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

reverenced, and much respected, I have adventured to presente vnto your veiw, some few lines, vpon occation of your intended voyage into the plantation, in the behalfe of our minister, Mr. Philips,2 who is fully resolved, to vndertake thee same with you, if god will. I have (I muste confes) broken thorow some oposition, (I say not little,) to enter vpon this presente, and private practise. For I well assure my selfe, that if notice weare taken, that I should bee a furtherer of Mr. Philips, in this iourney, which many doe so violently (yet I perceive but carnally) oppose, I should procure to my selfe much rebuke. Yet I am informed, of so much glory which is like to come to god in it, as for my parte allthough I know, and can easily make good, that noe man hath reason more vnwillingly, to parte with him than my selfe, yet I have so far denyed my selfe, as to bee well contented 165with this his voyage. Onely by way of intimation, I desire (without his advise, or littleeste privity, I sereously proteste) to give you a little notice of him. His exelency in matters of divinity is such (as I make noe question but experience will make good,) as that hee is inferiour to very few, if to any: for proofe wheareof, I stande not vpon mine owne slender conceipte, but refer my selfe to the iudgemente of all the eminenteste Christians that ever have exercised familiarity with him: of whome many are encouraged to goe for his sake, and others to follow, so soone as god shall so dispose: neyther doe I at all doubte, but your owne iudgemente (good sir) is so sounde and peircinge, as it will with shorte experience finde out the truth of this relation. If therefore I may bee so bolde, I desire that in the choyce of your pastor, you would bee mindefull of him, if your selfe shall see it meete. I seeke not any thinge herein (if my worde may bee credited) but the promotion of Christes cause. If I have done any thinge, that may savour of pride, or ignorance, I humbly crave that it may not bee imputed, commendinge all to your favorable acceptance, and consideration. So remembringe my service to your selfe, and prayinge, for the successe of your busynes, I sease, and remaine,