Jjaliranc Skqucot. (tx Ctbxis &ttlt#M §c0ttcaitac l^ A COLLECTION Of feveral Remarkable and Valuable SERMONS, Speeches and Exhortations, At Renewing and Subscribing the National Covenant of Scotland: And at Entering into and Subscribing the Solemn League and Covenant Of the Three Kingdoms of Scotland, England and Ireland. Wherein The Nature Neccffity and Excellency of the Duty otIKovENANTiNG, with the Evil and Danger of Apojiacy^ are clearly and con- vincingly held forth from the Word of God. By feveral Reverend, Learned and Pious Divines ot that Period. Publi/bcd at f Coven .; i with full 'A that have been mad nft the IT. 1 hey (hew the true the vi The Reafonsfar the Publication. vity of our much honoured and worthy Re- formers, for the Covenanted Caufe and In- tereft of Chrift, and glorious Work of Re- formation then carried on and happily efta- bliihed in the Churches of Chriii in Scot- land, England and Ireland, in Profecution of the blefled Ends of thefe folemn and fa- cred Covenants with God, which had the publick Authority and Approbation of the Church, and were ratified and confirmed by the Parliaments of both Kingdoms, hav- ing been folemnly fworn and fubfcribed by Perfons of all Ranks oftner than once. III. They are a very great Vindication ^ of our worthy Reformers, the Covenants, and Work of Reformation., from the mali- cious and groundlefs Afperfions both of pre- tended Friends and publick Adverfaries ; and very ufeful and profitable to all, who deiire to know and retain the ancient, re- ceived, eflablifhed and fworn- to Principles of our Covenanted Reformation, in the fometimes famous and reforming Churches ' of Chriit- in the three Kingdoms, as the fame were then received, profeffed and happily eftablifhed by the Laws of tl Kingdom agreeable to the Word of God. IV. They are a great cftJiimony to the* Covenants and Work of Reformation, and may be of Ufe to humble all Ranks under a Senfe The Reafons for the Publication. vi£ Senfe of oar tniferable Backfliding, DefeBi- on and Apojiafy from the Covenants of our God j and a Mean, thro' the Lord's Bluf- fing, to clear the Way, and prepare both Minifters and People of all Ranks, for fol- lowing the Footfteps and Ludable Example of our worthy Reformers, to return unto the Covenanted God of our Fathers, by fe- rioufly fetting about the folemn Renovati- on of our Covenants, with Accommodation to the Times, and fui table Acknowledgment of Sins and Engagement to Duties, after x hundred Years Defection from the fame ; as was done by our worthy and zea- lous Reformers, Annis 1638, and 164^, Which was attended with more than ordi- nary Manifeftations of the Prefence of God, js of his Spirit in the Ailem- ie ; and was in effed: to tiiis Church as Life from the Dead, as to 1 reftoring the Work of Stop to the De- Covenantin I 1 a Pair of divine imp and Im- n it. 1 Pro- d Covl a the D The CONTENTS. t >"!& * HE Minifte) jjtter 0f Exhortation to t he. Lords of^M^ after taking the _-fi^ National Coven^ 1638.. Page 1 II; Mr. Andrew Cant^})^^ and Ex- hortation to the People, at Renewing the Na- tional Covenant , 1638. 4 III. Mr. Cant'; Sermon at Gl&gWJ after Re- I newing the National Covenant, ^38. '" ,11 IV. Mr. Cant35 Sermon preached it a General Meeting at Edinburgh, after Reneivng the Na- tional Covenant, 1638. 47 V. The Ad of the General Afjembly of tfa Church if Scotland, approving the Solemn JLeagie and Covenant, 1643. 77 VI. Mr. Philip Nye5; Speech and Exhorta- tion to the Hottfe of Commons and Ajfemhly of -.Divines, at Taking the Solemn League and Co- venant, 1643. 8i VII. Mr. Alexander Henderson5.? Speech and Exhortation to the Houfe of Commons and Affembly of Divines, at Taking the Sciem/z League ana Covenant, 1 64 3 . 98 VIII. Mr. Thomas Coleman'; Sermon preached at taking the Solemn League and Covenant, 1 643 . 109 IX. Mr. Joseph Caryle5; Sermon punched takittgSloe Solemn League and Covenant, 1643. *57 X. -M\Caryle5; Recom?nendation of Mr. Case's three Sermons, at taking the Solemn League and Covenant, 1643. 210 XL Mr. Case3; Sermon preached at taking tie Sok?nn League and Covenant, 1643. 219 ; XII Mr. The u u im 1 £. in i 5. -XII. Mr. Thomas Case3 \s fecond Sermon,\at tak- ing the Solemn League and Covenant. 1643. Page. 2.5 S XIII. Mr. Thomas Case3 j thirdSermon, at tak- ing the Solemn League and Covenant ; 1643. 313 XIV". The Ordinance of the Parliament , for Per- fons of Pub lick Places of Power and Trufi, to take the Solemn League and Covenant, 1644. 367 XV. The Ordinance of Parliament for Per fons cf all Ranks, to take the Solemn League and Covenant, 1644. ibid. XVI. The Parliament's Injlruff ions for the taking of the Solemn League and Covenant throughout the Kingdom of England, 1644. 368 XVII. The Affembly of Divines Exhortation to the taking of the ' Solemn League and Covenant ' throughout the Kingdom of England, 1644. 373 XVIII. The Ordinance of Parliament, ordering the Printing the Affembly of Divines their Exhorta- tion, to the taking the Solemn League and Cove- nant, 1644. 380 XIX. The Ordinance cf Parliament for Reading the Solemn League and Covenant, on every Day of Fafling and Humiliation, 1645. ibid. XX. Mr. Edward C a l a m \r V Sermon, preachid at taking the Solemn League andCcvemnt, 1645. 381 XXI. The Form and Order of the Coronation of King Charles II. 1651. 433 XXII. Mr. Robert Douglas'* Sermon, preached at King Ch ar les taking the National Covenant, and Solemn League and Covl» 1651. 437 XXIII The CONTENT S. XXIII. King Charles taking the Covenant and Oaths at bis Coronation, 1651. P. 48! XXIV. Mr. John Guthrie'j Sermon, preachy ' on the Breach of Covenant, and the Evil an. Danger of Apflacyfrom the fame, 1663. 5°, XXV. King James VI. his Declaration concerning the National Covenant. 53; XXVI. King Charles I. his Declaration, con cern'vag the Solemn League and Covenant. ibia XXVII. Kin 9 Charles II. his Declara o tion, concerning the Covenants and Work of Re formation. - 53^ XXVIII. The Can fes of a Fajt and Humiliation for the Sins of the Royal Family, drawn up bj the Commijfton of the Jffcmbiy. 54; ERRATA. Page 6. Line 19. Tears read Tares. P. 15. /. 2 25. joy 7 join. P. 287, /. 2. anwfer >\ anfwer. A COLLECTION Of feveral Remarkaele and Valuable SER MO N $; Speeches and Exhortations AT THE Takings renewing and fnbfcribing T II E COVENANTS An K XHO RTJTIO Nfmn the XpoerendMU niftsrs of the Go/pel, met at Edinburgh in Feb- ruary 1638. at renewing the National Co- k t , ft rit to every one of the Lords r/Cou n- t%lfevtraflyy uniting them tofnbjcribe theic May it pica fe your Lordship, WE the Mini Hers of the Gofpel, con- vecned at this fo neeeliary a Time? do find ourfclvcs bound to reprefent, & unco all, fo in fpecial i tfhip, A The Minifters Exhortation to the w hat comfortable Experience we have of the wonderful Favour of God, upon the renew- ing of the Contellion of Faith and Covenant $ What Peace and Comfort hath filled the Hearts of all God's People 3 what Relolutions and Beginnings of Reformation ot Manners are fenlibly perceived in all Parts of the Kingdom, above any Mealure that ever we did find, or could have expe&ed ; how great Glory the Lord hath received hereby, and what Confi- dence we have (ifthisSun-ihinebe not eclips- ed by fome iiniul Diviiion or Defection ) that God ihall make this a blelled Kingdom, to the Contentment of the King's Majelty, and Joy of all his good Subjects, according as God hath promifed in his grtod Word, and perform- ed-to his People in former Times : And there- fore we are forced, from our Hearts, both to wifh and entreat your Lordlhip to be Partaker and Promover ot this ]oy and Happinefs bv your Subicription, when your Lordlhip ihall think it convenient; and in the mean Time, that your Lordlhip would not be fparing to give a free Teftimony to the Truth, as a timely and neceifary Expreffionof your tender Affec- tion to the Caufe of Chrift, now calling for Help at your Hands. Your Lordlhip's Pro- fellion of the true Religion, as it was reformed in this Land j the National Oath of this King- dom, fundry Times fworn and fubferibed, ob- liging us who live at this Time -y the Duty of a good Patriot, the Office and Truft of a Privy- Councilor, the prefent Employment, to have Place amqngft thofe that are firft acquainted Taking of the Covenant* 3 with his Majefty's Pleafure j the Confiderati- on that this is the Time of Trial of your Lord- ihip's Affeftion to Religion5 the Refpect which your Lordlhip hath unto your Fame, both now and hereafter, when Things ihall be recorded to Pofterity j and the Remem- brance, that not only the Eyes of Men and Angels are upon your Lorfhip's Carriage, but alfo that the Lord Jefus is a fecret Witnels now to obferve, and lhall be an open Judge hereafter, to reward and confefs every Man before his Father, that confeffeth him before Men: All of thele, and each of them, belide your Lordfhip's perfonal and particular Obli- gations to God, do call for no lefs at your Lordihip's Hands, in the Cafe of Co great and lingular Keceffity : And we alfo do expeft fo much at this Time, according as your Lord- lhip at the Hour of Death would be free of the Terror of God, and be refrefhed with the comfortable Remembrance of a Word fpoken in Seafon for Chrill Jefus, King ot King?, and Lord of Lords A pif 8 i&3^3^3k£!Ui A Difcourfe and Exhortation at the Renewing of the National Covenant at Imernefs, April By Mr. An drew Cant. LOng ago our gracious God was pleafed to viiit this Nation with the Light of his glorious Gofpel, by planting a Vineyard in, and making his Glory to arife upon Scotland. A Wonder ! that fo great a God ihould ihine on fo bale a Soil ! Nature hath been a Step- Mother to us in Companion of thofe who live under a hotter Climate, as in a Land like Go- ffreny or a Garden like Eden. But the Lord looks not as Man: His Grace is moil free, whereby it often pleaieth him to compenfe what is wanting in Nature : Whence upon Scct!twd(addik obicure Ifland, inferior to ma- ny ) the Lord did arife, and difcovered the Tops of the Mountains with fuch a clear Light, that in God's gracious Difpenfation, it is in- ferior to none. How far other Nations out- ftriped her' in Naturals, as far did foe out-go them in Spirituals. Her Pomp lefs, her Pu- rity more; They had more of Antichrift than foe, foe more" of thrift than they ; In their [ Mr. Cant's Difcottrf^ &c. 5 Reformation fomething of the Beait was re- ferred y in ours, not fo much as a Hocf. When the Lord's Ark w^s fet up amorg them, Da- gon fell, and his Neck brake, yet his Stump was left 3 but with us, Stump and all was cait into the Brook Kidron. Hence King James his Doxology in Face of Parliament, thanking God who made him King in fuch a Kirk that was far beyond England ( they having but an ill faid Mafs in Englijh ) yea, beyond Geneva itfelf; for Holy-Days (one of the Beaft's Marks ) are in Part there retained, which (faid he) to Day are with us quite aboliftied. 'Thus to a People fitting in Darknefs, and in the Sha- dow of Death, Light is fprung up. Thus, in a Manner, the Stone that the Builders refufed is become the Head of the Corner. The Lord's Anointed ( to whom the Ends of the Earth were given for a Poflelfion and Inheri- tance ) came and took up Houfe amongft us, itrongly eftablifhed on two Pillars, Jachitt and BoaZ) and well ordered with the Staves of Beauty and Bands, and borrowing nothing irom the Border of Rome. Her Foundation, Walls, Doors and Windows were all adorned with Carbuncles, Sapphires, Emeralds, Chryio- lues and precious Stones out of the Lord's own Treafure : God himfelf fat with his Beauty and Ornaments therein, fb that it was the Praife and Admiration of the whole Earth. Strangers and home-bred Perfons wondered. Such was the Glory, Perfection, Order and Unity of this Houfe, that the Altar of ; 1 could have no Peace, the C A 3 He. 6 Mr. Cakt5^ Difcoarfe, at Herefy no hatching, Scbifin no footing, D/0-- trephes no incoming, the Papifis no couching, and Jezebel no fairding. Our Church looked forth as the Morning, fair as the Moon, clear -as the Sun, and terrible as an Army with Ban- Tiers. Then God's Tabernacle was amiable, his Glory filled the San&uary, the clear frefh Streams watered the City of our God ; the ftouteft humbled themfelves, and were afraid. If an Idiot entered the Lord's Courts, fo great Power founded from Barnabas and Boanerges^ the Sons of Confolation and Thunder, that they were forced to fell down on their Face, and cry, This is Bethel, God is here. But, alas ! Satan envied our Happinefs, brake our Ranks, poifoned our Fountains, mudded and defiled our Streams ; and while the Watchmen flept, the wicked One fowed his Tears : Whence thefe divers Years by- gone, for Miniflerial Authority, we had Lord- ly Supremacy and Pomp ; for Beauty, Faird- ing; lor Simplicity, whoriih Buskings; for Sincerity, Mixtures ; for Zeal, a Laodicean Temper;- for Do&rines, Mens Precepts ; for who] efome Fruits, a Medley of Rites ; for Feeders, we had Fleecers ; for Pallors, Wolves and Impoftors , for Builders of Jerufalein^ Re- builders of Jericho ; lor Unity, Rents; for Progrefs, Defection. Truth is fallen in the Streets, our Dignity is gone, our Credit loft, our Crown is fallen from our Heads ; our Re- putation is turned to Imputation : Before God and Man we juftly deferve the Cenfure of the degenerate Vine j a backflidden People, an a- , noftate j^enewmg r/rc uivcnanr. poftate perjur'd Nation, by our breaking a blefied Covenant fbfolemnly fworn. Yet, behold ! when this fliould have been our Doom, when all was almoft gone, when we were down the Hill, when the Pit's Mouth was opened, and we were at the falling in, and at the very fhaking Hands with Rcmc ; the Lord, flrong and gracious pitied us, look- ed on us, and cried, faying, Return, return, yc backfliding People j come, and I will ben/ jour Backjlidings. The Lord hath been lb faying, and the Cry fo quickening, chat almoft all all Ranks, from all Quarters and Corners awakned and on Foot, meeting and anfwerin^ the Lord, faying, Behold zvc come unto thee± thou art the Lord our God, other Lords bcftdes t :e had Dominion over us, but by thee only %i we make mention of thy Name. All are wonder- ing at the Turn, and looking like them that dream, and are ringing and laying, Blejjed be the Lord who hath not green us for a Prey to ti Teeth 3 our Souls are efcaped as a Bird out of 1 Share of the f owlet ^ the Snare is broken, an,: are efcaped: Our Help is in tt who made the Heaven and the Who thought to have icen fuch a fudden Change in Scotland, when all iecond Caufes were polling a contrary Courfe ? , When proud Men were boafting and laying, E r j and wc laid our Bodies as the Groui and as the Streets to them that went over. Bun 'v, behold one of* God's Wonders! Son IL Ranks taking the Honour and Ca ol" Chrift to Heart i all unanimoully, ham A 4 niou 8 Mr. Cant'j Difcoarfe, at nioufly and legally conjoined as one Man in Supplications, Proteftations and Declarations ugainft Innovations and Innovators, Corruptions and Corrupters. Behold and wonder ! That Old Covenant ( once and again folemnly fworn and perfidioully violated) is now again happily re- newed, with fych Solemnity, Harmony, Oaths and Subfcriptions, that I dare fay, -this hath been more real and true in thee, O Scotland, thefe few Weeks bygone, than for the Space of thirty Years before. I know Pa/burs that went to fmite Jeremiahs, are become at this Work Mzgvr-miffabib, Terror round aboiut > Zedekiahs that wont to fmite Micajahs, feek • now an inner Chamber to hide themfelves. lobiah and Sanballat gnaw their Tongues, laugh and defpife us, faying, What is this ye I do ? Will ye rebel againji the King ? Will ye for- tify yourfehcs ? Will ye make an End in a Day ? Will ye remove the Stones out of the Heaps of Rub" bifh that is burnt? Rehum the Chancellor, Shimfhai the Scribe, and the Relt of their Companions, ceafe not to fill the Ears of a gra- cious Prince with Prejudice, faying, Be it known to thee, O King, if this City be built, and the Walls thereof fet up again, that they sv ill not pay Toll, tribute or Cuftom : But to thefe we an- fwer, Let the King live, and let all his Enemies be confounded, let all that feek his Damnation be put to fhame here and henceforth : But as for \ you, ye are Strangers, meddle not with the Joy of God's People > ye have no Portion, Right nor Me- mory in God's Jerufalem. If the begun Work vex them, it is no Wonder s it does prognosti- cate Renewing the Covenant. 9 cate the Ruin of their Kingdom, and that Ha- man, who- hath begun to tall before the Seed of the fcwS) fliall tall totally : The Lord is about to prune his Vineyard, and to drive out the Foxes that eat the tender Grapes ; to pluck up baftard Plants, and to whip Buyers and Sel- lers out of the Temple. The Lord is about to itrike the Gebazies with Leprofy, and to bring low the Simcn-Magufes who were fo high lift- ed up by Satan's Miniftry. The Lord is cal- ling the great Ones to put to their Shoulder, and help his Work ; he hath been in the South, laying, Keep not back, and bleiTed be God, they "have not: He hath now fent to the North, 'laying, Give up, bring my Sons from far , my Daughters from the Ends of the Earth : Contend for the Faith once delivered to Scot- land. There is but one Lord, one Faith, one Caufe that concerns all. Though this North Climate be cold, I hope your Hearts are not,' at left thev fhould not be cold. The* Earth is the Lord's and it^Fulnefs, the World and they that dwell therein ; the uttermoft Parts ot Earth are given to Chrift for a Pofleflion^ his Dominion is from Sea to Sea, and from the R i v er to the Ends of the Earth. Come then, and kils the Son ; count it your greateft Ho- nour to honour Chrift, and to lend his fallen Truths a Lift ; come and help to build the old Waftes, that ye may be called the Repairers he Breach j and thenfhall all Generations call you bleHed ; then fhall God build up your ! ufes, as he did to the Egyptian Midwives, lor their fearing God, and for their Friendship to to Mr. Cant5 s Di/coitrje, &c. to his People IfraeL Be not like the Nobles of Tekoa^ of whom Nebemah complained, that they would not put their Necks to the Work of the Lo*d. Be not like Mcroz, whom the Angel of the Lord curfed bitterly, for not com- ing to the Help of the Lord againfl the Migh- ty. Neither be ye like thele Mockers and Scorners, at the renewing of the Lord's Co- venant in Hezekiah's Days, but rather like thole whofe Hearts the Lord humbled* and moved. Be not like thofe invited to the King's Supper, who refufed to come, and had mifer- able Excufes, and therefore ihould not tafte of it We hope better Things of you -y God hath referved and advanced you for a better Time and Uie : But if ye draw back, keep Silence, and hold your Peace, God ihall bring Deli- verance and Enlargement to his Church ano- ther Way j but God fave you from the Sequel. Nothing is craved of you but what is for God and the King > for Chrift;- s Honour, and the Kirk's Good, and the Kingdom's Peace: God give to your Hearts Courage, Wifdom and Refblution for God and the King, and for Chrift and his Truths. Amen. A SERMON] A SERMON Preached after the Renovation of the National Covenant, And Celebration of the Lord's Supper, At Glafynv* Anno 1638. OnMATTH. xxii. 2, 3, 4, 5., 6. By the Reverend Mr. Andrew Cant, fom<* time Minifter ot the Gofpel at A l. xxiv. 27. So J'Jbua made a covenant t that day, and fet them ajlatute, and an ordinance Z Kincs xi. 17. dnd J ' ehoiada made a convene Lord, and the king and the people, that they fi Lord^s people : between the king alfo and the people, xliv. 5. Onejball/ay, lam the Lord* s : and another /ball call himfelf by the name of Jacob : and another /bait fub- feribe with his hand unto the Lord, and firname hiti. the name of J/rael. G L A S G O ll\ Printed for George Paton, JBook-fcller in Linlithgow. M d c c x n . n £&> cJ£> «1^ cJp «££> 3& <3&» C^P ^fc> ^lv^ A Sermon preached after the Renovation of the National Covenant, and Celebration of the Lords Supper j 1638. Matth. xxii. 2, 3,4,5,6. 5^* Kingdom of He a- ' is like unto a certain King, who made a Marriage j or his Son: And he fcnt forth wits to call tbem that wen bidden to 'dmg > and they would no; corne^ &c. I Purpose notto handle this Parable punctu- ally, becaufe it Hands not with the Nature oi a Parable, neither will the Time iuflei me fo to do. The Parable runs upon an evident Declara- tion and clear Manifellation oi Gcd's (Wee tell Meaies, in, Offering the Marriage of his Son, his oWn Son, his well-beloved Son, the Son of his Love, the Son of his Bolom, the Son as good as the Farher, the Son as great and as glorious as the father, the Son whole Gene- ra tion none can declare. The Father offers this >ii in Mai i. To the Jeivs^ as you ha\e in the firit leven Vcrles of the Parable. 2. To the r, in the Reft of the Parable, i • , not becaule of their W'or- thinels j £ a 14 Mr. Cant' s Sermon after good in thy Sight. This Offer was the Effe£t of no Merit, neither of Congruity nor ofCondig- nity in the Jezvs ; for they were like that wretched and menftruous Infant, Ezek. 16. 3> 4. unfwaddled, unwafhen, uncleanfed, Lying in its Blood, its Navel not cut, nor falted at all, not f waddled at all, cafi out in the open Field, having m Eye to pity it. 2. As tor the Gentiles, ye may fee what Cafe they were in, if ye read this fame Parable, Luke 14. 20. Go ye out into the Streets and Lanes' of the City, and call the poor, the lame, blind and maimed, &c. Some were cripple, fome poor and blind, and withered, and miserable, and naked, and leper, &c. unworthy to come to our Lord's Gates, let be to have them opened wide to us ; unworthy to be fet down at hisi Table, let be to be admitted to his royal Mar- riage Feaft, and to get Ch rift our Lord to be our Match, and to be the Food and Cheer of our Souls : And therefore let all Souls, let all Pulpits, let all Schools, let all Universities,^ let all Men, let all Women, let all Chriitian^ cry, Grace, Grace, Grace, Praife, Praife,1 Praife, Bleffing, Bleffing, for evermore be to the Lord's free Grace. Fy, fy, upon the Man, fy, fy upon the Woman, that is ah E- nemy to the Lord's free Grace. The fulleft^ and the faireft, and the ireeft Thing in Hea- ven or Earth is the free Grace of God to our poor Souls: Pfahn 11$. 1. Not unto us, OLord, pot unto us, but unto thy Name be all the Glory. At another Occafion I handled the Parables; after a more general Manner, and propounded Renewing the Covenant. 15 hefe Points unto you : 1 Who was this great Cing ? 2. Who was the Son of this great Cing ? 1. This great King is God himfelf, the King j Kings , and Lord of Lords, Then for the Lord's >ake, Hand in Awe of him, love him and fear lim. And I charge you all here before that *reat and dreadful Lord, that ye humble your elves under his mighty Hand, and that ye pro- trate and iubmit yourielves under his Al- mighty Hand, and come away as ye promiled. vils the Son, and embrace him, and then fhall VY rath be holden off you , and a Shower of jod's Mercy fhall comedown upon you. Then She King is God. 2. The King's Son is Chrift. Then there ollows a Dinner, I have prepared my Duwer. iTca, I have a Supper alio, for Luke lays, He cd a great Supper. I told you in what Re- it is great. 1. I told you it was great n Refpe£t of the Author ot it, Goi 2. J ^ou it was great in Refpecfc ot the Matter ot it. Ye know the Matter of it, as holy Scripture :ells. Whiles it gets bale, iilly, limple Names, md is delineated, and exprelied under common Terms : But the moil common Term it gets is b coniiderable that our Cafe would not be if it were wanting. Whiles 'tis called, dFeaJi of fat Things full of M. H me on ykc Lees well refined^ if a. 25. 6. Whiles it is zzllcdGoMi Rev. 3. 18. Whiles it is called FatlingSj and -\ fatted and ft d Calf Luke 15. \\\. ss- I- Whiles illed Oil . yas a jreat Feaft, in Refpeft of the Place where ic s kept. There are two Dining-Rooms -, 1. v Dining-Room above. 2. A Dining-Room •low. ifr, A Dining-l^oom above, that rs high Dining-Room^ that is * fot Houfe, iS Mr. Cast's Sermon after that is a trim Place. O the Rivers of th£ Lord's Confolations that run there : I con- fels3 in this lpwer Dining-Room of the Church, the Waters come firffc to the Ancles, then to the Mid-leg, then to the Knees, then to the Thigh, and then paft Wading but then ihall ye get Fulnefs, when ye come up to that upper Dining-Room. And when ye come theie, there ihall be no more Hunger, no more Thirft, there Ihall be no more Scant nor Want, nor any more fowre Sawce in your Feafts, neither any more Sadnefs, . nor for- rowful Days; bjfceat your Fill, and drink your Fill. And mil}7 Ihall come from the Eait, and from the Weft, and from the North, and from the South, andy Ihall lit down at that royal and rare covered Table, with jfbrabam^ Ijaac and Jacob, and get their Fill to their hungred Souls 3 When I awake, lays David, I pa/l bo filled with thy Likctftfs, Plalm 17. 15J Poor Soul, thou canft never get thy Fill ; t wiih to God thou got a Soup aad a Drop to led thee by till then. Indeed if thou hadft a Vef-J fel, thou lhould get thy fair Fill even in this Life. And I dare fay, If thou wouldlt feek J and feek on, and feek inftantly, the Lord would one Day or other make thee drink o\ the new Wine of the Gofpel ; he would give thee a Draught, a fair Draught, a Fill, a faw Fill of the Wine of his Confolation, he woulcf make you fuck the Milk at the Breafls of hid Conlblation ; but he will ay keep the beft Wine hindmoft, as he did at the Marriage oiCand in Galilee, where the beft Wine was kept hinder* mofti Renewing tBe ^Covenant. 1$ naoft Therefore, poor Thing, lift up thy Head, and gather thy Heart , ere it be long thou ihalt get a Draught of the belt Wine in thy Father's Houfe, where there arc many Manlions, and many Dwelling- Placee. I goy lays Chriit, to prepare a Place J or you : And he will come again, and receive you to himfell, where ye ihall drink abundantly of the new Wine of the Gofpel. 6< and lajtly, This Sup- per is a great One in Reipe£t of the Continu- ance of it : It lails not for one Day, but for ever , it lalts not for an hundred and fourfcore Days, but for ever, and ever more. Poor Thing, who poffibly gets fome blyth Morning Blinks in upon thy Soul, and pollibly gets a, Talte of this Cup in the Morning, and long efe Even thou art hungering and thirfting again^ and thou wots not where to meet thy Lord? and all the Thing thou haft gotten is forgotten 9 in the Day that he ihall come,' then thou (halt feaft conftantly and continually in thy Father's- Houfe, where thou lhalt never want thy Arm3 full, thou lhalt never want thy Lord out of thy Sight, neither ihall thy Lord ever want thee^ but he ihall ever be with thee, and thou with him 3 thou fh^lt follow the Lamb whitheifo- ever he goes. Behold I have prepared my Dinner. Firjt, Alt this Feaft was for a Marriage j and here is a Wonder, a World's Wonder, a Behold, which ts divers Things : 1. Behold it for an Ad- miration. 2. Behold it for an Excitation. 3. Behold it for Coniblation. 4. Behold it for ijiftruftion* JBvhold, and be uvyakned i be- ii s tokU 20 Mr. Cant',* Sermon % after hold, and be excited 3 behold, and be com- forted ; behold, and admire ; behold, and wonder, that the King of Heaven's Son will marry your Soul ! Then behold, and come away to your own Marriage j behold, loll Man fhall get a Saviour 5 behold, the King's Son will be a Saviour to a Slave j behold the King's Son will drink the Potion, and the Sick fhall get Health ^ behold, theKipg'sSon will marry himfelf upon thee! I will marry thee unto me in Faith and in Right eoiifnefs^ Hof 2. 19, 20. Thou that was a Widow and reproach-' ed, like a poor Widow that has many Foes, but few Friends ± yet, fays the Lord, Thou jhalt not remember the Reproach of thy Widow-hood any more^ Ifa. 54. 4. Then behold, and cojne away to the Marriage. Now, Who are thefe that are invited to the Marriage ? I told you, 1. The Jews are invited. 