A81213:91
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.
CHAP. I. The Introduction, showing the Scope and Matter of the Discourse.
CHAP. I. The Introduction, shewing the Scope and Matter of the Discourse.
Although the case is doleful, and highly to be lamented, that there is no where in the world so much strife and division apparent, as amongst those that are named Christians, nor that amongst any Christians greater animosities do break forth, then sometimes amongst those that are the Ministers of the Gospel: yet this is a most certain and undeniable Truth, and worthy of all acceptation, That the Doctrine of Christianity in it self, is nothing else but the glad tidings of everlasting ⟨p. 19⟩peace; that therein Christ is revealed to be the Prince of love and peace; that none but his followers are capable of peace and unity with God; and that amongst men the true directions to live in love and peace one with another, are no where to be found, but in his kingdom. Which being so, it will follow (notwithstanding all these divisions) that none should more willingly undertake, nor can more profitably entertain the thoughts of peace and unity, for the composure of differences and ending of strife amongst men, then they whom God hath called to be Preachers of his Gospel, and whom he hath appointed to be witnesses of the Covenant of his grace and peace.
ALthough the case is doleful, and highly to be lamented, that there is no where in the world so much strife and division apparent, as amongst those that are named Christians, nor that amongst any Christians greater animosities do break forth, then sometimes amongst those that are the Ministers of the Gospel: yet this is a most certaine and undeniable Truth, and worthy of all acceptation, That the Doctrine of Christianity in it self, is nothing else but the glad tidings of everlasting ⟨p. 19⟩peace; that therein Christ is revealed to bee the Prince of love and peace; that none but his followers are capable of peace and unitie with God; and that amongst men the true directions to live in love and peace one with another, are no where to bee found, but in his kingdome. Which being so, it will follow (notwithstanding all these divisions) that none should more willingly undertake, nor can more profitably entertaine the thoughts of peace and unitie, for the composure of differences and ending of strife amongst men, then they whom God hath called to bee Preachers of his Gospel, and whom hee hath appointed to bee witnesses of the Covenant of his grace and peace.