ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND'S COVENANT With their GOD;  
VIZ.  

In 

The Protestation,  
The Vow and Covenant,  
The Solemn League and Covenant,  
and an Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, for the taking the same; together with an Exhortation made by the Assembly of DIVINES.     
An Ordinance for the better Observation of the Lordsday.  
An Ordinance, together with an Order, for the strict keeping the Monthly fast.  
ORdered by the Commons in Parliament, That these Covenants and Ordinances, be forthwith printed and published.  
Printed for Edw. Husband, Printer to the Honourable House of Commons.  
1645.   

Die Mercurii, 5. Maii, 1641.  
IT is this day Ordered by the House of Commons now Assembled in Parliament, That the Preamble, together with the Protestation which the Members of this House made the third day of May, shall be forthwith Printed, and the Copies Printed brought to the Clerk of the said House to attest under his hand, to the end, that the Knights, Citizens, and Butgesses may send them down to the Sheriffs and justices of Peace of the several Shires, and to the Citizens and Burgesses of the several Cities, Boroughs and Cinque Ports respectively; And the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses, are to intimate unto the Shires, Cities, Boroughs and Cinque Ports, with that willingness all the Members of this House made this Protestation: And further to signify, that as they justify the taking of it in themselves, so they cannot but approve it in all such as shall take it.  

WE the Knights, Citizens, and Burgesses in the Commons House of Parliament, finding to the great grief of our hearts, that the Designs of the Priests and jesuites, and other adherents to the See of Rome, have of late been more boldly and frequently put in practice then formerly, to the undermining and danger of the ruin of the true Reformed Protestant Religion in His Majesty's Dominions established: And finding also that there have been, and having just cause to suspect that there still are, even during the sitting in Parliament, endeavours to subvert the Fundamental Laws of England and Ireland, and to introduce the exercise of an Arbitrary and Tyrannical Government, by most pernicious and wicked Counsels, Practices, Plots, and Conspiracies: And that the long intermission, and unhappy breach of Parliaments, hath occasioned many Illegal Taxations, whereupon the Subject hath been prosecuted and grieved: And that divers Innovations and Superstitions have been brought into the Church, multitudes driven out of His Majesty's Dominions; jealousies raised and fomented betwixt the King and His People; a Popish Army levied in Ireland, and two Armies brought into the bowels of this Kingdom, to the hazard of His Majesty's Royal Person, the consumption of the Revenues of the Crown & Treasure of this Kingdom: And lastly, finding great cause of jealousy, that endeavours have been, and are used to bring the English Army into a misunderstanding of this Parliament, thereby to incline that Army, with force to bring to pass those wicked counsels, Have therefore thought good to join themselves in a Declaration of our united Affections and Resolutions, and to make this ensuing Protestation.   

I A. B. do in the presence of Almighty God, Promise, Vow, and Protest, to maintain and defend, as far as lawfully I may, with my life, power, and estate, the true Reformed Protestant Religion, expressed in the Doctrine of the Church of England, against all Popery and Popish Innovations within this Realm, contrary to the same Doctrine, and according to the duty of my Allegiance, His Majesty's Royal person, Honour and Estate; as also the Power and Privileges of Parliament; The lawful Rights and Liberties of the Subject, and every person that maketh this Protestation, in whatsoever he shall do in the lawful pursuance of the same. And to my power, and as far as lawfully I may, I will oppose, and by all good ways and means endeavour to bring to condign punishment, all such as shall either by Force, Practice, Counsels, Plots, Conspiracies, or otherwise, do any thing to the contrary of any thing in this present Protestation contained. And further, That I shall in all just and Honourable ways endeavour to preserve the Union and Peace, between the three Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland; And neither for hope, fear, nor other respect, shall relinquish this Promise, Vow, and Protestation.   

Whereas some doubts have been raised by several persons out of this House, concerning the meaning of these words contained in the Protestation lately made by the Members of this House, Viz. The true Reformed Protestant Religion, expressed in the Doctrine of the Church of England, against all Popery and Popish innovations within this Realm, contrary to the same Doctrine; This House doth Declare That by those words, was, and is meant, only the public Doctrine professed in the said Church, so far as it is opposite to Popery and Popish Innovations; And that the said words are not to be extended to the maintaining of any Form of Worship, Discipline, or Government, nor of any Rites or Ceremonies of the said Church of England.   

Die Veneris, 30. julii, 1641.  
Resolved upon the Question,  
THat this House doth conceive that the Protestation made by them, is fit to be taken by every person that is well-affected in Religion, and to the good of the Common wealth; And therefore doth declare, That what person soever shall not take the Protestation, is unfit to bear Office in the Church or Commonwealth.    

