WHen in the yeer 1628. John Dury was in Prussia Minister to the English Company of Merchants residing at Elbing, he was sent unto,The first occasion of this work was at El­bing. dealt withal, Anno. 1628 and moved by Dr. 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 business of Ecclesiasticall 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 Ambassadour Extraordinary by his Majesty of Great Brit­tain, Mr. Durre's being at Elbing. 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 did lead him to favour all good endeavours of a publick nature, did very [Page 2]willingly assist them with Counsel, Anno. 1629 and at Master Duryes intreaty, conferred with the Lord Chancellor Oxenstiern, to see how far he would shew himself in the business, 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 Ambassa­dour to joyn effectually therein towards his King, and the Lutheran Clergy of his best acquaintance. Upon this ground, my Lord Ambassadour encouraged Master 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 Master Dury to give him information of the passa­ges of the work in time to come; so he went from Elbing into England in the year 1630.England. Chiefly, Anno. 1630 because his Con­gregation 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.Mr. Dury's being in England. Being then arrived there, he first acquainted his most familiar friends of the Clergie with his purpose, and shewed them some Declarations written by the chief Preachers of Dantzigh to make it appear, that they were not onely 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 Sir Thomas Roe, who was mindfull of his promise, and be­came every way as good as his word towards him. For he recommended the business towards the King, who was pleased to refer the consideration of the matter to the Bi­shop of Canterbury, and to the Bishop of London, that they should hear Master 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 Oxenstiern, to testifie first the good inclination, and resolution which the Clergie of England had, to co-operate in due time to­wards [Page 3]so good a work. Secondly, That their Counsell for the present was onely this, that to prepare a way for future Treaties, the Magistrates of both sides should in­hib [...] railing disputes in the Pulpit, and put down the names of partiality, so far as could be done, and not suf­fer any publick Disputes to be fomented about matters of Ceremony in the form of publick Worship.

This he did, and after a good space, when news came, that the Protestant Princes in Germany had leagued them­selves together for their mutuall defence, Anno. 1631 Mr. Dury's being in Germany. and that an a­miable conference of their Divines had been holden with good success at Leipzigh to compose their 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 Councels, and endea­vours in the Work.

To make a way for this purpose, he had before-hand by the means of Sir James Spense Lord of Oreholm, and Generall 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 Battell fought at Leipzigh, he spoke withall at Wirts­burg. His Majesty was pleased to give him large audience,At Wirts­burg. and by conference received full information of all those deliberations, and particular waies, whereby the Work could be prosecuted; of which, the Summary resolution whereunto his Majesty gave assent, was this: That the Counsel given by the 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 joyn una­nimously in the means and waies of amity, so his Majesty would recommend the same endeavours to be undertaken by some Divines of the Lutheran side, who should in like manner work upon the rest of their own party, and after­ward when a fit preparation should be found on both [Page 4]sides, then His Majesty did offer to give unto Master Dury his Letters of publick 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 forrain Divines, the busi­ness might be brought to a solemn conclusion. Anno. 1632 This fa­vourable resolution being taken, Master Dury dealt first with the Divines of Hessen, then with those of Hanaw, and of the Palatinate, and of Deuxpont, and of the We [...] ­teraw, 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 the Bishop of Canterbury, some joyntly to him and to the 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,At Heil­bron. Sir Robert Anstruther arrived as Extraordinary Ambassadour from his Majesty to the Princes of Germany. With him Master Dury (having now gained the consent of some of the chief reformed Chur­ches in those parts, and thinking it fit to deal with the Lutheran side also) went to the meeting of the Protestant States, which was appointed at Heilebron, Anno. 1633 to frame an E­vangelicall 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,Mr. Dury's being at Franck­fort. 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 Le [...] ­sering 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 [Page 5]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 Counsell. Some also of the Lutheran side declared in like manner a forward zeal and inclination to the work, by certain De­clarations 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 Frankfort, he thought good to make his intention known unto the convocated Ambassa­dours, and desired their assistance to further the same; whereupon a resolution was taken to this effect:

Whereas Mr. Dury having desired of the Confederate Evangelicall States, permission to treat with the Di­vines and Pastors of their Churches, concerning the means of Peace Ecclesiastical; Although the Ambassa­dours then present had not gotten any particular In­structions concerning this matter from their Princi­pals: yet nevertheless their opinion was, that if the Lord Chancellor Oxenstiern would by his authority ad­v [...]nce this matter, that their Masters who wish from their hearts for this Ʋnity, 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 unanimously do compromitte.

Having gotten this approbation of the Work, and re­commendation thereof by the States unto the Lord Chan­cellor; and being much incouraged by the private pro­mises of assistance, which the severall Ambassadours from all parts made unto him, he thought fit to write Letters to all the Lutheran Universities, and to those of the Low-Countreys, [Page 6]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,Mr. Dury's being at Frankfort. he thought it fit (because he was minded to return in the mean time for England) to move the Ambassadours of the Palatinate, of Brandenburg, Anno. 1633 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 frame 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 Ʋnity, 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, 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 Ambassadour, and Chancellor of the Elector of Brandinburg did take upon him to set forward by the means of his Prince.Mr. Dury's being in Holland. So then Master 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, In London. Archbishop of Ganterbury in his Predecessors place. Therefore the Letters and Declarations of forraign Churches and Divines were presented to him, with a brief Narrative of more particu­lar proceedings. All was well liked, and a resolution a­greed upon, that Master 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 Doctor Morton the Bishop of Durham, Doctor Hall Bishop of Excester, and Doctor Davenant Bishop of Salisbury, who gave him certain Theologicall Declarations for the advancement of his purpose. Anno. 1634 To which effect, he also wrote into Ireland to Dr. Usher, Archbishop of Armagb, and Primate of Ireland, and to the two 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, the Bishop of Canterbury gave him in answer to the Letters which he had brought from the German Protestants of both sides, 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 co-operation ther­in. With these Declarations, together with a Recommen­datory Letter unto Sir Rob. Anstruther, who was then Ambassadour for his Majesty in Germany, In Germa­ny. At Ham­burg. Master Dury went from London to Hamburg, where he found Sir Robert wait­ing for a new Commission to go for Frankfort; and whilst [Page 8]his Lordship stayed,Mr. Dury's being at Franck­fort. 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 Ambassadours company in June, 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 business into con­sideration. These came together, gave Master 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 forraign 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 Ambas­sadours 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 the business unto their Masters, to bring them to some effectual resolution.

Secondly, That others who 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 [Page 9]Master Dury had suggested unto the States, Mr. Dury's being at Franck­sert. 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 Leipzigh might be setled; And that to this effect, the States of the four Ʋpper 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 forraign 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 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 Ʋniversal 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 Scholasticall dispute aside.

Fourthly, That the Ambassadours who had no In­structions did promise to relate unto their Principals [Page 10]these advices, Mr. Dury's being at Frankfort. 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 hinderance might befall unto their Ʋnity, 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 intreat Almighty God to bless these attempts.

