The Table of Duties
Various passages for all kinds of holy orders and estates with which to admonish Christians, each with his own lesson, concerning their duty and service
Bishops, Pastors & Preachers
A bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence; not a novice; one who holds fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict (1 Tim. 3[:2-4, 6a; Titus 1:9]).
Secular Authorities
Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil (Rom. 13[:1-4]).
Husbands
Husbands, dwell with your wives with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered (1 Pet. 3[:7]). And do not be bitter toward them (Col. 3[:19]).
Wives
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror (1 Pet. [3:6; Eph. 5:22]).
Parents
Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, lest they become discouraged, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord (Eph. 6[:4; Col. 3:21]).
Children
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth” (Eph. 6[:1-3]).
Servants, Maids, Hired Hands & Workers, etc.
Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ; not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with goodwill doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free [(Eph. 6:5-8)].
Household Masters & Mistresses
Masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in heaven, and there is no partiality with Him (Eph. 6[:9]).
The Youth in General
You younger people, submit yourselves to your elders, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time (1 Pet. 5[:5-6]).
Widows
Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives (1 Tim. 5[:5-6]).
All in Common
All the commandments are summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Rom. 13[:9]). Persevere in prayer for all men (1 Tim. 2[:1]).
Let each his lesson learn with care,
And all the household well shall fare.