THE COVENANT: WITH A Narrative OF The Proceedings and Solemn Manner of Taking it by the Honourable House of COMMONS, and Reverent Assembly of DIVINES the 25th day of September, at Saint Margaret's in Westminster.  
ALSO, TWO SPEECHES Delivered at the same time; The one By Mr. Philip Nye, The other By Mr. Alexander Hendersam.  
Published by special Order of the House.  
LONDON,  
Printed for Thomas underhill at the Bible in Wood-Street, 1643.   


THE COVENANT, That was read, sworn unto, and subscribed by the Honourable House of Commons, and Reverend Assembly of DIVINES, the 25. of September.  
WE Noblemen; Barons, Knights, Gentlemen, Citizens, Burgesses, Ministers of the gospel, and Commons of all sorts in the kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, by the providence of God, living under one King, and being of one Reformed Religion; Having before our eyes, the glory of God, and the advancement of the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the Honour and happiness of the King's majesty, and His posterity; and the true public Liberty, Safety, and Peace of the kingdoms; wherein every one's private condition is included: And calling to mind the treacherous and bloody Plots, Conspiracies, Attempts, and practices of the enemies of God, against the true Religion, and Professors thereof, in all places, especially in these three kingdoms, ever since the Reformation of Religion: And how much their rage, power, and presumption, are of late, and at this time increased, and exercised, whereof the deplorable Estate of the Church and kingdom of Ireland, the distressed Estate of the Church and kingdom of England, and the dangerous Estate of the Church and kingdom of Scotland, are present and public Testimonies: We have now at last (after other means of Supplication, Remonstrance, Protestations, and Sufferings)▪ for the Preservation of ourselves, and our Religion, from utter ruin and destruction, according to the commendable practice of these Kingdoms in former times, and the example of God's people in other Nations, after mature deliberation, resolved and determined, to enter into a mutual, and solemn League, and Covenant, wherein we all subscribe; And each one of us for himself, with hands lifted up to the most high God, do swear:  
1 That we shall sincerely, really, and constantly, through the Grace of God, endeavour in our several Places, and Callings, the preservation of the Reformed Religion in the Church of Scotland in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government against our common enemies; The Reformation of Religion in the kingdoms of England, and Ireland, in Doctrine, Worship, Discipline, and Government, according to the Word of God, and the example of the best Reformed Churches. And shall endeavour to bring the Churches of God in the three kingdoms, to the nearest Conjunction and uniformity in Religion, Confession of Faith, form of Church Government, directory for Worship, and catechising, That we and our Posterity after us, may as Brethren, live in Faith and love; and the Lord may delight to dwell in the midst of us.  
2 That we shall in like manner without respect of persons, endeavour the extirpation of Popery, Prelacy, (that is, Church-government by archbishops, Bishops, their chancellors and Commissaries, Deans, Deans and Chapters, Arch-deacons, and all other ecclesiastical Officers, depending on that Hierarchy) Superstition, heresy, schism, profaneness, and whatsoever shall be found to be contrary to sound Doctrine, and the power of godliness; lest we partake in other men's sins, and thereby be in danger to receive of their plagues: And that the Lord may be one, and his Name one in the three kingdoms.  
3 We shall with the same Sincerity, Reality, and Constancy, in our several Vocations, endeavour with our Estates, and Lives, mutually, to preserve the Rights and privileges of Parliaments, and the Liberties of the kingdoms: And to preserve, and defend the King's majesty's Person, and Authority, in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the kingdom: That the World may bear witness with our Consciences, of our Loyalty; And that we have no thoughts, or intentions to diminish His majesty's just Power and greatness.  
4 We shall also with all faithfulness endeavour the discovery of all such as have been, or shall be Incendiaries, Malignants, or evil Instruments, by hindering the Reformation of Religion, dividing the King from his People, or one of the kingdoms from another, or making any Faction, or Parties amongst the People, contrary to this League and Covenant; that they may be brought to public trial, and receive condign punishment, as the degree of their offences shall require, or deserve: Or the supreme Judicatories of both kingdoms respectively, or others having power from them for that effect, shall judge convenient.  
