needs be a great Mystery but so it is here for the Apostles who had the greatest and clearest Knowledge of these Mysteries as any ever had in the VVorld yet declare they knew but in part and saw but in part darkly as through a Glass ver 13.9.12 'T is such a Mystery that he that thinks he knows any thing knows nothing as he ought to know VVhat a Mystery is that of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus That the Nature of Man should be joined to the Divine Nature of God and both make but one Christ What a Mystery is there in the Doctrine of Faith 1. That a Man should go out of himself and be carried above himself to believe things impossible to Man's Natural Reason that he should seek for Justification by the Righteousness and Obedience of another for a Man as one would think to have a great store of Holyness and good Works and yet throw it as it were all away and be dead to it in point of Trust and Dependance is to Natural Men a strange Mystery 2. To believe when every thing is opposite to it To Work for Life and oppose some Sin a Natural Man is ready to do but to believe in Christ for Life and Holyness to rely on his Doings his Works his Merits this the Heart of Man can't understand but is naturally averse to nay and Satan also opposeth it and the World mocks at it and accounts it Foolishness 3. That a Man should believe and not see nay believe as Abraham did in hope against hope is a Mystery Yet may be there are some greater Mysteries than this which a Minister is to Study in respect of Christ the Mediator his Work Offices Glorious Covenant Ordinances and Providences of God in the World and therefore his VVork is a difficult VVork 2. 'T is difficult in that it calls for the greatest Care and Exactness imaginable every thing must be done according to the Holy Pattern set by Christ in the Gospel there must be no adding to no diminishing from nor altering of any thing in the least without eternal hazard and danger 3. 'T is difficult and very hard in that it calls for the greatest strength that the most strong in Grace and Wisdom can arrive unto it requires all the Powers of the whole Soul to be exerted or put forth to a right Discharge thereof 4. It calls not only for all our strength but also all our Time and Diligence a slothful or Idle Person is not fit to be a Minister 't is a work that must be followed continually let the times be what they will Preach the Word be instant in season and out of season reprove exhort with all long Suffering and Doctrine be not Slothful but Diligent fear no Faces regard no Threats respect no Mans Person reprove all impartially be no fawning nor flattering Preacher nor like those who rather vent their own Passion than persue the end of Instruction and Reformation of Souls and this is a hard Work to do 5. 'T is difficult Work in respect of the opposition that is made against them and the Grand Obstructions they meet withal 1. From their own Hearts the Flesh is weak tho the Spirit indeed is willing many times that it is ready to say with Peter Master pity thy self Why dost thou spend thy Time thy Strength and ware out thy poor Body at this sort Less may do c. Besides The Heart of a Minister who is sensible of the Nature of his Work causes him oft to tremble in Consideration of his Unfitness and Unworthiness for such a sacred Undertaking and Imployment 2. From Sin in dwelling Sin and other Humane Frailties alas they are Men of like Passion and Infirmities with others 3. From Satan he is an Implacable Enemy to them and to their Work hence he raises up all the Opposition against them imaginable to hinder them in their Business or take them off of it or make them Remiss and Negligent in doing it we are not Ignorant saith Paul of his devices 2 Cor. 2.11 4. From the World 1. by Reproaches and Contradictions of Ungodly Men 2. By Hereticks and False-Teachers with these they are forc'd to fight and many times are hard put to it as Paul when he ingaged those evil Beasts at Ephesus 5. Lastly By Persecutors allways the heat of this Battle falls upon Christ's poor Ministers they are the Mark these wicked Archers shoot at hence they like Paul are oft in Bonds and Prisoners for Christ's sake Now put all these things together and is it not needful think you that your poor Ministers be thought upon and incouraged by you as Christ hath appointed But we shall say no more only conclude all with one VVord to our Fellow Labourers Brethren let us strive to double our Diligence and shew to all the sense of the greatness of our work is upon our Spirits and tho we have not that incouragement from the People that God has Ordained yet remember we serve a good Master Besides a Necessity is laid upon us we must Preach the Gospel and let us be contented with that State and Portion we meet with in the World 't is our great Business to approve our selves the Ministers of Christ in Labours in Watchings in Fastings by Pureness by Knowledge by the Holy Ghost by Love unfeigned by the Word of Truth by the Power of God by the Armour of Righteousness on the Right Hand and on the Left by Honour and Dishonour by evil Report and good Report 2 Cor. 6.5,6,7,8 Possibly we may be reproached and sensured for what we have done and said in this small Tract But should it be so we matter it not since we have the Testimony of our Consciences that our Design is the Glory of God and the promoting his Blessed Gospel in the Nation and the good of his poor Churches and also because we know we have the sure Word of God to confirm the Truth of what we plead for VVherefore whilst we make it appear to all 't is not the Hire the VVages c. that we aim at but contrariwise the Honour of the ever blessed God and to VVitness to the Sanction of every one of his Just and most Holy Precepts we cannot be without Peace in our own Souls FINIS
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.
