The Hartlib Papers

                            6 Jan. 55./.    No. 41.

Sir

Since the 24th of December I haue been here; I thought not to haue stayed so long. But the incident deliberations which the Diuines here haue entertained and imparted unto me about the Declaration which those of Zurich haue proposed to bee giuen in the name of all together, with the care which the Senate hath been willing to take of my safety in this iourney intended hath kept me so long here: for there haue been seuerall deliberations about it, by reason of some incident inconueniences discouered, which haue moued them to alter once or twice their aduice. Now the way is determined, which on Munday next Ian: 8 I purpose to follow God willing. I shall not trouble you with particulars other then such as relate to mine owne buisines: for the obseruations which I haue made of their inclinations here to renew the league with France, I haue them to M.P. that with the other things of that nature, you may receiue them from him. To the praise of God. I must say it, that I can wish for nothing more in my buisines as matters now stand, then what these men are of themselues willing to doe both in a Civill and Ecclesiasticall respect. The Ministers by the aduice of the Senate to recommend the worke the more to the affections of the Godly haue inserted in their daily public whic prayers which are much frequented here these Clauses to bee presented to God.

O Thou God who art the God of loue & of sauing Peace, grant a happie progresse & ioyfull issue to the Vnion which in matters of Religion is intended: Waken therunto by thy self vnanimous hearts, gracious persons, and powerfull meanes. Endue the persons which mediat therin with fitnes for healthfull Consultations & usefull undertakings; keep back or change for the better all those that set themselues against the same that the Saints may bee ioyned together in the bond of peace; and thy beloued Church may bee heartily and Constantly gladded therby, and serue the in uprightnes with one Spirit till wee all meet together in the Vnitie of faith, & of the acknowledg-[catchword: ment]

This forme is recommended to all the Ministers of this territorie, as the thing wherin they should ioyne at first to desire God assistance that when things are more fully ripened under these generall expressions, particulars may bee inserted as God shall enlarge the worke & their hearts to hope and pray.

Before I goe to Geneua I am to meet with those of Bienna & New Castel: both these are free cities under the Protection of this State: the first is under the Iurisdiction of the Bishop of Basel, the second under the Iurisdiction of the Duke of Longeville; I shall not goe to either of the Places. but to some neighbouring towne whence I shall send for them, to meet with me: and then set foreward to Lausanne & Geneua.

The Senate here haue ioyned one of their Diuines, a heartie man in the worke, to goe along with me, who is acquainted with the men, with whom I am to deale, and will giue an Introduction to my acquaintance with them; which is a favourable assistance, wherin I see a good hand of Prouidence going along with me: for which the Lord is to bee blessed. To his grace and fauour I recommend you. & rest

                             your most humble seruant

Bern. this 6. of Ianuary            in Christ

                 Anno. 1654/1655                I. Dury