COL. GEORGE WASHINGTON FLOWERS MEMORIAL COLLECTION DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY DURHAM. N. C. PRESENTED BY W. W. FLOWERS AN ABBIDOMENT OF A SERMON PREACHED AT SHEFFlELJi, (eNG.) APRIL 25, 1821. BY Ri:V. JAMES BENNETT, Minister of JiC Indepe ident Chui-cL, t nd Pres't'ent of RoLherham Collegv. *' Cruel .'/-e .tnuerness that, w'iisprrs peace To men af " in^ A^ U!. iheir Redeemer, men Who scorn his clemency, and dare Ij's wrath! And O! how false the fnends^'p, hat uni es Preacher ami people i)^. the ruinous work Of mu ual flattery."' %Arwvwvwvw HILLSBOROUGH: PRINTED BY DENNIS HEARTT* 1823. 4 DUTY OF SUPPORTING THE AN ABIIIDGMENT OF A SEBMON PREACHED AT SHEFFIELD, (eNG.) APRIL 25, 1821. EY^REV JAMES BENNETT, Minister of the Independent Churcht and Pres.of Rotherham Col. w-vvw WXl If toe have sown unto yon spiritual things^ is it a great thing if tt# ihall reap your carnal things? — 1 Cor. ix. 11. It devolves on me, my dear hearers, by the appoint- rnent of others, and not by my own choice, to unfold and enforce the duty of supporting the ministry of the word. 1 am not unaware thai the first mention of this subject will startle many, and awaken a thousand reflections on the de- lica' y, not lo say the invidiousness of the attempt. But as I h'.pe to ftive the most satisfactory proof that divine thority binds this duty on the conscience, I presume that~ you feel it would be an affront to your good sense, and a reflection on your christian principles, to waste your time in efforts to display the proprieiy of in&ulcating that which God has commanded, and of resolving, that neglect on this point shall not rob us of the right to say, " we have kept back nothing that was profitable to you, nor shunned to declare the whole counsel of God." If any shrink from this subject, not on their own ac- count, but for the sake of others; lest the discussion should prove injurious to religion, by giving colour to the suspi- cion of mercenary motives; which some affect to enter- tain against the ministers of religion; I respect their fears, I sympathize with their delicate solicitudes, and say, with 2 the apostle, it were better for us to starve, or to die, than that any man should make void our glorying, that we preach the gospel, « not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; and seek not yours, but you." I would, tiovvever, remind such hearers, that the words I have chosen for my text are extracted from a passage, in which the same apostle who was so exquisi'.ely alive to every thing that might commit the honour of the (gospel, inculcates the duty of supporting the ministry, on an in- fani church, whom he might naturally ne afraid of preju- dicing against that religion w hich they had so recently em- braced. Yet we shall soon see with what frankness and decision he who would sacrifice every right, or interest of his own, or even life itself, to the h(;nour of the gospel, demands the recompense due to pastor il toils; without once betraying the slightest suspicion that he might injure the religion of Jesus, by pressing a duty which bears the impress of divine authority, and commends itself alike, to the coolest decision of the judgment, and the noblest feel- ings of the heart. That those who live under the highest inspirations of religion, will welcome the consideration of this subject, I am satisfied; because I know that they grieve for the inadequate attention paid to that which so deeply aflTccts the interests of the church; while those who would glad- ly lose sight of the grand christian duty, or blot it from the code of scripture and the christian's breast, are the very persons, for whose " correction and instruction in righteousness,** we arc compelled to unfold the duty; and urge to that obedience which Heaven demands, for its ho- nour and their highest good. On the coolest consideration, therefore, I feel myself entitled to all christian freedom in discussing this subject; not forgetting that, as I am often called to address young ministers on their duty to the churches, and can appeal to some present that I have endeavoured to discharge that delicate task with unsparing fidelity, showing all that the churches have a right to expect from us, I may be indul- ged with equal boldness, while I call upon christians to yield an adequate support to those, who " watch for your souls as they that must give an account.*' 5 I request, Ihen, your candid attention to I. The divine afifiointmenty that the church of Christ should sujipori its nninisters. To a christian audience, scarcely any thing more is ne» cessary, certainly nothing is more conclusive and authori- tative on aiiy point, than to show that " thus sailh the Lord.** In the mode of adducing my proof of this, I can- not follow a better example than that of the inspired apos- tle, who shows, that the ancient dispensation enjoined the same duty; that Christ perpetuated it under the gospel; and that in fact, it may be termed a duty of natural reli- gion, or, in other words, that it is but common justice. 