THE Harmonious Consent OF THE MINISTERS OF THE Province within the County Palatine OF LANCASTER, With their Reverend Brethren the Ministers of the Province of London, in their late Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ, and to our Solemn League and Covenant: As also against the Errors, Heresies, and Blasphemies of these times, and the Toleration of them.  
LONDON, Printed by J. Macock, for Luke Fawn, at the sign of the Parrot in Paul's Churchyard. MDCXLVIII.   

THE Harmonious Consent OF THE Ministers of the Province WITHIN THE County Palatine of Lancaster, etc.  
IT is a saying of Solomon worthy to be written in letters of gold That a friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity 
a Prov. 17 17 : And therefore though God need not the witness of men, nor truth our testimony, yet when his name is blasphemed, the truth contradicted and opposed, the faithful friends of God, and the sincere lovers of the truth, will (as in all ages they have done) stand up in his cause, which they then see in such apparent hazard. In the Scriptures we read of, a cloud of witnesses 
b Heb. 12. 1.  that appeared for God, and bare witness to his truth, though for so doing some of them had trial of cruel mockings and scourge, yea moreover of bonds and imprisonments 
c Heb. 11 36, 37, 38. , etc. In the Apostasy of the ten tribes Elijah and Elesha were zealous for God against the false Prophets of Baal. Jeremy at Jerusalem, and Ezekiel in Captivity bore witness against the whoredoms of the house of Judah, as is most evident throughout their whole Prophecies. Peter and the other Apostles, though commanded not to teach any more in the name of Christ, yet did not therefore forbear, resolving rather to obey God then men. 
d Acts 5.28. . The two witnesses prophesied one thousand two hundred threescore days, all the while the Gentiles did tread underfoot the holy City 
e Rov 11.2, 3.  Arrius met with great Athanasius, and when the whole world wondered at itself that it was become Arrian, the general Council Of Nice 
f Concentrate a●tem pratie in un●●lles d●●●llus de p●●lyi●●ose phupt united li●e●●ll it 〈◊〉 di●●n, ●in●●●i●sani●●●ale & miru●●● it ●●vi●a●●●um ●●npin●●●l●m s●●tntiaplane admyab●les, etc. Binius vol. 1. Pay. 262  met and laid an anatheme on that pernicious Heresy. In latter times God had many in this Land, who loved not their lives unto the death 
g Rev. 12 11. , and gave testimony to the truth, not in ink but in blood, and who (though they be dead) yet speak 
h Heb. 11.4. , as their names will live for ever. When the Complices of Arminius grew many, some from the several reformed Churches convened in the general Synod of Dort, and accursed his pestilentious Errors. And yet more lately, The 
i See the Pre. face to the Protestation May 5.1641  designs of Priests and Jesuits, and other adherents to the Sea of Rome against the true reforuted Protestant Religion in his Majesty's Dominions established, the introducing of divers innovations and superstitions into the Church, together with the driving out of multitudes out of his Majesty's Dominions, amongst other reasons brought forth the Protestation, for the defence, as of other things, so also of the true reformed Protestant Religion expressed in the Doctrine of the Church of England, against all Popery and Popish innovations within this Realm; wherein not only the Parliament itself was engaged, but according to the 
k See the Order of the House of Commons May 5.1641. concerning the printing of the Preamble & the Protestar'en, and sending down the Copies printed by the Knights and Burgesses, who were to intimate with what willingness all the Members of the House made the Protestation, and further to sign fie, that as they jutisie the taking of it in themselves, so they cannot but approve it in all such as shall take it.  Order and 
l See the Voce of the House, July 30.1641 wherein they declare, that what person soever shall neitzke the Protestation is unfit to hear Other in the Church or Common wealth.  Vote of the House of Commons, the generality of the Kingdom were engaged too. The 
m The Preface of the solenm League and Covenant, published Sept. 27.1643.  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 Kingdoms ever since the Reformation of Religion, and how much their rage, power and presumption had been of late, and were at that time increased and exercised, did in a great trial of affliction 
n Cor. 8.2. , induce these Kingdoms to enter into asolemn League and Covenant, as for other thing, so also for the defence and Reformation of Religion and Extirpation of Popery, Prelacy, Superstition, Heresy, Schism, and Profaneness, etc. by which, so, the Protestation and Covenant, as there was care taken for the better defence of the truth, so there was also a glorious confession of it made before God, Angels and men. And now when men of perverse spirits and corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith had resisted the truth 
o 2 Tim. 3.8. , this stirred up the zeal of our reverend and godly brethren, the Ministers of the Province of London, to give testimony to the truth of Jesus Christ,  
And therefore that we the Ministers of Christ within the Province of the testimony of them that have gone before us, considering that we cannot but be sensible of the strange and woeful Apostasy of sundry from the Faith; the great opposition made against the Government and Discipline of Jesus Christ; the sad Divisions and Rents in this tattered and torn Church; that an universal Toleration of all, even the most execrable doctrines, that ever were hatched in hell or broached in the world, is earnestly laboured after by many; and that the solemn League and Covenant, sworn with hands lifted up to the most high God, is with many buried in oblivion, as it is not only neglected and slighted, but also contemned, scorned, derided, and most palpably voilated and trampled on by not a few; and that its manifest that God is hereby shamefully dishonoured, most highly provoked, neighbour Churches justly scandalised, all fundamental and saving truths in danger to be plucked up by the roots, and our several slocks to be poisoned with the spreading Errors of the times.  
The claim that is laid to truth by the three glorious persons in the blessed Trinity 
p The Father is called The God of truth, Deut. 32.4. the Son the truth, Jo 14 6 the holy Ghost the Spirit of truth, Jo. 14.17 ; the high price and account that is worthy to be set upon it, being to be bought 
q Prov. 23 23  though at never so dear a rate (how ever now a days esteemed of with many as a refuse commodity): the high thankfulness we owe to God for keeping truth so chaste and pure so long under an adulterous Church Government; the trust reposed in us by Jesus Christ as his messengers, embassadors and steward of the mysteries of the Gospel, of whom it is required that they should be faithful 
r 1 Cor. 4.1, 2 ; the duty we owe to our several flocks as being watchmen 
s Ezek 33.7, 8.9, etc.  to give them warning, and that as standard-bearers we may encourage them earnestly 
t lude 3.  to contend for the faith once delivered to the Saints; the care over their immortal souls redecmed 
u 1 Pet, 1, 18, 19  with the precious blood of Christ; the conscience of our Solemn League and Covenant binding us in our places to endeavour the Reformation of Religion, and the Extirpation of the contrary; our fears lest the Reformation so earnestly longed for, so joyfully covenanted, so much suffered for, and of late times so much bled for, should after so many sharp throws, and such hard labour, prove an abortive birth; the worthy, renowned and much encouraging example of our reverend brethren the Ministers of the Province of London going before us (and whom to follow in witness bearing to the truth, and so far as they follow Christ 
w 1 Cor. 11.1. , we count it but our duty;) The multitude of them that in these days do oppose the truth, by whose great numbers it is in danger to be born down, if contrary endeavours to the utmost be not used by the united strength of all that love it, to hold it up; and lastly that we may wash our hands from the guilt of betraying by our sinful silence so precious: treasure as truth is, and may not judge our posterity unworthy thereof for our sakes, if we should not own it, plead for it, and hold it fast: These things we say, in this juncture of affairs, do draw us forth publicly to declare ourselves in those main things witnessed to by our brethren in their late Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ, and to our Solemn League and Covenant; As also against the Errors, Heresies, and Blasphemies of these times, and the Toleration of them.  
