Two speeches delivered before the subscribing of the Covenant, the 25. of September, at St. Margarets in Westminster the one by Mr. Philip Nye, the other by Mr. Alexander Henderson.
         Nye, Philip, 1596?-1672.
      
       
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             Two speeches delivered before the subscribing of the Covenant, the 25. of September, at St. Margarets in Westminster the one by Mr. Philip Nye, the other by Mr. Alexander Henderson.
             Nye, Philip, 1596?-1672.
             Henderson, Alexander, 1583?-1646.
          
           [24] p.
           
             Printed by Robert Bryson,
             Edinburgh :
             1643.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in Union Theological Seminary Library, New York.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Solemn League and Covenant (1643)
           Oaths -- England.
        
      
    
       A52601  R4609  (Wing N1501).  civilwar no Two speeches delivered before the subscribing of the Covenant, the 25. of September, at St. Margarets in Westminster. The one by Mr. Philip Nye, Philip 1643    7807 16 0 0 0 0 0 20 C  The  rate of 20 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           〈◊〉
           SPEECHES
           delivered
           before
           the
           Subscribing
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           the
           25.
           of
           September
           ,
           at
           St.
           
           
           MARGARETS
           in
           WESTMINSTER
           .
           THE
           ONE
           By
           Mr.
           PHILIP
           NYE
           .
           THE
           OTHER
           By
           Mr.
           ALEXANDER
           HENDERSON
           .
           Published
           by
           speciall
           order
           of
           the
           House
           of
           Commons
           .
        
         
           
             Edinburgh
             ,
          
           Printed
           by
           
             Robert
             Bryson
             ,
             Anno
             Dom.
          
           1643.
           
        
      
    
     
       
       
       
         
           An
           exhortation
           made
           to
           the
           Honourable
           House
           of
           Commons
           and
           Reverend
           Divines
           of
           the
           Assembly
           ,
           By
           Mr.
           NYE
           before
           hee
           read
           the
           COVENANT
           .
        
         
           A
           Great
           and
           solemn
           work
           (
           honourable
           and
           Reverend
           )
           this
           day
           is
           put
           into
           our
           hands
           let
           us
           stir
           up
           and
           awaken
           our
           hearts
           unto
           it
           .
           Wee
           deal
           with
           God
           as
           well
           as
           with
           men
           ,
           and
           with
           God
           in
           his
           greatnesse
           and
           excellency
           ,
           for
           by
           him
           wee
           swear
           ,
           and
           at
           the
           same
           time
           we
           have
           to
           do
           with
           God
           and
           his
           goodnesse
           ,
           who
           now
           reacheth
           out
           unto
           us
           a
           strong
           and
           seasonable
           arme
           of
           assistance
           .
           The
           goodnesse
           of
           God
           procuring
           succour
           and
           help
           to
           a
           sinfull
           and
           afflicted
           people
           ,
           (
           such
           are
           we
           )
           ought
           to
           bee
           matter
           of
           fear
           and
           trembling
           even
           to
           all
           that
           hear
           of
           it
           ,
           
             Ier.
          
           33.
           9.
           
           We
           are
           to
           exalt
           and
           acknowledge
           him
           this
           day
           who
           is
           fearfull
           in
           praises
           ,
           sweare
           by
           that
           Name
           which
           is
           Holy
           and
           Reverent
           ,
           enter
           into
           a
           Covenant
           and
           League
           that
           is
           never
           to
           be
           forgotten
           by
           us
           nor
           our
           posterity
           ,
           and
           the
           fruit
           I
           hope
           of
           it
           shall
           be
           so
           great
           ,
           as
           both
           we
           and
           they
           shall
           have
           cause
           to
           remember
           it
           with
           joy
           ;
           and
           such
           in
           Oath
           as
           for
           matter
           ,
           persons
           ,
           and
           other
           circumstances
           ;
           the
           like
           hath
           not
           been
           in
           any
           age
           or
           Oath
           we
           read
           of
           in
           sacred
           or
           humane
           Stories
           ,
           yet
           sufficiently
           warranted
           in
           both
           .
        
         
         
           The
           parties
           ingaging
           in
           this
           league
           are
           three
           Kingdomes
           ,
           famous
           for
           the
           knowledge
           ,
           &
           acknowledgment
           of
           Christ
           above
           all
           the
           kingdomes
           in
           the
           world
           ;
           to
           swear
           before
           such
           a
           presence
           ,
           should
           mould
           the
           spirit
           of
           man
           into
           a
           great
           deal
           of
           reverence
           ;
           what
           then
           to
           be
           engaged
           ,
           to
           be
           incorporated
           ,
           and
           that
           by
           sacred
           Oath
           ,
           with
           such
           an
           high
           and
           honourable
           Fraternity
           ?
           An
           Oath
           is
           to
           be
           esteemed
           so
           much
           the
           more
           solemne
           ,
           by
           how
           much
           greater
           the
           persons
           are
           that
           sweare
           each
           to
           other
           :
           as
           in
           heaven
           when
           God
           sweares
           to
           his
           Son
           ,
           on
           earth
           when
           Kings
           swear
           each
           to
           other
           ,
           so
           in
           this
           businesse
           ,
           where
           Kingdomes
           sweare
           mutually
           .
        
         
           And
           as
           the
           solemnity
           of
           an
           Oath
           is
           to
           bee
           measured
           by
           the
           persons
           swearing
           ,
           so
           by
           the
           matter
           also
           that
           is
           to
           be
           sworn
           to
           ;
           God
           would
           not
           swear
           to
           the
           Covenant
           of
           works
           ,
           hee
           intended
           not
           to
           honour
           it
           so
           much
           ,
           it
           was
           not
           to
           continue
           ,
           it
           was
           not
           worthy
           of
           an
           Oath
           of
           his
           :
           but
           to
           the
           Covenant
           of
           grace
           ,
           which
           is
           the
           Gospell
           ,
           he
           swears
           and
           repents
           not
           of
           it
           .
           God
           swears
           for
           the
           salvation
           of
           men
           ,
           and
           of
           Kingdomes
           :
           And
           if
           Kingdomes
           swear
           what
           Subject
           of
           an
           Oath
           becommeth
           them
           better
           then
           the
           preservation
           and
           salvation
           of
           Kingdomes
           ,
           by
           establishing
           the
           kingdome
           of
           a
           Saviour
           amongst
           them
           ,
           even
           our
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           who
           is
           a
           Mediator
           and
           Saviour
           for
           Nations
           as
           well
           as
           particular
           persons
           ?
           The
           end
           also
           is
           great
           and
           honourable
           ,
           as
           either
           of
           the
           former
           
             two
             is
             better
             then
             one
             ,
          
           saith
           he
           who
           best
           knoweth
           what
           is
           best
           ;
           and
           from
           whom
           alone
           every
           thing
           hath
           the
           goodnesse
           it
           hath
           .
           Association
           is
           of
           divine
           Off-spring
           ,
           not
           only
           the
           beginning
           of
           Creatures
           ,
           but
           the
           putting
           of
           them
           together
           :
           the
           cluster
           as
           well
           as
           the
           grape
           is
           the
           work
           of
           God
           :
           consort
           and
           harmony
           amongst
           men
           ,
           especially
           amongst
           saints
           ,
           is
           very
           pleasing
           unto
           the
           Lord
           If
           when
           but
           two
           or
           three
           agree
           &
           assent
           upon
           any
           thing
           
           on
           earth
           ,
           It
           shall
           be
           confirmed
           in
           heaven
           :
           and
           for
           this
           ,
           because
           they
           gather
           together
           in
           his
           name
           ,
           much
           more
           when
           two
           or
           three
           Kingdomes
           shall
           meet
           and
           consent
           together
           
             in
             his
             name
             and
             for
             his
             name
             ,
             that
             God
             may
             bee
             one
             ,
             and
             his
             name
             one
             amongst
             them
             ,
          
           and
           his
           presence
           amidst
           them
           .
           That
           prayer
           of
           Christ
           seemeth
           to
           proceed
           from
           a
           feeling
           sense
           of
           his
           own
           blessednesse
           :
           
             Father
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             one
             ,
             as
             thou
             in
             me
             ,
             &c.
             
