A81213:262
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.
1 That wherein there can be no yielding. 2 That wherein there may be and ought to be a voluntary yielding. 3 That which may draw forth, and oblige the spirits of men, to discover the things whereunto they shall be willing of themselves to yield.
1 That wherein there can bee no yeelding. 2 That wherein there may bee and ought to bee a voluntary yeelding. 3 That which may draw forth, and oblige the spirits of men, to discover the things whereunto they shall bee willing of themselves to yeeld.
Concerning the first, there can be nor condescension proposed which should oblige any to make profession of any thing otherwise then it is in his heart. For no man can with a good conscience yield to profess any untruth, or transact to relinquish his sense and opinion of any thing which he doth esteem a point of truth or of right, I say no man can condescend to relinquish his opinion, or his challenge of a right to a privilege: because the matters of truth and right can edify no man, but disedifie both our selves and others, if they be denied and professedly given up. A man may dispense with a truth so far as not to speak of it, to all sorts of persons, or at all times, because they cannot bear it, nor is it seasonable for edification to speak all truths at all times: as we may see by Christs example, John 16. 12. and the Apostles practise, 1 Cor. 3. 1, 2. and the rules, Matth. 7. 6. and Rom. 14. 1. And concerning a point of right a man may dispense with the use of it, as we see the Apostle doth, 1 Cor. 9. But no man ought to yield himself obliged to deny any truth, or not to bear witness to it when it is opposed, or ⟨p. 64⟩