2, The Gentiles are invited ] yea, you are invited > I thank the Bridegroom you are invited ; I ihall bear wit- neis ot it, when I am gone Irom you, you are invited. And I thank the Lord, I have more to bear witnefs ot'-y yea, that which comforts ray Scul, by all Appearance the great^ft Pare of you are come in, and by all good- Appear- ance ye have the Wedding Garment. I hope God has a People among you j this I ihall bear witnefs of, when I am gone from among you ; the greatelt Part has lent an Ear ; the Lord bear it in upon your Hearts with his own bleff- ed Prefence. 1. He fent his Servants forth. He gives ma- ny a Cry himfelf, and many a Shout himfelf Is \ Renewing the Covenant. 21 Is not that one of God's Cries, Matth. 11. 28. Come nnto me, all ye that are weary and laden, and I will eafesou: O but that is a fweet Word, Thou art a weary Things with a jore Load cf Sin upon the Neck of thy Soul, and thou art like to Jink under it, and an crying, What will word of thee ? He is bidding thee come away, and get a Drink of the Marriage-Wine to chear thy fainting Spirit^ and if thou be weary, hefhall eafe thee. . Object. Alas ! Sin hinders me, that I cannot come , Sin is fo black and ugly upon mc, andfo I a#d without Price. Why do ye fpend your Money for nought ? Ye have fpent your Strength over long in vain ; ye have beent'eecU ing on Husks too long , ye have forfaken Mer-> cy and embraced Vanity over long. Come a- way, and he will make an cverlajling Covenant with you , even the fure Mercies of David. ?. He fent forth his Servants. This is a great Wonder, that he calls on his Servants, and fends them to them ; this is wonderful ! He flood not on Complements, who fhould be firft in the Play : Ye would never have fought him, if he had not fought you j ye would ne- ver have loved him, it he had not loved you with the Love of Chriit. I would fay a com-? fortable Word to a poor Soul : Is there any Soul in this Houfe this Day, that has chofen the Lord for the Love and Delight of his Soul ? Thou ^ouldft never have cholen him, if that , Joving and gracious God had not cholen thee. Is there any Soul in this Houfe this Day, that is filled with the Love of Chrift ? Thou wouldft never have loved him, if he had not loved thee firlt ? Is there any Soul that is feek- tng unto him in Earneft ? Be comforted, he is ieeking thee, and has found thee, and gart thee feek him. I might produce Scripture for all thefe, but the Points are plain 3. Lo, a greater Wonder ! Hefent forth his'^ Servants. Ye would think, if any had wrong-* eel you^ it were their Part to feek you, and not, vnurs Renewing the Covenant. yours to feek them ; or, if any baler, than ano- ther had done a Wrong, it beieemed him t moft careful to take Pains, and feek to him whom he had wronged : But behold her Wonder ! The great God feeking baft the offended God feeking offending Mm ! is this becaufe he has need oi you ? Nay ; Canft thou be a Party for him ? Canft thou hold the Field againft him ? Nay. 6 , Thing formed fay to him that for* thou made me thus? Shall the craw ling Worm, and die Pickle of fmall Dull fight againft the King of Kings ? Art thou able to ftand out a- gainit him, or pitch any Field againft him ? Nay : I tell thee, OMan, there is not a Pickle of Hair in thy Head, but if God arife in An- ger, he can caufe it feem a Devil tint and every Nail of thy Fingers, to be a Tor- mentol Hell againft thee. O Lord of He and King oi Kings, who can ftand out again1! thee ? And yet thou haft offended him, a run away trom him, and miskent him, and tranfgrelled all his Commandments, and Hell and Wrath, and Judgment is thy ! which thou deferveft, and yet the Lord i out his Servant*, rofee if they can ir Agreement. Then for God's Sake, think this Wonder: For all this Text is iul! Wonders ; all God's Works are indeed full bl Wonders, but this is the Wonder ofWoncfc We then are God's Ambailadors, I bell you to be reconciled to God. Should not ve have (ought unto him firft, with Ropes about your Necks, with Sackcloth up B 4 and Z^ Mr. Cant1^ Sermon, after and with Tears in your Eyes ? Should not ye have lain at his Door, and fcraped, if ye could not knock ? And yet the Lord hath fent me to you, and our faithful Men about here, cry- ing. Come away to the Marriage : Come a- way, I will renew my Contra£t with you$ I will not give you a Bill of Divorcement, but % will give my Son to you ^ and your Souls that are black and blae, I will make them beautiful. Behold yet another Wonder! When he has fent out other Servants, and they got a Kay-fay 'P yet he will not take a Nay-lay. Ye know a good Neighbour, when he has prepar- ed a Dinner for another of his Neighbours, fends gut his Servants, intimating that all Things are ready, the Table is covered, and Difhesfeton; if once warned, he refufes, he might well fend once or twice to him, but at I laft he woijld take a Difpleafure, and not fend j again : But behold a Wonder ! He fends out his Servants , in the pluraA Number. But be- hold a great Wonder ! After one Servant is a- baled, he fends out others, and when they aro flain, and fpitefully ufed by thefe who ftiould have followed their Call, and come in ; what does the Lord ? Read the Chapter before, and \ ye ihall fee a great Wonder $ He fent out his I own Son ; When Mojes cannot do it, when I the Prophets cannot do it, when John the Bap- it ft cannot do itj Well, fays the Lord, I will fee if my Son can do it ; I have not a Son but one, and that is the Son of my Love, and I will ' make him a Man, and fend him down among } thejn, and fee how they'll treat him : And wheal Renewing the Covenant. 25 when he comes, they cry out, There is the Hcir^ let us kill htm. But behold a greater Wonder 1 That after thefe Servants are abufed, andfpite- fully handled ; and after the Son himfelf is come, and has drunken of the fame Cup, alter he has died a fhameful Death, and alter they had put their Hands on the Heir ; yet, when all is done, the Lord fends Servants upon Ser- vants, Preachers upon Preachers, Apoftles up- on Apoftles to call in the People of the Jew*9 to lee if they will marry his Son. Then be- hold and wonder at all thir Wonders ! and let all Knees bow down before God. Lord ftamp your Hearts with this Word of God : Gcd grant you could be kind to him, as he has been kind to you, andteftihed the fame, by putting to Salve to your Soul, and bringing it into the Wedding. He Jtnt forth his Servants. We may learn from this, that we who are the Brethren in the Minittry mult be Servants, and not Lords. I wifh at my Heart, that we knew what we are, and that we knew our Calling, and what we have gotten in Truft ; tor we ferve the belt Mailer in the World ; but Til tell you, he is the ftricteft Mafter that can be. I'll tell thee, () Minilter, and I fpeak it to thee with Rever- ence, and I fpeak it to myfelf, There is a Day coming, when thou muft anfwer to God for what thou h*ft got in Charge, thou muft an- fwer to God for all the Talents thou halt got, whether ten or two ; for all have not got a- like : But, dear Brethren, happy is the\Man, if hehad but one Talent, that puts it out for his Lord's 2.6 Mr. Cant'* Sermon, after Lord's Ufe ; and Lord be thanked, that he will leek no more of me than he has given me. There are many Things to difcourage a faith- ful Miniiter > but yet this may encourage us, that we ierve the beft Matter, and that is a fure Recompence of Reward that is abiding us. In- deed he has not fent us out to feek ourfelves, or to get Gain to ourfelves, he has not fent us out to woo a Bride to ourfelves, or to wo4o home the Lord to our own Bofom only, but he has fent us to woo a Bride, and to deck and trim a Spoufe for our Lord and Mailer. And ye that are Minifters oiGlafgow, ye fhall all be challenged upon this ; whether or not ye have laboured to woo and trim a Bride for your Lord: But I know that you will be careful toprefent your Flocks as a chafle Spoufe to him. And we alfo that are Minifters in Landwart, we are fent out for this Errand, it matters not wrhat Part of the World we be in, if we do our Matter's Service ; and the Day is coming, when thou mutt anfwer to God for thy Pariih, whether thou haft laboured to prefent it as a chafte Spoufe to Chrift. It may gar the Soul of the faithful Minifter leap for Joy, when he re- members the Day of his Majefty's faithful! Meeting and his, when he ihallgive up his Accounts, and then it fhall be feen who has employed his Talent well : Then fhali he{. fay, Well dene, good and faithfid Servant, thou haft been faithful over a few Things, I will maty thee Ruler over many Things ; enter thou into th% Mafter'sjoy, Matth. 25. 23. or rather, Let thfi Maftefs Joy enter into thee, and take and fill thy] Renewing the Covenant. 27 y Soul with it. Many a fad Heart has a faith- il Watchman ; but there is a Day coming, hen he ihall get a joyful Heart. But tor horn efpecially is this Joy referved ? It is e- en for thofe who convert many to Rigktcoufnefs ; bey (hall (him like the Stars in "the Firmament , in be Kingdom of their Father ■, Dan. 12. 2. Matth, 43. It is plain this belongs not to thee, Tfaithlefs Watchman. What haft thou been oing ? Busking a Bride for thyfelf ? Busk- ig a Bride for the Pcfc oiRome, the Piihop of lomcj even for Antichrifi? becking and binge- ng to this Table and that xMtar, bringing in he Tapiftry of Antichriftian Hangings, "and ndeavouring to let the Crown on another vlan's Head, nor Chrift's ? But thou that vilt not fct on the Crown on his Head, and abour to hold it on, thou O Preacher, rhe Vengeance of God ihall come upon thee, the -Slood of Souls fhall.be upon thee. Cirk-maneats Blood, and drinks Blc^d ; Lord leliver our Souls from Blood-. :)ear brethren, let us repent, let u^ 1 tow ,ve have been all in the W jjrcom ; Shame Ihall I liame to repent. I cha Timber and Stones hat fame DayJigl ..d that under no lefs ] le Salva- tion of \ g not the Brides e. Bur wc I fee never or in all the Scrips 2$ Mr. Cant* j Sermon f, after. Scripture, that the Mafter of the Feaftfentoul Lords to woo home his Bride ; hcfent out hh Servant s, but not his Lords. Read all the Bible from the Beginning to the Ending, you Ihall not find it. Daft Men may difpute, and by Refpeft may garry it away 9 tut read all the Old and New Teftament both, and let me fee ii ever this Lord Prelate, or that Lord Bijbop was fent to woo home his Bride. Obj. 1. We have our Prerogative from Aaron, from Moles, from the Jpofiles, from Timothy. Anfiv. I trow ye be like baftard Bairns that can find no Father. So they fliall never be able to get a Father, for Man has fet them up, and Man is their Father. Obj. 2. Find we not the Name of BiHiop under the New Teflament ? Anjw. Yes j but not the Bijbop of a Diocefs3 fuch as, My Lord Glafgow, and My Lord St. Andrew's ; but we find a Pallor or a Bilhop over a Flock. It is a wonderful Matter to me, that Men fliould think to reafon this Way ; for in the Old Teftament there is not an Office, nor an Office-bearer, but is diftin£tly determined in the making of the Tabernacle ; there is not a Tackle, nor the Quantity of it, not a Cour- tain, nor the Colour thereof, not a Snuffer, nor a Candleftick, nor aBefom that fweeps d way the Filth, nor an Alh-pan that keepeth the Alhes, but all are particularly fet down ; yet, ye will not get a Bifhop, nor an Arch* bilhop, nor this Metropolitan, nor that great and Cathedral Man, no not within all the Bible, The Lord pity them s for indeed I think them Ob<* Renewing the Covenant. 29 ;jbje£s of Pity, rather than of Malice. Chriil • a perfeft King, and a perfe£t Prophet. Thou jinft never own him to be a perfeft Prieft and jng, that denies him to be perfeft Prophet ; * id a perfeft Prophet he can never be, except * has fet down all the Offices and Office-bear- :s requiiite tor the Government of his Houfe$ it fa has he done, therefore is he perfect. Obj. But they will call themfelves Servants. Anfw. The Fox may catch a While the hecp, and the Pope may call himfelf Servns m, the Servant of Servants: And they rill call themfelves Brethren, when they write ) us ; but they'll take it very highly and ardlv, if we call them Brethren, when we 'rite back to them again : But Men fhall be nown by their Fruits, and by their Works, ) be what they -/re, and not what they call lemfelves. But if they will be called Servants, id yet remain Lpds, let them take heed that ley be not fuch Servants, as curs'd Canaan 'as, A Servant of Servants /hall be be. Take eed that they be not * ierving Mens Wrath id Vengeance, and not Servants by the Gnrce "' God, and by the Mercy of God, as they ftile lemfelves, 2. Let them take heed that they |e not fuch Servants as Gehazi was ; he was a ilfe Servant, he ran away after the Courtier woman, feeking Gifts, and faid his Mafter >nt him, when (God knows ) his Mailer lent him * This Pbrafe is to be underjiood of the Bijbops hex \ng *ndm:[ fGid, 30 Mr. Cant5 s Sermon^ after him not $ at the Time he Should have be praying to the Lord, to help his poor Kir and comfort her j the Curfe and Vengeance God came upon him, and he was ftrucken wi Leprofy for his Pains : Such Servants a thefe Men who now fit down on their Cathedr JNefts, labouring to make themfelves great 111 Gchazi : Let them take heed that their hind« End be not like his. 3. Let thefrn take he* that they be not fuch Servants as Ziba was 1 Mephibojheth^ who not only took away wh: was his by Right, but alfo went to the Kin with ill Tales of poor cripple Mephibofbetk Such Servants are thefe who not only rob th Church of her Privileges and Liberties, but aj fo run up to the King with Lies and ill Tale of poor Mephibopetb, the cripple Kirk ofticoi land. 4. Let them take heed that they be nc fuch Servants as Judas was, an evil Servar. indeed ; he fold his Mailer for Gain, as ill Sei vants do. Or like thefe that flrike the Bain: when they are not doing any Fault: An they are ill Servants who busk their Mailer Spoufe with Antichrift's Busking. Wo unt them, and the Man who is the Head of thei Kirk, whole Crofs and Trumpery they woui put on the Lord's chaite Spoufe. But if the will call themfelves Servants, and yet refaai Lords, let them take heed that they be not < this Category that I have reckoned up. Th Lord make us faithful Servants, and the Lor rid his Houfe of them. Time will not flnfer me to go through tl Reft of the Te*t> only I will take a Glance < fon Renewing the Covenant. 31 Tome Things which make for your Ufe at this Time. Que ft. How are thir Servants treated ? Anfw- Some of them get Nolumus upon the Back of their Bill : Some of them are beaten, and fpitefuly ufed, and flain. Dear Hearts, know ye net how Mofes was ufed ? how Aaron and Jeremiah^ &c. were ufed? How Zecha- nah was (lain between the Porch and the Al- tar' ? How Jeremiah was fmitten j and he that did it, got his Name changed into Magor Miffa- Vib, Terror round about ? Know ye not that Zk over to yon Kingdom of Ireland^ the v defolate Congregations that are there , pany a dear One there, that would have had a blyth Soul, to have had your lalt Sunday, Dr leen it, or to have Affurance of fuch a Day, before they come into Heaven. Pray for the Peace oiZiun, and pity thole poor Things who >ntent to go from one Sea-bank to the other, to be in your Pla ! And truly the Blogd of tfieic poor Things is crj I $2 Mr. Ca'ktV Sermon^ after for Vengeance to light where it fhoiild light for the JBlame lyes upon none but the proui Prelates. If I would pofe you with^his Quel tion, as you will anfwer to God, Who hav leenlhe lnjlraments of all this Mifchief ? I an fure the moll ignorant among you can anfwer None but the proud Bwfts the Prelates. The Lord give them Repentance. I know not how you have handled your Paf tors in this Town, beca#fe I am but x Stran- ger ; but trow ye that two filly Men that came among you can do any Thing, if your owr Pallors had not laid the Foundations ; Bui for God's Sake, honour and refpe£t your Paf tors,' I mean thofe of them that keep the Cove- nant of Levi. And ye that have broken it, and will not come to renew it again, Shame and Difhonour will be upon you tor ever more. ] have my MefTage from .the 2 d of Malachy^ 1 will pour Contempt upon them who have broken thi Covenant of Levi. Therefore let Pallors and People enter both within this Covenant ; for it is the fweeteft Thing in the World, to fee Paf-' tops and People going one Gate. Therefore come away all of you unto the Wedding, come and fubferibe the Contra£t, put to your Heart! and Hand to it. Blefled be God for what al*j ready ye have done. 2. Some of thir Servants got a Nay-fay , ancs fome of them were beaten ^ hence we learn5 That every Miniller will not be beaten, noi will get the Stroke to keep j but if a Minillej get a Nay-fay, it will make him as fad as if m gotten fore Strokes. If a Miniller get a Mr. Cant'j Sermon, aftw 33 tf'ay-fay that has been travelling thefe many if ears in the Miniftry, and yet cannot get one ioul brought unto the Lord, that will make lim as fad as fore Strokes will do. When an ioneft Minifter has laboured many Years pain- iilly in the Sweat of his Brows, and has never lad another Tune, but, ' Come away, come a mto the Marriage j and when he walks among hem, and fees never One coming in, nor never )ne that has on the bedding Garment, What vill be the Complaint of that poor Man ! O then le will cry out with Ifaiah, Lord, who believes iy Report, and to whom has the Ann of the Lord een made naked ? Lord, I have laboured //; vasn+ nd fpent ray Strength for nought : What will vord of me, after ib many Years Travel in the diniftry ? I have not brought forth one Child. The Lord forbid that •ye our People break rour Minilters Hearts. And as lor you, Bre- hren, be more watchful over your Flocks^ e more bufy in catcchiiing and exhorting lem. And urge the. Duty of the Covenant pon them, and when they are on Foot, hold hem going -, lead them to the Fountain and ^ock-eye. Lead them to the Well-fpring, nd make meikle of them ; feed the Lord's iambs, as Chrift faid to Peter, If thou love ft te, feed my Sheep 3 lovefl then me, i l fay, fed my Minifter, loveil thou me? Feed my >ais'd Sheep : Loveft thou me ? Feed my Lambs. Ye mull be Feeders, and not Fleec- es; Paftors, but not Wolves ; Builders, but lot Peftroyers ; and come a v. ay. and help up hebrojwep do>V'ii Wall of Jentfalctn. For it & cm* 54 Mr* Cant\t Sermon, after one of you can bring Timber here, anothez bring Morter, a third bring Stones, andlmake up a Slap in Zion > and 1 hope we that came here ihall go home with blyth News to our Congregations, that we cannot lay we have got a cold Welcome ; fo I hope ye will think it your greatelt Comfort, and your greateit Credit alio. Venture in Covenant with God, and whoibever thou be, that wilt not enter in Covenant, we will Have thy Name, and we will pour out our Complaints be: ore God for thee y for we that are Minified mull be faith- ful to our Mailer y and I take you all to wit-l ' nefs, that we have discharged our Commiflioa faithfully , and I hope the Bleffing of the Lord ihall be upon them tiiat have given us an Invi-J tation of this Kind: And it may be your, greatefl Comfort, that now ye may go homely Unto your Lord, being formerly in Covenant with him y and your greateil Credit alio, for ye never got luch a Credit, as to lend your Mailer's Honour a Lift. We come to the Ex- cufes. But they went their way, one to his Farm* and: another to his Merchandif. Luke is more large in this, and laith, I have bought a Pieee of\ Ground, and rauft needs go fee it y another [aid, I have bought five Yoke tf Oxen, and I go to prove them , and the third faid, I have married a Wife, and therefore I cannot come. We learn here, That never a Man refufes Chrift but from fome By-relpe£ts, fuch as his Farm, Oxen and Mar- riage, 13c. I never law a Man biding back from the Covenant, but from fbme By-re- fpe£ls| Rennving the Covenant. 35 fpefts > either fome Refpect to the World, or jto Men, or to the Court, or fuch baftard By- |refpe£ts to fome Statefmen, or to a Prelate, or to the King himfelf, who, we truft, ere it be long, ihall think them the honeiteit Men that came in iooneft : Therefore call away all By- refpe£ts. The Apcftle John includes their Ex- iles under three feveral Exprellions, 1 John 16. T/oe' Pride of Life , including the Farm , he Luji of the Hearty including the Merchant life , and the Luft of the Flejfo, including the Marriage. Therefore let every Soul that would ove and follow Chriit, deny himfelf, 'and lay fide Excufes. Deny thy own Wit, Will and Canities, and lay aiide By-refpe£ts, andlfhali varrand thou fhalt come running, and get thrift in thy Arms. 2. Is it a Refpect to Pre- acy that hinders thee, O Scotland £ Curled e the Day that ever they were born. 3. Is it Refpect to the Novations already come into cot/and? I may fay, Curfed be thefe Brats of \abel. It had been belt to have rent them at le Beginning, for many woful Days have ley brought on, and woful Diviiions have ipy brought in, and woful Backllidings have iey occalioned. Therefore away with thefe y-refpe£ts. 4. Is it a Refpect to the Ki "he Lord blefs our King. Says not the Co- nant enough for the Maintenance of thtf .ing ? As for that Word which they call ombinations, itreierves ay the Honour of od, and the Honour of the King 3 protelb bat may 1 i Dimi- it ion of the KJn^s C and Authority. C z Ye 36 Mr. Cant\? Sermon, after Yea, I know no other Meaii under Heaven tc make many Loyal Subje&s, but by renewing our Covenant. idly, I would have had thir Men that made thir £xcules framing them another- Way ; ] would have had him that married the Iftfe, faying, My IViJe has married me ; and he that bought his Oxen, laying, My Oxen have bought me > and he that went to his Farm* faying, My Farm has bought me. Ai4d if ye will mark thep Words, ye will find them run this Way. 1. ' Marriage is lawful ; but when a Man beaftsr himfelf in his carnal Pleaiures, then the Wife! marries the Man. Therefore^ 1 Cor. 7. 29. lex them that have Wives, be as tho* they had them not, and them that rejoice, as tho* they rejoicea /wt. 2. Buying f>f Farms is lawful, but when a Man becomes a Slave to his own Gain, it takes away the Soul of him, 'the Farm buys the Man -> "likewife Husbandry is lawful, but when a Man yokes his Neck under the World, it trails and turmoils him fo, that he car take on the Yoke of Jefus. 3. Thus alio the Merchandife buys the Man. Then for Jefus Chrifl's Sake, caft away all Excufes, and come a way now, and marry Chrift 1. Away witfl thy-baftard Pleaiures. 2. Away with thjj baitard Cares, and come away to Chrift, am' he ihall feafon all thy Cares. 3. Away wi thy Falfhood, thy Pride, Vanity, &c. Awa with thy Com, Wine and Oil, and come to Chri" and he lhall lift up his Countenance upon the* The Lord give thee a Blink of that, and thf thou wilt come hopping with all thy Sp-* like Renewing the Covenant. y ^ like unto old Jacob ^ when he faw the Angels amending and defcending, then he ran fait, al- beit tie w.\s tired, and had got a hard Bed, and a fir harder Boliter the Night ^before, yet he got a glorious fitfght, and his Legs were foupl- ed-with ConfoTation, which made him run. Lord blink upon thy lazy Soul with his ami- able Countenance, and then thou flialt rife and run, and thy tainting Heart will receive Strength, when the Lord puts in his Hand by the Key-hole of the. Door, and leaves Drops of Myrrh behind him, then a fleepy Bride will rife and leek her Beloved. But to our Point. Marriage is lawful, Merchandife is lawiul, Husbandry is lawful, but never oneofthefe' is lawful, wien they hinder thee from the Lord. Neither Credit, Pleafure, Preferment, Houfes nor Lands are lawful,, when they h der thee irom the Lord's fweet Prefence. Je- ' rem laid well igb my o'd Fii; tftg % Afeihct in her A thy dear Children were/lick- Jefus called azvay all [jrd J cf us. Lord grant, my Belaved, that wh he ird of Chrift may link in your Souls : And when ye have feen poor Things running 1~k ' there, to get a rra) er here, what th ; their B will anlwcry My Bel C 3 trimi 3S Mr. Cant' s Sermon, after trimmeft, and the highelj and honourable^: lr\ the World ; he has the fweeteft Eyes, the J.; •fweeteft Cheeks, the fweeteft Lips, ' and trim- jneft Legs and Arms, yea he is altogether lovely j and then they will be made to cry out, O thou faireft among Women, tell us whither is thy Be- loved gone, that we may feek him with thee? O if we knew him ! Lord work upon you the Knowledge of him. O what a BuJinels would ye make to be at him ! Lord grant that our Miniftry may leave a Stamp upon your Hearts. Then had we gotten a rich Purchafe. Would %o God ye were like that Marquefs in Italy^ who fled from thence to Geneva, being perfe- cted by the Jefaites -, and when they followed him,' and oflered him Sums or Gold, he an- fwered, Let thefe perifh for ever who part with an flour's Fellowjhip with Chrift, for all the Gold un- der Heaven. And fundry of the Martyrs being at the Stake, having this and that offered to them, they had full this Word, None but Chrifl, none but Chrift : And when they were bidden, Have mind of your well favoured Wife, and your poor Children ; they anfwered. If I had* all the Money and Gold in the World, I would give it to ft ay with my Wife and poor Children, if.m were but in aftinking Prifon 5 but fweet Chrift i£ dearer unto me than $11 Then caft away all Ex- cufe. Would to God we were like that Wo-, man, when going to the Stake j / have borfi{ many Children, fays ihe, and yet notwithstanding cj all thefe Pains, I would fufter them all over a«i gain, for one Hourls Fellow/hip with my Lord. Then come awray, come away, call away all fxcufe Renewing the Covenant. 3$ Excufes, come away 3 as the Spoufe fays, The Storm ts pafi and over, the Winter is away, the Time of Jinging of Birds is cane, and the Vcicc of the Turtle is heard in our Land ± arife, ; One, and come away. God be thanked, there is a fad Winter over Scotland's Head, and our Figs are blolloming, and our Trees are budd- ing, and bringing forth Fruit, now is the Turtle Jinging, and his Voice is heard in our Land : Now is Chrifl's Voice heard, now is our Bridegroom Handing waiting on our Way- coming j and here am I In his Name, crying unto you, C ty : Here am 1 to honour my Mafter : All Houour be to him for ever and ever. Come away then, for the Winter is going, the Summer is approaching, our Vines are blollbming, in Token ot a fair Sum- mer : Arife, arife, and come away. Ver. 9. Go ye therefore, go ye out tc ways: As if he would fay, Weil, I fee the Jews will not come in , therefore go your W^ys, and fetch in the Gentiles. Yet I hope in God, there lhall many of the ftws come in fliortlv. They fpake for you, when ye could not fpe.ck ior yourfelves ; they faid, We have a little A ter, and (he has no Breads ; whatjhall wc do (be jtall he fpohen jcr ? Now pray ye ior them. Always they refufed to e in, as ye heard ; and not being worthy, ; woald not come to him, to make them worthy. Alw iys, lays the Lord, go out, and call in the G to my Talk , my Son may not : Hz is rt a Spoufe, and my Supper is C 4 ' rr- 40 Mr. Cant'j Sermon, after therefore go and fetch in the Gentiles. I thank the Lord that ye are come in. I know not a Town in the Kingdom of Scotland thatvis not come in, except one, and I am fear'd for the Wrath of God to light on that fhortly. Al- ways God hath his own Time. But trow ye, that God will give that Honour to every one ? Nay. I proteit in my own iilly Judgment ( howbeit I cannot fcance upon Kings Crowns) that it were the greateft Honour that ever King Charles got, to fujrfcribe the Covenant. But trow ye that every Minifter, and every Burgh will come in ? Nay : II you'll read the Hiftory, 2 Chron. 30. 