Concerning
the
Preparatives
.
It
is
in
many
things
a
certain
Truth
:
Dimidium
facti
qui
bene
coepit
habet
,
and
to
begin
a
work
of
this
nature
well
,
there
is
nothing
so
material
as
to
prevent
sinister
impressions
;
and
again
,
a
rational
confidence
of
the
sincerity
of
each
others
intentions
towards
it
,
and
thereupon
to
lay
an
obligation
upon
both
parties
to
be
constant
towards
the
prosecution
thereof
,
and
to
do
all
this
,
I
shall
humbly
offer
these
following
Expedients
.
1.
Both
parties
must
be
made
throughly
acquainted
with
the
real
designe
,
and
fully
assured
,
that
nothing
is
pretended
,
but
what
is
really
intended
,
as
in
the
presence
of
God
.
Now
to
acquaint
them
with
the
real
Designe
,
and
beget
this
confidence
in
them
;
some
chuse
moderate
,
known
,
and
godly
men
,
which
are
of
repute
for
judgment
and
integrity
with
both
sides
;
are
to
be
made
use
of
,
to
insinuate
the
Design
unto
them
:
as
from
themselves
by
the
dictates
of
their
own
Conscience
,
lest
it
seeme
to
proceed
from
some
plot
in
the
State
upon
them
,
which
to
prevent
meanes
should
be
used
to
bring
some
of
each
side
together
,
to
set
them
upon
the
drawing
up
,
or
upon
the
approving
of
a
plat-form
of
a
Treaty
,
conducing
to
these
ends
:
obliging
them
to
acquaint
their
Brethren
of
each
side
therewith
,
as
a
matter
of
necessary
advice
which
they
think
themselves
obliged
to
suggest
;
for
nothing
but
this
will
prevent
objections
,
&
dash
jealousies
.
2.
When
the
mindes
of
moderate
and
leading
men
are
thus
some-what
prepared
,
&
the
fiercer
sort
taken
off
from
the
edge
of
their
fearful
suspiciousness
;
then
some
forme
of
a
Declaration
should
be
at
hand
,
to
be
presented
to
those
that
should
approve
of
the
design
,
that
setting
their
hands
to
it
,
they
may
shew
their
willingness
to
concur
with
others
in
a
Treaty
of
Reconcilement
,
and
to
be
engaged
in
the
prosecution
thereof
by
way
of
Councel
and
advice
.
3.
The
subscriptions
of
both
sides
being
gained
severely
to
the
same
draught
:
the
Ruling
power
should
be
made
acquainted
with
the
free
inclinations
of
both
parties
to
a
Treaty
among
themselves
,
and
his
countenance
and
concurrence
should
be
desired
towards
the
advancement
thereof
;
not
only
that
he
may
not
be
possessed
with
any
jealousie
against
it
;
or
receive
sinister
&
false
informations
concerning
it
;
but
that
he
should
be
intreated
to
depute
some
of
the
Councel
of
State
to
be
present
at
it
,
as
well
to
assist
with
advice
towards
the
furthering
thereof
,
as
in
the
outward
forme
of
proceeding
and
cariage
of
businesses
to
give
countenance
thereunto
,
that
it
may
be
of
a
publick
nature
,
and
freed
from
disturbances
and
contempt
.
4.
When
the
ruling
power
should
have
approved
of
the
Designe
,
and
appointed
some
to
be
present
at
it
to
these
effects
:
the
first
meeting
should
be
appointed
for
a
Fast
wherein
both
parties
should
humble
their
soules
joyntly
before
God
,
confessing
their
sins
and
miscarriages
,
praying
unto
him
for
grace
in
time
to
come
,
&c.