I. As touching the necessity of a platform of Doctrine of Confession of Faith, we shall need to say nothing, it having been found so useful for the Church in all Ages, from the primitive times even until now, not only that the ignorant might thereby be informed concerning the main points needful to be known and believed by them unto salvation, but also for the better preserving of the truth, detecting and discovery of Heretics and Seducers, and to testify consent and agreement in that one Faith.  
Here only we think it needful to declare, that we do highly approve of the humble Advice of the reverend and learned Assembly of Divines concerning a Confession of Faith, judging it not only to be orthodox, sound, solid, substantial, and pious, but also to be veryful, and in especial manner useful for these times, as that which doth obviate those many dangerous Errors that do swarm in this Age; and therefore as we do assent unto the whole, so we also do concur with the reverend Assembly and our 
x See the Teto the truth of Jesus Christ, page 3.  reverend brethren, the Ministers of the Province of London, in our humble and hearty desires that it may receive the approbation and sanction of authority, as the joint Confession of Faith for these three Kingdoms in pursuance of our Covenant.  
II. In the next place, we do hereby openly profess before God and the world, that we cannot but tremble and be amazed to consider, that in a Land engaged in such a Covenant; professing so much for Reformation; made partakers of so many special mercies as England hath been; such blasphemous, execrable and horrid doctrines should ever be publicly broached, printed, maintained and defended as are at these times. We shall not need to recite them particularly, because that work is so fully done already to our hands by our brethren in their late Testimony 
y See the Catalogue of Errors in the Testimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ, page 5, to 23. ; although to the great grief and wounding of our hearts we may declare, that as they only there intended to give a small taste of their wormwood and gall 
z Ibid. p 23. , so we are assured their Catalogue of Errors might be much augmented, if there were any necessity to rake any further into the dunghil-books whence they might be gathered, and that many more authors might be quoted, to make it more fully evident; that there are indeed such Errors and Heresies amongst us as are by them recited. But here we cannot but blush, wonder and be astonished at our strange revolt. We remember the times when under the Prelatical tyranny, Arminianism, Antinomianism, and the Innovations that were introduced into the worship of God, were generally cried out against by all that party which was then esteemed truly religious: but now, as though Errors and Heresies had changed their natures, and were grown better because the persons professing, patronising and countenancing them in these days pretend to more piety and holiness than was to be found in the Fautors of them heretofore, such kind of Errors as would then have been abhorred by every one truly conscientious: to the great dishonour of God, scandal of Religion, and shame of our Church and Nation, do now take sanctuary and shroud themselves under the shadow of many of those that challenge to themselves the name of the godly party.  
And as we cannot but take notice of the just hand of God out against us in setting open the floodgates to let in this sea of Error, wherewith this Church is in danger to be overflown, thereby to punish our former lukewarmness and coldness in defence of the truth, unprofitableness under the means of grace, disesteem & slighting of the truth, our not valuing as we ought the inestimable benefit of the Gospel; our not labouring for the purity and power thereof, and not endeavouring to receive Christ in our hearts, nor to walk Worthy of him in our lives, which are the causes of other sias and transgressions so much abounding amongst us; so we cannot but express our deepest sense hereof and sorrow for the same; this alone being sufficient to move us to roll ourselves in the dust, to rend our hearts and not our garments; as the Honourable Houses of Parliament hereupon saw cause both for themselves and the whole Kingdom to be humbled for the growth of Errors, 
a See the Ordinance of the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament concerning the growth and spreading of Errors, Heresies, and Blasphemles, setting apart a day of publikel lumili●tion to seek God's asustance for the sappresting and preventing the same, and which was ordered by the Lords to ba primed Die Jovis, Feb 4.1646. and to becamed down by the Sherists, and under. Sheriff, and delivered to the several Ministers of very parisn Church & Chapel within this Kingdom, who were required to take notice of the same.  Heresies and Blasphemies when they published their Ordinance ' to that purpose: As also for to seek God's assidance for the suppressing and preventing the same, and which put us in hopes that there would have been long before now an application of some effectual means of remedy. And although we cannot but from the bottom of our hearts lament, and pity all those that are entangled in the dangerous and deadly snares foe the Errors of these times, yet considering that unsound and heretical doctrine Will eat as doth a canker 
b 2. Tim 2.7.  or gangrene; and therefore doth manifestly tend to the razing down to the ground the true Christian Faith, the extirpating of all true Religion and the power of godliness, the poisoning and undoing of precious souls; is the pest of a Church; the weed that will overgrow God's garden, and so choke the plants of the Lords own planting; doth highly provoke God to anger; and that the fuligmous vapours thereof which have of late risen up out of the bottomless pit (as they have greatly eclipsed) so are they in danger to grow into thick clouds to the utter datkening of the heavens over our heads, that we should not behold any more the light of the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ; we do therefore hereby testify with our brethren 
c Teslimony to the Touth of Jesus Christ, page 33.  to all our flocks, to all the reformed Churches, as our great dislike of Prelacy, Erastianism, ' Brownism and Independency; so our utter abhorrency of Antiscripturism, Popery, Arianism, Socinianism, Arminianism, Antinomianism, Anabaptism, Libertinism, and Familism, with all such like now toorife amongst us; and more particularly all those Errors witnesses against by our brethren, and recited by them in their Catalogue of infamous and pernicious Errors in their late Testimony.  
