OF BISHOPS, PASTORS AND PREACHERS. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; not a novice. Holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers. 1 Tim. iii. 2-6; Titus i. 9. WHAT HEARERS OWE TO THEIR BISHOPS. Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel, 1 Cor. ix. 14. Let him that is taught in the word, communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things, Gal. vi. 6. Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine. For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn, and the laborer is worthy of his reward, 1 Tim. v. 17, 18. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you, Heb. xiii. 17. OF CIVIL GOVERNMENTS. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of Ĝod: Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. For he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil, Rom. xiii. 1–4. WHAT CITIZENS OWE TO MAGISTRATES. Render therefore unto Cæsar the things that are Cæsar's, Matt. xxii. 21. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. Wherefore ye must needs be subject not only for wrath, but also for conscience' sake. For, for this cause pay you tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor, Rom. xiii. 1-7. I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men: for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, 1 Tim. ii. 1-3. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, Titus iii. 1. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake; whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto goverr ors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well, 1 Peter ii. OF HUSBANDS. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered, 1 Peter iii. 7. Husbands love your wives, and be not bitter against them, Col. iii. 19. OF WIVES. Likewise, ye wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord, Eph. v. 22. Even as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord; whose daughters ye are as long as ye do.well, and are not afraid with any amazement, 1 Peter iii. 6. OF PARENTS. And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Eph. vi. 4. OF CHILDREN. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor thy father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise, that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. Eph vi. 1-3. OF MAN-SERVANTS, MAID-SERVANTS, DAYLABORERS, AND OTHER WORKMEN. Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; not with eye-service, as menpleasers, but as the servants of Christ doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. Eph. vi. 5-8. OF MASTERS AND MISTRESSES. And ye masters do the same thing unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with Him. Eph. vi. 9. OF YOUTH IN GENERAL. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time, 1 Peter v. 5, 6. OF WIDOWS. Now she that is a widow indeed, and deso late, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth, 1 Tim. v. 5, 6. OF CHRISTIANS IN GENERAL. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. In this saying is comprehended the whole law, Rom. xiii. 9. Let supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made |