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A36441 A phenix, or, The Solemn League and Covenant whereunto is annexed : 1. The form and manner of His Majesties coronation in Scotland, with a sermon then preached on that occasion, by Robert Douglas of Edenburgh, II. A declaration of the Kings Majesty to all his loving subjects of the Kingdoms of Scotland, &c. in the yeare 1650, III. The great danger of covenant-breaking, &c., being the substance of a sermon preached by Edm. Calamy, the 14 of Jan., 1645, before the then Lord Mayor of the city of London, Sir Tho. Adams : together with the shieriffs [sic], aldermen, and Common-Councell of the said city : being the day of their taking the Solemn League and Covenant at Michael Basenshaw, London. Douglas, Robert, 1594-1674.; Calamy, Edmund, 1600-1666. Great danger of covenant-breaking.; England and Wales. Sovereign (1660-1685 : Charles II) 1662 (1662) Wing D2034; ESTC R5271 65,771 176

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King may learn it out of the book of God For this cause Joshua is commanded Josh 1.8 That the book of the law shall not depart out of his mouth and he is commanded to do according to that is written therein He should not only do himself that which is written in it but do and govern his people according to that is written in it King David knew this use of the Testimony who said Psal 119.24 Thy Testimonies are my delight and my Counsellors The best counsels that ever a King getteth are in the book of God yea the testimonies are the best and surest Counsellors because although Kings Counsellors be never so wise and trusty yet they use not to be so free with a King as they ought but the Scripture will tell Kings very freely both their sin and their duty 3. For preservation and custody the King is Custos utriusque tabulae the keeper of both tables Not that he should take upon him to dispense the Word of God or to dispence with it But that he should preserve the Word of God and the true Religion according to the Word of God pure intire and uncorrupted within his dominions and transmit them to posterity and also be carefull to see his subjects observe both tables and to punish transgressors of the same III. The third thing in this solemnity is the anointing of the King The anointing of Kings was not absolutely necessary under the Old Testament for we read not that all the Kings of Judah and Isral were anointed The Hebrews observe that anointing of Kings was used in three cases 1. When the first of a Family was made King as Saul David 2. When there was a question for the Crown as in the case of Solomon and Adoniah 3. When there was an interruption of the lawfull succession by usurpation as in the case of Joah there is an interruption by the usurpation of Athaliah therefore he is anointed If this observation hold as it is probable then it was not absolutely necessary under the Old Testament and therefore far lesse under the New Because it may be said That in our case there is an interruption by usurpation let it be considered That the Anointing under the Old Testament was Typicall although all Kings were not Types of Christ yet the Anointing of Kings Priests and Prophets was typical of Christ and his Offices but Christ being now come all these Ceremonies cease And therefore the Anointing of Kings ought not to be used in the New Testament If it be said Anointing of Kings hath been in use among Christians not only Papists but Protestants as in the Kingdome of England and our late King was Anointed with Oyl It may be replyed they who used it under the New Testament took it from the Jews without warrant It was most in use with the Bishops of Rome who to keep Kings and Emperours subject to themselves did swear them to the Pope when they were Anointed and yet the Jewish Priests did never swear Kings to themselves as for England although the Pope was casten off yet the subjection of Kings to Bishops was still retained for they Anointed the King and sware him to the maintenance of their Prelaticall dignity They are here who were witnesses at the Coronation of the late King The Bishops behoved to perform that rite and the King behoved to be sworn to them But now by the blessing of God Popery and Prelacy are removed the Bishops as limbs of Antichrist are put to the door let the Anointing of Kings with oyl go to the door with them and let them never come in again The Anointing with materiall oyle maketh not a King the Anointed of the Lord for he is so without it He is the Anointed of the Lord who by the divine Ordinance and appointment is a King Isa 45.1 God called Cyrus his Anointed yet we read not that he was Anointed with oyl Kings are the Anointed of the Lord because by the Ordinance of the Lord their Authority is sacred and inviolable It is enough for us to have the thing though we want the Ceremony which being laid aside I will give some Observations of the thing 1. A King being the Lords Anointed should be thinking upon a better unction even that spirituall unction wherewith believers are Anointed which you have 1 Joh 2.27 The Anointing ye have received of him abideth in you And 2 Cor. 1 21. He that hath Anointed us is God who hath also sealed us This Anointing is not proper to Kings but common to believers Few Kings are so Anointed A King should strive to be a good Christian and then a good King The Anointing with Grace is better then the Anointing with oyle It is of more worth for a King to be Anointed of the Lord with Grace then to be the greatest Monarch of the world without it 2. This Anointing may put a King in mind of the gifts wherewith Kings should be indued for discharge of the Royal calling For Anointing did signifie the gifts of Office It is said of Saul when he was Anointed King As 1 Sam. 10 9. God gave him another heart And Cap. 11.6 The spirit of God came upon him it is meant of a heart for this calling and a spirit of ability for Government It should be our desire this day that our King may have a spirit for his calling