A81213:155
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.
Sect. I. Of single Professors.
When we look upon Professors (such namely as we have already described to be believers of the doctrine forenamed; and to have that relation unto Christ and his body which hath been formerly mentioned;) when I say we look upon these Professors as single, that is, as standing by themselves, and not embodied into any particular society; yet we intend not to exempt them by this notion from either a visibility of their profession, or a compliance in that wherein they ought to concur with other Christians. For they are to be counted single; not as if they might take up a single and singular way of professing Christ by themselves alone, which is neither common nor perceptible unto other Christians, but they are to be counted single only as they are men, not engaged as yet, unto any particular Congregation to be members thereof professedly. Suppose then a man to be a true Christian and a mere stranger to all the men and Churches of a Nation, where he findeth the name of Christ known and publicly professed by some, and not at all known and professed by others, the question may be concerning him, threefold. 1. Whether he should make himself known to be a professor yea or no? 2. How he should manifest his Profession? viz. Whether yea or no he should not join with others in the Acts of public worship? And 3. What the Acts of public service and worship are, whereunto h•e should join, if h•e should apply himself to other Professors?
VVHen wee looke upon Professors (such namely as wee have already described to bee beleevers of the doctrin forenamed; and to have that relation unto Christ and his body which hath been formerly mentioned;) when I say we look upon these Professours as single, that is, as standing by themselves, and not embodied into any particular societie; yet we intend not to exempt them by this notion from either a visibilitie of their profession, or a compliance in that wherein they ought to concurre with other Christians. For they are to bee counted single; not as if they might take up a single and singular way of professing Christ by themselves alone, which is neither common nor perceptible unto other Christians, but they are to bee counted single onely as they are men, not engaged as yet, unto any particular Congregation to bee members thereof professedly. Suppose then a man to be a true Christian and a meere stranger to all the men and Churches of a Nation, where he findeth the name of Christ known and publikely professed by some, and not at all known and professed by others, the question may bee concerning him, threefold. 1. Whether hee should make himselfe known to bee a professor yea or no? 2. How he should manifest his Profession? viz. Whether yea or no hee should not joyne with others in the Acts of publick worship? And 3. What the Acts of publick service and worship are, whereunto he should joyne, if he should apply himself to other Professors?