The Vow and Covenant appointed by the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, to be taken by every Man, in the Cities of London, Westminster, the Suburbs and Liberties thereof; and throughout the whole Kingdom.  
Whereas the Lords and Commons now astembled in Parliament have declared, That there hath been, and now is a Popish and Traitorous Plot for the subversion of the true Protestant Reform Religion, and the Liberty of the Subject; and that in pursuance thereof, a Popish Army hath been raised, and now is on foot in divers parts of this Kingdom: And have further in a solemn manner Declared, Vowed, and Covenanted, That in order to the security and preservation of the true Protestant Religion, and Liberty of the Subject, they will not consent to the laying down of Arms, so long as the Papists now in open War against the Parliament, shall by force of Arms be protected from the Justice thereof. And whereas the Lords and Commons have Declared, That there hath been a treacherous and horrid Design lately discovered, by the great blessing, and special Providence of God, of divers persons to join themselves with the Armies raised by the King, and to destroy the Forces raised by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, to surprise the Cities of London and Westminster, with the Suburbs, and by Arms to force the Parliament: And the said Lords and Commons finding by constant experience, that many ways of force and treachery are continually attempted, to bring to utter ruin and destruction the Parliament and Kingdom, and that which is dearest, the true Protestant Religion: And that for the preventing, and withstanding the same, they have thought fit, That all who are true hearted, and lovers of their Country, should bind themselves each to other in a sacred Vow and Covenant, in manner and form as followeth, and accordingly:  

I A. B. in humility and reverence of the Divine Majesty, declare my hearty sorrow for my own sins, and the sins of this Nation, which have deserved the Calamities and judgements that now lie upon it; And my true intention is, by God's grace to endeavour the amendment of my own ways; And that I do abhor and detest the said wicked and treacherous Design lately discovered; And that I never gave nor will give my assent to the execution thereof, but will according to my power and Vocation, oppose and resist the same, and all other of the like nature: And in case any other like Design shall hereafter come to my knowledge, I will make such timely discovery as I shall conceive may best conduce to the preventing thereof. And whereas I do in my conscience believe, That the Forces Raised by the two Houses of Parliament are raised and continued for their just Defence, and for the Defence of the true Protestant Religion and Liberties of the Subject, against the Forces raised by the King: I do here in the presence of Almighty God, Declare, Vow, and Covenant, That I will, according to my power and vocation, assist the Forces raised and continued by both Houses of Parliament, against the Forces raised by the King without their consent; and will likewise assist all other persons that shall take this Oath, in what they shall do in pursuance thereof; And will not directly or indirectly adhere unto, nor shall willingly assist the Forces raised by the King without the consent of both Houses of Parliament. And this Vow and Covenant I make in the presence of Almighty God, the Searcher of all hearts, with a true intention to perform the same, as I shall answer at the great Day, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed.   

COme, let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual Covenant, that shall not be forgotten, jere. 50. 5. Take away the wicked from before the King, and his Throne shall be established in righteousness, Prov. 25. 5. And all Judah rejoiced at the Oath, for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought him with their whole desire, and he was found of them; and the Lord gave them rest round about, 2 Chron. 15. 15.    

The excellent Usefulness of this COVENANT.  
Union with God, Conformity to God, and Unity of the three Kingdoms, are things most : In the first we are happy: In the second holy: In the third is strength, peace and safety. These are the kindly fruits of this Covenant, and a Covenant that brings forth these, how gladly should it be embraced, and how willingly received? They are lovely Bands that bind us to be happy, holy, and safe. The heart of man is backsliding, and a Covenant is like a hedge or wall to stop us from going back: it being a good and ready answer to a tempter or tentation: How shall I do this, and break my Covenant? Surely we have been too lose toward God, having almost lost a Religion, too lose in our lives, and too disunited among ourselves: and well it may be thought, that a main end of this Rod which now lies upon us, is to beat us into this Covenant; that thereby we may be knit faster to God, to holiness, and each to other by this Band of Unity. Yet the taking, is not the chief part of a Covenant, but the keeping. The benefits of a Covenant are then sure and steadfast to us, when we are steadfast in the Covenant: Now a main cause of unstedfastness in the Covenant, is forgetfulness of it. To prevent this, the Covenant is presented in this form that being set up before us, it may be daily seen, and by seeing remembered, and by remembering performed: And withal let us remember this; that all the ways of God are mercy and truth to them that fear him and keep his Covenant. But because no man is strong in his own strength, let us seek strength of Him who is both our strength and our Redeemer, that by Him we may be enabled to keep our Covenant with him, that so he may delight to dwell with us, to be called our God, and to call us his people; upon which happy condition, attend Peace, Prosperity, and all blessings of Heaven and Earth, temporal and eternal.  

