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
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.
excellent Gift for the Ministry under great Temptations even so far as to refuse utterly the exercise of their Gifts to the Profâ—… and Edification of the Churches leaâ—… in process of time they should be called forth to a Pastoral Charge anâ— thereby be exposed to Snares and Poverty in the World as perhaps somâ— poor Ministers and Pastors have been and may be daily still are especially they considering and laying to Heart the Care and Charge their Parenâ— have been at with them in putting them forth to good Trades and Callings whereby they knew with thâ— Blessing of God they might if they gave themselves up with a due and necessary Diligence and Industry to folâ—ow those Trades live well in the World and sufficiently provide for â—hemselves and their Wives and Children if they saw good to Marry â—n after-times And by this very means â—he Churches may be to their great â—oss and detriment have been deprived of those great helps which a faithful discharge of Duty to the present Ministry may prevent for time to â—ome Also do we not see at this very time what a sad pass some Congregations are come to already for want of useful helps in the Ministry both in City and Country some Pastors nay many of them being grown very Ancient and almost become unserviceable and not like to continue â—ong And though the Harvest is great yet O! how few are the Labourers amongst us and fewer they are like to be if care be not taken in the discharge of this indispensible Duty to â—he present Ministry Nor is it a strange thing that Godly Men should fall under such a Temptation which we before mentioned considering this great Evil and neglect of Duty herein Since we find of Old in the Holy Scripture the very same Snare and Temptation many of the Priests and Ministers of the Lord fell under Pray read and carefully consider Nehemiah 13.8,9 especially the 10 Verse And I perceived that the Portions of the Levites had not been given them For the Levites and the Singers that did the Work were Fled every one to his Field Now 't is evident that through the like Evil and Neglect of the People to the Levites and Ministers of God in not giving them that due allowanee or maintenance God had Ordained for them they left their work and service every one of them and betook themselves to secular Employments viz. to labour in the Fields and manure their Land or gather in their Corn which according to the Law others were to do for them Nor did good Nehemiah as we can find reprove or blame the Levites for so doing Nor indeed what reason was there he should considering 't is a Moral Duty for every Man to provide for himself and Family and he that does not do it the Apostle shews is worse than an Infidel and hath denyed the Faith. But he contended sharply with the People especially with the Rulers saying Why is the House of God forsaken That is the Work of the House of the Lord. And he gathered them together and set them in their place verse 11. They had not only injured the Levites as our Annotators observe upon the place in withholding their Dues but also occasioned the neglect of GOD's House and Service c. And he gathered them together That is say they from their several Possessions in the Country in which they were dispersed and restored them to the Exercise of their Office. And Then saith the Text brought all Judah the Tithe of the Corn and the new Wine and the Oyl unto the Treasuries Verse 12. We cannot slightly pass by this matter for the Evil and Danger of the Sin of the Churches upon this account doth as palpably appear in this Case as in any we have mentioned How can we expect in ordinary way to have an Able Ministry raised up or those who are now imployed in the Work of the Gospel carry on that Work to the Honour of GOD Comfort of His People and to the Credit of our Sacred Religion if a Gospel Incouragement be not given them True we may perhaps have Preachers some may be willing to Exercise their Gifts but is it fit think you to call such to Preach publickly who have scarcely one Hours time to prepare themselves for the Work or may be have not meet and proper Indowments or Qualifications for that Holy and Sublime Service What is it Judge you that causes the Ministry to be slighted and neglected in some places but the want of such a Ministry that may honourably carry it on And who shall we blame What would you have poor men to do that have may be no time to spare to give themselves up to the Study of the Scriptures nor no useful Books and proper helps to improve and assist them in their Study or if they have yet their circumstances in the World will not afford them so much leisure from their worldly Business to read and meditate upon the Word so as well to digest what they have to deliver to the People Come think and say what you please 't is not