as the spirit of Wisdome Fortitude Justice and other Princely indowments 3. This Anointing may put Subjects in mind of the Sacret due of the Authority of a King He should be respected as the Lords Anointed There are divers sorts of persons that are Enemies to the Authory of Kings As 1. Anabaptists who deny there should be Kings in the New Testament They will have no Kings nor civil Magistrate 2. The late Photinians who speak respectively of Kings and Magistrates but they take away from them their power and the exercise of it in the administration of Justice 3. These who rise against Kings in open Rebellion as Absolom and Sheba who said what have we to do with David the son of Jesse To your Tents O Israel 4. They who do not rebel openly yet they despise a King in their heart like the sons of Beliall 1 Sam. 10. last who said of Saul after he was Anointed King shall this man save us And they despised him and brought him no presents 1. All these meet in our present age 1. Anabaptists who are against the being of Kings are very rife you may find to your great grief a great number of them in that Army that have unjustly invaded the Land who have trampled upon the Authority of Kings 2. There are also of the second sort who are secretly Photinians in this point they allow of Kings in profession but they are against the exercise of their power in the Administration of Justice 3. A third sort in open Rebellion even all that Generation which are risen up not only against the person of the
A PHENIX OR The Solemn LEAGUE and COVENANT Whereunto is annexed I. The Form and manner of His Majesties Coronation in Scotland With a Sermon then preached on that occasion by Robert Douglas of Edenburgh II. A Declaration of the Kings Majesty to all His loving Subjects of the Kingdoms of Scotland c. in the Yeare 1650. III. The great Danger of Covenant-breaking c. Being the substance of a Sermon preached by Edm. Calamy the 14. of Jan. 1645. before the then Lord Mayor of the City of London Sir Tho. Adams together with the Shieriffs Aldermen and Common-councell of the said City being the day of their taking the Solemn League and Covenant at Michael Basenshaw London EDINBVRGH Printed in the year of Covenant-breaking To the Reader Reader THou mayst expect some Reasons by way of Preface why these things thus collected are presented to thy consideration the principall part thereof having been the occasion of so much contest and trouble in these Nations and therefore desired by many it should have been buried in its own ashes But for that things of such publique concernment have been acted by the Heads of these Nations and in so solemn a manner in the presence of Almighty God it cannot so soon be forgotten but ought to be weighed and layd to heart with the good or evil consequences that have or shall accrew thereby it is therefore left to thy serious consideration A solemn League and Covenant For Reformation and defence of Religion the Honour and Happines of the King and the Peace and Safety of the three Kingdoms of England Scotland and Ireland WE the Noblemen Barons Knights Gentlemen Citizens Burgesses Ministers of the Gospel and Commons of all sorts in the Kingdoms of England Scotland and Ireland by the providence of God living under one King and being of one Reformed Religion having before our Eyes the glory of God and the advancement of the Kingdom of our Lord Saviour Jesus Christ the Honour and Happiness of the Kings Majesty and his Posterity and the true Publick Liberty Safety peace of the Kingdoms wherein every ones private condition is included calling to mind the treacherous and bloody Plots Conspiracies Attempts Practices of the Enemies of God against the true Religion and Professors thereof in all places especially in these three Kingdoms ever since the Reformation of Religion and how much their Rage Power and Presumption are of late and at this time increased and exercised whereof the deplorable estate of the Church and Kingdom of Ireland the distressed estate of the Church and Kingdom of England and the dangerous estate of the Church Kingdom of Scotland are present and publick Testimonies We have now at last after other means of Supplication Remonstrance Protestations and Sufferings for the preservation of our Selves and our Religion from utter ruine and destruction according to the commendable practice of these Kingdoms in former times and the example of Gods people in other Nations after mature deliberation resolved and determined to enter into a Mutuall and Solemn League and Covenant wherein we all subscribe and each one of us for himself with our hands lifted up to the most high God do swear 1. THat we shall sincerely really and constantly through the grace of God endeavour in our severall places and callings the preservation of the reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government according to the Word of God and the example of the best Reformed Churches And shall endeavour to bring the Churches of God in the three kingdoms to the nearest conjunction and uniformity in religion confession of faith form of Church-government Directory for worship and catechising That we and our posterity after us may as brethren live in faith and love and the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us 2. That we shall in like manner without respect of persons endeavor the extirpation of popery prelacy that is Church-government by Archbishops Bishops their Chancellors and Commissaries Deans Deans and Chapters Archdeacons and all other Ecclesiasticall Officers depending on that Hierarchy superstition heresie schism prophanness and whatsoever shall be found to be contrary to sound Doctrine and the power of godliness lest we partake in other mens sins and therein be in danger to receive of their plagues and that the Lord may be one and his Name one in the three Kingdoms 3. We shall with the same sincerity reality and constancy in our severall vocations endeavour with our estates and lives mutually to preserve the rights