CHAP. CIII.
DEare Truth, This pressing of men to the Spirituall Bat∣tels of Christ Jesus, is the cause why (as it is commonly with prest Souldiers) that so many thousands flie in the day of Bat∣tell. But I present you with the 9. Question, viz.
What power the Magistrate hath in providing of Church-Officers?
First (say they) the Election of Church officers being the pro∣per Act of the Church, therefore the Magistrate hath no power (either as Prince or Patron) to assume such power unto himselfe. When Christ sends to preach by his supreme power, the Ma∣gistrate may send forth by his power subordinate, to gather Churches, and may force people to heare them, but not invest them with office amongst them.
Secondly, the Maintenance of Church-officers being to arise from all those who are ordinarily taught thereby (Gal. 6. 6.) hence it is the dutie of the Civill Magistrate to contend with the peo∣ple, as Nehemiah did, chap. 13. ver. 10. 11. who doe neglect and forsake the due maintenance of the Church of God, and to com∣mand them to give such portions for the maintenance of Church officers, as the Gospell commandeth to be offered to them freely and bountifully, 2. Cor. 9. 5, 6, 7. According as Hezekiah comman∣ded the people to give to the Priests and Levites the portions appointed by the Law, that they might be incouraged in the Law of the Lord, 2 Chron. 31. 4.
Thirdly, the furnishing the Church with set officers, depen∣ding much upon erecting and maintenance of Schooles, and