SECTION It. 1$ every religious assembly, who should be wise and prudent, grave, sober, and faithful, and better skilled in the things of religion than others; and who should be capable in a more clear and happy manner to express them, that he, or they, may go before the congregation, and lead them in their several acts of worship ; that they may give instruction to the rest, and with their lipsoffer up their common addresses to God, and celebrate the sacred rites of their religion. For this purpose reason teaches us, that if a person so qua- lified be not found in any particular religious society, they ought to seek one elsewhere. And persons who have superior skill in this religion, should train up others, from time to time, in the articles of their religion, that they may be able to instruct the people, and becomemore capable of this public service. If it be enquired, what the light of reason directs about the investiture of such a person in this office ? I know of nothing more, but that the people shouldmake all due enquiry concerning his qualifications ; that they shouldask the opinion or advice of other teachers, who are better skilled in this religion than them- selves, where it can be conveniently obtained ; and when they themselves also have had sufficient experience of his abilities, and knowledge of his virtues, they should agree to chuse him into this office ; and that he himself solemnly should accept of it ; and devote, or give up, himself to it ; and that he should be with great solemnity recommended, by public prayers, to the blessing of God, in the discharge of it. This is all i,he investi- ture that reason seems to require*. And this man, thus set apart to the sacred work, should continually endeavour to improve his qualifications, and render his religious services more and more useful to the people, and take due care, as a faithful overseer, that the people maintain the practice of the religion they profess. Reason itself also teaches lis, that if there be any persons in tite assembly who give sufficient evidence of their being inspired, or taught of God, and of having any divine commission to instruct the people ; these persons ought eminently to be received as teachers, and employed in such religious service. Let us now see what tite New Testament, or the rule of christianity directs in this point. This is sufficiently evident, that scripture has appointed such * According to the light of nature and reason, no man should be made a teacher, or president, or leader in any voluntary religious society, but by the consent and agreement of that society, to put themselves under his instructions and care. No civil powers have authority, by the law of nature, in these mat- ters of relaion and conscience¡ nor can any man he made an officer in any society, without hie own free consent: And as all religious affairs regard either the honour of God prconverse with him, so an address to God for blessing is a natural and reasonable aslemaity, that should attend the entrance into a reli- gious office.
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