actual_a investiture_n in_o our_o nature_n of_o aâ—…_n power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n matâ—_n 28.18.19.20_o and_o jesus_n come_v anâ—_n speak_v unto_o they_o say_v all_o power_n 〈◊〉_d give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o teach_v all_o nation_n &_o â—…_n and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o 〈◊〉_d the_o end_n of_o the_o world._n amen_o also_o after_o his_o bless_a and_o glorious_a ascension_n and_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o majesty_n in_o the_o heaven_n heb._n 8._o â—_o angel_n and_o authority_n and_o power_n be_v make_v subject_a unto_o he_o 1_o pet._n 3._o &_o 22._o do_v by_o his_o apostle_n give_v commandment_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o continuance_n hereof_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o second_o come_v without_o sin_n unto_o salvation_n heb._n 9.28_o as_o act_v 14.21,22,23_o after_o they_o have_v by_o their_o ministry_n be_v blessed_v with_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o soul_n they_o take_v care_n to_o direct_v they_o into_o the_o duty_n of_o church_n communion_n and_o by_o their_o suffrage_n ordain_v they_o elder_n in_o every_o church_n so_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o leave_v titus_n in_o crete_n he_o not_o have_v opportunity_n after_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o to_o put_v thing_n into_o due_a order_n tit._n 1.5_o that_o he_o shall_v set_v in_o order_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v want_v or_o leave_v undo_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_z or_o â—…e_v elder_n in_o every_o city_n that_o be_v church_n in_o every_o city_n as_o before_o act_v 14._o who_o be_v call_v elder_n bishop_n or_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n name_n significative_a of_o theâ—…_n authority_n office_n and_o work._n 2._o christ_n be_v now_o in_o heaven_n and_o a_o extraordinary_a call_v be_v cease_v the_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a and_o stand_a rule_n to_o the_o church_n through_o all_o age_n he_o have_v commit_v this_o care_n to_o herself_o according_a to_o the_o power_n give_v to_o she_o who_o be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n to_o provide_v minister_n for_o her_o own_o edification_n in_o obedience_n to_o his_o command_n and_o rule_v give_v in_o his_o word_n as_o he_o shall_v see_v good_a to_o bless_v she_o with_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o ability_n in_o order_n to_o the_o fit_v they_o for_o this_o work_n the_o father_n also_o have_v covenant_v to_o give_v his_o spirit_n in_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o it_o and_o promise_v that_o the_o word_n he_o have_v put_v into_o christ_n mouth_n and_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v upon_o he_o shall_v never_o depart_v from_o he_o nor_o his_o seed_n seed_n for_o ever_o likewise_o have_v according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n the_o church_n have_v be_v under_o blessed_v she_o as_o with_o his_o grace_n so_o with_o all_o needful_a spiritual_a gift_n eph._n 4.7.11_o for_o the_o perfect_a the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n so_o that_o whilst_o there_o be_v a_o church_n millitant_a saint_n on_o this_o side_n perfection_n any_o of_o the_o member_n of_o christ_n mystical_a body_n on_o earth_n those_o spiritual_a gift_n needful_a to_o their_o present_a state_n shall_v be_v give_v and_o be_v among_o they_o for_o the_o support_n of_o the_o great_a ordinance_n of_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n 3._o and_o as_o its_o the_o church_n duty_n to_o seek_v these_o spiritual_a ability_n and_o improve_v they_o when_o they_o be_v give_v to_o these_o great_a and_o holy_a end_n so_o she_o must_v walk_v regular_o herein_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o rule_v give_v by_o christ_n in_o this_o case_n who_o have_v lay_v down_o the_o qualification_n both_o negative_a and_o positive_a of_o all_o such_o as_o ought_v to_o be_v call_v to_o this_o great_a work_n and_o trust_v of_o minister_a by_o office_n 1_o tim._n 3.1_o to_o 9_o tit._n 1.6.9_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n to_o put_v any_o into_o the_o ministry_n otherwise_o save_o such_o as_o be_v here_o describe_v and_o competent_o fit_v for_o it_o for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o old_a in_o the_o church_n to_o put_v any_o into_o the_o ministry_n but_o those_o who_o god_n appoint_v by_o the_o rule_v give_v to_o they_o so_o it_o can_v be_v no_o less_o evil_a for_o the_o church_n now_o to_o call_v any_o forth_o into_o office_n but_o such_o who_o be_v qualify_v as_o god_n word_n direct_v and_o now_o as_o christ_n have_v make_v this_o grant_n of_o power_n to_o the_o church_n of_o choose_v she_o own_o officer_n for_o her_o edification_n so_o he_o have_v leave_v rule_n for_o she_o who_o and_o how_o to_o choose_v as_o we_o say_v before_o so_o likewise_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o those_o special_a duty_n of_o the_o officer_n in_o the_o church_n who_o be_v to_o take_v the_o oversight_n feed_v govern_v go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o they_o act_n 20.17,18_o 1._o pet._n 5._o and_o 2._o 4._o when_o the_o church_n have_v have_v a_o trial_n of_o the_o meetness_n and_o ability_n of_o any_o person_n or_o person_n for_o this_o work_n and_o service_n they_o be_v by_o election_n and_o choice_n solemn_o to_o set_v he_o or_o they_o a_o part_n by_o prayer_n and_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n act_n 14.21,22,23_o act_n 6._o by_o which_o a_o new_a relation_n arise_v of_o a_o elder_a and_o a_o church_n a_o pastor_n and_o a_o flock_n this_o must_v be_v therefore_o by_o the_o mutual_a voluntary_a act_n of_o each_o other_o by_o which_o the_o duty_n of_o each_o relation_n become_v bind_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v the_o pastor_n duty_n now_o to_o watch_n feed_v and_o govern_v the_o flock_n and_o to_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o it_o it_o be_v the_o church_n duty_n to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o he_o in_o the_o lord_n to_o love_n reverence_n and_o administer_v free_o to_o he_o 1_o pet._n 5.1,2,3,4,5_o heb._n 13.7.17_o how_o great_o then_o must_v those_o church_n be_v to_o blame_v that_o unconcerned_o live_v in_o the_o neglect_n of_o so_o great_a a_o duty_n upon_o which_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o wellbeing_a so_o much_o depend_v as_o well_o as_o gospel_n order_n for_o although_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o a_o church_n depend_v upon_o its_o institution_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o matter_n and_o form_n a_o competent_a number_n of_o believer_n may_v by_o mutual_a agreement_n lie_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o gospel_n church_n but_o they_o can_v be_v a_o church_n organical_a without_o officer_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v place_v there_o for_o the_o orderly_a exercisâ—…_n of_o his_o authority_n commit_v to_o she_o to_o neglect_v this_o be_v to_o despise_v the_o wisdom_n of_o christ_n who_o best_o know_v whaâ—_n be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o for_o her_o edification_n in_o this_o state._n 2_o to_o slight_v his_o goodness_n in_o so_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a a_o institution_n 3_o it_o be_v a_o contempt_n put_v upon_o his_o authority_n as_o king_n of_o saint_n who_o have_v in_o his_o sovereign_a right_n in_o and_o over_o the_o church_n ordain_v it_o so_o to_o be_v for_o the_o church_n good_a and_o wellbeing_a second_o as_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n so_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a care_n take_v that_o we_o answer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n herein_o wherein_o his_o name_n and_o honour_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o love_n to_o and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n therefore_o the_o greaest_a diligence_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o the_o rule_n he_o have_v give_v be_v due_o observe_v and_o