without diligent and continued Study that the deep things of God can be searched out and so proposed as to inrich the minds of people with clear and solid Knowledge He that is not indowed with the clear Light and Understanding of Divine Truths or the mystery of the Gospel himself How can he Feed others as they ought to be Fed with the Knowledg of those Sublime and Soul inriching Mysteries A little Knowledg and Study 't is true as one observes may furnish a man with such a Discourse as may please some weak Christians that Judg of a Sermon by the loudness of the Voice and affectionate Sentences or can fancy themselves to be Fed with good Doctrine when perhaps 't is but with the Ashes of Jingling Words and cadency of Terms But alas saith he the seeming warmth of Affection that is stirred up by such means is as short Liv'd as a Land Flood that hath no Spring to Feed it He that will do the Souls of his people good and approve himself a Pastor after God's own Heart must endeavour to Feed them with Knowledg and Understanding that the people may learn and come to understand those things which were hid and not opened or known to them before and so strive to maintain a constant Zeal and Affection in them by well informing their Judgments and such an opening of the mind of God from the Scriptures as may command their Consciences And this is not to be expected but from him that Labours in his Study as well as in the Pulpit But saith he mistake me not we know â—he success and fruit of all Studies and Labours of men that preach the Gospel is from the Grace and Power of the Holy Ghost but the assistance of the Spirit is to be expected by the use of means and in the way of our Duty And now from the whole this is that
they are prevented of Improving what they have for the future comfort and advantage of their Families Nay and we have heard to our great trouble how some worthy Men who have Laboured fully to improve their Ministry through the Peoples neglect of their duty to them have in process of time sunk in their Estates and in Truth have been brought to a low Condition for 't is rare to see a Pastor of our Churches to abound in Riches Tho some Blessed be God may be indifferent well to pass in the World now to expose a rich man to Poverty or to let a poor man shift for himself under wants and necessities are Evils much of the like nature and for a prevention of both God hath ordered it so that neither of these things should or ought to be Therefore this neglect in short exposeth Ministers to Temptations considering the moral Duty that lies upon them in common with other men to provide for their Families namely to content themselves in doing but one part of their Work viz. to Preach a Sermon or two in the Week c. Now our desires are that they may all be wholly sequestred to the Lord's Work and Service and not be other ways imploying themselves when they should be Preaching the Kingdom of God but to Labour to fulfill their Ministry they have received of the Lord so that they may have their Accounts to give up with Joy in the Day of Christ Object But our Church is small and our Pastor can't take up all his time in the Lord's Work. Answer We Answer If he wants work who will hinder him from following of his secular Business provided he doth faithfully and fully discharge every part of the duty of his Place and Function But do not the Neighbouring Villages and places adjacent want the Gospel having no Bread for their Souls and this too by reason such Pastors are unconcerned in this matter and by which means 't is doubtless that the Glorious Gospel is no more promulgated up and down in dark and blind corners of this Nation nor the Church increases no more Besides do not many poor Sinners daily perish hereby for want of Knowledg Brethren 't is not for our selves but for the Lord and his sinking Interest that we plead for it grieves our Souls to hear what cries there are in many parts of this Kindom for want of Bread some being forc'd we hear to go twelve or sixteen Miles to hear a Sermon now if Ministers of Churches made it their whole Business to Preach the Word and concern themselves for the promoting of the Truth it would not be as it is at this very time nor can we think it should be otherwise unless we had a travelling Ministry which we fear we shall hardly find unless Pastors and Teachers in the respective Churches were taken off of all Incumbrances and so give themselves up to the Ministry of the VVord God has done great things for us and hath opened a mighty door and shall not we do some great thing for Him The Case Blessed be the Lord is much altered You may come now into any Town and none dare forbid you if any one will but entertain you and Preach the Gospel And shall we not take care to answer this Mercy and do what we can that the poor Blind VVorld may be Inlightened and brought to the saving Knowledge of Jesus Christ If the