they_o not_o be_v willing_a in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n to_o enter_v a_o religious_a covenant_n with_o he_o and_o among_o themselves_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n whether_o in_o sorrow_n and_o humiliation_n before_o deliverance_n or_o in_o rejoice_v and_o thanksgiving_n after_o deliverance_n this_o be_v it_o which_o the_o lord_n wait_v for_o at_o their_o hand_n which_o they_o have_v be_v use_v to_o perform_v and_o with_o which_o he_o have_v be_v so_o well_o please_v that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o fountain_n of_o many_o deliverance_n and_o blessing_n unto_o they_o when_o a_o people_n begin_v to_o forget_v god_n he_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n against_o they_o and_o sinit_v they_o and_o when_o his_o people_n humble_v before_o he_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n not_o only_o in_o supplication_n but_o in_o covenant_n before_o the_o most_o high_a god_n he_o be_v please_v such_o be_v his_o mercy_n and_o wonderful_a compassion_n first_o to_o lift_v his_o hand_n unto_o they_o say_v i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n as_o we_o have_v it_o three_o time_n in_o two_o verse_n of_o the_o 20_o of_o ezekiel_n and_o next_o he_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n against_o his_o enemy_n and_o they_o it_o be_v the_o best_a work_n of_o faith_n to_o join_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n the_o best_a work_n of_o love_n and_o christian_a communion_n to_o join_v in_o covenant_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n the_o best_a work_n of_o the_o best_a zeal_n to_o join_v in_o covenant_n for_o reformation_n against_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n the_o best_a work_n of_o true_a loyalty_n to_o join_v in_o covenant_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o king_n and_o superior_n and_o the_o best_a proof_n of_o natural_a affection_n and_o to_o be_v without_o natural_a affection_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o join_v in_o covenant_n for_o defence_n of_o our_o native_a country_n liberty_n and_o law_n such_o as_o for_o these_o necessary_a end_n do_v withdraw_v and_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n have_v reason_n to_o enter_v into_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o look_v into_o their_o faith_n love_n zeal_n loyalty_n and_o natural_a affection_n as_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n so_o have_v we_o for_o it_o the_o precedent_n and_o example_n not_o only_o of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n of_o old_a of_o the_o reform_a church_n of_o germany_n and_o the_o low-countries_n but_o of_o our_o own_o noble_a and_o christian_a progenitor_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o covenant_n itself_o the_o defect_n be_v they_o go_v not_o on_o thorough_o to_o enter_v in_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n a_o happiness_n reserve_v for_o this_o time_n which_o have_v they_o do_v the_o corruption_n and_o calamity_n of_o these_o day_n may_v have_v be_v prevent_v and_o if_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o move_v loose_a and_o enlarge_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n in_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n to_o take_v this_o covenant_n not_o in_o simulation_n nor_o in_o lukewarmness_n as_o those_o that_o be_v almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n but_o as_o become_v the_o people_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o prevention_n of_o many_o evil_n and_o misery_n and_o a_o mean_a of_o many_o and_o rich_a blessing_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a to_o ourselves_o our_o little_a one_o and_o the_o posterity_n that_o shall_v come_v after_o we_o for_o many_o generation_n the_o near_a and_o neighbour_a example_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n be_v in_o this_o case_n worthy_a of_o our_o best_a observation_n when_o the_o prelate_n there_o be_v grow_v by_o their_o rent_n and_o lordly_a dignity_n by_o their_o exorbitant_a power_n over_o all_o sort_n of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n minister_n and_o other_o by_o their_o place_n in_o parliament_n council_n college_n of_o justice_n exchequer_n and_o high_a commission_n to_o a_o monstrous_a dominion_n and_o greatness_n