actual Investiture in our Nature of aâ—… Power in Heaven and Earth Matâ— 28.18.19.20 And Jesus came anâ— spake unto them saying All Power 〈◊〉 given unto me in Heaven and in Earth Go ye therefore Teach all Nations â—… And lo I am with you always even 〈◊〉 the End of the World. Amen Also after His Blessed and Glorious Ascention and Sitting on the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens Heb. 8. â— Angels and Authorities and Powers being made subject unto him 1 Pet. 3. 22. Did by His Apostles give Commandment and Direction for the continuance hereof to the end of the World and his Second Coming without Sin unto Salvation Heb. 9.28 As Acts 14.21,22,23 After they had by their Ministry been blest with the Conversion of many Souls they took care to direct them into the Duty of Church Communion and by their Suffrages Ordained them Elders in every Church So the Apostle gives this as the Reason Why he left Titus in Creete he not having opportunity after Preaching the Gospel to them to put things into due Order Tit. 1.5 That he should set in Order the things that were wanting or left undone by the Apostle and Or â—…e Elders in every City that is Church in euery City as before Acts 14. who are called Elders Bishops or Pastors and Teachers Names significative of theâ—… Authority Office and Work. 2. Christ being now in Heaven and an extraordinary Call being ceased the Scriptures being a perfect and standing Rule to the Church through all Ages he has committed this Care to her self according to the Power given to Her who is the Pillar and Ground of Truth to provide Ministers for her own Edification in Obedience to his Commands and Rules given in his word as he shall see good to Bless her with Spiritual Gifts and Abilities in order to the fitting them for this Work the Father also has Covenanted to give his Spirit in the Gifts and Graces of it and promised that the Words he has put into Christs Mouth and the spirit that is upon him shall never depart from him nor his seeds seed for ever Likewise has according to the Circumstances of time the Church hath been under blest her as with his Grace so with all needful Spiritual Gifts Eph. 4.7.11 For the perfecting the saints for the Work of the Ministry for the Edifying the Body of Christ So that whilst there is a Church Millitant Saints on this side Perfection any of the Members of Christ Mystical Body on Earth those Spiritual Gifts needfull to their present State shall be given and be amongst them for the Support of the great Ordinance of the Ministry and for the good of the Church 3. And as its the Churches Duty to Seek these Spiritual Abilities and improve them when they are given to these great and Holy Ends so she must walk regularly herein in obedience to the Rules given by Christ in this Case who hath laid down the qualifications both Negative and Positive of all such as ought to be called to this great work and Trust of Ministring by Office 1 Tim. 3.1 to 9. Tit. 1.6.9 we have no warrant to put any into the Ministry otherwise save such as are here discribed and competently fitted for it For as it was a sin of Old in the Church to put any into the Ministry but those whom God appointed by the Rules given to them so it can be no less Evil for the Church now to call any forth into Office but such who are qualified as God's Word directs and now as Christ hath made this grant of Power to the Church of choosing her own Officers for her Edification so he hath left Rules for her who and how to chose as we said before So likewise he has laid down those special Duties of the Officers in the Church who are to take the oversight Feed Govern Go in and out before them Acts 20.17,18 1. Pet. 5. and 2. 4. When the Church has had a Tryal of the meetness and Abilities of any Person or Persons for this work and service they are by Election and Choice solemnly to set him or them a part by Prayer and Laying on of Hands Acts 14.21,22,23 Acts 6. By which a new relation ariseth of an Elder and a Church a Pastor and a Flock This must be therefore by the mutual voluntary acts of each other by which the Duties of each relation becomes binding upon them according to the Laws of Christ It is the Pastors Duty now to Watch Feed and Govern the Flock and to give himself up to it It is the Churches Duty to submit themselves to Him in the Lord to Love Reverence and Administer freely to him 1 Pet. 5.1,2,3,4,5 Heb. 13.7.17 How greatly then must those Churches be to blame that unconcernedly live in the neglect of so great a Duty upon which the Edification of the Church and her Well-being so much depends as well as Gospel Order For although the Essence and Being of a Church depends upon its Institution in respect both of Matter and Form A competent number of Believers may by mutual agreement lay the Foundation of the Being of a Gospel Church but they cannot be a Church Organical without Officers which the Lord hath placed there for the orderly Exercisâ—… of his Authority committed to her To neglect this is to despise the Wisdom of Christ who best knows whaâ— is for the good of His Church and for Her Edification in this State. 