Tithes proved unlawful to be paid unto Ministers, for or towards their maintenance; both by Divine and human Right.  
By answering a Letter set forth to the Parishioners of Wolcom in Kent,( here is the copy of the Letter, verbatim) to persuade them to it.  
Minister. Concerning the maintenance of the Minister, consider these Propositions.  
It is the Law of Christ that the Ministers of the gospel, 
〈…〉  should live of the gospel, as the reward of their labour. Luk. 10.7.  
This maintenance of the Minister of the gospel, 
〈…〉  is not to be left to the peoples choice, whether they will maintain their Minister or not, but the Magistrate ought to require the people to maintain their Minister, according as God shall prosper them. Rom. 13.3.4.5.6.7.  
The reason is; first, because that in the time of the Law, 
〈…〉  there was a certain maintenance for the Ministers of the Law, and if the people were negligent therein, the Governours of the people required it in the behalf of the Minister, therefore there ought to be a certain maintenance for the Ministers of the gospel, that the Magistaate may require it, for there is no ceremony in the certainty of it. 2 Because ministers are bound to instruct and feed the people Acts 20.28. therefore the people are bound to maintain their Minister for by the same reason that the people should be free to the maintaining of their Minister, the Minister should be left free to feed the people. 3 Because experience teaches us, if men were left to their own liberty, Ministers should not have wherewith to maintain themselves families, and to give to the poor; as is required 1 Tim. 3.2, 3, 4, 5. for some would give little or nothing through covetousness, others, though the Lord were pleased to increase the fruits of the ground, yet the Minister should suffer for their ill husbandry, they will pretend they are behind hand, when the faults their own, &c. Others would merely dislike the Minister, that they might allow him no maintenance: The truly considerable are but few in the visible Church, Mat. 7.14.  
Although tenths are not required in the gospel, 
Pr 〈…〉  a competent and sufficient maintenance is; therefore the Magistrate may require tenths, as an equal and competent maintenance.  
1 The reason, it is a most equal way to have every thing in its kind, according as God shall prosper them; as is the Apostles rule, Gal. 6.6. That is, he is to make him partakers of parte of his Increase.  
2 The tenths is the corn of the barn, and the abundance of the winepress, Num. 10.27. that is more or less as God shall give increase unto the fruits of the earth, which is the most equal and indifferent way, for then the Minister: as God blesseth them shall partake of their blessings, and if they suffer loss, he likewise beareth the burden with them.  
3 The tenths being first appointed of God, must needs be an equal way for Ministers and people to live on: 1. Because Gods ways are all equal ways, and I desire to know in what tithes were or can be ceremonial as they are the maintenance of the Ministers.  
4 The tenths were bestowed upon the Ministrs by the Parliament, with the voluntary consent of the people as a most equal maintenance, and as long as the Parliament continues it: Ministers have the same right to it, as the people have to their land, and the rest of their corn even the law of the kingdom.  
Prop. 1. Whereas the Minister said, It is the Law of Christ, that the Ministers of the gospel, should live of the gospel, as reward of their labour, luk. 10.7.  
I aclowledge it is true, that is the portion, the Lord Jesus hath laid them out in the gospel, for the Maintenance of their ministry, the free gift of the people set before them, Mat. 10.8. Luk. 10.7. 1 Cor. 9 9. Rom. 15.26. 2 Cor. 9.7, 10. And all other portions, are Idolitrous inventions of covetous or distrustful men, which like not Christs maintenance for their ministry, but will make, or cause to be made, an other portion besides Christ, as though the Lord of all the earth had not had wisdom to appiont Sufficient wages for his laborious in his vineyard, Or had been so negligent, to leave them unprovided for when they had laboured. Therefore flee not from your first foundation, for that is the true portion: and that Minister which is not content with that portion, is an Idolater, Ephes. 5. coneting that which is not by the lord appointed him, makes and adds a maintenance to himself, whereby he breaks the 2. Commandment, Exo. 20.4. and brings all the curses in Gods Book upon himself, Rev. 18. denies Christs provision( for the maintenance of his Ministers) to be sufficient, and ought not to be permitted a menber of any Church of Christ Ps. 101.34, Jer. 15.17.19. nor yet Communicated with, by any that truly obey the Lord Jesus, Ps. 26.45. 2 Cor. 6.17  
Pro. 2 Whereas you say the Ministers maintenance is not left to the peoples choice, whether they will maintain their minister or not, but the magistrate ought to require the people to maintain him from Rom. 13.4, 5, 6, 7.  
