The Hartlib Papers

to proceed in the warre [H: concurrently] with their Allies, until a general treaty, and that they haue sent[H alters from send] new Men into Germany, This hath giuen much encouragement, for it was otherwise vnderstood here, and that they were resolued to make Peace and quit the affaires of Germany. You may therefore assure my Lord Chancellor if he bee there or by your Letters or the Lord Gabriel Oxenstiern and that state, that if they Continue this resolution his Majesty will doe that which be fits a King so much interessed and so much prouoked and this vnion in the Ciuil affaires will much aduance Your Peace of the Church and reuiue the perishing hopes in both. Desire[H capitalises] them not to precipitate any treaty, nor to feare the rumor that the French[H alters from Franch] will make a hasty Peace. First there will bee much to [H: vntwinne,] and many difficulties, when they shal come to [treat? MS edge] But as long as the Cardinal Richelieu doth keepe his power and credit, they[H alters] may build upon it, that hee wil not make Peace. [First there will bee?] at this time at the [H: lowest and ebbe] of all his great designes. for that will bee to him so disgracefull, that it will be the ground of his ruine. In Peace hee will bee called to account, which hee must auoid, vntill hee hath effected somewhat of glory and profit to the Crowne of France that may reconcile him a better opinion and vnder which hee may shelter his [H: other] ambitions, besides Fraunce begins to recouer and their fortune to change. The Spaniard is retired and they follow them at the heeles into Artois, and now if they conclud a League with England, which I hope is done, they will stand

uery high and doe somwhat brauely to reuenge the [H: affront] this year which made Paris in feare. These I write you as grounds of State, that you may haue matter whereby to continue and confirme the Crowne of Swed in their generous resolutions.    But the present occasion of this letter[H alters from letters] is concerning yourself and what you wrote [H: of a purp] <H: to mee and> [H: my Lord of Canterbury] of a purpose in Swed to Constitute some Courts and formes of Ecclesiastical Gouerment in their Church [H: my Lord did take your Letter very kindly and better then ever hee did. It did confirme in him a good Opinion of you, that yourself doe like and approoue the formes of the Church of England and that by your meanes others may bee induced to like it] and as wee esteeme it is an honor [H: to the Church of England] and the right way to Vnion[H alters from union], so you shal get much Credit here by it if you can promoue it and you shal gaine much [H: in my Lords] fauor and good opinion of your wisdome, and hee hath [H: commanded] mee to write backe [H: to you,] to let you know that if my Lord Chancellor desire it or the other Lords, who are constituted to set downe or deliberate on[H alters] those affaires, and if you thinke it may helpe them as a direction in their resolutions, hee will cause to bee drawne out the whole frame and fabrick [H: of Ecclesiastical Goverment the power of the Archbishop,] and all other subordinate orders with their seueral Relations. And these and the Coppies of the institution [H: of the High Court of Comission] and all others of the [H: Church -] and these[H deletes] shall bee sent to you authentically vnder [H: his Archic-<piscopal>] seale and hath [H: commanded] mee to signify so much to you[altered] and to my Lord Chancellor

or those, who show so good an inclination. Herein you may much aduance your owne worke and beget a [H: right Vnion] for they[H alters from the] are[H alters from art] more formes [H: then substances,] that make the rent, and I am persuaded the more they know vs and [H: our Goverment,] the better they will like us. For it is ignorance and Scandal that hath begot the acrimonie In conclusion [H: my Lord] is much pleased with your proceeding wished you much prosperity and promiseth to contributs to it, both his Prayers and assistance in any thing you shal in so [H: wise a way] mooue him. Hee said farther. you should haue had this now, but that the plague hath separated all the world and that[H alters from at?] [H: hee] will acquaint [H: the King] with it, and that all writings were in the offices at London, and that hee must doe it in good forme by his Vicar General, which shall bee fitted for you, assoone as God giueth health. Pursue I pray you this way, and it will make [H: the Church of England to] assist you and honorable to the [H: Church] of Swede and will bee the bond of perfect Vnion betweene vs, which God grant and to you health and blessing in your endeauours and so I shall euer rest your faithfull and affectionat. Friend Cranford 27 Sept: 1636 I pray by your Letter acquaint my Lord Chancellor with these[H alters from those] contents, assure him[H alters from them] of any[H deletes] <H: my> affection to his seruice, and that if they will [H: vnite] with vs in [H: Church,] God will blesse all our vnions.