2 To slight His Goodness in so useful and beneficial an Institution 3 It s a contempt put upon his Authority as King of Saints who has in his Soveraign Right in and over the Church Ordained it so to be for the Churches Good and Well-being Secondly As there should not be a neglect of this Duty so there should be great care taken that we answer the Will of God herein wherein His Name and Honour is so much concerned in Respect of his Love to and Care of his Church therefore the greaest diligence should be taken that the Rules He has given be duly observed and Applications made of the Qualifications laid down in respect of all such that are called unto Office The outward Call is an Act of the Church the acceptation of the Person so called is an Obediential Act of him to the Will of God but neither of these can be regular where there is not at previous indication of the Mind of God in bestowing those Spiritual Gifts and Qualifications as may render him competently fit to the Discharge of his Office and Work. Now in a Churches undue proceeding herein they discover their own weakness if not Ignorance in respect of the Rule it self and injure the Person so called in laying the weight of so great a Work upon him who is not furnished with Spiritual Abilities to discharge it thereby expose the Honour of Christ and Reputation of His Gospel in the World which should be dear unto us And we have reason to
THE Gospel Minister's Maintenance VINDICATED WHEREIN A Regular Ministry in the Churches is first Asserted and the Objections against a Gospel Maintenance for Ministers Answered ALSO The Dignity Necessity Difficulty Use and Excellency of the Ministry of Christ is opened LIKEWISE The Nature and VVeightiness of that Sacred VVork and Office clearly evinc'd Recommended to the Baptized Congregations by several Elders in and about the City of London 2 Cor 9.14 Even so hath the Lord Ordained That they who Preach the Gospel shall live of the Gospâ—… 2 Cor. 2.16 And who is sufficient for 〈◊〉 things London Printed and are to be sold by Joâ—… 〈◊〉 at the Harrow in the Poulâ—… 〈…〉 ERRATA PAge 2. Line 12. and 15. for Church Read Churches p. 3. l. 9. f. Church r. Churches p. 5. l. 22. r. the. p. 7. l. 11. and 14. f. the Churches Duty she r. the Duty of the Churches they p. 8. l. 7. r. Churches and l. 9. f. her r. their p. 14. l. 2. r. Churches p. 20. l. 1. h. is wanting p. 20. l. 21. s. is wanting p. 25. f. contangle r. intangle p. 32. l. 18. f. their r. her p. 41. l. 22. f. are r. do p. 47. l. 21. f. let r. set p. 70. l. 26. f. and r. or p. 101. l. 10. r. Family p. 105. l. 14. leave out say they To the Congregations of Baptized Believers in England and Wales Grace Mercy and Peace be multiplied through the saving Knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ Beloved Brethren WE have read and considered of this ensuing Treatiseâ— and do conclude in may be of great profit to the Churches of Jesus Christ we fearing some Congregations have 〈…〉 â—…uly weighed and considered of thâ—…r â—…dispensible Duty to the Ministry in respect of providing such a Maintenance for those who Labour amongst them and are 〈◊〉 them in the Lord as they ought to do by which means it may he feared that many of them may be hindred or obstructed in attending on their Work in serving of Christ and his People as the Nature of their sacred Imployment and Office requires and the present Day especially calls for and as the Lord himself hath also Ordained Therefore our earnest Desires are that our Brethren both Ministers and Members would he pleased to get this little Book and both Read and wâ—ll Weigh what is said therein without Prejudice both in Respect of a Regular Ministry the Ministers Maintenance and the Greatness and Difficulty of their Work and now that it may be blessed by JEHOVAH to the Great and Good Ends it is designed is and shall be the Hearty Prayers of us your Brethren in the Faith and Fellowship of the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ Hanserd Knollys William Kiffin William Collins John Harris George Barret Richard Adams Benjamin Keach Isaac Lamb Edward Man Leonard Harrison Hercules Collins London July 30. 