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
man_n how_o please_v so_o ever_o their_o opinion_n may_v be_v there_o be_v little_a ground_n to_o judge_v they_o either_o know_v or_o love_v sound_a doctrine_n lest_o we_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n etc._n etc._n among_o which_o the_o sin_n of_o persecution_n and_o in_o destroy_v good_a people_n under_o bad_a name_n the_o exalt_v the_o form_n of_o godliness_n against_o the_o power_n thereof_o be_v not_o the_o least_o and_o thereby_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o receive_v of_o their_o plague_n etc._n etc._n as_o it_o be_v two_o evident_a we_o have_v commit_v the_o same_o sin_n so_o have_v we_o much_o cause_n fear_v the_o same_o punishment_n which_o god_n lay_v upon_o they_o by_o our_o hand_n be_v at_o our_o door_n the_o lord_n help_v we_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o one_o in_o time_n that_o we_o may_v prevent_v the_o other_o and_o that_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v one_o and_o his_o name_n one_o in_o the_o three_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o desirable_a end_n the_o lord_n direct_v we_o in_o the_o mean_n a_o three_o head_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o shall_v with_o the_o same_o sincerity_n reality_n and_o constancy_n in_o our_o several_a vocation_n endeavour_n with_o our_o estate_n and_o life_n mutual_o to_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n etc._n etc._n of_o both_o which_o the_o parliament_n themselves_o be_v the_o most_o equal_a judge_n they_o have_v no_o privilege_n but_o what_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o better_a preservation_n of_o the_o people_n liberty_n the_o parliament_n just_a privilege_n be_v the_o principle_n bull_n work_n to_o our_o law_n and_o liberty_n and_o to_o preserve_v and_o defend_v the_o king_n majesty_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o liberty_n etc._n etc._n not_o otherwise_o way_n we_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o actual_a war_n against_o his_o majesty_n person_n and_o prerogative_n power_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o liberty_n that_o the_o world_n may_v bear_v witness_n with_o our_o conscience_n of_o our_o loyalty_n &_o that_o have_v we_o no_o thought_n nor_o intention_n to_o diminish_v his_o majestis_n just_a power_n and_o greatness_n etc._n etc._n and_o likewise_o of_o our_o forwardness_n to_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o our_o life_n and_o all_o thing_n else_o dear_a to_o we_o in_o the_o vindication_n and_o protection_n of_o our_o just_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n against_o his_o arbitrary_a unjust_a power_n and_o greatness_n we_o shall_v also_o withal_o faithfulness_n endeavour_v the_o discovery_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v incendiary_n malignant_n or_o evil_a instrument_n by_o hinder_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n etc._n etc._n which_o principal_o and_o chief_o those_o be_v which_o hinder_v the_o free_a progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o common_a dispensation_n of_o the_o preach_v the_o word_n which_o be_v angry_a because_o it_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n to_o hide_v the_o mystery_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n 21.16_o matth._n 11.25_o 1_o cor._n 11.27.28_o 2_o per._n 2.16_o matth._n 21.16_o because_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foollish_a weak_a base_n despise_v thing_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o to_o bring_v to_o naught_o the_o wise_a and_o mighty_a thing_n that_o be_v because_o god_n sometime_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o dumb_a ass_n to_o reprove_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n perfect_v his_o own_o praise_n the_o despise_n of_o the_o day_n of_o these_o small_a thing_n be_v the_o grand_a hindrance_n of_o a_o true_a reformation_n divide_v the_o king_n from_o his_o people_n etc._n etc._n the_o king_n have_v ever_o be_v so_o far_o divide_v from_o his_o people_n in_o covenant_n that_o he_o have_v save_v all_o evil_a instrument_n a_o labour_n in_o that_o work_n or_o one_o of_o the_o kingdom_n from_o another_o etc._n etc._n who_o soever_o it_o be_v that_o endeavour_n to_o involve_v or_o intermix_v the_o distinct_a interest_n of_o each_o kingdom_n hazard_v much_o the_o make_v a_o great_a division_n abraham_n and_o his_o brother_n lot_n agree_v best_a after_o they_o have_v divide_v their_o substance_n and_o become_v two_o distinct_a family_n or_o little_a commonwealth_n there_o be_v strife_n between_o their_o heads-man_n before_o 