And
at
the
end
of
that
Action
they
should
ratifie
and
declare
unto
each
other
,
as
in
the
presence
of
God
their
willingness
to
be
mutually
reconciled
,
as
Brethren
in
the
Gospel
ought
to
be
according
to
Gods
will
;
and
to
that
effect
,
that
they
are
resolved
not
onely
to
treat
ingenuously
and
lovingly
to
rectifie
things
that
are
amisse
;
but
that
they
will
endeavour
in
all
their
privat
and
publick
Cariages
towards
each
other
,
and
in
reference
to
the
work
in
hand
,
to
be
without
offence
,
and
not
to
suffer
any
animosities
,
clamors
,
or
complaints
to
break
forth
,
especially
in
a
publick
way
of
preaching
or
writing
;
and
in
case
any
unexpected
matters
of
grievance
should
fall
in
on
either
side
,
that
they
should
not
be
instantly
imputed
unto
,
or
laid
open
before
all
;
but
that
on
each
side
some
should
be
appointed
,
to
whom
such
grievances
should
be
opened
;
that
a
friendly
course
may
be
taken
to
rectifie
the
same
,
&
to
make
these
Resolutions
more
valid
;
some
Act
might
be
drawn
up
containing
these
promises
,
and
the
names
of
those
that
should
be
the
hearers
of
grievances
on
each
side
;
which
Act
should
be
subscribed
by
all
the
Members
of
each
side
,
and
delivered
to
the
other
party
as
a
mutual
assurance
of
their
voluntary
engagement
thereunto
,
nor
would
it
be
amisse
that
they
should
joyn
to
intreat
the
Ruling
power
,
that
he
would
by
his
influence
over
the
publick
,
take
notice
of
such
as
should
be
offensive
in
any
such
kind
,
and
to
appoint
some
who
should
call
them
to
an
account
of
such
proceedings
,
wherein
they
should
seeme
to
disturbe
the
peaceable
inclinations
of
Brethren
who
are
seeking
the
wayes
of
mutual
Reconciliation
.
Concerning
the
proāāāution
of
the
Treaty
THe
Dutch
have
a
Proverb
to
his
effect
,
That
a
businesse
well
ordered
is
finished
.
There
is
much
truth
in
this
saying
:
If
then
we
can
fore-cast
the
way
of
ordering
all
things
so
justly
and
equally
towards
the
fore-mentioned
common
aimes
of
the
Treaty
,
that
neither
side
shall
finde
any
cause
of
exception
thereat
,
we
may
hope
that
God
will
blesse
this
designe
,
and
not
suffer
it
to
miscarry
.
And
to
this
effect
I
shall
offer
these
following
thoughts
,
as
an
humble
advice
to
be
considered
by
those
that
shall
think
themselvees
concerned
therein
.
I
conceive
then
,
that
this
Treaty
(
that
it
may
reach
the
ends
fore-mentioned
,
and
be
subservient
to
the
designe
in
hand
)
should
be
ordered
in
respect
of
the
places
of
meeting
;
and
in
respect
of
the
proceedings
of
parties
in
those
places
.
The
place
of
meeting
should
be
such
wherein
both
parties
may
have
a
distinct
chamber
to
meet
by
themselves
,
&
a
common
room
wherein
to
meet
and
appear
before
the
Deputies
of
the
ruling
power
.
In
the
common
room
there
should
be
three
Tables
:
one
where
the
Deputy
or
Deputies
of
the
State
should
sit
at
;
and
the
other
two
set
opposite
to
one
another
where
the
treating
parties
should
sit
at
.
The
proceedings
of
the
parties
in
each
of
their
places
,
should
be
regulated
by
the
same
Rules
as
well
of
actions
as
of
conferences
.
The
actions
are
of
two
sorts
;
some
are
to
be
of
each
party
within
it self
;
some
of
both
parties
towards
each
other
.
To
regulate
the
proceedings
of
each
party
within
it selfe
,
that
it
may
not
be
subdivided
,
and
clash
about
its
own
proceedings
,
I
would
advise
thus
:
First
,
that
all
who
should
have
subscribed
the
first
Declaration
and
the
second
Act
,
to
meet
and
to
treat
;
should
come
together
to
chuse
from
among
themselves
one
or
two
Scribes
;
and
three
or
four
who
should
be
called
Treaters
in
the
name
of
the
rest
.
Secondly
,
they
should
determine
a
Directory
for
the
actions
and
duties
of
their
Scribes
and
Treaters
,
lest
they
take
too
much
upon
them
over
their
brethren
,
and
their
misbehaviours
in
their
places
,
redound
to
the
disturbance
of
the
Treaty
.
And
I
suppose
this
Directory
might
be
to
this
effect
:
1.
That
nothing
should
be
counted
an
act
of
the
Treaty
;
but
that
which
passeth
from
one
party
to
the
other
in
the
name
of
all
in
writing
.
2.
That
no
writing
should
be
given
by
either
party
to
their
Treaters
to
be
offered
to
the
other
side
as
an
act
of
their
Treaty
,
but
that
wherin
all
the
subscribers
to
the
Treaty
on
that
side
from
which
it
is
offered
,
do
agree
,
nemine
contradicente
:
for
if
any
do
contradict
,
it
cannot
be
counted
an
Act
of
the
whole
party
;
and
neither
party
should
be
divided
within
it self
.