And we do hereby, as the Watchmen of God and Ministers of Jesus Christ, give warning to our several flocks, 
d Mat 7 5.  That they take heed of the wolves in sheep's clothing, of all 
e 2 Pet 2 1.  false Teachers that do privily bring in dumnable Heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction, and that therefore they follow not their pernicious ways, that the way of truth may not be evil spoken of; that 
f 2 joh. v 10, 11  if any man come unto them and bring not the doctrine of Christ, they receive him not into their house, neither hid him God speed; that so they be not partakers of their evil deeds; that 
g Rom. 16, 17  they mark them which cause divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine which the they have learned, and avoid them: And do earnestly exhort them in the bowels of Jesus Christ, That they labour to get sound knowledge, and to be well grounded in the principles of the oracles of 
h Heb. 5.12.  God (the want whereof is the cause why so many are seduced and turned aside; and being 
i Eph. 4.14.  but children in understanding are tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness of those that lie in wait to deceive) 
k Acts 17.11.  That they search the Scriptures with those good Bereans whether those things they hear be so or no; 
l 1 john 4.1.  that they believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God, because many false Prophets are gone out into the world; 
m I Thes. 5.20, 21  that they despise not prophesying, but yet prove all things, and hold fast that which is good; 
n Eph 4.15.  and that speaking the truth in love, they grow up into Christ in all things which is the head: Most humbly beseeching 
o Eph. 1.17.  the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of glory, that he would give unto all his people the Spirit of wisdoms and revelation in the knowledge of him: 
p Eph. 3.16.  That he Would grant unto them according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man, that they may be kept from every evil way of error and sin, and may always have something to say for the truth, and nothing against it; that all those that go astray may be brought into the Way of truth; and that we ourselves, our several flocks, and the whole Church of God every where may be found blameless at the day of Christ. And however we cannot but for the present deplore the sad condition of the Church of God in this Kingdom, in respect of the poysonful Errors it is infected with, yet we hope that that God which often works by contraries, making scandals the trial and triumph of his chosen, is for the present doing his people good by the means of Errors growth, thereby stying their sincerity and love to truth, stirring them up to prise it the more, and more to search after it. There must be Heresies, saith the Apostle, that they that are approved may be made manifest 
q C●s. 11 19 . Open enemies and false brethren (by the wise ordering of God, who can make sovereign mithridate of the flesh of vipers) do always advantage the 
r Non 〈◊〉 do ●●slo quoth nes●unt, s●d ad ●●●un, qu●●readum ca●●●les, ad 〈◊〉 ap●●●idu● scin●●tua●●●●●●●●cos exci●a●do. An●u●●● de vera ●●li●● 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 cap. 8.  Church.  
And we do further trust, that when God, by his thus suffering the growth of abominable and pernicious Errors for a time, hath thereby fully accomplished the work he hath to do upon the hearts of his people, he that knows how to bring light out of darkness, order out of confusion, good out of evil, as he made the pride and tyranny of the Prelates the means to cast them forth, so also in much mercy to England will at length, by this most unlikely and contraty means in itself, make the Reformation of these Kingdoms much more thorough and glorious.  
III. But before we pass on any further, we are here led to express with what astonishment and horror we are struck when we seriously weigh what endeavours are used for the establishing of an universal Toleration of all the pernicious Errors, blasphemous and heretical doctrines broached in these times, as if men would not sin fast enough they were biden; or as if God were not already enough dishonoured except the throne of iniquity were set up, framing mischief by a Law 
s Psa. 94.20. , or as if men were afraid that Error (a goodly plant to be cherished) would not grow fast enough except it were made much of; or as if it might as justly lay claim to the privilege of being defended as truth itself; or as if there were danger that Satan would not destroy souls enough, except he might do the same without all restraint. For our own parts, as we can never sufficiently admire and wonder that any that have taken the Sole●● League and Covenant, should either have so quickly forgo●●nit, or else imagine that the establising a Toleration of Heresy and Schism by a Law, should be the way to extirpate them; so also here we shall take occasion to declare what our apprehensions are concerning such a Toleration.  
We have searched the Scriptures, looked as impartially as we could into those authentic records, and yet we cannot, find that ever such a thing was practised with approbation from God, from the time that Adam was created upon the earth unto the feeling up of the sacred volume, the ceasing of visions and all new divine revelations. But on the contrary, that those were blamed, reprehended and checked, that did but connive and wink at the practice of those things that were displeasing unto God 
t Rev. 2 14, 15, 20. ; that the not taking away the high places is mentioned to be a defect in their Reformation, of whom yet God himself gives testimony, that their hearts were upright 
u 1 King. 15.14.2 Chro. 33.17. ; and that those that quite took all away what ever was distasteful to him, were by God himself highly honoured and much commended 
w 2 Chro 17.6. & 31.1. & 343, 4. : And therefore we cannot see how such a kind of Toleration as is endeavoured after in these times, can any ways consist with a thorough Reformation according to the Word of God, there being nothing more contrary to Reformation then Toleration.  
Besides what else would this be but a setting up the image of jealousy that provokes to jeadousie 
x Ezek. 8.3. , and a putting upon God (who knows how many) corrivals.  
It would be a giving Satan free liberty to set up his thresholds by God's thresholds, and his posts by God's posts 
y Ezeck 43.3. , his Dagon by God's Ark, which how dishonourable it would be to God and Jesus Christ his only Son, we leave all men to judge. They that search diligently cannot find in it love to God, or love to his Truth, or love to men's precious souls; Nay, it strongly savours of leaving of first love 
z Rev. 26.  which Christ hates; of lukewarmness and want of zeal, for which Christ threatens to spew out of his month 
a Rev. 3 16. , of love to Error, and an apprehension of some amiableness and worth therein for which it were to be desired, or else why should there be a pleading to have it tenderly dealt with and indulged? even as it argued a love to Baal in them that pleaded for him against Gideon, because he hand cast down his altar and cut down the grove that was by it 
b judy 6.30, 31 . It would be no part of England's thankfulness unto God, after so many deliverances and mercies received from him, to grant men open liberty to blaspheme God at their pleasure, wrist the Scriptures to their own destruction 
c Pet. 3.16.  trample upon his holy ordinances, sleight and contemn all ministry, despise his messengers, commit all manner of abomination, and for every one to go a whoring after his own inventions, which yet would be the effects of a lawless Toleration.  
