we_o say_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v man_n can_v arrive_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o light_n and_o knowledge_n in_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o mystery_n of_o christ_n so_o as_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n as_o they_o ought_v unless_o they_o dedicate_v and_o give_v themselves_o up_o by_o prayer_n and_o meditation_n to_o the_o diligent_a search_n and_o study_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v do_v unless_o some_o time_n be_v spend_v which_o divers_a man_n can_v spare_v without_o a_o due_a allowance_n for_o their_o pain_n and_o loss_n of_o time_n and_o this_o we_o say_v too_o be_v nothing_o less_o nor_o more_o than_o what_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o direct_o appoint_v in_o this_o matter_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v but_o to_o proceed_v eleven_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o the_o people_n to_o contribute_v towards_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ministry_n may_v be_v further_o demonstrate_v and_o the_o evil_a and_o sin_n in_o their_o neglect_n of_o it_o evince_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o sharp_a reproof_n and_o severe_a judgement_n of_o god_n bring_v against_o and_o denounce_v upon_o the_o people_n of_o old_a upon_o this_o very_a account_n so_o mal._n 3.8_o will_v a_o man_n rob_fw-mi god_n yet_o you_o have_v rob_v i_o the_o evil_a of_o this_o people_n lie_v in_o this_o i._n e._n in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o faithful_o bring_v into_o his_o house_n all_o those_o riches_n and_o good_a thing_n which_o by_o the_o law_n and_o requirement_n of_o god_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v for_o the_o carry_v on_o and_o management_n of_o the_o service_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n they_o through_o covetousness_n or_o a_o base_a carnal_a and_o self-seeking_a spirit_n do_v retain_v and_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o these_o tithe_n and_o offering_n for_o their_o own_o use_n or_o to_o enrich_v themselves_o and_o do_v not_o yield_v they_o up_o to_o the_o use_n and_o end_v god_n have_v appoint_v they_o and_o this_o the_o people_n may_v do_v i._n e._n rob_v god_n viz._n in_o withhold_a from_o the_o priest_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o be_v appoint_v or_o ordain_v for_o they_o and_o also_o this_o the_o priest_n may_v do_v whilst_o they_o take_v too_o much_o and_o more_o than_o what_o be_v their_o due_a allowance_n or_o take_v the_o wages_n and_o not_o do_v the_o work_n which_o be_v appoint_v for_o they_o however_o to_o keep_v back_o or_o retain_v part_n or_o the_o whole_a of_o what_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o command_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o his_o house_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o and_o well_o management_n of_o his_o public_a worship_n the_o lord_n call_v it_o a_o rob_n of_o he_o and_o certain_o god_n have_v as_o great_a care_n and_o have_v make_v as_o honourable_a provision_n for_o the_o gospel_n church_n and_o his_o worship_n and_o interest_n now_o under_o this_o dispensation_n as_o he_o have_v then_o and_o have_v appoint_v or_o ordain_v that_o his_o people_n bring_v into_o his_o house_n now_o so_o that_o nothing_o may_v be_v want_v for_o the_o honourable_a management_n and_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o ministration_n therefore_o in_o any_o respect_n nor_o can_v this_o be_v do_v without_o charge_n and_o if_o the_o lord_n people_n shall_v so_o seek_v their_o own_o thing_n as_o not_o to_o concern_v themselves_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o christ_n but_o retain_v or_o through_o covetousness_n keep_v back_o that_o which_o his_o church_n worship_n and_o public_a interest_n call_v for_o and_o by_o which_o mean_n his_o bless_a interest_n shall_v sink_v and_o languish_v in_o their_o hand_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o certain_o they_o will_v be_v and_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o great_a robber_n of_o god_n now_o as_o those_o be_v then_o of_o who_o the_o prophet_n speak_v will_v to_o god_n this_o be_v consider_v which_o of_o the_o nation_n as_o if_o god_n shall_v say_v have_v rob_v their_o god_n but_o blush_v you_o jew_n for_o you_o have_v rob_v i_o and_o therefore_o you_o be_v curse_v with_o a_o curse_n your_o sin_n your_o sacrilege_n of_o which_o you_o be_v guilty_a have_v so_o provoke_v i_o and_o the_o curse_n shall_v abide_v upon_o you_o so_o long_o as_o you_o abide_v and_o continue_v in_o this_o sinful_a course_n strange_a that_o you_o dare_v sin_n whilst_o i_o be_o punish_v you_o for_o this_o iniquity_n so_o the_o annotator_n will_v you_o go_v on_o in_o your_o sin_n whilst_o you_o be_v under_o the_o judgement_n and_o curse_n of_o your_o god_n bring_v you_o all_o the_o tithe_n into_o my_o storehouse_n that_o there_o may_v be_v meat_n in_o my_o house_n and_o prove_v i_o now_o herewith_o say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n if_o i_o will_v not_o open_v the_o window_n of_o heaven_n and_o pour_v you_o out_o a_o blessing_n that_o there_o be_v not_o room_n enough_o to_o receive_v it_o vers_n 10._o though_o we_o do_v not_o say_v god_n have_v bring_v the_o like_a curse_n now_o yet_o we_o fear_v the_o lord_n people_n in_o england_n both_o in_o city_n and_o country_n be_v under_o just_a rebuke_n in_o retain_v that_o from_o god_n for_o the_o use_v of_o his_o public_a worship_n service_n and_o ministry_n which_o he_o require_v and_o command_v they_o to_o bring_v in_o and_o lay_v up_o in_o his_o spiritual_a house_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v he_o be_v provoke_v and_o seem_v to_o bring_v a_o blast_n instead_o of_o a_o blessing_n upon_o we_o we_o fear_v we_o have_v cause_n to_o say_v and_o cry_v out_o with_o our_o apostle_n all_o seek_v their_o own_o and_o none_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v jesus_n christ_n phil._n 2.21_o do_v you_o think_v the_o service_n of_o god_n house_n can_v be_v carry_v on_o without_o any_o charge_n or_o be_v god_n less_o careful_a of_o his_o church_n and_o ministry_n under_o the_o gospel_n than_o he_o be_v under_o the_o law._n the_o first_o church_n that_o be_v plant_v after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o zealous_a and_o pious_o incline_v to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o give_v up_o all_o they_o have_v for_o the_o public_a interest_n of_o christ_n and_o sell_v their_o possession_n which_o thing_n you_o be_v not_o require_v to_o do_v you_o may_v keep_v your_o own_o propriety_n in_o your_o good_n land_n and_o possession_n but_o yet_o nevertheless_o ought_v you_o to_o consider_v your_o way_n and_o not_o let_v the_o interest_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n to_o sink_v under_o your_o hand_n will_v you_o dwell_v in_o your_o ceil_v house_n and_o let_v this_o house_n i.e._n the_o lord_n house_n lie_v waste_v especial_o consider_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n time_n we_o be_v very_o persuade_v in_o which_o he_o be_v a_o go_v about_o to_o build_v it_o and_o add_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o what_o proof_n have_v you_o give_v o_o you_o christian_n and_o member_n of_o the_o church_n that_o you_o love_v jesus_n christ_n more_o than_o father_n or_o mother_n yea_o more_o than_o son_n and_o daughter_n which_o if_o you_o do_v not_o our_o saviour_n say_v you_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o he_o and_o what_o demonstration_n can_v we_o see_v of_o this_o thing_n whilst_o you_o thus_o pursue_v the_o world_n and_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v up_o nay_o and_o daily_o do_v part_n with_o so_o many_o hundred_o