can_v elude_v when_o he_o please_v all_o these_o flatter_a promise_n of_o tenderness_n by_o except_v at_o the_o most_o necessary_a &_o indispensible_a duty_n if_o either_o they_o be_v such_o wherein_o any_o other_o interest_n be_v concern_v beside_o mere_a religion_n or_o if_o the_o trouble_v sustain_v thereupon_o be_v not_o altogether_o invincible_a necessity_n hence_o the_o plain_a falsehood_n &_o doubleness_n of_o his_o assertion_n as_o to_o what_o be_v past_a may_v give_v ground_n to_o conclude_v his_o intend_a perfidy_n in_o promise_n of_o what_o be_v future_a but_o to_o accept_v of_o a_o liberty_n clog_v with_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o christ_n free_a kingdom_n or_o either_o formal_o or_o interpretative_o direct_o or_o indirect_o to_o give_v way_n to_o a_o toleration_n of_o idolatrous_a or_o false_a way_n of_o worship_n be_v odious_a to_o all_o that_o know_v the_o rule_n of_o conscience_n tho'_o conscience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v force_v either_o to_o religion_n or_o irreligion_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v propogate_v by_o force_n yet_o the_o open_a effort_n &_o overtact_n &_o propagation_n of_o irreligion_n atheism_n idolatry_n blasphemy_n etc._n etc._n aught_o to_o be_v restrain_v by_o force_n &_o every_o person_n pretend_v to_o conscience_n constrain_v to_o give_v outward_a respect_n to_o the_o lawgiver_n &_o rule_v of_o conscience_n and_o what_o liberty_n be_v either_o intend_v or_o do_v native_o tend_v to_o tolerate_v what_o be_v dishonourrable_a to_o god_n or_o destructive_a to_o conscience_n can_v be_v embrace_v by_o any_o who_o be_v tender_a in_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n &_o man_n these_o thing_n premit_v we_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o declare_v our_o testimony_n against_o the_o toleration_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v do_v both_o as_o it_o be_v simple_o and_o complexe_o consider_v first_o consider_v it_o simple_o we_o can_v but_o testify_v against_o it_o 1._o in_o regard_n that_o it_o do_v palpable_o cross_v &_o contradict_v the_o will_n of_o god_n reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n gen._n 35.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o exod._n 23.31_o 32_o 33._o exod._n 34.12_o 13_o 14_o 15._o deut._n 7_o 2-6_a 25_o 26._o deut._n 13.6_o 12._o etc._n etc._n josh._n 22.10_o 12._o josh._n 23.11_o 12_o 13._o judg._n 2.1.2_o 3._o 1_o sam._n 3.13_o 14._o 1_o king_n 18.40_o 2_o king_n 9.22_o 2_o chron._n 15.15_o 16._o psal_n 101._o throughout_o prov._n 20.8_o cant._n 2.15_o ezek._n 43.7_o 8._o zech._n 13.2_o 3_o 4._o john_n 2.15_o 16._o rom._n 13.3_o 4._o revel_v 2.2.14_o 20._o prov._n 17.16_o 2._o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n do_v plain_o &_o full_o witness_v against_o the_o toleration_n that_o be_v in_o the_o bud_n anno_fw-la 1649._o and_o the_o reverend_a assembly_n of_o divine_n at_o west-minist_a have_v in_o the_o large_a catechism_n in_o the_o exposition_n of_o the_o second_o commandment_n reckon_v the_o toleration_n of_o false_a religion_n among_o the_o sin_n forbid_v therein_o and_o in_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n chap._n 20._o §_o 4._o assert_v that_o such_o opinion_n or_o practice_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o christianity_n or_o destructive_a to_o the_o external_a peace_n &_o order_n which_o christ_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o church_n they_o may_v be_v proceed_v against_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o church_n &_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o chap._n 23._o §_o 3._o that_o it_o be_v the_o magistrate_n duty_n to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v keep_v pure_a &_o entire_a that_o all_o blasphemy_n &_o heresy_n be_v suppress_v all_o corruption_n and_o abuse_n in_o worship_n and_o discipline_n prevent_v or_o reform_v &_o all_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n due_o settle_v