IN every Worke there must be 〈◇〉 and 〈◇〉 a Time and a Tempestivity , or season observed : a time which is , mensura actionum , that which measureth all our actions , and then a tempestivity or season , which may bee called Sal actionum , that which seasoneth all our actions ( for whatsoever is unseasonable , is unpleasant . ) And as in all other workes , so also in this great Worke of the Lord , the preaching and dispensing of the Word ; there must be observed a time , and tempestivity or season , that is , Text and Time must have congruity each with other . We are heere now meet at a Synod or Assembly of learned Men , and Preachers of the Gospel , and what fitter subject can I treate of , than of the Gospell , and the maintenance , that doth belong unto the Preachers thereof ? For as a Father truly said , Ut Salus non sine Verbo , nec sine Prophetâ Verbum ; sic sine authoramento suo , nec Prophetas , nec Prophetarum scholas , diu fore certum est : As there is no Faith and Salvation without the Word , nor Word preached without the Prophets : So without maintenance neither the Prophets nor Schooles of the Prophets can long continue . Therefore saith my Text , Hath the Lord ordained , that they which preach the Gospell , should live of the Gospell . Preaching is the Lords ordinance : and maintenance for Preaching is also the Lords ordinance : therfore , there is a necessity for both ; For God hath ordained them both , Dominus ordinavit , the Lord hath ordained , that they which Preach the Gospell , should live of the Gospell . First then , there is a necessity of Preaching the Gospell , for so saith S. Paul , Necessity is laid upon me , and woe is me if I preach not the Gospell . To this purpose the Lord by the mouth of his Prophet Ezechiel saith , Ezeck . cap . 33 If the watchman blow not the Trumpet , if destruction come upon the people , their blood will I require at the hands of that Prophet . A necessity then wee see lyeth on the Prophet to preach , for the Lord hath also ordained it . And secondly , a necessity also there is of maintenance for the Preachers of the Gospell , because the Lord hath ordained both . As there is a necessity of the one , so also there is of the other . If we preach not the Gospell , we perish in our soules , and if we have not maintenance for preaching , wee perish in our bodies . If we preach not the Gospell , our soules are in danger to bee lost : and if we shall not have maintenance also for Preaching , our bodies are in danger to be lost ; both then must be had , because it is the Lords ordinance , and because it concernes also both our soules and bodies . Therefore hath the Lord ordained , &c. Here then is Gods ordai-nance , which requires two things .

The Preaching of the Gospell .

The Maintenance due thereunto .

In the first , The ordinance for preaching , we may observe who it is that maketh this ordinance , it is the Lord , Dominus ordinavit , The Lord hath ordained .

What it is that is ordained , namely two things .

That the Gospell be preached , for so hath the Lord ordained .

That the Preachers thereof be maintained , for so hath the Lord ordained , that they which preach the Gospell , should live of the Gospell . Of these in order .

And first wee are to consider , who it is that maketh this ordainance for the Preaching of the Gospell , namely the Lord , Dominus ordinavit , It is the Lords ordinance , not mans : both the preaching of the Gospell , and the maintenance thereunto belonging : It is not inventum Humanum , but institutum Divinum : Not a humane invention ( for then it might cease ) but a Divine institution , and ordainance of God that abideth for ever . It is like the laws of the Medes and Persians that after not . It is Gods ordinance that the Gospell should be preached : Whence we may observe , That the preaching of the Gospell is the ordinary meanes that God hath appointed to call us to salvation . So hath the Lord ordained , &c. So the Apostle cals the Gospell 〈◇〉 , the power of God to Salvation , to every one that doth believe and obey the same . And this is the Heavenly vocation and calling , as the Apostle saith , 2 Thess. 2 , 14. He called you by our Gospell , to obtaine the glory of our Lord Iesus Christ . The Apostle cals it our Gospell , in respect of the preaching thereof . So saith Aretius on that place , 2 Thes . 2.14 . Dei est , & Pauli est Evangelium , It is Gods Gospell , and it is Pauls Gospell also : Dei est Evangelium tanquam authoris , Pauli est , ut ejus praedicatio ei commissa fuerat : It is Gods Gospell , as hee is the author of it , it is Pauls Gospell , as the Preaching thereof it committed unto him .

