Christianismus primitivus, or, The ancient Christian religion, in its nature, certainty, excellency, and beauty, (internal and external) particularly considered, asserted, and vindicated from the many abuses which have invaded that sacred profession, by humane innovation, or pretended revelation comprehending likewise the general duties of mankind, in their respective relations : and particularly the obedience of all Christians to magistrates, and the necessity of Christian-moderation about things dispensible in matters of religion : with divers cases of conscience discussed and resolved / by Thomas Grantham ...

SECT. II. Of the Proportion or Quantity, in respect of outward supplies which belong to the Ministers of the Gospel.

Here the case differs greatly, between the Ministers of the Gospel, and those of the Law; the latter having a certain determinate pro∣portion set out according to their Tribe, instead of that portion of the Land of Canaan, which should otherwise have fallen to them by Lot, Num. 26. 62. Numb. 18. 20, 21, 26. But as the Ministers of the Gospel are not raised out of the Tribe of Levi, more than any other Tribe or Family in the Earth; nor denied any inheritance in common with other men: so neither hath the Lord determined any limited Portion for them upon the account of their Service, but hath provided for them in general such things as are necessary, and this to be given or communicated freely by his People, as a fruit of those vertues which by the Gospel are planted in them. Gal. 6. 6. Let him that is taught, communicate to him that teacheth, &c. being fruitful in every good work, Colos. 1. 10. There is no Reason, no Law, no President for any indenting between the Church and the Ministers of the Gospel. Christ leading us the way, takes what is freely communicated, and al∣lows his Ministers to do the same, as is shewed.

Paul who kept close to Christ, having occasion to commend the Phi∣lippians for their pious care of him in his wants, professeth he did not speak it to enforce a gift from them, but only desired fruit; namely, That they should still cherish the grace of God in them, that they might not cease to do such good works as they had opportunity, that in the end they might find them, to turn to their account. Because it is the patient continuing in well-doing, which God will recount, and repay, Rom. 2. 7. And in this respect we are to consider the Excel∣lency, as well, of the Spirit of the Christian Church, above what was found in the Jewish Church generally, as of the Ministration which they are under; where all such Works as these are to be done in re∣spect of their measures, according to the general rules of Piety and Equity: and that we may hereby give demonstration of the power of Godliness dwelling in our hearts; that as the love of God constrains the faithful Minister to deny himself of those Earthly advantages which he might embrace, that he might serve the Church of God;

so the same love of God should constrain the Church to hold such in reputation, and to minister necessaries to them.

And though God hath not precisely assign'd the portion to be com∣municated, yet it may be estimated in general from the places before remembred. As thus, It ought to be such (in strictness of Equity) as may keep the Minister indemnified in his Domestick concerns; else he goeth a warfare at his own charge: but of that he ought to be disburthened, save only in a case of common Calamity, and there the Minister as well as the Souldier must suffer with the rest: yea, then it will become him to lead the way, and teach the Church to take joyfully the spoiling of their Goods by his Heroick and chearful ex∣ample.

Were this moderate care only taken over the faithful Ministers of Christ, more would not be desired; nay, though there might happen some failure, yet would he not complain, but rather follow his Pat∣tern, 1 Cor. 9, Where Paul used not his power to forbear working, but laboured with his hands, and was careful to make the Gospel with∣out charge. Yea, let all Christ's Ministers beward of Covetousness, let them not desire any mans Silver, Gold, or Aparrel, though they may lawfully be burthensome as the Messengers of Christ, 1 Thes. 2. 5, 6. Let them weigh the temper of the time they live in, wherein the Poor have been oppressed, and the Rich vexed with the mercenary Mi∣nistery, which makes every thing of kindness done to Christ's Servants look like it. Let them consider how honourable it is to Preach the Gospel freely, 1 Thess. 2. 8. For,

Though Christ hath ordained, That such as Preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel; yet we have no reason to believe he designed to make them rich in this World by Preaching: No, he requires them to take heed and beware of Riches. And Paul advises Timothy, and in him all Ministers of Christ, that having Food and Raiment to be there∣with content; and tells him also of the danger of Riches, 1 Tim. 6. 8, 9, 10. Not a word speaks he of any hope, that Timothy might have to arise (by his supplies from the Church) to the degree of a Lord in this World, nor yet for any that were to succeed him.

And let the Baptized Churches be exhorted to consider, that whilst others have exceeded, they have been too short, in caring for their Ministers, who though they have generally with great chearfulness served them in the Gospel of God freely, yet that will not justifie the Churches in the neglect of their duty. And beside, the Ministry are rendred by this neglect the less capable to serve them, being general∣ly much diverted by worldly imployments from that serious Study and exercise of Reading; which ordinarily conduces much to the furtherance of the Gospel, in the more ample preaching thereof. For, when Paul advises Timothy to this course of reading and study, to the intent he might shew himself a Workman that need not be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of Truth, 1 Tim. 4. 13. 2 Tim. 2. 15. who yet was undoubtedly a Man of very rare parts; how much more should we, who come so far short of him (in all likelihood) stir up

our selves to that needful exercise? not that Men should depend upon such Studies, but use the means, and depend upon God for the be∣nefit and blessing thereof in their Service in the Ministry.