Therefore the ranks or orders were distinguished, not by empty titles, but according to certain duties that belonged to the ministry of the church. The bishop taught the Word of God and had charge of the church's discipline. The presbyters taught and administered the sacraments. The deacons were in charge of the treasuries of the church, in order from them to provide sustenance to the poor and in particular for the ministers of the church. -- Martin Chemnitz, Examen II:686,687
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