t them. The same Apostle says also,[24] "Let him
that is taught in the word, communicate unto him that teacheth in all
good things," but he nowhere says, "to him that teacheth not."

[Footnote 23: 2 Thes. iii. 10.]

[Footnote 24: Gal. vi. 6.]

But though men, who faithfully spend their time in preaching the Gospel,
are entitled to bodily maintenance from those who receive them, yet St.
Paul, the Quakers say, as far as his own practice was concerned thought
it more consistent with the spirit of Christianity, and less detrimental
to its interests, to support himself by the labour of his own hands,
than to be supported by that of others. And he advises others to do the
same, and not to make their preaching chargeable,[25] "not because, says
he we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample to you to follow
us."

[Footnote 25: 2 Thes. iii. 0.]

This power the Quakers consider ministers of the Gospel to abuse, who
make their preaching chargeable, if by any means, they can support
themselves; for St. Paul says farther, [26] "What is my reward then?
Verily that, when I preach the Gospel, I may make the Gospel of Christ
without charge, that I abuse not my power in the Gospel." Thus the
Apostle, they conceive, looks up to God and not to men for the reward of
his spiritual labours. And the same Apostle makes it a characteristic of
the false teachers, that they make merchandize of their hearers.[27]

[Footnote 26: 1 Cor. ix. 18.]

[Footnote 27: 2 Pet. ii. 3.]

It is objected to the Quakers, on this occasion, that St. Paul received
relief from the brethren at Philippi, as well as from others, when he
did not preach. But their reply is, that this relief consisted of
voluntary and affectionate presents sent to him in circumstances of
distress. In this case the Apostle states, that he never desired these
gifts, but that it was pleasant to him to see his religious instruction
produce a benevolence of disposition that would abound to their
account.[28]

[Footnote 28: Philip. iv. 17.]

St. Peter is the only other person, who is mentioned in the New
Testament as speaking on this subject. Writing to those, who had been
called to the spiritual oversight of the churches, he advises as
follows:[29] "Feed the flock of God, which is among you, taking the
oversight thereof not by constraint but willingly, not for filthy lucre,
but of a ready mind, neither as being lords over God's heritage, but
being examples to the flock. And