A81213:401
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.
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, 1 Cor. 16. 14. transgresseth the whole Law, by the unlovely frame of his spirit, because as love is the fulfilling of the whole Law, Rom. 13. 8, 9, 10. So the want of it, must needs be the transgression of the whole Law; and he that is not subject to the Law of God cannot please him, saith the Apostle, Rom. 8. 7, 8.
Secondly, that nothing can bee acceptable unto God without this frame of spirit, is evident, because God is love, and hee that loveth not, knoweth not God, 1 John 4. 8. and on the contrary hee that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God and God in him, ibid. Vers. 16. Moreover he that doth not all his workes in love, as he is commanded, 1 Cor. 16. 14. transgresseth the whole Law, by the unlovely frame of his spirit, because as love is the fulfilling of the whole Law, Rom. 13. 8, 9, 10. So the want of it, must needs bee the transgression of the whole Law; and hee that is not subject to the Law of God cannot please him, saith the Apostle, Rom. 8. 7, 8.
And as nothing can be acceptable unto God, which is not done in love, so it cannot be profitable unto men; For if God bless it not, how can it prosper towards them, and how can he bless that which is displeasing to him? And then the Apostle tells us, that knowledge is apt to puff men up, but it is Charity which edifieth,