A81213:181
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. II. Of Professors united to a Congregation.
Although it is acknowledged by all, that Professors whiles they stand single, if they walk orderly, and behave themselves as it becometh the Gospel, do partake of the spiritual communion of all Saints, and have an interest in the public Ordinances, with all the Churches, wheresoever they conveniently meet with them, whiles they are unse•led. And although this their interest is never lost, after their settlement in a particular Congregation, so long as they remain faithful and obedient to Christ, no more then they who are made free and partake of the privileges of a particular company in London, do thereby abridge themselves of their common rights and privileges belonging to them as they are naturally freeborn, or naturalized in the nation, so long as they fall not from their allegiance. Although I say, this is agreed by all to be so; yet it is also acknowledged on both sides; that Professors ought not to stand single, but should be united in and to a body rightly constituted, and governed according to the will of Christ, which being clear from these Scriptures, Rom. 12. 4, 5. and 16. 17, 18. and 1 Cor. 1. 10, 11, 12. Ephes. 2. 19, 20, 21, 22. and 4. 16. Phil. 1. 27. Col. 2. 5. 19. Gal. 6. 10. doth give a ground to these following Rules, concerning the constitution and government of particular Congregations, wherein both sides, if they will understand one another rightly, I am confident are fully agreed.