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 Liherty, Safety and Peace of the Kingdoms, wherein every ones 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, & public Testimonies; we have now at last, (after other means of Supplication, Remonstrance, Protestations, and Sufferings) for the preservation of ourselves & 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 our hands lifted up to the most high God, do Swear:   

I. THat we shall sincerely, really & constantly, through the Grace of God, endeavour in our several places & 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.  
II. That we shall in like manner, without respect of persons, endeavour the extirpation of Popery, Prelacy, (that is, Church-government, by Arch Bishops, Bishops, their Chauncellors 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.  
III. We shall with the same sincerity, reality, and constancy, in our several Vocations, endeavour with our Estates and Lives, murually to preserve the Rights and Privileges of the Parliament, 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 Kingdoms, 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.  
iv 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.  
V 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 present Articles.  
VI 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 maintaining and pursuing thereof, and shall not suffer ourselves, directly or indirectly, by whatsoever combination, persuasion or terror, to be divided, and withdrawn from this blessed Union and Conjunction, whether to make defection to the contrary part, or 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 & 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 & endeavour for ourselves & all others under our power & charge, both in public and in private, in all duties we own 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 all 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 proceed 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 Common wealths.    

An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament; With Instructions for the taking of the League and Covenant in the Kingdom of England and Dominion of Wales.  
Whereas a Covenant for the preservation and Reformation of Religion, The maintenance and defence of Laws and Liberties, hath been thought a fit and excellent means to acquire the favour of Almighty God towards the three Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland; and likewise to Unite them, and by uniting, to strengthen and fortify them against the Common-Enemy of the true Reformed Religion, peace, and prosperity of these Kingdoms; And whereas both Houses of Parliament in England, the Cities of London and Westminster, and the Kingdom of Scotland have already taken the same; It is now Ordered and Ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, That the same Covenant be solemnly taken in all places throughout the Kingdom of England, and Dominion of Wales. And for the better and more orderly taking thereof, these directions ensuing, are appointed and enjoined strictly to be followed,  

