A81213:85
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.
This I conceive to be one of the mysteries of iniquity, by which Satan doth prevail against the Ministers of the Gospel even against many men that are otherwise godly and able, but are not sufficiently aware of his wiles, by which they are drawn from their own and ensnared in his way, by which means their hands being weakened in their work, he gaineth his end at least indirectly by their infirmities and miscarriages.
This I conceive to bee one of the mysteries of iniquity, by which Satan doth prevaile against the Ministers of the Gospel even against many men that are otherwise godly and able, but are not sufficiently aware of his wiles, by which they are drawn from their owne and ensnared in his way, by which meanes their hands being weakned in their work, hee gaineth his end at least indirectly by their infirmities and miscarriages.
Therefore all such as are conscionably sensible of their own frailties and of those dangers, should be wakened from security to become watchful over their own souls in these times of temptation: for amongst the Protestant Churches, where, with the increase of knowledge, a true sense of Christian liberty is begotten in the minds of professors; Satan hath none other way to fit to erect his kingdom as this is, of dividing the Ministers: for which cause as we see their divisions daily increased, so the remedies should be the more earnestly thought upon, and offered with freedom and tenderness unto all indifferently, but chiefly to those who are nearest in principles, and have least cause to walk asunder and b• at a distance.
Therefore all such as are conscionably sensible of their own frailties and of those dangers, should bee wakened from securitie to become watchfull over their owne souls in these times of temptation: for amongst the Protestant Churches, where, with the increase of knowledge, a true sense of Christian libertie is begotten in the minds of professors; Satan hath none other way to fit to erect his kingdome as this is, of dividing the Ministers: for which cause as wee see their divisions daily increased, so the remedies should be the more earnestly thought upon, and offereed with freedome and tendernesse unto all indifferently, but chiefly to those who are neerest in principles, and have least cause to walke asunder and b at a distance.