they_o overrule_v in_o the_o year_n 1640._o the_o king_n and_o prelate_n vigorous_o arm_v again_o and_o prepare_v for_o a_o new_a war_n but_o this_o intend_a war_n be_v compose_v by_o a_o new_a pacification_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o parliament_n former_o adjourn_v until_o june_n 1640_o do_v conveen_v at_o the_o time_n appoint_v and_o by_o their_o four_o five_o and_o six_o act_n full_o establish_v presbyterial_a government_n ratify_v the_o covenant_n with_o the_o addition_n and_o explanation_n of_o the_o assembly_n and_o all_o act_n make_v thereanent_fw-la &_o abrogat_fw-la the_o estate_n of_o bishop_n and_o all_o act_n whatsoever_o make_v in_o their_o favour_n thereafter_o in_o the_o treaty_n ensue_v the_o pacification_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o the_o act_n pass_v in_o the_o last_o parliament_n with_o these_o to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o next_o session_n thereof_o shall_v be_v publish_v in_o the_o king_n name_n and_o have_v the_o strength_n of_o law_n in_o all_o time_n come_v which_o treaty_n be_v close_v and_o the_o last_o session_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a parliament_n sit_v in_o the_o month_n of_o june_n 1641._o the_o king_n in_o person_n be_v present_a among_o they_o and_o the_o oath_n of_o parliament_n for_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n in_o purity_n as_o then_o establish_v and_o of_o the_o king_n authority_n and_o the_o people_n liberty_n according_a to_o the_o covenant_n and_o for_o endeavour_v by_o all_o just_a and_o humble_a mean_n of_o union_n and_o peace_n betwixt_o the_o three_o kingdom_n appoint_v to_o be_v take_v by_o that_o &_o all_o succeed_a parliament_n be_v take_v by_o the_o second_o act_n thereof_o superscribe_v by_o the_o king_n and_o subscribe_v by_o the_o precedent_n the_o foresay_a treaty_n be_v ample_o and_o perpetual_o confirm_v and_o the_o whole_a article_n thereof_o be_v ratify_v and_o record_v thus_o by_o all_o the_o security_n that_o either_o sacred_a oath_n or_o act_n of_o lawful_a &_o authorize_v assembly_n ordinance_n of_o king_n and_o council_n double_v and_o reiterate_v pacification_n and_o treaty_n act_n of_o parliament_n enact_v &_o re-enacted_n the_o king_n authority_n and_o consent_n be_v often_o and_o solemn_o interpose_v both_o by_o promise_n and_o hand-writ_a and_o all_o that_o either_o religion_n truth_n faith_n honour_n or_o honesty_n can_v devise_v or_o grant_v these_o wicked_a prelate_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o this_o church_n and_o kingdom_n presbyterial_a government_n full_o establish_v the_o pure_a worship_n of_o god_n with_o his_o pure_a and_o powerful_a ordinance_n and_o ministry_n restore_v and_o in_o the_o maintenance_n and_o pursuance_n of_o all_o these_o great_a blessing_n the_o whole_a land_n by_o many_o oath_n &_o most_o solemn_a tie_n engage_v unto_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o by_o all_o which_o blessing_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v own_o ordinance_n among_o we_o as_o the_o work_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o many_o thousand_o be_v great_o advance_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o abound_a of_o true_a piety_n and_o flourish_a of_o righteousness_n do_v eminent_o shine_v among_o we_o as_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o time_n in_o all_o such_o as_o fear_n god_n and_o love_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v sweet_o testify_v so_o all_o these_o great_a thing_n be_v transact_v to_o the_o perpetual_a shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o all_o our_o calumnious_a adversary_n without_o any_o diminution_n of_o his_o majesty_n just_a authority_n and_o greatness_n as_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a in_o this_o land_n so_o the_o splendour_n and_o fame_n thereof_o reach_v unto_o other_o nation_n it_o please_v the_o lord_n thereby_o to_o provoke_v his_o people_n in_o england_n at_o that_o time_n grievous_o groan_v under_o the_o tyrannous_a yoke_n of_o prelacy_n and_o just_o alarm_v by_o the_o imminent_a fear_n of_o prevail_a popery_n to_o set_v about_o and_o intend_v the_o like_a bless_a reformation_n it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o reflect_v on_o the_o cause_n and_o beginning_n of_o that_o war_n betwixt_o the_o king_n and_o parliament_n there_o nor_o what_o be_v the_o transaction_n betwixt_o the_o two_o kingdom_n in_o order_n to_o that_o aid_n and_o assistance_n give_v by_o scotland_n and_o how_o the_o same_o be_v manage_v but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o upon_o the_o representation_n of_o the_o most_o just_a and_o important_a ground_n of_o the_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n and_o liberty_n against_o the_o prevail_a power_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n and_o tyranny_n in_o that_o kingdom_n of_o england_n and_o their_o most_o instant_a and_o earnest_a desire_n for_o our_o help_n and_o assistance_n and_o rhe_n most_o rational_a &_o clear_a motive_n of_o our_o own_o security_n the_o hazard_n and_o loss_n whereof_o have_v undoubted_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o prelate_n victory_n there_o this_o kingdom_n be_v induce_v in_o the_o year_n 1643._o to_o enter_v into_o that_o sacred_a bond_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n never_o to_o be_v forget_v contain_v no_o other_o article_n than_o every_o one_o sincere_a and_o constant_a endeavour_n in_o their_o several_a place_n &_o calling_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o this_o church_n in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n the_o reformation_n of_o the_o same_o in_o england_n and_o ireland_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 and_o the_o near_a conjunction_n and_o uniformity_n of_o all_o the_o three_o in_o truth_n faith_n and_o love_n the_o extirpation_n of_o popery_n prelacy_n error_n and_o profanity_n the_o preservation_n of_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o the_o king_n person_n and_o authority_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o kingdom_n be_v liberties_n the_o discovery_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o incendiary_n the_o retain_v of_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o mutual_a assistance_n and_o defence_n of_o all_o enter_n into_o this_o league_n and_o the_o perform_n of_o all_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n in_o the_o amendment_n of_o our_o life_n and_o in_o walk_v exemplar_o one_o before_o another_o and_o all_o these_o in_o order_n to_o no_o other_o end_n than_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o the_o true_a liberty_n safety_n and_o peace_n of_o the_o kingdom_n this_o be_v that_o covenant_n which_o in_o all_o the_o controversy_n it_o have_v occasion_v do_v never_o receive_v a_o great_a confirmation_n then_o from_o the_o malice_n and_o opposition_n of_o its_o adversary_n who_o in_o the_o same_o spirit_n &_o with_o the_o same_o spite_n have_v always_o persecute_v and_o reproach_v it_o with_o the_o same_o calumny_n of_o rebellion_n sedition_n and_o blood_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n the_o devil_n have_v ever_o be_v most_o active_a to_o raise_v and_o stir_v up_o against_o the_o lord_n jesus_n his_o gospel_n kingdom_n and_o follower_n but_o see_v such_o only_a as_o be_v bless_v do_v evite_v the_o offence_n of_o truth_n and_o all_o who_o true_o seek_v god_n glory_n or_o love_n the_o lord_n jesus_n do_v and_o still_o do_v hearty_o approve_v and_o embrace_v this_o covenant_n though_o it_o have_v bring_v the_o sword_n not_o only_o into_o britain_n but_o with_o the_o truth_n into_o all_o the_o earth_n though_o it_o be_v reproach_v as_o unfriend_v not_o only_o to_o our_o king_n but_o with_o our_o lord_n jesus_n to_o caesar_n and_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n though_o it_o have_v divide_v and_o disturb_v not_o only_a realm_n and_o state_n but_o with_o the_o gospel_n family_n and_o near_a relation_n and_o have_v with_o paul_n move_v sedition_n throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n we_o ought_v not_o thereby_o to_o be_v either_o shake_v or_o offend_v we_o know_v also_o that_o all_o the_o subtlety_n and_o malice_n of_o hell_n have_v be_v set_v on_o work_n and_o spare_v no_o calumny_n or_o cavillation_n by_o which_o either_o its_o word_n matter_n or_o manner_n may_v be_v impugn_a but_o these_o be_v so_o often_o and_o full_o answer_v and_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o man_n patrociny_n by_o the_o obvious_a plainness_n of_o its_o phrase_n the_o holiness_n &_o importance_n of_o its_o purpose_n and_o the_o justice_n and_o necessity_n of_o its_o way_n and_o manner_n so_o clear_o confute_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v only_o see_v the_o constancy_n of_o truth_n ought_v not_o to_o cede_fw-la to_o the_o confidence_n of_o prevail_a power_n as_o we_o have_v assert_v and_o do_v hold_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o holy_a just_a and_o true_a so_o we_o can_v but_o disprove_v
