SERMON LIII. 14I 6. " It isthe duty of those whose circumstances will afford it, to contribute of their earthly substance toward the common expences of the society ;" that is, for the provision of the place of worship, the maintenance of the minister, the support of the poor, and for every thin; that relates to the outward preservatioli and interests of the church : And each one should give accord- ing to his ability: This is but a piece of common justice, and it is sometimes fit to tell themso. 7. Shall I add in the last place, " That every thing Of church affsirs ought to be managedwith decency and order, with harmony and peace ?" So the apostle directs the Corinthians ; 1 Cor. xiv. 40. and chapter xvi. 14. Let all thingsbedone decently and in order: Let all your affairs be done with charity: So in my text, with one mind, as well ás with one 'month glorfy God. It is true indeed, every man has awill, and particular sentiments and inclinations of his own; but the most common and peaceful way of determining publicaffairs, is by the will and inclination of the major part manifested by a vote : And in matters of lesser moment it is generally wisestandsafest to submit to such a deter- mination of the majority, where it may be done without sin : But it is a very desirable thing, if possible, to do nothing without the unanimous approbation of those that are concerned. If there are differences arising, those who dissent from the major part ought to be treated with all tenderness in order to convince and persuade them to consent. But if any thing be 'determined by the majority, which they cannot comply with, they may peaceably make their remonstrances; and if they please, be dismissed from that society, or depart. The fifth general head leads me to enquire " who are the officers which Christ hath appointed in his churches ?" The names of the officers are these two, which probably include all the rest, bishops and deacons; so they are called ; Phil. i. 1. Bishops and elders in primitive times are both called over- seers in the Greek, and seem to be the same officers,for St. Paul gives Titus the several characters of a bishop, in order to direct what sort of persons should bechosen for elders. Theirbusiness is to teach and instruct, to go before the people in performing acts of worship, to give themselves up to the ministry of the word andprayer; 'Acts vi. 4. and to exhort and govern the flock, not by their own will, nor by rules of their own invention, but only by the general rules that Christhas given, whichmust beapplied to particular cases by their prudence, and in matters of moment they shoulddo nothing without the consent of 'the society. What thedifference is betwixt pastors andteachers, and whether there be any elders who only are called to rule, but not in a stated manner to teach or administer ordinances in the church, I cannot now tarryto enquire or determine.
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