A81213:33
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.
In this search and discovery of persons, although none are to be excluded of what quality and condition soever, yet those that are called Divines are chiefly to be sought after, because they have a great influence upon the spirits both of the multitude, and also of the ordinary sort of stayed men to sway their affections. Except then we deal with these men according to these rules to gain them to our aim, we shall find the ways of peace and union mainly obstructed, and the gall of bitterness now stirred and overflowing in many, almost impossible to be allayed.
In this search and discoverie of persons, although none are to bee excluded of what qualitie and condition soever, yet those that are called Divines are chiefly to bee sought after, because they have a great influence upon the spirits both of the multitude, and also of the ordinary sort of stayed men to sway their affections. Except then wee deale with these men according to these rules to gaine them to our ayme, wee shall finde the wayes of peace and union mainely obstructed, and the gall of bitternesse now stirred and overflowing in many, almost impossible to be allayed.
I have done with the discovery of persons fit to be dealt withal.
I have done with the discovery of persons fit to bee dealt withall.
The third point is concerning the means by which confidence may be begotten in these towards us, and set a working towards all, for the composure of differences. This means I conceive is none other but a free and orderly Treaty to be set a foot between some of us and some of their side. And to the end that1 by this means mutual confidence may be begotten, equal power to propose matters to be taken into consideration, and equal freedom from awful prescriptions must be assured unto all, and an equal engagement must be conscionably laid upon all alike to meet; to meet I say constantly and never to leave off the Treaty, till the end for which it shall be undertaken be attained, or at least the course which therein should be followed shall be brought to a full period.