This is that immortall seed we carry about , in earthly vessels , and that syncere milke , whereby our soules are nourished up to eternall life . From hence the Gospell hath these severall names , titles and attributes , to shew the efficacy and power thereof . As it is called Evangelium Dei , 1 Cor . 11.7 , The Gospell of God . Evangelium Christi , Marke 1.1 . Bonum Dei Verbum , Heb . 6.5 . Bonum semen , Mat . 13.4 . Evangelium regni , Evangelium salutis , Acts , 13.13 Verbum Vita , Phil . 2. Verbum reconciliationis , 2 Cor . 5.20 . Verbum Veritatis , Colos . 1. Verbum Fidei , Rom . 10.8 . Doctrina Spiritus . 1 Cor . 2.10 . Gladius Spiritus , Ephes 6.17 . All which titles shew the power and efficacy of the Gospell , and the preaching thereof . For it is this only , that if we be ignorant , can instruct us . If out of the way , it will bring us home . If out of order , this will reforme us . If in heavinesse , this will comfort vs. If dull , this will quicken us . If cold , this will inflame us . Therefore S. Cyprian called it a Banquet of Heavenly wisdome , wherein are all true contents for the Soule of man . And the same Father also in his Booke De duplici Martyrio , saith , Nullus est hominum morbus , cui Evangelium praesens remedium non suppeditat . There is no disease in the soule of man , but there is a remedy for the same in the Gospell . Tolle , lege , Tolle , lege . Take up and reade , take up and reade the Gospell , ( for unto that was the direction , ) was it said to S. Austin by a supernaturall voyce , li. Conf . 8 e . 12. By reading whereof , he became of a Manichee , a true orthodox Christian , and a strong pillar in the Church of God . This is Gods ordinance , for God hath ordained it , and it is for his glory , and mens salvation : whence we are againe to observe .

The necessity of Preaching the Gospell . So hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospel , &c. Dominus ordinavit , saith the Text , therefore necessary . Yea so necessary is it , that our soules cannot live without it , no more than the body can live without food . And as Christ said to Martha , unum hoc necessarium , this one thing is necessary : so preaching of the Gospell is the most necessary thing of all others . If the body wants meat , it dyes : if the soule wants this Heavenly Manna , it dyes also . For this is that Manna & Cibus feeding our soules in this life , to that which is to come . Therefore Dominus ordinavit , the Lord had ordained that the Gospell should be Preached . From whence I observe this 3. Position .

