Englands covenant proved lawful and necessary also at this time both by Scripture and reason together with sundry answers to the usual objections made against it / by S.C.
         Clarke, Samuel, 1599-1682.
      
       
         This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A33303 of text R11225 in the  English Short Title Catalog (Wing C4509). Textual changes  and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more  computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life.  The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with  MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish.  This text has not been fully proofread 
       Approx. 33 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 9 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images.
       
         EarlyPrint Project
         Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO
         2017
         A33303
         Wing C4509
         ESTC R11225
         08608469
         ocm 08608469
         41457
         
           
            This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of
             Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal
            . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.
          
        
      
       
         Early English books online.
      
       
         (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A33303)
         Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 41457)
         Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1250:30)
      
       
         
           
             Englands covenant proved lawful and necessary also at this time both by Scripture and reason together with sundry answers to the usual objections made against it / by S.C.
             Clarke, Samuel, 1599-1682.
          
           16 p.
           
             Printed for Henry Overton,
             London :
             1643.
          
           
             Second impression. Dated July 28, 1643.
             Reproduction of original in the Union Theological Seminary Library, New York.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Solemn League and Covenant (1643)
           Oaths -- England.
           Great Britain -- History -- Civil War, 1642-1649 -- Pamphlets.
        
      
    
       A33303  R11225  (Wing C4509).  civilwar no Englands covenant proved lawfull & necessary also at this time, both by Scripture and reason. Together, vvith sundry answers to the usuall o Clarke, Samuel 1643    6154 11 0 0 0 0 0 18 C  The  rate of 18 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 
        2004-06 TCP
        Assigned for keying and markup
      
        2004-06 Aptara
        Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images
      
        2004-07 Judith Siefring
        Sampled and proofread
      
        2004-07 Judith Siefring
        Text and markup reviewed and edited
      
        2004-10 pfs
        Batch review (QC) and XML conversion
      
    
  
   
     
       
       
       
         
           ENGLANDS
           COVENANT
           PROVED
           Lawfull
           and
           necessary
           Also
           at
           this
           Time
           ,
           both
           by
           Scripture
           and
           Reason
           .
           TOGETHER
           With
           sundry
           Answers
           to
           the
           usuall
           Objections
           made
           against
           it
           .
        
         
           By
           S.
           C.
           Preacher
           at
           B.
           F.
           
        
         
           
             Eccles.
             5.
             4.
             
          
           
             When
             thou
             vowest
             a
             vow
             unto
             GOD
             ,
             deferre
             not
             to
             pay
             it
             ;
             For
             Hee
             hath
             no
             pleasure
             in
             Fooles
             ;
             Pay
             that
             which
             thou
             hast
             vowed
             .
          
        
         
           
             LONDON
             ,
          
           Printed
           for
           
             Henry
             Overton
          
           in
           Popes-head
           Alley
           ,
           1643.
           
        
      
       
       
         
           
             Courteous
             Reader
             ,
          
        
         
           AT
           the
           first
           impression
           hereof
           ,
           the
           time
           prefixed
           by
           the
           Parliament
           ,
           for
           the
           Cities
           taking
           of
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           being
           almost
           elapsed
           ,
           &
           my
           immature
           conceptions
           not
           ready
           for
           the
           birth
           ,
           yet
           importunity
           like
           an
           overhasty
           Midwife
           ,
           would
           needs
           deliver
           me
           of
           it
           :
           whereupon
           I
           presumed
           that
           it
           would
           have
           perished
           in
           the
           birth
           ,
           or
           have
           found
           no
           better
           entertainment
           than
           a
           misshapen
           Embryon
           :
           but
           beyond
           my
           expectation
           it
           hath
           been
           accepted
           of
           ,
           approved
           ,
           and
           (
           as
           I
           understand
           )
           given
           satisfaction
           to
           many
           ,
           and
           was
           now
           this
           second
           time
           put
           unto
           the
           Presse
           before
           I
           knew
           of
           it
           :
           Had
           the
           Stationer
           given
           me
           but
           some
           few
           dayes
           warning
           ,
           I
           would
           according
           to
           my
           poore
           abilities
           have
           added
           something
           for
           the
           enlargement
           of
           it
           :
           but
           presuming
           yet
           that
           some
           abler
           Person
           may
           happily
           undertake
           the
           worke
           :
           in
           the
           interim
           this
           is
           once
           againe
           sent
           abroad
           ,
           that
           so
           the
           Ignorant
           may
           be
           informed
           of
           the
           weightinesse
           of
           avow
           ,
           and
           Covenant
           :
           that
           the
           doubtfull
           may
           be
           resolved
           concerning
           the
           Lawfulnesse
           of
           this
           in
           hand
           ;
           and
           that
           all
           may
           be
           excited
           to
           the
           carefull
           performance
           of
           what
           they
           binde
           themselves
           to
           hereby
           :
           If
           in
           any
           of
           these
           thou
           receivest
           satisfaction
           ,
           and
           Benefit
           ,
           praise
           God
           ,
           and
           pray
           for
           him
           who
           is
        
         
           
             Thine
             in
             the
             Lord
             S.
             C.
             
          
           
             
               July
               ,
               28
               ,
               1643.
               
            
          
        
      
    
     
       
       
         
           ENGLANDS
           Covenant
           ▪
        
         
           THe
           Reasons
           that
           have
           induced
           the
           
             Parliament
          
           to
           frame
           ,
           and
           propose
           this
           present
           
             Covenant
          
           to
           be
           taken
           by
           all
           the
           well-affected
           Subjects
           of
           this
           Kingdome
           (
           as
           I
           conceive
           )
           are
           especially
           two
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           By
           reason
           of
           Gods
           hand
           which
           lies
           so
           
           heavie
           upon
           us
           in
           this
           present
           Judgement
           of
           the
           devouring
           Svvord
           ,
           which
           being
           one
           of
           the
           greatest
           outward
           miseries
           which
           can
           befall
           a
           people
           ,
           shewes
           that
           their
           sinnes
           are
           grown
           to
           a
           great
           ripenesse
           ,
           and
           that
           gentler
           Physick
           will
           not
           serve
           turne
           to
           purge
           out
           their
           strong
           corruptions
           :
           whereupon
           after
           the
           godly
           examples
           of
           the
           pious
           and
           renowned
           Kings
           of
           
             Iudah
             ,
          
           they
           have
           pitched
           upon
           this
           course
           as
           a
           speciall
           meanes
           to
           pacifie
           Gods
           vvrath
           by
           a
           generall
           Covenanting
           with
           God
           to
           indeavour
           a
           Reformation
           of
           our
           hearts
           ,
           and
           lives
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Observing
           the
           incessant
           and
           indefatigable
           Plots
           of
           the
           
           Enemies
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           his
           Cause
           ,
           either
           by
           open
           violence
           ,
           or
           secret
           fraud
           to
           oppresse
           ,
           or
           undermine
           the
           Power
           and
           purity
           of
           our
           Religion
           ,
           and
           to
           introduce
           
             Popery
          
           instead
           thereof
           :
           They
           have
           therefore
           thought
           fit
           by
           this
           
