A81213:382
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.
First, we find then that for the propagation of the Gospel amongst the Gentiles some went forth to preach unto them the name of Christ, and took nothing of them. To receive such and bring them forward on their journey after a Godly sort, was a work of holy Communion commended in Gaius by the Apostle John, as being a duty, which all ought to intend, and the ground why all ought to intend it is, that all may be fellow-helpers to the truth. This practise then is still to1 be followed by all that are called to the Ministry, so long as the propagation of the truth shall be necessary.
First, wee find then that for the propagation of the Gospel amongst the Gentiles some went forth to preach unto them the name of Christ, and tooke nothing of them. To receive such and bring them forward on their journey after a Godly sort, was a worke of holy Communion commended in Gajus by the Apostle John, as being a dutie, which all ought to intend, and the ground why all ought to intend it is, that all may be fellow-helpers to the truth. This practise then is still to1 bee followed by all that are called to the Ministery, so long as the propagation of the truth shall be necessary.
Secondly, for the confirmation and edification of converts in the faith by the care of neighbour Ministers corresponding with those that did convert them, we have an example in Acts 8. 14. where the Ministers of the Church at Jerusalem sent to Samaria two of their number to confirm the believers and build them up in the faith; in like manner when they heard that some were turned unto the Lord in Antioch, they sent Barnabas, and he went to the same end and purpose,