Chapter 3: Of the Call and Office of the Deputy Elders. The congregation

is exhorted on the Sunday before election to pray God that pious and devout men may be chosen. The Preachers, Elders and Deacons select twice the number of persons to be elected, whose names are publicly presented to the congregation, and any who have well-founded objection to make against any one proposed, is exhorted to present it. At the election the Preachers, Elders, former Elders, Deacons, former Deacons, and the contributing members of the congregation, in this order, present their votes, and those who receive most votes are chosen. The elders elected must present themselves before the congregation, answer publicly the questions as to their confession of faith, promise faithfully to fulfill the duties of their office, and be installed, with the laying on of hands and prayer. Their duties are described at length, and in summary are these: 1. To watch that the Word be purely preached by pious Preachers, the sacraments administered as Christ commanded, and the constitution observed. 2. To see that the Preachers and other ministrants duly and promptly receive their salaries. 3. Watch over the congregation that all sin, shame and offence be avoided. 4. Keep accurate account of all expenditures. 5. After their term of office expires attend all meetings of the Consistory when called. 6. Carry out, when they enter upon their office, all measures taken by their predecessors for the peace and prosperity of the congregation. 7. On all festive and Sunday services stand at the church doors with plates to receive the offerings for the use of the church.