n the very fire, Have at length, by the good Hand of GOD upon
us, attained so far toward the Mark at which we all aime, that we shall
now send you, by two of your Reverend and Faithful Commissioners Mr
_Robert Bailie_, and Mr _George Gillespie_ (our much honoured Brethren)
some good news of that great Work, after which your zeal for Truth and
Peace hath so much thirsted, and for which you _have not loved your lives
unto the death._

Our progresse therein hath not been so expeditious as was desired and
expected. This, unto such as either know not, or consider not, The weight
and greatnesse of the Work, nor The manifold difficulties which have
occurred to obstruct our proceedings in this day of darknesse and calamity
(too sad to be expressed) hath been like unto _hope deferred_; _which
makes the_ heart sick: Howbeit, we trust, _That when their desire_ (namely
that which we have prepared, and are further in travell with) _shall come_
unto them, _It will be_, through God, _a Tree of life_, as to our great
comfort and encouragement, we already perceive it to be to both the
honourable Houses of Parliament.

Touching this severall Papers brought to us from your Honourable and
Reverend Commissioners, by the hands of the Committee appointed to treat
with them in matters of Religion (one of the Papers, being given in the
10. of November 1643. Concerneth the severall sorts of Church-officers and
Assemblies: Another, bearing date the 24. of January 1643. Concerneth
Congregationall Elderships, and Classicall Presbyteries: The other, being
presented the 15. of August last, representeth the necessity of making
greater speed in settling the intended Uniformity in Religion, according
to the late solemne Covenant:) We hold it our duty, in regard both of the
act and inseparable Union, which the Lord hath happily and seasonably made
between you and us, and of your indefatigable and inestimable labour of
love to this afflicted Kingdom, to give your Lordships and the rest of
that Venerable Assembly, some brief account.

Concerning one Confession of Faith, and Forme of Catechisme, we make no
question of a blessed and perfect harmony with you. The publick Doctrine,
held out by our Church to all the World (especially when it shall be
reviewed, which is in great part done) concurring so much with yours, may
assure you of your hearts desire in those particulars, so soon as time and
opportunity may give us liberty to perfect what we have begun.