7._o gen._n 13_o 7._o and_o the_o keep_v two_o distinct_a interest_n or_o property_n to_o each_o other_o substance_n do_v not_o break_v the_o bond_n of_o brotherhood_n nor_o hinder_v their_o mutual_a assistance_n of_o each_o other_o against_o their_o common_a enemy_n abraham_n be_v ready_a to_o relieve_v his_o brother_n lot_n from_o under_o the_o captivity_n of_o chedorleromor_n or_o make_v any_o faction_n or_o party_n among_o the_o people_n contrary_a to_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n 14.15_o gen._n 14.15_o etc._n etc._n which_o those_o man_n be_v chief_o guilty_a of_o next_o to_o the_o common_a enemy_n which_o will_v turn_v the_o sharp_a edge_n of_o the_o covenant_n against_o their_o differ_a brethren_n who_o have_v testify_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n their_o affection_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n as_o full_o as_o themselves_o who_o will_v put_v such_o a_o sense_n upon_o some_o branch_n or_o expression_n in_o the_o covenant_n as_o no_o rational_a man_n can_v make_v it_o bear_v nor_o impartial_a can_v judge_v it_o mean_v and_o stir_v up_o one_o party_n of_o the_o covenanter_n to_o force_v a_o disputable_a fence_n upon_o the_o other_o which_o have_v be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o those_o faction_n and_o division_n among_o the_o covenanter_n if_o any_o there_o be_v that_o have_v be_v make_v that_o they_o may_v be_v bring_v to_o public_a trial_n and_o receive_v condign_a punishment_n as_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o offence_n shall_v require_v or_o deserve_v or_o the_o supreme_a judicature_n of_o both_o kingdom_n respective_o or_o other_o have_v power_n from_o they_o for_o that_o effect_n shall_v judge_v convenient_a etc._n etc._n if_o only_o the_o supreme_a judicature_n of_o both_o kingdom_n or_o other_o impower_v by_o they_o aught_o to_o judge_v in_o this_o case_n then_o sure_o it_o do_v not_o become_v particular_a man_n one_o to_o judge_v or_o accuse_v each_o other_o much_o less_o to_o judge_v their_o judge_n the_o five_o head_n and_o whereas_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o bless_a peace_n between_o these_o kingdom_n deny_v in_o former_a time_n to_o our_o progenitor_n be_v by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n grant_v unto_o we_o and_o have_v be_v late_o conclude_v and_o settle_v by_o both_o parliament_n we_o shall_v each_o one_o of_o we_o according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o interest_n endeavour_v that_o they_o may_v remain_v conjoin_v in_o a_o firm_a peace_n and_o union_n to_o all_o posterity_n and_o that_o justice_n may_v be_v do_v on_o the_o wilful_a opposer_n thereof_o in_o manner_n express_v in_o the_o present_a article_n etc._n etc._n in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o the_o only_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v use_v in_o a_o christian_a brotherly_a forbearance_n of_o each_o other_o in_o thing_n wherein_o we_o differ_v a_o friendly_a fair_a dispute_v of_o accidental_a controversy_n out_o of_o a_o earnest_a desire_n to_o give_v one_o another_o satisfaction_n whole_o to_o leave_v all_o grand_a controversy_n between_o the_o two_o nation_n to_o be_v judge_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o parliament_n of_o each_o kingdom_n who_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o give_v the_o kingdom_n sense_n or_o resolution_n in_o thing_n dispureable_a and_o for_o all_o particular_a person_n to_o forbear_v their_o cry_v out_o against_o covenant_n 〈◊〉_d and_o covenant_n breaker_n in_o their_o pulpit_n and_o communication_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o scandalous_a rail_n and_o revile_v whether_o true_a or_o false_a which_o be_v very_o ill_o become_v lead_a christian_n whether_n minister_n or_o other_o and_o especial_o in_o a_o time_n of_o reformation_n and_o let_v they_o rather_o particularize_v covenant_n breaker_n and_o what_o of_o the_o covenant_n it_o be_v they_o have_v break_v and_o deal_v with_o they_o either_o as_o christian_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n matthew_n 18.15_o or_o as_o man_n by_o complain_v of_o they_o to_o those_o who_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v and_o determine_v thing_n in_o such_o case_n there_o be_v no_o such_o prejudice_n to_o the_o union_n and_o peace_n between_o the_o covenanter_n in_o the_o two_o kingdom_n as_o such_o kind_n of_o exasperate_a the_o spirit_n of_o any_o people_n interest_v in_o the_o covenant_n whether_o pro_fw-la or_o con_v the_o six_o head_n we_o shall_v also_o according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n in_o this_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n liberty_n and_o the_o peace_n