administer_v &_o observe_v 3._o in_o regard_n that_o a_o toleration_n be_v utter_o repugnant_a unto_o &_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o indispensible_a oath_n of_o god_n in_o the_o national_a covenant_n very_o express_o condemn_v it_o &_o more_o particular_o the_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o maintain_v nay_o can_v consist_v with_o maintain_v reformation_n to_o carry_v on_o a_o uniformity_n to_o extirpate_v heresy_n superstition_n schism_n profanness_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n &_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n to_o free_v our_o soul_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n to_o make_v the_o lord_n one_o &_o his_o name_n one_o all_o which_o we_o be_v engage_v &_o swear_v unto_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n with_o a_o true_a intent_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o as_o we_o shall_v answer_v at_o the_o great_a day_n when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v 4._o in_o regard_n of_o the_o sad_a &_o sinful_a effect_n that_o it_o produce_v such_o as_o the_o growth_n &_o increase_n of_o heresy_n superstition_n and_o error_n the_o profane_v the_o lord_n day_n the_o contempt_n &_o cast_v loose_a of_o church_n discipline_n the_o subversion_n of_o soul_n the_o offence_n of_o the_o godly_a &_o faithful_a in_o stead_n of_o reformation_n deformation_n instead_o of_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n vain_a jangle_n instead_o of_o love_n bitter_a heart_n burn_n &_o jealousy_n instead_o of_o union_n schism_n &_o divison_n and_o instead_o of_o peace_n contention_n &_o strife_n instead_o of_o government_n and_o order_n anarchy_n &_o confusion_n as_o it_o be_v elegant_o hold_v forth_o &_o evidence_v by_o the_o minister_n of_o perth_n &_o fife_n in_o their_o forecited_a testimony_n pag._n 31._o the_o general_a assembly_n of_o our_o church_n in_o their_o declaration_n &_o exhortation_n to_o their_o brethren_n in_o england_n say_v what_o be_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n but_o liberty_n of_o error_n scandal_n schism_n heresy_n dishonour_n of_o god_n oppose_v the_o truth_n hinder_v reformation_n &_o seduce_v other_o and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o county_n palatine_n of_o lancaster_n in_o their_o harmonious_a testimony_n against_o toleration_n subscribe_v by_o they_o march_n 7._o 1647._o do_v fit_o add_v that_o a_o toleration_n be_v the_o put_v a_o sword_n into_o a_o mad_a man_n hand_n a_o cup_n of_o poison_n in_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o child_n a_o let_v loose_a of_o mad_a man_n with_o fire_n brand_v in_o their_o hand_n a_o appoint_v a_o city_n of_o refuge_n in_o man_n conscience_n for_o the_o devil_n to_o flee_v to_o a_o lay_n of_o the_o stumble_a block_n before_o the_o blind_a a_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o wolf_n to_o come_v into_o christ_n fold_n to_o prey_n upon_o his_o lamb_n a_o toleration_n of_o soul-murther_n the_o great_a murder_n of_o all_o other_o and_o for_o the_o establish_n whereof_o damn_v soul_n in_o hell_n will_v accurse_v man_n on_o earth_n can_v it_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o tender_a conscience_n to_o take_v away_o all_o conscience_n if_o evil_a be_v suffer_v it_o will_v not_o suffer_v good_a if_o error_n be_v not_o keep_v under_o it_o will_v be_v superior_a in_o fine_a let_v any_o read_v mr._n durham_n in_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o scandal_n particular_o part_n 3._o chap._n 2._o pag._n 146._o 147._o and_o they_o will_v see_v how_o he_o hold_v forth_o the_o toleration_n &_o suffer_v of_o error_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n most_o hateful_a in_o its_o self_n most_o hurtful_a in_o its_o consequence_n &_o most_o displease_v to_o christ_n for_o if_o error_n say_v he_o be_v such_o a_o evil_a that_o thwart_v 1._o both_o with_o god_n holiness_n &_o truth_n and_o 2._o that_o hazard_v so_o many_o soul_n for_o