5 And whereas the happiness of a blessed Peace between these kingdoms, denied in former times to our Progenitors, is by the good providence of God granted unto us, and hath been lately concluded and settled by both Parliaments; We shall each one of us according to our Place and Interest, endeavour▪ That they may remain conjoined in a firm Peace and union to all posterity; And that Justice may be done upon the wilful opposers thereof in manner expressed in the precedent Article.  
6 We shall also according to our Places and Callings in this common Cause of Religion, Liberty, and Peace of the kingdoms, assist and defend all those that enter into this League, and Covenant▪ in the maintenance and pursuing thereof; And shall not suffer ourselves, directly, or indirectly, by whatsoever Combination, persuasion, or terror▪ to be divided, or withdrawn from this blessed union, and Conjunction; Whether to make defection to the contrary part; Or to give ourselves to a detestable indifferency, or neutrality in this Cause, which so much concerneth the Glory of God, the good of the kingdoms, and Honour of the King; But shall all the days of our lives, zealously and constantly continue therein, against all opposition; And promote the same according to our power, against all Lets, and Impediments whatsoever: And what we are not able ourselves to suppress, or overcome, we shall reveal, and make known, that it may be timely prevented or removed. All which we shall do as in the sight of God.  
And because these kingdoms are guilty of many sins and provocations against God, and his son Jesus Christ, as is too manifest by our present distresses▪ and dangers, the fruits thereof; We profess and declare before God and the world, our unfeigned desire to be humbled for our own sins, and for the sins of these kingdoms, especially, that we have not as we ought valued the inestimable benefit, of the Gospel; That we have not laboured for the purity and power thereof, and that we have not endeavoured to receive Christ in our hearts, nor to walk worthy of him in our lives, which are the causes of other sins and transgressions, so much abounding amongst us; And our true and unfeigned purpose, desire, and endeavour for ourselves, and all others under our power and charge, both in public and in private, in all duties we owe to God and man, to amend our lives, and each one to go before another in the example of a real Reformation, that the Lord may turn away his wrath, and heavy indignation, and establish these Churches and kingdoms in Truth and Peace. And this Covenant we make in the presence of Almighty God, the searcher of hearts, with a true intention to perform the same, as we shall answer at that great day when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed: Most humbly beseeching the Lord to strengthen us by his Holy Spirit for this end, and to bless our desires and proceedings with such success, as may be deliverance and safety to his people, and encouragement to other Christian Churches groaning under, or in danger of the yoke of Antichristian Tyranny, to join in the same, or like Association and Covenant, to the glory of God, the enlargement of the kingdom of Jesus Christ, and the Peace and Tranquillity of Christian kingdoms and commonwealths.   

The Proceedings of the Covenant, with the manner of taking thereof by the Honourable House of COMMONS, and the Reverend Assembly of DIVINES.  
THe Commissioners sent from the Honourable Houses of Parliament to the kingdom of Scotland, having (besides other weighty affairs) instructions to take into consideration whatsoever might be effectual for bringing the two Kingdoms to a more near Conjunction and Union, there was a Committee of the Honourable Convention of Estates in Scotland, and another Committee of the general Assembly of the Church designed to join with them in this great and necessary consultation, in which, after much agitation, the result and conclusion was, that a solemn League and Covenant taken mutually by both kingdoms, would be the most conducing means to such a happy union. Thereupon a form of Covenant by their Common assent was agreed upon, and presented to be read and considered of, in the general Assembly; where it had assent and approbation: and was thence recommended to the Convention of Estates, by an Order of the Assembly, as followeth.  

Edenb. August. 17. 1643. Sess. 14.  
