An answer sent to the acclesiasticall assembly at London. By the reverend, noble, and learned man John Deodate, the famous professour of divinity, and most vigilant pastour of Genevah.

Reverend, Godly, and worthy Sirs, our Deare Brethren and Companions in the Worke of the Lord.

IF proportionably to the griefe, we have conceived at your Letters (wherein you have expressed the most sad face of your affaires) we had but as much ability either by our Consolations to asswage your Sorrowes, or by our Counsels to ease your Burthens, or by any our Co-operation to help your Extremity, we should thinke our selves very happy in so well corresponding with your honourable, and most loving compellation of us; and right glad we should be thus to requite you with our best and effectuall good offices. But alasse, as the scantnesse of our Ca∣pacity in this kind, so the Ignorance of the more inward causes of so many miseries, and chiefly the Perplex and dangerous Nature of the Matters now in Agitation among you: All these put together, strike us quite Dumbe; we are as men wholly at a stand, able onely (in a kind of Silent Astonishment or holy horrour) to admire, and to adore that Finger of God, which is now lifted up over you all.

But since, being by you so lovingly invited to it, we must needs at last breake off our silence, we are reduced to an ex∣traordinary Suspence both of Mindes and of Pens, what to say first or last, or indeed what to say at all.

And now in the end, after long deliberation, least, as Jobs friends, we should transgresse by precipitate or unseasonable discourse: Behold our Hearts and Monthes top-full of the Sences and Expressions of our hearty Commiseration, our Eyes running down with Teares of Compassion, our Breasts even swolne up with Sighes and Groanes at your Calamities. These are they, God is our Witnesse, that fill up the greatest part of our private Prayers, of our publike Devotions, Fastings, and Humiliations: In all which we are resolved to give the

Father of Mercies no rest, unrill your Tranquility being once more ordained in Heaven, God doe extend Peace upon Earth unto you all like a River, and the fulnesse of his Blessing, like an ever-flowing Streame.

Our affaires, yea, the generall Interest of all the Reformed Churches are so closely involved in yours, and so mutually de∣pending theron, That your safety once procured assures us all of our own good Estates. Therfore especially during this grievous Tempest, which may seem to bring about again the heavy time of the Saints great Primitive Tribulation, we are, in a manner, compelled with trembling Hearts and Lipps, to powre out our Lamentations into the Eares of our most gracious & Heavenly Father, no longer now onely preparing to contend by Fire, as he once revealed it in a Vision to his Prophet* 1.1 Amos, but already for a long time really contending by Fire indeed: And how then can we forbeare from crying out, O Lord forgive, cease we beseech thee, by whom shall Jacob arise, for he is small, and round about all in a flame, by the fire of thy burning Indignation? From this our owne Watch-Tower, untoucht as yet by Divine miracle: We have beheld this furious Conflagration spreading it selfe all over; We have seen the Grisoen-Italian Churches utterly defaced, The Gospell in Bohemia its ancient Seat, wholly extirpated: The Palatinate devoured; The French Churches deprived of all humane supports, and refuges, like so many poore little Callow Birds, alive indeed, but only during pleasure: The German Churches almost all overshaken, yea, more then halfe destroyed; your own Ireland swallowed up with an unexpected deluge of Assassines and Robbers; One onely thing was wanting to that huge heape of publike cala∣mity, Namely, that flourishing England, the very Eye and ex∣cellency of all the Churches, Christs own choyce, purchase, and pe∣culiar; The Sanctuary of the afflicted, the Arcenall of the faint-hearted, thr Magazins of the Needy, that Royall Stan∣dard of good hope,* 1.2 should by so unlookt for an Accident, without any externall enemy, or Forrain Impression, become in a manner, its own Felo de se, and make an end of it selfe with its own cruell hands. What a sad Spectacle is this to see that Church thus trodden under foot? To see that glorious