never_o a_o plague_n have_v so_o destroy_v the_o face_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n nor_o carry_v so_o many_o soul_n to_o hell_n as_o error_n have_v do_v than_o the_o suffering_n of_o it_o can_v but_o be_v hateful_a to_o he_o who_o love_v his_o church_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o way_n whereby_o the_o devil_n reproach_v ordinance_n &_o the_o word_n more_o than_o by_o this_o by_o turn_v they_o to_o the_o quite_o contrary_a end_n as_o if_o he_o will_v outshoot_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o owned_a bow_n which_o be_v abominable_a to_o mention_v &_o invert_v his_o owned_a mean_n &_o turn_v his_o owned_a weapon_n upon_o he_o &_o suffer_v of_o this_o be_v a_o connive_n at_o his_o design_n 4._o there_o be_v no_o way_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n may_v so_o get_v in_o on_o christ_n servant_n to_o seduce_v they_o as_o by_o this_o as_o in_o the_o epistle_n to_o thyatira_n be_v clear_a and_o can_v there_o danger_n come_v so_o nigh_o christ_n &_o he_o not_o displease_v with_o what_o strengthen_v their_o snare_n 5._o this_o do_v equal_a yea_o in_o some_o respect_n prefer_v the_o devil_n to_o he_o so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v &_o so_o can_v but_o provoke_v his_o jealousy_n for_o
make_v with_o god_n as_o party_n contract_v which_o none_o can_v dispense_v with_o such_o be_v the_o national_a covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n renew_v by_o joshua_n asa_n jehoshaphat_n hezakiah_n josiah_n ezrah_n nehemiah_n they_o be_v for_o the_o matter_n national_a covenant_n about_o thing_n moral_a objective_o oblige_v and_o so_o perpetual_a jerem._n 50.5_o they_o be_v for_o their_o end_n which_o may_v be_v all_o sum_v up_o in_o this_o preservation_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n inviolable_o because_o these_o end_n be_v constant_o to_o be_v pursue_v they_o be_v national_a adjuration_n under_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o national_a curse_n which_o do_v make_v the_o posterity_n that_o break_v they_o obnoxious_a they_o be_v for_o their_o legality_n national_a law_n be_v solemn_o ratify_v by_o parliament_n &_o by_o the_o king_n and_o make_v the_o foundation_n of_o their_o compact_n with_o he_o at_o his_o inauguration_n whereby_o they_o become_v among_o the_o leges_fw-la regnandi_fw-la they_o be_v national_a covenant_n of_o a_o hereditary_a nature_n like_o that_o of_o israel_n deut._n 29.14_o 15._o which_o do_v oblige_v not_o only_o the_o present_a but_o the_o absent_a and_o consequent_o the_o posterity_n now_o consider_v these_o thing_n concern_v the_o obligation_n of_o our_o covenant_n the_o rejoice_v that_o be_v at_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n when_o they_o be_v take_v the_o singular_a manifestation_n of_o his_o spirit_n at_o that_o time_n and_o his_o testify_v in_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n his_o approbation_n of_o what_o his_o people_n do_v in_o these_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o word_n by_o his_o go_v forth_o with_o his_o people_n &_o their_o army_n and_o make_v the_o enemy_n to_o fall_v before_o they_o we_o can_v but_o profess_v the_o sorrow_n of_o our_o heart_n &_o testify_v the_o abhorrence_n of_o our_o soul_n against_o all_o the_o breach_n injury_n or_o affront_n that_o have_v be_v or_o be_v offer_v or_o do_v to_o our_o covenant_n national_a and_o solemn_a league_n which_o now_o alas_o be_v like_a to_o be_v despise_v &_o bury_v in_o forgetfulness_n even_o when_o now_o they_o be_v not_o only_o national_o break_v but_o burn_v and_o the_o own_n of_o they_o be_v declare_v criminal_a by_o a_o act_n of_o queensberry_n parliament_n which_o make_v it_o a_o case_n of_o confession_n to_o assert_v their_o obligation_n particular_o we_o testify_v against_o the_o sinful_a shameful_a &_o scandalous_a defection_n of_o many_o minister_n in_o this_o point_n by_o their_o lay_n by_o these_o sacred_a covenant_n forbear_v under_o this_o