[ 59 ] Ir is an exprefs law of Chrift, that they who Maintenance due to Mini ftes. preach the Gopel fhould live of the Gospel, ac- 1Cor.9 1-14 cording to that antient command of the law 1 Tim. 5. 18, of Mofes,-Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of Deut. 25. 4. the ox that treadeth out the corn Chriftians therefore must not think it much, if they whofe bufinefs it is to fow to them fpiritual things, should reap fome reward in their carnal things, and not bear their own.charges while they are laboring in the work of the Gospel. pro Provifion to be made for Jam. 2 I Tim 2 13-17 5 3 4 MANY incidental charges well neceffarily arife in the Church in common with every other the poor. fociety, and every one ought cheerfully to contribute towards defraying them, out of love to Chrift. But especially it is one effential Gal. 2. 10. part of chriftian fellowship, that the Church. fhould take care of the poor members, and vide for the neceffary and comfortable fupply 16. of their wants. This is one of the moft di- 2 Cor. 8.7, 8, rect proofs of our love to Chrift, and for this 24. business in a peculiar manner Deacons were A&t. 6. 1-7. originally appointed in the Church. Every 1Cor. 16.1, 2. member therefore ought, on all proper occafions, to fhew his readinefs to all fuch works 2 Cor. 8 10. of love, and give according to his ability for 15. the relief of the poor brethren, not by conftraint, but cheerfully and without grudging, difcovering a bountiful difpofition, and not a fpirit of covetoufnefs; for God loveth a cheerful giver. 9.5 7. Atrates. CHRISTIANS are taught to be fubje&t unto Subjection to the higher powers, and to obey magiftrates civil Magiin the exercite of their lawful authority: be- Tit. 3 1. cause the powers which are established in the Rom. 13. 1 world. are ordained of God, and fet up by his 6. providence, not to be a terror to good works but to the evil. They are minifters of God H 2 for for good to them that do well; but reven gers to execute wrath and juft punishment upon them to do evil. Therefore chriftians are commanded to be fubject, not merely through fear, but for confcience fake, regarding the wildom, authority, and goodness of God in the providential inftitution of civil government. While they have the fame claim to all civil rights as other men, they ought not to be turbulent and feditious, or breakers of the public peace and order. Our Matt. 17. 24 Lord hath taught us by his own example to render untoCæfar the things which be Cæfar's, 22.17-22. and unto God the things which be God's; to 27. 4a. 5. 29. pay whatever tribute or tax is lawfully requir ed of us, and not willingly to offend against eftablished laws and customs of government, Tim.2.1, 3. We are bound to pray for Kings and all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peace, able life in all godliness and honefty. In matters of pure religion, we must obey God rather than man, but in civil matters we mut fubmit to every o dinance of man for #Pet, 3. 15 the Lord's fake, whether it be unto the King as fupreme, or unto Governors and other magiftrates as appointed over us both by God and the King, for fo is the will of God that by well doing we may put to filence the A. #45norance of foolish men, when they accufe chriftians as enemies to the civil govern Thefe fhort fentences ought always to Honour all men the brother bood. Fear God, Honour the King ment, 1 Pet. a. 17. be remembred Jam, 7, 21 Love Now to fum up all, if chriftians defire to be perfectly acquainted with the mind of God, and practice all the duties of religion, they must make the word of God their con ftant ftant study and meditation, and endeavor to 1Pet. 2. 1, be more acquainted with thofe facred oracles of truth which will teach them every part of wisdom and righteousness, and furnish them thoroughly unto every good work; and being well inftructed in the holy fcriptures, and praying always, they may hope for the conitant direction and help of the holy Spirit in Joh. z. 27% order to the discharge of their whole duty. In all our conduct towards men, that golden rule which our Lord hath given us will be the best general directory,- Whatfoever ye would that men fhould do unto you, do ye even the fame unto them and as to every particular branch of true religion in the various circumstances which may occur, a well in- 2 Cor. 1. 13 lightened and good confcience will be our faith- 1Pet. 3. 16 ful monitor. Matt. 7. 124 FINALLY, brethren, whatfoever things are Philip.4. 8, true, honest, juft, pure, lovely, of good report; if there be any virtue; if there be any praife; we must think on these things, and be followers of thofe who have fet us the moft eminent examples of an holy converfation. For if we are diligent in the practice of these things, in confequence of that faith 2 Pet. 1. 5◄ which we profefs, we fhall make our calling 1 and election fure, and fhall never fall; for fo an entrance fhall be adminiftred to us abundantly into the everlafting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jefus Chrift. FINIS |