THe first Reason, It is stealing (saith the Author of the nine reasons) a­gainst the eight Commandement, and Rom. 13. Render to all their dues, Custom to whom Custom, &c. And he adds, that Tithes are due to the Minister by the Law of the Land, and the Minister hath as legal a Right to the Rates set upon houses, as the Landlord hath to his Rent, and ther­fore he that breaketh this hedge, a Serpent shall bite him, Eccles. 10.8.

I answer, First, the Title chargeth with Sacriledge, or stealing of holy Things: The right to Tithes touch­ed. I expected some proof of that charge, and that at least we should have heard of the second Commandement, which concerns Gods worship, &c. But it seems he fears that second Com­mandement will fail him, and flies to the eight, and calls the not paying of Tithes the stealing of his Goods. I answer therefore,

Secondly, There is a two-fold Right unto this worlds goods, The first Divine and holy; Right two­fold. Divine which is not here pleaded. this is pleaded for by the many thousands and ten thousands of Clergy Men of all Nations and Religions in the world, as to Maintenance, Wages, Tithes, &c. This was the [Page 2]Right of the Priests and Levites to Tithes in Canaan, and Paul (in mystical Canaan, the Kingdom of Christ) pleads the Right and Equity of receiving Temporals, for Spirituals, although as a Pattern and Example to all Christs Servants, himself who laboured most in Christ's work never inforced, nor demanded, nor desi­red a payment or gift, but either was supplied by the vo­luntary and free gift of the Saints, or in their failing (through poverty or neglect) his own honest labours and endeavours made up the Breach, &c.

The second Right is Humane. Humane. Which is,

First, Natural, which all Gods Creatures have, as their Birth-right to the Elements in Common, &c. Such is the Right of Inheritance, &c.

The second, The tenths not due, by ony Natural or civil right. Civil, by consent of Bargain, Gift, &c.

But neither as the Clergy are born mankind have they any Right to the tenth of their Neighbours in­crease, no more than their neighbours have to theirs: Nor by each particular mans Consent (in their parish circuit) for where such a Consent passeth, I confess a kind of Humane Right and due from the People, so co­venanting to the Ministers or Servants attending on whatever Religion in the world.

But where no such Consent passeth, where conscience to God dares not consent, dares not worship God so and so, dares not choose such and such Ministers of Worship, and consequently dares not maintain them in & for their Services; for any man now to cry out Thievs, Thieves, Cheaters, Robbers, &c. what is it but to sin a­gainst the nineth as well as to abuse the eighth Com­mandement, to give a false witness, and to act his part, whose name imports a False Accuser, &c?

Thirdly, The two great sins of the world, Will-worship & Oppression, have cost in the Nations of the world with [Page 3]this, The two Grand Iniqui­quities, Will-worship and Oppression, e­stablished in all Nations by Law. millions of Treasures and Lives by Gods three sore plagues▪ Sword, Famine, and Pestilence, in all which God is Righteous: For have not these two Grand Ini­quities, both in this, and in all Nations of the world, been established by Law? (Psal. 82.) for (in all humble reverence to former and this present Parliament) I ask if it be not Iniquity by Law, to force upon this Nati­on, about ten thousand Ministers or Servants, who must be received into every respective Town or Parish, A Law for Tithes. whether the people will or no, who will minister or serve them as they please; who will leave them, and depart to fatter livings when they can get them, and who yet will by the Sword force them to pay to them (as some have computed) the fifth of what the Land produceth. And I adde, for the complaining of this thorny hedge, how many thousands are bitten by that Old Serpent and enemy of mankind, as Theeves, Chea­ters, Robbers, of God and Man, &c?

If the people of this Nation should say to their Re­presentatives in Parliament, as the people of Israel, The people cannot give, nor the Par­liament re­ceive a Power of inforcing a Religion, &c. once said to Aaron, make us Gods that may go before us, make us a Religion, make us a Worship, make us Mi­nisters, appoint their maintenance, &c. Yet could not the Parliament answer to God the receiving of such a Power, nor the Framing and inforcing on the Nation a Religion Worship, Ministry, Maintenance, which they judge best, such an act being essentially against the very Nature of God, and Religion, their own civill office, and the very Consciences and Souls of men.

With much more Justice (ten thousand fold) may the civill State in act (for it is meerly a civill thing) that each Town or Parish in this Nation shall, The case of inforcing of Tithes illu­strated. whether they will or no, receive such or such a Shoomaker (or any other Trades-man) that this Town shall buy their shoes [Page 4]of him only their Parish Shoo-maker, that one last shall serve all the Feet in the Parish, that if they break the Law, cry out of Oppression and help themselves by o­ther Shoo-Makers, and Lasts, yet shall they be forc't to pay the Parish Shoomaker notwithstanding: if this be not the Case (and were ten thousand times less evil if it were the Case) let heaven and Earth be Judges.

Fourthly, Tithes cere­monial and fi­gurative. were not Tithes meer Ceremonies shado­wing out the acknowledgement of Royalty in the true Melchizedeck (the true King of Righteousness and Peace) Christ Iesus? were they not Figures of Acknowledge­ments of God; who commanded them not to all the Nations of the World, but only in that typical Land of Canaan? which typicall and holy Land God owned as his own peculiar out of all the World, and gave it freely to that figurative people of Israel, choosing out one Tribe of 12 which one Tribe had no Inheritance in the Division of the Land of Canaan as the other 11 had.

