THE purpose of soliciting a Roncile­ment amongst Protestants in matters of Religion was first undertaken, and afterward prosecuted after this man­ner.

When in the yeer 1628▪ Iohn Dury was in Prussia Minister to the English Company of Marchants re­siding at Elbing, he was sent unto, dealt withall, and moved by D ^r. Godeman a wise, godly, and learned man, one of the King of Swedens Privy Councel­lors, and Judge of his high Court in those parts, to second him in a businesse of Ecclesiasticall Unitie amongst Protestants, which he said, his King and Master would be glad to advance. So good a mo­tion being readily entertained, it came to passe af­terward, when Sir Thomas Roe was sent Ambassador [Page 2] Extraordinary by his Majesty of great Britain, to agree the Sweds and Polonians (which also he did successefully perform) that both Doctor Godeman, and Master Dury did make him throughly acquain­ted with all the passages of their negotiation. Whereupon he according to that generous disposi­tion, which doth lead him to favour all good in­deavours of a publike nature, did very willingly assist them with Counsell, and at Master Duryes in­treaty, conferred with the Lord Chancellor Oxon­stiern, to see how farre he would shew himself in the businesse, and what course might be resolved upon to proceed joyntly to the effect thereof. The Lord Chancellor manifested a good liking to the work, and promised to my Lord Ambassador to joyn effectually therein towards his King, and the Lutheran Clergy of his best acquaintance. Upon this ground, my Lord Ambassador encouraged M ^r Dury to proceed, and when his Lordship was gone into England, the Lord Chancellor sent for him, heard his particular proposalls, conferred with him about the same, testified his willingnesse to give assistance thereunto, and desired M ^r Dury to give him information of the passages of the work in time to come, so he went from Elbing into Engl. in the yeer 1630. Chiefly, because his Congrega­gation at Elbing was dissolved by reason of the in­conveniences which warre had brought upon the Trade in that place; and because S ^r Thomas Roe had promised to move the chief Prelates in England to assist him in the work of pacification. Being then [Page 3] arrived there, he first acquainted his most familiar friends of the Clergy with his purpose, and shewed them some declarations written by the chief Prea­chers of Dantzigh to make it appear, that they were not only ready to joyn in such a negotiation, but also desirous and in hope that the Divines in Eng­land would in like manner concur; which being done, he came to S ^r Thomas Roe, who was mindefull of his promise, and became every way as good as his word towards him. For he recommended the businesse towards the Kings most Excellent Maje­stie; who was pleased to refer the consideration of this matter to my Lords Grace of Canterbury, and to the Bishop of London, that they should hear M ^r Dury, and declare their resolutions to his propo­salls. This was done accordingly. And he was commanded to write unto the Divines of his ac­quaintance in Prussia, and to the Lord Chancellor Oxonstiern, to testifie first the good inclination, and resolution which the Clergy of England had, to co­operate in due time towards so good a work. Se­condly, that their Councell for the present was only this, that to prepare a way for future treaties, the Magistrates of both sides should inhibite rai­ling disputes in the Pulpit, and put down the names of partiality, so farre as could be done, and not suffer any debatements to be taken up or fomented about matters of Ceremony in the form of publike worship.

This he did, and after a good space, when news came, that the Protestant Princes in Germany had [Page 4] leagued themselves together for their mutuall de­fence, and that an amiable conference of their Divines had been holden with good successe at Eeipzigh to compose the differences in Religion, Master Dury was permitted to go into Germany, that he might see how the Divines of all sides might be disposed towards a Conjunction of Coun­cells, and endeavours in the work.

To make away for this purpose, he had before hand through, Sir Iames Spense Lord of Oreholm, and Generall to the Scottish Nation, in the Swedish Army, given notice to his Majesty of Sweden, what his aime was in the businesse of Reconcilement, and how it might be effected: Therefore when he came in the yeer 1631. into Germany, he found the King somewhat prepared, whom soon after the Battle fought at Leipzigh, he spoke withall at Wirts­burg. His Majestie was pleased to give him large audience, and by conference received full infor­mation of all those deliberations, and particular wayes, whereby the work could be prosecuted, of which, the Sammlary resolution whereunto his Ma­jesty gave assent, was this. That the Councell given by the Reverend Prelates of England was to be followed, for the inhibition of disputes, and partiall names: and that as Master Dury did intend to labour with the Divines of the Reformed side to dispose them, to joyn unanimously in the means, and wayes of amitie, so his Majesty would recom­mend the same endeavours to be undertaken, by some Divine of the Lutheran fide, who should in [Page 5] like manner work upon the rest of their own party, and afterward when a fit preparation should be found on both sides, then His Majesty did offer to give unto Master Dury his Letters of Publike Re­commendation towards the Princes of Germany, and chiefly towards the Elector of Brandenburg, and Landgrave of Hessen, that with his and their concurrence, and the Help of forraine Divines, the businesse might be brought to a solemn conclu­sion. This favourable resolution being taken, M ^r Dury dealt first with the Divines of Hessen, then with those of Hanaw, and of the Palatinate, and of Deuxpont, and of the Wetteraw, till he heard the King of Sweden was dead, which evill news, although they made a stop in some part of his resolutions, yet they made him not leave the same, but altering a little his course, he procured from all the foresaid Divines certain Letters and Declarations, where­of some were inscribed to my Lords Grace of Canterbury, some joyntly to him and to the Lord Bishop of London, whereby they shewed their seri­ous intention to labour for unity, with a desire to be assisted by the Church of England.