upon_o his_o royal_a posterity_n and_o to_o give_v unto_o they_o good_a and_o faithful_a counsellor_n holy_a and_o wise_a counsel_n and_o prosperous_a success_n to_o god_n glory_n and_o to_o the_o good_a and_o interest_n of_o his_o people_n and_o to_o their_o own_o honour_n and_o happiness_n 11._o i_o do_v here_o now_o submit_v and_o commit_v my_o soul_n and_o body_n wife_n and_o child_n and_o child_n child_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n for_o ever_o with_o all_o other_o his_o friend_n and_o follower_n all_o his_o do_v and_o suffer_v witness_v and_o sympathize_v one_o in_o the_o present_a and_o subsequent_a generation_n unto_o the_o lord_n choice_n mercy_n grace_n favour_n service_n employment_n impowerment_n enjoyment_n improvement_n and_o inheritment_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n in_o time_n and_o eternity_n all_o which_o suit_v with_o all_o other_o which_o he_o have_v at_o any_o time_n by_o his_o spirit_n move_v and_o assist_v i_o to_o make_v and_o put_v up_o according_a to_o his_o will_n i_o leave_v before_o and_o upon_o the_o father_n merciful_a bowel_n and_o the_o son_n mediate_a merit_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v compassionate_a groan_n for_o now_o and_o evermore_o amen_n the_o joint_a testimony_n of_o these_o who_o die_v together_o in_o edinburgh_n dec_n 7._o 1666._o subscribe_v by_o they_o in_o prison_n the_o same_o day_n of_o their_o death_n man_n and_o brethren_n this_o be_v a_o great_a and_o important_a work_n both_o for_o we_o who_o be_v now_o to_o render_v up_o our_o spirit_n to_o he_o that_o give_v they_o and_o for_o you_o who_o be_v not_o a_o little_a concern_v in_o the_o cause_n and_o in_o our_o blood_n by_o justify_v or_o condemn_v our_o sentence_n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o speak_v to_o you_o as_o die_v man_n who_o dare_v not_o dissemble_v with_o god_n or_o man_n nor_o flatter_v ourselves_o so_o you_o shall_v not_o be_v idle_a curious_a or_o unconcerned_a spectator_n we_o be_v condemn_v by_o man_n and_o esteem_v by_o many_o as_o rebel_n against_o the_o king_n who_o authority_n we_o acknowledge_v but_o this_o be_v our_o rejoice_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o conscience_n that_o we_o suffer_v not_o as_o evil_a doer_n but_o for_o righteousness_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o particular_o for_o our_o renew_v the_o covenant_n and_o in_o pursuance_n thereof_o for_o preserve_v and_o defend_v of_o ourselves_o by_o arm_n against_o the_o usurpation_n and_o insupportable_a tyranny_n of_o the_o prelate_n and_o against_o the_o most_o unchristian_a and_o inhuman_a oppression_n and_o persecution_n that_o ever_o be_v enjoin_v and_o practise_v by_o just_a ruler_n upon_o free_a innocent_a and_o peaceable_a subject_n the_o covenant_n and_o cause_n be_v so_o just_a in_o themselves_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o self-preservation_n and_o mutual_a defence_n in_o maintenance_n thereof_o be_v to_o judicious_a and_o unbiased_a man_n so_o clear_a we_o need_v to_o say_v the_o less_o for_o vindication_n of_o our_o practice_n only_o the_o law_n establish_v prelacy_n and_o the_o act_n order_n and_o proclamation_n make_v for_o compliance_n therewith_o be_v execute_v against_o we_o by_o military_a force_n and_o violence_n and_o we_o with_o other_o for_o our_o simple_a forbearance_n be_v fine_v confine_v imprison_v exile_v scourge_v stigmatise_v beat_v bind_v as_o beast_n and_o drive_v unto_o the_o mountain_n for_o our_o life_n and_o thereby_o hundred_o of_o family_n be_v beggar_v several_a parish_n and_o some_o whole_a countryside_n exceed_o impoverish_v and_o all_o this_o either_o arbitrary_o and_o without_o any_o law_n or_o respect_n have_v to_o guilt_n or_o innocency_n or_o unjust_o contrary_a to_o all_o conscience_n justice_n and_o reason_n though_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o iniquous_a law_n and_o without_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o penalty_n specify_v in_o the_o law_n and_o all_o remonstrate_v of_o grievance_n be_v they_o never_o so_o just_a and_o many_o and_o petition_n for_o redress_v be_v restrain_v by_o law_n condemn_v all_o former_a remonstrance_n and_o petition_n in_o the_o like_a case_n there_o be_v no_o other_o remedy_n leave_v to_o we_o but_o that_o last_o of_o necessary_a self-preservation_n and_o defence_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o nature_n warrant_v by_o the_o law_n or_o god_n scriptural_a instance_n and_o the_o consent_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o reform_a church_n and_o christian_a state_n abroad_o and_o of_o our_o own_o famous_a predecessor_n at_o home_n it_o can_v in_o reason_n or_o justice_n be_v repute_v a_o crime_n nor_o condemn_v as_o rebellion_n by_o any_o humane_a authority_n though_o we_o be_v not_o the_o first_o that_o have_v suffer_v for_o the_o cause_n or_o god_n within_o the_o land_n yet_o we_o be_v among_o the_o first_o that_o have_v be_v legal_o condemn_v and_o put_v to_o death_n express_o for_o take_v the_o covenant_n and_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ashamed_a thereof_o that_o we_o account_v it_o our_o honour_n to_o be_v reckon_v worthy_a to_o suffer_v for_o such_o a_o cause_n and_o can_v but_o bless_v the_o lord_n that_o we_o have_v such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n in_o this_o and_o other_o reform_a church_n go_v before_o we_o in_o the_o same_o duty_n for_o substance_n and_o in_o suffer_v therefore_o we_o can_v but_o regret_n if_o we_o can_v with_o tear_n oâ—_n blood_n the_o national_n and_o authorize_v backslide_v of_o the_o land_n by_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o covenant_n the_o overturning_a of_o the_o work_n of_o reformation_n the_o great_a desolation_n of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o smite_v of_o the_o shepherd_n and_o scatter_v of_o the_o flock_n the_o intrusion_n of_o so_o many_o mercenary_a hireling_n into_o the_o ministry_n who_o because_o of_o apostasy_n perjury_n ignorance_n and_o profanness_n can_v neither_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o god_n mouth_n to_o the_o people_n in_o preach_v nor_o employ_v as_o their_o mouth_n to_o he_o in_o prayer_n the_o abound_v of_o popery_n superstition_n and_o profanness_n by_o unheard-of_a oath_n blasphemy_n uncleannesss_n and_o drink_v even_o in_o some_o who_o office_n and_o place_n require_v they_o to_o be_v more_o exemplary_a and_o the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n by_o the_o rage_n of_o persecution_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v but_o disow_v all_o these_o abominable_a law_n course_n &_o practice_n &_o declare_v our_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o same_o &_o dissent_v therefrom_o protest_v before_o angel_n and_o man_n that_o we_o be_v not_o interpret_v as_o consenter_n thereto_o and_o beseech_v the_o hearer_n of_o prayer_n that_o we_o be_v not_o involve_v in_o the_o guilt_n thereof_o nor_o partake_v of_o the_o plague_n which_o follow_v thereupon_o as_o this_o land_n be_v happy_a above_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o purity_n and_o plenty_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o a_o form_n of_o church_n government_n more_o conform_a to_o the_o pattern_n in_o the_o scripture_n then_o in_o other_o of_o the_o reform_a church_n so_o we_o acknowledge_v his_o great_a goodness_n to_o we_o in_o special_a