SECTION IV.. 23 VIII. The light of reason further teaches us, that persons who are set apart for these religious services, and whose time and thoughts are much to be erìmployed in them, that theymay render public worship useful and entertaining to the people, and who have a charge to take care of the conversation of others as well as of their own, will not have much time to,_spare among the caresand businesses of this world, to provide themselves with necessary food and raiment, a comfortable subsistence, and the conveniences of life: and yet it is proper they should be honour- ed and supported above the very lowest ranks of the people, lest their ministrations be brought into contempt by their poverty : And, upon this account, in all,ages and in all nations, the very light of reason has directed mankind to support and maintain their priests, or those that minister to them in things 'sacred. And does not the New Testament and the authority of our Saviour, by his apostles, decree and maintain the same thing'; 1 Cor. ix. 13, 14. " -Do ye not know that they who minister about holy things, live of the things of the temple;" and that both in Jewish and Gentile nations ? And " they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar ; even so hath the Lord ordained, that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel." But let it be observed also, that though christian ministers should be so supported in temporal things, that they may not labour under perpetual cares and daily anxieties, how to get bread and raiment for themselves and their families, and that they may maintain their proper authority in preaching, reproving and exhorting, and live above the fear or shame that may arise from poverty and dishonourable dependencies, yet there is no rule nor example in scripture that should raise them so far above the peo- ple in riches or grandeur, as'to become lords of God's heritage, or tempt them to assume sovereign dominionover theirconscience, faith or practice. IX. With regard to the poor that happen to be joined to any religious societies, whatsoever, reason and humanity dictate to ns, that they ought to be maintained by certain contributions of their neighbours, or the towns and- cities wherein they dwell; for this is a matter of civil concernment, and a sort of natural duty to our fellows, as man is a sociable creature. But if the civil society or place where they dwell, does not take care to maintain them, and 'especially if they are neglected, because they do not profess the establishedor national religion, reason tells us, it is then certainly the duty of those who are combined in 'that special religious society, to take care of their support. For what pretence can a man make to serious religion towards God, if he tt ill nót spew his love to his neighbour, and
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