             Covenant
             ,
          
           to
           lay
           a
           stronger
           engagement
           upon
           every
           one
           to
           detect
           and
           discover
           ,
           and
           oppose
           whatsoever
           may
           tend
           to
           the
           prejudice
           of
           the
           one
           ,
           or
           to
           the
           furtherance
           of
           the
           other
           :
           but
           withall
           considering
           
           that
           the
           major
           part
           of
           those
           which
           are
           to
           enter
           into
           it
           either
           for
           want
           of
           Information
           may
           scruple
           some
           part
           of
           it
           ,
           or
           doe
           it
           
             aubitante
             conscientiâ
             ,
          
           with
           a
           doubting
           Conscience
           ,
           which
           will
           make
           it
           a
           sinne
           to
           them
           )
           or
           through
           inconsideratenesse
           may
           doe
           it
           hand
           over
           head
           ,
           without
           understanding
           ,
           or
           a
           just
           prepondering
           of
           the
           strong
           engagement
           which
           they
           
           lay
           upon
           themselves
           hereby
           ,
           which
           will
           make
           them
           to
           breake
           it
           as
           lightly
           ,
           as
           they
           undertooke
           it
           rashly
           .
           I
           have
           indeavoured
           therefore
           for
           the
           Information
           of
           the
           one
           ,
           and
           ballasting
           of
           the
           other
           in
           these
           few
           ensuing
           Lines
           to
           shew
           the
           severall
           sorts
           of
           Covenants
           ,
           and
           the
           requisites
           of
           a
           Lawfull
           
             Covenant
             ,
          
           and
           by
           the
           Application
           of
           this
           present
           to
           those
           Rules
           ,
           to
           prove
           the
           lawfullnesse
           of
           it
           :
           as
           also
           by
           shewing
           the
           great
           ingagement
           that
           a
           sacred
           Vow
           ,
           layes
           upon
           the
           Conscience
           of
           the
           undertakers
           of
           it
           ,
           to
           deterre
           all
           ,
           either
           from
           a
           giddy
           taking
           ,
           or
           a
           rash
           and
           inconsiderate
           breaking
           of
           the
           same
           .
        
         
           Vowes
           and
           Covenants
           are
           of
           2.
           sorts
           
             
               Unlawfull
               and
               sinfull
               .
            
             
               Lawfull
               and
               good
               .
            
          
        
         
           A
           sinnefull
           Covenant
           is
           a
           bond
           whereby
           wee
           ingage
           our selves
           to
           something
           that
           is
           evill
           :
           such
           was
           that
           of
           those
           wicked
           Jewes
           ,
           23.
           
           
             Act.
          
           12.
           who
           bound
           themselves
           under
           an
           Oath
           of
           execration
           ,
           that
           they
           would
           neither
           eate
           ,
           nor
           drinke
           ,
           till
           they
           had
           killed
           
             Paul
             .
          
        
         
           A
           Lawfull
           Covenant
           is
           either
           
             
               Civill
               .
            
             
               Religious
               .
            
             
               Mixt.
               
            
          
        
         
           A
           Civill
           Covenant
           is
           a
           bond
           whereby
           we
           ingage
           our selves
           each
           to
           other
           in
           civill
           respects
           :
           
           such
           as
           was
           that
           betwixt
           
             Abraham
          
           and
           
             Abimelech
             ,
             21.
             
             Gen.
          
           27.
           &c.
           
        
         
           A
           Religious
           Covenant
           is
           a
           bond
           whereby
           we
           engage
           our selves
           to
           God
           ,
           
           to
           yeeld
           obedience
           to
           Him
           in
           those
           things
           which
           are
           agreeable
           to
           his
           will
           ,
           2
           
             Chron.
             29.
             10
             ,
             10
             Ezr.
             3.
             10.
             
             Nohem
             .
          
           29.
           
        
         
           And
           this
           Religious
           Covenant
           is
           either
           
             
               Universall
               ,
            
             
               Singular
               .
            
          
        
         
           A
           Universall
           Religious
           Covenant
           is
           a
           bond
           of
           all
           the
           Faithfull
           
           vvhereby
           they
           engage
           themselves
           to
           the
           service
           of
           God
           in
           abstaining
           from
           sinne
           ,
           and
           indeavouring
           to
           keep
           all
           his
           Commandements
           :
           this
           
             Covenant
          
           is
           made
           by
           all
           in
           
             Baptisme
             ,
          
           and
           renevved
           so
           often
           as
           vvee
           come
           to
           the
           
             Sacrament
          
           of
           the
           Lords
           Supper
           .
           A
           singular
           Religious
           Covenant
           is
           a
           bond
           vvherein
           some
           one
           Person
           for
           some
           speciall
           cause
           doth
           engage
           himselfe
           to
           God
           .
        
         
           And
           it
           is
           either
           
             
               Absolute
               ,
               and
               perpetuall
               .
            
             
               Conditionall
               ,
               and
               Temporary
               .
            
          
        
         
           An
           absolute
           perpetuall
           Covenant
           is
           a
           bond
           whereby
           wee
           engage
           our selves
           ,
           absolutely
           to
           God
           ,
           and
           during
           the
           whole
           terme
           of
           our
           lives
           ,
           from
           which
           wee
           can
           never
           bee
           released
           :
           such
           was
           that
           of
           
             David
             119.
             
             Psal.
          
           106.
           
           I
           have
           sworne
           and
           I
           vvill
           performe
           it
           ,
           that
           I
           will
           keep
           thy
           righteous
           Judgements
           .
           A
           Conditionall
           and
           Temporary
           Covenant
           is
           a
           bond
           vvhereby
           we
           engage
           our selves
           ,
           upon
           some
           condition
           ,
           and
           for
           a
           certaine
           time
           onely
           ,
           vvhich
           being
           expired
           ,
           or
           the
           condition
           unperformed
           vve
           are
           freed
           from
           the
           same
           :
           vvhereof
           wee
           have
           examples
           ,
           1
           
             Sam.
             1.
             11.
             v.
             18.
             
             Act.
          
           18.
           
        
         
           A
           mixt
           Covenant
           vvhich
           is
           partly
           Religious
           ,
           
           and
           partly
           civill
           ,
           is
           a
           bond
           whereby
           vve
           engage
           our selves
           both
           to
           God
           and
           men
           :
           Such
           is
           this
           Covenant
           now
           appointed
           to
           bee
           entred
           into
           :
           and
           such
           was
           that
           2
           
             King.
             11.
             17.
             
             Iehoiada
          
           made
           a
           Covenant
           betvveen
           the
           Lord
           and
           the
           King
           :
           and
           the
           King
           ,
           and
           the
           People
           ,
           that
           they
           should
           bee
           the
           Lords
           People
           :
           betvveen
           the
           King
           also
           and
           the
           People
           :
           thus
           having
           considered
           the
           severall
           sorts
           of
           Covenants
           ,
           I
           shall
           come
           in
           the
           next
           place
           to
           collect
           such
           requisites
           ,
           and
           ingredients
           ,
           as
           are
           necessary
           to
           the
           constitution
           of
           a
           Lavvfull
           Covenant
           ,
           that
           so
           by
           examining
           this
           present
           Covenant
           thereby
           ,
           wee
           may
           more
           cleerely
           be
           convinced
           of
           the
           lawfulnesse
           of
           the
           same
           .
        
         
           Which
           Ingredients
           are
           especially
           these
           :
           
        
         
           1.
           
           That
           the
           Subject
           matter
           of
           it
           be
           lawfull
           ,
           or
           else
           it
           's
           no
           Covenant
           ,
           
           but
           a
           conspiracy
           ,
           and
           they
           which
           enter
           into
           it
           are
           like
           
             Simeon
          
           and
           
             Levi
             ,
          
           brethren
           in
           evill
           ,
           or
           like
           those
           wicked
           Jewes
           ,
           vvhich
           bound
           themselves
           by
           an
           Oath
           ,
           and
           a
           curse
           that
           they
           would
           neither
           eate
           ,
           nor
           drinke
           till
           they
           had
           killed
           
             Paul
             ,
             23.
             
