The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

YET did not the Apostles hereon utterly forgo the care of providing for the Poor which being originally committed unto them by Jesus Christ, they would not divest themselves wholly of it. But by the Direction of the Holy Ghost they provided such assistance in the Work, as that for the future it might require no more of their time or pains but what they should spare from their principal Employment. And the same care is still incumbent on the ordinary Pastors and Elders of the Churches, so far as the execution of it doth not interfere with their principal Work and Duty, from which those who understand it aright, can spare but little of their time and strength.

HEREON the Apostles, by the Authority of Christ and direction of the Holy Spirit, under whose Infallible Guidance they were in all the general concernments of the Church, Instituted the Office of Deacons, for the discharge of this necessary and important Duty in the Church, which they could not attend unto themselves. And whereas the Lord Christ had in an especial manner committed the care of the Poor unto the Disciples, there was now a declaration of his Mind and Will, in what way and by what means he would have them provided for.

AND it was the Institution of a new Office, and not a present supply in a Work of Business which they designed. For the limitation of an especial Ecclesiastical Work, with the Designation of Persons unto that Work, with Authority for the discharge of it, (set over this business) with a separation unto it, do completely constitute an Office, nor is there any thing more required thereunto.

AND it was the Institution of a new Office, and not a present supply in a Work of Business which they designed. For the limitation of an especial Ecclesiastical Work, with the Designation of Persons unto that Work, with Authority for the discharge of it, (set over this business) with a separation unto it, do compleatly constitute an Office, nor is there any thing more required thereunto.