A Pious PRECEDENT To both KINGDOMS, For a Sacred COVENANT. Being an Abstractive Exposition by way of Paraphrase, upon the tenth Chapter of Nehemiah, the 28, and 29. Verses.  
By DANIEL SWIFT, Minister of the Gospel of jesus Christ.  
Quidni dulce eruam ac salutare epulum Spiritus de sterili et insipida litera, tanquam granum de palea, de testa nucleum, de osse medullam? Bernard in Cant. sermo. 73.  
Omnis panis nutrimentum assert ad salutem, aegris autem saepe inutilis, sic et omnis scriptura munda mundis. Basil. ad chill. de solitaria vita.  
Seen and allowed.  
LONDON: Printed by Mary Okes, dwelling in little St. Bartholomewes'. 1643.   

To the Right Honourable, Right worthy and religious Patriots of their Country, Robert Earl of Essex, Robert Earl of Warwick, and Ferdinando Lord Fairfax, renowned Instruments for disappointing, and discouraging of the Romish and bloody adversaries of Gods sacred Truth.  
Right Honourable,  
I Know you expect not flattering Titles, for (besides the dint of Divine displeasure) this were but to despite you with seeming Honours. I desire not with airy ambages to tickle your ears, I am sure down right truths make the deepest impression upon honest hearts; neither do I sound the trumpet of applause; Heroic actions, are glorious encomiums; Faithfulness to God, the King, and Country, are the only diadem of true Nobility, I may lay my hand upon my mouth, your own works shall praise you in the gates. There be many (Right Honourable) in these times, who care not to adventure their necks to advance themselves, and matter not to hazard their souls, to ruin the Church; but as your Honours have public spirits for the common good, so I am persuaded God's glory is your highest aims, and to approve yourselves before him, in all your understandings the chief endeavour of your souls: Let them look at worldly acclamations as pleasing cordials; It is your Crown, and will be the rejoicing of your hearts, that you keep a conscience void of offence, both towards God, and towards his Saints; they are deceived who so highly estimate a little Laud, for he only whom God commendeth is approved; without, or against whom whosoever desires to be applauded shall not be defended when God judgeth him, nor delivered when God condemneth him. It is more than probable that nefarious wretches, and profane creatures, by reproachful speeches, cast firebrands in your Honour's faces; But what though? Physicians make the best treacle of venomous Serpents, Jason's imposthume was opened, and so healed by his enemy's sword in the wars. You are Wise Men, I hope you will make better use of your foes, than fools of their friends: their aspersions may prove doctrinal, teaching you to keep closer (in a holy dependency) unto your God. I confess you might be free from these, durst you but abnegate or desert the Truth; their revile shall be your blessings: they are nocent, you innocent; they are deceived, they take you for such as you are not; they have with the bellows of Malignancy blown up the coals of contention, they have enforced you (seeking by violence to depress the power of godliness) to take up arms in the defence of Christ, and his endeared servants, surely it is a double injury to beat men causelessly till they cry, and then to beat them for crying, by injury, and oppression to kindle strife, and then to cry out against it, as Athaliah cried out of treason: offences will come, but there is no woe denounced against the persons offended, but against those by whom they come. Ride on Noble Lords, keep your swords still girt about your thighs, let nothing discourage you, outface the proud looks of approaching adversaries, their own sparks shall further their own burning, God's wrath shall not end in your, but in their destruction. Your honour's zeal for Religion, love to your Country, courage in the public cause, and mutual agreement in an holy Covenant, have hitherto spoke your sincerity, declared your piety, and made you exemplary to them that shall succeed you. O now afresh pluck up your spirits, quit yourselves like Worthies in Israel, Christ like a man of war leads out your forces, if our sins interrupt not our mercies, the blood of your enemies shall spring up to the horse bridles, and a glorious victory shall be yours. Pardon my boldness in speaking to your Honours, accept of my Mite though it be small; I hope when you try it, you shall not find it reprobate silver, but currant coin. You have entered into an Oath, it is for God, the Gospel, our Sovereign, the Kingdom and yourselves, I doubt not but you will set the Lord Jehovah in the prosecution of this sacred Covenant, continually before your eyes, and by your zeal provoke many, adding fuel to the fire, and oil unto the flame of their endeavours. The Lord prosper you in your great affairs, cover your heads in the day of battle, and go forth before you in all your erterprises, against the Romish and Anti-christian Faction. So prays he, who remains ever  
Your Honours humbly devoted, D. S. October 16. 1643.   

To all that wish well to the Cause of God, and the Gospel of Christ, in the two famous Kingdoms of England, and Scotland, and in particular to his native Countrymen, in the County of Leceister; D. S. wisheth a firm Union in a sacred Covenant, with a godly peace as the glorious effect thereof in this life, and eternal and everlasting peace in the life to come.  
EXpect not Compliments, I am no Courtier, they are not for Christians. look not that I should wind into your affection by Rhetorical expressions or smooth Supparisiations in the Preface; my intention is otherwise, viz, to present unto you matter directory in the Treatise. Brethren my prayer to God and hearts desire for you is, that you may be sanctified in this life, and saved in the life to come. I beseech you cast your eyes upon Israel's Oath, and see zeal against impiety, reflect upon her Nobles and behold forwardness to promote God's glory, look upon her Clergy with her whole Commons, and learn submission to a public yet a pious injunction. Let her Covenant be your Precedent, and her obedience your encouragement. Your Worthies intent nothing but Loyalty to his Majesty and the continual preservation of your safety, help them with your prayers, adhere to them in their sacred Vow, let not your estates and lives be dear unto you for their sakes, and see that you start not from them, but stick to them, lest you be found fighters against the Lord; Defend his Majesty's Royal person in authority (in the preservation and defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdoms) to the last drop of blood in your veins, that the world with your consciences may bear witness of your Loyalties, and that you are no Traitors. Maintain the truth of God with the privileges of Parliament, though with the hazard of your lives: And for the underminers of Church and State, prosecute them until you have brought them to receive a reward according to their de●●●ts. Thus doing in the sincerity of your hearts, I doubt not (however dangers threaten you) but in the end you shall become glorious Conquerors through the power of the Lord Christ: I am persuaded, in what I have done, I shall displease some, but as Malis difplicere laudari eft, so my pur ose was not to give content to malevolent persons, but to approve myself to God and his hidden ones; for I should be loath to speak or write aught that Christ should disallow, he (truly) is that Master to whom every man stands or falls, and one good look from him, is in stead of all acclamations to myself. The Lord direct you, preserve you, and knit you firmly unto himself. So prayeth he who rests.  
Yours in the Lord Christ. D. S.   

The Contents, or the particular Observations. contained in this book.  

1 MVtuall society makes a sweet harmony. Page 1  
2 The Clergy not exempted from civil Authority. pag. 2  
3 A good Clergy, a Kingdom's felicity. page 4  
4 Every Christian must be a porter to his own heart. page 9  
5 We must not he fickle, constancy must crown our actions. page 10  
6 Austerity, and Magnanimity, become the professors of Christianity page 11  
7 Sacred Covenants do not 〈◊〉 be seem the most cheerful spirits page 12  
8 Worldly affairs must not shoulder out Christian duties. Ibid.  
9 Washing should proceed Covenanting. page 13  
10 Meanness of place and calling, debars not any (by vowing) from binding themselves to Religion. page 14  
11 Godliness in others should be an attractive to our desires. Ibid.  
12 Other men's sins, must not make us turn our backs upon the pure Ordinances of God. page 15  
13 Matrimonial Leagues with Idolaters, an inlett to false worship, and a strong bar to keep out the power of godliness. page 16  
14 Covenanting Christians, should be courageous Christians. Ibid.  
15 Women not privileged from spiritual vows. pag. 18  
16 Christians should be politicians. page 19  
17 None exempted from a sacred Vow. page 20  
18 Examples of Superiors, strong cords to draw on others unto holiness. pag. 22  
19 Pride becomes not noble Spirits. page 35  
20 Inferior persons must accept of motions from their Nobles as motions from affectionate Brothers. Ibidem  
21 Though imprecations and execrations be not usual, yet sometimes t eye are very Lawful. page 36  
22 We may vow against sin, we may swear obedience unto God. page 38  
23 Gods Satutes the Christians way. page 42  
24 The Law an effect of gods Love. Ibid.  
25 Our obedience must be universal: page 43  
26 Sense of misery under sin and sorrow with hope of mercy, puts the soul upon Covenants, yea sure Covenants for nsicere and exact obedience to the God of Heaven. page 45    

A pious Precedent to both Kingdoms, For a sacred Covenant.  NEHEMIAH 10.28, 29. 
And the rest of the peop e the Priests, the Levites, the porters, the Singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the Land unto the Law of God, their wives, their Sons and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding.  
They clavae to their Brethren the Nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath to walk in God's Law, which was given by Moses, the servant of God, and to observe, and do all the Commandments of the Lord our God, his statutes, and his judgements.  
IN these Verses you have the Commons of Israel, joining with their Nobles in a firm covenant to the Lord Jehovah: wherein you may take notice 

First of the persons who are described. 

First generally 

The rest of the people    
Secondly more particularly. 

1 The Priest that offered Sacrifice.  
2 The Levits that instructed the people  
3 The porters that kept the doors of the Sanctuary.  
4 The Singers.  
5 The Nethinims, that drew water for the house of the Lord.  
6 All that had separated themselves from the people of the land, unto the Law of God, their wives, their sons and their daughters, every one having knowledge and understanding.      
Secondly of their actions. 

They clavae to their brethren the Nobles.  
They entered into a curse and into an Oath, to walk in God's Law, etc.      And the rest of the people. 
Mutual society causeth a pleasing and melodious harmony; 
Observation. Israel's mutual communion.  they do not harp upon the jarring strings of distempered affections, their tongues utter their minds; their expressions and intentions are not dissonant, but consonant one with another; they do not only like the Iron and the clay in the toes of Nebuchadnezars Image, cleave together, but they are fast cemented, yea incorporated one into another: now as in a bed of spices there is a fragrancy in all their graces, their virtues like sweet perfumes, upon burning coals are become communicative, all that are near them, may receive comfort and refreshing from them; they are not every man for himself, they are all in common; they halt not betwixt two opinions; they have not a heart and a heart like Ephraine; they uphold Christian communion, they will not forsake the assembly of the Saints; they have all set their heart with their brethren the Nobles to seek the Lord God of Israel.  

Application.  Doth not Unity make happy, and perpetuate a people? this is that precious ointment, that ran down from Aaron's beard to the skirts of his garment, this is like the dew of Hermon descending upon the mountains of Zion: for where this is; the Lord commandeth his blessing. Why do not we then of this Nation, labour to become like Jerusalem, as a City at unity within ourselves? It is civil discord that demolishes and destroys the very being of a Commonwealth, for as he that bleeds inwardly is in the greatest danger, so a Kingdom divided against itself, cannot stand. The spirit of Egypt never failed in the midst of her, until the Egyptians fought against the Egyptians; 
Isi. 10 2, 3.  neither did the Philistims melt like snow against the Sun, until such time as they sheathed their swords in one another's bowels: O let it not be told in Gath, nor published in Askelon. that England by civil distension is the cause of her own ruin: But oh my belly, my belly, I am pained at the very heart: I hear the sound of the Trumpet, and the Alarm for the war: what, shall I not now with mourning and lamenting jeremy, weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of Zion? O that our rents and divisions were closed, that the blood of Christians, religious and well-affected persons, might no longer (as water that is spilt upon the ground) be shed amongst us. O let us yet, though it be late, (for better late thrive then never) set upon some course, whereby the sluices of wrath may be let down, the currents of justice may be stopped, and the fire of God's jealousy may be extinguished amongst us; why should we carry more fuel to the fire, and more oil unto the flame of the Lords dreadful vengeance through want of concord amongst ourselves? Let us pray, yea contend with God in prayer for the peace of Jerusalem: we may know that none shall prosper but they that love her, and can we love her and not pray for her? For our brethren and companions sake, let us say, peace be within her walls, and because of the house of the Lord our God, let us seek to do her good: Now that we may do thus we all can tell how that united forces are the strongest, and that a threefold cord is not easily broken; 
Vis unita fortior.  therefore let us endeavour to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. If the prayers of one Moses could suppress the Amalekites; O how soon then would a Land of praying Christians penetrate the Heavens, and cause our enemies to fall before us? 
Cant. 6.9.  why do we stand still divided? let us like Christ's Dove become but one, that the daughters that see us may pour out their blessing upon us. Give me leave to make use of Paul's request to the Church of Corinth, and beseech you brethren by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we may once all speak the same thing, and that there may be no schisms amongst us, but that we may be perfectly joined together, in the same mind, and in the same judgement. Concordiâ paruae res crescunt, concord will cause a growth, not only of strength, but of many other good things amongst us. Unanimously now let us concur together, let us every man for himself, and all of us one with another, engage our spirits by promise, and oblige our souls by a solemn vow to the Lord of Heaven; thus doing we shall establish a blessed communion, and this we cannot do, unless in covenant with these repenting Israelites we adhere unto our brethren our Nobles. 
The Priests and Levites. Observat.   
These Priests and Levites were chief officers in the Temple, they stand not upon their tiptoes, pleading immunity from civil authority; they apprehend not themselves discharged of, 
The Clergy not exempted from civil authority.  and exempted from their due allegiance. God hath not said by them Princes rule, but by him they reign and decree justice. It was but fitting they should express submission, for as every soul must be subject to the higher powers, so I am sure it is not safe for a Kingdom, but dangerous to a state, where the Crosiers receive not power from the Regal sword. These worthies of Israel having set forth their Ordinance for a covenant with God, this levitical Clergy, like the Romish faction, cry not up freedom, and forthwith declaim against them; they express their yielding by their present obeying, they contradict not; these you see aswell as others cleave unto their brethren the Nobles.  

