A81213:373
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.
As concerning Christs practise in his Ministry to avoid breaches and contentions between him and others, it is set forth by the holy Ghost in Isa. 42. 2, 3. and Matth. 12. 19, 20. thus: He shall not strive nor cry, neither shall any man bear his voice in the streets, a bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking fl•x shall he not quench, till he send forth judgement unto victory.
As concerning Christs practise in his Ministery to avoid breaches and contentions between him and others, it is set forth by the holy Ghost in Isa. 42. 2, 3. and Matth. 12. 19, 20. thus: Hee shall not strive nor cry, neither shall any man beare his voyce in the streets, a bruised reed shall hee not breake, and the smoaking fl•x shall hee not quench, till hee send forth judgement unto victory.
And concerning his way to bring us to unity with himself and with God; the Apostle doth set it forth as an example to be imitated, Rom. 15. Vers. 2, 3. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification, for even Christ pleased not himself, &c. which is further applied to our practise, vers. 5, 6, 7. The God of patience and consolation grant you that ye be like minded one towards another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, wherefore receive ye one another as Christ also received us to the glory of God. And then explained in showing what the work of Christs Ministry was, Vers. 8, 9. Now I say that Jesus Christ was a Minister of the Circumcision for the Truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the Fathers, and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy, &c. Where we may clearly understand that by Christs Ministerial behaviour, which was without strife, free from all clamours and disputes, and which did tend to the uniting of all, both Jews and Gentiles, both circumcised and uncircumcised unto God, we are taught to be