Instructions for the taking of the Solemn League and Covenant throughout the Kingdom.  
I. THat the Speakers of both Houses of Parliament do speedily send (to the Lord General, and all other Commanders in chief, and Governors of Towns, Forts, Castles, and Garrisons, as also to the Earl of Warwick Lord High Admiral of England) true Copies of the Solemn League and Covenant, to the end it may be taken by all Officers and soldiers under their several Commands.  
II. That all the Knights and Burgesses now in Parliament, do take special care speedily to send down into their several Counties (which are or shall hereafter be under the power of the Parliament) a competent number of true Copies of the said League and Covenant, unto the Committees of Parliament in their several Counties; And that the said Committees do within six days at the most disperse the said Copies to every parish church or Chapel in the several Counties, to be delivered unto the Ministers, Churchwardens, or Constables of the several Parishes.  
III. That the said Committees be required to return a certificate of the day when they received the said copies, as also the day they sent them forth, and to what Parishes they have sent them, which certificate they are to return to the Clerk of the Parliament, appointed for the Commons House, that so an account may be given of it, as there shall be occasion.  
iv That the several Ministers be required to read the said Covenant publicly unto their people the next Lord's day after they receive it, and prepare their people for it, against the time that they shallbe called to take it.  
V That the said League and Covenant be taken by the Committees of Parliament in the place where they reside, and tendered also to the Inhabitants of the Town, within seven days after it comes to the said Committees hands.  
VI That the said Committees, after they have taken it themselves, do speedily disperse themselves through the said counties, so as three or four of them be together on days appointed at the chief places of meeting for the several divisions of the said counties; And summon all the Ministers, Church wardens, Constables, and other Officers unto that place; where, after a Sermon preached by one appointed by the Committee for that purpose, they cause the same Minister to tender the League and Covenant unto all such Ministers and other Officers, to be taken and subscribed by them, in the presence of the said Committees.  
VII. That the said Committees do withal give the said Ministers in Charge to tender it unto all the rest of their Parishioners the next Lord's Day, making then unto their said Parishioners some solemn exhortation concerning the taking and observing thereof; and that the said Committees do also return to the several Parishes, the names of all such as have taken the Covenant before them, who yet shall also subscribe their names in the Book or Roll with their neighbours in their several Parishes: And if any Minister refuse or neglect to appear at the said summons, or refuse to take the said Covenant before the Committee, or to tender it to his Parish, that then the Committees be careful to appoint another Minister to do it in his place.  
VIII. That the League and Covenant be tendered to all men, within the several Parishes, above the age of eighteen as well lodgers as inhabitants.  
IX. That it be recommended to the earl of Manchester, to take special care that it be tendered and taken in the University of Cambridge.  
X. That for the better encouragement of all sorts of Persons to take it; It be recommended to the assembly of Divines to make a brief Declaration, by way of Exhortation, to all sorts of Persons to take it as that which they judge not only lawful, But, (all things considered) exceeding expedient and necessary, for all that wish well to Religion, the King and Kingdom to join in, and to be a singular pledge of God's gracious goodness to all the three Kingdoms.  
XI. That if any Minister do refuse to take, or to tender the Covenant, or any other person or persons do not take it the Lords day that it is tendered, that then it be tendered to them again the Lords day following, and if they still continue to refuse it, that then their names be returned by the Minister that tenders it, and by the Churchwardens, or Constables unto the Committees, and by them to the House of Commons, that such further course may be taken with them, as the Houses of Parliament shall see cause.  
XII. That all such persons as are within the several Parishes, when notice is given of the taking of it, and do absent themselves from the Church at the time of taking it, and come not in afterwards to the Minister & Churchwardens, or other Officers to take it in their presence before the return be made, be returned as refusers.  
The manner of the taking it to be thus: The Minister to read the whole Covenant distinctly and audibly in the Pulpit, and during the time of reading thereof, the whole Congregation to be uncovered, and at the end of his reading thereof, all to take it standing, lifting up their Right hands bare, and then afterwards to subscribe it severally by writing their names (or their marks, to which their names are to be added) in a parchment Roll, or a Bock, wherein to the Covenant is to be inserted, purposely provided for that end, and kept as a Record in the Parish.  
XIIII. That the Assembly of Divines do prepare an Exhortation for the better taking of the Covenant: And that the said Exhortation and the Declaration of the Kingdoms of England and Scotland, joined in the Armies, for the vindication and defence of their Religion, Liberties and Laws, against the Popish Prelatical and Malignant party, and passed the 30. of jan. last, be publicly read, when the Covenant is read, according to the fourth and sixth Articles: And that a sufficient number of Copies of the said Declaration be sent by the persons appointed to send the true Copies of the said Covenant, in the first and second Articles.  
FINIS.    