Whiles this was a doing Sir Robert Amstruther arrived as Extraordinary Ambassador from his Majesty to the Princes of Germany. With him Ma­ster Dury (having now gained the consent of the Reformed party, and thinking it fit to deal with the Lutheran side also) went to the meeting of the Protestant States, which was appointed at Heile­bron to frame an Evangelicall League. There he [Page 6] made use of some Lutheran Statesmen to insinuate to the Divines of that side certain propositions, which made known unto them his purpose. This first motion was not without effect towards many and chiefly towards those of Strasburg, and Norim­berg, and some in the land of Wurtenburg. The mee­ting being ended, and the League framed at Heile­brone, he returned from thence towards the quar­ters of Franckfort, and dealt with two superinten­dents Doctor Dunner who was set over Mentz, by the Lord Chancellor of Sweden, and Doctor Lei­sering who had the inspection of Darmstat, and with the Senior Pastor of the City of Franckfort, Doctor Tettelbach. All these were brought to re­commend the work unto their Brethren, and in the mean time the Churches at Paris, Geneva, Metts, and the Vniversity of Sedan sent their answers (for Letters formerly had been written to them) wherein they assisted Master Dury with Councell; Some also of the Lutheran side declared in like manner a forward zeal and inclination to the work, by certain Writes imparted to that effect unto him. Therefore when a larger opportunity to work more effectually upon all, was offered by another meeting of the Protestant States, which was ap­pointed at Franckfort, he thought good to make his intention known unto the convocated Ambassa­dors, and desired their assistance to further the same, whereupon a resolution was taken to this effect;

``Whereas Master Dury having desired of [Page 7] Confederate Evangelicall States, permission to treat with the Divines and Pastors of their Churches concerning the meanes of Peace Ecclesiasticall; Although the Ambas­sadors then present had not gotten any par­ticular instructions concerning this matter from their Principalls, yet neverthelesse their opinion was, that if the Lord Chancellor Oxonstiern would by his authority advance this matter, that their Masters who wish from their hearts for this Unitie, will be so much the more ready with all their ende­vours to give assistance thereunto, according to the beginning made at the Conference held at Leipzigh, whereunto the Lords States, who are now present, in like manner unaminously do compromitte.

Having gotten this approbation of the Work, and recommendation thereof by the States unto the Lord Chancellor; and being much encouraged by the private promisses of assistance, which the severall Ambassadors from all parts made unto him, he thought fit to write Letters to all the Lu­theran Vniversities, and to those of the Low-Countries to acquaint them with his purpose of seeking Unity in matters of Religion. Which being done when afterward another meeting was in agitation to be [Page 8] held at Erfurt in the Spring, he thought it fit (be­cause he was minded to return in the mean time for England) to move the Ambassadors of the Palatinate, of Brandenburg, of Deuxpont, and of Hessen; in case that any meeting should be held before he could come back again, that they would be pleased to set a­mongst themselves some course, how this matter might be prosecuted thereat, lest so good begin­nings might be without effect. They consented to this motion, and met to consult about the matter. The effect of their resolution was this, That they would labour, in case a meeting should be called, to cause insert in the Letters Invitatory this clause,

``That every one of the Princes would be pleased to bring along with him a Divine or two, instructed and authorized by his Chur­ches, to give advice about the means of pro­curing unitie, and composing differences in Religion; and if the States should not meet there, that neverthelesse in time, and place convenient, some particular convocation of their own Divines should be brought to passe, wherein these two points should be put to deliberation.

First, Whether, yea, or no, the Acts of the last Conference held at Leipzigh, should not be received by all the Churches, so farre as [Page 9] they contain an agreement of the Articles of the Confession of Ausburg?

Secondly, Whether, yea, or no, the heads where­in a disagreement may be yet remaining in that Conference, cannot admit of a Recon­ciliation; if yea, what that Reconciliation may be; if no, then it is to be inquired, whether or no, those remaining differences of opinion be of such importance, that by reason of the same, a Schisme should be upheld betwixt the Churches.

