THREE SEVERAL TREATISES CONCERNING THE TRUCE AT THIS PRESENT propounded.  
The first, laying open diverse Considerations and Reasons, why a Truce ought not to be Contracted: Propounded unto the High and Mighty Lords the State's General of the United Provinces: By the right Honble the Commissioners and Deputies of the most Hon: authorized Company of West India. In their own behalf.  
The second, discusseth this question very pithily and at large, whether or no it be lawful to make Truce with the King of Spain, with diverse fitting Considerations.  
Lastly, here is added a Remonstrance, represented to the States their Excellencies, In the behalf of the King of Bohemia, which hath a respect unto the Affairs in Germany.  
All truly and faithfully Translated out of the Low Dutch Copy.  
LONDON. Printed for Nathaniel Butter and Nicholas Bourne. 1630.   

Three several Treatises concerning the Truce at this present propounded.  

High and Mighty Lords.  
ALthough we assure ourselves and are confident, that your Excellencies and Lordships both according to your wont wisdom can, and according to your special benevolence and favour towards us, will take into Consideration; that an especial duty doth us all generally bind, both to the conservation and increasing of our Company, and to the safety and welfare of our well-beloved Country. Yet nevertheless, we cannot but esteem ourselves particularly obliged, to show to your Excellencies in all submissive manner briefly, the chiefest matters which in this particular are to be considered of.  
1 First, aught to be taken into consideration, with what desire and expectation, the erecting of this Company hath both by all good Patriots amongst ourselves, as also by all welwilling Neighbours and others without our State, been earnestly looked and hoped for. And how at last notwithstanding much opposed, with the Contradictions and gainstanding of some, the same though slowly is brought to good effect.  
Secondly, that your Excellencies out of your own voluntary motions, have freely afforded aid and assistance to your Subjects And by form of mutual contract, and reciprocal engagement, have promised in case of War to yield them all help and furtherance and by Contract with foreign Nations, to maintain them in their Corporation.  
3. Thirdly, that hereupon, the Capital of this Company, by the inducements of the Directors thereunto appointed by your Excellencies, hath been wholly furnished and made complete, even by such as your Excellencies yourselves may judge and perceive to stand, for the maintenance of the true reformed Religion, & Liberties of our own Country. Insomuch, that diverse even from a poor stock, have largely Contributed.  
4. Fourthly, that by reason of this Company, from the first beginning, diverse ships have both been built, and bought, and diverse employed, which otherwise had lain still out of Service, for want of Commerce, Traffic, and employment.  
5. Fifthly, that by this Company, many and great Ships have been built, to the manifest and apparent increase, of the Navy and Navigation. And especially, many fair and swift Pinnaces.  
6. Sixthly, that the number of our Ships hath from time to time so increased, that for the present we can make above an hundreth sail of very fair well rigged Ships, fit for warlike employment, being of several bigness, and now at Sea, ready for service.  
7. Seaventhly, that we have entertained upon the same Ships a great number both of Mariners and Soldiers continually; so that the precedent year, we employed in our service about nine thousand men, and now at this present do employ near upon fifteen thousand. Now by this means our men are wonderfully trained up to Navigation.  
By this means are made diverse expert Pilots, and a great number so well exercised, that our Country may now continually find some fit and able men, both to serve for Master and other inferior offices in their Navy.  
8 Eighthly, that we have victualled the same ships, some for twelve, some fifteen, some for eighteen, and some for more Months.  
9 Ninthly, that we have so furnished our ships with great shot, that the last year we had in our Navy 264. brass Pieces, among the which were many Demiculuerins, and near upon 1400. great Falcons; which number this year is palpably increased so that now, we have above four hundred brass Pieces, and above 2000 Falcons, besides 600. Pieces for stone shot.  
10. Lastly, that we have provided and furnished the same Navy, with a great quantity of Powder, which was most made here. So that this last year, we have bestowed upon our Navy, above an hundred thousand pounds of Gunpowder. Out of all which premises doth plainly appear, what traffic and trading our Equipage hath caused amongst us how many men we have employed: With what admirable forces we have enriched your Excellency's Navy. Whereby great help and furtherance is administered to your Excellencies in time of need and danger. As experience hath taught of late (without pride be it spoken) when our Company stood this Country in great stead, in their late Broils and Inconueniencies.  
