A81213:28
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.
Now to do this, let me offer these thoughts.
Now to doe this, let me offer these thoughts.
1 No man is able exactly to discern his own, far less1 other mens hearts; our prejudicate opinions deceive us no where more then in the thoughts of persons, the imaginations which we frame to our selves of others and of their principles ensnare our affections, and shut us up from that freedom of spirit towards them which might be a means either to gain or to discover them to us; for they bias our proceedings and corrupt that ingenuity, without which we are darkened, and neither can discern others, nor be discerned by them in truth. For when we apply our selves to one this way, and to another that way, and do not walk equally by the plain Rule of the new creature towards all, we must needs be entangled, and lose our strength; which is upheld by nothing so much, as by that plainness wherein it is always like it self. Our various presumptions of men, and of their different designs, cause us to be with child, and when they have put us in pain, they make us bring forth as it were wind; nor can we at all work any deliverance in the earth by them to our selves or others, because we bring nothing but earthly wisdom with us, to subdue the spirits of men, before which the inhabitants of the world will never fall. Therefore if we would seek out and find those that are fit to receive the good which we would offer to them, let us never take upon us to judge determinately of any man this or that way according to appearances; but leaving him to God and himself, let us judge righteous judgement; as we desire ⟨p. 7⟩others to judge and presume of us by the Rules of Charity, so let us apply our thoughts unto them, for this will keep us in a frame of freedom within our selves and ingenuity towards them, without which no safe address can be made unto any.
1 No man is able exactly to discerne his owne, farre lesse