These things the Ambassador, and Chancellor of the Elector of Brandinburg did take upon him to set forward by the means of his Prince. So then M ^r. Dury went through Holland (where he saluted the chief Divines to whom he had written out of Franckfort, and some others of his acquaintance) and arrived at London about the end of the yeer, 1633. There he found D Laud, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury in his Predecessors place. Therefore the Letters and Declarations of forraign Churches and Divines were presented to him, with a brief Narration of more particular proceeding. All was well liked, and resolution agreed upon, that M ^r. Dury should proceed, and return again into Germany, which that he might do with greater advantage to the work, he dealt before his departure with the Reverend Fathers in God, Doctor Morton, Lord Bishop of Durham, Doctor Hall, Lord Bishop of Ex­cester, and Doctor Davenant, Lord Bishop of Salisbury, who gave him certain Theologicall declarations [Page 10] for the advancement of his purpose. To which ef­fect, he also wrote into Ireland, to the Most Reve­rend Father in God, Doctor Vsher, Lord Archbishop of Armagh, and Primate of Ireland, and to the two Lord Bishops of Kilmore and Ardach, who in like manner did afterward joyntly assist him with their advices to the same end. In the mean time let­ters were sent also from Helvetia, and from Norim­berg, giving such testimony of concurrence, as were fit to encourage him to proceed. For which cause also when he was ready to go back again into Ger­many, my Lords Grace of Canterbury gave him in an­swer to the Letters which he had brought from the German Protestants of both sides to him, two let­ters, the one to be communicated unto the Reform­ed, the other unto the Lutheran party, wherein he did acknowledge the receit of their Letters, and mo­ving them to proceed in the good purpose which they had undertaken, he promised in due time his further cooperation therein. With these Declara­tions, together with a Recommendatory letter un­to Sir Rob. Amstruther, who was then Ambassador for his Majesty in Germany; M ^r. Dury went from London to Hamburgh, where he found Sir Robert wait­ing for a new Commission to go for Franckfort; And whilst his Lordship stayed, he took occasion to ac­quaint the chief Divines of that City in their Con­sistoriall meeting, with his negotiation, who having promised to joyn endeavours, he went from thence towards Franckfort, to a great and solemn meeting of the Protestant States, where he arrived in my Lord [Page 11] Ambassadors company in Iune 1634. There he dealt in particular, first with his best acquaintance, and then made a proposition in generall to the assem­bly; thereupon the States were moved to depute out of every Colledge, some to take his businesse into consideration. These came together, gave M ^r Dury audience, received informations of the Cir­cumstances of this work, and perused severall de­claratory writings, which divers Universities and Divines of both sides in Germany, as also out of Germany in forraine Churches, as England, France, Helvetia, and Transilvania had given to him, which moved them to take the matter into serious con­sideration, and make a decree whereof the heads are these.

First, ``That Master Dury having been heard by a solemn Committee, and the Writs which he produced, taken into consideration by the rest of the States, all of them with unanimous consent, did judge his Work most laudable, most acceptable to God, and most necessary, and usefull to his Church, yet seeing it was of great and weighty con­sequence, and that many of the Ambassa­dors had not received any instructions there­about from their Masters, therefore no finall resolution could be taken by them at that present, but that they would faithfully re­late [Page 12] and recommend these businesses unto their Masters to bring them to some effectu­all resolution.

Secondly, That others which had received in­structions from their Principalls, about the matter, had proposed two wayes of pro­ceeding in the work, some thought it expe­dient, that the manner of proceeding which Master Dury had suggested unto the States, should be followed in bringing a Confe­rence of peaceable Divines to passe, that a Fundamentall agreement in points necessary for salvation, according to the Example of the Conference held at Leipzigb might be setled; And that to this effect, the States of the four Upper Circles should give up unto the Prince Elector Palatine, their more par­ticular advices towards the furthering of the matter, and that the Declarations of the two Saxon Circles should be given up to the Elector of Saxony and Brandinburg, who then should agree amongst themselves con­cerning the time and place of a Meeting, which might be named unto the rest, and afterwards Invitatory Letters should be sent to forraine States and Princes to move them [Page 13] to send thither also some of their Divines. Thirdly, That others thought it no lesse ex­pedient to proceed thus; Namely, that the Electors of Saxony and Brandinburg should be intreated by the States, then met together, to reassume the amiable Conference, which was begun three yeers ago, betwixt their Divines, and those of Cassell, and to this effect that (if not sooner, at least then) when the Treaties of Peace Universall should be set on foote, a meeting should be appoin­ted, whereunto peaceable Divines on both sides, both within, and out of the Empire should be called: In which meeting this should chiefly be aymed at, that an agree­ment should be made in a Common Con­fession of Faith containing all the Funda­mentalls of Religion necessary for Salvation, setting other points of Scholasticall dispute aside.

Fourthly, That the Ambassadors who had no instructions did promise to relate unto their Principalls, their advices, and procure fit re­solutions thereupon, which should be sent unto the Civill Electors, professing the Pro­testant Religion.

[Page 14]Fifthly, Moreover, that it was fully consented unto by some, and by some taken ad refe­rendum, that in the mean time all Christian moderation was to be used on both sides, aswell in Preaching, as in Writing; lest if this was not done, some hinderance might befall unto their Unitie, and being done by this means, the Civill Peace also might so much the more be advanced.

Sixthly, That Prayers were to be conceived in the Churches of both sides, to intreat Al­mighty God to blesse these attempts.

This was made an Act the fourteenth day of Sep­tember, 1634. To which the seal of those which had the direction of the meeting was applyed, and all the chief hands did subscribe it.

