Five disputations of church-government and worship

§. 12. 5. The person that is most fit (Consideratis Consid• randis) should be chosen President: But one and the same person ordinarily is most fit durante vita: therefore one and the same person should be continued President. God doth not use to change his gifts at every monthly or quarterly Sessions of a Classis or Provincial Synod. Either the President chosen was the fittest at the time of his choice, or not: if he were not, he was ill chosen: if he were so then, its like he is so still, at least for a long time. And a mans ability is so great and considerable a qualification ⟨p. 300⟩for every employment, that it must be a very great accident on the other side that must allow us to choose a man that is less able. A change cannot be made in most places, without the injury of the Assembly and of their work. The worthiest person therefore may lawfully be continued for the work sake.

§. 12. 5. The person that is most fit (Consideratis Consid• randis) should be chosen President: But one and the same person ordinarily is most fit durante vita: therefore one and the same person should be continued President. God doth not use to change his gifts at every monethly or quarterly Sessions of a Classis or Provincial Synod. Either the President chosen was the fittest at the time of his choice, or not: if he were not, he was ill chosen: if he were so then, its like he is so still, at least for a long time. And a mans ability is so great and considerable a qualification ⟨p. 300⟩for every imployment, that it must be a very great accident on the other side that must allow us to choose a man that is less able. A change cannot be made in most places, without the injury of the Assembly and of their work. The worthiest person therefore may lawfully be continued for the work sake.