And now stands farther to be considered: What riches and treasure their Ships have brought into these Countries.  
First passing by and omitting, whatsoever hath come in former years, as Gold, Elephants teeth, Greines, Hides, Skins, Wood, Salt, and the like; (by way of Commerce and Traffic) the Silver, Coined and Vncoined, which hath been obtained, by overcoming the Fleet of Nova H●spania, doth amount to such an infinite treasure, that never the like Prize hath been brought in, either here, or elsewhere.  
Secondly, we have these late ensuing years deprived our Enemies, and enriched our own Country, with a great deal of Indigo. Insomuch, that towards the latter end of the last, and beginning of this year, above four thousand Cases have been brought in.  
Thirdly, a very great quantity of Sugar; insomuch▪ that this present year only hath been brought in by us, some three thousand Chests.  
Fourthly, a wonderful great number of raw Hides; especially this year, above six and thirty thousands wrested from the Enemy.  
Fifthly, such a worthy deal of Cochineel, as never came in these Countries before.  
Sixthly, an unspeakable deal of Tobacco, which now is become great Merchandise.  
Lastly, great riches and treasure in all manner of costly lapidary silk, silk Wares, Ma●k●, Amber, all kind of Drugs, B●sill Wood, Camperie Wood, and other wares, (which were tedious to relate) so that we have already brought into these Countries many millions. All the which Wares, are bought and dispersed amongst the Inhabitants here; some used, others transported, and howsoever thereby are your Excellency's Subjects enriched, the decayed traffic increased, and the Convoy strengthened.  
It may soon be perceived what loss our enemies have hereby sustained. Moreover we have surprised many Galleons from the King of Spain, which formerly were esteemed as invincible Vessels; besides many other Warlike ships; passing over with silence, above two hundreth ships, as also Barks Which we have afforced to ourselves, appropriated to our own use, & in part destroyed.  
The same our Ships have overmastred the rich and mighty City St. Salvador in Bra●ll, and possessed for a while, ransacked Portorico, and explained the way, to command the most enclosed Havens, and have destroyed and demolished the Castle of Saint Margarita.  
By which manner of doing, we have not only impoverished the King of Spain, and emptied his Cash, but also exposed him to excessive expenses.  
We say, wasted his banks or Cash.  
First, withdrawing from him so much silver, as so much blood out of a vein.  
Secondly, in diminishing his Custom and poundage, as well in Portugal as Spain. But hitherto, especially in Portugal; because, there at the Egress and return, thirty per Cento are to be paid.  
Thirdly, also in respect of the forenamed poundage, for want of return thence, his Subjects are disanimated and discouraged, either to ship goods, or send ships, so that the Commerce and Traffic of Portugal and Spain daily decreaseth, and their Sugar remains upon their hands in extreme quantity. In Brasill for want of ships, and fear of our Navy, so driven to great charges.  
Fourthly, because we do hinder the transposition of Blackmoores▪ from the which he doth not only receive great Custom, but also by them all things are furthered, and so he is put to more expenses.  
First, because he must fortify and secure his Navy, for whereas he durst permit his Treasure to pass with 6. 7. or 8. Galleons▪ he is compelled to procure thrice as many, and yet dare hardly proceed for fear of our Ships.  
Secondly, because he was driven to surprise and regain the City of Saluador, with a Navy of 60 sail of Ships, in the which were fifteen thousand men; Which enterprise, although to small success, cost him according to the computation of all discreet judgements, a hundreth and fifty tun of treasure: and yet was so frustrated, that he got an empty place, instead of a Mountain, a Mouse.  
Thirdly, because he is forced to entertain Fortifications upon all his Coasts and Havens (for he knows not where to expect us) his Garrisons increase continually, and he sends ammunition continually, and in lieu he did receive now he deburseth money, where it cometh to pass, that his revenues wax small. And by the way might so be opposed that he should have but a small remainder of the same. And this also might come to pass that we might hinder their Spanish Navy of Terra firma, Hondacus, and Nova Hispania, From arriving in their due and appointed time, and from wintering in their desired ports (as lately hath been experienced by our Fleet, under the command of the Admiral Adriaem I●●ss. Pater) to their unexpressible expenses and dangerous passage, in an unaccustomed season, so that his enterprise may be altogether frustrated.  
