the_o national_a covenant_n and_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v renew_a at_o lesmahego_n march_v 3._o 1689._o with_o accommodation_n to_o the_o present_a time_n together_o with_o a_o introduction_n touch_v national_a covenant_n by_o way_n of_o analysis_n on_o the_o 29_o chapter_n of_o deuteronomy_n the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v deliver_v in_o a_o discourse_n to_o the_o people_n on_o the_o preparation-day_n before_o they_o be_v renew_a isaiah_n 24.5_o the_o earth_n be_v also_o defile_v under_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o because_o they_o have_v transgress_v the_o law_n change_v the_o ordinance_n break_v the_o everlasting_a covenant_n ezekiel_n 17.18_o sâ—ing_v he_o despise_v the_o oath_n by_o break_v the_o covenant_n when_o lo_o he_o have_v give_v his_o hand_n and_o have_v do_v all_o these_o thing_n he_o shall_v not_o escape_v print_a in_o the_o 40_o the_o year_n of_o our_o public_a breach_n of_o covenant_n the_o year_n wherein_o there_o be_v much_o zeal_n for_o confederate_v among_o man_n but_o little_a for_o covenant_v with_o god._n a_o introduction_n touch_v national_a covenant_n by_o way_n of_o analysis_n on_o the_o 29_o chapter_n of_o deuteronomy_n the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v deliver_v in_o a_o discourse_n to_o the_o people_n on_o the_o preparation-day_n before_o the_o renew_n of_o the_o covenant_n at_o lesmahego_n the_o great_a glory_n of_o man_n and_o the_o low_a and_o yet_o the_o most_o love_a and_o lovely_a step_n of_o god_n condescension_n towards_o man_n be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v that_o he_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o covenant_n relation_n with_o god_n whereby_o the_o lord_n become_v his_o god_n king_n master_n husband_n father_n and_o he_o become_v the_o lord_n peculiar_a subject_n servant_n friend_n and_o son._n it_o will_v have_v be_v presumption_n in_o man_n to_o offer_v this_o to_o god_n covenant_n suppose_v proper_o equality_n freedom_n from_o pre-obligation_n and_o independency_n between_o the_o party_n covenant_v none_o of_o which_o be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o covenant-transaction_n between_o god_n and_o man_n but_o infinite_a distance_n and_o disproportion_n absolute_a subjection_n obligation_n and_o dependence_n on_o man_n part_n under_o the_o dominion_n and_o law_n of_o his_o creator_n from_o under_o which_o and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v he_o can_v have_v a_o be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o condescension_n in_o god_n to_o make_v man_n after_o his_o own_o image_n in_o perfection_n of_o holiness_n so_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o condescension_n to_o illuminate_v this_o with_o the_o lustre_n of_o a_o perfect_a law_n give_v for_o his_o rule_n unto_o this_o it_o be_v a_o great_a additament_n of_o condescension_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v any_o promise_n encourage_v to_o obedience_n and_o great_a to_o conceive_v these_o confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n but_o that_o the_o lord_n shall_v offer_v to_o covenant_n with_o man_n and_o to_o give_v the_o law._n promise_n and_o oath_n covenant-waye_n be_v a_o great_a wonder_n of_o condescension_n this_o be_v a_o great_a privilege_n as_o well_o as_o security_n than_o either_o law_n promise_n or_o oath_n this_o be_v a_o wonderful_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o condescension_n to_o man_n at_o first_o or_o the_o first_o man_n represent_v all_o mankind_n to_o propose_v to_o he_o and_o to_o take_v he_o under_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o after_o the_o violation_n of_o that_o first_o covenant_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o access_n grant_v to_o any_o of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o a_o second_o transaction_n of_o grace_n be_v a_o wonder_n of_o condescension_n never_o enough_o consider_v the_o first_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o first_o man_n propose_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o be_v violate_v become_v the_o shame_n and_o curse_n of_o all_o men._n the_o second_o be_v the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n common_a and_o peculiar_a to_o all_o the_o elect_n the_o object_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n of_o which_o that_o of_o grace_n be_v a_o exhibit_v transumpt_n this_o be_v the_o main_a difference_n between_o the_o eternal_a covenant_n of_o redemption_n between_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o the_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v also_o with_o christ_n principal_o as_o representative_a of_o his_o heir_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n that_o in_o the_o former_a christ_n our_o sponsor_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o son_n and_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n coequal_a and_o coessential_a with_o the_o father_n transact_v about_o his_o mediatory_a delegation_n in_o the_o bussiness_n of_o redemption_n in_o the_o late_a he_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o mediator_n the_o father_n servant_n and_o delegate_n in_o the_o former_a the_o promise_n be_v make_v conditional_o to_o christ_n upon_o condition_n of_o his_o satisfy_a justice_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n and_o absolute_o to_o the_o elect_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o thing_n foresee_v in_o they_o in_o the_o late_a they_o be_v make_v absolute_o to_o christ_n now_o have_v fulfil_v his_o undertake_n and_o conditional_o or_o by_o way_n of_o testamentary_a disposition_n to_o the_o elect._n but_o as_o god_n make_v covenant_n with_o man_n be_v a_o wonder_n of_o never_o enough_o admire_a condescendency_n so_o his_o admitting_z man_n to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o be_v no_o less_o matter_n of_o admiration_n yet_o this_o he_o have_v not_o only_o offer_v and_o allow_v but_o persuade_v unto_o it_o by_o command_n promise_n threaten_n argument_n expostulation_n invitation_n and_o entreaty_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n where_o we_o find_v covenant_v with_o god_n both_o personal_a and_o national_a have_v the_o sanction_n of_o divine_a approbation_n for_o personal_n covenant_v with_o god_n it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o scripture_n precept_n promise_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o saint_n all_o these_o command_n and_o call_v give_v to_o come_v and_o buy_v the_o covenant_n benefit_n which_o suppose_v a_o bargain_n to_o come_v to_o the_o marriage_n etc._n etc._n infer_v a_o consent_n to_o the_o term_n of_o a_o conjugal_a covenant_n do_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n all_o these_o promise_n of_o subscribe_v with_o the_o hand_n unto_o the_o lord_n isa_n 44.5_o that_o they_o shall_v call_v the_o lord_n their_o father_n and_o not_o turn_v from_o he_o jer._n 3.19_o that_o they_o shall_v call_v he_o ishi_n and_o no_o more_o baali_n hos_fw-la 2.16_o that_o he_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v my_o people_n and_o they_o shall_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v my_o god._n zech._n 13.9_o do_v clear_o imply_v and_o infer_v this_o there_o be_v also_o precedent_n and_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n confirm_v this_o such_o as_o jacob_n vow_n gen._n 28.20_o to_o the_o end_n david_n psal_n 16.2_o psal_n 119_o 57_o 106._o psal_n 132.2.5_o and_o many_o other_o upon_o this_o ground_n they_o take_v confidence_n to_o lay_v particular_a claim_n to_o the_o lord_n as_o their_o own_o god_n saviour_n and_o portion_n but_o our_o purpose_n at_o present_a be_v to_o speak_v of_o national_a covenant_v for_o clear_v and_o vindicate_v which_o it_o will_v not_o be_v unprofitable_a to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o this_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o 29_o chapter_n of_o deuteronomy_n the_o full_a and_o plain_a that_o can_v be_v find_v for_o this_o purpose_n whereof_o the_o compendious_a analysis_n may_v be_v here_o offer_v in_o this_o chapter_n we_o have_v to_o consider_v these_o six_o thing_n 1._o the_o inscription_n of_o the_o covenant_n here_o renew_v contain_v the_o divine_a prescription_n of_o it_o v._o 1.2_o the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n here_o adduce_v and_o press_v by_o moses_n to_o invite_v and_o incite_v the_o people_n to_o renew_v the_o covenant_n at_o this_o time_n from_o v._o 2._o to_o v._o 9_o contain_v also_o not_o obscure_o their_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o breach_n thereof_o 3._o the_o extent_n of_o the_o obligation_n thereof_o from_o v._o 10._o to_o v._o 15.4_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o from_o v._o 16._o to_o v._o 19.5_o the_o greatness_n and_o observableness_n of_o the_o punishment_n of_o that_o breach_n predict_v and_o describe_v from_o v._o 20._o to_o v._o 28.6_o a_o conclusory_a corollary_n infer_v from_o all_o v._o last_n 1._o the_o inscription_n in_o the_o first_o verse_n 1._o verse_n 1._o do_v hold_v out_o to_o we_o both_o the_o institution_n of_o god_n the_o place_n where_o or_o time_n when_o it_o be_v transact_v and_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o time_n it_o have_v be_v engage_v into_o but_o be_v here_o renew_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 to_o make_v with_o
