An Appendix to the Second Chapter , further clearing the Divine Right of Ministers Tithes .

THe Divine Right of Ministers Maintenance by TITHES , asserted in the former Printed Part of my Gospel-Plea , &c. for the Lawfulnesse and continuance of the antient setled Maintenance and TITHES of the Ministers of the Gospel , may be thus further evinced , demonstrated , confirmed .

1. It is the Opinion of Learned f f De Republica Hebraeorum l. 3. c. 3. Petrus Cunaeus , and g g Of the Incarnation of the Word . Part. 1. Branch . 2. ch. 1. in his Workes in folio . London . 1636. p. 80● . ●0 ▪ 81● . Dr. Griffith Williams ( his transcriber ) That Melchisedec , Priest of the most high God , to whom Abraham ( the father of the Faithful ) GAVE TITHES OF ALL , Gen. 14. 20. Hebr. 7. 1. to 15. was in truth none other , but Jesus Christ , the Sonne of God , then personally meeting him in the form of a man , which he then assumed ; though not that very body or flesh begotten and born of the Virgin Mary , which he long after took upon him when he was incarnate and conversed upon Earth . That Abraham then gave him TITHES OF ALL , as perceiving under that visible form an invisible Deity and everlasting Priesthood to subsist , to whom Tithes ( originally ) are only due & eternally due ; because he is and continues for ever an everlasting Priest . That our Saviours own words , John . 8. 58. Abraham rejoyced to see my day , and he saw it , ( as well with the eyes of his body , by this special apparition of Christ then meeting and blessing him , as a Priest of the most high God , at that time , as with the eye of his faith ) and was glad : do warrant this their opinion , That Melchisedec was no other than Jesus Christ himself : which they sortify with 7. strong , unanswerable Arguments in the opinions of many ; from whence ( if granted ) it will inevitably follow ; That TITHES are more truly and properly Evangelical , than Ceremonial or Judaical , because thus originally given and paid to Christ himself , ( the h h Ephes. ●● 22 , ●3 . c. 4. 5. 15 , 16. c. 5. 23. Col. 1. 18 c. ● . 10. 19. Hebr. ● . 1. to 15. Psal. 110. 1. 4. Isa. 9. 6 , 7. Rev. 1. 5 , 6. everlasting Head , King , High Priest of the Church ) by Abraham i i Rom. 4. 1. to 24. Mat. 3. 9. Luke . 16. 22 ▪ 24 , 30. Acts. ● . 2. Rom. 9. 7 , 8. Gal. 3. 6. to the end . the Common Head and Father of all the Faithfull ( as well Gentiles as Jewes ) out of the prevision of his Incarnation , in reference to his Everlasting Priesthood , as an honorary Portion , Tribute , Salary , k k See Dr. Sclaters Ministers Portion● p. 18. to 40. of right belonging and annexed to his Priesthood : Hebr. 7. 1. to 15. Gen. 14. 18 , 19 , 20. which Priestly office was l l See Hebr. c. 5. to c. 11. ● John 2. 1 , 2. Ps ▪ 110. 4. Dr. Jones , and others on the Hebrewes ; Dr. Reynolds on Psal. 110. 4. principally to be executed , compleated upon Earth , and in Heaven , by Christs subsequent Incarnation , Passion , Sacrifice of himself upon the Crosse , Resurrection , Ascension into Heaven , and perpetual Intercession at Gods right hand for all his elect , both as God and Man ; especially in relation to the Gentiles , m m Acts 9. 15. c. 11. 1 to 19. c. 13. 46 , 47 , 48 ▪ c. 15. 7. to ●0 ▪ c. 21. 19. c. 28 ▪ 28. Rom. 1. 1● . c. 11. 11 , 12 , 13. 25. c. 15. 9. to 19 , c. 16. 4. Eph. 3. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8. Col. 1. 2● . 2 Tim. 4. 17 ▪ compared with Mar. 10 4. Luke . 2. 3● ▪ Isay . 54. 3. c. 60. 3. to 17. c. 61. 6. 9. c. 62. 2. c. 66. 12. 19 , &c. Ephes. 4. 11 , 12 ▪ 13. not generally called , converted to the faith , till after his Incarnation and Ascension . Therefore by necessary consequence , all Christians and believing Gentiles under the Gospel , have altogether , if not farre greater , yet at leastwise as great , as strong a reason , ground , obligation , enforcement , chearfully , thankfully , conscientiously , to render TITHES of all they have to Christ ( for the use of his Ministers instruction , edification of his Church , and compleating of his body ) since his Incarnation and investiture in his everlasting Priesthood for their eternall welfare ; as Abraham or the Israelites had , to render him ( or the Levitical Priests who typified him and attended on his service ) so long before his Incarnation , and Priesthood fully compleated in all its parts and Offices : Jesus Christ being THE SAME YESTERDAY AND TO DAY , AND FOR EVER ; Hebr. 13. 8. and as much ( if not farre more in some respects ) a Priest of the most high God , to all believing Gentiles , Christians since his Incarnation , Passion , Ascension , as he was to Abraham and the Jews before them ; God since his Resurrection , sending him to blesse us in turning every of us from our Iniquities , as well as them . Acts. 3. 25 , 26. compared with Acts 10. 42 , 45 , 47. ch. 11. 1. to 20. Wherefore those ingrate , avaritious , unconscionable Christians of this degenerous age , who obstinately , or maliclously refuse to render unto Christ their only High-Priest n n 1 Cor. 5. 17. Eph. 5 ▪ 2. Hebr. 5 ▪ to ch. 11. 1 John 2. 1 , 2. who sacrificed himself to God , and shed his most precious blood for them on the Crosse to redeem their Soules from everlasting Damnation , and purchase an eternal Crown of glory for them in Heaven , where he continually makes intercession for them , executing his Priestly Office for their Salvation ) the tithes of all their increase , as a just Appurtenance to his everlasting Priesthood ; condemning them as o o The Kentish Petition , John Cannes Voice , M● . Speed and many late Quakers rayling Pamphlets . Jewish , Antichristian , unfit , or too much for him as the High Priest and Prophet of his Church to enjoy , or for the faithfull Ministers of the Gospel in his Name or Right to receive , who p p 2 Cor. 12. 15. Acts 6. 3 , to 7. 1 Tim. 4. 13 , 15 , 16. Heb. 13 , 17. 1 Cor. 1. 23. c. 2. 2. Gal. 3. 1. spend all their studies , labours , lives in Christs service , in the Declaration , Publication , Application , of the benefits of Christs Priesthood , Passion , Gospell to them , and others , for the eternal salvation of their souls , are certainly none of the spiritual Sons or seed of faithfull Abraham , who gave him Tithes of all ; and do either repute Christs everlasting Priesthood , a mere Fable ; or set a far lower rate upon it , the Ministry of the Gospel and their own most precious Souls , than they do upon their detained Tithes : and so can expect little benefit from Christs Person or Priesthood , which they so much undervalue , and sacrilegiously defraud of so antient a duty .