If Ioseph justly enacts a fifth for Pharaoh since the Land of Egypt was his, No land like Canaans land. how justly might the God of Heaven appoint this figurative Acknowledgement of a tenth to himself to be paid him out of this Land which so freely and miraculously he gave unto this people, whose case (in no civil respect hath parral­lel with any people upon the face of the Earth? Yea and I affirm that whatever land shall pretend to imi­tate the Pattern of Tithes, stands bound to imi­tate (Heb. 7.) the Jewish Priests, the Sacrifices, Cir­cumcision, &c. and to expect Christ Jesus yet to come for the abolishing of them &c.

Fiftly, The Pope & his Councells the chief pro­moters of Tiths among Christians. What hath the servant of Christ Jesus to do with Belial, Anti Christ? For while we pretend the Name of Christ Jesus in the Matter, What Originall or warrant for the retaining of this Jewish Ceremony? [Page 5]Do we not find it to be a whorish Device of the Anti­christian Bishops, and a policie of that great Thief, and Robber of the World, the Pope, and of his Popish La­teran Councels?

Sixtly, hath not our most glorious Founder, the Lord Jesus (the only Lord and Master of all that truly follow him) expresly declared himself in those two famous Chapters touching his Ministrie Mat. 10. and Luke 10. The provision of the true Christ for his true Embas­dors. directing them without the least Mention of Tithes, and after their experience of his Provision, drawing this Confession out of their Mouths, that they lacked nothing? Great is the Noise, and great is the Controversie about the Ministers of Christ, their Maintenance, but doubtless were that Spirit of Christ in us which was in the twelve, and the seven­ty, we should not onely pretend to succeed them in ther Commissions, but we should also find their Success and meet Christ Jesus in the same experien­ces.

Seventhly, Tiths forgot­ten by the A­postles. When the Apostles the first Messen­gers and Ambassadours of Christ Jesus, expresly han­dled the matter of the Jewish Rites, and Ordinances, (the holy Spirit of God immediately and infallibly assist­ing of them) did they among some other particulars, which for a time they permitted, once make a title of Mention of this of Tithes? Acts 16.

Lastly, Is not the practice of the Lord Jesus, The practises of Christ Je­sus and his A­postles as to maintenance. and the practise of his Apostles, and of Paul especially (amongst the Corinthians, Ephesians, and Thessalonians) Acts and Statutes and Presidents sufficient for servants of Christ Jesus? Tis true they received the volunta­ry and free Gift of such, whose Hearts God had made willing, but neither do we find that they depended upon others, nor that they bargained and capitula­ted [Page 6](above or under board) nor that they express­ly and particularly demanded or desired a Gift (Phil. 4.)

May not therefore that Man justly question whe­ther ever Christ Jesus sent him in such or such a way to preach that brings a spirit and a practice so different from Christ Jesus with him?

Object. Yea, but saith this Author, Christ Jesus saith (Luke v. 42.) ye tith Mint and Annise: These ought ye to have done, that is, Ye ought to pay Tithes.

Answ. I answer, it is worth the Enquiry whe­ther the Tith of Mint and Rue, and every Garden Herb, was due by Moses Law, or was not a superstiti­on of the Pharisees, and consequently whether the Popish Tith (now extant) of Fish and Foul, and of all Personall Gaines, be not New yoakes, unto which the Jewes themselves were never subject: Greater Tiths then the Jews paid. And conse­quently that Christ Jesus intended not that they ought to pay tithes of Mint and Rue, &c. but that they ought to observe that Jewish Law of Tiths in general.

Secondly, What if Christ Iesus told the Iews, that they ought to pay Tithes, they ought to be circumci­sed, to offer Sacrifices, what is this to the Christian Iews, the Christian Kingdome, and Worship, to whom Paul saith (Gal. 5.) If you be circumcised, and con­sequently, if you pay Tithes, Christ Iesus shall profit you nothing?

Object. Where it was objected, we hear him not, why should we pay him? The Author of the Rea­sons answereth: If thou live in a Parish where a Godly Minister is seated, it is thy sin to withdraw thy presence, but a greater to withdraw his Mainte­nance.

I reply and ask first if the Constitution of Parishes [Page 7]be from the Institution, the Command, the Testament of Christ Iesus?

Secondly, Ministers sig­nify Servants, and what they ordinarily be in England. Doth not the word Minister in plain English signifie a Servant or Waiter on the Parish? and then what Servants or Waiters shall we find those to be that scorne or shame to be called by their own Names in English, that will force their Ministrie or Service upon a Man in spight of him, that will serve him as they list themselves, that will be gone when they please and possibly can to more gainfull services, and whether they perform any Ministrie or Service or no, yet will force such wages from their Masters, as they never agreed to pay, yea although their Masters Children want Bread, and Cloathing, which is the case of thousands of poor Tith­payers in England?

Thirdly, Be the Minister or Servant of the Parish never so godly, yet it is sin for that man to hear or maintain him, that cannot be fully perswaded in his heart, that his Ministry and Ministration is of God, and that he ought to maintain him, &c. Rom. 14.

Lastly, Why should it be a greater sin for a man not to afford his Maintenance, than his presence? Not to pay Tithes, than not to join in the Word of God and Prayer?

Oh, The great God of most Tith-mon­gers. that I could not justly fear that the Belly is a greater God with most Tith-mongers Affections, (I dare maintain it with all Tith-mongers Practises) then is the true and living God, and his most holy and blessed Son Christ Jesus! Hence it is that in Holland, where (and in other Protestant Countries) Tithes are damned) I say, that the Dutch Clergy are so tame and gentle, for having their set wages from the State, not only may all Religions be in quiet amongst them, but also the grea­test [Page 8]part of the Dutch Nation, be of any or none, and of what Religion they please.

