A81213:246
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 if you know them not, you cannot be happy in doing them; and if knowing them, you do them not, your profession shall be found vain, and your end eternal misery; for not every one that saith Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but 1he only who doth the will of God, who is in heaven. From all which we must gather this conclusion, that if we know that there is a forbearance, which is necessary, it will not be enough for us to know what the principles thereof are, but the way how to practise the duties must also be sought after, and regularly followed. Let us then do this, and endeavour to find the rules of such a transaction as will beget between the parties a settlement of that toleration, whereof we have seen and allowed the principles.
But if you know them not, you cannot bee happy in doing them; and if knowing them, you doe them not, your profession shall be found vaine, and your end eternall misery; for not every one that saith Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdome of heaven, but 1hee onely who doth the will of God, who is in heaven. From all which wee must gather this conclusion, that if wee know that there is a forbearance, which is necessary, it will not be enough for us to know what the principles thereof are, but the way how to practise the duties must also bee sought after, and regularly followed. Let us then doe this, and endeavour to find the rules of such a transaction as will beget between the parties a settlement of that toleration, whereof wee have seene and allowed the principles.
- 1Matth. •. 21.
And to this effect if any Treaty or conference be intended (for without some such thing nothing can be settled) there must be▪ before all other things, an agreement found in the aim of the transaction, and in the means to bring it to pass.