to be and will to all if seriously Consider'd and laid to Heart Object May be some will Object ouâ— Ministers do not need it nor desire it of 〈◊〉 they can live without it Answ So perhaps some of your Harvest-men that Reap down your Fields may be well to pass in the World and can live without their Hire and Just due c. Yet will that be a good Plea think you to seek ways or means to with-hold their wages from them So and in like manner say we the Ability of your pastors in respect of the things of the World doth not excuse you from the discharge of your Duty to them according to the Just Law of God and Equitableness of the Case Yet certainly they if of Paul's Spirit will refuse to receive any thing lest it should lessen their esteem in their Ministry t is left to their Liberty they may chuse whether they will receive it or not But though they may dispence with their Right if they please as Paul did sometimes through his great Zeal and Love to the Gospel yet cannot you dispence with your Duty you have no Warrant so to do Yet we can't but greatly commend those Pastors of the Churches who can and do without receiving any thing serve Christ and his People and resolve being Blessed with the good things of the world not to make the Gospel Chargeable or a Burden to any but yet we would have you sensible of your Duty and look upon your selves to be Debtors to them and esteem of them the more But do these Pastors who are Rich Able and VVilling to serve the Churches for nothing sequester or give themselves up to the VVork of the Ministry and faithfully discharge that Trust as another who is taken off of Secular Employment But may be though they are like other Labourers yet if they did receive it from you they could Distribute it to the Needy or to help other poor Ministers who serve other Churches whose Poverty may be such that they cannot allow a sufficient Maintenance to their Pastors And therefore whether it may be necessary for you to with hold it from them or for them to refuse it is worth Consideration Sixthly But to proceed Since we are pleading the Case in point of Equity and just Right let it be Considered You do not chuse such Men to be your Pastors or Ministers who are of the lowest of the People but such as may be allowed to have ashare of Parts Common Prudence and Abilitys for Business with other Persons and some of them could manage Trades or fall into other Imployments and get Estates as well as you if they were not Devoted to a better Service And must as one observeth they needs be devoted to Necessities and Miseries in the same Hour that they enter upon the Ministry This ought not to be GOD hath Ordered the Case otherwise in his VVisdom Certainly all will Confess t is the Duty of a Minister as well as other Men to provide for his Family as much as lies in him or take Care of his VVife and Children that they may not be exposed to a Thousand Miseries and Temptations when he is gone For though a Covetous raking Temper worse becomes a Minister of all Men in the VVorld yet as the Author before cited Noteth we greatly mistake our selves to think he must divest himself of that due Affection of an Husband to his VVife or of a Father toward his Children or that those Fruits thereof which are Justly esteemed Commendable in others should be thought in him to be a Fault And is it not sad Judge you That they must be constrained to one of these Dialema's i. e. Either to neglect the full and Faithfull Discharge of their Duty to Christ and his Church or else Neglect their poor Families by fulfilling their Ministry and doing the work of Pastors according to the Nature of that Sacred Office. But as to him who is poor and must geâ— his Bread before he Eats it whâ—… thinks he can Discharge both these Duties well enough t is to be feared he does never a one of them as he ought Moreover 't is good for him to consider the reason of that Law of the ever Blessed God who hath otherwise Ordained Yet let every Servant of Christ use his own Freedom and act and do as he thinks may most promote the Glory of God and Good of the Church and the Increase thereof so that he may give a good account of himself in the Day of Christ Seventhly The Lord hath not left me To argue this only from general Principles of Reason and common Equity but to put the Matter beyond dispute as we have already shewed hath subjoyned His express Command And may not in the next place that Provision which God was pleased to make for his Ministers in the time of the Law be of great use to us and full of Instruction upon this account Nay and ought we not to consider it sith the Apostle argueth 1. Cor 9.13 for a Gospel Maintenance from thence Do ye not know that they which Minister about Holy things live of the Things of the Temple and they which serve at the Altar are partakers with the Altar It appears this is a Duty still and tho' the mode or manner of the Maintenance of the Ministers of God under the Law was quite different to this under the Gospel yet the reason and equitableness of the thing abides Ministers were then provided for by the Lord so he has ordered they should Live comfortably now under the Gospel We find God did then no sooner separate the Levites to the Service of the Sanctuary but he by Law provided for their Subsistence And though they were but one Tribe in Twelve yet the Tenth of the Increase of the whole Land was given to them besides the first Fruits and Offerings and diverse other