Of this Act, the Originall, sealed and subscribed, was given to Master Dury, to enable him to testifie authentically to other Churches, the resolution of the Protestant States, that thereby all well-willers unto the work might be encouraged to continue in setting it forward. Upon this ground he went a­gain towards England through the Low-Countries, where he informed the Divines of his acquain­tance, and the Deputies of the Provinciall Synodes of things past at Frauckfort, and elsewhere in these consultations, obliging them thereby to take the matter to heart. And when he arrived into England, [Page 15] My Lords Grace of Canterbury being informed of all matters, did by Sir Thomas Roes procurement recommend him to the King, who was pleased in taking more particular notice of his person, and work, then in former time, to permit him still to proceed. To which effect he went over again into Holland, with His Majesties Letters of safe Con­duct; with a testimoniall from my Lords Grace of Canterbury, bearing witnesse that Master Dury had acquainted him with the successe of his procee­dings, that he went again out of England to prose­cute the same businesse, not only with his know­ledge, but also with his approbation, and assurance that he would be ready in due time, to advance [...] holy desires of Peace. He had also private Letters from Doctor Davenant Lord Bishop of Sa­lisbury, and Doctor Hall Lord Bishop of Excester, to some of the chief Divines of the Low-Countries, to move them, to concurre more effectually in these endeavours, then they had formerly done. Moreover, he had Letters from the Ambassador of the Lords States of the Low-Countries, residing at London unto the States both of Holland and Zea­land. Thus he set forth, and arrived at the Hague in Iuly, the yeer 1635. There he dealt first with the States of Holland, to induce them to recommend these thoughts unto their Provinciall Synod which was then begun. Afterward he went to those of Zea­land, and appeared in their Classicall meetings held at Walcheren, Zirickzee, Tolen and Goes, then he dealt with the University of Leyden, and the Synods as [Page 16] they came in order; namely, with that of North-Holland, and of Vtrecht, and with the French Synod in those parts, from which Declarations were ob­tained, fit for the advancement of his purpose: When he had thus farre proceeded in Holland, and found that evill affected mindes towards Peace, raised ungrounded surmises against him, to stop the good inclinations of impartiall men, he used meanes to clear mens judgements, by causing some­things to be Printed for the better information of all. And having understood that the Lord Chan­cellor Oxonstiern was to go from Germany into Swe­den, where he hoped that his Lordship would do more then in Germany he was able to do. For the work of Peace, at the perswasion of some friends, he took a journey thitherward, where he arrived in Iune, Anno 1636. Nor was he altogether disap­pointed of his expectation. For the Lord Chan­cellor coming thither favoured his work, and al­though his proceedings were slow, yet much reali­tie was found in them. For when a resolution was taken to permit Master Dury to treat with the Di­viaes of that Kingdome, four places were named Stockholm, Vbsall, Westerose, and Strengnese, to which he might addresse himself particularly, and lay open his intention, having therefore first dealt with those of Stockholm, he had the Lord Chan­cellors Letters to make way for him, at the other places: of which the Vniversitie of Vbsall was the chief. There he had conference both Collegially and severally with the Professors of Divinitie, [Page 17] who gave full assent unto his desires, and set down these conditions, upon which they were ready to agree, and joyn with the reformed side.

• 1 `` That a full agreement should be made in all the fundamentall Articles of faith.
• 2 That all errors overthrowing the foundation, or tending to overthrow the same, should be con­demned.
• 3 That in matters Ceremoniall and of indifferen­cy, there should be a mutuall toleration.
• 4 That betwixt the parties united sincerity and uprightnesse should be maintained, lest ancient errors might be upheld under doubtful speeches.
• 5 That when peace is made, none should be suffer­ed to maintain, excuse, or spread any more the errors once condemned.
• 6 That ambitious and needlesse disputes and brablings should be inhibited on all sides.
• 7 That former reproaches and injuries should be put to oblivion.
• 8 That the Church gouernment should be setled according to Apostolicall Rules.

