the_o dangerous_a method_n of_o some_o who_o the_o better_a to_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n do_v suppose_v the_o matter_n thereof_o especial_o as_o to_o that_o article_n against_o prelacy_n to_o be_v antecedent_o indifferent_a and_o not_o determine_v either_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o moral_a precept_n just_o apprehend_v how_o easy_o in_o this_o light_n and_o backslide_a time_n such_o supposition_n may_v become_v position_n and_o that_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n now_o so_o much_o violate_v and_o little_o regard_v may_v be_v find_v too_o weak_a to_o secure_v man_n steadfastness_n as_o we_o be_v therefore_o persuade_v and_o will_v have_v all_o to_o consider_v and_o fix_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n that_o this_o wicked_a prelacy_n and_o its_o hierarchy_n be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n to_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o godliness_n under_o which_o express_a consideration_n we_o be_v also_o swear_v to_o endeavour_v its_o extirpation_n but_o by_o the_o sad_a experience_n of_o all_o age_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n especial_o in_o these_o our_o late_a time_n have_v be_v find_v most_o pernicious_a to_o all_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o the_o main_a engine_n and_o device_n whereby_o the_o devil_n have_v always_o labour_v to_o advance_v his_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o therefore_o have_v be_v the_o great_a butt_n and_o aim_v for_o the_o overthrow_n whereof_o the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n in_o this_o land_n have_v be_v so_o powerful_o and_o glorious_o manifest_v so_o do_v we_o most_o constant_o hold_v that_o as_o well_o this_o article_n against_o prelacy_n as_o all_o the_o rest_n contain_v in_o this_o holy_a covenant_n be_v and_o be_v antecedent_o oblige_v both_o to_o king_n and_o people_n without_o the_o supervention_n of_o either_o oath_n or_o promise_n and_o that_o the_o root_n out_o of_o prelacy_n &_o the_o wicked_a hierarchy_n therein_o so_o obvious_o describe_v be_v the_o main_a duty_n in_o the_o endeavour_n whereof_o as_o most_o advantageous_a unto_o all_o these_o great_a and_o holy_a end_n propose_v by_o the_o covenant_n all_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o faithful_a aught_o to_o be_v concentre_v as_o for_o such_o profane_a juggler_n who_o neither_o consider_v this_o oath_n and_o covenant_n as_o a_o special_a ordinance_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v more_o effectual_o stir_v up_o and_o enable_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o righteousness_n therein_o contain_v nor_o know_v that_o this_o covenant_n make_v with_o god_n and_o accept_v by_o he_o be_v also_o the_o lord_n covenant_n with_o we_o for_o the_o secure_n and_o establish_v unto_o we_o all_o the_o great_a blessing_n and_o privilege_n therein_o express_v &_o that_o as_o we_o therein_o do_v avouch_v the_o lord_n to_o be_v our_o god_n so_o do_v he_o avouch_v we_o to_o be_v his_o people_n do_v from_o the_o righteousness_n and_o necessity_n of_o its_o matter_n vain_o argue_v the_o superfluity_n of_o any_o accessary_a obligation_n and_o will_v thence_o infer_v that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o dispense_v with_o or_o renounce_v we_o de_fw-fr only_o remit_v they_o to_o that_o solemn_a covenant_n deut._n 29.10_o etc._n etc._n make_v there_o betwixt_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o people_n and_o thereafter_o so_o often_o renew_v only_o for_o their_o great_a engagement_n to_o the_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o god_n express_a command_n we_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n unto_o the_o manner_n and_o form_n of_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n wherein_o not_o purpose_v to_o resume_v the_o many_o debate_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v anent_o it_o we_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n that_o these_o old_a act_n and_o law_n viz._n act._n 43._o parl._n 6._o of_o mary_n 1555._o and_o act._n 12._o parl._n 10._o jam._n 6.1585_o make_v against_o league_n and_o band_n contract_v without_o the_o king_n consent_n be_v now_o obtrude_v with_o the_o force_n and_o lustre_n of_o a_o new_a act._n cap._n 4._o of_o the_o last_o parliament_n to_o condemn_v the_o covenant_n as_o from_o the_o beginning_n unlawful_a and_o rebellious_a but_o as_o these_o old_a act_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o enter_n into_o this_o league_n and_o covenant_n do_v then_o stand_v explain_v by_o the_o 29._o act._n parl._n 2._o charl._n 1._o ratify_v and_o authorize_v by_o the_o king_n himself_o in_o a_o sense_n most_o consistent_a with_o the_o covenant_n and_o can_v no_o way_n render_v the_o same_o from_o the_o beginning_n unlawful_a much_o less_o can_v the_o revival_n thereof_o in_o their_o great_a rigour_n or_o the_o superveniency_n of_o any_o other_o act_n thereanent_fw-la dissolve_v the_o sacred_a obligation_n of_o this_o oath_n once_o lawful_o contract_v so_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o former_a answer_n make_v ro_o this_o objection_n and_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o that_o act._n 29._o p._n 2._o c._n 1._o whereby_o the_o same_o be_v declare_v remain_v in_o full_a force_n viz._n that_o no_o league_n nor_o bond_n make_v by_o the_o subject_n for_o maintenance_n of_o religion_n liberty_n and_o the_o public_a good_a of_o church_n or_o state_n be_v or_o can_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v prohibit_v by_o these_o old_a act_n and_o law_n object_v because_o as_o the_o maker_n of_o such_o bond_n can_v be_v repute_v to_o be_v mover_n of_o sedition_n to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n which_o be_v the_o express_a reason_n and_o certification_n of_o these_o old_a act_n object_v so_o both_o the_o king_n and_o his_o government_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o these_o great_a end_n and_o interest_n and_o he_o himself_o principal_o oblige_v both_o by_o the_o command_n and_o oath_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o to_o authorise_v all_o such_o bond_n covenant_n and_o other_o mean_n which_o may_v advance_v the_o same_o it_o be_v a_o gross_a paradox_n both_o in_o reason_n and_o religion_n that_o the_o king_n neglect_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o pervert_n of_o his_o office_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o these_o end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v ordain_v shall_v therefore_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o a_o sinful_a compliance_n and_o stupid_a connivance_n to_o the_o high_a dishonour_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o king_n of_o king_n and_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o soul_n body_n and_o fortune_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n it_o be_v true_a it_o may_v be_v and_o be_v reply_v that_o this_o answer_n and_o reason_v do_v proceed_v from_o a_o unjust_a jealousy_n of_o king_n and_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o intolerable_a presumption_n in_o the_o subject_a to_o censure_v and_o judge_v their_o act_n but_o see_v the_o enter_n into_o this_o covenant_n and_o into_o all_o other_o which_o we_o allow_v be_v so_o far_o from_o proceed_v upon_o a_o unjust_a jealousy_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n extort_a by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o most_o palpable_a and_o rational_a necessity_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o see_v the_o feel_n and_o discern_v thereof_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o criminal_a presumption_n allege_v that_o to_o disprove_v it_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o deny_v both_o sense_n and_o reason_n unless_o our_o adversary_n can_v prove_v that_o notwithstanding_o thereof_o the_o king_n be_v by_o god_n the_o lord_n vest_v with_o such_o a_o uncontrollable_a dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n that_o whatever_o violence_n outrage_n or_o cruelty_n he_o commit_v the_o people_n be_v oblige_v by_o a_o patience_n or_o rather_o stupidity_n great_a than_o that_o of_o beast_n to_o endure_v without_o gain_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o establish_v the_o tyranny_n that_o they_o contend_v for_o but_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v that_o such_o objection_n be_v only_o the_o wicked_a flattery_n of_o selfish_a man_n and_o how_o little_a they_o do_v therein_o either_o use_v or_o regard_v reason_n in_o the_o late_a act_n abovementioned_a make_v against_o league_n and_o convention_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o the_o explication_n contain_v in_o the_o act_n 1640._o viz._n that_o such_o league_n and_o convention_n as_o be_v make_v by_o subject_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o king_n religion_n and_o the_o law_n be_v not_o prohibit_v by_o these_o old_a act_n be_v false_a and_o disloyal_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a meaning_n thereof_o which_o declaration_n be_v not_o only_o a_o naked_a assertion_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o express_a reason_n and_o certification_n of_o these_o old_a act_n which_o be_v before_o set_v down_o but_o so_o blind_a and_o irrational_a that_o in_o case_n of_o a_o interregnum_fw-la or_o the_o incapacity_n of_o the_o king_n to_o give_v his_o consent_n to_o any_o bond_n meet_v or_o convention_n which_o in_o such_o a_o case_n may_v be_v
whereof_o she_o be_v in_o possession_n three_o hundred_o year_n before_o there_o be_v a_o christian_a magistrate_n in_o the_o world_n authorise_v it_o and_o will_v imprison_v confine_v condemn_v and_o banish_v minister_n for_o plead_v and_o practise_v this_o right_a as_o king_n james_n do_v not_o a_o few_o in_o and_o about_o the_o year_n 1606._o and_o the_o present_a king_n of_o late_a by_o parliament_n council_n and_o commissioner_n do_v interdict_v all_o the_o lawful_a assembly_n of_o the_o church_n which_o do_v not_o derive_v their_o power_n from_o the_o abjure_a and_o perjure_a prelate_n and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o only_o claim_v the_o only_a power_n of_o indict_v solemn_a fast_n and_o thanksgiving_n as_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la be_v do_v these_o â—or_a 6_o year_n past_a but_o also_o institute_v a_o day_n to_o be_v aniversary_o â—oly_a for_o ever_o which_o no_o mortal_a man_n can_v do_v if_o i_o say_v 〈◊〉_d will_v thus_o invade_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n confound_v it_o 〈◊〉_d the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o equal_o exerce_fw-la the_o government_n of_o both_o no_o man_n needs_o pronounce_v but_o rather_o fear_v the_o domestical_a and_o personal_a doom_n execute_v upon_o saul_n and_o uzziah_n for_o usurp_v the_o priest_n office_n how_o in_o squall_n deal_v be_v it_o that_o he_o who_o clamour_v so_o much_o of_o other_o man_n and_o particular_o minister_n wander_v without_o their_o sphere_n and_o overstretching-meddling_a with_o civil_a affair_n shall_v himself_o be_v circumscribe_v and_o move_v within_o no_o fix_a sphere_n be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o he_o have_v a_o power_n objective_o ecclesiastical_a about_o church_n affair_n but_o he_o must_v also_o have_v a_o power_n formal_o ecclesiastical_a whereby_o he_o may_v exerce_fw-la act_n pure_o spiritual_a and_o proper_a to_o church_n officer_n will_v it_o not_o suffice_v he_o that_o he_o have_v a_o external_a power_n of_o provide_v for_o the_o church_n and_o protect_v of_o she_o from_o outward_a 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truth_n or_o error_n but_o he_o must_v also_o have_v a_o primary_n and_o immediat_n power_n of_o cognition_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n antecedent_n to_o any_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n thereanent_fw-la will_v it_o not_o satisfy_v he_o that_o he_o have_v a_o discretive_a power_n whereby_o he_o may_v not_o implicit_o ratify_v ecclesiastical_a sentence_n but_o he_o must_v also_o have_v a_o definitive_a power_n of_o authoritative_a decision_n and_o in_o a_o word_n be_v it_o