10. you'll fee the contrary 3 when Hezekiah was going to renew the Covenant, and to keep the Palfover, the holy Text fays, that Numbers mocked, and thought themfelves over jelly to come in ; . but ! thofe, whofe Hearts the Lord had touched, %\ they came in, and kept the blyth Day. In- deed 1 was afraid once, that Chrift fhould had left Old Scotland, and gone to New Scotland^] and that he Ihould have left Old England, and ; gone to New England : And think ye not but j he c^n eafily do this ? Has he not a famous; Church in America, where he may go to ? In-'! deed I know not a Kingdom in all the World,, but if their Plots had gone on, they had been at: AnticbriJFs Shore ere now ; but all his JLimbs and Liths, I hope fhall be broken, anci then fhall our Lord be great : Therefore come, away in with your Wedding Garment, and ye that have not put it on, now put it on, and cpme away to the Marriage ; And I thank the Renewing the Covenant. 41 be Lord, that ye are prevailed with, by God's iffifting ©four faithful Brethren to bring you 1 : The Lord grant that ye may come in nth your Wedding Garment. It is but a nail Matter for you to hold up your Hand j nd yet, I fufpect, iome of you5 when it was in oing, took a Back-iicie. I tell you that it is o Matter of Sport, to bourd with G^ Phereforc come^w^/ with your Welding Garment ; for : ter of the Fealt k es you, nd knows all that are come to the e- 7eaft. I know you not, but my Mailer knows ,-ou every one : He knows who came in on Sunday, and who came ii d #ho will come in -r9 and tvho ai 2;oing to put on their V\ c, and ;aft away their Dud ith your Lads 3f Pride, your Duds of Grec nd of Malice ; away with all thefe Duds, and be he Door blind Mart in the Gofpel, vho when he cnew that ( tiled him, he call his old tk from him, and came away ; fodo} :ali afide all Excufes, and come to the Wed- ding,, and now with a Word of the \\redding Garment I will end. This Wedding Garment con! ill's of three Pieces: 1. There is one Piece of it looks to God, and that is Holinefs. 2. There is ano- ther Piece of it looks to ourfelves, and tint is Sobriety. 3. Another Piece of u o our Neighbour, £..d that is Righteououl ? Even the poor Soul that has put on the Bridegroom Jefus : That Soul is fair and vhite, and altogether lovely, There is no Sptf nit^ Cant. 4/7 becaufe the Lord hath put upon 44 Mr. Cant5 s Sermon, after upon it, broidered Work, Bracelets and Ort\ mentis, Ezek. 16* n. 3. A Garment is for Diftinclion. Thcl mult be a Diftin£tion among you, between y[ and the wicked World, becaufe ye have jl jiewed your Covenant with God : And t}[ Diilin&ion mull not only be outwardly (i| an Hypocrite may feem indeed very r^ir ) t| it mult be by inward Application. I defjf you all that are heading me, not only to putl on, but to hold it on : Put it on, and hold! on j for it is not like another Garment, neithl in Matter, nor Shape, nor in Ufe, nor in DJ ranee. I may not infift to iiandle it, but it j not like other Garments, efpecially it is like a Bridegroom's Garment, which he on to Day, and. off to -MorrcAv. Therefore! xharge you all your Days, to ho2d it on, A I that which ye had on upon Sunday lafl, ai Yeilerday, and which you have on this Da fee that ye call it not off to Morrow. Wh heard you cryed on Sunday laft, and Yefte day, and this Day ? Hofanna, Hofanna. At wherefore cried ye Yeilerday and this Da; Hofanna, Hofanna ? Look that when we are way, and your Miniflers not preaching to yoi that ye cry not, Crucify Mm, cracsjy i fear that many who lafl Sunday, Yeilerday at this Day, have been crying, Hofanna, Hofa;: na, ihall, long ere the next Sunday, cry, Cn > cify him, and bang him up. But I charge yoi O Sons oiZion, and ye Daughters oi Jerufak* that your Tongues never ceafe in crying, H fanna, till Chriit come and dwell in your Soy: 1 Tfe Renewing the Covenant. 45 f0ien caft not off your Wedding Garment, but |mt it on, and hold it on. J Moreover, hold it clean, trim and white : :uho have their Garments clean /ball walk w:tb me in white, for, they are worthy, Rev. 3. L I know ye dwell where Antichrift hath a Keft, and a Hole ; therefore, keep your Gar- (hents clear : . A Man that has put on new lilk Ikockens, or a Stand of trim Clothes, will be rery careful to go about a My re $ and if he lappen to catch a Spark, he will be careful to 11b it out again. Therefore by all Means, take heed e ye Jit down : A neat and prufh Man will take heed to this, fodoye. ?or ChriftV Sake hold your Garments clean^ find take heed where ye fit down. Ye that arQ Majiers of this College, if ye tount me worthy to fpeak to you, I would lave you keep your Garments clean, and take iieed that ye be not fpotted with uncovenant- ed Spots. I hope ye will not ftand to enter in Covenant writh God : Thfs will honour your Perfons, and advance the flourilhing Eftate of your Univerlity > itfhall drawdown the Blef- lings of God upon you, and ye fliall never re- pent it. And ye that are Scholars, take heed what Sort of Learning and Traditions ye drink in, and fo hold your Garments clean. We hear of too many Colleges in the Land, that are i potted ; but we hope in God that ye are clean: A ;igand old of you, take all heed to your Garments, that they be white, and clean, and beautiful. For 46 Mr. Cant* j Sermon, &c* For the Lord's Sake, all ye that are hea ing me, take heed to your Garments, b efpecially ye that have fubfcribed your Cov< nant, take heed to your Garments $ for blyt will your Adverfaries be, to fee any Spot c them, and they will fay. Take tip the Covenan and Subfcription thereof. And therefore, for tb Lord's Sake, ftudy to be holy ; otherwife Pt pijis will rejoice at it, and the weak wi Humble at it : And lb ye will wound and bor the fweet Side of Chrilt. And therefore pu on your Wedding Garment, hold it on, an< hold it clean; walk wifely and circumfpe&l) before the World. Now I commend yon to him who is able tt firengthen, Jlablijh and fettle you ; to him be Glo- ry, Honour and Dominion, for ever and ever. Sc belt. The 'he Evil and Danger of Prelacy. j — . . ___ — i A JERMON PREACHED AT A GrENERAL MEETING, IN THE ladz-Fryar-Church o£Edinburghy pon the i ith Day of June, 1638, he Beginning of our laft Reformation from Prelacy^ after the Renovation ot the* National Covenant. y the Reverend Mr. Andrew Cant, fome- time Minifter of the Gofpel at Aberdeen. r. v. 3. Neither as being Lords over God's Heritage but being enfamples to the Flock. G L A S G O JK inted for George Paton, Book-feller ia Lmlu' Mdccxli. 49 \ Sermon preached at a Gene- ral Meetings June 13, 1658. r'ECH. iv. 7. WhoarttboU} 0 great Mounta before Zerubbabel tk me a Plan:, and : i-Jicne thereof iv iU unto it. ' Per that God wi Temple built; h?A bev fted ; irtly by the Worldlincfs Athe People, who ad greater Care of their own Houfes, thanot te Houfe oi God j \ \xs by the Pro- iet h Chap. 1. Ver. 3, 4. He re- oves them lor this Fa\ilr5 That .they car- 1 mori for their own Houfes d the oule of God 3 partly, becaule oi the great: impediments and Difficulties they apprehended the Worly Yet God having a PurpoL i\c it burfaed, ends his Prophets to ftir em up to the building of it ; Hogg* 2. 4. 5 for Impediments he Promiies to ren ill, and allurae them of this b\ i, nelhews to Z e People, aiat although Impcdimc; z they fhould be I nc ftand upon 1: I Jnncction^ ; This V L ihow* D the $o Mr. Cant'j Sermon., the Scope of the Prophet 7 viz. God his Work going on, and all impediments re moved. Thefe Times require that I I rather infill upon Application to the i Work of Reformation in Hand, than to it .m upon the Temple of Jem/aim, which w know well erfough was a Type of Chrilt' Kirk, which in this Land was once built, bu now hath been defaced by the Enemies o Chrilt : We have long neglefte(J the re-edi tying of it ; partly, Men being given more tj build their own Houfes, nor the Houie c Chrilt y and partly, becaufe of the great Im pediments that have difcouraged God's Peopf to meddle with it. Now it hath pleafed God, to itir up Prophets, Noblemen, and People o the Land, to put to their Hands to this Work And I think God faith to you in this- Text Who art t boil) O great Mountain? tkoujl { come a 'Plain. There are two P rts in this Text : i. Ai Impediment removed, under the Name of; Mountain, Who an thou^ 0 great Adv:. before Zerubbabel, thou jh alt I cam t a Pl^h 2. In the fecond Part of the Text, the Worl goeth lip, and is finifhed, the Impediment be ing removed, He f hall bung forth the I Jione thereof with Jfyoutuig) crying^ Grace ^ be unto it. But that ye may take up all that is to b faid in Order and Method ; there are in the Text, three in the Mountain, imp I the Work, and three in the Work itfeli : T fa three in the Mountain are thefe , i. It is i Mqui* At d General Meeting. ft fountain feen, O great Alountain ! 2. A Mountain reproved^ Who art tkou^ O great Mountain ?^ before Zerubbabel. 3. A Moun- ain removed. Thou ft) alt become a Plain. The [iree in the Work are, 1. A Work grow- ig and going up. 2. A Work finiihed, He iall bring forth the Head- ft one thereof 3. A Vork praifed, He pall bring Jorth the Head- one thereof with jhouting^ crying^ Grace^ Grace I tmto it. I fliall fpeak of all thde, God fail- ng, and apply them to the Time. As for the three in the Mountain. 1. It is a fountain feen j it is called a great Mountain , ider this are comprehended all Impediments id Difficulties impeding the Building ; all be- g taken together make up a great Mountain, hich is unpaffible , the Enemies who impede is Work were this Mountain : Look Fzra and ye will fee the Adverfaries of Juddb be* me a great Mountain in the Way of that rork. That ye may take up this Mountain the bet-- ■, I find that Kings are called Mountains in ripture ; and good Kings are fo called, for rfe three, 1 For their Sublimity ; asMoUn- ns are high above the Valleys, \o are Kings :ed up in Majefty above their Subje£ts : nt apply that Place to Kings, Mi cab 6. 2. ir fe, O Mountains^ the Lord's ( .:. They their St to gs are called Mountain^ by Reafon oi ^:he? T\ * T«J. 52 Mr. Cant's Sermon, Influence of Peace to the People : Pfalm m 3. The Mountains jhall bring Peace to the People and the little Hills by Right eoajnefs. I find alfo, that the ftrong Enemies of tb Church are called Mountains, becaufeofth great Impediments to the Kirk's Building ths are made by them, as ye may fee in PfaL 144 This Mountain ( that I may fpeak mor. . plainly ) is Prelacy, which hath ever been tft Mountain, in the Way of our' Reformation It may be, fome of you that hear me, are nc •ot my Judgment concerning Epifcopacy ; fc my Judgment, I ever condemned it, ashavin r.o Warrant for it to be in Chrift's Houle 3 yjj J am fure, that all of you that are here thj Day, will agree with me in this,- That Prcli cy being Antichrillian, is intollerabie : Bi fuch is the Prelacy of this Kirk, it is Ant xhriftian. I may eaiily prove, that among many Marks of Antichriit, thir two are mc, evident, falfe Doftrine, and Tyranny in Gt ,vernment : Where Antichritt is, there is t| Tannical Government, impoling Laws upc the Confciences of God's People •> where A tich'rift is, there is Idolatry, Superftition ai Error ^ thefe two are clearly feen in our Pr lacy: Their Idolatry, Superftition and E ror may be feen in their Service-Book, th< Tyranny may be feen in their Book of C nons. 1 think there are none here, but tb may fee this Mountain : No greater Tyraa hath ever been ufed by Antichrift, than ha been ufed by our Prelates^ and exercifed up this Kirk. Tl at d Genera! 'Mating. 53 This Mountain being feen by you all ; I vould have you take a View of the Quality )fit. I find in Scripture, that the Enemi, he Kirk being called Mountains, are fo galled, )ecaufe of thefe three Qualities : The firfl; is n Pfalm 76. 4. They are called Mountains of tycy j fo called, becaufe from them the Rob- bers rufh down to the Valli^s, and prey upon he Paflengers. The fecond is in Jet. 51. 25. Babylon ^ a .great Enemy to God's Kirk, is railed a dejiroytng Mountain 3 the Word in its )\vn Language, js called a pcftiferous Mountain, [ fo called ) becaufe #riie Pell deftroys. The hird is in Ifa. 2. 14. They are called Moun-* 1 Pride, compared with the 12. Ver. and rou will find thefe Mountains called Mourn f Pride. Our Mountain of Prelacy hath all thefe v >ad Qualities : 1. It is a Mountain from vhich they have, like Robbers, made a Prey ■ the Kirk of Chrift. Tell me, I pray you, nd 1 appeal to your own Consciences, who v Brethren, if there be any Privilege or Liberty that ever Chrift gave us, but they ;i it from us, and made a Prey ot ic. i. This -Mountain is a peftiferous M t hath been the Mountain *eft> to infeft the Kirk of Chrift with Super- , Herefy and Error; and Vrithal, it lath been a deftroying r in ; tor \ aeftroyed the fair t irli Reformation. 3. They • 'Vide; for greater Pride cannot W, t . fountain ; the) £4 JMr* CantV Sermon , over their Brethren^ and as Lords over God's Jnheritance, Ye that are Noblemen, are the natural Mountains of this Kingdom, defcended of Noble Predepeliors, who have been as Moun- tains indeed, defending both Kirk and Com- mon-wealth. Thefe Men were but low Val- lies, and now are artificial Mountains, made xip by the Art of Man ; at firft, as low 33 their Brethren fitting there \ I but Piece ancj Piece, they have mounted up ; at firft Corn-? rniflioners for the ]£irk, and then obtained Vote in Parliament, and then they ufurpecj all the Liberties of the Kirk Benefices, and then conftant Moderators to make up this Mountain 7 and at lafl, the high Commiffion js given to make the Mountain tfrong ; 'tis like %o Daniel's Tree ; Dan. 4. ij. The Tree grew >\ and wasjlrong 3 and from it, we that are Mini* ■ iters of Chrift have our Wrack. And let me fpeak to you, Noblemen, thefe. artificial and floored Mountains, have over*1 toped you who are the natural Mountains j! and if they have not done fo, What means tha1 great Seal then? and if Way could have beeni made for it, they fhould have carried the' white Wand and Privy-Seal alio : And this is jufl with God, that they .have overtopea you ; for every one of you 'came with your own Shovel-full, to make up this Mountain. It was thought expedient to rear up this Moun- tain, po command and bear down poor Mini* Hers. Albeit, 3tis true, we have been borff] down by them $ yet ye that are the high Mountains* at a General Meeting. ' $$ •fountains, have not been iree from their hut : I Ice to Jot ham's Parable ; 9. S. The Frees of the ' rw a Ing over the tn > tbi } and tjy Be thou KiAg cvr us. The Olive faith, I nil not ktivtmy vaPnefs U Ic K lig ■ mtto he Ftg-Tree) and /aid, Be thou our Kr.g ± th* )g-2ree feftb, I 1: ve my S^eefmfs to be ing : Ikty ccme hketeife to the Vthe, and fay ', U thou am King ±-thc Vine faith, I will not leave ly Strength to be King : They ccme to the Wamble, and J aid \ Be thou cur King ; then fa id }oe Bramble to the Trees, If indeed ye anoint me j ng over you. then come and put your Tr (ft under y Shadow? $ and if not, let Fire ccme forth of the "ramble, and devour the tall Cedars of Lebanon. Tie Olive Trees of the Miniftry would not ^ave the Fatnefs of God's Grace, wherewith ley were endued, to rule over the Kirk : 1he Fig-Trees of the Miniftry would not btve the fweet Fruits of their Miniftry, to ear Rule in the Kirk : The Vines of the liniftry would not leave the ftrong Confola- ons of God, whereby many Souls were smfortcd, to bear Rule in the Kirk : Yet le Brambles have taken this, and ye helped p exalt them., upon Condition to truft under peir vShadow ; and if Fire hath not come forth fom thefe Brambles, upon the tall Cedars of lis Land, I leave to your own Thoughts to ;idge. Always this is the Mountain which ye ;e all reared up t us Day, and Handing in the ■ray of our ReformatiotL 2. The fecond Thing in this great Mountain, D 4 is $6 Mr. Cast's Sermon, is this, It is a Mountain reproved : Who art thou, O grtfft Mountain ? before Zetubbabel. When he faith of Zerubbabel, it is not only meant of Zerubbabel, but of the Reft of God'sJ People $ fee Haggai i. iz. There Zcrubba-* lei) Jojhtia, and the Reft of God's People o- beyed the Voice of the Lord ; anc\ in the i^th Verfe, all thefe are faid to work in the Houfe of the Lord : So under Zerubbabel, all the Reft of the People are comprehended ; even fo in this Wo ?k of ours, all that are joined to this Work, for the Building of this Work, are to be accounted Workers -> and for them alfo is^ this Mountain reprov'd, Who art thou, O great. Mountain ? Who art thou, who will impede this Work, or fhalj be able to impede it, fee-^ ing God will have it forward. 'Tis impoffible: for thee to impede it, in thefe three Refpecis : I. InRefpefl of the Work.itfelf. 2. In Re- fpe£l of the Workers. 3. In Refpe&ofthQ Impeders. 1. In Refpect of the Work itfelf. It is God's Work ; for the Houfe is his, and he \i in it : 'Haggai 2. 4. The Lord faith, Be thoi, firong^ Zerubbabel, and Jofhua, and the Rem- nant of the People and Work, for I am with yon, faith the Lord of Hops. If God be with a Workw Who is he that will lett or impede it ? God is with this Work of Reformation, as ye you$ felves can witnefs ; and by all our Expe£tatH ons this Mountain is fhaken, and ( God b$ prais'd ) are not fo unpaffible as they were. 2. No Man is able to impede this Work, in Refpe& of the Workers Hagg. 2. 14. it M tin at a General Meeting. $* jiid, That God ftirred up the Spirit of Zerubba- >el, and of Joiliua, and o] the People, amc and wrought in the Houft of the I Vher> God ftirs up Men to do a good Wc othing on Earth.can flay ic ; I am fure5 it\- .erGod ftirred up Men to a good Work, he lath ftirred us up to this, botli Noblemen, Ainifters and People. Wherefore, Whi bou, 0 great Mountain before God's People, hat thinks to impede fuch a Work ? 3. In Refpe£t of the Impeders : VThat are hey but Men, and wicked Men, as ye may , be in the Adverfaries of the Jews. V\ ho are hey that impede our Work ? Even Men that eek Honour and Preferment of this World,,. £nemies to Religion, fighting againit God -, o whom, I may lay that Word in Job 9. 4. Vbo hath hardy- klf ' again ft God, and prof- wed? With one Word morel will reprove his Mountain, and go forward. I, O great Mount anl ? Wilt thou earch thyfelf who thou art: Art the. Sod's Building or not? I trow you are not Juris iJivini, but Hu God nor Chrift :tever built thee : Th< m art only a Hill retting ; knoweit thou not thai w, againll which thou art, is a Hiil of God's building. I will fay to you then that Word in 68. 15, 16. The Hill of GU is a Hill, as the Hill of Baihan: > ye Hdls ? This is the Hill tl II in it ji And think ye to pr< ;ainft the People •She hath ftrunger - 5*5 Mr. Cant' s Sermon, ye have. Pfahn 125. 3, As the Mountains are round about Jerufalem, jo the Lord is round about his Pccple, front henceforth and for ever. 3. The tnird Thing in this Mountain, is. It is a Mountain removed, Zbou jhalt become a Plain y that is, God fliall remove .all Impedi- ments before Zerub babel, and his People ; God is able to remove all that impedes his Work s even the mightieft Enemies that op- pofe themfelves to the Work of God : Ye may 1 obferve a fourfold Power of God agaiaft thele, Mountains. 1. A determining Power, whereby he fets, fuch Bounds to the greateft Mountains, that ye fee they fall not upon the Vallies, albeit they overtop them. The Lord hath fet Bounds to the great Kings in the World, which they could not pais, when they have fet themfelves againft the Lord's People : We may fee an Example of this in Sennacherib ; 2King£ 19. 32. Therefore thus faith the Lord concerning the King of Afiyria, He /ball not come up to this G-\ ' ty, nor /hoot an Arrow again ft it, nor come before it with Shield, nor caft a Bank againjl it. Ye are afraid of the King, that he come againft you : Fear not, the Lord by his reftraining Power is able to keep him back, that he fhall not ilioot fo much as a Bullet againft this City. 2. God removes Impediments by his a(Jifiing\ Power, as he promifed to do before Cyrus , Ifa, 45. 2. I will go before thee, and make the crooked Places ftraight ; I will break in Pieces the Gates of Bra} s, and cut in funderthe Iron Bars. Albeit* for any Thing we fee, there be brazen Gates, and at a General Meeting. S9 yd iron Bars, doling out a Reformation ; et let not this diicourage you j Gcd is with 011 by his aihlting Power to go betbre you, make all crooked Places ftraight, and to reak the brazen Gates, and to cut in hinder ie iron Bars. 3. God hath a changing Power, whereby he akes Mountains plain : How eafy is it with tod, to make the higheft Mountain that inn edes his Work a Plain ? Proz\ 21. 1. The ling's Heart is in the Hand of the Lord, as the livers of fi aters0 to turn it whttkerfoever he k:IL iOrd make our Mountains thus plain. The 4th Way how Gcd removes Mountains, \ by an overthrcwinz Power: II there be no Change yet, God will bring it down -y Ifiu 2. 2. Every one that is lifted upjbafl be brought .Tie like you have in the 17. Verfe. By this which hath been .laL!r ye may un-r ertfand how a Mountain may be made a Plain. Jod makes Mountains Plains, either in Mercy r in Wrath. 1. In Mercy, when he tak irip of the Heart, and of a proud haughty leart, makes it toward and plain ; We have sen fuch a Change by Experu This Work had many Enemies at the Begin- ling, that impeded it, whom God hath taken >y the Heart, and made p . ca? he hath nade them Furtherers of the "\\ ork. 2. There is another Way of making Moun- ains plain, to wit, making plain in Wrath ; vhen God overthrows the Mountains that tand up impeding his Work. Atfure your- elvess if God bung not down this Mountain we 60 Mr. Cant3* Sermon, we have to do with, in Mercy, he fhall oveii throw it in Wrath, andmake it wafte. That I may make this Mountain more plain. ye fhall coniider how it fhall become a Plain. and how eafily it may be made a Plain. i. I fee you looking up to the Height of it; and ye are faying within yourfelves, Houl (hall it come down r Ye mull not think that it Will come down of its own Accord ; God uC eth Inftruments to pull down. I find that Got hath made his own People Inftruments to pul down fuch Mountains : Ifa, 4?. 14, 15, id Fear not, Worm Jacob, and ye Men of Ifrael, I iv ill help thee, futh the holy One and thy Redeem* er, behold I will make thee a new threfhing Influx mem having Teeth ; thou Jh alt threfh the Mourn tains , and beat them final!, and ftoalt make th\ Hills as Chaff; thou fo alt fan them, and t % Wind fhall carry theiti away, . and the Whirlwim, fhall fcatter them. Mark thefe Words, Alt ho Jacob be a Worm, dejpifedby the great Ones oftH Worlds yet God will make him a threping Injtm mint) to beat thefe Mountains in Pieces. Th< Profeffors of this Land are defpifed by th< Mountains ; yet fear not, for the fharp threfft ing lnftrument is made, I hope it fhall beat th< Mountains in Pieces. We think them verj high, but if we had Faith, that Word woulj be" verified, Matth. 16. 20. Te fhall fay to tm Mountain, Remove to ybnder Place, and it fh& be removed, and nothing fhall be impcfjible unt you. But one is faying, I have not Faith, that d that are joined this Day againfi the Mountain (b& con at a General Meeting. Ot wtimte. I hope, they fhall continue, I Hope ftey ihall ; bur if they do not, we trull not in den, that they -fhall bring down this Moun- ain, but in God, who hath faid in Jer. $rm 5. Behold 1 .unjitkee, Q dqptoying Moun- am j / ttcb cut my Hand upon :•' , 1 ell thee dowiLfrotn lire Rocks, and make :■' urnt Mountain ; they fhall not take of the: nefj nor* a Youndati v> be de- viate for ever. This Mountain talc- ti, although Men would hold it up, yet God viil bring it down, and make it a burn: Moun- Iain: Even-lo, OLord, do. I 2. In the ihcond Place, Confide r how this tain may be made a Plain : I t j urtifilfbl Mountain, a ilooced fountain, itanding upon weak Pillars j i. yould take a Look of the who ie of the Mountain, it itands upon two mam Pill md upon the Top of this Mbuntain ftarids the loufe of I an Houle or" ulfe Worihip, ike me the Pillars from Epift nd it hall fall j take Epijccpacy away, andtheHoufe )f Dagon fhall fall. The two main Pillars that Prehuy Hands on, are a my? and [ecu |md an En lejiajlical Tongue, fo to fpeak. 1. The fecular Arm is the Authority of princes, which have ever upholden that Mountain : Ye know fecular Princes uphold dntichnfl, and Prelat y in this Land is upholden jiythe lecular Power. 2. Tne fecond Pillar I call I s, Prelat y in this Land hath been uph :he Tongues of i\irkmen, preaching up Moun* 6t Mr. Cant*j Sermoti$ Mountain, or by their Pens, wri ting upon thh Mountain : And thefe are the two Pillar whereupon our Mountain of 'Prelacy is Hooted ■■ the fecular Power, and the Tongues of Kirki men. Let the King withdraw his Power anc Authority from the Prelates, and they fhall faS fuddenly in Drois > let Kirkmen and Miniller* withdraw their Tongues and Pens from them, and our Mountain ( ere ye look about you j fhall become a Plain, As thefe two itoot up this Mountain, fo upon this Mountain all falls Worfhip in the Kirk is built, even Dagm's Houfe. Lead me^ fays Sampfon^ to the PillaA that Dagon5 s Houfe fiands on, that I may be d4 verged for my two Eyes* The Philijiines were never more cruel to Sampfon in jtulling out hid Eyes, than our Prelates would have been tcJ us : They prefled to put out our Eyes, and ere ever we were aware, they thought to'fead us to Dagon's Houfe, even to the Tents of Popery and Idolatry. ^ Let us come to this main Pillar of Dagon'i Houfe, and apply all cur Strength to pull it down $ that we maf not only be avenged for our Eyes, which they have thought to pull out, but alfo that the Houfe of falfe Worfhip, which is ere£ted up* on this Mountain, may fall to the Ground. I hear fome fay, Minijler, for all your faying^ the Mountain will not come (town at this Time > ye think nothing but it will down. I allure you^ J" would have it down, but ye muft not think us that filly ', as to think it will come down, becaufe *we have many for us ; we truft not in Men, but in God, and if this bt the Tme that God will have it dowft at a General Meeting. 63 #*, although ye (hould lay all your Hinds about pr Heady they pall come down : It appears they tl come down^ if there were no more but their ide, Avarice, Cruelty ', and loofe Living to pull m down, efptcially when all thefe are come to ight, as they are come to in them. And fo ich tor the Mountain 3 ye fee we have nprov- it, God remove it. I come now to the three in the Work, ( the buntain being removed ) 1. It is a Work; owing and going up , He jh all bring forth* It is u Work finilhed ; He fhall bring forth Head-ftone tl 3. It is a Work praif- y He Jhall bring forth the Head-jlone thereof th Sbouting, crying, Grace, Grace be unto it. e fhall fpeakot all thefe three fhortly. 1. It is a Work going up ; it was impeded, now 'tis going up. There is fomething re iery coniiderable , the Work goes not up, til the Mountain be made a Plain. The ountain mull not be paired or topped, but it jft altogether become plain, otherwife the ork cannot go up , the Mountain of Prelacy alt not be paired nor topped, fomething ten away, but it muft be brought down holly, otherwife the Work of Reformation can- > on, neither Chriil's Houle go up. It will be iaid5 What ails yon? Ton fhall have tr Defires, but the Kftate of Bifbops muft ft and y s immjfible to bring it down altogether ; the King iy not want an Eft ate, ( truly a good one both tu rk and Common-wealth } ye f to them mgbt within ihe old Bounds and I fet ( tktmi they jhall not hurt the Kjrk a?iji more* ■ 64 Mr. CantV Sermon^ more. The Lord knows how loath I was t Ipeak from this Places but feeing God ha thruft me out, I mult fpeak the Truth. I foy to yoUj Thefe Quarters are not to taken, becaufe the Mountain is not of Gocj making, but of .Man's -y therefore make what Way ye will, God will be difpleafe with it ; yea, it is impoffible to let CaveaJ to keep them. I appeal to all your Confc ences, Is it poffible to fet Caveats to th< Pride and Avarice ? Their Pride and Avari will break through ten thoufand Caveats, will clear this Impossibility by Similitude Tell me, if a Fountain in the Town of Edh burgh were poifoned, whether were it mo iafe to Hop up the Fountain, than to let a Guail to keep it, that none draw out of it, for thei is Hope the Poifon would do no Harm ? Thefl is no Man of a found Judgment, but hewi] think it more fafe to flop up the Fountain, tha to guard it : This Prelacy is the poifonq Fountain, wherefrom the Kirk of Chrift hat! been poifoned with the Poifon of Error an] Superftition. Now the QueiliSn is, Whetra it be fafer to Hop it up than tQ guard it ? Suflf ly it is fafer to itop it up ; for all the Caveat in the World will not keep the Kirk unpo| &ned, fo long as it remains. I will give yo another Similitude :- If the Town of Earn burgh were ( as many Towns have been, aw are ) taken and pofTeit by cruel and obftinaii Enemies, who would take all your Libertie from you, would not fuller your MagitfraK to judge, and would fpoil you of your Goods all at a General Meeting. 