These demands the rest agreed unto, neither was any thing of moment added thereunto by any. Therefore being returned back again into Stock­holm, and having informed the Lords Regents of that which was past, thoughts were entertained about [Page 18] the first, and the last of these conditions, as the chief of all the rest, namely, concerning Fundamentall Articles of Faith, and the establishment of Ecclesi­asticall Government; Touching the first, namely, how to limitate the number of Fundamentalls, and distinguish the same from Not fundamentals, M ^r. Dury did impart a brief discourse unto those of Vb­sall, to which they made no reply, as being loath to go too fast, before they should have the consent of their Brethren; yet silently they assented there­unto. Concerning the second, because they then were, as even yet at this time, they are in delibera­ration to settle their Ecclesiasticall Government, by Cannons, which they are about to make. Therefore both the Dean of the Faculty of Divinity at Vbsall, the Queens Tutor at Stockholm, and the Lord Chan­cellor conferred severall times with M ^r. Dury, a­bout that matter, to know the Constitutions of the Chief Reformed Churches, wherein he laboured to give them satisfaction; and imparted also unto them the printed judgements of the English Pre­lats, Doctor Morton, Doctor Davenant, and Doctor Hall, which besides some other publike Treatises of the same nature, were communicated unto them. But the Lord Chancellor being desirous to confer more particularly, and at leisure, with Master Dury, about all matters belonging to the further advan­cing of the work of pacification, took him along in his company and Coach towards Vbsall, in a Circuit which he made thitherward from Stockholm, tho­row Strengnese, and Westerose. In this progresse the [Page 19] the Bishops of Strengnese and Westerose, were dealt withall the second time. They setled good resolu­tions, and laid grounds for constant future treaties; so far, that they had thoughts of sending some bo­dy into England; Neverthelesse, before matters could be brought to full maturity, some of the Ger­man Lutherans hearing large reports of Master Du­ries proceeding in Sweden, and being moved with jealousie that the Swedes would come to some pub­like Treaties, and therein to a Conclusion without them, did expostulate the matter, and by letters endeavoured to disswade them from all further en­tertaining of his motions, by which means their spirits were troubled, and their resolutions so clog­ged, that from that time forward, they went hea­vily to work; yet Master Dury hoping to overcome all such letts, did not leave the work, but laboured so much the more to engage them to it, by shewing wayes free from all exception, whereby the differ­ences which they did stick at, might be composed. This he did first at Vbsall, and afterward at Stock­holm, in a meeting of the chief Clergy, which was commanded to deal with him, wherein he gave them satisfaction to all their demands, in a whole dayes conference instituted to that effect, so that they seemed to acquiosse. And because they had laid this as a main ground, That if a Fundamentall agreement could be found in the Doctrine of the Lords Supper, they would not much stand to de­bate other matters. Therefore not long after their conference, he offered to the Archbishop and pro­fessors [Page 20] of Vbsall, a learned and Patheticall Declara­tion, which from the University of Aberdeine, and Ministry of Edinburg, was sent unto him, to shew the fundamentall agreement of Protestants in that point. At this Declaration some small excep­tions were taken, in respect of certain forms of speeches contained therein, which M ^r. Dury having fully explained, and thereby resolved their doubts, those of Vbsall did rest satisfied, but some others there were, who, having set themselves professed­ly against the work, would, by no means, receive any content. For, the more humbly, and discreet­ly, it was offered unto them, the more they sought to avoid it, and laboured by all means to cry down, and discredit the very purpose of agreement, lest the good liking which the Lords Regents did shew thereunto, might take some reall effect, and work upon the spirits of the common Clergie, a good im­pression to give way unto it: This their perversnesse being fully apparrant, moved M ^r. Dury to deal in some kinde more strictly with them, than other­wise his inclination would have suffered him to do: yet at last, to avoid occasions of strife, he resolved to depart from thence, and let the businesse lie a while asleep; but lest some unconscionable men might falsly traduce all his proceedings in his ab­sence, as then already in his presence they had be­gun to do, by misinforming others, of his words and actions, and misinterpreting, suspiciously, his aim, he caused to print, (before he went away from thence) a Summary, and true Narrative, of all his [Page 21] chief actions and proposalls, which he offered to the Clergie of that Kingdom, met in a Convocati­on. And afterward, to the end they should have no just cause of false surmises, or pretext to traduce his intentions, he made a solemn Vow to binde himself to lawfull purposes and unblamable wayes of proceeding, which he put to Paper and presen­ted to the Lord Chancellor to be imparted unto the chief of that Clergy. These preventions be­ing used, when he was resolved to be gone, the Lords Regents were pleased, in the Queens Name, to give him a Declaration, and dimissory Letter, whereby his actions in Sweden were ap­proved, bearing witnesse that Master Dury being come into Sweden to dispose the minds of their Clergy unto the work of Peace Ecclesiasticall, according to the grounds laid by the States of the Empire at Franckfort, Anno 1634. he had dealt by permission and command of her Majesty, with the chief Divines of that Kingdome; and although some difficulties were risen, as in waightie matters is usuall, yet that he had not omitted any thing which could serve for the taking away of the same. Thus he went from Stock­holm, Anno 1638. and came to Lubeck, there he had speech with Doctor Hunnius, one of the chief Di­vines of those quarters. Him he prepared to enter­tain the motion of Peace, which afterward should [Page 22] be made unto him. From Lubeck he set forward to­wards Hamburg to meet Sir Thomas Roe who there was residing as Ambassador Extraordinary from His Majesty of great Britaine towards the King of Denmark, and Princes of Germany. To him he gave attendance, all the while he staid in those parts, not leaving his former purpose, but rather using the advantage of his Lordships favourable counte­nance.

In this new period of the negotiation, he went slowly to work, first because he looked towards the Swedes, how they would behave themselves after his departure; Secondly, because he waited for some overture to begin, and make some Propo­salls at the publike Treaties of Peace in Germany, which then was thought upon by reason of the Emperors Ambassador, who was come to those parts, and the Mediators which did offer them­selves towards that negotiation. But when those Treaties were not likely to proceed, he went to Bremen, that he might acquaint the Divines of that place, with his former proceedings, and gain in time to come their assistance by way of Councell. These were very cordiall in the businesse, and entertaining him with all kindenesse, and liberali­tie (which no Germans before them had done) such encouragements, and declarations were given, as he could desire both from the Clergy, and Magi­strate of that Citie. Then he proceeded towards the King of Denmark, who was at Gluckstad, There with the good liking and countenance of my Lord [Page 23] Ambassador, he acquainted the Lord Chancellor Ravent [...]low with his desire to deal with the Clergy of Denmark. If His Majesty would give him leave so to do. His Majesty gave way to his demands, and was pleased to recommend certain Writs (which his Chancellor received from Master Dury) unto the consideration of his Divines of the Uni­versitie of Coppenhagen.