present Providence of God be not answered by a due Improvement to his Glory and the furtherance of the Gospel VVe may say with Solomon Why is there a price in the Hand of a Fool seeing he hath no Heart to it Prov. 17.16 By this time we hope you may more clearly understand us and what we drive at and earnestly desire to see accomplished viz. That Ministers may not only bear that Name but with all Faithfulness do the VVork they are called to 't is not to press our People to Minister to such Preachers who are Idle and Negligent in their Business whose Hearts and Hands are in the VVorld and eagerly pursue their own secular Affairs and matter not what becomes of the Interest of Jesus Christ No 't is to encourage the Faithful and Labourous Person who is willing to give himself up to the Lord in the Discharge of that great Turst committed to him and to Labour indeed in Christ's Vineyard it is in truth â— shame for a Minister to receive the Lord's VVages and not do the Lord's VVork some there are in the World â—hat do not deserve the Name of Miniâ—…ers they doing the VVork of the Lord so deceitfully Our Churches also are 't is like in some places in the Country but small and â—re like to be smaller if the Ministry 〈◊〉 not awakened to become more Labourous Are there not such in some Towns who are hardly known by the Inhabitants to be Ministers at â—ll they are so little concerned in Preaching they are better known to be Farmers Yeomen and Tradesman then Preachers of the Gospel they are inâ—angled so in the Affairs of this Life â—hat they have but little time to mind â—he great Work they are called to We would ask some Ministers whether â—hey could not do much more Preach oftner and in more Places and take greater Pains to promote the Gospel and gather in Souls to Christ than they do Certainly they will and must say yea we might VVhy what is the reason of your not doing it Ought we not with Mary to do what we can VVe conclude this Omission of Duty either arises from the evil of your own Hearts or else from the Remisness and Neglect of the People in Respect of their Duty to you 1. It may arise from the Evil in your own Hearts in that you have not or do not espouse the Interest of Jesus Christ equal with or above your own Can any be contented in doing a little Service for Christ tho his Interest sinks in their Hands whilst they thrive in their own concerns and grow Rich in the VVorld Lord what will become of such Ministers in the day oâ— Judgment Can they think to looâ—… Christ in the Face with Comfort thaâ— have been such slothful Servants buâ— God forbid there should be any among us who mind more theiâ— own trifling Affairs than the greaâ— VVork and Business of their blessed Lord and Master Is this the making full Proof of your Ministry you have received of the Lord Christ's Ministers are called Labourers but we fear some Labour but little unless it be at their own work should you be as Remiss in your own Affairs as possibly you are in the Lords you would find quickly a decay in your Estates and be in a sinking Condition in the World which 't is like would soon startle you and stir you up to greater Care and Industry and ought you not to be as considerate in the great concernment of Christ his Gospel and Churches We take it not upon us to reprehend any of
asserted as you have heard that He that is taught in the Word ought to Communicate to him that Teacheth in all good things 1 Tim. 5.18 And that they who Minister at the Altar should partake of the Altar God having Ordained that he that Preaches the Gospel should live of the Gospel 1 Cor. 9.14 Therefore we rather are of the Opinion in respect to this Text with a late worthy VVriter The Doctrine says he they were to Preach they were Impowered to Confirm with Miracles which say they He gives them a Charge they should Work freely without receiving any Reward for them that the Miracles might not be used to their private Profit but to the End they were appointed of God which was the Confirmation of their Doctrine 2. It may also teach us that Ministers ought not to make a Bargain with the People or desire to know what they shall have before they enter on their Work for he who would approve himself a true Minister of Jesus Christ o◠〈◊〉 not to Preach for Hire or filthy â—…cres sake i. e. that ought not to be the thing he aims at that 's a low and base design but as you know Churches provide and ought to provide for the Poor yet should any seek to come into your Communion meerly for a Maintenance you would say he or she that did so were no better than Hypocrites and may say truly yet that would not free you from communicating to poor Faithful Christians Even so if some deceitful and carnal Persons should undertake the Work of the Ministry for filthy Lucres sake and not in Love to Christ and to promote his Interest and Glory they doubtless act contrary to this Precept of Christ But