that so they might have the less to
do.

This was all which that Treaty, or any other produced, to let the
world see how little I would deny, or they grant, in order to the
publick Peace.

That it gave occasion to some mens further restivenesse, is imputable
to their own depraved tempers, not to any Concessions or negations
of Mine: I have alwayes the content of what I offered, and they the
regret and blame, for what they refused.

The highest tide of success set me not above a Treaty, nor the lowest
ebbe below a Fight: Though I never thought it any sign of true valour,
to be prodigal of mens lives, rather then be drawne to produce our own
Reasons, or subscribe to other mens.

That which made me for the most part presage the unsuccesfulnesse of
any Treaty, was, some mens unwillingnesse to Treat: which implied some
things were to be gained by the Sword, whose unseasonableness they
were loth to have fairly scanned, being more proper to be acted by
Souldiers, then by Counsellours.

I pray God forgive them that were guilty of that Treaties breaking:
and give them grace to make their advantages gotten by the Sword a
better opportunity to use such moderation as was then wanting; that so
though Peace were for our sins justly deferred, yet at last it might
be happily obtained; what we could not get by our Treaties, we may
gaine by our prayers.

_O thou, that art the God of Reason, and of Peace, who disdainest not
to treat with Sinners, preventing them with offers of attonement,
and beseeching them to be reconciled with thy selfe: who wantest not
Power, or Iustice, to destroy them; yet aboundest in mercy to save:
soften our hearts by the bloud of our Redeemer, and perswade us to
accept of Peace with thy self, and both to procure and preserve Peace
among our selves, as Men and Christians. How oft have I entreated for
Peace? but when I speak thereof, they make them ready to War._

_Condemn us not to our passions, which are destructive both of our
selves, and of others._

_Cleer up our understandings to see thy Truth, both in reason, as Men;
and in Religion, as Christians: and incline all our hearts to hold
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Take from us that enmity
which is now in our hearts against thee: and give us that charity
which should be among our selves._

_Remove the evils of war we have deserved, & bestow upon us that peace
which only Christ our great Peace-maker can merit._

* *