as_o in_o the_o old_a and_o intend_v as_o well_o the_o maintenance_n of_o those_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o it_o do_v of_o those_o that_o serve_v at_o the_o altar_n quaere_fw-la 2_o the_o second_o quere_z upon_o the_o account_n of_o conscience_n be_v whether_o the_o lord_n have_v any_o where_n in_o his_o word_n old_a or_o new_a testament_n either_o express_o or_o by_o good_a consequence_n forbid_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o receive_v and_o christian_a people_n as_o such_o to_o give_v to_o they_o as_o maintenance_n either_o occasional_o by_o private_a bounty_n of_o fix_o by_o public_a donation_n a_o tithe_n or_o ten_o of_o any_o good_n increase_v as_o a_o part_n or_o portion_n mere_o typical_a judaical_a and_o ceremonial_a appropriate_v to_o the_o levitical_a ministry_n or_o priesthood_n which_o by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v change_v and_o so_o abolish_v that_o tithe_n may_v no_o more_o now_o be_v use_v by_o christian_n either_o minister_n or_o people_n than_o sacrifice_n or_o circumcision_n answ_n 1_o to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v negative_a nothing_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n appear_v forbid_v christian_n by_o private_a or_o publick_v bounty_n to_o set_v a_o part_n a_o ten_o of_o their_o increase_n or_o substance_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o piety_n or_o charity_n both_o which_o end_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n chief_o aim_v at_o i_o say_v no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v forbid_v or_o command_v to_o give_v any_o other_o portion_n above_o or_o below_o the_o ten_o certain_o if_o christian_n may_v lawful_o devote_v a_o 5_o 6_o 9_o or_o a_o 12_o 15_o 20._o part_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o a_o public_a good_a no_o reason_n or_o religion_n can_v be_v produce_v against_o the_o ten_o as_o the_o only_a unlawful_a portion_n 2._o if_o any_o portion_n or_o quantity_n as_o a_o fit_a medium_fw-la between_o minister_n merit_n &_o people_n retribution_n be_v specify_v intimate_v recommend_v or_o ordain_v by_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n sure_o it_o be_v no_o other_o but_o this_o of_o tithe_n or_o ten_o as_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v in_o the_o 3._o quere_z if_o none_o be_v point_v out_o or_o signify_v as_o god_n choice_n then_o be_v any_o one_o lawful_a which_o be_v fit_a and_o that_o most_o lawful_a which_o be_v fit_a to_o attain_v god_n end_n which_o be_v evident_o command_v namely_o the_o competent_a maintenance_n of_o his_o minister_n under_o the_o gospel_n at_o a_o rate_n answerable_a to_o that_o which_o those_o enjoy_v under_o the_o law_n 3._o the_o scruple_n some_o make_v of_o tithe_n as_o jewish_n urge_v that_o place_n that_o since_o the_o priesthood_n be_v change_v the_o law_n must_v be_v change_v 7.12_o hebr._n 7.12_o and_o therefore_o no_o tithe_n be_v allow_v to_o the_o evangelical_n ministry_n be_v easy_o answer_v §_o 1_o 1._o it_o savour_v too_o much_o of_o the_o jew_n covetous_a &_o hard_a hart_n to_o question_v whether_o a_o christian_a may_v not_o be_v as_o grateful_a to_o his_o minister_n as_o a_o jew_n be_v to_o his_o priest_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n and_o it_o argue_v too_o much_o of_o a_o jewish_a confidence_n &_o presumption_n to_o think_v that_o the_o lord_n shall_v so_o far_o prefer_v the_o altar_n ministry_n before_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n 3_o numb_a 18.21_o levit._fw-la 27.30_o gen._n 14.20_o gen._n 28.22_o plut._n in_o lucul_n diodo_fw-la sic_fw-la l._n 5._o c._n 2._o macrob._n satur._n l._n 3._o c._n 12._o majores_fw-la solitos_fw-la decimam_fw-la herculi_fw-la vovere_fw-la è_fw-la varrone_n plin._n hist_o nat._n l._n 12._o c._n 14_o herod_n 1._o clio._n livi_n dec._n 1._o l._n 3_o as_o to_o provide_v certain_a and_o ample_a maintenance_n for_o the_o first_o and_o none_o for_o the_o second_o as_o if_o there_o be_v more_o excellency_n in_o a_o beast_n sacrifice_v then_o in_o christ_n crucify_v §_o 2_o 2._o the_o divine_a appointment_n of_o tithe_n to_o be_v pay_v as_o god_n portion_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o his_o priest_n do_v not_o argue_v any_o thing_n so_o much_o as_o this_o that_o they_o be_v god_n still_o after_o the_o law_n as_o they_o be_v his_o in_o a_o religious_a right_n before_o the_o law_n when_o melchisedeck_v receive_v they_o as_o a_o right_n of_o abram_n and_o jacob_n vow_v they_o as_o a_o due_a to_o god_n from_o which_o ancient_a light_n of_o tradition_n and_o use_n among_o the_o holy_a patriarck_n the_o opinion_n which_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_n