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
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
sense_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o divine_n themselves_o as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o their_o exhortation_n annex_v to_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v clear_a in_o these_o several_a place_n as_o first_o in_o page_n 30._o for_o the_o vindication_n and_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n liberty_n and_o law_n against_o the_o popish_a prelatical_a and_o malignant_a party_n so_o again_o in_o page_n 32._o to_o join_v with_o their_o brethren_n in_o this_o happy_a bond_n for_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o present_a misery_n and_o for_o save_v both_o of_o king_n and_o kingdom_n from_o utter_a ruin_n now_o so_o strong_o and_o open_o labour_v by_o the_o popish_a faction_n and_o such_o as_o have_v be_v bewitch_v and_o besot_v by_o that_o viperous_a and_o bloody_a generation_n they_o likewise_o acknowledge_v in_o page_n 34._o the_o whole_a government_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v but_o of_o humane_a constitution_n at_o the_o best_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o civil_a state_n a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o perfect_a reformation_n of_o religion_n and_o further_o add_v thus_o you_o who_o know_v it_o not_o to_o be_v too_o too_o much_o a_o enemy_n thereto_o and_o destructive_a to_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o pure_a administration_n of_o the_o ordinance_n of_o christ_n and_o likewise_o they_o justisie_n their_o covenant_a to_o oppose_v these_o persecute_v principle_n though_o in_o king_n and_o ruler_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o scotland_n pag._n 38._o upon_o who_o action_n and_o success_n they_o make_v this_o inference_n page_n 39_o therefore_o how_o ever_o some_o man_n hoodwink_v and_o blind_v by_o the_o artificess_n of_o those_o jesuitical_a ingineer_n who_o have_v long_o conspire_v to_o sacrifice_v our_o religion_n to_o the_o idolatry_n of_o rome_n our_o law_n liberty_n and_o person_n to_o arbitrary_a slavery_n and_o our_o estate_n to_o their_o unsatiable_a avarice_n may_v possible_o be_v deter_v and_o amuse_v with_o high_a threat_n and_o declaration_n fly_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o royal_a name_n and_o countenance_n now_o captivate_v and_o prostitute_v to_o serve_v all_o their_o lust_n to_o proclaim_v all_o rebel_n and_o traitor_n who_o take_v this_o covenant_n yet_o let_v no_o faithful_a english_a heart_n be_v afraid_a to_o join_v with_o our_o brethren_n of_o all_o the_o three_o kingdom_n in_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o further_o make_v the_o great_a end_n of_o this_o covenant_n to_o be_v the_o terror_n and_o confusion_n only_o of_o those_o man_n of_o blood_n the_o confederate_a enemy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o king_n who_o have_v long_o combine_v and_o have_v now_o rake_v together_o the_o dregs_o and_o scum_n of_o many_o kingdom_n to_o bury_v all_o the_o glory_n honour_n and_o liberty_n of_o our_o nation_n in_o the_o eternal_a grave_n of_o dishonour_n and_o destruction_n what_o more_o can_v be_v say_v to_o discover_v a_o people_n full_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a and_o wickedness_n of_o persecution_n and_o trouble_v man_n for_o nonconformity_n to_o nationall_n church-government_n it_o be_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o godly_a people_n in_o these_o kingdom_n by_o those_o man_n who_o be_v set_v out_o in_o these_o bloody_a colour_n by_o our_o now_o conform_v brethren_n nay_o so_o tender_a be_v they_o of_o make_v the_o covenant_n a_o bond_n or_o yoke_n to_o compel_v any_o man_n to_o act_v further_o in_o any_o thing_n than_o he_o have_v freedom_n of_o spirit_n to_o doc_fw-fr that_o they_o declare_v this_o covenant_n do_v not_o bind_v we_o to_o persecute_v our_o persecutor_n who_o we_o covenant_v against_o but_o only_o to_o hold_v their_o hand_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o destroy_v we_o in_o these_o word_n page_n 35._o nor_o be_v any_o man_n hereby_o bind_v to_o offer_v any_o violence_n to_o their_o person_n but_o only_o in_o his_o place_n and_o calling_n to_o endeavour_v their_o extirpation_n in_o a_o lawful_a way_n now_o what_o pity_n be_v it_o that_o a_o covenant_n or_o engagement_n wherein_o the_o safety_n and_o freedom_n both_o of_o our_o câ—vill_n and_o christian_n liberties_n be_v so_o much_o provide_v for_o shall_v be_v so_o little_o set_v by_o so_o little_o prize_v