A discourse of the building, nature, excellency, and government of the house of God…

5. Another sort of Officers we have Deacons we call them, 'cause their work's to save ⟨p. 25⟩And distribute those Crumbs of Charity Unto the Poor, for their Subsistency, That contributed is for their relief, Which of their business is indeed the chief. These must be Grave, not of a double Tongue, Not given to Wine, not apt to do a Wrong Just Unto the Poor, through love to Lucre. In this their Office, Faithful to their Trust The Wife must answer here as Face doth Face; The Husband, fitness to his work and place, That ground of Scandal or of Jealousy Obstructs not proof that he most zealously Performs his Office well, for then shall he Be bold in Faith, and get a good degree Of Credit with the Church; yea what is more He shall possess the Blessings of the Poor.

5. Another sort of Officers we have Deacons we call them, 'cause their work's to save ⟨p. 25⟩And distribute those Crumbs of Charity Unto the Poor, for their Subsistency, That contributed is for their relief, Which of their bus'ness is indeed the chief. These must be Grave, not of a double Tongue, Not given to Wine, not apt to do a Wrong Jus• Unto the Poor, through love to Lucre. In this their Office, Faithful to their Trust The Wife must answer here as Face doth Face; The Husband, fitness to his work and place, That ground of Scandal or of Jealousie Obstructs not proof that he most zealously Performs his Office well, for then shall he Be bold in Faith, and get a good degree Of Credit with the Church; yea what is more He shall possess the Blessings of the Poor.

His Wisdom teach him will, to find out wh• Is poor of Idleness, and who comes to A low Estate by Sickness, Age, or 'cause The want of Limbs, or Sight, or work it was, That brought them to it; or such destiny As sometimes maketh low, who once were high▪