6$ id ufe all the Cruelty that could be devifed a- ainft the Inhabitants, if God give you Occa- on to be free of fuch a eruel and obftinate E- smy : What would you' do if this were roponed to you ? Why may not you fuffer ic Enemy to abide within the Town ? We all take all their Weapons from them, they all never hurt you any .more. Would ye Dt think it far better to put them out of the own- altogether ; both becaufe the Inhabi- ts would be in Fear, fo long as they were the Town, and .becaufe the Town would ^ver be fure: For there might be Traitor* long yourfelves, who would ileal in Wea- >ns in their Hands ; and fothey would bring )u under the former Tyranny, yea under a eater. Even fo it is in this Cafe , the cruel - :and greatjfl: Enemies that ever the Kirk of vtland faw are thofe Prelates 9 they have riled us of all our Liberties, and exercifed rollerable Tyranny over us. Now the Lord [hewing a Way how to be quite ot them ; mlider the Condition offered. What ails u ? May ye not let them abide within the rk : We mall take all their Weapons from 'mj as AdmiflionofMiniiters, Excommuni- :ion, and that terrible High Commilfion -y iy lhall never hurt you again. This is but t Counfel of Man -, the Counfel of God is, |put them out of the Kirk altogether, other- He the Kirk can never be fecure -y yea, I af- e you, there are as many Traitors among rfelves, as would fteal in the Weapons a- a in their Hands j then fhaU our latter E- £ ka» 66 Mr. CantV Sermon, ftate be worfe than cur firft : If our Yoke 1 heavy under them now, it fhall be heavi then ;. if they chaftife us now -with Whi they -fhall chaitiie us then with Scorpions, think I hear Men (peak like that Word, D< 4. 14, Hew down the Tree, cut down bis Braftche\ Jbake off' hts Leaves, - fc otter his Fruits -> mvertbi lefs leave the Stump of fas Roots with a Band\ Iron and Brafs. The Interpretation of that Pai of the Vilion is fet down in the 26th Verfo Thy Kingdom jhatt be I me unto thee, after th\ thou baft known thai the Heavens bear Rule. : hear Men fav, Hew down the Tree, cut d his Branches, fhake off his Leaves, fcatter hi 5 Fruits 5 ye.ihall be quite of all that ; but thj Stump mull be left banded with Iron. (If it wer« ;r till they knew Gbd, it were fomething, bir there is no Appearance of that. ) Con: O Man, who faith that, No Man, but tWt Watcher, and the holy One, even be that viacSt Nebuchadnezzar5^ Kingdom Cure to bin?, ff God had made this Eftate lure to them, 4* would and fhould Hand; andifGodwoifl bind down the Stump of it with Iron Kan we would never tear the Growth of it, nor Fruit of it ; but feeing they are only Bands be laid on by Men, albeit the Tree were he ed down, it would grow again in all Branches of it, with all the Leaves of its Di nity, and we mould tafte of the bitter Fruit* it : Ye that are Covenanters, be not deceit ed, if ye leave fo much as a Hillock' of m Mountain, in Defpight of your Hearts it 1H2 grow to a high Mountain, which ihali fill hot Kii at a General Meeting. 6 7 Kirk and Commonwealth, h the Kirk would be quit of the Troubles of it, and it ye would have this Work of Reformation g< . this Mountain muit be made a PJ Together, atherwile the Spirit of God iaiih, 11 ne* per prolper. Tne 2d Thing in this Work;, is a Work fi- lifhed y He {ball bring jortb the Head-fton$ 'hereof. When a Head-ltone is put on a Hou:e, rhe Houfe is finished: Ye who ate Reverend Fathers in the Kirk, who have feen [he Work of our firil Reformation, ye faw h going up, and brought to fuch a Perfection, pat tne Cope-ilone was put on > Purity of Doc- rine, and Administration of Sacraments, and >weetnefs of Government* whereby the Kirk vzs ruled ; but woe's us all, we fee with you tow the Roof taken off, the glorious Work lulled down, and lyfflg ddolate. Now, it ath pleated God to turn again, and offer a Le-edifying of this Work, as he did here to le People of this Temple : Seeing therefore le Lord hath llirred up our Spirits, to crave re-edifying of Chiiil's Kirk, let us never ike our Hands from it, till Chrifl: have put le Cope-itone on it. I hear fome lav, Mmifitr^ then is more ado t ere that be done , yejing the Triumph be* ore nVuiorv > ye will not fee it go up at Leifurc. Indeed ye are deceived , we ling not the Viumph before the Vi&or ne ol us ^hat it go not up fo fuddenly. I n e God's Work, ( as :cd ) all the Powers of the World lhall £ 2 48 Mr. Cant' j Sermon^ yer be able to hinder the putting on of thl: (f Cope-ftone. Ay, but fay ye, J* will be hinder- ik «i s *** i'^ £** *^* #ftr£ forward^ ye will find th i D/*tf off** Fire and Sword. Let it be fo, if Goc k will have it fo, that, will not impede thtfe Work: If our Blood befpilt in this Caufe.fe the Cope-ftone fhall be put on with our Blood I Sjk< for the Kirk of God hath never profpered bet- ^ ter nor by the Blood ot Saints. Fear not, Be k loved, this Work, whether it be done peace te $tblyor with Perfecution, the Cope-ftone fhal 2 be put on it Ye know in the Beginnings he the Reformation, there was fmall Likelyhoo< 10. that the Work ihould go up, and be finifhed n becauie of the great Power that was againft it it yet the Lord brought it forward agaiaft all Im !y: pediments; and "put the Cope-ftone on it fin That fame God lives yet, and is as able to pu h the Cope-ftone on this Work, as he was ther if if ye believe. ) The id Thing in this Work, is a Wor it praifed ; He pall bring forth the Hcad-ftone then i of with Jbouting, crymgy Grace, Grace unto i G All ye that build and behold the Work, wi love the Work, anctwill all wifh it well. H alludes by Appearance, who, when the Four dation or a common Work is laid, rejoice; and when it is finiftied, rejoices. Ye may ft this clear in Ezra 3. n. at the laying of tk Foundation of this Temple, the People fhou ed with a jjreat Shout : If they did that at d laying ot the Foundation, much more fha they do it at the bringing forth ot^ the Hea( itoiie theregf ; as is faid here, the Words the Mt A General Meeting* 69 ay, Grace, Grace. The Phrafe comprehends mder it thefc three Things : 1. A Wifh of the People of God, whereby hey wifh Profperity to the Work. Ye may eeit was a common Wifh j yer. 31. 23. T/::/s pith the Lord of Hojls, As yet ye (hall u\ $eecb in the Land of Judah, and Cities thereof, oben I /ball brtng again their Captivity : 7 he >jord blefs thee, 0 Habitation ofjajlice, and Mcurt- r'n o/Holinefs. 2. It comprehends under it a Thankfgi ving ; hie Workers give all Praiie to the Work, Ear. o. 11, When the Builders laid the Foundati- n of the Temple, they fet the Prieits wi:h leir Trumpets, and the Levitts with their lymbals, to praife the Lord, after the Ordin- ance of David : They fang by Courfe, prai/tng rod, and giving Tloanks unto the Lord, becaa goody and his Mercy end met h for ever, The ^d Thing it comprehends under it, is a ithful Acknowledgment that the Work is uilt and finilhed, by no Power and Strength t "Men, but by the Grace of God. Look th* i'erle preceeding the Text, and ye will find \t ^us, Not by Might or by Power, but ly tof Spi- t, faith the Lord of Hofts : Ye may ealily ap- ty this. Our Work that God is bringing up, illfinifh, ihould be a praifed Work, our Vifhes ihould be to it: The Lord h Habitation of J aft ice, and I in of Hohnefs. ur Song of Tnankigiving ihould be in our louths, God is good, and his Mercy endureth r bver. Albeit it go up, let us not ftfcrilx ^ Thing to ourfclves, but let u> afcribc all to E 3 the »7o Mr- Cant'j Sermon ', the Grace of God ; and this will flop all the Mouths of Diidainers, who fay, Who arc ye, tvhQ think to fimjh fuch ahork? ' We aniweiv It will befimjkeci, not by Mighty or by Strength oj , Md'h but ty the Spirit of the Lord of Hofis. There are three Sorts looking to this Work. , and to the going up of it : r. Evil-willers I 2. Well-wilhers. 3. Neutrals. 1. The E- vil-willers are Edotn ; and he was Jacob's Bn> ' ther 3 yet in Pfa/m 137. he cries, Raze, razi this Wa#k to the Foundation. There is a Number that is crying, Raze/ raze this Work to tht Foundation. 2, There is a fecond Sort that art Well-wilhers, crying, Grace, Grace Jfe unto it In thole former Years, the Shout of Raze. Vof t Era th, and the Merchandife of the Sea ; Mountains and Hills dre looking to yo and ye to them : Join yourfeives in an- nj feparable Union, and compafs the VineyaM ol Chriit ; be to her a Wall of Defence, lit the wild Beafts of the Wood waite it, ani thg wild Beafts of the Forreft devour i Pjalra 80. 13. . Minifters, and my faithful Brethren Chrift, whole Feet are beautiful upon tbk Mountains, fay unto Zic #, Behold thy God coim etb. I tell you, within thir tv/o Years, honeit Man's Feet were not beautiful u; the Caufey of Edi We might h gone home to our Hou'fes again, and*fhak the Dull: offour Feet for a Conviction agai this unthankful Generation 5 but now ( G be praifed ) they are beautiful, and we aii comely in their Eyes, not tor, any Thing hi us, for we lay all down at the Feet of Chriit j but becaufe we are gone up upon Mount and as the Load's Meilengers, have cnedyj Behold thy God ccmeth. I pray you5 if *ye havfc any I 1 rex ' at a General Meeting. r$ £,ove to the Kirk ofChritit, withdraw both • Tongues and Pens irom this Mount ^ppl^ them againft it j ' apply your V. jines, Spirits, and all your Strength to ; down tiiis Mountain ; yea, tread upon it, ;ufe the iharp threlhing Inftrume'nts which hath put into your Hands, and thfefli up- lat Mountain, till it be beaten fmall as me lall I pais you that are Commons D Tru- ly Delight hath not been lo great upon Mountain, as co make me overlook ; good People, beloved in Chriit, ha\ ing to contribute for this Work ? 1-; lot fo much Power as the Mountains and 5 have ? or, have ye not fuch Subftance as tallies ? Yet fomething ye have, give it, it will be acceptable, ibme thing againft Mountain, and ibmethinff for the Work; I have no more againlt die Mountain, let have your Tears, Prayers, and ftrdng s j I'm fure there is as great Value in r, as in the Rams Horns that blew down :ho :. Send up your Prayers, and crv x the Pfalmift, in Pfahn 144 5. Bm w&s9 O Lord) and coim J r, and they pall fimke ; c iter them j /hoot c 1 • 1 j fend thine Hand from (irange Chil cir Right h .it this Mountain, lend me 76 Mr. Cant^j Sermon. \ what ye have for the going up of this Wor If ye have no more, let us have your Sho i and hearty crying, Grace^ Grace be unto Time will not fuller me to (peak any mo yet Time fhall never bereave you nor me n ther of this. Let us all refolve fo long as c Life is in, even to the laft Gafp, as God w help us, that this lhall be our laft Cry, Gra Grace be unto this Work of Reformation in \ Kirk of Scotland. To this Grace I recommend you, and cl< With that Wifh of the Apoftles in the N^ Teftament, The Grace of God be with all. Amen. i K AC' :, 77 ACT OF THE :ENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE Church of Scotland, Approving of the lemn League and Covenant. t Edinburgh, Aitguft 17th. 1643. Sejf. 14* "^He Assembly having recommended un- toa Committee, appointed by them tq 1 with the Committee of the Honourable. nvention of Eftates, and the Commiilioners the Honourable Houfes of the Parliament England^ for bringing the Kingdoms to a re near Conjun&ion and Union, received m the aforefaid Committees the Covenant per-mentioned, as the Refult of their Con- uttjna : And having taken the lame, as a Matter ^S AC? of the General AffemlJy. Matter of fo publick Concernment and deep Importance doth require, unto graveft Consideration, did with all Hearts, and with the Beginnings of the , ings of that Joy, which the) did find I great Mealure upon the Renovation of] National Covenant* of this Kirk and Ki dom,' all with one Voice approve andembr the fame, as the molt powerful Mean, by] Blefling of GOD, for the fettling and J ferving the true Proteftant Religion, \i perfe£l Peace in his jyiajefly's Dominic anH propagating the fame to other N:iric and for eftabliihing his Majeity's Tnrone tr Ages and Generations And therefore, thfeir belt Aifeftions, recommended the to the Honourable Convention of Eftates, being examined and approved by them,] may be fent with all Diligence to the Kii dom oiEnglmd^ that being received and! .proven there, the fame may be, with pub Humiliation, and all religious and anf able Solemnity, fworn and fubferibed b true PrQfefibrs of the reformed Religion, all his Majefty's good Subjects in both "" 'doms. A. Johns: c \J PEECHES Delivered before the Subfcribing of the Solemn League AND O VENAN T Of the three KING'DO M S of :otland, England and Ireland, A T MARGARETS in WESTMINSTER, *ept 'ember the 25 th, 1643. e one by Mr. Philip Nye, the other by vlr. Alexander Henderson, both Mem- >ers of the IVtjimiHjler Afltmbly of Divines. blifhed by fpecial Order of the Houie of Commons. n. xv. 15. ^yjudah rejoiced V- vorn ny amongft Men, efpecially amongft Saints^ very pleaiing unto the Lord ; If, when two or three agree and afient upon any ling on Earth, it fhall be confirmed in Hea- and for this, becaufe they gather toge- >r in his Name , much more when two of •ee Kingdoms fhall meet, and confent toge- t in his Name^ and jot his Name^ that God y be one, and his Name one amongft them^ and \ Prefence amidft them. That Prayer of rift feemeth to proceed from a feeling Senfe his own Bleflednefs, Father* that they may one^ as thou in me^ ike. Unity among his lurches and Children muft needs therefore be ry acceptable unto him : For out of the >redeepSenfe, Defires are fetcht from within the more pleaiing will be the Anfwef of m unto us. Churches and Kingdoms are 'ar to God^ his Patience towards them, his ;>mpaflions over them more than particular kfons fheweth it plainly. But Ki llingly engaging tnemfelves for his K: *m, his Chrift, his Saints, the Purity 0IR0- , his Wor&iip and Govcinment, in all F % Parti- 1 84 Mr. Nye5 s Exhortation. Particulars, and in all Humility iitting do at his Feet to receive the Law, and the Ru from his Mouth : What a Price doth he i upon fuch ?•.; Efpecially, when ( as we thi Day ) fenfible of our Infirmity, and of an uiif faithful Heart not fteddy with our God, b^i apt to ftart from the Caufe, if we feel itf Knife or the Fire ; who bind ourfelves witi Cords, as a Sacrifice to the Horns of the A] tar ; we instate the Name of the great Goq that his Vows, yea his Curfe may be upon ul if we do not this j yea, tho5 we fuft'er fori doing, that is, if we endeavour not fo far a the Lord ihall affift us by his Grace, to advano the Kingdom of the Lord Jefus Chrift here ujj on Earth, and make Jentfalem once more tqi Praife of the whole World, notwithitandiflj, all the Contradictions of Men. What is this but the Contents and Matter our Oath ? What do we covenant ? W do we vow ?r Is it not the Prefervation of ligion, where it is reformed, and the Refi mation of Religion, where it needs ? Is n^ the Reformation of three Kingdoms, anil Reformation univerfal, in Do&rine, Dif<$ pline, and Worship, in whatibever the Wojj ihall difcover unto us ? To pra&ife, is a Frii of Love ; to reform, a Fruit of Zeal ; but fol reform, will be a Token of great Prudence' aji Circumfpefticn in each of theie Churches And all this to be done according to Godj Word, the heft Rule, and according to tt beit reformed Churches, and bell Interpret! of this Rule. If England hath obtained toati grea at Taking the Covenant. 85 'eater Perfection in fb handling the Word of ighteoulnefs, and Truths that are according Goaiinefs, as to make Men more godly , 3re lighteous: And, if in the Churches Scotland any more Light and Beauty in Otters of Order and Diicipline, by which eir Allemblies are more orderly : Or, if to y other Church or Perfon, it hath been giv- i better to have learned Chrift in any ot his "ays, than any of us, we ihall humbly bow, dkifs their Lips that can fpeak right Words to us, in this Matter, and help us into the areil Uniformity with the Word and Mind Chrift in this great Work of Reformation. Honourable and Reverend Brethren, there inot be a more direct and effe&ual Way to hort and perfuade the Wife, and Men ol fad d lerious Spirits ( and fuch are you to whom .m commanded to fpeak this Day ) than to : into their Underftandings the Weight, and orth, and great Importance of the Work, fey are perfuaded unto. This Oath is fuch, i in the Matter and Confequence of ir. ;h Concernment, as I can truly fay, It is ibrthy ol us ; yea, of all thefe Kingdoms ; ^:a, of all the Kingdoms of the Wortdj forjt iring Fealty and Allegiance unto Chrift, p King of Kings i and giving up of all thefe ftngdoms which are in his Inheritance, t to his Thr< >nc, and ruled n ptre, upon whole Shoulders the ( Irnmcnt is laid, and in : nnitnt and Peace t lia > ^ Li, we find this very Thing in the J 3 A S6 Mr. Nye'j Exhortation moft Accomplishment of it, to have been t Oath of the greateft Angel that ever was, w fetting his Feet upon two of God's Kingdon the one upon the Sea, the other upon t Earth, lifting up his Hand to Heaven, as y« are to do this Day, and fofwearing, Rev. 1 The Effe£t of that Oath you lhall find to tfii,$, That the Kingdoms of the Worlds become t Kingdoms of the Lord and his Chriji^ and he Jfx{ feign for ever,. Rev. 1 1. His Oaph was for ih full and final Accomplifhment, this of you, for a gradual, yet a great Performance towards* That which the Apoftles arid Primiti' Times did fo much and fo long pray for, th. npver long with much Quietnefs enjoyec fhat which our Fathers in thefe latter Tim have failed, prayed and mourned after, m attained not j even the Caufe which many d Saints now with God, have furthered by e: tremeft Sufferings, Poverty, Imprifonmen Banifhment, Death, even ever lincethe fii Dawning of Reformation : That and the ry farne is the very Caufe and Work that are come now, through the Mercy of Jef^ Chriit, not onjy to pray for, but fwear ft And lurely it can bp no other, but the Refu. and Anfwer of fuch Prayers and Tears, of iuc Sincerity and Sufferings, that three Kingdoir fhould be thus born, or rather new born in Day 3 that thefe Kingdoms fhould be w rough ^bout to fo great an Engagement, than whic ppthing is higher. For this End Kings reigr Kingdoms ftand, and States are upheld. It is a fbecial Qrace and Favour of God unt- • at Taking the Covenant. S7 u, Brethren ( Reverend and Honourable ) 1 vouchfafe you the Opportunity, and to put * o your Hearts, as this .Day, to engage 1(1 ur Lives and Eilaces in Matters 10 much deeming him and his Glory. And if you mid do no more, but lay a Foundation Stone this great Work, and by fa doing, engage fieri ty after you to finifli it, it were Honour ough : But there may yet further Ufe be ide of you, who now are to take this Oath. )u are deligned as chief Majler-Biiilders, and oice Inflriuncnts for the effecting of this tied Peace and Reformation ; which, if the >rd fhall pleafe to finifh in your Hands, a ater Happtnejs on Earthy nor a greater Means iiigment your Glory and Crown i* Heaven, you \ not capable of. And this, let me further d for your Encouragement, of what exten- e Good, and Fruit in the Succefs ot it, this, ry Oath may prove to be, we know not. 3d hath fet his Covenant like the Heavens, t only for Duration, but like alfo for Exten- di. The Heavens move and rowl about, and 'communicate their Light, and Heat, and irtue, to all Places and Parts of the Earth 5 doth the Covenant of God ; fo may this Gilt I riven to other Covenants, that are framed that Pattern. How much th;s Solemn sague and Oath may provoke other reformed wches to a further Reformation ofthemfel ves ; hat Light and Heat it may communicate a- -)ad to other Parts of the World, it is only in in to define, to whom is given the utmoil ids oj ' F 4 88 Mr. Nye55 Exhortation eth by his exceeding great Power, great 7hings o of Small Beginnings. But however, this I am fure of, it is a Wjl in all Probability molt likely to enable us }h\ preferve and defend our Religion againlt ok common Enemies ; and pofiible a more fufe Foundation this Day will be laid for ruinii tk Popery and Prelacy, the Chief of them, than}. J yet bath been led unto in any Age. u For Popery , it hath been a Religion ev dexterous in fencing and mounting itielt 1 k Aifociation and joint Strength All Sorts j Profeliors amongll them are call into Fraten y ties and Brother-hoods ; and thefe Orde carefully united by Vow one with anothl and under fome more general Notion ofcoA mon Dependance. Such States alfo and Kioj doms, as they have thus made theirs, they e) deavour to improve and fecure by ilri£t Col binations and Leagues each to other , witnd of late Years, that La Sainte Ligne, the hew League. It will not be unworthy your Col iideration, whether, feeing the Prefer vatiorijl Popery hath been by Leagues and Covenan: God may not make a League or Covenant1! be the BeftruQdon of it. Nay, the very RiS of Popery feemeth to be after luch a Mannes by Kings, that is, Kingdoms ailenting and'i greeing perhaps by fome joint Covenant ( tl Text laith, With one- Mind, Why not the with one Mouth ) to give this Power ac Strength unto the Beail, and make Wan gainll the Lamb, Rev. 17. Where you rea< ¥he Lamb frail overcome the Beafi, andpoffibl wit ctt Taking the Coven 89 h the fame Weapons. He is the Lord of rds, and King ot Kings, he can unite figs and Kingdoms, and give them one Mind 3 to deliroy the Whore, and be her utter tin. And may not this Day's Work be lappy Beginning of fuch a bleifed Expe- ion ? Prelacy 1 another common Enemy, that we renant and fwear againrt. What hath been, what hath the Strength of it been, but a ►tile Combination of Clergymen, lormed in- a Policy or Body of their own Invention, ming themfelves into Subordination and De- jdance one upon another^ fo that the In- eft of each is improved by all., and a great wer by this Means acquired to themfelves, by fad Experience we have lately found. le Joints and Members of this Body, vou ow, were knit r r by the iacred En- gement of an Oath, the Oath of ( . O- Uence^ as they called it. You remember ai- with what cunning Induftry they endea- ured lately, to make this Oath and Cove- nt more fure for themfelves and their Pofte- :y, and intended a more publick, folemn d univerfal Engagement, than fince Vopery^ is Caufe of theirs, was ever maintained or Dported by: And queftionlefs, Ireland and tland alio, muft at laft have been brought his holy League with England. But eiled be the Lord, and bleifed be his good and the Parliament, that from the Indigna- »n of their Spirits againft fo horrid a Yoke, we dallied out the very Brains of this 1 9 ij: tor his Oath's Sake> fuch an one jh all his Habitation with the niofi. High, a- tin his Tabernacle ) Plalm 15. And as for } Reverend Brethren, that are Ministers of Gofpel, there is yet another Obligation ly upon you : Let us look to ourielves, make Provilion to walk anfwerabie to this Covenant, for the Gofpel's Sake : It will i£t a great Afperlion upon the Truth of the pel, it we should be talfe or unconltant in Word or Purpofe, tho' in a Matter ot lefs fequence, as you can eaiily colleft from ; Apology ot Parti, 2 Cor. 1. i~, 18. How h more in fnch a Cafe as this is, if we aid be found to purpofe, nay more, to vow, covenant, and fwear, and all this accord- unto the Fleih, and with us there ihould notwithstanding all thefe Obligations, Jl\7, and Nay, nay. That we may all, who take the Covenant Day, be conftant, immoveable, and a- ind in this Work of the Lord, that we may ftart alide, or give back, or go on uncom- rably, there is a twofold Grace or Qualiti- ion to be laboured alter. We mull get Courage, Spirits th.r rid relblute. It isfaidin Kr \ That Up the Spirit uf 1 ■ judah, [ rfhua f r p 94 ^'- NyeV Exhortation, People, and they came, and did work in the h of the Lord. The Work of God's Houfe, !| formation- work efpecially, is a fiirring Wc Read Stories, you find not any where, Re mation.made in any Age, either inDo&rinc Difcipline, without great Stir and Oppofit This was foretold by the fame Prophet, CI 2. Ver. 7. the Promife is, He will fill his h with Gkry. But what goeth before, Ver Tet once it is a little While, and Iwill fhakt Heavens, and the Earth, and the Sea, and dry land, that is, all Nations, as in the Wc following. This Place is applied, Heb. to the removing Jewilh Rites, the Mo veal of God's Houfe. The like you find in the ( potties Times, Afis 17. the Truth being pres ed, feme believed, others did not. Here,-, ginneth the Stir, Ver. 6. Thofe that belie not, took unto them/elves certain lewd Felloii the bafer Sort, and gathered a Company, and fe the Ctty in an Uprove ; and when they had d fo, complained of the Brethren to the Rul as Men that turn the World upftde down, Vei Read alfo Acts 21. 27, 30, 31. In fuc Work therefore, Men had need be of lie refolute, and compofed Spirits, that we n be able to go on in the Main, and ftir in midft of fuch Stirs, and not be amazed at; fuch Doings. It may poffibly happen, tha ven amongft yourfelves, there will be C eries : Sir, you will undo all, faith one j will p:tt all i?no Confufton, faith another ; If take this Courfe, faith a third, we can zxpctl thing but Blood. But a wile Statefman, like at Taking the Covenant. 95 rienced Seaman, knoweth the Compafs of ^eflej, and tho3 it heave, tofs, and the Paf- *rs cry out about him,yet in the Midft of all, himlelf, turneth not aiide from his Work, feereth on his Courfe. I befeech you, let it be uily coniidered, if you mean to do any fuch rk in the Houfe of God, as this is ; if you i to pluck up what many Years ago was ted, or to build up what fo long ago was ;sd down, and to go through with this rk, and not be difcouraged, you mult beg )e Lord this excellent Spirit, this refolute ing Spirit, otherwilc you will be outfpirit- and both you and your Caufe flighted' and Dnoured. On the other Hand, we muft labour for nility, Prudence, Gentlenefs, Meeknefs. !an may be very zealous and refolute, and very meek and merciful : Jefus Chrilt was on, and yet a Lamb alfo ; in one Place ha th them, he cometh to fend Fire on the *b : And in another Place, rebuketh hid :iples for their fiery Spirits^ Luke 9. 59. Te was the like Compoikion in Mofes^ and *aul ; and it is of great Ufe, efpecially in Work of Reformation. 1 have not ob- edany Difputes carried on with more Bit- efs in "Mens Writings, and with a more .n&iiied Heat of Spirit, yea and by godly 1 too, than in Controversies about Difcip- , Church Government, Ceremonies, and like. Surely, to argue about Government \\ fuch ungoverned" Puliions, to argue for Re- 96 Mr. Nye'j Exhortation 'Reformation with a Spirit fo unreformed l\ very uncomely. Let us be zealous, as GJ was, to call out all, to extirpate and root ou very Plant his heavenly Father hath not pi: ed 'i and yet let us do it in an orderly \V and with the Spirit of Chrift, whole Servrp we are. The Servant of the Lord mufl not Jlrf hut be gentle to all Afen, apt to teach, patie/it.y Meeknefs tnjlrabting thofe that oppofe, 2 Tim.p 24, 25. We folemniy engage this Day r utmofl Endeavours fpr Reformation ; let us f member this, That too much Heat, as well as1] much Coldnefs, ma,y harden Men in their Wc and hinder Reformation. Brethren, let us come to this bleffed W< withfuch a Frame of Heart, with fuch a Ma for the Prefent, with fuch Refolutions for Time to come ; let us not be wanting to 1 ! Opportunity God hath put into our Hat this Day ^ and then I can promife you, as 1 Prophet, Confider this Day and upwards, e( from this Day, that the Foundation of the Lor Work is laid , confider it, from this Day will 1 1 you, faith the Lord. Nay, we have receive as it were, the firft Fruits of this Promil for as it is faid of forne Mtns good Works, ti are manifeft before Hand, 1 Tim. 5. Evenh may be faid of the good Work of this Da it is manifeiled before Hand. God hath, as were before Hand, teftified his Acceptano while we were thinking and purpoling tl free-will Offering, he was orotefting and d fending our Army, cauiing our Enemies, t Enemies of this" Work to flee before us, ai at Taking the Gmnant. 