The Gospel Ministers Maintenance Vindicated, Section 2

The Gospel Ministers Maintenance Vindicated · Section 2

p. 13The Goſpel Miniſter's Maintenance Vindicated.

AND indeed, it ſeems to us a thing Grievous as well as Strange, that any People ſhould be ſo be clouded in their Underſtandings, as in the leaſtp. 14to doubt, whether it be Duty or no… that the Church ſhould allow a Mee… and Due Maintenance, to their Faithful Paſtors and Teachers: Yet, w… hear there are not only ſome who hav… doubts about it, but others, who ſee… to Object, and ſtiffly argue againſt i… as if it were Unlawful, if not Antichriſtian, for Miniſters to receive … Yearly, or Quarterly Allowance from the Churches, amongſt whom they are placed, and imployed as Labourers; which Conceit cannot be without its ſad Effects and Conſequences▪ and if they are not convinced o… this Miſtake and Error the ſooner may in a little time appear to the mor… palpable Detriment, and Prejudice o… the Goſpel, and Reproach of Profeſſion, which is indeed too Viſible or Manifeſt already; therefore are we ſtirred up in Love, to Chriſt and his Bleſſed Intereſt, and as a Prevention of th… Evil and Danger threatned, upon th… Account of this Defect and Remiſne… of Duty, to Write this ſhort Treatiſe.

p. 15Our main Buſineſs at this time, is not only to Aſſert the Miniſter's Maintenance to be an Inſtitution of Chriſt; but alſo, to prove it ſo to be, and that to with-hold it from them by a Church, who is able comfortably to provide for them, is a great and crying Sin, and will be attended (we fear unleſs prevented by an unfeigned Repentance and Reformation) with ſevere Judgment from the Holy God, who will not always bear with the Ignorant, much leſs, the willful neglect of his own Holy Law, contained ſo expreſly in his ſacred Word, and that we may do this the more effectually, we ſhall in the firſt place cite thoſe Scriptures, upon which we ground the Truth of what we Aſſert and Plead …or.

Matt. 10.9,10. Provide neither Gold, …r Silver, nor Braſs in your Purſes—…r Scrip for your Journey, neither Two …ats, neither Shoes, nor Staves, for the …ork-man is Worthy of his Meat.

p. 161 Tim. 5.17. Let the Elders who Rul… well be accounted worthy of double Honor… eſpecially they who labour in the Word and Doctrine. For the Scripture ſaith, Thou ſhalt not muzzle the Mouth of the Ox that treadeth cut the Corn, for the Labourer is worthy of his Reward.

Gal. 6.6. Let him that is taught in the Word, communicate to him that teacheth him in all good Things; be not deceived, God is not mecked, for what a Man ſoweth, that ſhall he reap. v. 7.

1 Cor. 9.7. Who goeth a warfare at any time at his own Charge? Who planted a Vineyard, and eaterh not of the Fruit thereof? Who feedeth a Flock, and eateth not of the Milk of the Flock? v. 9. Is it not written in the Law of Moſes▪ Thou ſhalt not muzzle the Mouth of the Ox that treadeth out the Corn, doth God take Care for Oxen? v. 10. Or ſaith … it altogether for our ſakes? For ou… ſakes no doubt, this is Written, That h… that Ploweth, ſhall Plow in Hope; and he which Thraſheth in Hope, ſhall be mad… partaker of his Hope. V. 11. If we hav… p. 17Sown unto you Spiritual Things, is it a great Thing, if we ſhall Reap your Carnal Things? v. 13. Do not you know, that they which Miniſter about Holy Things, Live of the Things of the Temple; and they that wait at the Altar, are partakers with the Altar. v. 14. Even ſo hath the Lord ordained, that they which Preach …he Goſpel, ſhould live of the Goſpel.

We will Appeal to all Mens Conſciences in the Fear of God, whether …here is any Duty lies more clear and …vident in expreſs Words in the Holy …cripture than this doth; and yet how …trangly are ſome good Chriſtians at a …oſs about it, and are hardly brought …o receive it as an indiſpenſable Duty, …r elſe to a Faithful Diſcharge of their Duty herein. Our Work is before us, we ſhall therefore proceed, to open (as …he Lord may help us,) the Mind of God in theſe places of Holy Scripture, …nd give you the Senſe of them. Firſt, … appears that as ſoon as ever our bleſſed …aviour ſent forth his Miniſters to Preach … Goſpel, as we have ſhewed. Matt. 10.p. 187,8,9,10. He Diſcovered this part of … Will and Pleaſure. i. e. That they ſhou… not ſpend, or waſte their own Subſtan… they are forbid to take either Gold … Silver, &c. which Words clearly i… timate, they might have both Go… and Silver, and more Coats, and Sho… too; but they were not to take the… with them, in their Journey, bein… ſent forth to Preach the Kingdom … God.

Obj. But ſome poſſibly may Object … was but a temporary Precept, being … Will of God concerning them, for that ſh… Journey at that time.

Anſw. We Anſwer, it ſeemeth to … manifeſtly to declare the abſolute W… and Pleaſure of Chriſt, that his Fai… ful Labourers ſhould be provided for the People with all things Neceſſar… appertaining to this Life, and not of then, but alſo, in all ſucceeding A… and we find our Worthy Annotators … directly agree with us herein, th… may be, ſome things contained in th… place might be temporary: Take wh… p. 19our late Annotators ſay upon this Text, Continuation of Mr. Poole's Annotations.Our Saviour deſigned to give them (ſaith he) an Experience of the Providence of God, and to teach …em to truſt in it; as alſo, to teach People that the Labourer is worthy of his hire, and that God expecteth, that his Miniſters ſhould not live of their own, but upon the Alter, 1 which they ſerv'd; ſo as at once … taught his Diſciples not to he Covetous, … overmuch Sollicitous, and the People … provide for thoſe who Miniſtred to them … things Spiritual. Beſides thoſe other abſolute Precepts of like Nature, gi…en forth by the Spirit of Chriſt in the Apoſtles, contained in ſeveral Epiſtles, …o ſufficiently prove this to be the Mind …nd Intention of our Saviour in this place

Secondly, That we may put … out of all doubt, We ſhall now come to …ſider of the ſacred Appointment of God … this Matter: If it appear to be no…ing leſs, nor more, than what the …ord has Ordained, viz. That his …ervants who are called forth to Preach p. 20the Goſpel and take Care of his Churc… es, ſhould have a fit and ſuitable Ma… tenance (according as the State an… Ability of the Churches may be, … whom they belong, and whoſe Servan… they are) than we hope there is no… will object or argue againſt it any mor…

And that this is the Will, and Sacre… Appointment of the Lord, is very ev… dent in that fore-cited place. 1. Cor. … 14. and in divers others. Even ſo ha… the Lord ordained that they that Prea… the Goſpel, ſhould live of the Goſpel. Tru… the Lord hath not Ordained that … Servants and Miniſters under the G… ſpel ſhould have Tythes, or the Tent… of every Members increaſe, as he fo… merly appointed under the Law; ye… nevertheleſs he hath taken Care of the… and Ordained that they ſhould live of … Goſpel, not (unleſs Neceſſity requires… that they ſhould live on the Labor of th… Hands, in common with other Me… and pray obſerve, 'tis not ſaid … Church has Ordained it, nor we … Apoſtles have Ordained it; but … p. 21Lord hath Ordained it, or it is the Holy Appointment or Sacred Precept of Jeſus Chriſt, for the Support and Comfort of his Painful and Faithful Servants; he and his People have called forth to Preach his bleſſed Goſpel out ſome may yet ſay, how has he Ordained it.

