state_n by_o delay_n your_o own_o guilt_n will_v be_v multiply_v and_o greaten_v your_o hope_n of_o reformation_n will_v be_v enfeeble_v and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n endanger_v business_n of_o necessity_n call_v for_o quick_a dispatch_n and_o be_v there_o any_o work_n of_o great_a concernment_n than_o the_o work_n of_o your_o god_n in_o endeavour_v your_o own_o reformation_n and_o the_o reformation_n of_o his_o church_n according_a to_o his_o word_n which_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o your_o covenant_n i_o remember_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n to_o aaron_n go_v quick_o to_o the_o congregation_n for_o there_o be_v wrath_n go_v out_o from_o the_o lord_n the_o plague_n be_v begin_v num._n 16._o 46._o and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o aaron_n do_v run_v blame_v i_o not_o but_o bear_v with_o i_o i_o beseech_v you_o if_o i_o appear_v warm_a in_o persuade_v your_o speed_n in_o act_v according_a to_o your_o covenant_n for_o i_o speak_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o sink_a kingdom_n be_v we_o not_o all_o on_o a_o flame_n which_o way_n can_v you_o cast_v your_o eye_n but_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o spark_n of_o unbrother_o contention_n rise_v as_o out_o of_o a_o furnace_n alas_o alas_o we_o shall_v burn_v into_o ash_n and_o from_o confusion_n fall_v into_o a_o ruinous_a heap_n if_o through_o god_n blessing_n upon_o covenant-keeping-endeavour_n our_o misery_n be_v not_o prevent_v pay_v your_o vow_n bold_o with_o so_o much_o openness_n that_o the_o witness_n of_o your_o bond_n may_v be_v witness_n likewise_o of_o your_o faithfulness_n 3_o rule_v 3_o in_o discharge_v they_o the_o resolution_n of_o david_n be_v herein_o imitable_a which_o he_o express_v once_o and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o psalm_n i_o will_v pay_v my_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o his_o people_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o his_o people_n yea_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o o_o jerusalem_n psal_n 116._o 14_o 18_o 19_o be_v it_o any_o shame_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v honest_a and_o to_o pay_v his_o debt_n wherefore_o then_o shall_v man_n be_v loath_a to_o appear_v in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o their_o covenant_n act_n so_o public_o so_o courageous_o for_o a_o full_a reformation_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o against_o malignancy_n sedition_n heresy_n together_o with_o all_o other_o thing_n destructive_a to_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n that_o both_o city_n and_o country_n may_v understand_v your_o undaunted_a resolution_n to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o your_o god_n and_o if_o in_o this_o way_n of_o zeal_n and_o faithfulness_n you_o shall_v meet_v with_o check_n and_o affront_n make_v you_o that_o answer_v unto_o your_o opposer_n which_o brave-spirited_n david_n make_v unto_o mock_v michal_n if_o this_o be_v to_o be_v vile_a i_o will_v yet_o be_v more_o vile_a 2_o sam._n 6._o keep_v covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n conscientious_o have_v respect_n unto_o god_n in_o pay_v as_o in_o make_v vow_n my_o text_n hold_v forth_o this_o 4._o rule_n 4._o open_o as_o many_o other_o parallel_a scripture_n which_o i_o have_v former_o make_v use_v of_o whatsoever_o we_o do_v which_o be_v material_o comprehend_v in_o our_o covenant_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o because_o of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n eccles_n 8._o 2._o do_v not_o only_o intend_v man-pleasing_a or_o self-seeking_a in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o your_o covenant_n be_v not_o popular_a and_o vainglorious_a but_o sincere_a and_o single-hearted_n in_o this_o service_n as_o in_o other_o act_n of_o obedience_n so_o in_o this_o of_o covenant-keeping_a have_v a_o eye_n unto_o your_o heavenly_a father_n who_o see_v in_o secreet_a and_o he_o will_v reward_v you_o open_o god_n forbid_v god_n forbid_v that_o any_o one_o of_o you_o shall_v act_v against_o your_o brethren_n with_o a_o envious_a or_o malicious_a spirit_n under_o pretence_n of_o make_v good_a your_o covenant_n o_o take_v heed_n unto_o yourselves_o that_o you_o disgrace_v not_o this_o holy_a ordinance_n nor_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o they_o who_o malign_v our_o covenant_n and_o will_v upon_o such_o like_a observation_n reproachful_o asperse_v both_o you_o and_o it_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o rule_n with_o the_o caution_n give_v by_o worthy_a nehemiah_n ought_v you_o not_o to_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o our_o god_n because_o of_o the_o reproach_n of_o our_o enemy_n neh._n 5._o 9_o be_v vigorous_a in_o the_o payment_n of_o your_o vow_n the_o command_n of_o 5._o rule_n 5._o god_n give_v unto_o moses_n for_o the_o guide_n of_o this_o business_n be_v here_o very_o considerable_a leâ—_n 22._o 21._o whosoever_o offer_v a_o sacrifice_n to_o accomplish_v his_o vow_n it_o shall_v be_v perfect_a to_o be_v accept_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o blemish_n in_o it_o when_o you_o pay_v your_o debt_n to_o god_n bring_v your_o best_a coin_n put_v not_o off_o your_o light_a gold_n to_o god_n employ_v and_o improve_v your_o very_a best_a for_o your_o god_n give_v he_o the_o flower_n of_o your_o wisdom_n strength_n authority_n and_o interest_n sit_v down_o and_o