and_o like_o giant_n set_v their_o one_o foot_n on_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o other_o on_o the_o neck_n of_o the_o state_n be_v become_v intolerable_o insolent_a and_o when_o the_o people_n of_o god_n through_o their_o oppression_n in_o religion_n liberty_n and_o law_n and_o what_o be_v dear_a unto_o they_o be_v bring_v so_o low_a that_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o die_v then_o to_o live_v in_o such_o slavery_n or_o to_o live_v in_o any_o other_o place_n rather_o than_o in_o their_o own_o native_a country_n then_o do_v the_o lord_n say_v i_o have_v see_v i_o have_v see_v the_o affliction_n of_o my_o people_n and_o i_o have_v hear_v their_o groan_n and_o be_o come_v down_o to_o deliver_v they_o the_o beginning_n be_v small_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o presumptuous_a enemy_n such_o as_o use_v to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n but_o be_v so_o second_v and_o continual_o follow_v by_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o divine_a providence_n lead_v they_o forward_o from_o one_o step_n to_o another_o that_o their_o mountain_n become_v strong_a in_o the_o end_n no_o tongue_n can_v tell_v what_o motion_n fill_v the_o heart_n what_o tear_n be_v pour_v forth_o from_o the_o eye_n and_o what_o cry_n come_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o many_o thousand_o in_o that_o land_n when_o they_o find_v a_o unwonted_a flame_n warm_v their_o breast_n and_o perceive_v the_o power_n of_o god_n raise_v they_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o create_v for_o they_o a_o new_a world_n wherein_o shall_v dwell_v religion_n and_o righteousness_n when_o they_o be_v destitute_a both_o of_o money_n and_o munition_n which_o next_o unto_o the_o spirit_n and_o arm_n of_o man_n be_v the_o sinew_n of_o war_n the_o lord_n bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o his_o hide_a treasure_n which_o be_v wonderful_a in_o their_o eye_n and_o matter_n of_o astonishment_n to_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o be_v many_o time_n at_o a_o pause_n in_o their_o deliberation_n and_o bring_v to_o such_o perplexity_n that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o choose_v or_o to_o do_v for_o prosecute_v the_o work_n of_o god_n only_o their_o eye_n be_v towards_o he_o not_o only_o the_o fear_n and_o fury_n but_o the_o plot_n also_o and_o policy_n of_o the_o adversary_n open_v the_o way_n unto_o they_o their_o device_n be_v turn_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n and_o serve_v for_o the_o promote_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n the_o purity_n of_o their_o intention_n elevate_v above_o base_a and_o earthly_a respect_n and_o the_o constant_a peace_n of_o their_o heart_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o danger_n do_v bear_v they_o out_o against_o the_o malicious_a accusation_n and_o aspersion_n put_v upon_o their_o action_n all_o which_o be_v sensible_a impression_n of_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o legible_a character_n of_o his_o work_n which_o as_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o england_n exercise_v at_o this_o time_n with_o great_a difficulty_n than_o they_o have_v in_o part_n already_o find_v so_o shall_v the_o parallel_n be_v perfect_v to_o their_o great_a comfort_n in_o the_o faithful_a pursue_n of_o the_o work_n unto_o the_o end_n necessity_n which_o have_v in_o it_o a_o kind_n of_o sovereignty_n and_o be_v a_o law_n above_o all_o law_n and_o therefore_o be_v say_v to_o have_v no_o law_n do_v mighty_o press_v the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o seâ—tland_n at_o this_o time_n it_o be_v no_o small_a comfort_n unto_o they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v idle_a and_o at_o ease_n but_o have_v use_v all_o good_a and_o lawful_a mean_n of_o supplication_n declaration_n and_o remonstrance_n to_o his_o majesty_n for_o quench_v the_o combustion_n in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o after_o all_o these_o that_o they_o send_v commissioner_n to_o his_o majesty_n humble_o to_o mediate_v for_o a_o reconcilement_n and_o pacification_n but_o the_o offer_n of_o their_o humble_a service_n be_v reject_v from_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o have_v no_o warrant_n nor_o capacity_n for_o such_o a_o mediation_n and_o that_o