The opinions of certaine reverend and learned divines concerning the fundamentall points of the true Protestant religion, and the right government of reformed churches Wherein is declared the plaine path-way to a godly and religious life. Published by authoritie.

THE OPINION OF THE MOST REVEREND FATHER IN GOD IAMES USHER Lord Arch-Bishop of ARMAGH and Primate of Ireland, with some o∣ther Reverend Bishops in IRELAND.

REverend and much respected Brother in Christ; Wee had long since by common con∣sent made ready an Answer to your former Letters which you writ unto us severally some Moneths agon: but be∣ing desirous to have likewise a generall Subscription to it according to that agree∣ment which should be betwixt fellow∣brethren of the Clergy, we deferred the sending of it somewhat the longer in hopes of a meeting. You desire us now in

your second Letter dated from London March 20. that we would give you our O∣pinion concerning the Conference at Lips∣wich; the rather, because that Conference is likely to have some effect and influence upon the busines you have in hand. Thus therefore; that meeting (though it was called for other ends and reasons) yet see∣ing it was holden with such good suc∣cesse, and that the cheife Divines of both sides had so faire & freindly a Conference, heard one another with such patience, & parted with such love and brotherly affe∣ction, it is a very good signe that this mat∣ter is from the Lord, and from this good beginning who can chuse but hope for a happy and successefull issue?

But yet notwithstanding, they parted differing about three Points: it is well that they differd but in three; & 'tis better yet, that even in those three Points they agreed in most things, and such as are of greatest moment; nor was their difference so much about the thing it selfe, as about some Formes of expression, which for the

most part we cannot so easily forget and cast off after we have been long accusto∣med to them. For seeing it is confest on both sides, that Christ hath two natures in one person, so inseparably united that nei∣ther can they be divided, nor are they con∣founded, but still remaine distinct and se∣verall without all mixture or aequality (so much as of their Properties,) to what end is it to quarrell about improper and figu∣rative Propositions? so likewise in the Eu∣charist, seeing they both agree that the Faithfull doe eat not only the fruit and be∣nefit, but the very essence (or Substance) of Christ's body; and that on God's part the Sacraments are exhibited entire & perfect, the thing signified together with the sign, what doe they contending about Hypo∣crites and unbelievers? 'tis all one as if Phy∣si••ions should fall a disputing about a dead man, whether or no the Potion he tooke hath any operation upon him. There re∣maines yet that other much controverted Question touching Praedestination: and yet even in this too it would be no hard

matter for them to be reconciled, were but spleen and partiality laid aside, and in the roome thereof a reverent and modest feare how we pry too farre into God's se∣cret Counsells, placed and planted: seeing the best and ablest Divines of both sides acknowledge, that in many Questions a∣bout this Mystery we must be faine to take up S^t Paul's exclamation, O the depth! and that 'tis both lawfull & sufficient for them to rest and hold together in those cleare & undoubted Trueths; namely, that the Ele∣ction of such as shall be saved, was made in Christ; that the destruction of all such as perish, is from themselves; that Salvati∣on is from God; that Faith (yea even fore∣seen Faith) is not from our selves, it is the gift of God, that we may not boast of any thing, seeing we have nothing of our own; all must be ascribed to God: as S. Cy∣prian of old devoutly and pithily spake.

Thus you have, both what we hope & conceive of the Conference at Lipswich. But the most principall and speciall thing, which should be earnestly prest and incul∣cated,

is this; that in Divine matters, espo∣cially in such high and difficult mysteries as these are, which are rather to be adored than pried into, we ought to have a cer∣taine and set Rule to speake by▪ as S. Austin sometimes prudently and piously coun∣selled: & therefore it would be a very safe and good course for us to refraine from all novell and new-fangled expressions, and to confine the liberty of Prophecying to such Formes and Phrases as the holy Scri∣ptures doe furnish us withall. It remaines, that wee earnestly beseech the God of Peace to bruise Satan under our feet, & that shortly: unto which God we heartily re∣commend you (Reverend Brother) & rest

May 14. Anno 1634.

Your most affectionate friends

• JAMES ARMAGH.
• WILLIAM KILMORE.
• JOHN ARDAGH.