4. That for which he stands in so much need of prayers is the saints'
to be for assistance, encouragement, abilities, success, deliverance, and protection, is proved in the rule. As their temptations are multiplied, so ought prayers in their behalf. They have many curses of men against them, Jer. 15:10;—it is hoped that God hears some prayers for them. When many are not ashamed to revile them in public, some ought to be ashamed not to remember them in private.
Motives:— 1. The word will doubtless be effectual, when ability for its administration is a return of prayers, Acts 10:1–6.
2. The minister's failing is the people's punishment, Amos 8:11, 12; Isa. 30:20.
3. His prayers are continually for the church, Isa. 62:6, 7; Rom. 1:9, etc.
4. That for which he stands in so much need of prayers is the saints' good, and not peculiarly his own. Help him who carries the burden,
Eph. 6:18–20; Phil 2:17; Col. 1:24.
RULE IV. Reverential estimation of him, with submission unto him for his work's sake.
1 Cor. 4:1, "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God."
1 Thess. 5:12, 13, "We beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake."
1 Tim. 5:17, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."
1 Pet. 5:5, "Submit yourselves unto the elders."
Heb. 13:17, "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves."
EXPLICATION IV. The respect and estimation here required is civil, the motive sacred; whence the honour of the minister is the grace of the church, and the regard to him a gospel duty acceptable to God in Christ, 1 Tim. 5:17. Honour and reverence is due only to eminency in some kind or other. This is given to pastors by their employment; proved by their titles. They are called "angels," Rev. 1:20; Heb. 12:22;
—"bishops," or overseers, Ezek. 3:17; Acts 20:28; Titus 1:7; —"ambassadors," 2 Cor. 5:20;—"stewards," 1 Cor. 4:1;—"men of God," 1 Sam. 2:27; 1 Tim. 6:11;—"rulers," Heb. 13:7, 17;—"lights,"
Matt. 5:14;—"salt," Matt. 5:13;—"fathers," 1 Cor. 4:15. And by many more such-like terms are they described. If under these notions they honour God as they ought, God will also honour them as he hath promised; and his people are in conscience to esteem them highly for their work's sake. But if any of them be fallen angels, thrown-down stars, negligent bishops, treacherous ambassadors, lordly revelling stewards, tyrannical or foolish rulers, blind guides, unsavoury salt, insatiate dogs, the Lord and his people shall abhor them and cut them off in a month, Zech. 11:8.
RULE V. Maintenance for them and their families, by the administration of earthly things suitable to the state and condition of the churches, is required from their flocks.
1 Tim. 5:17, 18, "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
For the Scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward."
Gal. 6:6, 7, "Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."
1 Cor. 9:7, 9–11, 13, 14, "Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? who planteth a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? who feedeth a flock, and eateth not of the milk of the flock? It is written 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, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope. If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? 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." Matt.
10:9, 10, "Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat."
Add to these and the like places the analogy of the primitive allowance in the church of the Jews.
EXPLICATION V. It is a promise to the church under the gospel, that "kings should be her nursing fathers, and queens her nursing mothers," Isa. 49:23. To such it belongs principally to provide food and protection for those committed to them. The fruit of this promise the churches in many ages have enjoyed; laws by supreme and kingly power have been enacted, giving portions and granting privileges to churches and their pastors. It is so in many places in the days wherein we live. On this ground, where equitable and righteous