A81213:221
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.
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.
First, upon a voluntary engagement, freely entered into, which should containe 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 houshold 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 worke of their Ministery, that they will entertaine brotherly meetings and conferences to that end: and that they will never suffer any circumstantiall differences of opinions or practises, to breake their association or hinder their ordinarily appointed meetings and conferences.
Secondly, upon some rules and orders which in like manner every one should assent unto freely, and expressly, so far as he doth find himself convicted of the justice and equity thereof, the substance of which orders may be this. That in their conferences confusion shall be avoided, that an equal and orderly freedom of speech shall be yielded unto all, and that a liberty of dissenting unpartially upon reasons alleged shall be given unto every one.