A81213:207
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.
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, Isa. 8, 9, 10. which saith, Associate your selves ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces, gird your selves and ye shall be broken in pieces, gird your selves and ye shall be broken in pieces: take counsel together and it shall come to nought, speak the word and it shall not stand. For God is with us.
Let then all parties looke to their aimes in their associations, whether they bee called Independent or Presbyteriall Associations, and whether they bee setled upon Episcopall or Erastian principles; and let all Magistrates looke to their interests and wayes of prosecuting the same by their associations▪ whither they hee Democraticall, Aristocraticall, Parliamentary or Monarchicall, whatsoever their character, frame, or modell is, as to the matter of circumstantials, which is all that ordinarily men as men looke after: Let (I say) all these Officers of each kind, or such as out of the mixt multitude, upon the ruines of others, doe thrust themselves into places of trust and profit, and seeke to strengthen themselves by combinations of their owne framing; (I say againe) let all these looke well to it, every one in his particular association, if their whole aime and the frame of their society bee not, to subordinate themselves and their combinations and confederacies to the setting up of that union, which is essentiall unto the profession of Christianity, and which alone shall last eternally; they shall bee utterly broken to pieces without all remedy. For the Word of God by the Prophet Isaiah cannot faile,