A81213:327
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.
10. By the standing and walking by ones self.
10. By the standing and walking by ones selfe.
I mean not the distinction of charges (as if none might stand or walk in a distinct office, wherein another hath no right to intermeddle) or the maintaining of the particular rights, belonging to particular Congregations, (for I hold that every Church hath within it self a right to all Christs ordinances, in respect that it is built upon the foundation) but I mean the disjointing of mens practises, and the dividing of their affections and purposes in the exercise of their distinct charges, whereby as parties in opposition to one another, they set up marks of distinction and separation between themselves and others, whom they cannot deny to belong to Jesus Christ and to be built upon the same foundation with themselves.
I meane not the distinction of charges (as if none might stand or walke in a distinct office, wherein another hath no right to intermeddle) or the maintaining of the particular rights, belonging to particular Congregations, (for I hold that every Church hath within it selfe a right to all Christs ordinances, in respect that it is built upon the foundation) but I meane the disjoynting of mens practises, and the dividing of their affections and purposes in the exercise of their distinct charges, whereby as parties in opposition to one another, they set up markes of distinction and separation between themselves and others, whom they cannot deny to belong to Jesus Christ and to be built upon the same foundation with themselves.
11 By the maintaining of principles of a singular distance, I mean such a plea for the rights and privileges of particular associations of professors, as doth make void the fit jointing and compacting of themselves together with others that stand