the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o land_n of_o moah_n beside_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o they_o in_o horeb._n whence_o we_o may_v have_v ground_n for_o move_v and_o solve_v several_a difficulty_n quest_n 1_o i._n it_o may_v be_v doubt_v if_o covenant_v with_o god_n especial_o national_a be_v a_o necessary_a or_o expedient_a duty_n approven_v in_o the_o scripture_n ans_fw-fr the_o lawfulness_n of_o oath_n vow_n and_o covenant_n to_o for_z or_o before_o god_n will_v be_v question_v by_o none_o but_o quaker_n and_o other_o enthusiast_n or_o fanatic_n in_o the_o old_a test_n it_o be_v here_o evident_a the_o lord_n command_v to_o enter_v into_o this_o covenant_n and_o oath_n v._n 1._o and_o 12._o and_o it_o be_v never_o abrogate_v in_o the_o new_a test_n except_o in_o ordinary_a communication_n wherein_o it_o be_v condemn_v in_o the_o old_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o new._n and_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v abrogate_v that_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o apostle_n say_v a_o man_n covenant_n once_o confirm_v can_v be_v disannul_v gal._n 3.15_o and_o concern_v even_o promissory_a oath_n say_v that_o a_o oath_n for_o confirmation_n be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o strife_n heb._n 6.16_o nor_o can_v the_o expediency_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v doubt_v by_o any_o who_o consider_v the_o command_n enforce_v it_o the_o usefulness_n that_o the_o saint_n experience_v in_o it_o for_o restrain_v from_o sin_n for_o aggravate_v it_o in_o their_o humiliation_n from_o this_o consideration_n that_o they_o have_v vow_v and_o covenant_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o stirt_v up_o to_o the_o duty_n bind_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o law_n and_o for_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o the_o hâ—pe_n of_o pardon_n for_o their_o short-coming_n we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o be_v inconvenient_a to_o vow_n or_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o vow_n or_o not_o vow_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o eccles_n 5.5_o better_o it_o be_v that_o thou_o shall_v not_o vow_v than_o that_o thou_o shall_v vow_v and_o not_o pay_v but_o that_o do_v not_o make_v vow_v either_o inconvenient_a inexpedient_a nor_o indifferent_a or_o not_o good_a simple_o no_o more_o than_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2_o pet._n 2.21_o it_o have_v be_v better_a not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o it_o be_v know_v to_o turn_v from_o it_o will_v make_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n to_o be_v either_o inconvenient_a or_o inexpedient_n or_o not_o good_a simple_o for_o vow_v as_o well_o as_o pay_v be_v express_o command_v psal_n 76.11_o and_o in_o some_o case_n especial_o in_o necessary_a thing_n vow_v and_o break_v be_v better_a than_o not_o vow_v and_o yet_o bâ—eaking_v the_o law_n for_o the_o late_a be_v two_o sin_n omission_n in_o not_o vow_v and_o commission_n in_o break_v the_o former_a only_o the_o sin_n of_o break_v the_o vow_n as_o mr_n durham_n clear_v it_o at_o large_a on_o command_n 3._o pag._n 135.136_o etc._n etc._n 2._o as_o for_o national_a vow_v or_o covenant_v it_o be_v evident_o approven_v in_o scripture_n precept_n promise_n and_o practice_n here_o be_v a_o scripture_n precept_n for_o it_o in_o the_o old_a test_n never_o abrogate_a in_o the_o new._n there_o be_v also_o promise_v and_o these_o relate_n to_o the_o new_a test_n time_n not_o only_o of_o personal_n but_o of_o national_a covenant_v as_o church_n and_o christian_a society_n isa_n 19.18_o 21_o 23._o to_o the_o end_n jer._n 50.4.5_o zech._n 2.11_o and_o as_o for_o precedent_n we_o have_v very_o many_o of_o national_a covenant_n make_v and_o renew_v again_o and_o again_o for_o preservation_n and_o reformation_n of_o religion_n extirpation_n of_o false_a worship_n maintain_v their_o law_n liberty_n and_o government_n punish_v and_o restrain_v the_o wicked_a keep_v the_o common_a peace_n and_o mutual_a defence_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n as_o here_o after_o that_o in_o horeb_n israel_n covenant_n be_v solemn_o swear_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o moses_n and_o renew_v by_o joshua_n josh_n 24._o by_o asa_n 2_o chron._n 15.13_o 14._o jehojadah_fw-mi 2_o king_n 11.17_o 2_o chron._n 23.16_o hezekiah_n 2_o chron._n 29_o 10._o josiah_n 2_o king_n 23.2_o 2_o chron._n 34._o ezra_n chap._n 10.3_o nehemiah_n chap_n 9_o ult_n and_o 10.28_o 29._o yea_o always_o in_o time_n of_o humiliation_n and_o intend_a reformation_n we_o find_v they_o fall_v about_o this_o duty_n that_o the_o lordâ—_n fierce_a wrath_n may_v turn_v away_o 2_o chron._n 29.10_o to_o confirm_v israel_n hope_n ezrâ—_n 10.1_o nehem._n 9_o ult_n as_o also_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n somewhat_o like_o this_o be_v hint_v at_o 2_o cor._n 8.5_o where_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n gauâ—_v their_o own_o self_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o apostle_n which_o at_o least_o implieâ—_n a_o covenant_n quest_n 2_o ii_o it_o may_v be_v question_v what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o covenant_n at_o horeb_n and_o of_o this_o in_o moab_n and_o other_o national_a covenant_n in_o scripture_n be_v it_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o of_o grace_n that_o be_v severaâ—_n time_n renew_v and_o do_v we_o stand_v bind_v to_o they_o as_o the_o israelite_n they_o ans_fw-fr these_o covenant_n as_o to_o their_o nature_n be_v neither_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n nor_o of_o grace_n formal_o though_o matterial_o partake_v oâ—_n both_o they_o have_v the_o same_o mutual_a contract_a party_n god_n and_o man_n tho'_o here_o man_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v not_o in_o his_o abstract_n singular_a individual_a or_o personal_a capacity_n but_o as_o a_o member_n of_o a_o community_n undertake_v vow_n the_o same_o obligation_n to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o these_o forementioned_a divine_a covenant_n tho'_o here_o they_o be_v to_o be_v takâ—n_v as_o public_a and_o national_a duty_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n as_o a_o public_a interest_n the_o same_o sanction_n and_o certification_n of_o blessing_n and_o curse_n here_o to_o be_v understand_v aâ—_n na_n ional_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n dispensation_n they_o oblige_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a moral_a judicial_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v then_o calculate_v to_o the_o judaical_a pâ—dagogie_n require_v indeed_o perfection_n legal_a accord_v to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o admit_v repentance_n and_o through_o faith_n accept_v perfection_n evangelical_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n dispensation_n they_o oblige_v to_o the_o same_o observance_n of_o the_o same_o law_n that_o be_v not_o abolish_v and_o of_o these_o ceremonial_a institution_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v