only sheweth the constancy of
their zeale, but their great grief that the worke hath been interrupted by
a malignant party of Papists and evill affected persons, especially of the
corrupt and dissolute Clergie, by the incitement and instigation of
Bishops and others, their hope according to their earnest desire, when
they shall returne to a peaceable and Parliamentary proceding, by the
blessing of God, to settle such a Reformation in the Church, as shall be
agreeable to Gods word, and that the result shall be a most firm and
stable union between the two Kingdoms of _England_ and _Scotland_, &c. The
Assembly also is not a little encouraged by a Letter sent from many
reverend Brethren of the Kirk of _England_, expressing their prayers and
endeavours against every thing which shall be found prejudiciall to the
establishment of the Kingdome of Christ, and the Peace of their
Soveraigne. Upon these encouragements, and having so patent a doore of
hope, the Assembly doth confidently expect, that _England_ will now
bestirre themselves in the best way for a Reformation of Religion, and do
most willingly offer their prayers and utter-endeavours for furthering so
great a Work, wherein Christ is so much concerned in his glory, the King
in his honour, the Kirk and Kingdome of _England_ in their happinesse, and
this Kirk and Kingdome in the purity and peace of the Gospel.

IV. That the Assembly also from so many reall invitations, are heartened
to renew the Proposition made by the aforenamed Commissioners of this
Kingdome, for beginning the Work of Reformation, at the uniformity of
Kirk-government. For what hope can there be of Unity in Religion, of one
Confession of Faith, one Form of Worship, & one Catechisme, till there be
first one Forme of Ecclesiasticall Government? Yea, what hope can the
Kingdome and Kirk of _Scotland_ have of a firme and durable Peace, till
Prelacie, which hath been the main cause of their miseries and troubles,
first and last, be plucked up, root and branch, as a plant which God hath
not planted, and from which, no better fruits can be expected then such
sower grapes, as this day set on edge the Kingdome of _England_?

V. The Prelaticall Hierarchie being put out of the way, the Work will be
easie, without forcing of any conscience, to settle in _England_ the
government of the Reformed Kirks by Assemblies. For although the Reformed
Kirks do hold, without doubting, their Kirk Officers, and Kirk government
by A