A81213:416
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.
From all which as the duties of mutual love and unity are necessarily to be inferred, so the means to maintain and exercise the same, which are the ways of spiritual communion and correspondency, must needs also be acknowledged to be their duty; for where the end is commanded, there the means also, without which that end ⟨p. 115⟩cannot be attained, is also commanded: so that we must clearly conclude that this is an undeniable Scriptural Truth.
From all which as the duties of mutuall love and unitie are necessarily to bee inferred, so the meanes to maintaine and exercise the same, which are the wayes of spirituall communion and correspondency, must needs also bee acknowledged to bee their dutie; for where the end is commanded, there the meanes also, without which that end ⟨p. 115⟩cannot be attained, is also commanded: so that we must cleerly conclude that this is an undeniable Scriptural Truth.
That the Ministers of the Gospel are bound to maintain brotherly unity, communion and correspondency one with another; because in the duties of their Ministerial charge, nothing is found more conscionable, nothing more commendable, nothing more profitable, and nothing more suitable to the glory of God, and the calling by which they are called to the perfecting of the Saints, and to the edifying of the body of Christ, then this duty is; and therefore whosoever doth not walk by this rule, doth not walk worthy of the vocation wherewith he is called in the Gospel; and whosoever doth walk thereby, peace and mercy be upon him, and upon all the Israel of God.
That the Ministers of the Gospel are bound to maintain brotherly unity, communion and correspondency one with another; because in the duties of their Ministerial charge, nothing is found more conscionable, nothing more commendable, nothing more profitable, and nothing more sutable to the glory of God, and the calling by which they are called to the perfecting of the Saints, and to the edifying of the body of Christ, then this duty is; and therefore whosoever doth not walk by this rule, doth not walk worthy of the vocation wherewith he is called in the Gospel; and whosoever doth walk thereby, peace and mercy be upon him, and upon all the Israel of God.