Fould of our Lord thus ransanckt, yea worried, not by the wilde Beasts of the Forrest, not torne in peeces by the Merci∣lesse Pawes of the Lion, or of the Wolfe, but utterly dis∣membred by its own unnaturall sheep inraged and exaspera∣ted one against another: An horred example this, and till now never heard of among the reformed Churches! It seems here∣tofore like Christs own true sheep, they were kept tame by the feare of God, united by the same bond of Faith, knit together by the Apprehension of the common enemy, and so long they did both expresse and exercise holily and faithfully their mu∣tuall Cha••ity, quiet, and unity amongst themselves; in all which, they preserved themselves from the Rage of the Wolfe by the Christian simplicity of their own good Conditions, by the Innocency of their pious lives, by the Sanctity of their Religion, by the Constant undauntednesse of their holy Faith. But now we are wholly struck with horror at the Change of that so glorious Face* 1.3 of your Church, whilest we heare at this Di∣stance the loud report of those deadly Warrs that are now fla∣ming up betwixt the King and his people, to see at Daggers drawing indeed, Brethren against Brethren, Parents against their own Children, Christs Sheep pushing against and goaring their owne Fellowes, nay, their owne Shepheards: At all this we are utterly amazed, and would scarce have beleeved, That in the selfe same pitched Field, one and the same God and Fa∣ther, in the name of one and the same Mediator, at one and the same time, could be invocated for help on both sides, to shed the blood of those, that for the Major-part had hitherto by so many cleare Demonstrations in the whole equall course of their lives, equall in their Piety towards God, equall in their love and Loyalty towards their Country, approved themselves such faithfull and true Brethren one to another. Strange, That these should now against their own Bowells turn all their war∣like power, far better if imployed in the just punishments of their own treacherous Neighbours, or towards the reliefe of their dearest Brethren, so long bowing the back under the weight of their bondage, and even at the last gaspe for help.

What marvaile then, if these your cruell distractions have awakened yea, divided even to a variety the judgements and

affections too of Christendome? Neither do we ourselves deny but that for a while we did somewhat stagger at, and as it were fluctuate about it; yet that demurre of ours did neither pro∣ceed from prejudice against, nor from partiality towards ei∣ther side, as not being called upon by either, neither publikely nor privately, till now of late in your reference unto us, which we do reckon as no small piece of Honour, since in your esteem our Judgement may seem of so much weight, as able to ad∣vance or ballance down either party, both being of such extra∣ordinary quality.

We have conteined our selves within the bounds of a con∣scionable judgement, and impartiall charity, towards both Parties, for indeed yee are both Brethren; We have neither way exceeded the compasse of our own measure, but still kept a meane, as rejoycing on the one hand at those good things which we did heare were entertained with the generall ap∣plause of all good men; So on the other hand, we could not but behold with griefe those other Sinister passages that in themselues did carry a more fatall appearance. We were over∣joyed at the* 1.4 Issue of the Scottish troubles, that seemed at first to presage a combustion not unlike this of yours, and yet far sooner quenched, for as by Gods own admirable handi-worke, (So by the never-enough-magnified of your most gracious King, and by the Concord of that wary Nation) that fire was in time put out, or ever it d••d burst into a more open flame. At the first report of these your own Commotions, our mindes were possessed with a good hope that all past offences might with the same promptitude and facility be forthwith repaired, and all matters composed: So that what Actions or Counsells should appeare amisse, might by the Benignity of the best of Princes be easily redressed, and consequently both Church and Commonwealth without noise or bloodshed be kept in due order: In pursuance of all which we could not but admire the happy and glorious beginnings of the Parliament, and the more then Fatherly affection of His most gracious Majesty, evi∣denced by his enacting those Lawes, from which for the time to come, there was a cleare hope of a Government full of equity, and freed from all corruption: An example not so rare,

as indeed singular in this our wild Generation, so fertile of vio∣lent Powers and Princes. But all these our goodly hopes were soone blasted by that Raging Storme and Tempest of popular Tumults among you, that did force away both your most gra∣cious Prince from His Parliament, as also a great part of the Parliament from it selfe. Since which we have heard indeed of many attempts and enterprises, many Propositions and Projects, but all of them come to nothing, nothing is yet brought to perfection, nothing is yet rightly setled or established.

The businesse of the Church might seem the chiefe Object of your care and Sollicitude: If it had been handled and debated at times, and with minds calme and quiet, had the opposite judgements been compared and impartially weighed one with another, such an orderly course might happily have purchased a lasting Peace to your Kingdome, and also rendred unto your Church that most desired Primitive face of the Apostolicall timesa 1.5 but behold how quite contrary the Event hath fallen out? for the minds of both sides being averse from, yea, vio∣lently bent one against another, this very matter hath proved the great Rock of offence by exasperating the wound and tea∣ring it wider and wider, by distracting more and more assunder the hearts of each party, distempered enough already through former partiality and discord of affections. Nay if the report be true, these Church-Distractions have opened a wide gap to so many boysterous and private spirits, which we heare have assumed to themselves the most mischievous Title of Independents, then which Destructive Sect nothing could more undermine, yea, quite overturne the very foundation of the Church.