Further, whereas to a third Objection (to wit, he will not give us our due the Sacrament) it was answered, the Sacrament is not due but in Order, 1 Cor. 14 40. As al­so that the Examination of Communicants, belongs not to the Minister, nor to the Minister with the Congregation, but to the Minister with the Ruling Elders, for which he quotes the singular book of the Vindication of Presbyterian Government. Secondly, he saith the Sacrament is not due to scandalous persons, Thieves and Robbers of God.

Answ. Grant the holy Decency, of all the instituti­ons of Jesus Christ, yea the necessity of Decency and Order in all things, Masters won­derfully de­ceived of their Suppers by their Ser­vants. that are not Babylonish and confused: yet what is this to the Popish and Prelaticall Ceremonies and Trumpery, for which they pretended this Scripture? what warrant is this when a Minister our Servant of a Parish shall confess he is hired to performe the Mini­stry or Service of the Parish (amongst which Services that of administring the Supper, hath ever been ac­knowledged one of the chief) when he shall take by force of armes his wages, and yet when his Masters come and expect their Supper, what warrant is there for this Servant, plainly to tell them, it is not Decen­cy nor Order, that they eat any Supper at all? they may have Break-fast and Dinner, (Prayers and Ser­mons, and Psalms, and their children made Christian Souls) but they get no Supper.

Are not all these holy things joined together in the Ministry or Service of the Apostles? Politick su­perstition as to the Lords Supper. Act. 2.42. And may not he that pretends to be a Minister or Servant to a people, say he ought not to serve or Minister any of them, as well as not all of them? And indeed is it not a Relique still of the old Kneeling, yea, and this [Page 9]and that both Reliques of the old Transubstantiation, to pretend so high a wall of Separation, between the ho­ly things of Word and Prayer, and Baptism and Psalms, and Tiths, on this side the wall, and that one Service of the Lords Supper, on the other?

It is worth the Examining (at another time) what is the Reason of that exceeding Noise and Do, Politick My­steries as to two points of Gods Wor­ship especial­ly The Lords Supper and Excommuni­cation. which the Popes and Prelates, and Presbyters of the world have made about those two Ordinances, the Lords Supper, and Excommunication: There is some Myste­rie in it. But at this time to the second Reason.

The second Reason. Not paying of Tithes is a sin of a high Nature, it affronts and robs God Mal. 3. To rob a man in the high way, deserves death: To rob a King of his Plate and Jewells, deserves a Tormenting Death, but to rob the King of Glory, deserves the Fire of Hell.

I answer, where did ever God appoint Death, Wonderfull strange justice least of all a Tormenting Death, the penalty of taking away from common men or Kings this Worlds goods? And where hath Christ Iesus made such a Gradation as down from Death, and a Tormenting Death, to Hell Fire, for not paying of Tiths? Is not the English of this strange language this, the Parliament hath robb'd the King of greater matters than his Plate and Iewells, The Parlia­ment deeply charg [...]d by in­sinuation, and vindicated. therefore what tormenting Death should they suffer were the Rack and Fire in his keeping? yea and if the Parliament shall further dare to meddle with Tithes, Hell Fire and Damnation must be their portion; But he forgets what a man of blood, the late King was, and how the Blood of some thousands and 100 thousands cried after him, of French, of English, Scotch, and I­rish Protestants, yea and the Blood of his own Blasphe­mous Father Iames: as also he forgets that Christ Iesus [Page 10]is come, and as a most glorious Sun hath dispelled those shadows, and that therefore to pay or receive Tithes in Gospel times is to rob God, to rob Christ, to rob Consciences, and Families, and whole Nations, &c.

The Third Reason, Not paying of Tithes is a Compli­cated sin, cheating added to stealing, for the Landlord bates the Tenant so much in his Rent.

I answer, The charge of cheating re­ceived. I never heard that ever Landlord in City or Country, bated a Farthing to his Tenant upon this account. This I have heard, that most Landlords in the City, have so scrued up, and stretcht (as wee say) upon the Rack and Tenters, their Rents to the ve­ry utmost, that the Backs of many Industrious and hopeful young men, are often quickly broken, and not able to discharge the very Landlords payment.

And who is ignorant that in the Country (where Tiths fal heavy ordinarily upon the poor Husbandmen) that between these two Mill-stones, The Husband­mands two Mill-stones. the Landlord and the Parson, many thou sand Families cry out of Oppre­ssion, and some, that they are ground to Powder.

The Fourth Reason, It is a sin, discouraging Mini­sters in their work, contrary to Hezekiahs practise. 2 Chr. 31. He commanded the people that dwelt at Jerusalem, to give the Portion of the Priest and Levites, that they might be incouraged in the Law of the Lord.

I answer, This is still the point in question: For although due Incouragements are to be given to Good, and due Discouragements to Evill: Yet every man is not bound by Purse and Person to encourage all the ma­ny thousands that say they are Gods Prophets and Em­bassadours, A two-fold square of our Incourage­ment to Mi­nisters. & Ministers of Jesus Christ, yea grant them to be true Ministers of Jesus Christ, even Paul and Pe­ter themselves, yet no man is bound to incourage them beyond these two, their Consciences, & their Abi­lities, [Page 11]both which Tithes do most violently force and usurpe upon.

