A81213:402
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 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, 1 Cor. 8. 1. And what I say of love may be verified of unity; as it is the fruit of love inseparable from it in Christs aim: John 37. 23. and equally recommended to ⟨p. 109⟩us by the Apostle, 1 Cor. 1. 10. and 2 Cor. 13. 11. Ephes. 4. 1. Ephes. 4. 1. till 7. Phil. 2. 2. whence we see, that all things which are to be done by any must thus be qualified to find acceptance; but if we look more distinctly upon the proper works of their employment towards the Church and for the Gospel; we shall perceive more clearly the intrinsical coherence which is found between these duties and the Ministerial administrations.
And as nothing can bee acceptable unto God, which is not done in love, so it cannot bee profitable unto men; For if God blesse it not, how can it prosper towards them, and how can hee blesse that which is displeasing to him? And then the Apostle tells us, that knowledge is apt to puffe men up, but it is Charitie which edifieth, 1 Cor. 8. 1. And what I say of love may bee verified of unitie; as it is the fruit of love inseparable from it in Christs aime: John 37. 23. and equally recommended to ⟨p. 109⟩us by the Apostle, 1 Cor. 1. 10. and