          
           Unity
           amongst
           his
           Churches
           and
           children
           must
           needs
           therefore
           be
           very
           acceptable
           unto
           him
           :
           For
           out
           of
           the
           more
           deep
           sense
           desires
           are
           fetcht
           from
           within
           us
           ,
           the
           more
           pleasing
           will
           be
           the
           answer
           of
           them
           unto
           us
           ,
           Churches
           and
           Kingdomes
           are
           dear
           to
           God
           ,
           his
           patience
           towards
           them
           ,
           his
           compassion
           over
           them
           ,
           more
           then
           particular
           persons
           ,
           sheweth
           it
           plainly
           .
           But
           Kingdomes
           willingly
           engaging
           themselves
           for
           his
           Kingdome
           ,
           his
           Christ
           ,
           his
           Saints
           ,
           the
           purity
           of
           religion
           ,
           his
           worship
           ,
           and
           Government
           ,
           in
           all
           particulars
           ▪
           and
           in
           all
           humility
           sitting
           down
           at
           his
           feet
           to
           receive
           the
           law
           and
           the
           rule
           from
           his
           mouth
           ,
           what
           a
           price
           doth
           hee
           set
           upon
           such
           ?
           Especially
           when
           (
           as
           we
           this
           day
           )
           sensible
           of
           our
           infirmity
           ,
           of
           an
           unfaithfull
           heart
           not
           ,
           steddy
           with
           our
           God
           ,
           but
           apt
           to
           start
           from
           the
           cause
           ,
           if
           we
           feel
           the
           knife
           or
           the
           fire
           :
           who
           binde
           our selves
           with
           cords
           ,
           as
           a
           sacrifice
           to
           the
           hornes
           of
           the
           Altar
           .
           We
           invocate
           the
           name
           of
           the
           great
           God
           ,
           that
           his
           vowes
           ,
           yea
           his
           curse
           may
           bee
           upon
           us
           ,
           if
           we
           do
           not
           this
           ,
           yea
           though
           we
           suffer
           for
           so
           doing
           that
           is
           ,
           if
           we
           endeavour
           not
           so
           farre
           as
           the
           Lord
           shall
           assist
           us
           by
           his
           grace
           ,
           to
           advance
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           the
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           here
           upon
           earth
           ,
           and
           make
           Jerusalem
           once
           more
           the
           praise
           of
           the
           whole
           world
           ,
           not
           withstanding
           all
           the
           contradictions
           of
           men
           .
        
         
           What
           is
           this
           but
           the
           contents
           and
           matter
           of
           our
           Oath
           ?
           What
           doe
           we
           covenant
           ?
           What
           do
           we
           vow
           ?
           Is
           
           it
           not
           the
           preservation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           where
           it
           is
           reformed
           and
           the
           Reformation
           of
           Religion
           ,
           where
           it
           needs
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           the
           Reformation
           of
           three
           Kingdomes
           ,
           and
           a
           Reformation
           universall
           ,
           Doctrine
           ,
           Discipline
           ,
           and
           Worship
           ▪
           in
           whatsoever
           the
           Word
           shall
           discover
           unto
           us
           ?
           To
           practise
           ,
           is
           a
           fruit
           of
           love
           ;
           to
           reforme
           ,
           a
           fruit
           of
           zeale
           ;
           but
           so
           to
           reforme
           ,
           will
           bee
           a
           taken
           of
           great
           prudence
           ,
           and
           circumspection
           in
           each
           of
           these
           Churches
           .
           And
           all
           this
           to
           be
           done
           according
           to
           Gods
           Word
           ,
           the
           best
           rule
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           the
           best
           reformed
           Churches
           ,
           the
           best
           interpreters
           of
           this
           Rule
           .
           If
           
             England
          
           hath
           obtained
           to
           any
           greater
           perfection
           in
           so
           handling
           the
           word
           of
           righteousnesse
           ,
           and
           truths
           ,
           that
           are
           according
           to
           godlinesse
           as
           to
           make
           men
           more
           godly
           ,
           more
           righteous
           :
           And
           if
           in
           the
           Churches
           of
           
             Scotland
          
           any
           more
           light
           and
           beauty
           in
           matters
           of
           Order
           and
           Discipline
           ,
           by
           which
           their
           Assemblies
           are
           more
           orderly
           :
           or
           if
           to
           any
           other
           Church
           or
           person
           it
           hath
           been
           given
           better
           to
           have
           learned
           Christ
           in
           any
           of
           his
           wayes
           then
           any
           of
           us
           ;
           wee
           shall
           humbly
           bow
           ,
           and
           kisse
           their
           lips
           that
           can
           speak
           right
           words
           unto
           us
           in
           this
           matter
           ,
           and
           help
           us
           into
           the
           nearest
           uniformity
           with
           the
           word
           and
           minde
           of
           Christ
           in
           this
           great
           work
           of
           Reformation
           .
        
         
           Honourable
           and
           Reverend
           Brethren
           ,
           there
           cannot
           be
           a
           more
           direct
           &
           effectuall
           way
           to
           exhort
           and
           perswade
           the
           wise
           ,
           and
           men
           of
           sad
           and
           serious
           spirits
           (
           and
           such
           are
           you
           to
           whom
           I
           am
           commanded
           to
           speak
           this
           day
           )
           then
           to
           let
           into
           their
           understandings
           the
           weight
           ,
           and
           worth
           ,
           and
           great
           importance
           of
           the
           work
           they
           are
           perswaded
           unto
           .
           This
           oath
           is
           such
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           matter
           and
           consequence
           of
           it
           ,
           of
           such
           concernment
           ,
           as
           I
           can
           truly
           say
           ,
           it
           is
           worthy
           of
           us
           ,
           yea
           of
           all
           these
           Kingdomes
           ,
           yea
           of
           all
           the
           Kingdomes
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           for
           it
           is
           swearing
           fealty
           and
           allegeance
           unto
           Christ
           the
           King
           of
           Kings
           ▪
           
           and
           a
           giving
           up
           of
           all
           these
           Kingdomes
           ,
           which
           are
           his
           inheritance
           ,
           to
           be
           subdued
           more
           to
           his
           thron
           ,
           and
           ruled
           ,
           more
           by
           his
           Scepter
           ,
           upon
           whose
           shoulders
           the
           government
           is
           laid
           ,
           and
           
             in
             the
             increase
             of
             whose
             Government
             and
             peace
             there
             shall
             be
             no
             end
             ,
             Esay
          
           9.
           
           Yea
           ,
           we
           finde
           this
           very
           thing
           in
           the
           utmost
           accomplishment
           of
           it
           ,
           to
           have
           been
           the
           Oath
           of
           the
           greatest
           Angel
           that
           ever
           was
           ,
           who
           setting
           his
           feet
           upon
           two
           of
           Gods
           Kingdomes
           ,
           the
           one
           upon
           the
           Sea
           ,
           the
           other
           upon
           the
           Earth
           ,
           lifting
           up
           his
           hand
           to
           heaven
           ,
           as
           you
           are
           to
           doe
           this
           day
           ,
           and
           so
           swearing
           ,
           
             Rev.
          
           10
           The
           effect
           of
           that
           oath
           you
           shall
           finde
           to
           be
           this
           ,
           that
           the
           Kingdomes
           of
           the
           world
           become
           the
           Kingdomes
           of
           the
           Lord
           and
           his
           Christ
           ,
           and
           hee
           shall
           reigne
           for
           ever
           .
           
             Rev.
          
           11
           ,
           His
           Oath
           was
           for
           the
           full
           and
           finall
           accomplishment
           ,
           this
           of
           yours
           for
           a
           graduall
           ,
           yet
           ▪
           a
           great
           performance
           towards
           it
           .
        
         
           That
           which
           the
           apostles
           and
           primitive
           times
           did
           so
           much
           and
           so
           long
           pray
           for
           ,
           though
           never
           long
           with
           much
           quietnesse
           enjoyed
           ,
           that
           which
           our
           Fathers
           in
           these
           latter
           times
           have
           fasted
           ,
           prayed
           and
           mourned
           after
           ,
           yet
           attained
           not
           ;
           even
           the
           cause
           which
           many
           dear
           Saints
           now
           with
           God
           ,
           have
           furthered
           by
           extreamest
           sufferings
           ,
           poverty
           ,
           imprisonment
           ,
           banishment
           ,
           death
           ,
           ever
           since
           the
           first
           dawning
           of
           Reformation
           :
           That
           and
           the
           very
           same
           is
           the
           very
           cause
           and
           work
           that
           wee
           are
           come
           now
           ,
           through
           the
           mercy
           of
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           not
           only
           to
           pray
           for
           ,
           but
           swear
           to
           .
           And
           surely
           it
           can
           be
           no
           other
           ,
           but
           the
           result
           and
           answer
           of
           such
           prayers
           and
           teares
           of
           such
           sincerity
           &
           sufferings
           ,
           that
           three
           Kingdomes
           should
           be
           thus
           born
           ,
           or
           rather
           new
           born
           in
           a
           day
           ;
           that
           these
           Kingdomes
           should
           be
           wrought
           about
           to
           so
           great
           an
           engagement
           ,
           then
           which
           nothing
           is
           higher
           ,
           for
           to
           this
           end
           Kings
           raigne
           ,
           Kingdomes
           stand
           ,
           and
           States
           are
           upheld
           .
        
