And we desire our Brethren of _England_ to know, that as a very considerable number of the Members of the Parliament did dissent from and protest against the proceedings of the major part in reference to this Engagement so all the particular Synods and Presbyteries in this Kingdom, excepting some few, who by reason of their remotenesse and shortenesse of time had not the opportunity, have most harmoniously joyned with and seconded the Desires of the Commissioners of the General Assembly for preventing so unlawful a War: And now the Commissioners out of all the Provinces conveened in this National Assembly, as after an exact examination they have unanimously approved the proceedings of the Commissioners of the former Assembly against that Engagement; so have they emitted a Declaration to all the People of GOD in this Land, shewing it to be contrary to GODS Word and to the solemn League and Covenant. Neither have Ministers onely by their preaching, and Kirk Iudicatories by their Petitions and Declarations given testimony against it; but many others in this Land also by supplicating the High and Honourable Court of Parliament for satisfaction to their Conscience thereanent: And when it could not be obtained many have chosen rather to suffer the spoiling of their goods with joy, then to sin against GOD by complying with an evil course. And many of the Officers of our former Army, who are of special note for their good carriage and deserving in the Cause of GOD, have rather choosed to quit their charges then to joyn in it: Nay, the well-affected, both Ministers and People, as they do bear testimony against it before men, so groan under it before GOD. So that this character may justly be put upon it by all who shall speak of it now or in after Ages, That as it is a foul breach of the Covenant under a pretence and profession of being for the ends of the Covenant, so being carried on against the Consciences of the people, and contrary to the most harmonious and universal Testimonies of many Presbyteries and Synods that have been given against it, it is a sinning with many witnesses. A paralel will hardly be found in this or in any other Land wherein a publick sinful course hath been carried on with so high a hand against the Consciences of the People of GOD, and against so many Warnings of the Servants of GOD, and general opposition from the Judicatories of the Kirk; which yet is the less to be wondred at, because the greatest part of those who have been most active in contriving and carrying on of the fame, were either once open Enemies, or alwayes secret underminers, or indifferent and neutral in the Cause of GOD.