The chief reason of laying aside the review of our publick Doctrine, after
the happy and much desired arrivall of your Reverend Commissioners here,
was, The drawing up and accelerating of a Directory for Worship, and of a
Forme of Church-Government; in both of which we stood at a greater
distance from other Reformed Churches of Christ, and particularly from
yours (which we very much honour) with whom our solemne sacred Nationall
Covenant requireth us to endeavour the nearest Conjunction and Uniformity,
that we and our posterity after us, may as Brethren live in Faith and
Love, and the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us.

Nor have our labours there in been frustrate: For we have perfected and
transmitted a Directory for Worship, to both Houses of Parliament; where
it hath received such acceptance, that it is now passed in both the
Honourable Houses of Parliament; which we hope will be to the joy and
comfort of all our godly and dear Brethren in all His Majesties Kingdoms
and Dominions.

We have not advised any imposition which might make it unlawfull to vary
from it in any thing; Yet we hope, all our Reverend Brethren in this
Kingdom, and in yours also, will so far value and reverence that which
upon so long debate and serious deliberation hath been agreed upon in this
Assembly (when it shall also passe with you, and be settled as the common
publick Directory for all the Churches in the three Kingdomes) that it
shall not be the lesse regarded and observed. And albeit we have not
expressed in the Directory every minute particular, which is or might be
either laid aside or retained among us, as comely and usefull in practice;
yet we trust--that none will be so tenacious of old customs not expressely
forbidden, or so averse from good examples although new, in matters of
lesser consequence, as to insist upon their liberty of retaining the one,
or refusing the other, because not specified in the Directory; but be
studious to please others rather then themselves.

We have likewise spent divers moneths in the search of the Scriptures, to
finde out the minde of Christ concerning a Forme of Church-government,
wherein we could not but expect the greatest difficulty: For our better
Progresse herein, wee have with all respect considered the severall Papers
of your Honourable and Reverend Commissioners, touching this Head; and do
with all thankfulnesse, acknowledge their great zeal, judgement, and
wisdom expressed therei