Anſw. Pray obſerve, So hath the Lord Ordained, let us look a little back, and take notice of the Scope and Coherence of the place; the Apoſtle hath a Reference to what preceeds, Do ye not know, that they that Miniſter about Holy things, live of the things of the Temple; and they which wait at the Altar, are partakers with the Altar: So hath the Lord Ordained, &c. That is, as God had a Miniſtry under the Old Teſtament. Namely, the Prieſt of the Tribe of Levi; and he Ordained and Appointed a Comfortable Livelyhood … them, as Numb. 18.20. Deut. 10. … and 18.1. So as they needed not … Labor (as other Men) with their … to get Bread to eat; even ſo p. 22hath the Lord Ordained and appointed, that thoſe who Preach the Goſpe… ſhould have likewiſe a Comfortabl… Livelyhood or Maintenance now under this Diſpenſation, that they may be delivered from the Incumbrance… of this Life, and ſo not hindred o… obſtructed in their Holy and moſt Sacred Imployment, with ſecular Affairs. God's Will (ſaith our late Annotators) is the ſame, under the New Teſtament, that it was under the Old; i. e▪ It is not as to the People a matter of Liberty, ſo as they may chuſe whether they will maintain their Miniſters or no, there is an Ordinance of God in the Caſe, it is the Will of God, that thoſe who are taken off from Wordly Employments, and ſpend their time in the Study, and Preaching the Goſpel ſhould have a Livelyhood from their Labours.

This alſo agrees with what the ſame great Apoſtle ſaith, Gal. 6.6. Let him that is taught in the Word, Communicate to him that Teacheth in all good Things: Is not this think ye a Precept? Is not this directlyp. 23laid down, as other great and …diſpenſable Precepts and Duties are, …e Epheſ. 4.23. Let him that ſtole, ſteal … more; but rather, let him Labour with …s Hands: Let no corrupt Communicati… proceed out of your Mouths, &c. and …ain, Epheſ. 5.33.—Let every one of …u in particular ſo Love his Wife, &c. …ou can under no pretence avoid theſe …eat Duties; nor can you plead to be …cuſed; and pray doth not the ſame …oly Spirit, and ever bleſſed God, in…n and require you (in the ſame form … Speech) who are taught in the Word, … Communicate to him that Teacheth … all good Things. Shall ſuch who …ave always ſhewed much Zeal for the …red Ordinances and Inſtitutions of …us Chriſt, and plead for a Univerſal Obedience; juſtifie themſelves in the …eglect of ſo plain a Precept, Chriſt …h, then are ye my Friends, if you do …atſoever I have commanded you; pray … this great Ordinance then be thought …on, and have equal regard by you; … a Goſpel Inſtitution and Appointment p. 24of Jeſus Chriſt we argue fo… that ſo you may ſtand compleat in t… whole Will of God: You know what David ſaith, then I ſhall not be aſhamed whe… I have a reſpect to all thy Commandments▪ Let him that is taught in the Word, Communicate to him that teacheth in all good things, that is, every one according a… God hath bleſſed him with the good things of this World; God would no… have his Faithful Miniſters want any good thing to make their Lives comfortable to them;) if ſo be it be in the Power of thoſe who are taught to communicate it to them. The Precept (ſaith our late Annotators) is concerning th… Maintenance of Miniſters, which is fit… expreſſed by the Term Communicate… becauſe, as the People diſtribute to their Miniſters things Temporal, ſo the Miniſters diſtribute things Spiritual: The good things here mentioned are Temporal good things ſuch as may be Uſeful to the Teacher for t… uphold Himſelf and Family. The Tex… teacheth us, that it is the Will of God tha… Miniſters ſhould be maintained at th… p. 25Charge of the Church, to which they Adminiſter; and it is but an Act of Juſtice, for they do but Communicate Temporal things, to thoſe who Communicate to them much more valuable things: Be not deceived, God is not mocked, &c. The Apoſtle addeth this (ſaith our Annotators) to terrify thoſe who find out vain and falſe Excuſes to ſave their Purſes; he adviſeth them not to cheat themſelves, for tho they might deceive Men, yet they could not deceive the All-ſeeing, and Heart-ſearching God, &c.

Thirdly, But to proceed, Miniſters are commanded to attend wholly, upon their Sacred Calling in their Miniſtry, and are required not to contangle themſelves in the Affairs of this Life; for certainly, what Paul willeth Timothy to do in this reſpect, in him he requireth all Miniſters …o do the like; and altho' every Chriſtian in many reſpects may be compared to a Souldier, yet in this place, 2 Tim. 2.4. The Apoſtle only aludes to …hoſe in the Miniſtry, or ſuch who are …piritual Officers in Chriſt's Army, theyp. 26ought to take heed who go forth i… that Warfare, they intangle not themſelves with the affairs of this Life, i. … in Trades and Callings, which othe… Chriſtians are allowed to follow: and the reaſon is offered that they may pleaſ… him who hath choſen them to be Soldiers. And hence 'tis that the ſame Apoſtle in another place exhorts Timothy, and ſo all other Miniſters (who the Church calls forth to that great Work) to giv… himſelf up to Reading, to Exhortation, t… Doctrine, and to the Study of the Word… Meditate on theſe things (ſaith he) giv… thy ſelf wholly to them, that they profiting may appear to all.

Nothing, doubtleſs, but real neceſſity may diſpenſe with the contrary, h… whole time and ſtrength is little enough to be imployed in the Wor… and Service he is called to. Let th… things be the buſineſs of thy Thoughts, a… take care of them, be in them; ſo it is … the Greek (as our Annotators obſerv… Let them be thy whole Work. He m… ſaith one, give himſelf up to the Min… ſtryp. 27of the Word and Prayer, and continue in reading Meditation, &c. as a Man wholly devoted unto Goſpel Service; and is therefore by his Call to the Miniſtry ſecluded from thoſe ways and means of providing for his own Subſiſtance, as Trades and Secular Employments of others furniſh them with; that his Mind by the cares of Wordly Buſineſs may not be diverted from the Study of God's Word, and care of Souls, which the duty of his Station engageth him to. And if he may not expoſe himſelf to the careful Thoughts that accompany worldly Buſineſs, though tending to his Profit; certainly it is no way meet that he ſhould be left to conflict with the Thorny Cares of a neceſſitous Condition, whilſt thoſe he Miniſters …o, have means to prevent it: doubtleſs …he Holy God Ordained the Mini…ers Maintenance upon moſt weighty Grounds and Reaſons; ſome of which, …leſſed be His Name, he hath not …oncealed or hid from us; and this p. 28we ſay ſeem to us to be one among… the reſt, viz. That his Mind and Thought… might not be diverted from his Work wit… Earthly Things.