Out of all which appears, that the King's Chests are empty, that his credit fails, and all his adherents are forced to break, and stoop low, his Mariners here are unsatisfied; insomuch, that every one that looks with an indifferent eye, may perceive that this our East India Company hath afforded the King of Spain an irreparable opposition and damage, and is like to make this breach greater, if her proceed be but continued, and seasonably seconded.  
Unto which premises serve these subsequent occasions which never yet were incident, nor ever are like to be; to wit, that diverse of his Countries of greatest importance are sore divided. For the di●●●●on is among the Spaniards themselves, and there is no small jealousy among the Negroes and overmastered Barbarians. Unto which inconveniences, he cannot administer a remedy, by reason of the want of money, yet he wants the benevolence of all m●n there. Which jump of occasion we can wait on, and beat him at his own weapons.  
We have now also by our own loss, and at our own cost learned this slight, to touch him boldest where he is weakest. If now the current of this our stream should be stopped, he will recover his strength, and restore all things to a new form unknown to us.  
We will not expect now that your Excellen: will hereafter, either sl●ght or forget the service of our Company performed for our Countries. For otherwise as we have declared and propounded to your Excel: the benefit and commodity. Which this Country hath enjoyed by the proceeding and good success of our Company: so could we likewise make known unto your Excellen: diverse most evident damages and losses which we are like to sustain, and consequently would ensue, if the kno● of this united Company should once be untied. For as the benefit of this work hath been great in the success, which wo●ke we have brought to perfection with excessive charges, with great hazard and danger; so all the world may soon perceive, and all men do already foresee, that if the strength and power of this company should be restrained by the dissolving of the same, there would inevitably follow the d●●●ct contrary, unto whatsoever we have deducted for the prosperity of these Countries.  
As first. We shall not be able to employ our ships, and therefore he constrained to sell and put off many of them▪ nay the most part at small under rates: build no more, hire no more but whereas now and than, some false knave or other, doth secretly convey some ship furniture, ammunition, or sh●p unto the Enemy▪ we should see our best ships fittest for War, and Navigation, transported th●ther before every man's eyes, without fear or parting back▪  
Secondly, We should not be able to yield service and employment to our Mariners, which would cause them to fly to the Enemy, and tender him their service.  
Thirdly, it is to be feared that the same our seamen having tasted the sweetness of our booty and Prizes would betake themselves to Pirates, and so over throw the safety of our Navigation.  
Fourthly, that (as ●● the former Truce) men will study and endeavour to sa●l● with less charges, and so own shot and ammunition, or at leastwise take that which ●s bu● slight and of no value, and so in time of need and common danger, we▪ shall be to seek, and found unprovided.  
〈…〉, we 〈◊〉 not procure such abundance of 〈…〉 into our Countries, or at leastwise not so che●●● and at so small charges, considering that all must pass● under the ●eauie burden of our enemy's Toll and Custom, so that the Cream will be skimmed off before the milk come to our hands, whence must of necessity ensue a decrease in Trading, and all manner of Traffic.  
Contrariwise, the K. of Spain shall by this means obtain and recover his Gold & Silver springs and veins at liberty, get forward again, wax strong, redress and rectify the great disorder in yonder parts. Re-edify his decayed Fortresses, build new, in stead that now he finds them laid open. He will also then either allure the Savages to himself, or otherwise extirpate them, who now do much incline to us, In a word, he will so re-establish all things there, that it will be in vain for us to endeavour that way in future time.  
That all this is truth, we shall need no other witnesses to testify, then common voices, for the most part even of those that are afar off, or of your Excellency's subjects, who do unanimously acknowledge that they have ever been of that opinion, that nothing can be enterprised more prejudicial to our common Enemy, then to assault him in those parts, whence he doth obtain with what he doth curb all Christendom, and whereby he hath now many years aspired to the universal Monarchy. And that therefore according to the beginnings, they do perceive themselves not deceived in their opinion and judgement. We do appeal to our Enemy himself, who cannot Conceal that there is nothing presseth them so sore, nor urgeth more to desire a Truce then the weapons of our Company and that if this Thorn were but out of their foot, they will then give us whatsoever advantage.  