consider_v where_o your_o chief_a ability_n lie_v and_o resolve_v with_o that_o to_o pay_v your_o vow_n say_v thus_o unto_o your_o own_o soul_n serious_o in_o secret_a i_o will_v beat_v i_o own_o brain_n by_o study_n i_o will_v stir_v up_o my_o best_a friend_n by_o importunity_n and_o i_o will_v industrious_o take_v all_o course_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o my_o general_n and_o particular_a call_n that_o myself_o and_o my_o family_n that_o this_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n may_v be_v reform_v and_o that_o unity_n betwixt_o england_n and_o scotland_n may_v be_v preserve_v according_a to_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n to_o quicken_v your_o care_n in_o this_o kind_n remember_v those_o smart_a word_n mal._n 1._o 14._o curse_a be_v the_o deceiver_n who_o have_v a_o male_a in_o his_o flock_n and_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_v unto_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n for_o i_o be_o a_o great_a king_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o my_o name_n be_v dreadful_a among_o the_o heathen_a look_v to_o it_o therefore_o i_o beseech_v you_o think_v not_o to_o put_v god_n off_o with_o supine_n superficial_a sleightnesse_n in_o covenant-keeping_a if_o you_o have_v male-consolation_n male-affection_n male-endeavour_n male-adventure_n for_o other_o thing_n god_n will_v not_o accept_v your_o female_n your_o cold_a faint_a feeble_a act_n for_o he_o in_o the_o payment_n of_o your_o vow_n therefore_o if_o you_o have_v any_o talon_n better_o than_o ordinary_a trade_n that_o for_o your_o god_n in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o your_o covenant_n keep_v covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n constant_o i_o will_v sing_v praise_n 6._o rule_n 6._o to_o thy_o name_n for_o ever_o say_v david_n that_o i_o may_v daily_o perform_v my_o vow_n psal_n 61._o 8._o you_o must_v not_o be_v like_o those_o tenant_n who_o bring_v in_o their_o rent_n ready_o and_o miss_v not_o a_o day_n for_o the_o first_o year_n but_o grow_v careless_a afterward_o in_o make_v payment_n according_a to_o their_o compact_n and_o agreement_n the_o same_o heat_n which_o be_v in_o your_o heart_n to_o day_n this_o day_n of_o your_o covenant-renewing_a for_o reformation_n according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o against_o the_o hindrance_n and_o hinderer_n thereof_o must_v be_v keep_v burn_v in_o your_o bosom_n so_o long_o as_o you_o shall_v live_v it_o be_v to_o be_v bewail_v with_o tear_n of_o blood_n that_o the_o tract_n of_o time_n take_v off_o the_o fervency_n of_o man_n spirit_n for_o god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o vowed-reformation_n how_o have_v we_o lose_v our_o first_o love_n how_o be_v our_o zeal_n for_o good_a and_o against_o evil_n of_o late_o abate_v the_o time_n be_v when_o our_o covenant_n be_v much_o in_o our_o thought_n much_o in_o our_o mouth_n when_o we_o move_v other_o and_o provoke_v ourselves_o to_o make_v conscience_n to_o keep_v it_o but_o now_o i_o be_o ashamed_a to_o speak_v it_o our_o covenant_n be_v forget_v our_o covenant_n be_v lay_v aside_o yea_o o_o that_o i_o have_v not_o occasion_n to_o add_v many_o repent_v their_o take_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o some_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o plead_v against_o it_o i_o hearty_o wish_v that_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o this_o great_a change_n be_v well_o inquire_v after_o my_o belove_a be_v church-reformation_n according_a to_o scripture_n grow_v less_o desirable_a be_v pure_a ordinance_n less_o lovely_a in_o our_o eye_n be_v there_o now_o less_o danger_n of_o our_o undo_n by_o malignancy_n popery_n division_n and_o heresy_n than_o heretofore_o remember_v i_o pray_v you_o from_o whence_o you_o be_v fall_v and_o do_v your_o first_o work_n in_o reference_n to_o your_o covenant_n the_o obligation_n whereof_o continue_v upon_o your_o conscience_n our_o god_n keep_v covenant_n to_o a_o thousand_o generation_n deut._n 7._o 9_o let_v his_o example_n in_o
they_o to_o hear_v prayer_n and_o to_o perform_v promise_n for_o their_o preservation_n and_o welfare_n in_o every_o kind_n who_o have_v god_n so_o nigh_o unto_o they_o as_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o deu._n 4._o 7._o three_o the_o call_v unto_o this_o employment_n i_o shall_v note_v under_o a_o five_o fold_v providence_n from_o the_o lord_n 1._o sinful_a defection_n from_o god_n that_o by_o mean_n of_o religious_a vow_v his_o backslide_a people_n may_v be_v recover_v our_o father_n have_v trespass_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o have_v forsake_v he_o and_o have_v turn_v away_o their_o face_n from_o the_o habitation_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o turn_v their_o back_n also_o they_o have_v shut_v up_o the_o door_n of_o the_o porch_n and_o put_v out_o the_o lamp_n and_o have_v not_o burn_v incense_n nor_o offer_v burn_v offering_n in_o the_o holy_a place_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n now_o it_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n say_v hezekiah_n to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n 2_o chron._n 29._o 6_o 7_o 10._o thus_o likewise_o the_o people_n of_o god_n resolve_v in_o the_o day_n of_o ezra_n we_o have_v trespass_v against_o our_o god_n etc._n etc._n now_o therefore_o let_v we_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o our_o god_n ezra_n 10._o 2_o 3._o 2._o sad_n