Observat. A good Clergy a Kingdom's felicity.  Ministers should be Ringleaders not to rebellion, but submission, not to profaneness, but to conscientious and sincere observance, these Priests and Levites are in their due posture, they are not Incendiaries to the Land of judah, they are not fomenters of jealousies in their people's ears, they condescend in their own persons to prevent suspicious betwixt the Nobles and the Commons: for what is jealousy? it is as unsatiable as the grave; it is the greatest evil to a Commonwealth, and the deadliest enemy, as to affection, so to submissive obedience. The Priests in the time of the Law presented oblations 1 Sam. 2.28. and burnt incense before the Lord; these (considering that obedience is better than sacrifice, and that God lays more claim to the living than to the dead,) join with their worthies, observe the Ordinance, take the Covenant, and in these as a living  offering give up themselves too God. The Levites expounded the Law, displayed the sacred Oracles, in things spiritual, instructed the congregations, secular affairs were not the subject matter of their employments; they studied Theology, not policy, the Art of teaching rather than the Art of ruling, I am sure that thus it was with these of the Tribe of Levi: for they broke not the Covenant, Malach. 2.8. They teach holiness, and they practise piety: they are not like wolves in sheep's skins, palliating cruelty under the habit of meekness, their doctrine is a light, and their lives are a lamp, that like wise bvilders they set up godliness, and like savoury salt, season the hearts of their hearers. O Israel it was thy happiness to have such Levites, it hath been, and I fear me in some measure yet is our misery, to want such Leaders; darkness discovers no dangers, and if the blind lead the blind, they both fall into the ditch.  

Application.  The time was when old Ely heard of evil dealing in the Priesthood, how Hophni and Phinehas his sacrificing sons made the Lords people to transgress, 1 Sam. 2.23.24. Thus did the watchmen of judah, in stead of knocking of the fingers, 
Quantum pernitiosa est ad sequentium lapsumuina praepositi, in tantum contrà uti le est, et salutare, cum se Episiopus per firmamentum fi●e fratribut inultandum, praebet. Cyprian Lib 3. Epist. 21 Omnium felrum promittunt licentiam et quasi vexillum gerunt ad probandam omnem speciim nequiti●, Calvin. Cur pec●ata populi commedere à cuatur nisiquia pecca a delinquenitium sove●t, Grego. Homel. 17 Omnino proditorem se esse noverit, quicunque est ille, qui vitae quae libet in ia hanc domum conatur inducere, Bernard.  strengthen the hands of the wicked, when by their own example (crying, we will pour forth wine, and fill ourselves with strong drink) Esay 56.12. They gave them encouragement in their nefarious courses. And was it not because of this, that they prophesied in Baal, caused Israel to err, committed adultery, walked in lies, confirmed men in their hellish practices, and not suffering them to return, made them as Sodom, and as the Inhabitants of Gomorrah before the Lord. That made jeremy in a doleful lamentation give out this expression, that his very heart was broken, jer. 23.9.13.14. But these mentioned by Nehemiah are of another temper, they do not eat of the sins of the people by being foster fathers to their filthy vices; these do not build with their doctrine, and pull down by their practice, the light of their conversations is now become so fulgent, that others may behold them for their imitation; they do not seek to innovate Religion, erect novelties, and advance superstitious vanities, as sometimes Vrijah the Priest did, who built an Altar according to all that Ahaz had sent from Damascus. 2 Kings 16.11. nay these resolve too, to bid adve to Idolatry, to demolish superstition, and not to stand any longer guilty of spiritual treason, by upholding wickedness in Gilgall, I might have said Bethel, the house of the Lord. For as they go before the people in the covenant, affording them their examples for their encouragement; so by covenant they bind themselves for ever from all idle or idolising worship, to observe & do all the Commandments of God; thus they animate the children of Zion, going before them in the means of sanctification, and thus they seek not to establish, but to depress iniquity by a law.  
Harken to me ye that have deviated from the sons of Levi, you style yourselves Priests, and lay claim to the office, as if God had only entailed the Priesthood upon you; what will you yet be as a snare on Mizpah, and as a net spread upon Tabor? Hos. 5.1. will you yet as troops of Robbers wait for a man, murder in the way, and that by consent? Hos. 6.9. why do you still desire to sell the righteous for silver, to turn aside the way of the meek, and to drink the wine of the condemned, or of good men fined in the house of your God? Amos 2.6.7.8. See, see, these Priests, the subject of our discourse read another lecture to your souls: These breath not out threaten against the Church, they rather cry out, what shall we do for the Church? these are not cruel thirsting after blood, the precious blood of Gods endeared one's; their arms and their hearts are both open, not only with tender embracements to receive them, but to support them; it doth not vex them that they are zealous for the Lord, neither do they seek to find them or punish them for the strict service of their God; their forwardness to forsake wickedness is the joy of their spirits, their preciseness in the way of holiness is as marrow to their bones, and their covenant for new obedience is that they further by their own precedent. These are not dismayed with the thoughts of more pains unto themselves, if thus they covenant to keep strictly all the statutes of the Lord, they prise God's mercy to the people before their toil, and their hearers welfare before their labour, for though never so much sedulity may be expected from them, 
Non in verborum splendore, sed in operum virtute, praedi candi fiductam ponant, non vocibus delectem, tur populi ac clamantis, sed sterihu● nec plausum expedeat, sed gem●…o●n. pros. per, Lib. 1. Cap. 23. vitacontemplat. A Pastore exigetur, quicquid perinertiam non custoditur Cypiran, de sing. Cleric.  they will not flinch off but in the present covenant adhere unto them; Before like Herod they solaced themselves in their people's acclamations; now their tears and their prayers are prime pleasures to their souls; time was, when breaking the bonds of doctrine, and knapping asunder the cords of discipline was their delight, now their fulgency in virtue demonstrated by their resoluteness for exact obedience is the music in their ears, the honey in their mouths, and the very rejoicing of their hearts; They know they must give account, for their people's souls, and that if they perish, God will require them at their hands; they give them up therefore now by vow unto the Lord, and in this their surrender they seem to say, Lord here we are, and all our people the children that thou hast given unto us. They are not ignorant that much trouble from them who are without may arise by reason of this covenant: they fear no colours, they put on their auditors, they are resolved to eat of the same dish, to taste of the same sauce, and if they suffer, to suffer with them, this must needs hearten them for courageous Soldiers, go not weeping nor sighing after their Commanders. It may be they apprehend some malevolent and malignant creatures to be among the people, ready like scabbed sheep to infect the flock, like Peter's false Prophets by damnable heresies laying aspersions upon the truth, and like cunning and crafty seducers using all diligence to make them the devil's Proselytes like themselves: These have not their favourable aspect, these have not their hearts, their hands, their estates; these are cashiered; the yielding, the mourning, yet the resolving Israelites have their affections, amongst these only they are personally present, with these they side, and to these they join in covenant with the Lord: They are not as time serving Sycophants, only respective to great men, their deportment is indifferent, they take care for the poor aswell as the rich, it is not their own preferment, but every man's welfare that they look for. Therefore as by their forwardness they excite all, so by their actual performance withal; they show their tender of the happiness and prosperity of all. Learn then from these Priests and Levites, I beseech you my Brethren, I style you so, because I would have you so: First, 
Directions to Ministers.  not to think it strange that others with you run not into the same excess of riot, that they keep not out of Covenant aswell as yourselves, they see their misery, and this to be their remedy, and they know that your non-seeing, or else perverse slighting of your own estates, can be no healing plasters to their souls. It behoves every man to look to his own standing, and to be careful to prevent his own damnation.  
Secondly, Do not pine the Lords people through destructive ignorance, do not conceal the benefit of a sacred Covenant from the eye of their spirits, left God complain that his people perish, for lack of knowledge, and lay the guilt of their blood upon your souls.  
Thirdly, do not perniciously poison by corrupt principles those that are your hearers, teach not exorbitant errors for sacred truths, do not through airy ambages and false glosses steal away their affections, and make them heartless to holy vows: thus doing you shall still keep them out of the way, cause them to stumble at the Law, and in the end be charged yourselves for corrupting the covenant of Levi, Malach. 2.8.  
Fourthly, do not over-lade your faint and your feeble brethren, with the onerous burdens of unnecessary things, these burdens may lie heavy upon their shoulders, they will case themselves by covenant, 
Luk. 11.40.  but as you shall have the practice of the Primitive times to pass a sentence condemnatory upon you, Act. 15.10.28. so one day they like Scorpions will sting your consciences, when Christ's woe like a Hue and Cry shall arrest your souls. These Pastors stand not upon circumstance, they look to the substance, the pious vow that they and their people must make to God.  
Fiftly, be examples to your flocks in word, in conversation and in charity. 1 Tim. 4.12. Let your words utter the Will of Jehovah, your conversations testify the uprightness of your hearts and your charity witness that in all means and ways you seek the salvation of their poor souls; speak you to them, that they may speak from you to themselves, saying, what have we done? be as lights set upon a Hill, that those who are without may be convinced by your lives: Love with pity, persuade them, woo them, win them, yea and because that corrosives are sometimes both more needful and helpful then mild and pleasing cordials; reprove them, rebuke them, drive them by the sight of sin, with your own precedent, to see a necessity, as a chief preservative, of an especial covenant, that so they being engaged to God, and in that engagement apprehensive of their own mercy, they may rejoice, that though they were brands, they are now plucked out of the fire, that though they were aliens to God, yet now by a religious covenant they have entered into a sweet communion with the Lord.  
Sixtly, you are, or at least should be, the Chariots and the horsemen of Israel, carry them up speedily, with a swift motion, by your prayers to Heaven; look upon our crying sins with a bleeding heart, for the Vine of England is as the Vine of Sodom, and the grapes of our Nation do wholly resemble the clusters of Gomorrah) view our lamentable distractions with mournful affections; see, see, wrath is gone forth, and the plague is begun; Justice is incensed, and we turn our backs upon our adversaries; jealousy is kindled, and the sword is almost drunk with the blood of the slain; your neighbour's houses are on fire, for shame sit not still, bring prayers as waters, and pour them on as fast as you can, that you may slake the burn; do not stand gazing about you, it is time for you to be up, and be doing, unless you mean that all our souls shall faint because of the murderers; the banners of God's displeasure are displayed, and now like a man of war he hath begun to strike the stroke, yea the sword already reacheth to the very heart: O doth not our land cry out as sometime Jerusalem did, woe is come upon me because that I have sinned, doth she not bemoan herself unto you daily, ask you if you have no pity, if your hearts be wholly shut up in obduracy? me thinks these expressions should set you to your prayers; oh then if you will be accounted the Ministers of the Lord, weep between the Porch and the Altar, and say, Spare thy people O Lord; questionless these Priests joined with their Nobles as well in prayers as in covenant for the Church.  
Lastly, be not averse to take this binding and obliging vow upon yourselves, these Priests and Levites have observed its equity, taken notice of its necessity, and found it the sole remedy for the curing of their sores, they do not scruple it; our case is as bad if not worse than theirs, why are you , bind yourselves with a curse, and an oath with the people to stand out against Popery, and in spirit and truth to serve the Lord. This will be a good incentive to your hearers, if you go before, they will the willinglier follow after; your forwardness will make many to come in, who otherways, it may be, will still stand out to lift up their hands against Heaven; you see this in effect in these Priests, and in this people, who in this very particular Cleave unto their brethren the Nobles.  The Porters. 
A Potter is a Doorkeeper which hath authority to admit, 
Observat. 1. Every Christian a porter to his own heart.  and let in and out of the house where his charge is, such were Obed Edom the son of jeduthun, and Hosah in the days of David, to the house of the Lord, 1 Chr. 16.38. These were to let in the jews not they that contemned their worship, these were to keep out the unclean, not they that were cleansed according to the Sanctuary; the true Israelites were to be admitted, but the idolatrous heathens were by them to be excluded. Every Christian must be a Porter to his own heart; whatsoever he is that covenants with God, must look narrowiy to himself, have a watchful eye over his spirit, and with all diligence keep his soul, that wicked lusts, vile affections, and vain thoughts get not in at the door of his heart; these will make hubbubs in this spiritual Temple, these will disturb and strike with violence at the sanctifying motions of the blessed Spirit; these like the strong man armed, will so keep possession, that godliness shall get no entrance, without struggling and much disturbance: these are ill guests, where they come in they pretend friendship, but intent mischief, they pay no reckoning, they are cheaters, they do but deceive the creature with the counterfeit silver of sinful pleasures; these are like drunken and deboyst strangers, who by vomit easing their stomaches, leave nothing but stinch, loathsome filth, and noisome savours in the room behind them. A Sparrow pursued by a Hawk fled into the bosom of Xenocrates, he refused to put it out, saying it is a dishonest thing to betray a guest: 
D ogen. in vit.  Do not thou thus kindly deal with thy sins, it is not inhumanity to refuse them; it is a piece of the best policy forthwith to expel them. Let lusts accuse thee of discourtesy, better they complain than thou bleed, for sin is the soul's murderer; therefore, O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayst be saved; how long shall thy soul like an Inn, and thy heart like a Harlot harbour corruption.  We must not be fickle, constancy must crown our actions. 

