A81213:223
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.
Thirdly, upon the means of some correspondency between several associations: for seeing all that are willing to associate, cannot ⟨p. 54⟩possibly meet at the same conferences, by reason of the distances of places and mens different occasions, therefore several knots and companies of associates will arise, and lest they being unacquainted with one another's ways, take disagreeing resolutions and mistake one another's meanings therein; for this cause, some means of correspondency between distant associations, is to be agreed upon for the communication of matters belonging to the advancement of truth in love between them.
Thirdly, upon the meanes of some correspondency betweene severall associations: for seeing all that are willing to associate, cannot ⟨p. 54⟩possibly meet at the same conferences, by reason of the distances of places and mens different occasions, therefore severall knots and companies of associats will arise, and lest they being unacquainted with one anothers wayes, take disagreeing resolutions and mistake one anothers meanings therein; for this cause, some meanes of correspondencie between distant associations, is to bee agreed upon for the communication of matters belonging to the advancement of truth in love between them.
Hitherto we have looked upon the first head wherein there is an agreement in the Rules by which the association is to be framed for mutual edification; now follow the matters of agreement belonging to the second head, which is the use of their association for the preservation of themselves and of their flocks from partaking in other mens sins. Of which I shall set down almost▪ word by word that which I find granted by Mr. Burroughs in his Iren•cum or Heart Divisions, pag. 43. which I conceive the Brethren of the other side will fully assent unto, and ought to lay as a sufficient ground of associating in a brotherly way: His words are these.