Advantages so that their Lot and Portion might equal yea exceed that of their Brethrens This indeed is Abrogated Gospel Ministers have no Divine Right to the Tenths of men Increase but the Moral Equity we say does not cease nor can it be thought to be any Burden to provide a comfortable Livelyhood for our Ministers were but our Senses rightly exercised to discern how Good and Gracious God appears to us under the Gospel Dispensation in easing our People from those vast and great Expence and Charges which the Lord's People were required to be at under the Law For we shall soon perceive if we consider that the charge of the Worship of God and the Ministry c. now is comparitively little or nothing to what there was under that Dispensation though Men did endeavour now to come up to their duty for as one observes he thought he could make it appear That the Fifth Part of their Estates was Yearly to be Spent in Things relating to Temple Service And we know not but he might say right And yet we cannot be unsensible of
excellent Gift for the Ministry under great Temptations even so far as to refuse utterly the exercise of their Gifts to the Profâ—… and Edification of the Churches leaâ—… in process of time they should be called forth to a Pastoral Charge anâ— thereby be exposed to Snares and Poverty in the World as perhaps somâ— poor Ministers and Pastors have been and may be daily still are especially they considering and laying to Heart the Care and Charge their Parenâ— have been at with them in putting them forth to good Trades and Callings whereby they knew with thâ— Blessing of God they might if they gave themselves up with a due and necessary Diligence and Industry to folâ—ow those Trades live well in the World and sufficiently provide for â—hemselves and their Wives and Children if they saw good to Marry â—n after-times And by this very means â—he Churches may be to their great â—oss and detriment have been deprived of those great helps which a faithful discharge of Duty to the present Ministry may prevent for time to â—ome Also do we not see at this very time what a sad pass some Congregations are come to already for want of useful helps in the Ministry both in City and Country some Pastors nay many of them being grown very Ancient and almost become unserviceable and not like to continue â—ong And though the Harvest is great yet O! how few are the Labourers amongst us and fewer they are like to be if care be not taken in the discharge of this indispensible Duty to â—he present Ministry Nor is it a strange thing that Godly Men should fall under such a Temptation which we before mentioned considering this great Evil and neglect of Duty herein Since we find of Old in the Holy Scripture the very same Snare and Temptation many of the Priests and Ministers of the Lord fell under Pray read and carefully consider Nehemiah 13.8,9 especially the 10 Verse And I perceived that the Portions of the Levites had not been given them For the Levites and the Singers that did the Work were Fled every one to his Field Now 't is evident that through the like Evil and Neglect of the People to the Levites and Ministers of God in not giving them that due allowanee or maintenance God had Ordained for them they left their work and service every one of them and betook themselves to secular Employments viz. to labour in the Fields and manure their Land or gather in their Corn which according to the Law others were to do for them Nor did good Nehemiah as we can find reprove or blame the Levites for so doing Nor indeed what reason was there he should considering 't is a Moral Duty for every Man to provide for himself and Family and he that does not do it the Apostle shews is worse than an Infidel and hath denyed the Faith. But he contended sharply with the People especially with the Rulers saying Why is the House of God forsaken That is the Work of the House of the Lord. And he gathered them together and set them in their place verse 11. They had not only injured the Levites as our Annotators observe upon the place in withholding their Dues but also occasioned the neglect of GOD's House and Service c. And he gathered them together That is say they from their several Possessions in the Country in which they were dispersed and restored them to the Exercise of their Office. And Then saith the Text brought all Judah the Tithe of the Corn and the new Wine and the Oyl unto the Treasuries Verse 12. We cannot slightly pass by this matter for the Evil and Danger of the Sin of the Churches upon this account doth as palpably appear in this Case as in any we have mentioned How can we expect in ordinary way to have an Able Ministry raised up or those who are now imployed in the Work of the Gospel carry on that Work to the Honour of GOD Comfort of His People and to the Credit of our Sacred Religion if a Gospel Incouragement be not given them True we may perhaps have Preachers some may be willing to Exercise their Gifts but is it fit think you to call such to Preach publickly who have scarcely one Hours time to prepare themselves for the Work or may be have not meet and proper Indowments or Qualifications for that Holy and Sublime Service What is it Judge you that causes the Ministry to be slighted and neglected in some places but the want of such a Ministry that may honourably carry it on And who shall we blame What would you have poor men to do that have may be no time to spare to give themselves