that_o give_v we_o our_o line_n in_o such_o pleasant_a place_n for_o we_o have_v such_o full_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n in_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n and_o have_v feel_v so_o much_o of_o the_o power_n and_o sweetness_n thereof_o that_o we_o do_v here_o declare_v our_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o and_o adherence_n to_o the_o same_o in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n according_a to_o the_o national_n covenant_n the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n the_o confession_n of_o faith_n catechism_n directory_n of_o worship_n and_o proposition_n for_o government_n account_v it_o our_o honour_n and_o happiness_n to_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o it_o to_o have_v live_v in_o communion_n with_o it_o and_o now_o to_o die_v through_o grace_n member_n witness_n and_o asserter_n thereof_o and_o further_o as_o christian_n and_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n in_o the_o fear_n and_o zeal_n of_o our_o god_n in_o love_n to_o our_o brethren_n in_o desire_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o for_o our_o own_o exoneration_n now_o when_o we_o take_v our_o leave_n of_o the_o world_n we_o do_v serious_o and_o in_o the_o bowel_n of_o christ_n supplicate_v warn_v exhort_v and_o obtest_v you_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o kingdom_n from_o the_o king_n to_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o subject_n according_a to_o your_o old_a principle_n profession_n promise_n declaration_n oath_n and_o covenant_n faithful_o to_o own_o maintain_v preserve_v and_o defend_v the_o say_a religion_n and_o after_o the_o example_n of_o our_o noble_a and_o renown_a ancestor_n to_o quit_v yourselves_o like_o man_n &_o christian_n in_o endeavour_v by_o all_o just_a mean_n according_a to_o your_o place_n and_o power_n to_o shake_v off_o this_o heavy_a
and_o inclination_n of_o person_n time_n and_o place_n or_o the_o pretend_a conveniency_n of_o civil_a policy_n as_o to_o leave_v doctrine_n and_o worship_n thus_o indifferent_a and_o arbitrary_o determinable_a and_o variable_a according_a to_o these_o crooked_a and_o changeable_a rule_n if_o church_n government_n must_v be_v indifferent_a and_o thus_o arbitrary_o determinable_a and_o ambulatory_a because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v not_o express_o affirm_v that_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v the_o only_a government_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o also_o express_o declare_v that_o it_o be_v unalterable_a to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o that_o the_o first_o institution_n and_o practice_n thereof_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n in_o the_o ministry_n never_o be_v nor_o shall_v be_v repeal_v why_o may_v not_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n or_o any_o other_o arrogate_a a_o power_n of_o institute_v or_o alter_a church_n government_n or_o officer_n by_o parity_n of_o reason_n make_v many_o other_o necessary_a and_o practical_a point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o more_o express_o declare_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v unalterable_a truth_n then_o presbyterial_a government_n be_v though_o all_o be_v evident_a enough_o to_o be_v also_o indifferent_a &_o arbitrary_o determinable_a &_o mutable_a &_o then_o farewell_n infant-baptisme_n woman_n receive_v of_o the_o lord_n supper_n &_o observation_n of_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o week_n for_o the_o christian_a sabbath_n yea_o farewell_o law_n &_o testimony_n &_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n whereunto_o we_o shall_v go_v &_o take_v heed_n &_o for_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n &_o practice_n welcome_o humane_a prudence_n state-policy_n corrupt_a &_o changeable_n disposition_n of_o man_n &_o pretend_a necessity_n or_o conveniency_n of_o state_n time_n &_o place_n yea_o welcome_o all_o doctrine_n &_o practice_n which_o though_o they_o be_v once_o positive_o prohibit_v can_v allege_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o express_o declare_v that_o they_o never_o be_v nor_o shall_v be_v repeal_v and_o where_o be_v we_o then_o in_o vain_a be_v the_o law_n in_o vain_a be_v the_o pen_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o every_o one_o without_o transgression_n may_v do_v what_o seem_v good_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n if_o only_o he_o can_v temporize_v and_o offeâ—d_v not_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n by_o violation_n of_o his_o arbitrary_a institution_n and_o law_n in_o church_n affair_n wherein_o he_o must_v be_v supreme_a o_o my_o soul_n come_v not_o into_o the_o secret_n of_o such_o latitudinarian_a or_o rather_o in_o this_o nullifidian_n adiaphorist_n we_o will_v not_o be_v here_o mistake_v as_o if_o we_o deny_v to_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n any_o power_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n allow_v unto_o he_o for_o as_o we_o assert_v his_o office_n to_o be_v a_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o person_n be_v lawful_o therewith_o vest_v to_o be_v signal_o impress_v with_o a_o special_a character_n of_o majestic_a authority_n wherefore_o in_o a_o due_a subordination_n to_o he_o who_o be_v lord_n over_o all_o he_o shall_v be_v subject_v to_o and_o obey_v so_o we_o cheerful_o grant_v that_o whereas_o the_o heathen_a magistrate_n because_o of_o his_o moral_a incapacity_n to_o exerce_fw-la more_o power_n about_o religion_n and_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n have_v only_o a_o power_n in_o actu_fw-la signaâ—o_fw-la and_o â—us_fw-la ad_fw-la rem_fw-la the_o christian_a magistrate_n have_v ius_n in_o re_fw-mi and_o in_o actu_fw-la exercito_fw-la may_n and_o shall_v by_o his_o law_n establish_v the_o true_a religion_n within_o his_o dominion_n and_o command_v his_o subject_n to_o make_v public_a profession_n thereof_o that_o by_o his_o civil_a sanction_n he_o may_v and_o shall_v ratify_v ecclesiastical_a sentence_n aggreeable_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o anent_o these_o he_o may_v and_o shall_v exercise_n a_o antecedent_n discretive_a judgement_n whereby_o he_o may_v not_o add_v a_o implicit_a approbation_n that_o for_o preach_v and_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o for_o nurse_v of_o piety_n and_o learning_n he_o may_v and_o shall_v provide_v necessary_a and_o convenient_a accommodation_n and_o encouragement_n as_o to_o person_n place_n and_o revenue_n that_o for_o his_o own_o information_n and_o advice_n he_o may_v call_v occasional_a meeting_n of_o church_n officer_n and_o other_o to_o confer_v and_o debate_v matter_n before_o he_o that_o pro_n râ—_n nata_fw-la he_o may_v convocate_v ecclesiastical_a synod_n to_o reason_n and_o conclude_v church_n affair_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n that_o for_o his_o own_o information_n and_o for_o prevent_v of_o outward_a force_n and_o inward_a confusion_n he_o may_v be_v present_a therein_o by_o himself_o or_o his_o delegate_n that_o by_o his_o power_n he_o may_v and_o shall_v defend_v and_o encourage_v the_o church_n in_o the_o free_a and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o all_o her_o intrinsical_a privilege_n and_o all_o the_o member_n thereof_o in_o the_o profession_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o same_o that_o by_o the_o same_o authority_n he_o may_v and_o shall_v repress_v error_n heresy_n superstition_n atheism_n blasphemy_n and_o profanness_n and_o punish_v the_o author_n and_o spreader_n thereof_o that_o in_o case_n of_o negligence_n he_o may_v command_v all_o and_o even_a minister_n to_o perform_v their_o respective_a duty_n in_o general_a as_o necessity_n require_v and_o that_o for_o civil_a transgression_n he_o may_v civil_o punish_v ecclesiastical_a person_n as_o well_o as_o other_o subject_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o righteous_a law_n of_o the_o land_n the_o zealous_a discharge_n of_o all_o which_o we_o will_v thankful_o acknowledge_v to_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o faithful_a performance_n of_o that_o gracious_a