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 Weightiness of that Sacred Work and Office clearly evinced. Recommended to the Baptised 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 Gosp●… 2 Cor. 2.16. And who is sufficient for 〈◊〉 things. London Printed, and are to be sold by Jo●… 〈◊〉 at the Harrow, in the Poul●… 〈…〉 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 Church's 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. entangle. 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 Baptised 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 Treatiser and do conclude in may be of great profit to the Churches of Jesus Christ; we fearing some Congregations have 〈…〉 ●…uly weighed and considered, of th●…r ●…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 hindered or obstructed in attending on their Work, in serving of Christ and his People, as the Nature of their sacred Employment 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 w●ll Weigh, what is said therein, without Prejudice, both in Respect of a Regular Ministry, the Minister's 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 adam's, 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 Trial of their Ministers ought solemnly to ordain them by Prayer and Imposition of Hands. 8 9 Churches undue Proceed in the choice of Elders, dishonourable; and an hindrance 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 'tis an indispensable Duty, to provide a comfortable Livelihood 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 employed 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 Minister's Maintenance. 22 23 3. Ministers commanded to attend wholly upon their Work. 25 Nothing but real Necessity, will admit him to dispense 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, etc. exposes them to Reproach, therefore if possible to be avoided. 30 31 5. Minister's 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 Showing 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 censure of Covetousness; 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 entrusted 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 against such who Preach for Hire? A Threefold Answer given. 87 8● Obj. Is there any Reason that Rich Men th●… are Pastors should have an Allowance▪ Answered. 89 9● Obj. Our Church is small, our Pastor cannot take up all his Time in Spiritual Service. Answered. 92 9● The Reason why some Churches are small▪ may be, because Ministers are no mor● Labourous in Preaching the Gospel up an● down in the adjacent places where the● Live, which some can't do because n●… in capacity. The present Liberty to b● Improved. Idle and slothful Minister not to be maintained. 93 94 95 96 Two Reasons of some Pastor's Remissness i● Preaching, or Labouring no more. 97 98 Ministers may Work with their Hands, an● ought so to do when it will tend to th● furtherance of the Gospel. 10● A great Harvest now, and good Wether▪ therefore, Ministers ought to Labour hard. 101 100L Freely you have received, freely give. Answered. 103 10● 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, 'tis 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, entrusted 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 entrusted with the Charge of the Church. 122 ●…eir Work difficult in 5 Respects. 127, ●28, 129. ADVERTISEMENT. READER, WHereas, in the 38th. Article of Religion (called, The Thirty Nine Articles of th● Church of England;) 'tis said, The Riches an● Goods of Christians are not common, as touching th● Right, Title, and Possession of the same, as certa●… Anabaptists do falsely boast. We look upon o●… selves concerned to declare, (that if there we●… in the Last Age, in Germany, or elsewhere, a●… People bearing that Name, who Asserted any suc● thing;) we know none called Anabaptists in England, nor any where else, who hold that absu●… or rotten Principle; but do testify our dislike an● abhorrence of it, and verily believe, as 'tis in●…mated in the said Article, That the Goods, Riche●… and Possessions of all Christians, as touching t●…●…ght and title of the same are their own, as t●… 〈◊〉 Scripture witnesses, Acts 5.4. Yet notwithstanding we also believe and teach, that ev●… man ought of such things as he possesseth liberal●… to give Alms to the poor according to his Abili●… as is also there asserted. Having this opportunity, we thought it not amiss to publish this clear ourselves and our Brethren, from t●… scandal, which possibly some may cast upon 〈◊〉 since these Articles (by reason of a late Act 〈◊〉 this present Parliament) are more genera●…●…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 re●…ite from our former Sufferings, but ●…e trust begun that great and glorious ●…ork of the Church's Deliverance 〈◊〉 long the hope and expectation of 〈◊〉 that truly love and fear the Lord; ●…e cannot but look upon ourselves ●…ncerned to endeavour to make a due ●…provement of that Mercy and Good●…ss that is attending us herein; and ●…ing into consideration the Condi●…n of the Church of Jesus Christ, we ●…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 Wellbeing 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 inadverte●… as to call forth such as are not so duly furnished and qualified for it; or, Thirdly, Suffering such as are call'● forth to this great Work under compete●… Abilities, to lie under unsupportable Burdens, must needs be greatly before our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Bishop and Shepherd of our Souls, as well as highly negligent of their own Edification and Wellbeing. 1. To proceed, it cannot be denied but Christ hath, and aught to have, a stated and regular Ministry in his Church, according to his own Institution: Who himself, when he entered 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 ●hem for: See Mark, 3.13. to the ●…. Christ went up into a Mountain, ●…d called to him whom he would, and ●…hey came to him, and he ordained Twelve ●…at they should be with Him, and that ●…e might send them forth to Preach; to ●hom He gave the Name of Apostles. Mat. 10.2. Luke 6.13. Which he did ●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, etc. 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 Hi●… 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 taketh care for the continuance of it after His Death and Resurrection, and actual Investiture in our Nature of a●… Power in Heaven and Earth, Mat● 28.18.19.20. And Jesus came an● spoke unto them, saying, All Power 〈◊〉 given unto me in Heaven and in Earth▪ Go ye therefore Teach all Nations, & ●… And lo I am with you always, even 〈◊〉 the End of the World. Amen. Also after His Blessed and Glorious Ascension, and Sitting on the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens. Heb. 8. ●. Angels, and Authorities, and Powers being made subject unto him. 1 Pet. 3. & 22. Did by His Apostles give Commandment and Direction for the continuance hereof to the end of the World, and his Second Coming without Sin unto Salvation. Heb. 9.28. As Acts 14.21,22,23. After they had by their Ministry been blest with the Conversion of many Souls, they took care to direct them into the Duty of Church Communion; and by their Suffrages, Ordained them Elders in every Church. So the Apostle gives this as the Reason, Why he left Titus in Crete; (he not having opportunity after Preaching the Gospel to them) to put things into due Order. Tit. 1.5. That he should set in Order the things that were wanting (or left undone by the Apostle) and Or ●…e Elders in every City: that is Church in every City, as before, Acts 14. who are called Elders, Bishops, or Pastors, and Teachers; Names significative of the●… Authority, Office and Work. 2. Christ being now in Heaven and an extraordinary Call being ceased the Scriptures being a perfect and standing Rule to the Church through all Ages, he has committed this Care to herself, according to the Power given to Her, who is the Pillar and Ground of Truth, to provide Ministers for her own Edification, in Obedience to his Commands and Rules given in his word, as he shall see good to Bless her with Spiritual Gifts and Abilities, in order to the fitting them for this Work; the Father also has Covenanted to give his Spirit in the Gifts and Graces of it, and promised that the Words he has put into Christ's Mouth, and the spirit that is upon him, shall never departed from him, nor his seeds seed, for ever: Likewise has according to the Circumstances of time the Church hath been under, blest her, as with his Grace so with all needful Spiritual Gifts. Eph. 4.7.11. For the perfecting the saints for the Work of the Ministry, for the Edifying the Body of Christ. So that whilst there is a Church militant, Saints on this side Perfection, any of the Members of Christ Mystical Body on Earth, those Spiritual Gifts needful to their present State, shall be given, and be amongst them, for the Support of the great Ordinance of the Ministry, and for the good of the Church. 3. And as its the Church's Duty to Seek these Spiritual Abilities, and improve them when they are given to these great and Holy Ends; so she must walk regularly herein, in obedience to the Rules given by Christ in this Case; who hath laid down the qualifications both Negative and Positive, of all such as ought to be called to this great work and Trust of Ministering by Office, 1 Tim. 3.1. to 9 Tit. 1.6.9. we have no warrant to put any into the Ministry otherwise, save such as are here described, and competently fitted for it. For as it was a sin of Old in the Church to put any into the Ministry, but those whom God appointed by the Rules given to them▪ so it can be no less Evil for the Church now, to call any forth into Office, but such who are qualified as God's Word directs; and now, as Christ hath made this grant of Power to the Church of choosing her own Officers for her Edification; so he hath left Rules for her, who, and how to choose, as we said before: So likewise he has laid down those special Duties of the Officers in the Church, who are to take the oversight, Feed, Govern, Go in and out before them. Acts 20.17,18. 1. Pet. 5. and 2. 4. When the Church has had a Trial of the meetness and Abilities of any Person, or Persons, for this work and service, they are by Election and Choice solemnly to set him, or them a part, by Prayer, and Laying on of Hands. Acts 14.21,22,23. Acts 6. By which a new relation ariseth of an Elder, and a Church, a Pastor, and a Flock: This must be therefore by the mutual voluntary acts of each other, by which the Duties of each relation becomes binding upon them, according to the Laws of Christ: It is the Pastor's Duty now to Watch, Feed, and Govern the Flock, and to give himself up to it; It is the Church's Duty to submit themselves to Him in the Lord; to Love, Reverence, and Administer freely to him. 1 Pet. 5.1,2,3,4,5. Heb. 13.7.17. How greatly then must those Churches be to blame, that unconcernedly live in the neglect of so great a Duty, upon which the Edification of the Church, and her Wellbeing so much depends, as well as Gospel Order: For although the Essence and Being of a Church depends upon its Institution in respect both of Matter and Form: (A competent number of Believers may by mutual agreement lay the Foundation of the Being of a Gospel Church,) but they cannot be a Church Organical without Officers, which the Lord hath placed there for the orderly Exercis●… of his Authority committed to her; To neglect this, is to despise the Wisdom of Christ, who best knows wha● is for the good of His Church, and for Her Edification in this State. 2, To slight His Goodness in so useful and beneficial an Institution. 3, It's a contempt put upon his Authority, as King of Saints, who has in his Sovereign Right, in and over the Church, Ordained it so to be, for the Churches Good and Wellbeing. Secondly, As there should not be a neglect of this Duty, so there should be great care taken that we answer the Will of God herein, wherein His Name and Honour is so much concerned, in Respect of his Love to, and Care of his Church; therefore the greaest diligence should be taken that the Rules He has given be duly observed, and Applications made of the Qualifications laid down, in respect of all such that are called unto Office: The outward Call is an Act of the Church, the acceptation of the Person so called, is an Obediential Act of him to the Will of God; but neither of these can be regular, where there is not at previous indication of the Mind of God, in bestowing those Spiritual Gifts and Qualifications, as may render him competently fit to the Discharge of his Office and Work. Now in a Churches undue proceeding herein, they discover their own weakness, if not Ignorance, in respect of the Rule itself, and injure the Person so called, in laying the weight of so great a Work upon him, who is not furnished with Spiritual Abilities to discharge it, & thereby expose the Honour of Christ, and Reputation of His Gospel in the World, which should be dear unto us. And we have reason to reckon that some Churches not walking so regular herein, has been one cause of the want of that Reputation, which otherwise they might have gained amongst the Saints, and in the World, observe what Moses said to Israel, Deut. 4.6. Keep therefore, and do them, for this is your Wisdom and your Understanding in the sight of the Nations, which shall hear of all these Statutes; and say, Surely this great Nation is a wise and understanding People. Who otherwise were the least of all Nations. We ought with far greater reason to take heed we deviate not from the Laws of the Son of God, who deserves greater Honour than Moses, which he hath given to His Church, under the Gospel Dispensation; If in the choice of Deacons, Acts 6.3. They were to look out from amongst themselves Men of honest Report, full of the Holy Ghost and Wisdom, to be set apart to that Work: How much more in the choice of Pastors or Elders whose Work requires greater spiritual Abilities to a right discharge thereof? For Churches therefore to be so unconcerned, whether they have Officers or not, according to Gospel Rule, or so overly in the Choice of those they ca●… into such high stations amongst them whether they are competently qualified or not, are greatly . 