A81213:48
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 preliminary or preparatory work, I would have1 the Divines that shall be chosen and those that do choose them to meet alone, to set a day privately apart amongst themselves, to seek Gods face with Fasting and Prayer, that they may receive his direction in the work which they shall take in hand. At this time of their humiliation I would have them to be exercised not only in Prayers and mutual exhortations to provoke each other to the duties of fervent love and of sincerity; but also in conferences whereby they should (as in the presence of God calling upon him at the proposal of every new matter) deliberate upon three points. First, of the distinct and particular end which they should set before their eyes in their future Treaty to determine it. Secondly, of the special and appropriate means to reach that end in righteousness according to the will of God. Thirdly, of the orderly course which should be followed in the prosecution of these means by their Treaty amongst themselves. Of which three heads a Note should be made in writing for a memorial and rule of proceeding to be faithfully observed. Herein all should declare their willingness to be engaged towards each other as in the fear and presence of God, and that the engagement may be more effectually binding, and not liable to doubts in time to come, at the end of the day and of their conference they should attest ⟨p. 12⟩and solemnize their mutual engagement by the subscription of their hands unto an Act or instrument which afterward should be laid up in the Repository where all their other Acts are to be kept as the ground of their suture proceeding. And I would advise that amongst other things to be mentioned in that Writing or Instrument, they would oblige themselves expressly unto these clauses. 1. That they shall not only do all things conscionably and sincerely between God and themselves, but also that they shall deal openly and clearly one toward another, without all mental Reservations, in all points of their Treaty. 2. That they shall look to nothing in all their consultations but to the prosecution of clear and undeniable duties of Christianity, without any respect to outward interests to their relations unto parties, or to any humane concernments whatsoever. 3.
As for the preliminary or preparatory worke, I would have1