A81213:39
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.
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 for3 the same cause it may not be public (for then it must have public authority, whereupon a thousand inconveniences will follow to make it fruitless) yet it must not be altogether private, but should have the foreknowledge and countenance of authority to beget it, lest it be wholly slighted and inconsiderable: So then let some of the peaceable and chief leading States-men of both sides (being thereto either deputed or allowed by the rest of each side) order and direct the Treaty in a course which shall be wholly free from partiality, and let a jealousy be raised against the intent and purpose of such a Treaty, let it be declared that it shall not be to conclude any thing (for that cannot be done without the full knowledge and consent of parties) but only to try what hopes there may be of finding a sure way to procure an accommodation, either by the means of a reconcilement, or by the means of a mutual forbearance of inoffensive differences.