A81213:259
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.
Answerable unto this rule was the Apostles own practise, mentioned 1 Cor. 9. for our imitation, for there from the first verse till the 19th. he showeth that although he had a full right to take maintenance from the Church of Corinth, for his service ⟨p. 62⟩done to them, yet he would not do it, but condescended rather for their weakness sake, to make the Gospel of Christ without charge unto them, lest he might be thought to abuse his power in the Gospel. So then to prevent an inconvenience he did condescend to quit his right to a benefit and a convenience, which he might otherwise have lawfully enjoyed. But then from vers. 19. till the end of the Chapter, he speaks of another kind of condescension wherein he did exercise himself, and which he relates that he might therein be imitated by others: which was this, that although he was free from all men, ye• he made himself a servant to all, that he might gain the more. Vers. 19. To the Jews he became as a Jew, to them that are under the Law as under the Law.▪ Vers. 20. To them that are without Law, •• without Law (though he was not without Law to God, but under the Law to Christ). Vers. 21. To the weak he became as weak, and he made himself (by way of condescension) all things unto all men that h•• might by all means save some, Vers. 22. And the reason why he exercised himself in this duty, was not only for the good of others, but for his own good also in three things. First, that he might partake of the Gospel with every one in every condition, Vers. 23. Secondly, that he might keep himself in a fit temper of spirit, so […] in his calling, as to receive the prize, and so to fight as not to […] the air, Vers. 24, 25, 26. And thirdly, that he might be master of his own body, lest if he neglected the duty of bringing it into subjection, he might be sound himself a reprobate after all his pains in preaching the Gospel unto others, Vers. 27.
Answerable unto this rule was the Apostles own practise, mentioned 1 Cor. 9. for our imitation, for there from the first verse till the 19th. he sheweth that although hee had a full right to take maintenance from the Church of Corinth, for his service