A brief RELATION OF That which hath been lately attempted to procure ecclesiastical PEACE amongst PROTESTANTS.  
Published, by Samuel Hartlib.   printer's or publisher's device 
LONDON, Printed by I. R. for Andrew Crook, and are to be sold at his shop in Paul's churchyard, at the sign of the Green Dragon. 1641.   

Sir Edwin Sands in his Book called Europae Speculum, or a view of the State of Religion in the Western parts of the World, Pag. 183.  
THe end (of these unhappy differences in Religion, between the Reformed, and Lutheran Protestants) will be that their enemies shall laugh, when themselves shall have cause to weep, unless the graciousness of God, stir up some worthy Princes of renown, and reputation with both the sides, to interpose their wisdom, industry and authority, for the uniting these factions, or at least wise for reconciling, and composing those differences in some tolerable sort: a work of immortal fame, and desert, and worthy of none other, but of them of whom this wicked base World is not worthy.   

A Brief RELATION OF THAT WHICH HATH BEEN LATELY ATTEMPTED TO PROCURE ecclesiastical PEACE amongst PROTESTANTS.  
THE purpose of soliciting a Roncilement amongst Protestants in matters of Religion was first undertaken, and afterward prosecuted after this manner.  
When in the year 1628.▪ John Dury was in Prussia Minister to the English Company of merchants residing at Elbing, he was sent unto, dealt withal, and moved by Dr. Godeman a wise, godly, and learned man, one of the King of Sweden's Privy councillors, and Judge of his high Court in those parts, to second him in a business of ecclesiastical unity amongst Protestants, which he said, his King and Master would be glad to advance. So good a motion being readily entertained, it came to pass afterward, when Sir Thomas Roe was sent Ambassador Extraordinary by his Majesty of great Britain, to agree the Swedes and Polonians (which also he did successfully 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 endeavours of a public nature, did very willingly assist them with counsel, and at Master Duryes entreaty, conferred with the Lord Chancellor Oxonstiern, to see how far he would show himself in the business, and what course might be resolved upon to proceed jointly to the effect thereof. The Lord Chancellor manifested a good liking to the work, and promised to my Lord Ambassador to join effectually therein towards his King, and the Lutheran Clergy of his best acquaintance. Upon this ground, my Lord Ambassador encouraged Mr Dury to proceed, and when his Lordship was gone into England, the Lord Chancellor sent for him, heard his particular proposals, conferred with him about the same, testified his willingness to give assistance thereunto, and desired Mr Dury to give him information of the passages of the work in time to come, so he went from Elbing into Engl. in the year 1630. Chiefly, because his Congregagation at Elbing was dissolved by reason of the inconveniences which war had brought upon the Trade in that place; and because Sir Thomas Roe had promised to move the chief Prelates in England to assist him in the work of pacification. Being then arrived there, he first acquainted his most familiar friends of the Clergy with his purpose, and showed them some declarations written by the chief Preachers of Dantzigh to make it appear, that they were not only ready to join 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 Sir Thomas Roe, who was mindful of his promise, and became every way as good as his word towards him. For he recommended the business towards the Kings most Excellent majesty; who was pleased to refer the consideration of this matter to my Lord's Grace of Canterbury, and to the Bishop of London, that they should hear Mr Dury, and declare their resolutions to his proposals. 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 testify 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 council for the present was only this, that to prepare a way for future treaties, the Magistrates of both sides should inhibit railing disputes in the Pulpit, and put down the names of partiality, so far as could be done, and not suffer any debatements to be taken up or fomented about matters of Ceremony in the form of public worship.  
This he did, and after a good space, when news came, that the Protestant Princes in Germany had leagued themselves together for their mutual defence, and that an amiable conference of their Divines had been holden with good success 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 counsels, and endeavours in the work.  