1681. The Contents of the chief Things insisted on in the ensuing Treatise A Regular Ministry Asserted Pag. 1 Christ himself in his own Person first settled the Ministry in a most solemn manner 3 Power left to particular Congregations to choose their own Ministers 6 Churches ought to take care that they choose Men to Office that are competently qualified according to 1 Tim. 3.1,2,3 And Tit. 1.6.9 7 8 Churches after Election and Tryal of their Ministers ought solemnly to ordain them by Prayer and Imposition of Hands 8 9 Churches undue Proceedings in the choice of Elders dishonourable and an hinderance to the Gospel 10 11 Every Congregation that neglects their Duty in providing a fit Maintenance for their Pastors if able is dishonourable and a scandal to Religion 13 Ministers Maintenance Asserted strange that any should doubt of it 13 14 The Scriptures urged to prove 't is an indispensable Duty to provide a comfortable Livelyhood for Faithful Ministers 15 16 13 Arguments to prove this Duty 1. Christ would not have his Disciples when he first sent them out waste their own Substance whilst imployed in his Work. 17 18 2. God has positively ordained or appointed his Ministers a comfortable Maintenance under the Gospel 19 20 Ministers Maintenance not now by Tithes as it was under the Law. 20 21 No denying or avoiding the Duty of Ministers Maintenance 22 23 3. Ministers commanded to attend wholly upon their Work. 25 Nothing but real Necessity will admit him to dispence with the contrary all his time little enough 26 Pastors must visit their Members go from House to House 27 4. Ministers that follow Trades c. exposes them to Reproach therefore if possible to be avoided 30 31 5. Ministers Maintenance proved by the Law and Light of Nature as well as by the positive Law of Christ 32 33 Obj. Some Ministers do not need it Answered 40 6 Ministers not unable to follow Trades some could do it and provide for themselves and get Estates as well as others therefore ought not to suffer for taking that sacred work upon them 43 Ministers are as much bound to provide for their Families as other Men. 43 44 7 Shewing what great Provision God made for his Ministers under the Law proving the Equitableness of the same Law remains still 45 46 As great Reason for the People to provide for their Ministers under the Gospel nay greater in some Respects than for them under the Law 47 8. Elders or Pastors must be given to Hospitality therefore if Churches are able and they poor they ought to put them into a capacity to shine in that Virtue 47 48 9. This duty urged from the Honourableness of it it frees Members from the sensure of Coveteousness one part of that double Honour due to Elders that Labour in the Word proved to be Maintenance 50 51 52 10. Argued for from the said Effects and Inconveniences that attends the neglect of it 52 53 54 It lays a Discouragement in the way of good Men to give themselves to Study and Dedicate themselves to take part in the Ministry 54 55 It exposes Ministers to neglect their Work when they are neglected nay to leave it and be blameless 56 57 This neglect hinders Ministers in their Study they having not time and so Preach no better its necessary for Ministers to have store of Useful Books and Time also 58 59 11. Neglect to Ministers and the concern of God's House is a robbing of God and may bring a blast upon Men's Estates 62 63 64 65 66 12. A shame to God's People to suffer the Heathens and Papists to do more to uphold Idolatry than they do to uphold the true Worship of the Living God. 71 72 13. Ministers will be left wholly without excuse if they do not faithfully fulfil their Ministry when the Congregations sufficiently provide for them 74 75 One Minister took off of Worldly Business may do more in promulgating the Gospel than several others who are not 76 77 Motives to press this Duty Motive 1. Ministers represent Christ what done to them is done to him 77 78
Motive 2. Ministers being intrusted with our Souls we ought to take care they want nothing that is necessary for their Bodies 78 79 Motive 3. Ministers being exposed to many Temptations and Discouragements a great Motive why not to be left to serve in wants and necessities 80 81 Motive 4. Ministers may forbear working if they will provided the Church can provide for them and they faithfully discharge their Duty 81 82 Quest May a Pastor make Terms with a Church about his Maintenance before he take the charge of them Answered 82 Quest What shall that Church do that is not able to provide for her Pastor Answered 83 84 85 Quest Have not you disclaimed againsâ— such who Preach for Hire A Threefold Answer given 87 8â— Obj. Is there any Reason that Rich Men thâ—… are Pastors should have an Allowance Answered 89 