of_o pound_n to_o such_o a_o son_n and_o to_o such_o a_o daughter_n and_o yet_o can_v spare_v the_o twenty_o part_n thereof_o for_o christ_n his_o church_n and_o public_a ministry_n our_o soul_n mourn_v and_o grieve_v to_o see_v what_o a_o earthly_a and_o covetous_a spirit_n be_v get_v into_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o age_n and_o fear_v that_o that_o zeal_n be_v much_o go_v for_o the_o truth_n and_o fervent_a love_n to_o christ_n which_o be_v once_o among_o those_o who_o be_v his_o people_n do_v it_o not_o appear_v so_o whilst_o some_o of_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o be_v content_v with_o any_o nay_o the_o mean_a gift_n that_o be_v among_o they_o provide_v they_o can_v have_v they_o without_o any_o charge_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v seek_v out_o and_o endeavour_v for_o a_o able_a and_o honourable_a ministry_n because_o of_o that_o great_a expense_n and_o cost_n they_o fear_v than_o they_o shall_v be_v at_o as_o also_o whilst_o careless_a and_o mind_n not_o what_o want_n of_o faithful_a labourer_n there_o may_v be_v abroad_o in_o other_o place_n and_o church_n so_o that_o they_o be_v provide_v themselves_o as_o likewise_o do_v not_o give_v proper_a and_o meet_a encouragement_n for_o the_o raise_n up_o and_o continue_v of_o a_o able_a ministry_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v these_o thing_n be_v lamentable_a and_o great_a ground_n of_o mourn_v and_o bitter_a tear_n know_v you_o therefore_o this_o and_o
the_o gospel_n minister_n maintenance_n vindicated_n wherein_o a_o regular_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n be_v first_o assert_v and_o the_o objection_n against_o a_o gospel_n maintenance_n for_o minister_n answer_v also_o the_o dignity_n necessity_n difficulty_n use_v and_o excellency_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o christ_n be_v open_v likewise_o the_o nature_n and_o weightiness_n of_o that_o sacred_a work_n and_o office_n clear_o evince_v recommend_v to_o the_o baptise_a congregation_n by_o several_a elder_n in_o and_o about_o the_o city_n of_o london_n 2_o cor_fw-la 9.14_o even_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n ordain_v that_o they_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospâ—…_n 2_o cor._n 2.16_o and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n london_n print_v and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o joâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o harrow_n in_o the_o poulâ—…_n 〈…〉_o errata_fw-la page_n 2._o line_n 12._o and_o 15._o for_o church_n read_v church_n p._n 3._o l._n 9_o f._n church_n r._n churches_n p._n 5._o l._n 22._o r._n the._n p._n 7._o l._n 11._o and_o 14._o f._n the_o church_n duty_n she_o r._n the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n they_o p._n 8._o l._n 7._o r._n church_n and_o l._n 9_o f._n her_z r._n their_o p._n 14._o l._n 2._o r._n church_n p._n 20._o l._n 1._o h._n be_v want_v p._n 20._o l._n 21._o s._n be_v want_v p._n 25._o f._n contangle_v r._n entangle_v p._n 32._o l._n 18._o f._n their_o r._n her_o p._n 41._o l._n 22._o f._n be_v r._n do_v p._n 47._o l._n 21._o f._n let_v r._n set_v p._n 70._o l._n 26._o f._n and_o r._n or_o p._n 101._o l._n 10._o r._n family_n p._n 105._o l._n 14._o leave_v out_o say_v they_o to_o the_o congregation_n of_o baptise_a believer_n in_o england_n and_o wales_n grace_n mercy_n and_o peace_n be_v multiply_v through_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n belove_a brethren_n we_o have_v read_v and_o consider_v of_o this_o ensue_a treatiser_n and_o do_v conclude_v in_o may_v be_v of_o great_a profit_n to_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o fear_v some_o congregation_n have_v 〈…〉_o â—…uly_o weigh_v and_o consider_v of_o thâ—…r_n â—…dispensible_a duty_n to_o the_o ministry_n in_o respect_n of_o provide_v such_o a_o maintenance_n for_o those_o who_o labour_n among_o they_o and_o be_v 〈◊〉_d they_o in_o the_o lord_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v by_o which_o mean_n it_o may_v he_o fear_v that_o many_o of_o they_o may_v be_v hinder_v or_o obstruct_v in_o attend_v on_o their_o work_n in_o serve_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o sacred_a employment_n and_o office_n require_v and_o the_o present_a day_n especial_o call_v for_o and_o as_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v also_o ordain_v therefore_o our_o earnest_a desire_n be_v that_o our_o brethren_n both_o minister_n and_o member_n will_v he_o please_v to_o get_v this_o little_a book_n and_o both_o read_v and_o wâ—ll_n weigh_v what_o be_v say_v therein_o without_o prejudice_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o regular_a ministry_n the_o minister_n maintenance_n and_o the_o greatness_n and_o difficulty_n of_o their_o work_n and_o now_o that_o it_o may_v be_v bless_v by_o jehovah_n to_o the_o great_a and_o good_a end_n it_o be_v design_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o we_o your_o brethren_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o fellowship_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n hanserd_n knollys_n william_n kiffin_n william_n collins_n john_n harris_n george_n barret_n richard_n adam_n benjamin_n keach_n isaac_n lamb_n edward_n man_n leonard_n harrison_n hercules_n collins_n london_n july_n 30._o 1681._o the_o content_n of_o the_o chief_a thing_n insist_v on_o in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n a_o regular_a ministry_n assert_v pag._n 1_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n first_o settle_a the_o ministry_n in_o a_o most_o solemn_a manner_n 3_o power_n leave_v to_o particular_a congregation_n to_o choose_v their_o own_o minister_n 6_o church_n ought_v to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o choose_v man_n to_o office_n that_o be_v competent_o qualify_v according_a to_o 1_o tim._n 3.1,2,3_o and_o tit._n 1.6.9_o 7_o 8_o church_n after_o election_n and_o trial_n of_o their_o minister_n ought_v solemn_o to_o ordain_v they_o by_o prayer_n and_o imposition_n of_o hand_n 8_o 9_o church_n undue_a proceed_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o elder_n dishonourable_a and_o a_o hindrance_n to_o the_o gospel_n 10_o 11_o every_o congregation_n that_o neglect_v their_o duty_n in_o provide_v a_o fit_a maintenance_n for_o their_o pastor_n if_o able_a be_v dishonourable_a and_o a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n 13_o minister_n maintenance_n assert_v strange_a that_o any_o shall_v doubt_v of_o it_o 13_o 14_o the_o scripture_n urge_v to_o prove_v it_o be_v a_o indispensable_a duty_n to_o provide_v a_o comfortable_a livelihood_n for_o faithful_a minister_n 15_o 16_o 13_o argument_n to_o prove_v this_o duty_n 1._o christ_n will_v not_o have_v his_o disciple_n when_o he_o first_o send_v they_o out_o waste_v their_o own_o substance_n whilst_o employ_v in_o his_o work._n 17_o 18_o 2._o god_n have_v positive_o ordain_v or_o appoint_v his_o minister_n a_o comfortable_a maintenance_n under_o the_o gospel_n 19_o 20_o minister_n maintenance_n not_o now_o by_o tithe_n as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law._n 20_o 21_o no_o deny_v or_o avoid_v the_o duty_n of_o minister_n maintenance_n 22_o 23_o 3._o minister_n command_v to_o attend_v whole_o upon_o their_o work._n 25_o nothing_o but_o real_a necessity_n will_v admit_v he_o to_o dispense_v with_o the_o contrary_a all_o his_o time_n little_a enough_o 26_o pastor_n must_v visit_v their_o member_n go_v from_o house_n to_o house_n 27_o 4._o minister_n that_o follow_v trade_n etc._n etc._n expose_v they_o to_o reproach_n therefore_o if_o possible_a to_o be_v avoid_v 30_o 31_o 5._o minister_n maintenance_n prove_v by_o the_o law_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o positive_a law_n of_o christ_n 32_o 33_o obj._n