To make away for this purpose, he had before hand through, Sir James Spense Lord of Oreholm, and general to the Scottish Nation, in the Swedish Army, given notice to his Majesty of Sweden, what his aim was in the business of Reconcilement, and how it might be effected: Therefore when he came in the year 1631. into Germany, he found the King somewhat prepared, whom soon after the Battle fought at Leipzigh, he spoke withal at Wirtsburg. His majesty was pleased to give him large audience, and by conference received full information of all those deliberations, and particular ways, whereby the work could be prosecuted, of which, the Sammlary resolution whereunto his Majesty gave assent, was this. That the council given by the Reverend Prelates of England was to be followed, for the inhibition of disputes, and partial names: and that as Master Dury did intend to labour with the Divines of the Reformed side to dispose them, to join unanimously in the means, and ways of amity, so his Majesty would recommend the same endeavours to be undertaken, by some Divine of the Lutheran fide, who should in like manner work upon the rest of their own party, and afterward when a fit preparation should be found on both sides, than His Majesty did offer to give unto Master Dury his Letters of public 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 foreign Divines, the business might be brought to a solemn conclusion. This favourable resolution being taken, Mr 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 evil 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 Lord's Grace of Canterbury, some jointly to him and to the Lord Bishop of London, whereby they showed 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 Evangelical League. There he 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 university of Sedan sent their answers (for Letters formerly had been written to them) wherein they assisted Master Dury with council; 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 Confederate Evangelical States, permission to treat with the Divines and Pastors of their Churches concerning the means of Peace ecclesiastical; Although the Ambassadors then present had not gotten any particular instructions concerning this matter from their principals, yet nevertheless 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 unity, will be so much the more ready with all their endeavours 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 promises of assistance, which the several Ambassadors from all parts made unto him, he thought fit to write Letters to all the Lutheran universities, 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 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 unity, and composing differences in Religion; and if the States should not meet there, that nevertheless in time, and place convenient, some particular convocation of their own Divines should be brought to pass, 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 far as 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, than it is to be inquired, whether or no, those remaining differences of opinion be of such importance, that by reason of the same, a schism 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 Mr. 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 year, 1633 There he found D Laud, Lord Archbishop of Canterbury in his Predecessors place. Therefore the Letters and Declarations of foreign Churches and Divines were presented to him, with a brief Narration of more particular proceeding. All was well liked, and resolution agreed upon, that Mr. 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 theological declarations for the advancement of his purpose. To which effect, he also wrote into Ireland, to the Most Reverend Father in God, Doctor Usher, Lord Archbishop of Armagh, and Primate of Ireland, and to the two Lord Bishops of Kilmore and Ardach, who in like manner did afterward jointly 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 Lord's 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 receipt 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; Mr. 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 consistorial meeting, with his negotiation, who having promised to join endeavours, he went from thence towards Franckfort, to a great and solemn meeting of the Protestant States, where he arrived in my Lord Ambassadors company in June 1634. There he dealt in particular, first with his best acquaintance, and then made a proposition in general to the assembly; thereupon the States were moved to depute out of every college, some to take his business into consideration. These came together, gave Mr Dury audience, received informations of the Circumstances of this work, and perused several declaratory writings, which divers Universities and Divines of both sides in Germany, as also out of Germany in foreign 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 useful 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 final resolution could be taken by them at that present, but that they would faithfully relate and recommend these businesses unto their Masters to bring them to some effectual resolution.  
Secondly, That others which had received instructions from their principals, about the matter, had proposed two ways 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 pass, that a fundamental agreement in points necessary for salvation, according to the Example of the Conference held at Leipzigb might be settled; 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 foreign States and Princes to move them to send thither also some of their Divines. Thirdly, That others thought it no less expedient to proceed thus; Namely, that the Electors of Saxony and Brandinburg should be entreated by the States, then met together, to reassume the amiable Conference, which was begun three years ago, betwixt their Divines, and those of cassel, and to this effect that (if not sooner, at least then) when the Treaties of Peace universal should be set on foot, 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 aimed at, that an agreement should be made in a Common Confession of Faith containing all the fundamentals of Religion necessary for Salvation, setting other points of scholastical dispute aside.  
