A81213:297
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.
This then is the danger whereinto we are fallen, and to lay this to heart is that matter of absolute necessity, which by all should be apprehended, but chiefly by those that are called to the Ministry, that they in doing their principal duty, which is to study unity in the truth in Christianity, may uphold the holy profession, and thereby intend their mutual preservation. For without all doubt their very being in this kingdom, if they take not this course, will be very shortly in a most desperate condition; because as it is undeniably apparent, that hitherto nothing but their own disunion about matters extrafundamentall, hath ⟨p. 78⟩made Satan and their enemies to prevail against them. So it is1 clearly manifest that hence forth nothing but their mutual union will be effectual to maintain what they yet hold, or restore what they have lost in the minds of men, and of their standing in the profession; he then that doth decline to concur in the ways of spiritual unity with those that offer and sue for the same unto him, and being convicted of this danger doth not endeavour to prevent it, shall be found guilty of all the evils that follow upon our breaches, of all the ruin that befalleth unto these Churches, of all the confusions that from thence arise unto the Commonwealth, of all the dishonour done to the name of Christ for want of order in his house, and of all the shame and reproach which this Nation is either now aspersed withal abroad amongst their Neighbours, or will in after ages cleave unto it. If then there is any love to the Fundamental truths of the Gospel, if there is any zeal for righteousness and against damnable heresies, if there is any just hatred due to Blasphemies, and to the ways of profaneness and licentiousness, whereby the kingdom of Satan is erected, and settled upon the ruins of Christs kingdom amongst us; and if there is any faithfulness and constancy to be expected from those that professing Christianity, have entered into solemn protestations, vows and covenants to stand united according to the will of God, for the advancement of a common-reformation, and the settlement of our union therein:
This then is the danger whereinto wee are fallen, and to lay this to heart is that matter of absolute necessitie, which by all should be apprehended, but chiefly by those that are called to the Ministery, that they in doing their principall dutie, which is to studie unitie in the truth in Christianity, may uphold the holy profession, and thereby intend their mutuall preservation. For without all doubt their very being in this kingdome, if they take not this course, will be very shortly in a most desperat condition; because as it is undeniably apparent, that hitherto nothing but their own disunion about matters extrafundamentall, hath