A81213:229
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.
CHAP. VII. Concerning the terms of forbearance, that therein is, and may be found an agreement.
CHAP. VII. Concerning the termes of forbearance, that therein is, and may bee found an agreement.
Having showed how full and satisfactory the unity is, whereunto we have attained, and which ought to be professedly acknowledged and put in practise; it remaineth now that we speak also of mutual forbearance, in that whereunto we have not yet attained. For if it be made apparent, that we are not only thus far agreed, but that we have also the same sense of the terms, that is, of the Principles and Rules whereby a forbearance may be settled in that wherein we are not yet agreed; then I cannot see what in conscience or reason should keep us still at this distance: But I am confident it may be made undeniably apparent that we have the same sense of the terms, that is, of the principles, rules and conditions, whereby a forbearance may be settled amongst us; therefore there is nothing in conscience or reason, that can keep us at this distance. Now if the Question be, what then the causes are that keep us from joining in a forbearance? and what the difficulties are to practise that wherein we are of one mind? My answer is, that I am very willing to confess my ignorance of these causes and difficulties, rather then to reflect upon the jealousies, upon the designs, upon the passions and distempers of either side, and to lay open the uncharitable failings, and the unfriendly proceedings ⟨p. 56⟩of both sides against each other. I shall only say that the chief difficulty concerning the terms of settling a Christian forbearance amongst us in my opinion hath been this; that this matter hath never been prosecuted in that way of simplicity, which becometh the Gospel, nor upon the terms, wherein either there is undeniably, or there may be found infallibly, a full and satisfactory agreement; and whether yea or no any course will be taken to prosecute it otherwise hereafter, I know not, but I shall in the mean time endeavour to acquit my conscience, by showing my sense of the principles and rules thereof, whereunto I am persuaded none will be dissenters, who do lay to heart without prejudice their duty, in the profession of Christianity.