have_v touch_v the_o holiness_n of_o a_o ten_o part_n of_o their_o good_n and_o spoil_n arise_v which_o they_o in_o many_o place_n consecrate_v as_o due_a to_o their_o god_n jupiter_n hercules_n and_o other_o §_o 3_o 3._o it_o do_v not_o follow_v by_o any_o right_a reason_n that_o what_o ever_o the_o jew_n use_v to_o religious_a end_n be_v therefore_o ceremonial_a typical_a and_o to_o be_v abolish_v there_o be_v never_o any_o thing_n in_o tithe_n discover_v as_o a_o shadow_n type_n or_o ceremony_n they_o be_v use_v long_o before_o moses_n the_o institution_n and_o end_n of_o they_o in_o all_o time_n depend_v mere_o upon_o common_a ground_n of_o piety_n equity_n and_o gratitude_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n the_o most_o wise_a and_o just_a will_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o accept_v first_o from_o the_o patriarch_n and_o afterward_o to_o claim_v as_o his_o own_o levit._fw-la 27.30_o then_o to_o assign_v that_o quantum_fw-la or_o portion_n of_o ten_o for_o his_o public_a service_n and_o the_o sustenance_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v employ_v in_o it_o now_o since_o the_o same_o end_n as_o to_o the_o main_a be_v still_o require_v by_o the_o lord_n namely_o the_o maintenance_n of_o his_o public_a ministry_n under_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o tithe_n as_o a_o proportionate_a mean_n shall_v be_v abolish_v since_o there_o be_v still_o a_o evangelical_n priesthood_n and_o ministry_n ordain_v by_o god_n and_o derive_v from_o christ_n which_o man_n need_v humane_a and_o mortal_a supply_v as_o much_o as_o the_o levite_n and_o priest_n of_o old_a do_v now_o exercise_n celebrate_v and_o administer_v doubtless_o as_o the_o same_o necessity_n now_o require_v like_o supply_n and_o a_o parallel_a livelihood_n be_v by_o the_o lord_n ordain_v in_o the_o gospel_n so_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o these_o may_v be_v make_v by_o the_o same_o measure_n of_o ten_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o equity_n which_o be_v valid_a among_o the_o jew_n especial_o consider_v the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o painful_a more_o honourable_a and_o not_o less_o useful_a than_o that_o of_o old_a be_v nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v presume_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v more_o straight_o hand_v to_o this_o ministry_n which_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v in_o christ_n stead_n the_o lord_n of_o glory_n the_o belove_a son_n of_o god_n §_o 4_o 4._o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o same_o moral_a tie_n and_o duty_n he_o now_o upon_o christian_n which_o do_v upon_o the_o jew_n in_o matter_n of_o piety_n equity_n and_o charity_n yea_o and_o those_o pattern_n of_o prudence_n and_o policy_n in_o church_n or_o state_n which_o be_v use_v by_o they_o be_v so_o far_o allow_v and_o by_o god_n pattern_n recommend_v as_o best_o to_o christian_n according_a as_o they_o wise_o consider_v the_o fitness_n of_o they_o as_o mean_n to_o those_o holy_a end_n which_o the_o lord_n still_o require_v the_o sanctify_a of_o a_o sabbath_n or_o day_n of_o rest_n confess_v of_o sin_n over_o the_o sacrifice_n read_v and_o hear_v the_o law_n and_o prophet_n explain_v pray_v to_o and_o praise_v of_o god_n charity_n to_o the_o poor_a relief_n of_o enemy_n in_o distress_n reconcile_n before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o altar_n with_o their_o gift_n preparation_n before_o the_o passover_n etc._n etc._n so_o also_o as_o to_o other_o law_n judicial_a penal_a and_o political_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v and_o observe_v by_o a_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n christian_n may_v under_o a_o different_a ministration_n and_o form_n use_v and_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n upon_o those_o moral_a and_o general_a ground_n of_o equity_n piety_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v still_o and_o ever_o will_v be_v in_o force_n as_o they_o be_v in_o this_o point_n of_o minister_n maintenance_n by_o tithe_n as_o well_o yea_o better_o than_o a_o any_o other_o way_n §_o 5_o 5._o what_o sober_a and_o judicious_a christian_a understand_v not_o this_o cleartruth_n that_o where_o any_o duty_n be_v at_o large_a or_o in_o general_a command_v by_o the_o lord_n the_o same_o duty_n in_o its_o particular_a circumstance_n qualification_n and_o restriction_n which_o humane_a prudence_n according_a to_o the_o liberty_n grant_v put_v upon_o it_o be_v also_o command_v approve_a and_o accept_v and_o so_o become_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o necessary_a in_o its_o
