The Original 1883 (First Edition) of
The Ecclesial Guide
The only reason for having presiding brethren as distinct from arranging brethren, is, that some brethren may be qualified to give their services as arranging brethren, who have not the gifts to fill a public part. On the other hand, some may be qualified to lead the assembly in its public exercises, who are not gifted with practical talent. Some may have the qualification for both offices. It is desirable to have a variety of presiding brethren for the sake of preserving the fraternal character of the assembly, which would gradually be lost sight of if there were only one. It is also an advantage to the assembly to have the diversity of style that is secured by a plurality. The duty of a presiding brother is not so much to perform the exercises, as to supply the initiative in their performance. He may perform them himself; but his office is fulfilled if he call upon others to perform them. Thus he may pray or call upon others to pray: he may read or call upon others to read: he may speak or call upon others to speak. The duty of his office is alike performed in either case.
The advantage of this liberty lies here, that a brother may possess personal worth, and gravity, and composure, and vocal enunciation that qualify him to lead the assembly while destitute of the ability to profitably engage in prayer or address the assembly. If he were compelled to perform the two latter duties, his services would be lost to the assembly. Being at liberty to exercise the presiding office in calling upon others, the comfort of what qualifications he may have is secured to the assembly, notwithstanding his lack in other qualifications. The presiding brother is, in fact, chairman, or master of the ceremonies, though, if able, he is at liberty to supply the leading parts.
It is important that his office be limited to the actual session of the assembly, and carry no function with it beyond it. The way must be fenced against priesthood in all directions. This is secured by his function ceasing with the dispersion of the assembly. He should be at liberty to appoint a substitute; but only from the list of those whom the ecclesial appointment has signified as suitable.
Presiding brethren stand prominently in the front of an ecclesia's proceedings. It is therefore necessary, in their appointment, to have peculiar regard to their qualifications specified by Paul, as before quoted. Men ought not to be appointed against whom the finger of reproach can be lifted.