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
religious_fw-la covenant_v direct_v and_o covenant-keeping_a persuade_v present_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a thomas_n adam_n lord_n major_n and_o the_o right_n worshipful_a the_o sheriff_n and_o alderman_n his_o brethren_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o common-councel_n of_o the_o famous_a city_n of_o london_n january_n 14._o 1645._o upon_o which_o day_n the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v renew_v by_o they_o and_o their_o officer_n with_o prayer_n and_o fast_v at_o michael_n basingshaw_n london_n by_o simeon_n ash_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n 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 slack_v to_o pay_v it_o for_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n will_v require_v it_o of_o thou_o and_o it_o will_v be_v sin_n in_o thou_o deut._n 23._o 21._o i_o will_v bring_v the_o sword_n upon_o you_o that_o shall_v avenge_v the_o quarrel_n of_o my_o covenant_n leu._n 26._o 25._o london_n print_v by_o g._n m._n for_o tho._n vnderhill_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o wood-street_n m._n dc_o xlvi_o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a thomas_n adam_n lord_n major_n and_o the_o right_n worshipful_a the_o sheriff_n and_o alderman_n his_o brethren_n and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o honourable_a court_n of_o common_a council_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n this_o plain_a sermon_n which_o attend_v your_o service_n of_o covenant-renewing_a from_o the_o pulpit_n come_v now_o from_o the_o press_n in_o obedience_n to_o your_o command_n to_o do_v you_o and_o the_o public_a some_o further_a service_n if_o upon_o the_o perusal_n of_o that_o which_o you_o hear_v preach_v it_o may_v please_v the_o lord_n to_o quicken_v your_o zeal_n in_o covenant-keeping_a i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o bless_v his_o name_n with_o a_o joyful_a heart_n the_o zeal_n of_o the_o common-council_n of_o london_n in_o renew_v their_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n ring_v through_o the_o several_a county_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o the_o sound_n thereof_o have_v be_v hear_v in_o many_o other_o kingdom_n and_o doubtless_o there_o be_v often_o inquiry_n and_o earnest_a expectation_n to_o hear_v what_o london_n now_o do_v in_o the_o pursuance_n of_o their_o covenant_n heretofore_o take_v and_o now_o again_o solemn_o renew_v with_o holy_a fast_v and_o prayer_n a_o city_n set_v upon_o a_o hill_n can_v be_v hide_v your_o practice_n have_v have_v and_o will_v have_v strong_a influence_n into_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o land_n and_o into_o other_o nation_n you_o have_v former_o and_o late_o do_v well_o and_o worthy_o in_o respect_n to_o your_o covenant_n i_o pray_v god_n that_o your_o continue_a holy_a zeal_n may_v affect_v and_o fire_n many_o in_o other_o country_n in_o faithful_a covenant-keeping_a god_n forbid_v that_o you_o shall_v ever_o deserve_v thus_o to_o be_v stigmatise_v either_o by_o god_n or_o man_n their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o god_n neither_o be_v they_o steadfast_a in_o their_o covenant_n psal_n 78._o 37._o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o our_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v despise_v divide_v asperse_v and_o oppose_v by_o too_o many_o for_o that_o which_o you_o may_v read_v in_o pamphlet_n and_o hear_v from_o some_o pulpit_n and_o other_o place_n do_v make_v you_o both_o eye-witness_n and_o ear-witness_n of_o this_o evil_a which_o shall_v be_v great_o bewail_v this_o contradiction_n this_o opposition_n shall_v increase_v your_o gracious_a heat_n for_o your_o god_n fire_n give_v out_o the_o most_o scorch_a heat_n in_o the_o cold_a weather_n it_o be_v time_n for_o thou_o lord_n to_o work_v say_v david_n for_o they_o have_v make_v void_a thy_o law_n therefore_o i_o love_v thy_o commandment_n above_o gold_n yea_o above_o fine_a gold_n therefore_o i_o esteem_v all_o thy_o precept_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n psal_n 119._o 126_o 127_o 128._o my_o soul_n desire_v that_o according_a to_o the_o guidance_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o you_o all_o may_v make_v the_o like_a gracious_a improvement_n of_o the_o check_n and_o affront_n which_o you_o meet_v with_o in_o your_o covenant-keeping_a by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o any_o other_o do_v plot_n and_o practice_v to_o hinder_v the_o glorious_a work_n of_o church-reformation_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v you_o consult_v and_o act_v to_o expedite_v and_o perfect_a