toleration_n to_o preach_v plain_o the_o obligation_n of_o they_o to_o discover_v particular_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o and_o to_o mention_v they_o in_o the_o engagment_n which_o they_o require_v of_o parent_n when_o they_o present_v their_o child_n to_o baptism_n tho'_o at_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o foresay_a act_n of_o parliament_n many_o of_o they_o do_v private_o preach_v against_o it_o when_o there_o be_v none_o to_o challenge_v it_o but_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o court_n censores_fw-la in_o their_o public_a and_o peaceable_a meeting_n they_o be_v submissive_o silent_a we_o find_v the_o foregete_v &_o break_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n lieth_z under_z most_o heavy_a threaten_n &_o have_v be_v punish_v with_o most_o for_o judgement_n levit._n 16.25_o 16_o 17._o deut._n 29.14.15_o 19_o 21._o 1_o king_n 9.8_o 9_o jerem._n 22.8_o 9_o zech._n 5.3_o 4._o mal._n 3.5_o we_o can_v slight_v that_o which_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o county_n palatine_n of_o lancaster_n in_o their_o harmonious_a testimony_n against_o toleration_n of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o do_v say_v in_o the_o like_a case_n if_o we_o shall_v now_o cast_v by_o the_o covenant_n after_o we_o have_v reap_v so_o much_o fruit_n &_o benefit_n by_o it_o who_o know_v but_o we_o may_v be_v force_v to_o take_v it_o up_o again_o to_o save_v our_o life_n in_o the_o last_o place_n because_o field-meeting_n for_o gospel_n ordinance_n dispense_v in_o freedom_n and_o faithfulness_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v often_o signal_o own_v &_o countenance_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o many_o in_o the_o conversion_n confirmation_n edification_n &_o consolation_n of_o many_o poor_a soul_n be_v now_o by_o wicked_a and_o sanguinary_a law_n leave_v still_o enforce_v when_o the_o righteous_a law_n against_o papist_n be_v suspend_v interdict_a and_o discharge_v under_o pain_n of_o death_n therefore_o we_o must_v testify_v our_o abhorence_n of_o this_o cruelty_n when_o other_o be_v silent_a at_o it_o and_o signify_v also_o our_o reason_n of_o endeavour_v to_o maintain_v these_o interdict_a meeting_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o conveniency_n secrecy_n &_o safety_n of_o the_o people_n to_o who_o we_o preach_v not_o dare_v to_o trust_v these_o who_o be_v thirst_v insatiable_o after_o burr_n blood_n nor_o give_v they_o such_o advantage_n as_o they_o be_v seek_v to_o prey_n upon_o we_o by_o shut_v ourselves_o within_o house_n and_o moreover_o take_v ourselves_o to_o be_v call_v indispensible_o in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n to_o be_v as_o public_a or_o more_o than_o ever_o in_o our_o testimony_n for_o the_o preach_v gospel_n even_o in_o the_o open_a field_n we_o grant_v that_o under_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n there_o be_v no_o place_n more_o sacred_a than_o another_o to_o which_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v astrict_v and_o that_o when_o we_o be_v persecute_v in_o one_o place_n we_o may_v flee_v into_o another_o and_o that_o if_o a_o magistrate_n shall_v prohibit_v one_o place_n &_o leave_v all_o other_o free_a we_o will_v not_o strive_v for_o a_o spot_n if_o we_o be_v only_o exclude_v out_o of_o one_o place_n and_o not_o include_v &_o restrict_v to_o other_o place_n nor_o otherwise_o rob_v of_o the_o church_n privilege_n but_o this_o be_v not_o our_o case_n for_o we_o be_v interdict_v of_o all_o place_n and_o have_v to_o do_v with_o one_o from_o who_o we_o can_v take_v no_o order_n to_o determine_v our_o meeting_n it_o be_v not_o then_o the_o place_n of_o field_n or_o house_n which_o we_o contend_v for_o nor_o be_v it_o that_o which_o he_o main_o oppose_v but_o it_o be_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o gospel_n faithful_o preach_v that_o we_o be_v seek_v to_o promote_v and_o improve_v &_o he_o seek_v to_o suppress_v