discovery_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n that_o by_o holy_a covenant_a present_a judgement_n may_v be_v remove_v and_o future_a evil_n prevent_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o judah_n and_o jerusalem_n and_o he_o have_v deliver_v they_o to_o trouble_v to_o astonishment_n and_o to_o hiss_v as_o you_o see_v with_o your_o eye_n for_o lo_o our_o father_n have_v fall_v by_o the_o sword_n and_o our_o son_n and_o our_o daughter_n and_o our_o wife_n be_v in_o captivity_n for_o this_o now_o it_o be_v in_o my_o heart_n say_v hezekiah_n to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n that_o his_o fierce_a wrath_n may_v turn_v away_o from_o we_o 2_o chron._n 29._o 8_o 9_o 10._o 3._o famous_a experience_n of_o god_n goodness_n that_o by_o the_o right_a use_n of_o religion_n vow_v his_o majesty_n may_v be_v praise_v and_o his_o providence_n improve_v the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o text_n be_v ground_v upon_o some_o such_o occasion_n as_o many_o verse_n in_o the_o psalm_n declare_v the_o stouthearted_a be_v spoil_v they_o have_v sleep_v their_o sleep_n and_o none_o of_o the_o man_n of_o may_v have_v find_v their_o hand_n ver_fw-la 5._o at_o thy_o rebuke_n o_o god_n of_o jacob_n both_o the_o chariot_n and_o horse_n be_v cast_v into_o a_o dead-sleep_n ver_fw-la 6._o when_o god_n arise_v in_o judgement_n to_o save_v all_o the_o meek_a of_o the_o earth_n ver_fw-la 8._o hence_o follow_v vow_n and_o pay_v etc._n etc._n interpreter_n judge_v that_o this_o psalm_n be_v pen_v upon_o ashurs_n overthrow_n whereupon_o many_o bring_v gift_n unto_o the_o lord_n unto_o jerusalam_n 2_o chron._n 32._o 23._o according_a to_o the_o advice_n give_v in_o the_o word_n immediate_o follow_v the_o text_n bring_v present_n unto_o he_o that_o ought_v to_o be_v fear_v 4._o defective_a improvement_n if_o any_o improvement_n at_o all_o of_o god_n favourable_a administration_n that_o by_o foederall_a engagement_n his_o people_n may_v be_v better_v these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o the_o lord_n command_v moses_n etc._n etc._n you_o have_v see_v all_o that_o the_o lord_n do_v before_o your_o eye_n even_o in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n etc._n etc._n the_o great_a temptation_n and_o those_o great_a miracle_n yet_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n to_o perceive_v and_o eye_n to_o see_v and_o ear_n to_o hear_v unto_o this_o day_n deut._n 29._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o this_o be_v propound_v as_o one_o ground_n of_o the_o covenant_n renew_v whereof_o we_o read_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n 5._o apparent_a danger_n of_o seduction_n and_o departure_n from_o god_n in_o this_o regard_n god_n servant_n have_v afresh_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o his_o majesty_n for_o their_o own_o establishment_n and_o preservation_n you_o stand_v this_o day_n before_o the_o lord_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n lest_o there_o shall_v be_v among_o you_o any_o who_o heart_n turn_v away_o from_o the_o lord_n deut._n 29._o 10_o 12_o 18._o v_o se_z 1_o the_o application_n of_o this_o point_n follow_v which_o serve_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o inform_v you_o of_o your_o call_n to_o covenant-renewing_a the_o intend_a service_n of_o this_o day_n for_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o appeal_v unto_o your_o conscience_n right_o honourable_a right_a worshipful_a and_o much_o respect_a citizen_n whether_o all_o the_o five_o forementioned_a particular_n do_v not_o full_o reach_v you_o and_o take_v hold_v upon_o you_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o you_o and_o your_o miscarriage_n towards_o he_o since_o you_o at_o first_o take_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v make_v bold_a to_o propound_v unto_o you_o some_o short_a interrogatory_n under_o the_o five_o forementioned_a head_n to_o which_o i_o wish_v your_o heart_n may_v return_v answer_n as_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o all-knowing_a god_n first_o be_v you_o not_o guilty_a of_o sinful_a declining_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n from_o your_o former_a engagement_n unto_o the_o lord_n have_v you_o not_o lose_v your_o first_o love_n have_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n house_n be_v much_o slight_v and_o neglect_v have_v not_o your_o care_n to_o preserve_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n from_o corruption_n be_v much_o abate_v have_v you_o not_o connive_v at_o the_o spread_a of_o pernicious_a error_n in_o this_o city_n have_v not_o your_o zeal_n against_o schism_n and_o sinful_a separation_n from_o our_o church_n assembly_n be_v very_o much_o cool_v be_v not_o your_o love_n towards_o our_o brethren_n of_o scotland_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n lessen_v have_v not_o your_o vigorous_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v the_o settle_n of_o christ_n government_n in_o our_o congregation_n be_v woeful_o diminish_v and_o have_v you_o not_o be_v lamentable_o want_v in_o labour_v the_o thorough_a reformation_n of_o yourselves_o and_o family_n which_o of_o you_o have_v strive_v to_o exceed_v to_o excel_v other_o in_o advancing_z the_o power_n of_o godliness_n in_o your_o conversation_n doubtless_o these_o and_o such_o like_a backslide_n from_o former_a engagement_n may_v well_o warrant_v your_o covenant-renewing_a with_o your_o god_n second_o none_o of_o