This was made an Act the fourteenth day of September, Sept. 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 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-Countreys, In the Low Countreys where he informed the Divines of his ac­quaintance, and the Deputies of the Provincial Synods, of things past at Franckfort and elsewhere in these consultati­ons, obliging them thereby to take the matter to heart. And when he arrived into England, England. the Bishop of Canter­bnry 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.Holland. To which effect he went over again into Holland, Anno. 1635 with his Majesties Letters of safe Conduct, with a testimo­nial from the Bishop of Canterbury, bearing witness that [Page 11]Master Dury had acquainted him with the successe of his proceedings,Mr. Dury's being in Holland. that he went again out of England to prose­cute the same business, not onely with his knowledge, but also with his approbation, and assurance that he would be ready in due time, to advance such holy desires of Peace. He had also private Letters from Doctor Davenant Bishop of Salisbury, and Doctor Hall Bishop of Excester, to some of the chief Divines of the Low-Countreys, to move them to concur more effectually in these endeavours, then they had formerly done. Moreover, he had Letters from the Ambassadour of the Lords States of the Low-Countreys, residing at London, unto the States both of Holland and Zealand. Thus he set forth, and arrived at the Hague in July, the yeer 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, In Zealand and appeared in their Classical meetings held at Walcheren, Zirickzee, Tolen and Goes, then he dealt with the University of Leyden, 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 mindes towards Peace, raised ungrounded surmises against him, to stop the good inclinations of impartiall men, he used means to clear mens judgements, by causing some things to be printed for the better information of all. And having understood that the Lord Chancellor Oxen­stiern 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 June, Anno. 1636 Anno 1636.In Sweden. Nor was he altogether disap­pointed of his expectation. For the Lord Chancellor co­ming thither favoured his work; and although his procee­dings were flow, yet much reality was found in them. For when a resolution was taken to permit Mr. Dury to treat [Page 12]with the Divines of that Kingdome,Mr. Dury's being at Stockholm. four places were na­med, Stockholm, Ʋbsall, 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,Upsall. of which the University of Ub­sall 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 joyne 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 uprightness should be maintained, lest ancient Errours might he upheld under doubtfull 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 brablings should be inhibited on all sides

[Page 13]7. Anno. 1637 Mr. Dury's being at Stockholm. 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 Fundamentall Articles of Faith, and the establishment of Ecclesiasticall 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 Ubsall, to which they made no reply, as being loth 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 in deliberation to settle their Ecclesiastical Go­vernment by Canons, which they were about to make. Therefore both the Dean of the Faculty of Divinity at Ubsall, the Queens 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 unto them also the printed judge­ments of the English Prelates, Doctor Morton, Doctor Dave­nant, and Doctor Hall, which besides some other publick 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 Ubsall, in a Circuit which he made thi­therward from Stockholm, thorow Strengnese, and Westerose. In this progress the Bishops of Strengnese and Westerose [Page 14]were dealt withall the second time.Mr. Dury's being at Stockholm. They setled 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 Dury's proceeding in Sweden, and being moved with jealousie that the Swedes would come to some publick 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 Mr. 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 ways free from all exception, whereby the differ­ences which they did stick at, might be composed. This he did first at Ubsall, and afterward at Stockholm, in a meet­ing of the chief Clergie, which was commanded to deal with him; wherein he gave them satisfaction to all their demands, in a whole days conference instituted to that ef­fect, so that they seemed to acquiesse. 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 of Ubsall, a learned and patheticall Declaration, which from the University of A­berdein, 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 Master Dury having fully explained, and thereby resolved their doubts, those of Ubsall 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, [Page 15]and laboured by all means to cry down and discredit the very purpose of agreement, Anno. 1638 Mr. Dury's being at Stockholm. 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 perverse­ness being fully apparent, moved Master 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 business 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 mis-informing others of his words and acti­ons, and mis-interpreting 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 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 unblameable ways of proceeding, which he put to paper and presented to the Lord Chancellor, to be imparted unto the chief of that Clergie. 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 witness that Master Dury being come into Sweden to dispose the minds of their Clergie unto the work of Peace Ecclesiasticall, according to the grounds laid by the States of the Empire at Frank­fort, 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 Dr. Hunnius, At Lubeck. one of the chief Di­vines of those quarters. Him he prepared to entertain the [Page 16]motion of Peace,Mr. Durye's being at Lubick and Hamburg. Anno. 1639 which afterward should be made unto him. From Lubeck he set forward towards Hamburg to meet Sir Thomas Roe, who there was residing as Embassa­dour Extraordinary from his Majesty of Great Brittain 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 Proposals at the publick Treaties of Peace in Germany, which then was thought upon by reason of the Emperours Ambassadour, 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,At Bremen. 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 counsel. 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 Clergie, and Magistrate of that City. Then he pro­ceeded towards the King of Denmark, At Gluck­stad. who was at Gluck­stad; there with the good liking and countenance of my Lord Ambassadour, he acquainted the Lord Chancellor Raventclow with his desire to deal with the Clergie 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 Writings (which his Chancellor recei­ved from Master Dury) unto the consideration of his Di­vines of the University of Coppenhagen.

These gave their judgment and advice concerning his Negotiation, tending to shew their approbation of the purpose, their particular counsel, and proposals in prosecu­ting of it, and their willingness to treat further about it [Page 17]with Master Dury, Mr. Dury's being at Gluck­stad. if his Majesty would give permission thereunto.

The King caused their judgment 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. Unto this An­swer, by His Majesties command, they gave a further De­claration of their judgment; whereunto Master Dury ha­ving replied, and shewed his Majesty a brief and ready way to come to the purpose, the King was pleased to write un­to my Lord Ambassadour, 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 Illustrious Archbishop of Bremen, At 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.at Stade. In like manner he made Proposals to those of Stade, 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,at Bruns­wyck. with the singular favour of those Princes, and by the most pious and peaceable inclinations of their Counsellors 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 joyntly, 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 Counsellors of State, to confer Collegially a whole day with Master Dury, but also to settle a resolution, [Page 18]which his Divines subscribed,Mr. Dury's being at Hildesheim. obliging themselves there­by, to joyn in all the waies 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 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 them in one house at the Princes 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 Counsellors of State was appointed to give them publick audience in the Prin­ces Name, to hear them confer upon the matter of agree­ment, to consider their Counsels 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 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 shew what the Church of all ages hath be­lieved thereof; and how, notwithstanding some difference of opinion thereabout among the ancient Fathers, Bro­therly love was alwaies maintained. These Treaties should be thus improved: First, they should be sent unto the Lu­theran [Page 19]Universities of Wittenburg, Leipzigh, Iena, Marpurg, Mr. Dury's being in Hildesheim. and Rostock, and also to those of Brandenburg, Hessen and Bremen, to move them to declare their judgments therein for mutuall 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 Weymer, Duke William, and Duke Ernestus, who have long wished for this Reconciliation, to cause their University of Iena to co-operate therein; And in process of time, when the business should be brought by this way of pro­ceeding to some considerable ripeness, then it should be moved, that from Great Brittain 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 pass, the Soveraign Princes and States of all sides should be in­treated to agree upon a meeting, to make some conclusion in the matter: for the good success whereof, publick 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, 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. Luneburg. From Zelle he went to the free City of Lune­burg, where he acquainted the Ministry 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^k. Frederick, resolv what to do therein.

Thus the Circuit of Brunswick and Luneburg being fini­shed,Mr. Dury's being at Gluckstat. he returned to Hamburgh in February, An. 1640. Anno. 1640 from whence without delay he went towards my Lord Ambas­sador, Sir Thomas Roe, who was at Gluckstad, with the King of Denmark, to giue him account of all the passages of his proceedings. There he also dealt further with the Lord Chauncellor, Detloff Raventlow, and the King himself was pleased, upon my Lord Ambassador his recommendation, to give him accesse to kisse 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 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 Theolagically consulted upon by them, that their resolutions touching the same, might in due time be framed, and also made publick, if they themselvs thought it expedient. Thus the Treaties at Denmark being again set on foot, hee returned from Gluck stad 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 som writingspresented formerly unto the Divines of Denmark, were made publick, that many who desired to know the passages of that negotiation, might have satisfa­ction therein. Not long after, my Lord Ambassador was recalled from Germeny 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 Dury's 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 Divinity, in both Universities, certain writings, which the chief Divines of Bremen submitted unto their judgments,at Bremen. containing the [Page 21]true state of their difference, Mr. Dury's being at which reflected much upon the main controversie debated betwixt the reformed, and the Lutheran Divines; therefore the decision thereof, was thought to be a singular preparative for the common and more publick Unity of all Protestants. To these writings the Bishops of Salisbury, and of Exceter gave their answers, and the rest to whom they were sent, promised to do the like; In the mean time Master Dury ripened, somwhat matters towards the Lutherans, and endeavoured to smooth the knottinesse of the Clergy of Hamburg and Lubeck.

