A81213:187
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. III. Of several Congregations, as they are or ought to be associated.
Sect. III. Of severall Congregations, as they are or ought to bee associated.
That there ought to be an association of those Churches which profess to walk by the same rules, is granted on all sides; only in the way to settle and maintain this association, and to determine emergent differences thereby, the difficulty doth lie; out if that wherein there is a full agreement were made use of, for the increasing of love, I am persuaded that the offences which occasion all our breaches might be taken out of ⟨p. 47⟩the way. Therefore those terms of unity, which in this kind are undeniably consonant to the principles of Brotherly Communion, and some others, which upon some friendly conferences have been assented unto by some leading men of both sides, shall here be offered towards the manifestation of the grounds of this association, in these Propositions following.
THat there ought to bee an association of those Churches which professe to walke by the same rules, is granted on all sides; onely in the way to settle and maintaine this association, and to determine emergent differences thereby, the difficultie doth lie; out if that wherein there is a full agreement were made use of, for the increasing of love, I am perswaded that the offences which occasion all our breaches might bee taken out of ⟨p. 47⟩the way. Therefore those termes of unitie, which in this kind are undeniably consonant to the principles of Brotherly Communion, and some others, which upon some friendly conferences have been assented unto by some leading men of both sides, shall here bee offered towards the manifestation of the grounds of this association, in these Propositions following.