Fourthly, That the Ambassadors who had no instructions did promise to relate unto their principals, their advices, and procure fit resolutions thereupon, which should be sent unto the civil Electors, professing the Protestant Religion.  
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, as well in Preaching, as in Writing; lest if this was not done, some hindrance might befall unto their unity, and being done by this means, the civil Peace also might so much the more be advanced.  
Sixthly, That Prayers were to be conceived in the Churches of both sides, to entreat Almighty God to bless 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 applied, and all the chief hands did subscribe it.  
Of this Act, the original, sealed and subscribed, was given to Master Dury, to enable him to testify 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 provincial synods 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, My Lord's 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 majesty's Letters of safe Conduct; with a testimonial from my Lord's Grace of Canterbury, bearing witness that Master Dury had acquainted him with the success of his proceedings, that he went again out of England to prosecute the same business, 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 concur more effectually in these endeavours, than 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 July, the year 1635. There he dealt first with the States of Holland, to induce them to recommend these thoughts unto their provincial Synod which was then begun. Afterward he went to those of Zealand, and appeared in their classical meetings held at Walcheren, Zirickzee, Tolen and Goes, than he dealt with the University of Leyden, and the Synods as they came in order; namely, with that of North-Holland, and of Utrecht, and with the French Synod in those parts, from which Declarations were obtained, fit for the advancement of his purpose: When he had thus far proceeded in Holland, and found that evil affected minds towards Peace, raised ungrounded surmises against him, to stop the good inclinations of impartial men, he used means to clear men's 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 than in Germany he was able to do. For the work of Peace, at the persuasion of some friends, he took a journey thitherward, where he arrived in June, 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 reality was found in them. For when a resolution was taken to permit Master Dury to treat with the Diviaes' of that kingdom, four places were named Stockholm, Vbsall, Westerose, and Strengnese, to which he might address 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 university of Vbsall was the chief. There he had conference both Collegially and severally with the Professors of divinity, who gave full assent unto his desires, and set down these conditions, upon which they were ready to agree, and join with the reformed side.  

1`` That a full agreement should be made in all the fundamental Articles of faith.  
2 That all errors overthrowing the foundation, or tending to overthrow the same, should be condemned.  
3 That in matters ceremonial and of indifferency, there should be a mutual toleration.  
4 That betwixt the parties united sincerity and uprightness 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 needless disputes and brabblings should be inhibited on all sides.  
7 That former reproaches and injuries should be put to oblivion.  
8 That the Church government should be settled according to apostolical 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 the first, and the last of these conditions, as the chief of all the rest, namely, concerning fundamental Articles of Faith, and the establishment of ecclesiastical Government; Touching the first, namely, how to limitate the number of fundamentals, and distinguish the same from Not fundamentals, Mr. 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 ecclesiastical Government, by Cannons, which they are about to make. Therefore both the Dean of the Faculty of Divinity at Vbsall, the Queen's Tutor at Stockholm, and the Lord Chancellor conferred several times with Mr. 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 prelates, Doctor Morton, Doctor Davenant, and Doctor Hall, which besides some other public 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, thorough Strengnese, and Westerose. In this progress the the Bishops of Strengnese and Westerose, were dealt withal the second time. They settled good resolutions, and laid grounds for constant future treaties; so far, that they had thoughts of sending some body into England; nevertheless, 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 jealousy that the Swedes would come to some public Treaties, and therein to a Conclusion without them, did expostulate the matter, and by letters endeavoured to dissuade 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 lets, did not leave the work, but laboured so much the more to engage them to it, by showing ways 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 day's conference instituted to that effect, so that they seemed to acquiosse. And because they had laid this as a main ground, That if a fundamental agreement could be found in the Doctrine of the Lord's Supper, they would not much stand to debate other matters. Therefore not long after their conference, he offered to the Archbishop and professors of Vbsall, a learned and pathetical Declaration, which from the University of Aberdeine, and Ministry of Edinburg, was sent unto him, to show the fundamental agreement of Protestants in that point. At this Declaration some small exceptions were taken, in respect of certain forms of speeches contained therein, which Mr. 