and priviledges of the parliaments and the Liberties of the kingdomes and to preserve and defend the Kings Majesties Person and Authority in the Preservation and Defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdomes that the World may bear witnesse with our Consciences of our Loyalty and that we have no thoughts or intentions to diminish His Majesties just Power and Greatnesse 4. We shall also with all Faithfulnesse endeavour the discovery of all such as have been or shall be Incendiaries Malignants or evil Instruments by hindering the Reformation of Religion dividing the King from His People or one of the three Kingdomes from another or making any faction or parties among the People contrary to this League and Covenant that they may be brought to publick Tryal and receive condign Punishment as the degree of their Offences shall require or deserve or the Supream Judicatories of both Kingdomes respectively or others having power from them for that effect shall judge convenient 5. And whereas the Happinesse of a blessed Peace between these Kingdomes denied in former times to our Progenitors is by the good Providence of God granted unto us and hath been lately concluded and setled by both the Parliaments we shall each one of us according to our place and interest endeavour that they may remain conjoyned in a firm Peace and Union to all Posterity and that Justice may be done upon the wilfull opposers thereof in manner expressed in the precedent Articles 6. We shall also according to our places and callings in this common cause of Religion Liberty and Peace of the Kingdomes assist and defend all those that enter into this League and Covenant in the maintaining and pursuing thereof and shall not suffer our selves directly or indirectly by whatsoever combination perswasion or terrour to be divided and withdrawn from this blessed Union and Conjunction whether to make defection to the contrary part or to give our selves to a detestable indifferency or neutrality in this cause which so much concerneth the glory of God the good of the Kingdomes and the honour of the King but shall all the dayes of our lives zealously and constantly continue therein against all opposition and promote the same according to our power against all lets and impediments whatsoever and what we are not able our selves to suppresse or overcome we shall reveal and make known that it may be timely prevented or removed All
which we shall do as in the sight of God And because these Kingdomes are guilty of many sins and provocations against God and his Son Jesus Christ as is too manifest by our present distresses and dangers the fruits thereof We professe and declare before God and the world our unfained desire to be humbled for our own sins and for the sins of these Kingdomes especially that we have not as we ought valued the inestimable benefit of the Gospel that we have not laboured for the purity and power thereof and that we have not endeavoured to receive Christ in our hearts nor to walk worthy of him in our lives which are the causes of our sins and transgressions so much abounding amongst us and our true and unfained purpose desire and endeavour for our selves and all others under our power and charge both in publick and in private in all duties we owe to God and Man to amend our lives and each one to go before another in the example of a real Reformation that the Lord may turn away his wrath and heavy indignation and establish these Churches and Kingdomes in truth and peace And this Covenant we make in the presence of Almighty God the Searcher of all hearts with a true intention to perform the same as we shall answer at the great Day when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed Most humbly beseeching the Lord to strengthen us by his Holy Spirit for this end and to blesse our desires and proceedings with such successe as may be deliverance and safety to his people and encouragement to other Christian Churches groaning under or in danger of the yoak of Antichristian tyranny to joyn in the same or like Association and Covonant to the glory of God the enlargement of the Kingdome of Jesus Christ and the peace and tranquility of Christian Kingdomes and Common-wealths Wil. Lenthal Speaker Beuchamp St. John Gilbert Gerrard Walter Earle James Cambel Thomas Cheeke Robert Nicholas Benjamin Rudyard John Gurdon Robert Harley Francis Knollis Edward Master John White Anthony Sapley Dennis Bond Lawrence Whitaker Michael Noble ●ere Hoby Richard Barwis Edward Baynton William Cawley John Moyle John Pyne George Searle Henry Vane senior Nevil Pool John Young Henry Herbert Thomas Sandys William Iesson Philip L. Herbert Thomas Bartington Martin Lumley John Trevor Francis Godolphin Thomas Arundell Edward Stephens Gilbert Piekering John Greve Oliver Cromwell Henry Vane junior William Cage Richard Erisey Philip L. Lisle Will. Heveningham Isaac Pennington Richard Cresheld Thomas Pelham Thomas Parker John Leigh John Harris Augustin Skinner John Venn William Strickland John Franklin Samuel Brown Robert Scawen Roger Hill John Button John Meyrick Ambrose Brown Richard Winn Edward Owner Charles Pym Charles L. Cranborn Ben. Weston Dudley North John Nut John Corbet Roger Burgoyne Peter Temple Benjamin Valentine Thomas Walsingham Oliver Luke William Alenson Humphrey Salwey Richard Moor William Ashurst Thomas Moor Thomas Fountain William Ellys Henry Shelley Rich. Shuttleworth Henry Ludlow George Gallop Robert Wallop Arthur Hesilrige Oliver Saint-John Thomas Grantham Francis Barnham Will. L. Fitz Williams Edmund Dunch Henry Mildmay Hugh Rogers Thomas Hatcher John Wray Simonds D'Ewes Anthony Bedingfield John Ashe William L. Munson Martin Lister Robert Goodwin Edward Thomas Henry Lucas Miles Corbet Philip Smith Cornelius Holland William Spurflowe John Lowry Peter Wentworth Henry Chomley Philip Stapleton William Pierrepoint Roger North Alexander Popham Thomas Hodges John Maynard Samuel Vassal Anthony Irby John Clotworthy John Br●●●●lme Richard Jervoyse John