The Deaconship (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1842 Excerpt: ...pleasing to see the progress which such institutions have made, especially of late years; but much, may be done by the kind Christian deacon to extend their advantages yet more. He may throw out the suggestion and supply the necessary information, and afford facilities for enrolling the poor man and his family as contributors to the provident bank. There can be little question that the higher proportion of female servants above other classes, which avail themselves of the advantages of such institutions, is owing to the advice of intelligent and well-disposed masters and mistresses. Let the deacon occupy their place in regard to the great mass, who have no such considerate guardians. Nay more, let the deacons, in reference to the savings' bank, act upon the aggressive principle. Let him not content himself with mere advice; let it be part of his office regularly, from week to week, or month to month, to collect the savings of the working classes of his charge, especially where belonging to the same Christian congregation, and pay them into the bank. Let him, so to speak, become their agent and collector, and no one can tell the amount of good which, at a small but regular sacrifice of time and trouble, may be wrought out. This plan has been pursued at Manchester with the best advantage.--Vide Appendix. But even this does not exhaust the devices of a wise and benevolent deacon. Why should not the deaconship of every congregation have a Loan Fund, from which, on suitable recommendation and security, they might lend to the poorer classes? In cases of protracted sickness, or when there is any important object for which a little extra money is needed, such an institution would be of the highest advantage, often not only saving the poor man and his family from be...