substitute_n in_o the_o place_n of_o the_o former_a pedagogical_a and_o typical_a ceremony_n calculate_v to_o the_o meridian_n of_o gospel_n light_n purity_n and_o simplicity_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o end_n in_o both_o dispensation_n they_o have_v and_o have_v the_o same_o subserviency_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o same_o with_o the_o law_n to_o restrain_v sin_n to_o manifest_v it_o and_o to_o lead_v to_o christ_n for_o remission_n of_o it_o and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o people_n engage_v under_o these_o bond_n they_o be_v to_o believer_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o unbeliever_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o as_o to_o their_o form_n and_o formality_n they_o be_v the_o ecclesiastic_a and_o national_a covenant_n of_o the_o visible_a community_n of_o the_o lord_n people_n engage_v to_o be_v his_o and_o to_o keep_v his_o way_n and_o testimony_n first_o transacted_a exod._n 19.5_o 8._o exod._n 24.7_o 8._o renew_a here_o deut._n 29._o and_o several_a time_n afterward_o quest_n 3_o iii_o another_o question_n be_v who_o may_v tender_v or_o impose_v it_o may_v it_o be_v without_o the_o magistrate_n here_o the_o magistrate_n moses_n be_v authorize_v to_o make_v it_o but_o may_v it_o be_v do_v without_o he_o or_o when_o it_o be_v so_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o it_o bind_v when_o the_o magistrate_n or_o public_a father_n disalowe_n or_o discharge_v it_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o doubt_n be_v take_v from_o numb_a 30.3_o 5_o 8._o where_o it_o be_v say_v if_o a_o woman_n in_o her_o father_n house_n or_o husband_n vow_v a_o vow_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o her_o father_n or_o husband_n disallow_v she_o not_o any_o of_o her_o vow_n or_o bond_n wherewith_o she_o have_v bind_v her_o soul_n shall_v stand_v but_o shall_v be_v make_v of_o none_o effect_n ans_fw-fr justice_n and_o order_n require_v that_o whoever_o have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o or_o authority_n over_o the_o community_n shall_v tender_v the_o oath_n and_o it_o belong_v indeed_o to_o magistrate_n to_o enjoin_v it_o but_o not_o so_o
aggravation_n to_o forsake_v a_o covenant_n of_o so_o long_o stand_v a_o perpetual_a covenant_n jer_n 50_o 5._o a_o covenant_n so_o holy_a dan_o 11_o 30._o a_o covenant_n so_o solemn_o engage_v into_o jer_n 34_o 18_o so_o frequent_o renew_v and_o under_o such_o sanction_n certification_n adjuration_n and_o curse_n in_o this_o chap_n josh_n 24_o and_o jer_n 11_o 2_o 3._o further_o it_o be_v a_o forsake_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n god._n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o man_n covenant_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o be_v forsake_v without_o the_o base_a of_o treachery_n much_o more_o to_o forsake_v god_n covenant_n which_o be_v to_o forsake_v himself_o a_o dreadful_a sin_n so_o much_o aggravate_v in_o scripture_n deut._n 31.16_o deut._n 32.15_o josh_n 24.19_o 20._o judg._n 10.13_o 2_o chron._n 24.20_o isa_n 1_n 4_o jer._n 2.10_o 11_o 13._o to_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o of_o the_o lord_n our_o husband_n be_v adultery_n to_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o king_n be_v unnatural_a rebellion_n to_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v idolatry_n worse_o than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o heathen_n who_o will_v not_o disow_v their_o god_n final_o it_o be_v a_o forsake_v of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n which_o he_o make_v with_o they_o when_o he_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n forsake_v a_o redeemer_n covenant_n who_o have_v deliver_v their_o father_n from_o slavery_n who_o mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n their_o father_n have_v experience_v and_o from_o their_o experience_n of_o the_o good_a of_o keep_v covenant_n with_o he_o have_v commend_v it_o to_o their_o posterity_n a_o covenant_n not_o of_o a_o late_a date_n or_o a_o new_a invention_n but_o transmit_v from_o their_o father_n a_o covenant_n which_o upon_o that_o head_n the_o lord_n have_v respect_n unto_o and_o for_o which_o sometime_o he_o will_v not_o destroy_v but_o have_v compassion_n upon_o the_o unworthy_a posterity_n 2_o king._n 13_o 23._o this_o be_v charge_v as_o a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o break_v covenant_n jer._n 11.10_o mal._n 2.10_o because_o it_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o their_o father_n or_o of_o the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n 2._o here_o be_v specify_v the_o particular_a way_n of_o their_o forsake_v the_o covenant_n v_o 26_o for_o they_o go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n 26_o verse_n 26_o and_o worship_v they_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o gross_a way_n of_o break_a covenant_n to_o serve_v and_o worship_v other_o god_n but_o this_o have_v also_o its_o degree_n whether_o this_o idolatry_n be_v consider_v as_o a_o breach_n of_o the_o first_o or_o of_o the_o second_o commandment_n as_o be_v show_v before_o and_o undeniable_a in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v external_a and_o internal_a idolatry_n there_o be_v idolatry_n that_o have_v a_o wrong_a object_n and_o idolatry_n also_o that_o may_v pretend_v the_o true_a object_n of_o worship_n but_o consist_v in_o a_o worship_n not_o of_o his_o appointment_n however_o by_o the_o way_n it_o may_v be_v note_v that_o service_n and_o worship_n be_v all_o one_o hence_o the_o popish_a distinction_n of_o dowleia_n and_o latreia_fw-la be_v groundless_a and_o anti-scriptural_a this_o serve_a or_o worship_v of_o other_o god_n be_v aggravate_v from_o two_o ground_n 1_n they_o be_v god_n who_o they_o know_v not_o worship_v a_o unknown_a god_n according_a to_o the_o motto_n of_o the_o athenian_a altar_n be_v a_o peculiar_a stretch_n of_o of_o idolatrous_a superstition_n act._n 17_o 22_o 23_o ignorance_n then_o of_o the_o object_n or_o of_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v not_o the_o mother_n but_o the_o murder_n of_o true_a devotion_n the_o introduction_n of_o any_o unknown_a or_o uncouth_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o object_n or_o manner_n of_o worship_n or_o any_o new_a invention_n or_o innovation_n in_o the_o service_n or_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v hence_o infer_v to_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o covenant_n 2_o they_o be_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o give_v unto_o they_o if_o any_o thing_n then_o be_v receive_v admit_v or_o allow_v in_o worship_n or_o religious_a service_n which_o god_n have_v not_o give_v grant_v or_o command_v it_o be_v a_o breach_n of_o his_o law_n and_o covenant_n his_o law_n be_v so_o perfect_a that_o not_o only_o what_o he_o have_v forbid_v be_v sin_n but_o what_o he_o have_v not_o command_v in_o religious_a service_n 3._o here_o be_v justify_v the_o punishment_n of_o that_o forsake_v of_o the_o lord_n covenant_n ver_fw-la 27_o 28_o 28_o verse_n 27_o 28_o 1_o in_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o it_o in_o that_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n kindle_v against_o the_o land_n shall_fw-mi 27_o be_v according_a to_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n the_o punishment_n of_o a_o land_n break_v covenant_n be_v only_o what_o it_o deserve_v and_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v threaten_v in_o the_o scripture_n 2_o in_o indicating_z and_o acknowledge_v the_o severity_n of_o it_o v._o 28._o how_o the_o lord_n root_v they_o out_o of_o their_o land_n in_o anger_n and_o in_o wrath_n and_o in_o great_a indignation_n etc._n etc._n hence_o it_o may_v be_v infer_v that_o if_o covenanter_n will_v not_o extirpate_v what_o pollute_v the_o land_n according_a to_o their_o engagement_n the_o lord_n will_v be_v provoke_v to_o extirpate_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n according_a to_o his_o word_n vi_o in_o the_o close_a vers_fw-la ult_n there_o be_v a_o conclusory_a corollary_n subjoin_v to_o all_o 29._o verse_n 29._o the_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o liad_n our_o god_n