A81213:301
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.
1 That his Church should be built upon the rock of that truth, whereof the Apostles made confession, which was, that Jesus was the Christ, the son of the living God.
1 That his Church should bee built upon the rock of that truth, whereof the Apostles made confession, which was, that Jesus was the Christ, the sonne of the living God.
2 That the gates of hell should not prevail against that Church.
2 That the gates of hell should not prevaile against that Church.
3 And lastly, That the keys of the kingdom of heaven with authority to bind and loose on earth, whatever should be bound and loosened in heaven, shall be given to this Church. These promises I believe to be so sure that they shall never fail: Therefore I must conclude, that neither the foundation of the Church, nor the Church which is builded thereupon, nor the Ministerial authority of the keys given to that Church, shall fail so long as this world doth last. For what although some do not believe, and are disobedient to the will of God; shall their unbelief and disobedience make the faith and truth of God without effect? God forbid, yea all men are to be found liars, that God may be found true; for he hath concluded all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all: therefore in his sayings he shall be justified, and when he is judged overcome. We must therefore acknowledge that by our unrighteousness the righteousness of God is to be commended; and that although we of this Nation should utterly fail him, and be no more worthy to be counted his Church, yet that he will never fail to do what he hath said unto the seed of Christ amongst men, and never recall the word which he hath spoken concerning his Church. But