promise_n that_o king_n shall_v be_v the_o church_n nurse_v â—atheâ—s_n but_o if_o discontent_a herewith_o as_o if_o all_o this_o together_o with_o the_o weighty_a affair_n of_o the_o common_a wealth_n be_v too_o little_a work_n for_o his_o transcendent_a power_n and_o ability_n and_o as_o if_o jesus_n christ_n have_v no_o kingdom_n or_o government_n or_o these_o be_v not_o distinct_a from_o the_o kingdom_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o though_o thâ—y_o be_v as_o if_o he_o be_v equal_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o both_o he_o will_v needs_o arbitrary_o institut_n or_o alter_fw-la the_o species_n of_o church_n government_n authorize_v exauthorise_v or_o restrain_v church-officer_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o power_n of_o order_n or_o jurisdiction_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n as_o the_o parliament_n and_o council_n have_v prohibit_v some_o hundred_o the_o whole_a exercise_n of_o their_o ministry_n and_o the_o high_a commission_n which_o claim_v no_o power_n but_o what_o be_v sole_o and_o immediate_o derive_v from_o the_o king_n have_v deprive_v some_o from_o the_o office_n &_o interdict_v other_o the_o administration_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n if_o he_o will_v define_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o prescribe_v what_o head_n of_o doctrine_n minister_n shall_v treat_v or_o not_o treat_v of_o in_o their_o sermon_n as_o the_o king_n have_v do_v in_o his_o print_a letter_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o york_n and_o thereupon_o primary_o immediate_o and_o antecedent_o to_o any_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o pillar_n of_o truth_n and_o to_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v subject_a cognosce_fw-la and_o determine_v of_o minister_n doctrine_n when_o the_o church_n herself_o be_v willing_a and_o ready_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o criminal_o or_o capital_o punish_v they_o therefore_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n as_o several_a instance_n can_v be_v adduce_v against_o king_n and_o council_n in_o the_o series_n of_o our_o church_n if_o he_o will_v ordain_v particular_a church_n censure_v to_o to_o be_v execute_v against_o particular_a person_n for_o particular_a definite_a ecclesiastical_a allege_v offence_n leave_v nothing_o undo_v by_o himself_o in_o person_n but_o the_o execution_n of_o what_o he_o have_v appoint_v as_o the_o parliament_n have_v appoint_v suspension_n and_o deprivation_n of_o minister_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o bishop_n meeting_n and_o the_o king_n in_o his_o commission_n to_o the_o high_a commission_n have_v appoint_v excommunication_n whereas_o they_o may_v as_o well_o immediate_o suspend_v deprive_v and_o excommunicate_v themselves_o as_o appoint_v they_o to_o be_v execute_v in_o the_o manner_n specify_v in_o the_o say_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o commission_n if_o after_o the_o example_n of_o antichristian_a or_o pagan_a nation_n he_o will_v institut_n and_o enjoin_v needless_a vain_a superstitious_a significant_a and_o burdensome_a rit_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o most_o of_o the_o impose_v ceremony_n in_o the_o lyturgy_n can_v be_v instruct_v be_v if_o he_o will_v arrogate_v the_o sole_a power_n of_o convocate_a ecclesiastical_a synod_n which_o be_v a_o intrinsical_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n
consequent_n thereof_o be_v very_o observable_a which_o be_v thus_o mr_n sharp_n have_v former_o be_v intimate_o familiar_a with_o mr_n wood_n come_v to_o visit_v he_o under_o his_o sickness_n whereunto_o sharps_n apostasy_n have_v no_o small_a accession_n &_o thereafter_o do_v false_o spread_v a_o report_n by_o word_n &_o writ_n that_o mr_n wood_n have_v reseiled_a from_o presbyterial_a government_n whereof_o when_o mr_n wood_n be_v inform_v he_o be_v of_o new_a grievous_o affect_v and_o afflict_a and_o thereupon_o for_o his_o own_o vindication_n leave_v this_o testimony_n behind_o he_o but_o mr_n sharp_a find_v himself_o thereby_o make_v a_o publlck_n liar_n make_v lie_v still_o his_o refuge_n pursue_v mr_n wood_n be_v dead_a as_o well_o as_o alive_a with_o a_o new_a slander_n allege_v his_o testimony_n to_o be_v fictitious_a or_o extort_a from_o he_o when_o through_o distemper_n of_o his_o sickness_n he_o know_v not_o what_o he_o do_v and_o thereupon_o cause_v summon_v the_o witness_n the_o writter_n and_o some_o other_o person_n before_o the_o high_a commission_n but_o the_o contrary_a of_o this_o be_v and_o be_v most_o evident_a not_o only_o because_o this_o testimony_n be_v write_v and_o subscribe_v a_o considerable_a number_n of_o day_n before_o his_o death_n dure_v which_o interval_n as_o before_o he_o be_v so_o compose_v that_o he_o speak_v many_o gracious_a word_n about_o his_o own_o soul_n order_v his_o civil_a affair_n and_o a_o famous_a physician_n be_v not_o without_o hope_n of_o his_o recovery_n but_o also_o because_o hear_v that_o some_o of_o his_o faithful_a brethren_n &_o co-presbyter_n be_v in_o the_o town_n he_o send_v once_o &_o again_o for_o they_o and_o before_o they_o and_o some_o other_o minister_n at_o other_o time_n purge_v himself_o of_o that_o unjust_a imputation_n and_o do_v bear_v witness_n for_o presbyterial_a government_n more_o full_o &_o free_o then_o be_v in_o the_o write_a testimony_n &_o some_o time_n thereafter_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n do_v call_v for_o the_o writter_n &_o there_o be_v none_o other_o present_a in_o the_o chamber_n at_o the_o beginning_n do_v indite_v and_o cause_v he_o write_v the_o same_o as_o it_o now_o be_v without_o any_o alteration_n as_o also_o in_o a_o letter_n write_v some_o considerable_a time_n before_o invite_v mr_n carstair_n to_o come_v and_o visit_v he_o he_o have_v make_v mention_n of_o the_o backslide_n trial_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o time_n and_o express_v his_o desire_n to_o live_v that_o he_o may_v give_v a_o more_o free_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n notwithstanding_o all_o which_o mr_n sharp_n obstruct_v the_o read_n of_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o mr_n carstair_n to_o the_o chancellor_n contain_v and_o clear_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n persist_v with_o great_a attestation_n before_o the_o high_a commission_n in_o his_o former_a false_a allegiance_n and_o slander_v both_o of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o live_n and_o cause_v imprison_v the_o writer_n and_o one_o of_o the_o witness_n and_o force_v the_o other_o who_o for_o his_o eminent_a part_n holiness_n and_o faithfulness_n he_o most_o pursue_v to_o a_o retirement_n for_o his_o own_o safety_n what_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o thou_o o_o sharp_a or_o what_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o thou_o o_o false_a tongue_n sharp_a arrow_n of_o the_o mighty_a and_o coal_n of_o juniper_n the_o national_n covenant_n or_o the_o confession_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n subscribe_v at_o first_o by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o his_o household_n in_o the_o year_n 1580._o thereafter_o by_o person_n of_o all_o rank_n in_o the_o year_n 1581._o by_o ordinance_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o secret_a council_n and_o act_n of_o the_o general_a assembly_n subscribe_v again_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o the_o year_n 1590._o by_o a_o new_a ordinance_n of_o council_n at_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n with_o a_o general_n band_n for_o maintenance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n &_o the_o king_n person_n and_o now_o subscribe_v in_o the_o year_n 1638._o by_o we_o nobleman_n baron_n gentleman_n burgess_n minister_n and_o commons_o then_o under-subscribing_a together_o with_o our_o resolution_n and_o promise_n for_o the_o cause_n after_o specify_v to_o maintain_v the_o say_v true_a religion_n and_o the_o king_n majesty_n according_a to_o the_o confession_n foresay_a and_o act_n of_o parliament_n and_o now_o upon_o the_o supplication_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n to_o