some_o minister_n do_v not_o need_v it_o answer_v 40_o 6_o minister_n not_o unable_a to_o follow_v trade_n some_o can_v do_v it_o and_o provide_v for_o themselves_o and_o get_v estate_n as_o well_o as_o other_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v for_o take_v that_o sacred_a work_n upon_o they_o 43_o minister_n be_v as_o much_o bind_v to_o provide_v for_o their_o family_n as_o other_o men._n 43_o 44_o 7_o show_v what_o great_a provision_n god_n make_v for_o his_o minister_n under_o the_o law_n prove_v the_o equitableness_n of_o the_o same_o law_n remain_v still_o 45_o 46_o as_o great_a reason_n for_o the_o people_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o minister_n under_o the_o gospel_n nay_o great_a in_o some_o respect_n than_o for_o they_o under_o the_o law_n 47_o 8._o elder_n or_o pastor_n must_v be_v give_v to_o hospitality_n therefore_o if_o church_n be_v able_a and_o they_o poor_a they_o ought_v to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o capacity_n to_o shine_v in_o that_o virtue_n 47_o 48_o 9_o this_o duty_n urge_v from_o the_o honourableness_n of_o it_o it_o free_v member_n from_o the_o censure_n of_o covetousness_n one_o part_n of_o that_o double_a honour_n due_a to_o elder_n that_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n prove_v to_o be_v maintenance_n 50_o 51_o 52_o 10._o argue_v for_o from_o the_o say_a effect_n and_o inconvenience_n that_o attend_v the_o neglect_n of_o it_o 52_o 53_o 54_o it_o lay_v a_o discouragement_n in_o the_o way_n of_o good_a man_n to_o give_v themselves_o to_o study_n and_o dedicate_v themselves_o to_o take_v part_n in_o the_o ministry_n 54_o 55_o it_o expose_v minister_n to_o neglect_v their_o work_n when_o they_o be_v neglect_v nay_o to_o leave_v it_o and_o be_v blameless_a 56_o 57_o this_o neglect_n hinder_v minister_n in_o their_o study_n they_o have_v not_o time_n and_o so_o preach_v no_o better_o its_o necessary_a for_o minister_n to_o have_v store_n of_o useful_a book_n and_o time_n also_o 58_o 59_o 11._o neglect_v to_o minister_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o god_n house_n be_v a_o rob_n of_o god_n and_o may_v bring_v a_o blast_n upon_o man_n estate_n 62_o 63_o 64_o 65_o 66_o 12._o a_o shame_n to_o god_n people_n to_o suffer_v the_o heathen_n and_o papist_n to_o do_v more_o to_o uphold_v idolatry_n than_o they_o do_v to_o uphold_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o the_o live_n god._n 71_o 72_o 13._o minister_n will_v be_v leave_v whole_o without_o excuse_n if_o they_o do_v not_o faithful_o fulfil_v their_o ministry_n when_o the_o congregation_n sufficient_o provide_v for_o they_o 74_o 75_o one_o minister_n take_v off_o of_o worldly_a business_n may_v do_v more_o in_o promulgate_a the_o gospel_n than_o several_a other_o who_o be_v not_o 76_o 77_o motive_n to_o press_v this_o duty_n motive_n 1._o minister_n represent_v christ_n what_o do_v to_o they_o be_v do_v to_o he_o 77_o 78_o
motive_n 2._o minister_n be_v entrust_v with_o our_o soul_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n they_o want_v nothing_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o body_n 78_o 79_o motive_n 3._o minister_n be_v expose_v to_o many_o temptation_n and_o discouragement_n a_o great_a motive_n why_o not_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o serve_v in_o want_n and_o necessity_n 80_o 81_o motive_n 4._o minister_n may_v forbear_v work_v if_o they_o will_v provide_v the_o church_n can_v provide_v for_o they_o and_o they_o faithful_o discharge_v their_o duty_n 81_o 82_o quest_n may_v a_o pastor_n make_v term_n with_o a_o church_n about_o his_o maintenance_n before_o he_o take_v the_o charge_n of_o they_o answer_v 82_o quest_n what_o shall_v that_o church_n do_v that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o provide_v for_o her_o pastor_n answer_v 83_o 84_o 85_o quest_n have_v not_o you_o disclaim_v against_o such_o who_o preach_v for_o hire_n a_o threefold_a answer_n give_v 87_o 8â—_n obj._n be_v there_o any_o reason_n that_o rich_a man_n thâ—…_n be_v pastor_n shall_v have_v a_o allowance_n answer_v 89_o 9â—_n obj._n our_o church_n be_v small_a our_o pastor_n can_v take_v up_o all_o his_o time_n in_o spiritual_a service_n answer_v 92_o 9â—_n the_o reason_n why_o some_o church_n be_v small_a may_v be_v because_o minister_n be_v no_o morâ—_n labourous_a in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n up_o anâ—_n down_o in_o the_o adjacent_a place_n where_o theâ—_n live_v which_o some_o can_v do_v because_o nâ—…_n in_o capacity_n the_o present_a liberty_n to_o bâ—_n improve_v idle_n and_o slothful_a minister_n not_o to_o be_v maintain_v 93_o 94_o 95_o 96_o two_o reason_n of_o some_o pastor_n remissness_n iâ—_n preach_v or_o labour_v no_o more_o 97_o 98_o minister_n may_v work_v with_o their_o hand_n anâ—_n ought_v so_o to_o do_v when_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o thâ—_n furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n 10â—_o a_o great_a harvest_n now_o and_o good_a wether_n therefore_o minister_n ought_v to_o labour_v hard_o 101_o 100l_n free_o you_o have_v receive_v free_o give_v answer_v 103_o 10â—_o minister_n not_o to_o preach_v for_o hire_n i._n e._n to_o propound_v that_o as_o their_o end_n 186_o the_o congregation_n ought_v to_o give_v the_o minister_n their_o portion_n with_o respect_n and_o honour_n 108_o minister_n work_v now_o as_o great_a and_o weighty_a as_o those_o be_v under_o the_o law_n like_o necessity_n of_o their_o work_n it_o be_v as_o honourable_a neglect_v as_o dangerous_a as_o then_o people_n now_o as_o great_a benefit_n by_o the_o ministry_n or_o more_o from_o hence_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o their_o maintenance_n as_o under_o the_o law._n 111_o may_v he_o that_o exercise_n his_o gift_n but_o now_o and_o then_o expect_v a_o allowance_n from_o the_o church_n answer_v 112_o the_o weightiness_n of_o the_o minister_n work_v open_v 113_o 114_o their_o work_n be_v honourable_a they_o be_v in_o a_o high_a sphere_n entrust_v with_o the_o high_a concern_v in_o the_o world._n 114_o they_o worker_n with_o christ_n 115_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o lose_v the_o soul_n of_o men._n 117_o 118_o they_o must_v have_v a_o regulur_n call._n 120_o minister_n entrust_v with_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o church_n 122_o â—…eir_n work_v difficult_a in_o 5_o respect_n 127_o â—28_n 129._o advertisement_n reader_n whereas_o in_o the_o 38th_o article_n of_o religion_n call_v the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n of_o thâ—_n church_n of_o england_n it_o be_v say_v the_o riches_n anâ—_n good_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o common_a as_o touch_v thâ—_n right_o title_n and_o possession_n of_o the_o same_o as_o certaâ—…_n anabaptist_n do_v false_o boast_v we_o look_v upon_o oâ—…_n self_n concern_v to_o declare_v that_o if_o there_o weâ—…_n in_o the_o last_o age_n in_o germany_n or_o elsewhere_o aâ—…_n people_n bear_v that_o name_n who_o assert_v any_o sucâ—_n thing_n we_o know_v none_o call_v anabaptist_n in_o england_n nor_o any_o where_o else_o who_o hold_v that_o absuâ—…_n or_o rot_a principle_n but_o do_v testify_v our_o dislike_n anâ—_n abhorrence_n of_o it_o and_o very_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v inâ—…mated_v in_o the_o say_a article_n that_o the_o good_n richeâ—…_n and_o possession_n of_o all_o christian_n as_o touch_v tâ—…â—…ght_n and_o title_n of_o the_o same_o be_v their_o own_o as_o tâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d scripture_n witness_n act_n 5.4_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o also_o believe_v and_o teach_v that_o euâ—…_n man_n ought_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o he_o possess_v liberalâ—…_n to_o give_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a