Robinson, in the name of the congregation, stated to the Virginia company the wishes and feelings of the proposed emigrants, to which they all subscribed their names. This letter comprised the whole spirit of the Pilgrim Fathers. “1st (said they), We verily believe and trust the Lord is with us; to whom, and to whose service, we have given ourselves in many trials, and that he will graciously prosper our endeavours, according to the simplicity of our hearts. 2nd, We are weaned from the delicate milk of our mother-country, and inured to the difficulties of a strange land. 3rd, The people are, for the body of them, as industrious and frugal, we think we may say, as any company of people in the world. 4th, We are knit together as a body in a most strict and sacred bond and covenant of the Lord, of the violation of which we make great conscience, and by virtue whereof we hold ourselves straitly tied to all care of each other’s good, and of the whole. 5th and lastly, It is not with us, as with other men, whom small things can discourage, or small discontentments cause to wish ourselves at home again.” The Virginia company saw, as well it might, that these were men in whom was the bone and sinew of steadfast enterprise, and they replied that “their desire should be forwarded in the best sort, that might be for their own and the public good.” Another letter was also written, stating faithfully their religious views, which was intended to be laid before the king and privy council, praying for the royal consent to their liberty of conscience beyond the seas. Sir John Worstenholme, to whom the letter was sent, reported “very good news; for the king’s majesty and the bishops have consented; but,” says he, “for your letter I would not show it at any hand, lest it should spoil all.” Still, spite of Sir John Worstenholme’s very good news, the chronicler records that they found it a harder piece of work than they expected, to obtain their writ of the king for liberty in religion; he would only consent “to connive at them, and not molest them, provided they would carry themselves peaceably; but to tolerate them by the public authority of his seal, that he would not do.” Nearly a year after this it is recorded that, “notwithstanding the great discouragement they met with from the king and bishops, yet casting themselves on the care of Providence, they resolve to venture,” and accordingly two agents were sent to London, to arrange all things for their departure.