CHAPTER XIV

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ST. STEPHEN AND THE EVOLUTION OF THE CHRISTIAN MINISTRY.

ACTS vi. 5, 6; 8-11.

The Seven were Scriptural--Origin of Diaconate--Bishop Lightfoot's View--Influence of the Synagogue upon the Church--Illustrated by Marcionites--And by Pilgrim Fathers in New England--Constitution of Synagogues-- Jewish Almoners or Deacons--Evidence to Diaconate of Apostolic Fathers--Of Pliny--Of Irenæus--Connection of Community of Goods with the Eucharist--Poor Law among Jews--And Christians--Testimony of Lucian-- Christianity Viewed from the Outside--Difference between Ancient and Modern Office--Life-long Diaconate in Ancient Celtic Church--St. Patrick's Father--Election of Deacons in the Synagogues-- Imposition of Hands and Ordination--Names of Deacons and Nicolas of Antioch--St. Stephen and the Charge of Blasphemy--Every True Teacher must expect Misrepresentation 268-292

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