Fourthly, And not in reſpect of himſelf upon this account only, but alſo to prevent that occaſion of Scandal, that we ſee daily is ready to attend Men who follow Trades and Secular Employments in the World; for let Chriſtiann Men be never ſo careful and circumſpect in their Callings and Commerce with Men, we find by daily experience how ſubject they are to fall under the clamours of ſome ungodly and envious People, they lying in wait fo… their halting; and if it be a Miniſte… or Paſtor of a Church that is a Trading Perſon, be ſure they will (if … be poſſible) watch him ſo that he ſha… not eſcape their reproachful Tongu… though it be not in the leaſt deſerve… and hereby his Hands are not … ly made weak, but his Spirits a… grieved, and his Miniſtry made (th… unjuſtly) contemptible. We find … p. 29from hence very neceſſary, that the Paſtors of our Churches, and Teachers too if poſſible, ſhould be freed from all ſuch Inſnarements; and cannot but obſerve the Wiſdom of God in reſpect of His Holy Ordinance: i. e. in ordaining a Support and Livelyhood for His Servants another way, ſo that they might not be brought under Infamy and Reproach; and that thereby alſo the Word of God might the better Run and be Glorified. Theſe two Arguments we cannot but Judge are weighty, namely; 1. the work of the Miniſtry, eſpecially in the Hands of a Paſtor, being ſo great, that it doth require his utmoſt attendance, or all his whole time and ſtrength, as it muſt needs appear to every Man who ſoberly and ſeriouſly conſiders it in its Parts: 'Tis true a Man may bear that Name, and Diſcharge that Sacred Office in part, nay, and as well as he can, conſidering his circumſtances in the VVorld, and thereby have in part peace in his Mind; but 'tis anotherp. 30thing to diſcharge the duty of this Ca… ing as he ought, and as the Sanction of th… Office calls for, to the Honour of th… Holy Name of God, and Credit of Religion; for we conclude to Preach on… or two Sermons in a VVeek is the leaſ… part of his Work, and the leaſt indeed, if his Matter be not ſo well prepared and digeſted; that he may ſhow himſe… a Workman that needeth not be aſhame… rightly dividing the Word of Truth, th… ſo every one may have their portion … Meat in due Seaſon; which that Tim… thy might do, St. Paul adviſes him to a careful and diligent Study: But how ſuch poor Men can do this, who a… forc'd to follow their Trades hard e… ry Day in the Week, to get Bread for their Families, we ſee not? But beſides the great VVork of giving themſelves up to Reading, Meditation, an… laborious and diligent Study an… Preaching of God's VVord. There … another great Duty lyes upon the… which is, Viſiting the Members of th… Church under their Care, ſo that th… p. 31may know the State of their Flock; yea' go from Houſe to Houſe: And if this be not done, How can they ſo well know what Food to Adminiſter or Hand forth unto ſome poor Souls they have committed to their Charge? VVhere the VVork of Viſiting is neglected, we conclude one main Part of the Paſtors Buſineſs lies undone; and what an account they will have to give of the Souls of Men and VVomen to Jeſus Chriſt, We know not, if they be remiſs here: or what an account the Church can give if they are out of a capacity to diſcharge this great Truſt, through neglect of their Duty to them. They (ſaith the Apoſtle) Watch for your Souls, as ſuch as muſt give account. Heb. 13.17. And then Secondly, the Credit and Honour of their Miniſtry, in reſpect of what we before mentioned, ought to be conſidered; for if the Preacher hath Blots and Stains upon him, through the neceſſities he may be in, in reſpect of the things of this VVorld, by not having his wants ſupplyed, p. 32but is involved in Debt, or expoſed to the breach of his VVord in the way of Trading. VVhat weight or power think you, will his Miniſtry have upon the Conſciences of Men? For it neceſſarily makes room for the old Proverb, Phyſician heal thy ſelf; and it is as a prevention of thoſe Evils, i. e. for the good, Health, and VVell-being of the Souls both of Paſtors and People here and hereafter. VVe conclude, that God has been pleaſed to Ordain and ſo to provide for his Servants in the Miniſtry, as we have ſhewed; but this is not all; For

Fifthly, According to the Law and Light of Nature, the Church is obliged to provide for their Miniſters, as to the matter of Equity and Juſtice; and from hence the Apoſtle argues the Point with the Corinthians▪ 1 Cor. 9.7. &c. Who goeth a Warfa… at any time at his own Charge? Wh… Planteth a Vineyard, and eateth not of the Fruit thereof? Or who Feedeth … Flock, and eateth not of the Milk of th… Flock. None that Liſts an Army, expectsp. 33that his Souldiers ſhould maintain themſelves without Pay: The Miniſtry is a Spiritual Warfare, undertaken at the Command of Chriſt, and by the Call of the Church for the ſervice of their Souls; and 'tis as reaſonable that Miniſters ſhould receive a ſupply of outward things from them as that a Soldier ſhould receive Pay from his Captain at the charge of th… Common-wealth, for whoſe Good and Safety he enters upon that Military Employment. Again the Apoſtle argues the equitableneſs of it further; Shall a Man Plant a Vineyard an not Eat of the Fruit thereof? The Preaching the Goſpel is like a man planting … Vineyard; the Church is compared thereto in Scripture, Iſa. 5.1.2. Th… Plants are the Lords, but he uſeth Miniſters Hands in the Planting of them▪ and none planteth a Vineyard but … expectation of ſome Fruit from thenc… none Imployeth his Servant to Plant, but he doth (and 'tis but luſt he ſhould) uphold him with Food and p. 34Raiment, he doing his Work. The Church alſo, as the Apoſtle intimates, is compared to a Flock; And now who Feedeth a Flock, either perſonally, or by his Servants, but he eateth, or alloweth his Servant to eat of the Milk of the Flock, which it is his VVork to keep and feed? By theſe three Inſtances commonly known to Men, the Apoſtle ſheweth the reaſonableneſs that the Miniſters of the Goſpel ſhould be maintained by the People to whom they Miniſter; he plainly intimating that it is inconſiſtent with common Juſtice to deprive a man of the Fruit of that Vineyard which is planted and manured by his own Labour. And ſuch is the caſe between a Miniſter and his People; it is not (as one well obſerves) your Charity that we ask for them, but Juſtice and Right, which the very Light of Nature as well as God's Word clearly ſheweth: They are Imployed in your Service, and do that Buſineſs for you in which your Eternal Happineſs isp. 35concerned; they take care to provide Bread for your Souls, and of right therefore ſhould live upon your charge, and you ought to ſee that neither they, nor their Families want Bread, nor any thing neceſſary for their Bodies: Nay, and ſince they Sow or Import unto you Spiritual Things, Is it a great thing if they ſhall reap your carnal things? Have you not (as if the Apoſtle ſhould ſay) better things from them, than they partake of from you? St. Paul (as our Annotators note) argueth the reaſonableneſs of Miniſters maintenance from their People, they giving them quid pro quo, a juſt Compenſation for ſuch allowance, yea that which is of much more value; for there is a great diſproportion between things Spiritual and things Carnal; the former much excelling the latter, ſo that the People have the advantage, they receiving things far more excellent from Chriſt's Miniſters, than his Miniſters receive of them: They communicate Gold and precious Stones, and Pearl; and do receive from the Peoplep. 36that which comparatively is bu… as Braſs or Copper; And yet ſhall this ſeem a great thing? Will you, as if the Apoſtle ſhould ſay, Grudge them a due portion of your Temporals, when you receive ſo plentifully from them of choice Heavenly or Spiritual things? How unreaſonable a thing is this?

Obj. But ſome may be will Object the things they communicate, viz. thoſe Spiritual Things, are not their own but the Lords, and imparted to them to hand out for the good of others; And therefore the Caſe is different.