Besides all that, We have been extreamely grieved at this,

That the Spirit of Division hath so plentifully sowne among you his pernicious Tares of Feares and Jealousies, that they have not onely fructified, but even overgrown all over all manner of Mutuall Trust, in despight of so many Royall Protestations sealed and bound up with so many most grievous Imprecations. But the very top and height of all our Sorrowes on your behalfes, hath been this, That all that cursed fuell thus heaped on, is now at last kindled into a bloudy War, lengthened on both sides by a Multiplication of deadly feudes: So that during such an Uni∣versall Combustion, what ever mens bare words, and never so frequent Protestations otherwise may pretend, yet the Royall Ho∣nour, Power and Dignity cannot but fall into utter contempt: and on the contrary, the licentiousnesse of the most audacious and law∣lesse cannot but gather Strength, and outgrow the other: and then, consequently. Piety must needs decay, mutuall Love and Cha∣rity must utterly vanish away, and in stead thereof a kinde of Savage Disposition, yea brutish Rage must needs invade at last the Mindes and Manners of the Men of this Generation, who in processe of time will no longer looke upon the old Originall Causes that began the War, but rather upon the new mutuall Injuries freshly done, or received in the very Progresse or Pro∣secution of the Warr between two Parties divided far more by an odious difference of Reproachfull Names as it were, Infa∣mous brands fixed upon each other, then really by the Cause it selfe. It had been far more easie unto us, and all good men else, to deliver our Judgements upon your Case; had the Major part of either side differed from the other, either in the more Essen∣tiall points of Religion, or else dissented about the Fundamen∣tall Lawes of the Commonwealth; or had either Party been oppressedb 1.6 by the other in a direct way of open Persecution, or had there been an Introduction of Publike Tyranny against the Laws through the basenesse and pusillanimity of the other Party: But as for you, you have aboundant cause of Comfort or Security against all these evillsc 1.7 since by vertue of your own

most just and powerfull Laws, those Laws that already have been Indifferently agreed upon by the generall consent of all Parties concerned, you may with ease prevent, or put all those foremen∣tioned evills, which in other Kingdoms may seem almost un∣avoydable: All these considerations put together, have moved us for a long while seriously to deliberate and advise what might be at last, the best expedient left to procure an honest and sure Peace among you. Indeed we have been much Scandali∣zed, that all the Mediations of severall Kingdoms and Provin∣ces in Leagve with you, have been tried and used all in vaine: Howbeit it came into our mind to propound this one Medium more whether now at last there be yet any hope to obtain from the Kings most gracious Majesty, and from the Parliament, that of both sides Ecclesiasticall Persons may be chosen of unque∣stioned Trust, and Fame-proofe beyond all suspition, to whom this great businesse may be committed, Namely, that Compa∣ring the chiefe points now in controversie, they may Chalke out some good way towards an holy Peace. But first these Men must by Gods good Spirit, themselves be disposessed of all Facti∣ous Inclinations, that so they may become fit Ʋmpires and Trustees of the Publike Peace, and impartiall Ambassadours of Reconciliation between both Parties and also able and Studious too by all their Speeches, Exhortations, and Sacred Obtestati∣ons, to charme the Hearts th••t on both sides are so obdurate in Warr and Bloudshed. This were the ready way, by thus inter∣posing the Sacred Censer in the very middest of these Publike flames to quench all the heart-burnings: for who knows whe∣ther at the devout Prayers and holy groanes of Persons Sacred, thus prostrate at the foot-stoole of the Heavenly grace, the Di∣vine power and glory may not break out once more, and shew forth it selfe by moving the hearts of both Parties to lay downe all hatred, and publike enmities. The onely way to procure such sound Counsell of both sides, and to purchase again the precious blessing of a generall Peace, is especially when all humane helps faile to call in the Divine Assistance, which no man did ever try in vaine. By these good means that may be brought to passe (what cannot be hoped for from Civill Warr, however the successe prove) that by a voluntary Inclination of

Mindes, the wound shall be so fully closed up, as that Love and Charity may in time perfectly be recovered.

The good opinion which you have conceived of us may suf∣fer us to offer these Considerations unto you. It might be im∣modesty in us to prescribe, or to advise you any further: But no Law of Modesty can ever forbid us to wish, and to Vow, and to beseech God for you, yea to appeale unto God, and to adjure you all in his Name.