according_a to_o his_o abiliâ—…_n as_o be_v also_o there_o assert_v have_v this_o opportunity_n we_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o publish_v this_o clear_a ourselves_o and_o our_o brethren_n from_o tâ—…_n scandal_n which_o possible_o some_o may_v cast_v upon_o 〈◊〉_d since_o these_o article_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o late_a act_n 〈◊〉_d this_o present_a parliament_n be_v more_o generaâ—…â—…own_n and_o examine_v by_o many_o people_n 〈…〉_o a_o regular_a ministry_n in_o the_o church_n asserted_n god_n in_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n have_v by_o his_o present_a providence_n not_o only_o give_v we_o reâ—…ite_o from_o our_o former_a suffering_n but_o â—…e_o trust_v begin_v that_o great_a and_o glorious_a â—…ork_n of_o the_o church_n deliverance_n 〈◊〉_d long_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d that_o true_o love_v and_o fear_v the_o lord_n â—…e_n can_v but_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o â—…ncerned_v to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o due_a â—…provement_n of_o that_o mercy_n and_o goodâ—…ss_n that_o be_v attend_v we_o herein_o and_o â—…ing_v into_o consideration_n the_o condiâ—…n_n of_o the_o church_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o â—…not_v but_o be_v concern_v with_o and_o afflict_v for_o the_o late_a and_o present_a want_n she_o lie_v under_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o ministry_n god_n have_v of_o late_a year_n remove_v so_o many_o able_a and_o pious_a man_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v near_o the_o remove_n many_o more_o by_o age_n and_o bodily_a infirmity_n this_o with_o other_o thing_n put_v we_o upon_o the_o consideration_n how_o much_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n the_o reputation_n of_o his_o glorious_a gospel_n in_o the_o world_n as_o likewise_o the_o good_a and_o wellbeing_a of_o the_o church_n depend_v upon_o a_o regular_a and_o orderly_a ministry_n and_o the_o continuation_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o church_n to_o be_v under_o a_o supine_n neglect_v herein_o be_v very_o sad_a first_o either_o in_o not_o endeavour_v after_o and_o call_v forth_o such_o a_o regular_a and_o state_v ministry_n according_a to_o gospel_n institution_n at_o all_o or_o second_o to_o be_v so_o weak_a and_o inadverteâ—…_n as_o to_o call_v forth_o such_o as_o be_v not_o so_o due_o furnish_v and_o qualify_v for_o it_o or_o three_o suffer_v such_o as_o be_v â—_z forth_o to_o this_o great_a work_n under_o competeâ—…_n ability_n to_o lie_v under_o unsupportable_a burden_n must_v needs_o be_v great_o unblamable_a before_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o great_a bishop_n and_o shepherd_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o well_o as_o high_o negligent_a of_o their_o own_o edification_n and_o wellbeing_a 1._o to_o proceed_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o christ_n have_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v a_o state_v and_o regular_a ministry_n in_o his_o church_n according_a to_o his_o own_o institution_n who_o himself_n when_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o ministry_n here_o on_o earth_n do_v call_v forth_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n to_o bear_v that_o part_n of_o the_o work_n with_o he_o which_o he_o call_v they_o to_o and_o fit_v â—hem_n for_o see_v mark_n 3.13_o to_o the_o â—…_n christ_n go_v up_o into_o a_o mountain_n â—…d_v call_v to_o he_o who_o he_o will_v and_o â—…hey_n come_v to_o he_o and_o he_o ordain_v twelve_o â—…at_n they_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o and_o that_o â—…e_n may_v send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v to_o â—hom_n he_o give_v the_o name_n of_o apostle_n mat._n 10.2_o luke_n 6.13_o which_o he_o do_v â—ith_o great_a solemnity_n and_o invocation_n 〈◊〉_d the_o father_n for_o he_o continue_v all_o night_n in_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o when_o it_o be_v day_n he_o choose_v the_o twelve_o and_o name_v they_o apostle_n after_o which_o he_o appoint_v other_o seventy_o and_o send_v they_o forth_o by_o two_o and_o two_o before_o his_o face_n to_o every_o city_n and_o place_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v labourer_n with_o he_o in_o the_o harvest_n v._o 2._o and_o he_o command_v they_o to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o work_n he_o have_v call_v they_o to_o and_o not_o take_v care_n what_o they_o shall_v eat_v or_o drink_v for_o the_o labourer_n say_v he_o be_v worthy_a of_o his_o hiâ—…_n ver._n to_o 14._o here_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n himself_o do_v institute_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n in_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o according_o takes_z care_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o it_o after_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o
reckon_v that_o some_o church_n not_o walk_v so_o regular_a herein_o have_v be_v one_o cause_n of_o the_o want_n of_o that_o reputation_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v have_v gain_v among_o the_o saint_n and_o in_o the_o world_n observe_v what_o moses_n say_v to_o israel_n deut._n 4.6_o keep_v therefore_o and_o do_v they_o for_o this_o be_v your_o wisdom_n and_o your_o understanding_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o shall_v hear_v of_o all_o these_o statute_n and_o say_v sure_o this_o great_a nation_n be_v a_o wise_a and_o understand_a people_n who_o otherwise_o be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o nation_n we_o ought_v with_o far_o great_a reason_n to_o take_v heed_n we_o deviate_v not_o from_o the_o law_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o deserve_v great_a honour_n than_o moses_n which_o he_o have_v give_v to_o his_o church_n under_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n if_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o deacon_n act_n 6.3_o they_o be_v to_o look_v out_o from_o among_o themselves_o man_n of_o honest_a report_n full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o wisdom_n to_o be_v set_v apart_o to_o that_o work_n how_o much_o more_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o pastor_n or_o elder_n who_o work_n require_v great_a spiritual_a ability_n to_o a_o right_a discharge_n thereof_o for_o church_n therefore_o to_o be_v so_o unconcern_v whether_o they_o have_v officer_n or_o not_o according_a to_o gospel_n rule_n or_o so_o overly_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o those_o they_o caâ—…_n into_o such_o high_a station_n among_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v competent_o qualify_v or_o not_o be_v great_o unblamable_a three_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o conclude_v it_o be_v very_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o a_o reproach_n to_o our_o sacred_a religion_n for_o the_o church_n when_o they_o have_v call_v forth_o such_o pastor_n and_o minister_n who_o be_v competent_o qualify_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o let_v they_o lie_v under_o those_o unsupportable_a burden_n of_o worldly_a snare_n and_o encumbrance_n without_o provide_v a_o due_a maintenance_n for_o they_o according_a to_o the_o ordaination_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n minister_n maintenance_n vindicated_n and_o indeed_o it_o seem_v to_o we_o a_o thing_n grievous_a as_o well_o as_o strange_a that_o any_o people_n shall_v be_v so_o be_v cloud_v in_o their_o understanding_n as_o in_o the_o least_o to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v duty_n or_o noâ—_n that_o the_o church_n shall_v allow_v a_o meeâ—_n and_o due_a maintenance_n to_o