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 lie under those unsupportable burdens, of worldly Snares and Encumbrances, 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 no● that the Church should allow a Mee● and Due Maintenance, to their Faithful Pastors and Teachers: Yet, w● hear there are not only some who hav● doubts about it, but others, who see● to Object, and stiffly argue against i● 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 employed as Labourers; which Conceit cannot be without its sad Effects and Consequences▪ and if they are not convinced o● this Mistake and Error the sooner may in a little time appear to the mor● palpable Detriment, and Prejudice o● 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 th● Evil and Danger threatened, upon th● Account of this Defect and Remisne●… 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 withhold 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 Judgement from the Holy God, who will not always bear with the Ignorant, much less, the wilful neglect of his own Holy Law, contained so expressly 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 ●or. Matt. 10.9,10. Provide neither Gold, ●…r Silver, nor Brass in your Purses— ●…r Scrip for your Journey, neither Two ●ats, neither Shoes, nor Staves, for the workman is Worthy of his Meat. 1 Tim. 5.17. Let the Elders who Rul● well be accounted worthy of double Honor●… 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 ou● sakes no doubt, this is Written, That h● that Ploweth, shall Blow in Hope; and he which Thrasheth in Hope, shall be mad● partaker of his Hope. V 11. If we hav● 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 ●he Gospel, should live of the Gospel. We will Appeal to all men's Consciences in the Fear of God, whether ●here is any Duty lies more clear and evident in express Words in the Holy scripture than this doth; and yet how strangely are some good Christians at a ●oss about it, and are hardly brought ●o receive it as an indispensable Duty, ●r else to a Faithful Discharge of their Duty herein. Our Work is before us, we shall therefore proceed, to open (as ●he Lord may help us,) the Mind of God in these places of Holy Scripture, ●nd give you the Sense of them. First, 〈◊〉 appears that as soon as ever our blessed ●aviour sent forth his Ministers to Preach 〈◊〉 Gospel, as we have showed. Matt. 10. 7,8,9,10. He Discovered this part of 〈◊〉 Will and Pleasure. i e. That they shou●… not spend, or waste their own Substan●… they are forbid to take either Gold 〈◊〉 Silver, etc. which Words clearly intimate, they might have both Go●… and Silver, and more Coats, and Sho●… too; but they were not to take the● with them, in their Journey, bein● 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 sh● Journey at that time. Answ. We Answer, it seemeth to 〈◊〉 manifestly to declare the absolute W●… and Pleasure of Christ, that his Fai●…ful Labourers should be provided for the People with all things Necessar●… appertaining to this Life, and not of then, but also, in all succeeding A●… and we find our Worthy Annotators 〈◊〉 directly agree with us herein, th●… may be, some things contained in th●… place might be temporary: Take wh●… our late Annotators say upon this Text, Continuation of Mr. Poole's Annotations. Our Saviour designed to give them (saith he) an Experience of the Providence of God, and to teach ●…em to trust in it; as also, to teach People that the Labourer is worthy of his hire, and that God expecteth, that his Ministers should not live of their own, but upon the Altar, 1 which they served; so as at once 〈◊〉 taught his Disciples not to he Covetous, 〈◊〉 overmuch Solicitous, and the People 〈◊〉 provide for those who Ministered to them 〈◊〉 things Spiritual. Besides those other absolute Precepts of like Nature, gi●en forth by the Spirit of Christ in the Apostles, contained in several Epistles, ●o sufficiently prove this to be the Mind ●nd Intention of our Saviour in this place Secondly, That we may put 〈◊〉 out of all doubt, We shall now come to ●…sider of the sacred Appointment of God 〈◊〉 this Matter: If it appear to be no●…ing less, nor more, than what the ●ord has Ordained, viz. That his servants who are called forth to Preach the Gospel and take Care of his Church's, should have a fit and suitable Ma●…tenance (according as the State an● Ability of the Churches may be, 〈◊〉 whom they belong, and whose Servan● they are) than we hope there is no●… will object or argue against it any mor● And that this is the Will, and Sacred Appointment of the Lord, is very evident in that forecited place. 1. Cor. ●… 14. and in divers others. Even so ha●… the Lord ordained that they that Prea●… the Gospel, should live of the Gospel. Tru●… the Lord hath not Ordained that 〈◊〉 Servants and Ministers under the G●…spel should have Tithes, or the Tent● of every Members increase, as he formerly appointed under the Law; ye● nevertheless he hath taken Care of the● and Ordained that they should live of 〈◊〉 Gospel, not (unless Necessity requirest that they should live on the Labour of th●… Hands, in common with other Me●… and pray observe, 'tis not said 〈◊〉 Church has Ordained it, nor we 〈◊〉 Apostles have Ordained it; but 〈◊〉 Lord hath Ordained it, or it is the Holy Appointment or Sacred Precept of Jesus Christ, for the Support and Comfort of his Painful and Faithful Servants; he and his People have called forth to Preach his blessed Gospel out some may yet say, how has he Ordained it. Answ. Pray observe, So hath the Lord Ordained, let us look a little back, and take notice of the Scope and Coherence of the place; the Apostle hath a Reference to what precedes, Do ye not know, that they that Minister about Holy things, live of the things of the Temple; and they which wait at the Altar, are partakers with the Altar: So hath the Lord Ordained, etc. That is, as God had a Ministry under the Old Testament. Namely, the Priest of the Tribe of Levi; and he Ordained and Appointed a Comfortable Livelihood 〈◊〉 them, as Numb. 18.20. Deut. 10. ●… and 18.1. So as they needed not 〈◊〉 Labour (as other Men) with their 〈◊〉 to get Bread to eat; even so hath the Lord Ordained and appointed, that those who Preach the Gospel should have likewise a Comfortabl● Livelihood or Maintenance now under this Dispensation, that they may be delivered from the Incumbrancer of this Life, and so not hindered o● obstructed in their Holy and most Sacred Employment, with secular Affairs. God's Will (saith our late Annotators) is the same, under the New Testament, that it was under the Old; i. e▪ It is not as to the People a matter of Liberty, so as they may choose whether they will maintain their Ministers or no, there is an Ordinance of God in the Case, it is the Will of God, that those who are taken off from Worldly Employments, and spend their time in the Study, and Preaching the Gospel should have a Livelihood from their Labours. This also agrees with what the same great Apostle saith, Gal. 6.6. Let him that is taught in the Word, Communicate to him that Teacheth in all good Things: Is not this think ye a Precept? Is not this directly laid down, as other great and ●…dispensable Precepts and Duties are, ●…e Ephes. 4.23. Let him that stole, steal 〈◊〉 more; but rather, let him Labour with ●…s Hands: Let no corrupt Communicati●… proceed out of your Mouths, etc. and ●…ain, Ephes. 5.33.— Let every one of ●…u in particular so Love his Wife, etc. ●ou can under no pretence avoid these ●…eat Duties; nor can you plead to be ●…cused; and pray doth not the same ●oly Spirit, and ever blessed God, in●…n and require you (in the same form 〈◊〉 Speech) who are taught in the Word, 〈◊〉 Communicate to him that Teacheth 〈◊〉 all good Things. Shall such who ●ave always shown much Zeal for the ●…red Ordinances and Institutions of ●…us Christ, and plead for a Universal Obedience; justify themselves in the neglect of so plain a Precept, Christ ●…h, then are ye my Friends, if you do ●…atsoever I have commanded you; pray 〈◊〉 this great Ordinance then be thought ●…on, and have equal regard by you; 〈◊〉 a Gospel Institution and Appointment of Jesus Christ we argue fo●… that so you may stand complete in t●… whole Will of God: You know what David saith, than I shall not be ashamed whe●… I have a respect to all thy Commandments▪ Let him that is taught in the Word, Communicate to him that teacheth in all good things, that is, every one according a● God hath blessed him with the good things of this World; God would no● have his Faithful Ministers want any good thing to make their Lives comfortable to them;) if so be it be in the Power of those who are taught to communicate it to them. The Precept (saith our late Annotators) is concerning th●… Maintenance of Ministers, which is fit●… expressed by the Term Communicate●… because, as the People distribute to their Ministers things Temporal, so the Ministers distribute things Spiritual: The good things here mentioned are Temporal good things such as may be Useful to the Teacher for t● uphold Himself and Family. The Text teacheth us, that it is the Will of God tha● Ministers should be maintained at th● Charge of the Church, to which they Administer; and it is but an Act of Justice, for they do but Communicate Temporal things, to those who Communicate to them much more valuable things: Be not deceived, God is not mocked, etc. The Apostle addeth this (saith our Annotators) to terrify those who find out vain and false Excuses to save their Purses; he adviseth them not to cheat themselves, for though they might deceive Men, yet they could not deceive the Allseeing, and Heart-searching God, etc. Thirdly, But to proceed, Ministers are commanded to attend wholly, upon their Sacred Calling in their Ministry, and are required not to contangle themselves in the Affairs of this Life; for certainly, what Paul willeth Timothy to do in this respect, in him he requireth all Ministers ●o do the like; and altho' every Christian in many respects may be compared to a Soldier, yet in this place, 2 Tim. 2.4. The Apostle only alludes to ●hose in the Ministry, or such who are spiritual Officers in Christ's Army, they ought to take heed who go forth i● that Warfare, they entangle not themselves with the affairs of this Life, i. ● in Trades and Callings, which other Christians are allowed to follow: and the reason is offered that they may please him who hath chosen them to be Soldiers. And hence 'tis that the same Apostle in another place exhorts Timothy, and so all other Ministers (who the Church calls forth to that great Work) to giv● himself up to Reading, to Exhortation, t● Doctrine, and to the Study of the Word● Meditate on these things (saith he) giv● thyself wholly to them, that they profiting may appear to all. Nothing, doubtless, but real necessity may dispense with the contrary, h● whole time and strength is little enough to be employed in the Wor●… and Service he is called to. Let th●… things be the business of thy Thoughts, a●… take care of them, be in them; so it is 〈◊〉 the Greek (as our Annotators' observ●… Let them be thy whole Work. He m●… saith one, give himself up to the Ministry of the Word and Prayer, and continue in reading Meditation, etc. as a Man wholly devoted unto Gospel Service; and is therefore by his Call to the Ministry secluded from those ways and means of providing for his own Subsistance, as Trades and Secular Employments of others furnish them with; that his Mind by the cares of Worldly Business may not be diverted from the Study of God's Word, and care of Souls, which the duty of his Station engageth him to. And if he may not expose himself to the careful Thoughts that accompany worldly Business, though tending to his Profit; certainly it is no way meet that he should be left to conflict with the Thorny Cares of a necessitous Condition, whilst those he Ministers ●o, have means to prevent it: doubtless ●he Holy God Ordained the Mini●…ers Maintenance upon most weighty Grounds and Reasons; some of which, ●lessed be His Name, he hath not concealed or hid from us; and this we say seem to us to be one among●… the rest, viz. That his Mind and Thought● might not be diverted from his Work wit● Earthly Things. Fourthly, And not in respect of himself upon this account only, but also to prevent that occasion of Scandal, that we see daily is ready to attend Men who follow Trades and Secular Employments in the World; for let Christiann Men be never so careful and circumspect in their Callings and Commerce with Men, we find by daily experience how subject they are to fall under the clamours of some ungodly and envious