application_n make_v of_o the_o qualification_n lay_v down_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o such_o that_o be_v call_v unto_o office_n the_o outward_a call_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o church_n the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o person_n so_o call_v be_v a_o obediential_a act_n of_o he_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v regular_a where_o there_o be_v not_o at_o previous_a indication_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o bestow_v those_o spiritual_a gift_n and_o qualification_n as_o may_v render_v he_o competent_o fit_a to_o the_o discharge_v of_o his_o office_n and_o work._n now_o in_o a_o church_n undue_a proceed_n herein_o they_o discover_v their_o own_o weakness_n if_o not_o ignorance_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o rule_n itself_o and_o injure_v the_o person_n so_o call_v in_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n upon_o he_o who_o be_v not_o furnish_v with_o spiritual_a ability_n to_o discharge_v it_o &_o thereby_o expose_v the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o reputation_n of_o his_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n which_o shall_v be_v dear_a unto_o we_o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o
the_o gospel_n minister_n maintenance_n vindicated_n wherein_o a_o regular_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n be_v first_o assert_v and_o the_o objection_n against_o a_o gospel_n maintenance_n for_o minister_n answer_v also_o the_o dignity_n necessity_n difficulty_n use_v and_o excellency_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n be_v open_v likewise_o the_o nature_n and_o weightiness_n of_o that_o sacred_a work_n and_o office_n clear_o evince_v recommend_v to_o the_o baptise_a congregation_n by_o several_a elder_n in_o and_o about_o the_o city_n of_o london_n 2_o cor_fw-la 9.14_o even_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n ordain_v that_o they_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospâ—…_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n london_n print_v and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o joâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o harrow_n in_o the_o poulâ—…_n 〈…〉_o errata_fw-la page_n 2._o line_n 12._o and_o 15._o for_o church_n read_v church_n p._n 3._o l._n 9_o f._n church_n r._n churches_n p._n 5._o l._n 22._o r._n the._n p._n 7._o l._n 11._o and_o 14._o f._n the_o church_n duty_n she_o r._n the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n they_o p._n 8._o l._n 7._o r._n church_n and_o l._n 9_o f._n her_z r._n their_o p._n 14._o l._n 2._o r._n church_n p._n 20._o l._n 1._o h._n be_v want_v p._n 20._o l._n 21._o s._n be_v want_v p._n 25._o f._n contangle_v r._n entangle_v p._n 32._o l._n 18._o f._n their_o r._n her_o p._n 41._o l._n 22._o f._n be_v r._n do_v p._n 47._o l._n 21._o f._n let_v r._n set_v p._n 70._o l._n 26._o f._n and_o r._n or_o p._n 101._o l._n 10._o r._n family_n p._n 105._o l._n 14._o leave_v out_o say_v they_o to_o the_o congregation_n of_o baptise_a believer_n in_o england_n and_o wales_n grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v through_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n belove_a brethren_n we_o have_v read_v and_o consider_v of_o this_o ensue_a treatiser_n and_o do_v conclude_v in_o may_v be_v of_o great_a profit_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o fear_v some_o congregation_n have_v 〈…〉_o â—…uly_o weigh_v and_o consider_v of_o thâ—…r_n â—…dispensible_a duty_n to_o the_o ministry_n in_o respect_n of_o provide_v such_o a_o maintenance_n for_o those_o who_o labour_n among_o they_o and_o be_v 〈◊〉_d they_o in_o the_o lord_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v by_o which_o mean_n it_o may_v he_o fear_v that_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v hinder_v or_o obstruct_v in_o attend_v on_o their_o work_n in_o serve_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o sacred_a employment_n and_o office_n require_v and_o the_o present_a day_n especial_o call_v for_o and_o as_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v also_o ordain_v therefore_o our_o earnest_a desire_n be_v that_o our_o brethren_n both_o minister_n and_o member_n will_v he_o please_v to_o get_v this_o little_a book_n and_o both_o read_v and_o wâ—ll_n weigh_v what_o be_v say_v therein_o without_o prejudice_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o regular_a ministry_n the_o minister_n maintenance_n and_o the_o greatness_n and_o difficulty_n of_o their_o work_n and_o now_o that_o it_o may_v be_v bless_v by_o jehovah_n to_o the_o great_a and_o good_a end_n it_o be_v design_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o we_o your_o brethren_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n hanserd_n knollys_n william_n kiffin_n william_n collins_n john_n harris_n george_n barret_n richard_n adam_n benjamin_n keach_n isaac_n lamb_n edward_n man_n leonard_n harrison_n hercules_n collins_n london_n july_n 30._o 1681._o the_o content_n of_o the_o chief_a thing_n insist_v on_o in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n a_o regular_a ministry_n assert_v pag._n 1_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n first_o settle_a the_o ministry_n in_o a_o most_o solemn_a manner_n 3_o power_n leave_v to_o particular_a congregation_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n 6_o church_n ought_v to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o choose_v man_n to_o office_n that_o be_v competent_o qualify_v according_a to_o 1_o tim._n 3.1,2,3_o and_o tit._n 1.6.9_o 7_o 8_o church_n after_o election_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o minister_n ought_v solemn_o to_o ordain_v they_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n 8_o 9_o church_n undue_a proceed_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o elder_n dishonourable_a and_o a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o gospel_n 10_o 11_o every_o congregation_n that_o neglect_v their_o duty_n in_o provide_v a_o fit_a maintenance_n for_o their_o pastor_n if_o able_a be_v dishonourable_a and_o a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n 13_o minister_n maintenance_n assert_v strange_a that_o any_o shall_v doubt_v of_o it_o 13_o 14_o the_o scripture_n urge_v to_o prove_v it_o be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o provide_v a_o comfortable_a livelihood_n for_o faithful_a minister_n 15_o 16_o 13_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o duty_n 1._o christ_n will_v not_o have_v his_o disciple_n when_o he_o first_o send_v they_o out_o waste_v their_o own_o substance_n whilst_o employ_v in_o his_o work._n 17_o 18_o 2._o god_n have_v positive_o ordain_v or_o appoint_v his_o minister_n a_o comfortable_a maintenance_n under_o the_o gospel_n 19_o 20_o minister_n maintenance_n not_o now_o by_o tithe_n as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law._n 20_o 21_o no_o deny_v or_o avoid_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n maintenance_n 22_o 23_o 3._o minister_n command_v to_o attend_v whole_o upon_o their_o work._n 25_o nothing_o but_o real_a necessity_n will_v admit_v he_o to_o dispense_v with_o the_o contrary_a all_o his_o time_n little_a enough_o 26_o pastor_n must_v visit_v their_o member_n go_v from_o house_n to_o house_n 27_o 4._o minister_n that_o follow_v trade_n etc._n etc._n expose_v they_o to_o reproach_n therefore_o if_o possible_a to_o be_v avoid_v 30_o 31_o 5._o minister_n maintenance_n prove_v by_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n 32_o 33_o obj._n some_o minister_n do_v not_o need_v it_o answer_v 40_o 6_o minister_n not_o unable_a to_o follow_v trade_n some_o can_v do_v it_o and_o provide_v for_o themselves_o and_o get_v estate_n as_o well_o as_o other_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v for_o take_v that_o sacred_a work_n upon_o they_o 43_o minister_n be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n as_o other_o men._n 43_o 44_o 7_o show_v what_o great_a provision_n god_n make_v for_o his_o minister_n under_o the_o law_n prove_v the_o equitableness_n