I. It is the duty of the people +to give their pastors not only
countenance but maintenance.+
II. It is the law of nations, and a conclusion grounded on common
equity, that those who spend themselves, as a candle, to give light
to others and for the common good of all, +should be maintained of
the common stock by all.+
III. Every calling is able to maintain them that live therein,
therefore we may not think that +the ministry, the highest calling,
should be so base or barren+ as that it cannot maintain them that
attend thereupon.
IV. Ministers are the Lord's soldiers, captains, and
standard-bearers, and therefore +are not to go a warfare at their own
cost.+
V. Ministers are to give themselves wholly to the building of the
Church and to the fighting of the Lord's battles. Therefore they are
to have their pay +that they may attend upon their calling without
distraction.+
VI. It is the ordinance of God +that they which preach the Gospel
should live of the Gospel.+--Ministers should be liberally provided
for, yet with moderation, that they draw not all men's wealth into
their purses. He that would live of the Gospel must teach the Gospel.
A benefit requires a duty, and diligence is that duty.--_Perkins._
_Ministerial Maintenance._--1. Seeing Christ's ministers are to
bestow themselves wholly in the work of the ministry and not to be
entangled with the affairs of this life, therefore the people of God,
among whom they spend their strength, are bound by common equity to
give them worldly maintenance, that they may be neither diverted from
nor discouraged in their work of watching over souls. 2. This
maintenance, though it should be moderate and such as may not through
abundance occasion pride, luxury, and prodigality, yet should be
liberal and creditable, such as may not only supply pinching
necessities, but also that they may have wherewith to supply the
necessities of the indigent, to educate their children so as they may
sustain themselves and be profitable members both of Church and
commonwealth. 3. The Church's maintenance is only due unto such
ministers as have abilities to preach and are faithful and diligent
labourers in the Word. Those who are unfit or unwilling to preach
should be removed from their charge, and not suffered to eat up the
Church's maintenance, feeding themselves and starving the souls of
people committed to their charge.--_Fergusson._