The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 99

Scan transcription helps with searching and selection. Use the printed page above for exact spelling and punctuation.

THE SEVEN DEACONS 93 distribution of responsibilities. ''Be tliou for the people to Godward," Jetliro advised, "that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: and thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do." Jethro further advised that men be appointed to act as "rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens." These were to be "able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness." They were to "judge the people at all seasons," thus relieving Moses of the wearing responsibility of giving consideration to many minor matters that could be dealt with wisely by consecrated helpers. The time and strength of those who in the proyidence of God have been placed in leading positions of responsibility in the church, should be spent in dealing with the weightier matters demanding special isdom and largeness of heart. It is not in the der of God that such men should be appealed to for he adjustment of minor matters that others are well qualified to handle. "Every great matter they shall bring unto thee," Jethro proposed to Moses, "but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee. If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace." In harmony with this plan, "Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And they