Acts 6

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. VI.—It is hard to manage much business without much inconvenience, and even some reflections. But it is shameful that money matters should occasion discontents among church members, who are otherwise of one heart and soul. And, to prevent this, it becomes us to use the strictest impartiality in the management of the money, and all other matters, of churches or states. It is a great sin and reproach to many Christian congregations that the office of deacons, so clearly appointed in scripture, should be so much condemned. And it is necessary that every church officer be intelligent, pious, and prudent; and that church members be always required to choose their own officers, small or great. No patrons or presbyteries can pretend more fitness to choose for others, than the inspired apostles, who refused it. It is dangerous and awful when Ministers give themselves to idle chat, unprofitable reading, unnecessary sleep, or civil business, instead of their important ministrations and fervent prayer. But, when gospel ministers are faithful and diligent, God often works by them miracles of grace in the conversion of sinners, even of profane clergymen, whose spiritual case is peculiarly desperate. But, alas, how maliciously carnal men set themselves against Christ and his gospel, and readily charge its peculiar doctrines with blasphemy; and none are more apt to be inveterate enemies of truth than empty professors. No spirit of wisdom, no miracles can move those, who, instead of scripture and reason, fly to calumny and violence, and who can falsely witness, or suborn others so to do, against those whom God signally owns and honours. 11 Y