             Act.
          
           12.
           
        
         
         
           
           Neither
           is
           it
           sufficient
           that
           the
           matter
           of
           it
           be
           lawfull
           ,
           but
           it
           must
           be
           knowne
           also
           to
           be
           so
           by
           those
           which
           enter
           into
           it
           ,
           at
           the
           time
           when
           they
           undertake
           it
           :
           for
           as
           in
           an
           Oath
           wee
           must
           sweare
           in
           truth
           ,
           
             i.
             e.
          
           the
           matter
           of
           it
           must
           be
           true
           :
           so
           in
           Judgement
           also
           ,
           
             i.
             e.
          
           knowing
           it
           to
           bee
           true
           ,
           4.
           
             Ier.
          
           2.
           or
           else
           we
           are
           guilty
           of
           perjury
           :
           so
           in
           vowes
           ,
           and
           Covenants
           which
           are
           sometimes
           accompanied
           with
           an
           Oath
           ,
           we
           must
           be
           well
           informed
           of
           the
           lawfulnes
           of
           the
           matter
           thereof
           ,
           or
           else
           we
           make
           our selves
           guilty
           before
           God
           :
           and
           that
           of
           
             Sol●mon
          
           may
           be
           applyed
           to
           such
           persons
           ,
           20
           
             Prov.
          
           25.
           
           It
           's
           a
           snare
           for
           a
           man
           to
           devoure
           holy
           things
           ,
           and
           after
           the
           vow
           to
           enquire
           .
        
         
           
           3.
           
           It
           's
           also
           further
           required
           ,
           that
           they
           which
           enter
           into
           a
           Covenant
           should
           before
           hand
           ,
           and
           at
           their
           entrance
           into
           it
           ,
           fully
           resolve
           with
           themselves
           to
           the
           uttermost
           of
           their
           power
           to
           observe
           and
           keep
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           every
           part
           ,
           and
           branch
           of
           it
           :
           whereunto
           tends
           that
           advice
           of
           
             Solomon
             ,
             5
             Ec.
             cles
             .
             4
             ,
             5.
             
             When
             thou
             vowest
             a
             vow
             deferre
             not
             to
             pay
             it
             ,
             for
             God
          
           hath
           no
           pleasure
           in
           fooles
           .
           Pay
           therefore
           that
           which
           thou
           hast
           vowed
           ?
           
             Better
             it
             is
             that
             thou
             shouldest
             not
             vow
             ,
             then
             that
             thou
             sholdest
             vow
             and
             not
             pay
             ▪
             30.
             
             Num.
          
           2.
           
        
         
           
           4.
           
           It
           must
           be
           of
           things
           within
           our
           povver
           :
           or
           else
           to
           engage
           our selves
           by
           a
           vow
           to
           impossibilities
           ,
           
           what
           is
           it
           but
           to
           prophane
           the
           sacred
           name
           of
           God
           ?
           and
           bring
           downe
           his
           curse
           upon
           us
           :
           this
           was
           the
           sinne
           of
           those
           after
           the
           floud
           which
           covenanted
           among
           themselves
           ,
           to
           build
           a
           Tower
           which
           should
           reach
           up
           to
           Heaven
           :
           a
           thing
           impossible
           ,
           if
           God
           had
           not
           confounded
           their
           Language
           :
           and
           it
           was
           also
           an
           aggravation
           of
           their
           sinne
           ,
           who
           vovved
           that
           they
           would
           neither
           eat
           ,
           nor
           drinke
           till
           they
           had
           killed
           
             Paul
             :
          
           which
           being
           out
           of
           their
           power
           ,
           made
           their
           vovv
           the
           more
           unlawfull
           unto
           them
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           The
           Persons
           which
           bind
           themselves
           by
           a
           vow
           ,
           must
           be
           
             sui
             
             Juris
             ,
          
           such
           as
           have
           power
           of
           their
           owne
           heads
           ;
           and
           bee
           not
           under
           the
           jurisdiction
           of
           another
           ,
           or
           else
           they
           must
           be
           carefull
           to
           take
           along
           with
           them
           the
           consent
           of
           their
           Governours
           ,
           if
           they
           meane
           to
           free
           themselves
           from
           sinne
           :
           a
           Maide
           in
           her
           Fathers
           House
           ,
           or
           a
           woman
           that
           hath
           an
           Husband
           
           may
           not
           vow
           without
           the
           consent
           of
           their
           superiors
           ,
           30.
           
           
             Nu.
             3.
          
           &c.
           the
           Reason
           is
           because
           they
           are
           not
           at
           their
           own
           disposall
           ,
           and
           therefore
           not
           able
           to
           performe
           their
           vowes
           without
           the
           approbation
           of
           another
           ,
           
             verse
          
           13.
           
        
         
           Having
           thus
           shewed
           the
           severall
           sorts
           of
           Covenants
           ,
           and
           what
           is
           required
           to
           make
           a
           lawfull
           one
           ;
           I
           shall
           now
           come
           to
           apply
           this
           present
           Covenant
           to
           these
           rules
           ,
           and
           thereby
           not
           only
           vindicate
           it
           from
           all
           unlawfulnes
           ,
           but
           also
           shew
           the
           usefullnesse
           ,
           if
           not
           necessity
           of
           it
           ,
           at
           such
           a
           time
           as
           this
           is
           ;
           for
           which
           end
           I
           shall
           take
           it
           in
           sunder
           ,
           and
           cleere
           the
           lawfulnesse
           of
           it
           in
           each
           branch
           ,
           that
           so
           it
           may
           appeare
           to
           be
           free
           from
           just
           exception
           in
           the
           subject
           matter
           of
           it
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           first
           thing
           required
           in
           a
           lawfull
           Covenant
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           in
           the
           first
           part
           of
           it
           we
           professe
           our
           hearty
           sorrow
           
           for
           our
           owne
           ,
           and
           the
           Nationall
           sins
           ,
           which
           have
           deserved
           the
           Calamaties
           and
           judgements
           which
           now
           lie
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           our
           intention
           is
           by
           Gods
           grace
           to
           endeavour
           the
           amendment
           of
           our
           owne
           wayes
           :
           which
           clause
           is
           so
           cleere
           that
           I
           presume
           that
           every
           Christian
           at
           the
           first
           vievv
           ,
           will
           not
           onely
           see
           a
           lawfulnesse
           ,
           but
           a
           necessity
           of
           the
           same
           :
           for
           in
           Gods
           judgements
           wee
           may
           read
           our
           sins
           ,
           in
           the
           generality
           ,
           and
           greatnesse
           of
           the
           one
           ;
           the
           generality
           and
           greatnesse
           of
           the
           other
           ,
           and
           in
           that
           day
           (
           when
           Gods
           hand
           lies
           heavie
           upon
           a
           Nation
           )
           doth
           the
           Lord
           God
           call
           to
           weeping
           and
           mourning
           and
           to
           baldesse
           ,
           
             &c.
             22.
             
             Isa.
          
