A81213:208
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.
Here the Prophet speaking in the name of the Church doth provoke the whole world, and bids the people thereof a defiance, that though they join all in one, and gird themselves with all their strength and all their counsels and resolutions be brought to full maturity, yet that they shall be without effect, that they shall be broken to pieces in their associations, and disappointed in their counsels, and resolutions, because God is with his Church, as the head of their association. Thus we see that the Spirit of God doth blow upon all the designs of men so far as they are not subordinate unto God: for wherein men are not subordinate, they are opposite unto him, and he will certainly be stronger then his opposites.
Here the Prophet speaking in the name of the Church doth provoke the whole world, and bids the people thereof a defiance, that though they joyne all in one, and gird themselves with all their strength and all their counsells and resolutions bee brought to full maturitie, yet that they shall be without effect, that they shall bee broken to pieces in their associations, and disappointed in their counsels, and resolutions, because God is with his Church, as the head of their association. Thus wee see that the Spirit of God doth blow upon all the designes of men so farre as they are not subordinate unto God: for wherein men are not subordinate, they are opposit unto him, and hee will certainly be stronger then his opposits.
And if the Question be made concerning the Church, and those that belong thereunto, what their duty is in times of trouble and fear when all the world is providing for their ⟨p. 52⟩safety, with confederacies, strength and counsel? (I say) if such a question be made, the answer will be found in the following words of the Prophet from vers. 11. till the end of the Chapter, whereof this is the sum.
And if the Question bee made concerning the Church, and those that belong thereunto, what their dutie is in times of trouble and feare when all the world is providing for their ⟨p. 52⟩