A81213:374
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.
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 ⟨p. 101⟩without partiality, to endeavour the communication of Gods glory unto all, and obliged in our Ministry not to stand and walk by our selves to satisfy our own desires and enjoy our rights and privileges which we pretend unto for private content, but rather to please others to their edification, although we should suffer reproaches for their sake. For thus Christ was reproached by the Pharisees (who were much in love with their own holiness) for conversing and eating with Publicans and sinners, Matth. 9. Vers. 10, 11, 12. & Chap. 11. 19. and upon this ground of pleasing others and receiving all that came in his way to the glory of God, Christ conversed, did eat and drink with the Samaritans with whom other Jews had no dealings, John 4. 9. till vers. 43. Nor was it without a mystery, that at his death he was crucified between two Malefactors, that the Scripture might be fulfilled which saith, and he was numbered with the transgressors, Mark 15. 27, 28. For by God, and by himself justly in respect of the imputation of our sins to him, and by sinners unjustly he was numbered in his life, and in his death one of them, for their good to save them.