For finding some warping of their intentions,At Lubeck. which he perceived would bend another way then was expedient; hee dealt first with Doctor Hunnius a leading man at Lu­beck, and then with the Senior Preacher of Hamburg, at Hamburg that when these two should bee set in a right way, the lesse­knowing and more clamarous Clergy might be more ea­sily perswaded, and wrought to admit the thoughts of mo­deration. As for Doctor Calixtus, 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, hee began to perform his promise, and gave Master Dury full assurance of his constancy, and of the concurrence of many others towards the further­ance of 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 Writings which Bishop Davenant, and Bishop Hall sent to those of Bremen, At Bremen. hee went thither, to deliver the same, and conferre with them about the matter, whereunto hee found them exceeding well inclined. In the way going thither, hee dealt with one Statius Buscherus, Doctor Calixtus his chief opposer, endeavouring to mollifie and withdraw him from some preposterous courses: and coming back again, hee stayed a [Page 22]whole day at Bremenvorde, Mr. Dury's being at Bremer­vorde. the Residence of the Illustrious Archbishop of Bremen, with whom he had twice occasion of large conference, tending to give him satisfaction (which hee also received) concerning some doubts, which hee had conceived of the Work. From thence pas­sing through Stade, at Stade. and having insinuated unto the chief Preacher of that place M. Haveman some writings tending to Pacification,at Buxte­bude. hee arrived at Buxtethude where hee met with Master Scholvinus the Pastor of the place, a learned and moderate Lutheran Divine, whom hee 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 hee made himself ready to return for England: At Ham­burg. 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, shewing that they were willing to proceed; first, by way of private correspondency in wri­ting, and then by way of publick meeting, when things should be repined. 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 Helmistat, had written in behalf of the work, that they might declare their judgment unto him concerning the same. Then he passed again through Buxtehude, and Stade, where hee 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 hee stayed fourteen days,at Bremen. to print an Information directed to all the Reformed Churches, concerning the Councells of peace, whereunto the Lutheran side did give way, that if the same should finde on the reformed side in like manner approbation, the businesse might bee in due time set forward by publick authority.at Olden­burg. at Embden. From Bremen hee went to Oldenburg, where he dealt with the Superintendent of that place, and by his means presented to the Earl [Page 23]of Oldenbueg that which was fit to give him informa­tion of his work. Anno. 1641 From thence hee came to Embden, Mr. Dury's being at Groningen. where hee stayed certain days, to insinuate the printed in­formation unto the Divines, both of the City,at Amster­dam. and of the County. At Groningen hee did the like: from whence coming to Amsterdam, the Hague. hee 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 bee imparted unto them. From the Hague hee did the like unto all the Presbyters of South-Holland and Zea­land, and of the neighbouring places, as also to the Synods which were to bee 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, in England. hee came to Zea­land, and took Shipping for Eengland: Where being safe­ly arrived, hee made his application to the King and Par­lament, and to all that were in power and place to move them to countenance and assist his designe, but the di­vision between the King and Parlament increasing daily; his motions though not unseasonable, yet were not effe­ctually entertained by any either in England or Scotland; because severall applications being made to the Churches, and to the men of eminency in both Nations, all the year 1641. hee found all to bee in vain, be cause every one was intent upon his particular occasions,the Hague. and all minding one­ly their Domestick grievances; the common interest of Protestants could not bee laid to heart: therefore when hee saw that nothing could bee effected or intended, so long as the differences were like to grow greater; hee ac­cepted of a Call, which was given him to the Court of the Princesse Royall at the Hague, to attend the Service of that family in the education of that Princesse. Hee was in that imploiment in the years 1642, 1643. till he received a Summons from the Parlament, whereby hee was called unto the Assembly of Divines; and because tht Prince of [Page 24] Orange would not give him consent to go thither,Mr. Durye's being in England Anno. 1645. till 1654. nor could hee find any comfort in his imploiment at Court, hee resigned his charge at that place, and accepted of the c [...]l which the Marchant-adventurers at Roterdam gave him, to bee the Minister of their Company: there hee was in the year 1644. and the first Summons whereby hee was cal­led unto the Assembly of Divines, beeing still insisted upon; he went from Rotterdam in the year 1645. and cam to Lon­don, where in the service of the Churches, for the compo­sure of Domestick differences, he imploied himself between all emergent parties, till the year 1654. So the work of his publick Negotiation for the Unity of Protestants was su­spended for the space of almost thirteen years; wherein he entertained onely a correspondency by letters with some of the Divines of his acquaintance beyond the Seas, to keep the thoughts of so good a work a foot amongst them, so far as the times could permit.

Then the Peace being happily concluded between Eng­land and the United Provinces, on the fifth day of Aprill, 1654. Master Dury having gotten his Highnesse the Lord Protectors approbation and countenance, for the conti­nuance of his design of Pacification amongst Protestants, and having obtained the assistance of the two Universities, and of the chief Ministers in and about London, to concurre with him in his endeavours,In the Low Countreys In high Germany. in Switzer Land at Zurich. he went from London on the foresaid day of April; and through the Low-Countries, and a part of High Germany, hee came to Zurich in Switzerland on the eighteenth day of May, where having delivered his Highnesses letter inscribed to the Protestant Cantons, re­commending his designe unto them; those of Zurich at his desire appointed three professors of Divinity and three of the chief Ministers to treat with him; till they should call a meeting of deputies from all the other Reformed Cantons to hear his proposalls, that a generall resolution might bee taken to carry on his work. This meeting was held at Araw, in the Canton of Berne, on the thirteenth of June; where Master Dury having proposed the scope of his Negotiation, and the main grounds upon which it was to [Page 25]be agitated,Mr. Dury's being at Zurich. and communicated some Documents to bee considered of by all the Cantons; Anno. 1654 the deputies returned home, and made report of that which had been proposed and imparted unto them; and on the twenty seventh day of the following Moneth, the Generall Resolution of the Cantons was delivered in writing to him by the Senate of Zurich; July 27 which was to this effect.

That the Cantons rejoiced much to find his Highnesses fa­vourable affection expressed unto them; and acknowledged it a great honour, that hee had acquainted them before others, with his purpose to advance the Ʋnion of Protestants in Europe.

That to Master Dury's proposall and scope, they gave their full assent as to a work most commendable and neces­sary.

That they would not onely commend it to all their Churches and Academies, but would concurre to further it with their ad­vice and authority.

That to find the effect of this their imclination, they, invited him to visit their chief Cities and Academies.

Intreating him withall to testifie unto his Highness, their reciprocall love and affection; and that his recommendatory letters have with them a great weight.

By this time Master Dury had even made an end of his Theologicall Treatise with the Divines of Zurich: at Zurich. where­in, their agreement concerning the meanes and manner of proceeding, by which the scope of his designe might bee obtained was set down. Augu. 5 Therefore upon the declaration of the Cantons, whereby hee was invited to visit their chief Cities and Churches, hee went from Zurich to Berne. At Berne. Where hee arrived the fifth of August, and having saluted the chief Magistrate, and treated with the Divines whom they appointed to hear his proposalls, hee came to a full conclusion with them; wherein they agreed to all that had been resolved upon at Zurich; and when they had given him at a full meeting of the Ministry and of the professors; [Page 26]their declaration in writing,Mr. Dury's being at Basel. Anno. 1654. in Sept. whereby the same was atte­sted, hee went from thence and came to Basel the first Sep­tember.

