A81213:86
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.
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.
These remedies can be none other, but the helps to holy1 communion amongst Ministers in the prosecution of spiritual aims, tending to the advancement of Truth and Peace. For the unity of their spirits in the simplicity of Truth is their strength: and the evidence of grace without worldly wisdom in their walking, will make them not only invincible, but even irresistible: because the power of the Word of life, which is a two-edged Sword; and the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left (when they are handled in sincerity without all mixture of humane policy) will be prevalent to