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 show thereunto, might take some real effect, and work upon the spirits of the common clergy, a good impression to give way unto it: This their perverseness being fully apparrant, moved Mr. Dury to deal in some kind 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 business lie a while asleep; but lest some unconscionable men might falsely 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 chief actions and proposals, which he offered to the clergy 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 bind himself to lawful purposes and unblamable ways 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 Queen's Name, to give him a Declaration, and dimissory Letter, whereby his actions in Sweden were approved, bearing witness that Master Dury being come into Sweden to dispose the minds of their Clergy unto the work of Peace ecclesiastical, 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 kingdom; and although some difficulties were risen, as in weighty matters is usual, 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 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 Britain towards the King of Denmark, and Princes of Germany. To him he gave attendance, all the while he stayed in those parts, not leaving his former purpose, but rather using the advantage of his lordship's 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 proposals at the public Treaties of Peace in Germany, which then was thought upon by reason of the Emperor's 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 council. These were very cordial in the business, and entertaining him with all kindness, and liberality (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 city. Then he proceeded towards the King of Denmark, who was at Gluckstad, There with the good liking and countenance of my Lord 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 university of Coppenhagen.  
These gave their judgement, and advice concerning his negotiation, tending to show their approbation of the purpose, their particular counsel, and proposals in prosecuting of it, and their willingness to treat 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 treaty, and gave them a large Answer to all their propositions containing divers overtures towards a constant progress in a theological way of treaty. U●to this answer, by His majesty's Command, they gave a further declaration of their judgement; whereunto Master Dury having replied, and showed 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 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 proposals to those of stood, who took the same into mature consideration, and promised to concur 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 councillors, and chief Divines, towards the Work of Reconcilement, a ground was laid for a very effectual progress. For they have made the Work their own, undertaking to dispose the rest of the Lutheran Churches, and Universities, unto a real concurrence in it, that afterwards they may proceed with our Churches, jointly, to a full conclusion.  
Duke Augustus of Brunswick was the first to whom Master Dury made his address: 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 councillors of State, to confer Collegially, a whole day with Master Dury, but also to settle a resolution, which his Divines subscribed, obliging themselves thereby, to join in all the ways of agreement, whereof they had conferred together; and moreover, to recommend the matter to his cousin Duke George, by a large, and most effectual Letter.  
With this address he came to Duke George, residing at Hildesheim, where he had no less, but rather more favourable entertainment than he had gotten at Brunswick. For, by an Act of council 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 Prince's charge, for the space of fourteen days, that they together might ripen matters, and bring their thoughts to a head. Which being done, a Committee of some councillors of State was appointed to give them public audience in the Prince His name, to hear them confer upon the matter of agreement, to consider their counsels, and joint 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 theological Declaration, wherein they testified their agreement to all his proposals, 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 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 show what the Church of all ages hath believed thereof, and how, notwithstanding some difference of opinion thereabout among the Ancient Fathers, Brotherly love was always maintained. These Treaties should be thus improved; First they should be sent unto the Lutheran Universities of Wittenberg, Leipzigh, Jena, Marpurg, and Rostock, and also to those of Brandenburg, Hessen and Bremen, to move them to declare their judgements therein for mutual agreement. Then, at some fit occasion some body should go to Leipzigh and Wittenberg, and deal with the Saxon electoral Professors by word of mouth, to dispose them to a full resolution in this business. 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 Jena to cooperate therein; And in process of time, when the business should be brought by this way of proceeding, to some considerable ripeness, than it should be required, that from great Britain, and elsewhere, some body might be joined 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 pass, than the sovereign Princes and States of all sides should be entreated to agree upon a meeting, to make some conclusion in the matter: for the good success whereof, public 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 willingness to set forward this purpose, he did dismiss him with a recommendatory Letter unto his brother, Duke Frederick, residing at Zelle, who in like manner received Master Dury very kindly, 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 ministry of the place with his proposals made unto other Churches, that they might also take the same into their consideration, and in due time, with consent of their Protector, Dr. 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 access to kiss his hand, and in presence of his Son, the Archbishop of Bremen, to speak with him about the setting forward of his purpose. In which discourse, his Majesty showed a good liking to his proceedings, and gave way that, if he thought fit, he should make new proposals, 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 public, 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 public, 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 doubtful questions. Therefore he sent to some of the Prelates of the Church of England, and some of the Professors of 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 controversy debated betwixt the reformed, and the Lutheran Divines; therefore the decision thereof, will be a singular preparative for the common and more public Unity of all Protestants. To these Writes, the Lord Bishops of Salisbury, and of Exeter 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 knottiness of the Clergy of Hamburg and Lubeck.  
