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 ...

CHAP. XV. Of the provision which God hath made for the outward support of his faithful Mini∣sters in the Gospel, though Tithes be not due to them.

SECT. I.

ALthough it doth not appear that God hath apointed Tithes for the maintenance of Gospel Ministers, as under the Law he was plea∣sed to do for the Tribe of Levi: yet certain it is, he hath not forgot∣ten to provide for those, even in things pertaining to this Life, whom he hath separated to that Sacred Ministry. But who would have thought that Deut. 25. 4. had been the Law from whence to infer the right of the Ministers maintenance, had not the Lord impowred his Apostle so to expound it, Thou shalt not muzzle the Ox, when he treadeth, or thresheth out the Corn. It is true, we may rationally think, that he that will not have the brute Beast discouraged when he la∣boureth for us Men, will never take it well from those who are more cruel towards his Servants in the Gospel. But that this should then be written, and stand for that Law on which to fix in a case of such importance, none but God himself could so unfold the Scripture; which being thus opened by the key of the holy Ghost, it is all one as if the Lord had said, Thou shalt not withhold any due encou∣ragement from my Minister, when he preacheth unto thee the Word of Life.

The Apostle spends a good part of 1 Cor. 9. to enforce the equity of this Duty; and first from his case who undertakes to warfare for his Country, Who goeth to warfare any time at his own Charge? vers. 7. All men know such a Cause ought to be managed at the com∣mon charge; 'tis enough that the Soldier adventure Life and Limb, and lay out his whole strength and industry for the safety of his Country; to make him bear the Charge too, is against all the reason in the World. And verily, this is as clear in the Case of Christ's Ministers, whom he hath chosen to be his Souldiers, to stand in the defence of the Gospel against opposers, against Satan, and all his Ministers. And therefore as the same Apostle reasons, 2 Tim. 2. 4. they ought not to be intangled in the Affairs of this Life, that they may please him that hath chosen them to be his Souldiers.

His next Argument is no less rational, seeing all must grant, That he which plants a Vineyard, ought to eat of the fruit thereof. And though this, and perhaps the former Argument, do more directly issue in the

case of a Travelling Ministry; yet his next is as strong for the supply of a fixed Ministry, Who feedeth a Flock, and eateth not of the milk of the Flock? plainly shewing, the equity of the case, as it respects those who are chosen to feed the Flock of God, which he hath pur∣chased with his own Blood, Act. 20. 28. 1 Pet. 5. 2. And that no Man should imagin these Arguments to be carnal or too low; he foresees the Objection, and avers, that the Law of God contains these Allegations, and that he speaks not these things as a Man, but refers them to the Law of God, Deut. 25. And proceeds to prosecute his Argument taken from the Ploughman, and the Thresher, in whose case, none can deny a Recompence to be due, according to their La∣bours respectively. And though it is most true, that the Ministers Labour is of a far higher consideration, and their reward in Heaven, and shall be abundantly given to them, when the chief Shepherd shall appear, 1 Pet. 5. 4. Yet are the Churches their debtors also, and bound to supply them with such Honours, as their comfortable subsistence in the World requires; and should account the exchange not valua∣ble, sith they do but impart as it were Brass for Gold. If we have sown unto you Spiritual things, is it a great matter if we reap your Carnal things.

Finally, he argues from the care that was taken for the Ministry under the Law, vers. 13. That sith the equity of the Law remains, the conclusion is rationally deduced, That even so they that Preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel. For so hath the Lord Ordained, vers. 14. Thus the Law of God, right Reason, common Equity, and true Friendship, do all concur to enforce this great Duty, that God's Ministers be cared for by the Churches, with all things necessary. Yea,

It is expresly required, Gal. 6. 6. Let him that is taught in the Word, communicate to him that teacheth in all good things. And though this form of speech may sometimes bear the force of an Advice or Coun∣sel only; yet here it may be taken imperatively: 1. Because it is grounded upon the Law of God, and the highest Principles of Rea∣son. And 2ly. because it is enforced with a severe threatning, that such as refuse to obey, shall reap their Portion among those that mock God, or think to deceive him, when in truth he cannot be mocked, or deceived.

It is certain, that as God requires some part of our time to be de∣voted to his Service, so he hath reserved part of our Substance to that blessed end, and that as the way to be more prosperous in our Labours. Prov. 3. 9, 10. Honour the Lord with thy Substance, and with the First-fruits of thine Encrease; so shall thy Barns be filled with plenty, and thy Presses shall burst over with Wine. Yea, * 1.1 Blessed are they of the Lord, who sow beside all waters (or propagate the Gospel among all the peo∣ple) that send forth thither the foot of the Ox and the Ass. A Meta∣phor taken from the most laborious Creatures, and may very fitly serve to set out the painful Stewards of God's Mysteries, even the Ministers of the Gospel.

Our blessed Lord himself, did not only receive supplys from his fol∣lowers, Who ministred to him of their substance, Luk. 8. 3. But also wills his Ministers to be without carefulness, touching meat and drink; and to put that upon the account of their Labour, as being no more than a due recompence, Matt. 10. 10. Luk. 10. 7. because the La∣bourer is worthy of his meat. So that we have all the grounds which are necessary, to conclude that it is beyond the reach of contradiction that a competent supply of all outward things, is the due of all faith∣ful Ministers of Christ for their works-sake.

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.

SECT. III. Tythes not due by the Law of God to the Ministers of the Gospel.

This Point I shall not discourse largely, but briefly propound cer∣tain Arguments, to shew, that Christs Ministers have no true claim to Tythes by the Law of God; and the first is this.