These gave their judgement, and advice concerning his negotiation, tending to shew their approbation of the purpose, their par­ticular Counsell, and Proposalls in prosecu­ting of it, and their willingnesse to treate further about it, with Master Dury, if his Majesty would give permission thereunto.

The King caused their judgement to be delivered to Master Dury; who thereupon did accept of the offer of their Treatie, and gave them a large An­swer to all their propositions containing divers overtures towards a constant progresse in a Theo­logicall way of Treatie. U [...]to this answer, by His Majesties Command, they gave a further declara­tion of their judgement; whereunto Master Dury having replyed, and shewed His Majesty a brief, and ready way to come to the purpose, the King was pleased to write unto my Lord Ambassador, to let him know that he thought it fit, Master Dury should be more particularly authorized from Eng­land, before the matter could proceed betwixt him [Page 24] and his Divines to any issue. Whiles these matters were thus in agitation, Master Dury dealt also with the Magistrates, and Ministry of Hamburg, and Lubeck, and with the Most Reverend, and Most Illustrious Archbishop of Bremen, who gave him a reference to some chief Divines, who entertained his motions with very good liking, and gave him an answer to the same. In like manner he made Proposalls to those of Stode, who took the same in­to mature consideration, and promised to concurre with others in answering. At last he went to those of Brunswick, and Luneburg, where, with the singular favour of those Princes, and by the most pious and peaceable inclinations of their Councellors, and chief Divines, towards the Work of Recon­cilement, a ground was laid for a very effectuall progresse. For they have made the Work their own, undertaking to dispose the rest of the Luthe­ran Churches, and Universities, unto a reall con­currence in it, that afterwards they may proceed with our Churches, joyntly, to a full conclusion.

Duke Augustus of Brunswick was the first to whom Master Dury made his addresse: this learned, and wise Prince, was pleased, in favour of the Work, not only to convocate his chief Divines, and ap­point them, with some of his Councellors of State, to conferre Collegially, a whole day with Master Dury, but also to settle a resolution, which his Di­vines subscribed, obliging themselves thereby, to joyn in all the wayes of agreement, whereof they had conferred together; and moreover, to recom­mend [Page 25] the matter to his Cozen Duke George, by a large, and most effectuall Letter.

With this addresse he came to Duke George, re­siding at Hildesheim, where he had no lesse, but ra­ther more favourable entertainment then he had gotten at Brunswick. For, by an Act of Councell the chief Divines, who then were in place, were appointed to visit and entertain him, till others that were sent for should come; And when the chief of them were come, Master Dury was lodged and entertained with him in one house, at the Princes charge, for the space of fourteen dayes, that they together might ripen matters, and bring their thoughts to a head. Which being done, a Committee of some Councellors of State was ap­pointed to give them publike audience in the Prince His name, to hear them confer upon the matter of agreement, to consider their Councels, and joynt resolutions, and to make relation there­of unto the Prince, that by his authority, and Countenance, such assistance might be given to the Work, in due time, as should be thought expedient. All which being done, first, the Divines gave to Master Dury, a Theologicall Declaration, wherein they testified their agreement to all his Proposalls, and then their more particular resolutions, concer­ning the manner of proceeding which they would follow in the future advancement of the Work on their part, were also imparted unto him. The sub­stance whereof was this.

That Doctor Calixtus chief professor of the Uni­versity [Page 26] of Helmestat should, by order of the Prince, put forth some Treaties, wherein the heads of matters in dispute amongst Protestants should be handled Historically out of Antiquity, to shew what the Church of all ages hath beleeved there­of, and how, notwithstanding some difference of opinion thereabout among the Ancient Fathers, Brotherly love was alwayes maintained. These Treaties should be thus improved; First they should be sent unto the Lutheran Universities of Wittenberg, Leipzigh, Iena, Marpurg, and Rostock, and also to those of Brandenburg, Hessen and Bremen, to move them to declare their judgements therein for mu­tuall agreement. Then, at some fit occasion some body should go to Leipzigh and Wittenberg, and deal with the Saxon Electorall Professors by word of mouth, to dispose them to a full resolution in this businesse. To which effect also the Prince should move the two Dukes of Saxon Weymar, Duke William, and Duke Ernestus, who have long wished for this Reconciliation, to cause their University of Iena to cooperate therein; And in processe of time, when the businesse should be brought by this way of proceeding, to some considerable ripenesse, then it should be required, that from great Britain, and elsewhere, some body might be joyned to Master Dury, and also from Germany some body should go into England, and other parts, to speak with the chief Divines of those Churches▪ that when there should be good hopes of bringing the matter to passe, then the Soveraign Princes and States of all sides [Page 27] should be intreated to agree upon a meeting, to make some conclusion in the matter: for the good suc­cesse whereof, publike prayers should be made with common consent in all the Churches.