2ly . There is one Notable considerable circumstance of time in Abrahams payment of Tithes of all to Christ , the true Melchisedec , not formerly observed or pressed by any I have seen ; which ( in my opinion ) unanswerably proves , that this President of his most principally respected , related to the believing Gentiles and Christians , under the Gospel , and as strongly obligeth them ( his true spiritual seed ) to the due payment of Tithes to Christ and his Ministers , now , as ever it did the Jews , his natural Posterity , to pay Tithes to their Priests and Levites under the Law , if not more firmly : Namely , that he thus paid Tithes to Christ , some good space before Circumcision instituted , whiles he was yet uncircumcised ; as is most evident by comparing , Gen. 14. 18 , 19 , 20. with Gen. 17. 1 , 10 , to 15. Now as the Apostle thus firmly and Evangelically argues from this very circumstance of time , in the point of Abrahams justification by Faith , whiles he was yet uncircumcised , as presidential , exemplary , obligatory to all believing Gentiles , and spiritual Sons of Abraham under the Gospel , who are not circumcised , as well as to the natural believing children of Abraham under the Law , who were circumcised . Rom. 4. 9 , to 13. Commeth this blessednesse then , upon the Circumcision only , or upon the Uncircumcision also ? for we say , that Faith was reckoned to Abraham for Righteousnes . How was it then reckoned , when he was in Circumcision , or in Vncircumcision ? Not in Circumcision , but in Vncircumcision ? And he received Circumcision , a Seal of the Righteousnes of Faith , which he had yet being Vncircumcised , that he might be the Father of them that beliebe ( under the Gospel ) though they be not Circumcised , that Righteousnes might be imputed unto them also . And the Father of Circumcision , to them who are not of the Circumcision only , but also walk in the steps of the Faith of our Father Abraham , which he had yet being uncircumcised . So I , by parity of Reason , from this very Text , compared with the same Apostles relation , of Abrahams paying Tithes of all to Melchisedec , Hebr. 7. 1 , to 15. and the inferences thence formerly insisted on , may as firmly , as convincingly conclude , That his payment of Tithes to Christ the true Melchisedec , not after his Circumcision , but whiles yet uncircumcised , and before Circumcision instituted ; and that , as the Common-Father , Head of all the justified , faithfull , believing uncircumcised Gentiles before the Law , and under the Gospel , ( as well as of the circumcised believing Jews ) walking in the steps of his Faith , which he had yet being uncircumcised ; doth as strongly oblige all believing Gentiles & Christians , though uncircumcised , to pay Tithes of all to Christ and his Ministers under the Gospel , as it did his believing circumcised Posterity to render thē to Christ himself originally , and his Priests and Levites secondarily under the Law ; if not much more ; since Abraham paid them to Christ before he was circumcised , q q Gen. 14. 17 , 18 , 19. John 8. 58. Heb. 7. 1 , to 15. compared with John 8. 39 , 40. as a fruit and evidence of his Faith , which then he had during his uncircumcision , and a standing President for all Believers to imitate .

3ly . From this famous President of Abrahams paying Tithes of all to Melchisedec , Saint Ambrose , Sermo 34. In feria post primam Dominicam Quadragesimae . Gregorie Nazianzen , Oratio 5. Contra Judaeos . Chrysostom , Hom. 35. in Genes. Isiodor Hispalensis , in Glossa ordinaria Super Gen. 16. Rabanus Maurus , l. 2. c. 16. in Genesin . Anastatius Abbas , contra Judaeos . Elias Cretensis , in Orat. 5 Walafridus Strabo , De Rebus Ecclesiasticis , c. 27. Stephanus Tornacensis , Epist. 171. with other Antients , conclude , Tithes to be due to Ministers of the Gospel by Divine Right : whom the r r See Gratian Caus. 16. qu. 7. & Surius , Binius , Crab , Merlin , in their Councils . Councils of Mentz , Anno 813 , 846 , 887. Concilium Aquense , Anno 837. cap. 18. with the Council of London , under Arch-Bishop Hubert , Anno Dom. 1200. ( recorded by Roger de Hoveden ) Annalium pars posterior , p. 806 , 808. thus second . Decimas DEO & Sacerdotibus Dei Dandas , Abraham factis , Jacobus promissis insinuat ; deinde Lex Statuit , et omnes Doctores sancti commemorant : et auctoritas veteris et novi Testamenti , necnon & sanctorum Patrum Statuta declarant . Decreeing thereupon , Decimas de omnibus quae per annum renovantur , &c. Praestare Deo omnino non negligatur , Quas Deus sibi dari constituit : quia timendum est , ut quisquis Deo debitum suum abstrahit , ne forte Deus per peccatum suum auferat ei necessaria sua , &c. From his example , seconded with Divine Precepts , s s Hermoldus Hist , Sla●o . rum , l. 1. c 92. Edit. Franc. 1581. p. 76. Gerold Bishop of Oldenburg , about An. Dom. 1100. writ thus to the Holzati and Inhabitants of the Deserts of Wagira , ( then newly converted to the Christian Faith , and beginning to build Churches , for Gods publick worship ) that they should likewise pay Tithes to their Ministers , without which all the rest of their Devotion would be nothing worth . Dei enim Praeceptum est , Decimas ex omnibus dabis mihi , ut bene sit tibi , & longo vivas tempore : cui obedierunt Patriarchae , Abraham scilicet Isaac & Iacob , & omnes qui secundum fidem facti sunt filii Abrahae , per quod laudem etiam , & praemia aeterna consecuti sunt . Apostoli quoque et Apostolici viri exore Dei hoc ipsum mandaverunt . & sub Anathematis vinculo posteris servandum tradiderunt . Cum ergo Dei omnipotentis proculdubio hoc constat esse Pra ceptum , & sanctorum Patrum sit Aucioritate firmatum , nobis id incumbit negotii , ut quod vestrae saluti deest , nostro in vobis opere per Deigratiam suppleatur . Monemus ergo & obsecramus omnes vos in domino , &c. ut decimas , prout Deus instituit , & Apostolica banno firmavit autoritas , ad ampliandum dei cultum Ecclesiae detis : Ne si Deo quae ipsi debentur substraxeritis , & substantiam simul & animam in interitum mittatis aeternam ; Valete . Upon reading which Letter the rude people cryed out and raged , just as the Anabaptists do now . His auditis tumultuosa gens infremuit , dixeruntque se huic conditioni servili nunquam collum submissuros , per quam omne pene Christicolarum genus Pontificum pressurae subjaceat , &c. whereupon Henry the first Duke of Holzatia commanding them , as they would obtain his favour , Ut solverent Episcopo Decimas cum omni integritate , sicut faciunt in terra Polaborum & Obotritorum : Ad hoc Praeceptum Holzati obstinatis animis dixerunt , Nunquam se datucos Decimas , quas patres sui non dedissent ; malle se potius succenfis aedibus propriis egredi terram , quam tantae servitutis jugum subire ; Praeterea Pontificem cum Comite & omni advenarum genere quod Decimarum solvit legitima , interficere cogitabant , & terra inflammata , transfugere in terram Danorum . Neither obeying the Presidents of Abraham and the Patriarchs , nor the Laws of God , the Apostles , or their Prince , in paying their Tithes to their Bishop and Pastor , as they ought ; whose practice our Anabaptists and Quakers now obstinately pursue . What strong convincing Arguments , to prove the divine , moral , perpetual right of Tithes to the Ministers of the Gospel , learned Protestant Divines ( to omit Papists ) have deduced from this Original direct President of Abrahams Tith-paying , those who desire further satisfaction herein , may read at leasure , in Mr. Calvin , Junius , Hemingius , and others on Hebr. 7. Zepperus , Legum Mosaicarum Explanatio , l. 4. c. 40. Dr. George Carlton his Tithes due by a Divine Right , Richard Montague his Diatribae on the first part of Mr. Seldens History of Tithes , cap. 1. Stephen Nettles his Answer to the first part of the History of Tithes , Dr. Robert Tillesley his Animadversions on Mr. Seldens History of Tithes , Dr. Edward Reynolds his explication on Psalm 110. 2 , 4. Mr Francis Roberts his Revenue of the Gospel is Tithes , &c. Cambridge 1619. Richard Ebur● his Maintenance of the Ministery , London , 1603. The truth of Tithes discovered by R. G. London 1618. Dr. John Prideaux Oratio 5. de Decimis , Anno 1620. p. 90. Sir James Semple his Sacrilege sacredly handled , London 1619. John Swan his Redde Debitum , London 1640. p. 181 , to 240. Tithes are due Jure Divino , and Dr. William Sclater his Question of Tithes revived , or Ministers Portion , London 1623. ( an acute piece ) wherein all evasions and cavils to elude the force of this example , are sufficiently answered .

