This week Spring talks about the controversial subject of the remuneration of ministers.
Firstly he critiques the idea that people should still tithe, as the Israelites did for the Levites.
Then Spring speaks about the Scriptural support for voluntary giving toward ministerial labours.
Next Spring warns of the poor behaviour of many churches in this matter and the severe consequences.
Not many speak about this important matter.
I think Spring sums up nicely what is appropriate: 'The amount of support to which every faithful minister is entitled, is one of those relative duties which falls within the comprehensive precept, " Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye so to them." It is no extravagance to say, that it is the duty of the people to elevate their ministers above want ; to enable them to be honest men, respectable men, charitable and public-spirited men. They ought to have the opportunity, not only of being employed in the appropriate duties of their office, but of discharging its functions advantageously. And is it too much to say, that they ought to be enabled to educate their children, and make some provision for old age ; or, should they be cut off in the midst of their days, some provision for the widow and the fatherless when they themselves sleep in the dust?'
If we do to others as we would have them do unto us, then most problems are solved. Including a minister's pay.
Read Chapters 22 (Prayer for ministers) and 23 (The consideration due to the Christian ministry).
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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