         
           It
           is
           a
           speciall
           grace
           and
           favour
           of
           God
           unto
           you
           
           Brethren
           ,
           Reverend
           and
           Honourable
           ,
           to
           vouchsafe
           you
           the
           opportunity
           ,
           and
           to
           put
           into
           your
           hearts
           (
           as
           this
           day
           )
           to
           engage
           your
           lives
           and
           estates
           in
           matters
           so
           much
           concerning
           him
           and
           his
           glory
           .
           And
           if
           thou
           should
           doe
           no
           more
           but
           lay
           a
           foundation
           stone
           in
           this
           great
           work
           ,
           and
           by
           so
           doing
           engage
           posterity
           after
           you
           to
           finish
           it
           ,
           it
           were
           honour
           enough
           :
           But
           there
           may
           yet
           further
           use
           be
           made
           of
           you
           ,
           who
           now
           are
           to
           take
           this
           oath
           ,
           you
           are
           designed
           as
           chief
           master
           Builders
           and
           choice
           instruments
           for
           the
           effecting
           of
           this
           setled
           Peace
           and
           Reformation
           ;
           which
           if
           the
           Lord
           shall
           please
           to
           finish
           in
           your
           hands
           ,
           a
           greater
           happinesse
           on
           earth
           ,
           nor
           a
           greater
           means
           to
           augment
           your
           glory
           and
           crown
           in
           heaven
           ,
           you
           are
           not
           capable
           of
           .
           And
           this
           let
           me
           further
           adde
           for
           your
           encouragement
           of
           what
           extensive
           good
           and
           fruit
           in
           the
           successe
           of
           it
           ,
           this
           very
           oath
           may
           prove
           to
           be
           ,
           we
           know
           not
           .
           God
           hath
           
             set
             his
             Covenant
             like
             the
             Heavens
             ,
          
           not
           onely
           for
           duration
           ,
           but
           like
           also
           for
           extension
           :
           The
           Heavens
           move
           and
           roule
           about
           ,
           and
           so
           communicate
           their
           light
           ,
           and
           heat
           ,
           and
           vertue
           ,
           to
           all
           places
           and
           parts
           of
           the
           earth
           ;
           so
           doth
           the
           
             Covenant
          
           of
           God
           ,
           so
           may
           this
           gift
           bee
           given
           to
           other
           Covenants
           that
           are
           framed
           to
           that
           pattern
           .
           How
           much
           this
           solemne
           League
           and
           oath
           may
           provoke
           other
           reformed
           Churches
           to
           a
           further
           Reformation
           of
           themselves
           ;
           what
           light
           and
           heat
           it
           may
           communicate
           abroad
           to
           other
           parts
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           it
           is
           only
           in
           Him
           to
           define
           to
           whom
           is
           given
           the
           
             utmost
             ends
             of
             the
             earth
             for
             his
             inheritance
             ,
          
           and
           worketh
           by
           his
           exceeding
           great
           power
           great
           things
           out
           of
           as
           small
           beginnings
           .
        
         
           But
           howsoever
           ,
           this
           I
           am
           sure
           of
           ,
           it
           is
           a
           way
           in
           all
           probability
           most
           likely
           to
           enable
           us
           to
           preserve
           &
           defend
           our
           religion
           against
           
             our
             common
             enemies
             ,
          
           and
           possible
           a
           more
           sure
           fundation
           this
           day
           will
           be
           laid
           for
           ruining
           Popery
           
           and
           Prelacy
           ,
           the
           chief
           of
           them
           ,
           then
           as
           yet
           we
           have
           been
           led
           unto
           in
           any
           age
           .
        
         
           For
           Popery
           ,
           it
           hath
           been
           a
           Religion
           ever
           dexterous
           in
           fencing
           and
           muniting
           it self
           by
           association
           and
           joynt
           strength
           ,
           all
           sorts
           of
           Professors
           amongst
           them
           are
           cast
           into
           Fraternities
           and
           Brother
           hoods
           ,
           and
           these
           Orders
           carefully
           united
           by
           Vow
           one
           with
           another
           and
           under
           some
           more
           generall
           notion
           of
           common
           dependancie
           .
           Such
           States
           also
           &
           Kingdomes
           as
           they
           have
           thus
           made
           theirs
           ;
           they
           endeavour
           to
           improve
           and
           secure
           by
           strict
           combinations
           and
           leagues
           each
           to
           other
           ,
           witnesse
           of
           late
           yeares
           that
           
             La
             Sainte
             ligue
             ,
          
           the
           holy
           league
           .
           It
           will
           not
           bee
           unworthy
           your
           consideration
           ,
           whether
           seeing
           the
           preservation
           of
           Popery
           hath
           been
           by
           Leagues
           and
           Covenants
           ,
           God
           may
           not
           make
           a
           League
           or
           Covenant
           to
           be
           the
           destruction
           of
           it
           :
           Nay
           the
           very
           rise
           of
           Popery
           seemeth
           to
           bee
           after
           such
           a
           manner
           by
           Kings
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           Kingdomes
           assenting
           and
           agreeing
           perhaps
           by
           some
           joynt
           Covenant
           (
           the
           text
           saith
           
             with
             one
             minde
             ,
          
           why
           not
           then
           with
           one
           mouth
           )
           to
           give
           their
           power
           and
           strength
           unto
           the
           Beast
           ,
           and
           make
           war
           against
           the
           Lamb
           .
           
             Rev.
          
           17.
           where
           you
           read
           the
           Lamb
           shall
           overcome
           the
           Beast
           ,
           and
           possibly
           with
           the
           same
           weapons
           ,
           hee
           is
           the
           Lord
           of
           Lords
           ,
           and
           King
           of
           Kings
           ,
           hee
           can
           unite
           Kings
           and
           Kingdoms
           ,
           and
           give
           them
           one
           minde
           also
           to
           destroy
           the
           Whore
           and
           bee
           her
           utter
           ruine
           ,
           And
           may
           not
           this
           dayes
           work
           be
           a
           happy
           beginning
           of
           such
           a
           blessed
           expedition
           ?
        
         
           Prelacie
           another
           common
           enemy
           ,
           that
           we
           Covenant
           and
           swear
           against
           ,
           what
           hath
           it
           been
           ,
           or
           what
           hath
           the
           strength
           of
           it
           been
           ,
           but
           a
           subtile
           combination
           of
           Clergy
           men
           formed
           into
           a
           policy
           or
           body
           of
           their
           own
           invention
           ,
           framing
           themselves
           into
           Subordination
           and
           Dependencie
           one
           upon
           another
           ;
           so
           that
           the
           interest
           of
           
           each
           is
           improved
           by
           all
           ,
           &
           a
           great
           power
           by
           this
           means
           acquired
           to
           themselves
           ,
           as
           by
           sad
           experience
           we
           have
           lately
           found
           :
           The
           joynts
           and
           members
           of
           this
           body
           ,
           you
           know
           were
           knit
           together
           by
           the
           sacred
           engagement
           of
           an
           Oath
           ,
           the
           Oath
           of
           Canonicall
           obedience
           as
           they
           called
           it
           :
           You
           remember
           also
           with
           what
           cunning
           and
           industrie
           they
           endeavoured
           lately
           to
           make
           this
           Oath
           and
           Covenant
           more
           sure
           for
           themselves
           and
           their
           posterity
           .
           And
           intended
           a
           more
           publike
           ,
           solemn
           and
           universal
           engagement
           ,
           then
           since
           Popery
           this
           cause
           of
           theirs
           was
           ever
           maintained
           or
           supported
           by
           .
           And
           questionlesse
           ,
           
             Ireland
          
           and
           
             Scotland
          
           also
           must
           at
           last
           have
           been
           brought
           into
           this
           holy
           league
           with
           
             England
             .
          
           But
           blessed
           be
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           blessed
           be
           his
           good
           hand
           the
           Parliament
           ,
           that
           from
           the
           indignation
           of
           their
           spirits
           against
           so
           horrid
           a
           yoke
           ,
           have
           dashed
           out
           the
           very
           brains
           of
           this
           project
           ,
           and
           are
           now
           this
           day
           present
           before
           the
           Lord
           to
           take
           and
           give
           possession
           of
           this
           blessed
           Ordinance
           ,
           even
           an
           Oath
           and
           Covenant
           as
           solemne
           and
           of
           as
           large
           extent
           as
           they
           intended
           theirs
           ;
           uniting
           these
           three
           Kingdoms
           into
           such
           a
           League
           and
           happy
           combination
           ,
           as
           will
           doubtlesse
           preserve
           us
           and
           our
           Reformation
           against
           them
           ,
           though
           their
           iniquity
           in
           the
           misteries
           of
           it
           should
           still
           be
           working
           amongst
           us
           .
           
             Come
          
           therefore
           (
           I
           speak
           in
           the
           words
           of
           the
           Prophet
           )
           
             let
             us
             joyne
             our selves
             to
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           and
           one
           to
           another
           ,
           and
           each
           to
           all
           ,
           
             in
             a
             perpetual
             Covenant
             that
             shall
             not
             be
             forgotten
             .
          