Poole's Annotations Our Saviour designed to give them saith he an Experience of the Providence of God and to teach â—…em to trust in it as also to teach People that the Labourer is worthy of his hire and that God expecteth that his Ministers should not live of their own but upon the Alter 1 which they serv'd so as at once 〈◊〉 taught his Disciples not to he Covetous 〈◊〉 overmuch Sollicitous and the People 〈◊〉 provide for those who Ministred to them 〈◊〉 things Spiritual Besides those other absolute Precepts of like Nature giâ—en forth by the Spirit of Christ in the Apostles contained in several Epistles â—o sufficiently prove this to be the Mind â—nd Intention of our Saviour in this place Secondly That we may put 〈◊〉 out of all doubt We shall now come to â—…sider of the sacred Appointment of God 〈◊〉 this Matter If it appear to be noâ—…ing less nor more than what the â—ord has Ordained viz. That his â—ervants who are called forth to Preach the Gospel and take Care of his Churcâ—es should have a fit and suitable Maâ—…tenance according as the State anâ— Ability of the Churches may be 〈◊〉 whom they belong and whose Servanâ— they are than we hope there is noâ—… will object or argue against it any morâ— And that this is the Will and Sacreâ— Appointment of the Lord is very evâ—dent in that fore-cited place 1. Cor. â—… 14. and in divers others Even so haâ—… the Lord ordained that they that Preaâ—… the Gospel should live of the Gospel Truâ—… the Lord hath not Ordained that 〈◊〉 Servants and Ministers under the Gâ—…spel should have Tythes or the Tentâ— of every Members increase as he foâ—merly appointed under the Law yeâ— nevertheless he hath taken Care of theâ— and Ordained that they should live of 〈◊〉 Gospel not unless Necessity requiresâ— that they should live on the Labor of thâ—… Hands in common with other Meâ—… and pray observe 't is not said 〈◊〉 Church has Ordained it nor we 〈◊〉 Apostles have Ordained it but 〈◊〉 Lord hath Ordained it or it is the Holy Appointment or Sacred Precept of Jesus Christ for the Support and Comfort of his Painful and Faithful Servants he and his People have called forth to Preach his blessed Gospel out some may yet say how has he Ordained it Answ Pray observe So hath the Lord Ordained let us look a little back and take notice of the Scope and Coherence of the place the Apostle hath a Reference to what preceeds Do ye not know that they that Minister about Holy things live of the things of the Temple and they which wait at the Altar are partakers with the Altar So hath the Lord Ordained c. That is as God had a Ministry under the Old Testament Namely the Priest of the Tribe of Levi and he Ordained and Appointed a Comfortable Livelyhood 〈◊〉 them as Numb 18.20 Deut. 10. â—… and 18.1 So as they needed not 〈◊〉 Labor as other Men with their 〈◊〉 to get Bread to eat even so hath the Lord Ordained and appointed that those who Preach the Gospeâ— should have likewise a Comfortablâ— Livelyhood or Maintenance now under this Dispensation that they may be delivered from the Incumbranceâ— of this Life and so not hindred oâ— obstructed in their Holy and most Sacred Imployment with secular Affairs God's Will saith our late Annotators is the same under the New Testament that it was under the Old i. e It is not as to the People a matter of Liberty so as they may chuse whether they will maintain their Ministers or no there is an Ordinance of God in the Case it is the Will of God that those who are taken off from Wordly Employments and spend their time in the Study and Preaching the Gospel should have a Livelyhood from their Labours This also agrees with what the same great Apostle saith Gal. 6.6 Let him that is taught in the Word Communicate to him that Teacheth in all good Things Is not this think ye a Precept Is not this directly laid down as other great and â—…dispensable Precepts and Duties are â—…e Ephes 4.23 Let him that stole steal 〈◊〉 more but rather let him Labour with â—…s Hands Let no corrupt Communicatiâ—… proceed out of your Mouths c. and â—…ain Ephes 5.33 Let every one of â—…u in particular so Love his Wife c. â—ou can under no pretence avoid these â—…eat Duties nor can you plead to be â—…cused and pray doth not the same â—oly Spirit and ever blessed God inâ—…n and require you in the same form 〈◊〉 Speech who are taught in the Word 〈◊〉 Communicate to him that Teacheth 〈◊〉 all good Things Shall such who â—ave always shewed much Zeal for the â—…red Ordinances and Institutions of â—…us Christ and plead for a Universal Obedience justifie themselves in the â—eglect of so plain a Precept Christ â—…h then are ye my Friends if you do â—…atsoever I have commanded you pray 〈◊〉 this great Ordinance then be thought â—…on and have equal regard by you 〈◊〉 a Gospel Institution and Appointment of Jesus Christ we argue foâ—… that so you may stand compleat in tâ—… whole Will of God You know what David saith then I shall not be ashamed wheâ—… I have a respect to all thy Commandments Let