Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

Is God witness that, in all these things, ye have no cloak of covetousness?
Happy is the man who can say so, whether he has the provision which the
law of the land allows him, or whether he lives on the free-will offerings
of the people.
Christian ministers, who preach the whole truth, and labour in the
word and doctrine, are entitled to more than respect; the apostle
commands them to be esteemed, abundantly, and superabundantly; and
this is to be done in love; and as men delight to serve those whom they
love, it necessarily follows that they should provide for them, and see that
they want neither the necessaries nor conveniences of life; I do not say
comforts, though these also should be furnished; but of these the genuine
messengers of Christ are frequently destitute. However, they should have
food, raiment, and lodging for themselves and their household. This they
ought to have for their work's sake.
Many canons, at different times, have been made to prevent
ecclesiastics from intermeddling with secular employments. He who will
preach the gospel thoroughly, and wishes to give full proof of his
ministry, had need to have no other work. He should be wholly in this
thing, that his profiting may appear unto all. There are many who sin
against this direction. They love the world, and labour for it, and are
regardless of the souls committed to their charge. But what are they,
either in number or guilt, compared to the immense herd of men
professing to be Christian ministers, who neither read nor study, and,
consequently, never improve? These are too conscientious to meddle with
secular affairs, and yet have no scruple of conscience to while away time,
be among the chief in needless self-indulgence, and, by their burdensome
and monotonous ministry, become an encumbrance to the church! Do you
inquire, In what sect or party are these to be found? I answer, In all: idle
drones,
"Born to consume the produce of the soil,"