A81213:219
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.
2 The chief ends of their meetings and conferences should be, to maintain the unity of the Spirit whereunto they have attained; to make it more complete in love, and to gain others to concur with them by the truth therein.
2 The chief ends of their m•etings and conferences should bee, to maintaine the unitie of the Spirit whereunto they have attained; to make it more compleat in love, and to gaine others to concurre with them by the truth therein.
3 They should for these ends set themselves in a way to make their conferences effectually conscionable, constant, without interruption and disorderliness; which way may be settled upon these grounds.
3 They should for these ends set themselves in a way to make their conferences effectually conscionable, constant, without interruption and disorderlinesse; which way may bee setled upon these grounds.
First, upon a voluntary engagement, freely entered into, which should contain these heads: that seeing they acknowledge one another fellow-members of the body of Christ, and fellow-servants of the same Master, in the same household of Faith, for the accomplishment of his will; that therefore they are resolved1 to give to each other the right hand of fellowship in doing the work of their Ministry, that they will entertain brotherly meetings and conferences to that end: and that they will never suffer any circumstantial differences of opinions or practises, to break their association or hinder their ordinarily appointed meetings and conferences.