or_o value_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o so_o much_o wrest_v and_o adulterate_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n some_o cry_v up_o the_o covenant_n the_o covenant_n as_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n do_v the_o temple_n the_o temple_n and_o the_o law_n act_v 24.6_o mark_v 15.29_o act_n 6.13_o and_o other_o cry_v it_o down_o or_o stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o it_o only_o because_o it_o be_v thus_o cry_v up_o now_o that_o both_o these_o extreme_n may_v be_v avoid_v and_o a_o more_o christian_n way_n of_o observe_v the_o covenant_n practise_v let_v we_o consider_v these_o follow_a rule_n 1._o that_o we_o prefer_v the_o common_a interest_n safety_n and_o preservation_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n be_v teress_v in_o and_o act_v for_o the_o end_n of_o this_o covenant_n before_o â—he_n satisfaction_n of_o any_o particular_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o have_v their_o own_o sense_n force_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o other_o in_o covenant_n with_o they_o though_o contrary_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o parliament_n themselves_o 2._o that_o all_o private_a man_n be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o in_o joyment_n of_o their_o own_o liberty_n to_o act_v in_o the_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o this_o covenant_n as_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n and_o satisfy_v in_o their_o judgement_n to_o do_v in_o their_o several_a place_n and_o calling_n and_o free_o to_o cast_v themselves_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o the_o kingdom_n have_v choose_v to_o be_v their_o judge_n and_o to_o give_v their_o sense_n upon_o it_o such_o thing_n as_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n in_o general_a that_o the_o people_n representative_a may_v be_v neither_o menace_v to_o forbear_v settle_v church-government_n if_o their_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n lead_v they_o to_o do_v it_o nor_o to_o settle_v it_o before_o such_o time_n or_o in_o any_o other_o manner_n than_o they_o themselves_o shall_v find_v cause_n that_o as_o the_o parliament_n have_v ever_o since_o their_o take_v this_o covenant_n declare_v to_o the_o kingdom_n their_o intention_n and_o resolution_n to_o settle_v church-government_n and_o particular_o presbytery_n none_o may_v by_o any_o unlawful_a mean_n endeavour_v to_o hinder_v they_o and_o as_o they_o have_v likewise_o public_o declare_v and_o protest_v to_o have_v a_o special_a regard_n to_o tender_a conscience_n in_o their_o settle_n church-government_n and_o discipline_n none_o may_v endeavour_v by_o evil_a mean_n to_o prevent_v they_o 3._o that_o we_o may_v make_v it_o more_o our_o business_n to_o observe_v and_o keep_v the_o covenant_n ourselves_o &_o less_o work_v to_o force_v and_o compel_v it_o upon_o other_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o freedom_n not_o of_o bondage_n a_o covenant_n which_o we_o take_v with_o satisfaction_n in_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n not_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n or_o hope_n of_o reward_n and_o for_o we_o to_o force_v any_o other_o by_o penalty_n or_o punishment_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n with_o we_o especial_o such_o who_o be_v know_v to_o we_o to_o be_v profess_v enemy_n to_o the_o covenant_v cause_n how_o gross_o do_v we_o force_v and_o compel_v man_n to_o take_v god_n name_n in_o vain_a to_o make_v they_o swear_v with_o their_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o the_o most_o high_a god_n that_o they_o shall_v sincere_o real_o and_o constant_o prosecute_v such_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v in_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n they_o be_v bit_n enemy_n against_o do_v you_o think_v the_o army_n of_o cavalier_n which_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o scotland_n that_o be_v report_v by_o some_o to_o have_v take_v the_o covenant_n have_v any_o thing_n more_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o resolution_n than_o the_o make_v the_o covenant_n a_o reproach_n and_o a_o byword_n to_o the_o generation_n to_o come_v or_o if_o they_o do_v join_v with_o you_o in_o your_o covenant_n will_v they_o not_o expect_v you_o shall_v join_v with_o they_o in_o their_o wickedness_n which_o if_o you_o do_v remember_v the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o judgement_n shall_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o line_n and_o righteousness_n to_o the_o plummet_n and_o the_o hail_n