A81213:353
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.
And the third is taken from the consideration of those things, which God doth peculiarly require of them as they are Ministers. So that none who neglecteth these duties will be able to approve himself in the beauty of holiness, either a true Christian by the common profession; or an upright follower of Christ and his Apostles in the Ministry; or a faithful servant to the trust committed unto him in his charge; but in the day of accounts must expect to receive, not the praise due to the good and faithful, but the reproof to be given to the wicked and slothful servant, together1 with his reward.
And the third is taken from the consideration of those things, which God doth peculiarly require of them as they are Ministers. So that none who neglecteth these duties will bee able to approve himselfe in the beautie of holinesse, either a true Christian by the common profession; or an upright follower of Christ and his Apostles in the Ministery; or a faithfull servant to the trust committed unto him in his charge; but in the day of accounts must expect to receive, not the praise due to the good and faithfull, but the reproof to be given to the wicked and sl•thfull servant, together1 with his reward.
As for the duties of the common profession, wherein professors are obliged to relate to one another, and which to that effect are mainly pressed upon the consciences of all again and again & commended unto us in the Scriptures as matters, which to uphold the integrity of the profession before the world, are most of all necessary, they are nothing else, but the effects of unity and love in truth and holiness. For truth and holiness are the fundamentals of a single profession; but without the effects of love and unity in these, there can be no common profession, or public manifestation of the life of Christ unto the world by a body of Professors. And for this cause Christ hath made the fundamental law of the profession in common, and the badge of his disciples unto the world to be this, that they should love one another as he hath loved them