Blackiston Walter Long John Rolle Robert Jennor John Waddon William Masham John Lisle Edmund Fowel Edward Ashe Thomas Pury Richard Whitehead Richard J●nyns Humphrey Tufton Thomas Da●res Thomas Earl John Downes John Goodwyn Francis Drake William Waller Samuel Luke Francis Buller Richard Harman George Buller Arthur Onslowe Richard Wynwood Robert Pye H. L. Gray of Ruthin Richard Knightley John Pym Christoph Yelverton Anthony Nicoll Peter Wroth Robert Reynolds Nat. Barnardiston Henry Heyman William Purefoy Valentine Walton Michael Oldesworth William Wheeler Hall Ravenscroft T. L. Gray of Groby Thomas Middleton Edw. Hungerford Christopher Wrey Richard Lee Herbert Morley Thomas Lane Robert Cecil William Bell Thomas Some Herbot Grimstone Symon Snowe John Nash Herbot Grimstone Ralph Asheton Edward Ayshcoghe John Wylde John Trenchard Thomas Jervoyse Richard Browne William Plaiters Nathaniel Stephens Richard Rose Francis Rous Gilbert Millington Walter Young John Brown John Hippisley Edward Poole Henry Pelham William Hay John Driden Nathaniel Fyennes William Lewis Giles Grene William Lytton John Harvey Edward Dowce William Strode Edmond Prideaux Thomas Hoyle Edward Exton Francis Popham Zouch Tate John Curson Alexander Bence Squire Bence John Selden John Glyn Richard Onslow John Coke Tho. L. Wenman Bulstrode Whitlock George Montague Edward Partheriche Henry Campion VVilliam VVhittaker Denzel Holles Edward VVingate James Fennys Poynings Moore Edward Bisse junior VVilliam Jephson Edward Montague Norton Knatchboll Thomas Eden Edward Baynton Jo. Evelin Jo. Potts Sam. Rolls Ralph Ashton VVilliam Drake Pereg. Pelham VVilliam Brereton Thomas VViddrington Natha Hallows Joh. Bamfield Symond Thelwall Hen. VVorsley Phil. Parker Edw. Boys John Alford Die Veneris 29 Januar. 1644. ORdered by the Commons assembled in Parliament That the Solemn League and Covenant be on every day of Fast and Publique Humiliation publiquely read in every Church and Congregation within the Kingdome And that every Congregation be enjoyned to have one of the said Covenants fairly Printed in a fair Letter in a Table fitted to hang up in some publick place of the Church to be read Hen. Elsynge Cler. Pail Dom. Com. The Form and Order of the CORONATION OF CHARLES II. King of Scotland England France and Ireland As it was acted and done at Scoon the first day of January 1651. By Robert Dowglas Minister at Edinburgh FIrst the Kings Majesty in a Princes Robe was conducted from his Bed-chamber by the Constable on his right hand and the Marshal on his left to the Chamber of presence and there was placed in a Chair under a cloth of State by the Lord of Angus Chamberlain appointed by the King for that day and there after a little repose the Noblemen with the Commissioners of Barons and Burroughs entred the Hall and presented themselves before his Majesty Thereafter the Lord chancellor spoke to the King to this purpose Sir your good Subjects desire You may be crowned as the righteous and lawful Heir of the Crown of this Kingdome that you would maintain Religion as it is presently professed and established conform to the National covenant League and Covenant and according to your Declaration at Dumferling in August last Also that you would be graciously pleased to receive them under Your Highnesse Protection to govern them by the Lawes of the Kingdome and to defend them in their Rights and Liberties by Your Royal power offering themselves in most humble manner to Your Majesty with their vows to bestow land life and what else is in their power for the maintenance of
Religion for the safety of Your Majesties sacred Person and maintenance of Your Crown which they intreat Your Majesty to accept and pray Almighty God that for many Years You may happily enjoy the same The King made this Answer I do esteem the affections of my good people more than the Crowns of many Kingdomes and shall be ready by Gods assistance to bestow my life in their Defence Wishing to live no longer than I may see Religion and this Kingdome flourish in all happinesse Thereafter the Commissioners of Burroughs and Barons and the Noblemen accompanied his Majesty to the Kirk of Scoon in order and rank according to their quality two and two The Spurs being carried by the Earl of Eg●ington Next the Sword by the E. of Rothes Then the Scepter by the E. of Crauford and Lindesay And the Crown by Marq. of Argyle immediately before the King Then came the King with the great Constable on his right hand and the great Marshal on his left his train being carried by the L. Freskine the L. Montgomery the L. Newbottle and the L. Machlene ●our Earls eldest sons under a Canopy of crimson Velvet supported by six Earls sons to wit the L. Drummond the L. Carnegie the L. Ramsey the L. Johnstoun the the L Brechin L. Yester and the six Carriers supported by six Noblemens sons Thus the Kings Ma●esty entred the Kirk The Kirk being fitted and prepared with a Table whereupon the Honours were laid and a Chair set in a fitting place for his Majesties hearing of Sermon over against the Minister and another Chair on the other side where he received the Crown before which there was a Bench decently covered as also for seats about for Noblemen Barons and Burgesses And there being also a Stage in a fit place erected of 24 foot square about four foot high from the ground covered with Carpets with two stairs one from the West another to the East upon which great stage there was another little stage erected some two foot high ascending by two steps on which th● Throne or Chair of State wa● set The Kirk thus fittingly prep●red the Kings Majesty entre● the same accompanied as afor● said and first setteth hims●●● in his chair for hearing of Se●mon All being quietly compose unto attention Mr. Robert Dowglas Moderator of the Gener●● Assembly after incalling upo● God by prayer preached the following Sermon A Sermon preached at Scoon Jan. 1. 