A81213:253
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. X. Of the rules of condescension, how they may be found out.
CHAP. X. Of the rules of condescension, how they may bee found out.
We have formerly seen that some toleration amongst Christians is necessary; if so, then undoubtedly some condescension also towards one another, because without some yielding it is not imaginable that any mutual forbearance can be settled or transacted amongst parties, that are at variance; and although this might suffice to satisfy the scruples of some, who perhaps will boil at the matter of condescension, as prejudicial to the truth of the holy profession, yet I shall add a word to show the lawfulness of such a course, as being a duty recommended unto us by God, and necessary for edification.
VVEe have formerly seene that some toleration amongst Christians is necessary; if so, then undoubtedly some condescension also towards one another, because without some yeelding it is not imaginable that any mutuall forbearance can bee setled or transacted amongst parties, that are at variance; and although this might suffice to satisfie the scruples of some, who perhaps will boile at the matter of condescension, as prejudiciall to the truth of the holy profession, yet I shall adde a word to shew the lawfulnesse of such a course, as being a dutie recommended unto us by God, and necessary for edification.
The Apostle Rom. 15. 1, 2. saith that we ought not to please our selves, but that every one of us should please his neighbour for his good to edification. Now in this case every one is supposed to be strong, and the neighbour, whom he ought to please, is by the Apostle supposed to be weak. Therefore we are all bound to yield unto each other, as supposing others to be weak that we may be able to edify each other. And to press this home as a duty to the conscience of all, he doth give us Christs example, as a pattern thereof in this particular, that he did not seek to please himself, but condescended even to bear reproaches, that we might be edified by that which is written of him, vers. 3. and 4. And then to make an application of this unto the end for which he doth prescribe it as a duty; he first prayeth to God for us, and secondly exhorts us to the imitation of Christs example. His prayer is, that God would grant us to be like minded one towards