A Declaration of the faith and order owned and practiced in the Congregational churches…

Hereupon the Honourable House of Commons (an Indulgence we hope will never be forgotten) finding by papers received from them, that the Members of the Assembly were not like to compose differences amongst themselves, so as to join in the same Rule for Church-Government, did Order further as followeth: That a Committee of Lords and Commons, &c. do take into consideration the differences of the Opinions in the Assembly of Divines in point of Church-Government, and to endeavour a union if it be possible; and in case that cannot be done, to endeavour the finding out some way, how far tender conferences, who cannot in all things submit to the same Rule which shall be established, may be born with according to the Word, and as may stand with the public peace.

Hereupon the Honorable House of Commons (an Indulgence we hope will never be forgotten) finding by papers received from them, that the Members of the Assembly were not like to compose differences amongst themselves, so as to joyn in the same Rule for Church-Government, did Order further as followeth: That a Committee of Lords and Commons, &c. do take into consideration the differences of the Opinions in the Assembly of Divines in point of Church-Government, and to endeavor a union if it be possible; and in case that cannot be done, to endeavor the finding out some way, how far tender conferences, who cannot in all things submit to the same Rule which shall be established, may be born with according to the Word, and as may stand with the publique peace.

By all which it is evident the Parliament purposed not to establish the Rule of Church-Government with such rigour, as might not permit and bear with a practise different from what they had established: In persons and Churches of different principles, if occasion were. And this Christian clemency and indulgence in our Governors, hath been the foundation of that Freedom and Liberty, in the managing of Church-affairs, which our Brethren, as well as WE, that differ from them, do now, and have many years enjoyed.

By all which it is evident the Parliament purposed not to establish the Rule of Church-Government with such rigor, as might not permit and bear with a practise different from what they had established: In persons and Churches of different principles, if occasion were. And this Christian clemency and indulgence in our Governors, hath been the foundation of that Freedom and Liberty, in the managing of Church-affairs, which our Brethren, as well as WE, that differ from them, do now, and have many years enjoyed.