The dignity and excellency of the office of Preaching . It is not such a meane and base calling , as many count it ( that cals us Priests in scorne ) seeing our blessed Saviour Christ himselfe tooke on him the office of a Preacher , Mat . 9.3 . Iesus went about all Citties and Townes preaching the Gospell , and healing every sicknesse , and disease amongst the people . From hence , that is , from the dignity and excellency of their office , are they called Seers , Saviours , Chariots of Israel , Planters , Waterers , Builders , Stewards , Watchmen Souldiers , Nurces , Friends of God , Workers together with God , Dispensers of the secrets of God , Prophets , Angels , and other such like titles of all reverence and honour . And this is Gods ordainance , that so it should be ; for Dominus ordinavit , saith the text , the Lord hath ordained it , &c. But alas , Brethren , though preaching the Gospell be Gods ordainance , and though it be so necessary , that it concerne our salvation ; and though the dignity and excellency of it bee so great ; yet notwithstanding how is preaching this ordainance of God neglected and despised ? For what acceptance doth it find here , but foolishnesse of preaching , homlines of Sacraments , a militant Church , a despised profession ? And the preachers of the Gospel , the 〈◇〉 , the off-scowring of the world . When yet indeed , and in true judgement , it is here you see in my Text , Gods ordainance , and this foolishnesse of preaching the power of God to salvation . These mute letters , the lively oracles of God , this despised profession , the meanes of our peace and reconciliation with God : this Church the Kings daughter , all glorious within ; this Crosse , the Banner of Victory , and this profession heaven upon earth . Which things being so , it might cause and move any man , to set a better estimate on the Gospel , and the Ministers , and Preachers thereof . Sic aestimet , saith the Apostle , 1 Cor . 4. Let a man so esteeme us , as the Ministers of Christ , and Stewards of the secrets of God . But alas , such is the iniquity of these times ; that as the shaddow went 10. degrees back in the daies of Ahaz , so 10. deg . do the shaddows of Christ , I meane his ministers go back in their esteeme . We may see in some Parishes strange behaviour towards their Ministers of the Gospell : A drunken companion bearding Gods Ministers ; a contentious Incendiary vexing him with continuall sutes and actions ; a whispering tale-bearer , casting false aspersions and slanders on him ; an obstinate Papist calling us hereticks , and this is the estimate that this world sets on us . We Preach , we Pray , we Study , we spend our time , our braines , our strenght , our heate , our blood , our health and ( in a sense ) our lives to save their soules , that care not for our bodies . Men sucke our Milke like Mules , and then kicke us with their heeles , nay , even treade and trample us under their feet . Thus are we gone 10. degrees backe in our esteeme ; so are we also gone 20. degrees back in our ma●ntenance for the most part of us . For sacriledge hath so pulled and fleeced many Ministers , that they are like Menalca's sheep , Vix ossibus haerent : wheras a Lay-man runs like a Mathematicall line in wealth , ad infinitum : onely the Clergy must be bound to their pittance , to their competency . These sacrilegious men that rob the Church are impit Trapezitae ( as one saith ) quibus lucrum est pietas , lucrum est Evangelium : Qui Evangelium praedicant , ex Evangelio non vivunt . Proh duram conditionem plerorumque Ministrorum , non sufficit ad victum , Paulum vel Petrum adultis exponere in Ecclesia , nisi jugiter etiam Terentium pueris exposuerint in scholâ ! exclamandum est profectò cum quodam Theologo , Aut hoc non est Evangelium , aut qui tam Scythice nos tractant , non sunt Evangelici . For to returne to the Text : the Lord hath ordained that they which preach the Gospell , should live of the Gospell . It were pitty therefore , nay , impiety , that Religion : should give way to sacriledge , and Christ to Mammon , to destroy the Church and the Inheritance thereof , which are Tithes , and offerings , which God hath ordained and established by Divine right . For if by Divine right ( that is , by Law and Gospell ) the Ministers and Preachers must have maintenance : I know no other maintenance , nor can reade of no other maintenance in the whole Bible than Tithes and Offerings , which are established both by Law and Gospell .

First by the Law : For our Saviour came not to destroy the Law , but to fulfill the same ; especially if it bee a morall Law as this is . Those Tithes then that were due by the morall Law of Moses ; Christ and his Apostles did not disanull , but rather put life unto them . Yet wee may plainely discerne many enemies against this truth , and especially three sort of men , that joyne in this sacriledge of robbing Gods Church in Tithes ; Atheists , Papists and Protestants onely in shew : The Atheist , because he hath no religion , he will have all the Tithes : The Papist disliking the present Religion , thinkes in conscience , he may keepe Tithes in Custodiam , into his owne custody : though perhaps give something of them to his Priests , and keepe the rest for himselfe : And the third thinkes profanely , that paupertas nutrix Religionis , that poverty in the Minister , is the onely nurse of Religion : * * What hee gives shall bee malevolence by way of Almes . and so layes fast hold on Tithes , which are and ever were the Lords part , and his Ministers portion . The Church is free , and ever had his freehold and maintenance , that is , Tithes and Offerings , both before the Law , and under the Law and under the Gospell . From whence I collect this fourth position .