1651. At the Coronation of Charles the Second King of Seotland England France and Ireland By Robert Dowglas Minister at Edinburgh Moderator of the Commission of the General Assembly 2 KINGS 11. Vers 12.17 And he brought forth the Kings Son and put the Crown upon him and gave him the Testimony and they made him King and anointed him and they clape their hands and said God save the King And Jehojada made a Covenant between the Lord and the King and the People that they should be the Lords people between the King also and the people IN this Text of Scripture you have the Solemn Enthronizing of Joash a young King and that in a very troublesome time for Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah ha● cruelly murthered the Royal Seed and usurped the Kingdome by th● space of six yeares Onely thi● young Prince was preserved by Iehosheba the sister of Ahaziah and wife to Jehojada the high Priest being hid with her in the house o● the Lord all that time Good Interpreters do conjecture though Joash be called the son of Ahaziah that he was not his son by nature but by succession to the Crown They say that the race of Solomon ceased here and the Kingdome came to the posterity of Nathan the son of David Because 2 Chron. 22.9 it is said The house of Ahaziah had no power to keep the Kingdome which they conceive to be for the want of children in that house And because of the absurdity and unnaturalnesse of the fact that Athaliah the Grand-mother should have cut off her sons children I shall not stand upon the matter only I may say if they were Ahaziah his own children it was a most unnatural and cruel fact of Athaliah to cut off her own posterity For the usurpation there might have been two motives 1. It seemeth that when Ahaziah went to battel Athaliah was left to govern the Kingdome and her son Ahaziah being slain before his return she thought the Government sweet and could not part with it and because the Royal seed stood in her way she cruelly destroyed them that she might raign with the greater freedome 2. She was earnest to set up a false worship even the worship of Baal which she thought could not be so well done as by cutting off the Royal race and getting the sole power in her hand that she might do what she pleased The businesse you are about this day is not unlike You are to invest a young King in the Throne in a very troublesome time and wicked men have risen up and usurped the Kingdome and put to death the late King most unnaturally The like motives seem to have prevailed with them 1. These men by falshood and dissimulatio● have gotten power in their hand● which to them is so sweet that th●● are unwilling to part with it A●● because the King and his seed stoo● in their way they have made awa● the King and disinherited his chi●dren that the sole power might b● in their hand 2. They have 〈◊〉 number of damnable errors and false worship to set up and inten● to take away the Ordinances o● Christ and Government of hi● Kirk All this cannot be done unlesse they have the sole power i● their hands and this they canno● have till the King and his posteri●● be cut off But I leave this an● come to the present solemnity There is a Prince to be inthroned good Jehojada will have the crown put upon his head It may be questioned why they went about this Coronation in a time of so great hazard when Athaliah had reigned six yeares Had i● not been better to have defeated Athaliah and then to have crowned the King Two reasons may b● rendred why they delay not the ●oronation To crown the King ●as a duty they were bound to ●azard should not make them leave ●heir duty They did their duty ●nd left the successe to God 〈◊〉 They crowned the young King ●o endear the peoples affections to their own native Prince and to ●lienate their hearts from her that had usurped the Kingdome If they had delayed the King being known to be preserved it might have brought on not only comply●nce with her but also subjection to her government by resting in it and being content to lay aside the righteous heir of the Crown The same is observed in our Case and many wonder that you should Crown the King in a dangerous time when the usurpers have such power in the land the same reasons may serve to answer for your doing 1. It is our
otherwise That He will seek their good and to the utmost employ His Royal Power That they may be protected and defended against the unjust Violence of all men whatsoever And albeit His Majesty desires to construct well of the Intentions of those in reference to his Majesty who have been active in Council or Arms against the Covenant yet being convinced that it doth conduce for the Honour of God the Good of his Cause and His Own Honour and Happinesse and for the Peace and Safety of these Kingdoms That such be not employed in Places of Power and Trust He doth Declare That He will not employ nor give Commissions to any such until they have not onely taken or renewed the Covenant but also have given sufficient evidences of their Integrity Carriage and Affection to the Work of Reformation and shall be declared capable of Trust by the Parliament of either Kingdom respective And His Majesty upon the same grounds doth hereby recal all Commissions given to any such persons conceiving all such persons will so much tender a good Understanding betwixt Him and His Subjects and the settling and preserving a firm Peace in these kingdoms That they will not grudge nor repine at His Majesties Resolutions and proceedings herein much less upon discontent act any any thing in a divided way unto the raising of New Troubles especially since upon their ●ious and good deportment there is a Regresse left unto them in manner above express'd Sect. 4. And as His Majesty hath given satisfaction to the just and necessary Desires of the kirk and kingdome of Scotland so doth He hereby assure and declare That He is no less willing and desirous to give satisfaction to the just and necessary Desires of his good Subjects in England and Ireland and in token thereof if the Houses of Parliament of England sitting in Freedome shall think fit to present unto Him the