you_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o manifold_a manifest_a discovery_n of_o god_n heavy_a displeasure_n against_o this_o poor_a tremble_a kingdom_n have_v not_o the_o lord_n deliver_v we_o up_o unto_o trouble_n and_o astonishment_n by_o his_o severe_a administration_n how_o many_o thousand_o have_v fall_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o cruel_a war_n what_o woeful_a desolation_n be_v make_v in_o many_o town_n yea_o county_n in_o this_o kingdom_n by_o the_o prevail_a pitiless_a enemy_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o read_v god_n wrath_n against_o ourselves_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o blood_n which_o have_v be_v shed_v and_o the_o unhappy_a spoil_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o scotland_n and_o ireland_n beside_o all_o this_o i_o pray_v you_o consider_v whether_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o proclaim_v and_o speak_v aloud_o god_n anger_n our_o long_a look_v for_o reformation_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v still_o defer_v our_o hope_n of_o the_o much-needed_n and_o much-desired_n discipline_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v still_o disappoint_v the_o miserable_a rent_n and_o division_n in_o family_n congregation_n city_n and_o county_n by_o reason_n of_o different_a yea_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o way_n of_o religion_n be_v wonderful_o increase_v and_o have_v we_o not_o in_o these_o regard_v reason_n to_o renew_v our_o covenant_n that_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v turn_v from_o we_o three_o god_n have_v often_o remember_v we_o in_o our_o low_a estate_n because_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o who_o can_v recount_v god_n many_o marvellous_a work_n for_o our_o safety_n and_o comfort_n have_v not_o our_o deliverance_n be_v wonderful_a and_o many_o of_o our_o victory_n little_o less_o than_o miraculous_a how_o often_o have_v the_o subtiil_n enemy_n be_v infatuate_v the_o strong_a enemy_n weaken_v and_o great_a army_n break_v by_o a_o little_a strength_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v here_o to_o mind_v you_o of_o the_o many_o wonder_n which_o god_n almighty_a hand_n have_v wrought_v for_o we_o both_o in_o the_o northern_a and_o western_a part_n and_o as_o for_o this_o city_n how_o admirable_o and_o unexpected_o have_v it_o be_v preserve_v and_o provide_v for_o in_o every_o kind_n by_o the_o lord_n
spirit_n of_o self-deniall_n and_o prayer_n be_v in_o your_o heart_n when_o you_o take_v the_o covenant_n the_o more_o hope_n there_o will_v be_v of_o your_o keep_n it_o afterward_o 5._o come_v to_o the_o covenant_n conscientious_o be_v not_o act_v only_o by_o the_o appointment_n expectation_n or_o practice_n of_o man_n in_o this_o particular_a let_v not_o this_o be_v the_o alone_a motive_n upon_o your_o spirit_n covenant-renewing_a be_v order_v by_o the_o court_n of_o common-councel_n but_o rather_o reason_n thus_o the_o manifold_a providence_n of_o god_n before_o specify_v do_v call_v unto_o this_o service_n and_o therefore_o we_o will_v undertake_v it_o if_o you_o respect_v not_o god_n in_o the_o work_n you_o shall_v lose_v both_o accept_a 6._o covenant_n fiducial_o if_o your_o spirit_n act_v sincere_o according_a to_o the_o forenamed_a direction_n then_o be_v you_o confident_a that_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o day_n service_n will_v be_v comfortable_a although_o your_o weakness_n be_v many_o and_o great_a yet_o if_o your_o heart_n be_v herein_o find_v upright_o with_o god_n you_o may_v hopeful_o persuade_v yourselves_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v so_o far_o regard_v his_o own_o ordinance_n and_o have_v respect_n unto_o the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n the_o messenger_n the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new-covenant_n that_o your_o work_n shall_v be_v crown_v with_o good_a success_n you_o hear_v before_o that_o enemy-conquering_a providence_n make_v way_n unto_o the_o exhortation_n in_o the_o text_n vow_n and_o pay_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o i_o conceive_v that_o the_o verse_n follow_v be_v considerable_a be_v the_o language_n of_o faith_n he_o shall_v cut_v off_o the_o spirit_n of_o prince_n he_o be_v terrible_a to_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o most_o potent_a adversary_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v bring_v down_o by_o holy_a covenant-making_a and_o covenant-keeping_a with_o god_n now_o this_o let_v i_o into_o the_o consideration_n of_o my_o next_o doctrine_n doctr._n that_o vow_v make_v must_v be_v pay_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n although_o a_o vow_n must_v not_o be_v make_v a_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n and_o therefore_o unlawful_a vow_n rather_o call_v for_o repentance_n then_o performance_n as_o david_n rash_a revengeful_a resolution_n against_o churlish_a nabal_n yet_o such_o covenant_n as_o we_o make_v according_a to_o god_n will_v we_o must_v make_v good_a in_o conscience_n to_o his_o commandment_n pay_v that_o which_o thou_o have_v vow_v say_v solomon_n better_a it_o be_v that_o thou_o shall_v not_o vow_v then_o that_o thou_o shall_v vow_v and_o not_o pay_v it_o suffer_v not_o thy_o mouth_n to_o cause_v thy_o flesh_n to_o sin_n eccles_n 5._o 4_o 5._o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v but_o sleighty_a superficial_a expositor_n of_o god_n law_n yet_o they_o be_v wont_v thus_o to_o