A81213:203
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. IV. Of the Officers and Rulers of several Congregations, and their association.
Sect. IV. Of the Officers and Rulers of severall Congregations, and their association.
The Officers of every Congregation are under a twofold relation of unity to each other: First, as they are Professors: ⟨p. 50⟩Secondly, as they are Officers, that is, specially entrusted with a charge in the profession: As they are Professors, they are nearer in Brotherhood then as they are Officers. For their profession doth give them an immediate interest into Christ, and to one another in him: but their Office doth give them no interest either in him or in each other, further then they are true to the profession: whence it followeth that except they be associated in the mystical body of Christ, they cannot be associated in the ministry thereof. It followeth also further, that the relation wherein they stand to each other as Christians, being the only foundation of their Brotherhood; all the other relations, which are ministerial, must yield and be subordinate thereunto So that all the bonds, which may settle their association in the ministry, must be intended no further then they serve to advance and confirm the brotherhood and association, which is settled upon the truth of Christianity. For if any combination of Ministers be framed otherwise, or to any other end, then to strengthen the fundamentals of Faith, and to increase the fruits of true Christianity in holiness and love▪ it will beget nothing else but a Papacy, because the root of the Papal Hierarchy, and the foundation whereupon that mystery of iniquity was raised in the Church, was nothing else but the aim of an association of Church Officers subordinating the profession to their places, and making use of the fundamentals of truth, to set up themselves above others: for it may be evidenced that all the superstitious devices and politic practises of Popery to blind men, and by an implicit faith to keep them in subjection, resolve themselves at last into this principle and aim, of setting up themselves above Christianity in the hearts of men, which is properly the Temple of God. Therefore it cannot be denied, that they spring originally from hence, seeing every thing is ultimately resolved into that, whereof it was first begotten.