of_o the_o same_o law_n remain_v still_o 45_o 46_o as_o great_a reason_n for_o the_o people_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o minister_n under_o the_o gospel_n nay_o great_a in_o some_o respect_n than_o for_o they_o under_o the_o law_n 47_o 8._o elder_n or_o pastor_n must_v be_v give_v to_o hospitality_n therefore_o if_o church_n be_v able_a and_o they_o poor_a they_o ought_v to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o capacity_n to_o shine_v in_o that_o virtue_n 47_o 48_o 9_o this_o duty_n urge_v from_o the_o honourableness_n of_o it_o it_o free_v member_n from_o the_o censure_n of_o covetousness_n one_o part_n of_o that_o double_a honour_n due_a to_o elder_n that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n prove_v to_o be_v maintenance_n 50_o 51_o 52_o 10._o argue_v for_o from_o the_o say_a effect_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o attend_v the_o neglect_n of_o it_o 52_o 53_o 54_o it_o lay_v a_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o good_a man_n to_o give_v themselves_o to_o study_n and_o dedicate_v themselves_o to_o take_v part_n in_o the_o ministry_n 54_o 55_o it_o expose_v minister_n to_o neglect_v their_o work_n when_o they_o be_v neglect_v nay_o to_o leave_v it_o and_o be_v blameless_a 56_o 57_o this_o neglect_n hinder_v minister_n in_o their_o study_n they_o have_v not_o time_n and_o so_o preach_v no_o better_o its_o necessary_a for_o minister_n to_o have_v store_n of_o useful_a book_n and_o time_n also_o 58_o 59_o 11._o neglect_v to_o minister_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o god_n house_n be_v a_o rob_n of_o god_n and_o may_v bring_v a_o blast_n upon_o man_n estate_n 62_o 63_o 64_o 65_o 66_o 12._o a_o shame_n to_o god_n people_n to_o suffer_v the_o heathen_n and_o papist_n to_o do_v more_o to_o uphold_v idolatry_n than_o they_o do_v to_o uphold_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o the_o live_n god._n 71_o 72_o 13._o minister_n will_v be_v leave_v whole_o without_o excuse_n if_o they_o do_v not_o faithful_o fulfil_v their_o ministry_n when_o the_o congregation_n sufficient_o provide_v for_o they_o 74_o 75_o one_o minister_n take_v off_o of_o worldly_a business_n may_v do_v more_o in_o promulgate_a the_o gospel_n than_o several_a other_o who_o be_v not_o 76_o 77_o motive_n to_o press_v this_o duty_n motive_n 1._o minister_n represent_v christ_n what_o do_v to_o they_o be_v do_v to_o he_o 77_o 78_o
they_o be_v prevent_v of_o improve_n what_o they_o have_v for_o the_o future_a comfort_n and_o advantage_n of_o their_o family_n nay_o and_o we_o have_v hear_v to_o our_o great_a trouble_n how_o some_o worthy_a man_n who_o have_v labour_v full_o to_o improve_v their_o ministry_n through_o the_o people_n neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o they_o have_v in_o process_n of_o time_n sink_v in_o their_o estate_n and_o in_o truth_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o low_a condition_n for_o it_o be_v rare_a to_o see_v a_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n to_o abound_v in_o riches_n though_o some_o bless_a be_v god_n may_v be_v indifferent_a well_o to_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n now_o to_o expose_v a_o rich_a man_n to_o poverty_n or_o to_o let_v a_o poor_a man_n shift_n for_o himself_o under_o want_n and_o necessity_n be_v evil_n much_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o for_o a_o prevention_n of_o both_o god_n have_v order_v it_o so_o that_o neither_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v therefore_o this_o neglect_n in_o short_a expose_v minister_n to_o temptation_n consider_v the_o moral_a duty_n that_o lie_v upon_o they_o in_o common_a with_o other_o man_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n namely_o to_o content_v themselves_o in_o do_v but_o one_o part_n of_o their_o work_n viz._n to_o preach_v a_o sermon_n or_o two_o in_o the_o week_n etc._n etc._n now_o our_o desire_n be_v that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v whole_o sequester_v to_o the_o lord_n work_n and_o service_n and_o not_o be_v other_o way_n employ_v themselves_o when_o they_o shall_v be_v preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o to_o labour_v to_o fulfil_v their_o ministry_n they_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o account_n to_o give_v up_o with_o joy_n in_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n object_n but_o our_o church_n be_v small_a and_o our_o pastor_n can_v take_v up_o all_o his_o time_n in_o the_o lord_n work._n answer_n we_o answer_v if_o he_o want_v work_v who_o will_v hinder_v he_o from_o follow_v of_o his_o secular_a business_n provide_v he_o do_v faithful_o and_o full_o discharge_v every_o part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o place_n and_o function_n but_o do_v not_o the_o neighbour_a village_n and_o place_n adjacent_a want_v the_o gospel_n have_v no_o bread_n for_o their_o soul_n and_o this_o too_o by_o reason_n such_o pastor_n be_v unconcern_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o by_o which_o mean_v it_o be_v doubtless_o that_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n be_v no_o more_o promulgate_v up_o and_o down_o in_o dark_a and_o blind_a corner_n of_o this_o nation_n nor_o the_o church_n increase_v no_o more_o beside_o do_v not_o many_o poor_a sinner_n daily_o perish_v hereby_o for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n brethren_n it_o be_v not_o for_o ourselves_o but_o for_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o sink_a interest_n that_o we_o plead_v for_o it_o grieve_v our_o soul_n to_o hear_v what_o cry_v there_o be_v in_o many_o part_n of_o this_o kingdom_n for_o want_n of_o bread_n some_o be_v force_v we_o hear_v to_o go_v twelve_o or_o sixteen_o mile_n to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n now_o if_o minister_n of_o church_n make_v it_o their_o whole_a business_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o concern_v themselves_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o truth_n it_o will_v not_o be_v as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o very_a time_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o travel_a ministry_n which_o we_o fear_v we_o shall_v hardly_o find_v unless_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o respective_a church_n be_v take_v off_o of_o all_o encumbrance_n and_o so_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n god_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o we_o and_o have_v open_v a_o mighty_a door_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n for_o he_o the_o case_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n be_v much_o alter_v you_o may_v come_v now_o into_o any_o town_n and_o none_o dare_v forbid_v you_o if_o any_o one_o will_v but_o entertain_v you_o and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o take_v care_n to_o answer_v this_o mercy_n and_o do_v what_o we_o can_v that_o the_o poor_a blind_a world_n may_v be_v enlighten_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o the_o present_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o answer_v by_o a_o due_a improvement_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v say_v with_o solomon_n why_o be_v there_o a_o price_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o fool_n see_v he_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o prov._n 17.16_o by_o this_o time_n we_o hope_v you_o may_v more_o clear_o understand_v we_o and_o what_o we_o drive_v at_o and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o see_v accomplish_v viz._n that_o minister_n may_v not_o only_o bear_v that_o name_n but_o with_o all_o faithfulness_n do_v the_o work_n they_o be_v call_v to_o it_o be_v not_o to_o press_v our_o people_n to_o minister_v to_o such_o preacher_n who_o be_v idle_a and_o negligent_a in_o their_o business_n who_o heart_n and_o hand_n be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o eager_o pursue_v their_o own_o secular_a affair_n and_o matter_n not_o what_o become_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n no_o it_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o faithful_a