of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n to_o the_o king_n at_o newcastle_n the_o trouble_n of_o our_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v and_o our_o sear_n increase_v in_o your_o majesty_n behalf_n perceive_v that_o your_o people_n patience_n be_v above_o measure_n tempt_v and_o be_v like_o a_o cart_n press_v down_o with_o sheaf_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o break_v while_o as_o beside_o many_o form_n design_n and_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v desolation_n and_o destruction_n upon_o we_o etc._n etc._n our_o country_n be_v now_o infest_a the_o blood_n of_o divers_a of_o our_o brethren_n spill_v and_o other_o act_n of_o most_o barbarous_a and_o horrid_a cruelty_n exercise_v by_o the_o curse_a crew_n of_o irish_a rebel_n and_o their_o complice_n in_o this_o kingdom_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o such_o as_o have_v commission_n and_o warrant_n from_o your_o majesty_n and_o unless_o we_o prove_v unfaithful_a both_o to_o god_n and_o to_o your_o majesty_n we_o can_v conceal_v another_o danger_n which_o be_v infinite_o great_a than_o that_o of_o your_o people_n displeasure_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o master_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n both_o great_a and_o small_a and_o in_o the_o name_n of_o this_o whole_a national_a church_n which_o we_o represent_v we_o make_v bold_a to_o warn_v your_o majesty_n free_o that_o the_o guilt_n which_o cleave_v fast_o to_o your_o majesty_n and_o to_o your_o throne_n be_v such_o as_o whatsoever_o flatter_v preacher_n or_o unfaithful_a counselor_n may_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a if_o not_o timely_o repent_v can_v but_o involve_v yourself_o and_o your_o posterity_n under_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o everliving_a god_n for_o your_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o your_o majesty_n best_a subject_n be_v his_o majesty_n unblamable_a in_o the_o spill_n of_o so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n of_o his_o best_a subject_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n and_o be_v it_o then_o our_o duty_n to_o protect_v ourselves_o against_o his_o majesty_n power_n and_o authority_n which_o he_o exercise_v to_o our_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o strength_n and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o have_v not_o the_o parliament_n several_a time_n declare_v as_o particular_o in_o their_o message_n to_o the_o king_n 25._o august_n 1642._o that_o the_o king_n by_o set_v up_o his_o standard_n against_o they_o do_v put_v the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n and_o in_o they_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n out_o of_o his_o protection_n that_o until_o his_o majesty_n shall_v recall_v those_o proclamation_n and_o declaration_n whereby_o the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n and_o all_o that_o adhere_v to_o they_o be_v declare_v traitor_n they_o can_v not_o without_o betray_v their_o trust_n admit_v of_o any_o treaty_n with_o his_o majesty_n now_o have_v the_o king_n recall_v these_o proclamation_n and_o declaration_n you_o or_o no_o have_v he_o give_v satisfaction_n for_o blood_n or_o security_n to_o the_o kingdom_n if_o not_o will_v you_o have_v we_o betray_v our_o cause_n break_v our_o covenant_n and_o treat_v as_o traitor_n have_v we_o not_o better_o have_v do_v this_o at_o first_o before_o this_o great_a expense_n of_o blood_n and_o treasure_n must_v the_o covenant_n need_v be_v at_o war_n with_o itself_o can_v we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o assist_v the_o parliament_n and_o all_o that_o adhere_v to_o they_o in_o maintain_v the_o true_a religion_n the_o libertye_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o people_n etc._n etc._n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o arbitrary_a power_n of_o the_o king_n and_o likewise_o bind_v to_o defend_v and_o protect_v the_o king_n majesty_n and_o authority_n while_o in_o opposition_n unto_o the_o same_o former_a thing_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o covenant_n but_o the_o design_v faithless_a covenanter_n which_o be_v thus_o full_a of_o contradiction_n but_o if_o you_o shall_v still_o do_v wicked_o 12.25_o 1_o sam._n 12.25_o you_o shall_v be_v consume_v both_o you_o and_o your_o king_n a_o postscript_n brothers_v this_o brief_a explanation_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o persuade_v any_o from_o take_v it_o much_o less_o any_o from_o keep_v it_o but_o rather_o to_o discover_v the_o usefulness_n and_o inocency_n of_o it_o it_o be_v at_o this_o time_n the_o design_n