their_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n yet_o wâ—_n hear_v there_o be_v not_o only_o some_o who_o hauâ—_n doubt_v about_o it_o but_o other_o who_o seeâ—_n to_o object_n and_o stiff_o argue_v against_o iâ—_n as_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a if_o not_o antichristian_a for_o minister_n to_o receive_v 〈◊〉_d yearly_o or_o quarterly_o allowance_n from_o the_o church_n among_o who_o they_o be_v place_v and_o employ_v as_o labourer_n which_o conceit_n can_v be_v without_o its_o sad_a effect_n and_o consequence_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v oâ—_n this_o mistake_n and_o error_n the_o soon_o may_v in_o a_o little_a time_n appear_v to_o the_o morâ—_n palpable_a detriment_n and_o prejudice_n oâ—_n the_o gospel_n and_o reproach_n of_o profession_n which_o be_v indeed_o too_o visible_a or_o manifest_a already_o therefore_o be_v we_o stir_v up_o in_o love_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o bless_a interest_n and_o as_o a_o prevention_n of_o thâ—_n evil_a and_o danger_n threaten_v upon_o thâ—_n account_v of_o this_o defect_n and_o remisneâ—…_n of_o duty_n to_o write_v this_o short_a treatise_n our_o main_a business_n at_o this_o time_n be_v not_o only_o to_o assert_v the_o minister_n maintenance_n to_o be_v a_o institution_n of_o christ_n but_o also_o to_o prove_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o that_o to_o withhold_v it_o from_o they_o by_o a_o church_n who_o be_v able_a comfortable_o to_o provide_v for_o they_o be_v a_o great_a and_o cry_a sin_n and_o will_v be_v attend_v we_o fear_v unless_o prevent_v by_o a_o unfeigned_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n with_o severe_a judgement_n from_o the_o holy_a god_n who_o will_v not_o always_o bear_v with_o the_o ignorant_a much_o less_o the_o wilful_a neglect_n of_o his_o own_o holy_a law_n contain_v so_o express_o in_o his_o sacred_a word_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o the_o more_o effectual_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n cite_v those_o scripture_n upon_o which_o we_o ground_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o assert_v and_o plead_v â—or_a matt._n 10.9,10_o provide_v neither_o gold_n â—…r_v silver_n nor_o brass_n in_o your_o purse_n â—…r_v scrip_n for_o your_o journey_n neither_o two_o â—ats_n neither_o shoe_n nor_o staff_n for_o the_o workman_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o meat_n 1_o tim._n 5.17_o let_v the_o elder_n who_o rulâ—_n well_o be_v account_v worthy_a of_o double_a honorâ—…_n especial_o they_o who_o labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n for_o the_o scripture_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o muzzle_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v cut_v the_o corn_n for_o the_o labourer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o reward_n gal._n 6.6_o let_v he_o that_o be_v teach_v in_o the_o word_n communicate_v to_o he_o that_o teach_v he_o in_o all_o good_a thing_n be_v not_o deceive_v god_n be_v not_o meck_v for_o what_o a_o man_n sow_v that_o shall_v he_o reap_v v._o 7._o 1_o cor._n 9.7_o who_o go_v a_o warfare_n at_o any_o time_n at_o his_o own_o charge_n who_o plant_v a_o vineyard_n and_o eaterh_n not_o of_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o who_o feed_v a_o flock_n and_o eat_v not_o of_o the_o milk_n of_o the_o flock_n v._o 9_o be_v it_o not_o write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n thou_o shall_v not_o muzzle_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n do_v god_n take_v care_n for_o ox_n v._o 10._o or_o say_v 〈◊〉_d it_o altogether_o for_o our_o sake_n for_o ouâ—_n sake_n no_o doubt_n this_o be_v write_v that_o hâ—_n that_o plow_v shall_v blow_n in_o hope_n and_o he_o which_o thrash_v in_o hope_n shall_v be_v madâ—_n partaker_n of_o his_o hope_n v._o 11._o if_o we_o hauâ—_n sow_o unto_o you_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v it_o a_o great_a thing_n if_o we_o shall_v reap_v your_o carnal_a thing_n v._o 13._o do_v not_o you_o know_v that_o they_o which_o minister_n about_o holy_a thing_n live_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o they_o that_o wait_v at_o the_o altar_n be_v partaker_n with_o the_o altar_n v._o 14._o even_o so_o have_v the_o lord_n ordain_v that_o they_o which_o preach_v â—he_v gospel_n shall_v live_v of_o the_o gospel_n we_o will_v appeal_v to_o all_o man_n conscience_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n whether_o â—here_o be_v any_o duty_n lie_v more_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n than_o this_o do_v and_o yet_o how_o strange_o be_v some_o good_a christian_n at_o a_o â—oss_n about_o it_o and_o be_v hardly_o bring_v â—o_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o indispensable_a duty_n â—r_o else_o to_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o their_o duty_n herein_o our_o work_n be_v before_o we_o we_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v to_o open_v as_o â—he_v lord_n may_v help_v we_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o these_o place_n of_o holy_a scripture_n â—nd_v give_v you_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o first_o 〈◊〉_d appear_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o our_o bless_a â—aviour_n send_v forth_o his_o minister_n to_o preach_v 〈◊〉_d gospel_n as_o we_o have_v show_v matt._n 10._o 7,8,9,10_o he_o discover_v this_o part_n of_o 〈◊〉_d will_n and_o pleasure_n i_o e._n that_o they_o shouâ—…_n not_o spend_v or_o waste_v their_o own_o substanâ—…_n they_o be_v forbid_v to_o take_v either_o gold_n 〈◊〉_d silver_n etc._n etc._n which_o word_n clear_o intimate_v they_o may_v have_v both_o goâ—…_n and_o silver_n and_o more_o coat_n and_o shoâ—…_n too_o but_o they_o be_v not_o to_o take_v theâ—_n with_o they_o in_o their_o journey_n beinâ—_n send_v forth_o to_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n 〈◊〉_d god._n obj._n but_o some_o possible_o may_v object_n 〈◊〉_d be_v but_o a_o temporary_a precept_n be_v 〈◊〉_d will_n of_o god_n concern_v they_o for_o that_o shâ—_n journey_n at_o that_o time_n answ_n we_o answer_v it_o seem_v to_o 〈◊〉_d manifest_o to_o declare_v the_o absolute_a wâ—…_n and_o pleasure_n of_o christ_n that_o his_o faiâ—…ful_a labourer_n shall_v be_v provide_v for_o the_o people_n with_o all_o thing_n necessarâ—…_n appertain_v to_o this_o life_n and_o not_o of_o then_o but_o also_o in_o all_o succeed_a aâ—…_n and_o we_o find_v our_o worthy_a annotator_n 〈◊〉_d direct_o agree_v with_o we_o herein_o thâ—…_n may_v be_v some_o thing_n contain_v in_o thâ—…_n place_n may_v be_v temporary_a take_v whâ—…_n our_o late_a annotator_n say_v upon_o this_o text_n annotation_n continuation_n of_o mr._n