and_o labourous_a person_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o that_o great_a turst_z commit_v to_o he_o and_o to_o labour_v indeed_o in_o christ_n vineyard_n it_o be_v in_o truth_n â—_o shame_n for_o a_o minister_n to_o receive_v the_o lord_n wages_n and_o not_o do_v the_o lord_n work_n some_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n â—hat_n do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o miniâ—…ers_n they_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o deceitful_o our_o church_n also_o be_v it_o be_v like_a in_o some_o place_n in_o the_o country_n but_o small_a and_o â—re_n like_a to_o be_v small_a if_o the_o ministry_n 〈◊〉_d not_o awaken_v to_o become_v more_o labourous_a be_v there_o not_o such_o in_o some_o town_n who_o be_v hardly_o know_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n to_o be_v minister_n at_o â—ll_a they_o be_v so_o little_o concern_v in_o preach_v they_o be_v better_o know_v to_o be_v farmer_n yeoman_n and_o tradesman_n than_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v entangle_v so_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n â—hat_n they_o have_v but_o little_a time_n to_o mind_n â—he_v great_a work_n they_o be_v call_v to_o we_o will_v ask_v some_o minister_n whether_o â—hey_n can_v not_o do_v much_o more_o preach_v often_o and_o in_o more_o place_n and_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o promote_v the_o gospel_n and_o gather_v in_o soul_n to_o christ_n than_o they_o do_v certain_o they_o will_v and_o must_v say_v yea_o we_o may_v why_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o your_o not_o do_v it_o ought_v we_o not_o with_o mary_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v we_o conclude_v this_o omission_n of_o duty_n either_o arise_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n or_o else_o from_o the_o remissness_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o people_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o you_o 1._o it_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o evil_a in_o your_o own_o heart_n in_o that_o you_o have_v not_o or_o do_v not_o espouse_v the_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n equal_a with_o or_o above_o your_o own_o can_v any_o be_v content_v in_o do_v a_o little_a service_n for_o christ_n though_o his_o interest_n sink_v in_o their_o hand_n whilst_o they_o thrive_v in_o their_o own_o concern_v and_o grow_v rich_a in_o the_o world_n lord_n what_o will_v become_v of_o such_o minister_n in_o the_o day_n oâ—_n judgement_n can_v they_o think_v to_o looâ—…_n christ_n in_o the_o face_n with_o comfort_n thaâ—_n have_v be_v such_o slothful_a servant_n buâ—_n god_n forbid_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o among_o we_o who_o mind_n more_o theiâ—_n own_o trifle_a affair_n than_o the_o greaâ—_n work_n and_o business_n of_o their_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n be_v this_o the_o make_v full_a proof_n of_o your_o ministry_n you_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n christ_n minister_n be_v call_v labourer_n but_o we_o fear_v some_o labour_n but_o little_a unless_o it_o be_v at_o their_o own_o work_n shall_v you_o be_v as_o remiss_a in_o your_o own_o affair_n as_o possible_o you_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n you_o will_v find_v quick_o a_o decay_n in_o your_o estate_n and_o be_v in_o a_o sink_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n which_o it_o be_v like_a will_v soon_o startle_v you_o and_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n and_o ought_v you_o not_o to_o be_v as_o considerate_a in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o christ_n his_o gospel_n and_o church_n we_o take_v it_o not_o upon_o we_o to_o reprehend_v any_o of_o
poole_n annotation_n our_o saviour_n design_v to_o give_v they_o say_v he_o a_o experience_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o teach_v â—…em_n to_o trust_v in_o it_o as_o also_o to_o teach_v people_n that_o the_o labourer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o hire_n and_o that_o god_n expect_v that_o his_o minister_n shall_v not_o live_v of_o their_o own_o but_o upon_o the_o altar_n 1_o which_o they_o serve_v so_o as_o at_o once_o 〈◊〉_d teach_v his_o disciple_n not_o to_o he_o covetous_a 〈◊〉_d overmuch_o solicitous_a and_o the_o people_n 〈◊〉_d provide_v for_o those_o who_o minister_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n spiritual_a beside_o those_o other_o absolute_a precept_n of_o like_a nature_n giâ—en_o forth_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o apostle_n contain_v in_o several_a epistle_n â—o_o sufficient_o prove_v this_o to_o be_v the_o mind_n â—nd_v intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o place_n second_o that_o we_o may_v put_v 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o all_o doubt_n we_o shall_v now_o come_v to_o â—…sider_v of_o the_o sacred_a appointment_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d this_o matter_n if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v noâ—…ing_v less_o nor_o more_o than_o what_o the_o â—ord_n have_v ordain_v viz._n that_o his_o servant_n who_o be_v call_v forth_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o take_v care_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v have_v a_o fit_a and_o suitable_a maâ—…tenance_n according_a as_o the_o state_n anâ—_n ability_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d who_o they_o belong_v and_o who_o servanâ—_n they_o be_v than_o we_o hope_v there_o be_v noâ—…_n will_v object_v or_o argue_v against_o it_o any_o morâ—_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o will_n and_o sacred_a appointment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v very_o evident_a in_o that_o forecited_n place_n 1._o cor._n â—…_n 14._o and_o in_o divers_a other_o even_o so_o haâ—…_n the_o lord_n ordain_v that_o they_o that_o preaâ—…_n the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n truâ—…_n the_o lord_n have_v not_o ordain_v that_o 〈◊〉_d servant_n and_o minister_n under_o the_o gâ—…spel_n shall_v have_v tithe_n or_o the_o tentâ—_n of_o every_o member_n increase_v as_o he_o former_o appoint_v under_o the_o law_n yeâ—_n nevertheless_o he_o have_v take_v care_n of_o theâ—_n and_o ordain_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v of_o 〈◊〉_d gospel_n not_o unless_o necessity_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v live_v on_o the_o labour_n of_o thâ—…_n hand_n in_o common_a with_o other_o meâ—…_n and_o pray_v observe_v it_o be_v not_o say_v 〈◊〉_d church_n have_v ordain_v it_o nor_o we_o 〈◊〉_d apostle_n have_v ordain_v it_o but_o 〈◊〉_d lord_n have_v ordain_v it_o or_o it_o be_v the_o holy_a appointment_n or_o sacred_a precept_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o support_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o painful_a and_o faithful_a servant_n he_o and_o his_o people_n have_v call_v forth_o to_o preach_v his_o bless_a gospel_n out_o some_o may_v yet_o say_v how_o have_v he_o ordain_v it_o answ_n pray_v observe_v so_o have_v the_o lord_n ordain_v let_v we_o look_v a_o little_a back_n and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o scope_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o place_n the_o apostle_n have_v a_o reference_n to_o what_o precede_v do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o they_o that_o minister_v about_o holy_a thing_n live_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o they_o which_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n be_v partaker_n with_o the_o altar_n so_o have_v the_o lord_n ordain_v etc._n etc._n that_o be_v as_o god_n have_v a_o ministry_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n namely_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n and_o he_o ordain_v and_o appoint_v a_o comfortable_a livelihood_n 〈◊〉_d they_o as_o numb_a 18.20_o deut._n 10._o â—…_n and_o 18.1_o so_o as_o they_o need_v not_o 〈◊〉_d labour_n as_o other_o man_n with_o their_o 〈◊〉_d to_o get_v bread_n to_o eat_v even_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n ordain_v and_o appoint_v that_o