derive superior advantages, on account of their supposed claims.

The Christian graces required in the Deacon, clearly show, however, that he was not intended, merely, as "a servant of tables." And the eloquent piety of Stephen, and the devoted zeal of Philip, prove, that the Deacons were quickly called to a higher sphere of duty, in spreading the Church of Christ. In fact, we find the three orders, Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, very soon recognized by the early writers. Ignatius, himself Bishop of Antioch in Syria, who was ordained A.D. 69, one year before the destruction of Jerusalem; and who (as Chrysostom relates) conversed familiarly with the Apostles-This Ignatius (when condemned to be torn in pieces by wild beasts, for his stedfastness in the faith) writes thus: "study to do all things in Divine concord under your Bishop, presiding in the place of God: and the Presbyters, in the place of the Apostolical Senate: and the Deacons, most dear to me, as those

to whom is committed the ministry of Jesus Christ."

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Having seen, from the narration given in the Scripture, as well as from contemporary history, what the office of the Deacons was, let us now proceed to observe the rules laid down by St. Paul, for their conduct; and learn the sanctity of character, which they were required to attain. Likewise, must the Deacons be grave" although tender in years, a chastised sobriety of manners, seriousness of mind, and true piety of heart, were expected of them. A behaviour, entirely consistent with the sacred embassy in which they were engaged, must ever be preserved by them. They must be like men, who had the world behind their back, and Heaven always before their eyes.

They must not be "double-tongued." Compelled to mix in the world, they must be careful not to appear, one thing before this man and this party; and another, before a different company. They must

not be found assenting to opinions, or concealing truths, on some occasions, which they were ready to deny, or to avow, (as a false prudence might seem to dictate,) under other circumstances. On the con

trary, a simplicity of heart, and corresponding uniformity of deportment, must pervade the young, but devoted, minister of Christ Jesus.

As Temperance, of the strictest nature, was enjoined on the Presbyter, so also must the Deacon abstain from the free use of wine. Let the Law of the Jew, shame the self-indulgent Christian minister. Who is he, that, heated with the fumes of a late revel, or stupified with protracted sittings over his liquor, dares to pollute the sanctuary, with his unholy presence and touch! "And the Lord spake unto Aaron, saying Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the tabernacle of the congregation; lest ye die. It shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations: and that ye may put a

difference between holy and unholy, and between clean and unclean 1."

1

"Not greedy of filthy lucre." The love of money in a young man, is a vice most unnatural; and can only be compared with vanity in the aged. But, in whatever manner the character is likely to be injured, let the Deacons, let those who are preparing to present themselves for this service, be on their guard in all dealings in money, on the right hand and on the left.

They must "hold the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience." Those inestimable truths, of pardon, and grace, and salvation, and joy, and peace in the Holy Ghost, have hitherto been, in part, concealed, and been "a mystery." Let them now clearly understand these, themselves, and unfold them to others; and cherish them, in a conscience purified by the Spirit of God, from the corruptions of a deluding world.

"Let these also first be proved." The

1 Lev. x. 9.

And

original expression refers to the trial of metals, and precious stones; and to the scrutiny, exercised by the expert eye of the trader, whether the articles in question be worth anything, or be counterfeits. It was also, we may remark, the custom, in the Primitive Church, to publish the names of candidates for the ministry, openly in the congregation; that, if any were not found free from public censure, they might be at once rejected. when we consider the inconceivable risk which is incurred (as by an ignorant pilot in a storm) by any unworthy minister, putting forth his hand to lay hold on the sacred things; how many souls may be saved, or may perish, according to his fidelity, we must acknowledge, that it is as great a mercy to himself, as to those immortal souls for whom he would, otherwise, become responsible, to stay such an one, and to give him warning-" Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter."

The Apostle, then, proceeds to insist on