Qualifications for Overseers
(Titus 1:5–9; 1 Peter 5:1–4)

1He that aspires to be a bishop, desires an office that is honourable. 2a bishop therefore ought to be of an unspotted character, to have but one wife, to be sober, prudent, grave, hospitable, and qualified for teaching: 3not given to wine or violence, but of a gentle temper, averse to contention and avarice: a master of economy, 4obliging his children to behave with decorum. 5for if a man is incapable of governing his own family, how can he take care of the church of God? 6nor must he be a new convert; for fear he should be elated with pride, and so involve himself in the same ruin as the devil. 7besides, he ought to stand fair in the opinion of unbelievers, lest he fall into disgrace, and the ambushes of the accuser.

Qualifications for Deacons
(Acts 6:1–7)

8The deacons too must be grave, not double tongued, not addicted to drinking, or sordid gain, 9but by their integrity maintain the reverence due to the gospel. 10let them be first examin'd, and if they are without reproach, let them enter upon their office. 11their wives must be likewise grave, free from scandal, sober, and always faithful. 12a deacon must have but one wife, and govern his children, and the rest of the family in a proper manner. 13for they who duly discharge that office, prepare their way to a higher degree, and may promote the christian faith with the greater freedom.

The Mystery of Godliness

14This I write, tho' I hope to make you a visit in a little time, that in case I am retarded, 15you may know how to conduct yourself in the house of God, that is, in the church of the true God.

16the mystery of piety is the pillar and basts of truth; and certainly most extraordinary. God has appear'd in the flesh, been justified by the spirit, seen by angels, proclaim'd to the Gentiles, believ'd by the world, and assum'd into glory.