A81213:395
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.
First, then a Minister by his Office is subordinate unto Christ, as a Servant, as a Disciple, and as a friend of his; and to make these relations evident to the world and sure to himself, is to make his calling and election sure; which is effected when both others are made to see, and he himself doth assuredly of himself know, that what he doth in his charge, is done to serve Christ as it becometh his Disciple and friend. But except his behaviour in all the works of his charge be suitable to that love whereby Christ his master did love us, and thereby did unite himself unto us, these relations will not be evidenced.
First, then a Minister by his Office is subordinate unto Christ, as a Servant, as a Disciple, and as a friend of his; and to make these relations evident to the world and sure to himself, is to make his calling and election sure; which is effected when both others are made to see, and hee himself doth assuredly of himselfe know, that what hee doth in his charge, is done to serve Christ as it becommeth his Disciple and friend. But except his behaviour in all the workes of his charge bee sutable to that love whereby Christ his master did love us, and thereby did unite himself unto us, these relations will not bee evidenced.
For to be a faithful servant of Christ he must make two things ⟨p. 106⟩appear. First, that he serves none but him alone, as the Apostle doth, Gal. 1. 10. and as Christ requires of all to be done, when he tells us that none can serve two masters, Matth. 6. 24. And secondly, that he applies himself to the same work which Christ did. For he commands all his servants to follow him, John 12. 26. namely, in that service which he performed, which was to do the will and manifest the love of his Father unto us; therefore the Apostle,