."[283] And to all his people he has given the promise of a
heart to observe his statutes for their own good, and the good of their
children. "And they shall be my people, and I will be their God; and I
will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever,
for the good of them, and of their children after them."[284] Even the
promise of outward support to the ordinances of religion, should enter
into solemn vows. It is by the contributions of the people of God that
these are to be continued. For offering to Him the lame and the blind,
the Lord was displeased with Israel; but his blessing was promised to
those who devoted liberally of their substance to Him. "Will a man rob
God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In
tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me,
even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,
that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith
the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and
pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive
it."[285]

To maintain the rights and privileges of the Church. These are a part of
the charge committed to her by her Head; but they are also an
inheritance which her members are bound by their relation to her to
preserve and transmit. Against two classes of enemies, in particular, it
is necessary to defend these. The abettors of corrupt systems of
religion, by weapons of every character, assail them. These claiming for
communities that were once distinguished by the truth, but who have
greatly, or nearly altogether relinquished it, the character of the true
Church of God, are not scrupulous to represent societies that do hold
the Head as not entitled to the Church's immunities; and consequently at
once they tyrannically attempt to blind men, and to prevent them from
uniting with those who have the light among them. Against such, as cruel
and tyrannical usurpers who would bring the Church of God into bondage,
and deny that her privileges are valid, those who are in her communion
are called to testify. Prelacy and Popery are both corrupt systems,
though not equally. Both claim for those who adhere to them the
character of being the only members of the true Church. Both deny that
any in societies not in communion with them, have a right to be reckoned
the ministers of religion, or to dispense any of its ordinances. Bot