Observat. 2.  Porter's are continual attendants, they wait daily at the Gates, & depart not from their service, 2 Chro. 35.15. we must not be fickle, like Lot's wife; we must not look back to Sodom, there must be constancy in all our vows, it is dishonesty with man, but impiety to break with the Lord; thou must not vow and not pay, but as without delays, so constantly thou must pay thy vows. Call to mind thy first vow, remember all thy promises, and self engagements unto God in the late days of thy humiliation, be not unfaithful, do not like a broken bow start from them, thou canst never lose by keeping touch with the Lord of Heaven. These Porters leave not their Places because of a covenant, like idle drones, profane seers, and atheistical wretches they steal not away, leave their charge, take up arms, and desert their Nobles, because of a strict tye unto God's service: They were Porters before, and they are Porters still; now they are content to do more than formerly they did, they will keep the door of the Temple; and withal look carefully to the gate of their own heart, lest at any time it should run out, and departed from the living God. They are not friends to them that hate peace, favourites to them that delight in war, they take no pleasure in the tents of Kedar, they desire yet to be doorkeepers in the house of the Lord, for now as Porters they take the covenant with their Nobles.  Austerity and magnanimity become the Professors of Christianity. 
Porter's for the most part are men of a stern countenance, 
Observat. 3.  men of strength, and men of courageous spirits, for that sometimes they may meet with resistance. Austerity and magnanimity do well become the professors of Christianity; we cannot look too sternly upon our lusts, we cannot be too strong, too courageous, and too severe in keeping down, and in the constant suppression of our wicked desires. The Devil, the world, and our own base hearts would keep us from pious and religious vows, we have need of more than an ordinary strength to repel these fiery darts, lest by hindering our covenant, they give a mortiferous and a deadly blow unto our souls. Brethren, be persuaded then to watch, to stand fast in the faith, 
1 Cor. 16.13  to quit you like men, to be strong, and not to forsake or refuse the liberty wherewith Christ would make you free, take heed that you do not again entangle yourselves with the yoke of bondage: Therefore, that you may walk worthy of the Lord, unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, I pray that you may be strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience, and long suffering, with joyfulness. It is likely, these men were austere in their place resolute in their office, and stout towards all that opposed them in the execution of their charge; yet you see in this action, here is no gainsaying no resisting, no withstanding, they are very tractable, very flexible to a holy vow. When God displays the excellency, necessity, and efficacy of a sacred Covenant to the eye of men's souls, Lions shall become Lambs, wolves shall become sheep, and Leopards shall be as Kids before the Lord.  The Singers. 
Singer's were such as played upon musical Instruments, 
Observat. 4.  who with Trumpets and Cymbals set forth the praise of God; hence it is, that some interpreters give out the word Musicians, not Singers in the text. Singing is no Emblem of sadness, it denotes cheerfulness, it betokens alacrity, therefore well said St. james, If any be merry, let him sing Psalms. Sacred covenanes do not unbeseeme the most cheerful spirits; expressions of joy, arising from gladness of heart, may be concomitants in a Christians vows. 
Observat. Sacred Covenants do not unbeseeme the most cheerful spirits.  This Oath ordained and confirmed by their Worthies, doth not mar their music, they can still be Singers, and yet covenanters with their Nobles; they see it is the way for pacification, the only Antidote to prevent destruction, and the sole remedy to cure their misery; the thoughts of it, lightens their hearts, vivifies their spirits, and causeth them so to perk up the head, that now with thanksgiving they can take their vow before the Lord, well (beloved) Gods vows are upon us, we are now to covenant with our God, let us by a cheerful acceptance set forth his praise. Psal. 56.12. jehovah requires a cheerful giver; Shall we not therefore sing praise to his name for ever, that we may daily perform our vows Psal. 61.8. But who are we that should be able willingly after this sort to offer before the Lord? 1 Chro. 29.14.  The Nethinims 
THe Nethinims were such as carried water for the use of the Temple, this they drew for the Congregation and for the Altar of the Lord. Iosh. 9.27. The labour and drudgery of their outward callings doth not so drink up their time, but the express carefulness to lay hold of opportunity, 
Observat. Worldly affanres should not shoulder out christian duties.  for working out of their own salvations. Worldly business must not shoulder out Godliness; Throng in carnal affairs will not excuse us from spiritual employments, we must set seasons apart for God, domestic occasions must not steal away our hearts. I and my Household saith joshuah will serve the Lord. It is an ill trouble in earthly matters, or about many things that keeps thee thy children, or thy servants from sitting at the feet of Christ. 
Observat.   
The water that the Nethinims brought unto the Sanctuary was for cleansing, they are instruments in purging of the Temple, and they are now by closing in this covenant coeworkers with God for the purification of their own souls; Let us wash our hands in innocency before we compass the Altar, let us rub off the soil of sin, and then fall upon our spiritual employments; we must wash us and make us clean from the evil of our do, before God and our souls by way of Covenant can converse together. Draw water out of the well of thy heart, I wean the tears of contrition, drench thy soul in them, and pour them out abundantly before the Lord, neither stay here, but that thy conscience may be cleansed from dead works, carry thy soul with her sorrow to that fountain that is set open for the house of David and inhabitants of jerusalem; O rinse it, rinse it thoroughly in those clear streams of Christ's precious blood, that so thou mayst stand spotless, pure and blameless at the bar of justice. In the time of the Law uncleanness was cured by washing, for unclean touchings, the parties washed their  Levit. 11.40. for unclean issues, they washed thesmelves and their , Levit. 15. 13. But for the uncleanness of leprosy, they washed themselves, their , shaved off all their hair, and stayed 7 days without the Camp, Levit. 14.8.9. Dear brethren our pollution is of the worst kind, it is no other than the leprosy of sin that we are infected with, as it hath spread itself all over us, so it hath made our whole man subject to the dreadful curse of Almighty God. Rom. 5.18. Doth any thing proceed from us, but what is foul and damnable? Are not our splendid performances glittering sins, and our most glorious actions as menstruous rags? do we touch any thing that we taint not? where come we that we leave not an ill sent behind us? Let us all then generally apply water to our foul parts, scour off the scurf of profaneness, and free ourselves of all filthiness of flesh and spirit whatsoever; Take the Apostles advice, cleanse your hands you sinners, 
Jam. 4.8.9.  and purify your hearts you double minded, be afflicted, mourn and weep, let your laughter be turned into mourning, and your joy to heaviness, be ye humbled, and make a holy Covenant with your God.  
Those Nethinims were but water bearers, they had one of the meanest Offices appertaining to the Temple, 
Observat. 3 Meanness of place and calling debars not any by vowing from binding themselves to Religion.  yet these you see come into covenant with their Nobles. Meanness of place and calling debars not any by vowing, from binding themselves to Religion. A poor Sacrifice in the time of the Law received acceptance, where a rich one could not be brought; the widow's mite had its welcome aswell as the treasure of the wealthy; A Nethinim in his place may be as dear to God as a Priest; with God there is no respect of persons, he that worketh righteousness is accepted with him; Therefore you that are mean, you that are despicable in the eye of the world, be not afraid, let not your meanness and poverty dismay you, come in if you be for God, your Nobles are brethren, therefore join with them in covenant before the Lord.  And all that had separated etc. 
They do not separate from them because they are more zealous in profession, more heavenly in affection, and more strict in their conversation then themselves, they love the brotherhood, they make much of them that fear the Lord, they desert only the Heathen, you see they approve of, and stand well affected to christian communion. They do not say of their fellow worshippers as Ahab said of Micaiah, we hate them, we hear of no good to us from them; or as it was said of Cajus Sejus, they are good honest men, but only they are Christians, or as some vile caitiffs of our times, we like the men well, but we will not come amongst them for they are precisians, they are not men for our company, they are austere in their carriage, we and they cannot hit it, for they are zealots in Religion.  

Observat. 1. Others Godliness should be our Attractive.  Godliness in others should be the attractive to our desires, and the Loadstone to draw, not to estrange our affections, David's delight was in them that excelled in virtue, but in our times it is a Capital crime to be truly religious, the very name of an honest man who makes conscience of his ways is now grown odious. I wish there were less Antipathy, and more Sympathy, that Sympathy might once breed amity amongst us.  
They do not separate from them of their own Nation, and of their own Religion, but from the people of the Lands, such with whom God had denied them communion, viz. Idolatrous Heathens, questionless there were many formal persons, many profane creatures and rebellious wretches amongst themselves; yet because these are daily in the Temple, they renounce not the assemblies, they turn not their backs upon the Ordinance, like peevish or pettish children they throw not away the covenant, because these or at least many of these are likely to take it with them; whereas it is said all they that had separated themselves &c. it gives us to understand that there were some that had not separated themselves; Here were divisions, yet for aught I can find, they that were separated, 
Observat. 2. Other men's sins must not make us turn our backs upon the pure Ordinances of God.  and they that were not separated met together in the public place of worship; Neither is it improbable but as they had many who stood firmly for this celestial bond unto their Nobles, so they had some who gainsaid it, withstood it, and opposed it; yet you see that notwithstanding all this they separate from none but gross Idolaters; we must not for the sins of our fellow worshippers, nor for difference of opinion amongst our selus make a separation from the true church. Was not the Church in Christ's time a perverse Church? Math. 5.21.22. Math. 15.6.7.8. 1 Cor. 2.8.9. And did he not forbid to separate from this Church, Mat. 10.6.7. Mat. 23.2.3. Did he not himself preach in their Temple. Joh. 8.2. And reason with them in his own person about Religion? joh. 10.24.25.26. Surely Christ's precept back with his own precedent may be our warrant not to desert our Congregations.  
When did the visible Church in any age since Adam not consist of a mixed multitude? she hath been, and do what we can, she will be a Lily amongst the thorns. If I go further I shall exceed a Paraphrastique exposition, I therefore refer you to Rutheford, Bernard, and Ball. But it may be you now dislike us because of the Divisions and distractions amongst us. I cannot deny our many dissentings, one being amongst us for Paul, another for Apollo's, one for Cephas, another for Christ; nor yet our grievous and lamentable distractions, being sprung from the civil jars of one faith. I confess them with grief, I wish I could remove them with prayers, or wipe them away with my tears. But because the sons of my mother jangle amongst themselves, and proceed from wrangling to fight. I will not therefore deny her, run away from her, or desert her. I know that her children's dissension is her grief, and shall I add affliction to her sorrow?  From the people of the Lands. 

Quest.  WHat are they that are here meant by the people of the lands?  

Answ.  The Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the jebusites the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians and the Amorites, Ezr. 9.1.  

Quest.  How were they joined to these Idolaters?  

Answ.  Contrary to Gods Command they were joined unto them in Marriage, neither was it the sin of the vulgar sort alone, but the very hands of the Princes and Rulers were chief in this trespass, Ezra. 9.2.  
Those who are not separated enter not into the oath, and the curse for the observation of God's Statutes with their brethren the Nobles; their strange Wives have withdrawn them, their Idolatrous consorts have set them in opposition against this Covenant, which is likely to prove a strong promover of Religion, in its purity, power, & perfection.  

Observat. Matrimonial League with Idolaters, a strong bar to keep out the power of Godliness.  Marriage with strangers, or matrimonial leagues with Idolaters, are not only an inlet unto false worship, but a strong bar to keep out the power of godliness. This made Ezra when he heard of it, rend his garment, pluck off his hair, and sit down astonished: Shall our eyes be dry? shall we not even for this bedew our cheeks with our tears? It is our sin of England as well as it was the sin of Israel, amongst others we especially feel the smart of this now; we must be deeply humbled, or else God will not be reconciled.  And all they that had separated, etc. 