of_o all_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o people_n to_o make_v this_o bond_n of_o christian_a union_n become_v a_o bone_n of_o division_n among_o we_o by_o a_o seem_a compliance_n with_o some_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o which_o serve_v best_a their_o own_o end_n which_o be_v a_o total_a subvert_v the_o main_a end_n of_o the_o covenant_n viz._n the_o brotherly_a unite_n together_o all_o godly_a people_n whether_o of_o paul_n apollo_n or_o cephas_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o libertye_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o people_n the_o covenant_n in_o the_o plain_a and_o naked_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v as_o free_v from_o compulsion_n as_o the_o late_a paper_n entitle_v the_o agreement_n of_o the_o people_n only_o the_o violent_a prosecute_n of_o both_o by_o the_o rigid_a uncharitable_a promoter_n act_v more_o out_o of_o design_n and_o bitterness_n of_o spirit_n than_o conscience_n have_v convert_v the_o one_o into_o a_o snare_n and_o the_o other_o into_o a_o yoke_n there_o be_v not_o one_o clause_n in_o the_o covenant_n bind_v to_o any_o conformity_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v with_o such_o large_a and_o clear_a exception_n and_o condition_n as_o any_o man_n without_o prejudice_v his_o christian_n liberty_n may_v take_v it_o and_o walk_v answerable_a to_o it_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n in_o their_o exhortation_n for_o their_o take_v the_o covenant_n pag._n 33._o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o contain_v in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v manifest_o and_o full_o include_v in_o that_o protestation_n take_v by_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n may_v 5._o 1641._o upon_o which_o the_o parliament_n give_v this_o interpretation_n pag._n 7._o whereas_o some_o doubt_n have_v be_v raise_v by_o several_a person_n out_o of_o this_o house_n concern_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n contain_v in_o the_o protestation_n late_o make_v by_o the_o member_n of_o this_o house_n vid._n the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n express_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n against_o all_o popery_n and_o popish_a inovation_n within_o this_o realm_n contrary_a to_o the_o same_o doctrine_n the_o house_n do_v declare_v by_o those_o word_n be_v and_o be_v mean_v only_o the_o public_a doctrine_n profess_v in_o the_o same_o church_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o popery_n and_o popish_a inovation_n that_o the_o say_a word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v extend_v to_o the_o mainta_n of_o any_o form_n of_o worship_n discipline_n or_o government_n nor_o of_o any_o rite_n or_o ceremony_n in_o the_o say_a church_n of_o england_n what_o can_v have_v be_v more_o say_v to_o satisfy_v every_o man_n in_o this_o point_n which_o be_v not_o affect_v to_o popery_n and_o popish_a inovation_n again_o in_o the_o first_o preamble_n to_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n entitle_v the_o excellent_a usefulness_n of_o the_o covenant_n it_o have_v these_o word_n unton_n with_o god_n conformity_n to_o god_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n be_v thing_n most_o desirable_a in_o the_o first_o we_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o second_o holy_a in_o the_o three_o be_v strength_n peace_n and_o safety_n these_o be_v the_o kindly_a fruit_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o a_o covenant_n that_o bring_v forth_o these_o how_o glad_o shall_v they_o be_v embrace_v and_o how_o willing_o receive_v they_o be_v lovely_a band_n that_o bind_v we_o to_o be_v happy_a holy_a and_o safe_a the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v backslide_v and_o a_o covenane_fw-la be_v like_o a_o hedge_n or_o wall_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o go_v backward_o it_o do_v not_o say_v to_o hinder_v we_o from_o go_v forward_o from_o forget_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v behind_o reach_v forth_o unto_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o press_v towards_o the_o mark_n for_o the_o price_n of_o our_o high_a call_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n phil._n 3.13_o there_o be_v not_o one_o clause_n in_o the_o whole_a covenant_n tend_v to_o bind_v or_o limit_v a_o believer_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a make_v a_o strong_a provision_n for_o their_o further_a freedom_n the_o very_a business_n and_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o defend_v and_o preserve_v our_o christian_a and_o civil_a liberty_n against_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a persecute_v party_n in_o the_o kingdom_n which_o be_v not_o only_o my_o sense_n but_o the_o
