faith the apofile of himself in this cafe; and what adviseth he others? to 18. A. But I have used none of these things, 1 Cor. neither have I written these things, that it fhould be fo done unto me, for it were better for me to die, than that any man fhould make my glorying void. For though I preach the gofpel, I have nothing to glory of; for neceffity is laid upon me, yea, woe is unto me if I preach not the gofpel: for if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, a dispensation of the gofpel is committed unto me, What is my reward then? Verily, that when I preach the gofpel, I make the gofpel of Chrift without charge, that I abufe not my power in the gospel. 20. 33, I have coveted no man's filver or gold, Acts or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, 34, 35 that thefe hands have miniftered unto my neceffities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all things, how that fo labouring, ye ought to fupport the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jefus, how he faid, It is more bleffed to give than to receive. Q. It is obfervable, that the apostle every where makes fpecial mention among the quali fications of teachers, that they be not given to filthy lucre. What ought we then to think of thofe teachers, who will not preach without G 2 bire? Ifaich 56. 11. Ezek. 34. 2. 3.8. 3.5.11. bire? Yea, that will by violence take from those who receive no fpirituals from them? Are they like to be the minifters of Chrift? Or what elfe faith the fcripture of fuch? A. Yea, they are greedy dogs, which can never have enough; and they are fhepherds that cannot understand; they all look to their own way, every one for his gain from his quarter. Son of man, prophefy against the fhepherds of Ifrael, prophefy and fay unto them, Thus faith the Lord God unto the fhepherds, Woe be to the fhepherds of Ifrael, that do feed themselves. Should not the fhepherds feed the flocks? Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed; but ye feed not the flock. As I live, faith the Lord God, furely, because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field; because there was no fhepherd, neither did my fhepherds fearch for my flock; but the fhepherds fed themfelves, and fed not my flock. Micah Thus faith the Lord, concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him. The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof thereof divine for money; yet will they lean upon the Lord, and fay, Is not the Lord amongst us? None evil can come upon us. 6. 5, to IO. Q. These are plain teftimonies from the prophets? are there none fuch from the apostles? A. Perverse difputings of men of corrupt 1 Tim. minds, and destitute of the truth, fuppofing that gain is godlinefs: from fuch withdraw thyfelf. But godlinefs with contentment is great gain: for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out; and having food and raiment, let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich, fall into temptation and a fnare, and into many foolish and hurtful lufts, which drown men in deftruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil; which, while fome coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themfelves through with many for rows. For men fhall be lovers of their own- 2 Tim, felves covetous, boafters, proud, blaf- 3 2. phemers, difobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy. 10. II. For there are many unruly and vain Tit. I. talkers and deceivers, fpecially they of the circumcifion, whofe mouths must be stopped, who fubvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's fake. G3 But 2 Pet. 2. 1, 2, 3. But there were falfe prophets alfo among 14, 15. the people, even as there fhall be falfe teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable herefies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift deftruction. And many fhall follow their pernicious ways, by reafon of whom, the way of truth fhall be evil fpoken of. And through covetoufness shall they with, feigned words make merchandize of you: whofe judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation flumbereth not: having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot ceafe from fin; beguiling unftable fouls; an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; curfed children, who have forfaken the right way, and are gone aftray, following the way of Balaam the fon of Bofor, who loved the wages of unrighteoufnefs. Jude J Cor. Woe unto them, for they have gone in the way of Cain, and run greedily after the errors of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainfaying of Core. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lufts, and their mouth fpeaketh great fwelling words, having mens perfons in admiration, because of advantage. Q. Ought there to be any order in the church of God? A. Let all things be done decently and 14. 20. in order. Q. What What good order is prefcribed in the church concerning preachers? Is it fit that only one or two Speak? or may more, if moved thereunto? A. If any thing be revealed to another 1Cor14. that fitteth by, let the first hold his peace: 30 to 33. for ye may all prophefy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted, And the fpirits of the prophets are fubject to the prophets: for God is not the author of confufion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the faints. Q. Is there any promife that daughters, as well as fons, shall prophesy under the gofpel? A. And it fhall come to pafs afterwards, Joel that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all 2. 28. flesh, and your fons and your daughters fhall prophefy; your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall fee vifions. Q. Is that promife fulfilled and to be fulfilled? 16, 17. A. But this is that which was fpoken by Acts 2. the prophet Joel: And it fhall come to pafs in the last days, faith God, I will pour out my fpirit upon all flesh, and your fons and your daughters fhall prophefy; and your young men fhall fee vifions, and your old men fhall dream dreams. Q. Is there any fuch inftance of old in the Scriptures? A. And |