4ly . From this example of Abrahams , seconded with the Israelites practice , t t History of Tithes , p. 34. Mr. Selden conjectures , or rather from the Law of Nature written by God himself in mens hearts ( as Hugo de Sancto victore , de Sacramentis , l. 2. parte 9. c. 10. & l. 1. parte 12. c. 4. Mr. Mountague in his Diatribae , ch. 3. Dr. Tillesly in his Animadversions , p. 34 , 35. and others determine ; ) the old Heathen Grecians , Romans , Carthaginians , Arabians , with other Pagan Nations , [ as the u u See Purchas Pilgrimage , Edit. a. p. 304 , 616 , 621 , 630. Joan. Leo Africae descript. l. 3. Mahometan , Turks , Moors , and other Infidels since ] by an antient constant custome and usual practice , generally received amongst them , dedicated and paid Tithes to their Idol-Gods and Priests , of the encrease of all their substance , merchandize , gains ; and more particularly of all their spoyles and plunders gained in the Wars ; wherein they were very carefull and devout . Which Mr. Selden in his History of Tithes , ch. 3. and Review thereof , and Richard Mountague , in his Diatribae , ch. 3. evince at large , by many Presidents , Testimonies , Passages out of Herodotus , Demosthenes , Xenophon , Thucidides , Dionysius Hallicarnasseus , Plutarch , Pausanias , Aristotle , Aristophanes , Suidas , Callimachus , Cassius , Trogus , Macrobius , Plautus , Festus , Justin , Pliny , Servius , Cicero , Tertullian , Arnobius , Jac. Gruterus , with others ; and that they paid no other determinate part else we read of , but a Tenth only , to their Gods and Priests . Now from whence ( write Hugo , Tillesly , and Mountague ) should this custome and practice proceed , but only from the Law of Nature ? Ad quam non docti , sed facti , non instituti fuerunt , sed imbuti , and that by God himself .

Amongst these Presidents of Pagans , there are 7. of special note , which I shall here remember , to shame the Tith-Oppugners of our Age , who would be reputed the most precious Christians , though their Actions prove them worse than Infidels .

The first is , that of the old Pagan Romans , x x Arnobius adversus Gentes , l. 7. Cato de Re Rustica , c. 152. Mr. Seldens History of Tithes , p. 457 , 458. Mountagues Diatribae , ch. 3. who esteemed all their Corn and Wine ( sent them annually by the bounty of God ) so sacred , that ( by a constant custome and law used amongst them ) they might not lawfully eat , drink , sell , meddle with , or dispose of any part thereof after their harvest and vintage , till they had first sacrificed and tythed the first fruits and tenths thereof to their Gods who ; ( as they supposed ) gave them the whole crop ; such was their Piety and Gratitude .

The second is , that of the antient y y Pliny Nat , Hist. l. 12. c. 15. Seldens History of Tithes , p. 33 , 34. Mountagues Diatribae , p. 551 , 552. Heathen Arabians , who by the Law and Custome of their Country , were bound to carry all their Frankincense ( the chief commodity of their Country ) every year to Sabota , ( the chief City of Arabia Felix ) and there to offer the Tenth therof to their God SABIS , which his Priests received . Neither might they make sale of any part thereof , till the Owner there paid the Tenthes by Measure , not by weight . These very Pagans holding all to be Gods , ( the supream Land-lord who gave it them ) till by paying him the Tenth for a quotient , they redeemed the rest for their own common use .

The third is that of the z z Dionysius Hallicarn : Antiqu. Rom. l. 1. Seldens Review , p. 459. Pelasgi in Vmbria , who being oppressed with a great dearth and scarcity of all things , conceived it proceeded from their neglect of paying Tithes to their Gods . Whereupon they vowed the Tithe of all their increase to Iupiter , Apollo , and the Cabiri . After which Vow they receiving a plentifull crop of all things , paid the tenth of all their increase to their Idol-Gods . And being admonished by Apolloes Oracle , that their Vow was not performed , till they had sacrificed the Tenth of their Children , as well as of all their other increase , they thereupon sacrificed the Tenth of them to the Idols likewise . Such conscience made they of all their Vows and Tithes .