Secondly, To the instance of Hezekiah, we find not (as before) by the New Testament of Christ Jesus, that e­very land is Canaan, an holy land: that every City is Jerusalem, an holy City, that every Nation is Israel, Canaan and other Lands Compared. an holy Nation, nor that there are the Priests and Levites extant, who have no Portion nor Inheritance in their respective Countries, as those Priests and Levites had not in their land of Canaan, and were therfore other­wise provided for out of the Lords own Allowance and Portion, and therefore he himself is called their Porti­on, in which Ceremonial Type and Figure there seems to lie many spirituall and heveanly Misteries. There­fore,

Thirdly, Christ Jesus the true King of the Jewes. Christ Jesus the true Hezekiah and King of the Jews, hath a Spiritual Kingdome in the Hearts, and Worships, and Lives of all that truly desire to follow him, he it is that opens the door of their Hearts, and commands them by the Law of the Spirit of Life and Love not to spare their Bread nor Bloud from the In­couragement of his Servants in his Christian work, &c. And other Antitype of Hezekiah, shall not the sub­tilest Eagles eye find out amongst all the Kings and Princes of the world beside.

Fourthly, who can but lament to see so many ex­cellent Spirits lead slaves in the chains of Delusion? for were there not a wound in the eye, could it possibly be once heard amongst Christians, The Ministers of Christ Je­sus turnd Mo­ses Priests & Levites for Tithes. that Christ Jesus his Ministers should plead for the same way and Mainte­nance with the very Priests and Levites.

The Clergy of our times, will not be intituled Priests and Levites, no nor Priests & Deacons, their late titles by Law, but Ministers of Jesus Christ, (and yet [Page 12]not that in honest English neither) well if they be the Ministers of Christ and his Church, what have they to do with Moses and his carnal Sword and Ceremo­nies? Why must the Alarum be given, the Magist­rate be wakened, and Hezekiah must cut and kill all that are not willing to pay the Priests and Levites their Tithes?

Fiftly, what if King James, or King Charles, or any of the most sacred Hezekiahs, The turnings of Tithmon­gers in Reli­gion. and Annointeds of the Lord (as they have most Jewishly and Blasphemously bin called) what if, I say, they should with their sacred Swords, have commanded Circumcision to all the Males in their Dominions, the Passeover to be duely ob­served, the Temple (Pauls or Westminster) re-edifyed, and dayly prayers to be made for the comming of the Mes­siah in the flesh, and withall have but commanded incouragement to be given by Tithes to the Priests and Levites, how many thousands of such Tith-Merchants would have cried out, long live these blessed Hezekiahs Josiahs, &c. Hezekiah (as an Angel from Heaven) hath commanded Tithes to be paid for the Incourage­ment of Priests and Levites in the Law of the Lord, &c.

And that I may not falsely so insinuate, let the Nations of Europe (but none more then this of Eng­land) testifie that the VVeather-Cock hath not more quickly turned with the Wind, then the Priests, and Levites have turned and tackt about (with the Sword) to save the Incouragement of Tithes, and Mainte­nance.

The fift Reason, By this sin the Defrauder robs his Soul of a Blessing, it being just with God to say to him, Thou withdrawest Maintenance from my Servant, and I will withdraw my Blessing from my own Oordinance, [Page 13]Thy Soul shall never prosper by any Sermon thou hear­est.

I answer First, if we poor Worms creep out of our Holes and talk of Justice with our Maker (as to the purest of our Services,) O, who can abide those devouring flames, &c. So far am I from owning that blasphemous speech of one of the most blasphemous Kings in the World; King Iames, This Speech, he uttered in a most solemn Assembly in the Star-Cham­ber, King James his blasphe­mies. and it was afterwards extolled in a Sermon at Pauls Cross, it was this, Whatever mine other sins are for which I ask God pardon, &c. yet for doing of Justice I will not ask the Mercy of God. Gods Ju­stice hath been dreadfull on him and his for their, Blasphemies even in this life, that all living may know God will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Therefore.

Secondly, May it not possibly be that we may thunder out Gods Judgements (as Solomons Madman) casting abroad Fire-brands, Arrowes, The Won­derfull abuse of the Name of God as to his Justice & Judgements. and Death) yea are not all the Sons of Men that ever heard of Mo­ses or Christ, apt to abuse both their Names and Te­staments for an end for an Interest; Do not all the many thousands and ten thousands Priests in the world, that pretend to worship one God by Moses, as the Iews, by Mahomet as the Turks, by Iesus as Papists and Protestants? do they not all pretend the thunder­bolt of Gods Justice &c. But

Thirdly, Let us examine what this Ordinance pre­tended is, It is called a Sermon: What a Ser­mon is. I ask what is that in English; the people wtll tell you that the Mi­nister goes up on high unto the Pulpit to bring Gods word down by an Hower-Glass; but some that know Latine will tell us that a Sermon is a Speech: And I ask [Page 14]then why English men may not speak English and use the word Servant altogether for Minister, and the word Speech for Sermon: Doubtless it hath been half an Heresie to speak plain English, yea but to English that word Heresie it self, and words many which the Sun of Righteousness will more and more discover and un­fold, &c.

The very Truth is (although I fear to despise pro­phecying, and to quench the Spirit of God by discou­raging any Prophet of God to read any parcel of Scri­pture (as Christ Jesus did Luke 4.) The mercies and blessings of English Sermons. and to open and inlarge upon it more or less: Yea although I acknow­ledge the comparative Mercies of English Sermons, be yond the Old Paternosters, and Mumpsimus (as King Henry himself could call popish Devotions, &c. yea and beyond our own, Our Fathers and our own Common-Prayers and Directories, which the Aegyptian Task-Ma­sters under Pharaoh (crying out of Idleness in going after Sermons) inslaved us with: Yea although I ac­knowledge the infinite Mercies of God, passing by what is not of himself, &c. bringing much good out of Sermons to his people, ye and to many thousands souls as to personal conversion &c. Yet

I am humbly bold to affirm, Yet as com­monly used Images. that not only your Popish and Superstitious, ignorant and drunken, railing and Treasonable Sermons or Speeches: but even your most refined, pend, painted and starched Speeches, as they are formally and Mercenarily practised, I say they are as very Images and Pictures in Worship against the second Commandement, and against the Insti­tution of Christ Jesus, as ever were, or are the Po­pish Images and Pictures, the Cross and Crucifix it self.

