Phillip Stubbes's Anatomy of the abuses in England in Shakspere's youth, A.D. 1583 / edited by Frederick J. Furnivall.

Stubbs, Philip, active 1581-1593.

Date:: 1877-1882

Credit: Phillip Stubbes's Anatomy of the abuses in England in Shakspere's youth, A.D. 1583 / edited by Frederick J. Furnivall. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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$Theod. By what law may a minifter of the Gofpell make claime to tithes, and other profits, emoluments, duties, and commodities, belonging to him, by y~law of God, or of man ? Amphil. God, in the law of Mofes, gaue fpeciall commandement that tithes, and other oblations, commodities and profits fhould be giuen to the priefts, to the end that they might attend vpon the diuine feruice of God and not ^bufie themfelues in worldly aft'aires, which ordinance or fanftion being meere ceremonial, is now fully abrogate by Chrifl: (for in him the truth, al ceremonies, fhadowes, types & figures ceafed, & toke their end) And therfore cannot a preacher of the Gofpel claime his tithes by the lawe of Mofes, but by the pofitiue lawes of Chriflian princes which are to be obeied in all things (not diredlly againft true godlineffe) vpon paine of damnation. Theod. Are tithes then due to be paid by the pofitiue lawe of man, and not by the law of God ? Amphil. Yea truly, by the pofitiue lawe of man : which godlie conftitution is now no lefle to be obeied vnder the Gofpel (being commanded by a chriflian prince) than the diuine inflitution was to be obeied vnder the law. And although tithes bee due by the pofi- tiue lawes of man, yet are the fame grounded vpon the word of God, as commanded as well by God as by man. And therefore he that breaketh this ordinance (being an excellent policie) violateth the commandements of God, and breketh the conftitution of his liege prince to his damnation, except he repent. Theod. Mull euerie one pay his tithes truely to euery paftor, whether he be ought or * naught, learned or vnlearned, without any exception; or niay he deteine it with good confcience from him that is an vnfit and vnable minifter ? Amphil. If he be a good paftor, and diligent in his calling, and withal able to difcharge the dutie of a faithful fliepheard ouer his flock, then ought he to haue al tithes paid him whatfoeuer with the better 5 and if any fhould withhold the left mite from him, he finneth againft the maieftie of God moft greeuoufly. And although he be a wicked man and not able to difcharge his dutie, though but in fmall meafure, yet ought euerie man to pay him his due faithfully and truly. For in denieng him his dutie, they might feeme to withftande authoritie, which they ought not to doe. In the meane time giuing Ministers can claim Tithes [' Sig. L 7, back] by the positive law of Christian kings, grounded on the word of God. r Sig. L8] Even tho a Minister’s a \vicked man, his tithes should be paid him. G 2$