a_o confutation_n of_o the_o solemn_a leagve_n and_o covenant_n against_o the_o persecute_v divide_v sense_n put_v upon_o it_o by_o such_o who_o seek_v more_o themselves_o and_o their_o end_n than_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n by_o r._n l._n a_o true_a friend_n to_o all_o real_a covenanter_n london_n print_v anno_fw-la domini_fw-la 1648._o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n plead_v its_o own_o innocency_n we_o nobleman_n baron_n knight_n gentleman_n burgess_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o commons_o of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n scotland_n and_o ireland_n by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n live_v under_o one_o king_n and_o be_v of_o one_o reform_v religion_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o then_o presbytery_n presbeters_n being_n reckon_v among_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o now_o despise_a brethren_n for_o sectary_n by_o their_o joint_a adversary_n the_o bishop_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o superstitious_a popish_a faction_n have_v before_o our_o eye_n the_o glory_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v alone_o glorious_a in_o holiness_n the_o brightness_n of_o who_o glory_n be_v the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n the_o spiritual_a not_o the_o formal_a exalt_v of_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a mite_n we_o have_v to_o cast_v into_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o glory_n 13._o exit_fw-la 15.11_o heb._n 13._o and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n who_o kingdom_n be_v a_o spiritual_a kingdom_n within_o man_n not_o a_o carnal_a kingdom_n set_v up_o over_o man_n 1.8_o luk._n 17.11_o heb._n 1.8_o a_o kingdom_n over_o who_o there_o be_v no_o other_o king_n nor_o governor_n but_o he_o that_o sway_v the_o sceptre_n of_o righteousness_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v our_o judge_n the_o lord_n be_v our_o lawgiver_n the_o lord_n be_v our_o king_n he_o will_v save_v we_o the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n etc._n etc._n 33.21_o esay_n 33.21_o it_o be_v not_o that_o honour_n and_o happiness_n which_o he_o himself_o fight_v for_o against_o the_o parliament_n and_o covenant_n but_o that_o honour_n and_o happiness_n wherein_o the_o happiness_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n do_v consist_v and_o the_o true_a public_a liberty_n safety_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n wherein_o every_o one_o private_a condition_n be_v include_v etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n though_o last_o name_v be_v first_o in_o our_o eye_n and_o more_o precious_a in_o our_o esteem_n then_o the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o he_o who_o will_v then_o have_v destroy_v we_o and_o do_v his_o utmost_a to_o make_v we_o slave_n and_o call_v to_o mind_n the_o traccherous_a and_o bloody_a plot_n conspiracy_n attempt_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o then_o call_v sectary_n against_o the_o true_a religion_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o be_v not_o mean_v church_n government_n nor_o unlimited_a ecclesiastical_a jurisdiction_n in_o the_o clergy_n for_o those_o enemy_n we_o speak_v be_v then_o design_v to_o advance_v those_o thing_n but_o by_o true_a religion_n must_v be_v mean_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o godly_a people_n which_o our_o formal_a superstitious_a church_n governor_n viz._n the_o episcopal_a clergy_n do_v endeavour_v to_o persecute_v and_o destroy_v and_o professor_n thereof_o in_o all_o place_n especial_o in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n etc._n etc._n which_o have_v its_o eye_n to_o what_o we_o be_v reform_v from_o viz._n from_o popery_n superstition_n etc._n etc._n which_o reformation_n be_v not_o then_o in_o church_n government_n we_o be_v then_o under_o the_o government_n of_o popish_a superstitious_a prelate_n as_o if_o under_o any_o but_o the_o reformation_n we_o eye_v be_v in_o those_o inward_a principle_n of_o condence_n and_o godliness_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o conversation_n of_o particular_a christian_n and_o how_o much_o their_o rage_n power_n and_o presumption_n be_v of_o late_a and_o at_o this_o time_n increase_v and_o exercise_v whereof_o the_o deplorable_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o ireland_n the_o distress_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o the_o dangerous_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n