That Tithes the Churches inheritances are due to the Ministers of the Gospell , Iure Divino , by Divine right , that is , by Law and Gospell . And that this is true , we prove it , because 〈◇〉 , that is , because God hath said it in his Scriptures , which cannot lye . Now in Divine matters , we are to consider quis dixit , who sayes it , namely God & his Scriptures , and so wee ought acquiescere , to sit down and be still . But in humane matters indeed we are to weigh , Quid & quo jure dictum , what is said , and by what right , and in these , there can be no simple truth . If then it bee proved that Tithes are due to the Ministers of the Gospell , jure Divino , by divine right , both by Law and Gospell , this shall satisfie all honest and well affected Christians in this truth . But if any bee contentious , we have no such custome , nor the Churches of God . In the mouth of two or three witnesses , every truth shall be established . First , then we reade in Genesis , that Abraham the Father of the faithfull payd Tithes to Melchizedeck . Gen. 14.20 . and that was before Levies time . For Levi , saith the Apostle , paid Tithes in Abraham . And if Melchizedeck be a Priest for ever , and that Priesthood bee established in Christ for ever , and continue also for ever . But Christs Priesthood remaineth also for ever . ( Thou art a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedeck . ) Therefore the maintenance belonging to the same Priesthood , remaineth also for ever . To this purpose , the Apostle saith , Heb . 7.8 . Here , men which dye receave Tithes ; but there he , ( that is , Christ ) receaveth them , of whom it is said , that , he liveth . Secondly , paying Tithes is a moral law still in force , not to bee abrogated . God himselfe commandeth it by expresse words , Deut. 14.22 . Thou shalt give the Tithe or tenth part of all thy fruits , which grow on the earth , yeare by yeare . But this is a morall Law not abrogated , but still in force . Therefore are Tithes due by Divine right . Thirdly , the practise and example of the Fathers and Patriarchs is to bee observed herein . And then we shall find that Iacob built a house to God , and gave him Tithes of all he possessed , Gen. 28.22 . Therefore Tithes ought to bee paid also by the example and the practise of the Fathers . Fourthly . If we grant ( as wee must needs ) that they of the Law receaved Tithes ; then it must also be granted that we of the Gospell shall receave them much rather . For so saith the Apostle in this chapter , wherein my Text is , vers . 12. If others be partakers of this power , are not we rather ? As if he should say : If they of the Law receaved Tithes , shall not we of the Gospell rather ? But they that then waited at the Altar had them , 1 Cor . 9.13 . Therefore we also that now waite at the Altar in time of the Gospell , shall also bee partakers of the Altar , and of all Tithes , rights , and offerings , that thereunto belongeth . Had the Priests and Levits in the time of the Law Tithes and Offerings , 1 Cor . 9.13 . 〈◇〉 , Sic ordinavit Dominus , so hath the Lord ordained that they which waite and Preach the Gospell , should live of the Gospell . For my Text is the ensuing words to the Argument before for Tithes , that the Apostle there layeth downe . Had they that waited at the Altar , maintenance ? Had the Levites Tithes ? So hath the Lord ordained that likewise we the Ministers of the Gospell , which succeede the Levites , should have that maintenance that the Levites had . Fifthly , If the Ministers of the Gospell shall not receave the tenth , then either more or lesse than the Levites had : But more they will not give us , and to give us lesse , is to undervalue the Gospell to the Law , and the Ministers of the Gospell to the Ministers of the Law . Six●hly , As the Law , so also the Gospell commands this truth and duty of paying Tithes in expresse words . Matth . 