A81213:337
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.
The bodily blessings bestowed in the Common-wealth are the fruits of the earth in the highest parts thereof both far from the Church, and near unto the same. As the dew of Hermon (a hill and land far from Jerusalem near Jordan) and the dew that descendeth upon the mountains of Zion, Vers. 3.
The bodily blessings bestowed in the Common-wealth are the fruits of the earth in the highest parts thereof both farre from the Church, and neer unto the same. As the dew of Hermon (a hill and land farre from Jerusalem neer Jordan) and the dew that descendeth upon the mountaines of Zion, Vers. 3.
All this goodness and pleasantness doth accompany brotherly unity, because the Lord hath commanded the blessing to be there (viz. where unity is) and the blessing which he hath commanded is, even life for evermore, Vers. 3. and consequently all the means of life, and if of life eternal, then of temporal also, for we have the promise, that if we seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness all other things shall be added unto us, Matth. 6. 33. Now from all this which is the clear doctrine of the holy Ghost, I shall make this inference only, that if these promises are made to brotherly unity, by reason of the blessing of God upon those that maintain it in Church and Common-wealth, then we may denounce the contrary threatenings unto those that maintain it not, for the wrath of God is upon those that are contentious 1and obey not the truth. Hitherto of unity. The ground of it is love, as may be gathered from 1 Cor. 12. 25. where the same care of members one for another (which is the effect of ⟨p. 91⟩their love) is the cause why there is no rent in the body, and consequently why unity is preserved: For where that loving care is not, unity is not, but a rent will be, as we may daily perceive in our doleful estate. Therefore all the excellencies that belong to brotherly unity are first and originally to be attributed unto charity. But then there are yet other excellencies, which are more immediately attributed unto it by the holy Ghost, in