The true nature of a Gospel church and its government

1. WHAT is the meaning of the Apostle, where he affirms, that the Deacons in the Discharge of their Office, [Greek or Hebrew], 1 Tim. 3.13. Do purchase or procure unto themselves a good Degree. [Greek or Hebrew] is a Step, a Degree, a Seat a little Exalted, and Metaphorically it is applied to denote Dignity and Authority. This good Degree, which Deacons may obtain, is in the judgment of most the Office of Presbytery. This they shall be promoted unto in the Church. From Deacons they shall be made Presbyters. I cannot comply with this Interpretation of the Words. For, (1.) The Office of Presbytery is called [Greek or Hebrew], a good Work, no where [Greek or Hebrew], a good Degree. (2.) The difference between a Deacon and a Presbyter is not in Degree, but in Order. A Deacon made a Presbyter is not advanced unto a further Degree in his own Order; but leaves it for another. (3.) The diligent discharge of the Work of a Deacon, is not a due preparation for the Office of the Presbytery, but an hinderance of it; for it lies wholly in the providing and disposal of Earthly things, in a serving of the Tables of the Church, and those private of the Poor: But preparation for the Ministry consists in a Mans giving himself unto Study, Prayer and Meditation.

1. WHAT is the meaning of the Apostle, where he affirms, that the Deacons in the Discharge of their Office, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, 1 Tim. 3.13. Do purchase or procure unto themselves a good Degree. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 is a Step, a Degree, a Seat a little Exalted, and Metaphorically it is applied to denote Dignity and Authority. This good Degree, which Deacons may obtain, is in the judgment of most the Office of Presbytery. This they shall be promoted unto in the Church. From Deacons they shall be made Presbyters. I cannot comply with this Interpretation of the Words. For, (1.) The Office of Presbytery is called 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, a good Work, no where 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, a good Degree. (2.) The difference between a Deacon and a Presbyter is not in Degree, but in Order. A Deacon made a Presbyter is not advanced unto a further Degree in his own Order; but leaves it for another. (3.) The diligent discharge of the Work of a Deacon, is not a due preparation for the Office of the Presbytery, but an hinderance of it; for it lies wholly in the providing and disposal of Earthly things, in a serving of the Tables of the Church, and those private of the Poor: But preparation for the Ministry consists in a Mans giving himself unto Study, Prayer and Meditation.