A81213:76
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.
but ⟨p. 18⟩this only he requireth, that I should do my utmost endeavours. Now if I demur upon the matter, and will not do this except I can perceive that I shall be able to do it, as I pretend for my1 credit: in this case I serve not the will of him that commands me, but mine own: for I walk not in the obedience of Faith, but in the dictates of my fancy: for now I lean to mine own understanding, and suffer the pride of my heart to be my counsellor, which being unwilling to be foiled in any undertaking, doth make me quit the work, because I think I shall not have the credit of it. But if for some other reasons, I demur upon the duty and suspend mine action, as perhaps, because I see not I can gain this or that benefit by it; or because I think it not seasonable to appear till matters of State be so and so contrived; that such and such a business may come in at such a time for such a design, &c. (although in matters merely humane, arbitrary and external, I do not blame this prudential contrivance; yet I say) if any such consideration should by as my resolution towards the performance of that which in it self is a duty, and of a spiritual nature, (as I fear it doth with many) then I walk no more by the grace of God in simplicity, but by the wisdom of men in the world; then my aim is not to serve Christ, but rather to make use of Christ and his kingdom, and of my interest in the work of the Gospel to serve either mine own turn or the turns of other earthly men out of it; and if I do so, it is clear that I do the work of the Lord deceitfully, and the reward of an hypocrite will be given to me.
but ⟨p. 18⟩this onely hee requireth, that I should do my utmost endeavors. Now if I demurre upon the matter, and will not do this except I can perceive that I shall bee able to doe it, as I pretend for my1 credit: in this case I serve not the will of him that commands me, but mine owne: for I walke not in the obedience of Faith, but in the dictates of my phansie: for now I leane to mine owne understanding, and suffer the pride of my heart to bee my counsellour, which being unwillling to be foiled in any undertaking, doth make me quit the worke, because I thinke I shall not have the credit of it. But if for some other reasons, I demurre upon the dutie and suspend mine action, as perhaps, because I see not I can gaine this or that benefit by it; or because I thinke it not seasonable to appeare till matters of State bee so and so contrived; that such and such a businesse may come in at such a time for such a designe, &c. (although in matters meerely humane, arbitrary and externall, I doe not blame this prudentiall contrivance; yet I say) if any such consideration should by as my resolution towards the performance of that which in it self is a dutie, and of a spirituall nature, (as I feare it doth with many) then I walke no more by the grace of God in simplicitie, but by the wisedome of men in the world; then my aime is not to serve Christ, but rather to make use of Christ and his kingdome, and of my interest in the work of the Gospel to serve either mine own turne or the turnes of other earthly men out of it; and if I doe so, it is cleer that I doe the worke of the Lord deceitfully, and the reward of an hypocrite will be given to me.