THe Assembly having recommended unto a Committee appointed by them to join with the Committee of the Honourable Convention of Estates, and the Commissioners of the Honourable House of the Parliament of England, certain Propositions presented unto them by the aforesaid Commissioners of the Honourable House of the Parliament of England, for bringing the two kingdoms to a more near Conjunction and union, received from the aforesaid Committees, the Covenant under-written, as the result of their Consultations; And having taken the same as a matter of so public concernment, and of so deep importance, doth require unto their gravest consideration, Did with all their hearts and with the beginnings of that joy which they did find in so great measure upon the Renovation of the national Covenant of this Kirk and kingdom, All with one voice approve and embrace the same, as the most powerful mean by the blessing of God for settling and preserving the true Protestant Religion with perfect Peace in His majesty's Dominions, and propagating the same to other Nations, and for establishing his majesty's Throne to all Ages and Generations. And therefore with their best affections recommend the same to the Honourable Convention of Estates, that being examined and approved by them, it may be sent with all diligence unto the kingdom of England, That being received and approven there, the same may be with public humiliation, and all religious and answerable solemnity sworn and subscribed by all true Professors of the Reformed Religion, and all His majesty's good Subjects in both kingdoms.  
Ar. Jhonston Cler. Eccl.   
From that Honourable Convention it obtained like approbation, with a recommendation to the Kingdom of England, as in this Order of theirs appeareth.  

At Edinburgh. 17. of August, 1643.  
THe Noblemen, Commissioners of Shires and boroughs now convened, having received the Covenant above-written from their Committee as the result of their consultations with a Committee of their general Assembly and the Commissioners of both Houses from the Parliament of England, and having taken the Covenant into their gravest consideration, did with all their hearts, and great expressions of joy and unanimity approve and embrace the same as the most powerful mean, by the blessing of God, for settling and preserving the true Protestant Religion with a perfect peace in all his majesty's Dominions, and propagating the same to other Nations, and for establishing his majesty's Throne to all ages: And being very confident that their Brethren in the kingdom of England will heartily receive and approve the same; Therefore according to the earnest recommendation of that venerable Assembly of this Kirk now thinks it most necessary for the good ends aforesaid, that it be sent into that kingdom with all diligence, that being received and approved by their Brethren there, the same may be with all religious solemnities swerne and subscribed by all true professors of the Reformed Religion, and all his majesty's good Subjects in both kingdoms. Extract.  
Arch. Primrose, Cler. Conven.   
Some Commissioners also, were sent from the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland, with instructions for furthering the Covenant and the intended union of the Churches of both Kingdoms. This Covenant being presented to the Honourable House of Commons, and considered by them in the several branches and Articles thereof, was recommended to a Committee to be chosen of their own Members, and sorne of the Divines of the Assembly, together with the Commissioners sent from Scotland, to the intent that some expressions might be farther explained, and that the kingdom of Ireland also might be expressly taken into the same league and Covenant with us: Which being done with great care and diligence by those Committees and Commissioners, It was then read in the Assembly of Divines, and afterwards in the House of Commons, and received a most full and universal assent from the Members of both, Nemine contradicente. This form of Covenant was presented also to the House of Lords, by whom likewise it was taken into consideration, and approved of, as fit to be entered into by the three kingdoms.  
On Friday the 22. of September it was concluded by the House, this Oath and Covenant should be solemnly taken publicly in the Church at Westminster, called Saint Margaret's Church, the Monday following, by the House of Commons and the Assembly of Divines: To which purpose an Order was sent to the Assembly from the House to give them notice thereof; and that some of the Assembly be appointed to pray and to exhort, for the more solemn celebrating of so serious and weighty a service. The Assembly appointed Mr. Philip Nye to make the exhortation, Mr. John White to pray before, and Mr. Dr. Gouge to pray after the exhortation. The House met at the usual place, and thence went with their Speaker to the Church; the Assembly also at the same time with their Prolocutor. A psalm being sung, solemn prayer was made, after the prayer an exhortation to the Honourable House and Reverend Divines encouraging them to this work as a work of a marvellous high nature and concernment. This being ended, Mr. Alexander Hendersam, one of the Commissioners sent from the Assembly of the Church of Scotland, being also desired thereunto, made a Speech to the like purpose.  
Then the Covenant was read, notice being first given to the Assembly, that after the hearing of it, each person should immediately by swearing, worship the great Name of God, and testify so much outwardly by lifting up their hands: which was all done very solemnly and with so much joy seen in their countenances, and manifested by clapping of their hands, as was suitable to the gravity of such a work, and the sadness of the present times.  