him that is taught in the Word Communicate to him that teacheth in all good things that is every one according aâ— God hath blessed him with the good things of this World God would noâ— have his Faithful Ministers want any good thing to make their Lives comfortable to them if so be it be in the Power of those who are taught to communicate it to them The Precept saith our late Annotators is concerning thâ—… Maintenance of Ministers which is fitâ—… expressed by the Term Communicateâ—… because as the People distribute to their Ministers things Temporal so the Ministers distribute things Spiritual The good things here mentioned are Temporal good things such as may be Useful to the Teacher for tâ— uphold Himself and Family The Texâ— teacheth us that it is the Will of God thaâ— Ministers should be maintained at thâ— Charge of the Church to which they Administer and it is but an Act of Justice for they do but Communicate Temporal things to those who Communicate to them much more valuable things Be not deceived God is not mocked c. The Apostle addeth this saith our Annotators to terrify those who find out vain and false Excuses to save their Purses he adviseth them not to cheat themselves for tho they might deceive Men yet they could not deceive the All-seeing and Heart-searching God c. Thirdly But to proceed Ministers are commanded to attend wholly upon their Sacred Calling in their Ministry and are required not to contangle themselves in the Affairs of this Life for certainly what Paul willeth Timothy to do in this respect in him he requireth all Ministers â—o do the like and altho' every Christian in many respects may be compared to a Souldier
we say 'T is not to be thought men can arrive to that degree of Light and Knowledg in the deep things of God and mystery of Christ so as to preach the Gospel as they ought unless they dedicate and give themselves up by Prayer and Meditation to the dilligent search and Study of the Word of GOD which cannot be done unless some time be spent which divers men cannot spare without a due Allowance for their pains and loss of time And this we say too is nothing less nor more than what God has Ordained and directly Appointed in this Matter in the New Testament as we have sufficiently proved But to proceed Eleventhly The great Duty of the People to contribute towards the publick Worship of God and the Ministry may be further demonstrated and the Evil and Sin in their neglect of it evinc'd from the Consideration of that sharp reproof and severe Judgments of God brought against and denounced upon the People of Old upon this very account so Mal. 3.8 Will a Man rob God Yet ye have robbed me The evil of this People lay in this i. e. In that they did not faithfully bring into his House all those Riches and good Things which by the Law and Requirement of God they ought to have done for the carrying on and management of the Service of the Temple and publick VVorship of God they through Covetousness or a base Carnal and Self-seeking Spirit did retain and keep back part of these Tythes and Offerings for their own Use or to inrich themselves and did not yield them up to the Use and End God had appointed them And this the People might do i. e. rob God viz. in with-holding from the Priests of the Lord what was appointed or ordained for them And also this the Priests might do whilst they took too much and more than what was their due Allowance or take the VVages and not do the VVork which was appointed for them However to keep back or retain part or the whole of what God has ordained and commanded to be brought into his House for the carrying on and well Management of his publick VVorship The Lord calls it a robbing of him And certainly God hath as great Care and has made as Honourable Provision for the Gospel Church and his VVorship and Interest now under this Dispensation as he had then and has appointed or ordained that his People bring into his House now so that nothing may be wanting for the Honourable management and carrying on the VVork of the Gospel and the Ministration therefore in any Respect Nor can this be done without Charge And if the Lords People shall so seek their own Things as not to concern themselves for the Interest of Christ but retain or through Covetousness keep back that which his Church VVorship and publick Interests calls for and by which means his blessed Interest should sink and languish in their Hands who were intrusted with it certainly they will be and are looked upon as great robbers of God now as those were then of whom the Prophet speaks Would to God this were considered which of the Nations as if God should say have robbed their Gods But blush ye Jews for ye have robbed me and therefore ye are cursed with a curse your Sin your Sacriledg of which you are guilty hath so provoked me and the curse shall abide upon you so long as ye abide and continue in this sinful Course strange that you dare Sin whilst I am punishing you for this