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THere was cause to fear some years since that Churches might be demolished, not gene∣rally by fire (for of that there was no mistrust), but by those whom the Scripture compares to wa∣ter, viz. A rude multitude, I mean of deluded and sick-brain people, who pretended that all Mini∣sters, and their legal Maintenance were Anti∣christian,
Churches places of Spiritual whore∣dom; and could as willingly have pulled them down, as if they had been so many Brothel-houses. Was it any thing but a pretence? could they think as they spake? I should hardly believe men could be so mistaken, but that Christ foretold some would think they should do God good service, even in kil∣ling his Prophets: and Paul tells us, that when time was he verily thought he ought to do many things against Jesus of Nazareth. They that thought it their duty to oppose and vilifie the places called Churches, would probably have taken it for as great an honour to have demolished them them∣selves, as others might to have burnt them; but he that sits in heaven would not gratifie their ambiti∣on, but put that work into the hand of the fire to do, which could no ways glory or triumph in it when it was done. But that which I am now to discourse of, is not, by whom but upon whom this Calamity came, viz. Concerning the Ministers whose Churches were burnt. Now far be it from me and others to think that they were greater sinners then other Ministers whose Churches stand to this day. I can∣not forget what Christ saith, Luk. 13.4. Suppose ye that those upon whom the tower of Siloam fell, and slew them, were sinners above all men that dwelt at Jerusalem; I tell you nay, but except you repent you shall all likewise perish. Had these Ministers made Cock-pits of their Pulpits (as some elsewhere have done); had they, like those toes of the cloven foot, which consisted partly of Iron, and partly of clay, (to allude to Dan. 2.4.) come thither to trample upon Magistracy and Ministery, in such rail∣ing Language as some that I have heard; had they thence, like mad men, cast firebrands, arrows and
death, Prov. 26.18. truly, for that time, their Churches might have been spared; but such were the labours of several of them, as will certainly be missed.
Neither can I chuse, but reflect how dearly some of them (as is probable) will miss their Livings, such I mean as have Wives and Children, and little or nothing to live upon, but what came in that way; Few men make a worse shift in the world than Schollars, especially Ministers when put out of their course; They that have lived as it were out of the world, can worst of all skill how to live in it. Swords may be beaten into Plough∣shares, so cannot Books; Moreover the liberal∣ness, and ingenuousness of the Education of Schol∣lars makes them greater objects of pity than many others are, when poverty overtakes them. It is pity, that they who desire to live, that they may study, should be put upon studying little else, but how to live. One half years time, without the help of a Living, may so pinch some honest Ministers, who have great Families, as that they can scarcely bear it. They may have hope, the grass will grow again, but they fear, lest mean time the Steed should starve. What shall be done for those Mi∣nisters whom only the fire hath sequestred? How shall they be provided for? There is a saving of Christ in Luk. 3.11. which, Analogically ap∣plied and practised, might go a great way, and it is this, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none, & he that hath meat let him do likewise.
But that which I have more hope of, is, that the Nobility and Gentry of England, who either have or shortly may have good Livings to dispose of, will lay to heart, how many worthy Labourers stand
idle in the Market-place since the Fire, because there is none to set them on work; and will use their best indeavours that they may be sent forth into Gods Vineyard. What God saith of Joshu••••h the High-Priest, Zach. 3.2. Is not this a brand pluckt out of the Fire? is, me-thinks applicable to those Ministers whose Churches were burnt, and them∣selves spared; (for what is a ••••and, but a stick partly burnt, and partly unburnt); Now, as God was pleased to adde concerning Joshu••, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 away the filthy garments from him, and I will clothe him with change of reiments. Some such thing in a Moral sense, should the several Patrons in England, resolve to do for those able Ministers, whose Churches were consumed, viz. To invest them with Livings worthy of them, and suffer them no longer, as it were, to were sackcloth, and to lie in ashes. The Statutes of some Colledges have wisely provided, that when there is any compe∣tition for places of preferment, caeteris 〈◊〉〈◊〉, they that have most need of it, should be first cho∣sen, they that have least wealth should carry it, if they have as much worth. May Patrons go by the same Rule, viz. To prefer the poorest first, which to do is as I may call it Simony inversed, or the just opposite to base Simony: for where Simony takes place, they that have most (and are most free to part with it) do always carry it; but where Cha∣rity bears sway, the lot falls upon those that have least. I see how you may exercise a threefold Cha∣rity in one, viz. Charity to unimployed and im∣poverished Ministers, Charity to the places where and people amongst whom you live, (For some Mi∣nisters do not more want good places, then many places do want good Ministers): Yea, & Charity to
your selves and families, to whom honest and able Ministers would be no small blessings: Let me therefore beg for such Ministers, as the Italians use to beg for themselves, by saying to our Honou∣rable Nobility, and Gentry, as they to those of whom they ask, Pray remember to be good to your selves.