his_o majesty_n high_a commissioner_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n honourable_a privy_a council_n subscribe_v again_o in_o the_o year_n 1639._o by_o ordinance_n of_o council_n and_o act_n of_o general_n assembly_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o here_o follow_v we_o all_o and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o underwritten_a protest_v that_o after_o long_a and_o due_a examination_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n in_o matter_n of_o true_a &_o false_a religion_n we_o be_v now_o thorough_o resolve_v of_o the_o truth_n by_o the_o word_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o believe_v with_o our_o heart_n confess_v with_o our_o mouth_n subscribe_v with_o our_o hand_n and_o constant_o affirm_v before_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a word_n that_o this_o only_a be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n please_v god_n and_o bring_v salvation_n to_o man_n which_o now_o be_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o bless_a evangel_n and_o receive_v believe_v and_o defend_v by_o many_o and_o sundry_a notable_a kirk_n and_o realm_n but_o chief_o by_o the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n the_o king_n majesty_n and_o three_o estate_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o god_n eternal_a truth_n and_o only_a ground_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o more_o particular_o be_v express_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o our_o faith_n establish_v and_o public_o confirm_v by_o sundry_a act_n of_o parliament_n and_o now_o of_o a_o long_a time_n have_v be_v open_o profess_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o whole_a body_n of_o this_o realm_n both_o in_o burgh_n and_o land_n to_o the_o which_o confession_n and_o form_n of_o religion_n we_o willing_o agree_v in_o our_o conscience_n in_o all_o point_n as_o unto_o god_n undoubted_a truth_n and_o verity_n ground_v only_o upon_o his_o write_a word_n and_o therefore_o we_o abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o contrary_a religion_n and_o doctrine_n but_o chief_o 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 but_o in_o special_a we_o detest_v and_o refuse_v the_o usurp_a authority_n of_o that_o roman_a antichrist_n upon_o the_o scripture_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o kirk_n the_o civil_a magistrate_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n all_o his_o tyrannous_a law_n make_v upon_o indifferent_a thing_n against_o our_o christian_a liberty_n his_o erroneous_a doctrine_n against_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o write_a word_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n the_o office_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o bless_a evangel_n his_o corrupt_a doctrine_n concern_v original_a sin_n our_o natural_a inability_n and_o rebellion_n to_o god_n law_n our_o justification_n by_o faith_n only_o our_o imperfect_a sanctification_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n the_o nature_n number_n and_o use_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n his_o five_o bastard_n sacrament_n with_o all_o his_o rite_n ceremony_n and_o false_a doctrine_n add_v to_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o true_a sacrament_n without_o the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o cruel_a judgement_n against_o infant_n depart_v without_o the_o sacrament_n his_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o baptism_n his_o blasphemous_a opinion_n of_o transubstantiation_n or_o real_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o element_n and_o receive_v of_o the_o same_o by_o the_o wicked_a or_o body_n of_o man_n his_o dispensation_n with_o solemn_a oath_n perjury_n and_o degree_n of_o marriage_n forbid_v in_o the_o word_n his_o cruelty_n against_o the_o innocent_a divorce_v his_o devilish_a mass_n his_o blasphemous_a priesthood_n his_o profane_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o quick_a his_o canonization_n of_o man_n call_v upon_o angel_n or_o saint_n depart_v worship_v of_o imagery_n relic_n and_o cross_n dedicate_a of_o kirk_n altar_n day_n vow_n to_o creature_n his_o purgatory_n prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a pray_v or_o speak_v in_o a_o strange_a language_n with_o his_o procession_n and_o blasphemous_a litany_n and_o multitude_n of_o advocate_n or_o mediator_n his_o manifold_a order_n auricular_a confession_n his_o desperate_a and_o uncertain_a repentance_n his_o general_n and_o doubtsome_a faith_n his_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n for_o their_o sin_n his_o justification_n by_o work_n opus_fw-la operatum_fw-la work_v of_o supererogation_n merit_n pardon_n peregrination_n and_o station_n his_o holy_a water_n baptise_v of_o bell_n conjure_v of_o spirit_n cross_v sane_v
faithfulness_n of_o our_o god_n who_o have_v not_o only_o hithertil_a preserve_v a_o remnant_n even_o a_o holy_a seed_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o substance_n of_o our_o land_n but_o after_o this_o late_a sudden_a and_o astonish_a stroke_n of_o his_o holy_a indignation_n which_o seem_v to_o presage_v no_o less_o than_o the_o woeful_a overturning_a of_o this_o sink_a church_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o all_o darkness_n and_o the_o dreadful_a overthrow_n of_o this_o whole_a land_n and_o nation_n in_o the_o consummation_n of_o his_o fierce_a anger_n to_o have_v be_v pour_v out_o in_o our_o desolation_n have_v make_v light_a and_o salvation_n to_o arise_v and_o glory_n and_o praise_n to_o spring_v forth_o in_o make_v his_o grace_n more_o manifest_a and_o commend_v and_o assert_v his_o work_n and_o covenant_n more_o in_o the_o suffering_n and_o death_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o witness_n then_o in_o all_o the_o prosperity_n and_o victory_n which_o former_o he_o vouchsaved_a upon_o we_o o_o bless_a and_o exalt_v be_v his_o most_o holy_a name_n and_o abundant_a grace_n who_o for_o the_o wicked_a and_o momentany_a rejoice_v of_o our_o adversary_n have_v give_v to_o his_o people_n such_o sweet_a consolation_n and_o exuberant_a praise_n and_o from_o the_o depth_n of_o our_o present_a distress_n and_o amid_o the_o fear_n of_o so_o imminent_a and_o great_a judgement_n have_v in_o stead_n of_o a_o apology_n before_o the_o world_n put_v a_o song_n of_o salvation_n in_o our_o mouth_n that_o as_o well_o to_o testify_v for_o the_o lord_n against_o the_o backslider_n as_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o consolation_n of_o all_o who_o love_n and_o wait_v for_o his_o salvation_n we_o may_v call_v the_o heaven_n to_o hear_v and_o the_o earth_n to_o give_v ear_n that_o we_o may_v publish_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o ascrib_fw-la greatness_n to_o our_o god_n who_o work_n be_v perfect_a and_o all_o his_o way_n judgement_n a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n just_a and_o right_o be_v he._n we_o have_v corrupt_v ourselves_o our_o spot_n be_v not_o the_o spot_n of_o his_o child_n we_o be_v a_o perverse_a and_o crooked_a generation_n do_v we_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a yet_o be_v not_o he_o our_o father_n that_o have_v buy_v we_o have_v not_o he_o make_v we_o and_o establish_v we_o let_v we_o then_o remember_v the_o day_n of_o old_a when_o the_o most_o high_a do_v visit_v we_o and_o the_o lord_n become_v our_o god_n and_o we_o become_v his_o people_n and_o inheritance_n this_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o die_a withness_n this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o present_a dispensation_n we_o will_v therefore_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o the_o wondrous_a work_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o alone_o do_v work_v in_o our_o land_n we_o will_v also_o declare_v our_o manifold_a engagement_n and_o our_o most_o selemn_a and_o sacred_a covenant_n with_o and_o to_o our_o god_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v love_v kindness_n may_v be_v make_v know_v that_o the_o innocency_n strength_n and_o joy_n of_o his_o servant_n may_v appear_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o righteous_a judgement_n