A81213:121
The moderator
The moderator: endeavouring a full composure and quiet settlement of those many differences both in doctrine and discipline, which have so long disturbed the peace and welfare of this common-wealth. Intended (especially at this time) to beget a brotherly love and unity amongst the ministers and people of all the three nations; the Parliament having now appointed a committee for receiving proposals for the propagation of the gospel. Brotherly unity amongst all Christians, especially amongst the ministers of Christ, being in it self so excellent and comely at all times, and (considering the danger and sad consequences of our present divisions) so desirable and necessary at this time: I conceive all overtures and counsels having a true tendency thereunto, worthy the public light, and do therefore approve the publication of this ensuing discourse. Joseph Carly.The moderator: endeavouring a full composure and quiet settlement of those many differences both in doctrine and discipline, which have so long disturbed the peace and welfare of this common-wealth. Intended (especially at this time) to beget a brotherly love and unity amongst the ministers and people of all the three nations; the Parliament having now appointed a committee for receiving proposals for the propagation of the gospel. Brotherly unity amongst all Christians, especially amongst the ministers of Christ, being in it self so excellent and comely at all times, and (considering the danger and sad consequences of our present divisions) so desirable and necessary at this time: I conceive all overtures and counsels having a true tendency thereunto, worthy the publike light, and do therefore approve the publication of this ensuing discourse. Joseph Carly.
London: printed for John Bellamy, 1652
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
By Forbearance we mean the refraining from uncharitable and unkindly affections and behaviours towards another in some things, although there be some difference between us and him in judgement and in the way of acting about these things.
By Forbearance wee meane the refraining from uncharitable and unkindly affections and behaviours towards another in some things, although there bee some difference between us and him in judgement and in the way of acting about these things.
By the terms of Unity and Forbearance we understand all those things, which determine the judgement and conscience of a Christian to the profession and practise of these duties, as he oweth them unto Christ and his members.
By the termes of Ʋnitie and Forbearance wee understand all those things, which determine the judgement and conscience of a Christian to the profession and practise of these duties, as hee oweth them unto Christ and his members.
As then the profession and practise of Unity is grounded upon the Law of Brotherhood according to that of Abraham unto Let: Let there be no strife between me and thee, I pray thee, for we 1be Brethren: So the profession and practise of Forbearance must be grounded upon the Terms of some Unity: for where there is no Unity at all, if ever the disunited parties come within the reach of one another, there no Forbearance can be expected; but where there is some Unity, because there also will be some concurrence, therefore there will needs follow thereupon some restraint of strife, which is a Forbearance: for the affections of men are to be answerable to the natures of things; as then things wholly opposite, cannot possibly agree to bear one with another, in that wherein their opposition doth lie, when they are are to act upon the same subject; no more then things agreeing can intend to oppose and destroy each other in that wherein their agreement doth lie: So it is with the Motions of mens spirits, both in the way of opposition and agreement, when either of these is fundamental. For as in case of opposition the Apostle doth argue thus,