AS the Happinesse of a Christian People is ever best advan­ced, by their constant Progresse in the waies of Peace and Holinesse: So are they in nothing more miserable themselves, and offensive to others, then in their un­charitable Contentions, and Discords interrupting the same. We have therefore thought meet, out of our most affectionate desires of your Welfare, to make this en­suing Declaration; wherein, first, and above all things, we do, with all earn [...]nesse, bespeake all, and every one, That in their severall Places and Conditions, they will endeavour, by fol­lowing the Truth in Love, to advance the Glory of God, and of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

We intend not to anticipate, or prevent the Honourable Houses of Parlia­ment, in any their Determinations, in matters Ecclesiasticall, or Civill; but with Prayer, and Patience attend that Resolution, which it shall please the Lord to direct them unto. And whilest we thus waite, we desire, and hope that you will doe the like.

What the thoughts of the Parliament have been, and are, for all the Plan [...] ­tions upon the Coasts of AMERICA, The Ordinance of Parliament there­with sent, will abundantly declare; And what our endeavours are for your hap­pinesse, this writing is a Witnesse; wherein we shall expresse our Desires in some particulars.

We have thought meet, for the present, to continue the Government, as now it stands, by Commission, together with all Officers, and Commanders former­ly chosen by us, untill we shall give further direction therein; as to prevent that [Page] disturbance which an alteration might occasion; so for the better moderation, and improvement of Authority, to encourage Piety, Goodnesse, and Industry, and to suppresse Prophanenesse, wickednesse, and idlenesse in all sorts of People, and places of the Colony.

We thinke it not meet, for the present to give any intimation, either to Mi­nisters or People, touching the the publike Administration of Gods Worship, being in expectance of that Directory, which the Parliament, with the advice, of the Assembly of Divines, shall hold forth according to sacred Scriptures. In the meane time, we desire you would follow Peace with all men, and Holinesse, without which no man shall see the Lord; looking diligently, lest any man faile of the grace of God, lest any root of Bitternesse springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.

As a good meanes to promote Pietie in the minds of all, and to prevent Pro­phanesse: we doe, in a speciall manner, recommend unto your best care, the observance of the Lords day; whereon, as wee hope the Ministers will so im­prove their Labours at every Church within their severall Tribes, that all the peo­ple may have the best conveniency to heare the Word of God Preached: So we also trust, that Masters of Families will be carefull by Catechizing, and other­wise, so to instruct their Children, and Servants, that all may come to the know­ledge of God, and of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, whom rightly to know is life eternall. And that both Magistrates, and Masters of Families will restraine them under their Commands, from carelesse and sinfull expence of that precious time, in sloth, idlenesse, or any way to Gods dishonour, and their own hurt. For your better direction herein, we herewith send you an Ordinance of Parliament.

The Company is very sensibly affected with your want of a Minister: And that thereby any particular person, or part of the Colony should suffer a Famine of the Word of God, is very grievous unto us. We intend, God willing, by the very first opportunity, to supply your want herein. In the meane while, we earnestly desire the Ministers would double th [...]ir diligence in teaching the knowledge of God through the Land; knowing, that as their Labour therein cannot be in vain in the Lord; So shall they thereby exceedingly indeare them­selves into the good Affections of the Company, who desire nothing so much as the Salvation of your soules.

For Counsellors, Captains, and all other Officers, as we require all due ho­nour, and respect to be given them: So, as a meanes thereof, we desire they may be as a Sanctuary, and City of refuge to all such as love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity; improving all their Power, and Authority, as for the se­curing of the Islands, preserving of Peace, and promoting the power of Godli­nesse in all places, and Persons; so, for suppressing of all manner of sinne and wic­kednesse. And, for that Tipling Houses, Idlenesse, and ill Company, are those Anvils, whereon Satan, with our owne Lusts, Forgeth out all manner of sinne and wickednesse; We desire great care be taken to prevent the same: That so, by the Officers faithfull performance of their Duties in their severall pla­ces, The people being kept in Peace and Amitie, The multitude of Indict­ments [Page] and P [...]esentments, commonly brought to the publi [...] Assize [...], may be pre­vented. And though we would not encourage Appeales, which proofe so trou­blesome, and chargeble to them that make them: Yet in that case, we shall expect to receive from the publike Officers what ever may cleare the businesse to us; who, by Gods Grace, shall proceed according to the merit of the Cause, without respect of Persons.