The fourth is that of the Carthaginians ( thus recorded by a a Bibliotheca Hist. l. 5. Justin . l. 18. Mountagues Diatribae , p. 448 , 449. Diodorus Siculus , a Pagan Historian ) very remarkable . The Carthaginians being descended from Tyrus , were accustomed in former times to send unto Tyrus the Tenth of all their Revenues & increase any ways renuing , issuing , or growing , for Hercules ( the Idol-God there worshipped : ) But in processe of time becomming very wealthy , and having exceeding great incomes , they sent very seldome their Tithe unto Tyrus , and that but small and refuse , in neglect and dis-regard of the Deity . Hereupon many disasters in war , crosses in Affairs of State , with great losses and streights befell them ; especially by Agathocles the Sicilian . Upon which , comming home to themselves , and repenting of their irreligion , they betook themselves to all manner of Supplication and Devotion , conceiving these losses and disasters were sent unto them of God . And for so much as they supposed Hercules especially to be angry with them , who was chiefly worshipped at Tyrus , from whence they were originally extracted , they sent exceeding great gifts and rich presents thither to him , and all the Gods that were worshipped at Tyrus , and brought unto them the tenth of all their increase , as formerly they accustomed .

The fifth is that of b b See his Orations against them : and Mountagues Diatribae , p. 576 , 577. Demosthenes ( that eminent Pagan Greek Orator ) who is very bitter against Androsion and Timocrates , for bearing with some sacrilegious Defrauders of the Gods in their Dues ; and much more for defrauding of themselves , and sacrilegiously robbing Minerva of her Tenths , and the other Gods of their Fifteenths . And he specially observes , ( let our Souldiers remember it ) That those who purloyned and robbed the Gods of their Tenths and chiefest of their spoyles of War , came to nought , being destroyed by themselves at last and undone .

The sixth is that of Xenophon ( that Noble Heathen Philosopher and General ) and his Soldiers , thus recorded at large to Posterity by his own pen , worthy our observation . [c] Xenophon de expedit . Cyri , lib. 5. p. 349. 350 , 351. Richard Mountague his Diatribae , c. 3. p. 500 , 501. Xenophon , after his memorable retreat with ten thousand men out of upper Asia , where they had gained great spoyles from the Enemy , arriving safely at Cerasunt , mustred 8600 men , the rest being lost , partly by the incursions of the enemies , partly by the snows , and partly by sickness , here they divided the mony they had gained from the enemies : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. Atque etiam Decumam , quam Apolloni & Ephesiae Dianae exemerant , ita Duces distribuunt , ut quilibet ipsorum hisce diis aliquam partem ejus adservaret ; One part of this Tenth separated to these two Deities was delivered to Neon . That part which Xenophon collected for Apollo , he laid up as consecrated in the Treasury of the Athenians at Delphos . But that which was dedicated to Diana he left with Megabyzus the Churchwarden of Diana , upon this condition ( being about to fight with Agesilaus at Coronea , ) That if he escaped safe out of the Battel he should restore the sacred mony to him : but if he received any disaster therein , that then Megabyzus himself should dedicate it to Diana , confecto donario , quod Deae gratissimū fore arbitraretur . Afterwards Xenophon being in exile at Scilunte , built for Olympia , Megab . comming thither to behold Olympia , restor'd the mony to Xenophon : who receiving it , bought therewith a field ( having woods & Mountains in it , stored with trees , swine , goats , sheep , wildbeasts , and Horses , ) for the Goddess in that place , which was shewed unto him by the Oracle of Apollo ; he likewise built a Temple , & an Altar , out of that sacred money : A● post id temporis , semper consecratis fructuu● agri decumis , Sacrum Deae faciebat . And after that time he sacrificed to the Goddess , for eder consecrating the Tenths of the field to her service . Near the Temple there was a garden set with all sorts of Fruit-trees good to eat . Before the Temple were pillars erected with this Inscription on them , Fundus Dianae Sacer. Hoc qui poss●ssor fruitur , quotannis Consecrato Decumam ; de reliquo Fanum sartum tectum conservato . Si quis non fecerit , Dea vindex est● . In which memorable Historie we have six things considerable : 1. Tithes of spoyls consecrated by the Heathen Graecian Generals , Captains and Souldiers , to Apollo and Diana , as * * Xenophon , Hist. Grae● ▪ l. ● . p. 493. Agis after the end of the wars between the Elei and the Lacedemonians , going to Delphos offered a TENTH ( of the spoils ) to Apollo . And Agesilaus took the fruits of his Enemies fields , ut intra biennium Decumam Delphico Deo consecraret C. Talentis ampliorem : as the same * * Oratio de Ag●silao Rege ▪ p. 657. Xenophon records . 2ly . Lands purchased with the spoils , and appropriated , consecrated for ever to the worship and service of Diana . 3ly . A Temple , and Altar built with part of the spoils , for her worship and honour . 4ly . Tithes annually consecrated and to be paid for ever to this Temple , by Xenophon and the possessors of these lands , out of the profits , venison and game thereof , for the maintenance of her worship and Feastivals ; as the former words , and this passage farther evidenceth : Earum feriarum , & municipes , & finitimi , tam viri , quàm faeminae participes erant : & sumministrat eis Dea , qui agitant convivia , farinas cum panibus , vino , pecunia , bellariis . 5ly . Repairs of this Temple from time to time , out of the residue of the profits of these Lands . 6ly . An imprecation of divine revenge , upon the Neglecters , or refusers of the due payment of these annual Tithes to Diana , and of the residue of the profits , towards the reparation of her Temple .

The seventh is the memorable domestick President of Cedwalla , one of our West-Saxon Kings ; who though a Pagan and great Plunderer , even before he became a Christian , or was baptised , was so pious , that he gave the Tenth of all his Spoyles of War and Plunders unto God , about the year of our Lord , 686. Which c c DeGestis Regum Anglorum , l. 1. c. 2. p. 14. William of Malmesbury thus records . Arduum memoratu est , quantum etiam ante Baptismum inserviret ; ut omnes manubias , quas jure praedatorio in usus suos transcripserat , Deo decimaret . In quo etsi approbamus affectum ( in paying Tithes ) improbamus exemplum , in regard of his plundering . Yea , our d d Ecclesiast. Hist. Gentis Anglorum , l. 4. c. 16. venerable Beda records ; that such was his transcendent liberality and bounty to Gods Church and Ministers , that after his Conquest of the Isle of Weight , he gave to Walfred and his Clerks for the Lords use , the fourth part of the Island ( to wit , 300 Plowlands of 1200. ) and the fourth part of the Spoyl thereof , in performance of his Vow made before his regeneration in Christ , that if he conquered the Isle , Quartam ejus partem simul et praedae Deo daret .

Let Iohn Canne , with all the several irreligious Sects , and Sacrilegious Regiments of our present Tith-Oppugners , Detainers , Substracters , seriously consider these Pagan Presidents , to inform their Judgments , & reform their practices , lest they rise up in judgement against them here to their temporal , and hereafter to their eternal condemnation . And if after due meditation on them , their Consciences shall not secretly check , censure , condemn them , for substracting their Tithes from God himself , and his faithfull Ministers , as well as some of these Pagans Consciences did them , for detaining their Tithes from their Idol-Gods and Priests , against the Law of Natures dictate engraven in their hearts ; but still pretend Conscience against the due payment of them , and that out of their Gains or Spoyles of War , as well as their other increase ; they have just cause to fear , and others to suspect , that their Consciences are most desperately cauterized , and the Law of Nature more dangerously obliterated out of their hearts , than out of these Idolatrous Pagans .