Possibly, I may forget yea and will not enume­rate [Page 15]all the Charasters of such mysticall refined Images, yet one I must remember, which renders these speech­es, like some Images, most terrible and dreadfull, and that is the high Insolency and Tyranny of such Speeches, viz. the inforcing all Men (sometimes many more able to speak than the Speakers) to a deep silence be­fore this Image, as if they learnt in the School of one Tyrannus (not so humane as that where Paul discour­sed, but) where all must be received for Gospel, and no man dare to be so free, as but to make a Query or beg an Explanation.

God knows I abhor that the least appearance of In­civility should be offered to the very Jews, or Turks, The wonder­full slavey of the English Nation to their Ministers or Servants. or Indians, in the exercise of their Consciences and Wor­ships; and I do profess it to be the duty of the Civill Magistrate wisely to prevent and remedy the Breach of the Civill peace. Yet can I not but ask what should be the Reason that our Translatours (either out of Igno­rance or Subtilty) should so abuse us, as to turn that place Acts 20.7. Paul preached unto them, when they sure can tell, the true word is Paul Discoursed, discours­ed as in a Dialogue or Conference, and that verse 9. while Paul was long Preaching, the same word is dis­coursing or conferring: which implies, that the Schoole of Christ is for Instruction, which ever presupposeth Ignorance, Doubts, Objections, Inquisitions, for which there is no room, when so great a Master shall speak Oracles, and One alone (as the Priest serves the Peo­ple, and the Wine in the Mass.) shall drink up all the Time.

This Paper which now I answer, clamours out (like Solomons strange Woman) Theeves, Cheators, Robbers: Sacrilegious Curses upon their Bodies, Cur­ses upon their Estates, Curses upon their Souls in Hell­fire, [Page 16]for not paying of Tithes! Four Presum­ptions of su­specting a Thief and Rebber. I would not use Recri­minations, nor retort: Yet I shall pray this Author and all men to consider, whether amongst other presumpti­ons and grounds of suspicion, these four do not look like shrewd ones of at least some (worthily to be) su­spected persons.

First, First, not ow­ing his own name. When persons endure not to hear of their own name in English, The Bishop endur'd not to be cal'd Over-seer, nor the Minister by the name Servant: and instead of the, Minister of the Parish, the Servant of the Parish, our Minister, our Servant; How would this plain English be despised? (and doubtless if the name, the thing much more)? would it be born with­al to say instead of a Sermon preached, a speech made? would not its own name seem too base for it self, in true and honest English? and yet the most ho­nourable Judges and Councellors, and Parliament worthies are not ashamed to own that word [a Speech] in English.

Secondly, Is is suspicious, when a man shall not be content in the Town or place where he lives, with a moderate proportion of Condition, Secondly, when discon­tent with a low condition he prays upon his Neighbors. but (although he have of his own) he will force out of his Neighbors labours, and sometimes poverties, an higher and an unequall portion.

For (according to the computation of that indu­strious Author of the Tith-gatherers, no Gospell gather­ers:) if this Nation were divided, into 500. shares, the Clergy, which are but one to 500, will challenge to themselves (all things computed) 20. shares of 500 for their portion.

Yet more plainly, in a Country Town (for indeed the Burthen seems to lie heaviest upon poor Husband­men:) suppose 500 Men and Women in a Country Pa­rish, [Page 17]and all the Land in that parish amount to 2000l. per annum, the Parson (all things computed) claims about 400l. (one fifth) for his share, and leaves all the rest 499. persons to be content with about 3 l. 4s. a­piece.

Thirdly, Impatiencie of Pauls La­bours in Pre­tenders to Pauls Mini­strie, suspici­ous. when a man shall not endure to hear of any other course of life and maintenance, yea although he be not the Son of a Noble, but the off-spring of a shrub, yet if he be once cowl'd with the Title of a Scho­lar, a Priest, a Preacher, a Minister, Oh, how dis­graceful it is to put hand to a Spade, &c? Now, no Seat but the Highest Seat in the Synagogue, no room, but the Uppermost room at Feasts, and the Salutati­ons of Rabbi, Doctor, &c. in the market place, if Christ Jesus and all experience say true.

Fourthly, It is very suspicious, when a man cannot patiently endure to be questioned, examined, or op­posed in his affirmations: when if (some) men had their wills, it should be as deadly a sin, and as dange­rous to question the least of their Doctrines, Impatiencie of Examina­tion sheweth Presumption of Falshood. as it is in o­ther Countries, to question the Popes Canons, or the Turkes Alcoran.

It is not unusuall with all that would be the onely Teachers and Masters of Religion in the World to urge Gal. 6. Let him that is taught in the Word communi­cate to him that teacheth in all good things. But, what shall we think of those teachers that endure not a question to be proposed in their Schools, Teaching-places, neither by Strangers, nor their Schollars, and that of all Schollars, dislike those most who are most searching and inquisitive?

If such Teachers can be honest in the Schooles of Hu­mane and Civill learning, yet I am sure he is not like Christ Jesus nor his Servant Paul, who practised and [Page 18]commanded his Servants in meekness to instruct even those that oppose themselves (what though Jew, or Turk, or Papist, or Pagan) by the word of Truth and Meekness convincing Gainsayers) instructing the Op­posites and waiting whether God will give them Re­pentance.

