A81213:396
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.
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, 2 Cor. 4. 5. in order to this, doth profess not to preach himself, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and himself a servant to the Corinthians for Jesus sake. This was to be a servant of the love of Jesus to us, to invite all to be reconciled to God for his sake, 2 Cor. 5. 18, 19. 21. and 6. 1. As the employment is nothing else but a service of love, Gal. 5. 13. that is, to express the love and fulfil the Law of Christ, Gal. 6. 2. so the infallible character of a disciple by1 which he is to be distinguished in the world from all others, is mutual love and unity, as is clear by John 13. 35. and herein as well as in holding forth the word, they are to approve themselves to be the light of the world, Matth. 5. 14. which will appear by comparing these two places,