A81213:79
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 it is Satan's main interest, above all others to set and keep the Ministers of1 the Gospel at variance amongst themselves, and disagreeing in the way of their testimony. For as long as they are kept so, he is sure that the world, the wickedness and greatness thereof, and the height of men will not fall before the throne of Jesus Christ by their means. For if we will look upon Satan's ⟨p. 20⟩kingdom, and consider the ways by which he doth set up, and settle the Mystery of iniquity in opposition to the kingdom of God among men; we shall perceive that one of them is this. That he being the Prince of this world, doth establish the government thereof by mere power and deceiving Policy. This government he endeavoureth always to put in the2 hands of such men, who intend to make use thereof only for their own ends, which commonly are none other but greatness and glory: for this cannot be denied, that as the way of self-denial and humility is proper to Christ and his Kingdom: So the practises of men in seeking themselves by power and policy are the works of Satan's spirit, and of their own corruption in order to his designs. And as the end of natural men in the world, is only to maintain and enlarge themselves, according to their own will by their own ways; so the end of Satan in teaching them to manage their affairs, rather by power and policy, with an absolute command, then by loving persuasions and convictions of the mind, with the evidence and demonstration of the Truth, is only to oppose in the souls of men the kingdom of Christ which is the light of Truth and the life of righteousness and holiness. For by these Christ is the King and Conqueror of souls; for by the light of Truth he ruleth in the understanding, and by the power of righteousness and holiness he ruleth in the will and affections of his subjects: if then Satan can gain the opportunity to set his ministers a work, who by the outward means of power and policy for their own temporal ends, draw away mens minds from the attention unto, and the apprehension of Truth; and put out of their affections, the frame of meekness, love and humility, wherein the life of righteousness and holiness doth stand; if (I say) he can get such instruments, which he can act either directly or indirectly to draw mens winds from the way of Christ by this way of his own creating;