           12
           ,
           Wherein
           wee
           see
           that
           same
           thing
           which
           is
           undertaken
           in
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           imposed
           as
           a
           duty
           by
           God
           himselfe
           ,
           who
           doth
           not
           onely
           require
           a
           sence
           of
           ,
           and
           sorrow
           for
           our
           sins
           ,
           but
           a
           resolute
           endeavour
           of
           Reformation
           also
           ;
           
             wash
             you
             ,
             make
             you
             cleane
             ,
             take
             away
             the
             evill
             of
             your
             workes
             ,
             from
             before
             mine
             eyes
             ,
          
           &c.
           
             Isay
          
           16.
           
           Or
           else
           our
           humiliation
           is
           but
           hanging
           downe
           our
           heads
           like
           a
           bull
           rush
           for
           a
           day
           ,
           58.
           
           
             Isa.
          
           5.
           meere
           mocking
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           deluding
           our
           owne
           soules
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           That
           we
           doe
           abhorre
           and
           detest
           the
           late
           vvicked
           ,
           and
           
           treacherous
           designe
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           never
           gave
           ,
           or
           will
           give
           ,
           or
           assent
           to
           the
           execution
           thereof
           :
           but
           will
           according
           to
           our
           power
           and
           vocation
           oppose
           and
           resist
           the
           same
           ,
           and
           all
           other
           
           of
           the
           like
           nature
           :
           this
           branch
           no
           one
           may
           take
           which
           hath
           in
           any
           measure
           been
           privie
           to
           the
           said
           Plot
           ,
           till
           they
           have
           first
           unburthened
           their
           Conscience
           ,
           by
           acknowledgeing
           what
           they
           have
           been
           privie
           to
           ,
           and
           craving
           pardon
           for
           the
           same
           ;
           otherwise
           they
           devote
           themselves
           to
           the
           curse
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           will
           be
           a
           swift
           witnesse
           against
           such
           perjured
           Persons
           :
           and
           whose
           flying
           role
           will
           enter
           into
           their
           Houses
           ,
           and
           remaine
           therein
           ,
           and
           consume
           them
           with
           the
           timber
           thereof
           ,
           and
           stones
           thereof
           ,
           5
           
             Zach.
          
           4.
           
           But
           for
           such
           persons
           as
           are
           free
           from
           the
           guilt
           of
           so
           foule
           a
           blot
           ,
           they
           not
           only
           may
           ,
           but
           ought
           to
           professe
           their
           detestation
           of
           so
           horrid
           a
           Plot
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           execution
           must
           necessarily
           have
           tended
           to
           the
           death
           and
           ruine
           of
           so
           many
           Innocents
           :
           and
           had
           the
           Plotters
           obtained
           their
           ends
           ;
           would
           without
           all
           question
           have
           ended
           in
           the
           dissolution
           of
           the
           
             Parliament
             .
          
           And
           therein
           in
           the
           Fatall
           period
           of
           Religion
           ,
           Lawes
           ,
           Liberties
           and
           all
           future
           free
           
             Parliament
             ,
          
           also
           ;
           as
           the
           Commission
           granted
           to
           them
           ,
           will
           cleerly
           evidence
           and
           evince
           .
        
         
           
           3.
           
           That
           in
           case
           any
           other
           like
           designe
           shal
           come
           to
           our
           knowledge
           ,
           we
           will
           make
           such
           timely
           discovery
           ,
           as
           may
           best
           conduce
           to
           the
           preventing
           of
           it
           :
           By
           like
           
             Designe
          
           we
           are
           to
           understand
           ,
           such
           as
           are
           destructive
           or
           prejudiciall
           to
           the
           
             Parliament
             ,
          
           Citie
           or
           Kingdome
           ,
           as
           this
           former
           would
           have
           been
           :
           and
           this
           no
           one
           that
           is
           friend
           to
           any
           of
           these
           ,
           or
           to
           himselfe
           in
           them
           can
           refuse
           to
           promise
           .
           Some
           of
           the
           very
           Heathen
           from
           the
           light
           ,
           and
           Principles
           of
           Nature
           it selfe
           ,
           have
           refused
           to
           survive
           their
           Countries
           Liberty
           :
           and
           shall
           not
           Christians
           put
           to
           their
           helping
           hands
           ,
           to
           wrest
           the
           Liberty
           of
           their
           Religion
           from
           the
           attempts
           of
           Papists
           :
           the
           Liberties
           of
           the
           
             Parliament
          
           from
           the
           Complotters
           of
           their
           ruine
           ,
           and
           the
           Liberties
           of
           the
           City
           ,
           and
           Kingdome
           fromthe
           Power
           of
           Tyrannicall
           Oppressours
           ,
           which
           is
           all
           that
           wee
           promise
           to
           doe
           when
           we
           engage
           our selves
           to
           a
           timely
           discovery
           of
           the
           like
           designes
           ?
           The
           Kingdome
           is
           a
           Ship
           :
           the
           Parliament
           our
           Steeres
           men
           :
           the
           Citie
           the
           principall
           Cabbin
           :
           and
           Religion
           the
           precious
           Fraught
           wherewith
           God
           hath
           laden
           our
           Ship
           ,
           and
           he
           is
           a
           Traitour
           to
           all
           these
           which
           shall
           refuse
           to
           tye
           himselfe
           to
           indeavour
           their
           preservation
           .
        
         
         
           4.
           
           That
           we
           do
           in
           our
           Consciences
           beleive
           that
           the
           Forces
           raised
           by
           the
           two
           Houses
           of
           
             Parliament
             ,
          
           are
           raised
           and
           continued
           for
           their
           just
           Defence
           :
           and
           for
           the
           Defence
           of
           the
           true
           Protestant
           Religion
           ,
           and
           Liberties
           of
           the
           Subject
           against
           the
           Forces
           raised
           by
           the
           King
           :
           by
           the
           beliefe
           here
           spoken
           of
           (
           as
           I
           conceive
           )
           wee
           are
           not
           to
           understand
           such
           a
           Faith
           ,
           as
           is
           grounded
           upon
           indubitable
           &
           infallible
           Principles
           ,
           as
           we
           believe
           the
           Articles
           of
           our
           Religion
           :
           but
           only
           such
           a
           credence
           as
           is
           grounded
           upon
           probable
           Arguments
           ,
           and
           Reasons
           ,
           which
           first
           working
           upon
           our
           Judgements
           doe
           afterwards
           convince
           our
           Consciences
           to
           believe
           the
           same
           .
           Now
           that
           we
           have
           sufficient
           reason
           thus
           to
           believe
           ,
           let
           us
           but
           a
           little
           call
           to
           mind
           the
           Plot
           of
           bringing
           up
           the
           Army
           out
           of
           the
           
             North
             :
          
           The
           attempt
           made
           against
           the
           five
           Members
           :
           the
           withdrawing
           of
           the
           King
           from
           his
           faithfull
           Councell
           :
           the
           active
           instruments
           which
           have
           been
           imployed
           into
           forraigne
           parts
           to
           provide
           Armes
           ,
           Ammunition
           ,
           and
           Commanders
           ,
           the
           bringing
           of
           them
           over
           from
           time
           to
           time
           ,
           their
           designe
           :
           to
           seize
           upon
           many
           of
           the
           strong
           Holds
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           :
           the
           putting
           of
           the
           Armes
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           untrusty
           Commissioners
           of
           