it_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o any_o other_o strive_v and_o study_v to_o maintain_v popery_n prelacy_n schism_n heresy_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v you_o set_v yourselves_o against_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o the_o welfare_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o other_o design_n and_o endeavour_v to_o break_v the_o brotherly_a union_n between_o england_n and_o scotland_n by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o do_v you_o lay_v forth_o yourselves_o to_o maintain_v it_o and_o that_o your_o zeal_n in_o these_o kind_n may_v appear_v to_o yourselves_o and_o other_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o sincere_a let_v it_o be_v your_o chief_a and_o constant_a care_n to_o reform_v yourselves_o and_o all_o you_o in_o every_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o you_o all_o may_v in_o these_o particular_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n else_o approve_v yaur_n self_n faithful_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n in_o holy_a covenant-keeping_a shall_v be_v the_o prayer_n of_o he_o who_o be_v your_o servant_n in_o and_o for_o jesus_n christ_n sim_n ash_n feb._n 24_o religious_a covenant_v direct_v psal._n 76._o ii_o vow_n and_o pay_v unto_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n this_o text_n persuade_v a_o double_a duty_n 1._o to_o make_v vow_n 2._o to_o pay_v vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n from_o whence_o two_o truth_n seasonable_a for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o day_n fall_v natural_o and_o easy_o without_o force_v into_o our_o consideration_n doct._n 1_o that_o god_n people_n must_v make_v religious_a vow_n as_o his_o hand_n of_o providence_n do_v lead_v they_o forth_o thereunto_o doct._n 2_o that_o such_o vow_n be_v make_v must_v be_v pay_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o the_o former_a of_o these_o proposition_n i_o shall_v brief_o give_v you_o 1._o the_o explication_n 2._o the_o application_n thereof_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o point_n i_o shall_v dispatch_v under_o these_o three_o head_n 1._o the_o act_n require_v vow_n 2._o the_o agent_n or_o person_n upon_o who_o this_o duty_n be_v press_v this_o the_o follow_a word_n express_v all_o those_o that_o be_v round_o about_o he_o 3._o the_o providence_n whereby_o god_n call_v forth_o to_o this_o practice_n of_o make_v vow_n first_o holy_a vow_n be_v the_o solemn_a engagement_n of_o the_o soul_n unto_o the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o will_n if_o a_o man_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 to_o vow_v to_o swear_v and_o to_o covenant_n be_v in_o scripture_n phrase_n equivalent_a import_v the_o same_o thing_n jonathan_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o david_n and_o jonathan_n cause_v david_n to_o swear_v again_o 1_o sam._n 29._o 16_o 17._o here_o i_o may_v not_o spend_v time_n in_o discourse_v concern_v the_o several_a sort_n of_o vow_n which_o may_v be_v speak_v to_o under_o these_o or_o such_o like_a head_n 1._o they_o be_v either_o make_v to_o god_n or_o man_n 2._o of_o thing_n necessary_a or_o arbitrary_a 3._o explicite_fw-la or_o implicit_a mental_a or_o vocal_a 4._o assertory_n or_o promissory_a but_o let_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o i_o now_o suggest_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o text_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o such_o vow_n as_o be_v promissory_a obligation_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o hence_o i_o shall_v persuade_v and_o direct_v the_o manage_n of_o such_o vow_n unto_o god_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o open_o unfold_v to_o every_o ordinary_a understanding_n in_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n this_o day_n to_o be_v renew_v second_o the_o actor_n in_o this_o duty_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v round_o about_o the_o lord_n the_o psalmist_n have_v reference_n to_o numb_a 2._o 2._o where_o israel_n be_v command_v to_o pitch_v their_o tent_n round_o about_o the_o tabernacle_n which_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o god_n special_a presence_n and_o this_o phrase_n as_o i_o conceive_v describe_v god_n people_n by_o a_o double_a character_n 1._o their_o special_a attendance_n upon_o god_n their_o readiness_n to_o receive_v and_o obey_v his_o command_n as_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n be_v say_v rev._n 4._o 4._o to_o be_v round_o about_o the_o throne_n as_o press_v to_o praise_v the_o lord_n 2._o god_n special_a presence_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o