1. Under the Mosaic dispensation, God enjoined that the mmisiers of relifjion should be supported by the con- tributions of the people. Let no one take alarm at this appeal to the law, as if I wished to bring them under the Jewish yoke of ceremo- nies; for it should be remembered, that all that is most dear to our hearts as christians, was first announced to the world by Moses and the prophets, before Christ and his apostleji proclaimed the fulfilment of the promised grace. The seed of ihe woman shall bruise the serpent's head, said Moses in the law; Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, sang the sublime prophet Isaiah; while those psalms which kindle our dovotion, and give utter- ance to the emotions they inspire, were penned by Driq^d for the service of the Mosaic tabernack and the templi^ which Solomon built. If ever, therefore, we read th€ Old Testament with reverence and delight; if, at any tinp^e, it cheers cur hearts with its consolations, or guides our steps by its counsels; we admit tb.ai the more ancient half of the inspired code may be our instructor; though it was given under a dispensation that has now yielded to one n.ore glorious and complete. In fact, the very apostle who most strenuously contended that the law was but a sliadow of good things to come, of which the body is Christ,'* in that same tpistle, which was designed and blessed to call off the earliest christians from doating upon that which was abolished, so fully displays the various and interesting modes, in which the legal rights unfolded evan- gelical truths, that he leaves no doubt of the propriety of 4 learning christian duty from the general principles of a dispensation, whose peculiar rites are no longer in force. Justly, therefore, the apostle says to the Corinthian church,* " who goeth a warfare any time at his own char- ges? who planieth a vineyard, and eaielh not ot the fruit thereof? pr who feedeth a flock, and eaieth not oi the milk of the flock? Say I these things as a man? or saith not the law the same also? For it is wniten in the law of Moses, thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, it was written: that he thai plowf th should plow in hope; and he that thresheih in hope should be partaker of his hope. If wc have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? If others be partakers ot this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suff'er all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do ye not know, that they who minister about holy things live of the things of the tt mplc< and they who wait at the altar ate partakers with the akar? Even so hath the Lord ordained, tnat they who preach the gospel should live of the gospel." This leads me to sIjow 2. The same duty, of supporting the ministers of reli- gion, is enjoined by Christ under the gospel. Here, also, as in all other things, that Saviour, who is the Legislator, has made himscll the model of viitue. He who wrought, as it is pt obable, at the trade of a carpen- ter, to support himself and the fa-nily in which he was born, previously to his coming forth to the public minis- try, would not have disdained to continue that coinse of honest industry, however it might have shocked the pride of the carnal mind: yet he deemed it proper to discontin- ue it, from the time that he was anointed by the Holy Spi- rit, to preach the gospel of the kmgdoni. As he came not " to i^e ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many," we might have expected, that he would rather give than receive; and to him who wrought miracles to meet the exigencies of the starving * 1 Cor. ix. 7 — 14. 5 thousands who attended his ministry, it had been easy to create all that was necessary for him and his attendant band. He chose, however, to cast himself on the liberal- ity of his hearers, to live upon the contributions of those whom he was serving; for, in addition to the entertain- ment he received, wherever he went, preaching the gos- pel, " certain women, who followed, ministered to him of their substance." In harmony with the same design, and as a part of the same plan, when he sent forth the apostles for a short ex- cursion, while he was with them; that these newly fledg- ed eaglets might try their wings, before he should be ta- ken from them and they should fly through the whole world having the everlasting gospel to preach to every nation under heavttn; he gave them this charge, As ye go, pfeach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils; freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor hrass in your purses, not scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves; for the ivorkman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or lo^rn ye shall