A81213:280
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.
CHAP. XII. The third Assertion. Concerning the motions which should induce us to make profession of this unity and forbearance: Why these are requisite, and what they are.
CHAP. XII. The third Assertion. Concerning the motions which should induce us to make profession of this unitie and forbearance: Why these are requisite, and what they are.
But now although these things are evidently thus demonstrable, and by all that which hitherto hath been alleged; it may be manifestly apparent, that these who are the leaders of the flocks, should not only stand united, and walk by one rule in that whereunto they have attained; but also, that their differences may and ought to be composed in love by amiable meetings, by orderly conferences, and by the settlement of a necessary and lawful forbearance of each other: although (I say) all this is so, yet we see to the great dishonour of God, the lamentable disadvantage of the truth, and the extreme grief of many godly souls, that this hath not hitherto, either ⟨p. 71⟩been done or effectually prosecuted and intended by th•se that are in the work of the Ministry, or if it hath been intended by some, yet not so as it ought to have been, that is, upon the grounds which are proper unto their vocation.
BUt now although these things are evidently thus demonstrable, and by all that which hitherto hath been alledged; it may be manifestly apparent, that these who are the leaders of the flockes, should not onely stand united, and walk by one rule in that whereunto they have attained; but also, that their differences may and ought to bee composed in love by amiable meetings, by orderly conferences, and by the settlement of a necessary and lawfull forbearance of each other: although (I say) all this is so, yet wee see to the great dishonour of God, the lamentable disadvantage of the truth, and the extreame griefe of many godly soules, that this hath not hitherto, either