A81213:264
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.
Concerning the second, namely that wherein there may and ••ght to be a voluntary yielding on all sides; I shall not take upon me to specify any rules (for that is to be referred to the transaction of the forbearance it self) but I shall only mention the heads of matters, whereof rules may be determined and gathered from the Word.
Concerning the second, namely that wherein there may and ••ght to bee a voluntary yeelding on all sides; I shall not take upon me to specifie any rules (for that is to bee referred to the transaction of the forbearance it self) but I shall onely mention the heads of matters, whereof rules may bee determined and gathered from the Word.
As first, there may and ought to be a mutual condescension towards the settling of ways and expedients of different sorts, of orderly proceedings at several places and times in public meetings, for the confirmation of the unity of the spirits of brethren, in the common profession, and for the avoiding of confusion. As for example, at the public meetings in some places they have no Assessors adjoined to him that is the Prolocutor, in other places they have; in some places the Prolocutor or Mediator of the meeting is perpetually the same, in other places▪ he is continually changed; and that either by a new election through the plurality of votes, or without any election by a vicissitudinary succession of one after another, into the office of presiding over the meeting: in some places nothing is determined without the consent of all, in other places it is otherwise: and where the consent of all is required, in some places the Preses of the action is obliged to ask every mans vote distinctly and in order; in other places that custom is not precisely observed, but it is free for any one to speak when he can get a turn, and if matters go against his sense, to enter his dissent; and elsewhere, who doth not give his consent, is not obliged to the determination. In all such ways of orderly proceedings, if those that entertain the meetings for their mutual edification do alter their constitutions according to circumstances of times, places, persons, and