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Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 2

John Winthrop and Others to——1
Winthrop, John UNKNOWN

1629-10-27

Sir,

We conceit you may have heard of the resolution of divers of vs to engage our persons and estates in the planting a Colony in New England for divers endes concerning the glory of God and the service of his Church: Vnto the furthering of this worke we finde the Lorde strongely overwaying and enclining the spirites of many of his servantes to offer themselves willingly vnto him for this service, only we want hitherto able and sufficient Ministers to ioyne with vs in the worke: the reason whereof we finde to be the Conscience of the Obligacion by which they stand bound vnto this Church for the services in which most of them are employed att present and want of a sufficient calling vnto the employment for which we desire them. Wherefore that we may in all thinges submitt our selves to be guided by the will of god in a worke of soe great importance we resolve not to leave to our owne Wisdome in the choyce of the men whom we desire for this worke and for that cause earnestly request the assistance of divers godly Ministers to iudge of the 164persons and corses of such of their brethren of the Ministery whom we shall desire to single out for this employ. We doe therefore earnestly desire and in the name of god as you tender the furtherance of soe great a service require your assistance for Counsell and direction in this weighty Cause: and entreate you for that purpose to afford vs your presence in this Citty the ninthe daye of November to ioyne with such other of your bretheren as we shall likewise request to be present heere att the same time for the same busines. we assure our selves of your readines to answer our desire herein and therefore expecting your presence heere atte that time in the meane and for ever we commend you to the grace of god resting your verye loving freindes

London Octob: 27 1629.
1.

W. 1. 63; L. and L. , I. 354.