The way of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The way of churches…The vvay of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The vvay of churches…

When the day is come, it is kept as a day of humiliation, with fasting, praying, and preaching the Word, according to the pattern, Act. 14.23. & 13.1, 2, 3.

When the day is come, it is kept as a day of humiliation, with fasting, praying, and preaching the Word, according to the patterne, Act. 14.23. & 13.1, 2, 3.

Towards the end of the day, one of the Elders of the Church (if they have any) if not, one of the graver Brethren of the Church, (appointed by themselves to order the work of the day) standeth up and inquireth of the Church, If now after this solemn seeking of God for his counsel and direction in this weighty work, they still continue in their purpose, to elect such a one for their own Pastor, or Teacher, or Ruling Elder, whom before they agreed upon; Then having taken their silence for a consent to their purpose. He proceedeth to inquire into the approbation of the rest of the Assembly, not only the Messengers, and Brethren of other Churches present, but of all that stand by; because and Elder is to be a man of good report of them that are without, (1 Tim. 3.7.) how much more well approved of the Churches of Christ? He demandeth therefore of the Churches first, and then of the rest, whether any of them have known of any evil, in the man presented before them, either in judgement, or practice, which might give them just cause to forbear his election? If all keep silence (as usually they do, for if any have any just exception against the man, he is wont to acquaint some or other of the Church with it before the day) he turneth himself to ⟨p. 41⟩the Church again. Now seeing all is clear for their free election of him to such an office, he desireth all the Brethren of that Church, to declare their Election of him with one accord, by lifting up their hands; which being done, he desireth to know of the party chosen, whether he doth accept of that calling, which the Church hath given him in the name of Christ unto that office? He having expressed his acceptance (upon such grounds, as wherein he hath chiefly seen the hand of God leading him thereunto,) the Elder doth then admonish the Church what duties the Lord requireth of them all in his Word towards him, whom they have thus chosen; And afterwards advertiseth him what duties the Lord requireth of him in that place towards the Church; And having taken the acknowledgements of them both, of their mutual duty towards one another;