Add yet further, that a Toleration would be the putting of a sword into a mad man's hand 
d li there were a company of mad men tuning up and down the streets with knives and swords in their hands endeavouring to mischieve and kill, must we do nothing to restrain them? Burroughs heat-divisions, pag. 24. See more in him there to this purpose at large.  a cup of poison into the hand of a child; a letting lose of mad men with firebrands in their hands; an appointing a City of refuge in men's consciences for the devil to fly to 
e The devil must not be lot alone though he get into men's consciences, God hath appointed no City of refuge for him; if he flee to men's consciences as Joab to the horns of the altar, he must be feucht from thence, or fallen upon there; something may be done to men to keep them from evil, and to reduce them notwithstanding the plea of their consciences. Burroughs heart-divisions, pag. 19, 30. See him there also more at large. ; a laying of the stumbling block before the blind; a proclaiming liberty to the wolves to come into Christ's fold to prey upon his lambs; a Toleration of soul-murther (the greatest murder of all other,) and for the establishing whereof, damned souls in hell would accurse men on earth. Neither would it be to provide for tender consciences, but to take away all conscience; if evil be suffered it will not suffer good; if Error be not forcibly kept under, it will be superior; which we here the rather speak of, to undeceive those weak ones, who under the specious pretext of liberty of conscience (though falsely so called, and being indeed, as is well observed by the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland 
f See the Declaration and Exhortation of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland to their brethren in England, pag. 4. , Liberty of Error, Scandal, Schism, Heresy God, opposing the Truth, hindering Reformation, and seducing others) are charmed by Satan into a better liking of an unconscientious Toleration. We also dread to think, what horrid blasphemies would be belched out against God; what vile abominations would be committed; how the duries of nearest relations would be violated; what differences and divisions there would be in Families and Congregations, what heart-burnings would be caused; what disobedience to the civil Magistrate that might be palliated over with a pretence of conscience as well as other opinions and practices; what disturbance of the civil peace, and dissolution of all humane society 
g Pertinax ●…i● in doctrina sidei dissensio et diffractio totius societatis humanae perturbationem secum trahit, ejusque tranquillitatem subvertit. Synopsis purior, theolog, disp. 50. thes 61. , and of all Government in the Church and Common wealth, if once Liberty were given by a Law (which God forbidden) for men to profess and practise what opinions they pleased; yea, sin would be then committed without any restraint or shame, although the more liberty to sin the greater bondage. The establishing of a Toleration, would make us become the abhoring and loathing of all Nations, and being so palpable a breach of our Covenant, would be the high roadway to lay England's glory for ever in the dust, and awaken against us the Lord of hosts to bring a sword upon us to avenge the quarrel of his Covenant 
h Leu. 26.25.  A Toleration added to our sins would make us to God an intolerable burden; he would doubtless think of easing himself, he would be weary of repenting. And when Jesus Christ should come to judge both quick and dead, the very lukewarm Prelates whom Christ hath spewed out of his mouth (who in their times would never have consented to such a Toleration asis now desired) would rise up in judgement against us and condemn us. And therefore however there are some 
i And from brethren, in things of the mind, we look for no compulsion, but that of light and reason; in other things God hath put the sword in the Parliaments hands for the terror of evil doers, and the praise of them that do well, etc. See a Letter sent to the House of Commons and printed 1645. going under the name of Oliver Cromwell and set down by Mr Rutherford in his survey of the spiritual Antichrist, page 250. part. 1.  that do conceive that in things of the mind the sword is not put into the hands of the civil Magistrate for the terror of evil doers and the praise of them that do well; Yet because we judge the Toleration of all kind of opinions and professions in matters of Faith (Errors therein being in the number of those evil works to which the Magistrate is to be a terror 
k Row. 1●. 3, 4  to be impious and wicked, and would be a tender nurse to give suck to & cherish the foul, ugly monstrous and misshapen births of our times, as it would bealso desturctive to the Common wealth, though we shall easily grant, men are not to be punished by the Magistrate for their internal opinions which they do not discover 
l his 〈…〉 adjlipulamun qui sicuti, beminum 〈…〉 is esse ajust, it a 〈◊〉 de side opiniones a magis●●●ain 〈◊〉 esse 〈…〉 quanves 〈…〉 bo miman 〈◊〉 non esse puniendas largiamur, 〈◊〉 tamia de rejpubluae exitialem, religlonis proseljiunem a magistratu quibuslibet civibus ese ●●mitterdam negamus. Synops. purior, theolog, disput, 50. thes 60.  yet with our reverend brethren we do here profess to this Church, and to all the Churches of God throughout the whole world, That we do detest the forementioned Toleration 
m See a Yestimony to the Truth of Jesus Christ, page 34. . And what ever others may expect to the contrary, yet we hope that God will never suffer the Parliament of England ever to be so unmindfut of either solemn League and Covenant, or of their own formet Declarations and Remonstrances 
n The bonoiable House of Commans do thus remonshare, They infuse into the people that we mean to abolish all Church Government, and leave everyman to his own fancy for the service and worship of God— And then afterwards they dicl●re And we do here declare that it is farfiom our purpose and desire to let lose the golden telns of Discipline and Government in the Church, to leave private persons or particular Congregations to take up what form of diviven service they please, for we hold it requifie: that there should be throughout the whole Realm a consormity to that order which the Laws enjoin, according to the Word of God. See the Remonstrance of the State of the Kingdom Decemb 15.1641. , Protestations and Professions, as once to give a liltening car to such as might move for such a thing; and that they might be kept from being guilry of so great a sin, shall be out earnest prayer for them unto God continually night and day.  
IU. And thus having expressed our deepest sense concerning the Errors and Heresies of these times, and the Toleration of them, which to us is so hateful and abominable, we are now carried on to declare what we conceive to be the cause of the spreading of our freting leprosy and eating gangrene.  
