N01348:83
A treatise I. Of faith. II. Twelve fundamental articles of Christian religion. III. A…
A treatise I. Of faith. II. Twelve fundamental articles of Christian religion. III. A doctrinal conclusion. IV. Questions and answers upon church-government. Taken from written copies long since delivered by the late Reverend Mr. John Cotton, teacher of the First Church in Boston, in New-England.
Boston: printed by Bartholemew Green?, 1713
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Part 4: Questions and Answers upon CHURCH-GOVERNMENT: By Mr. John Cotton. Begun 25.11 m. 1634.
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.
Q. But is it not also the Deacons Office to […] mercy with cheerfulness?
Q. But is it not also the Deacons Office to 〈…〉 mercy with chearfulness?
A. Yes verily, to their Brethren in Misery; but that part of their Office, they chiefly perform by the hand of the Widows, which are Chosen into their number, who are therefore called Deaconess, or Servant of the Church, Rom 12.8 Mic 7.18
Q. What manner of Widows hath God allowed to be Chosen into this number?
A. Ancient Women, of Sixty Years of Age, well reported of for good works, for nursing their Children, lodging Strangers, washing the Saints Feet, for Relieving the Afflicted, and following diligently every good work, 1 Tim 5.9, 10 Rom 6.