A81213:354
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.
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 John 13. 34, 35. A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another as I have loved you, that ye also love one another: by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Now if this Law is common to all as they are Christians, so that the transgressors thereof do forfeit their right in Christianity and are not to be acknowledged Christs Disciples if they persevere in this fault, then it is evident that such of the Ministry as observe it not in their Ministerial relation one towards another, are far more guilty then others, because their charge in the common profession doth oblige them more to this duty then others, in as much as they are more bound thereby to uphold the truth of the profession then others are; for they are the joints of the body, and the instruments of the communion between the members; which if they through want of love to each ⟨p. 95⟩other, do either break or not advance, they are not only guilty of their own disunion from their fellow labourers in the Ministry, but also of the disjointing of all other professors and members of Christ, one from another in the way of the common calling. And this is so much the more to be heeded, by how much the Scripture is more frequent and earnest in pressing this duty and the effects thereof; then any other thing requisite in the obedience of Faith.
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 againe and again & commended unto us in the Scriptures as matters, which to uphold the integritie of the profession before the world, are most of all necessary, they are nothing else, but the effects of unitie and love in truth and holinesse. For truth and holinesse are the fundamentalls of a single profession; but without the effects of love and unitie in these, there can bee no common profession, or publick manifestation of the life of Christ unto the world by a body of Professors. And for this cause Christ hath made the fundamentall law of the profession in common, and the badge of his disciples unto the world to bee this, that they should love one another as hee hath loved them