A81213:266
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.
Secondly, there may and ought to be a voluntary condescension •o all the means which are thought by those, who are of repute, fit and expedient to give just satisfaction to any that are possessed with prejudices against us, or to clear mistakes, or to prevent the evil effects of sinister reports, or to take away all inconveniences and scandals of that nature: (I say) there ought to be a yielding to all motions in that kind which do not prejudicate the truth: because all things that are commendable and of good report are to be followed; and all the occasions of murmurings, of jealousies and of discontents are to be avoided. In such a case as this, Peter condescended to make an Apology for himself to those of the circumcision who contended with him for his going unto Cornelius, Act. 11. 2, 3, 4. till 19. and Paul at the advice of James and the Elders of Jerusalem went into the Temple and condescended to observe the customs of the ceremonial Law to take away the prejudice which many had against him, Acts 21. vers. 18. till 28. Another time Paul of his own accord did circumcise Timothy by way of condescension to the Jews, who were weak and would have been offended if that had not been done, Act. 18. 1, 2, 3. but when the cause was altered, and by condescending to circumcise Titus the liberty of the Gospel would have been prejudged towards the Gentiles, he would not at all yield unto it, Gal. 2. 3, 4, 5.
Secondly, there may and ought to be a voluntary condescension •o all the meanes which are thought by those, who are of repute, fit and expedient to give just satisfaction to any that are possessed with prejudices against us, or to cleer mistakes, or to prevent the evill effects of sinister reports, or to take away all inconveniencies and scandals of that nature: (I say) there ought to bee a yeelding to all motions in that kind which do not prejudicate the truth: because all things that are commendable and of good report are to bee followed; and all the occasions of murmurings, of jealousies and of discontents are to bee avoided. In such a case as this, Peter condescended to make an Apologie for himself to those of the circumcision who contended with him for his going unto Cornelius,