be_v present_a and_o public_a testimony_n etc._n etc._n which_o power_n rage_n and_o presumption_n that_o put_v the_o three_o kingdom_n into_o such_o a_o distraction_n be_v not_o then_o for_o want_v of_o suppress_v heresy_n and_o schism_n so_o call_v but_o the_o contrary_a the_o suppress_n and_o oppose_a truth_n under_o those_o name_n the_o persecute_v and_o destroy_v good_a christian_n for_o such_o person_n viz._n seditious_a heretic_n and_o schismatic_n etc._n etc._n if_o you_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o ask_v mr._n prynne_n and_o doctor_n bastwick_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v now_o at_o last_o after_o other_o mean_n of_o supplication_n remonstrance_n protestation_n and_o suffering_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o selus_fw-la &_o our_o religion_n from_o utter_a ruin_n &_o destruction_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o our_o supplication_n to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n against_o the_o prelate_n and_o their_o persecute_v such_o in_o the_o high_a commission_n star_n chamber_n etc._n etc._n by_o who_o mean_n and_o from_o who_o hand_n we_o endure_v these_o suffering_n here_o speak_v of_o against_o who_o and_o their_o innoation_n do_v run_v all_o our_o protestation_n and_o remonstrance_n here_o quote_v as_o you_o may_v read_v in_o the_o preamble_n to_o the_o first_o protestation_n may_v 5._o 1641._o in_o these_o word_n that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o jesuit_n and_o other_o adherent_n to_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n have_v of_o late_o be_v more_o bold_o and_o frequent_o put_v in_o practice_n then_o former_o to_o the_o undermine_a and_o danger_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a protestant_a religion_n and_o that_o divers_a innovation_n and_o superstition_n have_v be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n multitude_n drive_v out_o of_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v banish_v then_o for_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n therefore_o i_o a_o b._n do_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n promise_n vow_v and_o protest_v to_o maintain_v and_o defend_v as_o far_o as_o lawful_o i_o may_v not_o further_o with_o my_o life_n sour_a and_o estate_n the_o true_a reform_a protestant_n religion_n against_o all_o popery_n and_o popish_a innovation_n within_o this_o realm_n etc._n etc._n not_o against_o all_o disputeable_a controversy_n &_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n &_o discipline_n between_o godly_a people_n according_a to_o the_o commendable_a practice_n of_o these_o kingdom_n in_o former_a time_n and_o the_o example_n of_o godly_a people_n in_o other_o nation_n after_o mature_a deliberation_n resolve_v and_o determine_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n etc._n etc._n not_o to_o compel_v any_o other_o who_o hate_v both_o we_o &_o our_o covenant_n to_o enter_v into_o it_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o all_o faithful_a covenanter_n wherein_o we_o all_o subscribe_v and_o each_o one_o of_o we_o for_o himself_o with_o our_o hand_n list_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n do_v swear_v first_o that_o we_o shall_v sincere_o realy_a and_o constant_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n endeavour_n in_o our_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n not_o out_o of_o they_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n not_o the_o set_n up_o of_o it_o in_o england_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n not_o against_o our_o differ_a brethren_n that_o be_v our_o faithful_a friend_n the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n not_o beside_o it_o much_o less_o against_o it_o and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n who_o reformation_n be_v not_o differ_v from_o our_o first_o and_o chief_a rule_n the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n the_o kingdom_n and_o throne_n of_o antichrist_n who_o dominion_n be_v over_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n after_o a_o worldly_a secular_a manner_n against_o which_o we_o have_v chief_o covenant_v in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o mere_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o church-government_n directory_n for_o worship_n and_o catechise_n etc._n etc._n that_o according_a to_o our_o former_a protestation_n lawful_o we_o may_v not_o err_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o all_o reformation_n 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o the_o chief_a rule_n in_o our_o eye_n and_o first_o example_n in_o our_o mouth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n allow_v of_o no_o other_o infallible_a interpreter_n to_o our_o
