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¹ He that aspires to be a bishop, desires an office that is honourable. ² a bishop therefore ought to be of an unspotted character, to have but one wife, to be sober, prudent, grave, hospitable, and qualified for teaching: ³ not given to wine or violence, but of a gentle temper, averse to contention and avarice: a master of economy, ⁴ obliging his children to behave with decorum. ⁵ for if a man is incapable of governing his own family, how can he take care of the church of God? ⁶ nor must he be a new convert; for fear he should be elated with pride, and so involve himself in the same ruin as the devil. ⁷ besides, he ought to stand fair in the opinion of unbelievers, lest he fall into disgrace, and the ambushes of the accuser.

⁸ The deacons too must be grave, not double tongued, not addicted to drinking, or sordid gain, ⁹ but by their integrity maintain the reverence due to the gospel. ¹⁰ let them be first examin'd, and if they are without reproach, let them enter upon their office. ¹¹ their wives must be likewise grave, free from scandal, sober, and always faithful. ¹² a deacon must have but one wife, and govern his children, and the rest of the family in a proper manner. ¹³ for they who duly discharge that office, prepare their way to a higher degree, and may promote the christian faith with the greater freedom.

¹⁴ This I write, tho' I hope to make you a visit in a little time, that in case I am retarded, ¹⁵ you may know how to conduct yourself in the house of God, that is, in the church of the true God. ¹⁶ the mystery of piety is the pillar and basts of truth; and certainly most extraordinary. God has appear'd in the flesh, been justified by the spirit, seen by angels, proclaim'd to the Gentiles, believ'd by the world, and assum'd into glory.