23.23 . Ye Tithe Mint , Anise , and Cummin , and passe over the Law , Iustice , Mercy , and Truth . These things ought ye to doe , and not to leave the other undone . But all these are morall duties , Iustice , Mercy , and paying of Tithes . Therefore still to be observed . For this word Oportet , maketh paying of Tithes a morall duty . Ye ought not ( saith our Saviour ) to leave the other undone : If we ought to obey the commandement of Princes , how much more ought we to obey the precepts and commandements of God and our Saviour ? And as the Scriptures , so also the Fathers , both of the East and West Churches , doe maintaine this truth . Orige . Homil . 11 on Numb . S. Origen in his 11. Homily upon Numb . hath these words : Quomodo abundat Iusticia nostra , plusquam Scribarum & Pharisaeorum si illi de fructibus terrae suae gust●… re non audent , priusquam primitias Sacerdotibus offerant , & Levitis decima separentur . At ego nihil horum faciens , fructibus terrae abutar , ut Sacerdos nesciat , Levita ignoret , Divinum Altare non sentiat . How doth our righteousnesse exceed the righteousnesse of the Scribes and Pharisees ? If they durst not once to taste of their fruites of the earth , before they had offered their first fruits to the Priests , and their Tiths were separated to the Levites : But I doing none of these things do so abuse the fruits of the earth , that neither the Priest , the Levite , nor Divine Altar are sensible of Tithes . And there also is added : Hanc ego legem observari , ettam secundum literam ( sicut alia non nulla ) necessarium puto . Againe the same Father writing on the 23 of Math . v. 23. on these words , Ye Tithe Mint , & Cummin , &c. saith Hoc est preceptum non minus Christianis , quam Iudaeis necessarium : This is a Law no lesse necessary for Christians than for the Iewes . S. Chrysostome also on the 3. of Malachy , on these words : Ye have spoiled me in Tithes , and offerings , saith , Inpenurtâ & fame maledicti estis , quia non dedistis mihi Decimas & Primitias : & quia dum parva subtraxistis , & totam abundantiam frugum & possessionum vestrarum perdidistis . Sciatis igitur vos ideo perdidisse abundantiam , quia fraudavistis me meam partem ; moneo igitur ut , reddatis mihi mea , & ego restituam vobis vestra . Ye are cursed in penury and famine , because ye have not given me Tithes and Offerings . And therefore , because ye have taken away from me small things , ye have lost the whole abundance of your fruits , and possessions . Therefore I admonish you , that you give and render unto me those things that are mine , and I will give and restore unto you those things that are yours . S. Ierom . also on that place , saith , Iustitiam & misericordiam , & fidem proper suam gloriam mandavit Deus : Decimas autem propter Sacerdotes . S. Cyprian also writeth thus of Tithes : Presbyteri ab Altari & Sacrificiis non recedant : sed die ac nocte coelestibus rebus & spiritualibus serviant , & Decimas , tanquam Levitae , ex fructibus terrae accipiant . I need not english it to this Auditory . S. Austin also hath the words to this effect . Majores nostri ( inquit ) ideo copits omnibus abundabant , quia Deo Decimas dederunt , & Caesari censum reddebant : modo autem , quia discessit devotio Dei , accessit indictio fisci . And thus we see both by Scriptures and Fathers , that , God hath appointed Tithes for the Ministers maintenance . So hath the Lord ordained , that they which preach the Gospell should live of the Gospell . If Preachers and Ministers of the Gospell may not have Tithes and Offerings : what will ensue but desolation in the Holy place ? and all grow either to blind Idolatry , or flat Paganisme at the last ? Therefore let none ( except they to whom these holy things doe appertaine ) dare lay hands on Gods part and