A81213:78
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.
Although then I may ingenuously confess that I cannot rationally1 foresee, as the times now are, and as most men stand affected to each other, that these motions will be entertained (for they will suit no ends of parties) but am rather apt to conceive that some who think themselves wise, will laugh at me, and at this discourse; that most will not relish the motions, as ⟨p. 19⟩being somewhat out of the common way; that many will mistake my meaning, misconstrue my aim, and fall foul upon me perhaps for what they have misconstrued and mistaken. And finally that few or none that seem to be Pillars, will heartily join and help to advance either these or other impartial ways2 of peace. (I say) although this may be confessed; yet I cannot forbear to offer these thoughts unto you, both that I may discharge my conscience towards God in the vow which I have made to prosecute Peace and Truth, by walking in the light (whatsoever some may or do think of me) and also that they may stand not only for me as a witness, that I have sought without partiality the ways as well of Truth as of Peace amongst Brethren: but also rise up in judgement (if you think good to publish them) against those, who for worldly ends and self will (lest they should seem to lose ground) keep us at a distance, and making our divisions irreconcilable weaken our hands in the Gospel. Here I desire not to be mistaken, for I say not that any3 do purposely intend (except they be the Emissaries of Jesuits, of which too many are crept in amongst us, in this dissolution of all order) to make our divisions irreconcilable; and to weaken our hands in the Gospel: God forbid that any professing the Gospel should be thought so maliciously partial. But this I I mean to say freely; that all such as by the management or composure of these differences seek any way rather to please themselves, then in the spirit of meekness to please others to their edification; I say of these, that they keep us at a distance, that they widen our breaches, that they make our divisions by little and little irreconcilable, and so they weaken both their own, and their Brethren's hands in the Gospel, and herein they not taking heed to themselves, principally serve no bodies turn but Satan's; and become his instruments most effectually to hinder the power and prevalence of the Truth.