the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n above_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o law_n and_o what_o great_a blessing_n and_o privilege_n upon_o many_o account_n we_o have_v above_o they_o one_o will_v think_v these_o thing_n be_v enough_o to_o stir_v up_o all_o faithful_a christian_n to_o leave_v their_o dispute_n and_o hearty_o with_o a_o cheerful_a mind_n be_v ready_a to_o contribute_v towards_o the_o defray_a the_o moderate_a charge_n of_o a_o gospel_n ministry_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v give_v reputation_n to_o our_o sacred_a profession_n certain_o the_o labourer_n be_v still_o worthy_a of_o his_o hire_n and_o every_o one_o will_v say_v not_o less_o worthy_a because_o he_o labour_n under_o the_o gospel_n than_o they_o who_o labour_v under_o the_o law._n eight_o a_o elder_a or_o a_o pastor_n of_o a_o church_n be_v under_o a_o special_a charge_n to_o use_v hospitality_n and_o to_o let_v himself_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o charity_n and_o other_o good_a work_n that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o better_o adorn_v his_o profession_n this_o be_v his_o duty_n and_o if_o he_o fail_v herein_o he_o lose_v some_o part_n of_o those_o most_o excellent_a virtue_n in_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o shine_v but_o if_o he_o be_v poor_a and_o leave_v 〈◊〉_d the_o thorny_a care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o church_n not_o administer_a so_o to_o he_o 〈◊〉_d to_o put_v he_o into_o a_o capacity_n to_o answer_v this_o requirement_n of_o the_o gospel_n wheâ—…_n will_v the_o fault_n and_o blame_n lie_v therefore_o since_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n of_o hospitality_n and_o charity_n we_o argue_v it_o be_v doubtless_o the_o indispensible_a duty_n of_o the_o people_n to_o who_o he_o minister_n to_o be_v concern_v to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o their_o ability_n to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o give_v proof_n 〈◊〉_d this_o grace_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o as_o theâ—…_n may_v be_v occasion_n nine_o we_o also_o argue_v for_o this_o duty_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o honourableness_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v faithful_o discharge_v it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o 〈◊〉_d honest_a just_a pure_a lovely_a and_o of_o gâ—…_n report_n there_o be_v both_o virtue_n and_o prâ—…_n attend_v it_o phil._n 4.8_o first_o of_o all_o hoâ—_n can_v man_n think_v you_o be_v the_o people_n yoâ—_n profess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v viz._n such_o wâ—…_n endeavour_n to_o walk_v blameless_o iâ—_n observe_v all_o the_o ordinance_n anâ—_n commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n jesuâ—…_n whilst_o you_o neglect_v this_o so_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a a_o institution_n even_o such_o a_o one_o that_o it_o be_v express_o say_v so_o god_n have_v ordain_v it_o etc._n etc._n why_o be_v you_o so_o zealous_a for_o some_o other_o precept_n and_o remiss_a here_o do_v not_o the_o same_o god_n who_o command_v you_o to_o repent_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o be_v baptise_a and_o to_o love_v one_o another_o command_v you_o also_o to_o communicate_v to_o your_o minister_n in_o all_o good_a thing_n how_o be_v it_o then_o that_o any_o can_v be_v so_o partial_a in_o the_o law_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2._o this_o will_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n deâ—iver_v you_o from_o that_o reproach_n of_o covetousness_n what_o can_v any_o people_n â—hink_v shall_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o christian_n shall_v suffer_v their_o minister_n to_o want_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o when_o â—hey_n themselves_o be_v so_o full_a unless_o it_o â—e_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v a_o sin_n too_o often_o lay_v at_o the_o â—oors_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o this_o age_n will_v to_o god_n there_o be_v no_o cause_n or_o â—round_n for_o it_o 3._o hereby_o the_o people_n will_v also_o raiâ—…_n the_o reputation_n and_o honour_n of_o theâ—…_n ministry_n and_o show_v their_o great_a esteeâ—_n of_o they_o which_o well_o agree_v with_o thâ—_n exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n let_v tâ—…_n elder_n that_o rule_v well_o be_v account_v wâ—…_n thy_o of_o double_a honour_n especial_o they_o wâ—…_n labour_n in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n fâ—…_n the_o scripture_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o mâ—…_n the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ox_n that_o tread_v 〈◊〉_d the_o corn_n for_o the_o labourer_n be_v worthy_a 〈◊〉_d his_o reward_n 1_o tim._n 17.18_o by_o double_a honour_n here_o be_v meanâ—_n as_o some_o conclude_v reverence_n or_o honourable_a esteem_n for_o christ_n sakeâ—_n who_o ambassador_n they_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d be_v and_o so_o represent_v his_o most_o sacred_a majesty_n 2._o maintenance_n and_o it_o be_v evideâ—…_n this_o can_v be_v exclude_v in_o this_o placâ—…_n consider_v the_o connextion_n of_o tâ—…_n word_n follow_v for_o the_o scriptuâ—…_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o muzzle_v the_o oâ—…_n that_o tread_v out_o the_o corn_n and_o 〈◊〉_d labourer_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o reward_n tâ—…_n verse_n say_v our_o annotator_n make_v evident_a that_o maintenance_n be_v part_n of_o the_o double_a honour_n that_o be_v due_a to_o such_o as_o labour_v in_o the_o word_n and_o doctrine_n this_o than_o must_v be_v grant_v it_o tend_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n minister_n but_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a to_o all_o that_o those_o person_n let_v they_o be_v of_o what_o persuasion_n soever_o if_o they_o shall_v leave_v their_o minister_n to_o the_o wide_a world_n to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o and_o though_o poor_a take_v no_o care_n of_o they_o instead_o of_o honour_v of_o they_o they_o will_v cast_v a_o slight_a and_o contempt_n upon_o they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o other_o also_o for_o their_o follow_v of_o some_o trade_n do_v lay_v they_o under_o great_a reproach_n which_o the_o church_n to_o who_o they_o belong_v if_o able_a might_n and_o ougâ—…_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o we_o be_v persuade_v there_o be_v some_o rich_a member_n 〈◊〉_d most_o congregation_n that_o will_v not_o endure_v that_o any_o of_o their_o near_a relation_n shall_v fall_v under_o such_o or_o the_o like_a circumstance_n or_o be_v expose_v to_o such_o inconvenience_n because_o of_o the_o dishonour_n they_o judge_v it_o will_v be_v to_o â—…em_v people_n know_v they_o be_v wealthy_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n anâ—_n able_a to_o do_v considerable_a for_o such_o neaâ—_n kindred_n or_o else_o all_o will_v say_v they_o have_v no_o favour_n nor_o esteem_v for_o they_o and_o shall_v man_n show_v great_a favouâ—_n and_o respect_n to_o their_o carnal_a relation_n than_o to_o christ_n ambassador_n thiâ—_n sure_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ten_o further_a to_o evince_v thiâ—_n great_a duty_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o consider_v of_o other_o great_a inconvenience_n that_o 〈◊〉_d fellow_n the_o neglect_n of_o it_o there_o be_v somâ—_n minister_n in_o the_o church_n who_o werâ—_n bring_v up_o to_o learning_n and_o who_o arâ—_n utter_o uncapable_a to_o follow_v secular_a trade_n and_o calling_n now_o if_o provision_n be_v not_o make_v for_o these_o meâ—…_n what_o will_v become_v of_o they_o how_o 〈◊〉_d it_o possible_a they_o and_o their_o familiâ—…_n shall_v live_v beside_o what_o encouragement_n be_v here_o give_v to_o other_o whâ—_n be_v young_a who_o god_n have_v gracious_o endow_v with_o considerable_a gifâ—…_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v up_o themseluâ—…_n to_o the_o ministry_n and_o for_o their_o betteâ—_n accomplishment_n endeavour_v after_o thâ—_n knowledge_n of_o the_o tongue_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o all_o confess_v be_v very_o good_a and_o serviceable_a though_o not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o a_o minister_n who_o will_v apply_v himself_o we_o say_v to_o gather_v and_o lay_v up_o those_o store_n of_o solid_a learning_n which_o ofttimes_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n against_o opposer_n have_v be_v find_v very_o profitable_a when_o he_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o poverty_n and_o distress_n thereby_o nay_o furthermore_o may_v not_o this_o neglect_n quite_o deter_v any_o godly_a young_a man_n to_o exercise_v their_o gift_n in_o order_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n in_o after_o time_n when_o death_n shall_v call_v away_o those_o labourer_n the_o church_n have_v â—ow_o among_o they_o shall_v they_o see_v â—he_n present_a ministry_n slight_v and_o â—ot_n provide_v for_o or_o what_o ground_n â—ave_n we_o to_o expect_v a_o blessing_n by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o attend_v the_o church_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o able_a and_o honourable_a ministry_n in_o time_n to_o come_v when_o his_o great_a ordinance_n be_v slight_v â—nd_n neglect_v which_o he_o in_o wisdom_n â—ath_v ordain_v for_o a_o encouragement_n upon_o this_o very_a account_n in_o his_o own_o way_n we_o may_v look_v for_o a_o blessing_n buâ—_n not_o out_o of_o it_o nay_o to_o be_v plain_a with_o you_o have_v not_o some_o in_o a_o few_o year_n last_v past_a seeâ—_n to_o their_o great_a trouble_n and_o grief_n how_o this_o neglect_n and_o ommission_n of_o duty_n have_v lay_v divers_a hopeful_a young_a man_n who_o be_v endue_v with_o