but_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v belong_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n for_o ever_o that_o we_o may_v do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o this_o law._n this_o may_v be_v take_v either_o abstract_o as_o a_o apothegm_n by_o itself_o or_o with_o relation_n to_o what_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n or_o to_o what_o precede_v in_o this_o sin_n and_o duty_n be_v here_o clear_o reveal_v and_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o exercise_n but_o event_n be_v secret_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n he_o have_v reveal_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o keep_v the_o word_n of_o this_o covenant_n and_o do_v they_o but_o who_o shall_v endure_v to_o the_o end_n so_o do_v be_v a_o secret_a know_v to_o himself_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n that_o he_o may_v establish_v we_o for_o a_o people_n unto_o himself_o but_o who_o shall_v get_v this_o privilege_n make_v good_a unto_o they_o without_o reversion_n or_o who_o shall_v turn_v away_o and_o have_v a_o root_n that_o bear_v gall_n and_o wormwood_n etc._n etc._n be_v a_o secret_a in_o the_o general_a it_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o keeper_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v have_v the_o blessing_n of_o it_o secure_v and_o the_o breaker_n shall_v have_v the_o curse_n ratify_v but_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v by_o name_n and_o surname_n be_v a_o secret_a belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n he_o have_v clear_o reveal_v that_o the_o great_a procure_a cause_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n be_v forsake_v the_o covenant_n but_o when_o he_o will_v inflict_v and_o execute_v this_o vengeance_n how_o and_o upon_o who_o and_o by_o who_o or_o what_o instrument_n or_o in_o what_o measure_n or_o how_o long_o these_o be_v secret_n again_o in_o the_o follow_a chap._n he_o have_v clear_o reveal_v when_o these_o threaten_n have_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v call_v they_o to_o mind_n even_o in_o captivity_n and_o shall_v return_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o shall_v obey_v his_o voice_n that_o then_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n will_v turn_v our_o captivity_n and_o will_v have_v compassion_n upon_o we_o etc._n etc._n but_o as_o for_o the_o season_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o know_v they_o act._n 1.7_o whither_o it_o shall_v be_v at_o this_o time_n in_o our_o day_n or_o afterward_o whether_o by_o these_o dispensation_n or_o instrument_n now_o make_v use_n of_o or_o other_o be_v secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n our_o god._n but_o to_o put_v a_o close_a to_o this_o introduction_n it_o be_v apparent_a from_o what_o be_v say_v there_o can_v be_v very_o few_o doubt_n or_o dark_a difficulty_n about_o national_a covenant_n but_o what_o may_v be_v resolve_v from_o this_o chapter_n and_o see_v to_o be_v not_o among_o the_o secret_n not_o to_o meddle_v with_o but_o among_o the_o thing_n reveal_v belong_v to_o we_o and_o our_o child_n particular_o these_o question_n here_o touch_v which_o have_v be_v strumble_a stone_n to_o many_o and_o topic_n of_o objection_n against_o our_o national_a covenant_n be_v in_o some_o measure_n clear_v which_o may_v here_o together_o
by_o a_o act_n of_o assembly_n july_n 20._o sess_n 19_o anno_fw-la 1649._o debar_v gross_a complyer_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o ordain_v that_o none_o of_o those_o who_o be_v debar_v shall_v be_v admit_v but_o such_o as_o after_o exact_a trial_n shall_v be_v find_v for_o some_o competent_a time_n before_o or_o after_o the_o offer_n of_o their_o repentance_n to_o have_v in_o their_o ordinary_a conversation_n give_v testimony_n of_o their_o dislike_n of_o these_o compliance_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v forget_v when_o the_o minister_n be_v enlarge_a on_o the_o sin_n of_o such_o as_o have_v voluntary_o give_v in_o the_o same_o to_o he_o with_o their_o name_n in_o write_n beforehand_o viz._n some_o that_o have_v go_v a_o great_a length_n in_o sinful_a and_o scandalous_a excess_n with_o that_o impostor_n john_n gibb_n and_o many_o other_o who_o have_v be_v involve_v in_o several_a sad_a defection_n in_o the_o late_a defile_n time_n as_o hear_v the_o curate_n pay_v the_o cess_n take_v the_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n etc._n etc._n offer_v and_o desire_v to_o make_v public_a acknowledgement_n before_o the_o congregation_n than_o in_o the_o field_n of_o these_o their_o public_a sin_n not_o only_o several_a other_o who_o have_v not_o give_v up_o their_o name_n rise_v up_o and_o open_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o several_a step_n of_o defection_n but_o also_o some_o declare_v their_o guilt_n of_o personal_a scandal_n till_o at_o length_n the_o minister_n be_v necessitate_v several_a time_n to_o crave_v forbearance_n the_o day_n be_v so_o far_o spend_v that_o after_o the_o covenant_n be_v swear_v the_o subscribe_v of_o they_o be_v hereby_o happy_o prevent_v until_o night_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n the_o great_a out_o cry_v be_v against_o the_o alteration_n and_o addition_n in_o this_o renovation_n of_o the_o covenant_n but_o as_o this_o objection_n be_v take_v off_o by_o what_o be_v say_v above_o on_o quest_n 4._o from_o verse_n 1._o so_o that_o renovation_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n in_o the_o year_n 1638_o with_o very_o large_a addition_n accommodate_v to_o the_o time_n be_v a_o precedent_n justify_v any_o alteration_n or_o addition_n in_o the_o covenant_n renew_v at_o lesmabego_n which_o be_v only_o in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o covenant_n that_o can_v suit_v the_o present_a time_n as_o be_v obvious_a from_o every_o alteration_n mark_v only_o in_o the_o margin_n without_o expunge_v the_o old_a word_n there_o be_v indeed_o many_o addition_n in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n which_o also_o be_v then_o solemn_o renew_v because_o these_o late_a unhappy_a time_n of_o defection_n have_v produce_v many_o other_o sin_n than_o can_v be_v confess_v in_o that_o acknowledgement_n anno_fw-la 1649._o but_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o former_a be_v retain_v in_o a_o large_a character_n and_o the_o addition_n subjoin_v in_o a_o lesser_a character_n for_o distinction_n the_o same_o be_v do_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n in_o the_o engagement_n to_o duty_n annex_v in_o the_o former_a the_o sin_n of_o the_o time_n be_v acknowledge_v impartial_o without_o conceal_v any_o of_o their_o own_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v light_a no_o more_o than_o the_o sin_n of_o any_o other_o party_n in_o the_o latter_a the_o duty_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v particular_o and_o plain_o engage_v into_o according_a to_o their_o conscience_n of_o they_o even_o those_o that_o be_v or_o have_v be_v controvert_v that_o if_o other_o may_v not_o hereby_o be_v excite_v to_o consider_v they_o yet_o themselves_o may_v come_v to_o and_o entertain_v a_o determine_a sense_n of_o they_o and_o not_o halt_v between_o two_o opinion_n and_o to_o the_o end_n the_o material_a and_o moral_a obligation_n of_o the_o covenant_n may_v be_v consider_v and_o discover_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o duty_n thereof_o be_v antecedent_o command_v and_o the_o sin_n thereof_o antecedent_o forbid_v tho'_o there_o have_v be_v no_o superadded_a covenant_n therefore_o in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v there_o repeat_v the_o scripture_n confirm_v every_o article_n and_o clause_n thereof_o be_v annex_v final_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v most_o common_o insist_v on_o and_o seem_v to_o have_v most_o weight_n be_v that_o tho'_o it_o be_v tolerable_a to_o renew_v the_o national_a covenant_n yet_o for_o a_o party_n in_o scotland_n to_o renew_v the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n with_o england_n be_v folly_n and_o presumption_n without_o their_o concurrence_n and_o consent_n a_o league_n without_o colleague_n be_v absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a ans_fw-fr