9â— Obj. Our Church is small our Pastor cannot take up all his Time in Spiritual Service Answered 92 9â— The Reason why some Churches are small may be because Ministers are no morâ— Labourous in Preaching the Gospel up anâ— down in the adjacent places where theâ— Live which some can't do because nâ—… in capacity The present Liberty to bâ— Improved Idle and slothful Minister not to be maintained 93 94 95 96 Two Reasons of some Pastors Remisness iâ— Preaching or Labouring no more 97 98 Ministers may Work with their Hands anâ— ought so to do when it will tend to thâ— furtherance of the Gospel 10â— A great Harvest now and good Weather therefore Ministers ought to Labouâ— hard 101 10â— Freely you have received freely give Answered 103 10â— Ministers not to Preach for Hire i. e. to propound that as their end 186 The Congregations ought to give the Ministers their Portion with Respect and Honour 108 Ministers Work now as great and weighty as those was under the Law like Necessity of their Work 't is as Honourable neglect as dangerous as then People now as great Benefit by the Ministry or more from hence the same Reason for their Maintenance as under the Law. 111 May he that Exercises his Gift but now and then expect an Allowance from the Church Answered 112 The Weightiness of the Ministers Work opened 113 114 Their Work is Honourable they are in a high Sphere intrusted with the highest concerns in the World. 114 They Workers with Christ 115 May be in danger of losing the Souls of Men. 117 118 They must have a Regulur Call. 120 Ministers intrusted with the Charge of the Church 122 â—…eir Work difficult in 5 Respects 127 â—28 129. ADVERTISEMENT READER WHereas in the 38th Article of Religioâ— called The Thirty Nine Articles of thâ— Church of England 't is said The Riches anâ— Goods of Christians are not common as touching thâ— Right Title and Possession of the same as certaâ—… Anabaptists do falsly boast We look upon oâ—… selves concerned to declare that if there weâ—… in the Last Age in Germany or elsewhere aâ—… People bearing that Name who Asserted any sucâ— thing we know none called Anabaptists in England nor any where else who hold that absuâ—… or rotten Principle but do testifie our dislike anâ— abhorrence of it and verily believe as 't is inâ—…mated in the said Article That the Goods Richeâ—… and Possessions of all Christians as touching tâ—…â—…ght and title of the same are their own as tâ—… 〈◊〉 Scripture witnesses Acts 5.4 Yet notwitâ—standing we also believe and teach that evâ—… man ought of such things as he possesseth liberalâ—… to give Alms to the poor according to his Abiliâ—… as is also there asserted Having this opportâ—nity we thought it not amiss to publish this clear our selves and our Brethren from tâ—… scandal which possibly some may cast upon 〈◊〉 since these Articles by reason of a late Act 〈◊〉 this present Parliament are more generaâ—…â—…own and examined by many People 〈…〉 A Regular Ministry in the Church Asserted GOD in his Infinite Goodness having by his present Providences not only given us reâ—…ite from our former Sufferings but â—…e trust begun that great and glorious â—…ork of the Churches Deliverance 〈◊〉 long the hope and expectation of 〈◊〉 that truly love and fear the Lord â—…e cannot but look upon our Selves â—…ncerned to endeavour to make a due â—…provement of that Mercy and Goodâ—…ss that is attending us herein and â—…ing into consideration the Condiâ—…n of the Church of Jesus Christ we â—…not but be concerned with and afflicted for the late and present wants She lies under in respect to the Ministry God having of late Years removed so many able and pious Men and seems to be near the removing many more by Age and Bodily Infirmities This with other things put us upon the Consideration how much the Honour of Christ the reputation of his Glorious Gospel in the World as likewise the Good and Well-being of the Church depends upon a regular and orderly Ministry and the Continuation thereof And for the Church to be under a supine neglect herein is very sad First Either in not endeavouring after and calling forth such a regular and stated Ministry according to Gospel Institution at all or Secondly to be so weak and inadverteâ—… as to call forth such as are not so duly furnished and qualified for it or Thirdly Suffering such as are call'â— forth to this great Work under competeâ—… Abilities to lye under unsupportable Burthens must needs be greatly blameable before our Lord Jesus Christ the great Bishop and Shepherd of our Souls as well as highly negligent of their own Edification and Well-being 1. To proceed it cannot be denied but Christ hath and ought to have a stated and regular Ministry