up to the Study of the Scriptures nor no useful Books and proper helps to improve and assist them in their Study or if they have yet their circumstances in the World will not afford them so much leisure from their worldly Business to read and meditate upon the Word so as well to digest what they have to deliver to the People Come think and say what you please 't is not without diligent and continued Study that the deep things of God can be searched out and so proposed as to inrich the minds of people with clear and solid Knowledge He that is not indowed with the clear Light and Understanding of Divine Truths or the mystery of the Gospel himself How can he Feed others as they ought to be Fed with the Knowledg of those Sublime and Soul inriching Mysteries A little Knowledg and Study 't is true as one observes may furnish a man with such a Discourse as may please some weak Christians that Judg of a Sermon by the loudness of the Voice and affectionate Sentences or can fancy themselves to be Fed with good Doctrine when perhaps 't is but with the Ashes of Jingling Words and cadency of Terms But alas saith he the seeming warmth of Affection that is stirred up by such means is as short Liv'd as a Land Flood that hath no Spring to Feed it He that will do the Souls of his people good and approve himself a Pastor after God's own Heart must endeavour to Feed them with Knowledg and Understanding that the people may learn and come to understand those things which were hid and not opened or known to them before and so strive to maintain a constant Zeal and Affection in them by well informing their Judgments and such an opening of the mind of God from the Scriptures as may command their Consciences And this is not to be expected but from him that Labours in his Study as well as in the Pulpit But saith he mistake me not we know â—he success and fruit of all Studies and Labours of men that preach the Gospel is from the Grace and Power of the Holy Ghost but the assistance of the Spirit is to be expected by the use of means and in the way of our Duty And now from the whole this is that
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
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.
believe it that God is offended and may justly blast you in your Trades and Worldly Substance if he hath not already because you do not lay this Evil to Heart and that which you think ye save this way may bring a blast upon all you have and while you look for much ye may carry in little and that which you do gain and bring home may be put into a Bag with Holes Hag. 1 6. pray Read the 6. v. Ye looked for much and lo it came to little and when ye brought it home I did blow upon it Why saith the Lord of Hosts Because of mine House that is waste and ye run every Man to his own House Many Persons we have amongst us meet daily with great Disappointments Losses and manifold Afflictions diverse manner of ways and wonder at it and are troubled at the Thoughts but we fear do not lay to Heart nor consider from whence it is nor the chief Cause thereof which possibly may be because you have not discharged your Duty to Christ for the promoting of his blessed Gospel and Interest in the World but have shewed much more Love to and Care of your own Houses and Concerns than for the House and Church of God God may say of you O ye Professors you have toiled and been at great Cost and Labour and have expected hoped and promised your selves great Increase but you have clearly discerned and were sensible that it answered not your Expectation much of it dwindled into very little you were loosers and went backward still which you have not regarded nor laid to Heart but have let my House lie as it were waste nothing was too much in your Eyes to lay out on your own Houses and Buildings to Adorn and Beautifie them nor did you grudge to provide Sumptuous Provision and Apparel for your Selves and for your Sons and Daughters Nay have idlely and in superfluities expended much Treasure to gratifie your Lust and yet have let my poor Children and Faithful Ministers want such things that were Necessary for them and not been concerned to encourage an able and painful Ministry that the perishing Souls of Sinners up and down in the Nation might have the Bread of Life and from hence is it that your Trades fail and your Labours bring in but little increase But if once you reform your doings and shew your Zeal for the Gospel and Love to me and act as becomes a People professing my Name you shall see you shall not be losers by it for I will open the Windows of Heaven and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it Nay saith he Prove me now if I do not do it We conclude the Judgment on the one hand for such a great Evil and neglect of Duty herein and Mercies and Blessings promised on the other hand may be a great Argument to provoke you to a Faithful Discharge of those Obligations that lye upon you in this matter If you have a Desire to be blest in your Bodies Souls and Estates take Care of God's House and bring in your Stores that there may be Provision for his Poor and for his Ministers But if you neglect this Duty and persue the World and prefer your own Houses and Things above those great Things of God and his Gospel you may look for a blast Twelfthly Consider the Zeal of the Heathen of Old and that of the Antichristian Party of latter Times the former spared no Cost nor Pains to Beautify and Garnish their