At Basel he proceeded in the same way, for having salu­ted the chief Magistrate, and gotten six Deputies appointed to treat with him: Some of the Ministers and some of the Professors of that Universitie; hee dealt with them to the same effect as he had done with those of Zurich and Berne, onely they varied a little in their declaration concerning the way of proceeding; adding some advices and limitati­ons to the work which the others had not expressed, al­though they had not been unmindfull of them; and after a publick entertainment which the Magistrate made for Master Dury and all the Ministers and Professors, he went to Schaffhusen, where being com the 20 of October, by the dire­ction of the Sena [...]e the whole Ministry was convocated with the professors of the School,Schaffhu. sen. and som of the Senators being present, he had audience on the twenty fifth, wherein rela­ting his progresse, he communicated unto them the matters transacted at Zurich, Berne and Basell, desiring them to impart unto him, their judgment concerning the same; which they did on the twelfth of November following by a written Declaration, approving Master Durys designe and concurring with the rest to further it: These four chief Cantons beeing severally prepared thus to concur; it was moved by those of Schaffhusen, that the Canton of Zurich, should according to former Customs begin to think of a common Declaration which might be given to Master Du­ry in the name of all;Zurich. this they resolved to do as soon as Master Dury should have made an end of going through the rest of the Churches; therefore beeing returned to Zu­rich; by their advice hee went to S. Gall, thither also the Deputies of the Cantons of Appenzall (beeing forewarn­ed of the time of Master Dury's coming) were sent;S. Gall. that at that time hee might meet with the Ministers of both pla­ces in a Synodical way;Appenzel. which was done in the presence of some of the Magistrates of S. Gall, on the twenty eight of November. And having given them at large an informati­on [Page 27]on of all that was formerly done in his work,Mr. Dury's being neer the border of the Grisons. and confer­red afterward with some of the chief, concerning particu­lar matters; hee went towards the borders of the Grisons (whiles they should prepare the Declaration which they would resolve to give him) that hee might in a place of safety; confer with some, who from the Churches of the Grisons were to give him a meeting without being observed. To that place he went in December, and there having spent one whole day, and a part of another, in conference with those that came thither to him; hee returned to S. Gall; received their approbatorie Declaration, and went back to Zurich to advise with them what course should be taken to deal with their other confederates:Zurich. these deliberations being brought to some conclusion, Master Dury went from Zurich towards Berne, where on the twenty third hee arri­ved; and with their advice and by their addresse to the places of safety within their Dominion, hee set forward and dealt first with the Ministers of Biel, then with those of Neustat, thirdly with those of Neuschatel, Berne and in the way towards Lausanna with the chief preacher of every consi­derable town, till on the twelfth of January, 1655. he came to Lausanna; where as in other places, by the Magistrat's Direction hee conferred with the Ministers and Professors of that Church and Academie,Lausanua. and having furnished them with sufficient information concerning his proceedings, hee left them preparing the Declaration which they pro­mised to give him at his return from Geneva; for thither hee was bent; and was to return back again the same way.

At Geneva hee arrived on the twentieth, and stayed there ten days; hee had a Letter from his Highness the Lord Protector to the Magistrate of that place, which being de­livered, the whole Ministry of the City and Territorie, with the Professors of the Academy; came together and received the information, which was at large delivered unto them, by Master Dury concerning his work. This being done on the twenty third, they appointed Deputies who treated with him day by day, afterward concerning [Page 28]the particulars which hee offered unto their consideration;Mr. Dury's being at Anno. 1655 whereof the chief matter was concerning the Harmony of Confessions to bee put by them in another forme, then formerly it hath been in: Master Dury thought it not fit to make any long stay there, lest being much observed, his Ne­gotiation at the Court of France (whence many spies are upon Geneva) might become suspected, and so prejudiciall unto their good correspondency there, for this cause hee made hast to bee gone, not staying for their answer in wri­ting, but referring them to send it after him towards Berne (whither hee was purposed to returne) hee came on the first of February to Lausanna, Feb. where having received the judgment of that Church and Academy,Berne. hee set for­ward and came on the seventh to Berne. There hee stayed to print some thing which was to bee sent to Geneva, that it might bee by them dispersed amongst the Churches of France, to cure them of some prejudices which were taken up against his work by some in that Kingdom, and to ex­pect their answers which they promised to send unto him:Araw. which things being being performed; hee went to Araw, where hee found the Deputies of all the Protestant Cantons at a meeting, to whom hee gave an account of the success of his Negociation, thanked them for their assistance, and de­sired them to move their Churches to give him their com­mon Declaration to bee made use of, in the name of all, to adde a Declaration in their own name thereunto, as a State, and to write to the German Princes of the reformed Religion, to preinformthem of this Negotiation, and to pre­pare themto a Concurrance in the work at Mr. Dury's arival amongst them. To these proposals they gave their assent; and Mr.Zurich. Dury went forward to Zurich, where on the twen­ty seventh of February hee arrived; and haviving given them an account of his proceedings in all the quarters where he had been, since the time hee had been absent from them; he moved them (by the means of a Divine who came from Berne with him for that end) to settle a neerer cor­respondency between themselves and those of Berne, in the prosecution of this work.

At Zurich hee stayed all March, and April, Mr. Dury's being at Basel. and a part of May following, to write letters to all parts, to expect the promised Declarations of the Church and State; to print some preliminary informations to bee sent before hand into Germany; to settle the course of a Theologicall Correspondency; and to receive the answer of the Pro­testant Cantons to his Highness Letter; which things bee­ing done he went to Basel and came thither on the nine­teenth of May.

At Basel, having informed the Divines of all that was past, and proposed unto them the course of corresponden­cy agreed upon by the other Cantons, and received a letter from the Magistrate of the place to his Highness the Lord Protector; in answer to that which hee had formerly brought unto them from him: and when hee also had treated with the Prince Elector Palatins Agent Charles Mieg residing at Basel, how to correspond at a distance in the Negotiation with his Prince; because for some rea­sons of State, the Prince was not willing to have Master Dury come to Heidelberg to him: hee took his journey through the Dukedom of Wirtemberg towards Hanaw; in the way he stayed one day at Stutgard, which is the re­sidence of the Prince;Stutgard. there although the Duke was in great heavinesse by reason of the sicknesse of his Lady (who dyed soon after), yet having understood that Master Dury was in the town; hee caused some of his Counsell to sa­lute him, to confer with him concerning his businesse, that he might know the true intent thereof, and to settle a way of correspondency in time to come about it, as one who desired to co-operate towards the furthering of it.