and_o most_o proper_a mean_n where_o it_o be_v meet_v and_o proportionate_a to_o that_o end_n which_o god_n have_v express_o ordain_v which_o be_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n even_o so_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o altar_n do_v of_o the_o altar_n herein_o although_o particular_a circumstance_n may_v differ_v under_o different_a administration_n yet_o the_o main_a design_n and_o general_a intention_n be_v the_o same_o both_o as_o to_o the_o end_n competent_a maintenance_n and_o to_o the_o apt_a mean_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v in_o our_o power_n and_o opportunity_n 2._o but_o it_o be_v urge_v if_o god_n require_v a_o ten_o under_o the_o gospel_n why_o do_v he_o not_o in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o gospel_n mention_v that_o part_n by_o name_n as_o of_o old_a he_o do_v god_n silence_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o to_o renew_v a_o precise_a command_n for_o pay_v tithe_n by_o name_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o abrogate_a of_o they_o as_o to_z right_n and_o equity_n the_o not_o specify_v or_o exact_v of_o believer_n a_o ten_o be_v upon_o several_a ground_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o be_v evident_a 1._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a because_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o gratitude_n devotion_n and_o equitalble_a retribution_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 9.14_o refer_v christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o continue_a bind_v ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o case_n be_v sufficient_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o by_o the_o religious_a bounty_n of_o the_o holy_a patriarck_n as_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n express_v in_o this_o proportion_n of_o tithe_n or_o ten_o before_o the_o law_n and_o also_o by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n afterward_o pitch_v upon_o this_o quantum_fw-la as_o he_o and_o appoint_v it_o for_o the_o fit_a medium_n which_o his_o wisdom_n and_o bounty_n think_v good_a to_o set_v between_o the_o covetousness_n of_o priest_n who_o may_v have_v exact_v or_o expect_v more_o and_o the_o niggardliness_n of_o people_n who_o may_v have_v allow_v less_o if_o leave_v to_o their_o own_o arbitration_n choice_n &_o free_a will_n man_n be_v natural_o penurious_a to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o word_n as_o have_v no_o love_n to_o or_o delight_n in_o his_o service_n and_o only_o prodigal_a to_o their_o own_o idolatrous_a fancy_n as_o those_o which_o they_o most_o count_v and_o esteem_v charet_n and_o horse_n shall_v be_v dedicate_v to_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o queen_n of_o heaven_n when_o a_o lamb_n or_o pigeon_n a_o little_a meal_n or_o cake_n be_v grudge_v as_o a_o offering_n to_o the_o true_a god_n and_o holy_a temple_n the_o equity_n and_o analogy_n of_o god_n former_a will_n continue_v in_o force_n and_o sufficient_o bind_v the_o conscience_n to_o obedience_n although_o a_o particular_a precept_n be_v not_o renew_v especial_o where_o christian_n be_v special_o refer_v to_o that_o which_o be_v clear_a in_o this_o point_n of_o minister_n maintenance_n by_o tithe_n than_o for_o the_o lord_n day_n sabbath_n or_o rest_v 2._o the_o indulgence_n of_o god_n foresee_v and_o the_o apostle_n tenderness_n consider_v that_o a_o exact_a or_o strict_a require_v or_o mention_v of_o the_o ten_o of_o all_o increase_n and_o profit_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o all_o place_n and_o at_o all_o time_n may_v discourage_v jew_n and_o gentile_n from_o the_o gospel_n yea_o and_o many_o time_n prove_v very_o inconvenient_a to_o christian_n who_o must_v expect_v persecution_n to_o who_o it_o may_v have_v be_v a_o burden_n and_o snare_n in_o their_o uncertainty_n distress_n and_o poverty_n a_o burden_n to_o pay_v always_o a_o ten_o of_o their_o profit_n hardly_o get_v and_o hardly_o preserve_v a_o snare_n also_o if_o they_o pay_v they_o not_o exact_o yet_o this_o indulgence_n silence_n remission_n which_o in_o the_o primitive_a tenderness_n may_v be_v permit_v by_o the_o lord_n be_v no_o abrogation_n of_o the_o duty_n or_o law_n any_o more_o than_o the_o omission_n of_o circumcision_n for_o forty_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n be_v a_o vacate_a of_o that_o ordinance_n of_o god_n to_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o not_o command_v express_o the_o lord_n day_n to_o be_v keep_v as_o a_o sabbath_n be_v any_o argument_n against_o our_o sanctification_n of_o it_o which_o be_v only_o relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o