        
         
           We
           are
           now
           entring
           upon
           a
           work
           of
           the
           greatest
           moment
           and
           concernement
           ,
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           to
           our
           posterity
           after
           us
           ,
           that
           ever
           was
           undertaken
           by
           any
           of
           us
           ,
           or
           any
           of
           our
           .
           Forefathers
           before
           us
           ,
           or
           neighbouring
           Nations
           about
           us
           ;
           if
           the
           Lord
           shall
           blesse
           this
           our
           beginning
           ,
           it
           will
           bee
           a
           happie
           day
           ,
           and
           we
           shall
           be
           a
           happy
           people
           .
           An
           Oath
           is
           a
           duty
           of
           the
           first
           commandment
           ,
           and
           therfore
           
           of
           the
           highest
           and
           noblest
           order
           and
           rank
           of
           duties
           ,
           therefore
           must
           come
           foorth
           attended
           with
           choycest
           graces
           ,
           especially
           with
           these
           two
           ,
           humility
           ,
           and
           fear
           .
           Fear
           ,
           not
           onely
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           ought
           to
           bee
           in
           an
           eminent
           measure
           ,
           
             Gen.
             31.
             53.
             
             Iacob
          
           swear
           by
           the
           feare
           of
           his
           father
           
             Isaac
             ,
          
           as
           if
           hee
           coveted
           to
           inherit
           his
           fathers
           grace
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           his
           fathers
           God
           :
           But
           also
           feare
           of
           an
           Oath
           ,
           it
           being
           a
           dreadfull
           duty
           ,
           and
           hath
           this
           peculiar
           ,
           it
           is
           established
           by
           the
           Oath
           of
           God
           ,
           I
           have
           sworne
           that
           unto
           mee
           every
           tongue
           shall
           sweare
           ,
           
             Isa
          
           45.
           23.
           
           It
           is
           made
           the
           very
           Character
           of
           a
           Saint
           ,
           hee
           feares
           an
           Oath
           
             Eccles.
          
           9.
           2.
           
        
         
           Humility
           is
           another
           grace
           requisite
           ,
           set
           your
           hearts
           before
           God
           in
           an
           humble
           obedient
           frame
           ;
           
             Deut.
             6.
             
             Thou
             shalt
             fear
             the
             Lord
             thy
             God
             ,
             and
             serve
             him
             ,
             and
             sweare
             by
             his
             Name
             .
          
           The
           Apostle
           
             Paul
          
           was
           sensible
           of
           this
           engagement
           ,
           even
           in
           the
           very
           act
           of
           this
           duetie
           ,
           
             Rom
          
           1.
           9
           ,
           
             I
             call
             God
             to
             witnesse
             whom
             I
             serve
             in
             my
             spirit
             ;
          
           Although
           it
           be
           a
           work
           of
           the
           lips
           ,
           yet
           the
           heart
           and
           the
           whole
           man
           must
           be
           interessed
           if
           we
           expect
           this
           worship
           to
           be
           acceptable
           ,
           
             Psal.
             119
             108.
             
             Accept
             the
             free
             will
             offering
             of
             my
             mouth
             ,
             and
             teach
             me
             thy
             judgements
             .
          
        
         
           Also
           it
           must
           bee
           done
           in
           the
           greatest
           simplicity
           and
           plainnesse
           of
           spirit
           ,
           in
           respect
           of
           those
           with
           whom
           wee
           Covenant
           .
           We
           call
           God
           as
           a
           witnesse
           betwixt
           us
           who
           searcheth
           the
           heart
           :
           
             With
             him
             is
             wisedome
             and
             strength
             ,
             the
             deceived
             &
             deceiver
             is
             his
             ,
             Iob
          
           12.
           19.
           
           He
           hath
           wisedome
           to
           discover
           ,
           and
           strength
           to
           punish
           ,
           if
           our
           hearts
           be
           not
           upright
           to
           our
           Brethren
           in
           this
           matter
           .
           Let
           us
           be
           contented
           with
           this
           ,
           that
           the
           words
           of
           our
           Covenant
           be
           bands
           ,
           it
           may
           not
           be
           so
           much
           as
           in
           the
           desire
           of
           our
           harts
           that
           they
           should
           become
           snares
           ,
           no
           not
           to
           the
           weakest
           and
           simplest
           person
           that
           joyneth
           with
           us
           .
           In
           the
           whole
           work
           make
           your
           addresse
           unto
           God
           ,
           as
           
             Iacob
          
           did
           to
           his
           
           〈…〉
           there
           bee
           the
           like
           fear
           and
           jealousie
           over
           :
           your
           spirits
           ,
           
             Gen.
             27.
             12.
             
             My
             Father
             peradventure
             will
             feel
             me
             ,
             and
             I
             shall
             seem
             to
             him
             as
             a
             deceiver
             ,
             and
             I
             shall
             bring
             a
             curse
             upon
             me
             ,
             and
             not
             a
             blessing
             .
          
        
         
           I
           take
           liberty
           with
           more
           earnestnesse
           to
           presse
           this
           care
           upon
           you
           ,
           because
           I
           have
           observed
           Oaths
           and
           Covenants
           have
           been
           undertaken
           by
           us
           formerly
           ,
           and
           by
           the
           command
           of
           authority
           ,
           the
           fruit
           whereof
           ,
           though
           great
           yet
           not
           answered
           our
           expectation
           ;
           the
           Lord
           surely
           hath
           been
           displeased
           with
           the
           slightnesse
           of
           our
           hearts
           in
           the
           work
           .
           I
           beseech
           you
           bee
           more
           watchfull
           ,
           and
           stirre
           up
           your
           hearts
           with
           more
           industry
           this
           day
           then
           ever
           before
           :
           As
           it
           is
           the
           last
           Oath
           you
           are
           likely
           to
           take
           in
           this
           kinde
           ,
           so
           it
           is
           our
           last
           refuge
           ,
           
             tabula
             post
             naufragium
             .
          
           If
           this
           help
           not
           ,
           wee
           are
           likely
           to
           remaine
           to
           our
           dying
           day
           an
           unhappy
           people
           ,
           but
           if
           otherwise
           ,
           
             You
             will
             indeed
             sweare
             with
             all
             your
             hearts
             ,
             and
             seek
             the
             Lord
             with
             your
             whole
             desire
             ,
             God
             will
             bee
             found
             ,
             and
             give
             you
             rest
             round
             about
             ,
             2
             Chor.
          
           15
           ,
           15.
           
        
         
           And
           having
           sworn
           ,
           and
           entred
           into
           this
           solemne
           engagement
           to
           God
           and
           man
           ,
           make
           conscience
           to
           doe
           accordingly
           ,
           otherwise
           it
           is
           better
           thou
           shouldest
           not
           vow
           
             Ecclesiast
             .
          
           5.
           
           As
           it
           is
           said
           of
           fasting
           ,
           it
           is
           not
           the
           bowing
           down
           of
           the
           head
           for
           a
           day
           ,
           so
           of
           this
           solemne
           swearing
           it
           is
           not
           the
           lifting
           up
           of
           the
           hand
           for
           a
           day
           ,
           but
           an
           honest
           and
           faithfull
           endeavouring
           after
           the
           contents
           of
           this
           Covenant
           all
           our
           dayes
           ,
           A
           truce
           breaker
           is
           reckoned
           up
           amongst
           the
           vilest
           of
           Christians
           ,
           2.
           
             Tim.
          
           3.
           3.
           so
           a
           Covenant-breaker
           is
           listed
           amongst
           the
           worst
           of
           Heathens
           ,
           
             Rom.
          
           1.
           31
           ,
           But
           hee
           that
           sweareth
           and
           changeth
           not
           ,
           though
           he
           swear
           to
           his
           hurt
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           he
           that
           wil
           keep
           his
           Covenant
           and
           Oath
           though
           the
           contents
           of
           it
           prove
           not
           for
           him
           ,
           nay
           possibly
           against
           him
           ,
           yet
           hee
           will
           keep
           it
           for
           his
           Oaths
           sake
           ,
           such
           a
           one
           
             shall
             have
             his
             habitation
             with
             the
             most
             High
             ,
             and
             dwell
             in
             his
             Tabernacle
             ,
             Psal.
          
           15.
           
           
           And
           as
           for
           you
           ,
           Reverend
           Brethren
           ,
           that
           are
           Ministers
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           there
           is
           yet
           another
           obligation
           will
           lie
           upon
           you
           ,
           let
           us
           look
           to
           our selves
           ,
           and
           make
           provision
           to
           walk
           answerable
           to
           this
           our
           Covenant
           for
           the
           Gospels
           sake
           ;
           it
           will
           reflect
           a
           great
           aspertion
           upon
           the
           truth
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           if
           wee
           should
           bee
           false
           or
           unconstant
           in
           any
           word
           or
           purpose
           ,
           though
           in
           a
           matter
           of
           lesse
           consequence
           ,
           as
           you
           can
           easily
           collect
           from
           that
           apology
           of
           
             Paul
             2
             Cor.
          
           1
           17
           ,
           18.
           how
           much
           more
           in
           such
           a
           case
           as
           this
           is
           ,
           if
           we
           should
           bee
           found
           to
           purpose
           ,
           nay
           more
           ,
           to
           vow
           ,
           and
           covenant
           ,
           and
           swear
           ,
           and
           all
           this
           ,
           
             according
             unto
             the
             flesh
             ,
             and
             with
             us
             there
             should
             be
             ,
          
           notwithstanding
           all
           these
           obligations
           ,
           
             yea
             ,
             yea
             ,
             and
             nay
             ,
             nay
             ?
          