Both Assemblies having thus sworn, with whom the Commissioners from Scotland joined, the Speaker with the Members of the House of Commons, went up into the chancel, and there subscribed their names in a Roll of Parchment provided for that purpose, in which this Covenant was fairly written, and afterward the Prolocutor, the Commissioners from Scotland, and the Members of the Assembly of Divines did the like in another Roll, which being finished, the Name of God was again solemnly invocated, and praises returned for vouchsafing this Church and kingdom so happy and joyful a day; a psalm was sung, and then the Assembly dismissed.   

An Exhortation made to the Honourable House of Commons and Reverend Divines of the Assembly, by Mr. Nigh before he 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. We deal with God as well as with men, and with God in his greatness and excellency, for by him we swear, and at the same time we have to do with God and his goodness, who now reacheth out unto us a strong and seasonable arm of assistance. The goodness of God procuring succour and help to a sinful and afflicted people (such are we) ought to be 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 fearful in praises, swear 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 an Oath as for matter, persons, and other circumstances, the like hath not been in any age or Oath we read of in sacred or human Stories, yet sufficiently warranted in both.  
The parties engaging in this league are three Kingdoms, famous for the knowledge, and acknowledgement of Christ above all the Kingdoms 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 solemn, by how much greater the persons are that swear each to other: as in heaven when God swears to his Son, on earth when Kings swear each to other; so in this business, where kingdoms swear mutually.  
And as the solemnity of an Oath is to be 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, he 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 Gospel, he swears and repents not of it. God swears for the salvation of men, and of Kingdoms: And if Kingdoms swear, what subject of an Oath becometh them better than the preservation and salvation of kingdoms, by establishing the kingdom 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 than one, saith He who best knoweth what is best; and from whom alone every thing hath the goodness it hath. Association is of divine offspring; not only the being of Creatures, but the putting of them together: the cluster as well as the grape is the work of God: comfort and harmony amongst men, especially amongst Saints, is very pleasing unto the Lord. If when but two or three agree and 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 kingdoms shall meet and consent together in his name and for his name, that God may be 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 blessedness; 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 fetched from within us, the more pleasing will be the answer of them unto us. Churches and kingdoms are dear to God, his patience towards them, his compassions over them, more than particular persons, showeth it plainly. But Kingdoms willingly engaging themselves for his kingdom, 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 he set upon such? Especially when (as we this day) sensible of our infirmity, of an unfaithful heart not steady with our God, but apt to start from the cause, if we feel the knife or the fire; who bind ourselves with cords, as a sacrifice to the horns of the Altar. We invocare the name of the great God, that his vows, yea his curse may be upon us, if we do not this; yea though we suffer for so doing: that is, if we endeavour not so far as the Lord shall assist us by his grace, to advance the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ here upon earth, and make Jerusalem once more the praise of the whole world, notwithstanding all the contradictions of men.  
What is this but the contents and matter of our Oath? What do 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 kingdoms, and a Reformatiom universal, Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship, in whatsoever the Word shall discover unto us? To practise, is a fruit of love; to reform, a fruit of zeal; but so to reform, will be a token of great prudence, and circumspection in each of these Churches. And all this to be done according to God's 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 righteousness, and truths, that are according to godliness, 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 ways then any of us; we shall humbly bow, and kiss their lips that can speak right words unto us in this matter, and help us into the nearest uniformity with the word and mind of Christ in this great work of Reformation.  
