vigilancie, and every way commendable zeal and
fidelitie in doing and discharging every thing according to their
Commission.

Sess. 8. August 10. 1643.

_Propositions given by the Commissioners of the Parliament of England to a
Committee, to be presented by them to the Assembly._

We the Commissioners appointed by both Houses of the Parliament of
England, desire your Lordships, and the rest of this reverend Committee,
to represent to the reverend the Generall Assembly of the Church of
Scotland, that we are commanded.

To acknowledge with all thankfulnesse to God, their zeal for purging and
reforming Religion, and care not only to prevent the grouth, but utterly
to extirpate the Reliques of Popery: And also the great blessing of
Almighty God upon their so constant and faithful endeavours, thus far
establishing them in truth and peace, together with their labour of love,
to procure the like happinesse to our Church and Nation.

To give them an account of their earnest desire and endeavour to see the
same Work promoted and perfected among our selves; which though it hath
been opposed and retarded by the industrious malice of the Popish,
Prelaticall, and malignant partie, yet through Gods goodnesse it hath so
far prevailed, as to produce the removeall of the High Commission, the
making void the coercive power of the Prelates and their Courts, The
ejection of the Bishops from the House of Peers, the turning out of many
scandalous Ministers, Besides that they have passed and presented to his
Majestie diverse Bills, _viz._ For the suppressing of Innovations, For the
more strict observation of the Lords Day, against Pluralities and
non-residencie, For the punishment of the scandalous Clergie, For the
abolition of Episcopacie, and the calling an Assembly: The true Copies of
which, we herewithall deliver. Which Bills, through the underminning of
the Papists, Prelates, and their party (the constant enemies of
Reformation) have not yet obtained his Majesties Royall assent. And yet
considering the urgent necessity of purging and settling the Church (as
hath been often pressed and presented to the Parliament of England, by
pious and frequent exhortations and Declarations from that reverent
Assembly) they have been constrained by an Ordinance of both Houses, to
call an Assembly of Divines, and others, now fitting, to consider and
prepare what may conduce thereunto, which by the assistance of some godly
and learned Di