        
         
           That
           we
           may
           all
           who
           take
           the
           Covenant
           this
           day
           ,
           he
           constant
           ,
           immoveable
           ,
           and
           abound
           in
           this
           work
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           not
           start
           aside
           ,
           or
           give
           back
           ,
           or
           goe
           on
           uncomfortably
           ,
           there
           is
           a
           twofold
           grace
           or
           qualification
           to
           bee
           laboured
           after
           .
        
         
           1
           Wee
           must
           get
           courage
           ,
           spirits
           that
           are
           bold
           and
           resolute
           .
           It
           is
           said
           in
           
             Haggai
             ,
          
           that
           
             the
             Lord
             stirred
             up
             the
             spirit
             of
             Zerubbabel
             Governour
             of
             Iudah
             ,
             and
             the
             spirit
             of
             Ioshua
             the
             High
             Priest
             ,
             and
             the
             spirit
             of
             all
             the
             remnant
             of
             the
             people
             ,
             and
             they
             came
             ,
             and
             did
             work
             in
             the
             house
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
          
           the
           vvork
           of
           Gods
           house
           :
           Reformation-work
           especially
           ,
           is
           a
           stirring
           work
           ;
           read
           Stories
           ,
           you
           finde
           not
           anywhere
           Reformation
           made
           in
           any
           age
           ,
           either
           in
           Doctrine
           or
           Discipline
           ,
           without
           great
           stirre
           and
           opposition
           .
           This
           was
           foretold
           by
           the
           same
           Prophet
           .
           Chap.
           2.
           vers.
           7.
           the
           promise
           is
           ,
           
             Hee
             will
             fill
             his
             house
             with
             glory
          
           but
           what
           goeth
           before
           ,
           vers
           6
           ,
           
             Yet
             once
             it
             is
             a
             little
             while
             and
             I
             will
             shake
             the
             Heavens
             ,
             and
             the
             Earth
             ,
             and
             the
             Sea
             ,
             and
             the
             dry
             land
          
           that
           is
           ,
           
             all
             Nations
             ,
          
           as
           in
           the
           words
           following
           ,
           This
           place
           is
           applyed
           
             Heb
          
           12
           ,
           to
           the
           removing
           Jewish
           Rites
           ,
           the
           moveables
           of
           Gods
           house
           .
           The
           like
           
           you
           〈◊〉
           in
           the
           Apostles
           times
           ,
           
             Acts
          
           17
           ,
           the
           truth
           bei●●
           preached
           ,
           some
           beleeved
           ,
           others
           did
           not
           ;
           here
           beginnet●
           the
           stirre
           ,
           
             vers.
          
           6.
           those
           that
           beleeved
           not
           .
           
             tooke
             unt●
             themselves
             certaine
             lewd
             fellows
             of
             the
             baser
             sort
             ,
             and
             gathered
             a
             company
             ,
             and
             set
             all
             the
             City
             in
             an
             uproare
             :
          
           and
           vvhen
           they
           had
           done
           so
           ,
           complained
           of
           the
           brethren
           to
           the
           Rulers
           ,
           as
           men
           
             that
             turn
             the
             world
             upside
             down
             ,
             ver.
          
           6
           Read
           also
           
             Acts
          
           21.
           27
           ,
           30.
           31.
           
           In
           such
           a
           work
           therefore
           men
           had
           need
           bee
           of
           stout
           ,
           resolute
           ,
           and
           composed
           spirits
           ,
           that
           vve
           may
           bee
           able
           to
           goe
           on
           in
           the
           maine
           ,
           and
           stirre
           in
           the
           middest
           of
           such
           stirres
           ,
           and
           not
           bee
           amazed
           at
           any
           such
           doings
           .
           It
           may
           possibly
           happen
           ,
           that
           even
           amongst
           your selves
           there
           vvill
           bee
           out
           cryes
           ,
           Sir
           ,
           you
           vvill
           undo
           all
           ,
           saith
           one
           ,
           you
           vvill
           put
           all
           into
           confusion
           saith
           another
           ,
           if
           you
           take
           this
           course
           ,
           saith
           a
           third
           ,
           vve
           can
           expect
           nothing
           but
           bloud
           :
           but
           a
           vvise
           States-man
           ,
           like
           an
           experienced
           Sea-man
           ,
           knovveth
           the
           compasse
           of
           his
           vessel
           ,
           and
           though
           it
           heave
           and
           tosse
           ,
           and
           the
           passengers
           cry
           out
           about
           him
           ,
           yet
           in
           the
           middest
           of
           all
           hee
           is
           himself
           ,
           turneth
           not
           aside
           from
           his
           work
           ,
           but
           steereth
           on
           his
           course
           .
           I
           beseech
           you
           let
           it
           be
           seriously
           considered
           ,
           if
           you
           meane
           to
           doe
           any
           such
           work
           in
           the
           house
           of
           God
           as
           this
           is
           ;
           if
           you
           meane
           to
           pluck
           up
           what
           many
           yeares
           agoe
           was
           planted
           ,
           or
           to
           build
           up
           what
           so
           long
           agoe
           was
           pulled
           downe
           ,
           and
           to
           goe
           thorough
           with
           this
           work
           ,
           and
           not
           bee
           discouraged
           ,
           you
           most
           begge
           of
           the
           Lord
           this
           excellent
           spirit
           ,
           this
           resolute
           stirring
           spirit
           ,
           otherwise
           you
           will
           bee
           out
           spirited
           ,
           and
           both
           you
           and
           your
           cause
           slighted
           and
           dishonoured
           .
        
         
           2
           On
           the
           other
           hand
           wee
           must
           labour
           for
           humility
           ,
           prudence
           ,
           gentlenesse
           ,
           meeknesse
           .
           A
           man
           may
           bee
           very
           zealous
           and
           resolute
           ,
           and
           yet
           very
           meek
           and
           mercifull
           :
           Jesus
           Christ
           was
           a
           Lyon
           ,
           and
           yet
           a
           Lambe
           also
           ;
           in
           one
           place
           hee
           telleth
           them
           hee
           commeth
           to
           send
           
             fire
             on
             the
             
             earth
             :
          
           and
           in
           another
           place
           rebuketh
           his
           Disciples
           for
           their
           fiery
           spirits
           ,
           
             Luk.
          
           9.
           54
           
           :
           There
           was
           the
           like
           composition
           in
           
             Moses
             ,
          
           and
           in
           
             Paul
             ,
          
           and
           it
           is
           of
           great
           use
           ,
           especially
           in
           this
           worke
           of
           Reformation
           .
           I
           have
           not
           observed
           any
           disputes
           carried
           on
           with
           more
           bitternesse
           in
           mens
           writings
           ,
           and
           with
           a
           more
           unsanctified
           heat
           of
           spirit
           ,
           yea
           and
           by
           godly
           men
           too
           ,
           then
           in
           contraversies
           about
           discipline
           ,
           Church
           Government
           ,
           Ceremonies
           ,
           and
           the
           like
           .
           Surely
           to
           argue
           about
           Government
           with
           such
           ungoverned
           passions
           ,
           to
           argue
           for
           Reformation
           with
           a
           spirit
           so
           unreformed
           ,
           is
           very
           uncomely
           Let
           us
           be
           zealous
           ,
           as
           Christ
           was
           ,
           to
           cast
           out
           all
           ,
           to
           extirpate
           and
           root
           out
           every
           plant
           his
           heavenly
           Father
           hath
           not
           planted
           ;
           and
           yet
           let
           us
           doe
           it
           in
           an
           orderly
           way
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           spirit
           of
           Christ
           ,
           whose
           servants
           we
           are
           ,
           
             The
             servant
             of
             the
             Lord
             must
             not
             strive
             ,
             but
             be
             gentle
             to
             all
             men
             ,
             apt
             to
             teach
             ,
             patient
             ,
             in
             meeknesse
             instructing
             those
             that
             oppose
             ,
          
           2
           
             Tim.
          
           2.
           24
           25.
           
           We
           solemnly
           engage
           this
           day
           our
           utmost
           endeavours
           for
           Reformation
           ;
           let
           us
           remember
           this
           ,
           that
           too
           much
           heat
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           too
           much
           coldness
           ,
           may
           harden
           men
           in
           their
           wayes
           ,
           and
           hinder
           Reformation
           .
        
         
           Brethren
           ,
           let
           us
           come
           to
           this
           blessed
           work
           ,
           with
           such
           a
           frame
           of
           heart
           ,
           with
           such
           a
           minde
           for
           the
           present
           ,
           with
           such
           resolutions
           for
           the
           time
           to
           come
           ;
           let
           us
           not
           bee
           wanting
           to
           the
           opportunity
           God
           hath
           put
           into
           our
           hands
           this
           day
           ;
           and
           then
           I
           can
           promise
           you
           ,
           as
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           
             Consider
             this
             day
             and
             upwards
             ,
             even
             from
             this
             day
             ,
             that
             the
             foundation
             of
             the
             Lords
             work
             is
             laid
             .
             Consider
             it
             ,
             from
             this
             day
             will
             I
             blesse
             you
             ,
             saith
             the
             Lord
             .
          
