Iuly 12. 1648. Post meridiem, Sess. 1.
The Letter from the Synod of Divines in England to the Generall Assembly.
Right Honourable, right Reverend, and dearly beloved brethen in JESUS CHRIST,
As we have great cause to blesse God for the brotherly Union 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 [pg 370] 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 doubtfull and dangerous times we humbly commend you and all your holy endeavours, and rest.
Westminster June 7. 1648.
Subscribed in the name and by the apointment of the whole Assembly by us.
Direct
To the Right Honourable, Right Reverend, the Generall Assembly of the Church of Scotland, or their Commissioners.
Charles Harle, Prolocutor.
William Gouge, Assessor.
Henry Robrough, Scribe.
Adoniram Byfield, Scribe.