A81213:339
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 the Apostle in the description of this way doth show a Threefold excellency, and usefulness of love. The first is, that without it no spiritual talents or good works are profitable to the Church, or to our own salvation, Vers. 1, 2, 3. The second is, that in it and by it all virtues tending to make a man perfect, are wrought in us, Vers. 4, 5, 6, 7. The third is, that above all other graces, it is the only durable and lasting unto eternity, Vers. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Which doctrine being referred to the foregoing proposition in the last verse of Chap. 12. will produce this argument, or demonstration concerning the excellency of love.
Now the Apostle in the description of this way doth shew a Threefold excellencie, and usefulnesse of love. The first is, that without it no spirituall talents or good workes are profitable to the Church, or to our owne salvation, Vers. 1, 2, 3. The second is, that in it and by it all vertues tending to make a man perfect, are wrought in us, Vers. 4, 5, 6, 7. The third is, that above all other graces, it is the onely durable and lasting unto eternitie, Vers. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. Which doctrine being referred to the foregoing proposition in the last verse of Chap. 12. will produce this argument, or demonstration concerning the excellencie of love.
That virtue without which no gifts nor good works are useful unto any, and by which all virtues are wrought in us, and which alone lasteth unto eternity, is the most excellent way to spiritual gifts. But so it is, that charity is that virtue; Ergo, it is of all others the most excellent way to spiritual gifts.
That vertue without which no gifts nor good workes are usefull unto any, and by which all vertues are wrought in us, and which alone lasteth unto eternitie, is the most excellent way to spirituall gifts. But so it is, that charitie is that vertue; Ergo, it is of all others the most excellent way to spirituall gifts.