a_o primitive_a practice_n 3._o by_o the_o lord_n not_o mention_v tithe_n in_o the_o very_a term_n or_o quâ—ntum_fw-la something_o seem_v leave_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o conscience_n and_o ingenuity_n both_o of_o people_n and_o of_o minister_n these_o that_o they_o may_v in_o part_n remit_v in_o time_n of_o distress_n those_o right_n as_o paul_n do_v not_o exact_v this_o proportion_n of_o ten_o which_o they_o may_v otherwise_o claim_v &_o expect_v as_o due_a people_n also_o by_o so_o much_o indulgence_n be_v invite_v to_o show_v so_o much_o the_o more_o a_o liberal_a and_o a_o willing_a mind_n where_o god_n enable_v they_o either_o occasional_o to_o return_v or_o constant_o to_o settle_v even_o such_o a_o maintenance_n on_o their_o minister_n as_o come_v near_a both_o to_o the_o equity_n of_o god_n will_v and_o the_o exemplarines_n of_o that_o proportion_n of_o tithe_n which_o he_o ancient_o require_v as_o his_o own_o and_o which_o we_o do_v not_o find_v he_o have_v in_o the_o gospel_n remit_v for_o then_o the_o lord_n have_v leave_v his_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o mere_a uncertainty_n and_o benevolence_n which_o be_v not_o even_o so_o as_o he_o ordain_v for_o those_o of_o the_o altar_n and_o indeed_o flat_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n reddition_n even_o so_o etc._n etc._n 4._o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v that_o in_o some_o condition_n of_o christian_n live_v a_o ten_o of_o the_o earth_n yearly_a increase_n will_v not_o afford_v a_o competent_a or_o any_o convenient_a maintenance_n for_o minister_n as_o in_o city_n and_o populous_a town_n so_o in_o castle_n ship_n etc._n etc._n there_o some_o other_o way_n by_o rent_n of_o house_n or_o trade_n increase_v must_v equivalent_o be_v raise_v and_o here_o although_o man_n now_o a_o day_n will_v grudge_n to_o pay_v a_o ten_o of_o trade_n increase_n or_o their_o calling_n yet_o we_o read_v of_o old_a it_o be_v pay_v by_o many_o citizen_n merchant_n lawyer_n and_o physician_n 5_o although_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o primitive_a church_n among_o jew_n or_o gentile_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o either_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o pastor_n and_o minister_n always_o use_v this_o power_n or_o strict_o require_v the_o just_a proportion_n of_o a_o ten_o which_o to_o the_o beleve_a jew_n on_o who_o the_o charge_n due_a to_o the_o altar_n still_o lay_v for_o a_o time_n may_v have_v seem_v a_o burden_n and_o so_o to_o the_o gentile_n among_o who_o not_o many_o rich_a or_o noble_a but_o poor_a and_o mean_a people_n in_o city_n chief_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o this_o oft_o with_o persecution_n yet_o we_o find_v in_o those_o day_n in_o stead_n of_o exact_a tithe_n and_o settle_a maintenance_n that_o which_o be_v not_o in_o these_o day_n to_o be_v expect_v namely_o 2.45_o act_n 2.45_o that_o in_o those_o primitive_a time_n christian_n be_v willing_a to_o sell_v all_o or_o great_a part_n of_o their_o possession_n to_o bring_v the_o price_n of_o they_o and_o lay_v it_o at_o the_o apostle_n foot_n for_o their_o support_n and_o the_o church_n relief_n so_o faâ—_n do_v they_o as_o then_o so_o afterward_o exceed_v the_o proportion_n of_o a_o ten_o part_n that_o many_o give_v all_o they_o have_v and_o themselves_o too_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o church_n those_o be_v excusable_a in_o their_o poverty_n and_o persecution_n if_o they_o have_v come_v short_a of_o a_o ten_o and_o be_v commendable_a where_o they_o most_o what_o exceed_v it_o wisdom_n teach_v we_o that_o necessity_n dispense_v with_o positive_a precept_n that_o different_a time_n require_v different_a counsel_n and_o way_n yet_o always_o keep_v near_o to_o god_n rule_n and_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o good_a end_n those_o be_v the_o pure_a flame_n of_o christian_n first_o love_n and_o primitive_a zeal_n when_o apostle_n and_o other_o excellent_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v receive_v as_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n the_o foot_n of_o those_o messenge_n be_v of_o peace_n be_v beautiful_a their_o person_n dear_a to_o believer_n then_o their_o right_a eye_n the_o honour_n of_o their_o call_n and_o ministry_n daily_o keep_v up_o with_o frequent_a miracle_n that_o the_o poverty_n of_o s._n peter_n act_n 3_o 6._o when_o he_o have_v not_o gold_n or_o silver_n be_v venerable_a by_o the_o miraculous_a power_n he_o exert_v to_o the_o creple_n in_o relieve_v he_o
