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§. 52. Of Ministers prerogatives notwithstanding their meanesse.
THe inference of the prerogative of receiving tithes upon this their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they were men that die giveth instance, that the common, frail, mortall •…•…∣on of Minister, is no bar to the priviledges and prerogatives of their function. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is verified not only in the ordinary priviledges of ordinary men, but also in the •…•…∣traordinary prerogatives that belonged to extraordinary Ministers, as Prophe•…•…s 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Apostles. For these all were men that die.
Sundry priviledges that belong unto Ministers, may be gathered out of those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that are given unto them in Gods word. Some of those titles are given unto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in relation to God himself: as Angels, Rev. 1. 20. Ambassadours, (2 Cor. 5. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.) Revealers of the Gospel (Eph. 6. 19.) Keepers of the Keies of the Kingdome of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, (Matth. 16. 19.) Remembra•…•…cers, (Isa. 62. 6.) Stewards, 1 Cor. 4. 1.
Others titles have relation to people, as Fathers, (1 Cor. 4. 15.) Elders (•…•… 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 5. 17.) Rulers (Heb. 13. 7.) Overseers, (Act. 20. 28.) Pastors (Eph. 4. 11.) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (1 Cor. 12. 28.) Chariots and horsemen, 2 King 13. 14.
Thus God honoureth them, lest by reason of their meannesse they should be •…•…∣spised, and thereupon their Ministry prove unprofitable.
Let people learn hereby to remove their eyes from the meaness of their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 persons to the digniti•…•…s of their office: and consider the place wherein God 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them, and the work which he hath deputed unto them, and the end whereunto 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Ministry tends.
As the Israelites payed tithes to the Priests, though they were men that 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ought Christians to yeeld to their Ministers whatsoever is their due, though 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such men.