           Nay
           ,
           we
           have
           received
           as
           it
           were
           the
           first
           fruits
           of
           this
           promise
           ,
           for
           as
           it
           is
           said
           of
           
             some
             mens
             good
             works
             they
             are
             manifest
             beforehand
             ,
             1
             Tim.
          
           5.
           
           Even
           so
           may
           be
           said
           of
           the
           good
           work
           of
           this
           day
           ,
           it
           is
           manifest
           before
           hand
           ,
           God
           
           hath
           as
           it
           were
           before
           hand
           testified
           his
           acceptance
           ;
           while
           wee
           were
           thinking
           and
           purposing
           this
           free
           will
           Offering
           ,
           he
           was
           protecting
           and
           defending
           our
           Armie
           ,
           causing
           our
           enemies
           the
           enemies
           of
           this
           work
           to
           flie
           before
           us
           ,
           and
           gave
           us
           a
           victory
           ,
           not
           to
           be
           despised
           ,
           surely
           this
           Oath
           and
           Covenant
           shall
           be
           
             Iudahs
          
           joy
           ,
           the
           joy
           and
           comfort
           of
           this
           whole
           Kingdome
           ,
           yea
           ,
           of
           all
           three
           Kingdomes
           .
        
         
           Jesus
           Christ
           King
           of
           the
           Saints
           govern
           us
           by
           his
           Spirit
           ,
           strengthen
           us
           by
           his
           power
           ,
           undertake
           for
           us
           according
           as
           he
           hath
           sworn
           ,
           even
           
             the
             Oath
             which
             he
             sware
             to
             our
             Father
          
           Abraham
           ,
           
             that
             hee
             would
             grant
             unto
             us
             ,
             that
             we
             being
             delivered
             out
             of
             the
             hands
             of
             our
             enemies
             ,
             might
             serve
             him
             without
             feare
             in
             holinesse
             and
             righteousnesse
             before
             him
             all
             the
             dayes
             of
             our
             life
             ,
             Luke
          
           1.
           
           Grant
           unto
           us
           also
           ,
           that
           when
           this
           life
           is
           finished
           ,
           and
           wee
           gathered
           to
           our
           Fathers
           ,
           there
           may
           be
           a
           generation
           out
           of
           our
           loynes
           to
           stand
           up
           in
           this
           cause
           ,
           that
           his
           great
           and
           reverent
           Name
           may
           be
           exalted
           from
           one
           generation
           to
           another
           ,
           untill
           hee
           himself
           shall
           come
           ,
           and
           perfect
           all
           with
           his
           own
           hand
           by
           his
           own
           wisedome
           :
           even
           so
           come
           Lord
           Jesus
           ,
           come
           quickly
           ,
           Amen
           .
        
      
       
       
         
           A
           Speech
           delivered
           by
           M.
           Alexander
           Henderson
           ,
           immediatly
           before
           the
           taking
           of
           the
           Covenant
           ,
           by
           the
           House
           of
           Commons
           ,
           and
           Assembly
           of
           Divines
           .
        
         
           ALthough
           the
           time
           bee
           farre
           spent
           ,
           yet
           am
           I
           bold
           (
           Honourable
           ,
           Reverend
           ,
           and
           beloved
           in
           the
           Lord
           )
           to
           crave
           your
           patience
           a
           little
           ;
           it
           were
           both
           sin
           and
           shame
           to
           us
           in
           this
           so
           acceptable
           a
           time
           ,
           in
           this
           day
           ,
           which
           the
           Lord
           hath
           made
           ,
           to
           bee
           silent
           and
           to
           say
           nothing
           :
           If
           we
           should
           hold
           our
           peace
           ,
           wee
           could
           neither
           be
           answerable
           to
           God
           ,
           whose
           cause
           and
           worke
           is
           in
           hand
           ;
           nor
           of
           this
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           ,
           unto
           which
           we
           have
           made
           so
           large
           profession
           of
           duty
           ,
           &
           ow
           much
           more
           ;
           nor
           to
           our
           Native
           Kingdome
           ,
           so
           abundant
           in
           affection
           toward
           you
           ;
           nor
           to
           our
           own
           heart
           ,
           which
           exceedingly
           rejoyce
           to
           see
           this
           day
           :
           We
           have
           greater
           reason
           then
           the
           leprous
           men
           sitting
           in
           a
           time
           of
           great
           extremitie
           at
           the
           gate
           of
           
             Samaria
             ,
          
           to
           say
           one
           to
           another
           ,
           We
           do
           not
           well
           ,
           this
           day
           is
           a
           day
           of
           good
           tydings
           ,
           and
           we
           hold
           our
           peace
           ?
           it
           is
           true
           ,
           the
           
             Syrians
          
           are
           not
           yet
           sted
           ;
           but
           our
           hope
           is
           through
           God
           ,
           that
           the
           worke
           begun
           this
           day
           ,
           being
           sincerely
           performed
           and
           faithfully
           pursued
           ,
           shall
           put
           to
           flight
           ,
           not
           onely
           the
           
             Syreans
          
           and
           
             Babylonians
             ,
          
           but
           all
           other
           enemies
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           God
           ,
           of
           the
           Kings
           honour
           ,
           and
           of
           our
           liberty
           and
           peace
           .
        
         
         
           For
           it
           is
           acceptable
           to
           God
           and
           well
           pleasing
           in
           his
           sight
           ,
           when
           his
           people
           come
           willingly
           in
           the
           day
           of
           his
           power
           (
           and
           how
           shall
           they
           not
           be
           willing
           in
           the
           day
           of
           his
           power
           ?
           )
           to
           enter
           a
           religious
           Covenant
           ,
           with
           him
           and
           amongst
           themselves
           whatsoever
           be
           the
           condition
           of
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ,
           whether
           in
           sorrow
           and
           humiliation
           before
           deliverance
           ,
           or
           in
           rejoycing
           &
           thanksgiving
           after
           deliverance
           ?
           this
           is
           it
           ,
           which
           the
           Lord
           waits
           for
           at
           their
           hands
           ,
           which
           they
           have
           been
           used
           to
           performe
           ,
           and
           with
           which
           hee
           hath
           been
           so
           well
           pleased
           ,
           that
           it
           hath
           been
           the
           fountaine
           of
           many
           deliverances
           and
           blessings
           unto
           them
           .
           When
           a
           people
           beginneth
           to
           forget
           God
           ,
           he
           lifteth
           up
           his
           hand
           against
           them
           and
           smitteth
           them
           :
           And
           when
           his
           people
           ,
           humbled
           before
           him
           ,
           lift
           up
           their
           hands
           not
           only
           in
           supplication
           ,
           but
           in
           covenant
           before
           the
           most
           high
           God
           ,
           he
           is
           pleased
           (
           such
           is
           his
           mercy
           and
           wonderfull
           compassion
           )
           first
           ,
           to
           lift
           his
           hand
           unto
           them
           ,
           saying
           ,
           
             I
             am
             the
             Lord
             your
             God
             ,
          
           as
           we
           have
           it
           three
           times
           in
           two
           verses
           of
           the
           20.
           of
           
             Ezekiel
             ,
          
           and
           next
           he
           stretcheth
           out
           his
           hand
           against
           his
           enemies
           and
           thers
           .
           It
           is
           the
           best
           work
           of
           Faith
           ,
           to
           joyn
           in
           Covenant
           with
           God
           ,
           the
           best
           work
           of
           love
           and
           Christian
           Communion
           to
           joyn
           in
           Covenant
           with
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ;
           the
           best
           work
           of
           the
           best
           zeal
           ,
           to
           joyn
           in
           Covenant
           for
           Reformation
           ,
           against
           the
           enemies
           of
           God
           and
           Religion
           ;
           the
           best
           work
           of
           true
           loyaltie
           ,
           to
           joyn
           in
           Covenant
           for
           the
           preservation
           of
           our
           King
           and
           Superiours
           ;
           and
           the
           best
           proof
           of
           naturall
           affection
           (
           and
           to
           be
           without
           naturall
           affection
           ,
           is
           one
           of
           the
           great
           sinnes
           of
           the
           Gentiles
           )
           to
           joyn
           in
           Covenant
           for
           defence
           of
           our
           Native
           Countrey
           ,
           Liberties
           ,
           and
           Lawes
           ;
           Such
           as
           for
           these
           necessary
           ends
           to
           withdraw
           and
           are
           not
           willing
           to
           enter
           into
           Covenant
           ,
           have
           reason
           to
           enter
           into
           their
           own
           hearts
           and
           to
           look
           into
           their
           Faith
           ,
           love
           .
           zeal
           ,
           loyalty
           ,
           and
           naturall
           affection
           .
        