beyond_o his_o desire_n and_o it_o be_v also_o formidable_a in_o the_o dreadful_a sentence_n he_o thunder_v against_o the_o sacrilegious_a parsimony_n lie_v and_o distrust_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n tithe_n need_v not_o to_o be_v urge_v or_o exact_v then_o when_o christian_n be_v forward_o beyond_o what_o they_o be_v able_a and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o poverty_n abound_v to_o a_o liberality_n but_o alas_o we_o be_v now_o sink_v to_o the_o dregs_o of_o time_n rake_v up_o and_o bury_v in_o the_o very_a ash_n or_o ember_n of_o devotion_n all_o be_v become_v worse_o and_o more_o perilous_a by_o how_o much_o it_o draw_v more_o of_o the_o late_a day_n when_o the_o charity_n of_o man_n shall_v grow_v cold_a iniquity_n abound_v when_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o of_o the_o world_n and_o mammon_n more_o than_o of_o god_n general_o seek_v their_o own_o profit_n and_o preferment_n and_o not_o the_o thing_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o church_n when_o miserable_a form_n of_o penurious_a piety_n and_o sacrilegious_a sanctity_n shall_v eat_v out_o and_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n when_o man_n shall_v choose_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o away_o that_o cost_v they_o nothing_o turn_v godliness_n into_o gain_n when_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o more_o learned_a holy_a able_a and_o faithful_a they_o be_v be_v force_v to_o hide_v their_o face_n and_o be_v cover_v with_o that_o confusion_n both_o from_o poverty_n and_o reproach_n which_o some_o man_n delight_v to_o cast_v upon_o they_o the_o more_o beautiful_a their_o wing_n and_o foot_n be_v which_o shine_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n his_o truth_n and_o his_o spirit_n the_o more_o they_o be_v force_v to_o lie_v among_o the_o pot_n to_o be_v level_v to_o and_o bury_v among_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o people_n have_v enough_o to_o do_v to_o preserve_v now_o their_o own_o eye_n from_o be_v pull_v out_o by_o those_o unreasonable_a man_n ingrateful_a raven_n who_o neither_o regard_n the_o mother_n which_o bear_v they_o nor_o the_o father_n which_o beget_v they_o so_o that_o different_a mind_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n may_v will_v require_v different_a way_n and_o settle_v of_o maintenance_n for_o minister_n the_o more_o covetous_a ingrate_a and_o inconstant_a people_n be_v the_o more_o needful_a it_o be_v and_o more_o require_v by_o god_n that_o competent_a and_o constant_a provision_n shall_v in_o conscience_n be_v urge_v and_o in_o prudence_n establish_v for_o his_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v pious_a in_o primitive_a time_n for_o christian_n to_o pay_v no_o tithe_n when_o they_o fail_v not_o to_o give_v much_o more_o it_o be_v impious_a now_o not_o to_o pay_v tithe_n when_o these_o be_v all_o that_o be_v settle_v or_o may_v be_v expect_v for_o maintenance_n and_o hardly_o this_o obtain_v restore_v pristine_a liberality_n and_o minister_n shall_v gain_v by_o take_v no_o tithe_n 6._o we_o find_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n either_o in_o the_o interval_n or_o cessation_n of_o persecution_n when_o peace_n prosperity_n and_o plenty_n have_v somewhat_o slacken_v as_o the_o sun_n do_v shine_v upon_o fire_n the_o warmth_n of_o piety_n that_o the_o devout_a christian_n in_o all_o place_n not_o only_o give_v freewill_n offering_n and_o oblation_n but_o even_o the_o ten_o or_o tithe_n of_o their_o profit_n and_o and_o increase_v both_o personal_a and_o prediall_a out_o of_o which_o the_o bishop_n and_o presbyter_n the_o poor_a and_o other_o pious_a use_n be_v maintain_v and_o this_o out_o of_o not_o only_a custom_n and_o bounty_n but_o of_o conscience_n thankfulness_n and_o duty_n temp._n oâ—ig_n hom._n in_o num._n 11._o cypt._n ep_v 66._o jâ—ron_n in_o mâ—l_n 3._o aug._n ser_n de_fw-fr temp._n as_o come_v up_o to_o that_o proportion_n which_o they_o see_v god_n of_o old_a require_v and_o to_o which_o in_o the_o new-testament_n he_o refer_v they_o as_o origen_n st._n cyprian_n st._n jeronimus_n austin_n and_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n testify_v which_o catholic_n conscienicous_a custom_n among_o christian_n of_o pay_v tithe_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n come_v afterward_o to_o be_v settle_v by_o particular_a gift_n or_o donation_n and_o at_o length_n in_o the_o abate_n of_o christian_n fervour_n and_o bounty_n tithe_n be_v establish_v by_o edict_n imperial_a canon_n of_o counsel_n ecclesiastical_a &_o also_o by_o particular_a national_a law_n or_o statute_n in_o every_o country_n which_o include_v the_o donation_n consent_n and_o frewil_n of_o all_o estate_n and_o degree_n several_o and_o joint_o who_o