of_o the_o kingdom_n assist_v and_o defend_v all_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o maintain_n and_o pursuance_n thereof_o and_o shall_v not_o suffer_v ourselves_o direct_o or_o indirect_o by_o whatsoever_o combination_n persuasion_n or_o terror_n to_o be_v divide_v and_o withdraw_v from_o this_o bless_a union_n and_o conjunction_n whether_o to_o make_v defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n or_o quit_v ourselves_o to_o a_o detestable_a indifferency_n or_o neutrallity_n in_o this_o cause_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o king_n but_o shall_v all_o the_o day_n of_o our_o life_n zealous_o and_o constant_o continue_v therein_o against_o all_o opposition_n and_o promote_v the_o same_o according_a to_o our_o power_n again_v all_o let_n and_o impediment_n whatsoever_o and_o what_o we_o be_v not_o able_a of_o ourselves_o to_o suppress_v or_o overcome_v we_o shall_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v that_o it_o may_v be_v timely_o prevent_v or_o remove_v all_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v as_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n the_o principal_a thing_n contain_v in_o this_o six_o head_n be_v a_o mutual_a assistance_n of_o each_o other_o in_o the_o pursue_n and_o obtainine_v the_o end_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v in_o a_o brotherly_a firm_a unite_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n to_o the_o covenant_v cause_n viz._n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o people_n etc._n etc._n to_o endeavour_v to_o retain_v unity_n where_o we_o can_v uniformity_n and_o to_o prefer_v the_o concurrence_n and_o assistance_n of_o one_o approve_a try_a friend_n to_o the_o covenant_v cause_n though_o differ_v in_o some_o particular_a circumstance_n before_o the_o compliance_n of_o many_o other_o which_o stand_v neuter_n to_o it_o or_o oppose_v it_o when_o we_o stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o their_o help_n and_o because_o these_o kingdom_n be_v guilty_a of_o many_o sin_n and_o provocation_n against_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n as_o be_v too_o manifest_a by_o our_o present_a destress_n and_o danger_n the_o fruit_n whereof_o we_o profess_v and_o declare_v before_o god_n and_o the_o world_n our_o unsained_a desire_n to_o be_v humble_v for_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o these_o kingdom_n especial_o that_o we_o have_v not_o as_o we_o ought_v value_v the_o inestimable_a benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o have_v not_o labour_v for_o the_o purity_n and_o power_n thereof_o that_o we_o have_v not_o endeavour_v to_o receive_v christ_n into_o our_o heart_n nor_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o he_o in_o our_o life_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o out_o sin_n and_o transgression_n so_o much_o abound_v among_o we_o and_o our_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a purpose_n desire_v and_o endeavour_n for_o ourselves_o and_o other_o under_o our_o power_n and_o charge_n both_o in_o public_a and_o in_o prevate_v in_o all_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o each_o one_o to_o go_v one_o before_o another_o in_o this_o example_n of_o a_o real_a reformation_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n and_o heavy_a indignation_n and_o establish_v these_o church_n in_o truth_n and_o peace_n and_o this_o covenant_n we_o make_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n with_o a_o true_a intention_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o as_o we_o shall_v answer_v at_o that_o great_a day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v most_o humble_o beseech_v the_o lord_n to_o strengthen_v we_o by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n for_o this_o end_n and_o to_o bless_v our_o desire_n and_o proceed_n with_o such_o success_n as_o may_v be_v deliverance_n and_o safety_n to_o his_o people_n and_o encouragement_n to_o other_o christian_a church_n groan_v under_o or_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o yoke_n of_o antichristian_a tyranny_n to_o join_v in_o the_o same_o or_o like_o association_n and_o covenant_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o enlargement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o christian_a kingdom_n and_o common_a wealth_n etc._n etc._n what_o can_v be_v more_o say_v or_o what_o word_n can_v more_o full_o contain_v to_o discover_v a_o people_n cordial_o and_o real_o sensible_a of_o the_o cry_a sin_n of_o persecute_v and_o