A81213:214
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.
Thus we see what the counsel of God is concerning humane associations; what the issues thereof will be, and what the way is to preserve our souls from that despair which doth attend those that forsake God, and subordinate not their counsels and associations to his will.
Thus wee see what the counsell of God is concerning humane associations; what the issues thereof will bee, and what the way is to preserve our soules from that despaire which doth attend those that forsake God, and subordinate not their counsels and associations to his will.
This then will be our wisdom to take this warning, whether we be Professors or Officers: but chiefly this must be the ground of the ministerial association, in reference to their charges; to make use thereof only for the furtherance of holy Communion in the profession of Christianity. And although I cannot say that it is so amongst the Combinations which now are on foot, yet I am sure that these grounds will be assented unto by all that are taught of God; and that their practise may be answerable thereunto, I shall offer that whereunto both sides do agree, and which without contradiction will be sufficient ⟨p. 53⟩to enter them upon a Ministerial correspondency both for the advancement of true Brotherhood in Christianity amongst themselves, as also for the preservation of themselves and of their flocks, from partaking of other mens sins.
This then will bee our wisedome to take this warning, whether wee bee Professors or Officers: but chiefly this must bee the ground of the ministeriall association, in reference to their charges; to make use thereof onely for the furtherance of holy Communion in the profession of Christianitie. And although I cannot say that it is so amongst the Combinations which now are on foot, yet I am sure that these grounds will bee assented unto by all that are taught of God; and that their practise may bee answerable thereunto, I shall offer that whereunto both sides doe agree, and which without contradiction will be sufficient ⟨p. 53⟩