how_o many_o oppression_n be_v we_o free_v from_o by_o parliamentary_a authority_n through_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o god_n therefore_o beside_o other_o present_n of_o praise_n which_o god_n deserve_v at_o our_o hand_n we_o have_v just_a occasion_n to_o present_v ourselves_o unto_o his_o highness_n by_o covenant-renewing_a four_o notwithstanding_o our_o various_a and_o glorious_a experience_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o goodness_n have_v we_o not_o too_o much_o cause_n thus_o to_o complain_v that_o to_o this_o day_n we_o want_v heart_n to_o husband_n god_n remarkable_a providence_n to_o his_o honour_n and_o our_o own_o advantage_n who_o love_v god_n more_o or_o who_o serve_v he_o better_o because_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n he_o have_v do_v for_o we_o be_v our_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n strong_a be_v our_o fear_n of_o god_n displeasure_n great_a be_v we_o more_o zealous_a for_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n or_o more_o courageous_a for_o his_o truth_n against_o error_n dare_v we_o say_v that_o we_o do_v our_o utmost_a for_o the_o speed_n of_o church-reformation_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v overrun_v and_o undo_v by_o sect_n schism_n and_o confusion_n therefore_o certain_o we_o have_v a_o call_v to_o renew_v our_o covenant_n to_o quicken_v our_o improvement_n of_o god_n gracious_a providence_n both_o to_o his_o praise_n other_o profit_n and_o our_o own_o further_a comfort_n in_o christ_n five_o and_o last_o that_o we_o may_v not_o fall_v from_o our_o steadfastness_n we_o have_v need_v to_o bind_v ourselves_o yet_o further_o unto_o our_o god_n by_o solemn_a covenant_n man_n be_v wont_a as_o i_o have_v hear_v to_o hoop_v their_o vessel_n with_o iron_n bond_n in_o which_o they_o carry_v their_o strong_a liquor_n beyond_o sea_n that_o by_o the_o toss_n in_o the_o ship_n and_o the_o liquor_n work_v the_o vessel_n may_v not_o be_v break_v into_o piece_n and_o the_o liquor_n lose_v and_o have_v not_o we_o more_o need_v to_o add_v the_o bond_n of_o a_o solemn_a covenant_n to_o the_o bond_n of_o god_n sacred_a command_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v break_v from_o one_o another_o nor_o divide_v from_o god_n in_o his_o truth_n and_o holy_a worship_n in_o these_o break_a erroneon_n stormy_a tempestuous_a time_n for_o 1._o emulation_n variance_n strife_n sedition_n heresy_n be_v reckon_v 5._o gal._n 5._o up_o by_o the_o apostle_n among_o the_o work_n of_o the_o flesh_n unto_o which_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n do_v strong_o dispose_v we_o 2._o there_o be_v more_o than_o a_o good_a many_o of_o subtle_a busy_a factour_n in_o this_o city_n to_o promote_v error_n schism_n and_o faction_n of_o several_a sort_n to_o draw_v disciple_n after_o they_o and_o to_o spread_v their_o infection_n among_o people_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o quality_n 3._o it_o be_v apparent_a by_o too_o many_o instance_n that_o divers_a person_n both_o wise_a and_o godly_a have_v be_v deceive_v and_o draw_v aside_o from_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n into_o the_o by-path_n of_o error_n and_o schism_n and_o into_o practice_n of_o bitterness_n i_o will_v not_o say_v of_o how_o many_o kind_n against_o their_o brethren_n therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n as_o in_o those_o before_o mention_v you_o have_v just_a cause_n to_o say_v one_o to_o another_o come_v let_v we_o join_v ourselves_o unto_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o covenant_n never_o to_o be_v forget_v use_v 2_o have_v thus_o far_o endeavour_v to_o clear_v up_o your_o call_n unto_o covenant-renewing_a i_o now_o proceed_v by_o way_n of_o exhortation_n to_o persuade_v your_o regular_a and_o reverential_a cautiousnesse_n in_o this_o weighty_a business_n consider_v the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o god_n unto_o who_o vow_n be_v to_o be_v make_v he_o ought_v to_o be_v fear_v as_o our_o translation_n render_v the_o word_n follow_v the_o text_n or_o he_o be_v fear_n as_o the_o original_a have_v it_o in_o which_o phrase_n we_o have_v nomen_fw-la affectus_fw-la pro_fw-la objecto_fw-la god_n be_v a_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a majesty_n and_o this_o doubtless_o be_v add_v to_o awe_v man_n heart_n in_o the_o undertake_n of_o such_o like_a service_n the_o advice_n of_o solomon_n upon_o this_o ground_n be_v more_o open_a eccles_n 5._o 2._o be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n in_o which_o counsel_n the_o wise_a man_n have_v special_a reference_n unto_o vow_v as_o the_o follow_a word_n declare_v now_o for_o your_o guidance_n