enur, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till you go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it be not wor- thy, let your peace return unto you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off" the dust of your feet. Ve- rily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city." He could have wrought miraclus for them every day, and supplied all their need each moment. Or he, who raised money from the bottom ot ti e sea, in the mouth of a fish, to pay the contribuiion required for the service of the temple, could, in a moment, have filled their purses wiih all that their journey would requiie. Nor is it improbal)ie that this would have been far more gratify- ing to the feelil^gs, I would not say the pride of the disci- pies, to pay for all they obtaii-ed, and opeiily confer, rath- er than seem to receive obligations. But the superior wis- dom of their Lord and ours, determined that they should go without script, and without purse; that those, to whom they ministered, sliould entertain and support ihem all their journey through; that they should inquire for the most worthy persons, and there abide, as putting honour upon their host; for, it is a maxim in Christ's kingdom, that he and his faithful servants richly repay their entertain- ment, since the labourer is well worthy of his mi at. When, therefore, the Spirit descended on them at Pen- tecost, the apostles gave themselves up wholly to their ministry; so entirely withdrawing from all secular con- cerns, that even the distribution of the alms of the faith- ful, was not sufficiently spiritual for their hands. They said, therefore, " it is not meet for us to leave the word of God, to serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you, seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and the ministry of the woid."* In those letters to the ministers, Timothy and Titus, in which Paul pourlrays the character, ai d di scribes ^hr du- ties of the christian pastor, he says, give thyself wholly to these thingSyXhai thy profiting may appear u: all." No man that warreih ent:\ngleth himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier."t 1 know, indeed, that it is oi^jected, that Paul himself is an exception to this rule. But this very objection adnuts, that the rule is, that ministers shouh' be supported by the people of their charge. How sirange, then, is the per- version which makes the exception their rule, and the rule an exceptioi ! And for what reason did Paul make him- self an exception to that which he declared the Lord or- dained should be the general practice? Because there were some, among the first churches, who being ill affect- ed to his person, his ministiy, and doctrine, would gladly have seized any opportunity to charge him with sinister motives. He detern>ined, therefore, to cut cflf all occa- sion " from thefi) who desire occasion, that wherein they glory, they may be found even as vve."| Who, therefore, can require their minister to imitate the apostle, in thus * Acts vi. 2—4. t 2 Tim. ii. 4. 4 2 Cor. xi. 12. 7 ajjstaining to receive support from those to whom he min- isteied, without inakint;: the unenviable admission, that they imitate the ill-disposed persons, virho view the minis- try and the gospel with an evil eye; whom it h therefore necessary to melt down by heaping coals of fire on tneir heads; to vanquish, by such a course of voluntary martyr- dom for their welfare, as would stop the mouth uf an infi- del, and compel the bitterest foe to admit, we were their disinterested friend? For this reason, our missionaries among the heathen are obliged, at first, to support themselves, or must be assist- ed by the churches at home: because, wc cannot expect idolaters to contribute to the support of a religion, whose truth and value they have yet to learn. But shall we deal thus Hiib the churches of Christ? Tiie love of Christ forbids that we should treat you, brethren, as heathens. But after all, it was only at certain intervals, and in par- ticular places, that Paul labored, working with his ovrn hands lo minister to his wants. For we read most distinct- ly, of the contributions made to his support, by the disci- ples of Christ. One beautiful acknowledgment of their liberality may well suffice. " In Tliessalonica, ye Philip- pians sent once and again unto my necessity. Not that I desire a gift; but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound; I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour o{ a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well- pleasing to God; but my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.