Anſwer. It is againſt the Apoſtle you raiſe this Objection: But will you ſee how you are miſtaken? Pray what more Right or Property have you to your Carnal Things, than they have to their Spirituals? Are not their Spiritual Things their own, as much as your Carnal Things are your own? Hath the Lord made you any other than Stewards p. 37of your worldly Things; And muſt not you be Accountable to him for them, if you do not lay them out as he hath Commanded you? For the good of others come your Carnal Things, even your Wooll and your Flax. Hoſ. 2.9. is as much the Lords, as the Miniſters. Knowledg, and other Spiritual Gifts are the Lords; and it doth as much behove you to ſee that you Communicate to others of your VVorldly or Carnal Things: VVe mean to the Poor Saints and Miniſters of the Goſpel, as it behoveth them to Preach or Communicate Spiritual Things to you; and therefore the Caſe is not different: Beſides, you forget how your poor Miniſters oft times waſt their ſtrength, and conſume their Bodies, being brought to utter Weakneſs in their outward Man, in their painful Studies and Labours, in Preaching the Word, thereby Communicating Spiritual Things to you: And is not that (we mean health &c.) more in worth (and their own too)p. 38than all you have or can Communicate to them? Sure their ſtrength, and the health of their Bodies together with the expence of their Time, you will ſay, is as much their own, as any thing you can call yours; And is … then a great thing they ſhould be ſupplyed from you with all things neceſſary for this Life? Beſides, in point o… Equity our Saviour as well as the Apoſtle calls Miniſters Labourers; and you all will readily ſay, The Labourer is worthy of his Hire. How then is it tha… any ſhould ſeek ways, and excuſes to avoid their Duty herein to their Spiritual Harveſt Men? we muſt tell yo… again, tis Jeſus Chriſt who ſaith tis thei… due, and that they are worthy of it▪ and He hath Ordained that they ſhould have it; ſo that you cannot with h… it from them without Sin, nay ſuch … Sin that is not only againſt the Law and Light of Nature, but the expreſs Law of Jeſus Chriſt: And we muſt tel… you, That if the keeping back, or defrauding the Hire of your Labourers, p. 39who have Reaped down your Corn Fields, be ſo great an Evil, that their Cry enters into the Ears of the Lord of Sabbaths, and doth provoke and ſtir up the juſtice of God to a ſevere Vengeance, for their daring Boldneſs and cruel Oppreſſion of the poor: VVhat think you will be the Effects of the Cry of Chriſts painful Spiritual Harveſt-men, who Labour to gather in his Divine Corn, ſhould you withhold from them their juſt Right upon this Account; by which means they may be expoſed, eſpecially ſome of them, to Heart Diſquieting, and Soul Afflicting Snares in the World, and their poor Families want ſuch things as are neceſſary for them, when it is in the power of the Peoples hands plentifully to ſupply them: We muſt in diſcharge of our Duty at this time be plain with every Man, that we may deliver our own Souls and theirs too, from ſo great a Sin as ſuch an neglect as that is does appear to us to be, and will to all, if ſeriouſly Conſider'd, and laid to Heart.

p. 40Object. May be ſome will Object ou… Miniſters do not need it, nor deſire it of … they can live without it.

Anſw. So perhaps ſome of your Harveſt-men that Reap down your Fields, may be well to paſs in the World, and can live without their Hire and Juſt due &c. Yet will that be a good Plea (think you) to ſeek ways or means to with-hold their wages from them? So, and in like manner ſay we, the Ability of your paſtors in reſpect of the things of the World, doth not excuſe you from the diſcharge of your Duty to them, according to the Juſt Law of God, and Equitableneſs of the Caſe. Yet certainly they (if of Paul's Spirit) will refuſe to receive any thing leſt it ſhould leſſen their eſteem in their Miniſtry; tis left to their Liberty, they may chuſe whether they will receive it or not: But though they may diſpence with their Right if they pleaſe as Paul did ſometimes throughp. 41his great Zeal and Love to the Goſpel; yet cannot you diſpence with your Duty, you have no Warrant ſo to do: Yet we can't but greatly commend thoſe Paſtors of the Churches, who can and do without receiving any thing, ſerve Chriſt and his People, and reſolve (being Bleſſed with the good things of the world) not to make the Goſpel Chargeable, or a Burden to any; but yet we would have you ſenſible of your Duty, and look upon your ſelves to be Debtors to them, and eſteem of them the more: But do theſe Paſtors who are Rich, Able, and VVilling to ſerve the Churches for nothing, ſequeſter or give themſelves up to the VVork of the Miniſtry, and faithfully diſcharge that Truſt, as another who is taken off of Secular Employment? But may be, though they are like other Labourers, yet if they did receive it from you, they could Diſtribute it to the Needy, or to help other poor Miniſters who ſerve other Churches, whoſe Poverty mayp. 42be ſuch, that they cannot allow a ſufficient Maintenance to their Paſtors And therefore whether it may be neceſſary for you to with hold it from them, or for them to refuſe it, is worth Conſideration.

Sixthly. But to proceed. (Since we are pleading the Caſe in point of Equity and juſt Right, let it be Conſidered:) You do not chuſe ſuch Men to be your Paſtors, or Miniſters, who are of the loweſt of the People; but ſuch as may be allowed to have aſhare of Parts, Common Prudence, and Abilitys for Buſineſs with other Perſons: and ſome of them could manage Trades, or fall into other Imployments, and get Eſtates as well as you, if they were not Devoted to a better Service: And muſt (as one obſerveth) they needs be devoted to Neceſſities and Miſeries, in the ſame Hour that they enter upon the Miniſtry. This ought not to be; GOD hath Ordered the Caſe otherwiſe in his VViſdom, Certainly (all will Confeſs) tis thep. 43Duty of a Miniſter, as well as other Men to provide for his Family, as much as lies in him; or take Care of his VVife and Children that they may not be expoſed to a Thouſand Miſeries and Temptations when he is gone: For though a Covetous raking Temper, worſe becomes a Miniſter of all Men in the VVorld (yet as the Author before cited Noteth) we greatly miſtake our ſelves to think he muſt diveſt himſelf of that due Affection of an Husband to his VVife, or of a Father toward his Children; or that thoſe Fruits thereof which are Juſtly eſteemed Commendable in others, ſhould be thought in him to be a Fault: And is it not ſad (Judge you) That they muſt be conſtrained to one of theſe Dialema's? i. e. Either to neglect the full and Faithfull Diſcharge of their Duty to Chriſt and his Church, or elſe Neglect their poor Families by fulfilling their Miniſtry, and doing the work of Paſtors, according to the Nature of that Sacred Office. But asp. 44to him who is poor (and muſt ge… his Bread before he Eats it) wh… thinks he can Diſcharge both theſe Duties well enough, tis to be feared he does never a one of them as he ought Moreover, 'tis good for him to conſider the reaſon of that Law of the ever Bleſſed God, who hath otherwiſe Ordained. Yet let every Servant of Chriſt uſe his own Freedom, and act and do, as he thinks may moſt promote the Glory of God, and Good of the Church, and the Increaſe thereof; ſo that he may give a good account of himſelf in the Day of Chriſt.