destroy_v good_a people_n under_o bad_a name_n exalt_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n against_o the_o power_n thereof_o of_o oppose_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o spirit_n of_o it_o let_v the_o conscience_n of_o all_o covenanter_n judge_n acknowledge_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o kingdom_n present_a distress_n and_o danger_n to_o flow_v from_o their_o many_o sin_n and_o provocation_n commit_v against_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n especial_o the_o not_o value_v the_o mosteemable_a benefit_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o rather_o sliting_a deride_v &_o persecute_v the_o most_o precious_a part_n thereof_o vid._n the_o spirit_n and_o power_n of_o it_o not_o labour_v for_o the_o purity_n &_o power_n thereof_o but_o rather_o imprison_v it_o by_o the_o tradition_n and_o form_n of_o it_o not_o endeavour_v to_o receive_v christ_n in_o heart_n draw_v near_o to_o he_o with_o our_o mouth_n but_o have_v our_o heart_n far_o from_o he_o not_o walk_v worthy_a of_o he_o in_o our_o life_n vid._n not_o live_v at_o all_o to_o he_o but_o to_o ourselves_o promise_v â—eall_o not_o formal_a reformation_n desire_v to_o be_v strengthen_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n who_o teach_n enlightning_n and_o strengthning_n be_v now_o become_v a_o byword_n to_o many_o covenanter_n aim_v at_o the_o incoridgment_n of_o other_o christian_a church_n groan_v under_o or_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o same_o yoke_n of_o antichristian_a tyranny_n and_o now_o make_v it_o the_o very_a work_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o put_v the_o same_o yoke_n upon_o the_o neck_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o our_o own_o self_n than_o groan_v under_o like_o those_o scribe_n and_o pharisees_n christ_n admonish_v the_o people_n against_o for_o they_o bind_v heavy_a â—â—â—thens_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v and_o lay_v they_o on_o other_o man_n shoulder_n 23.4_o mat._n 23.4_o but_o themselves_o will_v not_o move_v they_o with_o one_o of_o their_o finger_n for_o now_o the_o whole_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o contain_v thus_o many_o good_a christian_n engagement_n be_v all_o contract_a or_o rather_o detract_v into_o these_o three_o thing_n viz._n the_o establish_n and_o settle_v church_n government_n according_a to_o that_o of_o scotland_n the_o suppress_n and_o punish_v of_o heretic_n and_o schismatic_n etc._n etc._n the_o defend_n of_o or_o restoto_fw-la his_o majesty_n his_o power_n and_o greatness_n now_o let_v we_o review_v the_o covenant_n upon_o these_o particular_n and_o see_v what_o we_o be_v engage_v to_o in_o relation_n to_o these_o thing_n and_o let_v the_o covenant_n continue_v a_o rule_n and_o not_o be_v a_o snare_n to_o any_o much_o less_o to_o its_o true_a friend_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n disciplune_n and_o government_n against_o our_o common_a enemy_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o set_n of_o it_o up_o in_o england_n against_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o best_a friend_n or_o if_o our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n shall_v find_v cause_n to_o make_v a_o more_o through_o reformation_n in_o that_o kingdom_n be_v we_o bind_v by_o this_o covenant_n to_o hinder_v they_o our_o covenant_n to_o preserve_v the_o present_a reformation_n in_o either_o kingdom_n be_v no_o engagement_n to_o hinder_v reformation_n in_o both_o kingdom_n if_o those_o in_o who_o the_o power_n of_o reform_v be_v find_v cause_n therefore_o what_o we_o be_v by_o this_o covenant_n engage_v to_o in_o relation_n to_o scotland_n be_v to_o assist_v they_o against_o any_o that_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o drive_v the_o reformation_n back_o again_o towards_o the_o idolatrous_a superstition_n of_o rome_n not_o those_o which_o endeavour_v the_o press_n of_o it_o forward_o towards_o the_o pure_a rule_n of_o the_o word_n the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o iroland_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o be_v best_o refern_v church_n it_o do_v not_o say_v according_a to_o the_o length_n and_o breadth_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o a_o tittle_n of_o that_o in_o scotland_n neither_o do_v it_o name_v this_o or_o that_o form_n of_o government_n or_o particular_a church_n or_o church_n but_o only_o say_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o best_a reform_a church_n which_o be_v whole_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o reformer_n which_o