Honourable and Reverend Brethren, there cannot be a more direct and effectual way to exhort and persuade 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 persuaded 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 kingdoms, yea of all the Kingdoms of the World; for it is swearing fealty and allegiance unto Christ the King of Kings; and a giving up of all these kingdoms, which are his inheritance, to be subdued more to his Throne, and ruled more by his sceptre, upon whose shoulders the government is laid, and in the increase of whose Government and peace there shall be no end, Esa. 9 Yea, we find 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 God's kingdoms, the one upon the Sea, the other upon the Earth, lifting up his hand to heaven, as you are to do this day, and so swearing, Rev. 10. The effect of that Oath you shall find to bethis, that the kingdoms of the world become the kingdoms of the Lord and his Christ, and he shall reign for ever, Rev. 11. His Oath was for the full and final accomplishment, this of yours for a gradual, 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 quietness 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 extremest sufferings, poverty, imprisonment, banishment, death, even ever since the first dawning of Reformation: That and the very same is the very cause and work that we 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 tears of such sincerity and sufferings, that three Kingdoms should be thus born, or rather new born in a day; that these Kingdoms should be wrought about to so great an engagement, than which nothing is higher, for to this end Kings reign, kingdoms stand, and States are upheld.  
It is a special 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 you should do 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 settled Peace and Reformation; which if the Lord shall please to finish in your hands, a greater happiness on earth, nor a greater means to augment your glory and crown in heaven, you are not capable of. And this let me further add for your encouragement, of what extensive good and fruit in the success of it, this very Oath may prove to be, we know not. God hath set his Covenant like the Heavens, not only for duration, but like also for extension: The Heavens move and roll about, and so communicate their light, and heat, and virtue, to all places and parts of the earth; so doth the Covenant of God, so may this gift be given to other Covenants that are framed to that pattern. How much this solémn 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 however, this I am sure of, it is a way in all probability most likely to enable us to preserve and defend our religion against our common enemies, and possible a more sure foundation 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 itself by association and joint strength; all sorts of Professors amongst them are cast into Fraternities and brotherhoods, and these Orders carefully united by Vow one with another and under some more general notion of common dependency. Such States also and Kingdoms as they have thus made theirs; they endeavour to improve and secure by strict combinations and leagues each to other, witness of late years that La Sainte ligue, the holy league. It will not be 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 be after such a manner by Kings, that is, kingdoms assenting and agreeing perhaps by some joint Covenant (the Text saith, with one mind, 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, he is the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings, he can unite Kings and kingdoms, and give them one mind also to destroy the Whore and be her utter ruin; And may not this days work be a happy beginning of such a blessed expedition?  
Prelacy another common enemy, that we Covenant and swear against, what hath it been, or what hath the strength of it been, but a subtle combination of clergymen formed into a policy or body of their own invention framing themselves into Subordination and dependency one upon another, so that the interest of each is improved by all, and a great power by this means acquired to themselves; as by sad experience we have lately found: The joints and Members of this body, you know were knit together by the sacred engagement of an Oath, the Oath of canonical obedience as they called it: You remember also with what cunning and industry they endeavoured lately to make this Oath and Covenant more sure for themselves and their posterity▪ And intended a more public, solemn and universal engagement, then since Popery this cause of theirs was ever maintained or supported by. And questionless▪ 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 ●and 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 solemn and of as large extent as they intended theirs; uniting these three Kingdoms into such a League and happy combination as will doubtless preserve us and our Reformation against them, though their iniquity in the mysteries of it should still be working amongst us. Come therefore (I speak in the words of the Prophet) let us join ourselves to the Lord, and one to another, and each to all, in a perpetual Covenant that shall not be forgotten.  
We are now entering upon a work of the greatest moment and concernment, 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 bless this our beginning, it will be a happy day, and we shall be a happy people. An Oath is a duty of the first Commandment, and therefore of the highest and noblest order and rank of duties; therefore must come forth attended with choicest graces; especially with these two, humility, and fear.  
Fear, not only of God, which ought to be in an eminent measure, Gen. 31. 53. Jacob swore by the fear of his father Isaac, as if he covered to inherit his father's grace, as well as his father's God: But also fear of an Oath, it being a dreadful duty, and hath this peculiar, it's established by the Oath of God, I have sworn that unto me every tongue shall swear, Isa. 45. 23. It's made the very Character of a Saint, he fears 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 swear by his Name. The Apostle Paul was sensible of this engagement, even in the very act of this duty, Rom. 1. 9 I call God to witness, whom I serve in my spirit; Although it be a work of the lips, yet the heart and whole man must be interessed if we expect this worship to be acceptable, Psal. 119. 108. Accept the freewill offering of my mouth, and teach me thy judgements.  