the_o intermixture_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n with_o the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v such_o a_o mystery_n as_o can_v not_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o although_o it_o be_v true_a which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n often_o reply_v that_o the_o eight_o demand_n of_o the_o treaty_n and_o the_o answer_n give_v thereunto_o concerning_o the_o uniformity_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o capacity_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o house_n of_o parliament_n against_o episcopal_a government_n as_o a_o stumble_a block_n hinder_v reformation_n and_o as_o a_o prejudice_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n be_v ground_n enough_o for_o their_o information_n the_o commissioner_n have_v return_v
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 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 and_o kingdom_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 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_a 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 commonwealth_n the_o proceed_n of_o the_o covenant_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o take_v thereof_o by_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o commons_o and_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n the_o commissioner_n send_v from_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o parliament_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n have_v beside_o other_o weighty_a affair_n instruction_n to_o take_v into_o consideration_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v effectual_a for_o bring_v the_o two_o kingdom_n to_o a_o more_o near_a conjunction_n and_o union_n there_o be_v a_o committee_n of_o the_o honourable_a convention_n of_o estate_n in_o scotland_n and_o another_o committee_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n design_v to_o join_v with_o they_o in_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a consultation_n in_o which_o after_o much_o agitation_n the_o result_n and_o conclusion_n be_v that_o a_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n take_v mutual_o by_o both_o kingdom_n will_v be_v the_o most_o conduce_v mean_n to_o such_o a_o happy_a union_n thereupon_o a_o form_n of_o covenant_n by_o their_o common_a assent_n be_v agree_v upon_o and_o present_v to_o be_v read_v and_o consider_v of_o in_o the_o general_n assembly_n where_o it_o have_v assent_n and_o approbation_n and_o be_v thence_o recommend_v to_o the_o convention_n of_o estate_n by_o a_o order_n of_o the_o assembly_n as_o follow_v edenb._n august_n 17._o 1643._o sess._n 14._o the_o assembly_n have_v recommend_v unto_o a_o committee_n appoint_v by_o they_o to_o join_v with_o the_o committee_n of_o the_o honourable_a convention_n of_o estate_n and_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n certain_a proposition_n present_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o aforesaid_a commissioner_n of_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n for_o bring_v the_o two_o kingdom_n to_o a_o more_o near_a conjunction_n and_o union_n receive_v from_o the_o aforesaid_a committee_n the_o covenant_n underwrite_v as_o the_o result_n of_o their_o consultation_n and_o have_v take_v the_o same_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o public_a concernment_n and_o of_o so_o deep_a importance_n do_v require_v unto_o their_o grave_a consideration_n do_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o with_o the_o beginning_n of_o that_o joy_n which_o they_o do_v find_v in_o so_o great_a measure_n upon_o the_o renovation_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o kingdom_n all_o with_o one_o voice_n approve_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o as_o the_o most_o powerful_a mean_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n for_o settle_v and_o preserve_v the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n with_o perfect_a peace_n in_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o propagate_a the_o same_o to_o other_o nation_n and_o for_o establish_v his_o majesty_n throne_n to_o all_o age_n and_o generation_n and_o therefore_o with_o their_o best_a affection_n recommend_v the_o same_o to_o the_o honourable_a convention_n of_o estate_n that_o be_v examine_v and_o approve_v