If we make inquiry into ourselves, we must needs acknowledge, our not prising truth as we ought, not improving precious opportunities for good that have been put into our hands, the great decay of the power of godliness, leaving first love, lukewarmness, slighting and undervaluing the means of grace, and barrenness under them, (faults, generally to be found in the better sort of people) together with the many other grievous sins that are committed in the Land, are just causes why we should be scourged with such a spiritual plague; but yet these hinder not but that we may also as truly number, the not fettling a well ordered Church Government for so long a time after the old rotten building was polled down, amongst the causes of the growth and spreading of pemicious Errors. Anarchy will cause confusion in the Church as well as in the Common wealth. And therefore we do profess, that without a well ordered Church Government, that we here may use the words of the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland 
o See the Exhortation of the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland, page 12. where they use these expressions in reference to the Preshyterial Government, which we do also with them fully and freely own.  We know no other proper and effectual remedy against the present dangers of Religion in this Kingdom, or for purging the Church from Scandals which are destructive either to sound doctrive or godliness; and are therefore thankful to the Parliament for ordaining of late, the speedy divission of all the Counties of the Kingdom into Classical Presbyteries 
★ See the Ordinance of Pailiament for the speedy dividing and settling the several Counties of this Kingdom into distinct Classical Presbyteries, and orderedd to be printed Jan. 29. 1647. : Discipline and Government in the Church being the golden Reins (whereunto this present Parliament hath well likened it) serving to curb and restrain men, who are by nature like a wild ass' colt 
p job 11, 12.  affecting unbridled liberty; it is the rod wherewith to correct petulant and froward children; the shepherd's crook which the faithful Pastors cannot want, but to the spiritual prejudice of their flocks; the keys opening the doors for the admittance in of those whom Christ would have to be admitted into his Church, and the shuting out of whom he would have kept out; it is the hedge or wall to keep the ravenous beasts from entering into God's garden and vineyard; the means to take the soxes, the little soxes that spoil the vines ●s 
q Cant. 2 15.  and to purge out the leaven that other wise, though but little, yet would leaven the whole lump, 
r z Cor. 5.6.  And if not a little Family, no Common wealth or society of men can consist without the bond of Laws or Discipline 
s Steri a societ●● into 〈◊〉 a demus quae vel 〈◊〉 samiliam ●●beat comtinon in recto statu sin dis●po●●● potell, eam esse multo magr●●● 〈…〉 esse. Calvin lto. 4. instil. cap. 12.1. ct 1. Si●ut use samiliane● respublier 〈…〉 societas sine legum & dise●pl●●● 〈◊〉 ●●●do consistere potest, 〈◊〉, ●●●lesae ch●●●li 〈…〉 in ho 〈◊〉 po●●st constare, a●st ●●rto ●g●●ini, at queidoreis' legibus in adsba●●, per quae ordoejus & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 adverj●● comes, mondi sathanae, f●aues ac m●i●●toc●●●●rvlatè consirve●ui. Synopsis pu●or, the dog. Disp 48. thief. 1. , how can it be expected but want of Church Government will soon bring the Church to ruin: Therefore seeing Government is so neccessry for the Church, we cannot but judge, that the want of it, for so long a time, hath been and is one main cause of those great evils with which this sick and languishing Church is so much distempered. And as we are fully persuaded, with the reverend and learned Assembly of Divines, from clear Scripture grounds 
t Isa 9, 6, 7 1 Tim 5.17. Act, 20 87, 28. Heb. 1; 7, 17, 24. 1 Cor, 12. 28 Mat 28. 18, 19, 30.  That the Lord fesus as King and head of his Church hath therein appointed a Government in the hand of Church Officers distinit from the civil Magistrate 
u See the humble Adivice of the Assembly of Divines concerning, a Confestion of Faith, ch. 30. sect. 1. page 52.  and that it is high upon Whose shoulders the government is— who sits upon the throne of David and upon his Kingdom to order it and establish it with judgement and justice from henceforth even for ever; having all power given to him in heaven and in earth by the Father Who raised him from the dead and set him in his own right hand— and put all things under his feet 
w See the humbly Advice of the Aflembly concerning Church Government, page. 3 : So also with our reverend brethren the Ministers of the Province of London 
x See a Testimony to the Truth of lesus Christ, page 24.  we are well assured that Jesus Christ hath siufficiently revealed in his Word how he will have his Church governed now under the New Teclament: and that the Presbyterial Government (truly so called) by Presbyteries and Synods in a due line of subordination of the lesser to the greater (with procperous success exercised in the best reformed Churches,) is that Government which is most agreeable to the mind of jesus Christ revealed in Scripture.  
And if this Government were but fully established and settled a throughout this Kingdom, we do not doubt but through the blessing of God in the sincere and faithsul exercise thereof, the mists that do at present overshadow and obscure this Church would be soon dispelled; the Errors that do boldy walk up and down without control, would not dare to peep forth; or if they did, would be soon suppressed; looseness and profaneness would be more restrained, the power of godliness more advanced, many scandals prevented and removed, sundry stumbling blocks would be taken out of the way of the weak, to the healing of our divisions; and so the Spouse of Christ, that at present is black over, would look with another manner of face then now she doth. The experience of the reformed Churches, and especially of Scotland, confirms the successfulness of this Government abundantly for the weeding up of Errors, and keeping the Church of christ chaste from being drawn aside to commit spiritual fornication with the idols of the brain. We also ourselves in the exercise of this Government, according to those cautions and considerations premised by us 
z See the deliberate Resolntion of the Minislers of the Gospel within the County Palatine of Lancaster, with their grounds & cautions according to which they put into execution the Presbyterial Government upon the present Ordinances of Parliament, Pieston, Novemb. 17. 1646.  have to the praise and glory of God cause to acknowledge it in some measure successful amongst us in the exercise of that part thereof that is alrealy settled, for the stirring up of the ignorant to endeavour after more knowledge, and the restraining of the scandalous; but much more fruit we apprehend would be reaped from it, if in all the parts thereof it were in its full force established. But in the mean time, we cannot but bewail that there are so many that are prejudiced against it, do asperse it, speaking evil of what they understand not; and that sundry do not only refuse to submit to it themselves, but do with tooth and nail oppose and hinder the establishing of it in the Kingdom. Here also we do further signify, that we cannot only ourselves submit to what the reverend and learned Assembly of Divines have presented to the Honourable Houses of Parliament, as their humble advice concerning this Government (judging it to be very consonant to the Word of God, and well agreeing with the Government and Discipline of other reformed Churches;) but do also unfeignedly and hearty desire in pursuance of our Covenant, that the three Kingdoms may be brought to that uniformity for Discipline and Govenment that is advised to there, not without much regreet disapproving of the new-coined titles of distinction of a Scottish and English Presbytery.  