Insomuch then, the Interest of a common harm is greater than that of particular copartners, who (as they say concerning the most part) have adventured their moneys more for love, than greediness of gain, they could easily endure that loss which should befall them by the dissolution of the Company, if thereby the common good and public weal were furthered. Because by this means the party will recover his strength, take breath, get new blood and vigonr, and to the contrary these Countries will decay and faint, and strain one of their best points, and (if we might be so bold to say) lame an arm.  
Also it might come to pass, that this business might be undertaken by some other, and we stand and be spectators only, and so never come to be ourselves again in this matter. The most we might expect should be a Competency, and Dependency on others.  
In Conclusion then. We do most submissively request and entreat, that your Excel: (according to your wont wisdom) would be pleased to prevent these forenamed Inconueniencies and losses: and not suffer our Company (as we have deducted before) to be ruinated by a Truce, and the Spaniard to take breath and gather strength. But rather that it would please) our Excellen: to maintain our Company in their former right, & encourage, and strengthen them in their good purpose and resolution, and to suffer them to enjoy & reap the fruits of so many dangers, hazards, pains and troubles as their Capitals and Services have undergone and sustained, and the good respect which they have deserved from this State. Not shuffing and putting from v●, that great blessing which the Lord hath begun to bestow upon their Countries, by the means of this Company.  
And so we trust that the same blessing will continue amongst us, to the propagation of his name, and honour and inlighting of our own Country. Unto the which, according to out mean endeavours we are and will be still willing to Contribute. And will always be ready to declare further reasons of this our backwardness to your Excellencies, and will ever remain, etc.  
Your Excellencies, most humble Servants. The Deputies of the authorized West India Company. At their Meeting the 19 Was thus Subscribed. 

REYNIER REAEL.  
JOHAN DE ZAET.  
A PIETERSONS.  
SIMON VERDOES.  
DIDRICH SCHERF.  
ALBERT WYFFERINCK.  
ANTHONY GODU●.  
MARCUS VAN VALIKENBURCH  
GERRIT. VAN NYBVRG●.  
JOHAN DE MOOR.  
ABRAHAM OYENS.     

divers Conscionable Considerations upon this Question: Whether in Conscience men may contract a Truce with the King of Spain.  
BEfore any thing be undertaken, it is necessary, that in the first place this question be made, Whether or no it be agreeable to Gods most holy will, & may be performed with a safe conscience.  
The Prince of Orange, of blessed and happy memory, When as there was to be treated at Bourborgh in Flanders, concerning a Peace with the King of Spain, aswell in the behalf of the the Queen of England, as on the behalf of these Countries, did then chief pause upon this point, and to this end called together an Assembly or Synod of Clergy men, to consult of that matter. It were very requisire that our high and mighty Superiors followed the same steps, and in this Treaty of Truce, did consult with the Ministers of God, and so take Counsel from his own Word. But notwithstanding this is unlikely at this time, yet will not these few considerations prove unnecessary and unprofitable, even to the satisfying and informing the consciences of those who shall hereafter read and peruse them. My desire therefore is, that they may be considered and thought upon, with unfeigned love towards God, in his fear, and for his Truth's sake.  
The Question here is not, Whether or no we may with a safe Conscience make war against the King of Spain, and while he continues war, proceed and continue ours against him. We hold this affirmative, and lay it as a ground of truth: For we know that true Maxim received of all true Christians, and the higher Powers of these Countries, and indeed is grounded upon the sacred Scriptures, That the Magistrates do not bear the Sword in vain; but for the suppressing and punishing of the bad, and for the defence of the good; for the good of their Subjects; and consequently, not only against private offenders, who have damaged and wronged this and that particular person, but also against general and Public offenders, who labour to disturb and overthrew the state of the Land, and the Public-weal: But the Question is this, Whether or no we may cease making war; or (to be plainer) Whether we may for a time, or for certain years, shut up and stop our proceed in war.  
This Question being thus propounded in general in the Thesis or Position, it unfolds itself: For who dares doubt but we may cease warring with mutual agreement, when the contrary party either requireth, or is willing to do the same? Therefore the Question propounded in the Thesis is without difficulty, except it be among such as either are bloodthirsty, or revengeful, or intent either to enrich or advance themselves by the booty and prey; such I mean, as would not deal in this matter according to conscience, but their own beastly and fleshly lusts.  