in his Church according to his own Institution Who himself when he entred upon his Ministry here on Earth did call forth Apostles and Disciples to bear that part of the Work with him which he called them to and fitted â—hem for See Mark 3.13 to the â—… Christ went up into a Mountain â—…d called to him whom he would and â—…hey came to him and he ordained Twelve â—…at they should be with Him and that â—…e might send them forth to Preach to â—hom He gave the Name of Apostles Mat. 10.2 Luke 6.13 Which he did â—ith great Solemnity and Invocation 〈◊〉 the Father for he continued all Night in Prayer to God and when it was Day he chose the Twelve and Named them Apostles After which he appointed other Seventy and sent them forth by Two and Two before His Face to every City and Place c. which were labourers with Him in the Harvest V. 2. And He commanded them to give themselves up to the Work he had called them to and not take Care what they should Eat or Drink For the Labourer saith he is worthy of his Hiâ—… Ver. to 14. Here our Lord Jesus Christ Himself did Institute and Lay the Foundation of the Gospel Ministry in His own Authority and accordingly takes care for the continuance of it after His Death and Resurrection and
reckon that some Churches not walking so regular herein has been one cause of the want of that Reputation which otherwise they might have gained amongst the Saints and in the World observe what Moses said to Israel Deut. 4.6 Keep therefore and do them for this is your Wisdom and your Understanding in the sight of the Nations which shall hear of all these Statutes and say Surely this great Nation is a wise and understanding People Who otherwise were the least of all Nations We ought with far greater reason to take heed we deviate not from the Laws of the Son of God who deserves greater Honour than Moses which he hath given to His Church under the Gospel Dispensation If in the choice of Deacons Acts 6.3 They were to look out from amongst themselves Men of honest Report full of the Holy Ghost and Wisdom to be set apart to that Work How much more in the choice of Pastors or Elders whose Work requires greater spiritual Abillities to a right discharge thereof For Churches therefore to be so unconcern'd whether they have Officers or not according to Gospel Rule or so overly in the Choice of those they caâ—… into such high stations amongst them whether they are competently qualified or not are greatly blameable Thirdly In the next place we conclude It is very dishonourable to God and a reproach to our Sacred Religion for the Churches when they have called forth such Pastors and Ministers who are competently qualified according to the Rule of the Gospel to let them lye under those unsupportable burdens of worldly Snares and Incumbrances without providing a due maintenance for them according to the Ordaination of our Lord Jesus Christ in the New Testament The 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 least to doubt whether it be Duty or noâ— that the Church should allow a Meeâ— and Due Maintenance to their Faithful Pastors and Teachers Yet wâ— hear there are not only some who havâ— doubts about it but others who seeâ— to Object and stiffly argue against iâ— 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 oâ— this Mistake and Error the sooner may in a little time appear to the morâ— palpable Detriment and Prejudice oâ— 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 thâ— Evil and Danger threatned upon thâ— Account of this Defect and Remisneâ—… of Duty to Write this short Treatise Our 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 â—or Matt. 10.9,10 Provide neither Gold â—…r Silver nor Brass in your Purses â—…r Scrip for your Journey neither Two â—ats neither Shoes nor Staves for the â—ork-man is Worthy of his Meat 1 Tim. 5.17 Let the Elders who Rulâ— well be accounted worthy of double Honorâ—… 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 ouâ— sakes no doubt this is Written That hâ— that Ploweth shall Plow in Hope and he which Thrasheth in Hope shall be madâ— partaker of his Hope V. 11. If we havâ— Sown 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 â—he Gospel should live of the Gospel We will Appeal to all Mens Consciences in the Fear of God whether â—here is any Duty lies more clear and â—vident in express Words in the Holy â—cripture than this doth and yet how â—trangly are some good Christians at a â—oss about it and are hardly brought â—o receive it as an indispensable Duty â—r else to a Faithful Discharge of their Duty herein Our Work is before us we shall therefore proceed to open as â—he Lord may help us the Mind of God in these places of Holy Scripture â—nd give you the Sense of them First 〈◊〉 appears that as soon as ever our blessed â—aviour sent forth his Ministers to Preach 〈◊〉 Gospel as we have shewed Matt. 10. 