excellent_a gift_n for_o the_o ministry_n under_o great_a temptation_n even_o so_o far_o as_o to_o refuse_v utter_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o gift_n to_o the_o profâ—…_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n leaâ—…_n in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v call_v forth_o to_o a_o pastoral_n charge_n anâ—_n thereby_o be_v expose_v to_o snare_n and_o poverty_n in_o the_o world_n as_o perhaps_o somâ—_n poor_a minister_n and_o pastor_n have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v daily_o still_o be_v especial_o they_o consider_v and_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o care_n and_o charge_v their_o parent_n have_v be_v at_o with_o they_o in_o put_v they_o forth_o to_o good_a trade_n and_o calling_n whereby_o they_o know_v with_o thâ—_n blessing_n of_o god_n they_o may_v if_o they_o give_v themselves_o up_o with_o a_o due_a and_o necessary_a diligence_n and_o industry_n to_o follow_v those_o trade_n live_v well_o in_o the_o world_n and_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o themselves_o and_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n if_o they_o see_v good_a to_o marry_v â—n_o after-times_a and_o by_o this_o very_a mean_n â—he_v church_n may_v be_v to_o their_o great_a â—oss_n and_o detriment_n have_v be_v deprive_v of_o those_o great_a help_n which_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o duty_n to_o the_o present_a ministry_n may_v prevent_v for_o time_n to_o â—ome_o also_o do_v we_o not_o see_v at_o this_o very_a time_n what_o a_o sad_a pass_v some_o congregation_n be_v come_v to_o already_o for_o want_v of_o useful_a help_n in_o the_o ministry_n both_o in_o city_n and_o country_n some_o pastor_n nay_o many_o of_o they_o be_v grow_v very_o ancient_a and_o almost_o become_v unserviceable_a and_o not_o like_a to_o continue_v â—ong_o and_o though_o the_o harvest_n be_v great_a yet_o o_o how_o few_o be_v the_o labourer_n among_o we_o and_o few_o they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v if_o care_n be_v not_o take_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o indispensible_a duty_n to_o â—he_n present_a ministry_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o strange_a thing_n that_o godly_a man_n shall_v fall_v under_o such_o a_o temptation_n which_o we_o before_o mention_v consider_v this_o great_a evil_a and_o neglect_n of_o duty_n herein_o since_o we_o find_v of_o old_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o very_a same_o snare_n and_o temptation_n many_o of_o the_o priest_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o lord_n fall_v under_o pray_v read_v and_o careful_o consider_v nehemiah_n 13.8,9_o especial_o the_o 10_o verse_n and_o i_o perceive_v that_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o levite_n have_v not_o be_v give_v they_o for_o the_o levite_n and_o the_o singer_n that_o do_v the_o work_n be_v flee_v every_o one_o to_o his_o field_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o through_o the_o like_a evil_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o people_n to_o the_o levite_n and_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o not_o give_v they_o that_o due_a allowanee_n or_o maintenance_n god_n have_v ordain_v for_o they_o they_o leave_v their_o work_n and_o service_n every_o one_o of_o they_o and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o secular_a employment_n viz._n to_o labour_n in_o the_o field_n and_o manure_v their_o land_n or_o gather_v in_o their_o corn_n which_o according_a to_o the_o law_n other_o be_v to_o do_v for_o they_o nor_o do_v good_a nehemiah_n as_o we_o can_v find_v reprove_v or_o blame_v the_o levite_n for_o so_o do_v nor_o indeed_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o he_o shall_v consider_v it_o be_v a_o moral_a duty_n for_o every_o man_n to_o provide_v for_o himself_o and_o family_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o do_v it_o the_o apostle_n show_v be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n and_o have_v deny_v the_o faith._n but_o he_o contend_v sharp_o with_o the_o people_n especial_o with_o the_o ruler_n say_v why_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n forsake_v that_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o gather_v they_o together_o and_o set_v they_o in_o their_o place_n verse_n 11._o they_o have_v not_o only_o injure_v the_o levite_n as_o our_o annotator_n observe_v upon_o the_o place_n in_o withhold_v their_o due_n but_o also_o occasion_v the_o neglect_n of_o god_n house_n and_o service_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o gather_v they_o together_o that_o be_v say_v they_o from_o their_o several_a possession_n in_o the_o country_n in_o which_o they_o be_v disperse_v and_o restore_v they_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office._n and_o then_o say_v the_o text_n bring_v all_o judah_n the_o tithe_n of_o the_o corn_n and_o the_o new_a wine_n and_o the_o oil_n unto_o the_o treasury_n verse_n 12._o we_o can_v slight_o pass_v by_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o account_n do_v as_o palpable_o appear_v in_o this_o case_n as_o in_o any_o we_o have_v mention_v how_o can_v we_o expect_v in_o ordinary_a way_n to_o have_v a_o able_a ministry_n raise_v up_o or_o those_o who_o be_v now_o employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n carry_v on_o that_o work_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n comfort_n of_o his_o people_n and_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o sacred_a religion_n if_o a_o gospel_n encouragement_n be_v not_o give_v they_o true_o we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v preacher_n some_o may_v be_v willing_a to_o exercise_n their_o gift_n but_o be_v it_o fit_a think_v you_o to_o call_v such_o to_o preach_v public_o who_o have_v scarce_o one_o hour_n time_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o the_o work_n or_o may_v be_v have_v not_o meet_v and_o proper_a endowment_n or_o qualification_n for_o that_o holy_a and_o sublime_a service_n what_o be_v it_o judge_v you_o that_o cause_v the_o ministry_n to_o be_v slight_v and_o neglect_v in_o some_o place_n but_o the_o want_n of_o such_o a_o ministry_n that_o may_v honourable_o carry_v it_o on_o and_o who_o shall_v we_o blame_v what_o will_v you_o have_v poor_a man_n to_o do_v that_o have_v may_v be_v no_o time_n to_o spare_v to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o no_o useful_a book_n and_o 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to_o maintain_v a_o constant_a zeal_n and_o affection_n in_o they_o by_o well_o inform_v their_o judgement_n and_o such_o a_o open_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n from_o the_o scripture_n as_o may_v command_v their_o conscience_n and_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o from_o he_o that_o labour_n in_o his_o study_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o pulpit_n but_o say_v he_o mistake_v i_o not_o we_o know_v â—he_v success_n and_o fruit_n of_o all_o study_n and_o labour_n of_o man_n that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v from_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v by_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o now_o from_o the_o whole_a this_o be_v that_o
