The onely thing that is spoken in that latin booke, touching the continuance of Deacons in the Churche, is this, that they are not mentioned in the fourth to the Ephe∣sians, and yet they may not be taken out of the Churche. In my Answere to the Admo∣nition, I saye that this parte of the office of a Deacon which consisteth in prouiding for the poore, is not so necessary nowe as it was in the Apostles tyme. My englyshe tongue agreeth very well with my latine tongue, for any sig∣nification of dissention that is here vttered. I am fully perswaded that the office of a Deacon is to be reteyned in the churche, for it is a degrée to the ministerie, which con∣sisteth in Preaching, Baptizing, and helping the ministers in other functions of the churche, as I haue shewed. But yet I saye that this parte of the office, whiche consi∣steth in prouiding for the poore, is not so necessary vnder a Christian prince, when better prouision is made, as it is vnder a Tyrant and in time of persecution. Ther∣fore I sing one and the selfe same song, but you would gladly espye out the contrary if it were possible.
To your allegation out of the sixte of Timothie, I haue answered fully: it is but a conceyte of yours whiche your selfe wyll mislike when you be better aduised.