Also it must be done in the greatest simplicity and plainness of spirit, in respect of those with whom we covenant; We call God as a witness betwixt us who searcheth the heart: With him is wisdom and strength, the deceived and deceiver is his, Job, 12. 19 He hath wisdom 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 hands; it may not be so much as in the desire of our hearts, that they should become snares, no not to the weakest and simplest person that joineth with us. In the whole work make your address unto God, as Jacob did to his father Isaac, and let there be the like fear and jealousy 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 earnestness to press 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 slightness of our hearts in the work. I beseech you be more watchful, and stir up your hearts with more industry this day than ever before: As it is the last oath you are likely to take in this kind, so is it our last refuge, tabula post nat●fragium: If this help us not, we are likely to remain to our dying day an unhappy people, but if otherwise, You will indeed swear with all your hearts, and seek the Lord with your whole desire, God will be found, and give you rest round about, 2 Chor. 15. 15.  
And having sworn, and entered into this solemn engagement to God and man, make conscience to do accordingly, otherwise it is better thou shouldest not vow, Eccles. 5. As is said of fasting, it is not the bowing down of the head for a day, so of this solemn swearing, it is not the lifting up of the hand for a day; but an honest and faithful endeavouring after the contents of this Covenant all our days; 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 he that sweareth and changeth not, though he swear to his hurt, that is, he that will keep his Covenant and Oath though the contents of it prove not for him, nay possibly against him, yet he 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 ourselves, and make provision to walk answerable to this our Covenant for the gospel's sake; it will reflect a great aspersion upon the truth of the Gospel, if we should be false or unconstant in any word or purpose, though in a matter of less 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 be 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, be constant, immovable, and abound in this work of the Lord, that we may not start aside, or give back, or go on uncomfortably, there is a twofold grace or qualification to be laboured after.  
1. We must get courage, spirits that are bold and resolute. It is said in Haggai, that the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua 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 work of God's house: Reformation-work especially, is a stirring work: read Stories, you find not anywhere, Reformation made in any age, either in Doctrine or Discipline, without great stir and opposition. This was foretold by the same Prophet, cap. 2. vers. 7. the promise is, He 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 applied Heb. 12. to the removing Jewish Rites, the moveables of God's house. The like you find in the Apostles times, Acts 17. the truth being preached; some believed, others did not; here beginneth the stir, vers. 6. those that believed not, took unto themselves certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the City in an uproar: and when 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 be of stout, resolute, and composed spirits, that we may be able to go on in the main, and stir in the midst of such stirs, and not be amused at any such doings. It may possibly happen, that even amongst yourselves there will be out-cries; Sir, you will undo all, saith one; you will put all into confusion saith another; if you take this course, saith a third, we can expect nothing but blood: but a wise statesman, like an experienced seaman, knoweth the compass of his vessel, and though it heave and rose, and the passengers cry out about him, yet in the midst of all▪ he is himself, turneth not aside from his work, but steereth on his course. I beseech you let it be seriously considered, if you mean to do any such work in the house of God as this is; if you mean to pluck up what many years ago was planted, or to build up what so long ago was pulled down, and to go thorough with this work, and not be discouraged, you must beg of the Lord this excellent spirit, this resolute stirring spirit, otherwise you will be out-spirited, and both you and your cause slighted and dishonoured.  
2. On the other hand we must labour for humility, prudence, gentleness, meekness. A man may be very zealous and resolute, and yet very meek and merciful: Jesus Christ was a Lion, and yet a lamb also; in one place he telleth them he cometh to send fire on the earth: and in another place rebuketh his Disciples for their fiery spirits, Luke 9▪ 54. There was the like composition in Moses, and in Paul, and it is of great use, especially in this work of Reformation. I have not observed any disputes carried on with more bitterness in men's writings, and with a more unsanctified heat of spirit, yea and by godly men too, then in controversies 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 our all, to extirpate and root out every plant his heavenly Father hath not planted; and yet let us do it in as 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 meekness 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 ways, and hinder Reformation.  
