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¹ Rebuke not an elder, but exhort him as a father, the younger men as brethren;² The elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity.

³ Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or grand children, let these learn first to shew piety at home,⁴ and to requite their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God.⁵ Now she that is a widow indeed and desolate, trusteth in God and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.⁶ But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.⁷ And enjoin these things, that they may be blameless.⁸ But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own family, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel.⁹ Let not a widow be chosen under threescore years old,¹⁰ having been the wife of one husband, Well reported of for good works, if she hath brought up children, if she hath lodged strangers, if she hath washed the feet of the saints, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work.¹¹ But the younger widows refuse; for when they are waxed wanton against Christ, they want to marry;¹² Having condemnation, because they have rejected their first faith.¹³ And withal they learn to be idle, going about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers and busy bodies, speaking what they ought not.¹⁴ I counsel therefore the younger women to marry, bear children, guide the family, give no occasion of reproach to the adversary.¹⁵ For some are already turned aside after Satan.¹⁶ If any believing man or woman hath widows, let them relieve them; and let not the church be burthened, that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

¹⁷ Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in the word and teaching.¹⁸ For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn: and, The labourer is worthy of his reward.¹⁹ Against an elder receive not an accusation, unless by two or three witnesses.²⁰ Those that sin, rebuke before all, that the rest may fear.²¹ I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without prejudging, doing nothing by partiality.²² Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither partake of other mens sins; keep thyself pure.²³ Drink water no longer, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thy frequent infirmities.²⁴ Some mens sins are manifest before-hand, going before to judgment: and some they follow after.²⁵ In like manner the good works also of some are manifest; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.