For, finding some warping of their intentions, which he perceived would bend another way than 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 less-knowing and more clamorous Clergy might be more easily persuaded, and wrought to admit the thoughts of moderation. As for Doctor C. lixtus, although some men of strife, and evil 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 the same counsels. 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 mutual correspondency, in the work of Reconcilement. Therefore having gotten the original Writes which Bishop Davenant, and Bishop Hall sent to those of Bremen, he went thither, to deliver the same, and confer 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 mollify 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 Mr 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.  
Then being come back to Hamburg he made himself ready to return for England: And to this effect took his leave of the magistrate, and Ministry of that place: some of the Magistrate were very earnest with him to persevere in the prosecuting of his work, and the ministry gave him their answer in Writ, showing that they were willing to proceed; first by way of private correspondency in writing, and then by way of public 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 days, to print an Information directed to all the Reformed Churches, concerning the counsels of Peace, whereunto the Lutheran side doth give way, that if the same find on the Reformed side in like manner approbation, the business may be in due time set forward by public 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 days, to insinuate the printed Information unto the Divines, both of the city, 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 adjoined 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 neighbouring 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 suit now unto all those that are able to give assistance unto so good a business, but chiefly to supplicate his Sacred Majesty, and the High and honourable Court of Parliament, that those good preparatives, and hopeful 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 spiritual Agency. All parties have been dealt withal, their dispositions are sufficiently tried and discovered, their Leaders are all engaged to concur, neither hath any of the foreign Churches taken offence at the carriage of the work: but everywhere, the Princes and councillors 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 alleged more at large: But now we will mention only this, that as we are bound in Conscience, at all times to maintain the care of Brotherly love, and holy Communion, in spiritual things, so now, at this time, we find it absolutely necessary, even for our own temporal 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 God's glory, and the safety of his Church, but chiefly those that are in authority, or credit, able to dispose others; are humbly entreated 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 public 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 far more to labour to please all, in that which is best. And if every one ought to do this, than most of all those that are eminent in place, and in credit with others: For to whom doth this duty rather belong, than unto such. As than the work ought not either to be agitated without the knowledge and consent of Superiors in Church and commonwealth, or to be publicly 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 welfare of Zion, to second our suit. For what can be conceived more useful to the Church of God at any time, than the counsels 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 commandments of God, for the comfort which the gospel of Truth is able to yield unto their own souls, for the bowels of Compassion, which they ought to bear unto the afflicted Church of Christ (their spiritual Mother) and for the fear of God's dreadful Indignation, and stretched out hand, now ready to fall upon those, that presumptuously despise, and carelessly neglect his express commandments: I say, that all men of gifts, for these causes ought to set their hearts upon the counsels of Peace, and employ their Talents for mutual edification, in showing the means of Brotherly love, of meekness, of righteousness, of humility, 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 human respects, and maketh us earnest with freedom (as not being ashamed of our duty) to press 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 godliness, and know what the power of Religion requireth in our public Profession, should not want some spiritual provocation, and awaking of their hearts towards the performance of that, which is required in the Communion of Saints.