Observat. Covenanting Christians should be courageous Christians.  THese men now take heart of grass unto themselves, they are resolved to continue no longer slaves to sin, and bondslaves unto Satan; they see their wickedness is a let to their happiness, they now with violence break through the thorne-hedge of corrupt desires; they matter not for toil, they prise their liberty, they value not their blood, come what can come, they will sound out the Trumpet, strike up the Drum, and fight against their lusts which continually war against their souls; As good soldiers of Christ, so that Idolatry may be suppressed, other evils subdued, and that God may be appeased, they care not what hardness they undergo; they are martial men, and they have got mighty minds, as they have got courage for the conflict, so they hope to obtain the conquest. They do not now like milksops, whitelivered fellows, or saint-hearted creatures for fear of blows, desert devotion, relinquish religion corrupt conscience, pervert piety, depress strictness, and suppress sincerity; they dare now defend, and as much as in them lieth dignify the honourable, and noble peerelese Cause of God's precious people, they matter not what danger they put themselves upon, so they can ruinated and repress the insolent, wicked, and insupportable abominations of Belials base and hellish brood. They are not apsaled and affrighted, like some formidable and pufillanimous spirits, or as Salomons sluggard with the Lions in the way, they are determined to hazard their lives to maintain Christ's cause, and to uphold the practical profession of Christianity. O beloved, had they been timorous, they had been unfit for this military course, but it seems they have spirit, for what do they know but that this Covenant may set all the Heathens in battle array against them? their familiar acquaintance may be as judas, and their late Idolatrous wives may be as Dalilah to betray them; yet for all this they will not be dismayed, they pluck up a good heart, pass through the Pikes, adventure upon difficulties, and rather than they will not covenant with God, put themselves upon the peril of their lives. O that we like these had magnanimous and undaunted spirits, as we should be content, to resist to blood, so we should answer our cruel and bloody opposers as that renowned Cassibelane the Britain answered Caesar, I have not yet learned to live in servitude, but with weapons in hand to defend the liberty of my Country; we are not yet contented to live in Romish or infernal slavery, we have learned to maintain the rights and liberties of our Celestial Country, we fear not brandished swords, menacing speeches, no not the utmost that adverse powers can do unto us, we fear not perils, rather than God's Cause shall lie bleeding upon the ground, we will adveuture the pouring out the warmest blood that runs in our veins. These expostulate not the case with carnal reason, as many do in our days, they do not say, This Covenant tends to the utter subversion of all will-worship whatsoever, no Idolatry, no not the least must be countenanced if this take place, we are sure to lose many friends, and to undergo the threats of great men's frowns, a great part of our Estates are likely to be exhausted, and our very lives may come to be endangered. Will not those who are averse unto the Covenant, who have sworn to uphold Babel, to side with the scarlet Whore, (and to defend the Anti-christian cause) grow very furious, and become much more enraged against us, will they not by open force, and by all secret Stratagems seek the spoil and undoing of us, they lashed us before with whips, but it is to be feared they will be turned to Scorpions; we thought in times past that their hand was heavy, but now they will lay more load, yea, cause their little fingers to be fare more ponderous than their father's loins; for aught we know, this may cause our dis-affected wives privately in revenge to murder us, our servants (who by this are sure to be abridged of their former liberty) to rise up against us; but if these should be quiet, yet Artaxerxes the King of Persia, and other Princes about us, whose religion we go about to suppress, may probably take up arms, and break in violently upon us. It is good to prevent these dangers, it is safe sleeping in a whole skin, the best course to remove these fears, and to take away these doubts is not to accept, but to reject this covenant. O beloved, such thoughts as these do not trouble their heads, these are not scarecrows to keep them from this holy league; indeed they had cause at this time (as much as any people under the cope of Heaven could have) to cogitate thus with themselves, but such is their zeal with their undaunted courage, that they look beyond perils, come life, come death, with one consent they will take the covenant,  Their Wives. 
WOmen are the weaker vessels, 
Observat. Women not privileged from spiritual vows.  but though weaker no more than men privileged from spiritual vows; as they are subject to sin, so their souls are exposed to danger as well as others; therefore it is requisite that with others they should make use of all means for sin's prevention: Covenants are corrosives to eat out dead flesh, and the prime Antidote to prevent future distempers; These men love their wives, they are loath they should die of their vicious Ulcers; like wise men, men of knowledge, they seek out for remedy, they have taken advice, they are told, engagements to God will daunt the courage of corruption, that self ties for exact observance, will make sins heart like Nabals, and cause it to give up the ghost; that selfe-searching, selfe-mourning, selfe-condemning, and selfe-covenanting, will eat out the core of iniquity, heal the conscience, and preserve the poor soul in safety; they are glad of their directions, they make haste to their houses, they cannot be quiet in their spirits, this counsel is as fire in their bones, they must needs forthwith relate it to their wives. But how is it taken with their consorts, is it not too sharp, too biting, too full of vexation? No, they are so taken up with thoughts of their healing, that the tartness of the medicine doth not discourage them. From its application, they accept it cheerfully, they lay it on willingly, and they keep it on carefully; for as since their disease is the same with their Husbands, they with them apply the same plaster, entering into a curse and an oath to serve the Lord.  

Observat. 2. Christian's should be p li. titians.  He that looks not to all Ports is not likely to keep out an enemy, to foresee evils, and to prevent dangers is a point of policy. Christian's should be Politicians, we must not only abstain from all appearance of evil, but cut off all occasions whereby corruptions may be ushered into our souls. These grave Seniors of Israel leave not their wives at liberty while they stand bound, Nightingales sing sweetly, they are afraid of seduction, they do not trust them that lie in their bosom, 
Sicut mulier adjutrix, ita saepe insiliatrix, et sicut portus est conjugium, ita et saepe naufragium parit. Chrysost.  they bring them to the Covenant, that so they may be as deeply engaged as themselves. Who but Evah persuaded Adam to rebel against God? He was deceived, not by Satan, but by his second self; not by the Serpent, but by his Spouse; not by the Devil, but by a woman; not by a stranger, but by his wife. Did not jobs wife tempt him to evil? job, 2.9. Salomons wives turn his heart from God. 1 King. 11.4. and Ahabs wife enticed him to work wickedness before the Lord? 1 King. 21.25. Women are not always helpers, they are sometimes seducers; they are not always as a safe harbour to their Husbands, there is sometimes shipwreck of faith in their embraces. 
Mulieres pericula semper in auribus habent. Chrysost. . Beloved, do not false fears like false fires often burn in many women's breasts? they are very timorous, suspicions make deep impressions. And what do they do when they are jealous of an approaching evil? surely buzz their fears into their husband's heads; using all allurements to draw them to the fulfilling and accomplishment of their desires; they sing Siren's songs, they are very observant of their humours: but latet anguis in herba, there is some mischief at hand. It is very likely a supposed evil of affliction must now be kept off by some real evil of transgression. I think for this I may appeal to the consciences of many, who by the enticing words of their flattering wives have been put upon those ways, which have afterwards caused horror to their souls. From these men we may learn wisdom, we may fear back-sliding; He that standeth must take heed lest he fall. Let us therefore hedgein ourselves with a holy vow, but out of that fence let us not leave our wives,, lest they being forth, get us out by wiles to sin against God.  Their Sons, their Daughters, and all that had knowledge, etc. 
THese words include all inferiors in the Domestic Government: 
Observat. None exempted from a sacred Vow.  It is for josuahs' household as well as himself to serve the Lord, Iosh. 24.15. It is common with youth to lay the reins lose upon the neck of their lusts, to follow their own devices, and to pursue the imaginations of their evil hearts, the headstrong creature must have a curb; surely an oath and a curse are a strong reine to hold in the head of sin.  
It is not a perfect body that is defective in its members, I much mistake me, if both Church and Commonwealth will not challenge sons and daughters as part of their members; why then by way of exemption from covenant should they be separated from the body? Nehemiah doth not shut servants out of doors; here is no Porter to keep the gate fast bolted against them; for he saith, all that had knowledge took the vow, and as the jews had servants, so I suppose their servants were capable of knowledge. Servants be stones in building of the Church, and props to uphold the Commonwealth, and is it not fit they should be well cemented, and fast tied by a Protestation?  They clavae to their brethren, etc. 
THey clavae, viz. they approved, they did not dislike, they were cheerful, they did not murmur, they were willing, they did not hang bacl, they were sincere, they did not dissemble, they were resolute, they did not halt, they were submissive, they did not rebel, they were constant they did not fly off. Particular facts commended in Scripture, are general examples & bind to imitation, when either the same thing is elsewhere commanded, or where the ground, drift, and equity of the thing is not covered with a cloud. These men judge not with a fleshly, but with a spiritual eye; the carnal man perceives not the things that are of God. A Covenant, especially such a Covenant would seem harsh to a natural judgement. Their way is not the way of the world, the Prince of the air works not upon them for disobedience; they see the beauties of holiness, even the riches of Heaven, which is Christ, the hope of glory to their souls. Sin like false wares deludes not their souls with its curious gloss, the spirit of whoredoms is not in them, they know the Lord, and frame their do to turn unto their God: Had contumacy sat as regent in their hearts, in following vanity, they would have become vain, they had gone after the Heathen, whom the Lord had charged them they should not do like unto them; they would have hardened their necks, and steeled their countenance against this covenant; had they looked through Nature's prospective glass, this would have seemed a nicety, not necessary, they see not men like Trees, their eyesight is cleared, they now judge this course necessary for their souls.  
Surely Israel is in a happy condition; she hath a multitude of Counsellors, and therefore safe; she hearkeneth to counsel, and therefore wise; she soars not aloft with foolish conceits, she is not swollen with the tympany of Pride, she is not lifted up in herself (Nabal-like) above the good counsel of other men, presuming that she is able enough to take directions from her own principles; neither is she obdurate or melted like wax, either too hard to receive, or too soft to retain any impression, like them who through anguish of spirit harkened not to Moses the Messenger of their deliverance; neither is she uncapable of advice, through simplicity which is the daughter of ignorance, or through jealousy which is an effect of fear; she suspects not a circumvention by her Nobles, as being close minded, and therefore aiming at their own ends; neither is she wilful or heady, because she would not be thought unable to direct herself, to judge what is needful, or to manage her spiritual affairs; she hath an ear open, and an heart attentive to the directions of her Worthies.  

Observat. Examples of Superiors strong cords to draw others to godliness.  Examples of superiors are strong cords to draw on others to goodness. Pious Nobles are good guides, their religious actions are good inducements unto holiness; sometimes to multitudes of persons they are leading, swasible and prevailing precedents: Though it be true as Solomon saith, If the Rruler hearken to lies, all his servants are wicked, and though jeroboam Idolatry became Israel's sin, yet when joshuah resolved in the audience of his people, that he and his household would serve the Lord, the people replied, that God's service was with him the subject matter of their choice. Iosh. 24.15.21.22. So when josiah made a covenant to walk after the Lord, to keep his Commandments, his testimonies, and his Statutes with all his heart, they that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin, cavilld not against the fact, took not pett and withdrew themselves in discontent, they are of flexible tempers, a willing people in the day of assemblies, they maintain, and stand to what their Ruler hath done. 2 Chro. 34 31.32. O how good were it for inferiors, that Superiors devoted themselves to holiness, they might then guide their feet in the way of peace, have lighted torches continually burning before them; O how much better would it be for persons in place of Authority to practise godliness in then own persons? by this means they should never increase the guilt and intent of their personal sins, by making them exemplary to others.  