those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v have_v likewise_o a_o comfortablâ—_n livelihood_n or_o maintenance_n now_o under_o this_o dispensation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o incumbrancer_n of_o this_o life_n and_o so_o not_o hinder_v oâ—_n obstruct_v in_o their_o holy_a and_o most_o sacred_a employment_n with_o secular_a affair_n god_n will_v say_v our_o late_a annotator_n be_v the_o same_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o be_v under_o the_o old_a i._n e_o it_o be_v not_o as_o to_o the_o people_n a_o matter_n of_o liberty_n so_o as_o they_o may_v choose_v whether_o they_o will_v maintain_v their_o minister_n or_o no_o there_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o those_o who_o be_v take_v off_o from_o worldly_a employment_n and_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o the_o study_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v have_v a_o livelihood_n from_o their_o labour_n this_o also_o agree_v with_o what_o the_o same_o great_a apostle_n say_v gal._n 6.6_o let_v he_o that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n communicate_v to_o he_o that_o teach_v in_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v not_o this_o think_v you_o a_o precept_n be_v not_o this_o direct_o lay_v down_o as_o other_o great_a and_o â—…dispensable_a precept_n and_o duty_n be_v â—…e_v ephes_n 4.23_o let_v he_o that_o steal_v steal_v 〈◊〉_d more_o but_o rather_o let_v he_o labour_v with_o â—…s_a hand_n let_v no_o corrupt_a communicatiâ—…_n proceed_v out_o of_o your_o mouth_n etc._n etc._n and_o â—…ain_o ephes_n 5.33_o let_v every_o one_o of_o â—…u_o in_o particular_a so_o love_v his_o wife_n etc._n etc._n â—ou_fw-mi can_v under_o no_o pretence_n avoid_v these_o â—…eat_a duty_n nor_o can_v you_o plead_v to_o be_v â—…cused_v and_o pray_v do_v not_o the_o same_o â—oly_a spirit_n and_o ever_o bless_a god_n inâ—…n_n and_o require_v you_o in_o the_o same_o form_n 〈◊〉_d speech_n who_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d communicate_v to_o he_o that_o teach_v 〈◊〉_d all_o good_a thing_n shall_v such_o who_o â—ave_n always_o show_v much_o zeal_n for_o the_o â—…red_a ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o â—…us_a christ_n and_o plead_v for_o a_o universal_a obedience_n justify_v themselves_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o so_o plain_a a_o precept_n christ_n â—…h_v then_o be_v you_o my_o friend_n if_o you_o do_v â—…atsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o pray_v 〈◊〉_d this_o great_a ordinance_n then_o be_v think_v â—…on_n and_o have_v equal_a regard_n by_o you_o 〈◊〉_d a_o gospel_n institution_n and_o appointment_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o argue_v foâ—…_n that_o so_o you_o may_v stand_v complete_a in_o tâ—…_n whole_a will_n of_o god_n you_o know_v what_o david_n say_v than_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a wheâ—…_n i_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o all_o thy_o commandment_n let_v he_o that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n communicate_v to_o he_o that_o teach_v in_o all_o good_a thing_n that_o be_v every_o one_o according_a aâ—_n god_n have_v bless_v he_o with_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n god_n will_v noâ—_n have_v his_o faithful_a minister_n want_v any_o good_a thing_n to_o make_v their_o life_n comfortable_a to_o they_o if_o so_o be_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v to_o communicate_v it_o to_o they_o the_o precept_n say_v our_o late_a annotator_n be_v concern_v thâ—…_n maintenance_n of_o minister_n which_o be_v fitâ—…_n express_v by_o the_o term_n communicateâ—…_n because_o as_o the_o people_n distribute_v to_o their_o minister_n thing_n temporal_a so_o the_o minister_n distribute_v thing_n spiritual_a the_o good_a thing_n here_o mention_v be_v temporal_a good_a thing_n such_o as_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o the_o teacher_n for_o tâ—_n uphold_v himself_o and_o family_n the_o text_n teach_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n thaâ—_n minister_n shall_v be_v maintain_v at_o thâ—_n charge_v of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o they_o administer_v and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n for_o they_o do_v but_o communicate_v temporal_a thing_n to_o those_o who_o communicate_v to_o they_o much_o more_o valuable_a thing_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o mock_v etc._n etc._n the_o apostle_n add_v this_o say_v our_o annotator_n to_o terrify_v those_o who_o find_v out_o vain_a and_o false_a excuse_n to_o save_v their_o purse_n he_o advise_v they_o not_o to_o cheat_v themselves_o for_o though_o they_o may_v deceive_v man_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o deceive_v the_o all-seeing_a and_o heart-searching_a god_n etc._n etc._n three_o but_o to_o proceed_v minister_n be_v command_v to_o attend_v whole_o upon_o their_o sacred_a call_v in_o their_o ministry_n and_o be_v require_v not_o to_o contangle_v themselves_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n for_o certain_o what_o paul_n will_v timothy_n to_o do_v in_o this_o respect_n in_o he_o he_o require_v all_o minister_n â—o_o do_v the_o like_a and_o although_o every_o christian_a in_o many_o respect_n may_v be_v compare_v to_o a_o soldier_n
yet_o in_o this_o place_n 2_o tim._n 2.4_o the_o apostle_n only_o allude_v to_o â—hose_v in_o the_o ministry_n or_o such_o who_o be_v spiritual_a officer_n in_o christ_n army_n they_o ought_v to_o take_v heed_n who_o go_v forth_o iâ—_n that_o warfare_n they_o entangle_v not_o themselves_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n i._o â—_o in_o trade_n and_o calling_n which_o other_o christian_n be_v allow_v to_o follow_v and_o the_o reason_n be_v offer_v that_o they_o may_v please_v he_o who_o have_v choose_v they_o to_o be_v soldier_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o same_o apostle_n in_o another_o place_n exhort_v timothy_n and_o so_o all_o other_o minister_n who_o the_o church_n call_v forth_o to_o that_o great_a work_n to_o giu_v himself_o up_o to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n tâ—_n doctrine_n and_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o wordâ—_n meditate_v on_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o giu_v thyself_o whole_o to_o they_o that_o they_o profit_v may_v appear_v to_o all_o nothing_o doubtless_o but_o real_a necessity_n may_v dispense_v with_o the_o contrary_a hâ—_n whole_a time_n and_o strength_n be_v little_a enough_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o worâ—…_n and_o service_n he_o be_v call_v to_o let_v thâ—…_n thing_n be_v the_o business_n of_o thy_o thought_n aâ—…_n take_v care_n of_o they_o be_v in_o they_o so_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o greek_a as_o our_o annotators_n obseruâ—…_n let_v they_o be_v thy_o whole_a work._n he_o mâ—…_n say_v one_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n and_o continue_v in_o read_v meditation_n etc._n etc._n as_o a_o man_n whole_o devote_v unto_o gospel_n service_n and_o be_v therefore_o by_o his_o call_n to_o the_o ministry_n seclude_v from_o those_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o subsistance_n as_o trade_n and_o secular_a employment_n of_o other_o furnish_v they_o with_o that_o his_o mind_n by_o the_o care_n of_o worldly_a business_n may_v not_o be_v divert_v from_o the_o study_n of_o god_n word_n and_o care_n of_o soul_n which_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o station_n engage_v he_o to_o and_o if_o he_o may_v not_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o careful_a thought_n that_o accompany_v worldly_a business_n though_o tend_v to_o his_o profit_n certain_o it_o be_v no_o way_n meet_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v leave_v to_o conflict_n with_o the_o thorny_a care_n of_o a_o necessitous_a condition_n whilst_o those_o he_o minister_n â—o_o have_v mean_n to_o prevent_v it_o doubtless_o â—he_v holy_a god_n ordain_v the_o miniâ—…ers_n maintenance_n upon_o most_o weighty_a ground_n and_o reason_n some_o of_o which_o â—lessed_v be_v his_o name_n he_o have_v not_o