             Array
             :
          
           the
           Arming
           of
           the
           Papists
           contrary
           to
           Law
           :
           the
           correspondence
           held
           with
           the
           Scottish
           ,
           and
           Irish
           Papists
           ,
           and
           Rebells
           :
           the
           indeavour
           to
           raise
           a
           party
           in
           this
           City
           to
           seize
           upon
           the
           Persons
           of
           some
           principall
           Members
           of
           Parliament
           and
           City
           :
           and
           the
           late
           Plot
           as
           bad
           ,
           if
           not
           worse
           then
           all
           the
           rest
           if
           by
           Gods
           mercy
           it
           had
           not
           been
           strangled
           in
           the
           birth
           :
           these
           are
           sufficient
           Arguments
           to
           induce
           us
           to
           believe
           that
           it
           was
           but
           high
           time
           for
           the
           Parliament
           to
           raise
           Forces
           ,
           and
           to
           continue
           them
           for
           their
           just
           Defence
           :
           Againe
           consider
           also
           the
           setting
           up
           of
           Masses
           in
           
             Yorke
             ,
          
           and
           
             Oxford
             :
          
           the
           many
           Jesuites
           ,
           Priests
           ,
           and
           J●suited
           Papists
           that
           are
           in
           the
           Adverse
           Armies
           ,
           whose
           Romish
           Plots
           are
           only
           to
           advance
           the
           Catholique
           Cause
           ,
           and
           ruine
           our
           Religion
           .
           Besides
           the
           granting
           of
           so
           many
           Commissions
           for
           
             Array
             ;
          
           which
           were
           so
           destructive
           to
           the
           Subjects
           Liberty
           :
           the
           pillaging
           and
           plundering
           of
           the
           Houses
           and
           Estates
           of
           the
           best
           Subjects
           ,
           and
           burning
           of
           their
           Habitations
           ,
           and
           we
           cannot
           but
           be
           convinced
           ,
           it
           was
           high
           time
           to
           raise
           
           and
           it
           is
           just
           to
           continue
           these
           forces
           for
           the
           defence
           of
           the
           true
           Protestant
           Religion
           ,
           and
           the
           liberties
           of
           the
           Subject
           ,
           and
           hereupon
           vve
           doe
           declare
           ,
           vow
           and
           covenant
           ,
           that
           wee
           will
           according
           to
           our
           power
           and
           vocation
           ,
           assist
           these
           Forces
           thus
           raised
           and
           continued
           by
           both
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           against
           the
           forces
           raised
           by
           the
           King
           without
           their
           consent
           :
           If
           we
           be
           upon
           the
           former
           grounds
           ,
           or
           the
           like
           once
           convinced
           ,
           that
           these
           forces
           are
           justly
           raised
           and
           continued
           for
           the
           ends
           aforesaid
           ,
           then
           it
           will
           necessarily
           follow
           that
           wee
           are
           bound
           in
           Conscience
           to
           be
           aiding
           and
           assisting
           to
           them
           according
           to
           our
           power
           and
           vocation
           ,
           
             i.
             e.
          
           with
           our
           persons
           ,
           if
           we
           be
           fit
           ,
           and
           have
           a
           calling
           thereunto
           ,
           or
           with
           our
           purses
           according
           to
           our
           abilities
           if
           we
           be
           not
           set
           to
           serve
           in
           person
           :
           and
           with
           our
           advice
           and
           prayers
           also
           for
           their
           good
           successe
           ;
           and
           he
           is
           no
           true
           friend
           either
           to
           Parliament
           ,
           Religion
           or
           Liberties
           ,
           that
           upon
           information
           shall
           refuse
           to
           make
           this
           Vow
           :
           Besides
           ,
           it
           is
           but
           high
           time
           that
           men
           should
           by
           such
           a
           sacred
           Bond
           bee
           quickned
           unto
           this
           assistance
           in
           these
           times
           ,
           wherein
           so
           many
           grow
           wearie
           of
           the
           worke
           ,
           and
           by
           withdrawing
           their
           persons
           and
           purses
           from
           assisting
           do
           much
           endanger
           the
           Cause
           of
           God
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           That
           vve
           will
           likewise
           assist
           all
           other
           persons
           that
           shall
           take
           this
           
             Oath
          
           in
           what
           they
           shall
           doe
           in
           pursuance
           thereof
           ,
           neither
           can
           this
           be
           justly
           scrupled
           ,
           for
           if
           we
           enter
           into
           this
           Covenant
           our selves
           ,
           and
           in
           pursuance
           of
           any
           thing
           conteined
           in
           it
           ,
           vve
           shall
           stand
           in
           need
           of
           the
           assistance
           of
           others
           :
           As
           we
           shall
           desire
           ,
           so
           wee
           cannot
           but
           thinke
           our selves
           much
           injured
           if
           wee
           find
           not
           assistance
           from
           them
           ,
           and
           then
           the
           Law
           of
           requitall
           doth
           require
           ,
           that
           when
           occasion
           is
           offered
           we
           shall
           not
           withdravv
           our
           help
           from
           them
           also
           :
           besides
           ,
           by
           this
           Union
           among
           our selves
           ,
           the
           common
           Cause
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           Kingdome
           will
           bee
           much
           strengthned
           ,
           and
           every
           undertaker
           in
           it
           will
           be
           much
           encouraged
           when
           they
           see
           so
           many
           by
           so
           strong
           a
           Bond
           to
           be
           engaged
           to
           their
           help
           .
           Againe
           ,
           it
           cannot
           bee
           conceived
           but
           that
           this
           Covenant
           will
           excite
           &
           provoke
           the
           hatred
           of
           the
           adverse
           Party
           against
           the
           undertakers
           of
           it
           exceedingly
           ,
           whereof
           we
           had
           late
           experience
           in
           our
           Brethren
           of
           
             Scotland
          
           so
           much
           hated
           and
           prosecuted
           under
           the
           Name
           of
           Covenanters
           ,
           and
           therefore
           wee
           
           have
           need
           to
           tye
           our selves
           to
           mutuall
           assistance
           for
           our
           better
           support
           against
           the
           Odium
           and
           rage
           of
           the
           Adversary
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           That
           wee
           will
           not
           directly
           or
           indirectly
           adhere
           unto
           ,
           nor
           shall
           willingly
           assist
           the
           forces
           raised
           by
           the
           King
           ,
           without
           