Idols they lavish Gold out of the Bag c. Isa 46. They took it by handfuls as it were and never told it as some conceive not mattering what Cost or Charge they were at sith it was for the Adorning of their Gods The Goldsmith spreadeth it over with Gold and casteth Silver Chains Isa 40.10 He is saith the Prophet so impoverish'd that he hath no Oblation that he can hardly procure Money sufficient to buy the meanest Sacrifice for his Gods he is so Zealous for his Idols that he will one way or another find Money to procure the choicest Materials saith the Annotators and get the help of the best Artist to make it c. Did they shew such Zeal for and Love to them who were no Gods And shall not such be ashamed and blush who have been so niggerly and sparing to help on the Service and Worship of the True and Living God They would have the best Artist and most Curious Workman to do their Business though they impoverished themselves but some of you we fear can be contented with very unskilful Men to carry on the Work of the God of Heaven rather than be at the Charge to distribute of your Treasure for the better Improvement of them which you imploy or to procure such who you have not amongst your selves and as for the Papists you cannot be Ignorant what vast Treasure they have from time to time freely bestowed on their Church and large Revenues appointed for their Priests c. and have they not commonly when they come to dye besides all this left large Legacies for Spiritual Uses as they call them and all to carry on their filthy Idolatry But how little hast thou O Professor parted with to this day for the upholding the Church of God and carrying on the Ministration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ Thou hast not shewed that Zeal for the True God which some have shewed for a False One Nor that Care of and Love to the True Worship of God which others have shewed for Idolatry May not these Carnal and Antichristian Heathens one Day rise up in Judgment against you Obj. But may be you will Object and say 't is no marvel the Papists give so plentifully because they think to merit Heaven thereby Answ What then Will not you do as much for the Honour of God and to promote his Interest in the VVorld as thou wilt do for the Salvation of thine own Soul If thou hast Eternal Life meerly of Grace or through the Favour and Mercy of God and Merits of Jesus Christ How much the more should this lay thee under an Obligation to be Bountiful and Liberal to further and carry on and promote the Gospel and the Glory of God in the VVorld or have you a mind to betray your own Sincerity Doth not Grace teach you better Doctrine even to prefer the Honour of God above whatsoever is dear to you on Earth Thirteenthly This will render your Ministers inexcusable if they do not faithfully discharge their Duties in every Respect to God and his People we mean when you discharge your Duties to them according to the Law of Christ and Rule of Justice and Righteousness What will they have to say to excuse their Remissness and Omissions in a painful studying Mediation and preaching the VVord and in visiting the Flock when you have freed them from all manner of worldly Snares and Incumbrances and comfortably provided
for them all good Things But on the contrary if they come forth unprepared and feed you with Food that hath little Soul Nourishment in it How can you blame them or if they never go about all the Year to know the State of the Flock as their Duty is have they not a ready Answer and Excuse i. e. VVhat shall become of our poor Families VVhat can you say to them Can you excuse them from indispensible Duties And say we will be contented with what Service you are able to do and all to save your Purses the Lord open your Understandings and shew you the great Evil there is in this neglect in not complying with the VVill of God in communicating all good Things to them who Preach the Gospel to you And is it not from hence there is such a complaint in some parts of the Country for want of the saving Food of God's Word We hear daily what a vast blessing those Elders and Ministers are of to the People whereabouts they live who are provided for by the Churches over what others be who are not taken off of their secular Affairs being not maintained by the People one Minister may do more than several such do or can do Besides when once you come to acquit your selves as good Christians ought in this Case with what Comfort may you be able to give up your Account to Christ And with Joy and much Soul Peace lye down not only in your Beds but also in your Graves when you come to Dye Motives to press the Duty of the Ministers Maintenance with an Answer to other Objections 1. COnsider well and remember that your Pastors are the Ministers nay the Ambassadours of Jesus Christ such who represent his Sacred Majesty and have his Commission for what they act and do in his Name and dispenee the Mysteries of God to you according to their Duty therefore the Lord Jesus will account that done to Himself which is done to his Ministers He that receiveth you saith he receiveth me and he that despiseth you despiseth me Mat. 10.40 Luke 10.16 If the Name and Authority of Christ will beget an aw in you or his Matchless and Unspeakable Love Influence your Souls there is no doubt but his word will abide upon you and cause you to discharge the Duty we have pressed upon your Spirits If you acknowledge a Religious Respect and Reverence due to the Son of God exercise it in a humble Obedience to his word and if you Love him and value his Gospel treat not his Ministers in an unworthy manner Have you not called them off from other Business And are they not your Servants And is not from thence a Gospel Maintenance due to them from you as is the wages of your other Servants Tho we fear some give more to the meanest Servants in their House than they to give to the Ministers of Christ 2. 