shall_v sweep_v away_o the_o refuge_n of_o lie_n and_o the_o water_n shall_v overflow_v the_o hide_v place_n and_o then_o your_o covenant_n with_o death_n shall_v be_v disannul_v and_o your_o agreement_n with_o hell_n shall_v not_o stand_v when_o the_o overflow_a surge_n shall_v pass_v through_o then_o shall_v you_o be_v tread_v down_o by_o it_o esa_n 28.18_o for_o with_o such_o covenant_v and_o covenanter_n god_n be_v not_o well_o please_v but_o unto_o the_o wicked_a say_v god_n what_o best_a thou_o to_o do_v to_o declare_v my_o statute_n or_o that_o thou_o shall_v take_v my_o covenant_n in_o thy_o mouth_n see_v thou_o hate_v instruction_n and_o cast_v my_o word_n behind_o thou_o psal_n 50.16_o this_o be_v that_o which_o god_n complain_v of_o in_o hosea_n 10.4_o they_o have_v speak_v word_n swear_v false_o in_o take_v a_o covenant_n so_o malachy_n do_v sharp_o reprove_v the_o priest_n for_o profane_v of_o the_o covenant_n malachy_n 8.10_o 4._o that_o we_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o press_v any_o disputable_a sense_n upon_o any_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n especial_o when_o many_o godly_a people_n in_o covenant_n with_o we_o though_o in_o some_o thing_n differ_v from_o we_o be_v subject_n to_o be_v offend_v at_o we_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n exhortation_n rom._n 14.10_o 15._o 5._o that_o all_o manner_n of_o offensive_a word_n and_o action_n be_v forbear_v on_o all_o side_n which_o tend_v much_o to_o the_o increase_a dissatisfaction_n and_o jealousy_n among_o we_o and_o that_o in_o every_o thing_n wherein_o we_o differ_v there_o may_v be_v a_o christian_n brotherly_o submit_v to_o each_o other_o so_o far_o as_o possible_o we_o maâ—â—_n without_o wilful_a sin_n be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n if_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n 1_o pet._n 3.15_o 6._o since_o we_o have_v declare_v the_o first_o and_o chief_a thing_n we_o have_v in_o our_o eye_n at_o the_o enter_n into_o this_o covenant_n be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 11._o let_v we_o consider_v god_n will_v not_o be_v glorify_v nor_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n advance_v by_o our_o sinful_a compliance_n with_o those_o man_n who_o our_o own_o conscience_n must_v tell_v we_o we_o have_v fight_v against_o as_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n not_o by_o our_o put_a name_n of_o reproach_n and_o scorn_n upon_o our_o dister_a brethren_n and_o thereby_o exasperate_v and_o enrage_v the_o spirit_n of_o wicked_a ignorant_a and_o lewd_a people_n against_o they_o god_n will_v not_o be_v glorify_v by_o our_o seven_o year_n in_o frequent_a preach_n fisting_n prayer_n and_o sighting_n to_o the_o expense_n of_o much_o blood_n in_o opposition_n to_o oppression_n tyranny_n and_o persecution_n and_o at_o the_o end_n thereof_o to_o give_v the_o people_n of_o god_n as_o small_a hope_n of_o ease_n or_o relief_n as_o rehoboam_n do_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n 2_o chron._n 10.14_o 7._o let_v it_o be_v the_o care_n and_o eneavour_v of_o every_o man_n to_o strive_v for_o the_o best_a thing_n to_o attain_v if_o possible_a the_o pure_a reformation_n of_o religion_n the_o total_a abollish_v of_o superstition_n humane_a tradition_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o compulse_v persecute_v practice_n in_o all_o man_n and_o withal_o let_v we_o learn_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o the_o small_a mercy_n that_o we_o be_v get_v thus_o far_o out_o of_o egypt_n though_o we_o be_v much_o short_a of_o canaan_n it_o may_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v our_o time_n in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o well_o as_o his_o people_n of_o old_a where_o we_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o sting_n of_o fiery_a serpent_n and_o to_o the_o fury_n of_o cruel_a beast_n where_o we_o may_v have_v the_o trial_n in_o want_n and_o distress_n in_o strait_n and_o danger_n and_o if_o so_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n we_o do_v not_o murmur_v against_o god_n that_o we_o do_v not_o prize_v the_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n before_o our_o manna_n in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o they_o do_v well_o may_v those_o who_o god_n have_v make_v instrument_n in_o the_o kingdom_n say_v as_o moses_n say_v to_o the_o people_n exod._n 16.8_o the_o lord_n hear_v your_o murmur_n which_o you_o murmur_v against_o he_o and_o what_o be_v we_o your_o murmur_n be_v not_o against_o we_o but_o against_o the_o lord_n may_v 14_o 1648._o imprimatur_fw-la gilb._n mabbot_n finis_fw-la