A81213:403
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.
For the works of their administration towards the Church are all the Ordinances of God belonging to the public worship in the word and prayer, whereunto the Sacraments, the1 Government and the Discipline are subordinate, that therein by the Word and Prayer the Saints may have communion with God through the Spirit. The whole substance and sum of all that they have to do, is expressed by the Apostle, Ephes. 4.2 from Vers. 11. till 17. where I observe that all the gifts and3 Offices which Christ hath given to his Church, both the extraordinary, of Apostles, Prophets, and Evangelists, and the ordinary of Pastors and teachers, their work is the same towards the Church unto the worlds end; namely this. 1. To be serviceable4 in perfecting the Saints, and in building up the body of Christ, in Faith and knowledge, till they all come to the unity thereof, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ. 5Where we see that the end of their work is nothing else but the perfection of unity, and consequently if any should not aim at this, it is evident that they come short of the true end of their administration of the ordinances, and shoot not at the mark which God hath set before them.
For the workes of their administration towards the Church are all the Ordinances of God belonging to the publick worship in the word and prayer, whereunto the Sacraments, the1 Government and the Discipline are subordinate, that therein by the Word and Prayer the Saints may have communion with God through the Spirit. The whole substance and summe of all that they have to doe, is expressed by the Apostle, Ephes. 4.2