publish_v god_n command_n thou_o shall_v not_o forswear_v thyself_o but_o shall_v perform_v unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o oath_n mat._n 5._o 33._o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o plain_a profitable_a seasonable_a and_o necessary_a point_n i_o shall_v faithful_o endeavour_v three_o thing_n 1._o to_o persuade_v this_o duty_n by_o argument_n 2._o to_o guide_v this_o practice_n by_o rule_n 3._o to_o promote_v your_o obedience_n herein_o by_o some_o short_a direction_n the_o motive_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o make_v good_a our_o honest_a and_o holy_a vow_n shall_v be_v cast_v under_o several_a head_n that_o my_o motive_n motive_n progress_n in_o they_o may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_a and_o edify_a 1._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o vow_n in_o general_a and_o from_o sundry_a circumstance_n considerable_a in_o our_o covenant_n particular_o in_o general_n 1._o all_o vow_n be_v sacred_a obligation_n upon_o our_o conscience_n if_o any_o say_v moses_n vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n or_o swear_v a_o oath_n to_o bind_v his_o soul_n with_o a_o bond_n numb_a 30._o 2._o etc._n etc._n in_o this_o respect_n the_o holy_a psalmist_n resolve_v upon_o this_o duty_n psal_n 56._o 12._o thy_o vow_n be_v upon_o i_o o_o lord_n i_o will_v render_v praise_n and_o doubtless_o every_o gracious_a heart_n will_v be_v sensible_a of_o this_o great_a spiritual_a engagement_n 2._o by_o mean_n of_o vow_n we_o become_v god_n debtor_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o text_n call_v for_o payment_n vow_n and_o pay_v i_o here_o remember_v the_o speech_n of_o the_o prophet_n unto_o the_o poor_a widow_n 2_o king_n 4._o 7._o go_v sell_v thy_o oil_n and_o pay_v the_o debt_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v in_o this_o as_o a_o note_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n psal_n 37._o 21._o he_o borrow_v and_o pay_v not_o again_o you_o merchant_n who_o have_v great_a deal_n in_o the_o world_n will_v you_o not_o be_v ashamed_a to_o appear_v upon_o the_o exchange_n if_o you_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o pay_v your_o debt_n unto_o man_n therefore_o vow_n and_o pay_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n more_o particular_o there_o be_v sundry_a weighty_a circumstance_n considerable_a in_o regard_n of_o our_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o may_v work_v our_o heart_n unto_o serious_a resolution_n to_o keep_v it_o 1._o the_o material_n of_o our_o covenant_n be_v lawful_a and_o justifiable_a we_o vow_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n superstition_n heresy_n schism_n profaneness_n and_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n and_o have_v we_o not_o good_a reason_n thus_o to_o do_v for_o have_v not_o these_o thing_n much_o endanger_v the_o welfare_n both_o of_o this_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n already_o and_o will_v not_o the_o indulge_v of_o such_o matter_n prove_v destructive_a both_o to_o our_o public_a hope_n and_o comfort_n we_o vow_v sincere_o real_o constant_o through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o endeavour_v the_o reformation_n of_o religion_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 best_a reform_a church_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o specify_v our_o engagement_n to_o defend_v the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n to_o preserve_v the_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n as_o also_o to_o continue_v a_o firm_a peace_n and_o union_n between_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n these_o and_o other_o thing_n express_v in_o the_o covenant_n be_v by_o you_o covenanter_n account_v just_a and_o equal_a i_o remember_v david_n resolution_n psal_n 119._o 106._o i_o have_v swear_v and_o i_o will_v perform_v it_o that_o i_o will_v keep_v thy_o righteous_a judgement_n and_o if_o we_o judge_v the_o material_n of_o our_o covenant_n righteous_a we_o shall_v in_o that_o regard_n lie_v the_o great_a charge_n upon_o our_o conscience_n to_o keep_v it_o 2._o our_o vow_n be_v deliberate_a the_o nature_n of_o this_o ordinance_n have_v be_v unfold_v the_o several_a article_n in_o the_o covenant_n have_v be_v consider_v of_o and_o therefore_o the_o rather_o to_o be_v observe_v rash_n vow_n bind_v conscience_n if_o the_o keep_n of_o they_o prove_v only_o in_o inexpediency_n prejudicial_a to_o ourselves_o and_o contradict_v not_o any_o of_o god_n ever-binding_a law_n therefore_o solomon_n call_v for_o the_o payment_n of_o vow_n tell_v people_n that_o they_o must_v not_o think_v to_o put_v off_o that_o obligation_n by_o say_v it_o be_v a_o error_n eccl._n 5._o a_o inconsiderate_a oversight_n and_o we_o all_o know_v that_o when_o israel_n be_v bind_v to_o the_o gibeonite_n by_o a_o oath_n through_o a_o mistake_n be_v overreach_v by_o a_o cheat_n all_z the_o prince_n say_v to_o all_o the_o congregation_n we_o have_v swear_v unto_o they_o by_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n now_o therefore_o we_o may_v not_o touch_v they_o josh_n 9_o 19_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o be_v excuse_v if_o our_o premiditated_a vow_n be_v not_o perform_v 3._o we_o have_v vow_v before_o many_o witness_n man_n who_o stand_v much_o upon_o their_o credit_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v take_v with_o this_o argument_n when_o king_n herod_n be_v catch_v in_o a_o snare_n by_o his_o heady_a vow_n and_o be_v trouble_v because_o the_o dance_a damsel_n demand_v the_o head_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n it_o be_v say_v nevertheless_o for_o the_o oath_n sake_n and_o they_o which_o sit_v with_o he_o at_o meat_n he_o command_v it_o to_o be_v give_v she_o mat._n 14._o 9_o consider_v how_o many_o have_v see_v you_o lift_v up_o your_o hand_n unto_o the_o most_o high_a possessor_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o holy_a covenant_v remember_v how_o many_o thousand_o know_v that_o the_o vow_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o you_o and_o be_v you_o hereby_o prevail_v with_o to_o keep_v touch_n with_o he_o 4._o hereto_o i_o may_v add_v the_o consideration_n both_o of_o the_o
