A81213:84
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.
For although a difference arise but from a very small and circumstantial matter amongst them (as it doth naturally fall out amongst other men;) yet Satan aiming at them above all others, to get advantages against them, if he doth find them in such a case; either without brotherly and charitable affections, or inclined to please themselves; he will be able to work upon them first jealousies, and by jealousies mistakes, and by mistakes a distance and strangeness, by reason of worldly aims differently carried on; and when plots and passions are come to some maturity, cross courses and mutual provocations will be set on foot, real injuries will be offered; complaints and clamours will break forth, which in continuance make the divisions of hearts past all remedy, and irreconcilable: because it is not possible that men who aim at worldly matters, should deny themselves either the use of their wit and passions in the prosecution of their design, or neglect the strength which they have in hand, when they think it can serve their turn. For if they should do so, they should seem to quit their designs, and so lose at once both the credit and ⟨p. 23⟩profit thereof, which to men that make use of their reason only to compass their own will; and to that effect can employ both power and policy, is a thing altogether insufferable, as being no less contemptible then folly, and as hateful as death.
For although a difference arise but from a very small and circumstantiall matter amongst them (as it doth naturally fall out amongst other men;) yet Satan aiming at them above all others, to get advantages against them, if he doth find them in such a case; either without brotherly and charitable affections, or inclined to please themselves; hee will bee able to worke upon them first jealousies, and by jealousies mistakes, and by mistakes a distance and strangenesse, by reason of worldly aimes differently carried on; and when plots and passions are come to some maturitie, crosse courses and mutuall provocations will bee set on foot, reall injuries will bee offered; complaints and clamours will break forth, which in continuance make the divisions of hearts past all remedy, and irreconciliable: because it is not possible that men who aime at worldly matters, should deny themselves either the use of their wit and passions in the prosecution of their designe, or neglect the strength which they have in hand, when they thinke it can serve their turne. For if they should doe so, they should seeme to quit their designes, and so lose at once both the credit and