The prophecy of Haggai, interpreted and applied in sundry sermonsThe prophesie of Haggai, interpreted and applyed in sundry sermons

It may be there are not many in this place that have to deal in this matter, but some there are that hereafter may, to whom this latter exhortation may appertain, namely that where there is not a sufficient maintenance appointed for the minister, there themselves would be careful to increase it; following the example of the princes of Judah, who with willing harts (as Moses noteth) off• to the Lord, as also • Chron, last chapter, yea all the people are said to have been so ready that they were content to have given more than was sufficient, because they offered with an entire and willing heart. But that others also may be more willing to provide for the maintenance of the ministry, by providing that which is wanting, we in this place so much as lieth in us are to give example hereof in those things which are in our hand, bestowing tha• on a fit person which amounteth out of the commodity of such living, without decaying that which is, to be applied also to the service of the ministry, you know my meaning is it were to be wished that you should show that especial care in bestowing impropriations which are in your gifts, upon men able to do good in the Church, that your example may provoke others to do also the like, at least that the surplusage may thus be bestowed, & if we would in this place begin, it were to be hoped that others would follow: the priests begin to offer though in▪indeed it be too late for us to begin for others whom God hath filled with the zeal of this house herein some go before us. Joas King of Judah is said to have commanded the priests to cause the ruins of the temple to be repaired, and it appeareth that the King was more forward then the priests I mention it to our shame that our Princes and rulers should in building and repairing the house of God be still found more ready then we, can we not find one fit man on whom such things as we have may be bestowed, and will not there one of our governors ⟨p. 83⟩be found that will have care to turn that which riseth out of the commodity of these livings to the benefit of him that may serve in that place to bring men unto God, rather then a Tobiab and Ammonite: shall we still suffer his Majesties laws to go before us?

It may be there are not many in this place that have to deal in this matter, but some there are that hereafter may, to whom this latter exhortation may appertain, namly that where there is not a sufficient maintenance appointed for the minister, there themselvs would be carefull to increase it; following the example of the princes of Judah, who with willing harts (as Moses noteth) off to the Lord, as also Chron, last chapter, yea all the people are said to have been so ready that they were content to have given more than was sufficient, because they offered with an intire and willing heart. But that others also may be more willing to provide for the maintenance of the ministery, by providing that which is wanting, we in this place so much as lyeth in us are to give example hereof in those things which are in our hand, bestowing tha on a fit person which amounteth out of the commodity of such living, without decaying that which is, to be applyed also to the service of the ministery, you know my meaning is it were to be wished that you should shew that especiall care in bestowing impropriations which are in your gifts, upon men able to do good in the Church, that your example may provoke others to do also the like, at least that the surplusage may thus be bestowed, & if we would in this place begin, it were to be hoped that others would follow: the priests begin to offer though inindeed it be too late for us to beginne for others whom God hath filled with the zeale of this house herein some go before us. Joas King of Judah is said to have commanded the priests to cause the ruines of the temple to be repaired, and it appeareth that the King was more forward then the preists I mention it to our shame that our Princes and rulers should in building and repairing the house of God be still found more ready then we, can we not find one fit man on whom such things as we have may be bestowed, and will not there one of our governours