5ly . Agobardus , who flourished Anno 830. lib. de Dispensation● , &c. Rei Ecclesiasticae contra Sacrilegos , p. 266. Hugo de Sancto victore Erud . Theol. de Sacramentis , l. 1. parte 12. c. 4. lib. 2. part. 9. c. 10. part. 10. c. 5. and Annot. Eluc . in Genes c. 4. Petrus Commestor , Hist. Scholast. in Genes. c. 26 Petrus Blesensis , Epist. 82. Gerold , Bishop of Oldenburge , in his Epistle to the Inhabitants of Wagria ; Helmoldus , Hist. Sclavorum , p. 92. positively affirm ; and since them Sir James Semple , in his Sacriledge sacredly handled , Stephen Nettles , in his Answer to the Jewish part of Mr. Selden , and Mr. Richard Mountague in his Diatribae , p. 211. to 250. largely argue and a●●ert ; " That from the beginning of Mankind , Tithes were instituted and appoint ▪ to be paid , by God , who instructed Adam himself ; and he his two Sons Kain and Abel ; and they their Posterity , to pay Tithes and First-fruits to God , of all their Increase . That the First-fruits Abel offered unto God , were no other but his Tithes , or the Tenth of his Flocks increase . That the sin of Cain , causing God to reject his Offering , was this , That he offered to God the worst , and lesse than the Tenth of the Fruits of the Ground ; giving him not the full proportion of the TENTH and best of his Increase , as Abel did " : which they ground on , Gen. 4. 7. ( thus translated by the Septuagint , whom Philo the Jew , and the Greek Fathers generally follow : ) If thou offer Rightly , and DIVIDE NOT UPRIGHTLY ( in giving me my TENTH ) thou hast sinned ; hold thy peace ; and on Hebr. 11. 4. by Faith Abel offered unto God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ( which the Vulgar Latin renders , Plurimam Hostiam ; other Translators , Vberius Sacrificium ; and the English , A better or more excellent Sacrifice ; ( and that for quantity , as well as quality , ) than Kain : This I thought ●it to mention , as a probable conjecture , not an infallible verity : To back this opinion , Robert Grosted our learned Bishop of Lincoln , in his Book , De Cessatione Legalium , ( written about the year 12 ●● . ) p. 95 , 96. determines , Lex naturalis exigit , ut Benefactori , de Bonis ●uae gratis dederit , gratis rependatur honor & veneratio , unde & Decimarum oblatio de Lege est naturali : quia de bonis acceptis cum debeatur lege naturali repensio honoris , minus quàm pars minima , id e●● Decima , ( quia ultra Denarium numerus non est ) rependi non potest . Master Mountague , in his Diatribae , Chapter 3. page 245 , 246 , 247 , &c. Doctor Sclater , Dr. Tille●ly , and others observe , That God only wise , being e e 1 Cor. 14. ●● , 40. a God of Order , not of Confusion , doing all things in order , number , and due proportion , hath amongst all other Numbers , specially fixed upon a TENTH . And thereupon the Antients heretofore , both Natural , Legal , Pagan , and Christian , ( led by a natural and divine instinct thereunto ) have ever principally insisted on a TENTH in all their divine sacred Rites , Mysteries , Dues , reserved by , or rendered of them to their Gods ; and in all their publick civil Taxes , Tributes , Customes , Duties , imposed by , or paid to their Emperors , Kings , Princes , and Supreme Magistrates . Hence God saith expresly , All Tithes are the Lords , Levit. 27. 30 , &c. And how his ? Not by Couetesie or Tolleration , not by Purchase or Stipulation , not by Compensation or Annexation , not by Benevolence or mens free Donation but by original Right of Creation , in pro●ucing every ; thing in its kind ; and of absolute Soveraign Dominion ( expressed in the word f f Psal. 24. 1. Psal. 89. 11. Psal. 97. 5. 1 Chron. 29. 11 , 12 , 15 , 16. LORDS ) as a universal Rent service or acknowledgement , reserved by God himself , the Supreme Land-lord of all the Earth , from Adam and all his Posterity to the end of the world , g g Psalm 115. 16 Gen. 2. 15 , 16 , 17. c. 3. 17. when he gave them the Earth to inhabit and manure , as mere Tenants at will under him . He that is h h Exod. 3. 14. I AM himself : Qui cepit nunquam , desinet numquam : being vitae & essentiae interminabilis , tota simul & perfecta possessio , in aeterno su● consummato , EVER POSSESSED TITHES ( as well as the seventh day , which he saith , is , i i Exod. 20. 10. Levit. 23 ●● ▪ HIS SABBATH ) SINCE THEY HAD BEING , which are indeed his ab aeterno suo inch●ato . In this Tithes were Gods , not only at the time when he first challenged them by an expresse written Law and Reservation , Levit. 27. 30 , 31 , 32 , &c. but long before ; even when Abraham paid them : and before that , ever since the time of the Creation , that God made any thing tithable to increase out of the earth for the use of m●n . The time never was that Tithes were not Gods , nor shall ever be that they shall cease to be his , and his Priests and Ministers in and by him , by his special Donation and Institution ( not mans ) for the constant support of his continual publick worship ▪ and that by a Divine Right ; God in those things which are direct points of Piety and necessary appurtenances for his solemn worship , ( such as are Tithes for his Prie●●● and Ministers competent standing maintenance in all A●●● , places , and weekly times for his worship ) never leaving men free to their own wi●ls , inventions , or arbitrary pleasures ( no more than Land-lords their Tenants , or Kings their Subjects ) but confining them to a certainty himself by his word , as well as he doth it in all parts and duties of his worship . That Abraham knew this Divine Right of God to Tithes , when he paid Tithes of all to Melchisede● , not arbitrarily , but of due right , by vertue of some Divine Precept , ( else k k See Doctor Sclaters Ministers Portion , p. 23 , &c. Melchisede● had been inferiour to Levi who received Tithes from his Brethren , by a Divine Law and Command , Hebr. 7. 4 , 5 , 6 , &c. ) he receiving this Precept of paying Tithes by Tradition from Heber , who learned it of S●m , who was so taught of his Father N●ah : he by succession RECEIVING IT FROM ADAM ; who as he was wrought and fashioned by God , so was he herein taught and instruct●d by God . And therefore not only amongst the Sons of God , such as called rightly upon the name of th● Lord , but even amongst th● Giants of the Daughters of M●n , worshipping invented God● by themselves , and dedicatin● their TITHES unto them ( as the Premises evide●c● ) THERE NEVER WAS NUMBER THAT DID INTRUDE UPON THE TENTH , MUCH LESSE SHOULDER IT OUT OF DOORS . This Number of T●● ( writes Philo the learned Jew ) that most sacred W●●●●● M●ses hath not a little commended , because the best Duties of Man are by him cou●hed under that number , as God TEN COMMANDEMENTS , Vows , Prayers , First-Fruits , perpetual Offerings , pardoning Debts , and reducing all things unto their First estate , every Fiftieth year of Jubilee , ( made up of Tenths ) the Fur niture of the Tabernacle , with a thousand such like in the old Testament ( besides other things of like nature expressed under this Number of TEN in the l l Luk. 17. 1● , 17. c. 19. 13 , 16 , 17. Mat. 25. 1. ● . Rev. 2. 10 c 5. 11. c 13. 1. c. 17. 3 , 1● , 16. Mat. 18. 24. 1 Cor. 4. 15. Heb. 7. ● , ● . New ) by which we may know , that TEN IS THE NVMBER OF PERFECTION ( as ●ivers style it ) and hath near affinity with God in sacred things . That from Gods own Original Reservation of TENTHS to himself and his Ministers , this number became sacred and universal afterwards in all publick civil Taxes , Dues , reserved to Kings and Supream Magistrates . For the First-born and chief of the Family , from Adam , till the Levitical Priesthood instituted , being for the most part King as well as Priest thereof , ( as Melchisedec who received Tithes of Abraham was , Gen. 14. 18. Heb. 7. 1 , 2. ) when these two Offices came afterwards to be centred and settled in two distinct persons , thereupon the antient TENTHS ( reserved by God , and assigned to his Priests and Ministers in perpetuity , for their subsistence and maintenance of his publick worship , from the Creation to the end of the world , by a Divine Law , which no humane powers could repeal ) both amongst Gods own people , and most Heathens Nations ; were appropriated to , and received only by the Priests and Ministers , though divested of the Royal dignity ; and a NEW TENTH , by way of Tribute , Tax , Custome , or Subsidy ( amounting commonly to the Tenth part of the peoples tithed increase and estates , in all Kingdomes and Republiks ) was by Common consent imposed on and reserved , received by Emperors , Kings Princes , and Supreme Magistrates from the people , for their support , defraying the charges of the Government , and their peoples necessary defence upon all occasions . Hence Tributes , Taxes , Customes and publick impositions , were usually called TENTHS ( as well as Ministers Tithes ) both amongst Gods own people , 1 Sam. 8. 15 , 17. ( amounting To the tenth of their estates and increase ; as also amongst the antient Romans , Grecians , and most other Pagan Nations of old , ( as Mr. Mountague proves at large in his Diatribae , c. 3. by sundry Authors ) as they were anciently and at this day so stiled , both m m Purcha● Pilgrimage , p. 304. 616. 621. 630. The writers of these several Nations , Realms and Republikes , printed in 16. amongst the Turks , Moors , Spaniards , Germans , Italians , French , Danes , Swedes , Poles , Scots , Irish , and most other Pagan and Christian Nations at this day ; especially in England , as you may read at large in Rastals Abridgments of Statutes , Title Taxes and Tenthes ; Brooks Abridgement , and Ashes Tables , Title Quinzime , Disme , Tax and Talla●e , and our Parliament Records . And from this number of Ten their Officers as well of State as Religion , were usually stiled , Decemviri , Decuriones , Decumani , Decani , Decadarchae , Decatutae , Decatologi , Decatorii , and the like ; our Names of Offices of Deans , Tithingmen , Collectors of Tenths , &c. proceeding from the self-same Number ; Sacred every way even amongst Pagan Nations , both in their Duties of Piety and Policy , by constant tradition , they knew not why nor wherefore , and likewise amongst Gods people , upon the premised grounds . Hence Doctor Tillesley thus concludes in his Epistle to King James , before his Animadversions on Mr. Seldens History . Surely the Number Tenth or Tithe is Sacred and very Mystical , and communicated only to consecrated or Sacred persons That are Gods Vicars upon earth ; that is , Kings and Priests : Decima Regis et Decima Sacerdotis ; who both stand in Gods place , and receive this Portion as Gods upon earth . From all which premises , Mr. Mountague , Dr. Carlton , Dr. Tillesley , Dr. Sclater and others conclude ( and let our Army Officers , New Legisers , and all Tithe-oppugners consider it ) That the Ministers of the Gospel now , as well as Gods Priests heretofore , have an eternal Right to Ecclesiastical Tithes , by Gods own unalterable Institution ; and none else any Right at all unto them but they ; From which Right no man , nor all men can deprive or debar them ; by any pretended Right , Prescription , M●dus Decimandi , Custome , Vsage , Law , Statute or appointment of any other maintenance in lieu thereof , as more just , equal and convenient .

