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The King's Answer to the Petition against Recu∣sants, March 31. 1628.
My Lords and Gentlemen,
I Do very well approve the method of your proceed∣ing, à Jove principium, hoping that the rest of your Consultations will succeed the happier. And I like the preamble of my Lord Keeper, otherwise I should a little have suspected that you thought me not so carefull of Religion as I have been and ever shall be, wherein I am as forward as you can desire.
As for the Petition, I answere, first in generall, that I like it well, and will use those, as well as all other means, for the maintenance and propagation of that Religion wherein I have lived, and doe resolve to die. But for the particulars, you shall receive a more full answer hereafter.
And now I will only add this, that as we pray to God to help us, so we must help our selves; for we can have no assurance of his assistance, if we do ly in bed and only pray, without using other means. And therefore I must remember you that if we do not make provision speedily, we shall not be able to put one Ship to sea this year.
Verbum sapienti satis est.