this_o indeed_o be_v a_o very_a thorny_a point_n if_o it_o be_v plead_v or_o pretend_v that_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n be_v or_o be_v to_o be_v renew_a either_o by_o a_o party_n or_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scotland_n in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n under_o the_o same_o and_o adequate_a formality_n consideration_n and_o extent_n of_o association_n and_o confederation_n with_o england_n or_o ireland_n as_o it_o be_v at_o its_o first_o frame_v that_o be_v as_o a_o league_n offensive_a and_o defensive_a with_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o these_o kingdom_n and_o the_o nobleman_n baron_n knight_n gentleman_n citizens_z burgess_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o commons_o of_o all_o sort_n in_o scotland_n england_n and_o ireland_n for_o that_o will_v involve_v in_o a_o association_n with_o the_o prelatical_a and_o malignant_a party_n in_o regard_n of_o which_o as_o the_o case_n now_o stand_v it_o be_v very_o hard_o to_o renew_v that_o league_n for_o religion_n between_o these_o nation_n albeit_o their_o concurrence_n and_o consent_n be_v obtain_v for_o fear_v of_o a_o sinful_a association_n so_o much_o condemn_v in_o scripture_n except_o they_o be_v more_o reform_v and_o better_o dispose_v for_o reformation_n and_o except_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v reform_v in_o both_o be_v more_o particular_o express_v with_o accommodation_n to_o the_o several_a câ—rruptions_n of_o these_o time_n that_o be_v not_o know_v and_o can_v not_o be_v foresee_v at_o the_o first_o make_v of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n but_o it_o be_v not_o absurd_a that_o the_o whole_a nation_n or_o even_o a_o party_n in_o it_o renew_v that_o holy_a engagement_n as_o it_o be_v a_o covenant_n with_o god_n wherein_o he_o be_v respect_v not_o only_o as_o witness_v but_o party_n contract_n or_o with_o who_o they_o contract_v and_o to_o who_o they_o vow_v obedienee_n wherein_o also_o they_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o nothing_o either_o with_o reference_n to_o god_n or_o man_n or_o those_o that_o sometime_o be_v colleague_n now_o break_v off_o from_o the_o league_n but_o what_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o antecedent_o if_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o such_o covenant_n or_o league_n or_o colleague_n and_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o league_n or_o association_n it_o be_v renew_a not_o in_o the_o same_o extent_n as_o former_o but_o only_o with_o those_o that_o do_v then_o renew_v it_o or_o with_o all_o that_o own_o it_o in_o scotland_n england_n or_o ireland_n upon_o this_o consideration_n these_o word_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n express_v the_o several_a rank_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o covenanter_n be_v not_o read_v at_o the_o renew_n of_o it_o at_o lesmabego_n because_o they_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v under_o a_o league_n with_o none_o but_o such_o as_o own_v the_o covenant_v reformation_n nor_o be_v it_o altogether_o unprecedented_a that_o a_o nation_n renew_v the_o covenant_n from_o which_o their_o colleague_n have_v recede_v the_o renovation_n of_o it_o in_o scotland_n anno_fw-la 1649._o be_v after_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o england_n do_v resile_a from_o their_o engagement_n tho'_o some_o do_v then_o as_o to_o this_o day_n a_o few_o do_v adhere_v to_o they_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n be_v once_o in_o covenant_n together_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o godly_a in_o judah_n to_o renew_v it_o in_o the_o day_n of_o asa_n hezekiah_n josiah_n nor_o do_v it_o preclude_v a_o small_a party_n of_o ephraim_n manasseh_n etc._n etc._n to_o take_v part_n in_o it_o 2_o chron._n 15.9_o 12._o but_o tho'_o there_o may_v be_v some_o informality_n or_o inconveniency_n in_o keep_v the_o old_a form_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n with_o such_o alteration_n only_o annoted_a on_o the_o margin_n as_o may_v make_v it_o accommodable_a to_o the_o present_a time_n and_o perhaps_o it_o have_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o frame_v it_o altogether_o in_o a_o new_a form_n if_o the_o representative_n of_o church_n and_o state_n have_v concur_v yet_o that_o party_n at_o lesmahego_n not_o dare_v to_o take_v so_o much_o upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o adhere_v to_o both_o matter_n and_o
government_n which_o as_o it_o be_v primar_o understand_v so_o still_o we_o own_v to_o be_v only_o presbyterial_a directory_n for_o worship_n and_o catechise_n according_a to_o scripture_n isa_n 19.18_o jer._n 32.39_o zech._n 14.9_o act._n 2.46_o 1_o cor._n 7.17_o phil._n 3.16_o gal._n 6.16_o yet_o as_o our_o father_n have_v reason_n to_o complain_v that_o the_o profane_a loose_a and_o insolent_a carriage_n of_o many_o in_o their_o army_n who_o go_v to_o the_o assistance_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o england_n and_o the_o tampering_n and_o unstraight_a deal_n of_o some_o commissioner_n and_o other_o of_o our_o nation_n in_o london_n the_o isle_n of_o wight_n and_o other_o place_n of_o that_o kingdom_n have_v prove_v great_a let_n to_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n and_o settle_v of_o kirk_n government_n there_o whereby_o error_n and_o schism_n in_o that_o land_n have_v be_v increase_v and_o sectary_n harden_v in_o their_o way_n so_o much_o more_o in_o our_o day_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o confess_v the_o offensive_a carriage_n and_o conversation_n of_o many_o that_o have_v go_v to_o england_n who_o have_v prove_v very_o stumble_v to_o the_o sectarian_n there_o and_o also_o the_o tampering_n of_o other_o in_o patch_v up_o a_o union_n and_o communion_n with_o they_o without_o a_o testimony_n against_o their_o way_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o have_v have_v little_a zeal_n in_o our_o endeavour_n after_o such_o a_o uniformity_n little_o pray_v for_o it_o and_o little_a mourning_n for_o the_o obstruction_n of_o it_o yea_o of_o late_a many_o have_v embrace_v a_o toleration_n introductive_a of_o a_o sectarian_n multiformity_n of_o religion_n without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o testimony_n against_o the_o toleration_n of_o popery_n itself_o in_o the_o ii_o article_n we_o be_v bind_v without_o respect_n of_o person_n to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n conform_v to_o the_o national_a covenant_n where_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o kind_n of_o papistry_n in_o general_a and_o particular_a head_n even_o as_o they_o be_v now_o damn_v and_o confute_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n likeas_n many_o act_n of_o parliament_n not_o only_o in_o general_n do_v abrogate_v all_o law_n statute_n and_o constitution_n make_v in_o prejudice_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o professor_n thereof_o or_o of_o the_o true_a kirk_n discipline_n jurisdiction_n and_o freedom_n thereof_o or_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o popish_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n but_o in_o special_a do_v constitute_v enact_v ratify_v and_o approve_v many_o penal_a statute_n against_o papist_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o divine_a precept_n and_o other_o scripture_n exod._n 23.32_o 33._o exod._n 34.12_o 13._o deut._n 13._o throughout_o judg._n 2.2_o zech._n 13.2.3_o 1_o tim._n 4.1_o 2_o 3._o 2_o thess_n 2.3.12_o rev._n 17.5_o 16._o rov_n 18.4_o 5_o 6._o yet_o alas_o we_o have_v be_v so_o defective_a in_o this_o that_o upon_o the_o contrate_n the_o land_n have_v be_v pollute_v again_o with_o idolatrous_a mass_n altar_n and_o other_o monument_n have_v be_v suffer_v to_o be_v again_o erect_v penal_a statute_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v execute_v against_o papist_n that_o they_o have_v be_v by_o arbitrary_a and_o absolute_a power_n stop_v suspend_v and_o disable_v by_o the_o toleration_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v and_o in_o its_o design_n intend_v to_o introduce_v popery_n and_o slavery_n yet_o this_o have_v be_v accept_v and_o address_v for_o by_o many_o minister_n