A81213:355
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.
To reckon up all the particular commandments and strong motives which are in the New Testament, to enforce the practise of this duty, is not my purpose at this time; but I would only remonstrate unto those that intend to be faithful unto God and conscionable in their ministry, that as the fundamental Laws of the common profession, which are the practise of love and unity, belong more unto them in respect of each other, then unto single members, in respect of one another, (because mutual love and unity in the Ministers entertained or not entertained doth beget or destroy the same in common professors) so the effects, means and consequents of those duties are more eminently the concernment of their calling then of any others. Therefore I shall briefly point at some places of Scripture wherein the chief effects and means of those fundamentals are earnestly recommended unto all, that the Ministry of this age may see therein the rule of their comportment, and how far we are strayed from it. We are then all commanded, and that as a duty wherein we are to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called, to study the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, because all our fundamental relations to all the means, and to Christ and God the Authors of our salvation, are one and the same, Ephes. 4. 1, 2, 3, 4. 5, 6. and 1 Cor. 1. 10, 11, 12, 13. and 2 Cor. 13. 11. Col. 3. 13, 14, 15. Therefore we are commanded again and again to be of the same mind each towards another, Rom. 12. 16. Phil. 2. 2. to have the same love, and to be of one accord, Phil. 2. 2. and 1 Pet. 3. 8. and 1 John 4. 7, 8. 11, 12. & 5. 1