These resolutions being taken, when the Prince himself had spoken to Master Dury, and given him assurance of his willingnesse to set forward this purpose, he did dismisse him with a recommenda­tory Letter unto his brother, Duke Frederick, resi­ding at Zelle, who in like manner received Master Dury very kindely, and moved his Divines to confer with him. In this conference, when they had re­ceived satisfaction to some doubts which were proposed, they gave consent unto all which was concluded at Brunswick and Hildesheim. From Zelle he went to the free City of Luneburg, where he acquain­ted the Ministery of the place with his Proposalls made unto other Churches, that they might also take the same into their consideration, and in due time, with consent of their Protector, D ^r. Frederick, resolve what to do therein.

Thus the Circuit of Brunswick and Luneburg being finished, he returned to Hamburgh in February, An. 1640. from whence without delay he went towards my Lord Ambassador, Sir Thomas Roe, who was at Gluckstad, with the King of Denmark, to give him account of all the passages of his proceedings. There he also dealt further with the Lord Chan­cellor, Detloff Raventlow, and the King himself was pleased, upon my Lord Ambassador his recommen­dation, to give him accesse to kisse his hand, and in [Page 28] presence of his Son, the Archbishop of Bremen, to speak with him about the setting forward of his purpose. In which discourse, his Majesty shew­ed a good liking to his proceedings, and gave way that, if he thought fit, he should make new propo­salls, touching means of Reconcilement, unto his Divines, that they might have further occasion to entertain these thoughts as well as others. Here­upon Master Dury did impart unto the forenamed Lord Chancellor, a paper, containing certain heads, fit to be Theologically consulted upon by them, that their resolutions touching the same, might in due time be framed, and also made pub­like, if they themselves thought it expedient. Thus the Treaties at Denmark being again set on foot, he returned from Gluckstad with my Lord Ambassador towards Hamburg, and gave, by letters, informati­on into England, concerning all matters of moment, which passed in his work. Then also some writes, presented formerly unto the Divines of Denmark, were made publike, that many who desired to know the passages of that negotiation, might have satisfa­ction therein. Not long after, my Lord Ambassa­dor was recalled from Germany into England, about which time the private disputes amongst those of Bremen were come to some height: for those that were most inclinable to moderation, suffering wrong, had sought Master Duries advice, and desi­red his help to compose their doubtfull questions. Therefore he sent to some of the Prelates of the Church of England, and some of the Professors of [Page 29] Divinity, in both Universities, certain Writs, which the chief Divines of Bremen submitted unto their judgements, containing the true state of their dif­ference, which reflecteth much upon the main con­troversie debated betwixt the reformed, and the Lutheran Divines; therefore the decision thereof, will be a singular preparative for the common and more publike Unity of all Protestants. To these Writes, the Lord Bishops of Salisbury, and of Exceter have already given their answers, and the rest to whom they are sent, have promised to do the like, who, no doubt, will be as good as their word; In the mean time Master Dury ripened, some­what, matters towards the Lutherans, and endeavou­red to smooth the knottinesse of the Clergy of Hamburg and Lubeck.

For, finding some warping of their intentions, which he perceived would bend another way then was expedient; he dealt first with Doctor Hunnius a leading man at Lubeck, and then with the Senior Preacher of Hamburg, that when these two should be set in a right way, the lesse-knowing and more clamorous Clergy might be more easily perswa­ded, and wrought to admit the thoughts of mode­ration. As for Doctor C. lixtus, although some men of strife, and evill willers to him, did undertake to disturb him in these peaceable thoughts, yet being strongly countenanced, by Superiors, he hath be­gun to perform his promise, giving Master Dury full assurance of his constancy, and of the concur­rence of many others towards the furtherance of [Page 30] the same Councells. And because the opposition made against Doctor Calixtus, by his Brethren, was like unto that which the chief Professors of Bremen suffered by their Brethren, Master Dury conceived that the similitude of their cases, might be a mo­tive to induce them to mutuall correspondency, in the work of Reconcilement. Therefore having gotten the Originall Writes which Bishop Dave­nant, and Bishop Hall sent to those of Bremen, he went thither, to deliver the same, and conferre with them about the matter, whereunto he found them exceeding well inclined. In the way going thither, he dealt with one Statius Buscherus, Doctor Calixtus his chief opposer, endeavouring to mollifie and withdraw him from some preposterous cour­ses: and coming back again, he stayed a whole day at Bremervorde, the Residence of the Most Illustri­ous and Reverend Archbishop of Bremen, with whom he had twice occasion of large conference, tending to give him satisfaction (which he also received) concerning some doubts, which he had conceived of the Work. From thence passing through Stade, and having insinuated unto the chief Preacher of that place M ^r Haveman some writes tending to Pacification, he arrived at Buxtehude, where he met with Master Scholvinus the Pastor of the place, a learned and moderate Lutheran Divine, whom he confirmed in a course of conference, and correspondency, begun with Doctor Bergius at Bre­men, towards the ripening of matters belonging to Pacification.