church_n or_o church_n to_o judge_n best_o reform_v whether_o scotland_n holland_n geneva_n new_a england_n etc._n etc._n or_o whether_o they_o will_v approve_v of_o national_a or_o congregationall_a church_n if_o the_o latter_a can_v prove_v themselves_o best_o reform_v they_o ought_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v our_o pattern_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n confession_n of_o faith_n form_n of_o church_n government_n directory_n for_o worship_n and_o catechise_n here_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o make_v scotland_n a_o paâ—â—â—ne_n to_o the_o other_o two_o until_o it_o have_v prove_v itself_o one_o of_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n and_o when_o it_o have_v we_o be_v no_o more_o tie_v to_o it_o than_o to_o other_o reform_a church_n equil_n with_o it_o in_o reformation_n nor_o to_o none_o of_o they_o further_o than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o practice_n it_o be_v our_o firstrule_n reform_a church_n be_v rather_o name_v for_o precedent_n for_o justify_v our_o reform_n than_o for_o rule_n to_o reform_v by_o we_o have_v the_o same_o word_n for_o our_o rule_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n to_o measure_n by_o that_o other_o reform_a church_n have_v or_o otherwise_o our_o best_a reformation_n will_v be_v but_o a_o paint_a sepulchre_n again_o to_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n it_o do_v not_o say_v the_o very_a same_o not_o near_a than_o it_o can_v be_v without_o prejudice_n to_o each_o other_o conjunction_n and_o agreement_n make_v by_o particular_n for_o the_o mutual_a comfort_n safety_n and_o peace_n of_o each_o other_o have_v their_o eye_n to_o what_o may_v be_v advantageous_a to_o the_o who_o when_o conjoin_v in_o opposition_n to_o what_o shall_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o either_o as_o particular_n and_o what_o any_o impartial_a man_n can_v gather_v from_o these_o thing_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o parliament_n or_o kingdom_n of_o england_n be_v engage_v by_o this_o covenant_n to_o settle_v religion_n or_o church_n government_n by_o direction_n of_o rule_n give_v they_o from_o scotland_n or_o from_o any_o other_o in_o england_n inferior_a to_o themselves_o be_v to_o i_o hide_v nay_o that_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n be_v not_o leave_v as_o free_a to_o judge_v what_o church_n government_n or_o form_n of_o discipline_n to_o settle_v in_o england_n notwithstanding_o any_o thing_n say_v in_o this_o covenant_n as_o the_o parliament_n of_o scotland_n be_v in_o scotland_n and_o as_o the_o parliament_n themselves_o be_v leave_v free_a by_o this_o covenant_n in_o their_o judgement_n and_o determination_n what_o church_n government_n or_o form_n of_o worship_n to_o settle_v in_o this_o kingdom_n on_o the_o affirmative_a part_n so_o be_v all_o other_o engage_v and_o interest_v in_o this_o covenant_n with_o they_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v leave_v as_o complete_a a_o judge_n by_o this_o covenant_n to_o himself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o member_n of_o the_o parliament_n be_v for_o themselves_o as_o particular_a man_n and_o for_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n as_o a_o parliament_n which_o must_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n and_o our_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a purpose_n desire_v and_o endeavour_v for_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o under_o our_o power_n and_o charge_n both_o in_o public_a and_o private_a in_o all_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o amend_v our_o life_n and_o each_o one_o to_o go_v before_o another_o in_o the_o example_n of_o a_o real_a reformation_n pag._n 21.22_o and_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v in_o our_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n to_o go_v each_o before_o other_o in_o the_o example_n of_o a_o real_a reformation_n then_o can_v we_o not_o be_v bind_v up_o to_o stay_v each_o of_o other_o for_o a_o example_n of_o formal_a reformation_n the_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v by_o some_o man_n the_o great_a business_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v the_o suppress_n or_o punish_v of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n etc._n etc._n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o duty_n of_o every_o particular_a christian_a in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v real_o heresy_n and_o schism_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o every_o man_n or_o any_o man_n which_o have_v take_v this_o covenant_n be_v bind_v thereby_o to_o become_v a_o persecutor_n of_o heretic_n