fast the faithful word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers."

From the foregoing, and similar passages of Scripture, it is evident that in all churches of the saints there should exist a plurality of bishops, also called elders. That these were chosen from among the more aged or elder men, the appellation of "elder" evidently implies. Moreover, (1 Tim. iii. 16) "not a novice, lest, being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil."

As the executive power in the churches

is everywhere in the New Testament ascribed to the members at large, it evidently belongs to them to look out, or select from among themselves men possessing the qualifications laid down, to whom they are bound to submit: acknowledging such as the gift of God to his church, and as those whom "the Holy Ghost has made overseers."

OF THE OFFICE OF DEACON.

THERE were also in the primitive churches ministers (deacons) whose especial duty it was to minister to the wants of the poor brethren, and generally to act as the servants of the body. That both men and women were chosen to this service, is apparent from the following;

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Acts vi. 1-" And in those days when

the number of the disciples was multi

plied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not meet that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables : wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost, whom we may appoint unto this business." 1 Tim. iii. 8"Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be

proved; then let them use the office of a

F

deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things." By the women here alluded to, we are probably to understand the deaconesses; the Greek being, "Even so the women grave." Chap. v. ver. 3-"Honour widows that are widows indeed." Ver. 9-"Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work." Rom. xvi. 1-"I commend unto you