A81213:100
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.
Now so it is, that such as are acknowledged to be Orthodox and godly Ministers in this Kingdom of England, are begotten of the same heavenly Father, by the same Word of Truth, (which is the doctrine of Faith revealed in the Scriptures) in the same womb of the true Church, and have the same sense of their relation unto Christ, and in all the chief Acts of their Religious profession have the same Rules to walk by.
Now so it is, that such as are acknowledged to bee Orthodox and godly Ministers in this Kingdome of England, are begotten of the same heavenly Father, by the same Word of Truth, (which is the doctrine of Faith revealed in the Scriptures) in the same wombe of the true Church, and have the same sense of their relation unto Christ, and in all the chief Acts of their Religious profession have the same Rules to walke by.
Therefore it followeth undeniably, that they are truly Brethren one to another in Christ, and that they are bound in conscience to acknowledge each other to be Brethren, and as Brethren to walk together in Holy Communion, for the administration and observation of Christs Ordinances in that whereunto they have attained, and to bear with one another in that whereunto they have not yet attained.
Therefore it followeth undeniably, that they are truely Brethren one to another in Christ, and that they are bound in conscience to acknowledge each other to bee Brethren, and as Brethren to walke together in Holy Communion, for the administration and observation of Christs Ordinances in that whereunto they have attained, and to beare with one another in that whereunto they have not yet attained.
And lest any should make a doubt of this Truth; the first proposition expressing the Law of Brotherhood, shall be showed from clear places of Scripture, and the second containing an