Here lies the point in the Hypothesis, or conditional Proposition: that is, when this Question is applied to our common Enemy, and his state and condition; whether then it may consist with safety of Conscience to contract a Truce with the King of Sptine.  
And here two things offer themselves to be considered:  
First, the Condition of the King of Spain.  
Secondly, our state and present condition, and occasions.  
For the first, it is certain, and beyond doubt, that the King of Spain, our enemy, doth not now enter into Treaty with us concerning a Truce, either out of love to peace, or love to our persons.  
This is manifest and evident in the proceed of all his wars from time to time, also in his wars continued against us. It doth appear that he aims only to erect his supposed and imagined universal Monarchy, and absolute Dominion. Remember the wars, whereby he did help the Emperor, for the suppressing and subduing of those that were united with us in religion and love, even while he entertained a Truce with us. Consider the wars which he even now undergoeth in Italy against the French King, & other parts of the world; and will treat with us, not concerning Peace, but a Truce. He esteems us his Rebels, he hates us as such, wherefore he would never acknowledge us for free Countries, nor never will as long as the World stands. He only dissembles, and conceals his malice for a while, against a better and fit opportunity. How he hath continued in his hatred and malice against us, hath sufficiently been manifested since our Truce with him hath been expired. What moves him then, and induceth him to this? Nothing but his love to his own State, and presupposed and imaginary universal Monarchy. For seeing that it is impossible for him to attain to that height, through his wars against us, and that God affords us in our proceed of War, sufficient means, to confirm our State, and debilitate his; he labours by his Truce to wrest the means out of our hands; and so to fortify and confirm his State against ours, to the end that he may with more ease and profitable success, to the increase of our loss, recollect himself, and make his war the stronger.  
If any one oppose thus; However things are, yet in the time of Truce we shall possess and enjoy rest and tranquillity, without War and combustion; then ought this to be considered of;  
Whether or no this can undoubtedly be affirmed. For if we can be assured of rest and peace, what need so many Soldiers be kept in service, laid in Garrison upon all the Frontiers? Why do we not save these Charges, and decrease our cost? Hence appears then, that we cannot be secure, and certain of the fidelity of our Enemy, or of any rest and peace, even in time of the Truce.  
This must needs be so; for we deal with an Enemy, who neither stands to his word nor promise, although confirmed with his own hand, seal, and Oath.  
Those Maxims of your Popish Counsels, that no faith is to be kept with Heretics, is known throughout the whole World, and the practice of the same is made manifest in all Countries. These Netherlands have by woeful experience tried and tasted of Spanish infidelity: do but read those passages that are past, turn over our Histories, and they will abundantly testify the same.  
Shall we say that the Spaniard is by former experience better taught, and is now of another mind and condition? Who shall assure us of this? It cannot so soon be said, but may as soon be denied. And the Negative is more probable than the Affirmative. For this you must grant, that he is still bound in conscience to the Pope of Rome; and you know that he ascribes to himself this authority, that he can and will free the consciences of men, from their obligation by Oath, that he can discharge Subjects from their Oath of Allegiance, made to their Prince and Superiors; that he hath power to stir up and incense Subjects against their Kings and Magistrates, to depose Kings, etc.  
When now the Pope shall see this to further and prove beneficial to the Church of Rome, will he not fare rather have the power to free the King of Spain from his promise made either by subscription or Oath, to such which he holds for Heretics and rebellious Subjects?  
Nay, will he not rather ordain that for the good & benefit of the Church of Rome, the King of Spain do unawares and suddenly intercept, and fall aupon them. Shall we say, this can be prevented, by entertaining and keeping our Weapons, guarding our frontiers, and being vigilant that they do not suddenly fall on us, and so keep him from his enterprise, and be out of danger? What then will the Truce signify? which we shall be fain to entertain in lieu of a defensive war? and in the mean while barring ourselves from all opportunity of advantaging ourselves against our enemy?  