On the fourteenth of June hee came to Hanaw (one of the chief towns of the Wetteraw), June. Hanaw. there hee stayed to deal with the Ministry of the place; and to print such papers as were necessary to bee sent abroad, to all the reformed Churches of Germany, July and to their Princes for information. At this time there was a meeting of the Deputies of the States of the Empire at Franck fort; at Bremen. this gave Master Dury an [Page 30]opportunity to meet with the Ambassadors of the reform­med party;Mr. Dury's being at Wetteraw. & Nassaw. and to make use of their addresses, in sending the papers of Information to their Princes and Churches. And whiles he stayed at Hanaw he acquainted the Prince Elector Palatine with all his proceedings, and by the means of Doctor Hottinger, who was appointed his cor­respondent, hee satisfied all his scruples. Auguſt. In this kind of Ne­gotiation Master Dury continued till the fifth of Septem­ber; and because before that time hee had received some answers from most of the Churches of the Wetteraw, to which hee had written; and the Declaration of the Mini­stry of the City and County of Hanaw; Septem. hee then begun to make a progress to visit the particular Churches of that circle, that he might engage them distinctly to co-operate in his work. Thus he dealt effectually with the Earls of Ysenburg and Budingen and their Divines; at Offenback, at Wechtersback and at Birstein. Then with the Earls of Solms, at Hoing, at Braunfells and Griffenstein; and lastly with the Divines and Counsellors of the Princes of Nassaw at Herbone, Dillenberg, Sigen and Dietz; and with the Coun­sellor of the Earl of Witgenstein (who is the Director of the Circle of the Wetteraw) himself being absent with the Ele­ctor of Brandenburg in Prussia: this circuit through the territories of the Wetteraw and of Nassaw, was ended before the end of September, then returning again to Hanaw to make some dispatches; he stayed there till the eighteenth of October, from whence at that time he went into Hessen, Octob, and arriving at Marpurg on the nineteenth he stayed there in conferences with the Professors of Divinity of that University, Doctor Crocius and Doctor Curtius, eminent men of the reformed side,Cassel. till the beginning of November, Novem. then hee set forward and came to Cassell on the third of that moneth; where having saluted the Prince, some De­puties of the chief of the Ministry were appointed to hear his proposalls, these having received the information which he imparted unto them, made a report thereof, unto the chief of the Princes privie Councell; who soon after conferred with Master Dury, to be cleered in some doubts, [Page 31]they had, Anno. 1655 Febru. Mr. Dury's being at concerning the proposalls made unto the Mini­stry: and they having received satisfaction therein; at Master Dury's desire, they assisted him very affectionately,Anhalt. in furthering his designes by counsell, and by addressing and directing his Negotiation in the neighbouring Churches of Lowe Saxonte and Westphalia, and also towards the Palatinate and som other quarters with which Master Dury did keep constant correspondency; and in this course of acting with them, he continued till the latter end of Janu­ary, 1656. then he went from Cassel towards Anhalt, and arrived at Dessaw, where the Senior Prince of that Family resides, to whom the direction of all common affairs doth belong: with his Chancellor Master Dury having had ac­quaintance in former time, he had much freedom of Com­munication, and a ready addresse unto the Prince, who favourably heard his proposalls, and appointed his chief Divines and Counsellors to confer with him; who having made their report, and the matter being liked in Councell;Anhalt. a two-fold Declaration was drawn up, the one to be given Master Dury in the name of all the Princes; the other in the name of all the Superintendants; which were deliver­ed unto him before he went out of the Principalitie of Anhalt: and after hee was gone from Dessaw; for having taken his leave from the director, and saluted the Princes residing at Koeton, and at Berenburg, with each of whom he stayed but one day, he went to the Prince whose residence is at Pletzkow, whose singular courtesie and zeale towards the work obliged him to stay five days with him, during which time the Declarations aforesaid were delivered unto Master Dury, together with a letter or two of addresse unto some of the Counsellors of the Dukes of Weimor; for hee resolved to returne through the Dukedome of Weimar towards Cassell, March- to the end that hee might by those two Lutheran Princes seek some ouverture towards the rest;Weimar. and by a cleer information gievn to them of his designe, prevent the false reports which might bee [Page 32]raised,Mr. Durye's being at Weimar. and remove the prejudices which were conceived by some concerning his work.Auon. 1656. About the beginning of March hee was at the City of Weymar, and stayed two days for the Dukes arrivall who was not in the town; beeing then come home, hee gave Master Dury private audience, and having received the papers which were prepared to give him an insight in his businesses; March. hee discoursed thereof with Master Dury about the space of two hours, hee shew­ed his likeing to the work, and appointed one of his Coun­cill to confer with Master Dury about some particulars; and when he went away, the Prince gave him a letter to his chief Counsellor; who is the Governour of the Dukedome of Isennach; willing him to learn more fully of Master Dury the circumstances of his way, that in due time they might judge what to do in it; from Weymar he went to Gotha, Gotha. where Duke Ernestus lives, who is the younger Bro­ther of him who lives at Weymar. With this Prince Master Dury had a whole days conference, without any intermis­sion; for hee sent for him about eight in the morning, and continued till twelve; and then began again at two in the afternoon, and continued till six without any interrupti­on. The next day hee sent again unto Master. Dury by eight of the Clock, and appointed one of his Councill (because other affairs did hinder himself, as hee told Master Dury) to confer with him, about the designes of advancing Reli­gion and Learning, which hee did prosecute: and the same day again in the afternoon from about two, till evening, this Prince continued his discourses with Master Dury, the Councellor whom in the morning hee had emploied being present; so that in effect two whole days were spent to­tally in a serious proposall and disquirie, of the means and ways, by which true Christian Unity and Gospel Modera­tion of affections should bee advanced amongst Prote­stants; and the result of all was, that the Prince would contribute all that lay in his power to further the designes whereof they had conferred together; and that Master Dury was desired in time to come to entertain a correspon­dency [Page 33]about the same with the Prince his Chancellor,Mr. Dury's being at Isennac [...] or with the Gentleman then present, Anno. 1656 who was Tutor to his Eldest Son. Thus thanking Master Dury for his coming to him, the Prince dismissed him, and he went from thence to Isennach. Where hee arrived on the ninth of March, there having delivered Duke William his Letter to the Go­vernour of the place; March. hee stayed with him other two days, wherein hee had three times conference with him, for the space of two or three hours at a time, and once at Supper, where others were present; they and hee entertained Master Dury in discourses of his own businesse, and of the pub­lick affairs of England, from six till almost twelve at night; the result of all was a full agreement to Master Dury's un­dertaking, and a free engagement on his part to concurre therein, and to correspond by Letters with him to that effect.

These businesses beeing thus successfully transacted in the Dukedom of Weymar, Master Dury went from Isennach to Rotenburg on the twelfth,Rotenburg where Landgrave Herman the Uncle of Landgrave William of Cassel resides; to him (for he had given Master Dury som address both into Anhalt and to Weymar) he gave an account of his Negotiation in both places; and consulted with him of a further progesse to bee made in the work.Eschwegen From Rotenburg [...]ee went to Esch­wegen, where he dealt with the Swedish Ambassador Moun­fieur Horn; who resided with the Kings Sister in that place; at his Perswasion Master Dury wrote unto the King, to let him know the progresse of his work, both amongst the Re­formed and also som of the Lutberan party. Aprill Cassel From thence he returned on the seventeenth of March to Cassel. Where having given the Landgrave an account of his proceedings; and acquainted the Provinciall Synod, which then was met at Cassel therewith in like manner, hee stayed there till the eight of May to make a full end of his Negotiation in those quarters, and to fit himself for his journey which he intended towards the Churches of Westphalia, May which hee then took in hand and, arrived at the Academie of Rintelen in the County of Schaumburg on the eleventh. This Acade­mie [Page 34]is wholly Lutheran, Mr. Dury's being at Rintelen Anno. 1664. May but so moderate that Master Dury thought fit to make acquaintance with them to prepare them to co-operate with him in the work of Peace to­wards the Churches and Universities of their own side; with these Latheran Divines he spent nine days, to inform them of the way of his Negotiation, and of the progresse thereof, whereunto they having promised their concur­rence, hee took the opportunity of viliting two Earls who were in the neighbourhood, viz. the Earl of Schaumburg, and the Earle of Lippe; with whom and with some of their Preachers and Councellors hee conferred; to let them know the nature and chief circumstances of his work, that they might countenance the furthering of it in their places; whith they promisid to do.

