A81213:12
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.
First, let our aim be (as in the sight of God who trieth the Reins) to purge our heart from a design to serve the interests ⟨p. 2⟩of one side, mainly to cross another. For he that looks upon his1 Brother with the eye of a party, hath put out the eye of a Christian. A Christian doth not take notice of men after the flesh, he looks upon the new creature in every one, and he that doth not walk after this Rule, there can be nothing but misery and destruction in his ways, for the way of peace and truth he hath not known.
First, let our aime be (as in the sight of God who tryeth the Reines) to purge our heart from a designe to serve the interests ⟨p. 2⟩of one side, mainly to crosse another. For he that looks upon his1 Brother with the eye of a party, hath put out the eye of a Christian. A Christian doth not take notice of men after the flesh, he looks upon the new creature in every one, and he that doth not walk after this Rule, there can be nothing but misery and destruction in his wayes, for the way of peace and truth he hath not known.
- 1What ought to be the •ight aim of those that trea. for peace.What ought to be the •ight aime of those that trea. for peace.
Secondly, then if we can clear our aims from partiality, our Counsels may be free from prejudice, and if this be, we will not shun the light, but desire to show that our works are wrought in God; and will be ready to declare to all in public the true Rules and Maxims, by which our conscience is guided; by which we intend to walk, and by which we desire to be judged