the Churches Inheritance . For it is sacrilegium , nay , sacri furtum , and sacri raptum , plaine theft and robbery against God and his Church . A sharking sacrilegious man thrives backeward : whilest he deceaves God of his due , the tenth part , hee loseth nine parts to himselfe . If ever thou be the fatter for this gravell , or the richer for that , let me come to begge at thy doore . Go on still in thy sacrilegious course . The Prophet Esayes prophesie of the Churches estate , in his first chap is now come to passe in these our Dayes : And the daughter of Sion shall be left like a cottage in a Vineyard , like a lodge in a Garden of Cucumbers , like a besieged Citty . The Church was once rich , but it was in diebus illis , in the golden times , when honesty went in plaine cloathes , and , ostentation durst not give Religion the checkmate : Now they pleade prescription , and proove them their owne by long possession . Claustra are turned into Plaustra , religious Houses into Gentlemen-houses . Men rob aram Dominicam , to furnish haram Domesticam , Gods Altar , to furnish their owne houses ; and the fingers of their posterities are therein heavier than their fathers loynes . Heretofore there were builders of Churches , now there are spoylers and robbers of them . When Cipio robbed the Temple of Thelossa , there was not a man that carried away any of the gold of the Temple , that ever prospered after it : I pray you tell me ( if especially you note the 2. or 3. generations ) how many you know have thrived by the goods of the Church ? They go from man to man without rest , like the Arke among the Philistines , which was removed from Ashdod to Gath , from Gath to Eckrom , as if it could finde no place to rest in ; but still vexed the people that kept it , till it returned to his owne place in Israel . Oftentimes these Churches livings , being left by Gentlemen to their heires , prove gangrenes to their whole estates : and house being joyned to house so fast , Gods house to their houses , that the fire which begins at the one , oftentimes consumes the other : like that Eagle , which stole a peece of meate from the Altar , carryed a coale with it , that set her owne nest on fire . It may be they can object , they bought these impropriations with their penny . But Salomon tels them , it is a snare to a man to usurpe , and de vowre holy things , Pro . 20.25 . Therefore they ought not to finger these holy things , that are consecrated to the Lord , and thereby to spoyle God , as the Prophet Malachy complaineth in his 3. cha. concerning Tithes and Offerings ; Let all sacrilegious Laickes consider these things , whose hands and fingers are belimed with sacriledge and bribery , and beesmeered with the price of blood . They whose sacrilegious throates can swallow downe whole Churches , and whose mawes have devoured whole Parishes of famished soules . Alas how these men forget to build up the Cedar worke of piety and devotion , and learne onely to paint it over with Vermilion . They white and parger the walles of their profession , but the rubbish and cobwebs of sin , sacriledge , bribery , and fimony hangs in the corners of their Conscience . Let them take heed , for a Bible under their arme , or in their houses , will not excuse a false conscience in their bosoms . They loose their prayers , if whilest God hath their knee , the World hath their conscience . O that they would consider this Text , that these holy things are the Lords and his Ministers , which wayte at the Altar . For as in time of the Law , the Priestes and Levites of the Law had them : so in the time of the Gospel hath the Lord ordained that the Ministers of the Gospell shall have them also . For , so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the Gospell , should live of the Gospell . Now to God the Father , God the Sonne , &c.

