A81213:284
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. XIII. Concerning the necessity of Brotherly unity in the Ministry.
CHAP. XIII. Concerning the necessitie of Brotherly unitie in the Ministery.
IF then we should take into consideration the absolute necessity of this duty, it will appear that the present evils whereinto these Churches, and the state of this kingdom are fallen, and which threaten all with unavoidable ruin, are mainly brought upon us through the neglect of that ministerial unity and correspondency, which is suitable unto Christianity.
IF then we should take into consideration the absolute necessitie of this dutie, it will appeare that the present evills whereinto these Churches, and the state of this kingdome are fallen, and which threaten all with unavoydable ruine, are mainely brought upon us through the neglect of that ministeriall unitie and correspondencie, which is sutable unto Christianitie.
For whosoever in the fear of God shall lay to heart the woeful condition of the Churches of Christ in this land, will perceive that amongst the manifold causes of our miserable breaches1 and sinful distractions, the original and consequently the greatest of all the rest is this; That such as are called to be the Ministers of the Gospel, who by their own confession are Brethren and fellow-labourers in the same employment, do ⟨p. 72⟩