           the
           consent
           of
           both
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           .
           Herein
           provision
           is
           made
           against
           equivocation
           ,
           &
           those
           cunning
           tricks
           and
           evasions
           which
           many
           find
           out
           to
           cosen
           both
           themselves
           and
           others
           ,
           as
           when
           a
           man
           will
           not
           send
           himselfe
           ,
           but
           will
           suffer
           his
           wife
           ,
           or
           children
           ,
           or
           other
           friends
           to
           doe
           it
           ,
           as
           hath
           been
           the
           practice
           of
           many
           hundreds
           in
           severall
           parts
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           ,
           who
           themselves
           have
           lent
           Money
           ,
           or
           sent
           an
           Horse
           to
           the
           Parliament
           ,
           but
           have
           suffered
           their
           Wives
           or
           Sons
           to
           send
           twice
           so
           much
           to
           the
           King
           ,
           that
           so
           by
           complying
           with
           both
           ,
           they
           might
           escape
           the
           displeasure
           of
           either
           ,
           Besides
           many
           who
           (
           living
           in
           some
           places
           have
           been
           ashamed
           to
           owne
           the
           supporting
           of
           the
           Kings
           forces
           ,
           yet
           under
           hand
           they
           have
           contributed
           much
           to
           them
           :
           but
           now
           it
           s
           required
           that
           neither
           directly
           nor
           indirectly
           wee
           bee
           aiding
           to
           them
           ,
           and
           yet
           because
           many
           whose
           hearts
           are
           upright
           with
           God
           and
           his
           Cause
           ,
           live
           under
           the
           power
           ,
           or
           fall
           into
           the
           hands
           of
           the
           barbarous
           and
           bloudy
           Cavaliers
           ,
           so
           that
           the
           not
           contributing
           to
           them
           ,
           may
           endanger
           their
           lives
           ,
           liberties
           ,
           and
           estates
           ,
           therefore
           is
           that
           word
           put
           in
           ,
           that
           we
           shall
           not
           willingly
           assist
           ,
           but
           only
           in
           the
           cases
           aforementioned
           :
           And
           if
           we
           do
           but
           seriously
           consider
           the
           aime
           and
           drift
           of
           the
           Kings
           forces
           evidently
           discovered
           to
           all
           that
           are
           not
           wilfully
           blind
           ,
           and
           their
           wayes
           and
           manner
           of
           prosecuting
           the
           same
           ,
           wee
           may
           easily
           conclude
           that
           they
           are
           enemies
           to
           God
           and
           his
           Gospell
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           Parliament
           ,
           and
           their
           Liberties
           ,
           to
           the
           Kingdome
           and
           its
           lawes
           ,
           who
           will
           vvillingly
           be
           assistant
           to
           them
           .
           And
           thus
           I
           have
           briefly
           run
           over
           this
           Covenant
           in
           every
           branch
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           thereby
           endeavoured
           to
           prove
           the
           lawfulnesse
           of
           it
           in
           the
           subject
           matter
           :
           I
           shall
           now
           proceed
           to
           examine
           it
           by
           the
           other
           rules
           required
           in
           a
           lawfull
           Covenant
           ,
           that
           so
           I
           may
           fully
           vindicate
           it
           from
           all
           hesitation
           .
        
         
           The
           second
           thing
           required
           is
           ,
           that
           it
           bee
           knowne
           to
           bee
           lawfull
           at
           the
           time
           of
           the
           taking
           of
           it
           ,
           for
           which
           end
           the
           Parliament
           hath
           long
           since
           caused
           it
           to
           bee
           published
           in
           Print
           ,
           
           that
           so
           all
           men
           might
           see
           it
           ,
           and
           have
           time
           fully
           to
           informe
           themselves
           of
           the
           lawfulnesse
           of
           it
           ;
           And
           in
           case
           that
           any
           doubts
           should
           arise
           ,
           they
           might
           repaire
           to
           those
           which
           are
           fit
           and
           able
           to
           resolve
           them
           ,
           that
           so
           no
           scruple
           might
           remain
           at
           their
           taking
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           
           Thirdly
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           with
           a
           purpose
           of
           keeping
           it
           ,
           and
           ill
           may
           hee
           faire
           that
           shall
           make
           this
           Covenant
           with
           any
           other
           purpose
           whatsoever
           :
           for
           if
           it
           be
           lawfull
           ,
           as
           is
           proved
           before
           ,
           and
           that
           thereupon
           we
           engage
           our selves
           by
           it
           ,
           it
           must
           needs
           argue
           a
           prophane
           and
           Atheisticall
           heart
           in
           any
           that
           shall
           resolve
           for
           sinister
           ends
           to
           take
           it
           ,
           and
           yet
           purpose
           afterwards
           to
           break
           it
           ;
           and
           what
           doe
           they
           therein
           ▪
           but
           pray
           for
           a
           curse
           upon
           themselves
           ,
           whilst
           invocating
           the
           sacred
           name
           of
           God
           to
           be
           a
           witnesse
           of
           their
           sincerity
           in
           making
           this
           Vow
           ,
           yet
           withall
           they
           resolve
           that
           he
           shall
           dispense
           with
           them
           in
           their
           future
           breaches
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           how
           will
           such
           dissemblers
           be
           able
           to
           answer
           it
           at
           the
           dreadfull
           day
           ,
           when
           the
           secrets
           of
           all
           hearts
           shall
           be
           disclosed
           .
        
         
           
           Fourthly
           ,
           it
           must
           be
           of
           things
           within
           our
           power
           ,
           and
           so
           is
           this
           Covenant
           in
           all
           the
           branches
           of
           it
           .
        
         
           Lastly
           ,
           the
           persons
           that
           enter
           into
           it
           are
           either
           such
           as
           have
           power
           of
           their
           owne
           heads
           ,
           or
           that
           have
           the
           consent
           of
           their
           Superiours
           :
           and
           therefore
           having
           all
           the
           Ingredients
           that
           are
           required
           to
           make
           up
           a
           lawfull
           Covenant
           and
           Vow
           ,
           it
           must
           necessarily
           follow
           that
           it
           is
           lavvfull
           :
           but
           let
           us
           a
           little
           further
           consider
           whether
           there
           be
           not
           a
           kind
           of
           necessity
           also
           that
           this
           ,
           or
           the
           like
           Covenant
           should
           be
           entred
           into
           at
           such
           a
           time
           as
           this
           ,
           which
           I
           conceive
           will
           fully
           appeare
           if
           we
           consider
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           there
           is
           no
           readier
           nor
           more
           effectuall
           way
           to
           pacifie
           the
           displeasure
           of
           God
           and
           to
           procure
           a
           removall
           of
           these
           judgements
           which
           lye
           so
           heavy
           upon
           us
           then
           by
           sorrowing
           for
           our
           sins
           acknowledging
           God
           Justice
           ,
           and
           vowing
           a
           R●formation
           this
           
             Isa
             ,
             Hezekiah
             Iosiah
             ,
          
           and
           
             Nehemiah
          
           knew
           ,
           and
           therefore
           had
           recourse
           to
           this
           meanes
           ,
           which
           accordingly
           they
           found
           sucessefull
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           It
           will
           appeare
           to
           be
           necessary
           if
           we
           doe
           but
           consider
           the
           restlesse
           attempts
           of
           the
           adversaries
           to
           corrupt
           and
           
           seduce
           incautious
           persons
           ,
           to
           their
           owne
           ,
           and
           others
           ruine
           ,
           they
           have
           had
           their
           emis●aries
           ,
           and
           instruments
           in
           every
           City
           ,
           and
           town
           ,
           to
           propose
           the
           specious
           baits
           of
           honours
           Offices
           ,
           Riches
           ,
           Favour
           ,
           Friends
           ,
           &
           what
           not
           ?
           that
           so
           they
           may
           inveigle
           the
           simple
           by
           working
           upon
           every
           humor
           ,
           to
           betray
           both
           Church
           ,
           and
           Common-wealth
           into
           their
           power
           and
           therefore
           it
           cannot
           but
           be
           necessary
           that
           by
           the
           sacred
           bond
           of
           a
           Vow
           ,
           we
           should
           be
           fortified
           against
           such
           inticements
           .
        
         
           If
           wee
           doe
           but
           consider
           the
           pronesse
           that
           is
           in
           our
           natures
           
           to
           be
           seduced
           ,
           and
           led
           aside
           by
           such
           importunate
           sollicitations
           and
           strong
           provocations
           to
           evill
           ,
           especially
           vvhen
           they
           come
           ,
           backed
           with
           large
           promises
           ,
           and
           great
           hopes
           of
           advantage
           ,
           wee
           must
           needs
           confesse
           it
           necessary
           ,
           that
           at
           such
           a
           time
           provision
           of
           a
           remedy
           ,
           should
           be
           made
           against
           such
           assaults
           ,
           and
           there
           can
           be
           no
           better
           found
           out
           then
           a
           solemne
           Covenant
           ,
           whereby
           vve
           are
           to
           engage
           our selves
           before
           the
           searcher
           of
           all
           hearts
           ,
           to
           stop
           our
           eares
           against
           such
           
             Syrens
          
           songs
           which
           would
           enchant
           us
           ,
           to
           rush
           upon
           our
           owne
           destruction
           ,
           and
           to
           prefer
           selfe-ends
           before
           the
           peace
           and
           welfare
           of
           Church
           and
           State
           .
        