yet nevertheless the Church iâ— bound to communicate and allow a comfortable Maintenance to her Faithful Ministers and as he freely and of a ready Mind and for Christ's sake Preaches the Gospel and is bound so to do if he will approve himselâ— Faithful so in like manner are the People and Churches of God bound freely and of a ready mind to Minister to them if they would shew to all they are Faithful Christians such who have an equal respect to all Christs Commands and Desire to the utmost of their Abilities to further and not hinder the promulgation of the Gospel in the World. But by the way it is plain had it not been the practice of the Gospel Churches in the Apostles time to allow their Pastors a Maintenance what room was there for the Apostle to caution any Minister or Elder not to undertake the Work for filthy Lucres sake but of a ready mind Moreover very remarkable is it to consider how the Priests of God under the Law were to receive that Portion Jehovah gave them They were not as Mr. Ainsworth noteth To receive it after a base or servile manner but as Gifts due to the Lord and to them from him The Hebrew Canons saith he shew the Israelites were to give them their Portion with Honour and it was unlawful for the Priests or Levites to snatch away the Heave-Offering or the Tithes yea saith he if they did but ask their Portion with their Mouth it was unlawful Read his Annotation on Numb 18. v. 12. And then on Deut. 18.3 He saith again the Priest might not violently take the Gifts nor ask them with his Mouth but he received them when they were given him with Honour This may teach us two things First that Christ's Servants ought to take heed they shew all true and real Zeal and Love to Christ when they undertake his Work and Service and not to shew such a servile and base Spirit as to demand their Portion that God has Ordained for them but leave it to the free will Offering of the People Secondly It may also teach Churches to see they do neither withhold the Ministers Portion from them nor give it them grudgingly or in an unbecoming manner but to hand out to them what they need with due respect and honour they being worthy of it and are to receive it as their part and portion from God and as they are His Stewards and Faithful Labourers by Virtue of a Divine and Holy Law Nay and the Lord's People ought to be as careful in discharge of this Duty to Christ's Ministers now as the Israelites were to the Levites tho' as we have already said their Portion is not the Tithes of Mens Increase nor the First Fruits which Law is Abrogated Yet saith Reverend Ainsworth ' The Equity of that Law remaineth perpetually as the Apostle observeth Do you not know that they which Minister about Holy things live of the things of the Temple and they that wait at the Altar are partakers with the Altar Even so hath the Lord Ordained c. 1. Cor. 13.14 Because the Ministers of God then were injoyned to attend on His Service he would not have them cumbred with worldly Affairs least saith he they should be hinddred from doing their Duties as it is Written No Man that Warreth intangleth himself with the Affairs of this Life that he may please him who hath called him to be a Soldier 2 Tim. 3.4 From hence God hath ordered it thus for them ' Moreover the Hebrews say from hence 't was Levi was not counted meeet to have Inheritance in the Land of Israel or Spoils with his Brethren because he was separated to Serve the Lord and to Inherit him and to teach his strait Ways and his Just Judgments unto the People therefore was he separated from the ways of the World they wage not War as the rest of Israel do neither do they Inherit nor Earn for themselves with the Strength of their Bodies but they are the Lords Power or Substance as it is Written Deut. 13.11 Bless Lord his Power and the Blessed God earneth for them as it is Written Numb 18.20 I am thy Part and thine Inheritance Maim Treat of the Release and Jubilee c. 13. f. 12. The reason of the same Law 't is evident of necessity does remain the Work of Ministers is great now and 't is as Holy and as Honourable as ever and the neglect of a Faithful discharge herein as great a Sin as it was then and God's People have as great nay greater Benefit and Divine Profit by the Ministry of the Gospel than those had who lived under the Law besides Christ's Servants have the same need of it moreover our People are delivered from other great Burdens and vast Charges that the People of Israel were continually at and therefore how unjust and unreasonable a thing is it to with-hold a fit and convenient Lively-hood from them Nay and we must say that which any with-hold from the Servants of God is the Lord's and none of theirs for he lays claim to part of their Substance as that which He has Ordained to his own special service and use of His Faithful Ministers Quest May every one then that Preaches expect an Allowance though