A81213:399
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.
Thirdly, their relation to the works of their employment doth wholly necessitate them to maintain mutual love and unity; because not only these duties in themselves are a principal part of their work; but what ever else doth belong to their charge, whether it concern the Church or the Gospel; it can neither be acceptable unto God, nor profitable unto men, except it be done in the spirit of love and unity.
Thirdly, their relation to the workes of their employment doth wholly necessitate them to maintaine mutuall love and unitie; because not onely these duties in themselves are a principall part of their worke; but what ever else doth belong to their charge, whether it concerne the Church or the Gospel; it can neither bee acceptable unto God, nor profitable unto men, except it bee done in the spirit of love and unitie.
First then, that these duties are recommended unto them, as a main part of the very work, which is chiefly to be a• med at in their profession, I suppose hath been abundantly made out by that which formerly hath been alleged.
First then, that these duties are recommended unto them, as a maine part of the very worke, which is chiefly to be a• med at in their profession, I suppose hath been abundantly made out by that which formerly hath been alleadged.
Secondly, that nothing can be acceptable unto God without this frame of spirit, is evident, because God is love, and he that loveth not, knoweth not God, 1 John 4. 8. and on the contrary he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God and God in him, ibid. Vers. 16. Moreover he that doth not all his works in love, as he is commanded,