A81213:413
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, they are bound to look first unto themselves, and then to the flock, Acts 20. Vers. 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, &c. For Vers. 29. & 30. they are foretold that amongst them grievous Wolves will enter in, and of their selves (that is, some of their own vocation) men shall arise speaking perverse things, to draw away Disciples after them. It then all must look diligently lest a root of bitterness spring up in the Church and many be defiled thereby, Hebr. 12. 15. far more is it the duty of Ministers, to look to each other herein.
Secondly, they are bound to looke first unto themselves, and then to the flock, Acts 20. Vers. 28. Take heed therefore unto your selves and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, &c. For Vers. 29. & 30. they are foretold that amongst them grievous W•lves will enter in, and of their selves (that is, some of their owne vocation) men shall arise speaking perverse things, to draw away Disciples after them. It then all must looke diligently lest a root of bitternesse spring up in the Church and many bee defiled thereby, Hebr. 12. 15. farre more is it the dutie of Ministers, to looke to each other herein.
Thirdly, they are bound to look upon themselves and their gifts, as not for themselves but for all, and chiefly for each other to profit withal, according to that of the Apostle, 1 Cor. 12. Vers. 7. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every one to profit withal; to the Ministers ordinarily the greatest and most useful manifestations are given; and they can profit most thereby one towards another, because in being profitable thereby unto each other; they are enabled so much the more to be profitable unto all.