Seventhly, The Lord hath not left me To argue this only from general Principles of Reaſon, and common Equity, but to put the Matter beyond diſpute (as we have already ſhewed) hath ſubjoyned His expreſs Command. And may not in the next place, that Proviſion which God was pleaſed to make for his Miniſters in the time of the Law, be of great uſe to us, and full of Inſtruction upon this account? Nay, and ought we not top. 45conſider it, ſith the Apoſtle argueth 1. Cor 9.13. for a Goſpel Maintenance from thence. Do ye not know, that they which Miniſter about Holy things, live of the Things of the Temple; and they which ſerve at the Altar, are partakers with the Altar? It appears this is a Duty ſtill; and tho' the mode or manner of the Maintenance of the Miniſters of God under the Law, was quite different to this under the Goſpel, yet the reaſon and equitableneſs of the thing abides: Miniſters were then provided for by the Lord; ſo he has ordered they ſhould Live comfortably now under the Goſpel. We find God did then no ſooner ſeparate the Levites to the Service of the Sanctuary, but he by Law provided for their Subſiſtence: And though they were but one Tribe in Twelve, yet the Tenth of the Increaſe of the whole Land was given to them, beſides the firſt Fruits and Offerings, and diverſe other Advantages; ſo that their Lot and Portion might equal, yea exceed p. 46that of their Brethrens. This indeed is Abrogated; Goſpel Miniſters have no Divine Right to the Tenths of men Increaſe; but the Moral Equity we ſay does not ceaſe; nor can it be thought to be any Burden to provide a comfortable Livelyhood for our Miniſters, were but our Senſes rightly exerciſed to diſcern how Good and Gracious God appears to us under the Goſpel Diſpenſation, in eaſing our People from thoſe vaſt and great Expence and Charges which the Lord's People were required to be at under the Law: For we ſhall ſoon perceive, if we conſider, that the charge of the Worſhip of God, and the Miniſtry, &c. now is comparitively little or nothing, to what there was under that Diſpenſation; though Men did endeavour now to come up to their duty for as one obſerves, he thought he could make it appear, That the Fifth Part of their Eſtates was Yearly to be Spent in Things relating to Temple Service. And we know not but he might ſayp. 47right: And yet we cannot be unſenſible of the excellency of the Goſpel Miniſtry, above the Miniſtry, of the Law; And what great Bleſſings and Priviledges upon many Accounts we have above them? One would think theſe things were enough to ſtir up all Faithful Chriſtians to leave their Diſputings, and heartily with a cheerful Mind be ready to contribute towards the defraying the moderate Charge of a Goſpel Miniſtry, in ſuch a manner as may give Reputation to our Sacred Profeſſion; certainly the Labourer is ſtill worthy of his Hire; and every one will ſay, not leſs worthy becauſe he Labours under the Goſpel, than they who Laboured under the Law.

Eighthly, An Elder, or a Paſtor of a Church, is under a ſpecial Charge to Uſe Hoſpitality, and to let himſelf be a Pattern of Charity, and other good Works, that ſo he may the better adorn his Profeſſion. This is his Duty, and if he fails herein, he loſes ſome part of thoſe moſt excellent Virtues in which he ought to p. 48ſhine: but if he be Poor, and left … the thorny cares of this World, and the Church not adminiſtring ſo to him, … to put him into a Capacity to anſwe… this requirement of the Goſpel, whe… will the fault and blame lie? Therefore▪ ſince he ought to be a patern of Hoſpitality and Charity; we argue, 'tis doubtleſs the indiſpenſible Duty of the People to whom he Miniſters, to be conce… ned to the uttermoſt of their Abilities to make him capable of giving Proof … this Grace, by the Exerciſe of it as the… may be Occaſion.

Ninthly, We alſo argue for this Duty from the Conſideration of the Honourableneſs of it, when 'tis faithfully diſcharged▪ it being one of thoſe things, which … Honeſt, Juſt, Pure, Lovely, and of g… Report, there is both Vertue and Pr… attends it, Phil. 4.8. Firſt of all, Ho… can Men think you are the People yo… profeſs your ſelves to be, viz. Such w… endeavour to VValk Blameleſsly, i… obſerving all the Ordinances an… Commandments of the Lord Jeſu… p. 49whilſt you neglect this ſo plain and undeniable an Inſtitution, even ſuch a one, that 'tis expreſly ſaid, So God hath Ordained it, &c. VVhy are you ſo Zealous for ſome other Precepts and Remiſs here? Doth not the ſame God who commandeth you to Repent, to Believe, and to be Baptiz'd, and to Love one another; command you alſo to Communicate to your Miniſters in all good things? How is it then? that any can be ſo partial in the Law of Jeſus Chriſt.

2. This will in a great meaſure de…iver you from that reproach of Covetouſneſs: What can any People …hink ſhould be the cauſe why Chriſti…ns ſhould ſuffer their Miniſters to want what is neceſſary for them, when …hey themſelves are ſo full? Unleſs it …e from the Spirit of this World; which is a Sin too often laid at the …oors of the Profeſſors of this Age: Would to God there was no cauſe or …round for it.

p. 503. Hereby the People will alſo rai… the Reputation and Honour of the… Miniſtry, and ſhew their great eſtee… of them, which well agrees with th… Exhortation of the Apoſtle; Let t… Elders that Rule well be accounted w… thy of double Honour, eſpecially they w… Labour in the Word and Doctrine. F… the Scripture ſaith, Thou ſhalt not M… the Mouth of the Oxe that treadeth … the Corn: For the Labourer is worthy … his Reward. 1 Tim. 17.18.

By double Honour here is mean… as ſome conclude, Reverence or H… nourable Eſteem for Chriſt's Sake… whoſe Ambaſſadors they are ſaid … be, and ſo repreſent His Moſt Sacre… Majeſty.

2. Maintenance. And 'tis evide… this cannot be excluded in this plac… conſidering the Connextion of t… Words following; for the ScriptU… ſaith, Thou ſhalt not muzzle the O… that Treadeth out the Corn, and … Labourer is worthy of his Reward. T… Verſe, ſaith our Annotators, makethp. 51evident, That Maintenance is part of the double Honour that is due to ſuch as Labour in the Word and Doctrine. This then muſt be granted it tends to the Honour of Chriſt's Miniſters; but 'tis as evident to all, that thoſe Perſons, let them be of what Perſwaſion ſoever, if they ſhould leave their Miniſters to the wide World to ſhift for themſelves, and though Poor, take no care of them; inſtead of honouring of them, they would caſt a ſlight and contempt upon them: and hence 'tis that others alſo for their following of ſome Trades, do lay them under great reproach, which the Churches to whom they belong, if able, might and oug… to deliver them from. We are perſwaded there are ſome rich Members … moſt Congregations, that would not indure that any of their near Relations ſhould fall under ſuch, or the like Circumſtances, or be expoſed to ſuch Inconveniencies, becauſe of the diſhonour they Judge it would be to …em; People knowing they are p. 52Wealthy and Great in the World, an… able to do conſiderable for ſuch nea… Kindred, or elſe all would ſay they have no favour nor eſteem for them▪ And ſhall Men ſhew greater favou… and reſpect to their Carnal Relations, than to Chriſt's Ambaſſadors? Thi… ſurely ought not to be.