6. Tithes being originally due and paid to Jesus Christ himself , n n Rom. ●●● ▪ God over all blessed for ever ; yea specially , reserved by , appropriated , consecrated to our Lord God , as his peculiar Holy Portion , Tribute , Rent , Right , Inheritance , Homage , from the sonnes of men , for the constant maintenance of his publick Worship , and support of his Priests and Ministers attending thereon , to the end of the world . Lev. ●7 . 30 , 32. Numb. 18. 24 , 26 , 28 , 29. Mal 3. 8 , 9. Heb 7 2 , to 10. 1 Cor. 9. 4 , to 15. and thereupon being usually stiled , both by o o Origen , Hom in Num. c 18. Ambrose , Serm. 5. Fer. 2 & Augustin , Serm. 219. Jerom , in Mal. 3. Fathers , p p Ma●iscon : 2. Can. 5. Moguntiense . An. 813. & 846. & 847. Concil. Lateran . c. 54. Ticmense sub Leone 4. Londinense : 2. ●oan : in Gratian . Su●ius , Hoveden . Councils , q q Extravag . de Decimis . c. 13 , 14 , 15 , 16. Popes Decretals , r r See Mr. Seldens History of Tithes , c. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8. Bochellus , Decret. Eccles. Gall. l. 6. Tit. 8. Dr. Tillesleys Animadversions , p. 4. to 30. Princes Edicts and Christian Writers in all Ages , Dominica substantia , Res Dominicae , Dei census , Dei debitum , &c. Non ab hominibus , sed ab ipso Deo institut● : qua● Deus in Signum universalis Dominii Sibi reddi praecepit , suas esse Decimas asseverans , &c. The constant payment of them to Ministers under the Gospel , is not only warranted , commanded by the equity and words of the 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 , & 8. Commandements of the Decalogue , ( therefore far from being a Sin against the 2d . Commandement , as s s In his voyce . John Canne most absurdly and impudently asserts ; as if Gods Precepts were repugnant to each other : ) but likewise expressely , positively , eternally , prescribed by our Saviour Christ himself , in this peremptory Gospel-Precept , recorded by three Evangelists , Matth. 22. 21. Mar. 12. 17. Luke 20. 25. RENDER therefore to CAESAR the things that are CAESARS ; and UNTO GOD THE THINGS THAT ARE GODS . Thus seconded by the Apostle Paul , Rom. 13. 7 , 8. RENDER THEREFORE TO ALL THEIR DUES , &c. Tithes ( as the premises evidence beyond contradiction ) have Gods own Image , Impresse , Superscription , as visibly , as legibly engraven on them by himself , as any Tribute-money then shewed our Saviour , had Caesars , by the Mint-Masters ▪ yea , they were Gods own antient , standing , constant , known Tribute , at that very season when Christ uttered this precept , and some thousands of years before , specially reserved by , and duly rendered unto God and his Priests , by all Gods faithfull people , many hundred years before we read of any Tribute-mony paid to Caesar , or any other King or Prince . Upon which ground , as they were then , ( by this direct Gospel-Commandement of Christ himself ) enjoyned to be as constantly , duly , truly paid to God and his Ministers , as any Tribute , Tax or Customes are unto Caesar , or other Higher-Powers whatsoever : So they have since our Saviours daies ( except only in times of greatest persecution under Pagan ▪ Emperors , during which some Tithes were rendered to God ▪ Ministers in some places , or things of greater value , as I shall prove anon ) been still continued and universally paid to God in his Ministers , in all or most Christian Churches , Realms , Republicks , from the first publick imbracement of the Gospel amongst them , to this present , and more especially in this our Realm , as Mr. John Selden in his History of Tithes , Doctor Tillesley , Tyndarus , Rebuffus , with others prove at large ; and the Author of Respublica , sive Status Regni Poloniae ( Lugduni Bat. 1627. p. 177. ) thus attest , for the Church and Clergy of Poland , Habent etiam Decimam omnium segitum , Publico Principum ac totius Poloniae consensu Iam inde ab initio susceptae Religionis Christianae attributas , & aliis quibusdam Pensionibus cumulatas . Habent & luculentos fundos , Praedia , Pagos , Oppida , arces , & territoria ; partim priscorum ibidem Principum & Regum ; partim privatorum munificentia adjectas ( as they likewise had in t t See Spelmanni Concil: Antiqu. Eccles. Brit. Dr. Usher De Rerum Britanicarum Primordiis . ours , and other Christian Realms ) yet he afterwards subjoynes and complains , as we may justly do , Nunc passim in alienas Donationes ac Decimas invaditur , longe majore avariciae rapacitatisque infamia , quam egestatis relevatione . Therefore Gods and our Ministers Tithes , being by our Lord Jesus Christs own Gospel precept thus positively commanded to be constantly and duly rendered unto them , as well as tribute unto Caesar ; no consciencious Loyal Christians , but professed Atheists , Antiscripturists , Rebels unto God and Christ , can justly , or by any pretext of Conscience , refuse the due , constant payment of them , no more than of lawfull Tributes and Taxes legally imposed on them by common consent (u) in (v) See 25 E. 1. c. 5. 34 E. 1. c. 1. Cooks 2. Instit. p. 529 , 532 , 533 , &c. & the Petition of Right 3. Ca● . free and lawfull Parliaments ; nor any Caesars , Kings , Princes , Magistrates , or Supreme Powers , denie , defraud or deprive them of their Tithes and Dues , upon any pretext , without impairing , impeaching , subverting their own Rights and Titles to those civil Tenths , Tributes , which they challenge and receive from the people as their due , by this very Precept of our Saviour , which couples Gods Dues and his Ministers together with their own ; the inviolable preservation whereof , is the best and readiest means to secure their own Tenths and civil Dues . Whereas these Princes , Potentates ▪ Powers , Grandees , Legifers , who are so sacrilegiouslie injurious as to invade , impair , diminish , substract or abolish , Gods and his Ministers Tithes , Duties , or divert them to pay their Souldiers , or any other publike or private use , will thereby but undermine their own interests , and teach the people how to defraud , substract , deny their own antient Civil Tenths , Customes , Duties , Taxes , Rents . and New Impositions , Excises of all sorts , by way of retaliation ; most of the Anabaptistical and levelling present Petitioners against Tithes and Glebes , petitioning , declaiming likewise against all Customes , Imposts , Taxes old or new , as x x See Lucas Os●ander , ●●chi●id . Contr. cum Anabaptistis . Harmony of Confessions , Sect. 19. of the Civil Magistrate . My Swo●d of Christian Magistracy supperted . intollerable Grievances and hinderances to sree Trade ; and many of them asserting , all civil Supreme Powers and Magistrates whatsoever , as antichristian and unlaw fall , as Tithes and Ministers are in their false account .