Iniquity so the Annotators will you go on in your Sin whilst you are under the Judgment and Curse of your God Bring ye all the Tithes into my Store-house that there may be Meat in mine House and prove me now herewith saith the Lord of Hosts If I will not open the Windows of Heaven and pour you out a Blessing that there be not room enough to receive it vers 10. Though we do not say God hath brought the like curse now yet we fear the Lords People in England both in City and Country are under just Rebuke in retaining that from God for the Use of his Publick Worship Service and Ministry which he Requires and Commands them to bring in and lay up in his Spiritual House and hence it is he is provoked and seems to bring a blast instead of a blessing upon us we fear we have Cause to say and cry out with our Apostle All seek their own and none the things that are Jesus Christs Phil. 2.21 Do you think the Service of Gods House can be carryed on without any Charge or is God less careful of his Church and Ministry under the Gospel than he was under the Law. The first Church that was planted after the Ascention of Christ were so Zealous and Piously inclined to the Service of the Gospel that they seemed to give up all they had for the publick Interest of Christ and sold their Possessions which thing you are not required to do you may keep your own Propriety in your Goods Lands and Possessions but yet nevertheless ought you to consider your ways and not let the Interest of Christ and the Gospel to sink under your Hands Will you dwell in your Ceiled Houses and let this House i.e. The Lord's House lye wast Especially considering 't is the Lord's Time we are verily perswaded in which he is a going about to build it and add to the glory of it What proof have you given O ye Christians and Members of the Churches that you love Jesus Christ more than Father or Mother yea more than Son and Daughter Which if you do not our Saviour saith ye are not worthy of him and what Demonstration can we see of this thing whilst you thus pursue the World and indeavour to lay up nay and daily do part with so many Hundred of Pounds to such a Son and to such a Daughter and yet can't spare the Twentieth Part thereof for Christ his Church and Publick Ministry Our Souls mourn and grieve to see what an Earthly and Covetous Spirit is got into the Professors of this Age and fear that that Zeal is much gone for the Truth and fervent Love to Christ which was once amongst those who were his People does it not appear so Whilst some of the Churches seem to be contented with any nay the meanest Gifts that are amongst them provided they can have them without any Charge rather than they will seek out and indeavour for an Able and Honorable Ministry because of that great expence and cost they fear then they shall be at As also whilst Careless and mind not what want of Faithful Labourers there may be abroad in other Places and Churches so that they are provided themselves As likewise do not give proper and meet Incouragment for the raising up and continuing of an Able Ministry for the time to come These things are Lamentable and great ground of Mourning and bitter Tears Know ye therefore this and
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
Things for him as there lies upon him to provide Spiritual good Things for them and to give him Grounds to Believe they will be Faithful to Christ and to him in their duty upon that account Quest But what shall that Church do who are not able to allow a sufficient Maintenance to their Pastor Answ We have a Three-fold Answer to this Question First If through the Poverty of the Church they cannot provide for their Minister they may make their Case and Circumstance known to other Sister Churches and desire their Aid and Assistance herein but if they can have none and the Church do their Duty to the utmost themselves and yet they are not able to supply his Necessities then he must be contented to suffer with the Church But 2. If God Bless a Congregation with a plentiful Portion of this Worlds Good it is their Duty to make their Ministers a Party with them in their Flourishing Condition and as a late Author saith Considering the Place and Imployment he is in and the Service he attends it would be extreamly unworthy to think they have done enough if his pressing Necessities be answered whilst they themselves abound in Superfluities But if the Congregation be poor and there is no helps to he had then their Minister must and ought to be content to be poor with them yea rejoyce to approve himself a Minister of Christ as Paul did by Hunger and Nakedness if the Providence of God call him thereto but whilst it is in the power of their Hands to provide better for him God expects it from them and let none deceive themselves GOD is not mocked nor will he suffer his Commands to be slighted and evaded without rendring a just rebuke to the Offender For whatsoever a Man Soweth that shall he Reap Yet necessity is