and_o countenance_v comply_v and_o concur_v with_o by_o many_o people_n without_o a_o testimony_n or_o endeavour_v to_o withstand_v it_o yea_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o government_n &_o great_a office_n of_o power_n and_o trust_n have_v be_v commit_v to_o &_o permit_v to_o abide_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o papist_n and_o the_o head_n of_o they_o &_o great_a pillar_n &_o promoter_n of_o popery_n james_n the_o seven_o have_v be_v own_v as_o king_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n which_o incapacitate_v he_o and_o covenant_n obligation_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n to_o extirpate_v papist_n and_o all_o of_o we_o have_v have_v too_o little_a zeal_n or_o indignation_n against_o or_o fear_v of_o the_o manifest_a appearance_n of_o the_o come_n in_o of_o popery_n and_o intend_a establishment_n of_o it_o in_o the_o land_n and_o little_a serious_a wrestle_a for_o the_o ruin_n and_o fall_v of_o babylon_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n will_v divide_v and_o overturn_v the_o builder_n and_o supporter_n thereof_o many_o on_o the_o contrary_a have_v pray_v for_o blessing_n to_o the_o person_n and_o government_n of_o a_o papist_n on_o the_o throne_n the_o chief_a supporter_n of_o it_o in_o these_o land_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o prelacy_n that_o be_v church_n government_n by_o archbishop_n bishop_n their_o chancellor_n and_o commissary_n dean_n dean_n &_o chapter_n arch_a deacons_n and_o all_o other_o ecclesiastical_a officer_n depend_v on_o that_o hierarchy_n as_o in_o the_o national_a covenant_n to_o abhor_v and_o detest_v the_o antichristian_a wicked_a hierarchy_n and_o to_o forbear_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o novation_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o public_a government_n of_o the_o kirk_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o article_n of_o the_o foresaid_a confession_n to_o the_o intention_n &_o meaning_n of_o the_o bless_a reformer_n of_o religion_n in_o this_o land_n and_o to_o act_n of_o parliament_n insert_v there_o and_o sensible_o tend_v to_o the_o re-establish_a of_o the_o popish_a religion_n and_o tyranny_n &_o to_o the_o subversion_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o true_a reform_a religion_n &_o of_o our_o liberty_n law_n &_o estate_n which_o article_n concern_v prelacy_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o general_n assembly_n be_v determine_v and_o declare_v unlawful_a as_o be_v clear_o condemn_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god._n math._n 20.25.26_o luk._n 22.25_o 26._o act._n 20.17.28_o 1_o pet._n 5.3_o 3_o joh._n 9_o yet_o we_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o pay_v these_o our_o vow_n that_o prelacy_n have_v be_v by_o wicked_a law_n establish_v and_o in_o stead_n of_o extirpation_n have_v be_v submit_v unto_o and_o comply_v with_o by_o we_o and_o in_o evidence_n thereof_o as_o it_o be_v require_v by_o wicked_a and_o arbitrary_a law_n we_o hear_v and_o receive_v ordinance_n dispense_v by_o the_o intrude_a curate_n and_o pay_v they_o stipend_n and_o emolument_n exact_v for_o uphold_v that_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o extirpate_v and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o many_o do_v bind_v and_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o subscription_n promise_v or_o oath_n to_o be_v ordinary_a church-member_n of_o the_o prelatical_a church_n and_o all_o of_o we_o even_o tho'_o we_o do_v stand_v at_o a_o distance_n from_o and_o witness_v against_o that_o faction_n yet_o we_o become_v very_o remiss_a in_o our_o zeal_n and_o flack_a in_o our_o prayer_n against_o prelacy_n instead_o of_o endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v superstition_n and_o heresy_n as_o we_o be_v bind_v by_o the_o same_o article_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o by_o the_o national_a covenant_n to_o detest_v all_o superstition_n and_o heresy_n without_o or_o against_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o doctrine_n of_o this_o reform_a kirk_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n deut._n 12.30_o 31_o 32._o act._n 17.22_o gal._n 4.10_o gal._n 5.20_o col_fw-fr 2.20_o 21_o 23._o tit._n 3.10_o yet_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o these_o time_n many_o dregs_o of_o popish_a superstition_n have_v be_v observe_v many_o omen_n and_o freet_n too_o much_o look_v to_o popish_a festival-daye_n as_o pasch_fw-mi yule_n fastens-even_a etc._n etc._n have_v be_v keep_v by_o many_o and_o prelatical_a anniversary-daye_n and_o festivity_n devise_v of_o their_o own_o heart_n appoint_v for_o commemorate_n the_o king_n birthday_n as_o may_v 29._o and_o october_n 14._o etc._n etc._n who_o be_v bear_v as_o a_o scourge_n to_o this_o realm_n have_v be_v comply_v with_o by_o many_o yes_o some_o have_v superstitious_o make_v use_v of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o fortune-book_n look_v to_o that_o which_o be_v first_o cast_v up_o to_o they_o or_o to_o impression_n bear_v in_o upon_o their_o mind_n from_o such_o and_o such_o part_n of_o scripture_n as_o divine_a response_n wâ—th_v out_o a_o due_a search_n of_o they_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v command_v and_o many_o waver_a and_o unstable_a have_v be_v seduce_v into_o damnable_a and_o pernicious_a heresy_n as_o quaker_n and_o delirious_a delusion_n of_o such_o as_o follow_v john_n gibb_n all_o which_o have_v be_v breach_n of_o covenant_n as_o well_o as_o divine_a command_n yet_o heresy_n of_o all_o kind_n have_v be_v tolerate_v yea_o encourage_v in_o our_o day_n without_o a_o witness_n against_o they_o from_o many_o moreover_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o our_o covenant_n to_o oppose_v &_o extirpate_v schism_n on_o the_o
mutual_a bear_n of_o one_o another_o burden_n as_o become_v covenant_v brethren_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n in_o stead_n of_o union_n in_o truth_n and_o duty_n according_a to_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o confederacy_n have_v be_v study_v in_o defection_n from_o the_o covenant_n and_o a_o union_n and_o peace_n which_o want_v the_o foundation_n lay_v down_o in_o the_o forego_n article_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o wit_n uniformity_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n against_o popery_n prelacy_n schism_n or_o sectarianism_n for_o our_o religion_n law_n and_o liberty_n and_o the_o discover_v suppress_v and_o punish_v the_o enemy_n of_o these_o interest_n such_o a_o union_n have_v not_o be_v study_v or_o seek_v but_o on_o the_o contrare_fw-la a_o union_n against_o the_o reformation_n and_o uniformity_n for_o prelacy_n or_o sectarian_n multiformity_n by_o maintain_v tyranny_n and_o strengthen_v malignancy_n in_o the_o 6_o article_n we_o be_v bind_v according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n in_o this_o common_a cause_n of_o religion_n liberty_n and_o peace_n to_o assist_v and_o defend_v all_o those_o that_o enter_v into_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n in_o the_o maintain_n thereof_o and_o in_o the_o national_a covenant_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o stand_v to_o the_o mutual_a defence_n and_o assistance_n every_o one_o of_o we_o of_o another_o in_o the_o same_o cause_n with_o our_o best_a counsel_n our_o body_n mean_n and_o whole_a power_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n what_o soever_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o the_o least_o of_o we_o for_o that_o cause_n shall_v be_v take_v as_o do_v to_o we_o all_o in_o general_n and_o to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a a_o duty_n very_o clear_a in_o the_o scripture_n judg._n 5.23_o 1_o chron._n 12.1_o 18._o nehem._n 4.14_o prov._n 24.11.12_o but_o alas_o little_a conscience_n have_v be_v make_v of_o this_o duty_n we_o have_v suffer_v many_o of_o out_o brethren_n in_o several_a part_n of_o the_o land_n to_o be_v oppress_v of_o the_o common_a enemy_n without_o compassion_n or_o relief_n there_o have_v be_v great_a murmur_a and_o repine_v because_o of_o expense_n of_o mean_n and_o pain_n in_o do_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o many_o