Then beeing gone from Rintelen on the 20 of May, hee came to Detmold in the County of Lippe, where having spent two days with the Superintendant of the place,Detmeld and the Earls Chancellor: to confirm them in the good incli­nations which they had towards his businesse; he set for­ward and came to Tecklenburg, a seat of one of the Earls of Bentheim; there hee stayed eight days, in which time the Earl did convocate the chief of the Ministry of his Territo­ries,Tecklen­burg who having been preinformed before Master Dury came to them of his work they had prepared their appro­bation of it, which upon conference had with him they compleated and subscribed; and the Earl with his Chan­cellor having also conferred with Master Dury, and seen the Declarations of other Princes and States touching his work, he gave him his Declarations to further it in like manner; whereupon on the fifth of June being gone from thence hee came to Bentheim, where the two brethren Earls of that house young men cousins to him of Tecklen­burg were then residing, who received Master Dury very courteously: and hee having in generall terms proposed the intention of his coming to them, they appointed the Chancellor and two of the chief Ministers of the place to confer with him, to understand the particular matters which were to be offered to the consideration of their [Page 35]Churches, Anno. 1656. June and of the professors of the School at Steinfurt, Mr. Dury's being at Emdon these having received the papers which were to bee Com­municated to their Churches, the resolution was taken to send them to their chief Ministers abroad; and then to call them together that they might give their joint Decla­ration concerning the bufinesse. When this resolution was made known to Master Dury, he thought fit to redeem time, that whiles they should be acquainting their Church­es with the particulars of his work; he should go to Em­den, to acquaint them with the same matters, and return back again thither by that time they should have ripened their thoughts. Therefore he took his journey thither­ward, and on the thirteenth conferred with the Ministry of that place, and afterward with the chief of the Magistracy, and lastly with the whole association of the Neighbour Ministers; which conveniently was met on the second day of the week, they all having promised their assistance and concurrence in the work; and taken a Resolution to send unto him their written Declaration in due time, June he left those at Emden and came to Groningen, where hee confer­red with Doctor Maresius to renew old acquaintance,Groningen and to discourse somewhat in a preparatorie way concerning his Negotiation; which being done he returned to Ben­theim on the twenty one day; there the Ministers of the Counties of Benthem and Steinfurt, with the Divinity pro­fessor of the School met on the twenty sixth and prepared their written Declaration,Bentheim which the day following they delivered unto Master Dury at their Assembly and confer­red with him of servall particulars wherein, July they desired to have some more light then the papers imparted unto them could affoard; which being done to their satisfa­ction;Wesel the Earls gave him afterward also jointly their De­claration signed and sealed; whereupon the next day which was the first of July he set forward from thence to­wards Wesel. There being arrived,Duysburg he found the chief Mi­nisters gone towares Duysburg, to a generall Synod, in which the Deputies of the Churches of four Dukedoms, viz. Gulick, Cleve, Berg and Mark were met, for which cause [Page 36]he instantly went thither;Mr. Dury's being at Duysburg and had audience at their mee­ting in the morning without delay, where having repre­sented the sum of his businesse unto them, they Deputed six to receive the particular information, which was done in the afternoon; and they having made their report of that which then had been delivered unto them; they were or­dered to continne their conference the next day early by seven of the Clock with Master Dury, that they might bee able to relate the state of the businesse more fully, July to ground some resolution thereupon: which being done accordingly, they resolved that a Declaration should be pen­ned inthe name of all their Churches, to bee givento Master Du­ry in approbation of his work, and that to this effect four of their Members whom they named should draw it up; and being sent to the Classes of all the Churches, and approved by them it should be sent to Master Dury under the seal of the Synod; which was also done afterward: this Resolution being enacted the Synod was dissolved;Wesel and Master Dury did return to Wesel in the company of two of the Assembly who went home that way. At Wesel he saulted the chief Magistrate to move the Senate to concur with their Ministry; in pro­moting the Resolution taken at the Generall Synod, and went towards Cleve. At Cleve he stayed certain days, not to treat with any of the Divines,Cleve but to make acquaintance with the Governour who is Prince Mauriee of Nassaw, and with the Senators of that Dukedom. The Prince gave him publick audience in the Senate, where having briefly pro­posed his bufiness unto them; he delivered a Memorandum of his demands; which were these. First, that as a State they would be pleased to declare their sense of his business, as other States had done. Secondly, that they would authorise the pro­fessors of Divinity in the Acedemie of Duysburg to give their judgment of it. Thirdly, that Master Hundius the chief prea­cher of the place should be commanded to claborate the task of fundamentall truths, which he had hitherto maintained a­gainst the Jesuits so well, that they had not been able to except hitherto any thing against them; and that task be­ing wrought out, it should by their order bee imparted to [Page 37]Master Dury for the furthering of his worke. Mr. Dury's being at Nimwegen

To these demands the answer was that they would first acquaint his Electorall Highness with them, and then let him know their answer, which they doubted not would bee approbatorie; having then conferred in private with some of the Councell, and agreed with the Vice Chancel­lor concerning the way of a future correspondency, hee wentfrom thence, and on the tenth of July he came to Nim­wegen. This City is a frontier of the Low-Countries towards Germany; in it he saluted the Deputy of the Synod of Gelder­land, who was well enclined to advance the Counsels of Peace towards the Churches of that Province, therefore Master Dury did consult with him concerning the way of furthering his work in the united Provinces: July. His advice was that he should instantly apply himself unto the Synods which then were convocated, which Master Dury took in­to consideration, not resolving to follow it except emer­gent circumstances should move him thereunto,Utrecht and with this resolution he went to Utrecht, where he stayed no lon­ger then was requisite, to saulte the chief Preachers of his acquaintance, and the Professors of the Univerfity, to let them know summarily the progresse of his work, and so came to Amsterdam; Amsterdam where having advised with Master Rulice concerning the way how to propose his work in those Provinces, by him hee was induced to make his first application to the Synod of South-Holland, then assembled. at Dort; thither therefore he went, and acquainted the Sy­nod with his aim, but because they were towards the end of their ordinary work,Dort and were loath to enter upon a new and extraordinary business, which might occasion some debates amongst them, they gave him a dilatorie an­swer which made him perceive their unwillingnesse to take the businesse into consideration; therefore hee went sud­denly from thence and came to Amsterdam on the twen­tieth.Hardewick Where having undestood that the Synod of Gelder­land was the next day to meet at Harderwick, hee went thither, and having made way by private addresses to bee heard in publick, the Synod gave him audience on the 23. [Page 38]and having proposed the sum of his business unto them,Mr. Dury's being at Amsterdam. and desired that som Deputies might be named to understand the particulars thereof to make a report unto the Synod; four were named to that effect, who met twice with him, and having fully perceived the grounds and progresse of his work, they made their report, Auguſt. upon which the Synod after mature deliberation declared by the mouth of their Presi­dent, That they thanked him for imparting his businesse unto them; that they highly approved the work, that they would join with their correspondent Synods to surther it; that they would take the advice of their severall Classes about it, and if need were would also confer with their supreme Magistrate concern­ing it; and that this their Declaration and Resolution should bee enacted: and the extract thereof given to Master Dury to be a­ble to testifie so much on their behalf. For this resolution Ma­ster Dury having thanked them, and gotten the extract in debita forma ratified, when hee had conversed in private with the chief of them hee went back again to Amsterdam; where having stayed two days, he went to the Hague to learn the way how to apply himself unto the States, but finding no cleer way of addresse hee went to Leyden, and conferred with one of the Divinity Professors Doctor Hornbeeck, the other two being out of the way; hee went back again to Amsterdam, and from thence to Utrecht, to preinform the Classes of that Province, of his businesse, that at their Synod which was to bee held in the beginning of September, they might com prepared to concur in his work. To this effect hee put papers in the hands of the Deputy of that Synod, to bee sent unto all the Classes; and dealt with the Profssors of Divinity of that Academy in the same way, to engage them to co-operate towards the same effect. This beeing done in the beginning of August; be­cause soon after the Synod of North-Holland was met as Alcmaer, Alcmaer he went thither, before the Synod was opened, that hee might prepare the Leading men to entertain his moti­ons; but hee found after hee had dealt with the Preses of the Synod, that debates arising amongst themselves con­cerning the way of dealing with Master Dury; the Com­missioners [Page 39]missioners of the States who in all Synods are present at their meetings to countenance the same, Anno. 1656. August. Mr. Dury's being at Alomaer did stop their proceeding, alledging that the ousinesse ought first to bee brought to the cognisance of the States before the Church­es should meddle therewith, thus beeing taken off, front making any further application to that Synod; hee w [...]nt through Amsterdam, towards Leyden, and from thence to the Hague. At Leyden hee imparted to the Divinity Pro­fessors and to the French Ministers,Leyden the papers which were requisite for their information, to oblige them to join in the work with him; which hee found them willing to do. At the Hague having learned the way to make his ap­plication to the States Generall: hee delivered unto their Assembly with a Memorandum (containing the substance of his business) seven bundles of papers each bundle inscri­bed to a Province for their informationconcerning his pur­pose.Hague. Upon the receit of these papers the States took the matter instantly into consideration, and the next day the extract of their Resolution was delivered unto Master Dury to this effect; that having received papers from him con­cerning the unity of Protestants, and considered his de­mands, they were resolved to send the same unto each par­ticular Province, that there the businesse might bee taken into consideration:Holland. thus beeing referred unto the Severall Provinces, hee made it his work to deal by visits and by letters, with the chief Leading men of Holland, Zealand, and Utrecht in Church and State, that when any publick meetings should bee in any of these Provinces, they might bee furnished with matter to further his designe. Thus the time was imploied till the latter end of August: then in the beginning of September hee went to Utrecht, to bee at the Synod, which was to bee held there on the second day of that moneth; Sept. there in one day he dealt with the Pro­fessors as a body, in the morning,Utrecht and had in the afternoon publick audience in the Synod, where his businesse beeing examined by Deputies, a Resolution was Declared to ap­prove his work, and to concur in it: whereupon (making all possible hast to bee at the French Synod, which the next [Page 40]day was to begin at Middelburg in Zealand) hee took his journey in the night towards Dort, Mr. Durye's being at Middelburg and came on the fourth of September to Middelburg in the forenoon, where in one hours time he had the opportunity to salute the members of the French Synod at their rising, and the Classes of the Isle of Walcheren happlly met at the same time upon an ex­traordinarie occasion. Auguſt. At this Classes, hee proposed his de­signe of coming to them, and desired them to resolve upon the most expeditious way of satisfactorie communication, which might bee used towards themselvs and towards the other Classes of Zealand; because before the end of that Moneth hee was to bee in Holland, to attend the Assembly of the States of that Province.