An Exhortation to the taking of the Solemn League and Covenant, for Reformation and Defence of Religion, the Honour and happiness of the King, and the Peace and safety of the three Kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland.  
IF the power of Religion, or solid Reason, if Loyalty to the King, and piety to their native Country, or love to themselves, and natural affection to their posterity, if the Example of men touched with a deep sense of all these, or Extraordinary success from God thereupon, can awaken an embroiled bleeding remnant to embrace the sovereign and only means of their recovery there can be no doubt but this Solemn League and Covenant will find wheresoever it shall be tendered, a people ready to entertain it with all cheerfulness and duty.  
And were it not commended to the Kingdom by the concurrent encouragement of the Honourable Houses of Parliament, the Assembly of Divines, the renowned City of London, multitudes of other persons of eminent rank and quality in this Nation, and the whole Body of Scotland, who have all willingly sworn and subscribed it, with rejoicing at the Oath, so graciously seconded from Heaven already, by blasting the Counsels, and breaking the power of the Enemy more than ever; yet it goeth forth in its own strength, with such convincing evidence of Equity, Truth and Righteousness, 〈◊〉 may raise in all (not wilfully ignorant, or miserably seduced) inflamed affections to join with their Brethren in this happy Bond, for putting an end to the present miseries, and for saving both of King and Kingdom from utter ruin, now so strongly and openly laboured by the Popish faction, and such as have been bewitched and besotted by that viperous and bloody generation.  
For what is there almost in this Covenant, which was not for substance either expressed or manifestly included in that solemn Protestation of May 5. 1641. wherein the whole Kingdom stands engaged until this day? The sinful neglect whereof, doth (as we may justly fear) open one floodgage the more to let in all these calamities upon the Kingdom, and cast upon it a necessity of renewing Covenant, and of entering into this.  
If it be said, the extirpation of Prelacy, to wit, the whole hierarchical Government (standing, as yet, by the known Laws of the Kingdom) is new, and unwarrantable: This will appear to all impartial understandings, (though new) to be not only warrantable, but necessary; if they consider (to omit what some say, that this Government was never formally Established by any Laws of this Kingdom, at all) that the very life and soul thereof is already taken from it, by an Act passed this present Parliament, so as (like Jezabels' Carcase, of which no more was left but the skull, the feet, and the palms of her hands) nothing of jurisdiction remains but what is precarious in them, and voluntary in those who submit unto them: that their whole Government is at best but a humane constition, and such as is found and adjudged by both Houses of Parliament, (in which, the judgement of the whole Kingdom is involved and declared) not only very prejudicial to the Civil State, but a great hindrance also to the perfect Reformation of Religion; Yea, who knoweth it not to be too much an enemy thereunto, and destructive to the power of Godliness, and pure administration of the Ordinances of Christ? which moved the well-affected, almost throughout this Kingdom, long since to Petition this Parliament (as hath been desired before, even in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth and of King James) for a total abolition of the same: Nor is any man hereby bound to offer any violence to their persons, but only, in his place and calling, to end eavour their extirpation in a lawful way.  
And as for those Clergymen, who pretend that they (above all other) cannot Covenant to extirpate that Government, because they have (as they say) taken a solemn Oath to obey the Bishops, in licitis & honestis: They can tell, if they please, that they that have sworn obedience to the Laws of the Land, are not thereby prohibited from endeavouring by all Lawful means, the abolition of those Laws, when they prove inconvenient or mischievous. And if yet there should any Oath be found, into which any Ministers or others have entered, not warranted by the Laws of God and the Land, in this case, they must teach themselves and others, that such Oaths call for repentance, not pertinacy in them.  
If it be pleaded that this Covenant crosseth the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance; there can be nothing further from truth: for, this Covenant binds all, and more strongly engageth them 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 Kingdoms.  