not_o enough_o that_o he_o have_v a_o cumulative_a power_n of_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v the_o power_n and_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n but_o he_o must_v alsâ—_n have_v a_o privative_a power_n whereby_o if_o he_o please_v he_o may_v destroy_v the_o same_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v have_v and_o to_o the_o world_n end_n will_v have_v a_o church_n none_o who_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v deny_v or_o question_v and_o that_o he_o have_v fix_v discriminative_a boundary_n between_o his_o own_o and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v between_o his_o church_n and_o other_o civil_a society_n and_o their_o respective_a government_n be_v no_o less_o evident_a for_o though_o both_o consist_v of_o man_n and_o sometime_o of_o the_o same_o person_n though_o both_o have_v order_n and_o government_n a_o power_n to_o exercise_n the_o same_o and_o that_o derive_v from_o god_n and_o the_o person_n invest_v therewith_o shall_v be_v qualify_v and_o in_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o shall_v walk_v absolute_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o word_n punish_v and_o censure_v after_o clear_a conviction_n by_o confession_n or_o probation_n and_o shall_v ultimate_o aim_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o good_a of_o the_o people_n and_o for_o that_o effect_n be_v mutual_o subservient_fw-fr and_o useful_a one_o to_o another_o in_o these_o among_o other_o thing_n they_o aggree_v yet_o they_o be_v formal_o distinct_a for_o they_o consist_v of_o man_n under_o distinct_a notion_n and_o relation_n civil_a society_n and_o policy_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n ecclesiastical_a by_o reveal_v positive_a precept_n the_o one_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n as_o man_n the_o other_o be_v peculiar_a to_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o true_a god_n the_o form_n of_o the_o one_o may_v be_v monarchical_a the_o other_o not_o the_o object_n of_o the_o one_o be_v civil_a the_o other_o be_v spiritual_a the_o nature_n of_o the_o one_o and_o manner_n of_o exerce_a it_o be_v magisterial_a the_o other_o ministerial_a the_o act_n and_o sentence_n of_o the_o one_o be_v corporal_n rhe_n other_o spiritual_a the_o immediate_a rule_n of_o exerce_a the_o one_o be_v the_o â—awes_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o other_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n aggreeable_a thereunto_o the_o one_o â—s_v perform_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n the_o other_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o immediate_a end_n of_o the_o one_o be_v the_o good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n the_o other_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n yea_o though_o the_o church_n and_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o all_o other_o that_o ever_o be_v do_v most_o aggree_v yet_o be_v they_o formal_o distinct_a for_o they_o have_v ordinary_o distinct_a ruler_n the_o priest_n and_o levit_n for_o the_o one_o judge_n and_o king_n be_v for_o the_o other_o they_o have_v distinct_a act_n sacrifice_v pray_v &c._n &c._n in_o the_o church_n death_n banishment_n confiscation_n inprisonment_n ezra_n 2_o 26._o in_o the_o state_n they_o have_v distinct_a object_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o king_n 2_o chron._n 19.11_o distinct_a law_n the_o ceremonial_a for_o the_o church_n the_o judicial_a for_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o moral_a for_o both_o they_o have_v sometime_o distinct_a member_n when_o these_o of_o the_o one_o be_v not_o admit_v to_o some_o privilege_n of_o the_o other_o the_o form_n of_o the_o state_n do_v alter_v from_o judge_n to_o king_n but_o the_o church_n be_v unalterable_o the_o same_o and_o they_o have_v their_o distinct_a period_n of_o duration_n for_o the_o church_n continue_v though_o corrupt_a after_o the_o civil_a government_n be_v overturn_v by_o the_o roman_n and_o as_o the_o church_n and_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o these_o thing_n distinct_a so_o have_v they_o their_o distinct_a government_n and_o judicatories_n for_o exerâ—â—ing_v the_o same_o respective_o for_o exo._n 24.1_o there_o be_v 70._o elder_n who_o v_o 14._o appear_v to_o be_v vest_v with_o authority_n and_o to_o have_v aaron_n and_o hur_z for_o their_o precedent_n or_o moderator_n now_o these_o 70_o elder_n can_v be_v the_o 70_o who_o numb_a 11._o share_v of_o the_o government_n with_o moses_n for_o these_o mention_a exod._n 24._o be_v in_o authority_n when_o the_o israelit_n be_v at_o sinai_n whereas_o the_o other_o mention_v numb_a 11._o be_v choose_v after_o they_o go_v from_o sinai_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v any_o other_o 70_o in_o civil_a authority_n because_o before_o the_o election_n of_o those_o numb_a 11._o moses_n be_v alone_o in_o the_o government_n again_o deut._n 17._o there_o be_v distinct_a cause_n viz._n blood_n &_o blood_n plea_n and_o plea_n which_o be_v civil_a and_o stroke_v and_o stroke_n which_o whether_o it_o be_v leprosy_n belong_v to_o the_o priest_n to_o judge_n of_o leu._n 13.3_o distinct_a ruler_n viz._n the_o priest_n the_o levet_n and_o the_o judge_n who_o v_o 11._o be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o disjunctive_a particle_n or_n distinct_a act_n of_o tell_v or_o expon_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n &_o of_o tell_v judgement_n v._n 10.11_o &_o distinct_a penalty_n of_o death_n and_o put_v the_o evil_n from_o israel_n five_o 12._o further_o in_o â—_o chr._n 23.4_o you_o will_v find_v 6000_o of_o the_o levite_n who_o be_v officer_n and_o judge_n which_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v in_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n
and_o utter_o insufficient_a at_o the_o sole_a arbitrement_n of_o patron_n violent_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o people_n without_o and_o against_o their_o own_o consent_n presbytery_n constrain_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o ordain_v man_n who_o the_o people_n neither_o choise_v nor_o can_v cheerful_o receive_v foundation_n of_o prejudice_n &_o strife_n betwixt_o pastor_n and_o people_n lay_v whereby_o the_o one_o can_v preach_v nor_o the_o other_o hear_v with_o profit_n symoniacal_a paction_n often_o base_o make_v betwixt_o patron_n &_o the_o person_n present_v to_o the_o disgrace_n of_o the_o holy_a call_v aswel_a as_o to_o the_o sin_n and_o shame_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o too_o many_o in_o dispence_v of_o word_n sacrament_n &_o censure_n make_v to_o depend_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o man_n but_o also_o because_o it_o have_v no_o precept_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o example_n in_o the_o old_a 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according_a to_o the_o
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 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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 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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
albeit_o we_o be_v the_o lord_n people_n engage_v to_o he_o in_o a_o solemn_a way_n yet_o to_o this_o day_n we_o have_v not_o make_v it_o our_o study_n that_o judicatories_n &_o army_n shall_v consist_v of_o and_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_v be_v fill_v with_o man_n of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o of_o know_a integrity_n and_o approven_v fidelity_n affection_n and_o zeal_n unto_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n but_o not_o only_o those_o who_o have_v be_v neutral_a and_o indifferent_a but_o disaffect_v and_o malignant_a and_o other_o who_o have_v be_v profane_a and_o scandalous_a have_v be_v entrust_v by_o which_o it_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o judicatories_n have_v be_v the_o seat_n of_o injustice_n and_o iniquity_n and_o many_o in_o our_o army_n by_o their_o miscarriage_n have_v become_v our_o plague_n unto_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n the_o great_a scandal_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a increase_n of_o looseness_n &_o profanity_n throughout_o all_o the_o land_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o abomination_n that_o be_v in_o the_o land_n but_o the_o blaspheme_v of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n swear_v by_o the_o creature_n profanation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n uncleanness_n drunkenness_n excess_n and_o riot_v vanity_n of_o apparel_n lie_v and_o deceit_n rail_v and_o curse_v arbitrary_a and_o uncontrolled_a oppression_n and_o grind_v of_o the_o face_n of_o the_o poor_a by_o landlord_n and_o other_o in_o place_n and_o power_n be_v become_v ordinary_a and_o common_a sin_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v many_o other_o transgression_n whereof_o the_o land_n wherein_o we_o live_v be_v guilty_a all_o which_o we_o desire_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o to_o be_v humble_v for_o that_o the_o world_n may_v bear_v witness_n with_o we_o that_o righteousness_n belong_v unto_o god_n and_o shame_n &_o confusion_n of_o face_n unto_o we_o as_o appear_v this_o day_n and_o because_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o these_o who_o find_v mercy_n not_o only_o to_o confess_v but_o also_o to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n therefore_o that_o the_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n of_o our_o repentance_n may_v appear_v we_o do_v resolve_v and_o solemn_o engage_v ourselves_o before_o the_o lord_n careful_o to_o avoid_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v all_o these_o offence_n whereof_o we_o have_v now_o make_v solemn_a public_a acknowledgement_n and_o all_o the_o snare_n and_o tentation_n which_o tend_v thereunto_o and_o to_o testify_v the_o integrity_n of_o our_o resolution_n herein_o and_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lord_n strength_n to_o perform_v the_o same_o we_o do_v again_o renew_v our_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n promise_v hereafter_o to_o make_v conscience_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n whereunto_o we_o be_v oblige_v in_o all_o the_o head_n and_o article_n thereof_o particular_o of_o these_o which_o follow_v 1._o because_o religion_n be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o precious_a the_o advance_n and_o promove_v the_o power_n thereof_o against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o profanity_n the_o secure_n and_o preserve_v the_o purity_n thereof_o against_o all_o error_n heresy_n and_o schism_n and_o namely_o independency_n anabatisme_n antinomianisme_n arminianism_n socinianism_n familisme_n libertinism_n scepticism_n and_o erastianisme_n and_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o uniformity_n shall_v be_v study_v &_o endeavour_v by_o we_o before_o all_o worldly_a interest_n whether_o concern_v the_o king_n or_o ourselves_o or_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o 2_o because_o many_o have_v of_o late_o labour_v to_o supplant_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o kirk_n we_o shall_v maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o kirk_n of_o scotland_n in_o all_o her_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n against_o all_o who_o shall_v oppose_v or_o undermine_v the_o same_o or_o encroach_v thereupon_o under_o any_o pretext_n whatsoever_o 3._o we_o shall_v vindicat_fw-la and_o maintain_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o subject_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o conscience_n person_n and_o estate_n 4._o we_o shall_v careful_o maintain_v and_o defend_v the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o kingdom_n and_o avoid_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v weaken_v the_o same_o or_o involve_v we_o in_o any_o measure_n of_o accession_n unto_o the_o guilt_n of_o those_o who_o have_v invade_v the_o kingdom_n of_o england_n 5._o as_o we_o have_v be_v always_o loyal_a to_o our_o king_n so_o we_o shall_v still_o endeavour_v to_o give_v unto_o god_n