n of these two
Nations in the common Cause of Religion and Liberty, and for that good
hand of blessing which hath accompanied the joynt endeavours of both, in
the prosecution thereof: So we cannot but be sadly and deeply sensible of
those many obstructions and difficulties, wherewith God in his wisdom hath
seen good to exercise his Servants in both Kingdoms in the carrying on of
that work, wherein they stand so much ingaged. Herein he hath clearly
manifested his own power, wisdom, and goodnesse for our encouragement to
trust him in the managing of his own Work, and our utter inability to
effect it of our selves, thereby to train us up to a more humble and
faithfull dependency upon him to do all, when we by our own wisdom and
strength can do nothing. Our perplexities we must confesse, are and have
been many, and yet in the midst of them all we cannot but thankfully
acknowledge it is a token for good, and that which hath bin and still is a
great comfort and refreshing to our hearts, that God hath given you wisdom
timely to foresee approaching dangers, but especially to behold, as the
stedfastnesse of your Faith, in that both formerly you have been and at
present are able to trust God in straits and to appear for him in greatest
dangers, so your eminent faithfulnesse and integrity in your firm adhering
to your first principles, and chiefly in your constancy and zeal for the
preservation and prosecution of the Solemn League and Covenant, so
Religiously ingaged in by both Kingdoms: In your vigorous pursuance
whereof, with much thankfulnesse to God, We are very sensible more
particularly of your steering so steady, and even a course between the
dangerous rocks of Prophanesse and Malignancie on the one hand, and of
Errour, Schisme, Heresie and Blasphemy on the other hand; as also of your
constant desires and endeavours to preserve the Peace and Union between
the two Nations so nearly and so many wayes United. In all which we humbly
acknowledge the mercy and faithfulnesse of God in guiding you so
graciously hitherto; and through his assistance we shall still be ready to
afford you the best help & incouragement of our prayers and praises to God
on your behalf; having this confidence that he who hath already vouchsafed
you and us so many blessed pledges of his favour, will in his own time and
way accomplish his own Work, which so much concerneth his own Glory and
his Peoples good. To his most gracious protection & guidance in these