propositions of Peace agreed upon by both kingdoms He will not only accord to the same and such alterations there anent as the Houses of Parliament in regard of the Constitution of affairs and the good of his Majesty and His Kingdoms shall judge necessary but do what is further necessary for prosecuting the ends of the Solemne League and Covenant especially in those things which concern the Reformation of the Church of England in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government That not only the Directory of Worship the Confession of Faith and Catechism but also the Propositions and Directory for Church-Government accorded upon by the Synod of Divines at Westminster may be settled and that the Church of England may enjoy the full Liberty and Freedome of all Assembles and power of Kirk-Censures and of all the Ordinances of Jesus Christ according to the Rule of his own Word And that whatsoever is commanded by the God of Heaven may be diligently done for the House of the God of Heaven and whatever heretofore hath been the suggestions of some to him to render his Majesty jealous of His Parliament and of the Servants of God Yet as He hath declared that in Scotland He will hearken to their Counsel and follow their Advice in those things that concern that Kingdome and Kirk So doth he also declare His firm Resolution to manage the Government of the Kingdome of England by the Advice of His Parliament consisting of an House of Lords and of an House of Commons there and in those things that concern Religion to prefer the Counsels of the Ministers of the Gospel to all other counsels whatsoever And that all the world may see how much he tenders the safety of his people and how precious their bloud is in his sight and how desirous he is to recover his Crown and Government in England by peaceable meanes as he doth esteem the service of those who first engaged in the Covenant and have since that time faithfully followed the ends thereof to be Duty to God and Loyalty to Him so is he willing in regard of others who have been involved in these late commotions in England against Religion and Government to passe an Act of Oblivion excepting only some few in that Nation who have been chief Obstructers of the work of Reformation and chief Authors of the change of the Government and of the Murther of his Royal Father Provided That these who are to have the benefit of this Act lay down Armes and return unto the obedience of their lawful Soveraign Sect. 5. The Committee of Estates of the Kingdome and General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland having declared so fully in what concernes the Sectaries and the present Designes Resolutions and Actings of their Army against the Kingdome of Scotland And the same Committee Assembly having sufficiently laid open publick Dangers Duties both upon the right hand the left It is not needful for His Majesty to adde any thing thereunto except That in those things He doth commend and approve th●m and that He Resolves to live and dye with them and his loyal Subjects in prosecution of the Ends of the Covenant Sect. 6. And whereas that prevailing party in England after all their strange Usurpations and insolent Actings in that Land Do not only keep His Majesty from the Government of that Kingdome by force of Armes but also have now invaded the Kingdome of Scotland who have deserved better things at their hands and against whom they have no just quarrel His Majesty doth therefore desire and expect That all his good Subjects in England who are and resolve to be faithful to God and to their King according to the Covenant will lay hold upon such an opportunity and use their utmost endeavours to promote the Covenant and all the ends thereof and to recover and re-establish the Ancient Government of the Kingdome of England under which for many Generations it did flourish in peace and plenty at home and in Reputation abroad and Priviledges of the Parliament and Native and Just Liberty of the People His Majesty desires to assure himself That there doth remain in these so much confidence of their duty to Religion their King and Countrey and so many sparkles of the ancient English Valour which shined so eminently in their Noble Ancestors as will put them on to bestir themselves for the breaking the Yoak of those mens Oppressions from off their Necks Shall men of Conscience and Honour set Religion Liberties and Government at so low a rate as not rather to undergo any hazard before they be thus deprived of them Will not all generous men count any Death more tolerables than to live in servitude all their dayes And will not Posterity blame those who dare attempt nothing for themselves and for their Children in so good a Cause in such an Exigent Whereas if they gather themselves and take courage putting on a Resolution answerable to so Noble and just an Enterprize they shall honour God and gain themselves the Reputation of Pious men worthy Patriots and
King but Kingly Government 4. There is a fourth who professe they acknowledge a King but dispise him in their heart saying Shall this man save us I wish all had Davids tendernesse whose heart smote him when he did but cut off the lap of Sauls garment that we may be far from cutting off a lap of that just power and greatnesse which God hath allowed to the King and we have bound our selves by Covenant not to diminish I have gone through the three particulars contained in ver 12. I come to the other two in v. 17. which appertain also to this said work for our King is not only to be crowned but to renew a covenant with God and his people and to make a covenant with the people Answerable hereto there is a twofold covenant in the words one between God and the King and the people God being the one party the King and the people the other Another between the King and the people the King being the one party the people the other The covenant with God is the fourth particular propounded to be spoken of The sum of the covenant ye may find 2 King 23.3 