and_o therefore_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o matter_n &_o object_n of_o these_o religious_a exercise_n which_o be_v the_o eyesore_n of_o antichrist_n he_o prosecute_v with_o such_o fury_n and_o force_n vigour_n and_o rage_n cruelty_n and_o craft_n the_o manner_n &_o circumstance_n thereof_o but_o for_o the_o expediency_n and_o necessity_n of_o our_o continue_v to_o keep_v up_o our_o meeting_n in_o field_n in_o our_o circumstance_n we_o offer_v these_o reason_n 1._o it_o be_v necessary_a at_o all_o time_n that_o christian_n shall_v meet_v together_o for_o gospel_n ordinance_n whether_o the_o magistrate_n will_v or_o not_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n their_o necessity_n duty_n and_o interest_n make_v it_o indispenisible_a in_o all_o case_n if_o then_o there_o must_v be_v such_o meeting_n for_o such_o end_n than_o when_o they_o can_v meet_v within_o door_n with_o conveniency_n and_o safety_n they_o must_v do_v it_o without_o if_o they_o can_v get_v the_o gospel_n in_o house_n they_o must_v have_v it_o wherever_o they_o can_v with_o the_o freedom_n &_o favour_n of_o god_n cost_n what_o it_o will_n 2._o these_o meeting_n must_v be_v as_o public_a as_o may_v be_v with_o conveniency_n and_o prudence_n especial_o in_o a_o eviltime_n when_o wickedness_n be_v encourage_v and_o a_o witness_n for_o truth_n suppress_v then_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n that_o endeavour_n to_o keep_v clean_a garment_n shall_v be_v more_o frequent_a public_a &_o avow_a for_o 1_o then_o the_o call_v of_o god_n by_o his_o word_n &_o work_n be_v more_o clamant_fw-la for_o public_a &_o solemn_a humiliation_n in_o order_n to_o avert_v imminent_a judgement_n &_o impendent_a stroke_n from_o god_n zeph._n 2.1_o 2_o 3._o joel_n 2.15_o 16._o 1_o sam._n 7.2_o 6._o the_o way_n that_o the_o scripture_n point_v out_o to_o evite_v &_o avert_v public_a judgement_n be_v to_o make_v our_o resentment_n of_o these_o indignity_n do_v to_o our_o god_n our_o mourning_n over_o they_o &_o our_o witness_n against_o they_o as_o public_a as_o the_o sin_n be_v at_o least_o as_o public_a as_o we_o can_v make_v it_o by_o a_o public_a plead_n for_o truth_n isai_n 59.4_o a_o public_a seek_v of_o truth_n jer._n 5.1_o a_o avow_a valour_n for_o the_o truth_n upon_o the_o earth_n jerem._n 9.3_o a_o make_v up_o the_o hedge_n &_o stand_v in_o the_o gape_v ezek._n 22.30_o a_o public_a plead_n with_o our_o mother_n hos_n 2.2_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v do_v in_o private_a but_o by_o way_n of_o testimony_n 2_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o meet_v for_o gospel_n
that_o snare_n or_o it_o grieve_v they_o and_o make_v they_o sad_a who_o be_v tender_a of_o such_o thing_n and_o make_v all_o difference_n of_o that_o kind_a to_o be_v think_v light_n of_o since_o then_o in_o the_o toleration_n itself_o address_v for_o it_o and_o accept_v of_o it_o there_o be_v such_o a_o manifest_a scandal_n there_o must_v also_o be_v a_o manifold_a offence_n in_o countenance_v those_o that_o be_v so_o tolerate_v and_o consent_v thereunto_o it_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v they_o it_o strengthen_v other_o to_o incorporate_v with_o they_o and_o weaken_v the_o hand_n of_o these_o that_o witness_n against_o it_o 7._o because_o our_o duty_n to_o themselves_o yea_o our_o great_a office_n of_o love_n we_o owe_v to_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o conviction_n do_v oblige_v we_o to_o withdraw_v from_o they_o to_o shame_v they_o out_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o not_o suffer_v it_o upon_o they_o especial_o because_o they_o be_v brethren_n 1_o cor._n 5.11_o that_o walk_v disorderly_a against_o &_o without_o the_o order_n of_o their_o office_n &_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n qui_fw-la quod_fw-la svi_fw-la est_fw-la ordinis_fw-la atque_fw-la officii_fw-la non_fw-la faciunt_fw-la &_o facientes_fw-la turban_n 2_o thess_n 3_o 6-14_a we_o plead_v not_o here_o