At this motion they resolved to meet again that day se­ven-night, to take his businesse into consideration, in the mean time they did appoint the Ministry of Middelburg to confer with Master Dury about the particulars whereof the Churches were to be informed, that when the Classes should meet, they might bee able to make a report; and having determined the shortest times, within which the other Clas­ses could successively meet, to give Master Dury audience; they ordered their Scribe to write letters to each of them, Sept. to appoint them to meet at those times to receive Master Dury's proposalls. These things being thus ordered in the morning, Master Dury in the afternoon had audience in the French Synod; where having briefly related his design, and the progresse thereof, and desired that some should bee De­puted to confer with him about particulars; they did appoint four of their chief members to meet with him; who having conferred twice with him, and understood the whole State of the businesse, and made a report thereof unto the Synod; they resolved to give him a Declaration of their judgment written in Latine, whereby their approbation of his work, their advice to carry it on, and their willing­ness to concur therein should be made apparent. No soon­er had the French made an end of conferring with him, but the Dutch Ministers came together and invited him to their consistorie; so from the one hee went to the other, [Page 39]and gave them the same information which the former had received, when hee had met twice with them.Mr. Dury's being at Flishing These things beeing transacted at Middelburg, Master Dury went to Fli­shing, to make acquaintance with some men of note, who could contribute somwhat to the furthering of his design, with whom hee spent two days; and then came back to Middelburg, Sept. and conferred the third time with the Mini­stry of that City; to impart unto them the judgment of the French Synod, which the day before hee had received from their Preses; and to resolve som doubts, and incline some to a more full compliance then they seemed to bee bent unto. This beeing done in the morning;Goes Master Dury went the same day about night towards Goes; where the next morning hee met with the Classis which came toge­ther about his businesse; and they having understood the state thereof, and received the papers which he had prepa­red for their information, and gotten a promise of con­currence from them,Middolburg hee returned to Middelburg the same day at night. Where the next day the States of Zealand be­ing come together, their Pensionary beeing much incli­ned to further Master Dury's design, did move to give him audience in their Assembly, where having opened summa­rily the nature and progresse of his work unto them, they appointed one of every Colledge, with the Pensionarie or Secretary, to confer with him about particulars.

On the day following, which was the 11, the Classis of Walcheren, as they had appointed the week before, met in the morning; and when the Ministry of Middelburg had made their report, Master Dury was called into the Assem­bly, where Master Appollonius was chosen Preses, who in the name of the Classis thanked him for acquainting them with the progress of his work, for which they praised God; and seeing they had been desired by him to propose all the doubts which might arise in their minds about this busi­ness, to hear what could be said for the removing of them; therefore they had gathered together the heads of doubtful matters, and were willing to propose them, to understand [Page 40]how they should bee resolved: Anno. 1656. Sept. and when Master Dury had shewed a willingnesse to confer with them about those matters,Mr. Dury's being at Middelburg Master Appollonius by way of question, proposed the doubts out of a paper, to which when Master Dury had given his answers, and continued in conference with him above two hours and a halfe; hee left off making further enqui­ries; and Master Dury desired of them if they were satissi­ed, that they would impart unto him their judgment as o­thers had done in writing; and if they intended to concur in the work, that they would appoint some to correspond with him in their name for future communication. Having made these motions, hee went out, that they might consi­der by themselvs what to answer. And beeing called in a­gain, They did thank him for the pains taken in answering their doubts, declaring themselvs satisfied thereby, and that they would give him their written Declaration to make known their assent to his worck. And that they had named two of their Bre­thren to correspond with him for a concurrence. For this reso­lution Master Dury having thanked them hee took his leav of the Assembly; and in the evening about six of the Clock, Master Dury being sent for to meet with the Deputies of the States appointed to confer with him; hee went to them and stayed with them till eight, discoursing of the particu­lar passages of his Negotiation, and giving unto them the copies of certain writings which they compared with the originalls. At parting they promised to make their report, and Master Dury delivered a Memorandum unto them to be presented in his name to the States, wherein hee desired; First, that they would recommend the work unto their Churches. Secondly, that they would declare their own sense of it, as other States had done. Thirdly, that they would further the enterpris towards the other Provinces in the Assembly of the Generall States. Two days were spent after this at Middelburg, Bergen on the Zoom. and then Master Dury went to Bergen on the Zoom: where hee expected to meet the Clas­sis convocated, but some neglect beeing fallen out in the conveyance of the letter which was sent from Middelburg [Page 41]to give them warning of the time of Master Dury's arrivall,Mr. Dury's being at Utrecht Anno. 1656. Septe. they came not: Therefore Master Dury got the Ministry of Bergen on the Zoom to meet, and to them hee delivered the information which the Classis should have had if it had met, intreating them at their next ordinarie meeting, which was to bee in October, to impart it unto them, which they promised to do, and Master Dury having saluted the chief Magistrates of the place, went the next day to Zirickzee, where he found the Classis met at the time appointed; and having conferred with them, and acquainted them with all proceedings, they promised their concurrence with the other Churches to further the work.

Having made an end with the Churches of Zealand, hee returned to Dort, and from thence to Ʋtrecht; where ha­ving received the Act of the Synod of that Province, and the Declaratiou of the Professors of Divinity, hee begun to make som acquaintance with some of the States of Utrecht to prepare a way for a future application, and hearing that the meeting of the States of Holland was drawing to­wards an end, hee went to the Hague, Hague. and there having represented to the States his businesse, and desired them to depute som to consider of pauticulars as the States of Zea­land had done; hee received on the first of October this answer.