         
         
           As
           it
           is
           acceptable
           to
           God
           ,
           so
           have
           we
           for
           it
           the
           precedent
           and
           example
           ,
           not
           onely
           of
           the
           people
           of
           God
           of
           old
           ,
           of
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           of
           
             Germany
             ,
          
           and
           the
           Low
           Countreyes
           ;
           but
           of
           our
           owne
           Noble
           and
           Christian
           Progenitors
           in
           the
           time
           of
           the
           danger
           of
           Religion
           ,
           which
           is
           expressed
           in
           the
           Covenant
           it self
           .
           The
           defect
           was
           ;
           They
           went
           not
           on
           throughly
           to
           enter
           in
           a
           solemne
           Covenant
           ;
           an
           happinesse
           reserved
           for
           this
           time
           ;
           which
           had
           they
           done
           ,
           the
           corruptions
           and
           calamities
           of
           these
           dayes
           might
           have
           been
           prevented
           :
           And
           if
           the
           Lord
           shal
           bee
           pleased
           to
           move
           ,
           loose
           ,
           and
           enlarge
           the
           hearts
           of
           his
           people
           in
           his
           Majesties
           Dominions
           to
           take
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           not
           in
           simulation
           ,
           nor
           in
           luke
           warmnesse
           ,
           as
           those
           that
           are
           almost
           perswaded
           to
           bee
           Christians
           ,
           but
           as
           becommeth
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ,
           it
           shall
           bee
           the
           prevention
           of
           many
           evils
           and
           miseries
           ,
           and
           a
           meane
           of
           many
           and
           rich
           blessings
           ,
           spirituall
           and
           temporall
           ,
           to
           our selves
           ,
           our
           little
           ones
           ,
           and
           the
           Posterity
           that
           shall
           come
           after
           us
           for
           many
           Generations
           .
        
         
           The
           neere
           and
           neighbouring
           example
           of
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           is
           in
           this
           case
           worthy
           of
           our
           best
           observation
           :
           When
           the
           Prelates
           there
           ,
           were
           grown
           by
           their
           rents
           ,
           and
           Lordly
           Dignities
           ,
           by
           their
           exorbitant
           power
           over
           all
           sorts
           of
           his
           Majesties
           subjects
           ,
           Ministers
           and
           others
           ,
           by
           their
           places
           in
           Parliament
           ,
           Councel
           ,
           Colledge
           of
           Justice
           ,
           Exchequer
           ,
           and
           High
           Commission
           ,
           to
           a
           monstrous
           dominion
           and
           greatnesse
           ,
           and
           like
           Gyants
           ,
           setting
           their
           one
           foot
           on
           the
           neck
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           the
           other
           on
           the
           neck
           of
           the
           State
           ,
           were
           become
           intolerable
           insolent
           ;
           and
           when
           the
           people
           of
           God
           through
           their
           oppression
           in
           Religion
           ,
           Liberties
           and
           Lawes
           ,
           and
           what
           was
           dearest
           unto
           them
           ,
           were
           brought
           so
           low
           ,
           that
           they
           chused
           rather
           to
           die
           ,
           then
           to
           live
           in
           such
           slavery
           ,
           or
           to
           live
           in
           any
           other
           place
           ,
           rather
           
           then
           in
           their
           own
           native
           Countrey
           ;
           Then
           did
           the
           Lord
           say
           ,
           
             I
             have
             seen
             ,
             I
             have
             seen
             the
             affliction
             of
             my
             people
             ,
             and
             I
             have
             heard
             their
             groaning
             ,
             and
             am
             come
             downe
             to
             deliver
             them
             .
          
           The
           beginnings
           were
           small
           ,
           and
           contemptible
           in
           the
           eyes
           of
           the
           presumptuous
           enemies
           ,
           such
           as
           use
           to
           be
           the
           beginnings
           of
           the
           greatest
           works
           of
           God
           ;
           but
           were
           so
           seconded
           and
           continually
           followed
           by
           the
           undeniable
           evidences
           of
           Divine
           Providence
           ,
           leading
           them
           forward
           from
           one
           step
           to
           another
           ,
           that
           their
           Mountain
           became
           strong
           in
           the
           end
           .
           No
           tongue
           can
           tell
           what
           motions
           filled
           the
           hearts
           ,
           what
           teares
           were
           poured
           forth
           from
           the
           eyes
           ,
           and
           what
           cryes
           came
           from
           the
           mouthes
           of
           many
           thousands
           in
           that
           Land
           ,
           when
           they
           found
           an
           unwonted
           flame
           warming
           their
           breastes
           ,
           and
           perceived
           the
           power
           of
           God
           raising
           them
           from
           the
           dead
           ,
           and
           creating
           for
           them
           a
           new
           world
           wherein
           should
           dwell
           Religion
           and
           Righteousnes
           .
           When
           they
           were
           destitute
           both
           of
           moneys
           and
           munition
           ,
           which
           next
           unto
           the
           spirits
           and
           armes
           of
           men
           ,
           are
           the
           sinews
           of
           Warre
           ,
           the
           Lord
           brought
           them
           forth
           out
           of
           his
           hid
           treasures
           ;
           which
           was
           wonderfull
           in
           their
           eyes
           ,
           and
           matter
           of
           astonishment
           to
           their
           hearts
           :
           When
           they
           were
           many
           times
           at
           a
           pause
           in
           their
           deliberations
           ,
           and
           brought
           to
           such
           perplexity
           ,
           that
           they
           knew
           not
           what
           to
           chuse
           or
           to
           do
           ,
           for
           prosecuting
           the
           work
           of
           God
           ,
           onely
           their
           eyes
           were
           toward
           him
           ▪
           not
           onely
           the
           feares
           and
           furies
           ,
           but
           the
           plots
           also
           and
           policies
           of
           the
           Adversaries
           ,
           opened
           the
           way
           unto
           them
           ,
           their
           devices
           were
           turned
           upon
           their
           own
           heads
           and
           served
           for
           the
           promoting
           of
           the
           work
           of
           God
           .
           The
           purity
           of
           their
           intentions
           elevated
           above
           base
           and
           earthly
           respects
           ,
           and
           the
           constant
           peace
           of
           their
           hearts
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           many
           dangers
           ,
           did
           bear
           them
           out
           against
           the
           malicious
           accusations
           and
           aspersions
           put
           upon
           their
           actions
           ;
           all
           which
           were
           sensible
           impressions
           of
           the
           good
           
           providence
           o●
           God
           ,
           and
           ●eg●●e
           characters
           of
           his
           work
           ▪
           which
           as
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdom
           of
           
             England
          
           exercised
           at
           this
           time
           with
           greater
           difficulties
           then
           theirs
           have
           in
           part
           already
           found
           ,
           so
           shall
           the
           Parallel
           be
           perfected
           to
           their
           greater
           comfort
           in
           the
           faithful
           pursuing
           of
           the
           work
           unto
           the
           end
           .
        
         
           Necessity
           ,
           which
           hath
           in
           it
           a
           kind
           of
           Soveraignty
           ,
           &
           is
           a
           Law
           above
           all
           Laws
           ,
           and
           therfore
           is
           said
           to
           have
           no
           Law
           ,
           doth
           mightily
           presse
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdom
           of
           
             Scotland
          
           at
           this
           time
           :
           It
           is
           no
           small
           comfort
           unto
           them
           that
           they
           have
           not
           beene
           idle
           and
           at
           ease
           ,
           but
           have
           used
           all
           good
           and
           lawfull
           means
           of
           Supplications
           ,
           Declarations
           and
           Remonstrances
           to
           his
           Majestie
           ,
           for
           quenching
           the
           combustion
           in
           this
           Kingdome
           :
           And
           after
           all
           these
           ,
           that
           they
           sent
           Commissioners
           to
           his
           Majestie
           ,
           humblie
           to
           mediate
           for
           a
           reconcilement
           and
           Pacification
           ;
           But
           the
           offer
           of
           their
           humble
           service
           was
           rejected
           ,
           from
           no
           other
           reason
           ,
           but
           that
           they
           had
           no
           warrant
           nor
           capacity
           for
           such
           a
           Mediation
           ;
           And
           that
           the
           intermixture
           of
           the
           Government
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           
             England
          
           with
           the
           Civill
           government
           of
           the
           kingdom
           ,
           was
           such
           a
           mistery
           as
           could
           not
           be
           understood
           by
           them
           .
           Althoug
           it
           be
           true
           ,
           which
           was
           at
           that
           time
           often
           replyed
           ,
           that
           the
           eighth
           demand
           of
           the
           Treatie
           ,
           and
           the
           answer
           given
           thereunto
           concerning
           the
           Uniformity
           of
           Religion
           ,
           was
           a
           sufficient
           ground
           of
           capacity
           ;
           and
           the
           proceedings
           of
           the
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           against
           Episcopal
           Government
           ,
           as
           a
           stumbling
           block
           hindering
           Reformation
           ,
           and
           as
           a
           prejudice
           to
           the
           Civil
           State
           ,
           was
           ground
           enough
           for
           their
           information
           The
           Commissioners
           having
           returned
           from
           his
           Majestie
           without
           successe
           ,
           and
           the
           miseries
           of
           