People, they lying in wait fo● their halting; and if it be a Minister or Pastor of a Church that is a Trading Person, be sure they will (if 〈◊〉 be possible) watch him so that he sha●… not escape their reproachful Tongu●… though it be not in the least deserve●… and hereby his Hands are not ●…ly made weak, but his Spirits a●… grieved, and his Ministry made (th●… unjustly) contemptible. We find 〈◊〉 from hence very necessary, that the Pastors of our Churches, and Teachers too if possible, should be freed from all such Insnarements; and cannot but observe the Wisdom of God in respect of His Holy Ordinance: i. e. in ordaining a Support and Livelihood for His Servants another way, so that they might not be brought under Infamy and Reproach; and that thereby also the Word of God might the better Run and be Glorified. These two Arguments we cannot but Judge are weighty, namely; 1. the work of the Ministry, especially in the Hands of a Pastor, being so great, that it doth require his utmost attendance, or all his whole time and strength, as it must needs appear to every Man who soberly and seriously considers it in its Parts: 'Tis true a Man may bear that Name, and Discharge that Sacred Office in part, nay, and as well as he can, considering his circumstances in the World, and thereby have in part peace in his Mind; but 'tis another thing to discharge the duty of this Ca●…ing as he ought, and as the Sanction of th●… Office calls for, to the Honour of th●… Holy Name of God, and Credit of Religion; for we conclude to Preach on● or two Sermons in a Week is the leas● part of his Work, and the least indeed, if his Matter be not so well prepared and digested; that he may show himse●… a Workman that needeth not be ashame●… rightly dividing the Word of Truth, th●… so every one may have their portion 〈◊〉 Meat in due Season; which that Tim●thy might do, St. Paul advises him to a careful and diligent Study: But how such poor Men can do this, who a●… forced to follow their Trades hard e●…ry Day in the Week, to get Bread for their Families, we see not? But besides the great Work of giving themselves up to Reading, Meditation, an● laborious and diligent Study an● Preaching of God's Word. There 〈◊〉 another great Duty lies upon the●… which is, Visiting the Members of th●… Church under their Care, so that th●… may know the State of their Flock; yea' go from House to House: And if this be not done, How can they so well know what Food to Administer or Hand forth unto some poor Souls they have committed to their Charge? Where the Work of Visiting is neglected, we conclude one main Part of the Pastor's Business lies undone; and what an account they will have to give of the Souls of Men and Women to Jesus Christ, We know not, if they be remiss here: or what an account the Church can give if they are out of a capacity to discharge this great Trust, through neglect of their Duty to them. They (saith the Apostle) Watch for your Souls, as such as must give account. Heb. 13.17. And then Secondly, the Credit and Honour of their Ministry, in respect of what we before mentioned, aught to be considered; for if the Preacher hath Blots and Stains upon him, through the necessities he may be in, in respect of the things of this World, by not having his wants supplied, but is involved in Debt, or exposed to the breach of his Word in the way of Trading. What weight or power think you, will his Ministry have upon the Consciences of Men? For it necessarily makes room for the old Proverb, Physician heal thyself; and it is as a prevention of those Evils, i. e. for the good, Health, and Wellbeing of the Souls both of Pastors and People here and hereafter. We conclude, that God has been pleased to Ordain and so to provide for his Servants in the Ministry, as we have showed; but this is not all; For Fifthly, According to the Law and Light of Nature, the Church is obliged to provide for their Ministers, as to the matter of Equity and Justice; and from hence the Apostle argues the Point with the Corinthians▪ 1 Cor. 9.7. etc. Who goeth a Warfa●… at any time at his own Charge? Wh●… Plants a Vineyard, and eateth not of the Fruit thereof? Or who Feedeth 〈◊〉 Flock, and eateth not of the Milk of th●… Flock. None that Lists an Army, expects that his Soldiers should maintain themselves without Pay: The Ministry is a Spiritual Warfare, undertaken at the Command of Christ, and by the Call of the Church for the service of their Souls; and 'tis as reasonable that Ministers should receive a supply of outward things from them as that a Soldier should receive Pay from his Captain at the charge of th● Commonwealth, for whose Good and Safety he enters upon that Military Employment. Again the Apostle argues the equitableness of it further; Shall a Man Plant a Vineyard an not Eat of the Fruit thereof? The Preaching the Gospel is like a man planting ● Vineyard; the Church is compared thereto in Scripture, Isa. 5.1.2. Th● Plants are the Lords, but he useth Ministers Hands in the Planting of them▪ and none planteth a Vineyard but 〈◊〉 expectation of some Fruit from thenc●… none Employeth his Servant to Plant, but he doth (and 'tis but lust he should) uphold him with Food and Raiment, he doing his Work. The Church also, as the Apostle intimates, is compared to a Flock; And now who Feedeth a Flock, either personally, or by his Servants, but he eateth, or alloweth his Servant to eat of the Milk of the Flock, which it is his Work to keep and feed? By these three Instances commonly known to Men, the Apostle showeth the reasonableness that the Ministers of the Gospel should be maintained by the People to whom they Minister; he plainly intimating that it is inconsistent with common Justice to deprive a man of the Fruit of that Vineyard which is planted and manured by his own Labour. And such is the case between a Minister and his People; it is not (as one well observes) your Charity that we ask for them, but Justice and Right, which the very Light of Nature as well as God's Word clearly showeth: They are Employed in your Service, and do that Business for you in which your Eternal Happiness is concerned; they take care to provide Bread for your Souls, and of right therefore should live upon your charge, and you ought to see that neither they, nor their Families want Bread, nor any thing necessary for their Bodies: Nay, and since they Sow or Import unto you Spiritual Things, Is it a great thing if they shall reap your carnal things? Have you not (as if the Apostle should say) better things from them, than they partake of from you? St. Paul (as our Annotators note) argueth the reasonableness of Minister's maintenance from their People, they giving them quid pro quo, a just Compensation for such allowance, yea that which is of much more value; for there is a great disproportion between things Spiritual and things Carnal; the former much excelling the latter, so that the People have the advantage, they receiving things far more excellent from Christ's Ministers, than his Ministers receive of them: They communicate Gold and precious Stones, and Pearl; and do receive from the People that which comparatively is bu● as Brass or Copper; And yet shall this seem a great thing? Will you, as if the Apostle should say, Grudge them a due portion of your Temporals, when you receive so plentifully from them of choice Heavenly or Spiritual things? How unreasonable a thing is this? Obj. But some may be will Object the things they communicate, viz. those Spiritual Things, are not their own but the Lords, and imparted to them to hand out for the good of others; And therefore the Case is different. Answer. It is against the Apostle you raise this Objection: But will you see how you are mistaken? Pray what more Right or Property have you to your Carnal Things, than they have to their Spirituals? Are not their Spiritual Things their own, as much as your Carnal Things are your own? Hath the Lord made you any other than Stewards of your worldly Things; And must not you be Accountable to him for them, if you do not lay them out as he hath Commanded you? For the good of others come your Carnal Things, even your Wool and your Flax. Hos. 2.9. is as much the Lords, as the Ministers. Knowledge, and other Spiritual Gifts are the Lords; and it doth as much behoove you to see that you Communicate to others of your Worldly or Carnal Things: We mean to the Poor Saints and Ministers of the Gospel, as it behoveth them to Preach or Communicate Spiritual Things to you; and therefore the Case is not different: Besides, you forget how your poor Ministers oft times wast their strength, and consume their Bodies, being brought to utter Weakness in their outward Man, in their painful Studies and Labours, in Preaching the Word, thereby Communicating Spiritual Things to you: And is not that (we mean health etc.) more in worth (and their own too) than all you have or can Communicate to them? Sure their strength, and the health of their Bodies together with the expense of their Time, you will say, is as much their own, as any thing you can call yours; And is 〈◊〉 than a great thing they should be supplied from you with all things necessary for this Life? Besides, in point o● Equity our Saviour as well as the Apostle calls Ministers Labourers; and you all will readily say, The Labourer is worthy of his Hire. How then is it tha● any should seek ways, and excuses to avoid their Duty herein to their Spiritual Harvest Men? we must tell yo● again, 'tis Jesus Christ who saith 'tis thei● due, and that they are worthy of it▪ and He hath Ordained that they should have it; so that you cannot with h●… it from them without Sin, nay such ●… Sin that is not only against the Law and Light of Nature, but the express Law of Jesus Christ: And we must tel● you, That if the keeping back, or defrauding the Hire of your Labourers, who have Reaped down your Corn Fields, be so great an Evil, that their Cry enters into the Ears of the Lord of Sabbaths, and doth provoke and stir up the justice of God to a severe Vengeance, for their daring Boldness and cruel Oppression of the poor: What think you will be the Effects of the Cry of Christ's painful Spiritual Harvest-men, who Labour to gather in his Divine Corn, should you withhold from them their just Right upon this Account; by which means they may be exposed, especially some of them, to Heart Disquieting, and Soul Afflicting Snares in the World, and their poor Families want such things as are necessary for them, when it is in the power of the People's hands plentifully to supply them: We must in discharge of our Duty at this time be plain with every Man, that we may deliver our own Souls and theirs too, from so great a Sin as such an neglect as that is does appear to us to be, and will to all, if seriously Considered, and laid to Heart. Object. May be some will Object ou● Ministers do not need it, nor desire it of 〈◊〉 they can live without it. Answ. So perhaps some of your Harvest-men that Reap down your Fields, may be well to pass in the World, and can live without their Hire and Just due etc. Yet will that be a good Plea (think you) to seek ways or means to withhold their wages from them? So, and in like manner say we, the Ability of your pastors in respect of the things of the World, doth not excuse you from the discharge of your Duty to them, according to the Just Law of God, and Equitableness of the Case. Yet certainly they (if of Paul's Spirit) will refuse to receive any thing lest it should lessen their esteem in their Ministry; 'tis left to their Liberty, they may choose whether they will receive it or not: But though they may dispense with their Right if they please as Paul did sometimes through his great Zeal and Love to the Gospel; yet cannot you dispense with your Duty, you have no Warrant so to do: Yet we can't but greatly commend those Pastors of the Churches, who can and do without receiving any thing, serve Christ and his People, and resolve (being Blessed with the good things of the world) not to make the Gospel Chargeable, or a Burden to any; but yet we would have you sensible of your Duty, and look upon yourselves to be Debtors to them, and esteem of them the more: But do these Pastors who are Rich, Able, and Willing to serve the Churches for nothing, sequester or give themselves up to the Work of the Ministry, and faithfully discharge that Trust, as another who is taken off of Secular Employment? But may be, though they are like other Labourers, yet if they did receive it from you, they could Distribute it to the Needy, or to help other poor Ministers who serve other Churches, whose Poverty may be such, that they cannot allow a sufficient Maintenance to their Pastors And therefore whether it may be necessary for you to with hold it from them, or for them to refuse it, is worth Consideration. Sixthly. But to proceed. (Since we are pleading the Case in point of Equity and just Right, let it be Considered:) You do not choose such Men to be your Pastors, or Ministers, who are of the lowest of the People; but such as may be allowed to have ashare of Parts, Common Prudence, and Abilitys for Business with other Persons: and some of them could manage Trades, or fall into other Employments, and get Estates as well as you, if they were not Devoted to a better Service: And must (as one observeth) they needs be devoted to Necessities and Miseries, in the same Hour that they enter upon the Ministry. This ought not to be; GOD