A81213:267
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.
Thirdly, there ought to be a condescension in matters of indifferency, such as the Apostle doth mention, Rom. 14. throughout, to bear with the weak: item, in matters of offence, which may be foreseen, we are bound to prevent the same by yielding unto the weak and ignorant, lest either our good be evil spoken of, or our Brother be grieved at what we do, or his conscience be embold•od by our example (whiles it wanteth light, to discern its own liberty) to sin, Rom. 14. 15, 16. and 1 Cor. 8. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. and chap. 10. vers. 23. till the end.
Thirdly, there ought to bee a condescension in matters of indifferencie, such as the Apostle doth mention, Rom. 14. throughout, to beare with the weake: item, in matters of offence, which may bee foreseen, wee are bound to prevent the same by yeelding unto the weake and ignorant, lest either our good bee evill spoken of, or our Brother be grieved at what wee doe, or his conscience bee embold•od by our example (whiles it wanteth light, to discerne its owne libertie) to sinne, Rom. 14. 15, 16. and 1 Cor. 8. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. and chap. 10. vers. 23. till the end.
Fourthly and lastly, there ought to be a condescension to bear with all men in that whereunto they have not yet attained; that by the things whereunto they have attained, and our friendly converse with them, according to the rules of edification, they may be gained. Concerning this way of condescension towards others, these places are considerable,