REYNOLDS, Edward & others]

A seasonable exhortation of sundry ministers in London to the people of their respective congregations.

      London, printed by E.M. for Samuel Gellibrand a the golden Ball in Pauls Church-yard; and Robert Gibbs at the golden Ball in Chancery Lane. 1660 - 4to., title printed within a typographical border, (4) + 24pp., minor soiling a staining in several leaves, but a good copy preserved in modern wrappers with printed title label on upper cover. First edition. Wing R.1276. After the death of Oliver Cromwell (Sept. 1658), Reynolds was recognised as the leader of the moderate presbyterian divines or 'reconcilers'. He and other presbyterians sought an accommodation with Richard Cromwell, and in October 1658, on the behalf of himself and other London presbyterian ministers, delivered an oral address to the new Protector. He preached at the opening session of Parliament in 1659, and throughout 1659 and 1660 his sermons to Parliament and London notables became increasingly pointed about the need for peace, unity, and moderation, codes for the restoration of the monarchy and accommodation with episcopalians. He was the prime mover behind A seasonable exhortation in January 1660, which condemned sectaries and urged an understanding with Anglicans. Throughout the summer and autumn of 1660 Reynolds continued to push for a moderate episcopacy acceptable to presbyterians and Anglicans, and he helped to draft the King's Worcester House declaration that October. He was about then made Bishop of Norwich. [Ian Atherton in ODNB]. [Attributes: First Edition; Soft Cover]