A81213:237
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.
First, that God hath commanded his children and servants both to bear one another's burdens, and to bear with one another's infirmities, and to forbear one another in love, as appeareth in these places of Scripture, Gal. 6. 1, 2. Ephes. 4. 2. Colos. 3. 12, 13. and 1 Thess. 5. 14. Rom. 14. 1.
First, that God hath commanded his children and servants both to beare one anothers burthens, and to beare with one anothers infirmities, and to forbeare one another in love, as appeareth in these places of Scripture, Gal. 6. 1, 2. Ephes. 4. 2. Colos. 3. 12, 13. and 1 Thess. 5. 14. Rom. 14. 1.
Secondly, that this duty is not only necessary (necessitate praecepti) because God hath commanded it, but it is also necessary (necessitate medii) as a means of mutual edification; which cannot possibly be advanced without the observation thereof. And the reason hereof is evident, because in many cases of humane failings, and in some of different opinions and practises, if there should be no forbearance at all, debates would be sharp and endless, about ⟨p. 57⟩