hath Ordered the Case otherwise in his Wisdom, Certainly (all will Confess) 'tis the Duty of a Minister, as well as other Men to provide for his Family, as much as lies in him; or take Care of his Wife and Children that they may not be exposed to a Thousand Miseries and Temptations when he is gone: For though a Covetous raking Temper, worse becomes a Minister of all Men in the World (yet as the Author before cited Noteth) we greatly mistake ourselves to think he must divest himself of that due Affection of an Husband to his Wife, or of a Father toward his Children; or that those Fruits thereof which are Justly esteemed Commendable in others, should be thought in him to be a Fault: And is it not sad (Judge you) That they must be constrained to one of these Dialema's? i. e. Either to neglect the full and Faithful Discharge of their Duty to Christ and his Church, or else Neglect their poor Families by fulfilling their Ministry, and doing the work of Pastors, according to the Nature of that Sacred Office. But as to him who is poor (and must ge● his Bread before he Eats it) wh●… thinks he can Discharge both these Duties well enough, 'tis to be feared he does never a one of them as he ought Moreover, 'tis good for him to consider the reason of that Law of the ever Blessed God, who hath otherwise Ordained. Yet let every Servant of Christ use his own Freedom, and act and do, as he thinks may most promote the Glory of God, and Good of the Church, and the Increase thereof; so that he may give a good account of himself in the Day of Christ. Seventhly, The Lord hath not left me To argue this only from general Principles of Reason, and common Equity, but to put the Matter beyond dispute (as we have already showed) hath subjoined His express Command. And may not in the next place, that Provision which God was pleased to make for his Ministers in the time of the Law, be of great use to us, and full of Instruction upon this account? Nay, and ought we not to consider it, sigh the Apostle argueth 1. Cor 9.13. for a Gospel Maintenance from thence. Do ye not know, that they which Minister about Holy things, live of the Things of the Temple; and they which serve at the Altar, are partakers with the Altar? It appears this is a Duty still; and tho' the mode or manner of the Maintenance of the Ministers of God under the Law, was quite different to this under the Gospel, yet the reason and equitableness of the thing abides: Ministers were then provided for by the Lord; so he has ordered they should Live comfortably now under the Gospel. We find God did then no sooner separate the Levites to the Service of the Sanctuary, but he by Law provided for their Subsistence: And though they were but one Tribe in Twelve, yet the Tenth of the Increase of the whole Land was given to them, besides the first Fruits and Offerings, and divers other Advantages; so that their Lot and Portion might equal, yea exceed that of their brethren's. This indeed is Abrogated; Gospel Ministers have no Divine Right to the Tenths of men Increase; but the Moral Equity we say does not cease; nor can it be thought to be any Burden to provide a comfortable Livelihood for our Ministers, were but our Senses rightly exercised to discern how Good and Gracious God appears to us under the Gospel Dispensation, in easing our People from those vast and great Expense and Charges which the Lord's People were required to be at under the Law: For we shall soon perceive, if we consider, that the charge of the Worship of God, and the Ministry, etc. now is comparitively little or nothing, to what there was under that Dispensation; though Men did endeavour now to come up to their duty for as one observes, he thought he could make it appear, That the Fifth Part of their Estates was Yearly to be Spent in Things relating to Temple Service. And we know not but he might say right: And yet we cannot be unsensible of the excellency of the Gospel Ministry, above the Ministry, of the Law; And what great Blessings and Privileges upon many Accounts we have above them? One would think these things were enough to stir up all Faithful Christians to leave their Dispute, and hearty with a cheerful Mind be ready to contribute towards the defraying the moderate Charge of a Gospel Ministry, in such a manner as may give Reputation to our Sacred Profession; certainly the Labourer is still worthy of his Hire; and every one will say, not less worthy because he Labours under the Gospel, than they who Laboured under the Law. Eighthly, An Elder, or a Pastor of a Church, is under a special Charge to Use Hospitality, and to let himself be a Pattern of Charity, and other good Works, that so he may the better adorn his Profession. This is his Duty, and if he fails herein, he loses some part of those most excellent Virtues in which he ought to shine: but if he be Poor, and left 〈◊〉 the thorny cares of this World, and the Church not administering so to him, 〈◊〉 to put him into a Capacity to answer this requirement of the Gospel, whe●… will the fault and blame lie? Therefore▪ since he ought to be a pattern of Hospitality and Charity; we argue, 'tis doubtless the indispensible Duty of the People to whom he Ministers, to be concerned to the uttermost of their Abilities to make him capable of giving Proof 〈◊〉 this Grace, by the Exercise of it as the●… may be Occasion. Ninthly, We also argue for this Duty from the Consideration of the Honourableness of it, when 'tis faithfully discharged▪ it being one of those things, which 〈◊〉 Honest, Just, Pure, Lovely, and of g●… Report, there is both Virtue and Pr●… attends it, Phil. 4.8. First of all, Ho● can Men think you are the People yo● profess yourselves to be, viz. Such w●… endeavour to Walk Blamelessly, i● observing all the Ordinances an● Commandments of the Lord Jesu●… whilst you neglect this so plain and undeniable an Institution, even such a one, that 'tis expressly said, So God hath Ordained it, etc. Why are you so Zealous for some other Precepts and Remiss here? Doth not the same God who commandeth you to Repent, to Believe, and to be Baptised, and to Love one another; command you also to Communicate to your Ministers in all good things? How is it then? that any can be so partial in the Law of Jesus Christ. 2. This will in a great measure de●iver you from that reproach of Covetousness: What can any People ●hink should be the cause why Christians should suffer their Ministers to want what is necessary for them, when ●hey themselves are so full? Unless it ●e from the Spirit of this World; which is a Sin too often laid at the ●oors of the Professors of this Age: Would to God there was no cause or ●round for it. 3. Hereby the People will also rai●… the Reputation and Honour of the●… Ministry, and show their great estee● of them, which well agrees with th● Exhortation of the Apostle; Let t●… Elders that Rule well be accounted w●… thy of double Honour, especially they w●… Labour in the Word and Doctrine. F●… the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not M●… the Mouth of the Ox that treadeth 〈◊〉 the Corn: For the Labourer is worthy 〈◊〉 his Reward. 1 Tim. 17.18. By double Honour here is mean● as some conclude, Reverence or Honourable Esteem for Christ's Sake● whose Ambassadors they are said 〈◊〉 be, and so represent His Most Sacred Majesty. 2. Maintenance. And 'tis evide●… this cannot be excluded in this plac●… considering the Connextion of t●… Words following; for the ScriptU●… saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the O●… that Treadeth out the Corn, and 〈◊〉 Labourer is worthy of his Reward. T●… Verse, saith our Annotators, maketh evident, That Maintenance is part of the double Honour that is due to such as Labour in the Word and Doctrine. This than must be granted it tends to the Honour of Christ's Ministers; but 'tis as evident to all, that those Persons, let them be of what Persuasion soever, if they should leave their Ministers to the wide World to shift for themselves, and though Poor, take no care of them; instead of honouring of them, they would cast a slight and contempt upon them: and hence 'tis that others also for their following of some Trades, do lay them under great reproach, which the Churches to whom they belong, if able, might and oug●… to deliver them from. We are persuaded there are some rich Members 〈◊〉 most Congregations, that would not endure that any of their near Relations should fall under such, or the like Circumstances, or be exposed to such Inconveniencies, because of the dishonour they Judge it would be to ●…em; People knowing they are Wealthy and Great in the World, an● able to do considerable for such nea● Kindred, or else all would say they have no favour nor esteem for them▪ And shall Men show greater favou● and respect to their Carnal Relations, than to Christ's Ambassadors? Thi● surely ought not to be. Tenthly, Further to Evince thi● great Duty, It may not be amiss to consider of other great Inconveniences that 〈◊〉 fellow the neglect of it. There are som● Ministers in the Churches who wer● brought up to Learning, and who ar● utterly uncapable to follow Secular Trades and Callings: now if Provision be not made for these Me●… What will become of them? How 〈◊〉 it possible they and their Famili●… should Live? Besides, What Encouragement is here given to others wh● are Young, whom God hath Graciously endowed with considerable Gif●… and are willing to give up themselv●… to the Ministry? And for their bette● Accomplishment endeavour after th● Knowledge of the Tongues, etc. which we all confess is very good and serviceable, though not of absolute necessity in a Minister: Who will apply himself (we say) to gather, and lay up those stores of solid Learning, which ofttimes in the Defence of the Truth against Opposers, has been found very profitable, when he can expect nothing but Poverty and Distress thereby: Nay furthermore, may not this neglect quite deter any Godly Young Men to exercise their Gifts, in order to serve the Churches in after times, when Death shall call away those Labourers the Churches have ●ow amongst them, should they see ●he present Ministry slighted, and ●ot provided for: Or what ground ●ave we to expect a Blessing by the Providence of God, to attend the Churches in respect of an Able and Honourable Ministry in time to come, when His great Ordinance is slighted ●nd neglected, which He in Wisdom ●ath Ordained for an Encouragement upon this very account. In his own Way we may look for a Blessing, bu● not out of it. Nay to be plain with you, Have not some in a few Years last past see● to their great trouble and grief, how this neglect and ommission of Duty hath laid (divers hopeful young Men who were endued with excellent Gift for the Ministry) under great Temptations, even so far as to refuse utterly the exercise of their Gifts to the Prof●… and Edification of the Churches; lea●… in process of time they should be called forth to a Pastoral Charge, an● thereby be exposed to Snares and Poverty in the World; as perhaps som● poor Ministers and Pastors have been, and may be daily still are; especially they considering and laying to Heart the Care and Charge their Parent have been at with them, in putting them forth to good Trades and Callings, whereby they knew with th● Blessing of God they might (if they gave themselves up with a due and necessary Diligence and Industry to follow those Trades) live well in the World, and sufficiently provide for themselves (and their Wives and Children, if they saw good to Marry) ●n aftertimes? And by this very means ●he Churches (may be to their great ●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 ●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 ●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 ●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 'tis 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 'tis a Moral Duty for every Man to provide for himself and Family; and he that does not do it, the Apostle shows is worse than an Infidel, and hath denied 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 Deuce, but also occasioned the neglect of GOD's House and Service, etc. 