Brethren, let us come to this blessed work, with such a frame of heart, with such a mind for the present, with such resolutions for the time to come; let us not be 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 Lord's work is laid, Consider it, from this day will I bless you, saith the Lord: Nay, we have received as it were the first fruits of this promise, for as it's said of some men's good works, they are manifest before hand, 1 Tim. 5. Even so may be said of the good work of this day, it's manifest before hand, God hath as it were before hand testified his acceptance; while we were thinking and purposing this free will Offering; he was protecting and defending our army; causing our enemies the enemies of this work to fly before us, and gave us a victory, not to be despised. Surely this Oath and Covenant shall be judah's joy, the joy and comfort of this whole kingdom; yea, of all three Kingdoms.  
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 swore to our Father Abraham, that he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life, Luke 1. Grant unto us also, that when this life is finished, and we gathered to our Fathers, there may be a generation out of our loins to stand up in this cause, that his great and reverent Name may be exalted from one generation to another, until he himself shall come, and perfect all with his own hand by his own wisdom; even so come Lord Jesus, come quickly,  
Amen.    

A SPEECH Delivered by Mr Alexander Hendersam, immediately before the taking of the Covenant by the House of COMMONS, and Assembly of DIVINES.  
ALthough the time be far 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 be silent and to say nothing: If we should hold our peace, we could neither be answerable to God, whose cause and work is in hand; nor to this Church and kingdom, unto which we have made so large profession of duty, and owe much more; nor to our native Kingdom, so abundant in affection toward you; nor to our own hearts, which exceedingly rejoice to see this day: We have greater reason than the leprous men sitting in a time of great extremity at the gate of Samaria, to say one to another, We do not well, this day is a day of good tidings, and we hold our peace? It is true the Syrians are not yet fled; but our hope is through God, that the work begun this day, being sincerely performed and faithfully pursued; shall put to flight, not only the Syrians and Babylonians, but all other Enemies of the Church of God; of the King's 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 rejoicing and thanksgiving after deliverance; this is it, which the Lord waits for at their hands, which they have been used to perform, and with which he hath been so well pleased, that it hath been the fountain of many deliverances and blessings unto them. When a people beginneth to forget God, he lifteth up his hand against them and siniteth 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 wonderful 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 20th of Ezekiel; And next he stretcheth out his hand against his Enemies and theirs. It is the best work of Faith, to join in Covenant with God; the best work of love and Christian Communion, to join in Covenant with the people of God; the best work of the best zeal, to join in Covenant for Reformation, against the Enemies of God and Religion; the best work of true loyalty, to join in Covenant for the preservation of our King and superiors; and the best proof of natural affection (and to be without natural affection, is one of the great sins of the Gentiles) to join in Covenant for defence of our Native country, Liberties, and laws; Such as for these necessary ends do 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 natural affection.  
As it is acceptable to God, so have we for it the precedent and example, not only of the people of God of old, of the Reformed Churches of Germany, and the Low-countries; but of our own Noble and Christian Progenitors in the time of the danger of Religion, which is expressed in the Covenant itself. The defect was; They went not on throughly to enter in a Solemn Covenant; an happiness reserved for this time: which had they done, the corruptions and calamities of these days might have been prevented: And if the Lord shall be pleased to move, loose, and enlarge the hearts of his people in his majesty's Dominions to take this Covenant, not in simulation, nor in lukewarmness, as those that are almost persuaded to be Christians, but as becometh the people of God, it shall be the prevention of many evils and miseries, and a mean of many and rich blessings, spiritual and temporal, to ourselves, our little ones, and the Posterity that shall come after us for many Generations.  
