His Majesties gracious Message to the Convocation, sent by the Earl of
Nottingham.
HIS Majesty has Summoned this Convocation, not only because 'tis usual upon holding of a Parliament, but out of a pious Zeal to do every thing that may tend to the best Establishment of the Church of
England, which is so eminent a part of the Reformation, and is certainly the best suited to the Constitution of this Government; and therefore does most signally deserve, and shall always have both His Favour and Protection; and he doubts not, but that you will assist Him in promoting the Welfare of it, so that no Prejudices, with which some Men may have labored to possess you, shall disappoint His good Intentions, or deprive the Church of any Benefit from your Consultations. His Majesty therefore expects that the things that shall be proposed, shall be calmly and impartially considered by you, and assures you, that he will offer nothing to you but what shall be for the Honour, Peace, and Advantage both of the Protestant Religion in general, and particularly of the Church of
England.
The Humble Address of the Bishops and Clergy of the Province of
Canterbury, in Convocation assembled, in thanks to His Majesty for His Gracious Message.
WE Your Majesties most Loyal and most Dutiful Subjects, the Bishops and Clergy of the Province of
Canterbury, in Convocation Assembled, having received a most Gracious Message from Your Majesty, by the Earl of
Nottingham, hold our selves bound in Duty and Gratitude to return our most humble acknowledgments for the same: and for the Pious Zeal and Care Your Majesty is pleased to express therein for the Honour, Peace, Advantage, and Establishment of the Church of
England. Whereby, we doubt not, the Interest of the Protestant Religion in all other Protestant Churches, which is dear to Us, will be the better secured under the influence of Your Majesties Government and Protection. And we crave leave to assure Your Majesty, that in pursuance of that Trust and Confidence You repose in us, we will consider whatsoever shall be offered to us from Your Majesty, without prejudice, and with all calmness and impartiality: And that we will constantly pay the Fidelity and Allegiance, which we have all sworn to Your Majesty and the Queen, whom we pray God to continue long, and happily to Reign over us.
His Majesties most Gracious Answer to the Address of the Bishops and Glergy, deliver'd by the Lord Bishop of
London, President of the Convocation.
I Take this Address very kindly from the Convocation; You may depend upon it, that all I have promised, and all that I can do for the Service of the Church of
England, I will do: And I give you this new Assurance, that I will improve all Occasions and Opportunities for its Service.