in_o this_o great_a service_n i_o will_v give_v you_o brief_o some_o plain_a and_o necessary_a rule_n 1._o you_o must_v covenant_n know_o it_o be_v thus_o open_o express_v of_o they_o who_o covenant_v in_o the_o day_n of_o nehemiah_n every_o one_o have_v knowledge_n and_o have_v understanding_n they_o cleave_v to_o their_o brethren_n they_o enter_v into_o a_o oath_n to_o walk_v in_o god_n law_n neh._n 10._o 29._o ignorance_n do_v nothing_o well_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n must_v guide_v our_o whole_a course_n and_o in_o this_o business_n of_o a_o sacred_a vow_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n know_v both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o federall_a engagement_n no_o man_n shall_v be_v move_v by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n but_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o as_o in_o other_o case_n so_o in_o this_o whatsoever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n be_v sin_n 2._o repentance_n for_o former_a offence_n must_v precede_v and_o prepare_v for_o covenant-renewing_a thus_o it_o be_v with_o those_o who_o seal_v and_o subscribe_v the_o solemn_a covenant_n in_o the_o time_n of_o nehemiah_n for_o they_o assemble_v themselves_o to_o keep_v a_o religious_a fast_n as_o we_o do_v this_o day_n before_o they_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n neh._n 9_o 1._o in_o which_o exercise_n deep_a sorrow_n for_o sin_n be_v express_v their_o particular_a evil_n be_v aggravate_v and_o large_o confess_v themselves_o be_v judge_v and_o god_n be_v justify_v in_o his_o severe_a administration_n all_o these_o expression_n of_o repentance_n be_v manifest_a in_o that_o 9_o chapter_n of_o nehemiah_n which_o then_o be_v the_o introduction_n to_o the_o covenant_n and_o doubtless_o if_o we_o do_v not_o penitent_o bewail_v our_o former_a violation_n of_o god_n command_n and_o our_o own_o vow_n we_o can_v with_o acceptation_n to_o god_n or_o with_o comfort_n in_o our_o own_o heart_n renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o he_o this_o day_n 3._o your_o heart_n must_v go_v along_o with_o your_o vow_n it_o be_v say_v â—_o chron_n 15_o 15_o that_o all_o judah_n do_v swear_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n and_o god_n will_v not_o take_v up_o with_o less_o at_o our_o hand_n this_o day_n it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o hypocrisy_n to_o lift_v up_o hand_n before_o god_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o we_o must_v in_o our_o judgement_n approve_v and_o resolve_v upon_o the_o payment_n of_o our_o vow_n and_o all_o our_o affection_n both_o concupiscible_a and_o irascible_a must_v be_v upon_o the_o wing_n according_a to_o the_o various_a particularity_n express_v in_o the_o covenant_n the_o soul_n shall_v with_o love_n joy_n and_o long_n work_n towards_o the_o speedy_a settle_n of_o church-governement_n according_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o towards_o the_o maintain_n of_o brotherly_a union_n between_o the_o two_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o scotland_n together_o with_o the_o more_o full_a reformation_n of_o ourselves_o and_o family_n and_o o_o how_o shall_v your_o soul_n now_o rise_v in_o holy_a dislike_n in_o the_o hatred_n of_o and_o in_o indignation_n against_o popery_n and_o all_o profaneness_n against_o heresy_n schism_n detestable_a neutrality_n and_o whatsoever_o else_o it_o be_v which_o be_v against_o god_n and_o the_o welfare_n of_o these_o kingdom_n 4._o our_o covenant_n must_v be_v accompany_v with_o humility_n 1._o from_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n to_o keep_v touch_n with_o god_n in_o come_v up_o full_o to_o the_o covenant_n we_o shall_v lean_v to_o his_o promise_n and_o take_v hold_v on_o his_o strength_n say_v as_o the_o church_n through_o god_n we_o shall_v do_v valiant_o psal_n 60._o 11._o and_o as_o the_o bless_a apostle_n do_v phil._n 4._o 13._o i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o jesus_n christ_n strengthen_v i_o 2._o and_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o our_o own_o unworthiness_n to_o receive_v any_o ability_n from_o the_o lord_n see_v by_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v enfeeble_v our_o own_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o shall_v humble_o petition_v for_o divine_a assistance_n herein_o imitate_v david_n who_o have_v thus_o in_o resolution_n and_o promise_n express_v himself_o before_o god_n i_o will_v keep_v thy_o statute_n he_o immediate_o add_v o_o forsake_v i_o not_o utter_o psal_n 119._o 8._o the_o more_o of_o the_o
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
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