A81213:407
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.
Whence we may most evidently perceive that the whole substance of their work towards the Church and Saints to perfect them and build them up, is in effect nothing but this, to unite them in the faith and knowledge of Christ, to preserve them from unsettlement, and to cause them grow up within themselves by the loving communication of their graces to each other. As concerning the work which they are to intend for the Gospel to maintain the profession of it in the world; it is in a word to uphold the truth which is after godliness; that it1 may be acknowledged to be the grace of God which bringeth salvation: and that it may appear unto all men; to teach them to 2deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world, looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and the Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people jealous of good works. Now to hold forth this word of life, the Apostle requireth in all Professors, and therefore most of all in the Ministers of the profession, that they should do all things without murmurings and 3disputings, and that they should be (in their conversation) blameless and harmless, as the Sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, and that they should stand fast in 4in one Spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the Gospel. Where we may observe that in that work which is proper to the advancement of the Gospel of truth in the world, the holiness of life, the peaceableness and the unity of the professors, are the necessary requisites without which nothing in this kind can be effected: For this work hath two parts. The one is towards the children of truth, the other is against ⟨p. 111⟩the adversaries of truth. Towards the children of truth, the work is in respect of the common profession, to concur in the ways of righteousness, of faith, of charity and of peace with all those that call upon God out of a pure heart,