Application.  Use 1 See the excellency of pious Nobles, and what a mercy it is to have religious Worthies: I will not say that these were all, Natu Nobilus, noble by descent; yet this I may say, that they were Nobiles quia virtute fulgentes, they were fulgent in virtue, eminent for piety, and very radiant, God's Image shining clearly upon their souls; The more men resemble the Deity, surely I conceive they are the more invested with the robes of Nobility, they are not men that are subservient to their vices, but men that excel in virtues, that are of Heroic spirits; He is an only Peer of Heaven, who disdains to be overcome by his base corruptions. These Nobles are like morning stars, they by their godly endeavours bring light to a world of Persons, they are excellent for brightness, and they communicate their graces, as desirous of the good of others: They are nursing Fathers; Labour after reformation and preservation, are Symptoms of paternal affection, they are ministers of good, and therefore it is not sin, but sanctity, not evil, but good, that by their practice they preach unto the people; They are Leaders, and therefore they go before them, by a holy vow guiding them in the way to heaven: They are ordainers, therefore they prefix order to the multitude, and to keep them in order, they frame an Ordinance, and that Ordinance is a Covenant; they are observators, they take notice of, and give directions for what is to be done, they are Governors, or rather skilful Mariners, they sit at the helm in the height of the storm, and to keep the ship of their souls from splitting against the rocks of Gods dreadful justice, as a strong Anchor they cast out a vow, that if by any means the people may be kept alive and not die in their sins. O happy Israel, thy Nobles are the pledges of thy rule, they confirm and commend the truth and goodness contained in thy precepts; they direct thee in particulars concurring with thy injunctions, though not expressed in them; they toll thee on in obedience, though not passive, yet active; thou mayst well keep going, when such as these go before to direct thee; Lazy travellers will hold out with good company which beat the path before them: Thy great personages are not so taken up with the person for a time put upon them, that either in speech, look, or carriage, they show that they forget their natural condition, as men, or their supernatural estate, as Christian men; thy are counsellable by themselves, they are not oblivious of those duties that concern their severed condition in respect of another world. What are they have been, thou canst not now say that they are Idolatrous, they set not up Idols, they depress Idolatry, they are not rebellious, and companions of thiefs, they embrace communion with Saints; they are not ignorant, they are wise as Rulers, and learned as judges of thy Nation; they do not with Diotrephes who loved the pre-eminence, refuse to countenance God's Messengers, they do not prate against God's servants with malicious words, they forbidden not them that would entertain them, neither do they excommunicate them, or shut them out of the Church. Thou mayst rejoice O Israel in these thy Worthies, their deportment shows, that they are thy best Counsellors, there is squareness, not partiality or perverseness in their actions, they are wise to preserve thee, not crafty to ensnare thee, they are active, not for their own advancement, but for thy advantage, they are courageous for thee, not fearful or faint-hearted to defend thee, they are religious, but not factious, secret, but not fraudulent, they are well read in thy present estate, and apprehensive of what may promote thy future felicity, and therefore as they have provided a solemn Covenant, so they as fellow-brethrens join with thee in a sacred Oath for engagement unto God. See then in these thy happiness, they are not as cross winds to keep thee from shore, they are as prosperous gales to bring thee in safety to the harbour. Be glad thou daughter of Zion, and with shouting express thy rejoicing for these thy Nobles.  
Use 2 O ye Senators of the Land, let these Worthies be your examples, parallel these in pious actions, than glory and renown will be as a Crown and Diadem set upon your heads: It is reported of Agesilaus, that in travelling he always took up his lodging in the Temples, to the intent that men and Gods might see into his actions; All things are naked to the eye of Heaven therefore in all your consultations and untertaking, reflect upon jehovahs' presence, consult with God, and act for God. Paul complains of many, who sought themselves, but not Christ, stain not your proceed with by-ends, let God's glory be your highest aims, there is no safety in self seeking, as this argues filthiness of mind in nobleness of birth, so it is man's debasement before the Lord; To ingratiate and enrich yourselves, let not the sky of Sovereignty be the only object of your sight, nor the sundry revolutions of Prince's affections, be the sole heaven of your contemplation, Non nobis nati sumus, next unto God seek the public good, weigh your intendments in the fruit, as well as the flower, consider what they will be to others, aswell as yourselves, be not unthrifts in your places, look that your designs have a public stamp, that in the success they prove not a disgrace, but an honour to your names; you must be men of more than private spirits, the Kingdom's safety must be your care, the Gospels' advancement must be your endeavour, and the people's prosperity is the thing you must strive for; Let not your works at any time be works of iniquity; suffer not an act of violence to be in your hands, permit not your feet to run to evil, or to make haste to shed innocent blood; why should your thoughts be thoughts of perverseness? why should wasting and destruction be in any of your paths? A friend is borne for the day of adversity; we do not look at you as having virgins faces, and vultures talons, we take you not to be feigned, but faithful friends, we are yet in distractions, cease not to help us by your counsels, you have hitherto stood for our liberty, still stand as pillars of marble, 
Quanto illustriores sunt homines in saeculo, scientia it genere, tante pluribus suit perditionis exemplura Bernard. Epist. 109  spare not your pains, spare not your blood for the preservation of our felicity; be not as the children of Ethiopians before the Lord; O Let the light of your lives, aswell as the light of your Counsels make it apparent that jehovah judgeth amongst the Gods; to advise well, and live ill, is to build with one hand, and pluck down with an other; Scarlet Robes are ornaments to your bodies, but scarlet sins will prove the debasement of your souls; it is the transparent crystal glass of your holy life, that will show us the spots upon our garments, and your sticking close unto the Covenant for God, that is likely to conglutinate our affections more unto yourselves, and as a leading precedent give us encouragement for a religious walking before the Lord. Thus qualified, our subject shows you, you should be; and thus fare you see, the example of zealous Peers prevailed in the days of old.  
Use 3 Let us beloved of this Nation take Israel's practice into imitation; they may well be resembled unto stars: Stars are lights, they shine as lights in the world, endeavouring to be blameless and harmless, the sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, Philip. 2.15. So soon as the Sun appears, and breaks out with its radiant beams, they veil their own glory. God can no sooner declare himself in the beauties of holiness, but these cast the veil of humble submission over their own faces, and by obedience give him the honour due unto his Name. There is a pleasing and a concordiall harmony amongst the stars, and these are not different in their desires, nor dissonant in their actions; stars are celestial bodies, these are not now terrene in their affections, they are heavenly minded, they express their resurrection to newness of life by seeking the things that are above, spiritual righteousness above all, is that which they seek for; Little stars do not envy great ones, these are so fare from emulation, that they rejoice in the zeal, and triumph in the forwardness of their Nobles; Heathens oppose the truth of God's Worship, seeking to cloud it with their own fancies, and superstitious vanities; these as sparkling and glorious stars, break out in a black and a dark night: As stars are constant in their courses, and keep their appointed places; so these without aspiring, without negligence, adhere in covenant to these their religious Worthies. Lastly, as stars communicate their light to us, betwixt whom there is a great distance, so these Israelites to the remotest places, yea, to the ends of the world hold out a Precedent, for taking and keeping of a holy covenant. Self-love and overweening conceits do not now as with wings carry them aloft, they are privy to their failings, apprehensive of their misery, and depressed in their thoughts, for making their Peers their copy to write by, and their sole example for imitation, they both acknowledge the want of, and declare their desire after their perfection. Be you followers of me, saith Paul to the Church of Corinth, as I am of Christ, 1 Cor. 11. many think they are in a good condition if there be any worse than themselves, but these strive not with the worst, but with the best, making apace, as fast as they can after them, though they come far behind them, both in their zeal and in their wisdom; these men are not now asleep as they were before, their consciences are wakened, the eye of their understanding is opened, and they see in this their day the things that belong unto their peace: lately they were insensible of sins deceit, and the spiritual death of their souls; now with the Apostle they feel the destructive power of corruption, and cry out, O wretched men that we are, who shall deliver us from this body of death! now they conceive a kind of necessity of Damnation, because that custom in sin hath bred a necessity of sinning in them; now they consider whither sin, Satan, and their Idolatrous wives would carry them, now they lay to heart the justice of God standing before them as an Angel with a drawn sword ready to fall upon them, if they post on still in the way of transgression, therefore to preserve them from utter ruin they begin to set themselves in battle array, they put on the shield of faith, the breastplate of righteousness, and the helmet of salvation, that so they may forthwith wage war against their lusts; they do not stand hover in the air, as men not fully resolved, saying, shall we, shall we? they are grown resolute, though they pass through fields of iron, and streams of blood, they will set upon a strict course, to curb their heady corruptions, and that course you see is a covenant to observe the statutes of the Lord: these are not like many, to pretend much and perform little, they do not break off now it comes to the pinch, constancy crownes their purposes, and is as a wreath of Laurel girding the temples of their sacred resolutions, for they fly not off, but cleave unto their brethren the Nobles. O that we for splendency could make them our pattern, O that in humility, we could follow them, and that in constancy we came not fare behind them; examples are sometimes efficacious doctrines. Sozomen reports, that the devout life of a poor Captive Christian woman, made a King and all his family embrace the faith of jesus Christ; and Eusebius from Clement tells us, that when a wicked accuser had brought Saint james to condemnation, seeing his Christian fortitude, he was touched in conscience, confessed himself to be a Christian, and so was taken to execution with him, where after confession and forgiveness, they kissed, and prayed for each other, and so were both beheaded together. Israel is no ill guide, at this time she is a very good pattern, her light like a clear and a bright Diamond, may well shine in the darkness of our souls, her splendour may be the glorious object of our sight, her present covenanting action calls aloud to us for speedy imitation, therefore let us up and be doing, let us take her vow upon ourselves, and vowing adhere, and stick close unto our noble Worthies. 
Motives.   
That we may not be slack to the work, but setting these Israelites as a pillar of fire before us, walk after them in our adherence to our Nobles, let us consider what they are in their several relations, and what they are declared to be by their particular actions.  
They are Patriots, not Traitors to their Country; like homebred vipers they seek not to corrodate & eat out their mother's bowels, they desire not through the sea of blood to swim to the cape of their hope, they have vowed with theii lives to defend our Kingdom's liberties; they do not say as Antonius Bassianus Caracalla, sometimes Emperor of Rome, said (quod libet licet) the Law is the rule of their will, their will sets not Confines to the Law, they do not what may please themselves, but what they may and must do for the preservation of this our Nation; they like Aelius Adrianus seek so to govern us, that it may be apparent that it is our wealth, not their own that they seek for.  
They are zealous for God, not desperate Rebels against God: They have formerly solemnly protested to maintain and uphold the Protestant Religion against all Popery, and popish innovations whatsoever, and they have now sworn to defend God's worship against Atheists, and armed Papists, who endeavour with their soul feet to bemuddy the waters of the Lords Sanctuary; to stand for Religion, I hope, is not to stand against God, to labour to uphold the Church in her purity, is not to oppose and persecute Christ, because these love the Lord, they seek to set up his discipline, and because the loves of Christ are better than wine unto their spirits, they desire that in England with a more Majestic and commanding power he may be set upon his Throne; They will not with julian apostatise from Christ, they will not with Dioclesian persecute his Saints. Now God hath called them out to a perfect reformation, they will not have it said of them as it was of some, that the Nobles put not their necks to the work of the Lord. Nehe. 3.5. They are not like some in our times, who care not to damn themselves, that they may hurt the Church, they rather resemble justinian, they have no less care of the Church of God, than they have of their own souls.  
They are Loyal, not perfidious to our King; Have they not vowed to defend his Majesty's Royal person, Crown, dignities, and estate? wherein have they dealt falsely, in what particular can you lay treachery to their charge? They love his soul, they will not corrupt it by ill counsels, they had rather fence it, (that sin may not break in upon it) by christian advice: they know that sin is the soul's poison; It appears by their prayers for him, they would not have soule-guilt laid to their charge, they would have our King hereafter as a bright morning star to shine in the Kingdom of heaven; They love his Majesty's person, it is his presence that they long for, not his absence that they are content with; Strangers both in Nation and religion do daily environ him, they fear it may make for his ruin, and his good people's destruction, they beseech his Majesty to withdraw himself from them, they are confidently persuaded of his sweet and pliable disposition, they strive therefore to remove evil Counsellors from him, they so thirst ofter the enjoyment of him, that they are willing to hazard their lives to get him. His Majesty's peaceable return unto them will be the rejoicing of their hearts; they stand for his State, wealth, Honour, and Reputation, they are willing to settle, if not to increase his Revenue. and they have engaged themselves to make him as glorious as any of his Predecessors that have gone before him. Surely our King himself believes, that such of the Pilots Royal of this Land, as have made use of, and relied upon the ancient Laws, and long settled Customs of this Nation for their guard and compass, for the guiding of the Bark of this Commonwealth, have most honourably and prosperously sailed through all the most dangerous and difficult passages, and roughest billows, in the most boisterous storms, and at length have arrived at their desired Haven, with infinite glory to themselves and to the Nation, or else he would never have said unto them; We do engage unto you solemnly the word of a King, that the security of all and every one of you from violence, is, and ever shall be as much our care, as the preservation of Us and our Children. Thus you see his Majesty judgeth them faithful, why should we then think then disloyal? He assures them of his adhering to them, and care of them, saying, He will be as careful of his Parliament, and of the Privileges thereof, as of his Life, and Crown; And shall not we encourage them, by promising to assist them, (so long as they stand for us, and for our Laws) with out estates and lives? Seeing then they are thus, zealots for God, Fathers to the Country, and not rebellious, but loyal to his Majesty; we need not fear to own them, not scruple to be advised by them, not refuse to enter into a holy Covenant with them.  
They are not degenerate, they are truly generous, dangers do not dismay them, difficulties do not dishearten them, they have met with many storms but yet they do not hid their heads, they have had many discouragements, but yet they hold up their spirits, they have been much tossed with waves, by reason of cross winds, but yet they are not hopeless of getting to the harbour; The Devil and the scarlet whore, with all the Romish faction have combined together against them, but yet they are not daunted, they still contend for the Conquest, they yet play the men for the people and for the Cities of their God. Menaces from others, do but breathe a new life into their spirits; They know, that virtue's companion is not facility, the way that she treads, must be rough and Thorny; They remember, that good things are hard to come by, the Gospel and the Subjects liberty, are the Treasures they search for; they look at these as worth their pains, as worth their labour, it is still for these, that they adventure the loss of their precious lives. They are content for the present to bear that which displeaseth them, that in the end (they may freely without interruption) enjoy these rich jewels, which if they get them, will prove advantageous unto them and theirs; They are not ignorant, that quiet calms are often subsequents to stormy tempests, and that sour accidents are sometimes seasoned with sweet events, these, and such like being the subject of their thoughts, they break not off their intended purposes, they desert not their precedent resolutions, they altar not their propounded courses, with a fixed countenance they outstare the threatening eye of danger, they leave their vow as a witness of their valour, they are determined to resist to blood, rather than forsake their God; life is not dear, it is the Lords statutes that they covenant to keep close unto. 
2 Chro. 19 2.  They that love God should be the object of our love, it was Iehosaphats sin, that he helped the ungodly, and loved them that hated the Lord.  
They are a public not a private or a cabinet counsel, they are the great and general Counsel of the Kingdom; fear not that they will ensnare you, themselves and their own estates are interest, in all their decrees; they bid you do nothing but what they have done themselves, their covenant will not endanger you, unless it prove perilous to withstand God's enemies, and to stand close unto God's Commands. A community is seldom prejudicial unto itself or hurtful unto others.  
They are our brethren. So they styled the Scots in the act of pacification, and surely they will not deny us to be their brethren, who are of their own Kingdom, and of their own Religion; like brethren, in all their actions they desire our welfare; they have been studious to contrive, and they are resolute to perform, and this present covenant they have set forth for the public good: like elder brethren they command with love. Let us not hang bacl, but joy in our obedience; our Nobles like the Primitive Christians are well read in Saint john's Doctrine, they have begun to soar to the highest pitch of affection, they are willing to lay down their lives for the brethren; some already in the common Cause are gone to Heaven in a bloody Chariot; others now are in continual perils, not knowing how soon death may cut in sunder the thread of their lives; they may well take up the symbol of Alphonsus Neopolitanus, viz, the Pelican drawing the blood out of her breasts for the feeding of her young, and considering for what it is that they adventure themselves, they may annex unto it this inscription, Pro lege, pro grege. Shall they thus freely (for our Kingdom's Laws, and for our safety) give up their selves, as it were in sacrifice, and shall we forsake them? O no; let their God be our God, their Gospel be our Gospel; let not their bondage be our freedom, their death be our life; let us like brethren die with them, & die for them in the maintenance of this covenant, for keeping off all the judgements of Jehovah:  
They are not only brethren, but they are Noble brethren, they are in high place, they are in great authority; his Majesty hath made them his Counsellors by his own Writ you have made them Patriots of your Country by your own: choice: Remember what Paul saith, Let every soul be subject to the higher powers, he speaks not in the singular, but in the plural number; denoting that there is more powers than one. I suppose you cannot deny them this privilege; they have a prelation above you, though they be your brethren, yet they are to you as these were to Israel, your brethren the Nobles. Listen to their edict, they require, that you sorrow for your sins, and amend your lives, they are willing with you to take out the same lesson, therefore with them make a firm covenant to turn from the evil of your ways.  
Lastly, do but compare the times passed with the time present: formerly you put on mourning as a garment & were ever and anon ready to hid yourselves, whilst men of corrupt minds, corrupt concerning the faith, were the sole counsellors of estate, Prov. 28.28. The wind is turned, the case is altered; your righteous, your religious Nobles are now in authority, and that they may the better appear to be so to the eye of your souls, consider a little the particulars.  
First, what counsel they give to our Sovereign, is it not like that of the Seniors of Israel, do they not advise him, if he will be the servant of this people to speak good words unto them, that they may be his servants for ever? 1 King. 12.7.  
Secondly, what is the charge they give unto the judges of the land? Is it not that they must take heed what they do, because they judge not for man but for the Lord; that they let the fear of God be upon them, with whom there is no iniquity, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts? 2 Cro. 19.6.7.  
Thirdly, what injunctions do they lay upon the Ministry? Do they not bid the Levites sanctify themselves, Sanctify the house of the Lord, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place, 2 Chro. 29, 5, 6.  
Fourthly, have they not formerly put you upon fasting, and still continue your days of humiliation, that you may afflict yourselves before your God, to seek of him a right way; for you, your little ones, and all your substance, Ezra. 8.21. And have they not now framed a Covenant for them and for us, to seek the Lord God of our fathers, with all our heart, and with all our soul. O then, having such mercies by them, let us adjoin ourselves unto them: They tender us a covenant, it is for holy observance, their counsel is wholesome, their demand is equal, and their tender is lawful, themselves have led the way, let us with judah rejoice at the Oath, 2 Chr. 15.12, 13, 14, 15. & every one with them subscribe for himelfe, that he will keep close unto the Law of the Lord.  