by_o they_o it_o may_v be_v send_v with_o all_o diligence_n unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n that_o be_v receive_v and_o approve_v there_o the_o same_o may_v be_v with_o public_a humiliation_n and_o all_o religious_a and_o answerable_a solemnity_n swear_v and_o subscribe_v by_o all_o true_a professor_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o all_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n in_o both_o kingdom_n ar._n jhonston_n cler._n eccl._n from_o that_o honourable_a convention_n it_o obtain_v like_o approbation_n with_o a_o recommendation_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n as_o in_o this_o order_n of_o they_o appear_v at_o edinburgh_n 17._o of_o august_n 1643._o the_o nobleman_n commissioner_n of_o shire_n and_o borough_n now_o convene_v have_v receive_v the_o covenant_n above-written_a from_o their_o committee_n as_o the_o result_n of_o their_o consultation_n with_o a_o committee_n of_o their_o general_a assembly_n and_o the_o commissioner_n of_o both_o house_n from_o the_o parliament_n of_o england_n and_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n into_o their_o grave_a consideration_n do_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o great_a expression_n of_o joy_n and_o unanimity_n approve_v and_o embrace_v the_o same_o as_o the_o most_o powerful_a mean_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n for_o settle_v and_o preserve_v the_o true_a protestant_a religion_n with_o a_o perfect_a peace_n in_o all_o his_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o propagate_a the_o same_o to_o other_o nation_n and_o for_o establish_v his_o majesty_n throne_n to_o all_o age_n and_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o their_o brethren_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n will_v hearty_o receive_v and_o approve_v the_o same_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o earnest_a recommendation_n of_o that_o venerable_a assembly_n of_o this_o kirk_n now_o think_v it_o most_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a end_n aforesaid_a that_o it_o be_v send_v into_o that_o kingdom_n with_o all_o diligence_n that_o be_v receive_v and_o approve_v by_o their_o brethren_n there_o the_o same_o may_v be_v with_o all_o religious_a solemnity_n swerne_v and_o subscribe_v by_o all_o true_a professor_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n and_o all_o his_o majesty_n good_a subject_n in_o both_o kingdom_n extract_n arch._n primrose_n cler._n conven._n some_o commissioner_n also_o be_v send_v from_o the_o general_n assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n with_o instruction_n for_o further_a the_o covenant_n and_o the_o intend_a union_n of_o the_o church_n of_o both_o kingdom_n this_o covenant_n be_v present_v to_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o commons_o and_o consider_v by_o they_o in_o the_o several_a branch_n and_o article_n thereof_o be_v recommend_v to_o a_o committee_n to_o be_v choose_v of_o their_o own_o member_n and_o sorne_v of_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n together_o with_o the_o commissioner_n send_v from_o scotland_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o some_o expression_n may_v be_v far_o explain_v and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o ireland_n also_o may_v be_v express_o take_v into_o the_o same_o league_n and_o covenant_n with_o we_o which_o be_v do_v with_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n by_o those_o committee_n and_o commissioner_n it_o be_v then_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n and_o afterwards_o in_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o receive_v a_o most_o full_a and_o universal_a assent_n from_o the_o member_n of_o both_o nemine_fw-la contradicente_fw-la this_o form_n of_o covenant_n be_v present_v also_o to_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n by_o who_o likewise_o it_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n and_o approve_v of_o as_o fit_a to_o be_v enter_v into_o by_o the_o three_o kingdom_n on_o friday_n the_o 22._o of_o september_n it_o be_v conclude_v by_o the_o house_n this_o oath_n and_o covenant_n shall_v be_v solemn_o take_v public_o in_o the_o church_n at_o westminster_n call_v saint_n margaret_n church_n the_o monday_n follow_v by_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o