chisme and form of Governement: Which things,
if they were accomplished, we should much rejoyce in our happy subjection
to Christ our Head, and our desired association with you our beloved
brethren. For the better effecting whereof, we thought it necessary, not
only to acquaint you with what our desires are in themselves, but likewise
to you, that is, That what way shall seem most fit to the wisedom of that
grave and religious Assembly, may be taken for the furtherance of our
indeavours in this kind. We understand that our Parliament hath been
before hand with us in this intimation, and it cannot but be our duty, who
are so much concerned in the businenesse, to adde what power the Lord hath
given us with you to the same purpose. This designe and desire of ours
hath enemies on the Left-hand; and dissenting brethren on the Right; but
we doubt not, that as our hearts justifie us that our intentions are
right, and such as we conceive tend most to the glory of God, and the
peace of the Churches of the Saints; so (by your brotherly concurrence in
the most speedy and effectuall way you can find out) the Work will in Gods
due time receive a prayed for, hoped for issue. We shall not need by many
arguments from mutuall Nationall interest (though we know you will not
overlook them) to inforce this request, the firme bond wherewith we are
all united in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are assured will alone engage your
faithfull endeavours in this businesse. To him we commit you, with these
great and important affairs you have in hand. Be pleased to accept of
these as the expression of the mindes of our many godly and faithfull
Brethren, whose hearts we doubt not of, neither need you, though their
hands in regard of the suddennesse of this opportunity could not be
subscribed together with ours, who are.
_Your most affectionate Friends and Brethren in the work of the Lord._
London, _22. July, 1642._
_Answer to the Ministers Letter._
_Right Reverend and beloved in the Lord Jesus._
By our Answer to the Declaration sent unto us from the honourable Houses
of Parliament, ye may perceive that your Letter which came into our hands
so seasonably, was not only acceptable unto us, but hath also encouraged
us to renew both to the Kings Majestie and the Houses of Parliament, The
desires of the late Commissioners of this Kingdome for Unity in Religion,
in the four particulars remembred by you, we cannot be ignorant but the
opposition fro
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