The way of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The way of churches…The vvay of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The vvay of churches…

but this interpretation will by no means satisfy some of a contrary judgement, for three reasons, to speak nothing of the fourth, the pretended probability of other interpretations, which have been refuted already.

but this interpretation will by no means satisfie some of a contrary judgement, for three reasons, to speak nothing of the fourth, the pretended probability of other interpretations, which have been refuted already.

First say they, the Text it self clearly renounceth non-preaching Elders; for both sorts of Elders spoken of, are expressly acknowledged in the Text to be worthy of double honour, that is, not reverence only, but maintenance at the charge of the Church; but that non-preaching Elders should by Gods institution have received maintenance at the Churches hand, is a thing so strange, and unheard of, that until I see it justly proved, (saith B. Bilson) I cannot possibly believe it.

First say they, the Text it self clearly renounceth non-preaching Elders; for both sorts of Elders spoken of, are expresly acknowledged in the Text to be worthy of double honour, that is, not reverence only, but maintenance at the charge of the Church; but that non-preaching Elders should by Gods institution have received maintenance at the Churches hand, is a thing so strange, and unheard of, that untill I see it justly proved, (saith B. Bilson) I cannot possibly believe it.

Answ. It is very true, the Apostle by double honour, doth not mean reverence only, but maintenance; But why should it seem so strange a thing, and unheard of, that ruling Elders, though not Preachers, should partake in maintenance from the Churches treasury? do you think such men speak in good earnest, when they so speak? Whence have the Chancellors, Commissaries, and Officials their maintenance, but from the Church? and do they labour in word and doctrine? are not most of them Civilians? and if we may use the word without offence, mere Lay-men? but our ruling Elders, we utterly deny them to be Lay-men as the word is commonly meant in this controversy; but Church-officers set apart to their office by the election of the people, and by imposition of hands: but if they were Lay-men (which they are not) yet you see it is no strange or unheard of matter, that Churches should be bountiful to the maintenance of sundry sorts of Church Rulers, who are merely Lay-men, as their adversaries misconceive these to be; yea, what were the many Cloisters of Monks, and Friars and Nuns, in the times of Popery? were they Preachers of the Word? were they not Lay-men & women? and yet did the Churches of those times grudge them their maintenance upon pretence of