A81213:260
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.
Thus we see that the Apostle doth make this not only a duty which is lawful, but in some sort necessary to the faithful discharge of the ministerial function, even so far that without the performance of it, a man can neither gain all sorts of people to the Gospel, no• partake fully of the Gospel himself, nor •ee in a temper so to run and strive as to gain his incorruptible crown before others, nor at last escape the danger of being a castaway, although he hath painfully preached the Gospel unto others. From all which we must conclude, that the study of condescension, chiefly in a Minister, with whom I am now dealing, is not a matter of indifferency, but a duty of very great importance. And if so, then we are obliged in conscience, not only to resolve upon the practise, but to seek out ⟨p. 63⟩the rules by which our conversation in this matter may be ordered aright: for seeing in every duty, there are some rules, and in this of condescension (because none do set themselves to the practise thereof) the rules are not looked into. Seeing also none ought in any thing to presume to prescribe rules unto others, but all should rather in all humility search after the discovery thereof in the holy Scriptures, and then hold forth in simplicity that which God doth teach them, and they find profitable for the edification of others, therefore we shall apply our selves unto this search, and offer that which we suppose neither side will except against; and yet may prove a sufficient directory for the practise of condescension, and the transaction of a forbearance in the cases of our divisions.
Thus wee see that the Apostle doth make this not onely a dutie which is lawfull, but in some sort necessary to the faithfull discharge of the ministeriall function, even so farre that without the performance of it, a man can neither gaine all sorts of people to the Gospel, no• partake fully of the Gospel himselfe, nor •ee in a temper so to runne and strive as to gaine his incorruptible crowne before others, nor at last escape the danger of being a castaway, although hee hath painefully preached the Gospel unto others. From all which wee must conclude, that the studie of condescension, chiefly in a Minister, with whom I am now dealing, is not a matter of indifferencie, but a dutie of very great importance. And if so, then wee are obliged in conscience, not onely to resolve upon the practise, but to seeke out