[Page 31]Then being come back to Hamburg he made him­self ready to return for England: And to this effect took his leave of the Magistrat, and Ministry of that place: some of the Magistrate were very earnest with him to persevere in the prosecuting of his work, and the Ministery gave him their answer in Writ, shewing that they were willing to proceed; first by way of private correspondency in writing, and then by way of publike meeting, when things should be ripened. Before he went from Hamburg he sent by Sea to the chief Prelates, who in Eng­land had assisted him, a Treatise, which Doctor Calixtus of Helmstat, had written in behalf of the work, that they might declare their judgement unto him concerning the same. Then he passed again through Buxtehude, and Stade, where he con­firmed Master Haveman and Scholvinus, in their re­solutions to moderation, and dealt again with Sta­tius Buscherus, to take off the edge of his spirit a­gainst Doctor Calixtus. At Bremen he stayed four­teen dayes, to print an Information directed to all the Reformed Churches, concerning the Councels of Peace, whereunto the Lutheran side doth give way, that if the same finde on the Reformed side in like manner approbation, the businesse may be in due time set forward by publike authority. From Bremen he went to Oldenburg, where he dealt with the Superintendent of that place, and by his means presented to the Earl of Oldenburg, that which was fit to give him information of his work. From thence he came to Embden, where he stayed certain [Page 32] dayes, to insinuate the printed Information unto the Divines, both of the Citie, and of the County. At Groningen he did the like: from whence coming to Amsterdam, he conferred with the chief Divines of his acquaintance there, and sent to all the Pres­byteries (which they call Classes) of North-Holland, and neighbouring parts; so many copies of the printed Information, with adjoyned letters, as were requisite to be imparted unto them. From the Hague he did the like unto all the Presbyteries of South-Hol­land and Zealand, and of the neighboring places, as also to the Synods which are to be held in every Pro­vince. Thus having given satisfaction to the chief of the Low-Countries, and used means to send infor­mation from Amsterdam into Helvetia, and from the Hague into France, he came to Zealand, and took Shipping for England: Where he safe arrived, and purposeth to make sute now unto all those that are able to give assistance unto so good a businesse, but chiefly to supplicate his Sacred Majesty, and the High and Honorable Court of Parliament, that those good preparatives, and hopefull beginnings, so far, and with so much pains advanced, may not be suffered to fall, without profit, unto the ground, through want of all outward countenance, and help necessary to uphold such a Spirituall Agency. All parties have been dealt withall, their dispositions are sufficiently tryed and discovered, their Leaders are all ingaged to concurre, neither hath any of the forraign Churches taken offence at the carriage of the work: but every where, the Princes and Coun­cellors [Page 33] of State have professed a great deal of liking thereunto. Therefore it ought to be kept afoot, and upheld in the spirits of men for many pregnant reasons, which elsewhere are alleadged more at large: But now we will mention onely this, that as we are bound in Conscience, at all times to maintain the care of Brotherly love, and holy Communion, in Spirituall things, so now, at this time, we finde it absolutely necessary, even for our own temporall safety so to do, because if this care be not taken to heart, it is most certain, that the breaches of Protestant States and Churches, which have made many of them a prey unto their enemies, will, in the end, betray them all, and at last come to such a height, that they will devour and consume one another. Therefore all true-hearted Protestants, that are zealous for Gods glory, and the safety of his Church, but chiefly those that are in authority, or credit, able to dispose others; are humbly intreated to embrace these thoughts with­out partiality, considering the Apostles exhortati­on, Phil. 2. 4. That every one should not look on his own things, to seek himself alone, But, that he should also lay to heart the things of others, and chiefly such as may tend most unto publike edifica­cation. For if we be commanded every one of us, Rom. 15. 2. to please our Neighbour for his good to edification: then surely we ought farre more to labour to please all, in that which is best. And if every one ought to do this, then most of all those that are eminent in place, and in credit with others: [Page 36] For to whom doth this duty rather belong, than unto such. As then the work ought not either to be agitated without the knowledge and consent of Superiors in Church and Common-wealth, or to be publikely afoot without their authority, so they are called and appointed to be Builders of the house of God, before all others, and this is the cause why thus we sue unto them, and would have all such as love the well-fare of Sion, to second our suit. For what can be conceived more usefull to the Church of God at any time, than the Coun­cels of Peace are at this time? Nay, what is more necessary to prevent all manner of confusions, and disorders now growing upon all the Churches, than this endeavour is? Therefore again and again, all men of gifts ought to be entreated, for the love which Christians should bear unto Christ Je­sus their Saviour, for the respects due unto the Commandements of God, for the comfort which the Gospell of Truth is able to yeeld unto their own souls, for the bowels of Compassion, which they ought to bear unto the afflicted Church of Christ (their Spirituall Mother) and for the fear of Gods dreadfull Indignation, and stretched out hand, now ready to fall upon those, that presump­tuously despise, and carelesly neglect his expresse Commandements: I say, that all men of gifts, for these causes ought to set their hearts upon the Councells of Peace, and imploy their Talents for mutuall edification, in shewing the means of Bro­therly love, of meeknesse, of righteousnesse, of hu­mility, [Page 35] of mercy, and moderation, for the enlarging of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, whose love doth constrain us to propose, in this manner, these things without all humane respects, and maketh us earnest with freedom (as not being ashamed of our duty) to presse the matter thus home, upon the Consci­ence of every one in his distinct charge and place, that at least, such as have any feeling of godlinesse, and know what the power of Religion requireth in our publike Profession, should not want some Spi­rituall provocation, and awaking of their hearts towards the performance of that, which is requi­red in the Communion of Saints.