Concerning the second point, namely our state and present occasion: The Lords the States of these Countries do profess to maintain the true reformed Christian Religion; Thus they declare in their ordaining of their Fasts, they show in their Demonstrations to Kings, Princes, and States, they publish the same in their Proclamations and Ordinances, and they do well; so that one of the chiefest Maxims of our State, is the managing of the true Christian Religion. Now let us examine whether the Truce is intended to that end; 'tis certain that the Spaniard doth hate us for nothing more, and for no other cause but this Religion; he also useth the same for a pretence to justify his wars against us, and to declare and show that we have forfeited our Privileges.  
He perceives now, that he cannot attain unto all this by open War, he therefore labours to bring it to pass by the Truce. And in very deed he can 〈◊〉 no better means: For he knows how many ●●ctaries here are amongst us, all enemies to the same Religion, how many inhabitants in these countries yet clean and adhere to Popery▪ how the Priests and jesuites swarm here, aiming and endeavouring to incense the hearts of the Subjects against our State and Religion: nay more, even to seduce and envelop the very hearts of the Magistrates and Governors. Consider again, that two sorts of people chief do bend and oppose themselves against our State and Religion; the Papists, and Remonstrants; the Papists pleading and holding, that the Sat of these Countries is an usurped State, and that the King of Spain is lawful Heir of these Countries. The Remonstrants, because their design and purpose is dismissed, and their Faction repressed, even out of a bitter hatred and malice against the Religion and government of these Countries, expressing themselves most vilely and violently, yea many times uttering these and the like speeches, That they do acknowledge the King of Spain to be the natural Lord of these Countries. Now he knows how the other Sectaries do uphold and animate these two sorts of people, and that consequently the true Religion hath as many internal as external enemies. And that these youths are now compelled to be still, or at lest cannot so well and conveniently lift up their heads in time of war as they would do in time of truce. Experience hath sufficiently taught in the former Truce, how they did endeavour and strive to suppress the Religion amongst us, what power and subtlety thereunto hath been used, how those factious people and enemies of true Religion, did all at once elevate and bestir themselves, to work out their malice and hatred against the Religion. And had not the Lord himself wonderfully provided for us, in what woeful estate had we found ourselves? Hence it comes to pass that those that were united unto us in the same Religion, were in the former Truce thus miserably and earnestly persecuted in Germany, and woefully subdued. This is an undoubted truth, if our Religion be lost, our Countries are lost: now, how near it was come to this point with our Religion, in the former Truce, cannot but be palpable, to him who is either of understanding or judgement.  
Who doubts, but this proffer of Truce tends to the same scope? Now that the Spaniard hates the Religion, and therefore employs all means, and directs all his actions to extirpate the same, is without and beyond dispute. That all Sectaries within these Country's hate Religion, and do but wait for an opportunity to expel the same, needs no proof. The Spaniard he propounds a Truce, all the Papists amongst us, all Sectaries, Remonstrants, Bastad-Lutherians, Anabaptists, people without any religion, and such we call Libertines, commend it, call for it, are ready to embrace it. Now consider whether this Truce can possibly serve for the managing, maintenance and defence of the forenamed true Religion. The Spaniard expects and hopes that the Sectaries will lift up their heads, and take an opportunity to suppress this Region. The Sectaries they long and desire to obtain such an opportunity: especially that known and noted Faction, who do travel, as it were, in labour, with a bitter hatred, till they can by such an opportunity revenge themselves. This it is that causeth all faithful Patriots, and true lovers of the forenamed Religion, to be sensible of the danger, & to apprehended of this Truce so grievously.  
Now let it be duly pondered in the fear of GOD, whether it may consist with a safe conscience, to endanger the Countries, to be deceived, and suddenly and unexpectedly to be surprised of our enemy; to give into the hands of our enemies, those means which they themselves deem and judge to serve for the restauration of their State, and weakening of ours. To yield an opportunity to our external and internal enemies, which they desire and long for, even to the end they may suppress the true Religion: To forsake and abandon those that are united with us in the true Religion, in Germany and elsewhere, and cast off such means as God hath yielded unto us for their restitution: To grieve our Friends, joy and animate our enemies, and all this at such a time, when God doth palpably bless us, doth establish our State, and confound our enemies; and so ungratefully reject God's mercies and blessings, and trample them under our feet. These considerations ought we to take to heart, for no reasons with any ground can prevail against them, unless we could aforehand be assured, that the Truce is required, with love to the welfare of these Countries, and that the Spaniard will firmly keep his word: And that by General Council, with consent and approbation of the Pope, that Decree shall be revoked, That no faith is to be kept with Heretics; and unless he do resign the power of dispensing with Oaths. That also the Sectaries shall be quiet and still, without turbulence, or endeavouring to suppress Religion; and that all Governors, aswell in general as particular, shall unanimously, with all diligence and integrity, labour and strive to maintain and f●rther the reformed Religion. For as long as we have not this assurance, the former considerations remain in full force.  
