A81213:135
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.
Thus we may see by daily experience, that when humane parties are formed, (for in Christianity there is none) and when inhumane injuries are mutually offered about religious concernments, it is one of the hardest things in the world, to prevent or to rectify the distempers which arise from thence; but yet we must say in this case what Christ saith in another; With men this is 1impossible, but with God all things are possible. Therefore I believe that God is able both to prevent and rectify such excesses of passion, two ways.
Thus wee may see by daily experience, that when humane parties are formed, (for in Christianitie there is none) and when inhumane injuries are mutually offered about religious concernments, it is one of the hardest things in the world, to prevent or to rectifie the distempers which arise from thence; but yet wee must say in this case what Christ saith in another; With men this is 1impossible, but with God all things are possible. Therefore I beleeve that God is able both to prevent and rectifie such excesses of passion, two wayes.
First, by wakening our consciences effectually towards himself in minding 1us of the end and way of our ministerial function, as it is in Christ: that is to say, to teach us to aim at nothing but to be conformable unto Christ, by minding the same thing which he did mind towards God, and by walking in the same way, wherein he is gone before us, to glorify his Father in his Ministry.
First, by wakening our consciences effectually towards himself in minding