Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. Christianity had now acquired a sort of civil establishment. It was the religion of the state; but it had not yet obtained any legal endowment, or permanent provision for the support of ministers. They must have been dependent upon the contributions of their respective flocks, agreeably to the di vine ordinance; and this will always be found an adequate source of support when pastors and flocks are faithful to one ah other, and when both are disposed to obey the Christian precept, to be content with what God is pleased to bestow, believing his promise, that he will not leave nor for sake them.