I answer, You are more desirous of money, then conscionable of the truth; for the first, you allege from Luk. 10.7. it is by the free gift of the people; Now you leave that and flee to, Rom. 13.5, 6, 7. contradicting the former for if it be free; as it is, the worldy magistrates,( which you pled for) have nothing to do with it. And you know there were no Christian Magistrates, that did help to maintain, Christs Ministers in all the Apostles time, neither had Christs Ministers any other portion then the peoples free gift, Luk. 10.7. and I marvel Popery should so reign in you in abusing Scriptures as you do, Rom. 13.3, 4, 5.6, 7. Were not all magistrates then Heathen worshippers of Diana, Act. 19.27. and did they force or appoint maintenance for Christs Ministers; Nay, they persecuted them and Spoiled what they had: By free disposition of the people of the Church provided for them, Heb. 10.34. and doth not that tax bind ministers and people to pay custom and Tribute to those Heathen magistrates, not of the Church, Wherefore I pray let not covetousness, cause you so to take the Name of God in vain in abusing Scripture to make a cullour to blindefould well affencted people. Thus your doctrine and Inference being both answered, all your following reasons, which are but to illustrate them, are of no validity for when the foundation of a building is taken away, there will be no remainder left, that needs any pulling down.  
Reason. 1. And whereas you allege, in the time of the Law, there was a certain maintenance for the Ministers of the Law, and if the people were negligent therein, the Governours of the people, requeired it in the behalf of the Minister; therefore there ought to be a certain maintenance for the Ministers of the the Gospel, that the magistrate may require it, for there is no ceremony in the certainty of it.  
I Answer. In the time of the Law the church was Terestriall, Heb. 12.22. and had earthly power, and was only in jerusalem and no where else, Act. 17.30. Yet the magistrate in that time required it not of any but those of the Church which were willing, Psal. 110.3. for in Hezekiah his time ten Tri●hs were not under his power, and of them he had no jurisdiction, 2 Chro. 30.10. and many of the Hittites, Perazites, and Girgazites, &c. Were left in the Land, Ezra 9.1. They brought nothing to offear in Sacrifice, for the Hire of a Whore and price of a Dog they never( throw covetousness) put in the Sacrifice of their God. Deut. 23.18 And Christ Jesus when he made his great spiritual Supper, never forced nor required any thing but of those that made excuse, or refused to come, Luk. 14.24. though he were angry with them, but refused thier company at his spiritual banquet, and when they were out of Canan the Priests in the law, must live by the free gift of the people, or else have nothig and this land is not Teresttiall, Canan, 
R 〈…〉  and for celestial I believe you will aclowledge England is not, therefore of no use but to binldfold people, to satisfy the inordinate desire of covetous Ministers, or Belly-gods of this time, who would be Christs servants, but like not his wages. And now Christs Church is a celestial church, 
M 〈…〉  with heavenly power, and no earthly power, 2 Cor. 10.4. Mat. 26.5. Rev. 13.10. wherefore if you will infer, from the law to the Gospel, as then the portion that Christ appointed for his Ministers, was required by the Magistrate of the Church, of the flock of the same Church, that they might eat of the milk of the same flock, 1 Cor. 9.7. and not milk others flocks; So now the Deacon or Ruler, who are Magistrates in the Church, may( by their spiritual power, in this spiritual Church) require( if the flock be able) maintenance for their Minister, but if the flock be not able, he must work and maintain himself, 1 Cor. 9.12. Act. 20.34. 1 Thes. 2.9. for no good shepherd shear his Flock in winter, but tarry till they can spare the fleece; and that the burden of it will hurt them if it be not taken from them, and did ever the Jews go to other then Church power for their Ministers maintenance, did they go to worldly power, they were never so beastly, and I am sure tis more baseness now, Heb. 2.2. for Christs Ministers to run to worldly power( not permitted to have being in Christs spiritual kingdom. 1 Cor. 7.23. 1 Cor. 6.12.) for help for maintenance for ther Ministers. If an Ambassador of a worldly King, should go a begging to other Kingdoms( though friends to the King) for money to bare his charges in his embassage( saying, provide better for us, we cannot live on our masters provision) were it not abusing their King, and dealing basely with him, how much wore this? They that like not Christs wages, need not meddle with his morke.  
Minist. And whereas you say, there is no ceremony in the certainty of it.  
I Answer, Tithes a ceremony of the Law, Heb. 7.12.13. and therefore and the law of Tithes must needs bee changed, and the Priesthood of the Gospel belonged to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the Altar, for our Lord sprung out of Judah, who is made, not after the carnal Commandement, for the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of better hope then Tithes or a levitical Priesthood was, and the certainty of it was likewise a ceremony, pointing out the certain riches the Lord in his Priesthood should bring( at his coming to be born in the flesh) unto the souls of his people more then they had in the former age, John 14.26. And the certainty of a better Testament, established upon better promises. Heb. 8.6. and a better kingdom that cannot be shaken, Heb. 12.28. Therefore taking and paying of Tithes, denies Christ come in the flesh, and the better hope the Gospel affordeth more then the law, Heb. 7.19.  
