...3. There were also three Deacons, or Almoners, on whom was the care of the poor; and these were called Parnasim, or Pastors. And these seven perhaps were reputed 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The seven good men of the City, of whom there is frequent remem∣brance in the Talmudists.
Of these Parnasim we shall only produce these things. There were two, who de∣manded alms of the Towns men; and they were called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The two collectors of Alms. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 To whom was added a third to distribute it.
R. Chelbo in the name of R. Ba Bar Zabda saith, They do not make fewer than three Parnasin. For I see the judgments about many matters to be managed by three, therefore much more these, which concern life. R. Josi in the name of R. Jochanan saith, They do not make two brethren Parnasim. R. Josi went to Chephar, intending there to set Parnasim over them, but they received him not. He went away, after he had said these words before them, Ben Bebai was only set over the threeded (linnen of the Lamps) and yet he was reckoned worthy to be numbred with the eminent men of that age. (See Shekalim Chap. 5.) Ye who are set over the lives of men, how much more are ye so? R. Chaggai, when he appointed the Parnasin, argued to them out of the Law, all dominion that is given, is given from the Law. By me Kings reign. R. Chaiia bar Ba 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 set 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Rulers over them, that is, he appointed Parnasin. R. Lazar was a Parnas.
This perhaps holds out a light to those words of the Aposte, 1 Tim. III. 13. They that have performed the office of a Deacon well, have obtained to themselves a good degree: that is, being faithful in their care, and provision for the poor, as to their corporal life, they may well be Probationers for the care of Souls. For when those Parnasin, as also all the Ten, were learned and studious, they might with good reason be preferred from the care of Bodies to that of Souls. The Apostles Deacons are to be reckoned also of the same Learned and Studious rank. And now let us turn our Eyes a little from the Synagogues to Christian Churches in the history of the New Testament. When the Romans permit∣ted the Jewish Synagogues to use their own laws, and proper government▪ why, I pray, should there not be the same toleration allowed to the Apostolical Churches? The