conceal_v or_o hide_v from_o we_o and_o this_o we_o say_v seem_v to_o we_o to_o be_v one_o amongâ—…_n the_o rest_n viz._n that_o his_o mind_n and_o thoughtâ—_n may_v not_o be_v divert_v from_o his_o work_n witâ—_n earthly_a thing_n four_o and_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o himself_o upon_o this_o account_n only_o but_o also_o to_o prevent_v that_o occasion_n of_o scandal_n that_o we_o see_v daily_o be_v ready_a to_o attend_v man_n who_o follow_v trade_n and_o secular_a employment_n in_o the_o world_n for_o let_v christiann_n man_n be_v never_o so_o careful_a and_o circumspect_a in_o their_o calling_n and_o commerce_n with_o man_n we_o find_v by_o daily_a experience_n how_o subject_a they_o be_v to_o fall_v under_o the_o clamour_n of_o some_o ungodly_a and_o envious_a people_n they_o lie_v in_o wait_v foâ—_n their_o halt_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o minister_n or_o pastor_n of_o a_o church_n that_o be_v a_o trade_n person_n be_v sure_a they_o will_v if_o 〈◊〉_d be_v possible_a watch_v he_o so_o that_o he_o shaâ—…_n not_o escape_v their_o reproachful_a tonguâ—…_n though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o deserveâ—…_n and_o hereby_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o â—…ly_o make_v weak_a but_o his_o spirit_n aâ—…_n grieve_v and_o his_o ministry_n make_v thâ—…_n unjust_o contemptible_a we_o find_v 〈◊〉_d from_o hence_o very_o necessary_a that_o the_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n and_o teacher_n too_o if_o possible_a shall_v be_v free_v from_o all_o such_o insnarement_n and_o can_v but_o observe_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o holy_a ordinance_n i._n e._n in_o ordain_v a_o support_n and_o livelihood_n for_o his_o servant_n another_o way_n so_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v bring_v under_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n and_o that_o thereby_o also_o the_o word_n of_o god_n may_v the_o better_a run_n and_o be_v glorify_v these_o two_o argument_n we_o can_v but_o judge_n be_v weighty_a namely_o 1._o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n especial_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o pastor_n be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o do_v require_v his_o utmost_a attendance_n or_o all_o his_o whole_a time_n and_o strength_n as_o it_o must_v needs_o appear_v to_o every_o man_n who_o sober_o and_o serious_o consider_v it_o in_o its_o part_n it_o be_v true_a a_o man_n may_v bear_v that_o name_n and_o discharge_v that_o sacred_a office_n in_o part_n nay_o and_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v consider_v his_o circumstance_n in_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o have_v in_o part_n peace_n in_o his_o mind_n but_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o this_o caâ—…ing_n as_o he_o ought_v and_o as_o the_o sanction_n of_o thâ—…_n office_n call_v for_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o thâ—…_n holy_a name_n of_o god_n and_o credit_n of_o religion_n for_o we_o conclude_v to_o preach_v onâ—_n or_o two_o sermon_n in_o a_o week_n be_v the_o leasâ—_n part_n of_o his_o work_n and_o the_o least_o indeed_o if_o his_o matter_n be_v not_o so_o well_o prepare_v and_o digest_v that_o he_o may_v show_v himseâ—…_n a_o workman_n that_o need_v not_o be_v ashameâ—…_n right_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n thâ—…_n so_o every_o one_o may_v have_v their_o portion_n 〈◊〉_d meat_n in_o due_a season_n which_o that_o timâ—thy_n may_v do_v st._n paul_n advise_v he_o to_o a_o careful_a and_o diligent_a study_n but_o how_o such_o poor_a man_n can_v do_v this_o who_o aâ—…_n force_v to_o follow_v their_o trade_n hard_o eâ—…ry_a day_n in_o the_o week_n to_o get_v bread_n for_o their_o family_n we_o see_v not_o but_o beside_o the_o great_a work_n of_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o read_v meditation_n anâ—_n laborious_a and_o diligent_a study_n anâ—_n preach_v of_o god_n word_n there_o 〈◊〉_d another_o great_a duty_n lie_v upon_o theâ—…_n which_o be_v visit_v the_o member_n of_o thâ—…_n church_n under_o their_o care_n so_o that_o thâ—…_n may_v know_v the_o state_n of_o their_o flock_n yea_o yea_o go_v from_o house_n to_o house_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v how_o can_v they_o so_o well_o know_v what_o food_n to_o administer_v or_o hand_n forth_o unto_o some_o poor_a soul_n they_o have_v commit_v to_o their_o charge_n where_o the_o work_n of_o visit_v be_v neglect_v we_o conclude_v one_o main_a part_n of_o the_o pastor_n business_n lie_v undo_v and_o what_o a_o account_n they_o will_v have_v to_o give_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n to_o jesus_n christ_n we_o know_v not_o if_o they_o be_v remiss_a here_o or_o what_o a_o account_n the_o church_n can_v give_v if_o they_o be_v out_o of_o a_o capacity_n to_o discharge_v this_o great_a trust_n through_o neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o they_o they_o say_v the_o apostle_n watch_v for_o your_o soul_n as_o such_o as_o must_v give_v account_n heb._n 13.17_o and_o then_o second_o the_o credit_n and_o honour_n of_o their_o ministry_n in_o respect_n of_o what_o we_o before_o mention_v aught_o to_o be_v consider_v for_o if_o the_o preacher_n have_v blot_n and_o stain_n upon_o he_o through_o the_o necessity_n he_o may_v be_v in_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n by_o not_o have_v his_o want_n supply_v but_o be_v involve_v in_o debt_n or_o expose_v to_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o way_n of_o trading_n what_o weight_n or_o power_n think_v you_o will_v his_o ministry_n have_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n for_o it_o necessary_o make_v room_n for_o the_o old_a proverb_n physician_n heal_v thyself_o and_o it_o be_v as_o a_o prevention_n of_o those_o evil_n i._n e._n for_o the_o good_a health_n and_o wellbeing_a of_o the_o soul_n both_o of_o pastor_n and_o people_n here_o and_o hereafter_o we_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o ordain_v and_o so_o to_o provide_v for_o his_o servant_n in_o the_o ministry_n as_o we_o have_v show_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o five_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o church_n be_v oblige_v to_o provide_v for_o their_o minister_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o equity_n and_o justice_n and_o from_o hence_o the_o apostle_n argue_v the_o point_n with_o the_o corinthian_n 1_o cor._n 9.7_o etc._n
they_o preach_v but_o now_o and_o then_o answ_n that_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o church_n who_o ought_v to_o consider_v the_o person_n circumstance_n with_o the_o call_v he_o have_v to_o preach_v etc._n etc._n but_o principal_o it_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o be_v set_v a_o part_n to_o that_o work_n who_o strength_n and_o time_n be_v take_v up_o about_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n thus_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o discharge_v our_o duty_n as_o touch_v this_o great_a work_n and_o have_v we_o hope_v answer_v all_o the_o material_a objection_n any_o have_v to_o bring_v or_o urge_v against_o the_o minister_n maintenance_n but_o since_o we_o have_v a_o little_a room_n we_o shall_v add_v some_o brief_a hint_n further_o to_o show_v the_o great_a charge_n and_o work_v of_o a_o true_a gospel_n minister_n and_o so_o conclude_v that_o all_o may_v see_v how_o needful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o every_o one_o take_v care_n to_o discharge_v their_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o they_o whereby_o also_o the_o justness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n herein_o may_v yet_o further_o appear_v to_o all_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a work_n of_o a_o true_a gospel_n minister_v open_v the_o nature_n and_o weightiness_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o christ_n together_o with_o the_o necessity_n and_o difficulty_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v consider_v in_o its_o part_n in_o a_o brief_a and_o compendious_a manner_n first_o