have_v swear_v and_o subscribe_v oath_n and_o bond_n engage_v against_o such_o assistance_n very_o direct_o and_o to_o condemn_v all_o such_o endeavour_n to_o assist_v defend_v or_o rescue_v they_o as_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o assist_v their_o murder_a malignant_a enemy_n by_o such_o concurrence_n as_o they_o require_v yea_o many_o instead_o of_o come_v out_o to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o mighty_a and_o defend_v their_o brethren_n have_v come_v out_o to_o the_o help_n of_o the_o mighty_a against_o the_o lord_n his_o cause_n covenant_n and_o oppress_a people_n concur_v in_o arm_n against_o they_o at_o all_o the_o appearance_n that_o have_v be_v astayed_a for_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n appear_v at_o court_n hold_v for_o inform_v against_o and_o condemn_v their_o brethren_n that_o be_v present_a at_o or_o concern_v in_o such_o appearance_n for_o the_o covenant_v cause_n and_o come_v in_o as_o witness_n against_o they_o sit_v in_o assize_n for_o condemn_v they_o and_o guard_v they_o to_o their_o execution_n when_o martyr_a for_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n many_o again_o have_v deny_v to_o reset_v harbour_n and_o entertain_v their_o brethren_n persecute_v for_o maintain_v the_o covenant_v reformation_n and_o some_o have_v raise_v the_o hue_n and_o cry_n after_o they_o thereby_o occasion_v and_o assist_v in_o the_o cruel_a murder_n of_o several_a faithful_a brethren_n the_o most_o part_n have_v own_v the_o great_a murderer_n who_o authorize_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o enact_v all_o these_o murder_n and_o assist_v he_o and_o his_o complice_n and_o executioner_n of_o his_o murder_a mandate_n with_o their_o purse_n and_o estate_n in_o pay_v the_o supply_n profess_o demand_v and_o declare_o impose_v for_o enable_v they_o to_o accomplish_v these_o mischief_n yea_o many_o of_o our_o brethren_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o assist_v that_o they_o have_v add_v affliction_n to_o their_o afflict_a brethren_n by_o their_o reproach_n and_o persecute_v by_o the_o tongue_n who_o the_o lord_n have_v smite_v and_o talk_v to_o the_o grief_n of_o those_o who_o he_o have_v wound_v and_o as_o all_o sort_n of_o we_o have_v be_v want_v in_o our_o sympathy_n with_o and_o endeavour_v succour_n to_o our_o suffer_a brethren_n let_v be_v to_o deliver_v they_o from_o their_o enemy_n hand_n according_a to_o capacity_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o their_o judgement_n so_o we_o can_v forbear_v with_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n to_o confess_v that_o many_o minister_n have_v all_o alongst_o discover_v great_a unconcernedness_n with_o and_o contempt_n of_o poor_a despise_a and_o reproach_v sufferer_n condemn_v the_o head_n of_o their_o suffering_n forget_v or_o refuse_v to_o pray_v for_o they_o public_o and_o decline_v yea_o dissuade_v to_o contribute_v for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o banish_a of_o late_a which_o have_v be_v very_o discourage_v to_o the_o afflicted_a and_o stumble_v to_o many_o in_o the_o same_o article_n we_o be_v bind_v not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o direct_o or_o indirect_o by_o whatsoever_o combination_n or_o terror_n to_o be_v divide_v and_o withdraw_v from_o this_o bless_a union_n and_o conjunction_n whether_o to_o make_v defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n or_o to_o give_v ourselves_o unto_o a_o detestable_a indifferency_n or_o neutrality_n in_o this_o cause_n and_o in_o the_o national_a covenant_n that_o we_o shall_v neither_o direct_o nor_o indirect_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v divide_v or_o withdraw_v by_o whatsoever_o suggestion_n allurement_n or_o terror_n from_o this_o bless_a and_o loyal_a conjunction_n according_a to_o scripture_n warrant_n gen._n 13_o 8._o psal_n 133._o throughout_o zech._n 8.19_o heb._n 12_o 14._o 1_o cor._n 1.10_o eph._n 4_o 3._o phil._n 1.27_o and_o 2.1_o 2._o jer._n 9.3_o ezek._n 22.25_o 2_o tim._n 4.10_o hag._n 1.2_o phil_n 2.21_o rev._n 3.15_o 16._o but_o alas_o it_o be_v long_o since_o our_o father_n have_v reason_n to_o complain_v and_o confess_v that_o many_o in_o their_o day_n by_o persuasion_n or_o terror_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v divide_v and_o withdraw_v to_o make_v defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n many_o have_v turn_v off_o to_o a_o detestable_a indefferency_n and_o neutrality_n in_o this_o cause_n which_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o these_o kingdom_n nay_o many_o have_v make_v it_o their_o study_n to_o walk_v so_o as_o they_o may_v comply_v with_o all_o time_n and_o all_o the_o revolution_n thereof_o it_o be_v not_o their_o care_n to_o countenance_n encourage_v intrust_v and_o employ_v such_o only_a as_o from_o their_o heart_n do_v affect_v and_o mind_n god_n work_n but_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o many_o time_n have_v be_v discourage_v and_o their_o hand_n weaken_v their_o suffering_n neglect_v and_o themselves_o slight_v and_o many_o who_o have_v be_v once_o open_a enemy_n and_o always_o secret_a underminer_n countenance_v and_o employ_v nay_o even_o those_o who_o have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o incendiary_n and_o upon_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v set_v mark_n of_o desperate_a malignancy_n falsehood_n and_o deceit_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o fit_a to_o manage_v public_a affair_n all_o which_o sin_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n have_v now_o encreass_v to_o a_o great_a height_n of_o heinousness_n for_o in_o our_o day_n these_o incendiary_n desperate_a and_o ingrained_a malignant_n have_v only_o be_v employ_v in_o and_o admit_v to_o the_o management_n of_o affair_n in_o church_n and_o state_n and_o none_o but_o they_o have_v be_v account_v habile_fw-la by_o law_n and_o such_o division_n from_o this_o covenant_v conjunction_n and_o defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n have_v be_v enact_v and_o establish_v by_o law._n yea_o all_o the_o unhappy_a division_n that_o have_v be_v in_o our_o day_n have_v be_v the_o woeful_a consequent_n and_o effect_n of_o defection_n to_o the_o contrary_a part_n at_o the_o first_o erection_n of_o prelacy_n many_o both_o minister_n and_o professor_n partly_o by_o terror_n and_o partly_o by_o persuasion_n do_v withdraw_v from_o this_o covenant_v conjunction_n and_o make_v defection_n unto_o prelacy_n with_o which_o they_o combine_v in_o conform_v with_o it_o and_o submit_v unto_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o conform_v curate_n and_o afterward_o by_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n and_o the_o persuasion_n of_o their_o counsel_n and_o example_n many_o of_o we_o have_v be_v seduce_v into_o a_o combination_n with_o malignant_n in_o take_v oath_n and_o bond_n contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n thereby_o
one_o hand_n as_o well_o as_o defection_n on_o the_o other_o the_o scripture_n make_v this_o a_o great_a sin_n rom._n 16.17_o 1_o cor._n 11.18_o 1_o cor._n 12.25_o heb._n 12.25_o jud._n v._o 19_o yet_o as_o many_o by_o defection_n both_o in_o compliance_n with_o prelacy_n and_o erastianism_n have_v break_v the_o church_n beauty_n and_o band_n order_n and_o union_n in_o make_v a_o faction_n repugnant_a to_o her_o establish_a order_n and_o censurable_a by_o all_o her_o stand_a act_n in_o bring_v in_o novation_n in_o the_o government_n and_o make_v a_o rent_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o church_n by_o cause_v division_n and_o offence_n contrare_fw-la to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n have_v make_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o schism_n so_o other_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n have_v upon_o slender_a and_o insufficient_a ground_n separate_a both_o from_o other_o from_o mean_v such_o minister_n as_o be_v most_o faithful_a and_o zealous_a preach_v in_o the_o field_n and_o be_v not_o chargeable_a with_o defection_n and_o compliance_n with_o enemy_n from_o who_o some_o separate_a as_o john_n gibb_n and_o other_o minister_n from_o christian_a society_n and_o family_n because_o of_o difference_n in_o judgement_n