Your second Reason is, Because Ministers bee bound to instruct and feed the people, Act. 20.28. therefore the people are bound to maintain their Minister, for by the same reason the people should be left free to the maintenance of their Minister, The Minister should be left free to feed the people.  
I Answer, You see the Minister is left free, how big a portion he brings unto them every Sabbath day, So by your own argument, the people ought to be left free how big a portion they will contribute or provide, or give unto him; Thus you are forced by Gods over-ruling power to confess the truth( as Balaam did) in the striving for Idolatrous maintenance.  
Your third Reason is, because experience teacheth us, 
〈…〉  if men were left to their own liberties, Ministers should not have enough wherewith to maintain themselves families, and to give to the poor as is required; 1 Tim. 2, 3, 4, 5. For some people would give little or nothing through covetousness, others though the Lord were pleased to increase the fruits of the ground, yet the Minister should suffer for their ill-husbandry, they will pretend they are behind hand, when the fault is their own; &c. Others would merely dislike the Minister, that they might allow him no maintenance; The truly considerable, are but few in the Visible Church, Mat. 7.14.  
Whereas you say experience teacheth, &c. I answer it is infidelity; you dare not trust the Lord of life with your body, whom you say you dare trust with your soul: Surely if he will save the soul, he will not starve the body. Thus wanting faith to believe, you are carried with carnality, to condemn the Lord in his provision: If Abraham had reasoned thus with flesh and blood, he had never sacrificed( in his purpose) Isaac his son, nor yet been counted the father of the faithful. Pray cast away carnality, abate a little pomp, and follow the example of those that wandered in Leather raiment, whom the world was not worthy of, Heb. 11.37. and sell not your soul to Satan( as Balaam did Numb. 22.) for a little platery pelf.  
2 And whereas, you allege you are required to give unto the poor; I marvel you dare abuse the mind of the Holy Ghost so vilely, to get yourself money. Is there any such words in 1 Tim. 3.2, 3, 4, 5. are not the words these, Given to hospitality, that is a man free from covetousness; one that if he have spare will freely let his poor Brethren partake with him, in that he enjoyeth. I pray what and to whom did Paul give, when he was hungry and naked; 2 Cor. 6.4.10. Surely he wanted for himself, and then could not give others; Then cast away pride and covetousness, and your eyes will be clearer to see the true interpretation of the gospel.  
3 And whereas you say, some people would give no thing through covetousness; I believe it is true, if you must needs have a Babylonious Church, of all good and bad together; Rev. 18.4. For in babel Christs word is of little power or none,( except to condemn.) But in Zion such people are not appointed of God to have being, Psal. 10.7. But carnal Ministers must have carnal maintenance, and carnal company. But such shall never stand excepted before the Lord, neither be his mouth unto his people, because they take not the precious from the vile. Jer. 15.19. Rev. 18 4.  
4 And whereas you say others would allow them nothing, &c. Neither would they be of his Church, if he were in Christs Church. For he that is upright in his ways, is an abomination to the wicked. Prov. 29.27. They are not able to endure there, nor yet long to hear him. Experience teacheth the same; where the true Church is they will flee away of themselves, the word of God doth to pierce their very thoughts, Heb. 4.12.  
5 And whereas you say the truly considerable are, but few in the Visible Church from Math. 7.14.  
It is true; Therefore not whole Parishes, as you would have it, but if one of a Parish, or two of a bigger company come to Zion, Ieremies prophesy is fulfilled, Jer. 3.14. And the way is narrow, and few find it, and the Gate straight and few enter, Math. 7.13. And let nearest alone in babel, till God pull his peculiar thence.  
And whereas you allege, although Tenths are not required in the Gospel, a competent and sufficient maintenance is: Therefore the Magistrate may require Tenths, as an equal and competent maintenance.  
Thus you confess, in the gospel, Tenths are not Christs appointed wages for the maintenance of His Ministers; Therefore tenths for the maintenance of Christs Ministers, is not of God, by your own grant: If not of God, then of the devil. And whosoever receiveth it for the maintenance of his ministry, receiveth the portion of the devil, and he that payeth any, payeth the Divels portion, and serveth him as the children of Israel did, Lev. 17.7.  
2 And whereas you say a competent maintenance is allowed the Minister.  
I confess it, but the difference is; whether Chaists appointed portion, is a competent maintenance for His Ministers, or whether the Magestrate can set a more equal one then he hath. I answer; Christs portion in his gospel is a sufficient maintenance for all His Ministers, and all other portions are unequal, Idolatrous, and Rebellious against Christs commandements, Col. 2.21.22. Rev. 22.18.  
3 And whereas you allege, Tenths is the equalest portion; I answer, if it be and Christ hath not appointed if( as you affirm) then Christ hath not appointed the equalest portion for his Ministers maintenance, Then he hath not done well, Then he is a Sinner. Then faith is vain, and all are dead in their sins that look for Salvation by him: Thus for money you fear not to Blaspheme the very Saviour of the world.  
