A81213:398
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.
Secondly, in relation to the Church, as it is a house of God, the Ministers therein are builders, 1 Cor. 3. 10, 11, 12. as it is the household of faith, they are stewards of the Mysteries of God, 1 Cor. 14. 1, 2. and as it is a flock they are shepherds thereof, 1 Pet. 5. 2. Now if in building the same house there be no concurrence and correspondency between the builders thereof, how will it be fitly framed together as it ought to be? Ephes. 20. 21. Can builders that have no spiritual communion, but are rather disunited in their ways, frame fitly one and the same house for Gods spirit to dwell in? And if in a great household, where one steward cannot oversee all, several stewards being appointed to do all by one and the same rule of administration; yet they agree not amongst themselves, but walk different ways and cross each other: will not this distraction disorder the affairs of the household? will not this reflect upon their Lord and Master, as if he could not govern his family in peace? And if several shepherds belonging to a great flock to feed it jointly, do every one take a part thereof for himself, and feed it separately each from other, without any care to maintain good neighbourhood and acquaintance, but rather to cross one another in their walks, and draw sheep one from another, how will they be able to answer it to him that hath entrusted them with the joint care of his flock? I find that when the soul1 which is in love with Christ doth seek to find him out, it is afraid to turn aside unto the flocks of his companions; and ⟨p. 108⟩when it is directed how to come to him, it is bid go forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed besides the shepherds tents: whence we may observe, that the multitude of flocks under many pretending to be Christs companions, do perplex the soul, and turn it aside from him, but the unity of the flock under shepherds that are united, is the way wherein Christ is to be found.
Secondly, in relation to the Church, as it is a house of God, the Ministers therein are builders,