The ignorance of some Elders doth no more prejudice the office of an Elder, then the ignorance of some Physitians, or Ministers, doth the calling of Ministers and Physitians: If ignorant Elders be chosen, the fault is not in the Office, but in the Choosers.
2. This objection cannot be justly made against the Ruling-Elders within this Province; we hope we may say without boasting, that they are very knowing, and very godly; and we are confident, that all the reports that are vented concerning absurd and unbeseeming questions, &c. are meer lyes and falsities. In all such meetings, the Minister is the Moderator, and he onely propounds the questions; the Elders sit by and judge.
3. In those Parishes where there are none sufficiently qualified to be Elders, the Presbyterian Government doth not require them to chuse Elders, but Orders, That all such Parishes should be under the immediate care, inspection, and government of the Classical Presbytery.
Object. 9.
It is not enough for a Minister to forewarn his people of the danger of unworthy coming to the Lords Supper; and if they will notwithstanding the warning, come unworthily, is not the Minister free?
It is not enough for a father to tell his child, that he must not drink such a cup of poyson, and yet afterwards (when he seeth his child very greedy of it) to give it him; especially, when he knoweth that it will certainly poyson him. It was not enough for old Eli to admonish his Sons; but because he did not use his power, in hindring them, he is reproved, as accessary to their sins.
Object. 10.
I have lived thus long, and never yet was examined, and certainly I will not now begin in my old age, I will rather never receive the Sacrament at all.
Answ.
Old Customes are no good principles to build upon; these are times of Reformation.