Lastly , all Opposites to our Ministers Tithes do , and must of necessity acknowledge ( from the Scriptures insisted on in the first Proposition , and Reasons there alleged ) That some competent Maintenance , Salary , Recompence , Reward , or other ( arbitrary as they hold , certain and setled as we assert ) belongs to the Ministers of the Gospel by a divine , moral , natural Right , Justice , and Equity ; as all grant a Sabbath ( and Government ) in general to be of divine Authority , Institution , and morally due to God . Now the whole Church of God from the creatiō to this present , ( though under various dispensations in the times of the Patriarchs , Law and Gospel ) being but y y John 10. 16. c. 11. 51 , 52. Eph. 1. 22 , 23. c. 2. 13. to the end , c. 4. 4 to 17. c. ● . 23 , to 3● . Iohn . 17. 20. to 25. Cant. 6. 9. Ezech. 37. 16 , to 24. Rom. 12. 4 , 5. Eph. 1. 10. 1 Cor. 10. 17. c. 12. 12 , 13. Col. 3. 15. Hebr. 12. 22 , 23. I say 66. 18 , to 24. ●ne intire Corporation or spiritual Body-Politique , wherof Jesus Christ himself is the only head , King , Lord , Law-giver , High-Priest , Chief Pastor , Minister , Advocate , Saviour , Foundation , Corner-Stone ; and the successive Priests , Ministers and Members thereof from the beginning to the end of the World , serving , worshipping , adoring , only one and the self-same true , z z Mal. 3. 6. Iam. 1. 17. Hebr. 7. 24. c. 13. 8. 1 Tim. 5. 15 , 16. Psal. 2● . 26 , 27. immutable , invisible , eternal Lord God , according to his prescribed will and word : and Jesus Christ himself ( the only High priest of this Church for ever ) receiving , and God his Father prescribing Tithes for the Maintenance of his Priests and Levites , both before and under the Law ; and no wayes abolishing , but ratifying them in and by the Gospel , as I have already proved : There neither is , nor can be any other particular kind of competent , sitting , standing , setled Maintenance , Reward or Recompence for all the Ministers of the Gospel evinced , demonstrated out of Gods word , which may be truly reputed moral , natural , divine , universal , perpetual and unarbitrary ; nor any other duly rendered from all Christians in all Ages , places , a a Rom. 14. 23. in Faith Conscience , and sincere obedience towards God , as such a maintenance , but this of Tithes alon● , independent on the lusts & wills of men : It being that which the Patriarchs , no doubt by Gods prescription being paid in Faith ) both vowed and paid to God before the Law ; which God himself afterwards specially reserved , prescribed , and all his people duly rendered under the Law ; annexing many promised blessings to the true payment , denouncing many threats , curses to the sacrilegious Substraction or detaining of them ; that which Christ himself and his Apostles most specially pointed at , commended , ratified in the Gospel ; that which all Christian Kings , States , Magistrates , Churches , Christians under the Gospel in all Ages , places have generally fixed upon , approved , asserted , prescribed , ●●tified , a● not only sacred and divine but as such a most ●●●t , w●●e , equal , excellent , incomparable way of maintanance ( invented by the most wise God ) which cannot be matched , much l●sse amended , exceeded by all the policy , wit , o● wisedom of men : being a most certain , standing , unva●i●ble , convenient Allowance in all Ages , places , seasons , alterations , how ever things rise or fall , continuing unalterable like the weekly Sabbath ) as to the porportion or qu●●apa●● , in all vicissitudes of warre , peace , plenty , scarcity , famine ; and causing all Ministers to sympathize , fare , share alike with their people everie where , be the times and seasons good or bad , wet or dry , plentifull or barren ; and giving them a competent share in b b Gal. 〈…〉 12. 〈…〉 all their Temporal Blessings , without such toyl or labour as might interrupt them in their Ministry , Studyes , and furnishing them with a tenth part of every tythable Thing their respective Parishes yield for the food , cloathing , support of themselves , Families , Cattel , or vendibles of somekind or other , sufficient to buy what else they want . This way of Maintenance therefore so sacred , divine , antient , moral , universal , convenient , equal , unalterable , and so long continuance in Gods Church in all Revolutions , may not , must not , cannot be either totally abrogated , substracted , detained , diminished , nor changed into any other new fangled pretended more equal , just , certain , convenient , lesse troublesome Stipendiary , Salary , by any pragmatical , Jesuitical , Anabaptistical , Atheistical Politicians , Statists Powers or Legislators whatsoever , without the highest Antichristian Pride , Presumption , Insolency , and c c 2 Thess. 2. 3 , 4. Exaltation of themselves above and against God himself , whose special sacred Institution , portion , rent , inheritance , right , and due they are ; particularly ( both by name and kind ) reserved , prescribed by , appropriated , devoted to himself , by his own command ; which all Emperors , Kings , Princes , Potentates , Powers , Generals , Armies , Nations in the world have no Power or Jurisdiction to repeal , disobey , change , alter ; no more than Tenants their Landlords antient Quitrents , Services , Tenures , or Subjects , Servants , their Kings or Masters Laws , Orders , Mandates , yea no more than they can change Gods weekly Sabbath into another different proportion of time , or any other sacred Institution , into a new superstitious humane Invention , as learned Ke●kerman , in his System . Polit. l. 1. c. 21. Polanus in Ezech. 48. v. 14. Dr. Carlton , and Dr. Scalter , in their Treatises of Tithes , assert and prove at large .

