and spiritual wickednesse in high places, are
working with all their force and fraud in the same opposition, not without
hope of successe, they having prevailed so farre from the beginning, That
in the times of the best Kings of _Juda_ of old, and the most part of the
Reformed Kirks of late, a through and perfect Reformation of Religion hath
been a work full of difficulties, Yet doe they conceive, that as it ought
first of all to be intended so should it be above all other things, with
confidence in God, who is greater then the World, and he who is in the
World, most seriously endeavoured. And that when the supream providence
giveth opportunity of the accepted time & day of salvation, no other work
can prosper in the hands of his servants, if it be not apprehended, & with
all reverence & faithfulnesse improved. This Kirk and Nation, when the
Lord gave them the calling, considered not their own deadnesse, nor
staggered at the promise through unbelief, but gave glory to God. And who
knoweth (we speak it in humility and love, and from no other mind then
from a desire of the blessing of God upon our King and that Kingdome) but
the Lord hath now some controversie with _England_, which will not be
removed, till first and before all, the worship of his name and the
government of his house be settled according to his own will? When this
desire shall come, it shall be to _England_ after so long deferred hopes,
a tree of life, which shall not only yeeld temporell blessings unto
themselves, but also shall spread the branches so far, that both this
nation and other reformed Kirks shall finde the fruits thereof to their
great satisfaction.

III. The Commissioners of this Kingdome in the late Treaty of peace,
considering that Religion is not only the meane of the service of God and
saving of Souls, but is also the base and foundation of Kingdomes and
Estates, and the strongest band to tye Subjects to their Prince in true
loyaltie, and to knit the hearts of one to another in true unity and love,
They did with preface of all due respect and reverence, far from arrogancy
or presumption, represent in name of this Kingdome, their serious thoughts
and earnest desires for unity of Religion, That in all His Majesties
Dominions, there might be one Confession of Faith, one directory of
worship, one publike Catechisme, and one form of Kirk Government. This
they conceived to be acceptable to God Almighty, who delighteth to see his
People walking