So that, if the controversy be only which power is primary or secondary-the lay or preaching elders, it must be the preaching elders :

:

1. If we consider their commission, gifts and the promises made to them.

2. From their paternal character. The church is begotten by them through the gospel.

3. From the connection which must subsist between feeding and overseeing the flock. "Feed the flock of God, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers.'

4. From the figures to which the church is compared ; a flock, a vineyard, an army; and ministers, to the shepherd, the vine-dresser, the captain or chief.

5. From the permanent and immutable character of the ministerial office.

6. From the responsibilities of this office.

Those who give the primary power of the keys to the bishops, as the episcopalians, admit that pastors of particular churches have the executive power over them.

Those who admit that the church has the primary power of the keys, admit that pastors have the executive power, as officers and representatives of the church, above all other officers.

Connexionalists admit, that the pastors in council have the primary power of the keys; but that pastors have the executive authority over particular churches.

The Wesleyan polity appears to unite in itself, all that is excellent and useful in Independency, Presbyterianism, and Episcopacy. Our leaders and lay preachers

are stationary and resident; and in reference to many local affairs and regulations, and funds, are independent. The government, as a whole, is Presbyterian. Our Leader's meetings answer to the Kirk sessions; the quarterly meetings to the presbytery; the district meetings to the synod; and our conference to the general assembly. But we add to this a sort of episcopacy, in our chairmen of districts; who have the supervision of twenty or thirty preachers in the district.

The government also, of the Wesleyans, is of a mixt character. The Leader's meetings are composed of ministers and laymen, who are leaders, and stewards belonging to, and appointed for regulating the affairs of that particular church or society, in the town where they reside.

Neither the superintendants, nor any other ministers, shall give tickets of admission into the church, to any one, until recommended by a leader, with whom they have met at least two months on trial. Neither shall they expel any one until their guilt has been proved at a leader's meeting.

And before pronouncing of the sentence or exercising of discipline in difficult cases, the superintendant is advised to consult with his colleagues, and the most aged and influential leaders: after which the aggrieved may appeal to the decision of a district meeting.

This includes all that is implied in the power of the keys, which, in Scripture, is termed binding and loosing, which terms are of various interpretation.

But, as judgment passed upon any person is either against, or for him, that which is against him is binding; that which acquits him, is loosing: the former is binding to punishment, the latter frees or looses from the bond of guilt.

"If he hear not the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican." The heathen man and publican some take to mean, the greater and lesser punishments. The heathen man was quite out of the church; the publican not entirely. The heathen man was a stranger to the commonwealth of Israel, the publican was degraded. "What ye bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and what ye loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven:" so that, though the true church hath not the sword, or any other active force: we find her censures shall be executed from heaven, and be more terrible than any inflicted by the sword of the magistrate.

Whatever was wrong in the seven churches of Asia, was charged upon the angels or pastors of those churches ; they must be responsible to Christ for whatever is remiss or wrong in doctrine or discipline.

Discipline should be exercised in a rational, grave, and affectionate manner. Among the Jews, when persons were excommunicated; it was accompanied, or performed by the sound of a trumpet; in the primitive church, by the tolling of a bell; and the solemn monkish curse, is with bell, book, and candle.

What power and authority have true pastors, in reference to conferring spiritual blessings?

Some have pretended to have the power, authoritatively to forgive sins, and to bestow grace, and the Holy Spirit; and that they have the keys of the kingdom of heaven.

It is indeed, taught in Scripture that the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit are requisite to qualify, and enable ministers to exercise their functions for the saving of sinners, and the sanctifying of the church; yet it does not thence follow, that any men are to be entrusted with the power of conferring those gifts and graces; (God only knows on whom to bestow them), unless they be persons who are infallibly guided and directed, (as were the apostles); in this case, they may bestow them authoritatively.

All "laying on of hands" therefore, since the apostles' days, is but prayer, and that is not constantly and certainly heard; only as the person for whom it is offered, may be fit to receive the gift, or blessing.

The only spiritual power and authority, which true and faithful ministers receive, is the power of faith and prayer, and a blessed and saving influence attending their labours; so that their preaching "is not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance: " therefore they turn men from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God," that they may "receive the forgivness of sins, and an inheritance among all them that are sanctified, by faith in Christ."

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The peculiar advantages of the pastors of the church, arise:

:

1. From the full authority with which the church has invested them. "To preach the word; to be instant

in season, and out of season;" "making full proof of their ministry." "Studying rightly to divide the word of truth,” and giving to every man "his portion of meat in due season and faithfully and constantly administering the

sacraments.

2. This will generally promote ministerial ability, and aptness to teach, and to "mightily convince," "stopping the mouths of gainsayers;" treating with men as ambassadors, for God; praying them to be reconciled to him, "in Christ's stead:" greatly encouraging, comforting, and thus winning many souls.

3. There are some special promises and encouragements held out unto the faithful pastors; "unto whom this grace is given, to preach among the gentiles, the unsearchable riches of Christ."

The true pastor has a commission from God to "feed the flock of" Christ, and to bless them in the name of the Lord. He has received "weapons, which are mighty, through God, to the pulling down of strong holds." He does not go 66 'a warfare at his own charge:" but God strengthens him, and stands by him; blessing and delivering him; and continues with him, as long as he continues with God; and every service, and every sacrament will be a channel of grace to some; or (as the apostle says), “the savour of life unto life, or of death unto death."

It will be well here to notice, the RESPONSIBILITIES of "the Pastoral Office."

To prevent an injurious exercise of pastoral authority,