A continuation of the exposition of the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the…

1. The Change made in the way of Maintenance pretended so disadvantageous unto Ministers of the Gospel, is no other but a part of that Universal Alteration, wherein Carnal things are turned into those that are more Spiritual, which was made by the bringing in of the Kingdom of Christ. And if Ministers may complain that they have by the Gospel lost the former Allotment of Sacred Officers in Tithes, the People may as well complain that they have no Inheritances in the Land of Canaan. But he is unworthy the Name of a Minister of the Gospel, who is not satisfied with what our Lord hath Ordained in every kind. And as for those who indeed think better of what was of Use in Judaism or Heathenism, than what is warranted by the Gospel, I shall not debate the matter with them. Wherefore as yet I Judge, that the taking of the Maintenance of Sacred Ministers from the Law of a Carnal Commandment, enforcing of it, charging it on the Grace and Duty of the Church, is a perfective Alteration, becoming the Spirituality and Glory of the Kingdom of Christ. For,

1. The Change made in the way of Maintenance pretended so disadvantagious unto Ministers of the Gospel, is no other but a part of that Universal Alteration, wherein Carnal things are turned into those that are more Spiritual, which was made by the bringing in of the Kingdom of Christ. And if Ministers may complain that they have by the Gospel lost the former Allottment of Sacred Officers in Tithes, the People may as well complain that they have no Inheritances in the Land of Canaan. But he is unworthy the Name of a Minister of the Gospel, who is not satisfied with what our Lord hath Ordained in every kind. And as for those who indeed think better of what was of Use in Judaism or Heathenism, than what is warranted by the Gospel, I shall not debate the matter with them. Wherefore as yet I Judge, that the taking of the Maintenance of Sacred Ministers from the Law of a Carnal Commandment, enforcing of it, charging it on the Grace and Duty of the Church, is a perfective Alteration, becoming the Spirituality and Glory of the Kingdom of Christ. For,

2. This way is the most Honourable way, and that which casts the greatest Respect upon them. Even the Princes and Rulers of the World have their Revenue and Supportment from the Substance of the People. Now I would only ask, whether it would not be more Honourable that the People should willingly and of their own accord bring in their Contribution, than merely pay it under the Compulsion of a Law. For in this latter way, no Man knoweth whether they have the least true Honour for their Ruler or Regard unto his Office. But if it might be done in the former, all the World must take Notice what Reverence, Regard, and Honour they have for the Person and Dignity of their Prince. It is true generally the Men of the World are such lovers of themselves, and so little concerned in Public Good, that if they were left absolutely at Liberty in this matter, their Governors might be defrauded of their Right, and the Ends of Government be disappointed. Wherefore in all Countries, Provision is made by Law, for the payment of that Tribute which yet without Law was due, But whether it be meet to bring this Order into the Church or no, I much Question. If it be so, possibly it may secure the Revenue of Ministers, but it will not increase their Honour. For however men may please themselves with outward appearances of things, true Honour consists in that Respect and Reverence which others pay them in their Minds and Hearts. Now when this is such, and that on the account of Duty, that men will freely Contribute unto their Supportment, I know no more Honourable Subsistence in the World. What will some say, to depend on the Wills and Love of the People there is nothing more base and unworthy? Yea, but what if all the Honour that Jesus Christ himself hath, or accepts from his People, proceeds from their Wills and Affections? Mahomet indeed who knew well enough that neither Honour, Respect, nor Obedience were due unto him, and that he could no way Recompense what should be done towards him in that kind, provided that men should be brought in Subjection unto his Name, by Fire and Sword. But our Lord Jesus Christ despiseth all Honour, all Obedience and Respect that is not Voluntary and free, and which doth not proceed from the Wills of Men. And shall his Servants in the work of the Gospel suppose themselves debased, to receive Respect and Honour from the same Principle?