That scruple, that this is done without the King's consent, will soon be removed, if it be remembered, that the Protestation of the fifth of May before mentioned, was in the same manner voted and executed by both Houses, and after (by order of one House alone) sent abroad to all the Kingdom, His Majesty not excepting against it, or giving any stop to the taking of it, albeit he was then Resident in Person at Whitehall.  
Thus Ezra and Nehemiah drew all the people into a Covenant, without any special Commission from the Persian Monarches (than their Sovereigns) so to do, albeit they were not free Subjects, but Vassals, and one of them the menial Servant of Artaxerxes, then by Conquest King of Judah also.  
Nor hath this doctrine or practise been deemed seditious or warrantable by the Princes that have sat upon the English Throne, but justified and defended by Queen Elizabeth of blessed memory, with the expense of much Treasure and Noble blood, in the united Provinces of the Netherlands, combined not only without, but against the unjust violence of Philip of Spain; King James followed her steps, so far as to approve their union, and to enter into League with them as free States; which is continued by His Majesty now reigning, unto this day; who both by his expedition for relief of Rochel in France, and his strict confederacy with the Prince of Orange, and the State's General, notwithstanding all the importunity of Spain to the contrary, hath set to his Seal, that all that had been done by His Royal Ancestors, in maintenance of those who had so engaged and combined themselves, was just and warrantable.  
And what had become of the Religion, Laws, and Liberties, of our Sister Nation of Scotland, had they not entered into such a solemn League and Covenant at the beginning of the late troubles there; which course, however it was at first, by the Popish and Prelatic Projectors, represented to His Majesty as an offence of the highest nature, justly deserving chastisement by the fury of a puissant Army; yet when the matter came afterwards in cool blood to be debated, first by Commissioners of both Kingdoms, and then in open Parliament here, (when all those of either House, who are now engaged at Oxford, were present in Parliament, and gave their Votes therein) it was found, adjudged and declared by the King in Parliament, That our dear Brethren of Scotland had done nothing, but what became Loyal and obedient Subjects, and were thereupon by Act of Parliament, publicly righted in all the Churches of this Kingdom, where they had been defamed.  
Therefore however some men, hoodwinked and blinded, by the Artifices of those jesuitical Engineers, who have long conspired to sacrifice our Religion to the Idolatry of Rome, our Laws, Liberties, and persons to Arbitrary stavery, and our Estates to their insatiable Avarice, may possibly be deterred and amused with high Threats and Declarations, flying up and down on the wings of the Royal Name and Countenance (now captivated and prostituted to serve all their lusts) to Proclaim all Rebels and Traitors, who take this Covenant; yet let no faithful English heart be afraid to join with our Brethren of all the three Kingdoms in this Solemn League, as sometimes the men of Israel (although under another King, did with the men of Judah) at the invitation of Hezekiah, 2 Chron. 30.  
What though those tongues set on fire by Hell do rail and threaten? That God who was pleased to clear up the innocency of Mordecai and the jews against all the malicious aspersions of wicked Haman to his and their Sovereign, so as all his plotting produced but this effect, That when the King's commandment and decree drew near to be put in execution, and the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, it was turned to the contrary, and the Jews had rule over them that hated them, and laid hands on such as sought their hurt, so as no man could withstand them, Esth. 9 and that same God, who but even as yesterday, vouchsafed to disperse and scatter those dark clouds and fogs which overshadowed that Loyal and Religious Kingdom of Scotland, and to make their righteousness to shine as clear as the Sun at noon day, in the very eyes of their greatest enemies, will doubtlessly stand by all those who with singleness of heart, and a due sense of their own sins, and a necessity of Reformation, shall now enter into an everlasting Covenant with the Lord, never to be forgotten, to put an end to all those unhappy and unnatural breaches between the King, and such as are faithful in the Land; causing their righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the Nations, to the terror and confusion of those men of blood, the confederate enemies of God and the King, who have long combined, and have now raked together the dregs and scum of many Kingdoms, to bury all the glory, honour and liberty of this Nation, in the eternal Grave of dishonour and destruction.   

