A81213:308
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.
Sect. I. What the communion and correspondency is, wherein our unity is to be settled.
Sect. I. What the communion and correspondency is, wherein our unitie is to be setled.
Hitherto we have reflected upon that which doth make the study of brotherly love and unity amongst us absolutely necessary to avoid the danger of ruin and destruction, and the guilt of hindering the progress of the Gospel in the world; now we shall reflect also upon the usefulness and commendableness of the duty in reference unto the work of the Ministry. It is no generous disposition to be drawn by mere necessity and fear unto a duty, but to be moved thereunto by the loveliness of grace, and by that which is excellent therein, is praise worthy and argueth a noble and virtuous inclination. Therefore we shall set our selves to work upon this inclination, and endeavour to waken it in every one that hath ingenuity. And my aim shall be rather to deal with the understandings of all (able to consider of their ways) to demonstrate that which I conceive to be a duty; then with the affections of any, to persuade them unto a performance, before they are convicted of that, which is the will of God therein. For I shall speak to Ministers, and such as I must suppose to be conscionable; and to those I knew nothing so effectual to persuade, as to evidence unto them, that a matter is conformable unto the will of God, for nothing but this doth interest conscience into action.
HItherto wee have reflected upon that which doth make the studie of brotherly love and unitie amongst us absolutely necessary to avoid the danger of ruine and destruction, and the guilt of hindering the progresse of the Gospel in the world; now wee shall reflect also upon the usefulnesse and commendablenesse of the dutie in reference unto the work of the Ministery. It is no generous disposition to be drawn by meer necessitie and feare unto a dutie, but to bee moved thereunto by the lovelinesse of grace, and by that which is excellent therein, is praise worthy and argueth a noble and vertuous inclination. Therefore wee shall set our selves to worke upon this inclination, and indeavour to waken it in every one that hath ingenuitie. And my aime shall bee rather to deale with the understandings of all (able to consider of their wayes) to demonstrate that which I conceive to bee a dutie; then with the affections of any, to perswade them unto a performance, before they are convicted of that, which is the will of God therein. For I shall speak to Ministers, and such as I must suppose to bee conscionable; and to those I knew nothing so effectuall to perswade, as to evidence unto them, that a matter is conformable unto the will of God, for nothing but this doth interest conscience into action.