A81213:132
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.
3. That this love to the Truth and sense of the indignities done to it by unworthy men, may be mixed with the spirit of self-love, which is indiscernible unto them that are led thereby. For it may be conjectured, that although the Disciples loved their Master sincerely, and thought him highly affronted by the Samaritans, that would not give him lodging-room; yet that they should not have been sensible at all of their own inconvenience of not being refreshed with meat when they were hungry, and of the affront done to themselves, not to be civilly entertained when they were weary, is not at all likely, but it may be probably gathered from circumstances, that the disappointment of their expectation (messengers being sent before to make ready for them) when they were weary & hungry, did heighten both their discontent, and the sense of the injury done unto their Master.
3. That this love to the Truth and sense of the indignities done to it by unworthy men, may bee mixed with the spirit of self-love, which is indiscernible unto them that are led thereby. For it may bee conjectured, that although the Disciples loved their Master sincerely, and thought him highly affronted by the Samaritanes, that would not give him lodging-roome; yet that they should not have been sensible at all of their owne inconveniencie of not being refreshed with meat when they were hungry, and of the affront done to themselves, not to bee civilly entertained when they were wearie, is not at all likely, but it may bee probably gathered from circumstances, that the disappointment of their expectation (messengers being sent before to make ready for them) when they were weary & hungry, did heighten both their discontent, and the sense of the injury done unto their Master.
4 That even godly men, when they are ensnared into passions occasioned by injuries, will for small matters of private concernment, be sometimes set upon thoughts of revenge, take up destructive resolutions, and thereby forget the main end of their profession; for we see all this in the Apostles, and by Christs reproof of them, and his reason taken from the end of his Ministry, whereunto all his and their actions were to be subordinate, it appears that they are put in mind of what they had forgotten.