s_, 1 Cor. xii. 28, where the Apostle saith not, _helps in
governments_, as our new English translation corruptly readeth, but
_helps, governments_, &c. plainly putting governments for a different
order from helps or deacons. Of these elders(997) speaketh Ambrose,(998)
as Dr Fulk also understandeth him,(999) showing that with all nations
eldership is honourable; wherefore the synagogue also, and afterwards the
church, hath had some elders of the congregation, without whose council
and advice nothing was done in the church; and that he knew not by what
negligence this had grown out of use, except it had been by the
sluggishness of the teachers, or rather their pride, whilst they seemed to
themselves to be something, and so did arrogate the doing of all by
themselves.

Deacons were instituted by the apostles(1000) for collecting, receiving,
keeping, and distributing ecclesiastical goods, which were given and
dedicated for the maintenance of ministers, churches, schools, and for the
help and relief of the poor, the stranger, the sick, and the weak; also
for furnishing such things as are necessary to the ministration of the
sacrament.(1001) Besides which employments, the Scripture hath assigned
neither preaching, nor baptising, nor any other ecclesiastical function to
ordinary deacons.

_Propos._ 2. Princes, in their dominions, ought to procure and effect,
that there be never wanting men qualified and fit for those ecclesiastical
functions and charges which Christ hath ordained, and that such men only
be called, chosen, and set apart for the same.

There are two things contained in this proposition. 1. That princes ought
to procure that the church never want men qualified and gifted for the
work and service of the holy ministry, for which end and purpose they
ought to provide and maintain schools and colleges, entrusted and
committed to the rule and oversight of orthodox, learned, godly, faithful,
and diligent masters, that so qualified and able men may be still
furnished and sent to take care that the ministers of the church neither
want due reverence, 1 Tim. v. 17; Heb. xiii. 17, nor sufficient
maintenance, 1 Cor. ix., that so men be not scarred from the service of
the ministry, but rather encouraged unto the same, 2 Chron. xxxi. 4.

2. That princes ought also to take order and course, that well-qualified
men, and no others, be advanced and called to bear charge and office in
the church, for which purpose they should c