it_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o sublime_a office_n he_o be_v place_v in_o a_o very_a high_a sphere_n and_o station_n hence_o call_v the_o ambassador_n of_o christ_n what_o high_a dignity_n can_v be_v confer_v on_o man_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o prince_n who_o messenger_n they_o be_v set_v forth_o their_o dignity_n they_o be_v in_o christ_n stead_n employ_v in_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n and_o have_v receive_v authority_n from_o he_o and_o be_v also_o prepare_v and_o qualify_v for_o this_o sacred_a work_n by_o he_o and_o indeed_o therefore_o ought_v to_o be_v blameless_a as_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v say_v to_o receive_v they_o receive_v he_o and_o those_o who_o despise_v they_o despise_v him._n o_o with_o what_o holy_a fear_n dread_a and_o reverence_n ought_v they_o to_o enter_v upon_o this_o work_n and_o office_n lest_o they_o shall_v dishonour_v their_o great_a and_o glorious_a prince_n and_o heavenly_a sovereign_n who_o they_o represent_v be_v it_o not_o a_o weighty_a thing_n to_o be_v make_v the_o mouth_n of_o christ_n 2._o nay_o and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n in_o the_o world_n christ_n have_v commit_v the_o management_n of_o his_o glorious_a interest_n and_o great_a concern_v he_o have_v on_o earth_n into_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v send_v to_o treat_v with_o poor_a sinner_n about_o eternal_a matter_n even_o the_o eternal_a life_n or_o eternal_a death_n and_o damnation_n of_o their_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n in_o and_o about_o these_o thing_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v fellow_n worker_n together_o with_o christ_n 2._o cor._n 6.1_o though_o but_o as_o instrument_n serve_v he_o as_o the_o principal_a agent_n and_o efficient_a cause_n he_o tread_v the_o winepress_n of_o his_o father_n wrath_n alone_o but_o in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o purchase_n of_o man_n salvation_n he_o admit_v of_o fellow-worker_n though_o the_o internal_a work_n be_v his_o i._n e._n the_o effect_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o who_o heart_n be_v change_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o ministerial_a part_n which_o lie_v on_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o the_o minister_n duty_n which_o consist_v partly_o in_o exhortation_n motive_n and_o argument_n by_o the_o ear_n convey_v to_o the_o soul_n and_o thus_o minister_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v worker_n together_o with_o christ_n and_o without_o he_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o they_o be_v worker_n but_o they_o must_v have_v christ_n work_v with_o they_o or_o they_o will_v find_v that_o they_o labour_v in_o vain_a but_o be_v it_o not_o think_v you_o a_o high_a and_o most_o sacred_a place_n and_o office_n thus_o to_o be_v employ_v may_v not_o every_o one_o of_o we_o say_v who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n for_o we_o be_v unto_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n a_o sweet_a savour_n of_o christ_n in_o they_o that_o be_v save_v and_o in_o they_o that_o perish_v 2_o cor._n 2._o for_o that_o god_n who_o we_o serve_v will_v not_o judge_n of_o we_o nor_o reward_v we_o according_a to_o our_o success_n as_o a_o worthy_a author_n observe_v but_o according_a to_o our_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n in_o his_o work_n we_o give_v as_o if_o paul_n shall_v say_v a_o good_a savour_n by_o our_o doctrine_n unto_o all_o and_o our_o labour_n be_v a_o sweet_a savour_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o god_n whatever_o effect_n they_o have_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n god_n accept_v of_o our_o labour_n as_o to_o good_a man_n to_o who_o we_o be_v instrument_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o salvation_n and_o though_o other_o despise_v the_o gospel_n and_o refuse_v the_o sweet_a sound_n thereof_o yet_o as_o to_o they_o also_o we_o be_v a_o sweet_a savour_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o god_n though_o israel_n be_v not_o save_v say_v the_o prophet_n yet_o i_o shall_v be_v glorious_a it_o be_v not_o through_o any_o neglect_n in_o we_o as_o to_o our_o duty_n if_o any_o perish_v but_o from_o their_o own_o wilfulness_n and_o rebellious_a heart_n to_o the_o one_o we_o be_v the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n and_o to_o the_o other_o the_o savour_n of_o life_n unto_o life_n and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n ver_fw-la 16._o as_o sweet_a smell_n which_o be_v to_o some_o pleasant_a and_o comfortable_a say_v a_o worthy_a author_n yet_o be_v to_o other_o pernicious_a and_o deadly_a so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o sweet_a savour_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o report_n which_o we_o in_o all_o place_n make_v of_o christ_n to_o some_o through_o their_o unbelief_n and_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o fondness_n of_o their_o lust_n prove_v but_o the_o savour_n of_o death_n unto_o death_n harden_v their_o heart_n to_o their_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n but_o to_o such_o who_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v our_o report_n and_z embrace_v the_o gospel_n and_o live_v up_o to_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n thereof_o our_o preach_v prove_v a_o cause_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n to_o which_o that_o lead_v but_o o_o how_o great_a a_o work_n be_v this_o what_o man_n what_o angel_n be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o o_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a work_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o preach_v it_o it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o faith_n come_v how_o shall_v they_o believe_v on_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n and_o how_o shall_v they_o preach_v except_o they_o be_v send_v rom._n 10.14_o i_o e._n unless_o they_o have_v a_o extraordinary_a or_o ordinary_a mission_n i._n e._n either_o from_o god_n more_o immediate_o which_o call_v be_v long_o since_o cease_v or_o else_o by_o the_o election_n of_o the_o church_n and_o ordination_n of_o the_o elder_n or_o presbytery_n this_o be_v necessary_a in_o all_o regular_a minister_n how_o else_o can_v they_o due_o or_o profitable_o in_o the_o name_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n preach_v the_o word_n of_o life_n brethren_n you_o who_o be_v christ_n true_a minister_n be_v orderly_o call_v to_o this_o sacred_a work_n your_o preach_a have_v attendency_n either_o to_o save_v or_o eternal_o to_o condemn_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o with_o what_o tremble_v then_o ought_v this_o work_n to_o be_v undertake_v and_o perform_v you_o be_v entrust_v with_o man_n soul_n and_o must_v be_v accountable_a for_o they_o especial_o such_o who_o be_v commit_v to_o your_o charge_n do_v we_o consider_v it_o and_o due_o ponder_v upon_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n certain_o we_o shall_v have_v little_a else_o to_o think_v upon_o nor_o trouble_v our_o head_n and_o heart_n about_o it_o will_v be_v sure_a cause_n we_o to_o be_v more_o serious_a and_o laborious_a we_o be_v persuade_v than_o we_o be_v what_o shall_v we_o do_v if_o through_o our_o neglect_n and_o remissness_n in_o this_o great_a work_n any_o shall_v die_v and_o perish_v in_o their_o sin_n mind_n what_o god_n say_v in_o that_o of_o ezek._n 3.18_o unto_o his_o watchman_n when_o i_o say_v unto_o the_o wicked_a thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v and_o thou_o give_v he_o not_o warning_n nor_o speak_v to_o warn_v the_o wicked_a from_o
