those very arguments and expressions, which the apostle employed to vindicate the impartial mercies of God, against the narrow and excluding claims of jewish prejudice, have been interpreted, to establish a dispensation, the most arbitrary and partial, that eould be devised." PART III. THE DISCIPLINE OF THE Svangelical Lutheran CHURCH. Let all things be done decently and in order. PAUL. 1 Cor. xiv. 40. N THE DISCIPLINE, &c. CHAP. I. OF THE DIRECTION OF THE CHURCH. THE general direction of the Church in Pennsylvania and the adjoining states, is left to a Synod and Ministerium, which bodies meet once every year. The Synod is composed of ministers, and an equal number of laymen, chosen as deputies, by the vestries of their respective congregations; this body directs the external affairs of the church.The Ministerium is composed of ministers only, and regulates the internal or spiritual affairs, such as judging in controversies respecting doctrine, and examining, licensing and ordaining ministers, &c. Its session be gins immediately after the adjournment of the Synod. Both these bodies are, in some degree, under the inspection of a Senior and President. The Senior is considered as a Father, from whom advice and exhortation is willingly received, but has no particular powers. The President presides at the Synod and Ministerium, appoints committees, performs the ordinations, with the assistance of two or more Pastors, signs the licences and ordinations, examines and licences applicants ad interim, and in weighty matters, calls together special meetings. He is elect ed every year, as soon as the Synod is orga nized, and can' only be re-elected for three successive years. The Synod is also divided into particular districts, which are authorised to hold district meetings, called special conferences; but it is not considered essentially necessary for them to meet, unless they have business in their district, to decide upon, In every congregation, the vestry, compo sed of the minister (trustees) elders and war, |