r from the
Prelaticall principles and practices which were but to put a piece of new
cloath unto an old garment, and so to make the rent worse; or to put new
wine into old bottles, and so to lose both wine and bottles. Yea who knows
whether this may not be one of the causes, (and not the least) why the
present Reformation succeeds the worse, even because of so little
repentance, either for the profannesse, or Prelaticall errours and
corruptions of divers who have acted in it: Neverthelesse, the right hand
of fellowship is to bee given to all such as bring forth fruits meet for
repentance, whatsoever their former errours of failings were. And to our
great joy, we understand that there are many learned, able, godly, and
prudent ministers in that Kingdome, fit to be imployed in that government,
together with such able and pious men, as are to be joyned with them in
the capacity of ruling Elders. It shall be a part of our prayers, that the
Lord of the Harvest may send forth many more labourers in that Kingdome,
where the Harvest is so great and the Labourers so few proportionably; and
in the meane while, that such as he hath already thrust out, may not be
unemployed, as to the point of discipline and Government.

Nor lastly, doth our zeal for the Covenant and Presbyteriall Government
abate or diminish any thing at all from our Loyalty and Duety to the Kings
Majesty, although Incendiaries and Enemies spare not to reproach this
Church and Kingdome with Disloyaltie: Yet such calumnies will easily be
repudiate by all who will examine the whole course of the publike
proceedings in this Nation, in reference to the King, and particularly the
Declaration of the Parliament of this Kingdome, dated _January 16. 1647_.

Wherefore passing all such calumnies, whiche cannot but be hatefull to God
and good Men, wee do clearly and candidly professe, That the Covenant and
Presbyteriall Government are so far from hindering or excluding our duety
to the King, that it is thereby very much strengthened and supported; for
our giving to God what is Gods doth not hinder us, but help us, to give
unto Caesar what is Caesars. And wee earnestly wish his Majesties Royall
Heart may bee graciously inclined to the just desires of his good Subjects
in both Kingdomes, and to that happy settlement of Truth and Peace,
Religion and Righteousnesse, which may be as well for the establishment of
his own Throne, as for the good of his people.

Now the Prince of Pe