A declaration of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, concerning the Kings Majesty, and the state of the kingdome; sent to the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland. : Together with a letter from the ministers of the Church of England, to the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland; concerning the King and the discipline of this nation. / Ordered by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, that this declaration be forthwith printed and published. ; Hen. Elsynge, cler. Parl. d. Com.

A Letter sent by the Ministers of the Church of England, to the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

Right Reverend in our Lord and Saviour,

WEE received with much joy and satisfa∣ction, the answer of your Generall As∣sembly, vouchsafed us to our last Letters: some of us in the name of our Brethren, thought it re∣quisite to return our desired thanks.

And we now further think it equall upon this occasion, to make a more publike acknowledge∣ment of such a publike favour. You were then pleased to give us fair grounds, to expect that brotherly advice and endeavours, which the com∣mon cause of Christ, and the mutuall interest of the united Nations commands us now againe to ask, if not to challenge. Wee doubt not, but your experience, together with your intelligence, abun∣dantly informs you of our condition, what vari∣ous administrations of providence we have passed through

〈…〉〈…〉 betwixt hope and feare, a fit temper for working, the God of all grace ena∣ble us to improve it. As our hopes are not such, as may make us secure, so neither doe our feares prevail, to the casting away of our confidence.

Your own late condition, together with this Declaration of our present, may acquaint you with the certain, though subtle authors and tor∣menters of these our confused conflicts, which we conceive to be the Hierarchial faction, who have no way to peace and safety, but through the trou∣ble of others. Our prayers and endeavours accor∣ding to our measure have been, and shall be, for the suppressing and rooting up whatsoever wee find so prejudiciall to the establishment of the Kingdom of Christ, and the peace of our Sove∣raign, And that this Declaration of our selves, may not leave you unsatisfied, wee thinke it requisite further to expresse, that the desire of the most god¦ly and considerable part amongst us, is, that the Presbyterian Government, which hath just and e∣vident foundation, both in the Word of God, and religious reason may be established amongst Us, and that we may agree in one Confession of faith, one directory for Worship, and forme of Govern∣ment, which things, if they were accomplished,

we should much reioyce in our happy subjection to Christ our Head, and desired association with you our beloved Brethren. For the better effecting whereof we thought it necessary, not only to ac∣quaint you, with what our desires are in them∣selves, but also, to you; that is, that which shall seem most fit to the wisdome of that grave and re∣ligious Assembly, may be taken for the furtherance of our endeavours in this kind. This design and desire of ours hath evennesse on the left hand, and dissenting brethren on the right, but we doubt not that as your hearts justifie us that our inten∣tions are right, and such as we conceive tend most directly to the glory of God, and peace of the Churches of the Saints: So (by your brotherly concurrence in the most speedy and effectuall way you can find out) the worke will in gods due time receive a prayed for, and hoped for issue. We shall, not need by any arguments from mutuall, Natio∣nall interest (though we know ye will not over∣looke these) to enforce this request, the same bond wherewith we are all united in one Lord Jesus Christ, we are assured, will alone ingage you a faithfull endeavours in this buisinesse.

To him we commit you with these great and important affairs you have in hand.

Be pleased to accept of these, as the expres∣sion of the minds of our many godly and faith∣full brethren, whose hearts we doubt not of, nei∣ther need you, though their hands in regard of the suddennesse of this opportunity, could not he subscribed together with ours, who are.

Your most affectionate Friends and Brethren is the work of the Lord. Sic subscribitur.