we may consider them as inhabited by our brothers; or that when we
contemplate the ocean itself, which may separate them from our sight, we
may consider it, not as separating our love, but as intended by
Providence to be the means of a quicker intercourse for the exchange of
reciprocal blessings.

CHAP. IV.

SECT. 1.

_Fourth tenet is on the subject of a pecuniary maintenance of a Gospel
ministry--Example and precepts of Jesus Christ--Also of Paul and
Peter--Conclusions from these premises--These conclusions supported by
the primitive practice--Great tenet resulting from these conclusions,
and this primitive practice is, that the Quakers hold it unlawful to pay
their own ministers, and also others of any other denomination, for
their Gospel labours._

The fourth and last tenet of the Quakers is on the subject of the
unlawfulness of a pecuniary maintenance of a Gospel ministry.

In explaining this tenet, I am aware that I am treading upon delicate
ground. The great majority of Christians have determined, that the
spiritual labourer is worthy of his hire; that if men relinquish the
usual occupations by which a livelihood is obtained, in order that they
may devote themselves to the service of religion, they are entitled to a
pecuniary maintenance; and that, if they produce a rich harvest from
what they sow, they are of all men, considering their usefulness to man
to be greater in this than in any other service they can render him, the
most worthy of encouragement and support. I am aware also of the
possibility of giving offence to some in the course of the explanation
of this tenet. To these I can only say, that I have no intention of
hurting the feelings of any; that in the church there are those whom I
esteem and love, and whom of all others I should be sorry to offend. But
it must be obvious to these, and indeed to all, that it is impossible
for me, in writing a history of the manners and opinions of the Quakers,
to pass over in silence the tenet that is now before me; and if I notice
it, they must be sensible, that it becomes me to state fully and fairly
all the arguments which the Quakers give for the difference of opinion,
which they manifest from the rest of their fellow-citizens, on this
subject.

It does not appear then, the Quakers say, by any records that can be
produced, that Jesus Christ ever received any payment for the doctrines
which he taught, neither does it appear, as far as his own in