         
           It
           cannot
           be
           imagined
           that
           this
           late
           Plot
           is
           as
           yet
           fully
           discovered
           ,
           
           but
           that
           there
           still
           remaine
           many
           persons
           undetected
           vvhich
           have
           their
           hands
           deeply
           in
           it
           .
        
         
           And
           therfore
           this
           Covenant
           is
           necessary
           that
           so
           such
           persons
           out
           of
           a
           deep
           sence
           of
           that
           great
           guilt
           ,
           which
           they
           pluck
           upon
           themselves
           ,
           in
           case
           they
           sweare
           falsly
           therein
           ,
           may
           be
           brought
           to
           an
           acknowledgem●nt
           and
           confession
           ,
           of
           what
           they
           know
           about
           it
           ,
           and
           to
           crave
           pardon
           for
           the
           same
           ,
           before
           they
           enter
           into
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           vvhich
           would
           bee
           a
           great
           meanes
           to
           prevent
           much
           mischiefe
           that
           may
           otherwise
           ensue
           ,
           in
           case
           it
           remaine
           undiscovered
           .
        
         
           It
           cannot
           bee
           doubted
           but
           that
           many
           both
           in
           this
           City
           ,
           
           and
           in
           other
           parts
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           have
           either
           openly
           ,
           or
           secretly
           ;
           sent
           Money
           ,
           Plate
           ,
           Armes
           ,
           or
           other
           necessaries
           to
           the
           adverse
           Forces
           ;
           whereby
           they
           have
           been
           much
           strengthned
           ,
           and
           this
           uncivill
           Civill
           and
           unnaturall
           Warre
           hath
           bin
           much
           fomented
           ,
           and
           therefore
           it
           is
           but
           necessary
           that
           every
           one
           should
           disavow
           his
           contribution
           of
           such
           assistance
           for
           
           the
           time
           to
           come
           ,
           that
           so
           by
           withdrawing
           the
           fewell
           ,
           this
           fire
           of
           contention
           may
           the
           sooner
           be
           extinguished
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           evident
           that
           this
           war
           continuing
           longer
           ,
           then
           was
           at
           first
           expected
           ,
           the
           spirits
           of
           many
           well
           affected
           Persons
           are
           
           much
           cooled
           ,
           and
           deadned
           in
           the
           prosecution
           of
           the
           worke
           ,
           whence
           it
           comes
           to
           passe
           that
           they
           withdraw
           their
           persons
           from
           the
           service
           ,
           and
           close
           their
           purses
           from
           contributing
           to
           it
           ,
           whereby
           the
           cause
           of
           God
           and
           the
           Kingdome
           lies
           a bleeding
           almost
           to
           death
           ,
           and
           therefore
           it
           is
           but
           need
           that
           we
           should
           be
           all
           quickned
           to
           prosecute
           it
           ,
           with
           more
           zeale
           and
           fervour
           ,
           and
           not
           by
           our
           remissenes
           basely
           to
           betray
           so
           good
           a
           Cause
           ,
           which
           if
           not
           upheld
           ,
           will
           certainely
           turne
           to
           the
           ruine
           of
           our selves
           ,
           Religion
           and
           all
           .
        
         
           Thus
           having
           cleered
           these
           two
           principall
           points
           ,
           concerning
           the
           lawfulnesse
           and
           necessity
           of
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           I
           shall
           briefly
           in
           the
           last
           place
           ,
           indeavour
           to
           answer
           such
           Objections
           as
           are
           usually
           made
           against
           it
           ,
           which
           are
           especially
           these
           .
        
         
           We
           are
           bound
           by
           our
           Oath
           of
           Allegiance
           and
           the
           late
           Protestation
           to
           defend
           the
           Kings
           person
           ,
           honour
           ,
           
           and
           estate
           ,
           and
           how
           then
           can
           we
           enter
           into
           this
           Covenant
           ?
        
         
           This
           Covenant
           ties
           us
           not
           to
           any
           thing
           that
           may
           be
           prejudiciall
           unto
           them
           .
           
        
         
           By
           it
           wee
           are
           bound
           to
           assist
           the
           Parliament
           forces
           ,
           
           against
           the
           forces
           raised
           by
           the
           King
           ,
           unto
           which
           his
           person
           is
           adjoyned
           ,
           and
           in
           assisting
           against
           his
           Forces
           ,
           his
           person
           may
           be
           indangered
           .
        
         
           Severall
           Petitions
           have
           been
           tendred
           to
           his
           Majesty
           to
           retire
           his
           person
           from
           their
           Company
           ,
           
           and
           thereby
           to
           secure
           it
           from
           danger
           :
           if
           notwithstanding
           the
           same
           ,
           hee
           shall
           suffer
           himself
           to
           be
           over-ruled
           by
           evill
           Counsellors
           the
           guilt
           will
           lie
           upon
           those
           which
           have
           seduced
           him
           ;
           it
           's
           necessary
           for
           the
           Parliament
           ,
           to
           raise
           forces
           for
           the
           apprehending
           of
           those
           Traytors
           against
           his
           Majesty
           and
           the
           Kingdome
           ,
           which
           are
           protected
           against
           Justice
           ,
           and
           who
           are
           so
           strong
           that
           the
           ordinary
           Ministers
           of
           Justice
           cannot
           lay
           hold
           upon
           them
           ▪
           to
           bring
           them
           to
           a
           Legall
           Tryall
           ,
           and
           therefore
           ,
           as
           is
           usuall
           in
           cases
           of
           Rebellion
           ,
           an
           Army
           is
           sent
           against
           them
           ,
           which
           the
           
           King
           himself
           ought
           to
           assist
           ,
           and
           not
           endanger
           his
           person
           amongst
           the
           other
           .
           
        
         
           But
           the
           King
           commands
           me
           to
           assist
           his
           forces
           ,
           and
           forbids
           mee
           to
           bee
           aiding
           to
           the
           other
           ,
           and
           I
           am
           bound
           to
           obey
           him
           .
        
         
           The
           King
           is
           to
           be
           considered
           under
           a
           double
           notion
           or
           capacity
           ,
           
           either
           as
           a
           King
           ,
           or
           as
           a
           man
           ;
           as
           a
           King
           he
           can
           command
           nothing
           ,
           but
           vvhat
           the
           Law
           commands
           ,
           and
           then
           every
           Subject
           is
           bound
           to
           obey
           him
           therein
           ;
           but
           as
           he
           is
           a
           man
           his
           Judgement
           may
           bee
           corrupted
           ,
           and
           his
           passions
           may
           mislead
           him
           ,
           so
           that
           hee
           may
           command
           that
           which
           is
           destructive
           both
           to
           himselfe
           and
           the
           Kingdome
           ;
           and
           herein
           he
           is
           the
           best
           Subject
           that
           disobeyes
           him
           .
           The
           
             Amalekite
          
           that
           said
           that
           he
           killed
           
             Saul
             ,
          
           at
           his
           own
           command
           ,
           was
           justly
           put
           to
           death
           by
           
             David
          
           as
           a
           Traytor
           for
           that
           fact
           ,
           2
           
             King.
          