Quest.  Wherein must we cleave unto our Nobles?  

Answ,  First in obeying them; this the Doctor of the Gentiles imposeth as a duty upon us, when he bids us be subject to principalities and powers, to obey Magistrates, and to be ready to every good work, Tit. 3.1. and for this those jews are a fair precedent before our eyes.  
Secondly, in having a reverend esteem of them, as they are the Lords Vicegerents, so they are styled Gods, Exod. 22.28. and it is our duty to render honour to whom honour is due. Rom. 13.7.  
Thirdly, in being faithful to them, we have engaged ourselves by solemn protestation to maintain and defend them. We cannot maintain the privileges of Parliament, and destroy the members of Parliament. Let us be loyal not perfidious, let us have no hand in any thing that may hurt them, if we know of any plot or projects against them, let us quickly and timely discover them.  
Fourthly, in praying for them. Pray for Kings, and all that be in authority saith the Apostle, 1 Tim. 2.2. Preces & lachrymae arma ecclesiae, your prayers may keep off their enemies, strong cries, and earnest entreaties may be prevalent for your Nobles safeties. Consider:  
First, that your Worthies as they are now assembled are the foundation, and Basis of government, and consequently of the peace and happiness of the Kingdom: for as they create Law, by which we are governed in peace and quietness, so they uphold the power and authority of the Law; so that if through the neglect of prayer you suffer the foundation to decay, the main building cannot long stand. For where no counsel is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety, Pro. 11.14.  
Secondly, that they are to you as Gideon and the Judges were to Israel, A hedge to keep you within your bounds, and a strong tower to keep off the main body of your sins, Judg. 2.19.— 8. 33. Break down your hedge, you may ramble whither you please, demolish your Fortress, and you lie open to the batteries of all corruptions whatsoever; their dying may prove Idolatries' Vivification, their death is likely to be the life of men's lusts, they may then go a whoring after their own inventions, therefore as you desire the death of your sins, pray for the life of your Nobles.  
Thirdly, how comes it to pass that hitherto notwithstanding the malice of your bloody adversaries, your Gospel hath had free passage, and your Laws have been in force, Remember, that all the days of Samuel, the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines, 1 Sam. 7.13. you had need pray for them if they be once removed, your enemies will break in, and if they prevail, where is your life, nay, the life of your life, your law and religion?  
Fourthly, the Heathens abhorred ingratitude, we profess ourselves to be Christians, our prayers are our thanks, they expect that; and well may they look for it in respect of their unwearied pains. Indeed when we call to mind what they have done for us, and suffered in our behalves, our lives should not be dear unto us for their sakes, but I scarce believe that they will afford them their lives, who seldom or never vouchsafe them their prayers. O ingrateful wretches, let not such unthankfulness be found amongst our English spirits.  They clavae to their brethren, &c, 
THey were brethren, quoad carnens, as having reference to the flesh, they all descended from the loins of Abraham, joh. 8.39. They were brethren, quoad fidem, they all laid claim to the Promise, and they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. Galat. 3.7. They are brethren in respect of affection; Brotherly love continues amongst them, for now like brethren they seek to do them good. Lastly, they are brethren, in respect of their mutual conjunction in this entire covenant; and thus like Simeon and Levi they are not brethren in evil, cruelty is not in their habitations, the accomplishment of wicked designs is not the subject matter of their desires, to encourage themselves in the way of iniquity, and to strengthen their hands in the support of Idolatry is out of their thoughts, the amending of their ways runs in their minds, mutual corroboration in the practice of holiness, is the cause of their league, and strictness with sincerity in the Lord's service, is the end of their present resolves.  
Generally from this appellation, whereby they are called, 
Observat. 1 Pride becomes not noble spirits.  and with which, for aught that we know, they were well contented, you may observe, that pride becomes not noble spirits, Rulers must not be of insulting natures; it is not an haughty carriage that adds to their praise, their chiefest ornament is an humble deportment: they are but worms, why should they swell? Did not Majesty empty itself, when Christ was contented to become a servant? They are but Ministers; and in their chiefest eminence, but Ministers for good; why do they not then condescend to men of low degree? Rom. 12.16. Thoughts of dignity must be laid down, they must be refused where God may be honoured. My heart is towards the Governors that offered themselves willingly among the people: bless ye the Lord, judg. 5.9.  
2 In that thus freely, thus lovingly they close with their motion, 
Observat. 2. Infer our persons must accept of motions from their Nobles, as motions from affectionate Brothers.  eyeing them in this affable and familiar relation, collect thus much for your instruction: That Subjects must accept of motions from their Nobles, as motions from affectionate brothers.  
What is the reason our late Ordinances are not observed: that their injunctions are not obeyed, and that their Covenant is accounted strange, being but a bit to hold in the head of their lusts? I fear me it is because our Nobles themselves are strangers not brothers in our repute. But leaving them we will cast our eye upon the Vow or Covenant itself.  
And they entered into a curse, and into an Oath, etc.  
To curse, is to wish, and pray for evil things, and execrable to befall others, or ourselves; When David was charged with affecting the Kingdom, and seeking Saul his deposition, if not his destruction, for his own clearing, he makes use of dreadful a imprecation, saying; If I have done this, let the Enemy persecute my soul, let him tread down my life upon the earth, and lay mine honour in the dust. Psal. 7.3.4.5. His soul by a Synecdoche sets out his person, his life the existence of his person amongst the living, and his honour, his dignity & glory in this world, and in the world to come. It is grievous personally to be oppressed, more grievous to have the light of life extinguished, but most grievous with the deprivation of life, instead of glory, to have perpetual ignominy laid upon him, yet all this in case he be guilty, he is content with, and therefore to clear his innocency, he calls for no less than this upon himself. And this did job, job 31.5.6.7 8. etc. Neither was Paul the Doctor of the Gentiles  of an Execration, when he called God for a Record upon his soul, that he came not to spare them at Corinth. 2 Cor. 1.23. In like manner these jews (in case they willingly or wilfully break the Law) give up themselves unto the curse. As if they should have said, Lord let evil befall us, misery overtake us, and sorrow be the Lot of our Inheritance; Let calamity be our portion, distress our reward, and death and damnation itself the recompense of our souls, if we again return to the Heathens, if for the future we be not observant of thy sacred Statutes.  

〈◊〉 precation●…d execrations be not usual, yet sometim s they are very lawful Cautions.  Though imprecations and execrations be not usual, yet sometimes they are very lawful; they are not inhibited, by the practice of the Saints, you see they are highly commended. This our Worthies were not ignorant of, as appears by the closure of their late Covenant, wherein they call God to witness the sincerity of their intentions, for which they are content to answer at the Great day, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed. Indeed I confess these are not commonly in our ordinary affairs, nor rashly, but considerately to be used by any, and therefore use them but when other ways the truth cannot be credited; but when by other means thy integrity cannot be cleared, but that thy intentions for Piety may be freed from the aspersion of levity, and but as these Israelites did to bind thy soul hand and foot, that it stir not, that it start not, from an holy walking before the Lord.  And into an oath. 
THere be three ways to confirm the truth; Affirmation, Assertion, and an Oath. In the first we only say, yea, or nay; and whatsoever is above this, viz. (in our ordinary communication) is not good, but evil, Matth. 5.37. In the second, when our word is looked at as reprobate silver, and not taken for currant coin, (the matter being weighty) we pawn our truth as one of our best jewels in an asseveration, and in this way sometimes by a double Amen, did Christ ratify his say. In the third, when men will not accept of our own pledge, we procure God for our surety, unto whose justice in our Oath we enter into Counterbond for punishment by him, if we go about to deceive. And thus the Jews to testify the uprightness of their hearts in the present Covenant, enter into an Oath with their Peers.  
To swear, or to take an oath, 
What an Oath is.  is a very solemn and religious calling of God to witness, acknowledging that as he is the only wise God, knowing the secrets of our souls, and the most gracious Patron, and faithful defender of all Truth, so on the contrary, that he is a most severe Judge, and revenger of all such as shall abuse his Name, to witness a false matter: or more briefly you may thus define it. An Oath is an holy invocation of God (as the best witness of all truth) and the punisher of all such as profane his Name in calling him to testify an untruth. Thus in swearing God is made both Index and Vindex, for therein we desire him, as the searcher of hearts, and Patronizer only of truth, to evidence with us that we deceive not, and withal to take vengeance on us if we do deceive. Oaths are twofold, Assertory and Promissory, 
Oaths are two fold.  Israel is sure she dislikes her sins, she is not a stranger to her hearts rising against her corruptions, she knows that her soul is grieved for her former transgressions, this she affirms by her present swearing before the Lord of Heaven: She sees how she hath deviated, she purposeth a speedy return; she is privy to her precedent rebellion, now she vows though a sudden, yet a true not a feigned reformation: she is conscious that she hath provoked the eyes of his glory, she now promiseth not again to offend, but in every duty to please his Majesty, and in all her endeavours to promote his honour. And because she would not be fickle, but keep fast bound to her word, she enters into a serious and a solemn oath.  
She swears in truth, for now seeing herself in the glass of the Law, she beholds her sins as so many spots; neither is her purpose merely formal, but real for cleansing, nor her intention hypocritical but sincere, for the removal of the evil of her do from before the Lord: so that her oath is not devoid of truth. Secondly, she considers what she binds herself from, viz. her former Idolatries, and what she engageth herself unto, viz. to walk in spirit and truth in the presence of Jehovah, so that she swears in judgement. Thirdly, her oath is in righteousness, for as she swears to please God, so that she may please him she swears only obedience to his commands.  

