A81213:290
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.
that this is the great sin of the Ministry, and the misery of this Nation, that at this time, when a concurrence of affections and of endeavours, is so absolutely necessary for the preservation of the truth in the very fundamentals thereof, and1 when we all are called forth to fight in the same cause as it were for our life, that (I say) at this time there is so much of animosity prevailing, and so small a sense of Christianity in common duties and of imminent dangers found in mens hearts, that it is almost impossible to move any to compassionate one another's calamities; far less to draw any to rise up and stand united, for each others conservation, that (I say again) it is so with us at such a time, this is the great sin of the Ministry and the misery of this Nation. For where is the man to be found that doth truly mourn, and not rejoice rather at his opposites parties failings and miscarriages; and yet we know that charity doth not rejoice at iniquity? where is he that doth2 seek to heal breaches upon common principles and without a particular interest? and yet we all know that charity doth ⟨p. 72⟩3not seek it self; and who is he that doth blow a retreat from the battle and seek for a cessation from needless and injurious controversies? who is he that doth endeavour a through and unprejudicate reconciliation? and who dare own a Treaty for mutual condescension, without a fear of being cast off, or fallen upon by his Brethren? and yet we all know, that we are seriously exhorted, even because the Lord is at hand, to let our moderation be known to all men; and that we are 4expressly commanded to seek peace and follow after it; and that it i• our duty to become all things unto every one for their edification's sake; and, if it be possible and so far as in us lieth, to have peace with all men.
that this is the great sinne of the Ministery, and the misery of this Nation, that at this time, when a concurrence of affections and of endeavours, is so absolutely necessary for the preservation of the truth in the very fundamentals thereof, and