A81213:275
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.
In respect of the manner of debating matters which are necessary and profitable; prejudices are raised divers ways, but that ⟨p. 69⟩which is the most common and hurtful, is that, of passionate and provoking expressions against a mans person and his opinions to make him odious, and his errors thought to be extreme dangerous in that wherein he dissents from us; these railing accusations, and all other injurious and insolent proceedings, breed averse affections, and stirring up mens spirits to strife and contradictions, augment prejudices extremely, and fill the Churches with disturbance and confusion.
In respect of the manner of debating matters which are necessary and profitable; prejudices are raised divers wayes, but that ⟨p. 69⟩which is the most common and hurtfull, is that, of passionate and provoking expressions against a mans person and his opinions to make him odious, and his errours thought to bee extreame dangerous in that wherein hee dissents from us; these railing accusations, and all other injurious and insolent proceedings, breed averse affections, and stirring up mens spirits to strife and contradictions, augment prejudices extreamly, and fill the Churches with disturbance and confusion.
That which doth offend more secretly and doth beget much prejudice, is the perverse and uncharitable observation of mens failings, when they are construed suspiciously to the worse sense, and then whispered in the ears of others, that are leading men, under the pretence of a caution, or warning given unto them, to take heed of this or of that, for the strengthening of their hands in partial designs, and the promoting of particular interests. This dark malicious devil, who covers himself oft-times with a cloak of light and a zeal for holiness and truth, is exceeding busy in our days, and hurtful to our affairs, and doth work his mischief, not only against him, who is blasted in his reputation, to make all the good which his talents may produce unprofitable unto others; but also against the Authors of such whisperings themselves, to make them the ring-leaders of division and of evil intelligence amongst brethren.