be_v as_o proprieter_n of_o land_n and_o estate_n relate_v to_o and_o include_v in_o any_o christian_a polity_n or_o community_n 7._o to_o answer_v then_o that_o question_n what_o positive_a right_n as_o from_o god_n or_o man_n have_v minister_n in_o england_n to_o their_o tithe_n answ_n there_o clear_o appear_v without_o any_o violence_n to_o scripture_n or_o reason_n a_o fivefold_a right_n which_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o england_n just_o plead_v to_o their_o maintenance_n by_o tithe_n as_o here_o settle_v in_o england_n 1._o that_o right_a of_o natural_a equity_n and_o grateful_a retribution_n which_o every_o man_n be_v own_o conscience_n dictate_v which_o god_n who_o have_v implant_v it_o in_o they_o require_v of_o they_o and_o which_o the_o apostle_n by_o many_o instance_n in_o soldier_n shepherd_n and_o husbandman_n press_v 1_o cor._n 9.7_o arise_v from_o the_o merit_n of_o minister_n labour_n in_o the_o church_n of_o which_o god_n be_v the_o just_a valuer_n by_o which_o they_o deserve_v to_o live_v of_o the_o gospel_n so_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n i._n e._n the_o god_n and_o saviour_n there_o set_v forth_o and_o so_o as_o must_v be_v answerable_a to_o what_o their_o study_n pain_n and_o place_n do_v require_v the_o labourer_n have_v god_n right_a to_o his_o wage_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v not_o what_o a_o nabal_n will_v give_v but_o what_o his_o time_n care_n and_o pain_n in_o justice_n deserve_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v all_o man_n to_o value_v the_o service_n of_o their_o priest_n at_o a_o high_a and_o honourable_a rate_n none_o ever_o grow_v so_o mean_a and_o niggardly_o as_o some_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v reformer_n but_o can_v tell_v where_o to_o six_o till_o all_o be_v waste_v and_o deform_v 2._o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o scriptural_a right_n draw_v from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n express_o ordain_v as_o i_o have_v show_v a_o livelihood_n in_o general_a and_o a_o power_n of_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n temporal_a good_a thing_n and_o although_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o by_o renew_a precept_n so_o express_o confine_v it_o to_o this_o particular_a proportion_n of_o ten_o by_o â—â—â—mes_n and_o in_o term_n yet_o he_o have_v express_o commend_v to_o christian_n imitation_n the_o equity_n of_o the_o old_a law_n &_o refer_v they_o to_o the_o exemplary_a benignity_n of_o god_n love_n bounty_n and_o care_n towards_o his_o minister_n at_o the_o altar_n to_o who_o he_o assign_v his_o own_o portion_n the_o ten_o bind_v christian_n inclusive_o and_o relative_o in_o conscience_n yea_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n in_o like_a case_n if_o they_o do_v not_o estimate_v minister_n labour_n as_o high_o or_o provide_v for_o they_o even_o so_o as_o he_o have_v ordain_v equivalent_a parallel_n or_o proportionate_a both_o in_o competency_n and_o constancy_n §_o for_o this_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v to_o believer_n evident_a rule_n of_o religious_a gratitude_n and_o example_n of_o holy_a retribution_n not_o according_a to_o man_n good_a pleasure_n but_o god_n not_o as_o a_o benevolence_n of_o good_a will_n but_o as_o a_o retribution_n of_o righteousness_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o 1._o in_o the_o piety_n and_o devotion_n of_o the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a who_o no_o doubt_n have_v this_o measure_n of_o a_o ten_o to_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n from_o that_o traditional_a theology_n which_o their_o forefather_n teach_v they_o by_o word_n and_o work_n as_o a_o beam_n of_o god_n wisdom_n who_o indulge_v to_o sinful_a man_n nine_o part_n when_o indeed_o he_o have_v forfeit_v all_o reserve_v to_o his_o particular_a honour_n and_o service_n a_o ten_o 2._o we_o see_v the_o lord_n challenge_v this_o ten_o among_o the_o jew_n as_o his_o own_o not_o only_o by_o right_a of_o creation_n and_o donation_n for_o so_o all_o be_v he_o but_o also_o by_o a_o peculiar_a and_o religious_a claim_n that_o man_n may_v testify_v by_o pay_v a_o ten_o to_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o own_v and_o adore_v he_o as_o the_o giver_n of_o all_o and_o that_o by_o this_o ten_o portion_n man_n may_v have_v the_o benefit_n as_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o religious_a public_a service_n 3._o this_o portion_n or_o peculiar_a reserve_n of_o