In all Causes wherein Oathes are Administred, wee desire great care may bee used to informe both the Jury, and Witnesses, of the horrible sinne of Perjurie, with the dreadfull severity of Gods punishments thereupon, That so they may not adventure to sweare, but in Truth, Judgement, and Righteousnesse.

We had good hope that ere now, by the small quantity, meane condi­tion, and short returnes you have found of Tobacco, you would have beene put upon that diligence and industry, which might have introduced some more pro­fitable and staple Commodity: whereunto, as we formerly have, so we are still ready to affoord all possible encouragement, and assistance. We shall now de­sire all those that have made any essayes therein, with such others as have af­fection thereunto, That they would improove their best Observations, and Ex­perience, to finde out somewhat which may be of more benefit to you, and sa­tisfaction to us; which, as we shall accept as an evidence of Affection to the Publike Good; So, we shall consider of some way for compensation, accor­ding to their charge, and endeavours therein.

We have just cause to complaine of the wrong we have suffered in the Case of Wrecks; not only by more private persons, but by publike Officers. And, truely, we are much troubled to finde so great injustice among you, as might occasion us to revoke that Law, which, in great favour, allowes a Moitie to the Reco­verers. We shall expect, and hope for better Accompts then yet we have re­ceived, both of that which lately happened, and what hereafter may.

We have seriously considered of the want of Linnen Cloth, and other ne­cessaries, by the publicke Letters, intimated to be in the Colony; which seems the more strange unto us, when we heare the Adventurers declare, that of great Proportions of Goods which they have sent to you, they have received very short Returnes. If there be a scarcity, we conceive it ariseth from your selves, [...]est Factours are so unfaithfull in making returnes; private Persons so back­w [...]r [...] in paying their dues; publike Officers so remisse in executing Justice here­in; and all or most so desirous to trade rather with Strangers then with the Com­pany, which appeares by keeping their Tobaccoes untill our Ship be come away; whereby, both the Merchant is discouraged from sending, and the Company prevented of the duties. If any complain, that the Adventurers, or their Fa­ctours doe overprise their Commodities, we feare your slow payments are acces­sary to that errour, which we are so farre from excusing; that, when you have taken order, that speedy Returns be made, we shall endeavour, what is in our power, that no oppression be used. And, because we would remove all colours of complaint, we have desired particular Members of our Company, that they will, at present, send such Proportions as may supply your occasions; We hope they shall receive such Returnes by this Ship, as may both manifest your good [Page] Affection, and encourage their future [...] others.

We are not unmindful of your desires for a free Trade, which you have both in­timated to us, and sought for from the Governours with you: But the truth, is for the present, the Constitution of the Company, the Obligations upon them, and the propriety of the Owners are such, as be inconsistent with that freedome of Trade which is required.

When, upon a serious consideration of all particulars, with a dis-ingaged re­spect to the common good, it shall appeare, that what is required, is according to Right and Justice, and such as the Company can in faithfulnesse assent unto, you may rest assured, That we shall be most ready to manifest our Affection to any Liberty or Priviledge, which is for the good of the Colony: In the meane time whilst we concurre in allowing freedome of Trade for such Proportions of Cattell, Hogs, Fruits, and other Provisions as may be very well spared, without dammage to the Colony, danger of a Famine, prejudice to the poorer sort, or preventing the Owners of their dues; and, untill farther order hence, onely restraine Trade for Tobacco, which (as necessitie compels) we doe hereby abso­lutely prohibite; That so, both we may receive our Rents; and by the duties thereupon, the Ministers may have their exhibitions, Ammunition, and other ne­cessaries for the safety of the Ilands, satisfaction of the Officers there, and the charge of the Company be provided for, we hope no man will finde just cause of Offence.

But however, we desire to approve our selves to every mans conscience in the sight of God, and so to carry on al matters, as that we may be free from each mans want, and from neglect of any thing, which is in our power to procure, for the good and happinesse of the Colony; whereto, as we are in neerenesse of relation, so we desire to manifest our good will and affection in every kinde of way.

We shall conclude with that of the Apostle, Finally, Brethren, Fare yee well, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one minde, live in Peace; and the God of Love and Peace shall be with you.

which have [...] her breat [...] and [...]ved as their naturall, so the [...] [...] birth [...], [...]f ever they were new borne.