           1.
           15
           ,
           16.
           
           And
           if
           a
           King
           in
           his
           passion
           shall
           proffer
           violence
           to
           a
           mans
           person
           ,
           or
           command
           another
           to
           doe
           it
           ,
           I
           am
           bound
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           nature
           to
           defend
           my selfe
           against
           him
           ,
           and
           it
           's
           no
           breach
           of
           my
           Oath
           of
           Allegeance
           to
           doe
           it
           .
        
         
           But
           taking
           up
           of
           Armes
           against
           the
           King
           ,
           
           hath
           been
           generally
           cryed
           dovvne
           by
           the
           godly
           and
           Learned
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Here
           is
           no
           taking
           up
           of
           Arms
           against
           the
           King
           ,
           
           but
           against
           his
           evill
           Counsellours
           ,
           who
           have
           imbittered
           his
           spirit
           against
           his
           great
           and
           faithfull
           Counsell
           ,
           and
           doe
           still
           captivate
           his
           person
           amongst
           them
           .
           And
           till
           such
           bee
           brought
           to
           condigne
           punishment
           ,
           wee
           can
           never
           enjoy
           either
           Religion
           ,
           persons
           ,
           
           Families
           ,
           or
           Estates
           in
           safety
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Many
           Learned
           Divines
           have
           affirmed
           ,
           and
           sufficiently
           
           proved
           both
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           ,
           Nature
           ,
           and
           Nations
           ,
           that
           if
           a
           King
           turne
           Tyrant
           ,
           and
           oppresse
           his
           Subjects
           in
           their
           Religion
           ,
           Lawes
           ;
           or
           Liberties
           ,
           it
           is
           Lawfull
           for
           them
           
             vim
             vi
             repellere
             ,
          
           as
           was
           done
           by
           the
           Netherlanders
           ,
           and
           Protestants
           in
           
             France
             :
          
           neither
           was
           it
           condemned
           in
           Queene
           
             Elizabeth
          
           by
           our
           
             English
          
           Divines
           ,
           when
           she
           sent
           auxiliary
           Forces
           to
           both
           those
           places
           ,
           to
           assist
           them
           against
           their
           owne
           Kings
           :
           and
           did
           not
           King
           
             Charles
          
           also
           send
           a
           Navie
           for
           the
           reliefe
           of
           
             Rochell
          
           when
           the
           poore
           Protestants
           were
           besieged
           therein
           ,
           by
           their
           owne
           King
           :
           and
           hath
           hee
           not
           also
           declared
           the
           Scots
           to
           bee
           
           his
           good
           and
           faithfull
           Subjects
           though
           they
           took
           up
           Armes
           to
           defend
           their
           Religion
           ,
           and
           Liberties
           against
           oppression
           .
        
         
           In
           this
           Covenant
           we
           binde
           our selves
           to
           assist
           all
           others
           ,
           in
           what
           they
           shall
           doe
           in
           pursuance
           thereof
           :
        
         
           What
           if
           they
           doe
           any
           unlawfull
           Act
           in
           the
           pursuance
           of
           it
           ?
           
        
         
           In
           the
           pursuance
           thereof
           doth
           necessarily
           imply
           ,
           
           that
           it
           must
           be
           done
           lawfully
           ,
           and
           therefore
           that
           Word
           was
           inserted
           in
           the
           late
           Protestation
           ,
           &
           must
           be
           understood
           here
           also
           .
        
         
           But
           how
           will
           it
           appeare
           that
           it
           is
           lawfull
           for
           the
           Parliament
           to
           raise
           Forces
           without
           ,
           
           much
           lesse
           against
           the
           Kings
           consent
           .
        
         
           
             An.
          
           This
           question
           is
           so
           fully
           ,
           and
           largely
           discussed
           ,
           and
           the
           thing
           proved
           to
           be
           lawfull
           both
           in
           case
           of
           Law
           ,
           
           and
           Conscience
           ,
           by
           Mr.
           
             Prin
          
           in
           his
           third
           part
           ,
           and
           by
           diverse
           of
           our
           Divines
           in
           their
           Answers
           to
           Dr.
           
             Ferne
             ,
          
           that
           I
           shall
           referre
           the
           Reader
           to
           seeke
           for
           satisfaction
           there
           ,
           where
           it
           may
           be
           had
           abundantly
           ,
           if
           they
           come
           with
           unballanced
           Judgements
           and
           shut
           not
           their
           eyes
           against
           that
           light
           which
           shineth
           therein
           .
        
         
           Thus
           these
           usuall
           objections
           being
           answered
           ,
           I
           shall
           adde
           only
           thus
           much
           ,
           that
           if
           there
           be
           any
           which
           have
           not
           already
           enter'd
           into
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           seeing
           the
           lawfullnes
           and
           necessity
           of
           it
           by
           this
           which
           hath
           been
           premised
           ,
           they
           will
           no
           longer
           deferre
           to
           doe
           it
           ,
           but
           speedily
           undertake
           ,
           with
           all
           cheerefulnesse
           and
           alacrity
           ,
           as
           the
           men
           of
           
             Iudah
          
           did
           in
           
             Asa's
          
           time
           ,
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           15.
           14
           ,
           15.
           and
           not
           onely
           so
           ,
           but
           that
           they
           will
           indeavour
           also
           to
           draw
           as
           many
           as
           possibly
           they
           can
           to
           doe
           the
           like
           .
        
         
           The
           worke
           is
           great
           and
           needs
           many
           hands
           to
           help
           it
           forward
           :
        
         
           Multorum
           manibus
           grande
           levatur
           onus
           .
        
         
           The
           Enemies
           are
           vigilant
           and
           active
           to
           disunite
           us
           ,
           they
           cast
           in
           many
           bones
           of
           Division
           :
           therefore
           we
           have
           need
           by
           this
           Covenant
           to
           cement
           our selves
           together
           ,
           or
           else
           wee
           are
           undone
           .
           
             Divide
             ,
             &
             impera
          
           is
           the
           Old
           Motto
           .
        
         
           And
           lastly
           ,
           that
           having
           once
           entered
           into
           it
           ,
           wee
           must
           resolve
           with
           our selves
           ,
           that
           we
           can
           never
           be
           freed
           from
           that
           tye
           which
           it
           layes
           upon
           us
           ,
           and
           that
           therefore
           wee
           must
           be
           alwayes
           mindfull
           of
           it
           ,
           and
           carefull
           to
           observe
           it
           in
           every
           part
           ,
           and
           branch
           thereof
           ,
           that
           our
           hearts
           being
           knit
           together
           in
           a
           firme
           bond
           of
           mutuall
           assistance
           ,
           and
           love
           the
           God
           of
           love
           ,
           and
           Peace
           may
           be
           with
           us
           ,
           and
           for
           us
           .
        
         
           Amen
           .
        
         
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A33303e-210
           
             Civile
             .
          
           
             Sacrum
             .
          
           
             Mixtum
             
          
           
             De
             Lic●●
             
          
           
             De
             possibilibus
             .
          
           
             Object
             .
          
           
             Ans.
             
          
           
             Obj●
             .
          
           
             Ans.
             
          
           
             Object
             .
          
           
             Answ.
             
          
           
             Object
             .
          
           
             Answ.
             
          
           
             Quest
             .
          
           
             Answ.
             
          
           
             Quest
             .
          
           
             Answ.