in Josiah his renewing the covenant To walk after the Lord keep his commandments and testimonies with all thy heart and to perform the words of the covenant The renewing of the covenant was after a great defection from God and the setting up of false worship The King and the people of God bound themselves before the Lord to set up true worship and to abolish the false Scotland hath a preference in this before other Nations In time of defection they have renewed a covenant with God to reform all And because the King after a great defection in that family is to renew the covenant I shall mention some particulars from the League and Covenant 1. We are bound to maintain the true Reformed Religion in Doctrine Worship Discipline and Government established in this kingdome and to endeavour the Reformation of Religion in the other two kingdoms according to the word of God and the best reformed Kirks By this Article the King is obliged not onely to maintain Religion as it is established in Scotland but also to endeavour the reformation of Religion in his other kingdoms The King should consider well when it shall please God to restore him to his Government there that he is bound to endeavour the establishment of the work of Reformation there as wel as to maintain it here According to the second article the King is bound without respect of persons to extirpate Popery Prelacy Superstition Heresie Scheism Prophanesse and whatsoever shall be found contrary to sound Doctrine and the power of godlinesse and therefore Popery is not to be suffred in his Royall family nor within his Dominions Prelacy once pluck up by the root is not to be permitted to take root again all Heresie and Error whatsoever must be opposed by him to the utmost of his power and by the covenant the K. must be farre from tolleration of any false Religion within his Dominions 3. As the people are bound to maintain the Kings person and authority in the maintenance of the true Religion and liberties of the kingdom So the King is bound with them to maintain the rights and priviledges of the Parliament and liberties of the subjects according to the third article 4. We are bound to discover and to bring unto condign punishment all such as have been or shall be Incendiaries Malignants or evil instruments in hindring the reformation of Religion dividing the king from the people or one of the kingdoms from another or making any faction or parties amongst them hereby the king is bound to have an eye upon such and neither allow them nor comply with them but to concur according to his power to have them censured and punished as is expressed in the fourth article I shall sum up all this That a K. entring in covenant with God should doe as the kings did of old when they entred into covenant they and their people went on in the work of Reformation as appears there vers 8. And all the people of the Lord went to the house of Baal and brake it down c. And godly Josiah when he entred in covenant made a thorow reformation There is a fourfold reformation in Scripture and contained in the League and Covenant 1. A personal Reformation 2. A Family reformation 3. A reformation of Judicatories 4. A reformation of the whole Land Kings have had their hand in all the Four and therefore I recommend them to our King 1. A personal Reformation A King should reform his own life that he may be a pattern of godlinesse to others and to this he is tied by the Covenants The godly reformers of Judah were pious and religious men A King should not follow Machiavell his counsel who requireth not that a Prince should be truly religious but saith that a shadow of it and external simulation are sufficient A divellish counsel and it is just with God to bring a King to the shadow of a Kingdom who hath but the shadow of Religion We know that dissembling Kings have been punished of God and let our King know that no King but a religious king can please God David is highly commended for godlinesse Hezekiah a man eminent for piety Josiah a young king commended for the tendernesse of his heart when he heard the law of the Lord read he was much troubled before the Lord when he heard the judgements threatned against his Fathers house and his people it is earnestly wished that our Kings heart may be tender and be truly humbled before the Lord for the sins of his Fathers house and of the land and for the many evils that are upon that Family and upon that Kingdome 2. A Family Reformation The King should reform his Family after the example of godly kings Asa when he entred in covenant spared not his Mothers Idolatry The house of our king hath been much defiled by Idolatry The king is now in covenant and to renew the covenant let the Royal Family be reformed and that it may be a religious Family wherein God will have pleasure Let it be purged not only of Idolatry but of prophanity and loosness which hath abounded in it Much hath been spoken of this matter but little hath been done in it Let the king and others who have charge in that family think it lieth upon them as a duty to purge it And if you would have a Famiy well purged and constitute take David for a pattern in the purgation and constitution of his Psalm 10. The froward heart wicked persons and slanderers he will have far from him but his eyes are upon the faithful of the land that they may dwell with him Ye may extent this Reformation to the Court A prophane Court is dangerous for a king it hath been observed as a provoking sin in England which hath drawn down