V As for our Solemn League and Covenant for the defence of our Religion, and to endeavour Reformation, we cannot but here call to mind the manifold encouragements given us to take it, it being (when it was by authority pressed upon us) thought a fit and excellent means to acquire the favour of almighty God towards the three Kingdoms; 
a See the Ordinance of Parliament Feb. 2.16.41. for the ta●●● the Covenant.  and for the better encouraging of all sorts of person to take it, was by the Parliament, in the tenth instruction for the taking of the Covenant, 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 judged 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, and was accordingly urged by the Assembly, as the sovereign and only means to recover an embroiled bleeding remnant 
b See the Exhortation for the taking the Covenant, ordered by the House of Commons to be p●●ated Feb. 9.1643. : and yet further, that in the Declaration of both Kingdoms joined in Arms, ordered to be printed Jan. 30. 1643. such as would not take the Covenant are declared to be public enemies to their Religion & Country, and that they are to be censured & punished as professed adversaries and Malignants; all which, as they did lay strong engagements on us to take it, so to see it so urged and pressed, made our hearts within us to leap for joy. We remembered our servitude and bondage under the Prelatical Taskmasters, how the Doctrine, Discipline, and Worship had been corrupted, and this Covenant for Extirpation of Popery, Prelacy, Superstition, Heresy, Schism and Profaneness, and for Reformation of Religion in Doctrine, Discipline, Government and Worship, not only recommended, but also commanded, and so strongly pressed by the higher powers to be taken throughout these three Kingdoms, did in the midst of our troubles, at that time lying on us, mightily revive, and cheer our drooping spirits, and was as life from the dead 
c Rom. 11 15. . We also shall never forget, how the taking of this Covenant was by ourselves pressed and urged on our several Congregations, how lolemnly it was sworn, and what rejoicing there was at the Oath, sundry at the taking of it weeping for joy. And when the Covenant was thus taken, we thought within ourselves that surely now the Crown is set on England's head; we judged the day of entering into this Covenant to be England's Coronation day; as it was the day of the gladness of our hearts, and wherein God wiped away the reproach cast upon us by Separatists before, for the want of an express Covenant. We do also remember, how Copies of this Covenant were sent abroad into neighbouring reformed Churches, by whom as they were received with great joy, so doubtless then their expectations were raised, to see England shortly brought nearer unto them in a thorougher Reformation according to the Word of God, those things being abjured which had been formerly as a partition-wal set up betwixt them and us. And let us never let slip out of our minds, how God from heaven smiled upon our Armies, from the first day of entering into this Covenant, until through the good hand of our God upon us for good, the whole power of the enemy was quite broke in pieces; and therefore if so soon as we have reaped such fruit and benefit from it we cast it away, who knows but we may be forced to take it up again to save our lives? And yet for all this, we wish we had not cause for to complain, that this Covenant thus strongly urged, thus solemnly sworn, thus blessed with success, is contemned, slighted, most palpably broken, scorned and derided. Where an holy and religious Covenant, once made, is regarded as it ought, it will be reverently spoken of, neither will the earnest and pathetical pressing the not casting it away, be any matter to quarrel or scoff at. And yet besides sundry other unsavoury and reproachful expressions used, tending plainly to bring the Covenant into disgrace (to say no worse of them) 
d The first thing you complain of under the head of omission is no less than the Solemn League and Covenant, and here you do abound with your pathetic inter●ogations, to affect the hearts of those whose eyes are in their bowels, whose understandings are drowned & swallowed up in their passions after this manner. And shall the Covenant, which is as solemn a Vow which creatures on earth can make to God in heaven etc. And again, shall the Covenant for the preservation etc. And again (like the Papists which hold up their idolatrous Eucharist in the eyes of the people, that they may fall down to worship it) shall the Covenant which both Houses recommended to the Assembly of &. Yet again (as if here lay all your bait to catch gudgeons) shall our mutual & solemn league and Covenant subscribed by the Parliaments of both Kingdoms etc. Once more yet (for if this spring fails all our sport will be lost), shall the Covonant even with those that took it be already out of date? etc. Scot●ish waift dispeld, page 22.  some there are that liken the earnest and often pressing of not laying aside the Covenant to the practice of the Papists holding up the idolatrous Eucharist in the eyes of the people that they may sal down and Worship it. The Covenant binds to endeavour Reformation according to the Word of God, and to bring the Churches in these Kingdoms to nearest uniformity in matters of Religion; and yet the earnest pressing uniformity, according to the Covenant, is made by some 
e But secondly, why do you make the solemn League and Covenant, the uniicum necessartum, the balance of your sanctuary, and the golden reed to measure your temple; you have not a tutle of the word of God; but all your cry is the solemn League and Covenant, in stead of the Word of God; the Jew hath his Talmud, the Turk his Alcharon, the Papist his Mass-book, the Prelate his Service-book, and must we have the solemn League and Covenant in stead of the Oracles of Heaven, the Word of God? Better it is that this brazen serpent should be broken to pieces and ground to powder, than that men should fall down and worship it; It was the hypocritical Pharisees pretending to heaven, though minding the earth, who making void the Law of God did teach for doctrines the tradition of the Edders; let us not put up man's posts, the Covenant, by God's posts, the holy Scriptures. Scottish mist dispelled, page 26, 27. , a substituting the Solemn League and Covenant in the room of the Oracles of Heaven, aseting up of man's posts, the Covenant, by God's posts, the holy Scriptures; and is compared to the Jew having his Talmud, the Turk his Alcharon, the Papist his Mass-Book, the Prelate his Service-Book; which kind of expressions and comparisons, as we cannot but with greatest indignation detest and abhor, so in that they set the Covenant (that makes the Word of God the rule of all Reformation and Uniformity that is sworn to there) at hostile opposition with the Word of God, it is very evident to what purpose they tend, sc. that the covenanted Uniformity in matters of Religion should not be insisted on or urged, for that were to set up man's polls, the Covenant, by God's posts, the holy Scriptures, and were to be like the Jew having his Talmud, the Turk his Alcharon, the Papist his Mass-book, etc. and therefore the conclusion is, better it is that this brazen serpent should be broken to pieces and ground to powder, than that men should fall down and worship it, though formerly an healing benefit was received from it. Are not these plain evidences in what mean account the Covenant is with some persons, when the earnest pressing the not laying it aside is so scorned and slonted at, and when the urging of covenanted Uniformity will not be endured? And is not this Covenant also most palpably broken, when not only Uniformity is cried out against, but a Toleration of all kind of Errors; Heresies and Schisms, in stead of endeavours to extirpate them, is earnestly pursued by divers? to say nothing of the great increase of Errors of all kinds, the woeful divisions and rents in the Church (which never were more or greater then since the Covenant was taken) nor of the abominable looseness and profaneness of the times; which certainly is not for to amend our lives, and each one to go before another in the example of areal Reformation, according as was professed and promised.  
