A81213:13
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.
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 judged1 by all, in our proceedings; but if we either have no such rules, or are not willing to declare them; we shun the light, we love darkness, and let us not deceive our selves, there is no truth nor love to peace in us. And what although hitherto perhaps we have not minded conscionably the equitable and charitable affections which the Spirit of Christ doth suggest; yet now being put in mind thereof, if henceforth the motions of his Spirit be not rejected, but sincerely entertained, openly professed, and effectually followed, who doth not know but that yet a happy composure of our differences may be effected?
Secondly, then if we can cleare our aimes from partiality, our Counsels may be free from prejudice, and if this be, we will not shunne the light, but desire to shew that our works are wrought in God; and will be ready to declare to all in publike the true Rules and Maximes, by which our conscience is guided; by which we intend to walk, and by which we desire to be judged1 by all, in our proceedings; but if we either have no such rules, or are not willing to declare them; we shunne the light, we love darknesse, and let us not deceive our selves, there is no truth nor love to peace in us. And what although hitherto perhaps we have not minded conscionably the equitable and charitable affections which the Spirit of Christ doth suggest; yet now being put in minde thereof, if henceforth the motions of his Spirit be not rejected, but sincerely entertained, openly professed, and effectually followed, who doth not know but that yet a happy composure of our differences may be effected?
- 1Hom they should manifest their aim.Hom they should manifest their aime.