O then above all, take a speedy and speiall care for a sure and sound Peace, what ever it bed 1.8 'tis to be preferred before any Civill Broyles. Beware least the Fortune of Warr Smiling upon you, draw you on, and tempt you to commit your great Affaires to the Ambiguous Chance of Victory, then which nothing can happen more deadly, yea pernicious unto the Common∣wealth. Roule away that huge Scandall that lyes so heavie upon the whole Christian World, yea wash and wipe off that foule stain of black oppression, charged especially upon the purest Profession of the Gospell, as if still it did in a kind of Antipathy, or secret Hatred, oppose and oppugne all Kingly Power, and Supreme Authority. Mittigate and asswage the exulcerated, and too too much provoked mind of your King, and doe not compell Hime 1.9 TO PINACLES AND PRECIPICES.

Rather beare with some Blemishes and Corruptions, ftom which no Empire could yet wholly be free, no not in its most flourishing Estate. Account not those Remedies the best, that are abruptly applied and accumulated, but those rather, that be∣ing taken in by degrees, may in time, by little and little, goe down more easily, and digest the better, and so at last obtaine a Confirmation. And last of all, by the Bowels and mercy of Christ, suffer your selves to be intreated, that we may no lon∣ger see that Wealth, Power, and Strength which God hath gra∣ciously bestowed upon you, imployed, yea utterly wasted in the fatall Ruine of your owne selves, but rather let it be

stretched out to the Reliefe, and support of so many of your own most afflictedf 1.10 Brethren, even panting after your owne Peace.

May the God of Peace himselfe heare, accept, and grant these our sincere Devotions; May God defeat all the Plots, and disap∣point all the Machinations of the Devill, and of Antichrist. May the same God restore your Kingdom, and your Churches, to that High State and pitch of Holinesse and of Glory, in which, on the Theater of the Universall Church, they have hitherto ex∣celled and outshined all theg 1.11 Churches upon Earth.

As for us, take in good part this our plain Sence delivered freely unto you in a Brotherly Confidence, and Pardon and Impute our Delay of Answer unto these weighty Reasons. The Report was here very Strong, That you were now very faire for a Treaty of Peace: Therefore we thought it fit to ex∣pect what a Day might bring forth, that so all our Words and all our Affections too, might overflow with meere Gratulati∣ons and full Expressions of our Joyes. But sorry we are, tha•• we have yet again been deceived with vain hopes: And now that we may speedily recover and enjoy that Happinesse we both wish and pray, with as much Devotion as becoms your Dearest Brethren, (who glory not a little in your good esteeme of us,) That God will powre down upon you his richest Be∣nedictions, together with a large Measure of his Wisedome, and Spirituall Strength. Farewell, and prosper in the Lord.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Amos 7.4, 5.
• * 1.2

  This is a very large Testimony of the flouri∣shing Estate of the church of England as it stood under its E∣piscopall Go∣vernment.
• * 1.3

  Still that was under Episcopacy.
• * 1.4

  Without Battell or Bloud-shell.
• a 1.5

  Such was Episcopacy in its first Apostolicall vigour of dis¦cipline and Governe∣ment, the which as at the Synode of Dort this very man did both acknow∣ledge unto Bishop Carleton to be the best Forme of Church-Government, and also did heartily wish for it in his own Church; so doth he sufficiently commend the happy effects of it above pag. 5. in that full passage of his conteining the Superlative Praises of the former flourishing Estate of the Church of England, as before these Troubles it stood under Episcopacy: The Restauration of which for∣mer good Estate, is againe by this Authour at the latter end of this Epistle, pag. 12. earnestly wished and prayed for.
• b 1.6

  Woe be to them that first began that Warr whose Non∣necessity, yea Injustice, strangers themselve can so far off so plainly perceive and condemne too.
• c 1.7

  To wit, in a faire, quiet, Legall Parliamentary way, not in a Martiall way: therefore he mentions not at all the power of Armes, but only the Power of the Law.
• d 1.8

  What would this Peace∣maker have said if he had seen or heard of so many Royall rei∣terated of∣fers of peace wherwith the Soveraigne hath and still doth wooe his Stiffe-neck∣ed Subjects. Certainely, the more peaceable side hath al∣waies a∣mongst good men had the Reputation of the better side.
• e 1.9

  This was very good Counsell from a Stranger, had the Subjects had the grace to follow it in time then had there been an end of the old Warr, and a hap∣py Prevention of a new Warr, which except stopt by timely submission can por∣tend nothing but the utter Nationall Ruine of Church and State, which God in mercy avert.
• f 1.10

  Of Ireland.
• g 1.11

  This full Testimony of the Excel∣lent State of the Church of England (still as it heretofore stood under Episcopacy) out-speakes all the for∣mer, and to this good E∣jaculation from Gene∣vah, no right Protestant-Malignant but will heartily say, Amen.