For these things we see cause to hang down our heads and blush, and that our eyes should run down with tears continually, as our hearts at the consideration hereof may be astonished and swallowed up with grief; Oh what dishonour is hereby brought to God What scandal given to Religion! What matter of reproach and scorn is this like to be unto us from our common enemy! What an unparalleled blot is hereby laid upon this Church and Nation, never like to be washed out in this Age nor in the Age of our children after us! and what danger of swift destruction, if there be not repentance in time! May not the Lord complain of us, as once he did of Israel, When he slew them, than they sought him, 
f Psa. 78.34, 35, 36, 37  and they returned & inquired early after God, & they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their Redeemer; nevertheless they did slatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues, for their heart was not right with him, neither were they steadfast in his Covenant: And may it not be said of us, as in the days of Josiah it was said concerning treacherous Judah that had made a solemn Covenant with God for Reformation 
g 2. Chron. 34. 31 32 , that she turned not to God with her whole heart, but feignedly 
h jer. 3.6, 10. . And besides all this, neighbour Churches take notice of our strange breach of Covenant, and are amazed at it. Our dear brethren of Scotland, who upon our taking this Covenant were induced to embark themselves with us, and run a common hazard in the same cause, do sadly complain 
i See the Exhortation of the general Assembly of the church of Scotland to their brethren in England, page 5, 6, 7.  of the crying sin of breach of Covenant— and that the staves of beauty and bands, covenant and brother hood are broken by many in this Kingdom, and are much cast down in themselves and grieved, fearing lest they should lose the fruit of all their sufferings and hazards for our sakes, sc. the establishment of Reformation and Uniformity in Religion in these three Kingdoms according to the Word of God, and example of the best reformed Churches; and which, notwithstanding all suggestions whatsoever to the contrary, we dare neither be so injurious nor uncharitable towards them; as not to judge was the main end by them proposed when they first engaged with us; especially when we consider whence came the first stir of the Wheels of Christ's chariot in great Britain of latter times, and who it was that first sounded the retreat to return from Babylon, which posterity will know to the second coming of Jesus Christ, thoughwe should not own it, of which we are modestly put in remembrance by one 
k Mr Rathe. sord in his survey of the spiritual Antichrist, in the Epistle to the Reader page 6.  whose name is famous throughout the Churches whilst he is alive, and whose works will abundantly commend him to posterity when he is dead. The things that have been already mentioned in reference to breach of Covenant, are matter of deepest sorrow to our hearts, especially if we do further consider what guilt of perjury 
l Neh. 1● 29.  spiritualadultery 
m Jer. 50. 5. , high treason against the God of heaven is hereby brought upon our Land; and that also breach of Covenant is a thing which God complains of 
n Psa 78.10.37. 2 King. ●1. 15 ler. 11. 10. , threatens severely 
o Leu. 26.25. Deur. 29 20, 21, 22, 10, ●5. let. 22.8, 9 , and for which he hath inflicted sore Judgements on his people in former times 
p 2 King. 6.7, 15. . As for ourselves, though we cannot excuse ourselves from failings against our Covenant, for which we desire unfeignedly to be humbled, yet considering that for the matter of it, there is nothing in it to be repent of, but that the seed of Reformation and the foundation of the house of the Lord is in it, and knowing also how solemnly, with hands lifted up to the most high God, it was taken, and that it was made with the Almighty who will not be mocked, and in his presence who is the searcher of all hearts, with a true intention to perform the same as we shall answer at the great day when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed; we do therefore by the grace of God resolve, that we will not suffer ourselves either directly or indirectly, by whatsoever combination, persuasion or terror to be ever withdrawn, either in whole or in part, from this sacred League and Covenant, that was so solemnly and Cheerfully sworn by us, in the time of England's low estate and sad hour of temptation, but shall, all the days of our lives, zealously and constamly continue therein against all opposition, and promote the same according to our power, against all lets and impediments whatsoever, being fully assured there is none on earth that hath that power our consciences, as to discharge us at their pleasure, from the bond of this sacred Oath; and that therefore the parties engaged in it, what ever some men's intentions might be when they took it, and how ever the common enemy (whose prevalency and power, together with our low condition in this land before, first occasion the entering into it) be now suppressed, are notwithstanding still as firmly bound to their utmost to endeavour, according to their places, the performance of all the several things therein contained and sworn, (and that yet have not received their accomplishment because the war is ended) as at the first taking of it. And therefore, though we cannot but hearty lament, that any should be so strangely deluded as to 
q First, I do not conceive the parties to that League intended thereby to be everlastingly bound each to other; the gounds of striking it, being merely occasional for the joining in a war to suppressed the common enemy, accordingly we did join; the enemy is (if we be wise) suppressed, and the was (as you see) ended, what should the Covenant do, but like an Almanac of the last year, show us rather what we have already done, than what we be now to do. Set the Independency of England endeavoured to be maintained by Henry Marten, a Member of the Parliament there, etc. page 11.  conceive so much, yet we do abhor that it should be so much as once imagined, that when the common enemy is suppressed, this Convenant then forthwith should be out of date, and but like an Almanac of the last year, showing us rather what we have already done, than what we be now to do. And because, as when it was first enjoyed to be taken, it was thought a fit means to acquire the favour of God; so we now are fully persuaded, being kept and observed, it would make England the delight of God, the rejoicing of all true hearted Saints at home and abroad, a corasive and vexation to the Devil, Antichrist, all Popish profane and Malignant persons at home and abroad, and a mirror of incomparable mercy. We shall therefore (as by the Order 
r Die veneris, Jan. 29.1644. Ordered by the Commons Assembled in Parliament, that the Solemn League and Covenant be on every day of Fast and public humiliation, publicly read in every Church and Congregation within this Kingdom, and that every Congregation be enjoined to have one of the said Covenants fairly printed in a fair letter, in a table fitted to hang up in some public place of the Church, to be read.  of the Honourable the House of Commons, we are appointed to read it every Fast day) in our places, by stirring up our several Congregations, to be always mindful of it our uttermost endeavour, that they may observe and keep it, not expecting the blessing of God any longer on these Kingdoms, then in the remembrance of it, and adherence to it. And as with the Reverend Alsembly of Divines, 
s See the humble Advice of the Assembly of Divines concerning a Confession of Faith, Chap. 22. Sect. 4. page. 40.  we are assured, that an oath is to be taken in the plain and common sense of the words without equivocation, or mental reservation, adjudging the contrary opinion to lay a certain foundation for the eluding all or the, as such a salve as this, that the Covenant may be taken in men's own sense, hath given occasion to some to except against the taking of it 
t See the Reasons of the present judgement in the University of Oxford concerning the Covenant, etc. page 22.23. ; so what ever any others may conceive to the contrary, with our Reverend Brethren, than Ministers of the Province of London 
u See a Testimony to the Tinen of Jesus Christ. page 28. , we do firmly believe, That neither this nor any other oath is otherwise to be interpreted, then according to the common, plain and true grammatical sense of it; accounting it a most absurd and wicked perverting of it, when it is so interpreted, as to engage, to defend and maintain any kind of Religion whatsoever, without any inquiry at all how orthodox it is, if established by them who have all the authority that is visible to choose for themselves, (which is the construction that is put upon it by some that profess to have taken 
w Secondly, what would it do were it renewed and made perpetual? thus much it saith in my opinion and no more; whensoever you shall be violently hindered in the execution of that Religion you had amongst you at the time of the engagoment, and shall require out assistance, we must afford it you for the removal of that violence. In like manner when we shall be hindered in the excreise of that Religion which we according to the Covenant shall establish here, upon request to you made for that effect, you are tied to assist us. and so throughout all the other clauses respectively and equally, carrying this along with you, we are hereby obliged to the reciprocal defenco of one another, according to the declaration of the party wronged in any of the particulars there comprised, without being cavilled at, or scrupled by the party involied, whither your Religion be the same it was, or ours the same it should be; whether the bounds of your liberties or ours be not enlarged beyond their then line, whether your delinquents or ours be justly so or no, for the native Rights of both people being the principal, it not the only thing, we looked on when we swore; we do not keep our oath in preserving those rights, if we do not allow 〈◊〉 master-right to each several people, 〈◊〉 by to be sole judges within themselves, what ●●●●gion they will set up, what kind of laws they will have, what size, what number of Magistrates they hold fit to execute those laws, and what offenders to be tried by them. Hereupon, you know, we did not inquire at all how orthodox your religion was before we towed to maintain you in it, that is in the quiet possession of it, (not in the theological truth of it, a business for an University perhaps, not for a Kingdom) being well assured it was established by them who had all the authority that is visible to chase for themselves, and could not without apparent breach of order, and in jury to fundamentals be disturbed in the exercise of what they had to chosen. See the Independency of England edeavoured to be maintained by Henry Marten a Member of the Parliament there, etc. page 11, 12.  it;) God having never given such an absolute power to any men on earth, to establish what religion they please, and to require from any sort of persons in any Kingdom whatsoever, (who are all to render an account to God for themselves) that they should maintain and defend it upon such establishment, without any inquiry at all, whether it be according to the Word of God or no; as also, because the Covenant according to this interperation might be made the bond of iniquity, to maintain & defend such Religions as are flat contrary to the Word of God, as Judaisme, Turcism, and even Paganism, yea Popery itself, although by Covenant we be expressly bound to endeavour to extirpate it; if established by them who have all the authority that is visible choose for themselves.  
