A81213:249
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.
The aim then of the transaction should not be to settle a forbearance which should leave the parties or confirm them in the distance, whereinto they are unhappily fallen: But both sides should expressly declare that the Treaty is to be set afoot, and professedly intended for these two ends. First, that a door may be kept open and enlarged, to further a more perfect unity then as yet the parties have attained unto. Secondly, that a path and course to maintain the further unity, which will be attained by Gods blessing, may be prepared and made more plain and easy then hitherto it hath been.
The aime then of the transaction should not bee to settle a forbearance which should leave the parties or confirme them in the distance, whereinto they are unhappily fallen: But both sides should expresly declare that the Treatie is to bee set afoot, and professedly intended for these two ends. First, that a dore may bee kept open and enlarged, to further a more perfect unitie then as yet the parties have attained unto. Secondly, that a path and course to maintaine the further unitie, which will be attained by Gods blessing, may bee prepared and made more plaine and easie then hitherto it hath been.
If this aim be sincerely taken up, the means to bring it to pass will neither be difficult to be found, nor without success, when they are set a work amongst true Christians▪ I shall offer therefore at them.
If this aime bee sincerely taken up, the meanes to bring it to passe will neither be difficult to be found, nor without successe, when they are set a worke amongst true Christians▪ I shall offer therefore at them.
First then, the means to open a door to advance the parties to a more perfect unity, then as yet they have attained unto, is to find out, and settle rules of mutual condescension.