A81213:257
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 to press further the point which in this duty is to be heeded, let us consider the precept given by the Apostle, Rom. 12. 16. and his own practise, which he sets before us elsewhere to be followed as an example of that rule.
But to presse further the point which in this dutie is to be heeded, let us consider the precept given by the Apostle, Rom. 12. 16. and his owne practise, which hee sets before us elsewhere to bee followed as an example of that rule.
The precept is this, Be of the same mind one ••wards another, mind not high things, but condescend to m•n of low estate (or to mean things) be not wise in your own cono•its. As if he had said, it is your duty to be like minded towards each other in love, and that you may not be taken off from performing this, take heed to your thoughts, that you neither affect high matters, wherein naturally men use to please themselves, nor that you be in love with your own wisdom, but study rather to make your minds pliable, and bring your selves to condescend to men and matters, that are mean and low, for except you all resolve upon this, you can never be of the same mind one towards another: So then we see that some condescension is not only lawful, but wholly requisite to maintain love and unity and resist pride and self-love, whence strife and confusion doth proceed.
The precept is this, Be of the same mind one ••wards another, mind not high things, but condescend to m•n of low estate (or to mean things) bee not wise in your own cono•its. As if he had said, it is your dutie to bee like minded towards each other in love, and that you may not bee taken off from performing this, take heed to your thoughts, that you neither affect high matters, wherein naturally men use to please themselves, nor that you bee in love with your owne wisedome, but studie rather to make your mindes pliable, and bring your selves to condescend to men and matters, that are meane and low, for except you all resolve upon this, you can never bee of the same mind one towards another: So then wee see that some condescension is not onely lawfull, but wholly requisite to maintaine love and unitie and resist pride and self-love, whence strife and confusion doth proceed.