which_o be_v either_o already_o come_v upon_o we_o or_o which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o wickedness_n may_v stop_v its_o mouth_n and_o that_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n may_v be_v confound_v it_o be_v not_o here_o intend_v to_o resume_v these_o debate_n which_o as_o the_o adversary_n have_v former_o move_v and_o pertinacious_o maintain_v against_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o almost_o against_o every_o passage_n and_o transaction_n thereof_o so_o have_v the_o lover_n and_o owner_n of_o it_o abundant_o satisfy_v and_o the_o lord_n himself_o determine_v with_o that_o power_n and_o evidence_n that_o the_o conversion_n of_o some_o and_o conviction_n of_o almost_o all_o and_o even_o of_o its_o most_o desperate_a opposer_n be_v not_o the_o small_a part_n of_o its_o glory_n but_o see_v the_o party_n that_o now_o prevail_v have_v disdain_v that_o method_n and_o only_o by_o plain_a force_n and_o violence_n in_o the_o most_o gross_a and_o desperate_a rebellion_n blasphemy_n and_o perfidy_n against_o god_n and_o his_o cause_n and_o the_o high_a and_o most_o determine_a contempt_n and_o misreguard_n of_o all_o good_a conscience_n and_o sacred_a oath_n that_o ever_o the_o sun_n behold_v have_v carry_v on_o and_o advance_v this_o present_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n under_o which_o all_o the_o godly_a do_v mourn_v and_o the_o land_n perish_v we_o shall_v only_o here_o endeavour_v the_o sincere_a and_o candid_a representation_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o as_o they_o be_v once_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o joy_n of_o his_o people_n in_o this_o poor_a nation_n so_o be_v they_o now_o the_o testimony_n and_o triumph_n of_o his_o witness_n and_o the_o patience_n and_o hope_n of_o all_o his_o sufferer_n and_o may_v be_v the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o who_o shall_v hear_v of_o these_o late_a and_o present_a trouble_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n do_v exercise_v we_o and_o will_v undoubted_o in_o the_o end_n prove_v etiher_n the_o exaltation_n and_o praise_n or_o the_o desolation_n and_o perpetual_a confusion_n of_o backsliden_n scotland_n when_o scotland_n through_o the_o usurpation_n of_o the_o roman_a antichrist_n and_o the_o contagion_n of_o his_o abomination_n and_o through_o the_o pride_n lust_n and_o tyranny_n of_o prelacy_n the_o very_a root_n and_o strength_n of_o that_o kingdom_n of_o wickedness_n have_v fall_v into_o that_o gross_a and_o black_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o into_o these_o strong_a delusion_n wherewith_o the_o lord_n as_o he_o have_v threaten_v so_o have_v he_o ever_o infallible_o plague_v that_o antichristian_a course_n and_o for_o many_o hundred_o year_n have_v lie_v involve_v therein_o it_o please_v the_o lord_n in_o his_o wonderful_a mercy_n and_o free_a love_n to_o cause_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o everlasting_a gospel_n again_o to_o arise_v and_o shine_v forth_o among_o we_o which_o as_o it_o be_v ever_o best_a witness_v by_o its_o own_o power_n and_o purity_n so_o through_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n alone_o even_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o very_a mean_a instrument_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o flame_n of_o fiery_a persecution_n and_o against_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n be_v this_o work_n advance_v and_o effectuate_v as_o the_o record_n of_o these_o time_n from_o 1494._o until_o about_o the_o year_n 1560._o do_v plain_o discover_v dure_v which_o period_n of_o time_n these_o thing_n be_v very_o observable_a first_o that_o where_o and_o when_o ever_o the_o light_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n do_v discover_v &_o testify_v against_o the_o corruption_n error_n idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o popery_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n it_o testify_v and_o declare_v that_o the_o pope_n usurp_a tyranny_n and_o the_o pride_n idleness_n and_o domination_n of_o the_o wicked_a prelate_n be_v chief_o the_o author_n and_o maintainer_n thereof_o second_o that_o such_o as_o the_o lord_n do_v from_o time_n to_o time_n call_v to_o and_o send_v forth_o for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n do_v walk_v therein_o with_o the_o same_o painfulness_n poverty_n simplicity_n humility_n and_o equality_n which_o the_o holy_a command_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v so_o constant_o commend_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o so_o far_o as_o this_o point_n can_v fall_v under_o the_o enquiry_n of_o these_o time_n it_o be_v clear_o hold_v out_o that_o they_o acknowledge_v no_o officer_n in_o god_n house_n superior_a to_o a_o preach_a minister_n and_o according_a to_o the_o standard_n of_o this_o office_n do_v they_o try_v reject_v and_o crave_v the_o reformation_n of_o exorbitant_a prelacy_n as_o the_o examination_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o these_o day_n do_v witness_v three_o that_o as_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o his_o bless_a truth_n and_o the_o precept_n promise_v and_o presence_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n chirst_n do_v enable_v unto_o all_o patience_n with_o joy_n such_o as_o by_o the_o call_n of_o a_o clear_a and_o necessary_a providence_n the_o lord_n set_v forth_o to_o be_v his_o witness_n who_o for_o the_o love_n and_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n cheerful_o embrace_v the_o fire_n and_o faggott_n so_o when_o the_o lord_n do_v multiply_v the_o faithful_a to_o a_o reasonable_a capacity_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o resign_v themselves_o and_o abandon_v that_o first_o and_o most_o just_a privilege_n of_o self-defence_n to_o the_o arbitrament_n even_o of_o the_o lawful_a power_n and_o of_o that_o authority_n which_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o not_o only_o
own_v it_o and_o stand_v to_o it_o but_o do_v account_v themselves_o so_o much_o the_o more_o oblige_v to_o their_o own_o preservation_n and_o esteem_v the_o same_o so_o much_o the_o more_o endear_v to_o they_o that_o the_o seâ—ing_v forth_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o bless_a gospel_n and_o the_o propagation_n and_o continuance_n thereof_o seem_v so_o necessary_o to_o depend_v thereon_o which_o endeavour_n they_o do_v also_o further_o extend_v in_o the_o bowel_n and_o bond_n of_o brotherly_a affection_n in_o christ_n jesus_n unto_o the_o same_o duty_n of_o defence_n &_o assistence_n to_o all_o his_o member_n and_o in_o effect_n if_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o as_o when_o god_n call_v they_o to_o suffering_n they_o love_v not_o their_o life_n unto_o death_n that_o they_o may_v witness_v a_o good_a confession_n so_o when_o they_o attain_v to_o any_o probability_n of_o act_v they_o think_v themselves_o indispensible_o oblige_v upon_o their_o uttermost_a hazard_n to_o defend_v the_o gospel_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v and_o to_o suppress_v all_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n contrary_a thereto_o although_o the_o motive_n of_o self-defence_n have_v not_o be_v conjoin_v and_o it_o will_v also_o appear_v that_o the_o necessity_n of_o convocation_n and_o combination_n though_o not_o only_o without_o but_o even_o against_o authority_n yet_o be_v in_o order_n to_o such_o necessary_a and_o just_a end_n do_v suffirient_o warrant_v they_o before_o god_n and_o all_o man_n from_o the_o breach_n of_o any_o law_n or_o act_n then_o stand_v against_o the_o same_o wherewith_o they_o may_v have_v be_v charge_v for_o verification_n hereof_o though_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o reformation_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n yet_o let_v the_o instance_n of_o their_o first_o appearance_n be_v observe_v wherein_o both_o the_o motive_n actor_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n do_v more_o clear_o and_o beyond_o all_o cavillation_n hold_v out_o that_o only_o the_o love_n and_o zeal_n of_o god_n in_o the_o same_o spirit_n in_o which_o they_o have_v so_o constant_o suffer_v do_v stir_v they_o up_o