A53732:589
The true nature of a Gospel church and its government
The true nature of a Gospel church and its government ... by the late pious and learned minister of the Gospel, John Owen ...
London: printed for William Marshall, 1689
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
CHAP. IX. of DEACONS.
THE Original Institution, Nature and Use of the Office of Deacons in the Church, are so well known, as that we need not much insist upon them. Nor shall I treat of the Name which is common unto any kind of Ministry Civil or Sacred; but speak of it as it is appropriated unto that especial Work for which this Office was ordained.
THE Original Institution, Nature and Vse of the Office of Deacons in the Church, are so well known, as that we need not much insist upon them. Nor shall I treat of the Name which is common unto any kind of Ministry Civil or Sacred; but speak of it as it is appropriated unto that especial Work for which this Office was ordained.
The remote foundation of it lieth in that of our Saviour, The poor you have always with you, Joh. 12.8. He doth not only foretell, That such there should be in the Church, but recommends the care of them who should be so, unto the Church. For he maketh use of the words of the Law, Deut. 15.11. For the poor shall never cease out of the Land; therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thy hand wide unto thy Brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy. This Legal Institution, founded in the Law of Nature, doth the Lord Christ by his Authority transfer and translate unto the use of Gospel Churches among his Disciples.
The remote foundation of it lieth in that of our Saviour, The poor you have always with you,