A81213:75
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 me; although I cannot but lay this sadly to heart, yet I do not suffer the discouragements which cause most men despair to work upon my spirit any fainting impressions: but have rather given way to a charitable inclination, which I love to entertain within my self, which is, to hope for a possibility of our reconcilement, notwithstanding all the backwardness which is apparent in the leading men of both side. I have (I say) kept up my spirits, in a resolution to proceed in these motions partly upon this hope, partly upon other principles, then1 I perceive most men do walk by: for most men move only as they find cause by outward appearances to expect the success of their enterprises, and some are so very tender of their repute of being engaged, that except they be sure of gaining what they pretend to seek, they will not hazard their labour, nor seem forward in any thing, although in it self never so answerable unto the way of God in the Gospel. But I have been otherwise taught to look upon my self: I shall never value my credit amongst men, or my pains above my duty; I shall never be afraid to be counted a fool to the prudent of this age, and to lose my labour for the Gospels sake. He that cannot freely venture the reputation of his prudence upon the ground of a duty, without consulting the appearances of flesh and blood, is not yet instructed to walk by Faith and above sense, and he that is not willing to serve Christ without success, is not worthy to be employed by him. Therefore I conceive that in this business of seeking peace and ensuing it, which God doth command me to do, Psal. 34. 14. and of maintaining peace, if it be possible, and as much as in me lieth, which in like manner is commanded, Rom. 12. 18. (I say in this business thus enjoined and bound upon2 my conscience) I conceive that I owe to God an implicit obedience; that is to say, an obediential resolution, and an attempt to do what I can towards the effect, although I see no appearance of success: for he that commands me to bunt peace, doth presuppose that it will flee from me, and when it is fled, he that doth bid me overtake it, and if I overtake it, to hold it fast if it be possible, and as much as in me lieth, doth not therefore give me any assurance that I shall overtake it, and be able to hold it;