7,8,9,10 He Discovered this part of 〈◊〉 Will and Pleasure i. e. That they shouâ—… not spend or waste their own Substanâ—… they are forbid to take either Gold 〈◊〉 Silver c. which Words clearly iâ—timate they might have both Goâ—… and Silver and more Coats and Shoâ—… too but they were not to take theâ— with them in their Journey beinâ— 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 shâ— Journey at that time Answ We Answer it seemeth to 〈◊〉 manifestly to declare the absolute Wâ—… and Pleasure of Christ that his Faiâ—…ful Labourers should be provided for the People with all things Necessarâ—… appertaining to this Life and not of then but also in all succeeding Aâ—… and we find our Worthy Annotators 〈◊〉 directly agree with us herein thâ—… may be some things contained in thâ—… place might be temporary Take whâ—… our late Annotators say upon this Text Continuation of Mr.
asserted as you have heard that He that is taught in the Word ought to Communicate to him that Teacheth in all good things 1 Tim. 5.18 And that they who Minister at the Altar should partake of the Altar God having Ordained that he that Preaches the Gospel should live of the Gospel 1 Cor. 9.14 Therefore we rather are of the Opinion in respect to this Text with a late worthy VVriter The Doctrine says he they were to Preach they were Impowered to Confirm with Miracles which say they He gives them a Charge they should Work freely without receiving any Reward for them that the Miracles might not be used to their private Profit but to the End they were appointed of God which was the Confirmation of their Doctrine 2. It may also teach us that Ministers ought not to make a Bargain with the People or desire to know what they shall have before they enter on their Work for he who would approve himself a true Minister of Jesus Christ o◠〈◊〉 not to Preach for Hire or filthy â—…cres sake i. e. that ought not to be the thing he aims at that 's a low and base design but as you know Churches provide and ought to provide for the Poor yet should any seek to come into your Communion meerly for a Maintenance you would say he or she that did so were no better than Hypocrites and may say truly yet that would not free you from communicating to poor Faithful Christians Even so if some deceitful and carnal Persons should undertake the Work of the Ministry for filthy Lucres sake and not in Love to Christ and to promote his Interest and Glory they doubtless act contrary to this Precept of Christ But yet nevertheless the Church iâ— bound to communicate and allow a comfortable Maintenance to her Faithful Ministers and as he freely and of a ready Mind and for Christ's sake Preaches the Gospel and is bound so to do if he will approve himselâ— Faithful so in like manner are the People and Churches of God bound freely and of a ready mind to Minister to them if they would shew to all they are Faithful Christians such who have an equal respect to all Christs Commands and Desire to the utmost of their Abilities to further and not hinder the promulgation of the Gospel in the World. But by the way it is plain had it not been the practice of the Gospel Churches in the Apostles time to allow their Pastors a Maintenance what room was there for the Apostle to caution any Minister or Elder not to undertake the Work for filthy Lucres sake but of a ready mind Moreover very remarkable is it to consider how the Priests of God under the Law were to receive that Portion Jehovah gave them They were not as Mr. Ainsworth noteth To receive it after a base or servile manner but as Gifts due to the Lord and to them from him The Hebrew Canons saith he shew the Israelites were to give them their Portion with Honour and it was unlawful for the Priests or Levites to snatch away the Heave-Offering or the Tithes yea saith he if they did but ask their Portion with their Mouth it was unlawful Read his Annotation on Numb 18. v. 12. And then on Deut. 18.3 He saith again the Priest might not violently take the Gifts nor ask them with his Mouth but he received them when they were given him with Honour This may teach us two things First that Christ's Servants ought to take heed they shew all true and real Zeal and Love to Christ when they undertake his Work and Service and not to shew such a servile and base Spirit as to demand their Portion that God has Ordained for them but leave it to the free will Offering of the People Secondly It may also teach Churches to see they do neither withhold the Ministers Portion from them