Golden remains of the ever memorable Mr. John Hales ... with additions from the authours own copy, viz., sermons & miscellanies, also letters and expresses concerning the Synod of Dort (not before printed), from an authentick hand.

Right Honourable, and my very good Lord,

UPon Wednesday the 6/1•• of Ianuary there was no Session at all in the morning, in the evening there was one, but in pri∣vate. In this they have concluded the question about their man∣ner of proceeding. There was a form conceived and concluded upon, and transcribed by all the Deputies. They concluded like∣wise their Theses upon the first Article, which they purpose pub∣lickly to discuss. It was late in the evening ere this Session was done, so that I could not get the Copies of either of these, but in my morrow Letters I will not fail, by Gods grace, to send your Honour the transcripts of them. Besides, there were some things of smaller weight advised of. First, whether in delivering of their judgements upon the Articles in Controversie, the Forreigners should begin as hitherto they had done. The Provincials at first strain'd courtesie, and thought it no point of good manners, to take Precedency of the Forreigners: but it is concluded, they must, as being better tried in these Controversies than the For∣reigners are, and therefore meet it was they should give them

more time to advise. The second thing proposed was con∣cerning their Auditory. For they question'd whether they should admit of hearers, or do all in private. Old Sibrandus was very hot against the Auditory, and thought it not fit that any care should be had of them, as being only Mulierculae, & pauculi juve∣nes incauti. There is some reason of this complaint of his, for many youths, yea and Artificers, and I know not what rabble besides thrust in, and trouble the place. As for women whole troops of them have been seen there, and the best places for spe∣ctators reserved for them. Which thing must needs expose the Synod to the scorn of those, who lye in wait to take exception a∣gainst it. But the Synod hath determined in favour of their Au∣ditory, that Sessions consultatory and Provisional shall be private, but Sessions wherein they discuss and conclude shall be publick. Meetings hereafter will not be so frequent, for men will take more time to advise. This is the summ, as far as I can learn, of what was done at that time. To morrow your Lordship shall re∣ceive farther information, till which time I humbly take my leave.

Dort, this 7/17 of January.

Your Honours Chaplain, and bounden in all Duty, Jo. Hales.