WE dare not enter upon the Answer, to the merits of your Honors Letter of the 12 ^th. of November, (which was the first and onely, that came to us) without prefacing our hearty and thankful admiring, and acknowledging the transcen­dent mercy of God, in putting into your heart those Pious and Noble Reso­lutions, to appear at such an Exigent, to be the glorious Instrument in his hand to assert and vindicate the greatest interess of these Nations, both Religious and Civil.

And next, That, your great humility of spirit, and singular affection to this City, in communicating to us, so early, those your just Resolves; and inviting us to share in the honor of assisting to the obtaining of those great and glorious ends, in which the happiness of these Nations in general, and of this City, as a Corporation, consists.

In all which, our spirits were both enlightened and warmed by a spark from your Zeal, and actuated by God to a present activity in our Sphere and Capacity, in complyance with your Honors advice, as we hope, the whole world that hath seen our actings, can bare us witness; and that, we trust may be our sufficient plea for pardon, for our not returning a more timely Answer to your Honors said Letter; But we pray you to beleive that it was principally retarded,

First, by suspicion cast on the Authentickness of it, by those who had the confidence on that score, to Imprison the Deliverers. And next, by the Interposition of the Forces here, and led out against your Honor, who lay in the passage to you.

But now (may it please your Excellency) seeing it hath pleased God in some degree to remove those obstructions, we presume by this, to assert in writing, what we hope all our actions since the receipt of your Honors advice, have evidenced.

That we have cordially concurred with your Honor, in disowning the Authors of that Force who Interrupted the Parliament, and Ravish'd the Birth-right of these Nations, by daring to null and make voyd Acts of Parliament: And we hope we have contributed some­what, by Gods blessing, in our Councils, and Actions, to the preventing of the sad consequences of that exorbitant Presumption.

How fully and entirely we comply with your Honor, in asserting the Authority and Free­dome of Parliament; a National Ministery, for the enlightening of the Ignorant, and suppres­sing of Atheisme; and the Peoples just Rights and Liberties; We humbly referre your Honor to our enclosed Declaration: And do seriously assure your Honor, that we shall by Gods assistance persist faithfully and vigorously in this good Cause. And praying God to preserve your Excellency, and those noble Commanders with you in those Just, Honorable, and Christian undertakings, shall remain