Origin of the work:
1643 Elbląg
Editions:
Without place or date of publication in Comenius’ Irenica quaedam scripta ...
1658 Amsterdam, in: Johannis A. Comenii De regula fidei judicium duplex
Contents:
A tract on the need for reconciliation between Christian sects for the purpose of obtaining a general peace.
In 1643 Comenius sent a copy of this work, in addition to other correspondence, to the bishop and minister to the Swedish Royal Court Jan Matthiae. In the unsettled times, Comenius seeks to attain a general peace. He sees the reconciliation of opposing Christian directions – the Catholic and the evangelical churches – as one of the paths leading to such a peace. To this end, it is necessary to consider who should be reconciled, who will be the reconciler, and what methods ought to be used by the latter. Treatises should be published on the regulations of the Catholic and evangelical faiths. It would however be advisable to make public the more extensive work De tollendis Christianorum in rebus fidei dissidiis deliberatio catholica (A General Consideration of the Removal of Disagreements among Christians in Matters of Faith), which would define the basic idea of Christianity according to Scripture. It would later be incumbent upon all Christians to express their unity in this, establishing a route leading to and ending in the admonition of the powerful of this world.
The fundamental Christian idea, according to Scripture, is the only pacific and peaceful Kingdom of Christ, full of light and knowledge, requiring peace among people. In order that it be attained, it is necessary to correct some eccentric evangelical sects, and begin negotiations with the Catholic Church on the achievement of unity. Mutual hatred has lasted for a long period; peace will be reached by a truce, prayers and reconcilers. Should all go well, it will be possible to convene a universal synod, which would establish rules of tolerance. This should be undertaken by the clergy, the whole process being assisted by rulers. Such a treatise was to be dedicated to the Polish king.
For further study, see also:
J. V. Novák & J. Hendrich, Jan Amos Komenský, jeho život a spisy, Prague 1932, pp351-352
Jan Kumpera, Jan Amos Komenský, poutník na rozhraní věků. Prague & Ostrava : 1992, pp222-223