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 Oil 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 employed 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 Encouragement 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 publicly, who have scarcely one Hours time to prepare themselves for the Work; or may be have not meet and proper Endowments 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; 'tis not without diligent and continued Study, that the deep things of God can be searched out, and so proposed, as to enrich the minds of people with clear and solid Knowledge: He that is not endowed 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 Knowledge of those Sublime and Soul enriching Mysteries? A little Knowledge and Study 'tis true (as one observes) may furnish a man with such a Discourse, as may please some weak Christians that Judge of a Sermon by the loudness of the Voice and affectionate Sentences, or can fancy themselves to be Fed with good Doctrine, when perhaps 'tis 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 Lived 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 Knowledge 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 Judgements, 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 ●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 we say, 'Tis not to be thought men can arrive to that degree of Light and Knowledge 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 diligent 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 public Worship of God, and the Ministry may be further demonstrated and the Evil and Sin in their neglect of it evinced, from the Consideration of that sharp reproof, and severe Judgements 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 rob 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 public Worship of God; they through Covetousness, or a base Carnal and Self-seeking Spirit, did retain and keep back part of these Tithes and Offerings for their own Use, or to enrich 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 withholding 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 Wages, and not do the Work 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 public Worship, 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 Worship 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 Work of the Gospel, and the Ministration therefore, in any Respect: Nor can this be done without Charge; And if the Lord's 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, Worship, and public Interests calls for, and by which means, his blessed Interest should sink and languish in their Hands, who were entrusted 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 rob their Gods: But blush ye Jews, for ye have rob me, and therefore ye are cursed with a curse; your Sin, your Sacrilege, 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 Judgement and Curse of your God? Bring ye all the Tithes into my Storehouse, 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 Public 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 Christ's, Phil. 2.21. Do you think the Service of God's House can be carried 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 Ascension 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 public 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 lie waste? Especially, considering 'tis the Lord's Time, we are verily persuaded 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 endeavour 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 Public 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 endeavour for an Able and Honourable Ministry, because of that great expense and cost they fear than 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 Encouragement 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 believe it, that God is offended, and may justly blast you in your Trades, and Worldly Substance, if he hath not already, because you do not lay this Evil to Heart; and that which you think ye save this way, may bring a blast upon all you have; and while you look for much, ye may carry in little, and that which you do gain and bring home, may be put into a Bag with Holes, Hag. 1 6. pray Read the 6. v. Ye looked for much, and lo it came to little, and when ye brought it home, I did blow upon it. Why, saith the Lord of Hosts? Because of mine House that is waste, and ye run every Man to his own House. Many Persons we have amongst us, meet daily with great Disappointments, Losses, and manifold Afflictions, divers manner of ways, and wonder at it, and are troubled at the Thoughts; but we fear do not lay to Heart, nor consider from whence it is, nor the chief Cause thereof; which possibly may be, because you have not discharged your Duty to Christ, for the promoting of his blessed Gospel, and Interest in the World; but have showed much more Love to, and Care of your own Houses, and Concerns than for the House and Church of God: God may say of you, O ye Professors! you have toiled and been at great Cost and Labour; and have expected, hoped, and promised yourselves great Increase; but you have clearly discerned, and were sensible that it answered not your Expectation, much of it dwindled into very little; you were loser's, and went backward still, which you have not regarded nor laid to Heart; but have let my House lie as it were waste; nothing was too much in your Eyes to lay out on your own Houses and Buildings, to Adorn and Beautify them; nor did you grudge to provide Sumptuous Provision and Apparel for yourselves, and for your Sons, and Daughters: Nay, have idly and in superfluities expended much Treasure to gratify your Lust, and yet have let my poor Children and Faithful Ministers want such things that were Necessary for them, and not been concerned to encourage an able and painful Ministry, that the perishing Souls of Sinners up and down in the Nation might have the Bread of Life; and from hence is it that your Trades fail, and your Labours bring in but little increase▪ But if once you reform your do, and show your Zeal for the Gospel, and Love to me, and act as becomes a People professing my Name; you shall see you shall not be losers by it; for I will open the Windows of Heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it: Nay, saith he, Prove me now if I do not do it. We conclude, the Judgement on the one hand for such a great Evil and neglect of Duty herein, and Mercies and Blessings promised on the other hand, may be a great Argument to provoke you to a Faithful Discharge of those Obligations that lie upon you in this matter. If you have a Desire to be blest in your Bodies, Souls, and Estates, take Care of God's House, and bring in your Stores, that there may be Provision for his Poor, and for his Ministers. But if you neglect this Duty, and pursue the World, and prefer your own Houses and Things above those great Things of God and his Gospel, you may look for a blast. Twelfthly, Consider the Zeal of the Heathen of Old, and that of the Antichristian Party of latter Times; the former spared no Cost nor Pains to Beautify and Garnish their Idols, they lavish Gold out of the Bag, etc. Isa. 46. They took it by handfuls as it were, and never told it, as some conceive, not mattering what Cost or Charge they were at; sigh it was for the Adorning of their Gods: The Goldsmith spreadeth it over with Gold, and casteth Silver Chains. Isa. 40.10. He is (saith the Prophet) so impoverished that he hath no Oblation, that he can hardly procure Money sufficient to buy the meanest Sacrifice for his Gods; he is so Zealous for his Idols, that he will one way or another find Money to procure the choicest Materials, saith the Annotators, and get the help of the best Artist to make it, etc. Did they show such Zeal for, and Love to them who were no Gods: And shall not such be ashamed and blush, who have been so niggerly and sparing to help on the Service and Worship of the True and Living God? They would have the best Artist, and most Curious Workman to do their Business, though they impoverished themselves; but some of you, we fear, can be contented with very unskilful Men, to carry on the Work of the God of Heaven, rather than be at the Charge to distribute of your Treasure for the better Improvement of them which you employ, or to procure such who you have not amongst yourselves; and as for the Papists, you cannot be Ignorant what vast Treasure they have from time to time freely bestowed on their Church, and large Revenues appointed for their Priests, etc. and have they not commonly when they come to die; besides all this, left large Legacies for Spiritual Uses, as they call them, and all to carry on their filthy Idolatry. But how little hast thou, O Professor parted with to this day, for the upholding the Church of God, and carrying on the Ministration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Thou hast not showed that Zeal for the True God, which some have showed for a False One: Nor that Care of, and Love to the True Worship of God, which others have showed for Idolatry: May not these Carnal and Antichristian Heathens one Day rise up in Judgement against you? Obj. But may be you will Object and say, 'tis no marvel the Papists give so plentifully because they think to merit Heaven thereby. Answ. What then? Will not you do as much for the Honour of God, and to promote his Interest in the World, as thou wilt do for the Salvation of thine own Soul? If thou hast Eternal Life merely of Grace, or through the Favour and Mercy of God, and Merits of Jesus Christ? How much the more should this lay thee under an Obligation to be Bountiful and Liberal, to further and carry on, and promote the Gospel, and the Glory of God in the World? or have you a mind to betray your own Sincerity? Doth not Grace teach you better Doctrine, even to prefer the Honour of God, above whatsoever is dear to you on Earth. Thirteenthly, This will render your Ministers inexcusable, if they do not faithfully discharge their Duties in every Respect, to God and his People; we mean, when you discharge your Duties to them, according to the Law of Christ, and Rule of Justice and Righteousness: What will they have to say, to excuse their Remissness and Omissions in a painful studying Mediation, and preaching the Word, and in visiting the Flock, when you have freed them from all manner of worldly Snares and Encumbrances, and comfortably provided for them all good Things? But on the contrary, if they come forth unprepared, and feed you with Food that hath little Soul Nourishment in it: How can you blame them? or if they never go about all the Year to know the State of the Flock as their Duty is, have they not a ready Answer and Excuse? i. e. What shall become of our poor Families? What can you say to them? Can you excuse them from indispensible Duties? And say we will be contented with what Service you are able to do, and all to save your Purses: the Lord open your Understandings, and show you the great Evil there is in this neglect, in not complying with the Will of God, in communicating all good Things to them, who Preach the Gospel to you. And is it not from hence there is such a complaint in some parts of the Country, for want of the saving Food of God's Word? We hear daily what a vast blessing those Elders and Ministers are of to the People whereabouts they live, who are provided for by the Churches, over what others be who are not taken off of their secular Affairs, being not maintained by the People; one Minister may do more than several such do or can do. Besides, when once you come to acquit yourselves, as good Christians ought in this Case; with what Comfort may you be able to give up your Account to Christ? And with Joy and much Soul Peace lie down, not only in your Beds; but also in your Graves, when you come to Die. Motives to press the Duty of the Ministers Maintenance, with an Answer to other Objections. 1. COnsider well, and remember that your Pastors are the Ministers; nay, the Ambassadors of Jesus Christ; such who represent his Sacred Majesty, and have his Commission, for what they act and do in his Name, and dispenee the Mysteries of God to you, according to their Duty; therefore the Lord Jesus will account that done to Himself, which is done to his Ministers: He that receiveth you (saith he) receiveth me, and he that despiseth you, despiseth me, Mat. 10.40. Luke 10.16. If the Name and Authority of Christ will beget an awe in you, or his Matchless and Unspeakable Love Influence your Souls; there is no doubt but his word will abide upon you, and cause you to discharge the Duty we have pressed upon your Spirits. If you acknowledge a Religious Respect and Reverence due to the Son of God, exercise it in a humble Obedience to his word; and if you Love him and value his Gospel, treat not his Ministers in an unworthy manner: Have you not called them off from other Business? And are they not your Servants? And is not from thence a Gospel Maintenance due to them from you, as is the wages of your other Servants? Tho we fear some give more to the meanest Servants in their House, than they to give to the Ministers of Christ. 2. 'Tis evident, they have a great Charge committed to their Trust, they watch for your Souls, as they who must give an account, Heb. 13.17. And therefore you ought to consider them, and pity them, and endeavour to assist them, and put them into the best Capacity you are able to do, that they may make full proof of their Ministry, and be free from the Blood of all Men; 'tis the Business of your own Salvation, and concern of your precious and immortal Souls, that your Ministers are employed in; and therefore 'tis much more your own Interest than his, and from hence ought to make Conscience of your Duty; for if they can't give their account with Joy, that will not be profitable for you: And how can they give an account of Joy concerning you, when you have neglected one great and indispensible Duty, by which means they were rendered unable to perform their Work, as became them? Nor can indeed the Ministry ever be effectual to your Souls, if you be not sincere in Obedience under it: Besides, as one observes, will you be less Careful for your Souls, and their Eternal welfare, than for your Bodies, and the Comforts of a Temporal Life? Can you be content to lay out your Strength and Substance to provide for these, and neglect the other? Is it not sad, saith one to consider, How many there are among Professors, that live in this World, as if there were no Truth in the report of that which is to come, and have the meanest esteem of the most necessary means of Salvation? viz. The Word and Ordinances of Christ, and a Gospel Ministry; some can expend perhaps an hundred Pounds per Annum, more or less, for Ornaments or Delights to Adorn a frail Carcase, but will grudge half so much for the poor Saints, or to the support of the Worship of the Gospel, and his sinking Interest. 