4 And whereas you allege Tenths were bestowed upon the Ministers by the Parliament, with the voluntary consent of the people, as a most equal maintenance, and as long as the Parliament continueth it, Ministers have right unto it, as the people have to their lands, and the rest of their corn, even the law of our kingdom.  
I Answer, the Tenths were by parliament and by consent of the people, Established for Massing Priests to red mass, Therefore an Idolatrous gift, and Idolatrous establishment, unlawful in the Giver, unlawful in the Actors, and therefore remaines to their right hairs that gave it, and Parliament, and people ought all to repent of such a cursed Action. And if you allege Edward altered it, I answer, he changed the Idol maintenance from the latin mass Priest, to the English mass Priest, witness his passifying the Cornish-Men, and this Parliaments overthrowing the English mass or Service book, and pray tell me whether God Ordained the Parliament, to make laws for his Ministers Maintenance, Or appointed them to take the laws his Son Christ Jesus had made concerning their maintenance in his Worship, If Parliaments be to appoint it, then all the Primitive age, I mean not the Primitive age of Antichrist) the Ministers of the Gospel had nothing appointed them by the Lord Jesus to live by, when they had laboured, which is a shane to affirm; Therefore here what the Prophet Isaiah saith, to Gods Law( if you look for Salvation by Jsus Christ) and his testimony, if any speak not according to this Word it is because the lightis not in them, and and they shall pass thorough it hardly bestead, and hungry, and that when they shall be hungrey, they shall fret themselves, and Curse their King, and their God and look upwards, and they shall look unto the earth, and behold, trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish, and they shall be driven to darkesse.  
And now you that say, Gods way of provision for his Ministers is not equal, but your way of provision for them is equal: harken unto these,  
Every true Minister of the Gospel of Christ, is well contented with the wages Christ hath appointed for his Maintenance in the ministry, Phil. 4.11.  
Ye therefore( that are the Ministers of the Church of England) are not contented with the wages Christ hath appointed in his Gospel for your Maintenance, Because you are not the true Ministers of Christ. 
Isa   
2 Those that make a maintenance for the Ministers of the Gospel, other then Christ hath made in his written Word, are Idoliters, under Gods curse, and breakers of the Second commadment, 1 Sam. 15.22. Ephesians. 5. Psalm. 115.8. Revelation. 22.18. Deut. 5.32. col. 2.21. Exod. 20.4, 5.  
Ye therefore( that are of the church of England are Idolaters, under Gods curse, and breakers of the second commandement.  
Because ye have made a Maintenance for Ministers, other then christ hath made in his written Word.  
3 Those that take or require maintenance( for their ministry) other then the Lord Christ hath appointed in his gospel, deny Christ to reign over them in appointing them wages. Luk. 19.27. Isa. 24.5, 6.  
Ye therefore( that are Ministers of the Church of England) deny Christ to reign over you, in appointing you your wages.  
Because you take and require other maintenance( for your ministry) then Christ hath appointed in his gospel.  
To him will the Lord look that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at his word. He that killeth an ox, is as if he slay a man, he that sacrificeth a Lamb, as if he cut a dogs neck, he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered Swines blood: he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol: yea they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.  
Now we pray you in Christs stead, be ye reconciled unto God.  
For he that gathered much, had nothing over; and he that gathered little had no lack.  
By me JOHN TVRNER, Prisoner in Westminster, for maintaining Christ Jesus to be alone Law-giver in His Worship.  
DEsiring the learned, who say Christ hath not set Gods form of Worship in His written word, to endure for ever for their direction, though it be sufficient for His Beloveds directions; To answer me these six ensuing questions, which are fit for a child( well educated) of ten yeares old to know.  
1 Whether the Lord Jesus Christ, did not set the just form of Gods worship in His written word, to endure for ever unto His Church and people? or not.  
2 Whether the Lord Jesus did not give the Apostle Paul as much power and authority in ecclesiastical or Church affairs, as ever he gave any man, or intended any man should have upon Earth in after ages? or not.  
3 Whether every particular Church of Christ, have not power from him( without the help or assistance of any) to punish those that are offenders among them, in ecclesiastical affairs? or not.  
4 Whether the means Christ appointed in His gospel( and those in the primitive age laid by) be not sufficient wages for his Ministers to maintain them? or not.  
5 Whether Christ were so unkind when He took His leave of His beloved Spouse, as not to give here power, to make her own houshold-Officers, Servants, or Ministers, which he hath appointed to attend on her? or not.  
6 What weapons Christ gave unto His Spouse, and her Officers, or Ministers to make use of in the governing of His Church, or family, in ecclesiastical affairs?  
JOHN TVRNER.  
FINIS.