A81213:304
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.
Secondly, I may infer this also, that notwithstanding all the advantages which Satan ⟨p. 81⟩seemeth to have gotten, both against the Ministry of this Church, and against their administrations therein (whereby he doth blast them, and the fruit of their labours) yet we may be sure, that he shall never prevail so far as to make void the privilege of the Church, which is to have a right to the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and thereby to the administration of all Christs Ordinances.
Secondly, I may infer this also, that notwithstanding all the advantages which Satan ⟨p. 81⟩seemeth to have gotten, both against the Ministery of this Church, and against their administrations therein (whereby hee doth blast them, and the fruit of their labours) yet wee may bee sure, that he shall never prevaile so farre as to make void the priviledge of the Church, which is to have a right to the keyes of the kingdome of heaven, and thereby to the administration of all Christs Ordinances.
Now then although indeed it is very sad and lamentable, that the Builders themselves should be so far wanting to their duty, as by their divisions to give such an advantage unto Satan, that he should be able, visibly to pull down more then they are able to build up: yet we know that all things, even these same and such like failings, will work together for the best towards1 those that love God, and that all the advantages which Satan hath gotten against the kingdom of Christ, will tend together to Gods greater glory and Satan's own overthrow at last. For as the wrath of man shall surely praise the Lord, so the plots of Satan and all his prevailing upon the infirmities of his Saints, when he shall have mercy upon Zion, will redound exceedingly to the increase of his glory, by the manifestation of the riches of his grace, and of the stability of his purposes, in setting up the kingdom of Jesus Christ through a final and total destruction of all the enemies thereof. Seeing then I have cause to hope for such an issue of this warfare, I shall not fear that the discovery of this failing in the Ministry will be taken as a reproach to discredit them towards others in their function (which I acknowledge in its own way and degree to be of God & not of man) but rather as an admonition of love to show to those that are conscionable the necessity of laying their own condition to heart, and of seeking the remedy thereof, in that way wherein it may be found. And that I may not be wanting