they_o be_v prevent_v of_o improve_n what_o they_o have_v for_o the_o future_a comfort_n and_o advantage_n of_o their_o family_n nay_o and_o we_o have_v hear_v to_o our_o great_a trouble_n how_o some_o worthy_a man_n who_o have_v labour_v full_o to_o improve_v their_o ministry_n through_o the_o people_n neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o they_o have_v in_o process_n of_o time_n sink_v in_o their_o estate_n and_o in_o truth_n have_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o low_a condition_n for_o it_o be_v rare_a to_o see_v a_o pastor_n of_o our_o church_n to_o abound_v in_o riches_n though_o some_o bless_a be_v god_n may_v be_v indifferent_a well_o to_o pass_v in_o the_o world_n now_o to_o expose_v a_o rich_a man_n to_o poverty_n or_o to_o let_v a_o poor_a man_n shift_n for_o himself_o under_o want_n and_o necessity_n be_v evil_n much_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o for_o a_o prevention_n of_o both_o god_n have_v order_v it_o so_o that_o neither_o of_o these_o thing_n shall_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v 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some_o be_v force_v we_o hear_v to_o go_v twelve_o or_o sixteen_o mile_n to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n now_o if_o minister_n of_o church_n make_v it_o their_o whole_a business_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n and_o concern_v themselves_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o the_o truth_n it_o will_v not_o be_v as_o it_o be_v at_o this_o very_a time_n nor_o can_v we_o think_v it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o travel_a ministry_n which_o we_o fear_v we_o shall_v hardly_o find_v unless_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n in_o the_o respective_a church_n be_v take_v off_o of_o all_o encumbrance_n and_o so_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n god_n have_v do_v great_a thing_n for_o we_o and_o have_v open_v a_o mighty_a door_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n for_o he_o the_o case_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n be_v much_o alter_v you_o may_v come_v now_o into_o any_o town_n and_o none_o dare_v forbid_v you_o if_o any_o one_o will_v but_o entertain_v you_o and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o take_v care_n to_o answer_v this_o mercy_n and_o do_v what_o we_o can_v that_o the_o poor_a blind_a world_n may_v be_v enlighten_v and_o bring_v to_o the_o save_a knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n if_o the_o present_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o answer_v by_o a_o due_a improvement_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o may_v say_v with_o solomon_n why_o be_v there_o a_o price_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o fool_n see_v he_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o it_o prov._n 17.16_o by_o this_o time_n we_o hope_v you_o may_v more_o clear_o understand_v we_o and_o what_o we_o drive_v at_o and_o earnest_o desire_v to_o see_v accomplish_v viz._n that_o minister_n may_v not_o only_o bear_v that_o name_n but_o with_o all_o faithfulness_n do_v the_o work_n they_o be_v call_v to_o it_o be_v not_o to_o press_v our_o people_n to_o minister_v to_o such_o preacher_n who_o be_v idle_a and_o negligent_a in_o their_o business_n who_o heart_n and_o hand_n be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o eager_o pursue_v their_o own_o secular_a affair_n and_o matter_n not_o what_o become_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n no_o it_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o faithful_a and_o labourous_a person_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o that_o great_a turst_z commit_v to_o he_o and_o to_o labour_v indeed_o in_o christ_n vineyard_n it_o be_v in_o truth_n â—_o shame_n for_o a_o minister_n to_o receive_v the_o lord_n wages_n and_o not_o do_v the_o lord_n work_n some_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n â—hat_n do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o miniâ—…ers_n they_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o deceitful_o our_o church_n also_o be_v it_o be_v like_a in_o some_o place_n in_o the_o country_n but_o small_a and_o â—re_n like_a to_o be_v small_a if_o the_o ministry_n 〈◊〉_d not_o awaken_v to_o become_v more_o labourous_a be_v there_o not_o such_o in_o some_o town_n who_o be_v hardly_o know_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n to_o be_v minister_n at_o â—ll_a they_o be_v so_o little_o concern_v in_o preach_v they_o be_v better_o know_v to_o be_v farmer_n yeoman_n and_o tradesman_n than_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v entangle_v so_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n â—hat_n they_o have_v but_o little_a time_n to_o mind_n â—he_v great_a work_n they_o be_v call_v to_o we_o will_v ask_v some_o minister_n whether_o â—hey_n can_v not_o do_v much_o more_o preach_v often_o and_o in_o more_o place_n and_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o promote_v the_o gospel_n and_o gather_v in_o soul_n to_o christ_n than_o they_o do_v certain_o they_o will_v and_o must_v say_v yea_o we_o may_v why_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o your_o not_o do_v it_o ought_v we_o not_o with_o mary_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v we_o conclude_v this_o omission_n of_o duty_n either_o arise_v from_o the_o evil_n of_o your_o own_o heart_n or_o else_o from_o the_o remissness_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o people_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o you_o 1._o it_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o evil_a in_o your_o own_o heart_n in_o that_o you_o have_v not_o or_o do_v not_o espouse_v the_o interest_n of_o jesus_n christ_n equal_a with_o or_o above_o your_o own_o can_v any_o be_v content_v in_o do_v a_o little_a service_n for_o christ_n though_o his_o interest_n sink_v in_o their_o hand_n whilst_o they_o thrive_v in_o their_o own_o concern_v and_o grow_v rich_a in_o the_o world_n lord_n what_o will_v become_v of_o such_o minister_n in_o the_o day_n oâ—_n judgement_n can_v they_o think_v to_o looâ—…_n christ_n in_o the_o face_n with_o comfort_n thaâ—_n have_v be_v such_o slothful_a servant_n buâ—_n god_n forbid_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o among_o we_o who_o mind_n more_o theiâ—_n own_o trifle_a affair_n than_o the_o greaâ—_n work_n and_o business_n of_o their_o bless_a lord_n and_o master_n be_v this_o the_o make_v full_a proof_n of_o your_o ministry_n you_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n christ_n minister_n be_v call_v labourer_n but_o we_o fear_v some_o labour_n but_o little_a unless_o it_o be_v at_o their_o own_o work_n shall_v you_o be_v as_o remiss_a in_o your_o own_o affair_n as_o possible_o you_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n you_o will_v find_v quick_o a_o decay_n in_o your_o estate_n and_o be_v in_o a_o sink_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n which_o it_o be_v like_a will_v soon_o startle_v you_o and_o stir_v you_o up_o to_o great_a care_n and_o industry_n and_o ought_v you_o not_o to_o be_v as_o considerate_a in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o christ_n his_o gospel_n and_o church_n we_o take_v it_o not_o upon_o we_o to_o reprehend_v any_o of_o