             Ireland
             ,
          
           the
           distresses
           of
           
             England
             ,
          
           and
           the
           dangers
           and
           pressures
           of
           the
           kingdom
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           growing
           to
           greater
           extremity
           ;
           such
           as
           were
           intrusted
           with
           the
           publick
           affairs
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           
           〈…〉
           according
           to
           the
           practise
           of
           former
           times
           (
           his
           Majesty
           having
           denyed
           a
           Parliament
           )
           to
           call
           a
           Convention
           of
           the
           Estates
           for
           considering
           of
           the
           present
           affairs
           ,
           and
           for
           providing
           the
           best
           remedies
           :
           which
           immediatly
           upon
           their
           meeting
           by
           the
           speciall
           providence
           of
           God
           ,
           did
           receive
           information
           of
           diverse
           treacherous
           attempts
           of
           Papists
           in
           all
           the
           three
           Kingdomes
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           had
           been
           called
           for
           that
           effect
           ;
           And
           by
           the
           same
           providence
           ,
           Commissioners
           were
           sent
           from
           both
           Houses
           of
           Parliament
           to
           consider
           with
           the
           Estates
           of
           the
           Kingdome
           of
           
             Scotland
             ,
          
           of
           such
           Articles
           and
           Propositions
           as
           might
           make
           the
           conjunction
           betwixt
           the
           two
           Nations
           more
           beneficiall
           and
           effectuall
           for
           the
           securing
           of
           Religion
           and
           Libertie
           against
           Papists
           and
           Prelates
           with
           their
           adherents
           .
           Their
           Consultations
           with
           the
           Commissioners
           of
           the
           Generall
           Assembly
           ,
           did
           in
           the
           end
           bring
           forth
           a
           Covenant
           ,
           as
           the
           onely
           meane
           after
           all
           other
           have
           been
           assayed
           ,
           for
           the
           deliverance
           of
           
             England
          
           and
           
             Ireland
          
           out
           of
           the
           deeps
           of
           affliction
           ,
           preservation
           of
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           of
           
             Scotland
          
           from
           the
           extremity
           of
           miserie
           ,
           and
           the
           safety
           of
           our
           Native
           King
           and
           Kingdomes
           from
           destruction
           and
           desolation
           .
           This
           is
           the
           manifold
           necessity
           which
           Nature
           ,
           Religion
           ,
           Loyaltie
           ,
           and
           Love
           hath
           laid
           upon
           them
           .
        
         
           Nor
           is
           it
           unknown
           in
           this
           Honourable
           Reverend
           and
           wise
           Audience
           ,
           what
           errours
           and
           heresies
           in
           doctrine
           ;
           what
           Superstition
           and
           idolatrie
           in
           Worshippe
           ,
           what
           Usurpation
           and
           Tyrannie
           in
           Government
           ,
           what
           cruelty
           against
           the
           soules
           and
           bodies
           of
           the
           saints
           have
           been
           set
           on
           foot
           ,
           exercised
           ,
           and
           executed
           for
           many
           Generations
           ,
           and
           now
           of
           late
           by
           the
           Romane
           Church
           ;
           all
           which
           we
           hope
           through
           the
           blessing
           of
           God
           upon
           this
           work
           ,
           shal
           be
           brought
           to
           an
           end
           .
           Had
           the
           Pope
           at
           Rome
           the
           knowledge
           
           of
           what
           is
           doing
           this
           day
           in
           
             England
             ,
          
           and
           were
           this
           Covenant
           written
           on
           the
           Plaster
           of
           the
           wall
           over
           against
           him
           ,
           where
           he
           sitteth
           
             Belshazzar-like
          
           in
           his
           sacralegious
           pomp
           ,
           it
           would
           make
           his
           heart
           to
           tremble
           ,
           his
           countenance
           to
           change
           ,
           his
           head
           and
           Miter
           to
           shake
           ,
           his
           joynts
           to
           loose
           ,
           and
           all
           his
           Cardinals
           and
           Prelates
           to
           be
           astonished
           .
        
         
           When
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           ,
           which
           by
           their
           Letters
           have
           been
           exciting
           us
           to
           Christian
           Communion
           and
           Sympathie
           in
           this
           time
           of
           the
           danger
           of
           Religion
           and
           distresse
           of
           the
           Godly
           ,
           shall
           heare
           of
           this
           blessed
           conjunction
           for
           uniformity
           in
           Religion
           according
           to
           the
           word
           of
           God
           and
           the
           defence
           thereof
           ;
           it
           shall
           quicken
           their
           hearts
           against
           the
           heavinesse
           of
           oppressing
           sorrows
           and
           feare
           ;
           and
           be
           no
           other
           than
           a
           beginning
           of
           a
           Jubilee
           and
           joyfull
           deliverance
           unto
           them
           ,
           from
           the
           Antichristian
           yoke
           and
           tyrannie
           .
        
         
           Upon
           these
           and
           the
           like
           considerations
           wee
           are
           verie
           confident
           ,
           that
           the
           Church
           and
           Kingdome
           of
           
             Scotland
          
           will
           most
           chearfully
           joyne
           in
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           at
           the
           first
           motion
           whereof
           ,
           their
           bowels
           were
           moved
           within
           them
           ?
           And
           to
           give
           testimony
           of
           this
           our
           confidence
           ,
           we
           who
           are
           Commissioners
           from
           the
           Generall
           Assembly
           ,
           although
           we
           have
           no
           particular
           and
           expresse
           Commission
           for
           that
           end
           ,
           not
           from
           want
           of
           willingnesse
           ,
           but
           of
           foresight
           )
           offer
           to
           joyn
           our
           hearts
           and
           hands
           unto
           it
           ,
           being
           assured
           that
           the
           Lord
           in
           his
           own
           time
           wil
           against
           all
           opposition
           even
           against
           the
           gates
           of
           Hell
           ,
           crown
           it
           with
           a
           blessing
           from
           Heaven
           .
           The
           word
           of
           God
           is
           for
           it
           ,
           as
           you
           have
           been
           now
           resolved
           by
           the
           consent
           and
           testimonie
           of
           a
           Reverend
           Assembly
           of
           so
           many
           godly
           ,
           learned
           ,
           and
           great
           Divines
           .
           In
           your
           own
           sense
           and
           experience
           you
           will
           find
           ,
           that
           although
           while
           you
           are
           assaulted
           or
           exercised
           with
           worldly
           cares
           and
           fears
           ,
           your
           
           〈…〉
           other
           times
           ,
           when
           upon
           seeking
           of
           God
           in
           private
           or
           publike
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           evening
           of
           a
           wel
           spent
           Sabbath
           ;
           or
           day
           of
           Fast
           and
           Humiliation
           your
           disposition
           is
           more
           spiritual
           ,
           and
           leaving
           the
           world
           behind
           you
           ▪
           you
           have
           found
           accesse
           unto
           God
           through
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           the
           bent
           and
           inclinations
           of
           your
           hearts
           will
           be
           strongest
           to
           go
           throgh
           with
           this
           work
           ▪
           It
           is
           a
           good
           testimony
           that
           our
           designes
           and
           wayes
           are
           agreeable
           to
           the
           will
           of
           God
           ,
           if
           we
           affect
           them
           most
           when
           our
           hearts
           are
           furthest
           from
           the
           world
           and
           our
           temper
           is
           most
           spirituall
           and
           heavenly
           ,
           and
           least
           carnall
           and
           earthly
           .
           As
           the
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           so
           the
           prayers
           of
           the
           people
           of
           God
           in
           all
           the
           Reformed
           Churches
           are
           for
           us
           ,
           and
           on
           our
           side
           :
           It
           were
           more
           terrible
           then
           an
           Army
           to
           hear
           that
           there
           were
           any
           fervent
           supplications
           to
           God
           against
           us
           ;
           blasphemies
           ,
           curses
           ,
           and
           horrid
           imprecations
           there
           be
           ,
           proceeding
           from
           another
           spirit
           ,
           and
           that
           is
           all
           .
           That
           Divine
           Providence
           also
           which
           hath
           maintained
           this
           Cause
           ,
           and
           supported
           his
           Servants
           in
           a
           marvellous
           manner
           unto
           this
           day
           ,
           and
           which
           this
           time
           past
           hath
           kept
           things
           in
           an
           equall
           ballance
           and
           vicissitud
           of
           successe
           ,
           will
           we
           trust
           from
           this
           day-forth
           ,
           through
           the
           weight
           of
           this
           Covenant
           ,
           cast
           the
           ballance
           and
           make
           Religion
           and
           Righteousnesse
           to
           prevail
           ,
           to
           the
           glory
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           honour
           of
           our
           King
           ,
           the
           confusion
           of
           our
           common
           enemies
           ,
           and
           the
           comfort
           and
           safety
           of
           the
           people
           of
           God
           :
           Which
           he
           grant
           ,
           who
           is
           able
           to
           doe
           above
           any
           thing
           that
           we
           can
           ask
           or
           think
           .
        
         
           FINIS
           .