An Earnest Plea for a Gospel Communion in the Way of Godliness, Title page – Letter 1
An earnest PLEA FOR Gospel-Communion In the way of Godliness, Which is sued for by the Protestant Churches of Germanie, unto the Churches of Great Brittaine and Ireland:
In a Letter written by them to these, which was sent hither to that effect,
By the Hand of John Dury, Minister of the GOSPELL.
LONDON, Printed for Richard Wodnothe in Leaden-hall-Market, next door to the Golden Hart, 1654.
To the Godly and Learned Professors and Heads of Colledges in the Two famous Universities of the Common-Wealth of ENGLAND.
BEfore ever this Request was made by Forraine Protestants to our Worthies in England, and when I was at the University of Cambridg many years agoe, the Necessity of such a Work as is here implored, was made apparent unto me, and my wishes and earnest endeavours were made awake towards it; but then there was no appearance that ever any such thing could or should be brought to pass: yet since we have seen greater and more unexpected matters accomplished both in reference to Religion, and to the Civil Government, I hope we are in a fair way to see yet greater things brought forth, and things of Peace and Comfort to all the Churches, which may prove to be the foundations of many Generations. For as rhe hope of the Hypocrite shall perish, and be like unto the giving up of the Ghost; so the desire of the Righteous shall be fullfilled, and he shall not be ashamed of his hopes, because the Promise is, that he who hungers and thirsts for Righteousness, shall be satisfyed.
Now the Work which is here sued for by the Forrain Ministers, is nothing else but the knowledge of that way of Righteousness which God hath prepared for his Saints to walk in, that they may have Communion with him in his kingdom. Therefore I am very confident that it will be so fully revealed and made known, that a man (as the Prophet saith) though a fool shall not erre therein. And because the Lord hath given unto you who are the Two Renowned Nurseries of Learning in this Nation, the Abilities, and I am perswaded the Will also to make this Way more plain then in former Ages it hath been known; therefore I having this Treatise from the Author, to dispose of it in Publick as I should finde cause, could choose no other Patronage for it but that which will proceed from your favourable acceptance thereof, both from my self and from the Author, by whose encouragement I with all due respects present and dedicate the same unto You, that the effect (for which it is now in a seasonable time made publick) may ensue and answer the vehement longings of so many suitors, through the zeal and godly wisdom which the Lord hath endued You withall for the advancement of his Truth and the consolation of his Churches.
And if I may be so bold as to make a Motion, which in future Ages happily may conduce much to further the scope of this design (which is none other but to promote the acknowledging of the Truth which is after Godliness) I shall humbly desire that which that practically-judicious, pious and profound Teacher at Franeker Dr. Ames hath so earnestly wished for in his life-time; Namely that in every Protestant University there should be a Publick Professor set a part to handle the matters of Practical Divinity, and to make that Task his whole employment. If then this Motion could be effectually made unto his Highness and his Council, and the benefit thereof made known as from your joint consent therein, I make no doubt but the thing would be established, and redound much both unto the Honor of God …nd the Advantage of our Reformation, wherein I beseech the Lord to make You …ointly and severally to be Eminently In…trumental; And so taking my leave I rest ever
Your most devoted Servant in all duties of Christianity and Advancement of Learning, SAMUEL HARTLIB.