** Even in Corinth, where the apostle received nothing from the church he served, he was assisted by churches at a distance. Have I committed an offence in abasin,^ my- self that ye might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? I robbed other churches, taking wages of ihem to do you service. And when I was preseiU with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man; for that which was lacking to me th^ brethren who came from Macedonia supplied." If the persons, to whom this was written, had any generous sensibility, how must they have been stung by this reflection on themselves, and how 8 must they have envied the churches of Macedonia iheir superior honour, in supporting the apostles of Chrisii 3. It is the dictaie of what may be termed natural re- ligion; as it is but common justice that those who labour for others, should be supported by them. Had not God explicitly interposed his auihority, nor regulated this sub- ject in divine revelation; but had he only said, now judge of your ownselves; does not nature teach you what is rij»hi? would it not have been manifest, to every roan of common sense and just feeling, that if one class of society give themselves to secular duties, and to provide what is uselul for this life, and another devote their days to m.en- tal aiid spiritual pursuits, to promote the interests of the soul, those who derive the benefit of the spiritual man's seclusion and studies, should share with him the benefit of their labours and coaimerce? To wish that it were otherwise, betrays such a perver- sion of mmd, and such a destitution of all just moral feel- ing, as is utterly inconsistent with common honesty, apart from all consiJeration of the nobh r impulses of christian religion. For the flock to desire the advantages of the minister's exertions, his mental solicitude ar»d physical pow- ers, while he receives no adequate support from their worldly gains, is as manifestly uiuqual and unjust, as it would be tor the mmi^^ter to be supported by their labors, and do nothing for them in return. Lei us now inquire into II. The extent to which this duty should be carried. If Christ has not prescribed how much we shall give, say some hypocritical pretenders to religion, we may as- sign the merest pittance, and not violate any express pre- cept. Yet, replies the genuine disciple of Christ, are there not certain considerations, that furnish some clue by which we may judge of our duty to Christ and his servants? May we not consider, w,hat measures will best answer the ends of justice; most fully accord with the languap-e of scrip- ture; most effectually promote the interests of the churc h, and provide for the salvation of the world? If we can as- certain these points, will they not furnish us with an im- perative rule? To what extent then, should a church pro- vide for the support of its ministers, so as 9 1. To satisfy the claims of justice? I say justice^ for so the scriptures speak) and I most stre- nuoubly deny that it comes under the head of charity^ or aln[)s. For who ever supposed, that when any one had laboured hard for them all day, it was mere charity to pay hill) at night? On this footing our support is placed by Christ, *' the labourer is worthy of his hire,** or " of his meat." What proprietor ever complimented himself for his charities, because he paid the steward who watched over his property, and secured to him his income? Did any rational man ever set down to the score of alms, what he i^ave to the instructor who taught him music or French? Nor will that christian, who employs an unbiassed un- derstanding on the subject, assign the contribution to the ministry, to any other class of expense, than the payment of just debts, recompense given for services performed. The question arises, then, what sum is necessary to an- swer the ends of justice? To determine this, we must compare the services of ministers with those of others who benefit society by their talents and their toils. Men- tal services are adjudged worthy of a higher recompense than mere physical, or bodily powers; because they de- mand the exercise of the higher qualities of our nature, and are more difficult to be procured than mere muscular force. If then, the recompense given to physicians, coun- sellors, and others, whose intellect benefits their fellow men, be the btandard, I ask whether ministers are justly paid? Are they not frequently put off with that which is given to the mechanic or labourer for mere muscle and sinew? Our surprise and censure are increased when we ob- serve, that the same persons who adjudge the lowest re- compense demand the loftiest talent. They are never sat- isfied, without such powers in the pulpit as would, in any other place, secure a fortune, ar»d yet refuse to allow the minister a mere living. Is this justice? Others, while securing to themselves a fortune by the very habits of reflection, industry, frugality, and integrity, which the ministry first taught, and still cherishes, would be alarmed at the mention of such a salary for the minis- B 10 ter as would enable him to make the slenderest provision for a future day. Is this justice? Would not that venerable quality