I know the Outcries are made of despising the Word of God, of despising Preaching, despising Learning, destroying of souls &c. and though possibly I might answer many other waies, yet what should a Christi­an say, but desire to be a Fool for Christ Jesus sake, and to desire to know nothing but Christ Jesus, and him nailed to the Gallowes, and I will end this pas­sage with a two fold observation.

First, It is lamentably found true, that within these twelve years last past, many, many almost all of those called Preachers, The Ministers of England withered. excellent for parts, for e­ducation, for Piety, for Knowledge, for utterance and much good wrought by them; have upon the discoveries from Christ of the Liberties of Christ Jesus, laboured to suppress them, and loved their Honors, their Tithes, more than God, tis lamentable I say to observe how almost all have not only lost their Honors, their most conscionable Auditors, but their Parts and and Abilities, are even withered and dry, and are no more like unto themselves, than Sampson was like Sampson when he was unsampsoned by Delilah.

Secondly, Knowledge more than ever increased in England. Since the People of this Nation, and the People of God in it have for these twelve years past been more inlightned, in the mysterie of their slave­ries and Liberties, both in Army, and City, and Country, and that people have dared to speak and confer, and to examine what Paul himself delivers (as the Bereans did) the People of this Nation have more increased in [Page 19]the Experimentall knowledge of the holy Scriptures, than in many twenties and hundreds of years before, while under the Popish or Protestant Bondage and Cap­tivity.

The sixth Reason. This not paying of Tithes, brings Gods Curse upon the estate Mal. 3. You are cursed with a Curse &c. they grudge the Minister his Maintenance, and God grudgeth them even bread for their Families; so that usually they turn Banckrupts, or fall into Debt, &c.

I answer. There be two parts of this Reason: The first the Matter of Doctrine concerning Tithes supposed to be Gods Ordinance, in Christ Jesus his Kingdome (but of the inconsistency of Tithes with true Christi­anity, enough before)

The second is matter of Fact, and the experience how God hath cursed such as have not paid Tithes, &c.

Unto which I answer, First, some to the praise of Gods mercy profess, Gods blessing on some who pay nor re­ceive Tithes. that since they have (out of con­science to God, and not out of Covetuousness or wil­fulness) hazarded their Names and estates in not pay­ing Tithes, God hath not only graciously imbraced them with his Right hand of Soul refreshings in his dear Son, but also hath sustained their Heads, with a merciful Left hand of outward Blessings upon their Callings and Labours, and that in some gracious mea­sure more than formerly.

Secondly, Be it otherwise (it may be) with many who have refused to pay or to receive Tithes: yet what soul hath in uprightness parted with a far­thing for God, and hath not received his hundred­fold, and whose Dry Morsell and Dinner of Green hearbs, is not fatter and sweeter then an house full of Sacrifices of strife, with God, and with his own Spirit and Conscience?

Thirdly, is there a poor Citizen or Countrey-man wounded in his estate and Trading, lively-hood and Maintenance? I more then fear I may ask thefe 2 Que­stions.

First, Is not the Author of these Questions two neer a kin, to that Priest and that Levite, who both went on the other side? He is broke, he is in debt, there let him lie, let some vile Samaritan, or who will look after him: Nay tis a just vengeance of God upon him, tis just he should fall amongst Thieves and Robbers who robs God and his holy Priests and Levites of their Tithes.

Secondly, I ask whether it be not (sometimes) a shrewd suspition, The Husband­men of Hart­fordshire and of the Nation to the Parlia­ment. that such men as pass by wounded men on the other side, calling them Banckrupts, &c. have had some hand or finger in the very wounding of them? And indeed if the Husbandmen of Hartford-shire, and of other shires that have petitioned the High Court of Parliament, (and if all such woun­ded Husbandmen in all England) say true; This very Tith, this robbing them of the tenth and more of their estate and labours, hath made many thousands and ten thousands, some run in debts, some turn Banck­rupts, some want Bread to their Families, and sigh and groane, and cry to God and the State for suc­cour.

The seventh Reason. It is a sin against the Gospell, this puts out the light by taking away the oil that feeds it, like Julian (as is observed in the excellent Vindication of Presbyterian Government) who while other Em­perours by Persecution took away the Ministers, he by taking away Tithes took away the Ministery it self.

I answer, It is a grand Mistake, and like the [Page 21]Beast in the Revel. full of the names of Blasphemie, that makes a Jewish and Popish Ceremony the very Oil that feeds the light of the Gospel.

First, it highly blasphemes or speaks evil of the ho­ly Spirit of God, by whom alone all the Ministrations, and Operations of Christ Jesus are effected, The Golden Oil in Zach. not Tiths. and with­out whom no man can say (truely) that Iesus is the Christ, 1 Cor 12. And Zach. 6. wherein we read of the Golden Candlestick, and the seven Golden Lamps thereof, and the two Olive Trees, and two Olive Bran­ches; the Question is, What be these? And the Answer is vers. 6. Not by Might, nor by Power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord: I ask here (notwith­standing that I deny not the due use of Gods meanes yet) whether in the building both of the Materiall, and Spirituall Temple, whether in the feeding of the Materiall Lamp, and Light, or the Spirituall, the most holy Spirit of the Lord, be not that Oil, and not Tiths and Monies, by which the holy light and work of God is propagated?

There were two famous Oils commanded of the Lord to Moses. 2 Famous oils in the Law, yet neither typing out Tiths.

The first, that of Oile Olive beaten for the daily sup­ply of the Lamp, Exod. 27.

The second, that compounded of many Spices, for the Annointing and Sanctifying of the Tabernacle, the Priest, the Vessells, &c, and whosoever made the like to this Oile, he was to be cut off from his Peo­ple.

