VIII - Of the Deacons and their office, the last ordinary function in the Kirk

THE word Διάκονος sometimes is largely taken, comprehending all them that beare office in the Ministerie, and spirituall function in the Kirk.

But now, as we speake, it is taken onely for them, unto whom the collection and distribution of the almes of the faithfull and Ecclesiasticall goods doth belong.

The office of the Deacons so taken, is an ordinarie and perpetuall Ecclesiasticall function in the Kirk of Christ.

Of what properties and duties he ought to be that is called to this function, we remit it to the manifest Scriptures.

The Deacon ought to be called and elected, as the rest of the spirituall Officers, of the which election was spoken before.

Their office and power is to receive, and to distribute the whole Ecclesiasticall goods unto them, to whom they are appointed.

This they ought to doe according to the judgement, and appointment of the Presbyteries, or Elderships (of the which the Deacons are not) that the patrimony of the Kirk and poore, be not converted to private mens uses, nor wrongfully distribute.