A81213:21
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.
But the question will be, How shall I cure mine own fears? Quest.
But the question will be, How shall I cure mine owne feares? Quest.
Truly to answer this, I know none other way but to follow Answ. 1Gods counsel by the Prophet Isaiah. Say ye not (saith the Lord) A confederacy to all them to whom this people shall say A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear nor be afraid, sanctify the Lord of hosts himself, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. It is2 then nothing else but the base fear of men upon politic considerations, and the want of the true fear of God upon divine Principles, which troubles me, and drives me to courses which make others afraid of me; but if I did not at all look to men, but unto God alone, if I did not confide in mine own force, but in the Almighty, others would find cause to confide in me. As I behave my self towards God, so I must expect that others will behave themselves towards me; if I mean from my heart well towards others in God, God will move others to mean so also towards me. And who is he (saith the3 Apostle) that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? if I mind nothing but that which is good to every one; what cause have I to think that any will mind harm or evil against me? But suppose I suffer wrong whiles I mind that which is good and righteous; the Apostle saith that I am happy; and if I am happy, I need not be afraid of men nor troubled at my suffering. But what if I be afraid and troubled? is it not because I am not willing to suffer in doing good? if then I to avoid suffering for righteousness will secure my self by force, and make others afraid of me; it is evident that I do not commit my self and my cause to God in well doing, but I take it in mine own hand, to manage it by mine own strength, and how this will prosper I need not to mention.