97 \ us a Victory, not to be defpifed. Surely Oath and Covenant fhall be JudaFs joy, Joy and Comfort of this whole Kingdom, \ of all the three Kingdoms. *fus Chriil, King of the Saints govern us lis Spirit^ ftrengthen us by his Power, un- ake for us according as he hath fworn, e- the Oath which hejware to our father Abra- , that he would grant unto uty that we Icing i out of the Hands of our Enema s, might e him without Feary in Holinefs and Right e- efs before him all the Days of cur Life. Luke ~ rant unto us alfo, that when this Life is hed, and we gathered to our Fathers, re may be a Generation out of our Loins to d up in this Caufe, that his great and reve- : Name may be exalted irom one Generati- :o another, until he himfelf fhall ccme, and eel all with his own Wifdom : Even fa le Lord Jefus, come quickly. Amau ' 98 Bc^)^)(^)(^(^)^:^)(L^(^(^S) * A Speech delivered by Mr. Al e ander Henderson, ii mediately before the Taking L the Covenant by the Houle \\ Commons > and Aflembly of 1\ vines. ALthough the Time be far fpent, yet I bold ( Honourable, Reverend, Beloved in the Lord ) to crave, your Patie a little. It were both Sin and Shame to u: this fo acceptable a Time in this Day, wt ■the Lord. hath made, to be lilent, and to l nothing. If we fhould hold our Peace, could neither be anfwerable to God, wl Caufe and Work is in Hand, nor of this Chi and Kingdom, unto w^ich we have mad( large Profellion of Duty, and owe much mc nor to our native Kingdom, fo abundant in fection towards you 5 nor to our own Hea which exceedingly rejoice to fee this I We have greater Reafbnthan the leprous 1 fitting in a Time of great Extremity at Gates of 'Samaria, to fay one to another, U not well, this Day is a Day of good Tidings, we bold our Peace. It is true, the Syrians not yet fled s but our Hope is through C Mr. Henderson5* Exhortation. 99 at the Work Degun this Day, being fincere- • performed, and faithfuHy purfued, fhallput flighty notonly t\\t Syrians and Babylonians^ it all other Enemies of the Church of God, the King's Honour, and of our Liberty and ^aee. For it is acceptable to God, and welt pleaf- y in his Sight, when his People come wil- igl y in the Day of his Power ( and how fhall ey not be willing in the Day of his Power ?) ' enter into a religious Covenant with him, d amongft themielves, whatfoever be the mdition of the People of God, whether in rrow and Humiliation before Deliverance, ; in Rejoicing and Thankfgiving after Deli- prance. This is it which the Lord waits for their Hands, which they have been ufed to ^rform, and with which he hath been lb well 1 ^afed, that it hath been the Fountain ot ma- Deliverances and Bleflings unto them, •j hen a People begin to forget God, he lilteth j his Hand againft them, and fmiteth the : d when his People humbled before him, Hit 5 not only in Supplication, but iCovenant before the moft high God, he is afed ( fuch is his Mercy and wonderful mpalfion) frit, to lift his Hand unto them, log, / am the Lord ) ntr God ^ as we limes in two Verles of the zotb oTEi And next he ftretchcth out his Han nit his Enemies and theirs. It is the belt >rkof Faith, to join in Covenaiv belt Work of Love and Chriitian Gomil n, to join in Covenant with the People r, a ioo Mr. Henderson*.? Exhortation God j the bed Work of the beft Zeal, to jd in Covenant for Reformation, againft the Elf mies of God and Religion j the beft Work : true Loyalty, to join in Covenant for the P* fervation of our King and Superiors j and tit beft Proof of natural AfFe&ion, ( and to : without natural Affection, is one of the grfif Sins of the Gentiles ) to join in Covenant ij Defence of our native Country, Liberties ai Laws : Such, as from thefe neceffary Endsj withdraw, and aye not willing to enter into G venant, have Reafon to enter into their o^ Hearts, and to look into their Faith, Lo^ 2eal, Loyalty, and natural AfFe£hon. As it is acceptable to God, fb have we fol the Precedent and Example, not. only of 1 People of God of old, of the reformed Chun* of Germany > and the low Countries ; but of own noble and chriftianProgenitors in theTl of the Danger of Religion, which is expre in the Covenant iti'elt. The Defeft was, t -V/ent not on throughly to enter in a fol Covenant, an Happinefs referved for this Ti: which had they done, the Corruption Calamities of thefe Days might have beei vented. And if the Lord thall be plea: viriove, loofe and enlarge the Hearts People in his Majefty's Dominions to take Covenant, not in Simulation, nor in Li vvarmnefs, as thofe that are almoft perfufl to be Chriftians, but as becometh the Peoj of God, it ihall be the Prevention of many" vils and Miferies, and a Mean of many? rich Bleffings, fp/ritual and temporal toff .i at Taking the Covenant. lot ves, our little Ones, and the Poller ity than dl come after us, for many Generations. The near and neighbouring Example of the lurch and Kingdom of Scotland ^ is in this ife worthy of our belt Obfervation : When * Prelates there, were grown by their ents, and lordly Dignities, by their exorbi- it Power over all Sorts of his Majeity's Sub- :ts, Minifters and others, by their Places in xliament, Council, College of Juftice, Ex- equer, and high Commiflion, to a monftrous ^minion and Greatnefs, and like Giants, fet- ig their one Foot on the Neck of the Church, d the other oh the Neck of the State, were come intollerably infolent. And when the ople- of God, through their Oppreffion in digion, Liberties and Laws, and what was areit unto them, were brought lb low, that \y chufed rather to die, than to live in fuch ivery, or to live in any other Place, rather m in their own native Country : Then did \ Lord fay, Ihavefeen^ I have feen the Affile- n of my People, and I have heard their Groan- ic dozin to deliver them. The Be- inings were fmall, and contemptible in the /t& of the presumptuous Enemies, fuch as :d to be the Beginnings of the greateft rorks at God ; but were fo feconded, and ntinually followed by the undeniable Evi- of divine Providence, leading/ them rward from one Step to another, that their ounrain became ftrong in the End. No ic can tell what Motions fill'd the Hearts, hat Tears were poured forth fronuhe Ej G 3 *md jo2 -M". Henderson^ Exhortation and what Cries came from the Mouths of mai Thoitfands in that Land, w hen they found Unwonted Flame warming their jBreafts, ai perceived the Power of God., railing the from th§ Dead, and creating for them a ne World, wherein fhould dwell Religion at Righteoufnefs. When they were deftitui both of Monies and Muni tion? which next u to the Spirit and Arms of Men, are the SineV of War, the Lord brought them f©rth outj his hid Treafures, which was wonderful] their Eyes, and Matter of Aftoniihment j1 their Hearts : When they were many Timf iat a Paufe in their Deliberations^ and brou * tp fuch Perplexity, that they knew not w to chufe, or to do for profecuting the Woj of God, only their Eyes were towards hir not only the Fears and Furies, but the PI ^lfb, and Policies of the Adverfaries, open %\\z Way unto them, their Devices were tur ed upon their own Heads, and ferved for t promoting of the Work of God. The Purr of their Intentions elevated above bafe a earthly Refpe&s, and the conftant Pfeace their Hearts in the Midft of many Dange; did bear them out againfi; the malicious Ace fations and Afperfions put upon their A£tiom All which, were feniible Impreffions of ti good Providence of God, and legible Chi racters of his Work -x which as the Churd and Kingdom of England exercifed at rh$ Time with greater Difficulty than theirs, havj \n ]?ar£ already found j fo fhall the Parallel tjij per* , at Taking the Covenant. 103 fe£ted to their greater Comfort in the faith- purfuirig of the Work unto the End. ^eceffity, which hath in it a Kind of Sove- 2;nty, and is a Law above all Laws, and refore is faid to have no Law, doth mighti- prefs the Church and Kingdom of Stfith his Time. It is no fmall Comfort unto them, : they have not been idle, andatEai-, hue e ufed all good and lawful Means of Sup- rations, Declarations and Remonftrances to Majefty, for quenching the Combuilion in Kingdom : And after all thefc, that they : Commillioners to his Majefty, humbly to iiate for a Reconcilement and Pacification. the Offer of their humble Service was re- ed from no other Reafon, but that they , no Warrant nor Capacity for fuch a Medi- mj and that the Intermixture of the Gn- nment of the Church of England^ with the il Government of the Kingdom, was fuch lyftery as could not beunderitood by them, hough it be true, which was at that Time >n replied, That the eighth Demand of the raty, and the Anfwer given thereunto, crn- ning the Unite; s a icient Ground of C y$ ot the Houfes of Parliament - ■ 1 as a {tumbling idling Reformation, and as a Prejudice to ! Civil State, was Ground enouj heir ormation. The Coramiffioners having re- *nM from his Majefty with , and ^Mileriesoi / \/, and the Dangers and Preifures ot the K : G 4 ic>4 Mr. Henderson'^ Exhortation dom of Scotland, growing to greater Extre I ty; fuch as were intruded with the pub Affairs of the Kingdom, were neceilitate, cording to the Pra£tice of former Times, Majefty having denied a Parliament, to ca Convention of the Eftates, for considering the prefent Affairs, and for providing the Remedies : Which immediately upon tl Meeting, by the fpecial Providence of G did receive Information of divers treacher* n Attempts of Papifts, in all the three Kii || - dorns, as if they had been called for that ] fe£t And by the lame Providence, Comn fioners were fent from both Houfes of Pari ment, to confider with the Eftates of the Kir[« dom of Scot land j of fuch Articles and Propc tions, as might make the Conjunction betw the two Nations, more beneficial and effe£tt i for the fecuring of Religion and Liberty i gainft Papifts and Prelates, with their Adl. rents. Their Confutations with the Comm fioners of the General Aflembly did in I End bring forth a Covenant, as the or* Mean after all other have been elfayed, § the Deliverance of England and Ireland of the Depths of Affliction, Prefervation of Church and Kingdom oi Scotland from the tremity of Mifery, and the Safety of our tive King and his Kingdoms, from Deftru&i and Defolation. This is the manifold Necc iity, which Nature, Religion, Loyalty an Love hath laid upon them. Nor is it unknown in this honourable, re verend and wife Audience, what Errors an« W at Taking the Covenant. 105 i:r(jefies in Do£trine, what Superftition and aery in Worfliip, what Usurpation and anny in Government, what Cruelty a- it the Souls and Bodies- of the Saints have i\ fet on Foot;, exercifed and executed lor : y Generations, and now cf late by the : lan Church : All which we hope, through tl Blefling of God upon this Work. lhall be> G Jglit to an End. Had the Pope at Rcr,ie the wledpe of what is doing; this Dav in land) and were this Covenant written on Plaifter of the Wall over againft him, nire he fitteth, Bel/bazzar-hkc in his facri- louS Pomp, it would make ftjk Heart to Jnble, his Countenance to change, his Head Mitre to ihake, his Joints to loofe, and all Cardinals and Prelates to be aftonilhed. Vhen the reformed Churches., which by ir Letters have been exciting us to Chrift nmunion and Sympathy in this Time of the igcr of Religion, and Diftrels of the God- fhal! hear of this bleifed Conjun&ion for fformity in Religion, according to the )rd of God, and the Defence thereof, it fhali cken their Hearts againft the Heavinef, of fireHing Sorrow's and Fears , and be no other n a Beginning of a Jubilee and joyful De- erance unto them, from the Antichriitian, >ke and T\ rannv. n thefe and the like Contlderations, wc i very confident, that the Church and King- 11 of Scotland will moll cheerfully join ia ! Covenant -, at the firft M hereof, :ir Bowels were moved within thun. And to I \ ic6 Mr. Henderson5.? Exhortation to give Teitunony of this our Confidence, who are Commiffioners from the General fembly, although we have no particular \ expreis Commiifion for that End ( not fr Want of Willingnefs, but of Forefight ) a] to join our Hearts and Hands unto it, being fured. That the Lord in his own Time w againit all Oppoiition, even againit the Ga ol Hell, crown it with a Bleffing from H< ven. The Word of God is for it, as you ha" teen now refolved by the Confent and TelJJJ mony of a reverend Aflembly of fo many gc ly, learned and great Divines, In your o\ Senfe and Experience, you will find, that i though, while you are aflaulted or exercif with worldly Cares and Fears, your Though may fomewhat trouble and divert you ; yet other Times, when upon feeking of God private or publick, as in the Evening ofi well fpent Sabbath, or Day of Fall and Hi miliation, your Difpofition is more fpiritud and leaving the World behind you, you haj found Accefs unto God through Jefus Chrill the Bent and Inclinations of your Hearts wl be itrongeft to go through with this Wod| It is a good Teitimony that our Deiigns an Ways are agreeable to the Will of God, if \y affe£fc them moft when our Hearts are furthej from the World, and our Temper is moft fpi ritual and heavenly, and leait carnal ap earthly. As the Word of God, lb the^ Pray ers of the People of God in all the reforme Churches, are for us and on our Side. It wer more terrible than an Army, to hear that ther we j at Taking the Covenant. 107 any fervent Supplications to Godagainft Blafphemies, Curies, and horrid Impre- ns there be, proceeding irom another Spi- md that is all. That divine Providence which hath maintained this Oiufe, and )rted his Servants in a marvellous Manner this Day, and which this Time part hath Things in an equal BalLnce, and Vicifli- ofSuccefs, will, we truit, from this Day through the Weight of this Covenant, the Ballance, and make Religion and iteoufneis to prevail, to the Glory of the Honour of our King, the Confu- of our common Enemies, and the Comfort Safety of the People of God : Which he grant, who is able to do above any \v that we can ask or think. ' ■■ » *■ Die K" Die Sab. ult. Sept. 164,3 IT is this Day ordered by the Commons P: of Parliament^ That Colonel Long do Thanks to Mr. Coleman, for the great P he took in a Sermon^ at St Margaret' j Ch in Weltminfter, upon the Taking of the Cc nant : And thgt Mr. Coleman be deftre, print his Sermon j and is to have the fame \ Allege,) as other Minifiers have had: That \ poall print or re-print his Sermon^ but Juch a, fiall authorife thereunto. H. Elsyng, Cler. Pari. D. (1 Heart's Engagement. 1 A E R M O N PREACHED A T >t. Margaret's JVeftminfter \, At the publick Entering into the O V E N A N T, B Y Some of the Nobility , Knighthood and Gentry. Divers Colonels, Officers and Soldiers. I. Thofe of the Scotifti Nation about the City V. Many Ren us here rejiding* September 29^ Anno 1643. the Reverend Mr. Thomas Colema^, me of the Members of the Wejtmtnjtcr Af- embly of Divines. iched and published according to the fcvcral Orders of le Honourable Houfe of Commons. ■ - . . _» X. 28, 29. The people tntred itito a curfe* and tto an oath to Aualk in G$ant lav:, Sec. G L A S G O //, inted for George Paton^ Book>feIler it* Mdccxli. r % I Ill T O E Honourable Gentry, of all tarts, the Colonels, Officers and Soldiers, to our dear Brethren )f the Scott/Jj Nation, and the Reverend Miniftry of God's tVord, that entred into a So- lemn League zndCovenant with jod, at St. Afargarefs, Weft- yninjier j September zy. 164*3. P O N the Motion of fornc of you, and the Order of the Honourable Houfe, I preached this Sermon ; upon the Rcqueft of- diver s> a like Order, I publifhed it. Mv Aim is the r, as then, Jo now, that you would go in the rbt of this your Oath, and in the Obfervanct at all Times. An Oath, if vain. the \d to mourn j an Otfh, if weighty, makes it ce. This is a new Things and not done in Land before ; And I hope will have a new not feen by our People before. Ton rejoiced h at the takui I the t Peace that will follow. For a fur- 1 , I have added a Word or two in the t /. ii2 The DEDICATION. Head of the laji Part^ fatisfacfory $ which then permitted not ; and it is but a Wofcfc " d|!8 Day wkmthis Covenant -mas fubfcribed^ -«if Day of Contentment and Joy. The Horn re Gentry accounted it their Freedom to be bourn God > the brave Men of War accounted it 4 Courage^ to be preffed for this Service $ our \ ihren of Scotland elieemed it a HappinefsA & further Aft of Pacification ; our Reverend- vines deferve not to_ be lafl^ either tn Praif Performance. The Work that Day profperei cur Hands, Ton defired a Sermon out of'P, that the Dufy of that Day might be fdnff with the Word and Prayer. The Time for preparing was Jo fhort^ there could not be much of Man : If the Work-in the Delivery ufeful^ I hvpe, there appeared rriuchofGod, then it is your Duty to give him the Glory^ $ do you good zvas the hearty Aim of Your very faithful Friend, Offober October 7 4. 1643- J and Servant in the Golpel, THOMAS COLE, ii3 Sermon preached at the Taking of the Covenant j Sep- tember a^thj 1643. m. xxx. 21. For who is this, that gaged his Heart to approach auto me, faith te Lord? 1WO Things in this Claufe caufe fome Obfcurity : Tiffin The Uncertainty of the Subjeft. Secondly, the Am- biguity of one Phrafe. The Uncertainty of the Subjeft, or Per- of whom the Prophet fpeaks here : Whe- ofChriit, by Way of Prophecy, or of fome icular Pcrfon, by Way ot Story, or in- litely of every one, by Way of Duty The Ambiguity ot that Phrafe5 Fu- el ; which, according to the Variety of ignification, is or may be variouily rc = * He adorned i. is Heart s || He a} rt ; $. He directed his Heart , t He engaged H Herb ■m. RcL Maur, . f Gcnrva. f Lad 114 Mr. Coleman*.? Sermon, Hereupon the Senfe becomes various. i. Who as he, II z I* 116 Mr. Coleman'j ^Semon, foi it contairieth three Parts : i An A£Hon Piety- z. Tne 6bje£t of this A&ion. 3. T Inquiry into both : And each of thefe is c prelied in lb many feveral Particles. 1. The A£ti on of Piety, Engaging the Hca The Heart may prove' loofe and wandeii without an Engagement : The Engager™ may be hypocritical and linifter, if it be not the Heart j -but the one implying Stabili the other Sincerity, both together complea as an Action of Piety. 2. TheObje£t of this A£tion, toapproac, to Me. Sin may be the Objeft purfued, and God may be beheld at a Diitance : In tl we do not approach, in that, we appro to God j but either is needful. God abj thole that approach to Sin , he minds not tfc that look to- him at their Diitance : Exc then thou approach, and approach unto Q thy Endeavour is either cold or curfed. 3. The Inquiry into both, Who is this ? I the Aft of Engagement, becaufe it is not uf into the Part engaged, becaufe it is i ubtil \ j what we feldom fee, or groundedly fufpeft, have Caufe to enquire alter. Offhefirit, Engage the. Heart. This Engagement of tht Heart, is a Dej of the Heart's Motion towards any 01$ good and bad j for it was an Engagement, a b^ one, when more than forty Men bo . themielves with an Oath from eating and dr: ■ in*, till they had killed Paul. Toriiis De< of Engagement we afcend by thefe Steps, . at Taking, the Covenant. 117 Heart of Man perfects a Motion towards i and good Things thus gradually. .' By an Inclination or hankering, 'a Pro- fity in the Mind to this or that : This na- lly is evil, and to evil ; he that follows Inclination, goes wrong, the whole Frame .Man's Difpoiition being continually ill dif- >A. It is called in Scripture, the Speech or ng of the Heart, and ufed indifferently both ood and bad, yet with a notable Mark of :y in the Original, tho5 Tranflations it not. Eight Times in the Old Tefta- 3 this Phraie, Said in his Hearty ufed : r Times by the wicked, and as oft by the as y butconftantly, whenfoever a wio m ufeth it, as David's Fool, PJalm 14. tfatt, Hainan, Satan, it is /';/ his Fleart , jp a good Man, as Hannah, David, it is to II art ; and teacheth: That the Heart and Courfes of a wicked a are fubjcft to his Inclinations ; they die- to him 5 they command, and he obeys. rBut the Inclinations of a good Man are eft to him ; he dictates to them, commands n as Things fubdued,and fit to be kept under. froth thefe different Inclinations, different^ |y, in Refpcct ot Subject and Object, aie ingthncd with nothing more, than the often ation of fuitable A&s ; an evil lnclinati- [withevil A&s, a good with good. . Sin gathereth Strength by Frequec emitting, andatlaft natural, By folk hy faith Jeremy, Chap. 2. 5. H % n8 Mr. Coleman^ Sermon, 2. A good Inclination is furthered by g< A&ions 'y Frequency in Performance turns a Habit : Therefore the Jews, to habitu their Heart to Mourning, do always, for Space of three Days before the Memoria: the Temple's Defolation, in their publ Meetings, read Chapters of Mourning , i ( fay they ) three A£ts make a Habit. I hereupon it was, that Ifrael, above and bef other Nations, became a bleffed People ; Bl< ings being even naturalized unto them by Holinefs of the three Patriarchs, Abrahc I/aac and Jacob, immediately fucceeding e; the other. 2. By a Defire, which is an Inclination ai mented and actuated, carrying on the Party the Thing defired, grounded on, or inclii by fome external Iniorcements. This was Paul) who by that Relation to, and Intei that he had in the Thejfahnians, endeavoured bundantly with much Defire to fee their Fa which put him to the EJfay once and again, himfeJf fpeaks, 1 TheJJ. 2. 17, 18. 3. A Purpofe, a Determination to effeft, accomplifh his Defire : / have ptirpcfed, fa David, that my Month pall not tranfgrefs, Pfa 17. 3. Which purpofing, before it be tak up, fhould be well grounded, and when tak up, not lightly altered. For fee, how Change in fuch a Purpofe, put the Apoftle a ferious Apology ; 2 Cor. 1. 16. He vi minded to have viiited them, he did not ; forefaw they might, they would tax hirn Lightnefs, as either not minding, ornotbei Mafl at Taking the Gcrjenant. 119 fter of his own Determinations, and fo con- jently his Miniliry, and therein the Gof- might be blemifhed : The Fear of which like his Hearty the Prevention of which ,i/ed his Spirit, that both they might be fa~ jued, and himielf remain without Blame. j. A Refolve, a Purpofe fettled , Daniel {\ fully refolved, he had laid this Charge {.in his Heart, that he \v0ui4 not defile him-. J with the King's Meat, Dan, 1. 8. ji. A Tye or Obligation, wrhereby the Heart, 'erwife fhifty, is bound to the Work intend- fometime by a lingle Promife, fometime tan Oath or Vow, and fometime more pub- idy by a folemn Covenant. And this lalt .1 higheit Degree is that which the Prophet ,aks, at leaft in this Senfe I take it. This is t Engagement of Soul, whereby a Man vents his ftarting afide : And this is that t Phrafe that was to be opened. Of the fecond ; To approach unto me. This is the Object, and this Approachmcnt hreefold: 1. In his inward. 2. In his out- rd Man. 3 . In both. u In his inward Man ; in Heart, by iwingclofe to God, enjoying a fenlible and 'ffed Communion with him, which is com- 'table in fuch a Degree, that where it is ielr, leeds no bidding to make an Engagement. 2. In his outward Man, in his Perfon ap- 3aching to God in the Practice of all Duties mmanded j God in his Ordinances is power- prefent, Man in their Ufe ftands within ] efence. II 4 3. In II 1 120 Mr. Coleman'j Sermon, 3. In both, in all his Abilities approacll to him in managing his holy Caufe $ and th fore holy, becaufe his. God walks in] Midft ot his Peoples Armies : When thy 1 O Zion, are- armed agamji thy Sons, O Gre the Lord God tsfeen over them, Zech 9. 13, Thefe are thole approachings of the Saint;! their God : Tke firft is their Happinefs, fecond their Duty, the third their Honour. is a happy Thing to enjoy God's Comfort a. Soul j it is our enjoined Duty to obey hin his Ways, and it is an Honour to be fo Handing for the Way of Righteoufnefs, Of the third. The Inquiry, Who is this Scripture Queftidns are of feveral U! hold forth feveral Senfes $ here it leems to an Approbation of the A£tion fpoken of I is this? What one is this, that lb carefn engageth his Heart ? This is not ordinary mong Men, nor of an ordinary Degree Man ; few move, fewer engage themfelvei move towards God. This Approbation ha 1. Its Foundation in a Duty; Iapprove engaging, and the Man becaufe he engaget 2. Its Dire&ion from the Subject, Ha The Engagement of the outward Man m have wrong Principles : That it may right, let the Heart, Soul, inward Parts, that is within us be engaged to blefs his he Name. 3. Its Limitation from the Obje&, to 2 pioach unto me : To engage the Heart to f: to the Creature, to Vanity, is neither coij mendable, nor approvablc > but to clofe wi Gc| at Taking the Covenant. 121 I, to come to, Hay with, and act for him, is that which the Prophet, and God in the udi of the Prophet here approves. And brings us to, t. The propounding cfthe Point, and that in befe Words. ?. •^IOd obferves with the Eye of Ap- y T probation, fuch as engage a iA t\ e nfelves to him j he looks with an atrprov- Eye upon this Carefuinefs : \ m jagement of Soul is, 1. Neec needful for the Heart, helpful to our ices. The Needfulnefs is evident. The Heart is v and fubtil, backward and deceitful ; ex- t it be drawn with the Cords of fuch an Ed- jement, it puts flowly forward ; and yvhen s drawn, it will fail quickly oif. Days of folation beget lvclblves, Times of aTer- produce Engagements, v. hich the Heart ne Storm pail:) will wilily and wicked- feek to evade.. David fufpe&ed this Cou- age in himfelf, when he cries out, Oh ! I e many good Thoughts, but a r art, many holy Purpofes, but a deceitfu] rit: Thou h;:ACau1e as a Creator, not to e the Tender of my Obedience, \\ :God, the Promife of Submiiiion ; but I call | Mercy to give Aifiitance. Be Surety {or : For the Performancv > and upon fuch as depart from , and do good, upon fuch righteous Ones, lEyes of tne Lord are iaftned, not his om- ient Eye, but his protecting, blefling Eye, I Eye, the feeing w hereof is ok the fame nper, with the open Ear following: His Eye fon the right cons ^ arid his Ear open to their Cry ; c Eye which flands in OppoJition to his *, which is againft the wicked j Pfalm 16, 17. tdlv, And to obferve his Ordinances and ignients, reverently to praftife all the Du- . of the firft Table to God, and to fuch alfo d cafts his Eye of Relpect : The Eye of the \d is upon thefe that fear him, and that hope in Mercy, Pfalm 33. 18. idly, And to hearken to the Means of both, Aear his Voice : When I eounftl thee, and in- iff the in the Way that thou Jboufdfl go, mine e is upon thee, both to keep thee to it, and to blefs te in it, Pfalm 32. 8. 2. Becaufe this En^srement is a Means to :ompliih his Promife : Becaufe thou haft a- uched God, God hath avouched thee, and ill do as he hath [aid, and a, d ; the Repetition where j;ue )ntentfulnefs in God, in that by r rat, a Way was opened I tnipUlh- ,.;ke, 11a 42. 21. delights^ when he 126 Mr. ColemanV Sermon, he can evidence himfelf to be righteous and for the Law and Words of his Mouth, he magnify and make honourable in the F; fulnefs of their Accompliihment. Mercy,1 A£ts of Mercy pleafe him ; Micah 7. 