etc._n etc._n or_o to_o judge_v of_o error_n heresy_n or_o schism_n etc._n etc._n by_o any_o other_o rule_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o to_o suppress_v and_o oppose_v it_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n than_o what_o be_v there_o prescribe_v in_o which_o every_o particular_a man_n for_o himself_o be_v make_v a_o judge_n by_o the_o covenant_n i_o deny_v there_o be_v not_o one_o tittle_n in_o the_o whole_a covenant_n take_v notice_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n except_o in_o the_o second_o head_n these_o two_o word_n endeavour_v the_o exterpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n superstition_n heresy_n &_o schism_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o any_o man_n can_v think_v these_o two_o word_n have_v be_v crowd_v into_o that_o place_n for_o a_o snare_n to_o any_o peaceable_a godly_a people_n for_o prefer_v unity_n with_o god_n before_o uniformity_n with_o man_n when_o the_o late_a can_v be_v enjoy_v without_o prejudice_n to_o the_o former_a to_o i_o seem_v strange_a consider_v it_o be_v the_o great_a grievance_n our_o conform_v brethren_n as_o well_o as_o ourselves_o then_o groan_v under_o vid._n the_o oppose_a the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o form_n of_o it_o the_o persecute_v and_o trouble_v good_a people_n under_o the_o name_n of_o seditious_a person_n heretic_n and_o schismatickes_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o god_n do_v then_o help_v his_o people_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o his_o truth_n though_o under_o persecution_n for_o error_n and_o heresy_n so_o shall_v he_o do_v still_o for_o it_o be_v no_o new_a but_o the_o old_a way_n of_o antichrist_n to_o persecute_v christ_n for_o belial_n truth_n for_o error_n and_o heresy_n which_o paul_n bear_v witness_n to_o act_v 14.14_o but_o this_o i_o confess_v unto_o thou_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n the_o three_o main_a part_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o some_o be_v now_o promote_a to_o destroy_v all_o faithful_a covenanter_n which_o be_v the_o preserve_n and_o defend_v the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n but_o they_o have_v forget_v it_o be_v ont_o in_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o army_n which_o be_v raise_v by_o the_o king_n against_o the_o parliament_n at_o first_o be_v pretend_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o person_n and_o authority_n but_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o covenant_n to_o oppose_v he_o with_o our_o utmost_a life_n and_o fortune_n this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o preach_v in_o scotland_n when_o the_o king_n be_v force_v to_o march_v into_o the_o north_n part_n with_o a_o great_a army_n to_o protect_v his_o person_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o kingly_a office_n and_o authority_n in_o scotland_n though_o scotland_n have_v then_o never_o taste_v of_o the_o cruel_a war_n which_o since_o both_o scotland_n and_o england_n have_v groan_v under_o by_o that_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o their_o king_n which_o they_o make_v now_o the_o main_a quarrel_n of_o the_o covenant_n our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n with_o the_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o judgement_n in_o england_n have_v have_v some_o dissatisfaction_n on_o their_o spirit_n concern_v the_o king_n restauration_n to_o his_o power_n and_o trust_v before_o he_o have_v give_v satisfaction_n and_o security_n to_o the_o kingdom_n as_o you_o may_v read_v in_o the_o parliament_n answer_v to_o his_o majesty_n desite_n of_o a_o personal_a treaty_n to_o which_o they_o all_o concur_v concern_v the_o personal_a treaty_n desire_v by_o your_o majesty_n there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o present_a blood_n of_o your_o good_a subject_n shed_v in_o this_o war_n by_o your_o majesty_n command_n and_o commission_n irish_a rebel_v bring_v over_o into_o both_o kingdom_n as_o also_o force_n from_o foreign_a part_n &c_n &c_n there_o be_v force_n also_o in_o scotland_n against_o that_o parliament_n and_o kingdom_n by_o your_o majesty_n commission_n the_o war_n in_o ireland_n foment_v and_o prolong_v by_o your_o majesty_n whereby_o the_o three_o kingdom_n be_v bring_v near_o to_o utter_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n we_o conceive_v that_o until_o satisfaction_n and_o security_n be_v first_o give_v to_o both_o the_o kingdom_n your_o majesty_n come_v hither_o can_v be_v convenient_a nor_o by_o we_o assent_v unto_o again_o see_v the_o speech_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n