A47561:82
The gospel minister's maintenance vindicated Wherein, a regular ministry in the churches, is first…
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 baptized congregations, by several elders in and about the City of London.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 vveghtiness of that sacred vvork and office clearly evinc'd. Recommended to the baptized congregations, by several elders in and about the City of London.
London : printed, and are to be sold by John Harris at the Harrow, in the Poultry, 1689London : printed, and are to be sold by John Harris at the Harrow, in the Poultrey, 1689
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Which if you do not, our Saviour saith ye are not worthy of him;⟨p. 67⟩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 then they shall be at: As also, whilst Careless and mind not what want of Faithful Labourers there may be abroad in other ⟨p. 68⟩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 ⟨p. 69⟩manifold Afflictions, diverse 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;