Verse 1
O that with ancient harmony
Pastors and flock might still combine,
In choice of officers agree,
Of servants for the work divine,
Pursue the Apostolic plan;
The church present, the priest ordain!

Verse 2
The people should look out and find
Not children weak, but solid men,
Whose judgment and experience join’d
Throughout their spotless life is seen,
Men from among themselves alone,
Whose birth and welk to all are known.

Verse 3
Not of a blemish’d character
The sacred candidates should be,
But irreproachably sincere,
Adorn’d with genuine piety,
Fill’d by the Spirit of holiness,
And led by him in all their ways.

Verse 4
But piety cannot suffice,
Unless both gifts and graces meet;
The deacons should be grave and wise,
Prudent, deliberate, and discreet,
Appointed, when their trial’s past,
By Apostolic hands at last.

Verse 5
Ordain’d to long laborious pain,
They then their one great work fulfil,
Tend the poor sinsick souls of men,
Exert their utmost strength and skill,
Themselves the least and meanest call,
Servants and ministers of all.