Die Veneris, 9 Febr. 1643.  
AN Exhortation touching the taking of the Solemn League and Covenant, and for satisfying of such scruples, as may arise in the taking of it, was this day read the first and second time; and by Vote upon the Question assented unto, and Ordered to be forthwith Printed.  
H: Elsing, Cler. Parl. D. Com▪   

An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, for the better Observation of the LORDSDAY.  
FOrasmuch as the Lords day, notwithstanding several good Laws heretofore made, hath been not only greatly profaned, but divers ungodly Books have been published by the Prelatical faction, against the Morality of that Day, and to countenance the profanation of the same, to the manifest endangering of Souls, prejudice of the true Religion, great dishonour of Almighty God, and provocation of his just wrath and indignation against this Land; The Lords and Commons for remedy thereof, do Order and Ordain, and be it Ordered and Ordained, That all the Laws enacted, and in force, concerning the Observation of the Lords day, be carefully put in execution; and that all and singular person and persons whatsoever, shall on every Lord's day, apply themselves to the sanctification of the same, by exercising themselves thereon, in the duties of Piety and true Religion, publicly and privately: And that no person or persons whatsoever, shall publicly cry, show forth, expose to sale, any Wares, Merchandizes, Fruit, Herbs, Goods or Chattels whatsoever, upon the Lord's day, or any part thereof; upon pain, that every person so offending, shall forfeit the same Goods so cried, shown forth, or put to sale: And that no person or persons whatsoever, shall, without reasonable cause for the same, Travel, carry Burdens, or do any worldly labours, or work whatsoever, upon that day or any part thereof; upon pain, that every one travelling contrary to the meaning of this Ordinance, shall forfeit for every offence, ten shillings of lawful money; and that every person carrying any burden, or doing any worldly labour or work, contrary to the meaning hereof, shall forfeit five shillings of like money for every such offence. And be in further Ordained, That no person or persons shall hereafter upon the Lord's day, use, exercise, keep, maintain, or be present at any wrestle, Shooting, Bowling, Ringing of Bells for pleasure or pastime, Masque, Wake, otherwise called Feasts, Church-Ale, Dancing, Games, Sport or pastime whatsoever; upon pain, that every person so offending, being above the age of Fourteen years, shall lose and forfeit five shillings for every such offence. And be it further Ordained, that all and singular person & persons, that have the care government, tuition or education of any child or children, under or within the age of Fourteen years, shall forfeit and lose twelve pence for every of the said offences that shall be committed by any such child and children. And because the profanation of the Lords day hath been heretofore greatly occasioned by May poles (a Heathenish vanity, generally abused to superstition and wickedness) The Lords and Commons do further Order and Ordain, that all and singular Maypoles, that are, or shall be erected, shall be taken down, and removed by the Constables, Borsholders, Tythingmen, petty Constables, and Churchwardens of the Parishes and places where the same be; and that no Maypole shall be hereafter set up, erected, or suffered to be within this Kingdom of England, or Dominion of Wales. And it is further Ordained, that if any of the said Officers shall neglect to do their office in the premises, within one week after notice of this Ordinance, every of them for such neglect shall forfeit five shillings of lawful moneys; and so from week to week, weekly five shillings more afterwards, till the said Maypole shall be taken down and removed. And that if any justice of the Peace of the County, or the chief Officer or Officers, or any justice of the Peace, of, or within any City, Burrough, or Town Corporate, where the said offences shall be committed upon his or their view, or confession of the party, or proof of any one or more witnesses by oath (which the said justice, chief Officer or Officers, is by this Ordinance authorised to minister) shall find any person offending in the premises, the said justice, or chief Officer or Officers, shall give warrant under his or their hand and seal, to the Constables or Churchwardens of the Parish or Parishes where such offence shall be committed, to seize the said Goods, cried, shown forth, or put to sale as aforesaid; and to levy the said other forfeitures or penalties by way of distress, and sale of the Goods of every such offender, rendering to the said offenders the overplus of the moneys raised thereby; And in default of such distress, or in case of insufficiency, or inability of the offender to pay the said forfeitures or penalties, that the party offending be set publicly in the Stocks by the space of three hours; And all and singular, the forfeitures or penalties aforesaid, shallbe employed and converted to the use of the poor of the Parish where the said offences shall be committed, saving only, that it shall and may be lawful, to, and for any such justice, Mayor, or Head Officer or Officers, out of the said forfeitures or penalties, to reward any person or persons that shall inform of any offence against this Ordinance, according to their discretions; so as such reward exceed not the third part of the forfeiture or penalties. And it is further Ordained by the said Lords and Commons, that the King's Declaration concerning observing of Wakes, and use of exercise and recreation upon the Lord's day, The Book entitled, The King's Majesty's Declaration to His Subjects, concerning lawful Sports to be used; and all other Books and Pamphlets that have been, or shall be written, printed and published against the Morality of the fourth Commandment, or of the Lords day, or to countenance the profanation thereof, be called in, seized and suppressed, and publicly butnt, by the justices of Peace, or some, or one of them, or by the chief Officer or Officers aforesaid, in their several limits, or by their warrant or command. Provided, and be it Declared, That nothing in this Ordinance shall extend to the prohibiting of dressing of Meat in private Families, or the dressing and sale of Victuals in a moderate way, in Inns or Victualling-houses, for the use of such as otherwise cannot be provided for; or to the crying or selling of Milk before Nine of the clock in the Morning, or after Four of the clock in the Afternoon, from the Tenth of September till the Tenth of March: or before Eight of the clock in the morning, or after five of the clock in the afternoon, from the Tenth of March till the Tenth of September. And whereas there is great breach of the Sabbath by Rogues, Vagabonds and Beggars, It is further Ordained, That the Lord Mayor of the City of London, and all justices of Peace, Constables, Churchwardens, and other Officers and Ministers whatsoever, shall from time to time, cause all Laws against Rogues, Vagabonds and Beggars, to be put in due execution; and take order that all Rogues, Vagabonds and Beggars, do on every Sabbath day repair to some Church or Chapel, and remain there soberly and orderly during the time of Divine Worship And that all and singular person and persons, that shall do any thing in the execution of this Ordinance, shall be protected and saved harmless by the power and Authority of Parliament.  
And be it further Ordained, that this Ordinance be Printed and published, and read in all Parish Churches and Chapels, before the Sermon in the Morning, on some Lord's day before the first of May next, on the Southside of Trent, and before the first of june next, on the North-side of Trent  

