A81213:206
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.
From all which I draw this conclusion in brief, that all associations of Church-Officers or of any other public Officers of what kind soever, who subordinate not themselves, and the interest which they have in each other by their Offices and by their associations, unto the ends of Christianity, to exalt the unity thereof, that Christ may be seen above all therein; but seek to make the way of Christianity, or the association of Christians subordinate to the advantage of their places above others, are Papal and Antichristian.
From all which I draw this conclusion in brief, that all associations of Church-Officers or of any other publick Officers of what kind soever, who subordinate not themselves, and the interest which they have in each other by their Offices and by their associations, unto the ends of Christianitie, to exalt the unitie thereof, that Christ may bee seene above all therein; but seeke to make the way of Christianitie, or the association of Christians subordinate to the advantage of their places above others, are Papall and Antichristian.
Let then all parties look to their aims in their associations, whether they be called Independent or Presbyterial Associations, and whether they be settled upon Episcopal or Erastian principles; and let all Magistrates look to their interests and ways of prosecuting the same by their associations▪ whither they he Democratical, Aristocratical, Parliamentary or Monarchical, whatsoever their character, frame, or model is, as to the matter of circumstantials, which is all that ordinarily men as men look after: Let (I say) all these Officers of each kind, or such as out of the mixed multitude, upon the ruins of others, do thrust themselves into places of trust and profit, and seek to strengthen themselves by combinations of their own framing; (I say again) let all these look well to it, every one in his particular association, if their whole aim and the frame of their society be not, to subordinate themselves and their combinations and confederacies to the setting up of that union, which is essential unto the profession of Christianity, and which alone shall last eternally; they shall be utterly broken to pieces without all remedy. For the Word of God by the Prophet Isaiah cannot fail,