A81213:277
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.
These are in brief the chief causes of our prejudices, these must needs be removed; else the way of a lawful condescension and forbearance will never be plain and easy in the settlement, nor lasting in the continuance; it will then be of absolute necessity that some course be taken to remedy the same. Therefore I shall for the present only advise, that when a brotherly transaction of matters, towards a mutual forbearance shall be intended, then some rules should be thought upon, debated, and by common consent settled, concerning three things.
These are in brief the chief causes of our prejudices, these must needs bee removed; else the way of a lawfull condescension and forbearance will never bee plaine and easie in the settlement, nor lasting in the continuance; it will then bee of absolute necessitie that some course bee taken to remedy the same. Therefore I shall for the present onely advise, that when a brotherly transaction of matters, towards a mutuall forbearance shall bee intended, then some rules should bee thought upon, debated, and by common consent setled, concerning three things.
First, how needless disputes and multiplicity of new controversies, breaking forth in the Press and Pulpit may be prevented.
First, how needlesse disputes and multiplicitie of new controversies, breaking forth in the Presse and Pulpit may be prevented.
Secondly, how the injuriousness of censures and of proceeding, which men of partial dispositions and of high thoughts run into, may be rectified; when disputes are necessary: And
Secondly, how the injuriousnesse of censures and of proceeding, which men of partiall dispositions and of high thoughts runne into, may bee rectified; when disputes are necessary: And