A81213:293
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.
He that cannot see these evils to rise originally from the misbehaviours of Brethren in the Ministry of the Gospel about their differences, is wholly blind; he that doth not feel the inconveniences ⟨p. 76⟩thereof is senseless, and he that cannot grieve for the same, is hardened in sinfulness.
Hee that cannot see these evills to rise originally from the misbehaviours of Brethren in the Ministery of the Gospel about their differences, is wholly blind; hee that doth not feele the inconveniences ⟨p. 76⟩thereof is senselesse, and hee that cannot grieve for the same, is hardned in sinfulned.
Now because all these inconveniences reach unto all the Professors in some sort alike, therefore every one (though chiefly the Ministers, as chief of the Professors) should be moved thereby to contribute their whole strength towards the speedy removal thereof.
Now because all these inconveniencies reach unto all the Professors in some sort alike, therefore every one (though chiefly the Ministers, as chief of the Professors) should bee moved thereby to contribute their whole strength towards the speedy removall thereof.
But besides these common evils, there is in this neglect (whereof the Ministry is most of all guilty) something which doth more especially reflect, (and that justly) upon themselves,1 more then others, and from them upon their Ministerial function, as tending to make void the authority, and wholly frustrate the end of their ordinary vocation. For although personal faults ought not to prejudice the vocation & the credit of the function; yet because it is very natural to all men to make a consequence from the one to the other, therefore the Apostle will have even the meanest of the profession to behave themselves so, as it may not suffer any disesteem for their sakes. For speaking of servants professing Christianity to Titus and to