First, If the first of these did signifie the Word of God, as some conceive, yet doubtless the second must clearly signifie the Spirit of the Lord, who sancti­fies and operates all in all.

Secondly, If one should signifie the Word which [Page 22]the first Christians were daily in, without Tiths or set Maintenance, yet the gracious concomitance and presence of the Spirit of God is promised with the Word of God to Christ Iesus the Annointed and to Chri­stians, his Annointed ones, Isa. 59. My VVord and my Spirit in thy Mouth, The Spirit & Word of God expresly ty­pified. and the Mouth of thy Seed and the Mouth of thy Seeds Seed from henceforth and for ever.

May we not say to that soul thy Money perish with thee, who counterfeits this Holy Oil, this most holy and most free Spirit of God, and (after the Bishops cry No Bishop, no King &c.) fill the world with clamours, No Tiths, no Gospell? &c.

But Secondly, This Doctrine blasphemes Christ Je­sus, the Lord and Founder of Christians, who (if Tither be such a Fundamental, and no Tithes, no Ministry) so infinitly forgot himself, as to leave out Tithes out of his last Will and Testament: Fowle asper­tions on Christ Jesus.Moses was not so unfaith­full, for in his Testament they were not forgotten, &c.

But Oh, the patience and the meekness of the lamb of God, who hath the seven Horns, and the seven Eyes, (signifying the holy Spirit of God, Revel. 1.) wherein are fulness of Power, Wisdom, and Good­ness, most gloriously sufficient to mannage his Spiri­tual Works and Wars without consulting with Popes and Priests about Money (none of the sinews of his holy War) about Taxes, and Tiths, which people must pay to be converted, &c.

Oh, the patience of the Son of God thus to endure the Contradictions and Lyes of sinners, for let but an impartial Committee of Humility, Love, self-denial, and Content (Gods Spirit the President) examine the mat­ter and it shall be found as clear as the Sun. That

First, Christ's care­for his Mini­sters. Christ Jesus appointed no other Maintenance to any of his Ministe [...]s (either Apostolical or Pastoral, but such as were (I would not call them Eleemosynary with Wickeliffe) but truly and simply Free and Volun­tary.

Secondly, That the Lord Jesus hath discovered in­conceivable Wisdome in his care, For such Maintenance and none else can possibly suit the Ends and Honour of Christ Jesus; No nor the Spirits and Supplies of such as truly Minister or wait on him or his.

Thirdly, How can it be said No [Tith, The first Mes­sengers of Christ Jesus most glori­ously Victori­ous without the thought of Tithes. No Mini­stry,] when that holy Scripture, and all the Experi­ences of true Christianity in the world can tell us how Christ Jesus rode forth (Revel. 6.) upon his White Horse or Horses, the Word of Truth and Meekness, spiritu­ally subduing and saving the souls of millions, when we hear not a Title of the sound of Tithes, Rom. 10. and through the Acts of the Apostles, and Epistles to the Churches.

Fourthly, See how the doctrine [No Tithes, No Mi­nistry] blasphemes and destroyes the whole Profession and Religion of Christianity out of the world. For if those holy Conclusions be true, Rom. 10. How can men call upon God in whom they believe not? How can they believe without hearing? how can they hear without a Preacher? How can they preach except they be sent? Why then, if no Tithes, no Ministry, no Preaching, no Hearing, no Beleeving, and consequent­ly, no calling upon or Worshipping of God in Christ Je­sus in the world.

Fifthly, Grant (without dispute) those practises of Julian, both as Lion and a Fox, be true, and that he was resolved to expel his enemy the Galilean (Christ Jesus) out of the world: Grant that by taking away [Page 24] Tithes, Julians policy by taking a­way Tithes, to take away the Ministry exa­mined. he intended to take away the Ministry: Yet doth not the Foolishness of God, befool the Wisdome of this Julian, and of all such politick heads (like Julians) who dream that outward Maintenance or the want of it, can uphold or overthrow the Ministry or Service of Christs messengers?

Did it ever so in Christs own time, person or practise? Did it so in any of the Evangelists writings or Re­cords? Did it so in the tenth of Mat. or tenth of Luke? Did it so in all the first Saints, Apostles, or Churches, that we read of, in either the Acts, or Epistles?

Yea, is not that Light, which is contrary unto this dark position? Did not the Christian Profession, more suffer and lose from the Revenues and Honours with which Constantine is said to exalt (and throw down) the Ministers and Bishops of his time? Christianity lost more un­der Constan­tine, than Ju­lian or Ne­roes, &c.

And is it not contrary to other Gardens, that the Garden of Christ Jesus, hath ever been known to grow and flourish more in the Autum and Winter of Lowness, wants, and persecutions, Than in the Spring and Summer of Riches, Peace. Authority, &c? But

Lastly, I adore the depths of the wisdome of God, who (fearful in praises) forceth his praise by confessi­on, out of the mouths of us poor sinners: For doth not this Author plainly tell the world, what is in the very Heart of this Presbyterian Book (which this Au­thor so extolleth) and in the very heart of the Pres­byterian Government, The heart and soul of the Presbyterian Ministry. which that book maintaineth? No Tithes, no Ministry, is the Heart and soul of it, the rest is but Flesh and Blood, skin and Bones, the Sub­urbs, Outworks, &c. No, the Business is (as the Priest used to say, the Soul leaps not forth of Purgatory untill the Money just chink in the Bason) No Peny, no Paternoster, no Tithes, no Teaching, no pay, no pray, [Page 25]no Feasting, no Fasting, no Gaine, no Godliness, nor God, nor Christ, nor Heaven, &c.

I end this seventh Reason with this Appeal to all Men and ask, whether it be not the Constant Character of suspicion in all Affairs and Agents in the World, when it proves a Money Matter. A Money Matter. especially in such A­gents or Officers, who (pretend at least and) say their Master the Lord Jesus hath freely given them his Spirit and Spirituall Gifts, hath promised freely and abun­dantly to provide for them, and to reward and crown then?

And is not this apparent to all the people of Eng­land, An Appeale to the people of this Nati­on, as to the present pro­fessed Teach­ers in it. that (notwithstanding these Boasts of the Pres­byterian Books, and Government yet) the practises of such as open Gods word throughout the Nation without Tithes, and of such as go higher, and open it without Stipend or Reward, other than proceeds from the love of their hearers, I say that the Practises of such come neerer to true ingenuous Honesty and true sincere Christianity?

The eighth Reason. It is a sin that will not be par­doned upon Repentance, unless there be a restitution as well as repentance, according to that Speech of Austin, Non remittitur peccatum, &c.

I answer, This Reason is founded upon a treble Quicksand falsely supposing

First, that not paying of Tithes is stealing, cheat­ing, Robbing, the contrary whereof I have proved, and it will in times approaching be so clear by the shi­nings of the Sun of Righteousness that proof will not be needed.

Secondly, That a Sinne may be repented of (he means truely repented of, or he saith nothing) and yet not pardoned: contrary to the nature of Gods [Page 26]Mrcy, to the Nature of his promises, to the Blood of Christ Jesus, and to the true peace and comfort of all poor wounded Sinners.

Thirdly, True Repen­tance and Re­stitution are Companions. That a sin of Cheating, Theft, Robbery, &c. may be repented of without Restitution: The con­trary whereof is true either by Restitution in Kind, or Value, or Desire, in the want of Ability: And there­fore, I boldly affirm that all such Church Thieves who (with Iosephs Mistris cry Whore first, and yet) have rob­bed the Gospell, rob'd poor Families, and rob'd the whole Nation, by this Popish and Iewish three toothed Hook of Tithing: I say, such Theives cannot ex­press true Repentance without the abovesaid Restitu­tion.

The ninth Reason is. This sin will cry for vengeance when the Sinner is on his Death bed crying for mercy Jam. 5.3. and the Author concludes: If the Hire of Labourers in Mens Ʋineyards kept back by fraud cryeth, how dread­full will the cry be of the Hire of Gods Labourers in Gods Ʋineyard kept back by Robbers and Defrauders? I trem­ble to think of it.

I answer, this is no New Vizard whereby Popish Tith­mongers and Tith Merchants (Revel. 18.) have frighted thousands and ten thousands, and Millions of Treasure from the purses of our Forefathers! what, rob the Priest? rob God? Hell Fire, purgatorie, &c.

Secondly, As I do profess it to be unchristian to re­ceive a Cup of cold water from any hand without a gratefull mind and Retribution to our power: so, much less spiritual waters of life &c. Yea further where compacts are made and an Hire promised, either in Corporall or Spirituall Whoredome, there is a kind of justice in due payment. But what shall we say to such Reapers of our Fields (for the Author mistakes [Page 27] Ʋineyards for Fields, Strange spiri­tual Reapers. Wine for Bread) as will force themselves into all the Fields of a Town as will work how they please and not cut down as other Reapers, do for their Hire? as keep out all other Reapers by force, and not suffer the Owner to hire such Reapers as he is better perswaded of: as will leave their work and forsake the Field on a suddain, & be an hundred mile off in other Fields for greater hire and wages! Who, although the Husbandmen see it for their be­nefit to make use of other help, yet these Reapers (these Robbers) will be paid, or else by fire and sword they will have it out of the very Throats and Bowels of the poor Husbandmen and their Children? Conclusion.

I fear the high Clamour of these nine Reasons have rendred this Answer lowder than. I desire to give to men professing the name and fear of God: I acknow­ledge the (not inconsiderable) pleas of Impropriatours: and the many, not to be neglected, Arguments of many 1000 and many 10000 (for maintenance) who in this and other Countries pretend to be the Ministers of Christ Iesus: And we know the late and Christian care of the Lord Generall and the Officers of the Army, praying the Parliaments care as to Tiths and the pleas belonging: It behooves us to beg of God, the Spirit of Understanding and Wisdome and the fear of Iehovah upon that High Assembly.

And yet however the Parliament shall please to deal with Impropriations, however with the Po­pish Priests who endeavoured to blow up King Iames his Parliament, however with Presbyterian Priests who have so oft endeavoured to blow up this. Yet I am humbly confident to maintain.

First, that Tiths have been a yoak which neither we nor our Fathers have been able to bear, &c.

Secondly, Freedome is the peoples right and cry.

Thirdly, Who ever enters into Christs work any other way than by Christ the doors appointment, he is a Thief and a Robber.

Fourthly, If this most honourable Parliament, Ge­neral and Army hold their peace, the God of Heaven will raise up other stones to cry and to deliver this Na­tion, and his People in it from these yoaks.

Fiftly, Christ Jesus the Sun of Glory and Righte­ousness hath lighted up such a Candle in the midst of this Nation, and from hence in the midst of Europe, and the world (as to Soul-freedom) that all the Devils of Hell shall never be able to extinquish.

Sixthly, Christs witnesses, until the time appoint­ed, must resolve to give an humble and yet couragious witness, even to bonds and death, against this Tith­ing Idol. And

Lastly, Whoever he be that payeth or receiveth Tiths [whatever his person be otherwise to God yet] in this practise, he with the Iewes denies Christ Jesus yet to be come, and is no Christian but a Jew.