from_o the_o pure_a and_o vive_a sense_n of_o their_o indispensible_a duty_n and_o certain_a privilege_n against_o all_o opposition_n whatsoever_o to_o own_o and_o set_v themselves_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o true_a minister_n thereof_o the_o passage_n be_v thus_o in_o or_o about_o the_o year_n 1555_o the_o queen_n by_o the_o instigation_n of_o the_o prelate_n perceave_v the_o increase_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o fear_v some_o inward_a distraction_n during_o the_o war_n then_o with_o england_n if_o she_o shall_v fall_v upon_o a_o more_o rigorous_a and_o general_a course_n do_v cause_v all_o the_o preacher_n to_o be_v summon_v whereupon_o the_o body_n and_o generality_n of_o the_o whole_a protestant_n resolve_v to_o keep_v the_o diet_n but_o the_o bishop_n apprehend_v the_o hazard_n do_v procure_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v command_v instant_o to_o the_o border_n nevertheless_o god_n have_v so_o provide_v that_o upon_o the_o same_o day_n the_o west-land_n quarter_n return_v from_o it_o which_o consist_v of_o many_o faithful_a man_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o understand_v the_o matter_n they_o repair_v to_o the_o queen_n and_o plain_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o prelate_n do_v charge_v they_o with_o the_o cruel_a device_n intend_v and_o certify_v she_o '_o of_o their_o resolution_n both_o to_o oppose_v it_o and_o defend_v their_o brethren_n to_o their_o uttermost_a and_o cease_v not_o until_o that_o she_o be_v move_v to_o discharge_v the_o citation_n thereafter_o in_o the_o year_n 1557._o they_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n of_o constant_a mutual_a defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n their_o minister_n and_o themselves_o against_o all_o their_o adversary_n in_o these_o word_n we_o perceive_v how_o satan_n in_o his_o member_n the_o antichrist_n of_o our_o time_n cruel_o do_v rage_n seek_v to_o overthrow_v and_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o congregation_n aught_o according_a to_o our_o bind_a duty_n to_o strive_v in_o our_o master_n cause_n even_o unto_o the_o death_n be_v certain_a of_o the_o victory_n in_o he_o the_o which_o our_o duty_n be_v well_o consider_v we_o do_v promise_n before_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o his_o congregation_n that_o we_o by_o his_o grace_n shall_v with_o all_o diligence_n continual_o apply_v our_o whole_a power_n substance_n and_o our_o very_a life_n to_o maintain_v set_v forward_o and_o establish_v the_o most_o bless_a word_n of_o god_n and_o his_o congregation_n and_o shall_v labour_v according_a to_o our_o power_n to_o have_v faithful_a minister_n true_o and_o pure_o to_o minister_v christ_n gospel_n and_o sacrament_n to_o his_o people_n we_o shall_v maintain_v they_o nourish_v they_o and_o defend_v they_o the_o whole_a congregation_n of_o christ_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o according_a to_o our_o whole_a power_n and_o wage_n of_o our_o life_n against_o satan_n and_o all_o wicked_a power_n that_o do_v intend_v tyranny_n or_o trouble_n against_o the_o foresay_a congregation_n unto_o the_o which_o holy_a word_n and_o congregation_n we_o de_fw-fr join_v we_o and_o so_o do_v forsake_v and_o renounce_v the_o congregation_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o the_o superstitious_a abomination_n and_o idolatry_n thereof_o and_o moreover_o shall_v declare_v ourselves_o manifest_a enemy_n thereto_o by_o this_o our_o faithful_a promise_n before_o god_n testify_v to_o this_o congregation_n by_o our_o subscription_n at_o these_o present_n at_o edinburgh_n the_o three_o day_n of_o december_n anno_fw-la 1557._o god_n call_v to_o witness_n like_o as_o in_o the_o year_n 1559._o be_v again_o necessitate_v to_o assemble_v for_o and_o stand_v to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o themselves_o at_o perth_n they_o renew_v and_o enlarge_v the_o same_o engagement_n according_a to_o the_o good_a hand_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o his_o servant_n in_o these_o word_n at_o perth_n the_o last_o day_n of_o may_n the_o year_n of_o god_n 1559._o year_n the_o congregation_n of_o the_o west_n country_n with_o the_o congregation_n of_o fife_n perth_n dundie_n angus_n mern_n and_o monross_n be_v convene_v in_o the_o town_n of_o perth_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o set_v forth_o of_o his_o glory_n understand_v nothing_o more_o necessary_a for_o the_o same_o then_o to_o keep_v a_o constant_a amity_n unity_n and_o fellowship_n together_o according_a as_o they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n be_v confederate_a and_o become_v bind_v and_o oblige_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n to_o concur_v &_o assist_v together_o in_o do_v all_o thing_n require_v of_o god_n in_o his_o scripture_n that_o may_v be_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o at_o their_o whole_a power_n to_o destroy_v and_o put_v away_o all_o thing_n that_o do_v dishonour_n to_o his_o name_n so_o that_o god_n may_v be_v true_o and_o pure_o worship_v and_o in_o case_n that_o any_o trouble_n be_v intend_v against_o the_o say_a congregation_n or_o any_o part_n or_o member_n thereof_o the_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v concur_v assist_v and_o conveen_v together_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o congregation_n or_o person_n trouble_v and_o shall_v not_o spare_v labour_n good_n substance_n body_n and_o life_n in_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o whole_a congregation_n and_o every_o member_n thereof_o against_o whatsoever_o person_n shall_v intend_v the_o say_a trouble_n for_o cause_n of_o religion_n or_o any_o other_o cause_n depend_v thereupon_o or_o lay_v to_o their_o charge_n under_o pretence_n thereof_o although_o it_o happen_v to_o be_v colour_v with_o any_o other_o outward_a cause_n and_o again_o in_o the_o month_n of_o august_n the_o same_o year_n after_o have_v sustain_v and_o valiant_o resist_v a_o second_o assault_n both_o of_o the_o wicked_a prelate_n and_o of_o their_o other_o violent_a adversary_n by_o a_o three_o band_n &_o oath_n they_o add_v a_o further_a caution_n to_o their_o former_a engagement_n to_o the_o effect_n that_o in_o so_o just_a and_o holy_a a_o cause_n they_o may_v never_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n be_v thereafter_o faint_v or_o divide_v and_o last_o in_o april_n anno_fw-la 15â—0_n they_o engage_v themselves_o in_o a_o four_o bond_n in_o these_o word_n we_o who_o name_n be_v underwritten_a have_v promise_v and_o oblige_v ourselves_o faithful_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o by_o these_o present_n do_v promise_n that_o we_o together_o in_o general_n and_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o special_a by_o himself_o with_o our_o body_n good_n and_o friend_n and_o all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v shall_v set_v forward_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n according_a to_o god_n word_n and_o procure_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a that_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n word_n my_o have_v free_a passage_n within_o this_o realm_n with_o