If question be made, what assurance we have against this in time of war, the answer is at hand. Experience (we know) teacheth us, that those Arms, which through God's blessing we bear against our enemies, as it is confessed, in time of Truce we must still bear for farther assurance: and whereas by reason of war we are as it were united and joined together, so that we shall not, like unto lose brooms, fall asunder: whence will come to pass, that those that are enemies to Religion, shall not have opportunity to put in practise their malicious erterprises.  
The principal thing that can here be objected in case of conscience, is, that war is a cruel beast, and this beast will rest at leastwise in time of Truce. But in this case consider, how much the more furious and cruel she will be, after she shall be roused out of her sleep, and how this hath been already experienced by those grand Armies which the Enemy did produce after the last Truce, as also his power at Sea. This is a lamentable thing, and a matter of conscience, when so much blood is spilt: But what will it be, when the Enemy, by reason of the Truce, shall, having recovered his strength, devour us and our children, according to his tyrannous and bloody nature, and cruel disposition? Shall we then think no humane blood be spilt? And to what end I pray tends the Truce, but to this design? When the internal enemies of the Countries, unto true Religion, shall oppose themselves against the defenders and professors of true Religion, and then these suppose themselves to have just cause to defend them, shall within ourselves fall together by the ears? Will not this be a woeful spectacle for us, and pleasing unto them our enemies? Oh how near was it come to this push by the former Truce? and had prevailed, if God had not wonderfully provided. Was it not come to the very height of this spectacle.  
But who are those that speak in this wise? are they not Papists, whose qualities we cannot be unacquainted with? who, as long as the Arms in these Countries take good success, they make a fair show of being on our side; but as soon as ever the case doth alter, they cannot conceal their villainous malice. Did it not lately appear, when the enemy was in the Velewe, and when Amersfort was lost?  
Are they not Remonstrants, whose partial minds and intentions do manifest themselves in all their speeches, writings, and actions? Are they not other Sectaries, who all alike are linked together, to subvert the true Religion, the safety and glory of our State? Notwithstanding they make a fair show of Peace, and sparing of humane blood, 'tis to spare the Enemy, and favour them, and to suppress the true Patriots of the countries'. This is saul's mercy to Agag the King of the Amalechites, who in the mean while used all diligence to destroy the upright King David. Achab the King or Israel favoured Benhadad the King of Syria, when he being in the utmost extremity, trusted to this, that the Kings of Israel were merciful Kings.  
Such mercy did the Kings of Israel show unto the Idolatrous Kings, enemies unto Israel, and notwithstanding they for their parts, cruelly persecuted the Prophets of the Lord, because they did not speak pleasing to their palates. This is the quality of all Hypocrites, and enemies of true Religion; they cry all for mercy, when as we have to do with Idolaters, and enemies of God and his Church: But when they have to do with the faithful servants of God, protectors of his true Religion, than they have abandoned and cast off all mercy. Lay down therefore this sinister mercy, lest that punishment which was threatened and befell the merciful Kings of Israel, befall you also. Show your mercy to the Israel of God, who are persecuted by the Idolater and false-worshippers: Look upon God, and the justice of our Cause: Labour to further Gods Honour, and to defend the true Religion, to protect our own Country against our Common sworn Enemy. Do this in holy zeal, in God's fear, with a confident boldness and Courage; and the Lord of Hosts be with you.  
Amen.   

Remonstrance To be showed and presented, in behalf of the King of Bohemia, unto the High and Mighty Lords, the Lords the State's General of the United low-country Provinces.  
Concerning this present Treaty of ceasing Arms, or Truce.  
