A81213:315
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 by the true Ministers of the Gospel are meant none but such persons as are authorized by an ordinary and regular way of calling to administer the public ordinances of Christ in his Church.
1 That by the true Ministers of the Gospel are meant none but such persons as are authorized by an ordinary and regular way of calling to administer the publick ordinances of Christ in his Church.
2 That by the duties of their Ministerial charge are meant the works which in and towards the Church are to be performed as an office, and such are, To labour in the word and prayer, to have the care of gathering and constituting the Church, to rule and govern the Saints committed to their charge as one body in Christ, to dispense the seals of the Covenant to those that belong unto it, and to exercise Church discipline over those that are liable to it. All which they are bound to attend as occasion is offered, and the edification of the Church doth require.
2 That by the duties of their Ministeriall charge are meant the workes which in and towards the Church are to bee performed as an office, and such are, To labour in the word and prayer, to have the care of gathering and constituting the Church, to rule and govern the Saints committed to their charge as one body in Christ, to dispense the seales of the Covenant to those that belong unto it, and to exercise Church discipline over those that are liable to it. All which they are bound to attend as occasion is offered, and the edification of the Church doth require.
3 That when I say a thing is conscionable, I mean that it is prescribed by God in his word as a duty which cannot be neglected without contracting of guilt unto the conscience.