that_o which_o be_v god_n and_o to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v caesar_n 6._o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o connive_v at_o comply_v with_o or_o contenance_v of_o malignancy_n injustice_n iniquity_n profanity_n and_o impiety_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o avoid_v and_o discountenance_v those_o thing_n and_o cherish_v and_o encourage_v these_o person_n who_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n but_o also_o shall_v take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n then_o heretofore_o in_o our_o respective_a place_n and_o calling_n for_o punish_v and_o suppress_v these_o evil_n and_o faithful_o endeavour_v that_o the_o best_a and_o fit_a remedy_n may_v be_v apply_v for_o take_v away_o the_o cause_n thereof_o and_o advance_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o land_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n as_o we_o shall_v earnest_o pray_v unto_o god_n that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o able_a man_n fear_v god_n man_n of_o truth_n and_o hate_v covetousness_n to_o judge_v and_o bear_v charge_n among_o his_o people_n so_o we_o shall_v according_a to_o our_o place_n and_o calling_n endeavour_v that_o judicatories_n and_o all_o place_n of_o power_n and_o trust_n both_o in_o kirk_n and_o state_n may_v consist_v of_o and_o be_v fill_v with_o such_o man_n as_o be_v of_o know_a good_a affection_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o blameless_a and_o christian_a conversation_n and_o because_o there_o be_v many_o who_o heretofore_o have_v not_o make_v conscience_n of_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n but_o some_o through_o fear_n other_o by_o persuasion_n and_o upon_o base_a end_n and_o humane_a interest_n have_v enter_v thereinto_o who_o have_v afterward_o discover_v themselves_o to_o have_v deal_v deceitful_o with_o the_o lord_n in_o swear_v false_o by_o his_o name_n therefore_o we_o who_o do_v now_o renew_v our_o covenant_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o duty_n and_o all_o other_o duty_n contain_v therein_o do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n solemn_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o politic_a advantage_n or_o private_a interest_n or_o by-end_n or_o because_o of_o any_o terror_n or_o persuasion_n from_o man_n or_o hypocritical_o and_o deceitful_o that_o we_o do_v again_o take_v upon_o we_o the_o oath_n of_o god_n but_o honest_o and_o sincere_o and_o from_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o that_o therefore_o deny_v ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o thing_n and_o lay_v aside_o all_o self_n interest_n and_o end_n we_o shall_v above_o all_o thing_n seek_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n the_o good_a of_o his_o cause_n and_o the_o wealth_n of_o his_o people_n and_o that_o forsake_v the_o counsel_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o not_o lean_v upon_o carnal_a confidence_n we_o shall_v depend_v upon_o the_o lord_n walk_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n and_o hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o servant_n in_o all_o which_o profess_v our_o own_o weakness_n we_o do_v earnest_o pray_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n through_o his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v merciful_a unto_o we_o and_o to_o enable_v we_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n that_o we_o may_v do_v our_o duty_n unto_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o the_o church_n amen_n the_o occasion_n of_o this_o acknowledgement_n and_o engagement_n be_v this_o the_o commission_n of_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1648._o consider_v the_o many_o breach_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n and_o particular_o by_o the_o engagement_n in_o war_n that_o year_n against_o england_n the_o slackness_n of_o many_o in_o follow_v the_o duty_n therein_o and_o that_o many_o be_v under_o age_n when_o it_o be_v first_o swear_v have_v not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o same_o do_v by_o their_o act_n october_n 6._o ordain_v it_o to_o be_v renew_v with_o this_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n &_o breach_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n and_o to_o that_o effect_n appoint_v two_o solemn_a fast_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o land_n for_o the_o cause_n contain_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o intimation_n thereof_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o the_o people_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n before_o &_o that_o the_o covenant_n
together_o with_o the_o former_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n and_o engagement_n to_o duty_n shall_v be_v read_v public_o to_o the_o people_n upon_o the_o day_n of_o the_o intimation_n and_o the_o last_o fast_a day_n when_o the_o covenant_n be_v to_o be_v swear_v this_o resolution_n of_o the_o commission_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n be_v unanimous_o approven_v by_o the_o committee_n of_o estate_n then_o sit_v and_o by_o their_o act_n october_n 14._o ordain_v to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n in_o all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o commission_n and_o according_o in_o the_o month_n of_o december_n it_o be_v for_o the_o second_o time_n swear_v in_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o kingdom_n upon_o the_o same_o day_n except_o where_o vacancy_n or_o the_o minister_n be_v under_o scandal_n or_o process_n do_v occasion_n a_o delay_n till_o another_o day_n that_o the_o place_n be_v supply_v by_o another_o minister_n with_o great_a solemnity_n and_o such_o mixture_n of_o joy_n &_o sorrow_n as_o become_v people_n enter_v in_o covenant_n with_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v thereafter_o subscribe_v by_o all_o the_o swearer_n after_o ward_n the_o parliament_n conveen_v in_o january_n 1649_o by_o their_o very_a first_o act_n except_o the_o election_n of_o their_o precedent_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n resolve_v to_o keep_v a_o fast_a by_o themselves_o for_o the_o cause_n contain_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o to_o renew_v the_o covenant_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o commission_n which_o be_v also_o most_o solemn_o do_v and_o last_o of_o all_o the_o general_n assembly_n 1649._o by_o their_o act_n july_n 7._o do_v unanimous_o and_o express_o ratify_v the_o proceed_n of_o the_o commission_n as_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n engagement_n to_o duty_n the_o fast_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o covenant_n by_o swear_v and_o subscribe_v thereof_o hence_o as_o the_o covenant_n itself_o so_o the_o solemn_a acknowledgement_n of_o sin_n &_o engagement_n to_o duty_n become_v national_a authorize_v by_o the_o supreme_a judicature_n of_o church_n and_o state_n and_o be_v still_o oblige_v by_o oath_n oh_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v keep_v these_o thing_n in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o our_o heart_n for_o ever_o errata_fw-la whilst_o this_o be_v upon_o the_o press_n some_o error_n which_o escape_v in_o some_o sheet_n be_v correct_v in_o other_o so_o that_o thou_o must_v not_o stumble_v though_o some_o copy_n be_v more_o correct_a than_o other_o beside_o other_o literal_a escape_n which_o will_v not_o mar_v the_o sense_n before_o thou_o read_v the_o book_n correct_v with_o thy_o pen_n thâ—se_a follow_v pag._n 3._o lin_v 4._o for_o other_o as_o read_z as_o other_z p._n 4._o l._n 32._o r._n witness_n p._n 5._o l._n 3._o r._n solemn_a p._n 6._o l._n 12._o r_o strong_a p._n 8._o l._n 15._o r._n sufficient_o p._n 15._o l_o 29._o for_o or_o r_o on_o â—b_fw-la l._n 16._o r._n opportunity_n p._n 24._o l._n 14._o for_o of_o r._n or_o p._n 25._o l._n 4._o r._n resolution_n ib._n l._n 32._o forâ—_n be_v r._n be_v a_o lb._n 33._o r._n worthy_n p._n 30._o l._n 21._o for_o 27._o r._n 17._o lb._n 23._o for_o 10._o r._n 8._o p._n 35._o l._n 8._o r._n 1560._o ib._n l._n 30._o r._n 1571._o p._n 38._o l._n 16._o r._n 1584._o p_o 67._o l._n 27._o for_o hoth_n r._n both_o p._n 70._o l._n 12._o for_o he_o r._n the._n p._n 81._o l._n 12._o r._n during_o p._n 88_o l._n 18._o r._n slay_v p._n 100_o l._n 11._o the_o e_o the._n ib._n l._n 12._o r._n general_o ib._n 19_o for_o the_o r._n that_o p._n 103_o l._n 14._o for_o out_o r._n aught_o p._n 120._o l._n 16._o for_o what_o r._n that_o p_o 129._o l_o 12._o r._n rage_v in_o p._n 154._o l._n 23._o for_o where_o r._n be_v p._n 188_o l._n 6._o r._n his_o p_o 281._o l._n 27._o r._n it_o be_v p._n 282._o l._n 13._o r._n advocat_n a_o true_a and_o short_a deduction_n of_o the_o wrestle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o scotland_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n unto_o the_o year_n 1667._o after_o all_o these_o great_a &_o glorious_a thing_n which_o the_o lord_n in_o his_o love_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n have_v wrought_v for_o this_o land_n and_o in_o his_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n have_v declare_v among_o we_o these_o clear_a and_o powerful_a manifestation_n of_o his_o bless_a truth_n which_o have_v so_o bright_o shine_v forth_o to_o the_o glory_n beauty_n and_o praise_n of_o this_o whole_a nation_n after_o these_o many_o sacred_a and_o most_o solemn_a engagement_n whereby_o in_o the_o evidence_n and_o power_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n all_o rank_n and_o degree_n from_o the_o king_n even_o to_o the_o mean_a become_v and_o be_v still_o bind_v and_o devote_v to_o the_o most_o high_a and_o holy_a our_o covenant_v god_n and_o to_o our_o bless_a lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o alone_o be_v king_n in_o zion_n and_o of_o all_o saint_n and_o who_o be_v all_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o kingdom_n and_o for_o the_o own_n and_o maintain_v of_o his_o glorious_a work_n and_o precious_a truth_n which_o be_v all_o our_o felicity_n and_o joy_n and_o after_o all_o this_o horrid_a apostasy_n and_o rebellion_n whereby_o the_o same_o wretched_a nation_n in_o the_o same_o generation_n and_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o person_n neither_o from_o the_o conviction_n of_o any_o pretend_a reason_n or_o conscience_n nor_o from_o any_o solid_a persuasion_n of_o the_o very_a advantage_n design_v but_o in_o the_o manifest_a spirit_n of_o wickedness_n and_o violence_n have_v forget_v despise_a and_o blaspheme_v the_o former_a power_n and_o glory_n rebel_v against_o god_n by_o break_v the_o holy_a covenant_n reject_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n overturn_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o bless_a spirit_n and_o arm_n abrogate_a and_o rescind_v all_o these_o righteous_a law_n and_o ordinance_n whereby_o it_o be_v establish_v and_o by_o most_o unjust_a arbitrary_a and_o cruel_a law_n and_o practice_n have_v endeavour_v the_o rebuilding_n and_o promove_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o antichrist_n and_o precipitate_v of_o all_o man_n either_o into_o the_o same_o condemnation_n with_o themselves_o or_o utter_a ruin_n and_o extermination_n after_o we_o say_v all_o these_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v thus_o wrought_v and_o permit_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o neither_o the_o discouragement_n and_o faint_v of_o some_o nor_o the_o unsuccesfulness_n of_o the_o more_o honest_a and_o zealous_a endeavour_n of_o other_o nor_o yet_o our_o silence_n hithertil_a be_v great_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o for_o who_o eye_n can_v behold_v all_o these_o thing_n without_o dimness_n and_o affect_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o who_o heart_n can_v consider_v they_o without_o astonishment_n and_o horror_n if_o not_o stupefaction_n or_o discouragement_n how_o little_a wonder_n be_v it_o that_o every_o visage_n suppose_v of_o the_o fair_a nazarit_n be_v black_a than_o a_o coal_n that_o every_o eye_n run_v down_o with_o water_n &_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o many_o refuse_n to_o be_v comfort_v &_o neither_o do_v nor_o dare_v rejoice_v as_o other_o people_n when_o not_o only_o by_o their_o go_v a_o whore_v from_o the_o lord_n their_o daily_a bread_n be_v become_v the_o bread_n or_o adversity_n and_o the_o water_n of_o affliction_n and_o when_o their_o famine_n of_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v such_o that_o though_o they_o wander_v from_o sea_n to_o sea_n seek_v it_o they_o can_v find_v it_o bot_n also_o the_o comforter_n that_o shall_v relieve_v their_o soul_n be_v far_o from_o they_o and_o either_o cover_v himself_o with_o a_o cloud_n that_o their_o prayer_n can_v pass_v through_o or_o then_o answer_v they_o only_o by_o terrible_a thing_n in_o righteousness_n how_o can_v they_o who_o by_o their_o vanity_n have_v move_v the_o holy_a god_n to_o jealousy_n and_o thereby_o have_v provoke_v their_o rock_n to_o fell_v they_o stand_v before_o their_o enemy_n or_o chase_v a_o thousand_o &_o put_v ten_o thousand_o to_o flight_n &_o although_o that_o we_o shall_v plead_v with_o our_o mother_n with_o our_o ruler_n &_o with_o all_o other_o rank_n of_o person_n within_o the_o land_n that_o they_o will_v put_v away_o their_o whoredom_n out_o of_o their_o sight_n &_o their_o adultery_n from_o between_o their_o breast_n yet_o what_o hope_n be_v there_o that_o word_n shall_v prevaill_n where_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o most_o high_a be_v contemn_v or_o that_o reason_n shall_v be_v hear_v where_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v reject_v here_o indeed_o be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n and_o praise_n even_o the_o long-suffering_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o be_v salvation_n and_o the_o mercy_n and_o