solomon_n brand_v the_o adulterous_a woman_n prov._n 2._o 17_o she_o forget_v the_o covenant_n of_o her_o god_n 3._o breach_n of_o covenant_n bring_v god_n burn_v displeasure_n upon_o people_n this_o thought_n do_v awe_n israel_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o rash_a league_n make_v with_o the_o gibeonite_n josh_n 9_o 20._o we_o will_v let_v they_o live_v lest_o wrath_n be_v upon_o we_o because_o of_o the_o oath_n which_o we_o swear_v unto_o they_o 4._o god_n anger_n in_o this_o kind_n kindle_v may_v bring_v a_o consumption_n upon_o our_o hope_n and_o comfort_n that_o item_n which_o the_o wise_a man_n give_v in_o this_o case_n shall_v be_v serious_o mind_v eccl._n 5._o 5_o 6._o better_o it_o be_v that_o thou_o shall_v not_o vow_v then_o that_o thou_o shall_v vow_v and_o not_o pay_v wherefore_o shall_v god_n be_v angry_a at_o thy_o voice_n and_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n never_o be_v great_a work_n under_o hand_n for_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n in_o our_o day_n or_o the_o day_n of_o our_o forefather_n then_o be_v in_o agitation_n among_o we_o at_o this_o day_n therefore_o let_v we_o take_v heed_n lest_o our_o unfaithfullnesse_n in_o our_o covenant_n provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o dash_v all_o our_o endeavour_n into_o piece_n with_o the_o disappointment_n of_o all_o our_o golden_a hope_n god_n curse_n be_v annex_v unto_o his_o covenant_n to_o enforce_v the_o keep_n of_o it_o it_o be_v say_v neh._n 10._o 29._o they_o enter_v into_o a_o curse_n and_o into_o a_o oath_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sword_n of_o cruel_a war_n be_v draw_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a justice_n to_o avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o the_o covenant_n leu._n 26._o 25._o this_o sword_n of_o civil_a war_n be_v eat_v man_n flesh_n and_o drink_v man_n blood_n in_o this_o kingdom_n at_o this_o day_n and_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o the_o almighty_a shall_v command_v it_o to_o return_v into_o its_o scabbard_n and_o to_o be_v quiet_a if_o we_o continue_v careless_a in_o keep_v covenant_n i_o profess_v belove_v that_o i_o have_v often_o tremble_v to_o think_v upon_o that_o discovery_n of_o god_n severity_n in_o punish_v israel_n with_o three_o year_n famine_n in_o david_n time_n because_o saul_n have_v break_v the_o rash_a vow_n 1._o 2_o sam._n 2_o 1._o which_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n have_v make_v long_o before_o with_o the_o gibeonite_n for_o thus_o i_o reason_n if_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o unadvised_a oath_n with_o subtle_a sinful_a man_n by_o the_o posterity_n of_o they_o who_o make_v it_o do_v bring_v a_o sore_a national_a judgement_n what_o then_o may_v we_o expect_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o contradict_v both_o by_o word_n and_o deed_n both_o by_o opinion_n and_o practice_n the_o solemn_a sacred_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o ourselves_o have_v upon_o deliberation_n both_o make_v and_o renew_v with_o man_n and_o god_n these_o be_v weighty_a consideration_n and_o worthy_a your_o often_o and_o serious_a thought_n unto_o which_o many_o more_o may_v be_v add_v but_o i_o forbear_v the_o enlarge_n of_o this_o subject_n because_o you_o have_v so_o full_o be_v acquaint_v with_o this_o matter_n by_o my_o reverend_a brother_n calamy_n m._n calamy_n who_o have_v large_o to_o satisfaction_n set_v forth_o the_o exceed_a great_a danger_n of_o truce-breaking_a from_o 2_o tim._n 3._o 1._o covenant-breaking_a make_v the_o time_n perilous_a unfaithfullnesse_n in_o covenant_n be_v a_o land-destroying_a a_o kingdom-devouring_a sin_n now_o my_o beloved_a to_o sum_n up_o all_o my_o argument_n if_o there_o be_v in_o your_o heart_n 1._o either_o respect_n unto_o the_o sacred_a obligation_n of_o a_o solemn_a vow_n 2._o or_o unto_o the_o most_o high_a possessor_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n 3._o if_o you_o either_o prize_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o desire_v to_o be_v partaker_n thereof_o through_o christ_n 4._o or_o dread_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o will_v preserve_v yourselves_o and_o your_o posterity_n yourselves_o and_o the_o kingdom_n from_o break_v blow_n of_o vengeance_n pay_v your_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n these_o argument_n i_o hope_v will_v not_o be_v slight_v by_o you_o god_n forbid_v that_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a so_o public_a concernment_n shall_v be_v disregard_v by_o they_o who_o profess_v so_o much_o zeal_n and_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o cause_n unto_o the_o prosperity_n of_o this_o famous_a city_n and_o the_o