A true copy of a Letter from divers Ministers about Colchester in the County of ESSEX , To the Assembly of Divines , against a TOLERATION . Reverend and Beloved Brethren ,

THe glory of God , the sense of the Churches miseries , the remembrance of our holy Covenant , the discharge of our consciences to God , this present Age and future generations , have caused us in these few Lines to contend and witnesse together with our Brethren , against a Toleration of Independency , so much pleaded for , so much endeavoured ; which sad Experience teacheth us for the present , and right Reason convinceth us , will prove for the future , the Mother of Contention , the Root of Schism , the Back-door to Heresie , the Nullity of Church-government , the plain Breach of Covenant with God and Man , the very undoing of our several Congregations and Ministeries , destructive to the peace and union of the Kingdoms , and full of Scandal , if not dangerous to the other Reformed Churches . We further conceive in all humility , the several Reasons proposed by our dear Brethren of London in their affectionate Letter , to be so important and rational , that we subscribe unto them with our hearts , as to this also with our hands , with all due acknowledgement of your great zeal and patience in the Lords work . Our hearts are ingaged with you , our tears and prayers are for you , that a blessed Reformation may be endeavoured against an intolerable Toleration , remaining

Your most affectionate Brethren in the Lord . From Colchester and the parts adjacent , Febr. 11. 1645. Subscribed with Seventy three hands .