due_a administration_n of_o sacrament_n and_o all_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o say_a word_n that_o we_o shall_v each_o one_o with_o another_o all_o of_o we_o effectual_o concur_v join_v in_o one_o take_v &_o hold_v one_o plain_a part_n for_o the_o and_o recovery_n of_o our_o ancient_a freedom_n liberties_n that_o we_o way_n be_v rule_v by_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n again_o that_o we_o shall_v tender_v the_o common_a cause_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o particular_a and_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o now_o join_v together_o be_v lawful_a and_o honest_a shall_v be_v all_o our_o cause_n in_o general_n and_o that_o he_o that_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o cause_o foresay_a shall_v be_v enemy_n to_o we_o all_o in_o so_o far_o we_o have_v superad_v these_o instance_n as_o we_o may_v have_v do_v two_o or_o three_o more_o to_o the_o first_o propose_v because_o of_o their_o great_a resemblance_n since_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o manifest_a then_o that_o the_o same_o provocation_n the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o principle_n and_o the_o same_o design_n do_v most_o uniform_o influence_n all_o these_o transaction_n now_o see_v that_o both_o the_o occasion_n actor_n aim_v and_o end_v of_o the_o first_o action_n and_o especial_o the_o observable_a providence_n of_o god_n that_o without_o all_o contrivance_n of_o man_n do_v over-rule_v it_o do_v clear_o purge_v it_o of_o any_o intend_a rebellion_n or_o other_o wickedness_n certain_o to_o affirm_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v nevertheless_o act_v in_o &_o by_o a_o rebellious_a spirit_n must_v be_v a_o sin_n at_o lest_o next_o unto_o that_o of_o high_a despit_n and_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o spirit_n of_o grace_n by_o who_o power_n alone_o this_o bless_a work_n be_v effectuate_v neither_o dare_v the_o arch-prelat_n himself_o though_o our_o arch-adversary_n in_o this_o our_o present_a cause_n and_o though_o he_o know_v that_o the_o same_o do_v infallible_o either_o stand_v or_o fall_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o ground_n with_o these_o case_n now_o under_o consideration_n proceed_v any_o further_a in_o his_o censure_n of_o these_o course_n and_o practice_n then_o to_o disprove_v they_o as_o violent_a and_o disorderly_a there_o be_v one_o thing_n further_o which_o be_v also_o before_o touch_v that_o the_o instance_n above_o adduce_v especial_o the_o first_o both_o for_o the_o meanness_n of_o its_o actor_n the_o unpremeditated_a plainness_n of_o its_o manner_n and_o the_o singlness_n and_o purity_n of_o its_o end_n do_v most_o evident_o make_v out_o viz_o that_o as_o these_o man_n of_o god_n by_o their_o small_a and_o improbable_a appearance_n do_v as_o much_o witness_v their_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o the_o manifest_a contempt_n and_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n as_o when_o under_o the_o dispensation_n and_o call_v of_o another_o providence_n they_o do_v patient_o and_o cheerful_o upon_o the_o same_o motive_n lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o the_o end_n of_o their_o undertake_n be_v not_o only_o their_o own_o just_a and_o necessary_a defence_n which_o in_o such_o a_o apparent_a danger_n may_v rather_o seem_v to_o be_v abandon_v then_o intend_v but_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o maintenance_n &_o defence_n of_o that_o bless_a evangel_n which_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o than_o all_o other_o interest_n whatsoever_o we_o know_v our_o great_a adversary_n who_o for_o the_o gain_n and_o pleasour_n of_o this_o life_n what_o then_o will_v they_o not_o do_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o life_n itself_o have_v often_o renounce_v and_o will_v again_o renounce_v all_o conscience_n allegiance_n and_o truth_n and_o who_o by_o their_o detestable_a flatterv_n in_o deny_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o self-defence_n although_o in_o effect_n self_n be_v their_o only_a idol_n &_o pretend_v a_o feign_a affection_n &_o illimited_a submission_n without_o reserve_n do_v only_o court_v the_o power_n for_o the_o advance_v of_o these_o interest_n which_o they_o seem_v to_o relinquish_v as_o the_o revolution_n of_o the_o world_n have_v frequent_o declare_v their_o practice_n in_o prejudice_n of_o both_o religion_n and_o royalty_n and_o have_v often_o resolve_v both_o their_o practice_n and_o principle_n into_o that_o one_o devilish_a position_n the_o first_o yea_o only_a fix_a rule_n of_o their_o religion_n skin_n for_o skin_n yea_o all_o that_o a_o man_n have_v will_v be_v give_v for_o his_o life_n these_o we_o say_v be_v not_o curious_a to_o inquire_v in_o this_o distinction_n yet_o see_v they_o leave_v nothing_o unessay_v whereby_o to_o promote_v their_o design_n and_o therefore_o do_v often_o cavil_v from_o such_o advantage_n as_o the_o work_n of_o god_n afterward_o obtain_v and_o particular_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o peer_n and_o primores_fw-la regni_fw-la and_o from_o the_o defect_n thereof_o in_o the_o first_o appearance_n will_v infer_v the_o unlawfulness_n of_o rhe_n same_o especial_o in_o order_n to_o the_o design_n of_o reformation_n therefore_o we_o further_o add_v with_o these_o noble_a worthy_n that_o as_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v 1._o that_o the_o right_a &_o privilege_n of_o self-defence_n be_v not_o only_o found_v in_o but_o be_v the_o very_a first_o instinct_n of_o pure_a nature_n and_o spring_n of_o all_o motion_n and_o action_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v competent_a to_o and_o exercise_v by_o every_o individual_a before_o that_o either_o society_n or_o government_n be_v know_v 3._o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v surrender_v or_o suppress_v by_o the_o erect_n of_o these_o that_o it_o be_v &_o be_v the_o great_a end_n &_o motive_n for_o which_o all_o voluntary_a society_n and_o policy_n be_v introduce_v and_o be_v continue_v 4._o that_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n whereunto_o that_o great_a command_n of_o love_n to_o our_o neightbour_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n &_o by_o our_o lord_n himself_o be_v resolve_v &_o whereby_o it_o be_v interpret_v so_o it_o do_v infallible_o follow_v that_o the_o same_o right_a and_o privilege_n be_v yet_o competent_a to_o all_o man_n whither_o separat_o or_o joint_o and_o need_v no_o other_o prerequisit_a but_o that_o of_o intolerable_a and_o inevitable_a injury_n which_o for_o a_o man_n to_o suffer_v under_o pretext_n of_o the_o good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n will_v be_v for_o the_o delusion_n of_o a_o empty_a name_n only_o for_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o real_o to_o deprive_v himself_o of_o his_o whole_a share_n and_o interest_n therein_o and_o be_v complete_v for_o exercise_n by_o such_o a_o probable_a capacity_n as_o may_v encourage_v the_o asseâ—ters_n thereof_o to_o undertake_v it_o and_o as_o for_o that_o other_o and_o more_o noble_a design_n of_o the_o maintenance_n and_o reformation_n of_o religion_n wave_v the_o question_n and_o debate_n whether_o the_o same_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v by_o force_n maintain_v which_o may_v appear_v sufficient_o determine_v to_o rational_a man_n by_o the_o very_a contrary_a practice_n of_o its_o adversary_n who_o not_o only_o by_o force_n do_v fight_v against_o it_o but_o most_o irreligious_o usurp_v and_o detort_v it_o be_v own_o weapon_n viz_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o patience_n and_o meekness_n under_o a_o dispensation_n of_o suffering_n to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o stupid_a submission_n and_o cast_v away_o the_o opportunity_n of_o desence_n and_o act_v that_o without_o control_n they_o may_v work_v its_o overthrow_n and_o suppose_v with_o all_o man_n that_o force_n be_v not_o a_o proper_a argument_n of_o persuasion_n and_o that_o religion_n neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v thereby_o propagate_v yet_o be_v we_o in_o conscience_n persuade_v that_o the_o ground_n follouw_v evident_o hold_v out_o in_o the_o record_n of_o these_o time_n be_v beyond_o contradiction_n 1._o that_o religion_n the_o high_a concernment_n of_o god_n glory_n and_o of_o man_n happiness_n both_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a be_v the_o most_o important_a dear_a and_o precious_a of_o all_o interest_n 2._o that_o to_o be_v violent_v in_o this_o which_o can_v be_v without_o a_o unjust_a force_n either_o or_o man_n person_n or_o good_n be_v the_o most_o wicked_a and_o insupportable_a of_o all_o injury_n 3._o that_o the_o propelling_a by_o force_n of_o such_o injury_n be_v the_o just_a cause_n and_o quarrel_n that_o man_n in_o their_o primaeve_fw-la liberty_n can_v be_v engage_v in_o 4._o that_o as_o for_o the_o security_n of_o this_o interest_n and_o no_o way_n to_o make_v a_o absolute_a surrender_n thereof_o to_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o any_o man_n be_v most_o induce_v to_o the_o appoint_v of_o governor_n so_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o herein_o be_v most_o especial_o concern_v be_v