conscientious_a and_o comfortable_a because_o it_o have_v least_o of_o covetousness_n or_o grudge_n in_o case_n any_o way_n dubious_a as_o to_o practice_n it_o be_v safe_a for_o christian_n to_o be_v on_o the_o self-denying_a side_n and_o rather_o to_o propend_v to_o god_n interest_n then_o to_o their_o own_o they_o may_v sin_v as_o injurious_a and_o unthankful_a to_o god_n and_o his_o minister_n as_o dishonour_v and_o defraud_v christ_n of_o his_o right_n and_o due_a who_o do_v not_o pay_v the_o tithe_n or_o ten_o but_o they_o can_v sin_v who_o doubt_v between_o covetous_a and_o conscientious_a suggestion_n to_o what_o propotion_n the_o lord_n under_o the_o gospel_n require_v the_o grateful_a retribution_n of_o believer_n conclude_v by_o a_o just_a pay_v of_o their_o tithe_n to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o imitate_v at_o once_o god_n prescript_n of_o old_a and_o to_o fulfil_v the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o his_o ordinance_n in_o the_o new_a refer_v to_o what_o still_o continue_v of_o that_o ancient_a provision_n which_o chifley_n consist_v in_o tithe_n as_o a_o constant_a maintenance_n since_o then_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o a_o settle_a competent_a maintenance_n for_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o lawful_a now_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o be_v no_o less_o necessary_a now_o than_o it_o be_v of_o old_a and_o be_v as_o much_o deserve_v now_o and_o consequent_o just_a as_o of_o old_a the_o sure_a way_n for_o wise_a christian_n not_o to_o err_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n by_o minister_n crave_v too_o much_o devour_v whole_a house_n by_o pious_a insinuation_n nor_o yet_o on_o the_o left_a hand_n by_o people_n give_v too_o little_a be_v to_o take_v god_n for_o their_o umpire_n and_o the_o pattern_n his_o holy_a will_n for_o the_o standard_n of_o equity_n between_o minister_n and_o people_n that_o neither_o the_o flock_n may_v deny_v their_o milk_n and_o fleece_n nor_o the_o shepherd_n flay_v their_o skin_n and_o devour_v their_o flesh_n since_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n bestow_v on_o man_n the_o ten_o part_n and_o all_o they_o have_v yea_o and_o offer_v christ_n also_o to_o they_o how_o can_v they_o as_o saint_n austin_n urge_v it_o in_o any_o generosity_n equity_n or_o gratitude_n grudge_n to_o retribute_v one_o of_o ten_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o their_o saviour_n honour_n who_o assign_v this_o ten_o to_o their_o minister_n maintenance_n return_v the_o blessing_n and_o benefit_n of_o it_o to_o the_o good_a of_o man_n soul_n together_o with_o their_o family_n and_o neighbour_n yea_o and_o oft_o to_o the_o enlargement_n of_o their_o estate_n if_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o limit_v his_o portion_n to_o a_o ten_o godly_a man_n will_v hardly_o have_v content_v themselves_o not_o to_o have_v give_v with_o zacheus_n even_o half_a of_o their_o good_n increase_v to_o god_n the_o require_v but_o a_o ten_o be_v not_o a_o burden_n but_o a_o indulgence_n of_o god_n in_o any_o gracious_a man_n esteem_n thus_o have_v i_o answer_v these_o three_o query_n raise_v from_o the_o first_o general_a ground_n of_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n sin_n or_o no_o sin_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n regulate_v by_o the_o will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n from_o all_o which_o so_o clear_a resolution_n i_o may_v firm_o draw_v these_o conclusion_n 1._o that_o a_o compent_n comely_a and_o constant_a maintenance_n for_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v lawful_o and_o aught_o in_o conscience_n to_o be_v raise_v out_o of_o other_o man_n estate_n by_o such_o as_o have_v a_o right_n and_o power_n so_o to_o do_v 2._o i_o conclude_v that_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v lawful_o require_v such_o maintenance_n as_o god_n ordinance_n even_o by_o a_o ten_o portion_n of_o yearly_a increase_n and_o receive_v what_o be_v so_o raise_v or_o charge_v out_o of_o man_n estate_n without_o any_o sin_n or_o shame_n however_o it_o be_v in_o some_o case_n comely_a and_o charitable_a in_o they_o to_o remit_v their_o right_n yea_o and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n gratis_o 3._o i_o conclude_v that_o necessitous_a sordid_a and_o uncertain_a maintenance_n of_o minister_n be_v the_o sin_n and_o shame_n of_o any_o christian_n because_o they_o be_v not_o provide_v for_o so_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v but_o short_a of_o the_o lord_n provision_n which_o of_o old_a be_v at_o least_o a_o ten_o 4._o i_o conclude_v although_o a_o ten_o or_o tithe_n be_v not_o literal_o or_o precise_o in_o term_n conclude_v in_o the_o gospel_n for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o primitive_a