require, that if a man is placed in a certain rank of society, he should be ena- bled to support himself and his family in such a way, as will permit him to mingle with persons of that rank, wiilfc- out exciiint^, in their minds or his own, reflections on his poverty? Yet there are some persons who would be shocked at the appearance of degradation in their minis- ter or his family, while the slightest rtfleciion might con- vince them, that they had never contributed that which should enable him to spare their feelings or his own. Is this justice? If others;, think it the duty of gjood husbands and fathers, to provide for their widows and orphans, should not a min- ister, WHO is equally subject to mortality, be a husband and a father, as lender and faithful, as any of his flock? Most readily I admit, that this care for a temporal futurity is of- ten carried to guilty extremes, from which a minister should stand afar off. The same duty, however, lies upon his hear- ers. Covetousness and worldly care are sins in them as well as in him. And if there is any degree, in which it is lawful for a christian to provide for those who are dear to him, in the event of his death; in that degree it is law- ful for a minister. Yet, how few are the preachers of the gospel who can, from the income of their ministry, provide both for their family while they live, and for the wi(fow and orphan they may leave at death? That our income ceases at our death is well known; and should they be cast upon the (Thariiy of the churches, who have been identi- fied with him that had a claim in equity for himself, and the wile of his bosom, and the children of his care? Is this justice? Christians declare, with equal truth and warmth, that the ministry so demands the whole man, that no employment will less admit of a divided heart; they are quick-sight- ed to perceive when a minister gives but a moiety of his powers to their edification, and yet they leave him to be dis- tracted by all the solicitudes attendant on a straitened in- come. Is this justice? A minister's salary is often so inadequate, that, unless he 11 could work miracles to multiply the loaves and fishes, they will not hold out; if he is not a man of criminal insensi- bility to the claims of justice he must be distracted with solicitude to devit>e the ways and means to meet his credi- tors; or he must employ the larpjcr part of his time in sec- ular lal^ouis for his support. His hearers know he is not endued wiih the power gf working miracles; they insist upon his being a man of high sense of justice; they will have all his time; and will not increase his income. Is this justice? I turn to show lo what extent ministers should be pro- vided for, in order 2. To accord wiih the language of scripture. The Lord has ordained, that " they who preach the gospel should live of the gospel," not starve of the gos- pel, but so live by it, as ihey who served at the altar of old lived by the altar." For the fair construdiion of this in- spired passage is, that such a remuneration as the tribe of Levi enjoyed, under the ancient dispensation, the christian ministry should now receive. What this was, we may learn from what has already been said, that a twelfih part of the population had a tenth of the produce of the land, besides cities with their suburbs, and certain parts of the offerings of the Lord. From this, and from the ancient sacred history we may learn, that the ministers of relig- ion^were not intended to be depressed to the rank of pau- pers, but were enabled lo live about as comfortably as any of the ordinary inhabilafits of the land, neither pining in poverty, nor rioting in wealth. Nor can any thing less than this, accord with the duty of ministers of the ejospel, who are enjoined to be " ready to every good work,** and to be " examples to the flock** of all that is useful and benevolent. Is it possible that this can be a duty in ministers, who are to be provided for by you, and that it should be your duly only, to provide for them so scantily, as to make it impossible for them to do more than pay the debts, necessarily contracted to pro- cure food and raiment for their own house? Are they not enjomed to be given to hospitality,** that they may entertain the strangers, who will often apply to the pastor as to a common public friend? Have not they, 12 therefore, mistaken their duty, who think they make up the minister's support by invitint? him oficn to their table? Can they have studied that bible, that commands a minis- ter to have a hospitable table of his own? In consistency with this injunction, Paul teaches Timothy by what prin- ciples a christian church should be guided, in their choice and treatment of a bishop, by sayjng; " let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in word and cjocirine. For the scripture saith, thou shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that