the_o accidental_a hazard_n of_o private_a man_n usurp_v of_o the_o office_n or_o do_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o public_a person_n every_o virtue_n and_o virtuous_a action_n which_o may_v be_v so_o abuse_v shall_v be_v utter_o neglect_v impiety_n shall_v quick_o gain_v a_o universal_a empire_n to_o the_o extermination_n of_o all_o goodness_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o god_n of_o order_n have_v assign_v to_o every_o man_n his_o station_n and_o call_v within_o the_o bound_n whereof_o he_o shall_v keep_v without_o transgress_v by_o defect_n or_o excess_n and_o therein_o wait_v and_o act_n in_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o comunicate_v and_o we_o do_v not_o hold_v such_o instance_n for_o regular_fw-la &_o ordinary_a precedent_n for_o all_o time_n and_o person_n universal_o which_o while_o some_o have_v fancy_v and_o hee_v more_o the_o glory_n and_o fame_n of_o the_o action_n than_o the_o sound_n and_o solid_a rule_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n they_o have_v be_v tempt_v and_o carry_v to_o fearful_a extravagancy_n neither_o be_v insolent_a or_o disorderly_a much_o less_o wicked_a attempt_n which_o sometime_o have_v cover_v and_o yet_o may_v mask_v themselves_o with_o a_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n upon_o this_o or_o any_o other_o ground_n to_o be_v licence_v or_o approve_v but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o these_o instance_n hold_v forth_o for_o the_o conviction_n and_o reproof_n of_o our_o stupidity_n and_o indifferency_n what_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o holy_a zeal_n and_o courage_n the_o servant_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v sometime_o attain_v and_o do_v further_o demonstrat_fw-la that_o he_o do_v sometime_o warrant_v even_o private_a person_n in_o their_o do_v of_o these_o thing_n in_o a_o extreme_a necessity_n and_o collapse_a state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o which_o at_o other_o time_n he_o do_v not_o call_v they_o so_o when_o the_o lord_n with_o who_o be_v the_o residue_n of_o the_o spirit_n do_v breath_n upon_o his_o people_n more_o or_o few_o to_o the_o exciting_a of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a zeal_n courage_n and_o resolution_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o a_o apostate_n church_n for_o the_o execution_n of_o justice_n upon_o the_o adversary_n and_o for_o the_o advance_n and_o establish_v of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n in_o the_o earth_n we_o shall_v rather_o ascribe_v glory_n and_o praise_n to_o he_o who_o hand_n be_v not_o shorten_v but_o many_o time_n choise_v the_o weak_a and_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o mighty_a and_o the_o wise_a then_o condemn_v his_o instrument_n for_o rebel_n and_o usurper_n as_o it_o be_v like_o phinâ—has_n will_v have_v be_v have_v he_o live_v in_o this_o generarion_n if_o the_o same_o lord_n who_o by_o his_o spirit_n have_v act_v he_o have_v not_o also_o by_o his_o own_o hand_n rescue_v he_o 10._o as_o the_o right_n of_o self-defence_n mutual_a assistance_n and_o reformation_n be_v proper_o and_o only_o derivable_a from_o the_o ground_n adduce_v so_o the_o concourse_n of_o the_o noble_n and_o primores_fw-la regni_fw-la be_v no_o way_n of_o absolute_a necessity_n though_o indeed_o singular_o conducible_a for_o the_o carry_v on_o thereof_o unto_o which_o concurrence_n as_o they_o be_v double_o oblige_v according_a to_o that_o unto_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o the_o same_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v so_o if_o they_o shall_v convert_v their_o power_n to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o wicked_a they_o do_v thereby_o not_o only_a aggravat_fw-la their_o own_a condemnation_n but_o by_o their_o endeavour_v to_o wreath_n &_o fasten_v more_o strong_o the_o yoke_n of_o wickedness_n and_o oppression_n they_o do_v the_o rather_o and_o more_o justify_v the_o cause_n and_o plea_n of_o all_o the_o asserter_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n these_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o ground_n whereupon_o these_o noble_a worrhies_n raise_v up_o by_o god_n &_o eminent_o by_o he_o inspire_v do_v single_o act_v for_o his_o own_o glory_n which_o as_o they_o have_v leave_v upon_o record_n for_o their_o own_o perpetual_a vindication_n so_o thereby_o they_o do_v clear_o purge_v themselves_o from_o all_o imputation_n of_o rebellion_n nor_o be_v their_o proceed_n and_o practice_n ever_o by_o any_o so_o much_o as_o term_v disorderly_a except_o by_o such_o who_o be_v altogether_o indifferent_a in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o calumniat_fw-la and_o shame_v they_o from_o be_v make_v precedent_n to_o their_o own_o prejudice_n four_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o though_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o first_o time_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o to_o many_o may_v appear_v disorderly_o yet_o the_o faithful_a man_n who_o the_o lord_n honour_v both_o to_o suffer_v &_o to_o do_v for_o his_o name_n do_v constant_o and_o bold_o charge_v both_o the_o rise_n and_o progress_n of_o these_o disorder_n upon_o the_o person_n then_o in_o power_n &_o authority_n who_o be_v ordain_v &_o entrust_v by_o god_n for_o the_o defence_n &_o maintenance_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n as_o the_o only_a true_a foundation_n and_o solid_a ground_n of_o the_o people_n felicity_n whither_o temporal_a or_o eternal_a and_o include_v all_o the_o end_n for_o which_o either_o the_o power_n or_o person_n of_o governor_n be_v appoint_v and_o consequent_o the_o principal_a bond_n of_o all_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n for_o which_o all_o these_o engadgement_n be_v intend_v and_o to_o which_o they_o do_v ultimate_o refer_v by_o resiel_v and_o start_v out_o from_o this_o most_o sacred_a and_o fix_a line_n of_o subordination_n as_o they_o can_v not_o claim_v obedience_n to_o their_o unjust_a command_n so_o far-less_a can_v they_o oblige_v the_o people_n to_o that_o more_o than_o slavish_a and_o brutish_a subjection_n in_o the_o submit_v of_o their_o soul_n body_n &_o good_n to_o the_o arbitrament_n of_o their_o cruel_a tyranny_n direct_o contrary_a unto_o and_o destructive_a of_o all_o these_o holy_a &_o great_a end_n both_o of_o god_n glory_n and_o the_o people_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a good_a for_o which_o they_o be_v constitute_v governor_n that_o this_o be_v the_o source_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o disorder_n in_o these_o time_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o repute_v to_o be_v by_o these_o valiant_a worthy_n who_o then_o oppose_v they_o the_o history_n thereof_o do_v plain_o verify_v we_o be_v not_o forgetful_a how_o vehement_o the_o power_n on_o earth_n which_o set_v themselves_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o their_o creature_n and_o flatterer_n have_v in_o all_o time_n decry_v such_o assertion_n the_o noise_n belshing_n &_o thunder_a of_o treason_n treason_n wherewith_o the_o very_a mention_v of_o such_o position_n use_v at_o once_o to_o be_v attend_v and_o condemn_v do_v already_o sound_v in_o our_o ear_n let_v such_o as_o be_v thereby_o alarm_v read_v the_o debat_n and_o controversy_n both_o of_o former_a &_o late_a time_n especial_o these_o two_o martyr_n 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none_o other_o than_o that_o of_o the_o devil_n as_o to_o conciliat_fw-la and_o endear_v the_o power_n to_o prelate_n who_o while_o they_o create_v the_o king_n prerogative_n pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o king_n be_v only_a creature_n so_o to_o arm_v and_o animat_fw-la the_o same_o power_n against_o our_o lord_n and_o his_o follower_n let_v its_o rise_n and_o effect_n both_o first_o and_o last_o be_v mark_v and_o observe_v and_o the_o search_n will_v declare_v that_o wicked_a man_n lust_a to_o tyranny_n and_o licentiousness_n be_v check_v and_o gall_v by_o the_o freedom_n and_o power_n of_o faithful_a minister_n in_o the_o application_n of_o the_o holy_a word_n and_o spiritual_a censure_n what_o remedy_n this_o freedom_n be_v find_v treasonable_a and_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o king_n service_n and_o interest_n and_o the_o plain_a zeal_n of_o god_n be_v therefore_o tax_v as_o sedition_n and_o treason_n and_o under_o these_o formality_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o church_n be_v 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in_o they_o as_o both_o their_o slight_n of_o court_n favour_n by_o which_o they_o be_v much_o tempt_v and_o their_o obstinate_a refusal_n of_o bishopric_n whereof_o king_n james_n himself_o bear_v they_o witness_v do_v testify_v 8._o the_o lord_n who_o work_n be_v perfect_a and_o who_o when_o he_o begin_v will_v also_o make_v a_o end_n hereafter_o in_o the_o year_n 1586._o shine_v through_o the_o cloud_n dissipate_v the_o darkness_n and_o after_o the_o storm_n bless_v we_o with_o a_o great_a calm_a wherein_o the_o assembly_n reassuming_a their_o just_a power_n and_o the_o matter_n by_o the_o king_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o treaty_n and_o conference_n the_o bishop_n be_v first_o restrain_v &_o then_o reduce_v thereafter_o the_o order_n of_o presbytery_n be_v set_v down_o &_o perfect_v in_o the_o year_n 1590._o both_o the_o national_n covenant_n be_v renew_v and_o subscribe_v by_o order_n of_o the_o secret_a council_n at_o the_o assembly_n desire_v and_o all_o the_o power_n that_o remain_v either_o in_o bishop_n or_o commissioner_n by_o the_o assembly_n be_v devolve_v upon_o the_o new_a erect_a presbytery_n and_o thus_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parl._n 12._o jam._n 6._o bv_v the_o 114._o act._n thereof_o ratify_v presbyterial_a government_n in_o all_o its_o assembly_n court_n and_o officer_n qualify_a and_o restrict_v the_o former_a act._n 1584._o anent_o the_o king_n prerogative_n and_o abrogate_a all_o act_n contrary_a thereto_o or_o inconsistent_a therewith_o and_o by_o other_o act_n there_o record_v receive_v its_o last_o and_o full_a accomplishment_n with_o power_n and_o beauty_n add_v to_o the_o former_a grace_n and_o glory_n 9_o that_o as_o only_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n have_v in_o all_o age_n oppose_v the_o establishment_n of_o presbytery_n so_o the_o lord_n who_o great_a work_n and_o ordinance_n it_o be_v do_v no_o less_o evident_o commend_v it_o by_o make_v as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o be_v sincere_a and_o holy_a severity_n powerful_o to_o coerce_v and_o restrain_v all_o vice_n and_o profanity_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o harmonious_a and_o orderly_a subordination_n of_o its_o court_n and_o assembly_n most_o efficacious_o to_o prevent_v and_o suppress_v all_o schism_n and_o heresy_n which_o both_o the_o experience_n of_o these_o and_o all_o succeed_a time_n do_v most_o clear_o confirm_v but_o though_o the_o lord_n have_v show_v we_o all_o these_o great_a and_o manifold_a temptation_n and_o trouble_n and_o terminate_v they_o all_o in_o such_o a_o wonderful_a and_o bless_a deliverance_n that_o we_o may_v for_o ever_o fear_v his_o great_a name_n love_v his_o precious_a truth_n and_o keep_v his_o holy_a covenant_n and_o though_o in_o the_o short_a sunshine_n of_o that_o day_n of_o salvation_n he_o cause_v both_o king_n and_o people_n to_o taste_v and_o see_v the_o order_n beauty_n and_o power_n of_o that_o establishment_n yet_o o_o how_o soon_o do_v we_o forget_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o keep_v not_o his_o covenant_n o_o lord_n the_o people_n of_o thy_o inheritance_n enjoy_v it_o but_o a_o little_a it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o our_o design_n that_o we_o shall_v trace_v and_o recount_v all_o these_o sad_a step_n and_o degree_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a and_o wise_a god_n think_v fit_a to_o bring_v back_o his_o church_n in_o this_o land_n unto_o that_o great_a distress_n that_o hereafter_o ensue_v and_o cause_v she_o to_o wander_v long_o in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o great_a desertion_n nor_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o beginning_n of_o that_o so_o horrid_a defection_n which_o the_o history_n of_o the_o most_o partial_a pen_n whatever_o provocation_n they_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o lord_n be_v faithful_a minister_n can_v purge_v nor_o palliate_v from_o a_o mere_a design_n of_o carnal_a policy_n carry_v on_o by_o manifest_a dissimulation_n and_o palpable_a fraud_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o let_v the_o true_a history_n of_o these_o proceed_n be_v examine_v and_o it_o will_v appear_v without_o the_o help_n of_o our_o obsevation_n that_o as_o the_o beginning_n of_o that_o defection_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o unfaithfulness_n of_o man_n and_o the_o inconsistence_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n with_o the_o carnal_a wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o old_a opposition_n and_o root_a prejudice_n of_o the_o king_n and_o power_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o have_v for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n set_v themselves_o and_o take_v counsel_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o against_o his_o anoint_v so_o for_o the_o unquestionable_a confirmation_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v either_o as_o to_o the_o wicked_a rise_n or_o woeful_a effect_n of_o prelacy_n in_o this_o church_n the_o devil_n part_n therein_o be_v visible_o to_o promote_v his_o own_o kingdom_n by_o reacting_a the_o most_o palpable_a and_o gross_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v describe_v in_o so_o far_o
