A81213:200
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.
2 That no member coming from another Church with which we are in brotherly Communion, shall be admitted to become a distinct member of our society, till the Church from which he cometh be made acquainted with his purpose to associate with us.
2 That no member comming from another Church with which wee are in brotherly Communion, shall be admitted to become a distinct member of our societie, till the Church from which hee commeth bee made acquainted with his purpose to associate with us.
3 That none who is said to belong to that neighbourhood or association, which is called a Parish, (though he doth not profess himself a member in that way) shall be received as a member of any distinct Congregation, until the Officers thereof have enquired concerning his life and conversation of those that are Rulers of the said neighbourhood, and of the Congregations nearest unto his habitation, to whom it is likely, he may have had some relation, or which may have taken notice of his ways and profession.
3 That none who is said to belong to that neighbourhood or association, which is called a Parish, (though hee doth not professe himselfe a member in that way) shall bee received as a member of any distinct Congregation, untill the Officers thereof have enquired concerning his life and conversation of those that are Rulers of the said neighbourhood, and of the Congregations neerest unto his habitation, to whom it is likely, hee may have had some relation, or which may have taken notice of his wayes and profession.
One of the chief mysteries and original causes of our manifold divisions doth lie in this outward circumstantial manner of the association of members into a Congregation, and the reason hereof as I take it, is, partly because men naturally seek rather to please themselves in the satisfaction of some humours of their own, then to edify others, partly because the true use of Christian liberty, and the relation wherein all true professors stand one to another in Christ, is either not understood, or not minded; in comparison of some circumstantials of our own coining to our selves, upon any one of which we use to lay more weight then upon all the fundamentals of Christs appointment.