High and Mighty Lords:  
WHereas it hath pleased Almighty GOD to give so good a success unto the wars of the high & mighty Lords the States of the United Provinces, aswell by Sea as by Land, so that the Enemy finding himself in great extremity, is constrained to seek after a Truce and ceasing of Arms, thereby to breathe himself: His Majesty of Bohemia, who also is partaker of this happiness, and herein doth congratulate your Excellencies, cannot but (through and for the inseparable love, which from old time hath been between His Majesty's House, and is yet maintained in this State, as also in respect of the common interest) earnestly entreat and request your Excellencies, that in case they should find and deem it necessary, profitable, and for the best of their Provinces, to assent unto a Treaty of Truce: That they would be pleased not to draw a conclusion, unless the restitution of his Majesty be therein expressly set down, agreed, and comprehended.  
Considering, first, that these united Provinces cannot promise to themselves, much less expect any security, rest, or peace, as long as Germany, and especially the Palatinate, do remain under the suppression of the House of Austria, and Spain: Considering that by how much more the forementioned House of Austria shall henceforward chance to elevate and establish her fortune and dignity, in the ruin, loss, and destruction of the most Illustrious Houses and kindred of Germany; and above all, of the Prince Elector Palatine; by so much the more, means and opportunity will be yielded unto them, for the joining of the forces together of the whole body of the Empire, and for the bending of all their power against the State of these Countries, in all accidental occasions whatsoever, being proffered and presented unto them, without taking notice of any treaty or agreement. Whereas secondly, to the contrary, the forementioned house of Austria and Spain, with their adherents, (who hitherto, by their unjust and overchargeable proceed, have stirred against them the displeasure and ill will of all the Evangelicall Princes of the Empire) begin now to fear some evil event, and fearful alteration, disturbance, and subversion in their affairs. which fear is much accrued, through the evident and manifest Victories of the high and mighty Lords the States general of these United Provinces.  
Thirdly, this being very evident and apparent, that the malice and hatred that the House of Austria and Spain do bear to the House of the Prince Elector Palatine, principally doth hence proceed, Because the same House hath ever been well addicted and affectioned, and hath ever as much as in her lay, furthered and favoured the welfare, profit & increase of whatsoever did concern the State of these Low-Countries. For which causes, the Emperor formerly hath showed and declared unto the King of Spain, in his Letters, dated the 14. of Octob. 1621. (which Letters are now in the hands of his Majesty of Bohemia, and are truly the very original Letters) that this State of the United Provinces can never be brought under the obedience and power of Spain, as long as the House of the Elector Palatine is not wholly extirpated, and cut off from the Empire.  
Fourthly, May it please your Excellencies, the high and mighty States general, to be mindful, that the Articles of the forbearance, which they contracted with the King of Great Britain, the 7 of Septemb. 1625. do comprehend the Palatinate, and whatsoever concerns the same, confirmed with very powerful and express words and terms against the House of Spain and her adherents. His Majesty confidently reposing, that your Excellencies would carefully be mindful of all this, and take into consideration the faithful Services, which his Majesty's Predecessors, as namely his Father and Grandfathers, have done unto this State.  
Fiftly, this also is to be held for a certain, that if the Palatinate be wholly excluded in this Treaty of a Truce, which is now propounded and proffered unto your Excellencies, this would enforce an irreparable loss and hindrance to the restitution of his Majesty, and consequently to all the affairs of whole Germany, which have their relation and reflex unto the united Provinces. But above all & in conclusion, herein is not only handled the particular of his Majesty, but also the repairing, as also the liberty and main 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the reformed Churches, which at this day so heavily groan under the burden and yoke of 〈◊〉; and the which do incessantly and 〈◊〉 entreat the Lord for the welfare and prosperity of these united Provinces. Insomuch, that whatsoever your Excellencies shall do in this particular, will serve much for the magnifying of God's glory, and (which is the only scope or mark to which all our actions ought to be directed) to the refreshing and easing of many oppressed and distressed hearts; and hereby allure God's blessing upon your Countries, and gain immortal praise to your Excellencies, and more and more increase the obligement of His Majesty and his Successors to your Excellencies. And your Excellencies may be assured, that His Majesty and His, being restored to the Inheritance of their Fathers, shall ever be careful to tender your Excellencies all bounden duty and service of sincere love, and everlasting acknowledgement, as often as time, means, and opportunity shall be afforded.   
FINIS.