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.