Tenthly, Further to Evince thi… great Duty, It may not be amiſs to conſider of other great Inconveniences that … fellow the neglect of it. There are ſom… Miniſters in the Churches who wer… brought up to Learning, and who ar… utterly uncapable to follow Secula… Trades and Callings: now if Proviſion be not made for theſe Me… What will become of them? How … it poſſible they and their Famili… ſhould Live? Beſides, What Inco… ragement is here given to others wh… are Young, whom God hath Grac… ouſly indowed with conſiderable Gif… and are willing to give up themſelv… to the Miniſtry? And for their bette… Accompliſhment endeavour after th… p. 53Knowledg of the Tongues, &c. which we all confeſs is very good and ſerviceable, though not of abſolute neceſſity in a Miniſter: Who will apply himſelf (we ſay) to gather, and lay up thoſe ſtores of ſolid Learning, which oft-times in the Defence of the Truth againſt Oppoſers, has been found very profitable, when he can expect nothing but Poverty and Diſtreſs thereby: Nay furthermore, may not this neglect quite deter any Godly Young Men to exerciſe their Gifts, in order to ſerve the Churches in after times, when Death ſhall call away thoſe Labourers the Churches have …ow amongſt them, ſhould they ſee …he preſent Miniſtry ſlighted, and …ot provided for: Or what ground …ave we to expect a Bleſſing by the Providence of God, to attend the Churches in reſpect of an Able and Honourable Miniſtry in time to come, when His great Ordinance is ſlighted …nd neglected, which He in Wiſdom …ath Ordained for an Encouragement p. 54upon this very account. In his own Way we may look for a Bleſſing, bu… not out of it.

Nay to be plain with you, Have not ſome in a few Years laſt paſt ſee… to their great trouble and grief, how this neglect and ommiſſion of Duty hath laid (divers hopeful young Men who were indued with excellent Gift for the Miniſtry) under great Temptations, even ſo far as to refuſe utterly the exerciſe of their Gifts to the Prof… and Edification of the Churches; lea… in proceſs of time they ſhould be called forth to a Paſtoral Charge, an… thereby be expoſed to Snares and Poverty in the World; as perhaps ſom… poor Miniſters and Paſtors have been, and may be daily ſtill are; eſpecially they conſidering and laying to Heart the Care and Charge their Paren… have been at with them, in putting them forth to good Trades and Callings, whereby they knew with th… Bleſſing of God they might (if they gave themſelves up with a due and neceſſaryp. 55Diligence and Induſtry to fol…ow thoſe Trades) live well in the World, and ſufficiently provide for …hemſelves (and their Wives and Children, if they ſaw good to Marry) …n after-times? And by this very means …he Churches (may be to their great …oſs and detriment) have been deprived of thoſe great helps which a faithful diſcharge of Duty to the preſent Miniſtry, may prevent for time to …ome. Alſo, do we not ſee at this very time what a ſad paſs ſome Congregations are come to already, for want of uſeful helps in the Miniſtry, both in City and Country; ſome Paſtors (nay many of them) being grown very Ancient, and almoſt become unſerviceable, and not like to continue …ong: And though the Harveſt is great, yet O! how few are the Labourers amongſt us, and fewer they are like to be, if care be not taken in the diſcharge of this indiſpenſible Duty to …he preſent Miniſtry: Nor is it a ſtrange thing that Godly Men ſhould p. 56fall under ſuch a Temptation which we before mentioned, conſidering this great Evil and neglect of Duty herein: Since we find of Old in the Holy Scripture the very ſame Snare and Temptation many of the Prieſts and Miniſters of the Lord fell under. Pray read and carefully conſider Nehemiah 13.8,9. eſpecially the 10 Verſe. And I perceived that the Portions of the Levites had not been given them; For the Levites and the Singers that did the Work, were Fled every one to his Field. Now 'tis evident that through the like Evil and Neglect of the People to the Levites and Miniſters of God, in not giving them that due allowanee or maintenance God had Ordained for them, they left their work and ſervice every one of them, and betook themſelves to ſecular Employments, viz. to labour in the Fields and manure their Land, or gather in their Corn, which according to the Law others were to do for them. Nor did good Nehemiah (as we can find) reprove or blame the Levites p. 57for ſo doing: Nor indeed, what reaſon was there he ſhould? conſidering 'tis a Moral Duty for every Man to provide for himſelf and Family; and he that does not do it, the Apoſtle ſhews is worſe than an Infidel, and hath denyed the Faith. But he contended ſharply with the People, eſpecially with the Rulers; ſaying, Why is the Houſe of God forſaken? That is, the Work of the Houſe of the Lord. And he gathered them together, and ſet them in their place. verſe 11. They had not only injured the Levites, as our Annotators obſerve upon the place, in withholding their Dues, but alſo occaſioned the neglect of GOD's Houſe and Service, &c. And he gathered them together: That is, ſay they, from their ſeveral Poſſeſſions in the Country, in which they were diſperſed, and reſtored them to the Exerciſe of their Office. And Then, ſaith the Text, brought all Judah the Tithe of the Corn, and the new Wine, and the Oyl unto the Treaſuries. Verſe 12. We cannot p. 58ſlightly paſs by this matter, for the Evil and Danger of the Sin of the Churches upon this account, doth as palpably appear in this Caſe, as in any we have mentioned. How can we expect in ordinary way to have an Able Miniſtry raiſed up; or thoſe who are now imployed in the Work of the Goſpel carry on that Work, to the Honour of GOD, Comfort of His People, and to the Credit of our Sacred Religion, if a Goſpel Incouragement be not given them? True, we may perhaps have Preachers; ſome may be willing to Exerciſe their Gifts, but is it fit think you, to call ſuch to Preach publickly, who have ſcarcely one Hours time to prepare themſelves for the Work; or may be have not meet and proper Indowments or Qualifications for that Holy and Sublime Service. What is it (Judge you) that cauſes the Miniſtry to be ſlighted and neglected in ſome places, but the want of ſuch a Miniſtry that may honourably carry it on? And who ſhall we blame? p. 59What would you have poor men to do, that have (may be) no time to ſpare to give themſelves up to the Study of the Scriptures, nor no uſeful Books and proper helps to improve and aſſiſt them in their Study: or if they have, yet their circumſtances in the World will not afford them ſo much leiſure from their worldly Buſineſs, to read and meditate upon the Word, ſo as well to digeſt what they have to deliver to the People. Come, think and ſay what you pleaſe; 'tis not without diligent and continued Study, that the deep things of God can be ſearched out, and ſo propoſed, as to inrich the minds of people with clear and ſolid Knowledge: He that is not indowed with the clear Light and Underſtanding of Divine Truths, or the myſtery of the Goſpel himſelf, How can he Feed others as they ought to be Fed with the Knowledg of thoſe Sublime and Soul inriching Myſteries? A little Knowledg and Study 'tis true (as one obſerves) may furniſh a man withp. 60ſuch a Diſcourſe, as may pleaſe ſome weak Chriſtians that Judg of a Sermon by the loudneſs of the Voice and affectionate Sentences, or can fancy themſelves to be Fed with good Doctrine, when perhaps 'tis but with the Aſhes of Jingling Words and cadency of Terms. But alas! (ſaith he) the ſeeming warmth of Affection that is ſtirred up by ſuch means, is as ſhort Liv'd as a Land Flood that hath no Spring to Feed it. He that will do the Souls of his people good, and approve himſelf a Paſtor after God's own Heart, muſt endeavour to Feed them with Knowledg and Underſtanding, that the people may learn and come to underſtand thoſe things which were hid, and not opened or known to them before; and ſo ſtrive to maintain a conſtant Zeal and Affection in them, by well informing their Judgments, and ſuch an opening of the mind of God from the Scriptures, as may command their Conſciences. And this is not to be expected,p. 61but from him that Labours in his Study, as well as in the Pulpit: But ſaith he) miſtake me not; we know …he ſucceſs and fruit of all Studies and Labours of men that preach the Goſpel, is from the Grace and Power of the Holy Ghoſt, but the aſſiſtance of the Spirit is to be expected by the uſe of means, and in the way of our Duty. And now from the whole, this is that we ſay, 'Tis not to be thought men can arrive to that degree of Light and Knowledg in the deep things of God, and myſtery of Chriſt, ſo as to preach the Goſpel as they ought, unleſs they dedicate and give themſelves up by Prayer and Meditation to the dilligent ſearch and Study of the Word of GOD, which cannot be done unleſs ſome time be ſpent, which divers men cannot ſpare without a due Allowance for their pains and loſs of time. And this we ſay too, is nothing leſs nor more than what God has Ordained and directly Appointed in this Matter in the p. 62New Teſtament, as we have ſufficiently proved: But to proceed,