3. Consider how many Temptations and Soul discouraging Weaknesses your Ministers lie under continually, both from within and without, if sensible of the greatness of their Work; and of their own insufficiency: You know not their Fears, their Cares, their Tears, and how hard they are put to it to keep up in their Work, finding such strong Oppositions made against them by the Enemy, continually, so that you had need to Strengthen, Comfort, and Encourage them, as much as you can; and not to add to their Sorrow, and make them serve you in wants and necessities. 4. We might tell you also what the Apostle says in respect of his Liberty as a Minister, in forbearing to Work at all: Will any of you say your Ministers must labour and provide for themselves, when God hath Ordained the contrary; and also when the Apostle saith, he had power to forbear Working? See 1 Cor. 9.6. Or I only and Barnabas, Have we not power to forbear Working? We certainly (as well as the rest of Christ's Ministers) if we will run out to the utmost end of the Line of our Liberty in things, without having regard to your Circumstances, might forbear Working with our Hands, and expect that those among whom we Labour should maintain it. So the Annotators render it. Now, you would think this a hard thing, should any of your Pastors make use of their Liberty; yet if they should do it, provided they were Faithful in their Work and Office, knowing also your Ability, we would know whether any of you could charge them with Sin, as we know you may and aught other Persons, who work not and though the Apostle did sometimes Work, it was of choice, and to prevent the glorying of those false Apostles, and for some other Reasons, which upon special Circumstances for that time he mentioneth, and yet he accounts it amongst his Afflictions. Quest. Ought a Pastor or Minister to make Terms with the Church about his Maintenance, before he take the Charge of them? Answ. We assert for no such thing, he is to take the Charge freely, and of a ready Mind: But we say there is as indispensable a Duty lies upon the People to provide Carnal or Temporal good Things for him, as there lies upon him to provide Spiritual good Things for them, and to give him Grounds to Believe they will be Faithful to Christ and to him, in their duty upon that account. Quest. But what shall that Church do, who are not able to allow a sufficient Maintenance to their Pastor? Answ. We have a Answer to this Question. First, If through the Poverty of the Church they cannot provide for their Minister, they may make their Case and Circumstance known to other Sister Churches, and desire their Aid and Assistance herein; but if they can have none, and the Church do their Duty to the utmost themselves, and yet they are not able to supply his Necessities, than he must be contented to suffer with the Church. But 2. If God Bless a Congregation with a plentiful Portion of this World's Good, it is their Duty to make their Ministers a Party with them in their Flourishing Condition (and as a late Author saith) Considering the Place and Employment he is in, and the Service he attends, it would be extremely unworthy to think they have done enough, if his pressing Necessities be answered; whilst they themselves abound in Superfluities. But if the Congregation be poor, and there is no helps to he had, than their Minister must and aught to be content to be poor with them; yea, rejoice to approve himself a Minister of Christ, (as Paul did) by Hunger and Nakedness, if the Providence of God call him thereto; but whilst it is in the power of their Hands to provide better for him, God expects it from them; and let none deceive themselves, GOD is not mocked, nor will he suffer his Commands to be slighted and evaded, without rendering a just rebuke to the Offender, For whatsoever a Man Soweth that shall he Reap. Yet necessity is laid upon Christ's Ministers, and woe be to them if they Preach not the Gospel. 3. It may deserve our most mature Consideration, whether a People may safely constitute themselves into a Church State, when not able to provide for a Ministry, especially as the Case may be circumstanced; for possibly they might very well join themselves to another Congregation near unto them, and be a great help to such a Church, being Embodied with them. And this we do say, For a People to put themselves into a Church State, is one of the most weightiest Things in the World, and aught with as great Care and Consideration to be done; we concluding in some places where there are many Churches near to each other, it would be far better for some of those small and insufficient Societies to unite themselves to some other Congregation; and by that means the weight of those Indispencible Duties and Obligations that are incumbent on them, would with much more ease be borne and answered, to the Honour of Christ, Reputation of the Gospel, and their own Edification: Moreover, if all Christians ought to consider whether they may or aught to put themselves into a Church State, except they have Persons fitly qualified and furnished with Gifts and Graces for the Ministry; which if they may not safely do, then by the same parity of reason ought they to consider whether they may proceed therein, if they know their own Insufficiency in respect of their making a Gospel Provision for their Maintenance, unless they live remote from any other Church, and so necessity put them upon their so doing. Obj. But is not this to build, that which you yourselves have destroyed, viz. Have you not disclaimed against such who Preach for Hire? Answ. We never went about we hope to destroy any Institution or Ordinance of Jesus Christ, as the Minister's Maintenance is, as has sufficiently been proved. But for Men to Preach for Hire, to make that their End, we mean in Preaching the Gospel, we still utterly disclaim any such Practice, and say 'tis a low, carnal, and hase End and Design, and unworthy of any Christian Man. 2. We have always disowned, or do disclaim against Tithes or the Tenths of men's Increase, declaring that they are not the right of any Gospel Ministers by the Law of Jesus Christ, or the due of the Ministers of the New Testament, by the appointment of the Lord Jesus; being only a Mosaical Rite, and that Law to be Abrogated, as Aaron's Priesthood is. 3. We have always disowned and declared against such Ministers, who use to strive to compel Men by outward force to Pay them what they call their deuce, it looking so much like an Antichristian Spirit and Practice, and not agreeable to the Gospel of Jesus Christ; were Love to Christ, and the sense of Duty, we find aught to be the only prevailing Argument to excite and provoke every Man to his Duty in this great Case. Moreover you must take heed you are not prejudiced against your Duties from mistaken and false Conclusions; because some will not Preach unless you put into their Mouths, and so make a mere Trade of Preaching. Will you not answer the requirement of God to those who are the Faithful Ministers of his Word? Because some will not relieve their Poor, unless they are forced to do it, Will you disown your Duty to the poor Saints, and not relieve them, but Object and say, 'tis too much like the National practice? Or, do you not like Preaching after that manner, i. e. with a Text, Doctrine, Reasons, and Application; because such, and such do so, whom you disown, and cannot have Communion with. Let all such weak Objections be avoided, and mentioned no more for ever. Object. You have we fear ever done it; for though we do belive 'tis the duty of the Churches to allow to their Pastors a comfortable Maintenance, who are low in the World, and so exposed to the distracting Cares of this Life, and thereby hindered in the discharge of their Duty in the Ministry. Yet for rich Men who need it not, to have an allowance, we see no reason for that. Answ. We Answer, It is not an act of Charity (to Ministers that are poor) we plead for, But we have proved it is an Ordinance of God, he hath been pleased to Ordain, that those who Preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel: 'Tis their due as they are Christ's Ministers; He is their Portion now, as well as formerly under the Law, and have therefore as much right to it, as you have to your Inheritance; and from hence he willed them when he first sent them out, to take no Money in their Purses, etc. And therefore the State of such you speak of, can't exempt you from that Ordinance, nor your duty to them; besides, is it fitting (think you) that such Minister who have Estates should waste their Substance, and injure their Children in their Faithfulness to Christ in Preaching the Gospel, and in the services of your Souls: For their Work is such, that it calls for all their time and uttermost diligence (in a right discharge of their Duty therein) and therefore thereby 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 People's 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 'tis 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 aught 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, etc. Now our desires are that they may all be wholly sequestered to the Lord's Work and Service; and not be other ways employing themselves, when they should be Preaching the Kingdom of God, but to Labour to fulfil 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 'tis 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 Knowledge? Brethren, 'tis not for ourselves, 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 Kingdom for want of Bread, some being forced, 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 Encumbrances, and so give themselves up to the Ministry of the Word. 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 World may be Enlightened, 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: We 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 Work, they are called to; 'tis 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 World, and eagerly pursue their own secular Affairs, and matter not what becomes of the Interest of Jesus Christ. No, 'tis 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 ● shame for a Minister to receive the Lord's Wages, and not do the Lord's Work; some there are in the World ●hat do not deserve the Name of Mini●…ers they doing the Work of the Lord so deceitfully. Our Churches also are 'tis like in some places in the Country but small, and ●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 ●ll, they are so little concerned in Preaching, they are better known to be Farmers, Yeomen, and Tradesman, than Preachers of the Gospel; they are entangled so in the Affairs of this Life, ●hat they have but little time to mind ●he great Work they are called to: We would ask some Ministers, whether ●hey could not do much more, Preach oftener, 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; Why what is the reason of your not doing it? Ought we not with Mary to do what we can? We conclude, this Omission of Duty either arises from the evil of your own Hearts, or else from the Remissness 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, though his Interest sinks in their Hands; whilst they thrive in their own concerns, and grow Rich in the World: Lord, what will become of such Ministers in the day o● Judgement? Can they think to loo●… Christ in the Face with Comfort, tha● have been such slothful Servants; bu● God forbidden there should be any among us who mind more thei● own trifling Affairs, than the grea● Work 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 'tis 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 you but in Love (as fellow Servants may do) to caution you; pray remember, you have the most sacred Interest and Matters of Jesus Christ committed to your Trust; 'tis the greatest Charge in the World, and you and we must be cal●ed to an Account, if Souls perish in their Sins, and the Watchman gives not suitable warning, the Blood of those Sinners God will require at the Watchman's Hands, Zeck. 3. Ministers ought to be the Light of the World, they should shine therefore in Life and Doctrine, to all round about where they live, that the People may know they have a Noah, a Preacher of Righteousness amongst them. But 2. This grand fault may arise from the People's Remissness of Duty to their Ministers; for hark, do we not hear many worthy and faithful Pastors crying out? Alas Brethren, we are no more in the Lord's Work, no more in Preaching, in Visiting, etc. Because our Families would suffer want, and what is necessary for them; we should gladly make the Gospel our whole Business, and not only watch over, and feed our own Flocks, but Preach the Gospel up and down in Towns and Villages, lying near us, if we knew how our Wives and Children might be provided for; for should we neglect that great Moral and indispensible Duty, how would the Holy Name of God be reproached? Alas, our Souls are bowed down in us, we must confess, we have daily calls to Preach, in this and that place, where to this day there has hardly been any Meeting; but we are not able to do it, and therefore, we are forced to send to London, that some Ministers might come down into our Parts, to Answer that great Call and Cry of Men and Women, for want of the Bread of Life. This is a hard Case indeed, i. e. for the Servants of Christ to have the due sense of the greatness of their work upon their Hearts, but cannot discharge it according as they see there is a Call and Occasion, by Reason the People neglect their Duty to them: But however, do what you can, and venture out, God will provide for you, and move upon the Hearts of such you Preach the Gospel to, or some other way provide for you: Improve this present Liberty, and do not let the Lord's House lie waste: Remember, Necessity is laid upon you, and woe be to you, if you Preach not the Gospel, be not Unbelieving, but trust the Providence of God; great things he expecteth from us, who has so gloriously and graciously appeared for us, and for the Land of our Nativity. Nevertheless, Let none mistake us; we do not say, 'tis unlawful for Preachers to Work or follow Callings; but as Preaching doth not make Working unlawful, neither should any Worldly Business hinder Preaching, therefore when working with our Hands will further the Gospel, we may Work; we have a Call so to do (which was once Paul's Case) but when working at Trades and Callings, does palpably tend to the hindrance of the Promulgation of the Gospel; we must give over such Working, and wholly give up ourselves to Preaching etc. 