for_o schism_n or_o sinful_a separation_n only_o we_o apply_v to_o this_o present_a case_n the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o presbyterian_o wherefore_o we_o shall_v here_o subjoyne_v some_o plain_a quotation_n out_o of_o their_o writing_n mr._n rutherfoord_n in_o his_o due_a right_n of_o presbytery_n pag._n 253._o etc._n etc._n distinguish_v a_o separation_n from_o the_o church_n in_o her_o worst_a and_o most_o part_n and_o a_o reparation_n from_o the_o best_a and_o least_o part_n and_o pag._n 258._o when_o the_o great_a part_n of_o a_o church_n make_v defection_n the_o lesser_a part_n remain_v sound_a the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n be_v separatist_n truth_n be_v like_a life_n that_o retire_v from_o the_o marry_a member_n into_o the_o heart_n in_o case_n of_o danger_n so_o it_o be_v the_o major_a part_n that_o have_v make_v defection_n which_o be_v to_o be_v account_v separatist_n and_o not_o such_o who_o stand_v to_o their_o principle_n tho'_o they_o can_v comply_v or_o join_v with_o the_o corrupt_a majority_n apolog._n relat._n sect._n 14._o pag._n 291._o say_v there_o may_v be_v a_o lawful_a withdraw_n where_o the_o ordinance_n and_o ministry_n be_v not_o cast_v at_o so_o long_o as_o people_n do_v not_o cast_v at_o the_o ordinance_n but_o be_v willing_a to_o run_v many_o mile_n to_o enjoy_v they_o nor_o cast_v at_o the_o church_n as_o no_o church_n tho'_o they_o sad_o fear_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v provoke_v by_o that_o dreadful_a defection_n to_o give_v she_o a_o bill_n of_o devorce_n nor_o at_o the_o ministry_n for_o they_o love_v these_o that_o stand_v to_o their_o principle_n dear_o and_o be_v most_o willing_a to_o hear_v they_o either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a the_o grave_a author_n of_o rectius_fw-la instruendum_fw-la confut._n 3_o dial._n chap._n 1._o pag._n 7._o etc._n etc._n allow_v that_o every_o separation_n be_v not_o schism_n even_o from_o the_o church_n which_o have_v essential_o yea_o and_o more_o than_o essential_o if_o it_o be_v from_o those_o tho'_o never_o so_o many_o who_o be_v draw_v back_o from_o any_o piece_n of_o duty_n and_o integrity_n attain_v for_o this_o be_v still_o to_o be_v hold_v fast_o according_a to_o many_o scripture_n command_v next_o he_o say_v if_o we_o separate_v in_o that_o which_o a_o national_a church_n have_v command_v we_o as_o her_o member_n to_o disowne_v by_o her_o stand_a act_n and_o authority_n while_o these_o from_o who_o we_o separate_v own_o that_o corruption_n he_o assert_v there_o likeways_o there_o be_v a_o lawful_a forbearance_n of_o union_n and_o compliance_n with_o backslider_n in_o that_o which_o be_v of_o its_o self_n sinful_a or_o inductive_a to_o it_o which_o be_v far_o from_o separation_n strict_o take_v the_o command_n of_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n and_o hate_v the_o garment_n spot_v with_o the_o flesh_n do_v clear_o include_v this_o he_o add_v many_o thing_n will_v warrant_v separation_n from_o such_o a_o particular_a minister_n or_o congregation_n which_o will_v not_o warrant_v separation_n from_o a_o church_n national_a nor_o infer_v it_o last_o he_o say_v there_o be_v a_o command_v withdraw_v from_o person_n and_o society_n even_o in_o worship_n the_o precept_n rom._n 16.17_o 2_o cor._n 6.17_o prov._n 19.20_o act._n 2.40_o will_v clear_o import_v this_o by_o consequence_n sure_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n adhere_v to_o her_o reformation_n must_v be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o scotland_n tho'_o the_o lesser_a number_n these_o soldier_n who_o keep_v the_o general_n order_n be_v the_o true_a member_n not_o the_o deserter_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o next_o place_n consider_v how_o our_o covenant_n be_v slight_v the_o obligation_n of_o they_o forget_v and_o they_o like_v to_o be_v bury_v in_o oblivion_n we_o judge_v we_o be_v necessary_o call_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n