nor give it them grudgingly or in an unbecoming manner but to hand out to them what they need with due respect and honour they being worthy of it and are to receive it as their part and portion from God and as they are His Stewards and Faithful Labourers by Virtue of a Divine and Holy Law Nay and the Lord's People ought to be as careful in discharge of this Duty to Christ's Ministers now as the Israelites were to the Levites tho' as we have already said their Portion is not the Tithes of Mens Increase nor the First Fruits which Law is Abrogated Yet saith Reverend Ainsworth ' The Equity of that Law remaineth perpetually as the Apostle observeth Do you not 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 Even so hath the Lord Ordained c. 1. Cor. 13.14 Because the Ministers of God then were injoyned to attend on His Service he would not have them cumbred with worldly Affairs least saith he they should be hinddred from doing their Duties as it is Written No Man that Warreth intangleth himself with the Affairs of this Life that he may please him who hath called him to be a Soldier 2 Tim. 3.4 From hence God hath ordered it thus for them ' Moreover the Hebrews say from hence 't was Levi was not counted meeet to have Inheritance in the Land of Israel or Spoils with his Brethren because he was separated to Serve the Lord and to Inherit him and to teach his strait Ways and his Just Judgments unto the People therefore was he separated from the ways of the World they wage not War as the rest of Israel do neither do they Inherit nor Earn for themselves with the Strength of their Bodies but they are the Lords Power or Substance as it is Written Deut. 13.11 Bless Lord his Power and the Blessed God earneth for them as it is Written Numb 18.20 I am thy Part and thine Inheritance Maim Treat of the Release and Jubilee c. 13. f. 12. The reason of the same Law 't is evident of necessity does remain the Work of Ministers is great now and 't is as Holy and as Honourable as ever and the neglect of a Faithful discharge herein as great a Sin as it was then and God's People have as great nay greater Benefit and Divine Profit by the Ministry of the Gospel than those had who lived under the Law besides Christ's Servants have the same need of it moreover our People are delivered from other great Burdens and vast Charges that the People of Israel were continually at and therefore how unjust and unreasonable a thing is it to with-hold a fit and convenient Lively-hood from them Nay and we must say that which any with-hold from the Servants of God is the Lord's and none of theirs for he lays claim to part of their Substance as that which He has Ordained to his own special service and use of His Faithful Ministers Quest May every one then that Preaches expect an Allowance though
they Preach but now and then Answ That must be left to the Wisdom and Consideration of the Church who ought to consider the Persons Circumstances with the Call he hath to Preach c. But principally it belongs to those who are set a part to that Work whose Strength and Time is taken up about the great Affairs of Christ and the Gospel Thus we have indeavoured to discharge our Duty as touching this great Work and have we hope Answered all the material Objections any have to bring or urge against the Ministers Maintenance But since we have a little Room we shall add some brief hints further to shew the great charge and work of a true Gospel Minister and so conclude that all may see how needful a thing it is that every one take care to discharge their Duty in this matter to them whereby also the Justness and Righteousness of the Law and appointment of God herein may yet further appear to all The Great and Weighty Work of a True Gospel Minister opened THE Nature and Weightiness of the Work of the Faithful Servant of Christ together with the necessity and difficulty of it we shall consider in its parts in a brief and compendious manner First 'T is a Holy and a sublime Office he is placed in a very high Sphere and Station hence called the Ambassador of Christ What higher Dignity can be conferred on Man The greatness of the Prince whose Messengers they are sets forth their Dignity they are in Christ's stead Imployed in the great Affairs of His Spiritual Kingdom and have received Authority from Him and are also prepared and qualified for this Sacred Work by Him and indeed therefore ought to be blameless as the Stewards of God And hence it is that those who are said to receive them receive Him and those who despise them despise Him. O! with what Holy Fear Dread and Reverence ought they to enter upon this Work and Office least they should dishonour their great and