their hands by prayer-to honor their character, though like themselves imperfect men-and to receive, and seek their advice, in all spiritual difficulties and distresses. 1 Thess. v, 12, 13. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake, and be at peace among yourselves. Heb. xiii, 17. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you. 151. What is the next court of the church? The presbytery. 152. What is the meaning of the term presbytery? It simply means an assembly of elders. 153. How is the presbytery, considered as a court of the church, constituted? A presbytery consists of all the ministers, and one ruling elder, from each congregation within a certain district. 154. What is the extent of its jurisdiction? The authority of the presbytery extends to its own members, and to the several sessions and congregations belonging to it. 155. What is the design and use of a presbytery? It is a court of appeal from church sessionsit affords an opportunity for mutual consultation and advice-it is a bond of visible union-an authority to which common submission is dueand by which is ordered whatever pertains to the spiritual welfare of the churches under its care. 156. What is the scripture warrant for presbyteries, as courts of the church? The scriptures prove that several distinct congregations were regarded as one church, and were under one common government. 1 Tim. iv, 14. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Acts xv, 2, 4, 6. When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small discussion and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. 157. What illustration of this can you give? The several cases of the churches in Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, and Samaria. SECTION IV. Of a presbytery at Jerusalem. 158. How may it be inferred, that there were more congregations than one at Jerusalem? First, from the great number of converts that were added to that church. Acts ii, 41, 42, 46. Then they that had gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness, and singleness of heart. Acts Acts iv, 14. And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. iv, 4. Howbeit many of them which heard the word, believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. Acts v, 14. And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women. Acts vi, 1. And in those days when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Acts xxi 20. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law. Acts i, 15. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of the names together were about an hundred and twenty.) Acts ix, 31. Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee, and Samaria, and were edified: aud walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. Acts xii, 24. But the word of God grew and multiplied. Secondly, from the many apostles, and other preachers, who labored in that church. See the preceding references. Thirdly, from the diversity of language found among these believers, and the necessity hence arising, for distinct assemblies. See Acts 2d and 6th chapters. Fourthly, from the fact, that the Lord's Supper was administered in different houses at the same time. Acts ii, 46. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness, and singleness of heart. 159. How may it be shown, that these several congregations were under one presbyterial government? First, because all these congregations are denominated one church. Acts viii, 1. And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against THE CHURCH which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Acts ii, 47. Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts v, 11. And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. See also Acts xii, and xv, 4. Secondly, because the elders of the church are expressly mentioned. Acts xi, 30. Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. Acts xv, 4, 6, 22. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren. Acts xxi, 17, 18. And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. Thirdly, because the apostles performed the duty of presbyters, in the church of Jerusalem. Acts x, 44, 47. While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Acts xv, 6, 22. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren. Acts xxi, 17, 18. And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. See also Acts vi. Fourthly, because these presbyters and elders met together, as one body, for acts of govern ment. Acts xv, 6, 22. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren. Acts xxi, 17, 18. And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. Fifthly, because, while they worshipped God, and observed his ordinances in different assemblies, they were, yet, united under one common government. Acts ii, 46. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness, and singleness of heart. Acts ii, 44. And all that believed were together, and had all things common. |