Arg. 1. If the Sons of Levi only had a command to take Tythes, then Tythes are not due to the Ministers of the Gospel by the Law of God.

But the Sons of Levi only had a command to take Tythes: Ergo, Tythes are not due to the Ministers of the Gospel, &c.

The major is evident of it self. The minor is proved, Heb. 7. 5. And verily, they that are of the Sons of Levi, who receive the Office of the Priesthood, have a commandment to take Tythes of the People according to the Law. So that the Law impowred no other to take Tythes, save those Priests only. What was given by Abraham to Melchisedeck comes not within the compass of a Law, but was a voluntary Donation.

Arg. 2. If Tythes did belong to the Ministers of the Gospel, then Christ and his Apostles had right to them. But neither Christ nor his Apostles had right to Tythes: Ergo, Tythes do not belong to the Ministers of the Gospel, &c.

The major is evident: because whatsoever the Ministers of the Gospel have right to by Divine Authority (for of such a right we dis∣pute) it must first be found in Christ or his Apostles. But it is evident our Lord sprang out of Judah; of which Tribe Moses spake nothing concerning the Priest-hood, Heb. 7. 14. And therefore nothing con∣cerning Tythes: and consequently, his Ministers can claim nothing on that account as they hold of Christ.

Arg. 3. If Tythes be due to the Ministers of the Gospel, then the Apostles did ill that they did not claim them; but claimed another Mainte∣nance. But the Apostles did not ill to omit the one, and to claim the other. Ergo, Tythes are not due to the Ministers of the Gospel, &c.

The major is evident: because there cannot be a greater piece of in∣justice, than for a Man to lose his right for asking, and demand ano∣ther mans goods in stead thereof. The minor is true: because what the Apostles pleaded in respect of the right they had to a supply by free Donation, is not to be questioned.

Arg. 4. Nothing can be due to the Ministers of the Gospel, which naturally tends to make void an Ordinance of Christ. But to assert the Law of Tythes for the maintenance of Christ's Ministers doth naturally tend o•• make void an Ordinance of Christ. Ergo, &c. The major is clear of it self: the minor is true: because if the Law of Tythes be obser∣ved, it is superlluous for him that is taught to communicate to him that teacheth, yea it would be unreasonable; and so these who should Preach the Gospel, shall not live of the Gospel, and consequently destroy what God hath ordained.

Arg. 5. Nothing is due to the Ministers of the Gospel which naturally takes away the fruit which should by the freeness of the contribu∣tion abound to the account of the giver; or that oppresseth the poor, and favours the rich.

But to assert the Maintenance of Christs Ministers, by paying Tythes doth so. Ergo Tythes are not due to the Ministers of Christ.

The major is not to be denyed; the minor is evident. 1. Because what Men are compelled to by Law, can be no gift on their part, and consequently no fruit can arise from thence, any more than to pay a just debt. 2ly. Because a rich Man that hath Mony and Land only, shall pay no Tythes; whilst the poor Husbandman must pay the ut∣most farthing. Now howsoever Almighty God might permit this in the Jewish Church, which was National, and where the National Priesthood was denied an Inheritance in the Land, for that they were to have the Tenths, yet in the Church as constituted by Christ, it cannot be rational, but very unequal.

Arg. 6. That which naturally tends at any time to uphold a carnal Ministe∣ry in great state and power, and to suppress the faithful Ministers of Christ, was never due to Christ's Ministers. But to assert the Law of Tythes for the maintenance of the Ministry, doth at some time, if not alwaies, tend to uphold a carnal Ministry, and to suppress the Faithful Ministers of Christ. Ergo, Tythes are not due to the Mi∣nisters of Christ.

The major is evident. The minor is clear by all experience: for Tythes being asserted by Law, become a great Interest, and cannot be managed in any Nation without the Civil Power: And we see that a Ministery which depends upon Tythes for their support, alwayes (generally) serve the Times, though many of them against their Con∣science. And how much the Faithful Ministers of Christ are sup∣pressed by these Men, is too evident: now take away Tythes or a forced maintenance, and this generation of men would vanish; and faithful Ministers, such as seek not Silver, but the good of Souls, would come in their places.

Arg. 7. That which God testified against by Voice from Heaven as Poyson powred into the Church, doth not belong to the Ministers of Christ:

* 1.2 But God bore Witness against Tythes being paid to Gospel-Mini∣sters, as poyson powred into the Church. Ergo, Tythes do not be∣long to the Ministers of Christ.

The major is true without Controversie. The minor is true al∣so, if the Histories of these times, approved by the Learned Wri∣ters, may be credited.

Object. But doth it not well become the Christian Magistrate to take care of the Ministers of the Gospel, after the example of Constantine? &c.

Answ. There is none can deny, but that the Christian Magistrate doth well to encourage Christ's Ministers; and it is without doubt that Constan∣tine did very piously in many things on that account: But then it must be considered, That no man hath power to do any thing which na∣turally tends to make void the Ordinance of God. Now a forced

maintenance and a free gift which may turn to the account of the gi∣ver, are inconsistent. All therefore that the Christian Magistrate can do herein according to the tenour of Christian Doctrine, is to excite or stir up his Christian Subjects by his counsel and pious Ex∣ample, to be rich in good Works, and particularly, in those which conduce to the furtherance of the Gospel: what power he hath fur∣ther herein upon a civil account I dispute not. It is only the Divine Right of things which, as Christians, we intermeddle with on this ac∣count.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Isa. 32, 20.
• * 1.2

  Mr. J. Milton of Tythes.