Standard Confession · Chapter 19

Article 19

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1. That the poor Saints belonging to the Church of Christ, are to be sufficiently provided for by the Churches, that they neither want food or rayment, and this by a free and voluntary contribution, (and not of necessity, or by the constraint or power of the Magistrate)^a and this through the free and voluntary help of the Deacons, (called Overseers of the poor) being faithful men, chosen by the Church, and ordained by Prayer and Laying on of Hands, to that Work.^b So that there is no need in the Church of Christ, of a Magisterial compulsion in this case, as there is among others, who being, constituted in a fleshly and generational way, are necessitated to make use of a carnal sword, to compel even a small, mean, and short Maintenance for their poor; when as many other Members of their Churches can and do part with great and large Sums of Money, to maintain their vain fashions, Gold, Pearls, and costly Array; which is expresly contrary to the Word of God.^c Alas, what will such do when God riseth up, and when he visiteth, what will they answer him?^d

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