Die Sabbathi, 6. April, 1644.  
ORdered by the Lords and Commons Assembled in Parliament, That this Ordinance be printed and published, and read in all Churches and Chapels, before the Sermon in the Morning, on some Lord's day before the first of May next on the Southside of Trent; and before the first day of june next, on the North-side of Trent.  
H: Elsing, Cler. Parl. D. Com.    

An Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, for the better Observing and Keeping a Monthly Fast, within the Kingdom of England, and Dominion of Wales.  
Whereas the Kings Most Excellent Majesty, upon the request of the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled, and by and with their advice and consent, considering the lamentable and distressed condition of his good Subjects in the Kingdom of Ireland; (that there might be a general Humiliation of all the Estates of this Kingdom before▪ Almighty God in Fasting and Prayer) was graciously pleased to command the keeping of a Monthly Fast; and to the end that all persons might the better take notice thereof (and to leave such without excuse, as should not duly keep and observe the same) did afterward by his Proclamation of the 8th of january 1641. appoint that the same should be generally, publicly, and solemnly holden, and kept, as well by abstinence from food, as by public prayers, preaching, and hearing of the Word of God, and other Religious and holy duties, in all Cathedrals, Collegiate and Parish Churches and Chapels, within the Kingdom of England and Dominion of Wales, (without any exception) on the last Wednesday of every Month, to continue during the troubles in the said Kingdom of Ireland: All which his Majesty did straightly charge and command, should be reverently and devoutly performed by all his Subjects, as they desire the blessing of Almighty God, and would avoid his heavy indignation against this Land and people; and upon pain of such punishments as may justly be inflicted upon all such as shall contemn or neglect so Religious a work and duty. And whereas the Lords and Commons in both Houses of Parliament, have received divers informations from several parts of this Kingdom and Dominion of Wales, of the great neglect of the due observation and keeping of the said Fast upon the days appointed, and of the profanations of the same, by many irreligious, ill-affected, lose, and scandalous persons, as well of the Clergy as others, who are so fare from afflicting their souls, and losing the bands of wickedness, as that they provoke the wrath of Almighty God, and make so pious a means to procure his blessings, the occasion of greater judgements.  
For the prevention whereof for the time to come, the Lords and Commons do Order, Declare, Ordain, that in all and every the Cathedrals, Collegiate, and Parish Churches and Chapels, within the Kingdom of England and Dominion of Wales, (without any exception) upon every Lord's day, next and immediately before any the days appointed for the said public Fast, the Parson, Vicar, Curate, or Minister, that upon that day shall Officiate, or exercise in any of the said Cathedrals, Collegiate, Parish Churches or Chapels, shall give public notice in every of the said Cathedrals, Collegiate, Parish Churches or Chapels respectively, of the Fast day next ensuing, immediately after Sermon, or prayer ended in the forenoon, before the Congregation be dismissed, earnestly exhorting and persuading all the people to the Solemn due keeping, and Religious observation of the whole day appointed for the said Fast, and that they would repair to some Church or Chapel, there diligently and reverently to attend all such holy duties as shall be used in the observance of the same; that they forbear to use all manner of sports and pastimes whatsoever, and their ordinary Trades and callings upon the said day, as well Carriers, Waggoners, Carters, Wainman, Drovers, Butchers, Hucksters, Shopkeepers, Labourers; or any others using any Art, Trade, Mystery, or manual Occupation whatsoever, and that all Vintners, Taverners, Ale-house-keepers, and keepers of Victualling-houses, do forbear to keep open their doors, Bulks, or Shops, or to sell or utter (except in cases of extreme necessity) any Wine, Beer, Ale, or victual, till the public exercises, and Religious duties of that day in the respective Cathedrals, Collegiate, Parish Churches and Chapels, be past and over.  
And lastly, all and every the justices▪ of the Peace, Mayor, Bailiffs, Constables, Churchwardens, and other Officers, inhabiting or residing within the limits or precincts of any such Cathedral, Collegiate, Parish Church or Chapel, are hereby required to take special notice aswell of such Parson, Vicar, Curate, or other Minister that ought to Officiate in any of the said Cathedrals, Collegiate, and Parish Churches or Chapels, upon any such day appointed for the said Fast, that shall either refuse or neglect to do the same, or not do or cause the same to be done in that religious and solemn manner as it ought to be, or that shall refuse to give notice of the Fast day, at the time and in manner as aforesaid, and forthwith to return their names, and the names of all such (from time to time) as shall wilfully offend herein, in contempt of the Laws, His Majesty, and both Houses of Parliament, unto some one or more of the Knights, Citizens, or Burgesses that serve for the county where such offence is, or shall be committed, that some speedy course may be taken for the severe punishing of such as shall offend herein according to the Laws.  

Die Mercurii, 22. Aug. 1642.  
Ordered by the Commons assembled in Parliament, That this Ordinance be forthwith Printed and published:  
H: Elsing, Cler. Parl. D. Com.   

24 April, 1643.  
Whereas the Lords and Commons in Parliament, have made an Ordinance for the more strict and solemn keeping of the days of public Fast, which are not by all persons duly observed, even in these times of public calamity, to the great dishonour of God, and the contempt of the Authority of both Houses of Parliament. Now that more particular notice may be given unto all such as shall offend herein, before any exemplary punishment be inflicted upon them; It is ordered by the Commons now Assembled in Parliament, That all Constables (or their Deputies) shall the day before every public Fast, repair to every House within their several and respective liberties, and charge all persons, That they strictly observe the Fast, according to the directions in the said Ordinance.  
And they shall upon the said days of the public Fast, walk through their said liberties, diligently searching for, and taking notice of all persons, who either by following their work of their calling, or sitting in Taverns, Victualling or Alehouses, or any other ways shall not duly observe the same: And they are hereby required to return the Names of all such persons as they shall find so offending, as also such Informations as they shall receive against any other persons within their liberties, guilty of the like offence unto the Committee for Examinations, that so they may be proceeded against for the contempt of the said Ordinance; And all Constables are to observe these directions from time to time, so long as the said public Fast shall be kept, without expecting any further Order.  
H: Elsing, Cler. Parl. D. Com.  
FINIS.