and_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n to_o which_o purpose_n a_o order_n be_v send_v to_o the_o assembly_n from_o the_o house_n to_o give_v they_o notice_n thereof_o and_o that_o some_o of_o the_o assembly_n be_v appoint_v to_o pray_v and_o to_o exhort_v for_o the_o more_o solemn_a celebrate_n of_o so_o serious_a and_o weighty_a a_o service_n the_o assembly_n appoint_v mr._n philip_n nye_n to_o make_v the_o exhortation_n mr._n john_n white_n to_o pray_v before_o and_o mr._n dr._n gouge_n to_o pray_v after_o the_o exhortation_n the_o house_n meet_v at_o the_o usual_a place_n and_o thence_o go_v with_o their_o speaker_n to_o the_o church_n the_o assembly_n also_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o their_o prolocutor_n a_o psalm_n be_v sing_v solemn_a prayer_n be_v make_v after_o the_o prayer_n a_o exhortation_n to_o the_o honourable_a house_n and_o reverend_n divine_n encourage_v
they_o to_o this_o work_n as_o a_o work_n of_o a_o marvellous_a high_a nature_n and_o concernment_n this_o be_v end_v mr._n alexander_n hendersam_n one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n send_v from_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n be_v also_o desire_v thereunto_o make_v a_o speech_n to_o the_o like_a purpose_n then_o the_o covenant_n be_v read_v notice_n be_v first_o give_v to_o the_o assembly_n that_o after_o the_o hear_n of_o it_o each_o person_n shall_v immediate_o by_o swear_v worship_v the_o great_a name_n of_o god_n and_o testify_v so_o much_o outward_o by_o lift_v up_o their_o hand_n which_o be_v all_o do_v very_o solemn_o and_o with_o so_o much_o joy_n see_v in_o their_o countenance_n and_o manifest_v by_o clap_v of_o their_o hand_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o gravity_n of_o such_o a_o work_n and_o the_o sadness_n of_o the_o present_a time_n both_o assembly_n have_v thus_o swear_v with_o who_o the_o commissioner_n from_o scotland_n join_v the_o speaker_n with_o the_o member_n of_o the_o house_n of_o commons_o go_v up_o into_o the_o chancel_n and_o there_o subscribe_v their_o name_n in_o a_o roll_n of_o parchment_n provide_v for_o that_o purpose_n in_o which_o this_o covenant_n be_v fair_o write_v and_o afterward_o the_o prolocutor_n the_o commissioner_n from_o scotland_n and_o the_o member_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n do_v the_o like_a in_o another_o roll_n which_o be_v finish_v the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v again_o solemn_o invocate_v and_o praise_n return_v for_o vouchsafe_v this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n so_o happy_a and_o joyful_a a_o day_n a_o psalm_n be_v sing_v and_o then_o the_o assembly_n dismiss_v a_o exhortation_n make_v to_o the_o honourable_a house_n of_o commons_o and_o reverend_a divine_n of_o the_o assembly_n by_o mr._n nigh_n before_o he_o read_v the_o covenant_n a_o great_a and_o solemn_a work_n honourable_a and_o reverend_a this_o day_n be_v put_v into_o our_o hand_n let_v we_o stir_v up_o and_o awaken_v our_o heart_n unto_o it_o we_o deal_v with_o god_n as_o well_o as_o with_o man_n and_o with_o god_n in_o his_o greatness_n and_o excellency_n for_o by_o he_o we_o swear_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o god_n and_o his_o goodness_n who_o now_o reach_v out_o unto_o we_o a_o strong_a and_o seasonable_a arm_n of_o assistance_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n procure_v succour_n and_o help_v to_o a_o sinful_a and_o afflict_a people_n such_o be_v we_o ought_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o fear_n and_o tremble_a even_o to_o all_o that_o hear_v of_o it_o ier._n 33._o 9_o we_o be_v to_o exalt_v and_o acknowledge_v he_o this_o day_n who_o be_v fearful_a in_o praise_n swear_v by_o that_o name_n which_o be_v holy_a and_o reverent_a enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n and_o league_n that_o be_v never_o to_o be_v forget_v by_o we_o nor_o our_o posterity_n and_o the_o fruit_n i_o hope_v of_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o great_a as_o both_o we_o and_o they_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o remember_v it_o with_o joy_n and_o such_o a_o oath_n as_o for_o matter_n person_n and_o other_o circumstance_n the_o like_a have_v not_o be_v in_o any_o age_n or_o oath_n we_o read_v of_o in_o sacred_a or_o human_a story_n yet_o sufficient_o