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 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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
absolute_o necessary_a it_o leave_v no_o issue_n or_o expedient_a it_o be_v not_o needful_a here_o to_o clear_v the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n which_o may_v induce_v subject_n to_o the_o make_n of_o league_n and_o convention_n in_o certain_a case_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o prince_n nor_o the_o exigence_n of_o these_o time_n for_o the_o covenant_n we_o plead_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v clear_v by_o undeniable_a record_n which_o all_o the_o war_n blood_n and_o confusion_n that_o thereafter_o ensue_v flow_v either_o from_o the_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a opposition_n violence_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o truth_n or_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n righteous_a judgement_n upon_o such_o who_o heart_n be_v false_a and_o prove_v unsteadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o present_a insult_a of_o the_o adversary_n do_v nothing_o disprove_v neither_o do_v we_o here_o resume_v the_o above_o mention_v practice_n of_o our_o first_o reformer_n for_o justify_v the_o case_n in_o hand_n and_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o old_a act_n here_o obtrude_v who_o by_o all_o their_o necessary_a league_n band_n and_o convention_n never_o conceive_v the_o same_o to_o be_v contraveen_v only_o we_o can_v but_o regret_n that_o as_o the_o act_n make_v in_o the_o last_o parliament_n against_o convention_n and_o bond_n be_v a_o fearful_a step_n of_o the_o present_a great_a apostasy_n and_o direct_o level_v against_o the_o same_o covenant_n by_o which_o the_o author_n of_o the_o act_n themselves_o be_v and_o be_v indissoluble_o oblige_v so_o that_o old_a act_n parliament_n 10._o ja._n 6._o cap._n 12._o 1585._o which_o be_v thereby_o ratify_v and_o revive_v be_v also_o one_o of_o the_o woeful_a act_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o wickedness_n that_o then_o prevail_v in_o the_o land_n and_o do_v relate_v to_o and_o be_v express_o found_v upon_o the_o 43._o act._n queen_n mary_n parliament_n 6._o 1555._o which_o under_o the_o colour_n of_o discharge_v bond_n of_o man-rent_a be_v by_o the_o queen_n regent_n then_o rage_v in_o persecution_n against_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o truth_n direct_o intend_v for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o congregation_n we_o have_v hitherto_o only_o justify_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o rather_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o covenant_n as_o a_o league_n among_o subject_n without_o the_o prince_n consent_n and_o have_v not_o speak_v thereto_o as_o a_o league_n with_o england_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o a_o other_o kingdom_n because_o as_o the_o first_o point_n be_v main_o deny_v by_o the_o adversary_n so_o the_o same_o be_v prove_v upon_o in_o the_o same_o ground_n first_o of_o just_a &_o necessary_a defence_n of_o ourselves_o religion_n and_o libertye_n second_o of_o the_o assistance_n that_o we_o owe_v and_o do_v expect_v in_o case_n of_o persecution_n for_o truth_n from_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o bowel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o obedience_n of_o his_o new_a and_o special_a command_n of_o love_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o that_o great_a and_o last_o judgement_n wherein_o by_o this_o law_n all_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v without_o respect_n to_o the_o difference_n of_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n and_o three_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o which_o all_o inferior_a duty_n of_o submission_n and_o obedience_n ought_v to_o cede_fw-la the_o justice_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o league_n with_o england_n may_v be_v certain_o conclude_v o_o that_o man_n who_o weigh_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o balance_n of_o their_o own_o selfish_a interest_n and_o design_n do_v make_v the_o vain_a &_o airy_a enjoyment_n of_o court-favour_n and_o the_o evanish_v possession_n of_o such_o advantage_n as_o may_v be_v acquire_v thereby_o preponderate_a and_o cast_v the_o scale_n in_o prejudice_n of_o these_o great_a and_o important_a concernment_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n may_v yet_o be_v awaken_v by_o the_o terror_n of_o that_o dreadful_a and_o glorious_a judgement_n of_o the_o last_o day_n to_o a_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o all_o these_o that_o suffer_v and_o be_v persecute_v for_o truth_n sure_o if_o not_o visit_v not_o relieve_v and_o support_v when_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n of_o the_o afflict_a member_n of_o jesus_n christ_n shall_v then_o be_v the_o condemnation_n of_o the_o reprobat_fw-la against_o which_o the_o exception_n of_o a_o contrary_a command_n of_o any_o king_n or_o prince_n or_o that_o the_o afflict_a be_v by_o man_n for_o truth_n sake_n declare_v rebel_n and_o traitor_n or_o be_v of_o a_o other_o kingdom_n shall_v furnish_v no_o defence_n can_v we_o in_o conscience_n think_v that_o the_o refusal_n of_o assistance_n to_o the_o persecute_a for_o christ_n sake_n when_o instant_o thereto_o require_v shall_v be_v upon_o any_o of_o these_o pretend_a ground_n excuse_v in_o that_o day_n we_o do_v not_o here_o mention_v the_o supervenient_a consent_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o king_n by_o which_o the_o allege_v defect_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o all_o our_o adversary_n be_v clear_o purge_v because_o though_o the_o same_o will_v afterward_o fall_v in_o as_o a_o great_a accession_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o apostat_n yet_o we_o bless_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v bottom_v our_o faith_n and_o conscience_n upon_o more_o sure_a and_o fix_a foundation_n and_o who_o give_v his_o people_n more_o evident_a and_o gracious_a testimony_n of_o his_o favour_n power_n and_o presence_n while_o they_o sincere_o walk_v conform_v to_o the_o ground_n mention_v before_o the_o king_n assent_n be_v obtain_v then_o ever_o since_o the_o enter_v into_o and_o take_v of_o this_o covenant_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o necessary_a and_o praiseworthy_a in_o we_o in_o scotland_n for_o several_a reason_n 1._o because_o it_o contain_v no_o other_o than_o the_o same_o duty_n and_o obligation_n which_o be_v before_o by_o we_o so_o solemn_o covenant_v to_o in_o our_o national_n covenant_n neither_o be_v the_o restriction_n of_o our_o allegiance_n suppose_v to_o be_v make_v therein_o any_o other_o than_o the_o true_a and_o righteous_a qualification_n of_o all_o such_o engagement_n most_o consonant_a unto_o and_o approven_v by_o our_o first_o large_a confession_n of_o faith_n chap._n 25._o anent_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o king_n coronation-oath_n record_v ja._n 6._o p._n 1._o cap._n 8._o and_o the_o national_n covenant_n as_o it_o be_v take_v and_o subscribe_v both_o first_o and_o last_o and_o though_o our_o adversary_n have_v insult_v upon_o the_o late_a confession_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o both_o our_o former_a principle_n and_o practice_n be_v thereby_o disprove_v yet_o let_v the_o word_n be_v consider_v viz._n infidelity_n or_o difference_n in_o religion_n do_v not_o make_v void_a the_o magistrat_n just_a and_o legal_a authority_n nor_o free_v the_o people_n from_o due_a obedience_n and_o we_o be_v confident_a that_o no_o sober_a man_n will_v think_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o just_a and_o legal_a authority_n and_o due_a obedience_n a_o rational_a ground_n to_o infer_v that_o tyranny_n over_o either_o conscience_n or_o person_n be_v thereby_o either_o allow_v or_o privilege_v which_o be_v all_o that_o by_o we_o be_v contend_v for_o 2._o because_o the_o same_o national_a covenant_n do_v powerful_o oblige_v we_o thereunto_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o that_o obstinate_a opposition_n which_o the_o perfidious_a prelate_n in_o england_n both_o by_o raise_v war_n and_o breach_n of_o pacification_n have_v plain_o testify_v the_o revival_n whereof_o in_o case_n of_o any_o probable_a capacity_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o apprehend_v and_o by_o a_o posterior_n league_n at_o that_o time_n a_o most_o necessary_a and_o probable_a remedy_n in_o pursuance_n of_o our_o former_a engagement_n to_o provide_v against_o but_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o express_a ground_n of_o opposition_n to_o the_o bloody_a bond_n of_o trent_n and_o of_o the_o detestation_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n who_o thereby_o conjure_v themselves_o against_o it_o contain_v in_o the_o national_a covenant_n which_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o very_a fair_a persuasion_n and_o strong_a inductive_a to_o engage_v in_o that_o sacred_a bond_n of_o the_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n against_o that_o same_o accurse_a conjuration_n which_o at_o that_o time_n appear_v so_o active_a 3._o because_o the_o oath_n of_o parliament_n first_o take_v in_o the_o parliament_n 1641._o the_o king_n be_v present_a oblige_v we_o to_o endeavour_v the_o preservation_n of_o the_o peace_n and_o union_n of_o the_o three_o kingdom_n do_v indispensible_o oblige_v we_o to_o enter_v in_o this_o covenant_n as_o a_o most_o necessary_a expedient_a thereto_o have_v thus_o summary_o review_v both_o the_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o
rest_n &_o refuge_n which_o even_o in_o former_a time_n when_o the_o proud_a be_v call_v happy_a &_o such_o as_o wrought_v wickedness_n be_v set_v up_o yea_o they_o that_o tempt_v god_n be_v deliver_v the_o lord_n do_v provide_v and_o reserve_v for_o his_o own_o wherein_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o think_v upon_o his_o name_n speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o and_o the_o lord_n hearken_v and_o hear_v it_o they_o under_o the_o pretence_n lest_o the_o people_n shall_v thereby_o be_v alienat_fw-la from_o their_o lawful_a pastor_n as_o they_o call_v they_o who_o in_o effect_n be_v wolf_n and_o thief_n discharge_v all_o private_a meeting_n in_o house_n for_o religious_a exercise_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o public_a worship_n in_o church_n under_o which_o qualification_n all_o christian_a fellowship_n and_o society_n among_o such_o who_o can_v overcome_v their_o just_a aversion_n from_o these_o church_n and_o public_a meeting_n which_o these_o apostate_n prelate_n have_v profane_v and_o pollute_v and_o whereunto_o they_o have_v wicked_o intrude_v be_v prohibit_v and_o reproach_v 9_o by_o a_o proclamation_n emit_v this_o second_o session_n of_o parliament_n they_o again_o enjoin_v the_o observance_n of_o that_o anniversary_n holy_a day_n the_o 29_o of_o may_n even_o the_o month_n and_o day_n which_o they_o have_v devise_v of_o their_o own_o heart_n for_o a_o feast_n unto_o the_o people_n and_o to_o the_o effect_n they_o may_v the_o more_o infallible_o attain_v their_o purpose_n of_o out_v all_o faithful_a minister_n they_o subjoin_v the_o certification_n of_o deprivation_n of_o benefice_n or_o stipend_n against_o all_o such_o who_o shall_v not_o because_o in_o conscience_n can_v not_o observe_v it_o like_z as_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la severall_n who_o can_v not_o in_o conscience_n satisfy_v themselves_o either_o as_o to_o the_o authority_n or_o reason_n of_o the_o appointment_n be_v therefore_o without_o citation_n or_o hear_n out_v of_o their_o benefice_n and_o stipend_n for_o that_o