DURY. 371 but this only served to inflame his zeal. He afterwards endeavoured to unite, not only the Lutherans and Calvinists, but even the whole christian world. To this end, he travelled through many parts of Germany, where he was cordially received and liberally entertained. He seems to have been an honest man, but enthusiastical. His notions were but idle fancies, and his scheme was equally wild and impracticable.". Notwithstanding the censures, of the above 'writer, it is manifest that Mr. Dury's undertaking received the warmest patronage and encouragement of many celebrated divines. In the year 1635 he exchanged several letters upon the subject with the learned Mr. Joseph Mede. He ,first soli- cited this celebrated scholar to give his thoughts upon the best method of pursuing the design ; and then stated the method in which he had addressed the Batavian churches, desiring his remarks upon it Mr. Mede most cordially approved of his endeavour to promote a pacification, but was doubtful of its success. He commended Mr. Dury's method of addressing the foreign churches; owned his good intentions ; and spoke of his abilities in terms of the highest approbation. 44 From his wisdom and abilities therein," says he, " I am fitter to receive knowledge and instruction than to censure or give direction."t Mr. Dury communicated his design to the most celebrated divines of New, England, who signified their hearty concurrence in the generous undertaking.# And Mr. Baxter observes, that " Mr. Dury having spent thirty years in his endeavours to reconcile the Lutherans and Calvinists, was again going abroad upon that work, and desired the judgment of our association how it might be most successfully accomplished; upon which, at their desire, I drew up a letter more largely in Litin, and more briefly in English. '4 Upon the commencement of the civil wars, Mr. Dury espoused the cause of the parliament, and was chosen one of the superadded members to the assembly of divines. He took the covenant with the rest of his brethren, and was appointed one of the committee of accoramodation.11 It is said, that he afterwards joined the-independents, took the engagement, and all other oaths that followed to the restora. floe.% He was certainly a man ofa most worthy character, ' .1 Biog. Britan. vol. vii. p 4383. Edit. 1747. Mede's Works, p. 804, 863-866. Matter's Hist. of New Eng. b. iii. p. 39, 40. S Sylvester's Life of Baxter, part i. p. 117. Pipers of Accom. p. 13. :1( Wood's Athena Oxon. vol. i. p. 686.
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