'T is evident they have a great Charge committed to their Trust they watch for your Souls as they who must give an account Heb. 13.17 And therefore you ought to consider them and pity them and endeavour to assist them and put them into the best Capacity you are able to do that they may make full proof of their Ministry and be free from the Blood of all Men 't is the Business of your own Salvation and concern of your precious and immortal Souls that your Ministers are imployed in and therefore 't is much more your own Interest than his and from hence ought to make Conscience of your Duty for if they can't give their account with Joy that will not be profitable for you And how can they give an acccount of Joy concerning you when you have neglected one great and indispensible Duty by which means they were rendred unable to perform their VVork as became them Nor can indeed the Ministry ever be effectual to your Souls if you be not sincere in Obedience under it Besides as one observes will you be less Careful for your Souls and their Eternal wellfare than for your Bodies and the Comforts of a Temporal Life Can you be content to lay out your Strength and Substance to provide for these and neglect the other Is it not sad saith one to consider How many there are among Professors that live in this World as if there were no Truth in the report of that which is to come and have the meanest esteem of the most necessary means of Salvation viz. The Word and Ordinances of Christ and a Gospel Ministry some can expend perhaps an hundred Pounds per Annum more or less for Ornaments or Delights to Adorn a frail Carcase but will grudg half so much for the poor Saints or to the support of the Worship of the Gospel and his sinking Interest 3. Consider how many Temptations and Soul discouraging VVeaknesses your Ministers lye under continually both from within and without if sensible of the greatness of their VVork and of their own insufficiency You know not their Fears their Cares their Tears and how hard they are put to it to keep up in their VVork finding such strong Oppositions made against them by the Enemy continually so that you had need to Strengthen Comfort and Incourage them as much as you can and not to add to their Sorrow and make them serve you in wants and necessities 4. We might tell you also what the Apostle says in respect of his Liberty as a Minister in forbearing to Work at all Will any of you say your Ministers must labour and provide for themselves when God hath Ordained the contrary and also when the Apostle saith he had power to forbear Working See 1 Cor. 9.6 Or I only and Barnabas Have we not power to forbear Working We certainly as well as the rest of Christ's Ministers if we will run out to the utmost end of the Line of our Liberty in things without having regard to your Circumstances might forbear Working with our Hands and expect that those among whom we Labour should maintain it So the Annotators render it Now you would think this a hard thing should any of your Pastors make use of their Liberty yet if they should do it provided they were Faithful in their Work and Office knowing also your Ability we would know whether any of you could charge them with Sin as we know you may and ought other Persons who work not and though the Apostle did sometimes Work it was of choice and to prevent the glorying of those false Apostles and for some other Reasons which upon special Circumstances for that time he mentioneth and yet he accounts it amongst his Afflictions Quest Ought a Pastor or Minister to make Terms with the Church about his Maintenance before he take the Charge of them Answ We assert for no such thing he is to take the Charge freely and of a ready Mind But we say there is as indispensable a Duty lies upon the People to provide Carnal or Temporal good
you but in Love as fellow Servants may do to caution you pray remember you have the most sacred Interest and Matters of Jesus Christ committed to your Trust 't is the greatest Charge in the World and you and we must be calâ—ed to an Account if Souls perish in their Sins and the Watchman gives not suitable warning the Blood of those Sinners God will require at the Watchman's Hands Zeck 3. Ministers ought to be the Light of the World they should shine therefore in Life and Doctrine to all round about where they live that the People may know they have a Noah a Preacher of Righteousness amongst them But 2. This grand fault may arise from the Peoples Remisness of Duty to their Ministers for hark do we not hear many worthy and faithful Pastors crying out Alas Brethren we are no more in the Lord's VVork no more in Preaching in Visiting c. Because our Families would suffer want and what is necessary for them we should gladly make the Gospel our whole Business and not only watch over and feed our own Flocks but Preach the Gospel up and down in Towns and Villages lying near us if we knew how our VVives and Children might be provided for for should we