18. finds in a righteous Man Reft of Spirit, caufe by him he fends down a full Influenc his Favour upon the World. If the World k fay fome Hebrew Doctors, of what Wor righteous Man were, they would hedge him c with Pearls, &c. His Life is beneficial tc even in fome Sort to God himfelf ; for by Mercy is fhewn to the World : His D therefore is of great Confequence ; a gre Affiiftion than thofe Curfes mentioned, I 28. I will make thy Plagues wonderful -D thy I vens Jhall be Brafs, they pall dijlil no Dew Rain to water the Earth j but I will do a velous Thing, a 7narvelous and firange, a Man, a wife Man fh all be taken away :> and I fend no more Blejftngs upon you : There rent not a Heart engaged, to whom I deligh approach ; whiles fuch were, mine Eye fatisfied with feeing good, my Heart with' ing good 'y now the one is removed, th ther flopped. O where is he that engaged* Heart to approach to his God ! This is fecond. § 111. The examining of the Duty. THis Engagement being thus appro1 and therefore to be entered on ; le a little examine the Duty, and mind 1 Things. 1. YV at Taking the Covenant. 127 . What Particulars do engage us, by what s or Thoughts doth the Heart become en- ;ed ? And, 2. What hinders this Engage- it, and Hops our Entrance thereupon ? L Several and many Ways doth the Heart ome engaged to God : No Conlideration enter our Hearts, no Occurrent happen in Lives, but it offers P^eafons enforcing this ty. We are engaged to God by our being, our receiving, by our doing : Mind ei- r, and acknowledge thyfelf engaged. :. Our being what we are, engageth us : ft. That we areCreatures, and io not forgot- in everlafting Night of a not-being : That are Men,and not Beads Jthat we are Chrifti- , and not Heathens ; all are Engagements. idly. But our being thus and thus j Men of is and Parts j placed in fuch Callings ; qua- ed with fuch Endowments , intereffed in h Privileges : Thefe are Engagements in- ?d. %.. What we have. t/P, Every Thing we have received binds y all the Acts of God's Providence over us 9 the Effects of God's Goodnefs to us : Health, od, Callings, Trades, Friends, Families, l>thes, the Service of the Creatures •> Sun, iin, Fruits of the Earth : All, all thefe are nds. zdly^ But efpecially, our more peculiar Fa- , inward Experience of his Love, and >n of Soul-Communion with him: Oh, hio would not be engaged for this ! 3 What we do, even our own A&ioM bc- 128 Mr. Coleman'j Sermoftj come our Obligations ^ and that which coi from us, binds us. i/f , Our feeling Prayers. Who dare pi tife what he prays againit ? A Prayer aga the Power ot Sin, obliges to walk in the Pot of that Prayer ^ neither will any lightly or what but late as an Evil, he hath conieffec God. zdly^ But efpecially ( which is our prei Work ) cur iolernn and ferious Vows, P reflations, Promifes j our Covenant in Bapti our particular Covenants entred into, upon Appreheniion of fome approaching Calami • upon a Day of Humiliation, at a piercing S mon, or Soul-fearching Prayer beiore a Sac ment, or the like, if we have fpoken w our lips, we cannot go back, we are engag II. As for filch Things that may hinder, Ihould both note and avoid. i . Ignorance : If thou kneweft the Gift God, faith Chrift to the Samaritan Worn* Want of praying comes from Want of kno ing. Have you received the Holy Ghoji ? \ Paul's Queftion ; but the Reply was, T could not be : Vfe have not fo much as hea whether there be a Holy Ghoji :, or no. Have ) engaged your Souls in a Solemn League ? J this be our Query, and the Anfwer will We have not fo much as heard, whether tto be fuch a Duty, or no. Ignorance hinders t Bond. 2. Wretched Profanenefs, which flights i fets at nought all Duties,1 ordinary, extraor nary ; fuch mind Sin, and the fulfilling the at Taking the Covenant. 129 t j and bind thernfelves to Mifchief with Cords t Vanity > whilft in the mean Time they are jntented toiitloofe from God. 3. Wicked Policy, both to avoid the tak- jr, and to evade the keeping : Scruples of jnfcience fhall be pretended, byfuch as know It what Confcience means. Scripture ihall be ledged, by luch as are little verfed therein y ks Sentence fhall be thus explained j this Re- ifement ihall be thus pretended : All is but emingly to flop the Mouth of Conkience, it faith, They muft both make, and pay !>ws unto God. Yet the wilfully ignorant 11 negleft it ; the wretchedly profane will itemn it ± the wickedly politick will avoid fo the Heart ihall be left to its own Swing, in to all Corruption that breaks in like a x>d. For the Prevention whereof, let us ne on to § IV. Encouragements to the Praffice. "^He Point thus propounded, and in feve- l ral Particulars defcribed, wherein and lereby the Soul may be engaged 5 there is :hing remaining, but the Practice of it, and t is yours. Up then, and be doing j difo- ge yourfelves, and be no longer Servants to World, to Sin, to obey either in the Lulls reof ; but be ye bound to ferve Righteouf- s,.and the God oi Righteoufnefs ; for his vice is perleft Freedom. In this Encou- ;ement to this Work, that I might do as ch as I can, in this little Time granted, anar in you, after you refblved upon the ■T ; you defired that the Ordinance might ■iftified to you by the Word of God and yer -> you mo zed me to this Employment, got it ordered accordingly : And now, 1 bt not, but in the Aftion you will do it with 1 Reverence of God's Majefty, fuch Aw- tefs of Heart, that in lifting up your Hands the moil high God, he may be pleated 10 pt the Sacrifice, and make it comloi table. is to the Manner. [. To the Matter. For the Matter, that it awfully warranted by the Word of G examine thefe parucularly, in all and fe- I 3 vera! __ 134 Mr. Coleman'j Sermon^ veral Parts thereof, were the Work of a lume, not of one Sermon -> that will be i by others : But to do fomething, and v ive may for this Time > it is not difficult to Tallel from Scripture this Covenant in all Parts of it. The Lawfulneis of covenant; I fuppofe not queftionable, as a Furthen and Help to a fpiritual Progrefs j we find it ufed : The New Teftament aftords but Inftances, the Church then in its Infancy 1 ing little Occafion, and as little Need ot i combining : Failing and Days of Prai which are of the fame Nature, we find oft and the Angel r, Rev. 10 5, 6. lift up his He ( a covenanting Gefture) andjivore^ by htm liveth^ ( a covenanting Aft > ) but the i Teftament is full. Take then this as grant and come to the particular Materials, and h very Part, for every x\rticle, we can find Initance. The Articles in this Covenant iix : The Preamble fets forth, i. The Oc fion 5 their Aim at God's Glory, their Enen Aim at their Ruin. 2. The Pattern 3 commendable Praftice of thofe Kingdoms, the Example of Churches in all Ages. 1 Clofe containcth their Refoiution againft Impediments that may either flop the takii or difable the keeping of this League, th own Sins. The Body of the Covenant cc tains the Articles ^ the Lawfulnefs of v/hi feemsthus to be warranted. The/iift is the Reformation ofthefalfe, a the Preiervation of the true Worfhip of Gc and the uniting of all the Kingdoms in t * Tru at Taking the Covenant. 135 nth thus reformed. Such a Covenant took V, and his People in his Time, ^Gbrdfi. 15.8,9. 1. t or the Reformation of Religion decay- He purged away all the Drofs, and renew- all the Defefts. He repaired the Altar of \ Lord, the main Pare of their ceremonial venant. 2. For the uniting of the Kingdoms in the bracing of this Truth. Afa gathered A\ dab and Benjamin^ this was his own People, : Subjects of one Kingdom j and with tb Strangers, that is, the Inhabitants ol A- xaim^ Manaff'ehy and Simeon^ thele were the ^)ple of another Land. So here are the Per- S covenanting, the Matter covenanted to. e Perfons, the Subjefts, two feveral Ki ns j the Matter, Reformation, and to feek God of their Fathers j to this they all Itr, like as the Inhabitants of England- "land and Ireland, meet all in one Duty, e- \ a Covenant, and that to one End, to leek IferveGod in the Purity of his Ways, after Purity of his Will; to this, as AJa and his 3ple, we fwcar. Vhcfecond is the Extirpation of Idolatry and ickednefs, and all Things contrary to Truth, f: according to Godlinefs, the proper and petual Matter oi all Covenants. So did i fo did Joa/h- fo did 5 (b did A J [. Afa took away all Abominations, 2 Chron, He was impai uring neither Sin, Vc, nor Perfon : N l he removed all dominations s not Place, from all PI& I 4 Towns 136 Mr. Coleman5^ Sermon^ Towns of his Inheritance, and of his Gonqu not Perfon, he depofed his Mother, or rai Grandmother from her State for her Idolati I 2. Joath, or his Covenanters. Indeed People of the Land, (forfuchufually are n zealous) they ruined the Altars, Houfe all. They broke down all the Monument Idolatry, all to Pieces, throughly, to fc Purpole, Prieft and all. They flew Matt Viit&oliBaal with the Sword. 3. Joftah purged the whole Kingdo 2 Kings 23. and Nehemiah with Zeal, ex pated the llrange Wives. Here is a Coven that rooted out Idolatry, Popery-, the £t ijlical Prelate Maithan^ and all his Prelati Fa&ion the Chemanms^ 2 Kings 23. 5. and this, for this End, that the Lord might be o and his Name one. The third is, the Prefer vati on of the Lib ties of the Kingdom and the King, for M ters merely civif Such was that Coven; that Jehoida eftablifhed, after their Engaj ments for Spirituals to God. He made a ( venant between the King and People, that fhould preferve their Liberties, they his A thority, and both each other mutually. The fourth^ for the Difcovery and Puni nient of Malignants, that increafe or contin our Division. Without a Covenant fuch a D covery did Mordecai make of Bigthan and i re/b, the King's Eunuchs, FJlh. 2 21, \ Such a Difcovery made the Jews of Sanball and his Fellows to Nehemiah, Chap. 4. 1 Joftah was not without his Informers, 2 Kin 23. 1 at Taking the Covenant. 137 S17. But with a Covenant was the Puniih- lit of fuch Varlets fettled. Whofoever : Id not feek the Lord God of their Fathers, Id be flain without fparing, be he whom nrould be, iinall or great, Man or Woman $ 'oron. 15. 13. For why fhould not every rvalue the publick above the private, the ; non good before his own ? fifte fifth , The Preiervation of the Union, of the Pacification between the two King- :ns. This is the Matter of alJ Civil Leagues. MpL League made Ifaac YnxhA bmehek^ Ja- urith Laian, David whhHtrap% &:c But fly luch a Pacification doth God promife to e between Ifrael and Judah^ Ezek. 37.26. y fhould both live under one King. fo do the English and Scots: And both* II in one Land, Vcr. 25. {o do the EngJiJb Sects; They (hall have the fame Miniftry Religion ; fo do labour the Enghih and r : And a Pacification will God make be- en them, and that by Covenant, and luch wenant as fhould never be forgotten or ; fuch a Thing are we doing now, and >d's San&uary fhall be placed among e San&uary of his Prefence, Service, ite&ion, which is our Expe&ation and our be. 1, The firm adhering to this Covenant, ' mtinuance in the fame notuithttandi: Oppoiition, Contradiftion, Dilfualion to I mtrarj whatfoevcr. All the People d to the Covenant, 2 Kings 23. 4. This ' fiah's Care not only ior himfelf, but for 138 Mr. Coleman^ Sermon, for his People ; He made all that were fit Judah ^/Benjamin to ft and to it $ fo all his thev turned not back from the Lord God of thet tfars, 2Chron. 34. 32, 33. This is the nant, and this is a general View of the ge; Matter j This is according to the Aim of 1 that made it, take it, fwear to it. Who b Atheiit can refufe the firit ? who but a Papil iecond ? who but an Oppreifor, or a Rebel third ? who but the Guilty, the fourth ? * but Men of Fortune, defperate Cavaliers, fifth ? who but light and empty Men, unft as Water, the iixth ?.'• In a Word, the Du^ fuch, that God hath ordained , the Matu fach, as God approveth j the Taking fuch God obferveth ; and the Confequences fuch! God hath promifed. And in them ftands.< third Caution, to which I now come. III. To the Confequences. For the Confequen* and IfTues that do or mull follow upon the T ing, be alio Cautelous ; Take heed therefij that after this Heart-Engagement to God, 1 ftart back like a broken Bow. See thatj neither. 1. Falfify the Oath. 2, Profane the Oath I. Do not falfify the Oath, making theAi ons of the outward Man, contrary to this hi on of the Heart. An Oath is one ol the immutable Things, wherein it is impoffible t God lliould lie ; not fitting, that Man Ihou The People's forementioned Example teacl. Constancy, They ficod to it. The Covenant's on nary Epithet [ Everlafting ] implies Contin ance : Neither can God, or fliould Man pi* at Taking the Covenant. 139 ^hildren, fay, and unfay. All our Cove- 5 in him fhould be yea • r;ot yea, and nay. e prove loofe, we prove filie, and lie unto that made us. Take heed to yourCovenant, . 24. 27. This Sione^ thele Walls, thele Pil- 1 Seats fhall witnefs agairfft you, that denied him : To fallify the Engagement, ;deny our God; his Power, hi ce, his Word, his Preience, and the like; »u wilfully fallify this Oath where\vrirh you pound, as nrttich as in you lies, you make any Thing but a God. Keep Truth and lity for ever. Do not profane it, by a flight Efteem, by reverent Taking, by an unholy Lite. \ft^ By a llight E Matter of no lent. Can that be le, which is the : pf the judicious Confutations of the A- } of both Kingdoms, as the only Means to fcaate the Union ? Can that be a T ts produced by fuch, who had meerly Ilory of God before their Eyes as con- ig much thereto ? Can that be a Trifle, liflied as the main and fole Preven- yC all toe bloody Plots of God's Enemies »ft the Truth ? Can that be a Trifle, which d to as a Means more etfec1 Supplications, Remon- reflations, to prefen pur I 1 ? All this and m . ing. It was mature Dc It is a lifting up ; Lftft to the mull high God, and a 1 v pg, 140 Mr. Coleman'j Sermm^ ing by his Name, and God's Name muft not taken in vain : Such will notGod held guilde But of this before. 3%, By an unholy Life. Such a Thii would marr all we have done j tho' defiled wi former Sins, yet now fin no more : Our Coy ' nan t forbids it: Our State now Hands thi Either by our Sins we fhall make a Breach in! our Covenant, or by our Covenant make! Breach from our Sins. In the Clofe of the " venant, we refolve on the Endeavour, that Covenant may have its defired Fruit. We d iire to be humbled for our own Sins,the Lanij Sins, undervaluing the Gofpel, neglefting d Power, and Purity of it, no Endeavour to gl ceive Chrift into our Hearts, no Care to wJJ worthy of him in our Lives. Such and the Iffl Sins a godly Covenanter muft fhun, left he pa fane it. Let us then prize it as an eflen Means of Good, take it with a reverend of God, honour it in Holinefs of Life for e Let us both verify it, and fan£tify it by co] nuing to ftand in it, by endeavouring to live it to God's Glory, that this taken Coven; may be for the Name, the Honour, the Pral of the great Jehovah for ever. Thele are the Cautions. II. HORTATORT. These Cautions being obferved 3 Corneal] and let us enter into an everlafting Covenar with the Lord; Come on, and let us en gag our Hearts unto our God: We have a Propen fity to keep off; let a Covenant keep us clofe Our Hearts would be wandering -, let a Cove nan at Taking the Covenant. 141 it bind them. Will you trull yourfelves fhout a Tye ? Do you know yourfelves ? ne to this Work, with a Heart, with a Heart 2d up, as well as a Hand, as high as a Hand ; n. 3 .4 1 . Let us lift up our Hearts to our Hands j L. the Ardency of our Attention raife up our rit to meet the Lord, to whom we adjoin (elves for ever. To you I cry, to whom Order fpeaks, to every of you I call, come ;age your Hearts, vr/?. Nobles, both greater and lefler, think the Duty below you, too mean for you. ere is but one Way to Heaven for all. Scorn to join with Inferiors in this Work. In rift there is neither Male nor Female, no fpect of Perfons. The fame Way that the llol thepooreft is refreihed, is the Soul of : richeft. Poor Men pray, and Princes mull y ; common Men humble their Souls, and >ent, and crowned Kings mull do fo too. e People ot God, they walk aright, and all 511, great and fmall, mull follow them alike : ie Eye of every ordinary Man muffc be to- • rds the Lord. So as the Tribes of Ifrael are, i the fame Way mult Tyre and Sidon look, y they be very wife, Zech 9. 1, 2. No .rgenefs of Parts, Greatnefs cf Place, Emi- ncy in Gifts, of Wifdom, Learning, Wit, t Amplitude of Rule, nor any high Thoughts n exempt j but he mult fubjeft himfeif to the jndition andCourfes of the Lowell Sort. \ I n regards not the Goodlinefs of the Perlbn, oks not as Man locks ^ for God 1 curt. 142 Mr. Coleman'j Sermon, zdiy, Soldiers, for you alio are Engaj This lays. You have a noble Pattern ; But I i I may lay, You outvyrite your Copy. 7 came to John Baptifl, and to the Place, w he* baptized ^ Luke 3. 14. You come to Prefence ot God, and the Place, where Heart is to be engaged. They came to be re£ted what to do 3 you to do', what you Y been directed. Ride you on proiperoufl this righteous Truth. It lies mainly upon to be holy, yea, more than upon others. Y Adventures are more hazardous, your Dan£ more probable 3 yea, your Deaths perb more near. Therefore, Firjty You muft remove from you Wick nefs, and wicked Men. Wickednefs from y. Hearts, wicked Men from your Armies. 1 both your Perfons be holy, and your Com nies holy. God himlelf commands the form the Prophec from God the latter. When Hoft goeth forth) theft, and then chiefly, ti /halt keep thee from every evil Things Deut. 23 When Judah's King marched out, affifted w Ifraelnijh Auxiliaries, which were Idolate: • Let not ( faith the Prophet) the Men oflfrael with thee, for God is not with Ifrael: If thou thou fhalt not profper, zChron. 25. 7. If the were no evil Sin in your Hearts, no evil M in your Hofts, God would be with you, wi a fhout, even the Lord with the found of Trumpet. And zdly, Your Succefg depends on Goc Prefence. When thou feeit Multitudes Armies incircling thee, fear not, for God wi at Taking the Covenant. 143 1 thee, and God is with thee to fave thee ; valks with thee to fight for thee, and to per thee. Deaf. 20. 1. 4. We fhall be call z, yea, quite off, if God go not forth with Armies ; or, in our Armies -> the Word •s either * When God goes not in our lies, Pfal. 60. 10 rules not in our Hearts, 2$, Converfations, by Holinefs j then he 5 not forth with our Armies by Vi&ory Succeis. ; The want of godly Agents, to manage a ly Caufe, a great Lamentation. Help, I, fave, O God, for the Godly fail, and the hj'ul ceafe from amor.g Men : Were there fu^h in Being, they would bear Rule with 1, and be Faithful for the Saints, their Per- ; and Prayers would gain Prevalency with I, their Endeavours and Conftancy would v Fidelity to the Saints, and then in Judah, Land, would Things go well : And as e Ezekiel of the Scarcity of fit Governors to ;, Ezck. 19. 14. fo we offitMento fight, ?n Corruption and Loofenefs hath fo poifef- the Hearts, and Lives of our Men ot War, ere remains no fan&ificd, and godly Man nake a Soldier ; This is a Lamentation, and 7 be for a Lamentation. ;.. What Ground have we to expeft Good? len the Sons of Darknefs go to cull out the nee of Darknefs, is this pofljble? ( call out Satan ? It is a Satisl \nl\ver, t we reit in, and flops the Mouths of aU n Jrably blinded, when we hear fta- is, and Promifes to maintain the Pror Re 144 Mr. Coleman5.? Sermon, Religion, and Laws of the Land ^ when fee, that the efte&ing of the one is by- Sword of Papifts, of the other, by the H of Delinquents; except wefhould think, Man can Q as God ) work happy Ends contrary Means. For we fay, How can tan cafh out Satan ? So to ourfelves, 'tis very likely, that, if Satan keep the Hole hath of our Souls, you fhould difpoffefs hii that ftrong Hold he hath of our Land, you know fo much, and therefore by engas your Heart this Day to God, youfiril enc vour to expel Satan out of our own Cor ences ; and then fhall you fee clearly to d him from our Kingdom. You of our Brethren of Scotland, come y and enter into this fure Covenant. Lay Foundation ot fuch an eternal League Peace, that the Sun fhall never fee brck All your Countrymen, your Kingdom are here. Let your Forwardnefs to this W< tell us. What they would do, if they w Some having nothing tKe to fay, yet car withhold to Queftion, Whether the Scots enter into it or no ? As the Queftion is w out any Ground, fo fhall it be without other Anfwer for the prefent, than this; of that Nation in Town have been ready to great Work. Can you inilance in any have been backward to fw ear unto the Lc If in none, then put away prejudicate Thoug and entertain in their Place earneflDeiires, this Covenant now by both Kingdoms ent< into, may be like Ezekiefs Sticks, which femt ns, from this Time forth, and for ever- >re: That the Lord would plant his San- among us, and make theie two People [ Dwelling-Place continually: That this mt ol* ]\ da nt ol Truth, an nt for e\ tat delirc it, daii . exprefs it, and with Cheerful- ■ I K 146 Mr. Coleman-j Sermon j People $ you are not an infconiiderable Pari in this Land. The Joy and Happinefs of Ifi\ tl was, becaufe of the Levites that waited, 12.44. that were diligent in their Duties, a diligently attended upon the Lord. / will ca the Horn of Ifrael to fourip, faith God: By wfj gleans ? I will give theey Ezekiel, an oj\ Mouth, Ezek. 29. 21. That God may give y 2. Heart to teach Knowledge, come, eng^ your Hearts as a Gift to God. O, faith Moi that all the Lord's People were Prophets ! O, " we, That all this Land's People had Prophe; but Prophets of the Lord, that might feed th<| with Wifdom and Underftanding, that they might know the Lord, from the greateft to Jealt of them ! But Ah 1 Lord God, the Ek of this Kingdom is diftempered,dim, anddar and then how great is this Darknefs ! Our Pjj phet5 have propheiied Lies, and our Prk have pleaded for Baal, and they have reject the \V ord of the Lord > and what Wiidom in them ? Inftead of ltanding tor God, th have flood againit him j and inltead of being t beft, they are become the bafell : The Propl that teacheth Lies, he is the Tail. If G ihould come, as once, to feek for a Man, tli fhould Hand in the Gap, and make up tl Breach ; among thefe he would find the fej eft ; In this Refpe£t our State may be lie that, which we find defcribed, Cant 6. 1 Chrift comes to make a perfect Deicriptionl his Church, and fo confequendy, a comfoi able Expreifion of himfelf to his Church : Ai whereas the Eyes are the qhiefeft Seat of Beai 4 m Taking the Covenant. 14*7 ty, and therefore likelieft to be itoodupon, he begins thus. * Turn away thine Eyes from 7ne~ for they have overcome me. By Eyes, underftancl the Miniftry, I come to (peak comfortable ! Things to my People, but fet away the Mini- liters out of my Sight, for they have overcome I my Patience, and filled me with Fury : Now theie being removed, the Defcription doth lov- Singly go on. 7hy Hair^ thy young Profeflbrs, like a Flock of Goats ; Thy Teeth^ thy Ci- I vil Officers, like a Flock (f Sheep ; Thy Temples, f thy ordinary and common Chrillians, thus and thus, &c. All right, but the Eyes, the Eyes J: cannot endure. But let none of us provoke this Complaint, nor hold off airy longer from the Lord that invites. What lay you ? Are you willing to this Engagement? Will you [bind yourfelves to the Lord? Let me extend my Speech to all, and difpatch the Remains of Jthis Point, and my Meaning thus: That you may be encouraged to engage, conlider two Things. Firft, The Seafonablcnefs. Secondly, The Succels of fuch Engagements. Fir/t, The Scafonablenefs : There is a Time ill Purpolcs, and every Word and Aftioa K 2 is •'; as the o>. , $ehji neither do ibey . .it her i Rabbi Mofes Almofccn I he Hands of M h'u fecQ'jci hterpntetii 148 Mr. Coleman^ Semwn^ is beautiful iahjs own Time. A publick En- gagement is then feafonable, 1. When a Land hath been full of Troubles 1 God by fuch Troubles prepares a People fort him in this Duty. / zviil caufe you to pajfs twdM the Rod) and fo I will bring you into the Bond o£ the Covenant^ Ezek. 20. 37. And we know, >ve feel God hath chaiiifed us fore of Lite ; but*" in them he hath not given us over to Death, that by them he. might prepare us a People fit. for himfelf. • 2. When a Land hath been full of Corrupt!- 9ns, and a Ihrewd Decay hath been in Spiritu- als: By a Covenant hath fuch a People reco-S ver'ed themfelves, and regained their God. After the great Apoftafy by Aihaliab^ Jehoia- da renewed their Inte*elt by a Covenant^ When Manages and his Son bfod fullered De- fection from God;, and advanced Idolatry with} or above God 5 Jcjiab purged alL by a Cove-j nant Our Decays are evident, our Corrupt tions deftru&ive 5 our Covenant therefore fea- ' fcnable. Come, let us engage our Hearts to5 approach to God. 3. When the Enemy begins to fall, and God begins to ihine upon his own. J fa returning from a Victory, called his Land to a Cove mint, iGhron 15c When Athaliah was flaii^ the League was 1 worn, by Joajh and his King- dom. Since this Motion of a Covenant is come among us, God hath,, as it were, begun to draw near, in the Siege of Gkcefier raped, in the Succeis at Newbery gained, God is worm- ing out his and our Adveriaries, which he will do at Taking the Gwenant. 1*49 la by little and little, till they be confu This Covenant is feafonable. zd/y, The Succefs. Come and fee th, of the Lord, what Wonders he hath v when a People hath thus bound themfelves to oe his. 1. A King injurioufly put from his Right by in ufurping Hand, after fuch a Covenant wai L-e-eitablilhed, 2 Kings 11. 19. Hi wwh on the Throne of the Kin; 2. A Land miferably put from its Peace, ifter fuch a Covenant, was re-fettled, P Vas re-obtained ; and that as a Fruit of Pmy- >r, and fo acknowledged, 2 Chron. 15. 1$. \frael had fworn^ and fought God ^ (. lound f them : And the Lord gave than reft r ibOut.. 3. Religion craftily, and wickedly put from ts Purity after fuch a Covenant, was reiorm- )d> after fuch a Reformation continued, \Chron. 34. 33. The Engagement being made, 411 Joliah5^ Days they returned not back frotn the Lord God of their fati 4. Rebels and Rebellion, bafely andbloodi- y backed and managed ^gainft the Lord and lis Ways, againit his People and their Pi fej alter fuch a Covenant, have been 1 hrown and fuhdued, Ezek. 20. 3*538. / you into the Bond of t Then I tfili lever from an u the Rebels; i hale them from their own Latld, and 1;' hat they fhall not ent and of J Hke Lord give this Succ< Kr oat tire Rebels there fronl u K 3 i$o Mr. Coleman'j Sermon^ chafe them from their own Land -, and ye keep them from ever entering into our Land the Land of the Inheritance of the Lord Now thefe fuccefsful Effects of Covenantin tvell minded. Firft^ May hint to us a Satisfa&ory Reafon in cafe Peace comes not prefently. God had fome more Adverfaries to overthrow, to worr. Out 3 his Sword hath not eaten Flefli enough neither are his Arrows drunk with Blood yet; with the Blood of fuch earthly Men, whon Jie hath appointed to Deftru£tion. The Heart cf the Philijlines were fo hardned, that the] siever fought alter Peace, Jofh. n. 20. For tame of the Lord^ to the intent that they might b utterly dejiroyed. Who knows, whether ou Peace hath been denied, our Propofitions cai outj our Treaties fruitlefs, for fuch an Enc as this ? It isc- as of the Lord, who hath a Pur pofe to deftroy more. God lays Affii&ions 01 nis People, and they continue upon them ; bu in the mean Space to quiet their Spirits, ht ieacheth them out of his Law, that theft Troubles muft flay only till a Pit be diggec for the Wicked^ Pfal. 94. 12, 13. 2dly, May encourage us to go on. Yoi have now Armour of Proof, fuch Armour, at is not ordinary, armed with a Covenant : Go< faith the. Angel to Gideony in this thy Might. Go ( fay I, to every one ) in this thy Mighty the Strength of this thy Covenant, and the EfFeft will be fuch, as is not ordinary. When the PhiUflincs perceived that the Ifraelites h ' brought the Ark oi the Covenant into tne Battled at Taking the Covenant. 151 • >attle, they cried out. Wo unto us ^ for it i W been [0 heretofore : Wo unto us ; who pall de- >ver us out of the Hands of thefe mighty Gods? liSam. 4. 