And now give mee leave also to speake a word of personall Tithes , of the right of them : Personall Tithes due also to Ministers . whether they be also due to the Ministers of the Gospell or not ? That is , such Tithes as arise out of any lawfull gaines , gotten by any art , science , mannual occupation , trade or marchandize , whether these personall Tithes be due by Gods Lawes , and by conscience also ? My chiefe ayme in this place is ( if it be possible ) to pull sundry honest Christians out of this unconscionable sinne , which perhaps many of them never dreamed on .

The Arguments on which my Position undertaken is grounded , are drawne from these places of Scripture . The 1. place in my Text and the precedent ver . 1 Cor . 9.13 , 14. Doe ye not know that they which minister about holy things , live of the things of the Temple , and they which waite at the Altar , are partakers of the Altar ? Even so hath the Lord ordained , that they which Preach the Gospell should live of the Gospell .

The second place of Scripture for the proofe of personall Tithes , is in the Epistle to the Galathians , cap . 6. v. 6. Let him that is taught in the Word , make him that taught him partaker of all his goods . First marke these words ; Let him that is taught and instructed , &c. whether he be a Nobleman , or a Gentleman , a Husbandman , or a Tradesman , an artificer of the Country , or of the Towne or City ( and there is doubtlesse , as much preaching in Cities and Townes , as in country Parishes , where Tithes are paid in kind ) Be he what he will be , the Minister and Preacher may justly by Gods Law , demand a portion of that Citizen or Townsmans cleare gaine , that he hath gotten by his art , science , trade , handicraft , or merchandize ( by which any lawfull gaine is made ) towards his maintenance . The Apostle in expresse words saith it in the places of Scripture before cited , as 1 Cor . 9.13 , 14. & Galat . 6.6 . The Lord ( saith the Apostle ) in the 1 Cor . 9.14 . hath ordained , that they which preach the Gospell , should live of the Gospell . But the Gospell is preached to Citizens , Townsmen , and Tradsmen , that have many of them no prediall Tithes , as well as it is preached to Husbandmen . Therefore the Parsons , Preachers , and Ministers that have the cure of soules , may justly and lawfully require a maintenance out of their cleere gaines , as well as they may require the tenth from the husbandmen .

Now there are 2. Questions that will arise here to be considered . First , whether a Minister having a competency in prediall Tithes , ( that is , of the profits of the ground ) a man that lives by trading , be bound in conscience and justice , to give as much of his cleare gaines as if he had not such a competency in prediall Tithes .

If every Tradsman must and ought to pay , then whether he be bound to pay a tenth of his cleare gaines .

For the 1. I am of opinion that he that heareth Gods Word preached , and is taught in the Word , and is made partaker of the Ministers spirituals , must render unto him his carnals , though the husbandmans prediall Tithes be neuer so bountifull and sufficient . For what is that to the Tradsmans conscience ? And the Apostle proves this in the precedent words in that c . 1. Cor . 9 , 11. If we have sowen unto you spirituall things , is it a great matter , if we reape your carnall things ? And to this purpose , he also saith , Gal. 6.6 . Let him that is taught in the word ( whether a Townsman or a Husbandman ) minister to him that teacheth him . But these Questions will be best resolved , by propounding and answering the usuall pleas , which many men make against this truth .

First , they object . If a Minister have a competent living out of prediall Tithes from the husbandman , then such as live upon trading , and marchandize are not bound to allow him maintenance .

To this I answer , Every Christian whether tradsman or else , ought by Gods Law , and in conscience , to give the Minister his due in personall Tithes , though he have good maintenance from the husbandman in prediall Tithes : For the Apostle in the place before named , Gal. 6.6 . Let him that is taught , &c. that is , Every he , no●e excepted ( unlesse he that hath nothing to give , in which case the Minister , as other men ought to give to that He ) every one , I say that heareth the word , and is able to give . For if others give , and thou think by that to be excused ; how doest thou obey the Apostles precept , which excludes none but those that have nothing to give ? I argue thus : If the Minister might not require maintenance of the Tradsman , because he hath enough from others in prediall Tithes , it would follow then : That if that Minister have a temporall estate of his owne , sufficient to mainteine him , he might not justly demand any Tithes at all : which none that are in their right wits will affirme : for who goeth a warfare at his owne cost ? 1 Cor . 9. Who planteth a Vine-yard , and eateth not of the fruit of the Vine ? or who feedeth a flock , and eateth not of the milke of the flock ? Therfore every man that is made partaker of the Ministers spirituals , must render his carnals . See and consider the 9. cha. of the 1. Epist. to the Corinthians .

But perhaps the tradsman will reply again , that he payes ij . d . at easter in lieu of his Tithes ; which he thinks in conscience to discharge him from further payment .