was multiplied, they, by the direction of the twelve, chose seven deacons, whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them: and the business over which they were appointed was to distribute what was given to the poor. They assisted likewise in preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and baptizing those that believed in the name of Jesus Christ.

1

Afterwards, the apostles having preached the word in many cities, and confirmed the souls of the disciples, they ordained the elders in every church. And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. And so were the Churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

2 These elders of the Church were made overseers over the flock by the Holy Ghost, and their business was to feed the Church of God. Some of which, by the laying on of the hands of the apostles, were appointed to ordain more elders, and to set in order the things that were wanting in every city, as there was occasion, and these were in a more peculiar manner styled bishops.

3

To those bishops did the apostles likewise give in charge that they should appoint others to use the office of a deacon; being first proved and found blameless.

4 The Lord gave the word, great was the company of those that published it.

5

Thus was the Church of the living God established, which is the pillar and ground of the

31 Tim. iii. 10.

2 Acts xx.

4 Psal.

Acts xvi. 4, 5.

1 Acts xiv. 14. 25. 21, 22, 23. 17. 28. 2 Tim. i. 6. Titus i. 5.

truth: the Church that was built by Christ upon a rock; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

CHRIST SHALL JUDGE THE WORLD.

1 I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.

2 The same Jesus, who was taken up from his disciples into heaven, shall so come in like manner as he was seen by them to go into heaven. And he shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing.

3 God hath appointed a day in the which he will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad; in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to his gospel.

5 Then shall the Son of man come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him. The Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and before him shall be gathered all nations.

6

• Behold he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him; and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.

1

All that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth. And the dead, both small and great, shall stand before God; and the books shall be opened, and the dead shall be judged out of those things which are written in the books, according to their works.

2 As Christ hath once appeared, to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself; so unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time, without sin unto salvation. But in that day shall those that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his

power.

3

There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens being on fire, shall be dissolved, and shall pass away with a great noise; and the elements shall melt with fervent heat; the earth also, and the works that are therein, shall be burnt up; nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

4

This is that glorious appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, which we look for; but of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, the angels in heaven, but the Father only.

not

1 John v. 28, 29. Rev. xx. 12.

i. 10. 8, 9.

Matt. xxiv. 36.

2 Heb. ix. 26. 28. 2 Thess. 4 Titus ii. 13.

3 2 Pet. iii. 3, 4. 10. 12. 10. 13.

FATHER, SON, AND HOLY GHOST, ARE ONE GOD.

1

Though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many) yet to us there is but one God the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him; and one Spirit, by whom, through Christ, we have access unto the Father.

2 There are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these three are one.

As the Father sent the Son, so when he went away, he sent the Comforter from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father; whom the Father sent in the name of his Son; and who is likewise the Spirit of his Son.

4 All nations are taught and baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.

5

Those that are called to be saints are elect, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ.

In Christ we are built together for an habitation of God, through the Spirit.

7 And the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, will be with all the saints.

THE STATE OF MAN BY REDEMPTION.

WITH RESPECT TO KNOWLEDGE.

1 God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath now shined in our hearts; and called us out of darkness into his marvellous light. For we that before had our understanding darkened, and were alienated from the life of God, through the ignorance that was in us, have now received the knowledge of the truth. Unto us it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.

2 Now is made manifest to all nations the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, even the hidden wisdom of God, which he ordained before the world unto our glory, and which none of the princes of this world knew. For now we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and be in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

3 The times of ignorance God winked at, but now he commandeth all men every where to repent; because the day-spring from on high hath visited us, to give light to them that sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death; to give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins; and to guide our feet into the way of peace.