We ought to acknowledge, with thankesgiving the aboundant grace and mercy of God towards the Church of England; who hath made it no lesse honourable then any other Reformed Church whatsoever, whether we con­sider the first Reformers, being men of singular Piety, and blessed Martyrs of Christ; Or the purity of Doctrin there publikly professed even to this present. Or the number of holy Martyrs who have advisedly sealed that Doctrine with their blood: Or the eminent lights in the Ministry successively shining there in great number: Or the many and sincere Professors and Practisers of Religion there, ever since the Reformation; Or lastly, if we consider the many great Deliverances which the Lord hath vouchsafed us, from the wicked plots and hostile attempts of the common adversary, crowning all with much prosperity, and causing the fame and glory of it to be spread throughout the world. These and the like have not beene seene in their separate and Independent Churches. In the meane time, we deny not, but that besides our many other grievous sinnes, there have beene also many grosse faults and intollerable in the Ecclesiasticall Policy and Discipline, as it was abused by those that were intrusted with it, and many foule effects have thence proceeded, which have (especially of late yeares) corrupted Religion, eclipsed our glory, and laid it in the dust, caused the Lord to hide his gracious and loving countenance from us: And was like to have proved the remidilesse ruine of Church and Com­mon Wealth: Of which sinnes though we all stand guilty before God, as having beene Authors or Procurers of them; yet it becomes not any, that is, or lately was a member of that Church, to upbraid her with these things in a despightfull manner: Such men according to that saying of the Apostle, Are jealous over us amisse, yea, they would (alienate our affections,Gal. 4.1 [...] and) ex­clude us (from the Church of England) that wee should altogether love them. But these corruptions as they have beene for the most part forced upon the Church, by the usurped power of those which were intrusted, and pretended the greatest care of the Church; so they have beene, and wee trust will bee cast out and Reformed by the present Parliament.

How I would not be mistaken, as if I desired to derogate any thing from the dignity of that most eminent calling of the Ministry; I have no such mean [...]ng, neither doe I thinke a worthy Minister to be unworthy or unfit for [...]ther the most eminent Offices or callings in Church or Common-wea [...]th, were it not that he hath a most eminent calling already sufficient [...]o take up [...]he whole man, and unmeete to be yoaked with other callings, as the Apostle saith, who is sufficient for these things; 2 Cor. 2.16▪ And the Apostles doe re­ject such employments with a kinde of contempt saying. It is not meet that we should leave the word of God to serve Tables, and a litle after,Act. 6.2 [...] wee will give our selves continually to prayer, and to the Ministry of the Word, intimating that these things would hinder them from prayer and the Ministry of the Word; whereby it appeares, they would not be De [...]cons, nor take upon them any other Office in or over the Church, but [...]pend themselves wholly [Page] in the [...] and prayer; the like might be manifested by s [...]nd [...] other Scrip­tures. And the evill of it hath beene so generally observed in England, that (as I heard) Queene Elizabeth, when she had conferred upon a Ministers authority and power to rule, was wont to say, I have spoiled a good Preacher to day. And surely (if we observe it) the desire of Superiority and Dominion in or over the Church, in Ministers and Clergy-men, and the readinesse of Princes and people to conferre it upon them; hath beene a principall, if not the principall cause in corrupting Religion from time to time, and of setting up the great Antichrist, and many others, as might easily be shewed if it were not an argument too long for this place.

Thus farre (through the gracious assistance of God) I have expressed my mind in this matter, to the intent I might stop, so much as in me lyes, the set­ting up of a new Discipline and Government of our owne framing, seeing we are already freed of all those things that have usually beene burthensome and offensive to good Christians in England; and that we expect dayly the further determination and decree of the Honourable Assembly of Parliament in these things. Or if I cannot prevaile so farre as to stop it, yet that wee might looke before we leap, and understand well what we doe before we doe it. O [...] if neither that may be obtained, yet hence it will appeare, that my selfe and some others deserve no blame, much lesse such evill speeches as are usual­ly vented against us by some, because we will not rashly runne with them we know not whither. And lastly, I desire that this may be a publique testi­mony of my judgement in these things. For to be present, and heare them dayly pressed, and to be alwayes silent, is taken for a signe of consent and ap­probation.