Observat. We may vow against Sin, we may swear obedience unto God.  We may vow against sin, we may swear obedience unto God. I think Saul did not ill in swearing that David should not be slain, when jonathan asked him, Wherhfore he would sinne against innocent blood, to kill him without a cause, 1 Sam. 19.56. neither did job offend protesting his innocency, and attesting his sincerity by a solemn oath. As God liveth who hath taken away my judgement, and the Almighty who hath vexed my soul; all the while my breath is in me, and the Spirit of God is in my nostrils, my lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit, job, 27.2, 3, 4. Thus did Asa with his people, 2 Chro. 15.14, And this is the present act of these Israelites with their Nobles.  
Isaiah Prophesying of the conversion of the Gentiles saith, That they shall swear by the God of truth, Isai. 65.16. What are we but Gentiles? nay, do we not profess ourselves to be converted Gentiles? Why do we then still sit in sin by consent, lie in it by working it, and by continual custom sleep in it, as upon a bed of Down? Let us now awake, and stand up from the dead; let it be seen, that our eyes are in our head to foresee sins misery, and to hid ourselves; that our heart is at our right hand, to withstand temptation: and with violent blows to keep off insinuating and ensnaring corruption; and that we are not rash in making of vows. Let it appear, that deliberatenesse hath curbed rashness, by a solemn oath against the evil of our ways; And to this end consider:  

Reason's  First, that naturally since the fall of Adam, the Portal of thy heart is very weak; Satan ever and anon makes it his inroad to infect thy spirit: it stands in need of a strong bar. A strict oath for aught I know, is one of the best bars wherewith thou mayst bolt him out.  
2. An oath will penetrate and make a deeper impression than a promise upon thy soul: It will be as a spur continually in thy sides, to put thee on to act that whereunto thou hast engaged thyself. After the children of Israel had sworn to come up to the Lord in Mizpeh, and that whatsoever he was that did not vouchsafe his presence, should be put to death. When they were assembled, the thoughts of their oath put them upon diligent inquest after the persons that had absented themselves, they must needs for their oath sake look strictly to them, and therefore they cry out, Who is there among all the Tribes of Israel, that came not up with the congregation unto the Lord? etc. Judg. 21.5. And when the Benjamites; after they had vowed against them, lay still as a bait before them: for being amongst them, they were a daily object of their eye, yet their oath kept them to their precedent promise made unto the Lord; though they dwelled with them, yet they would not marry their daughters unto them. And therefore as to accuse themselves, so to show that oaths make an impress upon the conscience, with one voice they give out this expression, Though there must be an inheritance for them, that be escaped of Benjamin, that a Tribe be not destroyed out of Israel, yet we may not give them wives of our daughters, for we have sworn the contrary, judg. 21.17.18. Promises for the most part with some are but as morning dews; when as a solemn oath is as a great rain that sinks down, and is long seen upon the earth; they are many times not so soon spoken, but so soon forgotten: when oaths ring in the ears, and will be observed, press upon the soul and will not be kept out. What is the reason that after so many vows to God, not only in the days of distress, but upon the receipt of mercies, you have again corrupted yourselves with your own devices? surely had you sworn as well as promised, you would not like broken bows have started from the Lord. saul's subjects being sworn not to eat until the evening, though the Honey dropped, they durst not put their hands to their mouths for fear of the oath, 1 Sam. 14.26. As there is glory, so there is dread in the rays of Majesty, a remiss, and a careless creature will remember himself what he should do in the presence of his Prince. God hath stamped a Majesty and power upon a solemn oath.  

Quest.  But what shall I do, that swearing I may swear aright, both for God, and against my sins?  

Answ.  First, be sure that sin and thy affections be at a distance, that the league that was formerly betwixt them, is quite broken, that the loves of Christ are better than wine to the taste of thy soul, and that because that thy heart is united to the God of Heaven, that therefore thou art afraid to offend him. For he that swears against sin, and yet doth not detest, but love sin, and swears obedience unto God, and hath not a spiritual panting and braying after God, doth not deal fairly, he hath two faces under one hood, he doth but dissemble with the Lord, he swears not truly, that fears not God unfeignedly: Deut. 6.13. Paul is certain that he serves God in the spirit, before he call him to witness his actions. Rom. 1.9.  
Secondly, do this deliberately, considering sins sinfulness, and strictly viewing the beauties of holiness; inconsiderate vows are soon broken, therefore be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thy heart be hasty to utter any thing before God. Eccles. 5.2.  
Thirdly, look at thy call to thy oath, a good call is a good warrant, we must not be Knights of the Post: By frequency and forwardness, we must not give out suspicion that we are prodigal of our own credit, and of our own salvation. Profane wretches often rap out oaths against their sins, and yet do, considering what they have done, and what they should do, forthwith double both their sins and their Oaths. If Israel's Nobleses first ordain it, take it, and subscribe it, she hath then good ground to accept it; we have a fair call, our Worthies are gone before us, let their Precedent be our encouragement, they propound it to us, and require the taking of it at our hands; we shall resist authority in their public call, if we take not the Oath against our sins.  

Gratum est, deo q●um videt non sponte donuo confirmare votis nostris que ante etc. 2 Chro. 15.15  Fourthly, do it cheerfully, not unwillingly, do it freely, in taking it, express alacrity; Forced service is not pleasing service; constrained obedience neither with God nor man receives acceptance: It is said of judah, that they all rejoiced at this oath; could we do thus, and swear with all our hearts against our lusts, seeking the Lord with our whole desires; we should have more hope than we yet have, that God would be found of us, and that in stead of our fears and present distractions, in respect of our bloody wars, he would give us rest round about us.  
Fiftly, if thou do it, do it without any reservation, take it against every sin, and by it bind thyself to all the duties of Piety whatsoever; one dead fly spoils the whole ointment; one sin reserved, one duty left out, and secretly excepted by thee, will make thee guilty of perjury before the Lord. For tell me, I appeal to thy conscience, canst thou swearing to keep all God's Statutes willingly commit the least sin, or with self allowance omit any duties, and not falsify thy oath?  
Lastly, be not only resolved of the Lawfulness of it, in respect of the authority that imposeth it, and the subject matter of the same, neither be thou only persuaded of its necessity, as it is a heavy weight to depress thy corruptions, and as it is a strong bar to keep in thy soul from straggling Dinah-like in the way of transgression, but in taking it avoid wavering, for as whatsoever is not of faith is sin; So a wavering minded man is unstable in all his ways, I oppose wavering to constancy, be thou resolute ever to keep it, resolve peremptorily with thyself, never to be found guilty of the breach thereof; Thus do these Nobles, thus do these Israelites, and thus observing these rules in thy oath for God, and against thy sins; thou shalt swear in verity, not falsely; in judgement, not rashly, in righteousness, and not wickedly.  To walk in Gods Law. 
THeir own fancies shall not now be the rule of their actions, 
Observat. God's Statutes the Christians way.  the heathenish practices of wicked Idolaters shall not now be the helm with which they will steer the course of their lives, their do shall be such as will endure the touchstone, it is to the Law, and to the Testimony that they go for direction. And no marvel, for a conscionable walking according to Gods will and exact observance of his sacred Statutes, is the christians way, the Saints path, and the only high road that leads to eternal life; I have gone astray saith David like a lost sheep, seek thy servant, for I do not forget thy Commandments, Psal. 110.176. Peccare, est deviare, whilst men sin, they straggle, whilst they yield unto their vile affections, they deviate from the Lords Statutes.  Which was given. 
That which was given, is still continued; for as there is a freeness, so there is a constancy in all God's mercies; God is not as man that he should repent; the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. It was mercy, not merit that brought her the Law. the cause moving was in the bestower, not the receiver, she was as well as others in the blood of her sins; she before God cast an eye of pity upon her, 
Observat. The Law an effect of God's love.  unwashed, unbathed, unswadled as well as the Heathen. The Law, and the continuance of the Law is an effect of God's love. Because he affected her, he chose her from amongst the Nations: and further to testify his love to her, he plucked up the floodgates, and let forth the streams of the Law unto her, that so she might cleanse herself from all uncleanness whatsoever. He showeth his World unto jacob, his statutes and his judgements unto Israel; he hath not dealt so with any nation, and as for his judgements they have not known them, Psal. 147.19, 20.  By Moses the servant, etc. 
This title is as a glittering Diamond upon Moses breast, it is not so base a thing as the world accounts it, to be the Lords servant; God's service is the Christians honour, not his disgrace. The Jews do not thus style him in any disparagement, their thus calling him tends wholly to his praise. Socrates' reports of Constantinus, Valentinianus, and Theodosius, three renowned Emperors in their times, that they called themselves, Vassallos Christi, the vassals of Jesus Christ. Look at it therefore as one of the fairest flowers in thy garden, that God hath entertained thee into his work; glory not in thy wealth, thy friends, thy preferments; that man only hath the Crown, and the cause of daily rejoicing, that can say unto God, Lord, I am thy servant. Deo servire, regnare est.  To observe and do all, etc. 
GOds revealed Will is here set forth by four several terms, Law, Commandments, Judgements, Statutes; it is a Law, for it hath a legislative power to bind over the soul to exact obedience: none may plead Ignoramus, all are bound to look that they have the knowledge of the same. It is a command, we are entrusted with it, faithfully to observe it; it is a statute, for as it is prescribed and appointed, so it contains the whole duties of our lives; It is a judgement, for as there is involved in it the judgement, and judicial sentence of Almighty God, concerning its equity for our observance, so it will judge us at the last day, in case of contempt and negligence. As it is a Law it is worthy to be read, as it is a Command, it is not to be slighted; as it is a statute it must be the rule of our life. And as it is a judgement we may see what it thinks of our ways, and what shall be our censure for the breach thereof. There is none of all this but Israel seems to take notice of, and to witness the Universality of her respect she vows and promiseth obedience unto all.  
Christian's must not be their own Carvers, they must not pick and choose, they must not take what they please, 
Observat. Gur obedience must be universal.  and leave what they list in the work of the Lord; they must yield obedience, and show a like tender respect unto the all Commandments of Jehovah. Was not this the lecture which Moses read unto his people, when he told them, If they look to love and prolong their days in Canaan, they must walk in all the ways that God had commanded them. Deut. 5.33. As this was the phrase of Zachery, and Elizabeth, Luk. 1.6. So it was David's practice, who said, he would have respect not to one but all. Psal. 119.6.115.128. the Prophet knew that there was the same equity in one that there was in another, and in all that there was in some. I press not legal but Evangelicall obedience, thou canst not be free from sin in every kind and degree thereof, only without hypocrisy in the uprightness of thy heart endeavour to frame thyself to the whole Will of thy God. Thus doing, thy imperfect doing shall be accounted perfection. And if thou wilt be like Israel in doing all, then do all speedily, Psal. 119.60. make fas; t, procrastinate not the time, as delays for cure so delays for duty are dangerous. 2. Do all cheerfully, Psal. 27.8. Isa, 2.23.55.5. A cheerful servant best pleaseth his Master. 3. Do all, but dissemble not, seek God's glory in all. A fair glass may be set upon false wares, God cannot abide a fair face and a false heart. Lastly, do all, but do all constantly, be not found guilty of Apostasy. If thou hold not out to the end assure thyself thou visit lose the crown, Apoc. 2.10.11,  And they entered into a curse and an oath to walk etc. 
WE have viewed the words in their particulars, let us now cast our eye upon the general, and therein upon the act that is performed by them; It is a Covenant, or a holy vow unto the Lord; which is no other than a binding themselves to God, to do some lawful thing which is in his power, that he may the better attain to his suits; This was a solemn custom among the children of Israel, wherein the care of those that were faithful, was first to vow nothing but what was requisite and requited. Num. 21.2. john. 24.25. Secondly, to see that the vows that were made, were exactly performed. Psal. 22.25. Thus to do is apprehended as a pension of their duty, as a badge, nay as a Seal of a thankful heart, and therefore walking to heaven in their desires & living with their head in their most ardent affections, they give up themselves, they vow their service, & promise adherence to Almighty God; they find that by their former sins God is provoked, they are willing to take any course whereby he may be appeased; they perceive they are much prone to wickedness; they would set a Tutoror over their wills to keep them within the bounds of promised observance; they may know experimentally, what are the fruits of hateful impiety; thraldom hath been the fruit of their sin, they would gladly have their bands broken, be wholly let lose from captivity, and enjoy their freedom; they now conceive that God may be reconciled, they know no other but that he may be gracious, so that being grieved for sin, groaning under pressures, and hoping for deliverance, they now break off their lusts, renounce their Idolatries, and give up their souls and bodies in spiritual sacrifice. From whence observe.  