That the States of Holland wished all good success to Master Dury's endeavours in the work hee had in hand.

That they found it not yet expedient for them to enter upon the particular consideration of that work.

That when they should understand how far the Lutherans were willing to concur in it, then they would not bee wanting to further it.

By this answer Master Dury finding that their dilatorie resolutions did proceed from a mistrust of the Lutherans in­clination; for the want of information how far the chief of them were ingaged, he resolved to cause print some De­clarations [Page 42]of the Lutheran party to remove this obstacle: Mr. Dury's being at Hague. and to that effect gave to a Printer in the Hague, First, a Declaration of the Saxon Divines, in a Conferrence held at Leipzich concerning their agreement with us. Secondly, a De­claration of the Protestant States at their Assembly held at Frankfort, wherin they allow of that conferrence, and Declare their resolution to advance the agreement. Thirdly, a Letter written to the King of Sweden by one of his chief Bishops, to per­swade him to advance this designe.

Hee spoke also to the Residents of the King of Sweden, and of Denmark, to move them to co-operate in removing this obstacle, either by procuring some Commission from their Masters to that effect, or by private conferrences with some of the States, to let them see, that on the Lutheran side would bee no aversion from the work, when the way of transacting matters should bee duely prepared: this last both of them promised to do, and concerning the first they promised to acquaint their respective Masters with Master Dury's motion.Utrecht Thus having made an end with the States of Holland, he returned to Utrecht, where he addressed him­self unto the ordinary Deputies of the States of that Pro­vince, because it was uncertain when the States themselves would have any meeting. These knowing by the informa­tion of the States Generall, and by the Declaration of their Divines of the Academy, and the Act of their Provinciall Synod the nature of the work; appointed without delay three Commissioners, to confer with Master Dury concern­ing particular matters, which when they had done and al­so made their report, an Act was drawn up in the name of these Deputies, declaring fully their approbation of the work; thanking Master Dury for his pains in it; and promising their ready concurrence to further it: Leyden. and as an act of State was delivered unto him. From thence beeing gone to Leyden, hee got the Divinity professors to meet as a faculty, and resolve (upon the information which they then fully recei­ved) to give him their judgment approbatorie of his un­dertaking in writing. And whiles they were about doing [Page 43]this, Anno. 1656. Octob. Mr. Dury's being at Hague hee took that time to visit the Leading men of the French Churches at Dort, Rotterdam, Delft, and the Hague; from whence beeing returned to Leyden on the 24 of Octo­ber, hee received the judgment of the Prosessors of that Universitie; commending his endeavours; approving ful­ly the designe; giving their advice in it, and promising freely their concurrence to advance the effect thereof. When hee had dealt thus far with the States, Churches, and Universities of Holland, Zealand, and Utrecht, hee was encouraged by some of the States Generall, to make a second application unto their Colledge, that they should declare their approbation of his work in a publick way. But the answer on the 29, was to refer him to the remain­ing Provinces, with a promise of Recommending his design unto them. Whereupon hee found himself obliged to go the Circuit of the other four Provinces, to gain their assent to his undertaking; and to inform their Churches and Academies of the circumstances of his Negotiation; as he had informed those with whom hee had formerly dealt; So then on the 2 of November hee went from Amsterdam towards Friesland, Friesland where hee dealt first with the Divinity Professors of Franeker; then with the Deputies of the States of Friesland met at Lewarden; with the Deputies of the Synod of that Province, to addresse the information requisite to bee given to all their Classes: and lastly, with Prince William the Governour of the Province; by whom, as by all the rest, the designe was approved, and a rea­dy willingnesse declared to help towards the advancement of it.

From Lewarden hee went to Groningen, where proceed­ing in the same Method and way towards the Deputies of the States, towards the Professors of the University,Groningen and towards the Deputy of the Synod for the information of the Classes, he found the same acceptance of his work, and received the Declarations requisite to evidence the same. From Groningen hee went to Swoll in the Province of Over-yssel; there although hee found the Province so di [...]i­ded [Page 44]within it self,Mr. Dury's being at Over-Yssel that there was no meeting of Deputies to eprelent as elsewhere the Souveraignty of that Province, yet it fell happily out that there was an extraordinary meeting of the Deputies of the chief City at Swoll about the time when he was there;Swoll to these having made his appli­cation, Novem. and gotten severally their promise to further the work in their quarters; and having also dealt with the Ministry of that District at an extraordinary Classis which then was called, and with the Deputie of the Synod for the information of the other Classes of the Province;Deventer he went to Deventer, where hee conferred with two of the chief Mi­nistrers for the space of an hour onely; and then set for­ward towards Arnhem, where the Court of the Dukedom of Gelderland resides. There the Senators of that Court ha­ving been preinformed of Master Dury's designe (by their Commissioners,Arnhem who had been at the Synod of that Pro­vince in July) were ready to further his work, and with­out delay gave him an act of approbation concerning the same.

Thus all the Provinces, Churches, and Academies of the united Provinces were dealt withall, and the businesse bee­ing accepted and imbraced by all, Master Dury set himself to give information of this success to all his correspon­dents in forraign Churches where hee had been Negotia­ting before; and to this effect hee remained constantly at Amsterdam, for the conveniency of sending letters to all quarters; in which imploiment hee continued from the middle of December till the end of January, in the year 1657; in which time two things fell out, much tending to the fur­therance of his work;Amsterdam the one was, that by the means of the Ministry of Amsterdam, the obstruction which was put unto his Negotiation towards the Churches of South-Hol­land and North-Holland in their two Synods, was removed by the opening of a door of communication with them in time to come which these of Amsterdam did undertake to procure by their Classis and correspondency with the other Churches of the Province. The other was that the Prince of [Page 45] Sweden beeing come to Amsterdam; Mr. Dury's being at Amsterdam Anno. 1656. Januar. Master Dury had con­ference with him, and having informed him of the progress of his work, and how far matters were prepared on the side of the reformed party, the Prince declared his resolution that hee would move the King his brother to set some Lu­theran Minister a work, who should prepare the Lutheran Churches by going amongst them, as Master Dury did a­mongst the Reformed, that when Master Dury should come afterward unto them; for the matter of reconcilement he might find them willing and fitted to entertain his mo­tions. to confirm the Prince in this resolution Master Du­ry dealt afterward with his Secretary and gave him a Me­morandum, intimating the way by which it might bee effe­cted, with much credit to the Church of Sweden, and with­out any offence to the other Lutheran Churches.

When all matters were dispatched at Amsterdam Master Dury went to take his passage for England from Rotterdam, where whiles hee did stay for a wind, a Classis was held, wherein his businesse was proposed, but could not at that time bee taken into consideration, the Classis beeing con­vocated for another end; therefore it was referred to ano­ther meeting appointed at a certain time for that end; in the mean time the wind continuing crose, Master Dury went to Zealand, hoping for a readierpassage from thence;Rotterdam then was likely to fall at Rotterdam, chiefly because hee thought hee might bee able in the interim of his abode, to further his designe by ripening the resolution of the States of Zealand to appear therein; which in some mea­sure was effected; for before hee came from thence; the States did write an order to their severall Classes to give in their advices concerning his bufinesse,In Zealand with the reasons which move them to approve of the designe; to the end that having understood the advice and motives of their Churches, they might have a better ground to appear in the work as a State. This Master Dury did under­stand from the Pensionarie, and from the Secretary of [Page 46]the States of that Province;Mr. Durye's being at and not long after, Anno. 1657. Febru. the wind turning fair, he went from Flishing on the 14 of February, and landed at Marget on the day following. From whence hee came up directly for London, in the company of a publick Minister of State, from one of the Electors of the Empire, who makes his application to his Highness the Lord Protector.