A81213:38
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.
But I shall leave the civill Treaties to those to whom they are entrusted by the Kingdom, and beseeching the Lord to give them one mind in his fear, to make them all faithful to their public trust without self-seeking, and interests of parties, I shall speak of a Treaty which may relate unto the settlement of the Churches.
But I shall leave the civill Treaties to those to whom they are intrusted by the Kingdome, and beseeching the Lord to give them one mind in his feare, to make them all faithfull to their publick trust without selfe-seeking, and interests of parties, I shall speake of a Treatie which may relate unto the settlement of the Churches.
This Ecclesiastical Treaty is of absolute necessity, that ingenuous1 men may not mistake one another, as for the most part in these differences they do; for it is clear that matters are misunderstood on both sides; and being misrepresented heinously to the simple multitude by many, and no body labouring effectually to rectify mistakes, our divisions must needs2 be multiplied, and our breaches made greater. If then the freedom which hitherto hath been taken and abused on both sides, to traduce each other in the Press and Pulpit, can neither by authority nor by persuasion be restrained, we are never like to gain any advantage for the composure of mens affections by a Treaty, though never so fair, never so orderly, never so peaceable and effectual in it self; for it will never become so unto others; because as long as the winds blow fiercely, the Seas will be stormy; as long as railing accusations continue, passions will be raised; and whiles passions rule, conscience is asleep, judgement is darkened, and men are not capable of rational ⟨p. 10⟩and good proposals. For this Reason also, the men to be chosen for the Treaty on both sides, must not only be conscionable, judicious and learned, but moreover free from all preengagement and passion. Then the Treaty it self although for