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

5. It is farther pleaded, That these things were tolerable at the first entrance and Beginnings of Christianity, when the Zeal, Love, and Liberality of its Professors did sufficiently stir them up unto an abundant Discharge of their Duty; but now the whole Body of them is degenerate from their pristine Faith and Love, Coldness and Indifferency in the things of their Eternal concernment, with Love of Self and this present evil World, do so prevail in them all, as that if things were left unto their Wills and sense of Duty, there would quickly be an end of all Ministry for want of Maintenance. This is of all others the most cogent Argument in this case, and that which prevails with many good and sober men, utterly to decry the way of Ministers Maintenance by a Voluntary Contribution. I shall briefly give my thoughts concerning it, and so return from this Digression. And I say, (1.) I do not condemn any Provision that is made by Good, Wholesome, and Righteous Laws among men for this end and purpose, provided it be such as is accommodate unto the furtherance of the Work it self. Such Provision as in its own Nature is a Snare and Temptation, inclining men unto Pride, Ambition, Luxury, distance from, and elation above the meanest of the Sheep or Lambs of Christ, or as it were requiring a Worldly Grandeur and Secular Pomp in their course of Life, must plead for it self, as it is able. But such as may comfortably Support, Encourage, and help men in this work and discharge of their Duty, being made without the Wrong of others, is doubtless to be approved. Yea, if in this Degeneracy of Christianity under which we Suffer, any shall out of Love and Obedience unto the Gospel, set apart any portion of their Estates, and settle it unto the Service of the Church in the Maintenance of the Ministry, it is a Good Work, which if done in Faith, will be accepted. (2.) Let those who are true Disciples indeed know, that it is greatly incumbent on them to roll away that Reproach which is cast upon the Institutions of Christ by the miscarriages of the Generality of Christians. He hath Ordained that those who Preach the Gospel shall Live on the Gospel. And the way whereby he hath prescribed this to be effected is, that those who are his Disciples should in Obedience unto his Commands supply them with Temporals by whom Spirituals are dispensed unto them.

5. It is farther pleaded, That these things were tolerable at the first entrance and Beginnings of Christianity, when the Zeal, Love, and Liberality of its Professors did sufficiently stir them up unto an abundant Discharge of their Duty; but now the whole Body of them is degenerate from their pristine Faith and Love, Coldness and Indifferency in the things of their Eternal concernment, with Love of Self and this present evil World, do so prevail in them all, as that if things were left unto their Wills and sence of Duty, there would quickly be an end of all Ministry for want of Maintenance. This is of all others the most cogent Argument in this case, and that which prevails with many good and sober men, utterly to decry the way of Ministers Maintenance by a Voluntary Contribution. I shall briefly give my thoughts concerning it, and so return from this Digression. And I say, (1.) I do not condemn any Provision that is made by Good, Wholsom, and Righteous Laws among men for this end and purpose, provided it be such as is accommodate unto the furtherance of the Work it self. Such Provision as in its own Nature is a Snare and Temptation, inclining men unto Pride, Ambition, Luxury, distance from, and elation above the meanest of the Sheep or Lambs of Christ, or as it were requiring a Worldly Grandeur and Secular Pomp in their course of Life, must plead for it self, as it is able. But such as may comfortably Support, Encourage, and help men in this work and discharge of their Duty, being made without the Wrong of others, is doubtless to be approved. Yea, if in this Degeneracy of Christianity under which we Suffer, any shall out of Love and Obedience unto the Gospel, set apart any portion of their Estates, and settle it unto the Service of the Church in the Maintenance of the Ministry, it is a Good Work, which if done in Faith, will be accepted. (2.) Let those who are true Disciples indeed know, that it is greatly incumbent on them to roll away that Reproach which is cast upon the Institutions of Christ by the miscarriages of the Generality of Christians. He hath Ordained that those who Preach the Gospel shall Live on the Gospel. And the way whereby he hath prescribed this to be effected is, that those who are his Disciples should in Obedience unto his Commands supply them with Temporals by whom Spirituals are dispensed unto them.