'Tis but to make an Expediment, if the People should fail you: You know your Liberty, he that Laboured with his Hands, hath by that Example set the Consciences of Ministers at Liberty, to provide for the Necessities of this Life, by other Employments, when they cannot Live of the Gospel; but this very thing Paul accounted amongst his Afflictions; and certainly, it must needs be a sore Grief and Exercise to any Godly Preacher in this Respect, i. e. when he hears People calling him, one Day to this Town to Preach, and another Day to that, and he finds he cannot Answer neither of their Calls, through the Necessities of his Famly; and the truth is, all do readily grant, that no positive Duty can Discharge a Man from the Obligations of that pure Moral and Universal Duty of providing for his Families. Brethren, you know when the Harvest proves catching, and the Painful and Laborious Harvest-men are taken off of their Business, than they may do a little Work for themselves, but when 'tis good Harvest weather, and the Harvest is great, and the Labourers but few, they must stick to it and Labour hard. Even so when the late Storms of Persecution were upon us, many of Christ's Spiritual Harvest-men were much hindered and taken off of their Work, and did may be employ themselves otherwise, in their other Affairs (few being willing to open their Doors to them;) but now the Providence of God has opened a great Door for the Gospel, and sent us Blessed Harvest Wether, and the Labourers alas! being also very few, though the Harvest is very great: How ought we to stick to our Business? There was never certainly such a Call to Ministers to Work for God as there is now; therefore that Servant that will not do his best at such an Hour, is like the Son (that Solomon speaks of) that Sleeps in Harvest and so causeth Shame. And as a wise Husbandman will not neglect a fit opportunity of gathering in his Corn, upon presumption of much fair Wether to come: So ought not we to lose the present Season for gathering in Souls to Christ, not knowing how soon Clouds may rise, and another Storm overtake us, when we cannot Work for God as now we may; and if you have not such Encouragement as you ought to have from the People, yet remember when Night comes, the Lord Jesus will well reward you for all the pains you take in his Work; yet since our Saviour saith the Labourer is worthy of his Hire, we can't think any (when they consider the Matter a little better) will any way obstruct, or hinder you in your Business through their neglect of Duty to you. Object. But doth not Christ tell his Disciples? As they had freely received, so they should freely give. Answ. We Believe this Text is not taken, or understood according to the meaning of our Saviour; for it cannot mean that Christ's Ministers should receive neither Money, Meat, or Clothes, whilst they are employed in his Work and Service, because in the very next Verse he bids them Provide neither Gold nor Silver, nor Brass in their Purses, nor two Coats, nor Scrip for their Journey; because he plainly intimates all such things they were worthy of, and might expect them from the People to whom they Preached. Therefore 'tis an horrible abuse put upon the Text, to take the Words in that Sense; as if our Blessed Master should forbid his Servants to receive a Maintenance from the People; for then indeed they might have said, Lord, If we must Preach so freely as not to receive any thing, it behoveth us to provide well for our Journey; but since they were forbid to do so, it is clear that could not be our Saviour's meaning: Besides, such a Sense is directly opposite or repugnant to those other Precepts the Lord Jesus hath laid down by his Apostles in the Epistles; wherein it is positively asserted (as you have heard) that He that is taught in the Word ought to Communicate to him that Teacheth in all good things, 1 Tim. 5.18. And that they who Minister at the Altar should partake of the Altar; God having Ordained that he that Preaches the Gospel, should live of the Gospel, 1 Cor. 9.14. Therefore we rather are of the Opinion (in respect to this Text) with a late worthy Writer; 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 ●…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 aught to provide for the Poor; yet should any seek to come into your Communion merely 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 Lucre's 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 i● 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 himself 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 show to all they are Faithful Christians, such who have an equal respect to all Christ's 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 Lucre's 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) show 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 show all true and real Zeal and Love to Christ, when they undertake his Work and Service; and not to show 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 Minister's 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 men's 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, etc. 1. Cor. 13.14. Because the Ministers of God then were enjoined to attend on His Service, he would not have them cumbered with worldly Affairs, lest (saith he) they should be hinddred from doing their Duties; as it is Written, No Man that Warreth entangleth 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 'twas Levi was not counted meet 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 straight Ways, and his Just Judgements 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, 'tis evident of necessity does remain; the Work of Ministers is great now, and 'tis 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 withhold a fit and convenient Livelihood from them. Nay, and we must say, that which any withhold from the Servants of God, is the Lord's, and none of theirs; for he lays claim to part of their Substance, as that which He has Ordained to his own special service and use of His Faithful Ministers. Quest. May every one then that Preaches expect an Allowance, though they Preach but now and then. Answ. That must be left to the Wisdom and Consideration of the Church; who ought to consider the Persons Circumstances, with the Call he hath to Preach, etc. But principally it belongs to those who are set a part to that Work, whose Strength and Time is taken up about the great Affairs of Christ and the Gospel. Thus we have endeavoured to discharge our Duty as touching this great Work, and have we hope Answered all the material Objections any have to bring, or urge against the Minister's Maintenance: But since we have a little Room we shall add some brief hints further, to show the great charge and work of a true Gospel Minister, and so conclude; that all may see how needful a thing it is, that every one take care to discharge their Duty in this matter to them, whereby also the Justness and Righteousness of the Law, and appointment of God herein, may yet further appear to all. The Great and Weighty Work of a True Gospel Minister opened. THE Nature and Weightiness of the Work of the Faithful Servant of Christ, together with the necessity and difficulty of it, we shall consider in its parts in a brief and compendious manner. First, 'Tis a Holy and a sublime Office; he is placed in a very high Sphere and Station, hence called the Ambassador of Christ; What higher Dignity can be conferred on Man? The greatness of the Prince whose Messengers they are, sets forth their Dignity; they are in Christ's stead Employed in the great Affairs of His Spiritual Kingdom; and have received Authority from Him, and are also prepared and qualified for this Sacred Work by Him, and indeed therefore ought to be blameless, as the Stewards of God: And hence it is that those who are said to receive them, receive Him; and those who despise them, despise Him. O! with what Holy Fear, Dread, and Reverence ought they to enter upon this Work and Office, lest they should dishonour their great and glorious Prince and Heavenly Sovereign, whom they represent! Is it not a weighty thing to be made the Mouth of Christ? 2. Nay, and this is not all, they are entrusted with matters of the highest moment in the World, Christ having committed the Management of his Glorious Interests, and great concerns he has on Earth into their Hands; they are sent to treat with poor Sinners about Eternal Matters, even the Eternal Life, or Eternal Death and Damnation of their Precious and Immortal Souls, in and about these things Ministers of the Gospel are Fellow Workers together with Christ. 2. Cor. 6.1. Though but as Instruments, serving him as the principal Agent, and efficient Cause: He trod the Winepress of his Father's Wrath alone; but in the Application of the purchase of Man's Salvation, he admits of Fellow-workers, though the internal Work be his, i. e. the effects of his Spirits upon the Souls of those whose Hearts are changed; yet there is a Ministerial part which lieth on the faithful Discharge of the Minister's Duty, which consisteth partly in Exhortations, Motives and Arguments, by the Ear conveyed to the Soul; and thus Ministers may be said to be Workers together with Christ, and without him they can do nothing, they are Workers, but they must have Christ Work with them, or they will find that they Labour in Vain. But is it not think you a high and most sacred Place and Office thus to be employed? May not every one of us say, who are sufficient for these things, for we are unto God (saith the Apostle) a sweet savour of Christ in them that are saved, and in them that perish, 2 Cor. 2. for that God whom we, serve, will not Judge of us, nor reward us according to our Success (as a worthy Author observes) but according to our Faithfulness and Diligence in his Work, we give (as if Paul should say) a good savour by our Doctrine unto all, and our Labours are a sweet savour in the Nostrils of God, whatever effects they have upon the Souls of Men; God accepteth of our Labours, as to good Men, to whom we are Instruments of Eternal Life and Salvation; and though others despise the Gospel, and refuse the sweet sound thereof; yet as to them also, we are a sweet savour in the Nostrils of God, though Israel be not saved, saith the Prophet, yet I shall be glorious; it is not through any neglect in us, as to our duty if any perish, but from their own Wilfulness and Rebellious Hearts. To the one, we are the savour of Death unto Death, and to the other, the savour of Life unto Life. And who is sufficient for these things. ver. 16. As sweet smells, which are to some pleasant and comfortable (saith a Worthy Author) yet are to others pernicious and deadly; so it is with the sweet savour of the Gospel; the report which we in all places make of Christ, to some (through their unbelief, and hardness of their Heart, and fondness of their Lusts) proveth; but the Savour of Death unto Death, hardening their Hearts to their Eternal Ruin and Destruction; but to such who (being ordained to Eternal Life; believe our Report, and) embrace the Gospel, and live up to the Precepts and Rule thereof; our Preaching proves a Cause of Spiritual and Eternal Life to which that leadeth; but O how great a work is this! What Man? What Angel, is sufficient for it? O it is a mighty Work to Preach the Gospel, as we ought to Preach it; it is that by which Faith cometh, How shall they believe on him, of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear, without a Preacher? And how shall they Preach, except they are sent? Rom. 10.14. i e. Unless they have an extraordinary or ordinary Mission, i. e. either from God more immediately (which Call is long since ceased) or else, by the Election of the Church, and Ordination of the Elders, or Presbytery; this is necessary in all Regular Ministers: How else can they duly or profitably in the Name and Authority of Christ, preach the Word of Life? Brethren, (you who are Christ's true Ministers being orderly called to this sacred Work,) your Preaching hath attendency, either to save, or eternally to condemn the Souls of Men; and with