A81213:296
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.
How can they be thought fit to perfect the Saints so long as they seek not one another's perfection? how can they be said to advance the unity of Faith who do all things belonging to the profession of faith within themselves dividedly? How can they in the work of the Ministry be able jointly to build up the same body of Christ, who in that work maintain no communion one with another in reference unto his body; but rather set themselves to make up every one a separate body for himself? and how can they be able to bring all unto the unity of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man through love, whose imperfection in love is such; that they do value no common relations unto Christ and his service further then these se• up some private interests; nor do mind the unity of the spirit through the love of Christ which is common unto all, so much as to entertain either commembership, or ministerial fellowship, or true Gospel-workacquaintance with any, that are not either settled in the circumstantial courses of their way, or willing to come up unto them therein? We see then upon these grounds, that except this neglect of duty be reformed, and the true end of the Ministerial work without humane aims, be heartily entertained by those to whom it is entrusted, the effects thereof will never prosper in their hands; but Satan (as hitherto he hath done since they were divided) will continually prevail against them all, till he hath brought them unto final destruction and irrecoverable desolation.
How can they bee thought fit to perfect the Saints so long as they seek not one anothers perfection? how can they be said to advance the unitie of Faith who doe all things belonging to the profession of faith within themselves dividedly? How can they in the work of the Ministery be able joyntly to build up the same body of Christ, who in that work maintain no communion one with another in reference unto his body; but rather set themselves to make up every one a separate body for himselfe? and how can they be able to bring all unto the unitie of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man through love, whose imperfection in love is such; that they doe value no common relations unto Christ and his service further then these se• up some private interests; nor do mind the unitie of the spirit through the love of Christ which is common unto all, so much as to entertain either commembership, or ministeriall fellowship, or true Gospel-workacquaintance with any, that are not either setled in the circumstantiall courses of their way, or willing to come up unto them therein? Wee see then upon these grounds, that except this neglect of dutie be reformed, and the true end of the Ministeriall work without humane aimes, be heartily entertained by those to whom it is intrusted, the effects thereof will never prosper in their hands; but Satan (as hitherto he hath done since they were divided) will continually prevaile against them all, till hee hath brought them unto finall destruction and irrecoverable desolation.