warrant_v in_o both_o the_o party_n engage_v in_o this_o league_n be_v three_o kingdom_n famous_a for_o the_o knowledge_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n above_o all_o the_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n to_o swear_v before_o such_o a_o presence_n shall_v mould_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n into_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reverence_n what_o then_o to_o be_v engage_v to_o be_v incorporate_v and_o that_o by_o sacred_a oath_n with_o such_o a_o high_a and_o honourable_a fraternity_n a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v so_o much_o the_o more_o solemn_a by_o how_o much_o great_a the_o person_n be_v that_o swear_v each_o to_o other_o as_o in_o heaven_n when_o god_n swear_v to_o his_o son_n on_o earth_n when_o king_n swear_v each_o to_o other_o so_o in_o this_o business_n where_o kingdom_n swear_v mutual_o and_o as_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o person_n swear_v so_o by_o the_o matter_n also_o that_o be_v to_o be_v swear_v to_o god_n will_v not_o swear_v to_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n he_o intend_v not_o to_o honour_v it_o so_o much_o it_o be_v not_o to_o continue_v it_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o a_o oath_n of_o he_o but_o to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v the_o gospel_n he_o swear_v and_o repent_v not_o of_o it_o god_n swear_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n and_o of_o kingdom_n and_o if_o kingdom_n swear_v what_o subject_n of_o a_o oath_n become_v they_o better_o than_o the_o preservation_n and_o salvation_n of_o kingdom_n by_o establish_v the_o kingdom_n of_o a_o saviour_n among_o they_o even_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v a_o mediator_n and_o saviour_n for_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o particular_a person_n the_o end_n also_o be_v great_a and_o honourable_a as_o either_o of_o the_o former_a two_o be_v better_a than_o one_o say_v he_o who_o best_o know_v what_o be_v best_a and_o from_o who_o alone_o every_o thing_n have_v the_o goodness_n it_o have_v association_n be_v of_o divine_a offspring_n not_o only_o the_o being_n of_o creature_n but_o the_o put_n of_o they_o together_o the_o cluster_n as_o well_o as_o the_o grape_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n comfort_n and_o harmony_n among_o man_n especial_o among_o saint_n be_v very_o please_v unto_o the_o lord_n if_o when_o but_o two_o or_o three_o agree_v and_o assent_n upon_o any_o thing_n on_o earth_n it_o shall_v be_v confirm_v in_o heaven_n and_o for_o this_o because_o they_o gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n much_o more_o when_o two_o or_o three_o kingdom_n shall_v meet_v and_o consent_v together_o in_o his_o name_n and_o for_o his_o name_n that_o god_n may_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o among_o they_o and_o his_o presence_n amidst_o they_o that_o prayer_n of_o christ_n seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o feel_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o blessedness_n father_n that_o they_o may_v be_v one_o as_o thou_o in_o i_o etc._n etc._n unity_n among_o his_o church_n and_o child_n must_v needs_o therefore_o be_v very_o acceptable_a unto_o he_o for_o out_o of_o the_o more_o deep_a sense_n desire_n be_v fetch_v from_o within_o we_o the_o more_o please_a will_v be_v the_o answer_n of_o they_o unto_o we_o church_n and_o kingdom_n be_v dear_a to_o god_n his_o patience_n towards_o they_o his_o compassion_n over_o they_o more_o than_o particular_a person_n show_v it_o plain_o but_o kingdom_n willing_o engage_v themselves_o for_o his_o kingdom_n his_o christ_n his_o saint_n the_o purity_n of_o religion_n his_o worship_n and_o government_n in_o all_o particular_n and_o in_o all_o humility_n sit_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n to_o receive_v the_o law_n and_o the_o rule_n from_o his_o mouth_n what_o a_o price_n do_v he_o set_v upon_o such_o especial_o when_o as_o we_o this_o day_n sensible_a of_o our_o infirmity_n of_o a_o unfaithful_a heart_n not_o steady_a with_o our_o god_n but_o apt_a to_o start_v from_o the_o cause_n if_o we_o feel_v the_o knife_n or_o the_o fire_n who_o bind_v ourselves_o with_o cord_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o altar_n we_o invocare_fw-la the_o name_n of_o