welfare_n both_o of_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n as_o you_o worthy_a citizen_n have_v do_v and_o persevere_v to_o do_v therefore_o i_o proceed_v in_o this_o service_n to_o set_v down_o some_o scripture-rule_n to_o guide_v you_o in_o the_o faithful_a payment_n of_o your_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n pay_v your_o good_a vow_n universal_o pay_v thy_o vow_n say_v the_o psalmist_n 1._o rule_n 1._o psal_n 50._o 14._o all_o thy_o vow_n none_o except_v whatsoever_o you_o have_v vow_v according_a to_o his_o word_n you_o must_v make_v good_a according_a to_o his_o command_n thus_o much_o be_v open_a in_o the_o text_n vow_n and_o pay_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n take_v good_a king_n josiah_n for_o a_o precedent_n for_o your_o pattern_n in_o this_o particular_a of_o who_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v upon_o his_o covenant_v with_o god_n 2_o chron._n 34._o 33._o and_o josiah_n take_v away_o all_o the_o abomination_n out_o of_o all_o the_o country_n which_o pertain_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o make_v all_o that_o be_v present_a in_o israel_n to_o swear_v even_o to_o serve_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n you_o see_v that_o he_o spare_v nothing_o no_o where_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o authority_n which_o may_v be_v displease_v unto_o his_o god_n or_o destructive_a to_o his_o people_n i_o pray_v you_o peruse_v the_o particular_n to_o be_v oppose_v by_o virtue_n of_o your_o covenant_n popery_n prelacy_n profaneness_n schism_n heresy_n and_o do_v not_o dare_v to_o indulge_v any_o abomination_n which_o you_o have_v vow_v to_o oppose_v take_v heed_n that_o no_o sinful_a bias_n of_o near_a relation_n or_o any_o self-advantage_n take_v you_o off_o from_o your_o faithfulness_n in_o this_o kind_n the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v this_o a_o character_n of_o a_o heir_n of_o heaven_n psal_n 15._o 4._o he_o swear_v and_o keep_v it_o though_o to_o his_o own_o hindrance_n therefore_o let_v not_o fear_v of_o lose_v a_o customer_n a_o friend_n a_o office_n a_o good_a bargain_n or_o any_o other_o outward_a advantage_n hinder_v you_o in_o keep_v your_o covenant_n i_o will_v not_o further_o enlarge_v this_o head_n which_o i_o leave_v to_o your_o thought_n but_o will_v conclude_v the_o rule_n with_o read_v the_o practice_n of_o king_n asa_n in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o his_o covenant_n 2_o chron._n 15._o 16._o and_o also_o concern_v maachah_n the_o mother_n of_o asa_n the_o king_n he_o remove_v she_o from_o be_v queen_n because_o she_o have_v make_v a_o idol_n in_o a_o grove_n and_o asa_n cut_v down_o her_o idol_n and_o stamp_v it_o and_o burn_v it_o at_o the_o brook_n kidron_n there_o be_v idol_n of_o man_n head_n and_o of_o man_n hand_n there_o be_v idol-opinion_n and_o idol-practice_n to_o be_v oppose_v by_o virtue_n of_o our_o covenant_n and_o you_o must_v beware_v lest_o through_o respect_n of_o person_n you_o prove_v partial_a and_o unfaithful_a when_o thou_o shall_v vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n thou_o shall_v not_o be_v slack_a to_o pay_v it_o deut._n 23._o 21._o and_o thou_o shall_v not_o defer_v to_o 2._o rule_n 2._o pay_v it_o eccles_n 5._o 4._o i_o may_v here_o speak_v much_o to_o persuade_v the_o speedy_a payment_n of_o our_o vow_n hereby_o your_o comfort_n will_v be_v increase_v and_o the_o public_a work_n of_o reformation_n quicken_v and_o expedit_v your_o act_n will_v be_v exemplary_a and_o of_o common_a influence_n both_o through_o the_o city_n and_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n how_o many_o thousand_o inquire_v what_o be_v do_v in_o london_n against_o popery_n profaneness_n schism_n and_o heresy_n in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o their_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o seasonableness_n of_o a_o action_n better_v it_o double_v it_o bis_z that_fw-mi qui_fw-la citò_fw-la that_fw-mi and_o i_o may_v true_o say_v in_o the_o case_n under_o hand_n bis_z facit_fw-la qui_fw-la citò_fw-la facit_fw-la ply_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n now_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o wheel_n and_o you_o may_v do_v much_o work_n in_o a_o little_a time_n principium_fw-la est_fw-la dimidium_fw-la totius_fw-la gainsay_v grow_a evil_n tread_v upon_o the_o cockatrice_n in_o the_o shell_n oppose_v those_o opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o bud_n in_o the_o birth_n which_o if_o suffer_v to_o grow_v to_o live_v long_o will_v threaten_v the_o peace_n both_o of_o church_n and_o
this_o particular_a persuade_v your_o constancy_n be_v not_o weary_a of_o well_o do_v be_v not_o discourage_v by_o disappointment_n be_v not_o beat_v off_o by_o difficulty_n delay_n opposition_n but_o proceed_v according_a to_o your_o calling_n and_o condition_n to_o promote_v that_o bless_a reformation_n which_o be_v under_o hand_n in_o due_a time_n you_o shall_v reap_v if_o you_o faint_v not_o finis_fw-la coronat_fw-la opus_fw-la be_v you_o faithful_a in_o your_o covenant_n unto_o death_n and_o you_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n i_o have_v do_v with_o my_o rule_n now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o give_v in_o some_o few_o help_n that_o you_o may_v act_v according_o and_o i_o will_v conclude_v all_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o keep_v touch_n with_o god_n in_o point_n of_o covenant_n take_v these_o very_a