in_o incident_a debate_n not_o necessary_a nor_o material_a nor_o wherein_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n be_v much_o concern_v or_o because_o of_o personal_a offence_n easy_o remove_v not_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o christ_n for_o remove_v they_o nor_o have_v respect_n to_o his_o great_a command_n of_o charity_n forbearance_n forgive_a one_o another_o or_o condescendency_n and_o between_o divide_a party_n which_o in_o our_o day_n have_v long_o be_v bite_v and_o devour_v one_o another_o there_o have_v be_v too_o much_o both_o of_o sinful_a union_n and_o confederacy_n in_o term_n ptejudicial_a to_o truth_n and_o duty_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o of_o sinful_a heat_n animosity_n jealousy_n pride_n passion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la on_o the_o other_o hand_n grieve_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o eat_v up_o the_o power_n and_o much_o hinder_v the_o holy_a practice_n and_o spiritual_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o too_o much_o also_o of_o sow_v discord_n among_o brethren_n and_o promote_a our_o contention_n by_o too_o credulous_a and_o sedulous_a take_v up_o &_o spread_a report_n and_o reproach_n one_o of_o another_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v we_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o endeavour_v the_o extirpation_n of_o profanness_n another_o evil_n engage_v against_o in_o the_o covenant_n and_o condemn_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deut._n 29_o 19_o job_n 21.14_o jer_n 23_o 15_o ezek_n 22_o 26._o hos_fw-la 4.1_o 2_o 3._o heb._n 12.15.16_o that_o profanity_n have_v be_v much_o wink_v at_o and_o profane_a person_n much_o countenance_v and_o many_o time_n employ_v until_o iniquity_n &_o ungodliness_n have_v go_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o land_n as_o a_o flood_n nay_o sufficient_a care_n have_v not_o be_v have_v to_o separate_v betwixt_o the_o precious_a and_o the_o vile_a by_o debar_v from_o the_o sacrament_n all_o ignorant_a and_o scandalous_a person_n according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o this_o kirk_n and_o hence_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o profanity_n beginning_n at_o the_o court_n and_o corrupt_a clergy_n and_o descend_v from_o they_o like_o a_o flood_n have_v overspread_v the_o whole_a land_n so_o that_o the_o great_a part_n by_o far_o may_v rather_o be_v call_v child_n of_o sodom_n then_o of_o a_o land_n solemn_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o so_o far_o have_v we_o be_v from_o root_a out_o whatsoever_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n lest_o we_o partake_v of_o other_o man_n sin_n and_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o receive_v of_o their_o plague_n that_o we_o have_v maintain_v much_o unsound_a doctrine_n in_o the_o argument_n which_o we_o use_v for_o defence_n of_o our_o course_n of_o compliance_n with_o prelacy_n and_o erastianâ—sm_n and_o walk_v willing_o after_o the_o commandment_n of_o man_n and_o those_o among_o other_o unsound_a notion_n have_v be_v entertain_v among_o we_o that_o lesser_a and_o circumstantial_a truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v suffer_v for_o that_o confession_n of_o these_o truth_n have_v not_o be_v call_v for_o in_o our_o day_n that_o people_n be_v not_o in_o hazard_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o especial_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n if_o they_o do_v not_o direct_o act_n the_o same_o sin_n themselves_o contrary_a to_o express_v and_o plain_a scripture_n 2_o sam._n 21.1_o 2_o sam._n 24.17_o 2_o king_n 21.11_o 12._o leu._n 10.6_o isai_n 43.27_o 28_o jer_n 14.15_o 16._o micah_n 3.11_o 12._o whence_o both_o minister_n and_o people_n have_v be_v involve_v in_o the_o sin_n of_o prelacy_n indulgence_n and_o toleration_n think_v these_o only_a the_o sin_n of_o prelate_n and_o of_o usurp_a ruler_n while_o they_o yield_v all_o the_o conformity_n with_o they_o submission_n to_o they_o and_o approbation_n of_o they_o that_o be_v require_v by_o wicked_a law_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o of_o we_o have_v rest_v too_o much_o in_o noncompliance_a with_o these_o and_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o neglect_v the_o power_n thereof_o in_o the_o three_o article_n whereas_o we_o be_v bind_v in_o our_o several_a vocation_n to_o endeavour_v with_o our_o estate_n and_o life_n mutual_o to_o preserve_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o kingdom_n mean_v true_a real_a and_o righteous_a privilege_n and_o liberty_n consonant_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deut._n 1.13_o deut._n 16.16_o isa_n 1.26_o like_a as_o all_o liedge_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n insert_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n to_o maintain_v the_o authority_n of_o parliament_n without_o which_o neither_o any_o law_n or_o lawful_a judicatory_n can_v be_v establish_v yet_o as_o our_o father_n sound_a reason_n to_o complain_v that_o neither_o have_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o parliament_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_a be_v due_o tender_v but_o some_o among_o they_o have_v labour_v to_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n a_o arbitrary_a and_o unlimited_a power_n destructive_a to_o both_o and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v be_v accessary_a to_o those_o mean_n and_o way_n whereby_o the_o freedom_n and_o privilege_n of_o parliament_n have_v be_v encroach_v upon_o and_o the_o subject_n oppress_v in_o their_o conscience_n person_n and_o estate_n so_o in_o our_o day_n since_o this_o long_a tract_n of_o tyranny_n begin_v they_o have_v have_v rather_o the_o name_n and_o show_v than_o the_o real_a power_n and_o privilege_n of_o lawful_a by_o constitute_v parliament_n since_o they_o advance_v the_o regal_a prerogative_n to_o such_o a_o boundless_a pitch_n of_o absoluteness_n be_v so_o corrupt_v that_o faithful_a man_n and_o honest_a and_o honourable_a patriot_n have_v be_v exclude_v and_o those_o admit_v for_o constituent_a member_n that_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n shall_v have_v be_v debar_v and_o so_o prelimited_a that_o the_o member_n behoove_v to_o take_v such_o oath_n for_o instance_n the_o declaration_n and_o test_n abjure_v and_o condemn_v the_o covenant_n as_o engage_v they_o to_o be_v perjure_v and_o conjure_v enemy_n both_o to_o our_o religion_n and_o liberty_n which_o be_v sinful_o comply_v with_o both_o by_o the_o elector_n of_o parliament-member_n and_o by_o the_o elect_v yet_o the_o body_n of_o the_o land_n do_v not_o make_v conscience_n of_o endeavour_v the_o recovery_n of_o these_o right_n and_o privilege_n so_o pervert_v and_o pollute_v whence_o nothing_o can_v flow_v from_o these_o fountain_n so_o poison_v but_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n and_o in_o stupid_a submission_n do_v own_o these_o for_o their_o representative_n who_o betray_v their_o liberty_n and_o make_v law_n to_o enslave_v the_o nation_n and_o entail_v slavery_n on_o the_o posterity_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o that_o disown_v they_o do_v not_o mind_v the_o duty_n of_o preserve_v these_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o supreme_a judicatories_n when_o inadvertent_o and_o unadvised_o we_o put_v in_o such_o expression_n and_o style_n in_o some_o of_o our_o declaration_n that_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o private_a person_n but_o to_o such_o judicatories_n again_o the_o subject_n liberty_n civil_a and_o religious_a both_o as_o man_n and_o as_o christian_n which_o the_o scripture_n allow_v we_o shall_v preserve_v 1_o sam_n 14_o 45_o act_v 22_o 25_o act_v 25_o 11_o 16_o 27._o gal_n 5_o 1._o have_v be_v miserable_o encroach_v on_o by_o arbitrary_a government_n whereby_o the_o subject_n have_v be_v oppress_v in_o their_o conscience_n person_n and_o estate_n by_o all_o the_o oath_n and_o bond_n press_v conformity_n wâ—th_v these_o corâ—uptions_n novation_n and_o usurpation_n in_o the_o government_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o persecution_n for_o recusancy_n and_o by_o imposition_n on_o the_o natural_a freedom_n of_o