laid upon Christ's Ministers and woe be to them if they Preach not the Gospel 3. It may deserve our most mature Consideration whether a People may safely constitute themselves into a Church State when not able to provide for a Ministry especially as the Case may be circumstanced for possibly they might very well joyn themselves to another Congregation near unto them and be a great help to such a Church being Imbodied with them And this we do say For a People to put themselves into a Church State is one of the most weightiest Things in the World and ought with as great Care and Consideration to be done we concluding in some places where there are many Churches near to each other it would be far better for some of those small and insufficient Societies to unite themselves to some other Congregation and by that means the weight of those Indispencible Duties and Obligations that are incumbent on them would with much more ease be borne and answered to the Honour of Christ Reputation of the Gospel and their own Edification Moreover if all Christians ought to consider whether they may or ought to put themselves into a Church State except they have Persons fitly qualified and furnished with Gifts and Graces for the Ministry which if they may not safely do then by the same parity of reason ought they to consider whether they may proceed therein if they know their own Insufficiency in respect of their making a Gospel Provision for their Maintenance unless they live remote from any other Church and so necessity put them upon their so doing Obj. But is not this to build that which you your selves have destroyed viz. Have you not disclaimed against such who Preach for Hire Answ We never went about we hope to destroy any Institution or Ordinance of Jesus Christ as the Ministers Maintenance is as has sufficiently been proved But for Men to Preach for Hire to make that their End we mean in Preaching the Gospel we still utterly disclaim any such Practice and say 't is a low carnal and hase End and Design and unworthy of any Christian Man. 2. We have always disowned or do disclaim against Tythes or the Tenths of Mens Increase declaring that they are not the right of any Gospel Ministers by the Law of Jesus Christ or the due of the Ministers of the New Testament by the appointment of the Lord Jesus being only a Mosaical Rite and that Law to be Abrogated as Aarons Priesthood is 3. We have always disowned and declared against such Ministers who use to strive to compell Men by outward force to Pay them what they call their dues it looking so much like an Antichristian Spirit and Practice and not agreeable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ were Love to Christ and the sence of Duty we find ought to be the only prevailing Argument to excite and provoke every Man to his Duty in this great Case Moreover you must take heed you are not prejudiced against your Dutys from mistaken and false Conclusions because some will not Preach unless you put into their Mouths and so make a meer Trade of Preaching VVill you not answer the requirement of God to those who are the Faithful Ministers of his Word Because some will not relieve their Poor unless they are forced to do it Will you disown your Duty to the poor Saints and not relieve them but Object and say 't is too much like the National practice Or do you not like Preaching after that manner i. e. with a Text Doctrine Reasons and Application because such and such do so whom you disown and cannot have Communion with Let all such weak Objections be avoided and mentioned no more for ever Object You have we fear ever done it for though we do belive 't is the duty of the Churches to allow to their Pastors a comfortable Maintenance who are low in the World and so exposed to the distracting Cares of this Life and thereby hindred in the discharge of their Duty in the Ministry Yet for rich Men who need it not to have an allowance we see no reason for that Answ We Answer It is not an act of Charity to Ministers that are poor we plead for But we have proved it is an Ordinance of God he hath been pleased to Ordain that those who Preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel 'T is their due as they are Christs Ministers He is their Portion now as well as formerly under the Law and have therefore as much right to it as you have to your Inheritance and from hence he willed them when he first sent them out to take no Money in their Purses c. And therefore the State of such you speak of can't exempt you from that Ordinance nor your duty to them besides is it fitting think you that such Minister who have Estates should waste their Substance and injure their Children in their Faithfulness to Christ in Preaching the Gospel and in the services of your Souls For their Work is such that it calls for all their time and uttermost dilligence in a right discharge of their Duty therein and therefore thereby
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