glorious Prince and Heavenly Soveraign whom they represent Is it not a weighty thing to be made the Mouth of Christ 2. Nay and this is not all they are intrusted with matters of the highest moment in the World Christ having committed the Management of his Glorious Interests and great concerns he has on Earth into their Hands they are sent to treat with poor Sinners about Eternal Matters even the Eternal Life or Eternal Death and Damnation of their Precious and Immortal Souls in and about these things Ministers of the Gospel are Fellow Workers together with Christ 2. Cor. 6.1 Though but as Instruments serving him as the principal Agent and efficient Cause He trod the Wine-Press of his Fathers Wrath alone but in the Application of the purchase of Man's Salvation he admits of Fellow-workers tho the internal Work be his i. e. the effects of his Spirits upon the Souls of those whose Hearts are changed yet there is a Ministerial part which lyeth on the faithful Discharge of the Minister's Duty which consisteth partly in Exhortations Motives and Arguments by the Ear conveyed to the Soul and thus Ministers may be said to be Workers together with Christ and without him they can do nothing they are Workers but they must have Christ Work with them or they will find that they Labour in Vain But is it not think you a high and most sacred Place and Office thus to be imployed May not every one of us say who are sufficient for these things for we are unto God saith the Apostle a sweet savour of Christ in them that are saved and in them that perish 2 Cor. 2. for that God whom we serve will not Judge of us nor reward us according to our Success as a worthy Author observes but according to our Faithfulness and Diligence in his Work we give as if Paul should say a good savour by our Doctrine unto all and our Labours are a sweet savour in the Nostrils of God whatever effects they have upon the Souls of Men God accepteth of our Labours as to good Men to whom we are Instruments of Eternal Life and Salvation and though others despise the Gospel and refuse the sweet sound thereof yet as to them also we are a sweet savour in the Nostrils of God tho Israel be not saved saith the Prophet yet I shall be glorious it is not through any neglect in us as to our duty if any perish but from their own Willfulness and Rebellious Hearts To the one we are the savour of Death unto Death and to the other the savour of Life unto Life And who is sufficient for these things ver 16. As sweet smells which are to some pleasant and comfortable saith a Worthy Author yet are to others pernicious and deadly so it is with the sweet savour of the Gospel the report which we in all places make of Christ to some through their unbelief and hardness of their Heart and fondness of their Lusts proveth but the Savour of Death unto Death hardning their Hearts to their Eternal Ruine and Destruction but to such who being ordained to Eternal Life believe our Report and imbrace the Gospel and live up to the Precepts and Rule thereof our Preaching proves a Cause of Spiritual and Eternal Life to which that leadeth but O how great a work is this What Man What Angel is sufficient for it O it is a mighty VVork to Preach the Gospel as we ought to Preach it it is that by which Faith cometh How shall they believe on him of whom they have not heard And how shall they hear without a Preacher And how shall they Preach except they are sent Rom. 10.14 i. e. Unless they have an extraordinary or ordinary Mission i. e. either from God more immediately which Call is long since ceased or else by the Election of the Church and Ordination of the Elders or Presbytery this is necessary in all Regular Ministers How else can they duly or profitably in the Name and Authority of Christ preach the Word of Life Brethren you who are Christ's true Ministers being orderly called to this sacred Work your Preaching hath attendency either to save or eternally to condemn the Souls of Men and with what trembling then ought this Work to be undertaken and performed you are intrusted with Men's Souls and must be accountable for them especially such who are committed to your Charge did we consider it and duly ponder upon it in our Minds certainly we should have little else to think upon nor trouble our Heads and Hearts about it would be sure cause us to be more Serious and Laborious we are perswaded than we are VVhat shall we do if through our Neglect and Remisness in this great VVork any should die and perish in their Sins Mind what God saith in that of Ezek. 3.18 Unto his VVatchman When I say unto the wicked thou shalt surely dye and thou givest him not warning nor speakest to warn the wicked from