national_a &_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n to_o which_o he_o declare_v his_o cordial_a assent_n wish_v no_o long_a to_o live_v than_o he_o may_v see_v religion_n &_o this_o kingdom_n flourish_v in_o all_o happiness_n 2._o after_o a_o sermon_n most_o pertinent_o plain_o and_o powerful_o preach_v upon_o that_o 2_o king_n 11._o v_o 12_o &_o 17._o wherein_o among_o other_o thing_n the_o bind_a power_n &_o force_v of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o breach_n thereof_o be_v full_o represent_v the_o action_n commence_v with_o the_o king_n be_v most_o solemn_a renew_n of_o the_o national_a and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n which_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n the_o king_n kneel_v and_o lift_v up_o his_o right_a hand_n before_o the_o three_o estate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n and_o the_o whole_a people_n and_o congregation_n by_o his_o great_a oath_n in_o presence_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n he_o assure_v &_o declare_v his_o allowance_n of_o the_o national_a covenant_n &_o solenn_n league_n &_o covenant_n promise_v faithful_o to_o prosecute_v the_o end_n thereof_o and_o to_o establish_v the_o same_o with_o the_o presbyterial_a government_n and_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o dominion_n 3._o that_o have_v thus_o take_v the_o covenant_n the_o king_n be_v present_v to_o the_o people_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o have_v he_o for_o their_o king_n demand_v which_o they_o according_o declare_v 4._o that_o he_o do_v also_o swear_v and_o take_v the_o coronation-oath_n appoint_v and_o record_v parl._n 1_o jac._n 6._o cap._n 8._o to_o which_o both_o the_o covenant_n be_v most_o consonant_a promise_v by_o the_o eternal_a &_o almighty_a god_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v for_o ever_o to_o observe_v and_o keep_v the_o same_o 5._o that_o when_o he_o sword_n be_v put_v in_o his_o hand_n he_o be_v desire_v to_o receive_v the_o same_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n &_o of_o the_o true_a religion_n according_a to_o the_o national_a &_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n &_o for_o the_o ministration_n of_o justice_n which_o he_o according_o accept_v 6._o after_o the_o crown_n be_v set_v upon_o his_o head_n the_o people_n obligatory_a oath_n be_v proclaim_v whereby_o they_o all_o swear_v by_o the_o eternal_a &_o almighty_a god_n who_o live_v &_o reign_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v true_a &_o faithful_a to_o the_o king_n according_a to_o the_o national_a &_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n 7._o be_v install_v and_o set_v upon_o the_o throne_n he_o be_v exhort_v by_o the_o minister_n to_o remember_v that_o his_o throne_n be_v the_o lord_n throne_n 1_o chron._n 29._o ver_fw-la 23._o and_o be_v a_o covenant_v king_n set_v thereon_o he_o ought_v under_o god_n to_o rule_v for_o god_n and_o especial_o to_o beware_v that_o he_o make_v not_o the_o lord_n throne_n a_o throne_n of_o iniquity_n to_o frame_v mischief_n by_o a_o law_n even_o such_o mischievous_a law_n as_o have_v be_v enact_v by_o his_o predecessor_n destructive_a to_o religion_n and_o grievous_a to_o the_o lord_n people_n 8._o the_o noble_n of_o the_o land_n be_v call_v one_o by_o one_o and_o kneeling_z before_o the_o king_n on_o the_o throne_n and_o hold_v their_o hand_n betwixt_o his_o hand_n do_v swear_v by_o the_o eternal_a and_o almighty_a god_n who_o live_v and_o reign_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o the_o king_n according_a to_o the_o national_a and_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n 9_o the_o action_n be_v close_v by_o a_o most_o solid_a and_o weighty_a exhortation_n both_o to_o king_n and_o people_n to_o keep_v the_o covenant_n and_o beware_v of_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o which_o be_v enforce_v by_o these_o fearful_a threaten_n and_o instance_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o truth_n against_o covenant-breaker_n particular_o these_o nehem._n 5._o ver_n 13._o where_o nehemiah_n do_v shake_v his_o lap_n say_n so_o god_n shake_v out_o every_o man_n from_o his_o house_n &_o from_o his_o labour_n that_o perform_v not_o this_o promise_n even_o thus_o be_v he_o shake_v out_o and_o empty_v and_o all_o the_o congregation_n say_v amen_o jer._n 34._o v._n 18_o 19_o 20_o &_o 21._o and_o 2_o chron._n 24.23_o 24_o &_o 25._o with_o this_o pathetic_a application_n that_o if_o they_o shall_v break_v the_o covenant_n god_n will_v shake_v off_o the_o king_n crown_n and_o turn_v he_o from_o the_o throne_n that_o he_o will_v shake_v the_o noble_n out_o of_o their_o possession_n and_o empty_v they_o of_o their_o glory_n and_o will_v deliver_v both_o to_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o seek_v their_o life_n that_o breach_n of_o covenant_n and_o rebellion_n against_o god_n be_v a_o old_a and_o continue_a sin_n in_o the_o king_n house_n which_o god_n have_v already_o severe_o punish_v if_o therefore_o the_o king_n shall_v not_o acknowledge_v jesus_n christ_n king_n of_o zion_n who_o be_v above_o he_o but_o break_v this_o covenant_n god_n controversy_n against_o the_o king_n family_n will_v be_v carry_v on_o unto_o the_o weaken_n if_o not_o the_o overthrow_n of_o it_o and_o last_o both_o the_o king_n and_o noble_n be_v certify_v that_o if_o the_o king_n and_o they_o who_o be_v engage_v to_o support_v his_o crown_n shall_v conspire_v together_o against_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n both_o the_o supporter_n and_o the_o support_v will_v fall_v together_o this_o be_v that_o great_a action_n wherein_o almost_o all_o the_o solemnity_n be_v so_o twist_v with_o that_o sacred_a bond_n that_o the_o world_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o never_o king_n and_o people_n under_o the_o sun_n become_v so_o express_o and_o strict_o oblige_v both_o unto_o god_n one_o to_o another_o &_o among_o themselves_o as_o we_o be_v and_o be_v by_o these_o most_o sacred_a oath_n of_o the_o holy_a covenant_n most_o indissoluble_o engage_v the_o four_o and_o last_o advantage_n be_v that_o plenary_a and_o last_o compliment_n of_o all_o security_n whatsoever_o among_o man_n viz._n the_o ratification_n of_o all_o these_o precede_a treaty_n transaction_n engagement_n and_o action_n conclude_v and_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n then_o have_v attain_v the_o age_n of_o 21_o year_n complete_a and_o the_o parliament_n full_o and_o free_o convene_v in_o the_o month_n of_o june_n 1651._o whereby_o the_o same_o do_v pass_v into_o a_o perpetual_a law_n and_o this_o covenant_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n be_v and_o be_v the_o most_o firm_a and_o indispensible_a oath_n of_o god_n become_v at_o length_n the_o very_a fundamental_a law_n of_o the_o kingdom_n whereon_o all_o the_o right_n and_o privilege_n either_o of_o king_n or_o people_n be_v principal_o bottom_v and_o secure_v this_o be_v the_o fair_a side_n of_o the_o transaction_n and_o providence_n of_o thesse_n time_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v favourable_a presence_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o zeal_n which_o we_o have_v mention_v o_o that_o we_o have_v sincere_o mind_v and_o walk_v agreeable_o to_o all_o these_o engagement_n sure_o our_o time_n shall_v have_v endure_v for_o ever_o but_o see_v both_o our_o own_o backslide_n and_o the_o lord_n be_v withdraw_v from_o we_o do_v evident_o testify_v against_o we_o let_v we_o ascribe_v righteousness_n unto_o our_o god_n that_o in_o the_o remembrance_n of_o all_o these_o judgement_n wherewith_o he_o have_v punish_v we_o less_o than_o our_o inquity_n deserve_v we_o may_v not_o only_o take_v unto_o ourselves_o shame_n and_o confusion_n of_o face_n because_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o and_o thereby_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o these_o blasphemy_n and_o boasting_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o holy_a covenant_n which_o our_o backslide_n have_v so_o wide_o open_v but_o in_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o faithfulness_n be_v encourage_v to_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o for_o the_o return_n of_o our_o depart_v glory_n although_o we_o have_v rebel_v against_o he_o the_o principal_a step_n of_o our_o defection_n and_o the_o only_a rise_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o calamity_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v no_o other_o then_o that_o which_o be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o light_n indeed_o come_v unto_o we_o but_o we_o love_v darkness_n better_a than_o light_n because_o our_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o the_o lord_n do_v cause_v his_o gospel_n to_o shine_v among_o we_o in_o as_o great_a power_n and_o purity_n as_o ever_o any_o nation_n enjoy_v and_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o own_o holy_a ministry_n and_o government_n &_o the_o accession_n of_o our_o many_o fold_n covenant_n and_o engadgement_n do_v beautify_v and_o secure_v the_o same_o unto_o we_o and_o though_o that_o after_o a_o long_a continuance_n of_o all_o these_o blessing_n the_o lord_n by_o