needs_o be_v a_o great_a mystery_n but_o so_o it_o be_v here_o for_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v the_o great_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o these_o mystery_n as_o any_o ever_o have_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o declare_v they_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o see_v but_o in_o part_n dark_o as_o through_o a_o glass_n ver_fw-la 13.9.12_o it_o be_v such_o a_o mystery_n that_o he_o that_o think_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n know_v nothing_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v what_o a_o mystery_n be_v that_o of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v join_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o both_o make_v but_o one_o christ_n what_o a_o mystery_n be_v there_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n 1._o that_o a_o man_n shall_v go_v out_o of_o himself_o and_o be_v carry_v above_o himself_o to_o believe_v thing_n impossible_a to_o man_n natural_a reason_n that_o he_o shall_v seek_v for_o justification_n by_o the_o righteousness_n and_o obedience_n of_o another_o for_o a_o man_n as_o one_o will_v think_v to_o have_v a_o great_a store_n of_o holiness_n and_o good_a work_n and_o yet_o throw_v it_o as_o it_o be_v all_o away_o and_o be_v dead_a to_o it_o in_o point_n of_o trust_n and_o dependence_n be_v to_o natural_a man_n a_o strange_a mystery_n 2._o to_o believe_v when_o every_o thing_n be_v opposite_a to_o it_o to_o work_n for_o life_n and_o oppose_v some_o sin_n a_o natural_a man_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v but_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n for_o life_n and_o holiness_n to_o rely_v on_o his_o do_n his_o work_n his_o merit_n this_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v understand_v but_o be_v natural_o averse_a to_o nay_o and_o satan_n also_o oppose_v it_o and_o the_o world_n mock_v at_o it_o and_o account_v it_o foolishness_n 3._o that_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v and_o not_o see_v nay_o believe_v as_o abraham_n do_v in_o hope_n against_o hope_n be_v a_o mystery_n yet_o may_v be_v there_o be_v some_o great_a mystery_n than_o this_o which_o a_o minister_n be_v to_o study_v in_o respect_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n his_o work_n office_n glorious_a covenant_n ordinance_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o his_o work_n be_v a_o difficult_a work_n 2._o it_o be_v difficult_a in_o that_o it_o call_v for_o the_o great_a care_n and_o exactness_n imaginable_a every_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o holy_a pattern_n set_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n there_o must_v be_v no_o add_v to_o no_o diminish_n from_o nor_o alter_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o least_o without_o eternal_a hazard_n and_o danger_n 3._o it_o be_v difficult_a and_o very_a hard_a in_o that_o it_o call_v for_o the_o great_a strength_n that_o the_o most_o strong_a in_o grace_n and_o wisdom_n can_v arrive_v unto_o it_o require_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o whole_a soul_n to_o be_v exert_v or_o put_v forth_o to_o a_o right_o discharge_v thereof_o 4._o it_o call_v not_o only_o for_o all_o our_o strength_n but_o also_o all_o our_o time_n and_o diligence_n a_o slothful_a or_o idle_a person_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o minister_n it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o must_v be_v follow_v continual_o let_v the_o time_n be_v what_o they_o will_v preach_v the_o word_n be_v instant_a in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n reprove_v exhort_v with_o all_o long_o suffer_v and_o doctrine_n be_v not_o slothful_a but_o diligent_a fear_v no_o face_n regard_v no_o threat_n respect_v no_o man_n person_n reprove_v all_o impartial_o be_v not_o fawn_v nor_o flatter_v preacher_n nor_o like_o those_o who_o rather_o vent_v their_o own_o passion_n than_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o instruction_n and_o reformation_n of_o soul_n and_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a work_n to_o do_v 5._o it_o be_v difficult_a work_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v against_o they_o and_o the_o grand_a obstruction_n they_o meet_v withal_o 1._o from_o their_o own_o heart_n the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a though_o the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a many_o time_n that_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v with_o peter_n master_n pity_v thyself_o why_o do_v thou_o spend_v thy_o time_n thy_o strength_n and_o wear_v out_o thy_o poor_a body_n at_o this_o sort_n less_o may_v do_v etc._n etc._n beside_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o minister_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o work_n cause_v he_o oft_o to_o tremble_v in_o consideration_n of_o his_o unfitness_n and_o unworthiness_n for_o such_o a_o sacred_a undertake_n and_o employment_n 2._o from_o sin_n in_o dwell_v sin_n and_o other_o humane_a frailty_n alas_o they_o be_v man_n of_o like_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n with_o other_o 3._o from_o satan_n he_o be_v a_o implacable_a enemy_n to_o they_o and_o to_o their_o work_n hence_o he_o raise_v up_o all_o the_o opposition_n against_o they_o imaginable_a to_o hinder_v they_o in_o their_o business_n or_o take_v they_o off_o of_o it_o or_o make_v they_o remiss_a and_o negligent_a in_o do_v it_o we_o be_v not_o ignorant_a say_v paul_n of_o his_o device_n 2_o cor._n 2.11_o 4._o from_o the_o world_n 1._o by_o reproach_n and_o contradiction_n of_o ungodly_a man_n 2._o by_o heretic_n and_o false-teacher_n with_o these_o they_o be_v force_v to_o fight_v and_o many_o time_n be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o as_o paul_n when_o he_o engage_v those_o evil_a beast_n at_o ephesus_n 5._o last_o by_o persecutor_n always_o the_o heat_n of_o this_o battle_n fall_v upon_o christ_n poor_a minister_n they_o be_v the_o mark_v these_o wicked_a archer_n shoot_v at_o hence_o they_o like_v paul_n be_v oft_o in_o bond_n and_o prisoner_n for_o christ_n sake_n now_o put_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o be_v it_o not_o needful_a think_v you_o that_o your_o poor_a minister_n be_v think_v upon_o and_o encourage_v by_o you_o as_o christ_n have_v appoint_v but_o we_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o only_a conclude_v all_o with_o one_o word_n to_o our_o fellow_n labourer_n brethren_n let_v we_o strive_v to_o double_v our_o diligence_n and_o show_v to_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o work_n be_v upon_o our_o spirit_n and_o though_o we_o have_v not_o that_o encouragement_n from_o the_o people_n that_o god_n have_v ordain_v yet_o remember_v we_o serve_v a_o good_a master_n beside_o a_o necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o we_o we_o must_v preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o let_v we_o be_v content_v with_o that_o state_n and_o portion_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v our_o great_a business_n to_o approve_v ourselves_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n in_o labour_n in_o watch_n in_o fast_n by_o pureness_n by_o knowledge_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o love_n unfeigned_a by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o the_o armour_n of_o righteousness_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a by_o honour_n and_o dishonour_v by_o evil_a report_n and_o good_a report_n 2_o cor._n 6.5,6,7,8_o possible_o we_o may_v be_v reproach_v and_o sensure_v for_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o say_v in_o this_o small_a tract_n but_o shall_v it_o be_v so_o we_o matter_n it_o not_o since_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o our_o design_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promote_a his_o bless_a gospel_n in_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o poor_a church_n and_o also_o because_o we_o know_v we_o have_v the_o sure_a word_n of_o god_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o plead_v for_o wherefore_o whilst_o we_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o all_o it_o be_v not_o the_o hire_n the_o wages_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o aim_v at_o but_o contrariwise_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a god_n and_o to_o witness_v to_o the_o sanction_n of_o every_o one_o of_o his_o just_a and_o most_o holy_a precept_n we_o can_v be_v without_o peace_n in_o our_o own_o soul_n finis_fw-la