A81213:245
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.
Hitherto in this matter of forbearance we have look upon the principles of our duty, which we conceive both •ides will fully assent unto, if now we can also from thence gather, and from other undeniable and known truths, find out some rules which may direct us in a way, how to settle and prosecute to a full period of practise the duties of this forbearance; and if these rules being found out can be applied to the case in hand between the parties, by some transaction so fully and orderly, that none who doth assent unto the principles and the rules, can except against the proceedings therein; if (I say) these rules can be thus found out and applied, then we shall be able convincingly to conclude that all such as follow not the practise thereof, walk neither answerable to the light which they have received, nor to the vocation wherewith they are called in the profession of Christianity, and consequently, that as they are not upright in their way, so they shall be frustrate of the felicity promised thereunto, and receive the reward of hypocrites: for in this case that which Christ said unto his Disciples, is to be said unto th• ministry, and to the professors of this kingdom, John 13. 17. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye ••e them.
HItherto in this matter of forbearance wee have looke upon the principles of our dutie, which wee conceive both •ides will fully assent unto, if now wee can also from thence gather, and from other undeniable and knowne truths, find out some rules which may direct us in a way, how to settle and prosecute to a full period of practise the duties of this forbearance; and if these rules being found out can bee applied to the case in hand between the parties, by some transaction so fully and orderly, that none who doth assent unto the principles and the rules, can except against the proceedings therein; if (I say) these rules can be thus found out and applied, then we shall be able convincingly to conclude that all such as follow not the practise thereof, walke neither answerable to the light which they have received, nor to the vocation wherewith they are called in the profession of Christianitie, and consequently, that as they are not upright in their way, so they shall bee frustrate of the felicitie promised thereunto, and receive the reward of hypocrites: for in this case that which Christ said unto his Disciples, is to bee said unto th inistery, and to the professors of this kingdome,