the_o great_a god_n that_o his_o vow_n yea_o his_o curse_n may_v be_v upon_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o this_o yea_o though_o we_o suffer_v for_o so_o do_v that_o be_v if_o we_o endeavour_v not_o so_o far_o as_o the_o lord_n shall_v assist_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n here_o upon_o earth_n and_o make_v jerusalem_n once_o more_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o contradiction_n of_o man_n what_o be_v this_o but_o the_o content_n and_o matter_n of_o our_o oath_n what_o do_v we_o covenant_v what_o do_v we_o vow_v be_v it_o not_o the_o preservation_n of_o religion_n where_o it_o be_v reform_v and_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n where_o it_o needs_o be_v it_o not_o the_o reformation_n of_o three_o kingdom_n and_o a_o reformatiom_n universal_a doctrine_n discipline_n and_o worship_n in_o whatsoever_o the_o word_n shall_v discover_v unto_o we_o to_o practise_v be_v a_o fruit_n of_o love_n to_o reform_v a_o fruit_n of_o zeal_n but_o so_o to_o reform_v will_v be_v a_o token_n of_o great_a prudence_n and_o circumspection_n in_o each_o of_o these_o church_n and_o all_o this_o to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o god_n word_n the_o best_a rule_n and_o according_a to_o the_o best_a reform_a church_n the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o this_o rule_n if_o england_n have_v obtain_v to_o any_o great_a perfection_n in_o so_o
from_o his_o majesty_n without_o success_n and_o the_o misery_n of_o ireland_n the_o distress_n of_o england_n and_o the_o danger_n and_o pressure_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n grow_v to_o great_a extremity_n such_o as_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o public_a affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v necessitate_v according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o former_a time_n his_o majesty_n have_v deny_v a_o parliament_n to_o call_v a_o convention_n of_o the_o estate_n for_o consider_v of_o the_o present_a affair_n and_o for_o provide_v the_o best_a remedy_n which_o immediate_o upon_o their_o meeting_n by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n do_v receive_v information_n of_o divers_a treacherous_a attempt_n of_o papist_n in_o all_o the_o three_o kingdom_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v call_v for_o that_o effect_n and_o by_o the_o same_o providence_n commissioners_n be_v send_v from_o both_o house_n of_o parliament_n to_o consider_v with_o the_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n of_o such_o article_n and_o proposition_n as_o may_v make_v the_o conjunction_n betwixt_o the_o two_o nation_n more_o beneficial_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o secure_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n against_o papist_n and_o prelate_n with_o their_o adherent_n their_o consultation_n with_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n do_v in_o the_o end_n bring_v forth_o this_o covenant_n as_o the_o only_o mean_v after_o all_o other_o have_v be_v assay_v for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o england_n and_o ireland_n out_o of_o the_o deep_n of_o affliction_n preservation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n from_o the_o extremity_n of_o misery_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o our_o native_a king_n and_o his_o kingdom_n from_o destruction_n and_o desolation_n this_o be_v the_o manifold_a necessity_n which_o nature_n religion_n loyalty_n and_o love_n have_v lay_v upon_o they_o nor_o be_v it_o unknown_a in_o this_o honourable_a reverend_a and_o wise_a audience_n what_o error_n and_o heresy_n in_o doctrine_n what_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n in_o worship_n what_o usurpation_n and_o tyranny_n in_o government_n what_o cruelty_n against_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o the_o saint_n have_v be_v set_v on_o foot_n exercise_v and_o execute_v for_o many_o generation_n and_o now_o of_o late_a by_o the_o roman_a church_n all_o which_o we_o hope_v through_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o work_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o a_o end_n have_v the_o pope_n at_o rome_n the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v do_v this_o day_n in_o england_n and_o be_v this_o covenant_n write_v on_o the_o plaster_n