what trembling then, ought this Work to be undertaken and performed; you are entrusted with Men's Souls, and must be accountable for them; especially, such who are committed to your Charge; did we consider it, and duly ponder upon it in our Minds, certainly, we should have little else to think upon, nor trouble our Heads and Hearts about, it would be sure cause us to be more Serious, and Laborious, we are persuaded, than we are: What shall we do, if through our Neglect and Remissness in this great Work, any should die and perish in their Sins? Mind what God saith in that of Ezek. 3.18. Unto his Watchman, When I say unto the wicked, thou shalt surely die, and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his way, to save his Life, the same wicked man shall die in his Iniquity, but his Blood I will require at thine Hand; though some do profanely scoff and deride, yet must we speak to them, and warn them, until it do appear they are such as will turn again and rend us, Men must be told their Sins, and their Dangers, that so we (as Instruments in God's Hand) may preserve their Souls, and recall them a● once both from Sin and Death, the Man who is not warned, will certainly die in his Sins, his Ignorance will not be sufficient to prevent his Ruin and Damnation; but if Ministers admonish him not, warn him not, that will involve them also under Gild and Danger, God will punish such Ministers and Watchmen, who possibly might have saved those perishing Sinners, however they ought to have warned them, And Hence how Careful was St. Paul, see Acts 20.26. that ye might be pure from the Blood of all Men; he appeals to the Church of Ephesus, in that matter they knowing his great Care, Faithfulness, and unwearied Industry, upon every Respect; and shows that no Soul had been lost through his default, he having sincerely, and in all simplicity declared to them the way of Life, and persuaded them to walk therein, and had not kept back any part of the Will and Mind of Christ from them, but had showed them the whole Counsel of God, and ceased not for ●hree Years (which was all the whole ●ime he was amongst them) to warn ●very one Night and Day with Tears. Acts 20.31. The precious Worth of the Immortal Souls of Men lay upon the Spirit and Conscience of this Blessed Apostle: And in this he laid forth himself as an Example for all true and faithful Ministers, who are in●oyned elsewhere to follow his Steps. ●f one Soul be worth more than all the World; How great is the charge of Christ's Ministers, that have many Souls committed to their Care and Trust? But 2. This is not all, they are Entrusted with that Holy, High, and Peculiar Interest which Jesus Christ hath ●ere below, which is dearer to him ●han Ten Thousand Worlds; He is gone into Heaven, and hath left H●… great Concerns He hath here 〈◊〉 Earth to them to mind and look after 〈◊〉 and take the care of: For the good of which, and to carry it on, and for the perfecting of it: He hath shed His most Precious Blood, and given His Holy Spirit to them in the Gifts and Graces of it, and appointed them a Livelihood, without being encumbered with worldly Business; and hath also promised them a Crown of Glory at last, if they abide Faithful to the end, assuring them that they, and all others who turn many to Righteousness, shall shine as the Stars for ever more. Dan. 12.2,3. 3. They are not only Stewards of the Mysteries of God, 1 Cor. 4.1. But also Entrusted with the charge and care of his Churches, and Holy Doctrine of the Gospel; Ministers are the Stewards of Christ's House: Moreover, It is required in Stewards, that a Man be found Faithful, 1 Cor. 4.2. Especially such Servants who are entrusted with their Master's Goods, to be dispensed out to others: Now the Faithfulness of such Stewards lies in ●heir giving to every one their due Portion, according to their Master's order, and not detaining any thing from others which he hath ordered them to have; the same in quality, not Water instead of Wine, nor Dross instead of Gold: not men's Inventions and Traditions, instead of his Holy Sacraments and Sacred Institutions. And the same for quantity; not now and then a small Portion, but as Christ hath provided plenty, so they should plentifully hand forth to all His Servants: And they also must be Faithful to cherish and strengthen the Weak, and heal with all Skill and Tenderness the wounded and sickly Ones of Christ's Family, and every way improve their Master's Money, and do what they can to gather in Souls to him: For one chief End of Gospel Ministry is for the gathering together of the Saints; as well as for the Edifying the Body of Christ; therefore in every place where there is a Door opened for them, they must work hard whilst there are any Sinners to be called into the Vineyard, and must not leave their Master's Business to follow their own; especially when they know not but Christ hath much People in and about the place where they live, who are to be brought into His Fold. Secondly, The necessity and usefulness of their Work and Ministration is opened by divers other Metaphors: viz. they are called Shepherds; What would soon become of the Sheep, if the Shepherd should be careless, they will quickly go astray, etc. the Wolf would devour them. They are called also Guides, and of Old Seers and Watchmen; being set to discover and give warning of approaching danger. The Greatness and Labouriousness of their Work, is set forth by their being called Planters, Builders, and Labourers. The Dignity and Honourableness of their Work and Office is set forth by their being called Fathers, Angels, Ambassadors, Stars and Rulers: Now from the whole it must needs appear to all, that the Ministers Work is hard and difficult: We may well say, Who is sufficient for these things? 'Tis such a Work that it caused some of God's Servants of Old, to undertake it with much Trembling; nay it made Moses to cry out, Send by whom thou wilt send. Exod. 4.13, 'Tis so hard and difficult, that a man with all his acquired Parts is not sufficient for it; nay, a Saint with all his Spiritual Gifts and Graces is not able to perform it without fresh supplies of renewed Strength every Day. But to proceed, the difficulty of the Ministers Work lies in these respects following. First, In regard of themselves who are Employed in it. 1. They are but Men; Son of Man I have made thee a Watchman. And as they are men, so commonly they are not the wisest and most learned in respect of humane Parts and Knowledge neither. You see your Calling Brethren. 2. Man at best is but a Worm, he is but a poor dark-sighted Creature, we (saith the Apostle) know but in part. 3. Man at best with all his Accomplishments, is attended with Weakness, and carries about with him, a Body of Sin and Death. Rom. 7. 4. Man at best with all his Heavenly Graces, hath but small Skill, and short Experiences. 5. Man at best is subject to great Discouragements, and liable to many grievous Temptations. Secondly, The difficulty of their Business, lies in the Work itself, the Minister's Employment is hard, and no ways easy. Because, 1. 'Tis a Mysterious Work, what Mysteries are greater than those a Minister is to study, and dive into? Without Controversy, great is the Mystery of Godliness. 1 Tim. 3.16. But we speak the Wisdom of God in a Mystery, even the hidden Wisdom. 1 Cor. 2.7. That which the most wise, and knowing in the same Art, can reach or understand but part of, must needs be a great Mystery; but so it is here, for the Apostles who had the greatest and clearest Knowledge of these Mysteries, as any ever had in the World; yet declare, they knew but in part, and saw but in part, darkly, as through a Glass. ver. 13.9.12. 'Tis such a Mystery, that he that thinks he knows any thing, knows nothing, as he ought to know. What a Mystery is that of the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus? That the Nature of Man should be joined to the Divine Nature of God, and both make but one Christ. What a Mystery is there in the Doctrine of Faith? 1. That a Man should go out of himself, and be carried above himself, to believe things impossible to Man's Natural Reason, that he should seek for Justification, by the Righteousness and Obedience of another; for a Man (as one would think) to have a great store of Holiness, and good Works, and yet throw it (as it were) all away, and be dead to it in point of Trust, and Dependence, is to Natural Men a strange Mystery. 2. To believe when every thing is opposite to it: To Work for Life, and oppose some Sin, a Natural Man is ready to do; but to believe in Christ, for Life and Holiness, to rely on his Do, his Works, his Merits; this the Heart of Man can't understand, but is naturally averse to; nay, and Satan also opposeth it, and the World mocks at it, and accounts it Foolishness. 3. That a Man should believe and not see; nay, believe as Abraham did, in hope, against hope is a Mystery. Yet, may be there are some greater Mysteries than this which a Minister is to Study, in respect of Christ the Mediator; his Work, Offices, Glorious Covenant, Ordinances, and Providences of God in the World, and therefore his Work is a difficult Work. 2. 'Tis difficult, in that it calls for the greatest Care and Exactness imaginable, every thing must be done according, to the Holy Pattern set by Christ in the Gospel, there must be no adding to, no diminishing from, nor altering of any thing in the least, without eternal hazard and danger. 3. 'Tis difficult and very hard in that it calls for the greatest strength that the most strong in Grace and Wisdom can arrive unto, it requires all the Powers of the whole Soul to be exerted or put forth to a right Discharge thereof. 4. It calls not only for all our strength, but also all our Time and Diligence; a slothful or Idle Person is not fit to be a Minister, 'tis a work that must be followed continually, let the times be what they will; Preach the Word, be instant in season, and out of season, reprove, exhort, with all long Suffering, and Doctrine; be not Slothful, but Diligent, fear no Faces, regard no Threats, respect no Man's Person, reprove all impartially, be not fawning nor flattering Preacher; nor like those who rather vent their own Passion, than pursue the end of Instruction, and Reformation of Souls; and this is a hard Work to do. 5. 'Tis difficult Work, in respect of the opposition that is made against them, and the Grand Obstructions they meet withal. 1. From their own Hearts, the Flesh is weak, though the Spirit indeed is willing, many times, that it is ready to say with Peter, Master, pity thyself; Why dost thou spend thy Time, thy Strength, and beware out thy poor Body at this sort? Less may do, etc. Besides, The Heart of a Minister (who is sensible of the Nature of his Work,) causes him oft to tremble, in Consideration of his Unfitness, and Unworthiness for such a sacred Undertaking and Employment. 2. From Sin, in dwelling Sin, and other Humane Frailties; alas, they are Men of like Passion and Infirmities with others. 3. From Satan, he is an Implacable Enemy to them, and to their Work; hence he raises up all the Opposition against them imaginable, to hinder them in their Business, or take them off of it, or make them Remiss and Negligent in doing it, we are not Ignorant (saith Paul) of his devices. 2 Cor. 2.11. 4. From the World, 1. by Reproaches and Contradictions of Ungodly Men, 2. By Heretics and False-Teachers, with these they are forced to fight, and many times are hard put to it, as Paul when he engaged those evil Beasts at Ephesus. 5. Lastly, By Persecutors, always the heat of this Battle falls upon Christ's poor Ministers; they are the Mark these wicked Archers shoot at; hence they like Paul are oft in Bonds, and Prisoners for Christ's sake. Now, put all these things together, and is it not needful (think you) that your poor Ministers be thought upon, and encouraged by you, as Christ hath appointed? But we shall say no more, only, conclude all with one Word to our Fellow Labourers. Brethren, let us strive to double our Diligence, and show to all the sense of the greatness of our work is upon our Spirits; and though we have not that encouragement from the People that God has Ordained; yet, remember we serve a good Master: Besides, a Necessity is laid upon us, we must Preach the Gospel; and let us, be contented, with that State and Portion we meet with in the World; 'tis our great Business to approve ourselves the Ministers of Christ, in Labours, in Watch, in Fast, by Pureness, by Knowledge, by the Holy Ghost, by Love unfeigned, by the Word of Truth, by the Power of God, by the Armour of Righteousness, on the Right Hand, and on the Left; by Honour, and Dishonour; by evil Report, and good Report, 2 Cor. 6.5,6,7,8. Possibly, we may be reproached, and sensured for what we have done, and said, in this small Tract. But should it be so, we matter it not, since we have the Testimony of our Consciences, that our Design is the Glory of God, and the promoting his Blessed Gospel in the Nation, and the good of his poor Churches; and also, because we know we have the sure Word of God to confirm the Truth of what we plead for: Wherhfore, whilst we make it appear to all, 'tis not the Hire, the Wages, etc. that we aim at, but contrariwise, the Honour of the ever blessed God, and to Witness to the Sanction of every one of his Just and most Holy Precepts, we cannot be without Peace in our own Souls. FINIS.