A81213:294
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.
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 to2 Timothy, he will have them to show all good fidelity unto their masters, that they may adorn the doctrine of Christ our Saviour in 3all things, and to honour their masters, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed, through their misbehaviour. If then Christianity it self will suffer in the opinions of men, and be discredited by the faults of the meanest that take the name thereof upon them, how shall it not be discredited by the miscarriages of those that are the chiefest of the profession? and how shall the credit of the ministry be upheld in mens opinions and affections, if those to whom the charge thereof is committed, dishonour their administration? and how can they be thought to honour their administration, if they walk not answerable unto the end thereof? Now there is nothing more opposite unto the true end of the Ministerial calling, then this very neglect of duty, whereof they are at this time found guilty: For the end, use and effect of the Ministerial work is, to reform the world; To perfect the Saints, and to edify the body of Christ,