Eleventhly, The great Duty of the People to contribute towards the publick Worſhip of God, and the Miniſtry may be further demonſtrated and the Evil and Sin in their neglect of it evinc'd, from the Conſideration of that ſharp reproof, and ſevere Judgments of God, brought againſt, and denounced upon the People of Old, upon this very account, ſo Mal. 3.8. Will a Man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me: The evil of this People lay in this, i. e. In that they did not faithfully bring into his Houſe all thoſe Riches and good Things, which by the Law and Requirement of God they ought to have done, for the carrying on and management of the Service of the Temple, and publick VVorſhip of God; they through Covetouſneſs, or a baſe Carnal and Self-ſeeking Spirit, did retain and keep back part of theſe Tythes and Offerings for their own Uſe, or to inrich themſelves, and did not yield them up to the Uſe and End p. 63God had appointed them: And this the People might do, i. e. rob God, viz. in with-holding from the Prieſts of the Lord what was appointed or ordained for them: And alſo this the Prieſts might do, whilſt they took too much, and more than what was their due Allowance, or take the VVages, and not do the VVork which was appointed for them. However, to keep back, or retain part, or the whole, of what God has ordained and commanded to be brought into his Houſe, for the carrying on, and well Management of his publick VVorſhip, The Lord calls it a robbing of him: And certainly God hath as great Care, and has made as Honourable Proviſion for the Goſpel Church, and his VVorſhip and Intereſt now, under this Diſpenſation, as he had then; and has appointed or ordained that his People bring into his Houſe now, ſo that nothing may be wanting for the Honourable management and carrying on the VVork of the Goſpel, and the Miniſtration therefore, in anyp. 64Reſpect: Nor can this be done without Charge; And if the Lords People ſhall ſo ſeek their own Things, as not to concern themſelves for the Intereſt of Chriſt, but retain, or through Covetouſneſs, keep back that which his Church, VVorſhip, and publick Intereſts calls for, and by which means, his bleſſed Intereſt ſhould ſink and languiſh in their Hands, who were intruſted with it; certainly, they will be, and are looked upon, as great robbers of God now, as thoſe were then, of whom the Prophet ſpeaks.

Would to God this were conſidered; which of the Nations (as if God ſhould ſay) have robbed their Gods: But bluſh ye Jews, for ye have robbed me, and therefore ye are curſed with a curſe; your Sin, your Sacriledg, of which you are guilty hath ſo provoked me, and the curſe ſhall abide upon you, ſo long as ye abide, and continue in this ſinful Courſe; ſtrange that you dare Sin, whilſt I am puniſhing you for this Iniquity (ſo the Annotators) will you gop. 65on in your Sin, whilſt you are under the Judgment and Curſe of your God? Bring ye all the Tithes into my Store-houſe, that there may be Meat in mine Houſe, and prove me now herewith, ſaith the Lord of Hoſts; If I will not open the Windows of Heaven, and pour you out a Bleſſing that there be not room enough to receive it, verſ. 10. (Though we do not ſay) God hath brought the like curſe now; yet we fear the Lords People in England, both in City and Country, are under juſt Rebuke in retaining that from God, for the Uſe of his Publick Worſhip, Service and Miniſtry, which he Requires and Commands them to bring in, and lay up in his Spiritual Houſe; and hence it is he is provoked, and ſeems to bring a blaſt inſtead of a bleſſing upon us; we fear we have Cauſe to ſay, and cry out with our Apoſtle, All ſeek their own, and none the things that are Jeſus Chriſts, Phil. 2.21. Do you think the Service of Gods Houſe can be carryed on without any Charge, or is God leſs careful of his Church and Miniſtry underp. 66the Goſpel, than he was under the Law. The firſt Church that was planted after the Aſcention of Chriſt, were ſo Zealous and Piouſly inclined to the Service of the Goſpel, that they ſeemed to give up all they had for the publick Intereſt of Chriſt, and ſold their Poſſeſſions, which thing you are not required to do; you may keep your own Propriety in your Goods, Lands and Poſſeſſions; but yet, nevertheleſs ought you to conſider your ways, and not let the Intereſt of Chriſt, and the Goſpel to ſink under your Hands: Will you dwell in your Ceiled Houſes, and let this Houſe, i.e. The Lord's Houſe lye waſt? Eſpecially, conſidering 'tis the Lord's Time, we are verily perſwaded in which he is a going about to build it, and add to the glory of it; What proof have you given, O ye Chriſtians and Members of the Churches! that you love Jeſus Chriſt more than Father or Mother, yea, more than Son and Daughter? Which if you do not, our Saviour ſaith ye are not worthy of him;p. 67and what Demonſtration can we ſee of this thing, whilſt you thus purſue the World, and indeavour to lay up, nay, and daily do part with ſo many Hundred of Pounds, to ſuch a Son, and to ſuch a Daughter; and yet can't ſpare the Twentieth Part thereof for Chriſt his Church and Publick Miniſtry? Our Souls mourn and grieve to ſee what an Earthly and Covetous Spirit is got into the Profeſſors of this Age, and fear that that Zeal is much gone; for the Truth and fervent Love to Chriſt, which was once amongſt thoſe who were his People; does it not appear ſo? Whilſt ſome of the Churches ſeem to be contented with any, nay, the meaneſt Gifts that are amongſt them, provided they can have them without any Charge, rather than they will ſeek out, and indeavour for an Able and Honorable Miniſtry, becauſe of that great expence and coſt they fear then they ſhall be at: As alſo, whilſt Careleſs and mind not what want of Faithful Labourers there may be abroad in other Placesp. 68and Churches, ſo that they are provided themſelves: As likewiſe, do not give proper and meet Incouragment for the raiſing up, and continuing of an Able Miniſtry for the time to come. Theſe things are Lamentable, and great ground of Mourning and bitter Tears: Know ye therefore this, and believe it, that God is offended, and may juſtly blaſt you in your Trades, and Worldly Subſtance, if he hath not already, becauſe you do not lay this Evil to Heart; and that which you think ye ſave this way, may bring a blaſt upon all you have; and while you look for much, ye may carry in little, and that which you do gain and bring home, may be put into a Bag with Holes, Hag. 1 6. pray Read the 6. v. Ye looked for much, and lo it came to little, and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why, ſaith the Lord of Hoſts? Becauſe of mine Houſe that is waſte, and ye run every Man to his own Houſe. Many Perſons we have amongſt us, meet daily with great Diſappointments, Loſſes, and p. 69manifold Afflictions, diverſe manner of ways, and wonder at it, and are troubled at the Thoughts; but we fear do not lay to Heart, nor conſider from whence it is, nor the chief Cauſe thereof; which poſſibly may be, becauſe you have not diſcharged your Duty to Chriſt, for the promoting of his bleſſed Goſpel, and Intereſt in the World; but have ſhewed much more Love to, and Care of your own Houſes, and Concerns than for the Houſe and Church of God: God may ſay of you, O ye Profeſſors! you have toiled and been at great Coſt and Labour; and have expected, hoped, and promiſed your ſelves great Increaſe; but you have clearly diſcerned, and were ſenſible that it anſwered not your Expectation, much of it dwindled into very little; you were looſers, and went backward ſtill, which you have not regarded nor laid to Heart; but have let my Houſe lie as it were waſte; nothing was too much in your Eyes to lay out on your own Houſes and Buildings, to Adornp. 70and Beautifie them; nor did you grudge to provide Sumptuous Proviſion and Apparel for your Selves, and for your Sons, and Daughters: Nay, have idlely and in ſuperfluities expended much Treaſure to gratifie your Luſt, and yet have let my poor Children and Faithful Miniſters want ſuch things that were Neceſſary for them, and not been concerned to encourage an able and painful Miniſtry, that the periſhing Souls of Sinners up and down in the Nation might have the Bread of Life; and from hence is it that your Trades fail, and your Labours bring in but little increaſe▪ But if once you reform your doings, and ſhew your Zeal for the Goſpel, and Love to me, and act as becomes a People profeſſing my Name; you ſhall ſee you ſhall not be loſers by it; for I will open the Windows of Heaven, and pour you out a bleſſing, that there ſhall not be room enough to receive it: Nay, ſaith he, Prove me now if I do not do it.

We conclude, the Judgment on the one hand for ſuch a great Evil and neglectp. 71of Duty herein, and Mercies and Bleſſings promiſed on the other hand, may be a great Argument to provoke you to a Faithful Diſcharge of thoſe Obligations that lye upon you in this matter. If you have a Deſire to be bleſt in your Bodies, Souls, and Eſtates, take Care of God's Houſe, and bring in your Stores, that there may be Proviſion for his Poor, and for his Miniſters. But if you neglect this Duty, and perſue the World, and prefer your own Houſes and Things above thoſe great Things of God and his Goſpel, you may look for a blaſt.

Twelfthly, Conſider the Zeal of the Heathen of Old, and that of the Antichriſtian Party of latter Times; the former ſpared no Coſt nor Pains to Beautify and Garniſh their Idols, they laviſh Gold out of the Bag, &c. Iſa. 46. They took it by handfuls as it were, and never told it, as ſome conceive, not mattering what Coſt or Charge they were at; ſith it was for the Adorning of their Gods: The Goldſmith ſpreadeth it overp. 72with Gold, and caſteth Silver Chains. Iſa. 40.10. He is (ſaith the Prophet) ſo impoveriſh'd that he hath no Oblation, that he can hardly procure Money ſufficient to buy the meaneſt Sacrifice for his Gods; he is ſo Zealous for his Idols, that he will one way or another find Money to procure the choiceſt Materials, ſaith the Annotators, and get the help of the beſt Artiſt to make it, &c. Did they ſhew ſuch Zeal for, and Love to them who were no Gods: And ſhall not ſuch be aſhamed and bluſh, who have been ſo niggerly and ſparing to help on the Service and Worſhip of the True and Living God? They would have the beſt Artiſt, and moſt Curious Workman to do their Buſineſs, though they impoveriſhed themſelves; but ſome of you, we fear, can be contented with very unskilful Men, to carry on the Work of the God of Heaven, rather than be at the Charge to diſtribute of your Treaſure for the better Improvement of them which you imploy, or to procure ſuch who you have p. 73not amongſt your ſelves; and as for the Papiſts, you cannot be Ignorant what vaſt Treaſure they have from time to time freely beſtowed on their Church, and large Revenues appointed for their Prieſts, &c. and have they not commonly when they come to dye; beſides all this, left large Legacies for Spiritual Uſes, as they call them, and all to carry on their filthy Idolatry. But how little haſt thou, O Profeſſor parted with to this day, for the upholding the Church of God, and carrying on the Miniſtration of the Goſpel of Jeſus Chriſt? Thou haſt not ſhewed that Zeal for the True God, which ſome have ſhewed for a Falſe One: Nor that Care of, and Love to the True Worſhip of God, which others have ſhewed for Idolatry: May not theſe Carnal and Antichriſtian Heathens one Day riſe up in Judgment againſt you?

Obj. But may be you will Object and ſay, 'tis no marvel the Papiſts give ſop. 74plentifully becauſe they think to merit Heaven thereby.

Anſw. What then? Will not you do as much for the Honour of God, and to promote his Intereſt in the VVorld, as thou wilt do for the Salvation of thine own Soul? If thou haſt Eternal Life meerly of Grace, or through the Favour and Mercy of God, and Merits of Jeſus Chriſt? How much the more ſhould this lay thee under an Obligation to be Bountiful and Liberal, to further and carry on, and promote the Goſpel, and the Glory of God in the VVorld? or have you a mind to betray your own Sincerity? Doth not Grace teach you better Doctrine, even to prefer the Honour of God, above whatſoever is dear to you on Earth.

Thirteenthly, This will render your Miniſters inexcuſable, if they do not faithfully diſcharge their Duties in every Reſpect, to God and his People; we mean, when you diſcharge your Duties to them, according to the Lawp. 75of Chriſt, and Rule of Juſtice and Righteouſneſs: What will they have to ſay, to excuſe their Remiſsneſs and Omiſſions in a painful ſtudying Mediation, and preaching the VVord, and in viſiting the Flock, when you have freed them from all manner of worldly Snares and Incumbrances, and comfortably provided for them all good Things? But on the contrary, if they come forth unprepared, and feed you with Food that hath little Soul Nouriſhment in it: How can you blame them? or if they never go about all the Year to know the State of the Flock as their Duty is, have they not a ready Anſwer and Excuſe? i. e. VVhat ſhall become of our poor Families? VVhat can you ſay to them? Can you excuſe them from indiſpenſible Duties? And ſay we will be contented with what Service you are able to do, and all to ſave your Purſes: the Lord open your Underſtandings, and ſhew you the great Evil there is in this neglect, in not complying with the VVill of God, p. 76in communicating all good Things to them, who Preach the Goſpel to you. And is it not from hence there is ſuch a complaint in ſome parts of the Country, for want of the ſaving Food of God's Word? We hear daily what a vaſt bleſſing thoſe Elders and Miniſters are of to the People whereabouts they live, who are provided for by the Churches, over what others be who are not taken off of their ſecular Affairs, being not maintained by the People; one Miniſter may do more than ſeveral ſuch do or can do. Beſides, when once you come to acquit your ſelves, as good Chriſtians ought in this Caſe; with what Comfort may you be able to give up your Account to Chriſt? And with Joy and much Soul Peace lye down, not only in your Beds; but alſo in your Graves, when you come to Dye.