neglect that great Moral and indispensible Duty how would the Holy Name of God be reproached Alas our Souls are bowed down in us we must confess we have daily calls to Preach in this and that place where to this day there has hardly been any Meeting but we are not able to do it and therefore we are forc'd to send to London that some Ministers might come down into our Parts to Answer that great Call and Cry of Men and VVomen for want of the Bread of Life This is a hard Case indeed i. e. for the Servants of Christ to have the due sense of the greatness of their work upon their Hearts but cannot discharge it according as they see there is a Call and Occasion by Reason the People neglect their Duty to them But however do what you can and venture out God will provide for you and move upon the Hearts of such you Preach the Gospel to or some other way provide for you Improve this present Liberty and do not let the Lord's House lie waste Remember Necessity is laid upon you and wo be to you if you Preach not the Gospel be not Unbelieving but trust the Providence of God great things he expecteth from us who has so gloriously and graciously appeared for us and for the Land of our Nativity Nevertheless Let none mistake us we do not say 't is unlawful for Preachers to VVork or follow Callings but as Preaching doth not make VVorking unlawful neither should any VVorldly Business hinder Preaching therefore when working with our Hands will further the Gospel we may VVork we have a Call so to do which was once Paul's Case but when working at Trades and Callings does palpably tend to the hinderance of the Promulgation of the Gospel we must give over such VVorking and wholly give up our selves to Preaching c. 'T is but to make an Expediment if the People should fail you You know your Liberty he that Laboured with his Hands hath by that Example set the Consciences of Ministers at Liberty to provide for the Necessities of this Life by other Imployments when they cannot Live of the Gospel but this very thing Paul accounted amongst his Afflictions and certainly it must needs be a sore Grief and Exercise to any Godly Preacher in this Respect i. e. when he hears People calling him one Day to this Town to Preach and another Day to that and he finds he cannot Answer neither of their Calls through the Necessities of his Famly and the truth is all do readily grant that no positive Duty can Discharge a Man from the Obligations of that pure Moral and Universal Duty of providing for his Families Brethren you know when the Harvest proves catching and the Painful and Laborious Harvest-men are taken off of their Business then they may do a little VVork for themselves but when 't is good Harvest weather and the Harvest is great and the Labourers but few they must stick to it and Labour hard Even so when the late Storms of Persecution were upon us many of Christ's Spiritual Harvest-men were much hindred and taken off of their Work and did may be imploy themselves otherwise in their other Affairs few being willing to open their Doors to them but now the Providence of God has opened a great Door for the Gospel and sent us Blessed Harvest Weather and the Labourers alas being also very few though the Harvest is very great How ought we to stick to our Business There was never certainly such a Call to Ministers to Work for God as there is now therefore that Servant that will not do his best at such an Hour is like the Son that Solomon speaks of that Sleeps in Harvest and so causeth Shame And as a wise Husband-man will not neglect a fit opportunity of gathering in his Corn upon presumption of much fair Weather to come So ought not we to lose the present Season for gathering in Souls to Christ not knowing how soon Clouds may rise and another Storm overtake us when we cannot Work for God as now we may and if you have not such Incouragement as you ought to have from the People yet remember when Night comes the Lord Jesus will well reward you for all the pains you take in his Work yet since our Saviour saith the Labourer is worthy of his Hire we can't think any when they consider the Matter a little better will any way obstruct or hinder you in your Business through their neglect of Duty to you Object But doth not Christ tell his Disciples As they had freely received so they should freely give Answ We Believe this Text is not taken or understood according to the meaning of our Saviour for it cannot mean that Christ's Ministers should receive neither Money Meat or Clothes whilst they are imploy'd in his Work and Service because in the very next Verse he bids them Provide neither Gold nor Silver nor Brass in their Purses nor two Coats nor Scrip for their Journey because he plainly intimates all such things they were worthy of and might expect them from the People to whom they Preached Therefore 't is an horrible abuse put upon the Text to take the Words in that Sense as if our Blessed Master should forbid his Servants to receive a Maintenance from the People for then indeed they might have said Lord If we must Preach so freely as not to receive any thing it behoveth us to provide well for our Journey but since they were forbid to do so it is clear that could not be our Saviours meaning Besides such a Sence is directly opposite or repugnant to those other Precepts the Lord Jesus hath laid down by his Apostles in the Epistles wherein it is positively
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