Concerning the DEACONS: Of the origin and institution of their office we may read in the sixth chapter of the Acts: where we find that the Apostles themselves did in the beginning serve the poor; for at their feet was brought the price of the things that were sold, and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. But afterwards, when a murmuring arose, because the widows of the Grecians were neglected in the daily ministration, men were chosen by the advice of the Apostles, who should make the service of the poor their peculiar business: to the end that the Apostles might continually give themselves to prayer, and to the Ministry of the Word. And this has been continued from that time forward in the Church; as appears from Romans xii., where the Apostle, speaking of this office, saith: "He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity." And speaking of "helps," he means those who are appointed in the Church to help and assist the poor and indigent in time of need.

From these passages we may easily gather what the Deacons' office is. In the first place, it is their duty to collect and preserve with the greatest fidelity and diligence the alms which are given to the poor, and

that they endeavour that sufficient means be provided for the same. The second part of their office consists in distribution: wherein not only is godly discretion required, to bestow the alms only on the proper objects of charity, but also cheerfulness and simplicity, to assist the poor with becoming sympathy, hearty affection, and also with comfortable words from Scripture-all which the Apostle requires when speaking of the duties of this office.

To the end, therefore, beloved brethren

that

every one may hear that you are willing to take your respective offices upon you, ye shall answer to the following questions:

O you believe the Scriptures of the Old and New

"D°

Testaments to be the Word of God, the only

infallible rule of faith and practice?

Do you sincerely receive and adopt the Confession of Faith of this Church, as containing the system of doctrine taught in the Holy Scriptures?

Do you approve of the government and discipline of the Presbyterian Church in these United States? Do you accept the office of ruling Elder [or Deacon, as the case may be] in this congregation,

and promise faithfully to perform all the duties thereof?

Do you promise to study the peace, unity, and purity of the Church?

"The Elder or Deacon elect having answered these questions in the affirmative, the Minister shall address to the members of the Church the following question:

"D°

you,

the members of this Church, acknowledge

and receive this brother as a ruling Elder [or Deacon], and do you promise to yield him all that honour, encouragement, and obedience, in the Lord, to which his office, according to the Word of God, and the constitution of this Church, entitles him?

"The members of the Church having answered this question in the affirmative, by holding up their right hands, the Minister shall proceed to set apart the candidate, by prayer, to the office of ruling Elder, or Deacon, as the case may be."

Let us pray.

PRAYER.

0

LORD God, our Heavenly Father! we thank

Thee that it hath pleased Thee, for the better edification of Thy Church, to ordain in it, besides the Ministers of the Word, rulers and assistants, by

whom Thy Church may be preserved in peace and prosperity, and the indigent assisted; and that Thou hast at present granted us, in this place, men who are of good report, and we hope endowed with Thy Spirit. We beseech Thee, replenish them more and more with such gifts as are necessary for them in their ministration: with the gifts of wisdom, courage, discretion, and benevolence; to the end that every one may, in his respective office, acquit himself as is becoming: The Elders, in taking diligent heed unto the doctrine and conversation, in keeping out the wolves from the sheep-fold of Thy beloved Son, and in admonishing and reproving disorderly persons. In like manner the Deacons, in carefully receiving, and liberally and prudently distributing the alms to the poor, and in comforting them with Thy holy Word. Give grace both to the Elders and to the Deacons, that they may persevere in their faithful labour, and never become weary by reason of any trouble, pain, or persecution of the world. Grant also Thy divine grace to this people over whom they are placed, that they may willingly submit themselves to the good exhortations of the Elders, counting them worthy of honour for their work's sake. Give also unto them

liberal hearts toward the poor, and to the poor grateful hearts toward those who help and serve them to the end that every one acquitting himself of his duty, Thy holy Name may thereby be magnified, and the kingdom of Thy Son Jesus Christ enlarged, in whose Name we conclude our prayer.

THE LORD'S PRAYER.

To be said by the Minister and People.

UR Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy

OUR

Name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil : For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. AMEN.

"The Minister, having set apart the candidate by prayer, shall give to him and to the congregation an exhortation suited to the occasion.

"Where there is an existing Session, it is proper that the members of that body, at the close of the service, and in the face of the congregation, take the newly-ordained Elder by the hand, saying in words to this purpose:

"WE

E give you the right hand of fellowship, to take part of this office with us."