The near and neighbouring example of the Church and kingdom 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 majesty's Subjects, Ministers and others, by their places in Parliament, council, college of Justice, Exchequer, and High Commission, to a monstrous dominion and greatness, and like giants, setting their one foot on the neck of the Church, and the other on the neck of the State, were become intolerably insolent; and when the people of God through their oppression in Religion, Liberties, and laws, 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 than in their own native country; 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 down 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 tears were poured forth from the eyes, and what cries came from the mouths of many thousands in that Land, when they found an unwonted flame warming their breasts, and perceived the power of God raising them from the dead, and creating for them a new world, wherein should dwell Religion and righteousness. When they were destitute both of moneys and munition, which next unto the spirits and arms of men, are the sinews of war, the Lord brought them forth out of his hid treasures; which was wonderful 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 choose or to do, for prosecuting the work of God, only their eyes were toward him; not only the fears 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 of God, and legible characters of his work: which as the Church and Kingdom of England exercised at this time with greater difficulties than 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 sovereignty, and is a Law above all laws, and therefore is said to have no Law; doth mightily press the Church and Kingdom of Se●tland at this time. It is no small comfort unto them that they have not been idle and at ease, but have used all good and lawful means of Supplications, Declarations, and Remonstrances to his majesty, for quenching the combustion in this kingdom: And after all these, that they sent Commissioners to his majesty, humbly 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 civil government of the Kingdom, was such a mystery as could not be understood by them. Although it be true, which was at that time often replied, that the eighth demand of the treaty, 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 Majesty without success, 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 entrusted with the public affairs of the Kingdom were necessitate according to the practice of former times (his majesty having denied a Parliament) to call a Convention of the Estates for considering of the present affairs, and for providing the best remedies: which immediately upon their meeting by the special providence of God, did receive information of divers treacherous attempts of Papists in all the three Kingdoms, 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 Kingdom of Scotland, of such Articles and Propositions as might make the conjunction betwixt the two Nations more beneficial and effectual for the securing of Religion & Liberty against Papists & prelates with their Adherents. Their Consultations with the Commissioners of the general Assembly, did in the end bring forth this Covenant, as the only mean after all other have been assayed, for the deliverance of England and Ireland out of the deeps of affliction, preservation of the Church and Kingdom of Scotland from the extremity of misery, and the safety of our native King and his Kingdoms from destruction and desolation. This is the manifold necessity which Nature, Religion, Loyalty, and Love hath laid upon them.  
Nor is it unknown in this Honourable, Reverend, and wise Audience, what errors, and heresies in doctrine; what Superstition and Idolatry in Worship, what Usurpation and Tyranny in Government, what cruelty against the souls and bodies of the Saints have been set on foot, exercised, and executed for many Generations, and now of late, by the Roman Church; all which we hope through the blessing of God upon this work, shall 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 sacrilegious pomp, it would make his heart to tremble, his countenance to change, his head and mitre to shake, his joints to lose, 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 Sympathy in this time of the danger of Religion and distress of the Godly, shall hear 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 heaviness of oppressing sorrows and fears; and be no other than a beginning of a Jubilee and joyful deliverance unto them, from the Antichristian yoke and tyranny.  
Upon these and the like considerations we are very confident, that the Church and Kingdom of Scotland will most cheerfully join in this Covenant, at the first motion whereof, their 〈◊〉 were moved within them▪ And to give testimony of this our confidence, we who are Commissioners from the general Assembly, although we have no particular and express Commission for that ●nd, (not from ●a●t of willingness, but of a foresight) offer to joy● our hearts and hands unto it, being a stored that the Lord in his own time will 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 〈…〉 〈…〉 by the consent and testimony of a Reverend Assembly ●● so many godly, learned, and grav 〈…〉 Divines. In your own sense and experience you will find, that although, while you are assaulted or exercised with worldly cares and fears, your thoughts may somewhat trouble & direct you; yet at other times, when upon seeking of God in private or public, as in the evening of a well spent Sabbath, or day of Fast and Humiliation, your disposition is more spiritual, and leaving the world behind you, you have found access unto God through Jesus Christ, the bent and inclinations of your hearts will be strongest to go through with this work. It is a good testimony that our designs and ways 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 spiritual and heavenly, and least carnal 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 than an army to hear that there were any servant 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 equal balance and vicissitude of success, will we trust from this day forth, through the weight of this Covenant, cast the balance, and make Religion and righteousness 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 do above anything that we can ask or think.  
FINIS.