3.
That
to
draw
those
writings
whereunto
all
of
each
side
within
themselves
should
agree
;
or
from
which
none
should
disagree
,
the
method
should
be
this
:
At
the
end
of
every
meeting
let
a
point
of
deliberation
be
named
,
which
shall
be
the
subject
of
the
Treaty
at
the
next
joynt-meeting
.
Let
a
due
time
be
allowed
to
think
upon
that
point
:
Let
every
one
of
the
Subscribers
be
obliged
to
bring
his
advice
concerning
that
point
in
writing
expressed
in
briefe
and
orderly
Aphorismes
:
Let
all
those
writings
be
put
into
two
or
three
hands
,
who
shall
sum
them
up
in
that
wherein
they
all
agree
:
let
that
summary
draught
be
read
at
their
peculiar
meeting
,
that
all
may
approve
,
or
at
least
none
be
concluded
in
that
which
he
might
happily
disapprove
.
Then
let
it
be
put
into
the
hand
of
the
Treaters
,
to
be
delivered
at
the
common
meeting
of
both
parties
to
the
other
side
as
an
act
of
Treaty
.
4.
That
no
Treater
be
allowed
to
say
or
do
any
thing
in
the
name
of
all
,
but
that
which
he
shall
be
directed
to
say
and
doe
by
ali
:
and
if
he
should
say
or
do
otherwise
any
thing
,
it
shall
be
free
for
any
to
stand
up
and
disclaim
that
which
he
shall
say
and
do
,
declaring
it
not
to
be
valid
in
the
name
of
all
.
5.
That
all
the
appointed
Treaters
should
be
obliged
to
be
alwayes
present
at
all
the
meetings
,
and
in
case
of
necessary
absence
,
to
get
some
body
of
their
brethren
to
supply
their
places
,
lest
the
Treaty
might
be
prejudiced
thereby
.
6.
That
the
Scribes
of
each
side
should
keep
all
the
writings
which
every
one
shall
give
in
upon
all
matters
of
deliberation
;
and
that
a
double
of
the
summary
collection
of
Suffrages
,
shall
be
in
a
readinesse
for
every
one
who
will
take
a
copy
of
it
.
7.
That
in
the
peculiar
meetings
no
constant
and
perpetuall
Chairman
shall
be
appointed
,
but
that
every
one
shall
preside
therein
as
it
falleth
out
to
be
his
turn
according
to
the
order
wherein
his
name
shall
be
found
in
the
List
of
subscriptions
unto
the
first
declaration
for
a
Treaty
.
8.
That
the
Chairmans
office
shall
be
,
1.
to
begin
and
end
the
peculiar
meeting
with
a
prayer
,
2.
To
receive
the
suffrages
of
deliberation
in
writing
,
and
get
a
Committee
of
two
or
three
at
the
most
,
to
make
a
summary
draught
of
consent
,
3.
to
get
the
peculiar
times
of
peculiar
meetings
appointed
,
so
that
all
things
may
be
prepared
for
the
common
meeting
with
the
other
side
.
To
regulate
the
proceedings
of
the
one
side
towards
the
other
at
the
common
meeting
,
let
both
parties
at
the
time
appointed
appeare
with
their
Scribes
and
Treaters
:
Let
the
Treaters
deliver
to
each
other
(
after
a
publick
reading
of
that
which
they
are
to
deliver
)
the
acts
of
their
advice
upon
the
point
whereof
the
Treaty
is
to
be
at
that
time
.
Let
the
precedency
in
reading
and
delivering
acts
be
vicissitudinary
,
as
also
in
beginning
and
ending
the
common
meeting
with
prayers
,
viz.
that
the
side
whose
turn
it
shall
be
to
pray
,
shall
be
last
in
delivering
its
act
and
advice
to
the
other
.
