A81213:363
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.
Sect: IV. Of the practise of those that are set before us as infallible examples in the Ministry.
Sect: IV. Of the practise of those that are set before us as infallible examples in the Ministery.
Although the mediatory actions of Jesus Christ in the flesh, as he is our Saviour, are not imitable, nor were they performed to be imitated by any, for he alone is the only Mediator between God and man; yet his relations unto us, as1 our brother, sanctifying us in our flesh; and the ways of his converse amongst men were such, that in all cases of duty, wherein we are to come to God, or to behave our selves dutifully one towards another in respect of God, he hath left us either an example which we are bound to imitate, or a precept which we ought to observe, and which he himself did practise. For in this, he is the Captain of our salvation, because he went before us in all things, and we are bound to follow not only him before all others, but also none further then they are found to be his followers, 1 Cor. 11. 1. and for this cause we see that the Apostles as in all other things, so chiefly in these duties of love, unity, forbearance, and condescension towards the weak, do allege his practise as the strongest argument that can be used to oblige us thereunto. Thus, 1 John 3. 16. He laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the Brethren.
ALthough the mediatory actions of Jesus Christ in the flesh, as hee is our Saviour, are not imitable, nor were they performed to bee imitated by any, for hee alone is the onely Mediatour between God and man; yet his relations unto us, as