time_n yet_o this_o proportion_n be_v not_o where_o forbid_v by_o the_o lord_n yea_o it_o be_v clear_o include_v special_o point_v unto_o and_o exemplary_o commend_v as_o the_o best_a pattern_n and_o proportion_n to_o christian_n imitation_n 5._o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o private_a give_v and_o public_a confirmation_n or_o settle_v of_o tithe_n as_o part_v of_o minister_n maintenance_n in_o england_n which_o the_o law_n have_v declare_v and_o ratify_v beside_o the_o consent_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o nation_n for_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n as_o the_o act_n and_o will_n of_o all_o estate_n be_v a_o very_a good_a work_n hardly_o to_o be_v amend_v or_o imitate_v in_o these_o day_n full_a of_o noble_a and_o munificent_a piety_n agreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n both_o in_o the_o general_a and_o propound_v and_o the_o equitable_a proportion_n ordain_v to_o which_o the_o apostle_n refer_v christian_n 6._o i_o conclude_v that_o for_o any_o man_n by_o mere_a will_n and_o force_v to_o take_v away_o the_o public_a maintenance_n by_o land_n and_o tithe_n settle_v upon_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o order_n to_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o will_n and_o act_n of_o those_o who_o have_v lawful_a power_n so_o to_o do_v must_v needs_o be_v so_o far_o a_o sin_n and_o snare_n of_o rapine_n and_o injustice_n as_o by_o law_n they_o belong_v to_o minister_n in_o their_o several_a place_n also_o a_o work_n of_o high_a and_o infamous_a extortion_n against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n violate_v the_o will_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o the_o apostle_n paul_n tell_v we_o no_o man_n just_o can_v do_v last_o 2.22_o gal._n 3.15_o mal._n 3.8_o rom._n 2.22_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n of_o sacrilege_n or_o rob_v god_n to_o who_o honour_n and_o service_n they_o be_v set_v apart_o and_o dedicate_v in_o a_o way_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n where_o the_o donor_n sometime_o the_o rightful_a owner_n of_o those_o land_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o divest_v themselves_o and_o their_o successor_n for_o ever_o of_o any_o power_n of_o revocation_n resumption_n or_o alienation_n have_v invest_v the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o name_n and_o for_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n with_o full_a possession_n and_o perpetual_a use_n of_o they_o under_o many_o curse_n and_o imprecation_n and_o without_o any_o reservation_n 7._o i_o conclude_v that_o for_o any_o private_a christian_n who_o stand_v relate_v to_o the_o society_n and_o communion_n of_o this_o nation_n and_o be_v so_o bind_v by_o the_o law_n establish_v which_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o civil_a justice_n give_v every_o man_n their_o due_n to_o pay_v to_o the_o respective_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o portion_n of_o tithe_n or_o profit_n as_o be_v assign_v they_o for_o maintenance_n for_o any_o such_o i_o say_v wilful_o to_o defraud_v or_o deny_v the_o minister_n their_o due_n or_o to_o encourage_v other_o so_o to_o do_v can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o fraudulent_a and_o injurious_a practice_n no_o way_n consistent_a with_o justice_n divine_a or_o humane_a contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n and_o example_n of_o holy_a man_n piety_n equity_n and_o charity_n scandalous_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o reproachful_a to_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n 2.12_o tit._n 2.12_o which_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v all_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v righteous_o sober_o and_o holy_o in_o this_o present_a world_n 8._o since_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o private_a and_o particular_a man_n in_o this_o nation_n either_o landlord_n or_o farmer_n be_v as_o to_o tithe_n they_o pay_v to_o minister_n not_o now_o the_o proprietor_n or_o donor_n as_o of_o private_a good_a will_n and_o arbitrary_a bounty_n but_o only_a trustee_n executor_n or_o payer_n of_o a_o public_a debt_n lay_v upon_o those_o estate_n and_o land_n which_o they_o now_o hold_v only_a discharger_n of_o a_o sacred_a trust_n or_o feoffement_n repose_v in_o they_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o forefather_n and_o of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n which_o include_v all_o successor_n suffrage_n and_o consent_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n in_o nature_n law_n reason_n or_o religion_n to_o frustrate_v revoke_v