A81213:314
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.
That although there were no danger of any outward enemies, or of 1inward breaches and divisions in the Church (for the preventing of which, to study the unity of the spirit is wholly necessary) yet that for ⟨p. 85⟩the true (1) Ministers of the Gospel, in the duties (2) of their ministerial charge, nothing is more conscionable, (3) nothing more profitable, (4) nothing more commendable, (5) and nothing more suitable to the glory of God, (6) and the perfecting (7) of the Saints, then to (8) maintain a Brotherly communion (9) and correspondency one with another, and that such as lay not this duty to heart, but love rather to stand and walk by (10) themselves, and to maintain the principles (11) of a singular distance from their brethren in the Ministry, will not be able in the end to approve their consciences unto God, that they walk worthy of the calling wherewith they are called. This assertion is somewhat large, therefore to open the parts thereof, that my meaning may be the better understood, I shall say of the several heads thereof thus.
That although there were no danger of any outward enemies, or of 1inward breaches and divisions in the Church (for the preventing of which, to study the unitie of the spirit is wholly necessary) yet that for ⟨p. 85⟩the true (1) Ministers of the Gospel, in the duties (2) of their ministeriall charge, nothing is more conscionable, (3) nothing more profitable, (4) nothing more commendable, (5) and nothing more sutable to the glory of God, (6) and the perfecting (7) of the Saints, then to (8) maintain a Brotherly communion (9) and correspondency one with another, and that such as lay not this dutie to heart, but love rather to stand and walke by (10) themselves, and to maintaine the principles (11) of a singular distance from their brethren in the Ministery, will not bee able in the end to approve their consciences unto God, that they walke worthy of the calling wherewith they are called. This assertion is somewhat large, therefore to open the parts thereof, that my meaning may bee the better understood, I shall say of the severall heads thereof thus.