This divine Right of Tithes even under the Gospel , which I have pleaded for , hath been constantly asserted in all Ages , since the Apostles times till now , by Fathers , Councils , the Laws , Edicts of Christian Emperors , Kings , Parliaments , Canonists , Casuists , Schoolmen , Historians , Lawyers , Popish , Protestant Divines of all sorts and Nations . Dr. Richard Tillesly in his Animadversions upon Mr. Seldens History of Tithes , printed London 1619. p. 3 , to 30 , hath colected a Catalogue of no lesse than 72. such Authorities ( in a Chronological method ) before the year of our Lord 1215. as have asserted their Ius Divinum , in all Ages before that ; whereof Irenaeus ( flourishing in the year of Christ 180. ) is the first , and the Constitutions of Fredericus the second , the last , where those who please may peruse them . Mr. Seldens laborious History of Tithes , and Review , especially ch. 5. 6 , 7 , 8 , 9. supplies us with many more Authorities of this kind , in succeeding times , especially with our own Domestique Laws and Councils , to whom I refer the impartial Reader , and to Dr. Tillesly , Dr. Sclater , Mr. Mountague , Mr. Nettles , and Sir James Semple their Animadversions on and Answers to his History : If any desire further satisfaction in this point , let them peruse Andr. Hispanus , De Decimis Tractatus . Petrus Rebuffus , and Tyndarus De Decimis , printed Colo. 1590 Gaspar Boetius , De Deciman Tutori Hispanico JURE praestanda : Grav . 1565. Ignatius Laserte & Molina , De Decimis Venditionis , & Permutationis . Ioan. Giffordus , Moderata Dissertatio de Ratione alendi Ministros Evangelicos : Hanov. 1619. Gulielmus Redoanus , De Rebus Ecclesiae non aliendis : Ven. 1589. & De Spoliis Ecclesiae Romae . 1585. Alexander Stiaticus , Repet . in Extrav . Ambitiosae : De Rebus Ecclesiae non aliendis . Alph. Villagus , De Rebus Ecclesiae non ritè alienatis , recupe●andis : Bon. 1606. ( a Treatise of hard digestion in these sacrilegious times : ) Sir Henry Spelman , De non temerandis Ecclesiis : Dr. John Prideaux , Orat. 5. De Decimis : Dr. Edward Reynolds , Explanation on Psal. 110. v. 4. Gul. Zepperus , Legum Mosaicarum Explanatio , l. 4. c. 40. And learned Hugo Grotius , who thus concludes in his Book De jure Belli & Pacis , l. 1. c. 1. ●ect . 17. p. 9. ( deservedly magnisied by all Scholars , Lawyers , Politicians , Souldiers , and therefore I close with it , to stop all their mouths at once . ) I exvetus de Sabbato , & altera De Decimis , monstrant Christianos obligari , nec minus Septima temporis parte ad cultum divinum ; Nec minus fructuum Decima in alimentum eorum qui in sacris Rebus occupantur , au● simil●s pios usus seponant . Resolving the tenth part of mens increase at least , and no smaller proportion , to be d d See Sclaters Ministers Porportion , p. 224 , 225 , 226 , where he proves this by their parallel . as justly , morally , perpetually due to God and his Ministers under the Gospel from all Christians , as the weekly Sabbath , and seventh part of their time , and no lesse , is due still by them to God and his publike worship .

Thus much for the divine Right of our Ministers to their Tithes , omitted in the former part , but here supplyed , for the Readers fuller satisfaction in these Sacrilegious times , which so violently and impiously decry it without Scripture , Reason , Antiquity , Authority , out of malice and design . The succeeding Chapters more concern their Legal , Rational Right and Equity depending on their Divine .