7. When your Enemies ihall per- (eive, that you come armed with the Armour if a Covenant with God, I hope, theyftrucken :Vith Amazement, fliall cry, Wo unto us ; we fyere never fo oppofed before: Wo unto us ^ tyho {ball deliver us out of the Power of this mighty '^revailer? If it will thus daunt, take it with T'ou, be ftrong. Again, I fay, Go in the might wercof^ and God (hall pro/per thee for ever. III. SATISFACTORY I According to the Condition of the Per- pn, fuch is the Nature of the Objection. One ut of the Malignity of his Spirit, cavil? a- ;ainft the Work j another out of Tenderness f Confcience, fcruples the Taking. I ihall briefly touch upon one or two, and wind up 111 in a few Words. The Jittery s I have met Vith, are fuch as thefe: Two Objections, VhenI wasdeligned to this Service, were lent he in writing, which, when throughly view- d, I perceived nothing at all to concern our ^afe, or Covenant. Obje£t. 1. Whether by am Law3 d , may Reformation of Religion be br n by Arms'? Anjw. Fir/I, What is this at all to the I enant, where there is no Mention oi Aims t all? zdly, What is this to our prefent Condi • reforming by Arms is not ai ^ucllion ? For if Reformation ot Re I K. 4 152 M\ Coleman3.? Sermon, the Cafe of our Affairs; then either the F liament are they that do it, or the Cayalie Not the Cavaliers, for they are on the def five : AVitnefs all their Declarations. Not Parliament, for then the Cavaliers will found fighters againft Religon, and reiift of God. $dly, I anfwer negatively. It is not. T Sword is not the Means which God hath dained to propagate the Gofpel : Go andteck all Nations j not, Go and fubdue all Natiocct is our Mailer's Precept, Object. 2. Whether to faear to a Govef went that pail be, or to /wear not to difjent fn fnch a future Government, be not to /wear upon tmpliate Faith ? JLn/w Firjl, This is nothing to the Cov nant, neither can I fee upon what Ground aj. fhould raife fuch an impertinent Scruple. zdly, It is, He that fo fwears, fwears upc an implicite Faith : For one Reafon agai; the Articles of the Prelates was, That th< forced us to fwear to th'e Homilies that fha be" let out, gant. Other Objections by Word of Mouth hav been propounded, forne whereof I will her touch upon Objttf. i. One would make a Stand at th Phrafe, [ in our Callings, ] as if fome politic Myftery were therein involved, and wouk have it changed, [ according. to our Callings or fo far forth as they extend. ] Sol. Then is an Identity -in the Phrafe, an A£tion enjoinec tc But thefe Things are extravs (' Taking the Covenant. 153 )C done dn fuch a Place., every Corner, as as that Place extends, is that Place, and no er. Ail is one. )bjeft. How if the Parliament Jboulfl I a Convenience in Prelacy for this K I € not this Oath then prejudicial^ either to the %liamenfs Liberty , or Kingdom' s Felicity* fyfw. This Objection fuppofes, SrVy?, That the molt wicked Antichriftian yernment, may be a lawful Government in nt of Conlcience. Al)\ That it is poflible, that this Prelatical vcrnment may be convenient tor a State or igdom. When as . They have been burdenfome in all es y what Oppofites in England have they rn to our Kings, till their Interclts were ;nged ? 1. All reformed Religions in the World spelled them, as incompatible with Re- biation. $. They have fet three Kingdoms toge- \r by the Ears, for the lealt, and worie ufes, which now ly weltring in their own 3od, ready to expire. {. Experience now fliews, there is no enience in their Want j either inScot- 4 or in England. 3b j eft. But what, if the Exorbitances be purged not /, notwit branding rnx Oath) admit icy? • Firjf, We i\\ car pot againfl a Govern* nt, that is not. c be 154 Mr. Cole man.* j Serif p, 2dly, We fwear againft the E^ls of ev Government 5 and doubtlefs many Mater of Prelacy muft of Necellity be retained, abfolutely neceflary. $dly. Taking away the Exorbitances, remaining will be a new Government, and Prelacy. Ob j eft. For the Difcovery of all Maligna*^ rall that have been-, whether, if I hdve a Frie that hath been a Malignant , and is now convert I am I bound to difcover him ? Anfw. This his Malignity, was either befi the Covenant, or iince 3 it before. No, then this League had no being, and a nonA\ tan have no Contrariety. If iince, the Difc \\ very muft be at the firft Appearance of Mali nity, whilft he is fo. 6bje£t. What if one make a Party to uph Prelacy, whilft it ft an ds by Law, muft I opp him, or difcover him by vertue of this Oatl Doth the Oath bind me to oppofe legal Atts? Anfw, 1. 3uer. Whether there be any pa ticular Law for Prelacy ? 2. Jgttiri Whether the making a Party I legal ? 3. Suet. Whether any Thing, the Extii ?ation of which is fworn by an Ordinance 'arliament, can be faid to Hand by Law ? Thefe are fome .Queries I have met wit! I heartily wifli that the fame Tendernefs c Confcience in all Things may be feen, whicl if not, it will hardly be called a Scruple 0 Teudernefs, but a Cavil of Malignity. Wha new at Taking the Covenant. 155 emains but only Prayers, that the great >f our Judgments and Conferences, would ar and fatisfv our Souls in thelc Leagues Jonds, that without Reluctancy we rflay ear to God, and having fworn, >ve may a Care to keep the Oath inviolable ± is once tjrcul\ fo all England may rejoyce fe of the Oath : And God may be elta- td, and his Kingdom fettled j that his fice may dwell among Men, and his clion among the Sons of Men; that he be near in our Covenanting, found in layers, and give us Reft ^ and that we engaged, may live to him, and not to s, henceforth, and for ever. Die (.***. t^fo r"-^ """ihj '"3r3 c^'3 <-^fc> t^t3 c^b cifi '"^23 c" &bc *1? V :4' $ S- # 3E ^? 3? $ ' 2S& 2)/^ Sabbat hi j 7, O^^. 164 /!T ij this Day ordered by the Common 's f. of Parliament, That Mr. Caryl be fired to print his Sermon which he preachel Friday lafi^ at St. Margaret's Chard Westminster) upon the Taking of the C Hant: And that Mr. Brown do return Thanks from this Hottfe, for his great P, therein. And further order, That none do print his Sermon withput his Confent. H. Elsyng, Cler. Pari. D. Cc T H THE eP Solemnity, Grounds, Property, and Benejts o F A i,CRED Co YEN AM T. TOGETHER WITH THE DUTIES Of thofe who enter into fuch a lOVENANT- Sred in a SERMON- at Wejimmjler, [fhat Publick Convention-, (ordered the Honourable House ot" Commons ) I the Taking ot the Covenant, by all ■h, of all Degrees, ;linglv pre- tted themfelvea, upon Friday, October 6. 43- he Reverend Mr. Joseph Caryl, he V MICS. the Members oi? the / Uibiubly ngitber agi An /r i a s <; o i Mdccxi [ ] T O All thofe who Love theLo Jesus Christ in Sincer and fincerely aflbciated th felves in the Bond of this J Covenant when this S mon was preached: The AUTHOR, their unworthy, willing Servant, in this or any other Work c Lord, humbly prefents this SERMON Pru Heartily befeeching God, our God, the great mighty, and the terrible God, who keepeth nant for ever, to Jlrengthen us alL in perfo) all the Duties, which we have promtfed it Covenant j to Jill us and thefe Kingdoms, all the Bkffings, which this Covenant prom to the Glory of his own tnofk holy Name^ Advancement of the Gofpel, in Peace and 7 as the gracious Return of our prefent Lab and Prayers, and the Portion of our Pojii that the Children which are yet unborn hkfs us, and blefs God for us. i5» Sermon preached at the late Solemn Assembly,, for the Taking of the Covenant \ upon Friday the fixth of this Jnitant, October 1643. Nehemiah ix. 38. {'becanfs of all this, ive make a fure Covenant, ,jmi write it, and our Princes, Levitcs, and ! Priejh, feal unto it. r HE general Subject of this Verfe, is the fpecial Buiincfs of this Day. A fblemn Engagement to the Lord, and among ourlelves, in a jure C Wherein we may coniider theie five, bings. 1 5 The Nature of a Covenant, from the ://)•, The Grounds of a Covenant, from jole Words, Eecanfe of all rim. //j', The Property of a Covenant, in het, Sin -. : a jure C es entering into^ *nd en* ; diemielve^ in a G ns. Pm sre ihQic all * All 160 Mr. Caryl5* Sermon, whom this Verfe fpecifies, and enow to bj in all the reft? Where. the Governors and Teachers go before in an holy Example, w honeli Heart will not follow ? And" the t Chapter fhews us, all who were honeft he ed, following this holy Example, Verfe And the reft of the People, the Pnefis, the Levi the Porters, the Singers, the Nethinims, an& they that had feparated themfelves from the P< ef the Lands, unto the Law of God, their Wi their Sons, and their Daughters, every one ha\ Knowledge, and having Understanding. Ver. They clave unto their Brethren, their Nobles, entred into, &c. Fifthly, The outward A£ts by which tit teftified their inward iincere Confent, and gag'd themfelves to continue faithful in t Covenant: Firft, Writing it. zdly, Sealing it. 3dly, ( In the tenth Chap. Ver. 29. ) entered into a Curfe. 4thly, Into an Oath, walk in God's Law, which was given by A Ihs the Servant of God, and to obferve to do the Commandments of the Lord their God, u the Statutes and judgments. And that would net give their Daughters to the Pe of the Land, &c. With divers other Arti of that Covenant, tending both to their J cleiiailical and Civil Reformation. I begin with the fifft Point, The N&im a Covenant. Concerning which, we may ceive fome Light from the Notation of \ original Words ^ 1. For a Covenant For the making of a Covenant. The h bitw Eerith ( a Covenant ) comes from&w Nvh :."; at Taking the Covenant. 161 ich fignifieth two Things : Ftrft, To choofe .£tly, and judicioufly *. idly, To eat mo- ately, or fparingly. And both thefe Sig- cations of the Root Bar ah, have an Influ- « upon this derivative Benth, a Covenant : former of thefe intimating, if not en- ring, that a Covenant is a Work of fad and ious Deliberation, for fuch are ele£tive ts. Election is, or ought to be made, upon j rational Turn of Judgment, not upon a tch of Fancy, or the Hurry of our Paf- ns. JNow, in a Covenant, there is a double Work Election : ¥ir(iy An Election of the Pcr- jjis, between whom. zdly, An Election of j(S Conditions, or Terms upon which the Co- \: nant is enter 'd. As God's Co-vat ant Peep: As chofen People, fo vmfi ours. Some Perl jjjili not enter into Covenant, tho' invited , I hers, tho' they offer themlelves, are \ be admitted. They who are not fit to build .Jith us, are not fit to fwear with us. Some jFered their Help to the Jews in the Repair i the Temple, ( Ezra iv. *:. ) k your God. But this Tend. refufed, Yer. 3. Te have no- yh us, to build an Hoitjlr an. we our feh Vhat (hould we do with their Hands in Hearts, we know. 1 in Intendment oi L muit • x62 Mr. Caryl' j Sermon, muft be either to build their Hay and Stub, with our Gold and Silver, ( i Cor. iii. 10. ) elfe to pull down by Night, what they bui by Day, and iecretly to undermine that not Fabrick, which feemingly they endeavour to let up. VVc find in this Book of Nehemit that the Pertons combining in that Covenai were choice Perfons. The Text of the ter Chapter, fets two Marks of Diitin&ion up them, Ver. 28. Firft, All they thatfepara themfelvcs from the People of the Lands, unto \ Law. of God. 2dly, JfU having Knowledge^ 1 having Undemanding. Here are two Qualific tions, whereof one is Spiritual, and the otl is Natural. The plain Rnglifh of both may this, That Fools and Malignant s, fitch as ( fome Meafure ) know not the Caufe, and fitch have no Love at all to the Caufe, fhould be Out a from this Covenant. Such faplefs and rot Stuff wiipbut weaken, if not corrupt this cred Band. The Tenor of the Covenant now tender fjrjer k,s thus, refpe£ting the Perfons. We Net r, KtiigJots, Gentlemen, Citizens, B gcfcsj Mtnijftert of the Gcfpel, and Commons, all Sorts, in the Kingdom of England^ Scotia and Inland, &e. And doth not this indtftinfi admit ali, and all, of all Sorts ? Ianfwer, A For the Words following in the Preface, lhw exprefly, that only they are called to it, i are of one reformed Religion^ which Ihuts out Papiils, till they return. And the Articles \ them through a finer Sieve, admitting oi i uch as promife, yea, and fwear, that throi at Taking the Covenant. 163 ie Grace of God, they will fincerely, really, id conftantly endeavour the Prefervation of ie reformed Religion, againit the common nemy in the one Kingdom, the Reformation id Extirpation of what is amifs in the other vo; as alfo, in their own Perfons, Families id Relations. They who do thus, are choice erfons indeed, and they who fwear to do thus, I ;e ( in Charity and Juftice ) to be reputed fo^ II their own Acts and Omiffions faliify their aths. Thus our Covenant makes an Equi va- ult, tho5 not a forAal or nominal Ele£tion he Perfons. ;1 *dl)\ There muftbe a Choice of Conditions -£a Covenant ; as the Perfons obliged, io the flatter of the Obligation mult be diitinft. This °\ fo eminent in the Covenant onered, that I Jtay fpare my Pains in the clearing ol it ; every llan's Pains in reading of it, cannot but fatis- y him, that there are fix National Conditions pout which we make folemn Oath, and one lerfonal, about which we make a moil folemn Tion and Declaration, before God a^d the :!Vrorld. And all thefe are choice Conditi ;'|uch as may well be held forth to be ( 0 jced they are ) the Refults and If] rs, and ferious Confultat loras o/LFjifland and are, in which Ifol • ' . 1, and < ibordination j 164 Mr. Caryl\t Sermon^ Thus much of a Covenant, from the F01 of the Word in the firfl Senfe, leading us the Choice both of Perfons and Conditions. zdly, The Root fignifies, to eat moderate] or fo much as breaks our Fait And this ref alfo to the Nature of a Covenant, which is draw Men into a friendly and holy Commu on, and Converfe one with another. Da\ defer ibes a familiar Friend, in whom he trufi to be one, that did cat of his Bread, Pfal. xlil And the Apoille Paul, when he would havl fcandalous Brother denied all Fellowlhipl Church-Covenant, he charges it thus, #fc fuch a one, no not to eat, 1 Cor v. n. He m it was a cuitom upon the making up of Co nants, for the Parties covenanting, foberly feaft together. When Ifaac and Abtmckcbfa one to another, and made a Covenant > the fac Story tells us, that Ifaac made them a Feaft, < they did eat and drink, Gen. xxvi. 29, 30. Covenant is a binder of Afte£tion, to allurel but it is a loofner of Affe&ion, to exprefc And their Hearts are moit free to one which are moil bound to one anothe un becoming is it, that they who 1 ther, ftiould be fo llrange as fcarce to Jpi together ? That which unites, ought alfc multiply our Affe&ions. Further, the Word hints, fo to converfe gether, as not to fin together j for it iignif .Moderation in eating. As if it would te us, That at a Covenaht-feaft, or when G turners feaft, they fhould have moxt Grace, t Meat at their Tables ; Or. if ( through Blefl :o expreft L me anotht cher. H§ (wear to !■ at Taking the Coven am. 165 ilefling of God ) their Meat be much, their mperance Ihould be more. The Covenant j Ids us much Bulinefs, and calls to Action : Ixcefs foils our Gifts, and damps our Spirits,* :ing us for Sleep, not for Work. In and by s Covenant, we (who were almoft carried 1 fpiritual and corporal Slavery ) are called for the Majtery. Let us therefore ( as s Word and the Apoftle's Rule inftru£t us ) 1 temperate in all Things, iCor. ix. 25. In- emperate excefTive Eaters, will be but mode- ite Workers, efpecially in Covenant- work. I little will fatisfie their Confciences, who are en up to fatisfie their carnal Appetites. ^B be who makes his Belly his God, will not ke much of the Glory of God. So much concerning the Nature of a Cove- it, from the original Word 3 for a Cove- mt, fignifying both to cbuje, and to eat. We v take infbme further Light todifcover the rhings from the original Word, which we inflate {make ) Let us make a wt. That Wordlignifies properly to cut, tojlrikc, to Jl ay. The Reafon hereof is given, be- tufe at the making of fblemn Covenants, Beads re killed and divided asunder, and the Co- nant-makers went between the Parts. When God made thatfirlt grand Covenant with Abra- ham, he [aid unto him, Take an Heifer 1 ' irs old, and a She-goat of xmee /ears old, & to him all thefc, and divided them "lidjf, and laid thofe Pieces one agatnji , &c. Gen. xv. 9, 10. At the (eve tccnth Vcr. Behold, a [nicking Fur;, L 3 166 Mr. Caryi/j Sermon, burning Lamp ( which latter was the tokei God's Prefence for the Deliverance of his ~ pie ) pajfed between thofs pieces. In the xx of Jer. 18. Ver. wt have the like Ceremon)) malcing a Covenant-, They cut the Calf in iwc\ and pajfed between the parts thereof. Upon xm ufage the Phrafe is grounded of cutting orJiri\ ing a Covenant, Pfal. 1. 5. Pfal. Ixxxix. 3. Whl Ceremony had this Signification in it, Tl when they pafTed between thofe divided Pal of the flain Beaft, the Aftion fpake this Ctl or Imprecation, * Let him be cut afunder, let I Members be divided, let him be made as this Eet who violates the Oath of this Covenant. From thefe Obfervations about the Woru we may be directed about the Nature of 1 e Thing: And thence colle6t this Defcriptip of a Covenant. A Covenant is a folemn Comp\ } or Agreement between two chofen Parties or m\ whereby with mutual, free, and full Confent t\ bind themfclves upon felett Conditions, tending* the Glory of God, and iheir common Good. A Covenant ftri 611 y considered, is more thl a Promife, and lefs than an Oath , unlefs I Oath be joined with it, as was with that in tl Text, and is with this we have now before t| A Covenant differs from a Promife graduafll and in the Formalities of it, not naturally,.! in the Subftance of it. God made Promifes E Abraham, Gen. xii. and Gen. xiii. but he ma* : * Toedus /ententes prima jurabant, pqftecTtranfibant in\ partes pecudis ; quaji dicerent, Aifcindatur, * di :aufe a Slightnefs of Spirit in keeping it. All foIemnDurie ^n to have folemn Pre- parations j and this 1 think, as folcnm, as any L 4 I i68 Mr. Caryl'.* Sermon^ A Chriftian ought to fet his Heart ( as far as can through the Strength of Chrift J int( praying Frame, before he kneels down Prayer. And we ought to fet our Hearts a promifing Frame, before we Hand up torn; fuch mighty Promifes. Take heed how ye fa v is our Saviour's Admonition in the Gofp furely then we had need take heed how we fwt Let a Man examine himfelf ( faith the Apo: Paul ) andfo let him eat of that Breads and dt of that Cup , let him come examined to the crament: So I may fay, Let a Man exam himfelf^ before he lift up his Hand^ or write d( ■ his Name ; let him come examin'd to the tenant. I fhall briefly propofe three Heads of pre] ratory Examination, refpecting our Entran into this Covenant. Firft^ Examine your Hearts^ and your Liv whether or no you are not pre-engaged in al Covenant contrary to the Tenor and Condil ons ol this Covenant ? If any fuch upon quiry be found, be fure you void it, before y engage yourfelves in this. A Super-inflttuuon this kind, is very dangerous. Every M mult look to it, that he takes this Covem ( fcde vacante, or rather, corde vacante J w: a Heart emptied of all Covenants which t incontiftent with this. For a Man to coven? with Chrift and his People for Reforma on, &c. while he hath either taken a Covena with others, or made a Covenant in his o> Breaft againft it, is deiperate Wickednefs. if upon a Self-fearch, you find yourfelves cle at Taking the Covenant. 169 [ any fuch Engagements, yet fearch further. : very Man by Nature is a Covenanter with Hell, ; id with every Sin he is at Agreement ; Be lure ■■:: ou revoke and cancel that Covenant, before ;.;ou fubferibe this. If I regard Iniquity in my "Jeart, the Lord will not hear my Prayer ; that j : will not regard my Prayers, ( iaith David) lxvi. 18 And if we regard Iri^quUj in ;;:;ur Hearts, the Lord will not hear us o ; ranting ; that is, he will not regard our Covep- ;m Wo be unto thole who make this Ltague xivith God and his People, while they refolve mtinue their League with Sin: Which :;pon the Matter^ a League with Satan. liod and Satan will never meet in one Cove- eiitnt. For what Communion hath Light with 1 :mfs? and what Concord hath Chrift \ lial"? vi idly. Before you enter into this Covenant with God, conliderof, and repent for this ipe- i>in, your former Breaches and Failings G d3s Covenant We who were femetimes afar W$\ Aliens from the Common-wealth of Ifrael, and crs from the Covenant of Promife, are made Blood of JefuS) even fo nigh, as to .iiant with God. Some who pretend :. to this Privilege, will be found fuch as have Blood of the Covenant to be an unholy , lleb. x. 29. And where is the Man a alketh ib holily in this Covenant as be- him, and as it requires ? Labour there- e to have thofe Breaches healed by a treih ling of the Blood of Chrift upon your C fences, before you enter this Covenant : It 170 Mr. Caryl3.? Sermon, It you put this new Piece to an old Garm»| the Rent will be made worle : If you put j new Wine into old Bottles, the Bottles break, and all your expe&ed Comforts will j out and be loll. If you fhould not feel fearch your own Hearts, without doubt Lord will. And if you be jound as Deceit you will bring a Qirfe^upon y oar f elves, and n Elcfftng ( as Jacob fpake in another Cafe, xxvii. 12. ) This is a Covenant of Amity y God : Reconciliation muft go before Frie fhip, you can never make Friendfhip, till 1 have made Peace, nor fettle Love, wb Hoftility is unremoved. $dly, Enquire diligently at your own Hea Whether they come up indeed to the Tei of this Covenant ? You muft bid high for Honour of a Covenanter, for a Part in this vilege. Which of you, faith our Lord Chriji his Hearers, Luke xiv. 28. intending to bait Tower, Jitteth not downfirft, and count eth the C whet for he have fufficient to finifh it? Left fa ajter he hath laid the Foundation, and is not to fimft) it, all that behold it, begin to mock h faying, This Man began to build, and was not to finijk. We are met this Day to lay Foundation of one Tower, and to pull up t Foundation of another j we are pulling up 1 Foundation of Babel's Tower, and we are h ing a Foundation for Swn's Tower. We hs feen fbme who have heretofore done as muc but they have done no more: When they b laid a Foundation for thofe noble Works taking a foieinn Oath and Covenant, they ha ne\ at Taking the Covenant, 171 i er moved a Hand after either to build or to il down, unlefs it were quite crois to their a Engagements, for the pulling down of fo Tower, and the building ot Babylon ^nd what was the Reaibn of this tjtand, or trary Motion ? This fureiy e, they i not gage cheir own Hearts before Hand, jdier did they fie down to count the colt ! uch an Undertaking. And c e wshen 1 y perceived th^ Charge to arife lb high, lcy neither could finifh, nor would they en- i vour it, but left the Work before it iook'd Ave the Ground j and are juftly become a Idc, and a Scorn, and a Reproach in \fe are the Men that began ( in a folemn I 'ovc- it ) to build, but could im finijb s they had not .nough either of true or Hone fly W their Stock of Parts and Opportunities was t) to fin 1 [b this Work. ' Let us thereibre lit down lerioufiy and count ,1 Coll ^ yea, and conJider whether we be I ling to be at the Coil. To lead you on in h, my humble Advice is, That you would fe your Hearts upon the Articles of this lant. Put the Queltion to your Hearts, Mlet every one lay thus unto himfelf: I indeed refohed Jincerclx, really and 1 - 0/f/y, through the Grace of God, in my Place I i Calling, to endeavour the Pn lav at ion of the rmed Religion in the Church of Scotland ? &c. n of Religion in the Kingdoms of 1 nd and 1 1 fcfr . ; I lb* kxtirpationof ; , Prflacy? &v\ Am 172 Mr. Caryl'j Sermon, Am I indeed refohed never to be withdraw divided by whatfoever Terror or Perfuajion 1 this blejjed Union and Conjunct ion, whether to m Defection to the contrary Part, or to give myfet a deteflable Indtfferency or Neutrality, in this G cfGodPScc. Am I indeed refohed to humble myfelf for own Sins, and the Sins of the Kingdom? ( to amend myfelf, and all in my Power, ana go before others in the Example of a real formation? &c. According to thefe Hints, propofe the Que on upon every Claufe of this Covenant. A then confider what the Coll of performing thefe may amount to, and whether you willing to go to that Colt. But it may be, fome will fay, What is t Coll ? I anfwer, The exprefs Letter of Covenant tells you of one Coll which you rri be conllantly at, and that is lincere, real, \ conitant Endeavour. Pains is a Price, I fure real Pains is. The Heathens faid, Tl their Gods fold them all good Things for Labo The good Things of this Covenant are fold that Rate ; yea, this is the Price which true God puts upon thofe Things which freely gives. To confent to this Covenant, wilh well to this Covenant, to fpeak well this Covenant, come not up to the Price -, y mult do thefe, and you mull do more, you rm be doing, fo the Promife of every Man 1 himfelf runs, I will through the Grace of God 1 deavour. Yet every Endeavour is not curra Money, payable, as the Price of this Cqv naf at Taking the Covenant. 173 isit: There mull be a threefold Stamp upon ic. jjlefs it bear the Image and Superfcription of x ity, Reality, and Conflancy, it will not .accepted. For fo the Promife runs, / will \erelj) really , and confiantly endeavour. Neither yet is this all : Such Endeavours are : rtually Moneys but this Covenant calls alio • Money formally, as the Price ot it : He jit really endeavours alter fuch Ends, as here • propofed, mull not only be at the Coil ot \ Pains, but alio at the Coll of his Purte for s Attainment of them. He mull open his and to give and to lend, as well as to work d- labour : Unlefs a Man be free ot his Purfe, well as of his Pains, he bides not up to the emands of this Covenant, nor pays. up to his vn Promile, when he enter'd it. Can that !an be laid really to endeavour the Mainte- tnce oi a Caufe, while he lets it ftarve ? t hen it, while he keeps the Sinews of • lhut up ? Would he have the Chariot ovefwittly, who only draws, but will not pi the Wheels ? Know then, and ConJider that the Coll you mull be at, is both in your abours, and in >our Eitatea. The Engage- t runs t(j both thefe. nd to more than both thefe. Thi : engag not onlv to do, but to fuller ; (inly to endeavour, but ro endure. Such 19 . A m to '• > Imprilonments, T< 174 Mr. Caryl's Sermon, by Death, that King of Terror. You fee il that the Price of this Covenant, may txl Price of Bl xxl, of Liberty, and of Life, down and coniider, Are you willing to this coft to build the Tower ? Through! Goodhefs of God in ordering thefe great Aftf you may never come actually to pay do\y| much s haply, not half fo much : But ex you refolve ( if called and put to it by the Exigencies of this Caufe) to pay down the moft Farthing, your Spirits are too nai;c< and your Hearts too low far the Honour Tenor of this Covenant. If any lliall fay thefe demands are very hi and the charge very great s but is a Part in 1 Covenant worth it ? Will it quit Coft to fii fo great a Charge ? Wife Men love to fee-i have fomewhat for their Money ; and w they fee, they will net (tick at any Coft, fo Coniiderations be valuable. For the anfvvering and clearing of this, I fl[ pals to the fecohd Point, which holds forth 11 Grounds of a Covenant, from thofe Wqrds the Text, And becnitfe of all this. If any c lliall be troubled at the \ All this, in the Pri< I doubt not but the All this in the Grounds \\ jfatisfie him Becaufe of all this, we make afi Covenant. Here obferve. i. A Cove// a'rit mufl be grounded on Reajbni } muft fhe vv t le caufe why. God often deu ra but Man is bound to give a Reafon of wh doth. Sontfc of God's A£tions are above Re ion, but none without R.eafon. All our 'Ae- ons ought to be level with Realbn, and t! at Taking the Covenant. 