of_o the_o wall_n over_o against_o he_o where_o he_o sit_v belshazzar-like_o in_o his_o sacrilegious_a pomp_n it_o will_v make_v his_o heart_n to_o tremble_v his_o countenance_n to_o change_v his_o head_n and_o mitre_n to_o shake_v his_o joint_n to_o lose_v and_o all_o his_o cardinal_n and_o prelate_n to_o be_v astonish_v when_o the_o reform_a church_n which_o by_o their_o letter_n have_v be_v excite_v we_o to_o christian_a communion_n and_o sympathy_n in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o religion_n and_o distress_n of_o the_o godly_a shall_v hear_v of_o this_o bless_a conjunction_n for_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o defence_n thereof_o it_o shall_v quicken_v their_o heart_n against_o the_o heaviness_n of_o oppress_a sorrow_n and_o fear_n and_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o beginning_n of_o a_o jubilee_n and_o joyful_a deliverance_n unto_o they_o from_o the_o antichristian_a yoke_n and_o tyranny_n upon_o these_o and_o the_o like_a consideration_n we_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o the_o church_n and_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n will_v most_o cheerful_o join_v in_o this_o covenant_n at_o the_o first_o motion_n whereof_o their_o 〈◊〉_d be_v move_v within_o they_o and_o to_o give_v testimony_n of_o this_o our_o confidence_n we_o who_o be_v commissioner_n from_o the_o general_n assembly_n although_o we_o have_v no_o particular_a and_o express_a commission_n for_o that_o â—nd_v not_o from_o â—aâ—t_fw-la of_o willingness_n but_o of_o a_o foresight_n offer_v to_o joyâ—_z our_o heart_n and_o hand_n unto_o it_o be_v a_o store_v that_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o own_o time_n will_v against_o all_o opposition_n even_o against_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n crown_v it_o with_o a_o blessing_n from_o heaven_n the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v for_o it_o as_o you_o have_v be_v 〈…〉_z 〈…〉_z by_o the_o consent_n and_o testimony_n of_o a_o reverend_a assembly_n â—â—_z so_o many_o godly_a learned_a and_o grav_fw-mi 〈…〉_z divine_n in_o your_o own_o sense_n and_o experience_n you_o will_v find_v that_o although_o while_o you_o be_v assault_v or_o exercise_v with_o worldly_a care_n and_o fear_n your_o thought_n may_v somewhat_o trouble_v and_o direct_v you_o yet_o at_o other_o time_n when_o upon_o seek_v of_o god_n in_o private_a or_o public_a as_o in_o the_o evening_n of_o a_o well_o spend_v sabbath_n or_o day_n of_o fast_n and_o humiliation_n your_o disposition_n be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o leave_v the_o world_n behind_o you_o you_o have_v find_v access_n unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o your_o heart_n will_v be_v strong_a to_o go_v through_o with_o this_o work_n it_o be_v a_o good_a testimony_n that_o our_o design_n and_o way_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o we_o affect_v they_o most_o when_o our_o heart_n be_v further_a from_o the_o world_n and_o our_o temper_n be_v most_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a and_o least_o carnal_a and_o earthly_a as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o reform_a church_n be_v for_o we_o and_o on_o our_o side_n it_o be_v more_o terrible_a than_o a_o army_n to_o hear_v that_o there_o be_v any_o servant_n supplication_n to_o god_n against_o we_o blasphemy_n curse_n and_o horrid_a imprecation_n there_o be_v proceed_v from_o another_o spirit_n and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o divine_a providence_n also_o which_o have_v maintain_v this_o cause_n and_o support_v his_o servant_n in_o a_o marvellous_a manner_n unto_o this_o day_n and_o which_o this_o time_n past_a have_v keep_v thing_n in_o a_o equal_a balance_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o success_n will_v we_o trust_v from_o this_o day_n forth_o through_o the_o weight_n of_o this_o covenant_n cast_v the_o balance_n and_o make_v religion_n and_o righteousness_n to_o prevail_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o honour_n of_o our_o king_n the_o confusion_n of_o our_o common_a enemy_n and_o the_o comfort_n and_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n which_o he_o grant_v who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v above_o anything_o that_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v finis_fw-la