148 THE OFFICE OF DEACOivb. obligations to particular private persons, would too much expose them to the temptation of partiality, in the exercises of their ministrations, and their pastoralcare. Whereas this is forbidden to ministers ; I Tim. v. 21. Do nothing by partiality. We might be more afraid to reprove some that were rich and kind, and more negligent in comforting and instructing others that were poor, and could give but little. But when the minister receiveshis support from the church in general, by the handof the deacons, as officers of the church, then he is much more secured from these temptations. And no doubt it is the duty of the deacons to see to it, that each member of the church perform their part toward the support of the ministry ; for it hardly seems decent for the minister himself to urge this duty on the people*. The table ofthe church at the Lord's'supper, is main- tained by the contributions of the church. The bread andwine must be' bought at the public expence, but particularly pro- vided for by the deacons, who in short are stewards of all the temporal affairs that relate to the church, even as the bishops and elders are Of the spiritual ; and both under our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the great pastor of pastors, and churches, and the feeder of his own poor, and provides all things for all. I might add to these, that the business of a deacon seems also toextend to some care of the place of public worship, and alI the necessaries that belong to the outward- service of the Lord, such as tables, seats, vessels for bread and wine, and for water in baptism, &d. For though these things are not parti- cularly expressed among the businesses of a deacon, yet they will never be performed, unless some one or more persons be deputed for this service; and who can be more proper persons than those, whoby divine institution are entrusted with the con- tributions of the church. Yet in most of these affairs it is neces- sary to advise with the pastor, and with the whole church, and in every important matter to take their direction ; for the deacons are but stewards, and not proprietors or possessors of thechurch's treasure, nor are they lords of the temporal things relating to the church. ii. The reason of their institution, which is to assist the ministers or elders of the church in the care of all those things, which if devolved entirely upon the elders, would hinder them from their proper business, viz. the wordand prayer. The apos- tles, who were the elders and rulers 1f the church at Jerusalem at that season, managed the affairs of collection and distribution at first. Acts iv. 35. a The disciples brought the money and laid it downat the apostles' feet, and there was a distribution to There is a very good discourse on this subject, viz. " The Maintenance of a Christian Ministry," publiàhedby Mr, DavidRecs.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=