A81213:411
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.
But how contrary this is unto the true end of the public worship of God, to the calling of the Ministry, to the aim of Christ in giving gifts unto men, to the perfecting of the Saints, and to the edifying of the body of Christ, I hope such as are conscionable will be able to see by that which hath been hitherto said. And although I think it needless, to speak much more of this relation which Ministers ought to maintain one to another, seeing it hath already been proved, that all the Commandments of brotherly love, of unity, of mutual care, of communion and correspondency which are given to all Christians in the common profession, are more particularly binding unto Ministers towards each other, in respect of their Ministerial charges: Yet I shall briefly mention three or four special duties which seem to be enjoined more distinctly unto them, rather as they are Ministers, then as they are Christians, because they have a respect rather unto their public charge and employment, wherein they relate one another, then unto the common profession by it self.
But how contrary this is unto the true end of the publick worship of God, to the calling of the Ministery, to the aime of Christ in giving gifts unto men, to the perfecting of the Saints, and to the edifying of the body of Christ, I hope such as are conscionable will bee able to see by that which hath beene hitherto said. And although I thinke it needlesse, to speake much more of this relation which Ministers ought to maintaine one to another, seeing it hath already beene proved, that all the Commandements of brotherly love, of unitie, of mutuall care, of communion and correspondency which are given to all Christians in the common profession, are more particularly binding unto Ministers towards each other, in respect of their Ministeriall charges: Yet I shall briefly mention three or foure speciall duties which seeme to be enjoyned more distinctly unto them, rather as they are Ministers, then as they are Christians, because they have a respect rather unto their publick charge and employment, wherein they relate one another, then unto the common profession by it selfe.
First, they are not only bound to serve all men Ministerially as Christ served us, but they are by his example and precept more distinctly commanded to serve one another,