Observat. Sense of misery under sin and sorrow. etc. Proved.  That sense of misecy under sin and sorrow with hope of mercy, puts the soul upon covenants, yea sure covenants for sincere and exact obedience to the God of Heaven. Sins wounds are full of anguish, their smart, their pain is very dolorous; Nothing but Gileads balm can take out the fire, alloy the heat, and mitigate the violence; Israel's experience of this anguish sent her unto God for cure; when renouncing her sins, she cried out, we return unto thee for thou art the Lord our God. jerem. 3.22. When she saw that iniquity had brought a distraction, and that such was her distraction, that there was not peace to him that went out, nor to him that came in, but great vexations upon all the inhabitants of the Countries, that Nation was destroyed of Nation, City of City, and that God did vex them with all adversity, then to get rid of her troubles, finding no other way left to procure her liberty, she entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of her Fathers with all her heart, and with all her soul. 2 Chro. 15.5.6.12. Sore lashing makes a stubborn boy promise amendment, chains and fetters brought Manasses to his knees, and these were David's Pedagogue to teach him to know God's Statutes. 3 When they were in bondage at Babylon, did not hope of Redemption, make them willing to take a tart medicine, they do not sing the doleful ditty of accursed Cain, hope as a Cordial supported their fainting spirits, and as an anchor kept up their souls from splitting against the rocks; though they go weeping with their faces towards Zion, yet because they hope their thraldom shall come to an end, and that their desired liberty shall be accomplished, they will go and try what they can do by a solemn vow to assuage the wrath of their incensed God. jere. 50, 4.5. Hope well, and have well; but for hope the heart would break.  
1 These jews in the Text see their sins, they do not conceal them, they are set down in great Characters by them, that he that runneth may read them, they acknowledge their obstinacy, having hardened their necks, 
Peccati marione conscientium illorum vulneravit. et experve secit Deur. Regertuntur ad cor, et pectorum memoria pulsaat animus.  and appointed a Captain to return to their bondage, Nehe. 9.17. Their Idolatry, having made them Idols, saying unto them, these are thy Gods. Nehem. 9.18. Their cruelty; having slain the Prophets which testified against them to God. Nehem. 9.26. Their ingratitude, having done evil after the receipt of favours. Nehem. 9.28. And their pollution in all degrees, their Kings, their Princes, their Priests, having with them forsaken the Law, and not harkened to God's Commands. Nehem. 9, 33.34.35. These sins in their sinfulness, are now presented to the eye of their souls, they are patiented to God, impatient to themselves, they smite upon their thighs, they are full of wrath, and resolve against their lusts. job 34.31.32.  
2 They are not insensible of misery, they have not yet quite forgot the smart of the eye, the weals are not yet open, the stripes have not quite left bleeding upon their backs, 
Non ceciduotur ex somno peccati exitantur.  they are scarce got out of thraldom from barbarous and cruel enemies, Neh. 9.36.37. they are loath to come again into the same condition, they determine therefore to leave their sins for its prevention.  
3 They are in hope of case, they do not say God hath forsaken, and that the Lord had utterly forgotten them. It's true, they see that he is offended, they study now which way he may be pleased, they are stoning of their achan's, that have made them turn their backs upon their enemies: they apprehend God placable, and that they may recover, they are purposed in all things to follow the advice of their Physicians, men by virtue of an order from their Nobles to bind themselves by promise to do according to the law of God.  
O that England would make use of Israel's covenant it may he is would prove a divine balsam for the curing of her bleeding wounds: we have as much need to apply this plaster, and to take this course as ever this people had. First, do not our sins hold paralleled with theirs, if we go not before them we follow them at the heels? But who dare say this Nation hath been obstinate, obdurate against the means, that she hath been Idolatrors, yielding to superstitious vanities; that she hath been cruel misusing and despitefully striking the Lords Messengers, that she hath been ingrateful, not rendering thanks according to her mercies, but grown worse by her glorious favours; or that from the highest to the lowest, from the tallest Cedars to the meanest shrubs she is shamefully corrupted▪ I I cannot excuse her, I must lay my hand upon my mouth if I may not bring in an accusation against her▪ my conscience tells me she is guilty. But if of sins which are of a scarlet dye, continually crying like the blood of Abel for the execution of vengeance in the ears of heaven will not move us, yet we think the wrath that is gone forth, and the plague is begun amongst us, by the hurtful, the oppressing and destroying sword should forthwith awake us. O consider, it is not only drawn out of the scabbard, but it is new sharpened, and furbushed, and given into the hand of the stayer: Hath it not already cut off many thousands in the bowels of this our Kingdom? Is not the point thereof set against all our gates? I wish our ruins be not multiplied, and that it be not yet for a sorer slaughter. Are not our houses daily plundered, our estates violently extorted, our men murdered, our women ravished, and our virgins deflowered? Listen and you may hear the mournful expressions, and the doleful lamentations of wounded persons, nay their groan gasping upon the ground for life, wives daily become widows, and children are bereft of their fathers, ringing of hands, sadness of spirit, and brinish tears almost in all quarters may become the objects of your fight; O England, England, ihis is the fruit of thy sin▪ wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins. Lam. 3.39. O now search and try thy ways, and turn again unto the Lord use not compliments, perfunctory performances are but as figtree leaves, It is time for thee to bestir thyself, lift up thy heart with thy hands to God in the Heavens, thou hast transgressed, thou hast rebelled, and God hath not pardoned, he hath sounded out the Trumpet, stricken up the Alarm for war, and caused his jealousy to break forth like fire against thee; O see now (with thy brethren thy Nobles) what thou canst do, covenant against thy sins, it may be thou shalt obtain a covenant of peace with the Lord thy God; I do not conceive thy estate desperate, be not dismayed; though God be angry, it may be he will repent him of our evil, he will not retain his anger for ever; There is yet hope in Israel concerning our deliverance, if we would but make a free, a firm, and a fast covenant with God against our lusts. Ezra 10.2.3. Tell me, did God ever call forth a people to bind their souls in covenant to himself, and not intent their prosperity, covenanting times, are but discovering times, and therefore he promiseth his people, that when he brings them into the bond of covenant, he will purge out the Rebels from amongst them; and them that transgress against him; bellow hearted persons, lose livers, and profane creatures, will not willingly meddle with sacred oaths, and holy vows; And why will he purge them out? Surely it is for the peace and quiet of his Saints. Peruse the place, Ezek. 20.37.38. Again, show me when or where any more sincerely covenanted with God, and received not mercy from God. Mercy is so entailed upon faithful covenanters▪ that it cannot be reversed, Isa. 56.6.7. They of all others shall be brought to his holy mountain, and made joyful in his house of prayer.  

Quest.  But why will God have us thus to enter into a curse and an oath to serve him?  

Answ.  First, because he knows, that being once engaged by a sacred vow to the acts of holiness, our credit, reputation and fidelity lies at the stake for our obedience, and that therefore we will be more careful of ourselves, and not willingly violate our faith. God cannot abide we should have revolting and rebellious hearts to departed from him. Jerem. 5.23.  
Secondly, because these free promises ishuing from an upright heart, are an open mark, and a professed badge of a thankful soul, as these evidence our thanks, so they engage us to grateful expressions upon the receipt of mercies; God would not have us without a spur to put us on to duties.  
Thirdly, that we may the more see the boldness and shamefulness of sin, like the devil, the more it is opposed, the more violently it sets upon the soul. Rom. 7.7.8.9.10.11. Lands, Statutes, covenants will not keep it off, were we not put upon vows, we should scarce believe this.  
Fourthly, that having covenanted, and apprehending our own weakness in sins resistance, we may be stirred up with more earnestness to seek his aid. his grace and strength to withstand it. Psal. 119.8.26.  
Fiftly, that if we be not careful to obey, that our own vows may rise up in judgement against us, and that upon the breach of them, his justice with the more equity may seize upon our souls. Rom. 3.19.20.  
Lastly, that by these moral covenants our spirits may be raised up higher, & stirred up to seek after investment in the new covenant, even that which is ratified by the blood of Christ, Galat. 3.21.22,  
But what must I covenant against?  
Principally against thy sins, temptations, and occasions that lead unto them, with those God is much offended, and his Name is much dishonoured. Sin for a time may be as sugar under thy tongue, take heed, spit it forth, it will prove Ratsbane when it comes into thy bowels. Do not trust it, it deceives thee, it will oppress thy conscience, and damn thy soul. Vow against it.  
Sin made the Devil, who was a most glorious Angel an infernal fiend; if thou do not break off its communion, it will bring thee in very little better condition; As well as men are conceited of it, it is worse than Hell, for that is good being prepared by God for sinners. Therefore say as St. Anselme said, if sin and hell were set before me, the one on the one side, the other on the other; and that I must needs go through one of them, I would rather enter upon hell than sin, God will assuredly keep them from hell, whose hearts are thus set to keep themselves from sin.  
But what must I vow and covenant to do?  
Vow to believe in God, to hope for eternity of felicity from him, and to live according to his direction God careth not for oil, for fasts or sacrifice if they come single without thyself; that, that he hath redeemed, that devote and dedicate unto him; vow that thy soul shall be his Temple, and that whilst thou livest thou wilt set forth his praise, by a religious, a godly, and a holy life. Thus vow the Jews.  
But when I have thus covenanted, I am not able to walk according to the whole Law, or perfectly to keep God's Commands?  
I grant it: But that it may be no discouragement to thee, consider how a Christian is said to keep the Law of the Lord. First, he keeps it imputatively in Christ, the Commandment is reputed done, when that is forgiven which is left undone. Secondly, in respect of his Will, he having a desire which is accepted. Thirdly, in regard of endeavour arising to frame his life according to the statutes of the Lord. Fourthly, Comparatively in respect of others. And lastly, in regard of the uprightness and integrity of his heart to one Commandment as to another, and to all and every one at all times.  
But may I take this last Covenant?  
What thinkest thou? if it, be against sin, unless thou keep it, thou wilt vow against it.  
If it be for holiness, if thou affect it, thou wilt vow to follow after it.  
If it be for thy Religion, if thou prise it, thou wilt vow to maintain it.  
If it be to uphold thy liberty, unless thou love bondage, thou wilt vow against slavery.  
If it be for Law, thou art bound to defend it, for Law is the life of the Commonwealth.  
If it be for the defence of the Kingdom, it is for the King; For what is a King without a Kingdom?  
Thou wouldst not be a Traitor to thy King and Country.  
If it be for the defence of the Parliament, it is but what before thou wert engaged unto, and as thou vowed then, thou thus apprehending it, wilt surely be content to renew thy vow, never to be perfidious to them whom thou hast trusted, never to desert them that have been faithful to thyself, and never to destroy those, whom thou hast chosen as Saviour's of thy own life.  
It is against armed papists, he that is privy to their tenets, and acquainted with their treacheries; will vow if he can shift it, never to come into their bloody hands.  
It is to remove the evil from before the King; A Loyal Subject would have the Throne established in righteousness.  
But what manner of covenant must this be that I must make?  
The last clause of the observation tells thee it must be a sure covenant, this covenant was left upon Record, it was subscribed, and reserved unto future times, Nehem. 9, 38. Let ours be like theirs, that if we observe it not, it may lie as an evidence against us, John. 24.22. And if we keep it that it may testify our faith unto others, and be an encouragement to all succeeding ages; Covenanting with God is no horse-coursing, thou canst not put it off when thou pleasest, thou must ever keep it, thou must all the days of thy life adhere unto it, thy intention, thy deliberate purpose conjoined with thy promise must be, never to desert it. Defer not then O England to covenant with thy God; Enter with thy Nobles into a curse and an oath to walk speedily, to walk strictly, and to walk constantly according to the Law of thy God; Express thy hope yet with them, (and with these Israelites) that God hath yet a blessed and glorious deliverance for thee.  

By  
1 Fleeng to God's grace, not resting upon thine own. demerits. 1 Pet. 1.13.  
2 Using the means that God hath appointed. Heb. 10.23, 24, 25.  
3 Resting upon God, not the means, whether he works with it, or without it, Ester 4.14.  
4 Protesting against sin, and in all things to please his majesty. 1 john 3.3.   
Dloria Deo.   

Perlegi hunc tractatum, proto, et in princendum judico. In. Crawford. 〈…〉