short_a direction_n 1._o work_v well_o into_o your_o heart_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o foremention_v direction_n direction_n particular_n produce_v to_o persuade_v covenant-keeping_a a_o wise_a man_n say_v solomon_n be_v strong_a yea_o a_o man_n of_o knowledge_n increase_v strength_n or_o strengthen_v might_n prov._n 24._o 5._o scripture-truth_n clear_o understand_v convey_v according_a to_o god_n ordinance_n spiritual_a ability_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o act_v according_o as_o the_o warm_a beam_n of_o the_o summer_n sun_n administer_v vivacity_n to_o the_o creature_n both_o vegetative_a and_o sensitive_a therefore_o i_o humble_o advise_v you_o to_o put_v yourselves_o often_o under_o the_o power_n of_o those_o truth_n which_o may_v convince_v you_o of_o the_o necessity_n and_o equity_n of_o pay_v your_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o by_o mean_n of_o serious_a meditation_n you_o shall_v find_v more_o activity_n herein_o to_o do_v your_o duty_n while_o i_o be_v muse_v say_v david_n the_o fire_n burn_v psal_n 39_o 3._o the_o bellows_o of_o meditation_n will_v produce_v the_o flame_n of_o zeal_n out_o of_o the_o small_a heat_n of_o holy_a desire_n to_o keep_v covenant_n with_o god_n 2._o act_n conscientious_o according_a to_o that_o measure_n of_o strength_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v we_o all_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o exercise_n increase_v bodily_a strength_n and_o questionless_a christian_n find_v the_o truth_n hereof_o in_o their_o soul_n solomon_n assure_v we_o prov._n 10._o 29._o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v strength_n to_o the_o upright_a the_o further_a we_o walk_v on_o in_o the_o way_n of_o faithfulness_n with_o god_n and_o for_o god_n the_o more_o able_a we_o shall_v be_v to_o make_v good_a our_o foederall_a engagement_n unto_o his_o majesty_n do_v you_o not_o all_o remember_v that_o famous_a story_n of_o the_o well-minded_a widow_n lament_v her_o inability_n to_o pay_v her_o debt_n who_o little_a stock_n of_o oil_n be_v multiply_v by_o pour_v forth_o 2_o king_n 4._o i_o beseech_v you_o make_v a_o spiritual_a improvement_n of_o this_o experiment_n give_v out_o those_o gift_n grace_n which_o you_o have_v receive_v in_o the_o payment_n of_o your_o vow_n and_o be_v you_o confident_a of_o increase_n in_o this_o sense_n habenti_fw-la dabitur_fw-la trade_n your_o two_o talent_n or_o your_o five_o for_o your_o master_n use_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v double_v arise_v and_o be_v do_v and_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v with_o you_o many_o of_o you_o know_v to_o your_o comfort_n that_o a_o small_a stock_n trade_v be_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o great_a estate_n i_o pray_v you_o make_v practical_a application_n 3._o mind_v yourselves_o and_o mind_n one_o another_o often_o of_o your_o solemn_a covenant_n this_o be_v god_n own_o direction_n in_o this_o case_n 2_o king_n 17._o 39_o the_o covenant_n which_o i_o have_v make_v with_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o forget_v among_o man_n many_o promise_n be_v not_o perform_v because_o they_o be_v not_o remember_v and_o so_o it_o be_v likewise_o in_o many_o of_o our_o obligation_n unto_o god_n forgetfulness_n be_v sometime_o one_o cause_n of_o some_o unfaithfullnesse_n the_o psalmist_n connexion_n psal_n 103._o 18._o be_v considerable_a those_o that_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o those_o who_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o there_o be_v a_o order_n of_o parliament_n require_v minister_n to_o read_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o congregation_n upon_o our_o monthly_a fast_a day_n and_o i_o humble_o move_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o order_n of_o the_o common-councel_n of_o this_o famous_a city_n that_o the_o covenant_n which_o you_o this_o day_n renew_v may_v once_o at_o least_o in_o every_o quarter_n of_o the_o year_n be_v read_v among_o you_o by_o mean_n hereof_o you_o will_v be_v quicken_v to_o appear_v both_o joint_o and_o several_o in_o course_n to_o promote_v both_o private_a and_o public_a reformation_n according_a to_o your_o covenant_n 4._o seek_v strength_n from_o heaven_n by_o faith_n and_o prayer_n the_o holy_a apostle_n hold_v up_o to_o jesus_n christ_n by_o humble_a confidence_n can_v say_v i_o can_v do_v all_o through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o phil._n 4._o 13._o and_o the_o psalmist_n make_v this_o report_n of_o the_o success_n of_o his_o prayer_n in_o the_o day_n when_o i_o cry_v thou_o answer_v i_o and_o strengthen_v i_o with_o strength_n in_o my_o soul_n psal_n 138._o 3._o yourselves_o best_o know_v wherein_o covenant-keeping_a stick_v most_o with_o yourselves_o you_o be_v acquaint_v with_o your_o own_o remorae_n your_o own_o difficulty_n in_o this_o service_n consider_v that_o your_o help_n lie_v in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n therefore_o fetch_v it_o thence_o by_o fervent_a believe_a prayer_n plead_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n covenant_n with_o you_o through_o christ_n that_o you_o through_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o deal_v faithful_o to_o do_v worthy_o and_o be_v you_o confident_a that_o the_o lord_n will_v never_o be_v want_v unto_o the_o soul_n which_o seek_v he_o in_o truth_n he_o have_v not_o say_v to_o the_o house_n of_o jacob_n seek_v you_o i_o in_o vain_a finis_fw-la