tread- eth out the corn; and the labourer is worthy of his re- watd." A niggardly spirit towards ministers may be learn- ed from the Koran or the Shasiers, sooner than from the blessed volume of inspired truth. Again, my friends, I entreat you to consider to what ex- tent you should provide for your ministers, in order 3. To prom1)te the highest inieresis of the church. As the spirit ot inspiration charges a young minister to "give himself wy^oZ/y to these things, that his profiting may appear to all; for no man that warreth, entangleth him- self with the affairs of this life, that he may please him that hath chosen him to be a soldier;*' we are taught that an undivided attention to the ministry is essential to the edification of the chuich, and the approbation of Christ. In fact, our Lord, whose laws are our mercies, ordained that ministers should be supported free from worldly la- bours, in order that you might have the full benefit of* their undivided attention, and th#.r utmost elasticity of mind. And when there are several hundreds of persons collected in one christian society, it is manifestly to their highest interest, to determine to maintain their minister entirely free from all temporal csCres and pursuits, that they may enjoy the full benefit of his time, his talents, his thoughts, his heart. But, when the support they allow is so scanty, that he cannot live without adding to his income the profits of some secular employment; or when, in at- tempting to avoid that which he fears will cat out the heart ol the minister^ he is so entangled with the difficul- ties of making his pittance hold out, that he is haunted with anxious cares; they cannot possibly receive the full benefit of his labours, but are robbed of the pleasure arid 13 Ihe profit they might have derived from the urrobstriicted spring of his mind, and the generous flow of his soul. In Worldly professions, men are enabled to rise superior to this pressure, by the direct hope that professional exer- tions will extricate them from pecuidary embarrassments. Bui wo to the pastor and the flock, where the fires of the pulpit are of that unhallowed kind that are kindled by the mercenary desire of earning a morsel of bread. The church, therefore, is left without remedy; and if the evil arise Irom want ol inclination, rather than ability to sup- port their rnimsier, it ts aggravated by all the weight of the Saviour*s anger, who will call them to answer for their €in, when pastor and fieofile shall be judged at his bar, I am not ignorant of tne wretched apologies that are sometimes urged. ♦ It is dangerous for a minister to be rich!' Ai^ is it not for the hearers too? And are you not afraii) of increasiog the hazards of your own soul, by adduig lo your wealth all that you withhold from him? And have you sincerely risen o that exalied height, of loving your minister better than yourself; so that you Would waich for his security from the snares of wealth, at the price of increasing your own danger of being found amung them that shall " hardly enter into tiie kingdom of God?" But * troubles are good for minisiers, who preach better tincier the rod!* Thus the epicure torments the creatures of God, that they may aff'ord him a more delicious treat! As it the world and the devil would not furnish ministers with troubles enough, unless the flock for whom they la- bour ado starvation to the list! But * wc preach better for affliction!* A broken heart, I know, is good for prayer, but it ib bad for preaching. In the pulpit, the Joy of the Lord is our strength. Then we reign and triumph over your hearts, when you reign and triumph over ours. If we preach better under the rod, it is when that rod is in the hand of God, not in yours. But to turn from cavils, which scarcely admit of seri- ous replies, I ask again; if a minister's wife be afflicted, and he be obliged to nurse her himself, because he can- not afford to pay one for giving her the attentions that are her due; can the hearers hope that he will come from the C 14 incessant waichings of a sick chamber, like a giant re- freshed with new wine? Or when his children need edu- cation, and he is compelled to teach them at hon»e, be- cause the bills of a S( huo) woul ' swallow up hib whole income; hoiv can he come from the horn book, the grammar and the slate^ on jire with aacred meditations, to fiour forth the full tide of halloiued eloquence^ and give to undent, wel; Known truths, ail ihe cliarms ihey may derive from novel anowi) a fine mind, athirst for informauon, that would have poured forth the treasures it might have acquired from reading, into ihe hearts of his hearers, stunted m its growth for want of the resources which a library would have fur- nished, arid Wf.ich a generous people would have afforded, and doomed to chastise their covetousness by a repetition of old things. No punishnieni is severer than that which is infli* leu by the re action of our own sin. Consider too, my triends,ihat the church of God is bound to have ministers, who enjoy a good report of them that are without. This, however, in a great measure depends on yourselves. I once heard a person speak ot the use- fulness of a minister thus, " If he were doing much good to that people, they would give him a better coat.