year_n and_o the_o same_o either_o immediate_o ingathered_a by_o the_o common_a collector_n or_o gift_v to_o some_o other_o 10._o in_o the_o same_o session_n of_o parliament_n pretend_v that_o the_o whole_a land_n a_o few_o only_o except_v be_v notour_o and_o heinous_o involve_v in_o the_o crime_n of_o treason_n and_o lese-majesty_n through_o no_o other_o cause_n nor_o occasion_n than_o our_o most_o necessary_a righteous_a and_o lawful_a enter_v into_o the_o solemn_a league_n &_o covenant_n and_o prosecute_a the_o holy_a end_n theirof_o once_o so_o signal_o own_v and_o countenance_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o so_o full_o authorize_v by_o all_o the_o law_n &_o security_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v for_o as_o for_o the_o english_a usurpation_n few_o be_v guilty_a of_o compliance_n therewith_o who_o be_v not_o also_o most_o forward_o in_o this_o apostasy_n and_o the_o very_o vile_a and_o worst_a of_o such_o have_v be_v declare_v a_o honest_a man_n by_o a_o express_a and_o particular_a act_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n they_o appoint_v a_o pack_v close_a committee_n wherein_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o the_o number_n of_o about_o 800_o not_o add_v a_o hundred_o more_o who_o by_o private_a resentment_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o prejudice_n be_v list_v in_o this_o roll_n without_o citation_n or_o any_o cause_n signify_v or_o any_o manner_n of_o trial_n take_v be_v most_o arbitrary_o fine_v and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o such_o pecuniary_a mulct_n and_o sum_n as_o it_o please_v the_o malicious_a suggestion_n of_o the_o delator_n to_o impose_v and_o in_o many_o particular_n so_o absurd_o the_o sometime_o the_o same_o person_n be_v find_v twice_o fine_v under_o divers_a style_n in_o diverse_a shire_n and_o other_o be_v leave_v blank_a either_o in_o the_o name_n or_o surname_n who_o may_v be_v fill_v up_o either_o for_o one_o person_n or_o another_o as_o the_o best_a conjecture_n shall_v determine_v and_o other_o be_v fine_v who_o be_v dead_a long_o before_o or_o be_v infant_n and_o minor_n under_o age_n and_o other_o who_o to_o this_o day_n can_v never_o be_v find_v if_o this_o be_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n which_o the_o lord_n do_v require_v let_v the_o world_n declare_v sure_o this_o act_n be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o precedent_n nor_o fellow_n except_o that_o other_o act_n of_o billete_n whereof_o as_o the_o power_n and_o interest_n of_o some_o person_n against_o who_o it_o be_v intend_v have_v by_o a_o after_o act_n sufficient_o discover_v its_o irregularity_n and_o absurdity_n so_o until_o the_o like_a discovery_n as_o to_o other_o act_n may_v be_v obtain_v it_o may_v evident_o enough_o declare_v what_o manner_n of_o power_n and_o reason_n do_v over-rule_v this_o parliament_n but_o these_o two_o act_n be_v past_a the_o parliament_n proceed_v to_o declare_v by_o their_o act_n of_o indemnity_n the_o king_n special_a grace_n and_o goodness_n in_o pardon_v such_o who_o only_o the_o parliament_n own_o apostasy_n and_o unparalelled_a rebellion_n against_o the_o god_n or_o heaven_n make_v criminal_a except_v for_o the_o most_o part_n only_o such_o who_o be_v most_o innocent_a 11._o this_o session_n of_o parliament_n be_v end_v the_o council_n go_v about_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o act_n therein_o conclude_v especial_o against_o the_o minister_n not_o obtain_v presentation_n and_o by_o their_o act_n and_o proclamation_n at_o glasgow_o emit_v the_o 1._o day_n of_o october_n 1662._o they_o command_v all_o such_o minister_n to_o remove_v themselves_o forth_o of_o their_o respective_a parish_n betwixt_o and_o the_o day_n of_o november_n then_o nixt_v ensue_v discharge_v they_o thereafter_o to_o exercise_v any_o part_n of_o their_o ministerial_a function_n within_o the_o same_o what_o and_o how_o great_a the_o iniquity_n and_o rigour_n of_o this_o act_n be_v we_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o declare_v certain_o he_o who_o command_v his_o apostle_n to_o pray_v that_o their_o flight_n may_v not_o be_v in_o the_o winter_n do_v regard_n and_o do_v remember_v the_o great_a distress_n which_o many_o poor_a family_n then_o sustain_v who_o be_v deprive_v of_o livelihood_n turn_v out_o of_o door_n indigent_a and_o very_a numerous_a may_v according_a to_o the_o cruelty_n of_o their_o adversary_n have_v starve_v and_o perish_v we_o need_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o the_o particular_a step_n whereby_o the_o restless_a jealousy_n of_o these_o wicked_a prelate_n do_v urge_v forward_o and_o advance_v this_o presecution_n by_o their_o impetrate_v of_o reiterate_v act_n and_o proclamation_n until_o they_o obtain_v that_o last_o act_n and_o proclamation_n conclude_v and_o adjudge_v all_o these_o minister_n unto_o such_o a_o nice_a and_o impossible_a confinement_n which_o not_o only_o the_o necessity_n of_o humane_a frailty_n and_o its_o dependence_n upon_o many_o indispensible_a convenience_n do_v render_v more_o rigid_a &_o intolerable_a than_o the_o most_o strict_a imprisonment_n and_o the_o most_o barbarous_a banishment_n but_o also_o the_o most_o curious_a skill_n of_o the_o most_o exact_a geographer_n can_v scarce_o make_v practicable_a it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o note_v that_o have_v by_o a_o posterior_n proclamation_n extend_v the_o same_o pain_n unto_o all_o minister_n out_v upon_o whatsoever_o ground_n of_o non_fw-fr conformity_n to_o this_o present_a course_n of_o apostasy_n in_o which_o condition_n all_o the_o faithful_a minister_n in_o scotland_n a_o very_a few_o except_v be_v include_v there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o innocent_a and_o faithful_a minister_n in_o any_o christian_a church_n at_o once_o and_o for_o such_o a_o cause_n reduce_v to_o such_o hardship_n fear_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o that_o by_o such_o person_n who_o not_o only_o be_v as_o deep_o &_o solemn_o swear_v and_o engage_v as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o covenant_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v but_o by_o such_o who_o once_o some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o appear_v to_o have_v have_v the_o zeal_n of_o god_n so_o that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a they_o will_v have_v pluck_v out_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o have_v give_v they_o to_o such_o who_o enemy_n they_o now_o be_v only_o because_o they_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n such_o be_v the_o fearful_a snare_n &_o prevail_a power_n of_o apostasy_n but_o god_n see_v &_o tell_v their_o wander_n and_o put_v all_o their_o tear_n into_o his_o bottle_n have_v because_o of_o the_o necessary_a connection_n of_o these_o thing_n thus_o represent_v they_o together_o we_o return_v to_o the_o three_o session_n of_o the_o same_o parliament_n and_o its_o act_n where_o 12._o by_o the_o first_o act_n thereof_o they_o ratify_v the_o former_a act_n anent_o minister_n who_o enter_v in_o and_o since_o the_o year_n 1649_o and_o such_o who_o keep_v not_o the_o diocesian_a meeting_n and_o do_v recommend_v to_o the_o privy_a council_n the_o effectual_a execution_n theirof_o and_o to_o call_v all_o such_o
his_o own_o folly_n whereby_o the_o lord_n do_v bring_v he_o to_o such_o a_o manifestation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o declaration_n of_o his_o glory_n he_o to_o the_o admiration_n of_o all_o in_o his_o most_o constant_a and_o christian_a suffering_n by_o his_o blood_n seal_v the_o truth_n and_o glorify_v god_n 3._o that_o other_o of_o they_o though_o obscure_a and_o illiterate_a man_n upon_o the_o scaffold_n hurry_v and_o interrupt_v in_o the_o declare_v of_o their_o testimony_n by_o the_o prelate_n order_n and_o the_o rudeness_n and_o inhumanity_n of_o these_o that_o execute_v they_o yet_o do_v bear_v witness_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o of_o that_o grace_n and_o assurance_n whereby_o the_o lord_n uphold_v they_o to_o the_o admiration_n and_o astonishment_n of_o all_o the_o beholder_n 4._o that_o though_o at_o glasgow_n and_o air_n where_o eleven_o of_o they_o be_v execute_v all_o mean_a countryman_n and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o decrepit_a age_n and_o other_o of_o they_o very_o young_a not_o exceed_v 18_o year_n their_o enemy_n cause_v beat_v drum_n about_o the_o scaffold_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v hear_v a_o barbarity_n never_o practise_v in_o scotland_n and_o rare_o hear_v of_o except_o in_o the_o duke_n of_o alva_n martyr_v of_o the_o protestant_n in_o the_o low-countreye_n yet_o be_v they_o so_o little_a thereby_o amaze_v that_o both_o by_o word_n of_o of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n that_o have_v honour_v such_o ploughman_n as_o they_o term_v themselves_o to_o be_v his_o witness_n and_o the_o constancy_n of_o their_o countenance_n and_o whole_a carriage_n they_o do_v bear_v such_o testimony_n to_o the_o holy_a covenant_n as_o both_o many_o be_v thereby_o confirm_v and_o their_o enemy_n ashamed_a 5._o that_o though_o some_o of_o they_o do_v appear_v weak_a and_o fainthearted_a at_o first_o yet_o so_o powerful_o and_o abundant_o be_v it_o give_v to_o they_o in_o that_o hour_n that_o out_o of_o weakness_n they_o be_v make_v strong_a and_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v see_v such_o glimpse_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n betwixt_o the_o prison_n and_o the_o scaffold_n that_o all_o fear_n be_v clear_o discuss_v and_o particular_o a_o young_a countrey-boy_n not_o much_o above_o sixteen_o year_n of_o age_n be_v condemn_v at_o aix_n most_o because_o he_o do_v refuse_v to_o take_v the_o declaration_n which_o they_o tell_v he_o be_v the_o renounce_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o he_o have_v take_v at_o lanerk_n &_o though_o both_o through_o fear_n and_o ignorance_n of_o the_o very_a ground_n of_o christianity_n he_o fall_v into_o great_a anxiety_n neither_o dare_v to_o die_v nor_o yet_o to_o redeem_v his_o life_n at_o the_o rate_n propose_v yet_o after_o the_o prayer_n and_o conference_n of_o some_o that_o have_v access_n to_o he_o at_o irwin_n two_o day_n before_o his_o death_n on_o the_o morning_n that_o he_o suffer_v he_o appear_v so_o much_o change_v both_o from_o the_o depth_n of_o fear_n and_o 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shall_v return_v from_o the_o dead_a will_v be_v of_o any_o force_n or_o persuasion_n to_o prevail_v with_o they_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o edinburgh_n shall_v think_v that_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o new_a invent_a oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o fidelity_n to_o the_o king_n and_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o authority_n against_o all_o insurrection_n and_o rebellion_n wherein_o the_o prelate_n and_o the_o up_o hold_v of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o the_o subject_n of_o all_o the_o godly_a to_o their_o lust_n and_o tyranny_n be_v and_o be_v clear_o intend_v and_o design_v shall_v warrant_v they_o in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v terrible_a unto_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o take_v part_n with_o rebel_n and_o apostat_n against_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n and_o for_o oppose_v and_o oppress_v of_o such_o as_o continue_v steadfast_a in_o the_o common_a cause_n and_o covenant_n for_o which_o edinburgh_n be_v once_o very_o honourable_a and_o eminent_a do_v only_o endeavour_v to_o liberat_fw-la themselves_z from_o that_o intolerable_a bondage_n both_o of_o body_n and_o conscience_n more_o grievous_a than_o death_n under_o which_o they_o groan_v do_v edinburgh_n thus_o not_o only_o condemn_v the_o practice_n of_o our_o noble_a ancestor_n and_o reformer_n who_o account_v it_o neither_o insurrection_n nor_o rebellion_n to_o set_v themselves_o for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o then_o power_n who_o do_v endeavour_v to_o oppress_v it_o but_o by_o this_o oath_n abandon_v both_o religion_n and_o liberty_n in_o this_o so_o perilous_a