Let
a
new
point
of
deliberation
be
nominated
immediatly
after
both
acts
are
delivered
,
and
some
proposition
made
by
way
of
Querie
agreed
upon
and
put
to
paper
concerning
it
:
and
to
doe
this
,
some
two
of
each
side
should
be
deputed
to
draw
it
up
,
and
offer
it
to
the
liking
of
both
parties
:
Let
the
papers
which
are
given
by
one
side
to
the
other
,
be
read
the
second
time
,
and
an
offer
made
by
those
that
deliver
them
,
that
if
any
of
the
other
side
should
desire
any
termes
to
be
opened
,
or
doubtfull
expressions
to
be
explained
,
that
they
should
make
their
Querie
of
the
thing
which
in
the
writing
should
seem
to
them
to
be
doubtfull
,
and
that
the
sense
thereof
should
be
made
plain
unto
them
,
Let
the
papers
which
at
each
meeting
are
delivered
and
explained
by
one
side
to
another
,
be
taken
into
consideration
by
the
side
which
doth
receive
them
,
to
this
effect
,
that
it
should
return
thereupon
at
the
next
meeting
an
answer
declaring
how
far
it
doth
consent
thereunto
:
or
in
case
it
should
not
yeeld
any
consent
at
all
;
or
agree
unto
unto
the
substance
thereof
;
that
then
it
should
offer
to
the
side
from
which
it
received
the
paper
at
the
former
meeting
,
some
expedients
tending
to
bring
forth
an
agreement
.
Thus
much
of
the
Actions
:
as
for
the
Conferences
they
in
like
manner
are
to
be
of
two
sorts
;
some
which
each
party
should
entertain
within
it self
:
some
which
may
be
between
both
parties
at
their
common
meetings
.
Concerning
the
conferences
of
each
party
within
it self
,
although
nothing
can
be
prescribed
to
prejudge
the
liberty
of
Brethren
,
yet
advice
may
be
offered
for
their
edification
and
prevention
of
subdivisions
,
I
shall
then
desire
it
may
be
considered
,
whether
these
Rules
will
not
be
found
expedient
to
be
oqserved
.
1.
That
all
large
discourses
and
speeches
be
avoided
:
In
multiloquio
non
deest
peccatum
.
2.
That
no
personall
matters
tending
to
complaints
or
reproaches
be
heard
in
any
publick
meetings
,
but
that
the
persons
appointed
to
redresse
grievances
,
should
be
made
acquainted
therewith
.
3.
That
no
disputatory
conferences
by
way
of
contradiction
to
different
opinions
,
be
entertained
,
but
only
declaratory
by
way
of
explication
of
each
his
own
opinion
in
thesi
&
antithesi
,
and
by
way
of
deliberation
what
is
more
or
lesse
expedient
,
be
allowed
:
&
that
in
all
such
conferences
the
sum
of
that
wherein
on
each
side
there
is
an
agreement
,
be
noted
&
put
to
paper
by
the
Scribes
,
that
wherin
opinions
may
be
different
,
the
Scribes
shall
not
be
obliged
to
take
notice
of
.
Concerning
the
conferences
which
may
be
between
both
parties
,
I
would
ad
Advise
these
things
:
1.
If
it
should
not
be
permitted
to
any
to
make
any
speech
,
or
large
discourse
either
in
his
own
name
,
or
in
the
name
of
any
other
,
far
less
to
make
complaints
of
grievances
,
&
oblige
others
to
make
apologies
and
recriminations
these
kinds
of
conferences
have
ruined
our
peace
,
chiefly
when
proud
men
,
or
passionate
talkers
have
taken
upon
them
to
out-wit
others
,
and
manage
the
affaires
of
their
own
party
to
the
disadvantage
of
the
other
.
2.
That
no
matter
of
conference
should
be
mentioned
at
the
common
meeting
,
but
such
as
in
writing
is
delivered
from
one
side
to
another
.
3.
That
concerning
such
matters
no
conference
should
be
further
entertained
than
that
it
shal
be
free
for
any
one
of
either
side
to
ask
a
question
of
those
that
have
delivered
a
paper
concerning
their
meaning
of
any
thing
contained
therein
;
and
that
it
shal
be
free
for
the
treaters
of
that
side
to
whom
the
question
is
proposed
,
first
to
explain
the
meaning
of
the
writing
which
is
counted
doubtful
;
&
in
case
they
open
it
not
fully
enough
,
that
then
any
other
of
the
same
side
may
adde
to
what
the
Treaters
shall
have
delivered
.
And
beyond
these
bounds
no
conference
should
be
allowed
,
nor
matters
of
debate
otherwise
entertained
than
in
writing
,
either
declaratorily
or
deliberatively
:
Declaratorily
in
reference
to
the
grounds
of
our
judgement
and
practice
:
deliberatively
in
reference
to
the
wayes
and
expedients
of
edification
in
love
and
agreement
.