of_o our_o covenant_n national_a &_o solemn_a league_n desire_v to_o bless_v the_o lord_n who_o put_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o people_n to_o engage_v themselves_o to_o enter_v into_o holy_a covenant_n unto_o his_o holy_a majesty_n and_o one_o to_o another_o in_o subordination_n to_o he_o in_o order_n to_o these_o thing_n that_o concern_v truth_n righteousness_n &_o holiness_n and_o we_o do_v testify_v our_o cordial_a approbation_n of_o and_o real_a adherence_n unto_o these_o memorable_a engagement_n for_o we_o be_v persuade_v in_o our_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o people_n &_o nation_n who_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o it_o be_v the_o first_o &_o great_a commandment_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o god_n before_o he_o exod._n 20.3_o and_o that_o we_o do_v his_o statute_n &_o judgement_n &_o to_o avouch_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v our_o god_n &_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o way_n &_o to_o keep_v his_o statute_n &_o commandment_n &_o his_o judgement_n &_o to_o hearken_v unto_o his_o voice_n deut._n 26.16_o 17._o and_o whereof_o we_o have_v many_o notable_a precedent_n in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n of_o enter_v into_o &_o renew_v the_o covenant_n of_o israel_n by_o moses_n deut._n 29._o by_o joshua_n chap._n 24._o by_o asa_n 2_o chron._n 15._o by_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron_n 29._o by_o josiah_n 2_o chron._n 34._o by_o ezra_n chap._n 10._o by_o nehem._n chap._n 9.38_o chap._n 10.29_o and_o we_o be_v also_o no_o less_o convince_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o the_o obligation_n of_o our_o covenant_n be_v perpetual_a &_o bind_v upon_o posterity_n and_o to_o confirm_v this_o we_o shall_v add_v these_o few_o consideration_n these_o engagement_n be_v national_a promise_n lay_v in_o pledge_n the_o public_a faith_n certain_o that_o promise_n of_o the_o jewish_a noble_n &_o ruler_n not_o to_o exact_v usury_n of_o their_o brethren_n will_v have_v bring_v their_o posterity_n under_o the_o curse_n if_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v it_o nethem_n 5.12_o 13._o they_o be_v national_a vow_n whereby_o they_o devote_a themselves_o &_o their_o posterity_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n jacobs_n vow_v at_o bethel_n that_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v his_o god_n gen._n 28.21_o do_v oblige_v all_o his_o posterity_n virtual_o comprehend_v in_o he_o he_o find_v he_o at_o bethel_n and_o there_o he_o speak_v with_o we_o say_v hosea_n many_o hundred_o year_n after_o chap._n 12.4_o so_o the_o rechabite_v be_v bind_v to_o observe_v the_o vow_n of_o their_o forefather_n jonadab_n they_o be_v national_a oath_n &_o these_o do_v oblige_v posterity_n joseph_n take_v a_o oath_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o carry_v up_o his_o bone_n to_o canaan_n gen._n 50.25_o which_o the_o posterity_n go_v forth_o of_o egypt_n in_o after-age_n find_v themselves_o strait_o swear_v to_o observe_v exod._n 30.19_o and_o according_o bury_v they_o in_o shechem_n josh._n 24.32_o they_o be_v national_a covenant_n wherein_o king_n parliament_n and_o people_n do_v covenant_n with_o each_o other_o to_o perform_v their_o several_a &_o respective_a duty_n as_o to_o religion_n and_o liberty_n these_o oblige_v the_o posterity_n as_o israel_n covenant_n with_o the_o gibeonite_n josh._n 9.15_o 19_o for_o the_o breach_n whereof_o many_o age_n after_o the_o posterity_n be_v plague_v 2_o sam._n 21.1_o they_o be_v national_a attestation_n of_o god_n as_o witness_v for_o the_o perpetuity_n as_o well_o as_o fidelity_n thereof_o such_o be_v these_o covenant_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v invocate_v as_o witness_v and_o so_o they_o be_v call_v the_o lord_n covenant_n as_o that_o which_o zedekiah_n break_v &_o wherefore_o the_o lord_n punish_v he_o ezek._n 17._o they_o be_v national_a covenant_n