and_o backslide_a a_o generation_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o tyranny_n of_o abuse_a authority_n and_o whatsoever_o it_o shall_v please_v to_o impose_v without_o control_n or_o contradiction_n do_v they_o thus_o remember_v the_o national_a covenant_n and_o the_o solemn_a league_n and_o covenant_n once_o so_o powerful_o swear_v and_o own_a among_o they_o and_o the_o mutual_a defence_n and_o assistance_n wherein_o every_o one_o of_o we_o be_v thereby_o bind_v to_o another_o to_o the_o uttermost_a of_o our_o power_n against_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v ourselves_o by_o whatsoever_o combination_n terror_n or_o persuasion_n to_o be_v divide_v and_o withdraw_v from_o that_o bless_a union_n therein_o contain_v while_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o conspire_v and_o conjure_v themselves_o against_o such_o who_o they_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o assist_v but_o also_o to_o relieve_v of_o all_o the_o persecution_n and_o oppression_n which_o they_o suffer_v and_o sustain_v only_o for_o their_o adherence_n to_o the_o same_o holy_a covenant_n sure_o these_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v this_o oath_n in_o stead_n of_o qualify_a the_o declaration_n in_o lieu_n whereof_o be_v more_o general_a plausible_a and_o ensnare_a it_o be_v contrive_v and_o impose_v will_v be_v find_v a_o practical_a application_n of_o all_o the_o wickedness_n and_o unrighteousness_n which_o be_v therein_o only_o speculative_o declare_v and_o may_v in_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n by_o reason_n not_o only_o of_o the_o equality_n but_o even_o of_o the_o excess_n hereof_o to_o london_n sin_n bring_v upon_o edinburgh_n london_n plague_n and_o judgement_n we_o need_v not_o here_o insist_v to_o testify_v against_o the_o rest_n who_o in_o any_o sort_n concur_v or_o assist_v in_o the_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n abovementioned_a the_o mean_a part_n of_o who_o accession_n do_v far_o exceed_v paul_n keep_v the_o clothes_n of_o such_o as_o stone_a stephen_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o suffering_n and_o not_o oppose_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n the_o shed_n of_o innocent_a blood_n do_v involve_v all_o under_o that_o certain_a denounciation_n make_v by_o jeremiah_n unto_o the_o prince_n of_o judah_n and_o all_o the_o people_n jer._n 26_o 15._o saying_n know_v you_o for_o certain_a that_o if_o you_o put_v i_o to_o death_n
people_n who_o though_o continual_o afflict_v and_o persecute_v in_o their_o body_n &_o though_o their_o soul_n be_v exceed_o fill_v with_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o proud_a yet_o have_v not_o nor_o dare_v not_o deny_v the_o lord_n his_o work_n nor_o his_o holy_a covenant_n who_o though_o the_o lord_n have_v cause_v to_o turn_v back_o from_o the_o enemy_n and_o give_v for_o a_o spoil_n to_o they_o that_o hate_v they_o yea_o give_v they_o as_o sheep_n for_o meat_n and_o make_v they_o a_o reproach_n a_o scorn_n and_o a_o derision_n yet_o have_v they_o nor_o forget_v the_o lord_n nor_o deal_v false_o in_o his_o covenant_n o_o that_o man_n will_v consider_v this_o grace_n of_o god_n whereby_o as_o he_o confort_v and_o sustain_v his_o servant_n in_o all_o their_o affliction_n so_o he_o warn_v backslider_n to_o return_v and_o all_o to_o flee_v from_o the_o wrath_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o to_o save_v themselves_o from_o this_o wicked_a generation_n which_o grace_n as_o it_o allay_v to_o the_o faithful_a the_o smart_n so_o ought_v it_o to_o remove_v from_o all_o the_o scandal_n of_o our_o lord_n cross_n and_o be_v indeed_o that_o strength_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n who_o be_v make_v perfect_a by_o suffer_v with_o all_o his_o sufferer_n give_v for_o the_o present_a joy_n and_o peace_n and_o afterward_o assure_a victory_n now_o see_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v so_o visible_o bring_v upon_o we_o these_o sore_a trial_n that_o such_o as_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a and_o so_o gracious_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o temptation_n thereof_o yea_o thereby_o refine_v purifi_v and_o make_v many_o white_a that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o abundant_a partaker_n both_o of_o his_o holiness_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n and_o also_o eminent_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n grace_n and_o power_n of_o his_o great_a work_n his_o holy_a covenant_n and_o precious_a ordinance_n and_o ministry_n among_o we_o clear_v they_o by_o his_o own_o testimony_n of_o all_o these_o calumny_n wherewith_o either_o through_o the_o invention_n of_o some_o man_n malice_n or_o the_o occasion_n of_o other_o man_n weakness_n and_o sin_n they_o be_v former_o asperse_v we_o shall_v shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n with_o this_o one_o word_n of_o exhortation_n great_a have_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o this_o land_n in_o not_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o glorious_a gospel_n in_o not_o receive_v the_o lord_n jesus_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o witness_v his_o light_n and_o grace_n and_o glory_n in_o our_o life_n and_o conversation_n but_o in_o rest_v on_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o appearance_n of_o the_o true_a doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o government_n without_o labour_v after_o the_o power_n of_o reformation_n and_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n the_o only_a grace_n and_o blessing_n of_o all_o these_o enjoyment_n and_o in_o pervert_v and_o manage_v the_o possession_n and_o profession_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n unto_o selfish_a end_n and_o worldly_a advantage_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a have_v we_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n for_o all_o these_o mercy_n of_o his_o gospel_n pure_a ordinance_n and_o holy_a covenant_n to_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v they_o from_o that_o great_a end_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o our_o salvation_n unto_o the_o base_a design_n of_o serve_v and_o satify_v our_o own_o lust_n to_o his_o dishonour_n and_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v often_o in_o his_o mercy_n correct_v and_o warn_v we_o have_v now_o at_o length_n give_v we_o over_o unto_o this_o horrid_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n whereby_o as_o the_o latent_fw-la malice_n and_o hypocrisy_n of_o many_o and_o the_o great_a faint_a and_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o all_o have_v be_v manifest_o discover_v so_o the_o lord_n be_v feed_v the_o wicked_a with_o their_o own_o delusion_n and_o put_v the_o zeal_n and_o constancy_n of_o all_o to_o the_o test_n and_o in_o effect_n ripen_v this_o whole_a land_n either_o for_o a_o glorious_a deliverance_n from_o that_o perverse_a spirit_n and_o generation_n of_o antichrist_n that_o have_v be_v long_o mingle_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o we_o and_o even_o from_o the_o day_n of_o our_o first_o reformation_n have_v retain_v and_o continue_v the_o old_a enmity_n against_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o his_o bless_a gospel_n and_o kingdom_n or_o else_o for_o a_o total_a and_o final_a overthrow_n in_o utter_a darkness_n and_o desolation_n and_o therefore_o o_o scotland_n because_o the_o lord_n love_v thy_o father_n and_o delight_v not_o in_o thy_o destruction_n have_v he_o after_o all_o our_o fearful_a backslide_n and_o sinful_a faint_a and_o depart_v which_o testify_v against_o we_o neither_o leave_v himself_o nor_o we_o without_o a_o witness_n but_o raise_v up_o among_o we_o his_o own_o faithful_a servant_n and_o our_o brethren_n with_o who_o we_o be_v all_o equal_o and_o indissoluble_o engage_v in_o the_o same_o righteous_a cause_n and_o covenant_n &_o by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o his_o grace_n from_o the_o pure_a zeal_n of_o his_o glory_n enable_v they_o first_o to_o venture_v and_o then_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o work_n and_o covenant_n that_o we_o may_v yet_o at_o length_n consider_v and_o understand_v that_o these_o be_v no_o more_o the_o labour_n and_o device_n of_o carnal_a design_n than_o that_o corruption_n and_o weakness_n of_o flesh_n &_o blood_n can_v triumph_v both_o over_o itself_o &_o death_n &_o hell_n the_o chief_a of_o terror_n o_o that_o man_n will_v therefore_o lay_v to_o heart_n their_o bond_n &_o engagement_n unto_o the_o lord_n repent_v of_o their_o backslide_n and_o cease_v from_o their_o opposition_n to_o his_o cause_n &_o covenant_n at_o least_o that_o such_o who_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o abandon_v unto_o that_o depth_n of_o apostasy_n whereunto_o other_o have_v make_v defection_n will_v yet_o be_v wise_a &_o instruct_v repent_v of_o their_o faint_a &_o neutrality_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n &_o their_o connivance_n or_o compliance_n with_o the_o declare_a enemy_n thereof_o &_o beware_v of_o that_o wicked_a declaration_n against_o the_o covenant_n or_o any_o other_o oath_n and_o subscription_n likely_a to_o be_v the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n of_o these_o time_n which_o either_o under_o the_o pretext_n of_o peace_n and_o order_n or_o of_o due_a obedience_n unto_o lawful_a authority_n may_v be_v wicked_o invent_v and_o impose_v real_o for_o the_o suppress_n of_o truth_n and_o advance_v of_o this_o rebellion_n against_o the_o most_o high_a god_n and_o the_o establish_n of_o this_o antichristian_a prelatic_a tyranny_n we_o have_v already_o full_o detect_v the_o mask_n and_o design_n of_o such_o imposture_n he_o who_o have_v give_v authority_n and_o power_n unto_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o render_v the_o same_o sacred_a by_o his_o holy_a sanction_n and_o command_n as_o he_o have_v often_o punish_v their_o ingratitude_n and_o usurpation_n against_o his_o own_o sovereignty_n so_o will_v he_o not_o hold_v that_o people_n guiltless_a who_o be_v both_o his_o creature_n and_o swear_a subject_n either_o connive_v at_o or_o comply_v with_o such_o rebellious_a prince_n in_o their_o wickedness_n shall_v both_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o very_a propension_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o blood_n to_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o parent_n cede_fw-la to_o the_o obedience_n of_o king_n and_o ruler_n for_o the_o good_a and_o preservation_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o shall_v not_o far_o more_o all_o allegiance_n &_o obedience_n to_o the_o same_o king_n &_o ruler_n cede_fw-la and_o give_v place_n to_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o most_o high_a our_o only_a sovereign_a lord_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o holy_a oath_n and_o commandment_n for_o advancement_n of_o his_o glory_n the_o great_a and_o only_o end_v of_o all_o thing_n fix_v it_o therefore_o in_o your_o heart_n first_o to_o love_n and_o fear_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o then_o to_o honour_v and_o obey_v the_o king_n and_o let_v the_o sincere_a and_o inward_a love_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o dear_a esteem_n of_o his_o precious_a gospel_n and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o most_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a oath_n and_o covenant_n and_o of_o that_o beauty_n power_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o pure_a ordinance_n ministry_n and_o government_n which_o we_o once_o enjoy_v always_o dwell_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o ever_o determine_v and_o establish_v you_o to_o resist_v and_o disow_v all_o wicked_a usurpation_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o anoint_v all_o invasion_n against_o his_o crown_n and_o prerogative_n all_o corruption_n and_o humane_a invention_n in_o his_o pure_a worship_n and_o ordinance_n all_o perversion_n of_o the_o true_a government_n and_o comely_a order_n in_o his_o house_n and_o alâ—_n violation_n of_o these_o indispensible_a &_o holy_a