And therefore, we are sure this can be none of those native rights of the people of any of these Kingdoms which we looked on when we swore, and which by this Oath or Covenant we are obliged to preserve.  
Thus, fearing lest if we had altogether held our peace at this time 
x Esther 4.14. , God might have sufficiently vindicated his truth by other instruments, but for our baseness judged us unworthy to be entrusted any longer with so precious a treasure as truth is; we have therefore chosen rather to approve ourselves faithful to God, by joining hands with our brethren (who have witnessed such a good confession in giving such a public and open Testimony to the truth of Jesus Christ; to our Solemn League and Covenant; and against the Errors, Heresies, and Blasphemies of these times; and the Toleration of them;) though for so doing we should be never so much persecuted by men: then by our sinful silence seem to be ashamed either of Christ, his Truth, or faithful servants, boldly standing up in the cause of our great master, although thereby we might be assured to gain the whole world. And now having discharged our consciences, how ever our actions may be misconstrued by some, yet we knowing our witness is in heaven, and that God is the righteous judge; we do not doubt but the testimony of our consciences, (that herein we have aimed at nothing but the glory of God, the defence of his Truth, the health and recovery of this bleeding Church, the casting some discountenance upon the raging Errors of these times, and testify our adherence to our Solemn League and Covenant,) will abundantly support us, against the worst of evils that can befall us for witness-bearing to the Truth.  
Subscribed the 3d of March 1647. by us. 

Richard Heyrick Warden of Christ-Colledg in Manchester.  
Richard Hollinworth Fellow of Christ-Colledg in Manchester.  
Alexander Horrocks Minister of the Gospel at Deane.  
John Tilsley Pastor of Dean.  
John Harper Pastor of Bolton.  
Richard Goodwin Minister of the Gospel at Bolton.  
Richard Benson Minister of Chollerton.  
William Alt Min of Bury.  
Robert Bath Pastor of Rachdal.  
William Assheton Pastor of Midleton.  
John Harrison Pastor of Asshton-underline.  
Thomas Pike Pastor of Radcliff.  
John Angier Pastor of Denton.  
William Walker Minister of the Gospel at Newton-heath Chappel.  
Toby furnace Min. of the Gospel.  
John Joanes Min. of Eccles.  
Edward Woolmer Min. of Flixton.  
Robert Gilbody Preacher at Holcome.  
Jonathan Scholefield Min. at Heywood.  
Thomas Holland Min. of Ringley.  
Thomas Clayton Min. of Diasbury.  
Robert Constantine Min. of Ouldham.  
Peter Bradshaw Min. of Cockey.  
John Brierley Preacher at Salford.  
Thomas Johnson Min. of the Gospel at Halsal.  
William Bell Pastor of Hyton.  
William Dun Min. of the Gospel at Ormeskirk.  
James worral Pastor of Aughton.  
William Aspinwal Preacher of God's Word at Mayhall.  
John Mallinson Min. of God's Word at Melling.  
Robert Seddon Min. of God's Word at Alker.  
Will, Norcot Minister of West-Derby.  
Will. Ward Min. of the Gospel at Walton.  
Nevil Kay Pastor at Walton  
Henry Boulton Preacher at Hale.  
John Fog Pastor of Liverpoole.  
Joseph Tompson Min. of Sephton.  
Jo. kid Min. of Much-Crosby.  
James Bradshaw Pastor of the Church at Wigan.  
James Starkey Pastor of North meoles.  
James Wood Preacher of the Word at Assheton in Makersield.  
Robert Yates Pastor of the Church at Warrington.  
Bradbey Hayhurst Preacher of the Word at Leigh.  
Thomas Norman pastor of Newton.  
Timothy Smith preacher of the Word at Rainforth.  
John Wright pastor of billing.  
Henry Shaw pastor at Holland.  
Thomas Crompton Min. of the Gospel at Aslley.  
William Bagaley Min. of the Gospel at Burtonwood.  
William Leight Preacher of the Word at Newchurch.  
Richard Mawdesley pastor of elins.  
James Hyet pastor of Croston.  
Thomas Cranage pastor of Brindle.  
Edward Gee Minister of the Gospel at Eccleston.  
Paul Latham pastor of Standish.  
Samuel Joanes pastor of Hoole.  
Henry Welch Min. at Chorley.  
Will Brownsword preacher at Dugglas.  
James Crichley preacher at Penwortham.  
Edward Fleetwood pastor at Kirkham.  
Isaac Ambrose pastor of Preston.  
William Addison Lecturer at Preston.  
William ●ngham Minist at Goosenarghe.  
Matthew Moor minister at Broughton.  
Christopher Edmundson pastor at Garstang.  
Thomas Smith preacher at Garstang Chappel.  
John Breres minister at Padiam.  
Richard Jackson pastor at Whittington.  
Nicolas Smith pastor of Tatham.  
Robert Shaw pastor at Cokeram.  
James Scholecroft minister at Caton.  
Thomas Whitehead pastor at Halton.  
Peter Atkinson minister of Ellel.  
John Jaques minister of Bolton.  
Richard Walker minister of Warton.  
Philip Bennet minister of Vlverston.  
William Smith minister of over-Kellet.  
Brian Willan Minister of Coulton.  
Peter Smith minister of Shireshead.  
Edward Aston minister of Claughton.  
Thomas Demy minister of Wiresdalle.  
Thomas Faucet minister at Overton.  
William. Garner Preacher of the Gospel.  
John Smith Minister of Melling.     

Errata. Page 4. line 10. for accursed read condemned.  
FINIS.