judgement upon King and Court as appeareth this day It is to be wished that such were in the Court as David speaketh of in that Psalm Let the King see to it and resolve with David Psal 101.7 That he who worketh deceit shall not dwell within his house and he who telleth lies shall not tarry in his sight 3. Reformation in Judicatories It should be carefully seen to that Judicatories be reformed and that men fearing God and hating covetousnesse may be placed in them a King in covenant should do as Jehoshaphat did 2 Chron. 19.5 6 7. He set Judges in the land and said Take heed what you doe ye judge not for men but for the Lord who is with you in judgment wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be before you c. 4. The Reformation of the whole land the Kings eye should be upon it 2 Chron. 19.4 Jehoshaphat went out through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim and brought them back to the Lord God of their fathers Our land hath great need of reformation for there is a part of it that hath scarce ever yet found the benefit of it they are lying without the Gospel It will be a work of a covenanted King to have a care that the Gospel may be preached through the whole land care also would be taken that they who have the Gospel may live suitably thereto If a king would be a through Reformer he must reformed himself other wayes he will never lay reformation to heart To make a king a good Reformer I wish him these qualifications according to the truth and in sincerity wherewith they report Trajan the Emperour to have been indued He was 1. Devote at home 2. Couragious in War 3. Just in his Judicatories 4. Prudent in all his affairs True Piety Fortitude Justice and Prudency are notable qualifications in a Prince who would reform a kingdome and reform well 5. I come now to the fifth and last particular and that is the Covenent made between the king and the people When a king is Crowned and received by the people there is a Covenant or mutuall contract between him and them containing conditions mutually to be observed Time will not suffer to insist upon many particulars I shall only lay before you three First it is clear from this Covenant That a king hath not absolute power to do what he pleaseth he is tyed to conditions by vertue of a Covenant Secondly it is clear from this Covenant that a people are bound to obey their king in the Lord. Thirdly I shall present the king with directions for the Government of the people who are bound to obey 1. It is clear That the kings power is not absolute as kings and flattering Courtiers apprehend a kings power is a limited power by this Covenant And there is a threefold limitation of the kings power 1. In regard of subordination There is a power above his even Gods power whom he is obliged to obey and to whom he must give an account of his administration Ye heard yesterday the Text By me Kings Raign Prov. 8.15 kings have not only their Crowns from God but they must Reign according to his will which is clear from Rom. 8.13 He is called the Minister of God He is but Gods servant I need not stay upon this kings and all others will acknowledge this limitation 2. In regard of Laws a king is sworn at his coronation to rule according to the standing received Laws of the kingdom The Laws he is sworn to limit him that he cannot do against them without a sinfull breach of this Covenant between the king and the people 3. In rgard of government The totall government is not upon a king He hath Counsellors a Parliament or Estates in the Land who share in the burden of government It was never the mind of these who receive a king to rule them to lay all their government upon him to doe what he pleaseth without controlement There is no man able alone to govern all The kingdome should not lay that upon one man who may easily miscarry The Estates of the Land are bound in this contract to bear a burden with him These men who have flattered Kings to take unto them an absolute ●ower to do what they please have wronged Kings and kingdomes It ●ad been good that Kings of late had carried themselves so as this question of Kings power might never have come in debate for they have been great loosers thereby Kings are very desirous to have things spoken and written to hold up their arbitrary and unlimitted power but that way doth exceedingly wrong them There is one a learned man I confesse who hath written a book for the maintenance of the absolute power of Kings called Defensio Regia whereby he hath wronged himself in his reputation and the King in his Government As for the fact of taking away the life of the late King whatever was Gods justice in it I do agree with him to condemn it as a most unjust and horrid fact upon their part who did it But when he cometh to speak to the power of Kings in giving unto them an absolute and illimited power urging the damnahle Maxime Quod libet licet he will have a King to do what 〈◊〉 pleaseth impune and without co●trolement In this I cannot bu● dissent from him In regard of subordination some say That a King is countable to none but God Do what he will let God take order with it This leadeth Kings to Atheism let them do what they please and take God in their own hand in regard of Laws they teach nothing to Kings but Tyranny And in regard of Government they teach a King to take an arbitrary power himself to do what he pleaseth without controlement How dangerous this hath been to Kings is clear by sad experience Abuse of Power and Arbitrary Government hath been one of Gods great controversies with our kings and Predecessors God in his Justice because power hath been abused hath thrown it out of their hands And I may confidently say that Gods controversie with the kings of the Earth is for their Arbitrary and Tyrannical Government It is good for our king to learn to be wise in time and know that he receiveth this day a power to govern but a power limited by contract and these conditions he is bound by Oath to stand to Kings are deceived who think that the people are ordained for the king and not the king for the people The Scripture sheweth the contrary Romans 13.4 The king is the Minister of God for the Peopes good God will not have a king in an arbitrary way to encroach upon the possessions of Subjects Ezekiel 45.7.8 A portion is appointed for the Prince And it is said My Princes shall no more oppresse my people and the rest of the Land shall he give unto the House of Israel according to their Tribes The king hath his distinct possessions and