A81213:291
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.
What shall we say then to these things? shall we still justify our selves notwithstanding the manifest transgression of all these rules? No surely, for to cover or to excuse this fault would aggravate the guilt thereof; and to discover or condemn it, is the way to gain pardon for it; but to reform and remove the causes thereof, is that only which in this case will make us happy: for it will avail nothing to confess our sin, except it be forsaken. Let us then look upon it so, as to resolve effectually upon a course of reformation. Our sin, in a word, is this breach of Christian unity. The chief causes thereof are carnal self-seeking, disorderly controversies, and the want of true brotherly inclinations, notwithstanding the manifold bonds, and the name of brotherhood taken up amongst us. The remedies of these causes are, that we should learn self-denial from Christ, that we should not strive nor cry, nor let our voice be heard in the streets, nor quench the smoking flax, nor 1break the bruised reed, but that we should in truth and sincerity, as in the presence of God, consider one another, to exhort 2and provoke each other unto love and to good works. Now to move us effectually hereunto (next unto the express and known will of God, which is before all others the greatest of inducements) I know nothing that should be more powerful with us, then the discovery of the doleful and pernicious effects of our divisions3 and distempers. For whilst we are thus at a distance for points of outward order, the inward substance of the profession is not regarded. Whilst we contend for circumstantials, concerning the ways of going about our work, the main of ⟨p. 73⟩the work is lest undone; and whilst for temporal jealousies about small matters, Brethren uphold no spiritual correspondency, Satan in matters of the greatest concernments hath gotten this advantage against us, that the whole doctrine of truth is become doubtful unto very many; and the Gospel it self, and in it the ways of peace (the chief object of comfort) are made a matter of strife and contradiction unto all. And if we will observe particulars, we shall perceive that amongst other things by this way of strife and contradiction, he hath prevailed chiefly in this, that the very being of an orderly Ministry is called in question, and opposed most universally: