from their zeal to the glory of GOD, and propagation of the
Gospell, from their affection to the happinesse of their native King, and
of the Kingdome of England, and from the sense of their own interest in
the common dangers of Religion, Peace, and Libertie, They are most willing
and ready to be united and associated with their Brethren in a nearer
League and solemne Covenant for the maintenance of the truly reformed
Protestant Religion, against Popery and Prelacie, and against all Popish
and Prelatical corruptions, in doctrine, discipline, worship, or
Church-government, and for the settling and holding fast of unity and
uniformity betwixt the Kirks of this Iland, and with the best reformed
Churches beyond sea. Which Union and Covenant, shall with Gods assistance
be seconded by their cooperating with their Brethren in the use of the
best and most effectall meanes that may serve for so good ends; For the
more speedy effectuating whereof, to the comfort and inlargement of their
distressed Brethren (whose hope deferred might make their hearts to faint)
the whole Assembly with great unanimity of judgement, and expressions of
much affection have approved (for their part) such a draught and forme of
a mutuall Leagu and Covenant betwixt the Kingdomes, as was the result of
the joint debates and consultations of the Commissioners from both Houses,
assisted by the two reverend Divines, and of the Committees deputed from
the Convention of the Estates of this Kingdome, and from the Genrall
Assembly:

Expecting and wishing the like approbation thereof by the right honourable
the Lords and Commons in Parliament, and by the reverend Assembly there,
That thereafter it may be solemnely sworne and subscribed in both
Kingdomes, as the surest and straitest obligation to make both stand and
fall together in that cause of Religion and Libertie.

As the Estates of this Kingdome have often professed in their former
Declarations, the integritie of their Intentions against the common
enemies of Religion and Libertie in both Kingdomes, and their great
affection to their Brethren of England, by reason of so many and so near
relations: So doubtlesse now in this time of need they will not fail to
give reall proof of what before they professed. _A friend loveth at all
times, and a brother is born for adversitie._ Neither shall the Assembly,
or their Commissioners be wanting in exhorting all others to their duty,
or in concurring so far as belongeth