*^ If it be objected that we should not attach too much importance to the opinion of the world; for pur grand concern should be, to know what is Christ's estimation of our < onduct; I most readily grant the truth. And are we not assured that an apostle under infallible inspiration, was delighted with the generc sity of a certain church to- wards him; because it redounded to their high advantage before the throne of Heaven. " I desire not a gift, but fruit, that may abound to your account. But I have re- ceived that from you, which is an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice well pleasing to God. My God shall supply all your need, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." And is that which is given to his servants, a grateful ©dour to their Lord? And must we not wish, that Heaven 15 may smell such perfumes from you? Who can refrain from t< ars, when he thinks of those from whom Christ never receives these odours, but is insulted with the nau- seous stench of their covetousness and injustice? Alas, thai he should have to look down and blush to know, that these pt i sons are called by the sacred name of him, who impoverished himself to make us for ever richl But here again, we see a re-action in the moral, like that which prevails in the physical world. For that Sa- viour who is pleased with all that i> like himself, gener- ous and kind, rewarrls this spirit in the flock, by kindling in the breast of its pastor that affection for their persons, and solicitude for then- souls, which give to his thoughts all the beauties of the bow of heaven, and to his voice all the sweetness of angelic tones. But how can this be ex- pected by a people, whose ungenerous treatment renders it difficult for tht ir ininisler to do nuich more than forgive their wickedness! It is reserved for a /z^era/ cor\gregation to hear strains like those which Paul addressed to the Philippian chuich. To the last consideration that may show us the extent to which mitusiers should be supported, I now advance. We should consider 4. What may best promote the conversion of the world. The church should consider itself placed in the earth, as a golden candlestick, to hold out the light of divine truth to a benighted world; that, from this centre, the rays of heaven nr)ay dart forth in every direction, till the whole earth shall believe on him whom the Father hath sent. No clime, no class, no character, should be excluded from our benevolence. A minister, therefore, should be ena- bled to gain admittance into every rank of society. He should not be so exalted as to be beyond the reach of a poor man, nor so depressed as to be beneath the notice of the rich; but should stand in that happy mediocrity, that will permit him to lay his hands on both extremes. I plead not lor great wealth. II, however, ministers are so poor as to be unable to gain access to persons of wealth, ■who have souls to be saved or lost as well as others; how can we be said to do our utmost for the salvation of men? A minisier^should be rich enough to give a shifiing, or, if 16 needful, a guinea to a case of distress. In fact, the men of the work), both rich and poor, do expect a minister to give; and they will very much estcen), or despise him, according as they find him generous or covetous. But a minister should be enabled to show a generous spirit, by having a liberal income. On the conversion of the world he should set his heart, and for this he siiould " devise liberal things.**" Poverty, however, shrivels the soul. Let, then, your ministers find access lo every class of society; be men ot general science and literature, who can mingle in conversation on every subject, to turn it to good account; and, by the stimulus of their own example, teach the world the love of God and man. A person, with a large and generous heart, will often think of the handsome manner in which a whole people ought to support iha' one man who is, (or who wishes to be,) incessai ily labou» ing for their good. He sfiums at. the thought 0^ clogging the nvinga of an angel, or pressing dawn to earth one ivho would bear others with him in his Jiight to heaven: anU he, v ho hc-s )usi views himself, will ;iim to inspiu' them in the mrr>ds of others; for, *^out o*f the abundance of the heart the mouth will speak.** Stt however, S( oth themselves by saying, < but our minister is contented.' How do they know? * Because he does nut complain.* Wliat then, most a n>inisler*s delica- cy always be tried, by being left to suffer until he is com- pelled to c