A81213:409
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.
As for the adversaries and gainsayers who are to be opposed, if we take them to be the principalities and powers of darkness and spiritualities of malice in high places, a chief part of the armour by which we are to fight against them and preserve our selves from their assaults is, to have our Loins, (that is, our affections) girt about with truth (that is, with sincere love, which is the bond of perfectness) Ephes. 6. 14. and to have our feet 1shod (that is, our ways of conversion fitted) with the preparation of the Gospel of peace, that is, with means of peace, to prepare men to entertain without offence and peaceably the Gospel of the peace of God, which is revealed in his word to us, Ephes. ⟨p. 112⟩6. 15. But if we take the opposers to be men, although sometimes their mouths must be stopped, and they sharply rebuked, 2namely, when it is evident that they are vain talkers, unruly deceivers and liars: yet always matters of strife and jangling both with them and all others, are to be avoided (which we now have not heeded) and the behaviour of the servant of God even in his greatest zeal, and in the worst of times must never be precipitate and hasty, that is, without long suffering, 2 Tim. 4. 2, 3. But chiefly towards such of whom there may be hope of recovery, all gentleness, patience, forbearance and meekness of instruction is with great care to be used, as the Apostle doth teach Timothy, 2 Epist. 2. 24, 25. which is a lesson almost utterly forgotten in these our days amongst some that esteem themselves the chief of Professors. Thus then we see that there is no particular part of all the Ministerial work wherein the spirit of love and unity must not appear, as the principal agent to make it successful.
As for the adversaries and gainesayers who are to bee opposed, if wee take them to bee the principalities and powers of darknesse and spiritualities of malice in high places, a chief part of the armour by which we are to fight against them and preserve our selves from their assaults is, to have our Loines, (that is, our affections) girt about with truth (that is, with sincere love, which is the bond of perfectnesse)