175 tth common Reafon ; for it is a common Act Jiat which Men of all Capacities are called I do, fhould ly in the Reach of every Man's Jpacky. Obferve "2. A Covenant muft he grounded on weighty Rca- J ; .there mull: be much Light in the Realcn, 's was fhewed before J but no Lightnefs. Acdufe of all this, faith the Text. There were py Things ia it, and much Weight in every ^Hf them. ij\nd the Reafons in their Proportion, muit Xe&ft be as weighty as the Conditions. (eight)* Conditions will never be ballanced ah light Realbns. If a Man ask a thoufand ,|iinds for a Jewel, he is bcuiuteo demonftrate Jar his Jewel is intrinlically worth fo much, ^Bpo wile Man will come up to his demands. I wtien great Things are demanded to be paid lwn by all who take Part in this Covenant* J; are obliged to demonftrate and hold forth i Equivalence of Worth in the Grounds and tature of it. Hence obferve 3. 7 bat the Reafons of a Covenant muft be ex- mfc of all this. This, is demonilra- Hcre's the Mutter kid before you, con- fit, examine it throughly. This is fair waling, when a Man fees why he undertakes, d what Ire may expect, betore he i And fo may fay, Hcrj:t!- of this, a* ^ all this, I have cnteiM into Co .But what were the Particulars that mad. ■p 176 Mr. Ca&yl5j Sermon, the attentive Reader will eafily find them I fhall in brief reduce them unto two Head.' 1. The Defe&ion and Corruptions that v, crept in, or openly brought in among them. 2. The Affli&ions, Troubles, and j udgmc that either were already fallen, or were fes would further fall upon them. The former of thefe Caufes is laid dow^ the 34. and 35. Verfes of this Chapter. Net, have car Kings, our Princes , our Priejis, nor Fathers kept thy Law, nor hearkned to thy 1 mandments, and thy Teftimonies, wherewith i didfi tefiify againfi them. For they have ferved thee in their Kingdom, and in thy great Gt nefs, &c. The latter of thefe Reafons is contained the 36. and 37. Verfes. Behold, we are Serve this Day i and for the Land which thou gavefl to our Fathers, to eat the Fruit thereof, and : Good thereof, behold, we are Servants in it, The Clofe of all is. We are in great Dift\ From this Narrative of the Grounds, the m ing of a Covenant is inferred as a Conclufi in the immediate fubfequent Words of Text, Becaufe of all this. As if he had £ Becaufe we are a People who have Jo departed f . the Laws and Statutes oj our God, and are fo i rupted both in Wbrfhip, and in Practice ; bed we are a People fo opprejjed in our EJtates, Liberties, and Jo difirejjed by Judgments <*«^ fliftions: Therefore, bee auje of all this, wem a fare Covenant. And if we perufe the Records of holy Sci ture, we ihail find, that either both tt Grou at Taking the Covenant. 177 grounds conjoined, or one of them, are ex- ^reft as the Reafons at any Time inducing the people of God, to enter into the Bond of a 1 lovenant. This is evident in Jfa's Covenant, ACbron. xv. 12, 13. In Hezektah's, zChron.- xix. 10. In Jo/tab's^ zChrcn. xxxiv. 30, 31. 1 Ezra's, Chap, x 3. of that Book. To all rhich, I refer the Reader for Satisfaction. nd from all canfenting with this in the Text, obferve : That when a People are corrupted or declined in )ocfrine, Worjhip, and Manners ; when they are './trej/ed in their Liberties, Livelihoods , or Lives ; ~bM, and at fuch a 7tme they have warrantable i'trf fufficient Grounds to make and engage them- kes ( as their lajt and highejl Re fort for Re- •irfs) in the Bonds of a facredfolemn Covenant. j What Engagement can be upon us, which I iefe Reaibns do not reach and anfwer ? The liberty of our Perfons, and of our Eftates, is u'orth much , but the Liberty of the Gofpel, rJ[ie Purity of Doftrine and Ordinances, arc ;^orth much more. Peace is a precious Jewel, .ut who can vriue Truch ? The wile Mer- Jiant will fell all that he hath with Joy to buy lis, and bleifes God lor the Bargain, Matth. iii. 44. uife of all this j we are called to make ( enant this Day. Truth of Do&rine and urity of Worlhip were going, and much of b ch were gone. The Liberty of our ns, and Property of our Ellutes, were , and much of them both were gone ± we n at once growing ppifh a b, tupcr- /Hthi 178 Mr. Caryl\? Sermon, Jfitious and ftrvile-, we were in thefe gre: DLftrefTes, And becaufe of all this, we make Covenant this Day. That thefe are the Grounds of our Covenan |s clear in the Tenor of the Covenant. TJ Preamble whereof lpeaks thus : WE calling to mind the treacherous and bloo Plots, Confpiracies, Attempts and Prattle $f the Enemies of God, again ft the true Reltgt and Protejfors thereof, m all Places, efpecially thefe three Kingdoms, ever fines the Reformat 1 (f Religion^ and hew much their Rage, Pom A/id Prefumpticn, are of late, and at this Time, i sreafed and exercifed, whereof the deplorable tfti tf the Church and Kingdom of Ireland, the diftr fed Eft ate of the Church and Kingdom of Englar and the dangerous E/late of the Church and Kif dom of Scotland, are present and pubhek Tj monies : We have now at the laft, "or the Prefer? tion of our f elves, and our Religion, from utter Rl and Dcftruffion, &c. after mature Deliberate refolved and determined to enter into a mutual M folevin League and Covenant, &c. So then, if we be ask'd a Reafon of our Cl yenant, here are Reafons, clear Reafons, eal to the weakell Underltanding, yea, open I every Man's Senfe. Who amongfl us hathil felt thefe Reafons ? and how many have fmal ed their Proof unto us ? And as thefe Reafcl are fo plain, that the moil illiterate and vul^l Underflandings may conceive them ; fo thl are fo weighty and cogent, that the moll fil tile and fupiime Uaderltaadings cannot but I fubdif at Taking the Covenant. 179 'fubdued to them ; unlefs, becaufe they arefuch •Mailers of Reafon, they have refolved to obey none. And yet where Confcience is indeed unfatisfied, we fhould rather pity than impofe, :and labour to perfuade, rather than violently to obtrude. Now feeing we have all this for the Ground of a Covenant, let us cheerfully md reverently make a fare Covenant, whicn is the third Point in the Tex, the Property }f this Covenant : We make a fare Covenant. In the Hebrew , the Word Covenant is not ex- jreft. The Text runs only thus, We make a litre one, or a fure Thing. Covenants are in itheir own Nature and Conftitution, Things of vjb much Certainty and Aflurance, that bv Way rbf Excellency, a Covenant is called, a fure one, •ir an Afflirance. When a fure one is but named, \\ Covenant mull be undcrftood. As, the holy )ne is God, and the holy One, and the jufl, is \Jbrifti A£ts lii. 14. You may know whom the WfGhoft means, when he faith, Tine holy One, ■xmd the juft. So the fure one, is a Covenant. Jfou may know what they made, when the ' ihoji faith, They made a fure one. Hence . >b(erve, that A A well grounded Covenant is a fure, a firm, and n irrevocable Act. When you have fuch an all (and fuch you have) as is here conceu- -Vd in the Text, to lay into, or tor the Foun- y\ of a Covenant, the Superitru&ion is 1, and muit Hand tor ever, -veak Ground, is but a weak Obligation ; 1 liniul Ground, is no Obligation. There- much Sin in making a Covenant upon fintul M 2 Ground^ 180 Mr. Caryl** Sermon, Grounds, and there is more Sin in keeping < ir. But when the Prefervation of true Religio and the Vindication oijajt Liberties meet in rf Ground-work, ye may /wear and not repen, yea, if ye [wear ; ye rnuji not repent. For becau of all Tuch Things as thefe, we ought ( if v make any, and that we ought ) to make a fu Covenant. The Covenant which God makes with Ma is a [tin Covenant. Hence called a Covenant Salt, Numb, xviii. 19. Eecaule Suit preierv from perilling and Putriiaction. The Gov nant of God with Man about temporal Thing is called a Covenant of Sail, and a Covenant \ ever, 2Chron. xv. 3. For tho5 his Covenai about temporal Things (as all Temporals mu hath an End of Termination, yet ic hath no E of Corruption : Time will conclude it, b Time cannot violate it. But as lor his Cov nant about eternal Things, that, like Eternit knows not only no End oi Corruption, bar no of Termination. Ahhti mv Moufe fia;ihga kig David ) be not fo with God ; yet he k a with me sn ever/a/ling Covenant, ordera ttrings and jure : for this is all my Safa all my Dejire, alt bo9 be ?nake it not tQgrow* : xxiii. 5. And what is it that makes the ( ttant of Gcd with Man thus fure ? Sure nc in itfell, but (as the Apoftle Ipeaks ) to ail) Seed, Rom. iv. 16. Is it not this, bee; hath a ftrong Foundation, a double, in nable Foundation ? Firlt, His cwn fm sdiy, The Blood of Cbrijt 3 which is tht jalib called,, the Bkodofibt Covenant, Heb at Taking the Covenant. 181 Becaufe of all this, this All, which hath an In- vfinity in it, the Lord God hath made with us ^a fure Covenant. Now as the Stability and Everlaftingnefs of God's Covenant with his Ele£t, lies in die •Strength ot the Foundation, his own Love, and mbe Blood of his Son ; So the Stability and Firm- nefs of our Covenant with God, lies in th# ^Strength of this Foundation, the fecuringof tht jGofpel, and the aflerting of Gofpel-Purity in AVorfhip, and Privileges in Government; the vifecuring of our Lives, and the averting of our . 'union Liberties. When at any Time ye can }ueftion, and, from the Oracles of Truth, be efolved, that thefe are inefficient Grounds oi „ :naking a Covenant, or that thefe are not ours, /e may go, and unaflure the Covenant which e make this Day. application. Let me therefore invite you in \\rords of the Prophet Jeremiah, Chap. 1. 5. me, let us join our j elves to the Lord, tn aper- ttual Covenant that (fjall never be forgotten. And do not thefe look like the Days wherein he Prophet calls to the doing of this ? In thofe ) [ys, and at that Tune, faith the Lord, Yer. 4. Vhat Time, and what Days were thofe ? The >eginning of the Chapter anlwers it. The Vcrd that the Lord [pake againfi Babylon, &c. ] id are ye among tic Nations, and pullijhy and 't up a Standard, publtfb and ccnaai n - -r, >abylon is taken, Bell is confounded, Mero- ach is brrhn in pieces ; fir Idols arc con- ; i, her Images r ire ken in pied m'tto/ the "North there cotneth up a Ns: unfi M 3 182 Mr. Caryl3 j Sermon, her, which pall make her Land defolate, & Then folio ws, In tkofe Days, and at that Th faith the Lord, the Children of Ifrael JL come, &c. And they fhall ask the Way to ZAi with their Faces thithenvard, faying, Come, c let us join our felves to the Lord, in a perpetual i venant that pall not be forgotten. Are not thefe the Days, and this the Ti ( I fpeak not of Time to a Day, but of Ti and Days ) wherein the Lord Ipeaks agai Babylon, and againil the Land of the Chaldeank Wherein he iaith, Declare among the NatiM and publip, and jet up the Standard, Are it thefe the Days, and this the Time, when M of the North there cometh up a Nation agail her ? As Face anfwers Face in the Water.! do the Events of thefe Days anfwer, if not ft Letter, yet much of the Myflery of this Pfl phecy. There feems wanting only the Wcl which this Day is bringing forth, and a fl Days more ( I hope ) will bring unto Perfeffl on, the joining ot our felves in a perpetual (I venant, never to be forgotten. ItisTeryid deeper Wounds from pretended Friends, Jan from profeft and open Enemies. The fad ix>ries of Abner and Amara inform us, Tnut fere is no Fence againft his Stroke, who come* Jb near us, who ftabs while he takes us aftde weak kindly to us, who draws his Sword, ihile he hath a Kifs at his Lips, and art thou J Health my Brother, at his Tongue Let us think ourfelves ftronger, becaufe we do :>tknow our Weaknefs ; or fafer, becaufe we cnorant of our Danger. Or that our real Inemies and falfe Friends will do us lefs Hurt, fe they are lefs difcovered. 1 do not think, at a Flock ever fared the better, becaufe the Ives that were amongft them, went in p's-clothing. Rather will our k: be our Security, and the Difco; ery which 1 Covenant makes, help on both our DeK- xe and our Bujinefs. For as (pofTibly} Covenant may difcover thofc who are faith- ful i86 Mr. Carvl^ Sermon, tul to be fewer, than was fuppofed before t ilri£t Diftinction from others ; fo it will o tainly make them ilronger than they were 1 fore, by a Itri&er Union among themfelv And this is The fecond Benefit of this Covenant, wh I fliali next in! ill upon. As it doth fepar thofe who are heterogeneal, fo likewife it congregate and embody thofe who are horc geneal. And therefore it cannot but s Strength unto a People j for whatfoever uni\ flrengthens. A few united, are ftronger th a fcattered Multitude. Tho' they who fi fcribe this Covenant ihould be, comparati ly, ib few, as the Prophet fpeaks, Ifa. x. That a Child may write them , yet this few tl united, are ftronger than fo many fcattel ones, as exceed all Arithmetick, whom (I John fpeaks ) Rev. vii. 9. No Man can numm Cloven Tongues were fent, A£ls ii. 3. to publl the Golpel, but not divided Tongues, mil leis divided Hearts : The former hindred i| building of Babel, Gen. xi. 7. and the latt| tho5 Tongues fhould agree, will hinder M building of Jcrufalem. Then a Work goes* amain, when the Undertakers, whether tl:f be tew or many, /peak all, and think the fm Thing. A People are more considerable in ay Work, becaufe they are One, than becaufe thjl are Many. But when many and one meet, iij thing can ftand before them. So the Lord G| obferved, when he came down to fee the City cm the Tower, which the Children of Men bmld\ Gen. xi. 5. And the Lord [aid, at the fixth V} BM at Taking the Covenant. 187 iebold, the People is one, and they have all one language : And this they begin to do ; and now \iotbmg will be rejlraincd from them, which they niaginedto do. Men may do as much as iiey can think, while they All think and do as Jine, and not only can luch do great Things, % let alone ; but none can let them in doing 1 /hat they intend j fo faith, the Lord in Gen. li 6. They have begun to do, and nothing will be An/brained from them, which they have imagined. : nothing could reftrain, or let them from their :Vork, but his Power, who will work, and none wmltt it, Ifa. xliii. 13. ii Thus it is apparent, that Union is our itrength. And it is as apparent, that this Co- venant, through the Blelhng of God upon it, c^ili be our Union. To unite, is the very X a- .ire of a Covenant Hence Ezek. xx 37. It ;>!» called the- Bond of the Covenant, I will bring Aon into the Bund of the Covenant, faith the Lord. Junius and fome others render it, I will bring \ou ( ad eshibitionem foederis ) to the giving or hindering of the Covenant ; Deriving the ^Yrord from Mafir, fignifying, to exhibite or deliver. V hence fto note that in Paflage^) the Tradi- > ionary Do£krine among the Jews, is called / :'d, or Maforetb *. Others ( whom our Tranllators follow, and put the former Senle, ring, in the Margin J Others, I fay, de- ll the Word from Afar to bind, render it iknd of the Covenant. And Atnfjretc I? hfafora% traiitiny do&> • i ma* 188 Mr. Caryl* j Sermon, And this Covenant, is the Bond ofa.Tv fold -Union. Firjty It unites us of this Ki dom among ourfelves, and this Ktngdom w the other two. idly. It makes a fpecial Uni of all thofe, who fhall take it holily and iince: ly throughout the three Kingdoms, with i One-moft God. Weak Things bound to£ ther, are ftrong, much more then, when ftro are bound up with ftrong ; moil of all, whl llrong are bound up with Almighty. If in til Covenant, we fhould only join weak to weal we might be ftrong. But, blefled be God, i join ftrong, as Creatures may be account ftrong, with ftrong. The ftrong Kingdor of England and Ireland, with the ftrong Kin dom of Scotland. A threefold Cord twifted three fuch ftrong Cords, will not ealily, if all, be broken. They which lingle, bleif be God, have yet fuch Strength, how ftroi may they be when conjoined ? As the Apoft writes to his Romans, Chap. vi. 19. I /peak af\ the manner of Men, bee an ft of the Infirmity of 0 Flefe : So I fpeak now after the manner Men, concerning the Strength of our Flci outward Means, in thefe Kingdoms. For the Apoftle Peter fpeaks in like Phrafe, tho* : another Occafion, z Pet. iii. 9. The Lord is % jlack concerning his Prcmife, as fome Men coa Slacknefs : So, I may fay, No Man, no Kim doms, are ftrong to any Purpofe, as the Lk counts Strength. And therefore I reckon this the leaft Pa of our Strength, that thefe three ftrong Kin< doms will be united by this Covenant: Nai at Taking the Covenant, 189 "this were all the Strength, which this Union -ere like to make, I fhould reckon this no trengtli at all. Wnerefore know, that this : 'ovenant undoubtedly is, and will be a Bond If Union between Strong and Almighty : Be- ::veen three Jirong Nations , and an Almighty y:od. This Covenant engages more than Man^ iod alfo is engaged ; engaged, through his me Grace, in his Power, Wifdcm, ¥aithjuhefsy ro do us Good, nnd much Good, tho3 in and jsiif ourfelves unworthy of the lealt, unworthy wf any Good. * i All this confidered, this Covenant will be i ur Strength : Our Brethren of Scotland, have, : 1 a plentiful Experience, found it fo already. : :'his Covenant, through the Bleffing of God upon their Counfels and Endeavours, hath been iiiieir Sam fan's Lock, the Thing, in Sight, wherc- m their Strength lieth. And why lhould not fyc hope, that it will be ours ; if we can be* fife, as they, to prevent or overcome the flat- ting Enticements of thofe Dchlahs, who vould lull us alleep in their Laps, only for an i )pportunity to cut or (have it off? Then in- eed, which God forbid, we lhould be but rcak, like other Men, yea, weaker than our plves were before this Lock was grown, hav- ' >)g but the Strength of Man ; God utterly cle- aning from us, for our Falfeneis and In- lithfulnefs in this Covenant. 3. This Covenant obierved, will make us oly People, and then, we cannot be an ' > People. That which promotes Perlbnal- unefs, nuift needs promote National-Holi- nds. 190 Mr. Caryl'j Sermon, nefs. The Consideration that we are in 1 Bonds of a Covenant, is both a Bridle to flj us from Sin, and a Spur to Duty. When provoke God to bring Evil upon us, he ffc his Hand by considering his Covenant. / % remember my Covenant, faith the Lord, Gen.ix. which is between me, and you ; and every liv Creature of all Fie ft', and the Waters Jhall more become a Flood to deftroy all Flefh. As if Lord had faid, It is more than probable, thai fhall quickly fee as much Caufe, all Flefh cm rupiing all their Ways before me, to drown m World with a fecond Deluge, as I did for \t firft : The Foulnefs of the World, will quid ly call for another Wafhing. But I am folved, never to deftroy it by Water aga: for, / will remember my Covenant. Hence a| in the fecond Book of the Chronicles, Chap. where the Reign and Sins of Jehoram are corded ; fuch Sins as might juflly put a Swc] into the Hand of God to cut him off Root il Branch: Howbeit, faith the Text, Ver. 7 Lord would not deftroy the Hmife of David, becaM ef xloe Covenant that he had made with Dav I and as- he promt fed to give a Light to him, ana\ his Sons for ever. Now, as the Remembrarl of the Covenant on his Part, flays the Hand! God from fmitting -> fo the Remembrance I the Covenant on our Part, will be very efte8| al to flay our Hands, and Tongues, and Heai from finning. A Thought of that will darfr and filence our Lulls and Faffions, when thl begin to move or quefl within us ; it will al break the Blow at Satan's Temptations, win et Taking the Covenant. 191 J: aflaults us. The Soul in fach Cafes will ifwer, True, I am now as ftrongly temptedi I Sin as ever, I have now as fair an Opporcu- to commit this Sin as ever, I could now Ife to, and defert thisCaufe with as much advantage, upon as fair Hopes, and Promifes * ever: O ! but I am in Covenant, I remem- ]:rmy Covenant, I will not, I cannot do it; he falls a praying againil the Tempta- . sn: Yea, he begs Prayers of others^ that h© ay be ftrengthned againil, and overcome it. -•read you an Inilance of this Effe£l before the :trmon, a Paper is fent to this Congregation, v)ntaining this Requeft: One who through ^affion oftentimes grievoujly offends the Ma- God by curjing and /wearing, and that is late taking the Covenant, defrres the Pray- this Congregation, that his Offence may be 'd, and that he may be enabled to overcome station from henceforwards. This is 'enor of that Requeft, to a Letter and a Title, and therein you fee, how the Remem- rance ol the Covenant wrought. Probably •lis Party ( whofoever he was) took little lotice of, or was little troubled at the Notice f thelc Diftempers in himlelf before ; leaft of 11 fought out for Help againil them. And 1 have le rather inferted this to contute that Scorn ''hich, I hear, fome have fince put upon *ifcientious Delire. As if one had com- bined, that fince his fwearing to the O he could not forbear fwearing, and that icredOath had taught him protane ones. lut what holy Thing U then h Sw in* wiH 1 92 M>\ Caryl5j Sermon i will not make Mire of, for themfelves to 1 low in ? I return, and I nothing doubt, that this Covenant, wherein all is undera through the Grace o* thrift, will make more gracious, who hau Grace before, turn others, who were running on amain ir broad Way, from the Evil and Error of t Ways, into the Way which is called H< or into the Ways of Holincfs. Every wherein we converfe with an holy God, an Influence upon our Spirits to make us h< The Soul is made more holy in Prayer, Holinefs be not the particular Matter of Prayer : A Man gets much of Heaven intc Heart, in praying for earthly Things^ L pray in a fpiritual Manner ; and the Reafoi becaufe in Prayer, he hath converfe with, draws nigh to God, whatfoever lawful Tf he prays about. And the fame Reafon car it in Covenanting, tho' it were only about Maintenance of our outward Eftates and berties, forafmuch as therein we have tc with God. How much more then will H ntk be increafed through this Covenant, wl in many Branches of it, is a direct Cover for, and about Holinefs ? , And if we impr it home to this Purpofe, for the fubduin; thofe myftical Canaamtes^ thofe worfl and deed mofi formidable Enemies, our iinful Li if we improve it for the obtaining of m Grace, and the making of us more holy : t our viiible Canaanites iriould not only conti unfubdued by us, but fiibdue us ; tho' Eilates and Liberties fhould continue, not o at Taking the Covenant. 193 nrecovered, but quite loft ; tho" we fhould neither be a rich, nor a free, nor a victorious ieoplej yet if we are an holy people, we have luore than all thefe, w~ have ally he is ours, is all in all. j S6 much of the firft general Part of the Ap- plication. H The fecond is for Admonition and Caution, three or lour Particulars. 1 1. Take heed of profaning this Covenant, Mai. . 8. by an unholy Life, l^emember you iave made a Covenant with Hfeavenj then do iiOt live as if you had made a Covenant with roUgL or were come to an Agreement with Death, 1 Prophet Ifaiah characters thofe Monitors :'f Profanenefs, Chap, xxviii. ijr. Take heed ,jlfo of corrupting this Covenant, Mai. ii. 10. by ;« unholy Glofs. Wo be unto thofe Gloflers 4iat corrupt the Text, pervert the Meaning Jf thefe Words: Who attempt to expound I j,ie Covenant by their own Practice, and will 4>t regulate their Practice by the Covenant. 1 he Apoftle Peter (peaks oC Paul's Writi: I to be under ft ocd, Hp tl are wile reft, 1 do aljo the riptttres, to ti (lion, 2 Pet. iii 16. Wc ar, that* po* the Texr of this Covenant be eajyto be un- yet lome f who, at leail think them- 6) learned, and whom we have found not able, but ftiri'ned in t!. 1 cironeous A)les and Opinions, will be trying their if not their Malice, to wrelt, pr, as J imports, to torture and 194 Mr. Caryl s Sermon^ and let this Covenant upon the Rack, to ma it fpeak and confefe a Senfe never intended 1] the Compofers, or Propolers of it : And whei of ( if but common Ingenuity be the Judgij it never will, nor can be found guilty. § that I ihall fay to fuch, is that in the Clofe the Verfe quoted from the Apoftle Peter ^ them take heed fuch Wrejtings be not ( wol to themfelves, even) to their own Deftrtic\ on. 2. Take heed of delaying to perform the ties of this Covenant. Some, I fear, who haj made haite to take the Covenant, will ti leafurc to a£i it. It is poflible, that a Man ml make too much haite ( when he i wears, fore he coniiders what it is ) to take an Oat but having taken it^ upon due Conlideratk] he cannot make too much haite to perform Be not rap with thy Mouthy faith the Preach ] Ecdef. v. 2. That'is, do not vow raihly, b| ' Ver. 4. When thou voweft a Vow unto God, fer not to pay tt : For he hathnoplaafure in Fool ( flow Performance is Folly ) pay That wh\ thou haft vozved. Speedy paying ( like fpeej giving) is double Payment; whereas flay for Payment, when the Obligation is in termims de praejtnti, and none is given. 3. Take heed of dallying with this Cove- nant : It is more than ferious, a facred Cove- nant. It is very dangerous jelling with edge Toois. This Covenant is as keen as it is firong. Do not play fall and loofe with it, be not in and out with it > God is an Avenger of all fuch : p He is a jealous God, and will not held them guilt- , who thus take his Name in vain. They . Aofwear by, cr to the Lord, and /wear by Mai- h im, are threat ned to be cut off, £eph. i. 5. To t on both Sides, and to be on no Side ; Neu- i icy and Indifferency differ little, either in .heir Sin or Danger. 4. Above alL take heed of Apoftatizing from, an utter Defertion of this Covenant. To be leferted of God, is the greatelt Puniihment, i to defert God, is the greatelt Sin. When 1 have fet your Hands to the Plough, do :look back: Remember LotV Wife Belides e Sin, this is, Firjf, Extreamly bafe anddif- urable. It is one of the Brands fet upon Gentiles, whom God had given up to a re- e Mind, and to vile Affections, Rom. i. 26^ that they were Covenant-breakers. And bale is that lfTue which is begotten be- n, and born from vik Ajfcffions, and a re* e Mind? Where the Parents arc fuch, eafy to judge what the Child mull be. Beiides the Sin and the Dilhonour, this treamiy dangerous and deitru&ive. \V e id in the native fpeak;ng, to cut .t Cr 196 Mr. Caryl* j Sermon ', nant, or to ftrike a Covenant, when we : it j and if we break the Covenant when wj have made it, it will both ftrike and cut u| it will kill and flay us. If the Cords of tl Covenant do not bind us, the Cords of this G| venant will whip us ; and whip us, not with Cords, but as with Scorpions. The Coy nant will have a Quarrel with, and fends outj Challenge unto fuch Breakers of it, for Re ration. And (if I may fo fpeak) the gre^ "God will be its Second. A s God reven^ Jguarrel of his own Covenant, fo likewife til Quarrel of ours. He hath already fent a Swm to' revenge the Quarrel of his Cove riant, Lei xxvi. 25. He will lend another to revenge tf Quarrel of this upon the wilful Violators it. Yea, every lawful Covenant hath aCu always waiting upon it, like a Marfhal o: Sergeant, to attack fuch high Contemners of It was noted before, freni the Ceremony . killing, dividing and palling between the vided Parts of a.Bealt, when Covenants w made, that the Imprecation of a Curfe upon Covenanters was implied, in cafe they wilfi tranfgreiled or revolted from it. Let Tranigrellbrs of, and Revolters from this venant, fear and tremble at the fame Cu even the Curie of a dreadful Dhijion , God will divide them and their Pofhrity in Jaccl and feat ter them in our Ifrael -ryea, let than fee that God will rebuke them, and they (hall c[f, and /hall be chafed as the Chair of the Mo\ tains before the Wind, 'and like a rolling Thing fere the Whirle-wind. This is ( their Porti< am r.t Taking the Covenant. 197 and^ the 'Portion of them that fpoil us, ami the t of them that rob us, Ua. xvii. 13, 14. And Co, is not their Lot fallen in an unpleaiant • ace? have they not a dreadful Heritage ? Y 1 be under any Curfe, is Miiery enough; but to be under a Covenant-curfe, is the great- , is all Miiery. For as the BleiTings we re- ive are moll fweet, when they pais to us -ugh the Hands of a Covenant ; a Mercy •m a Promife, is far better than a Mei , m bare Providence, becaufe then it is iprink- • led with the Blood of Chrill : So on the other ie, the curie which falls upon any one. more bitter, when it comes through a Co- . :unt, efpecially an abufed, a broken Cove- :»t. When the fiery Beams oi God's Wrath . e contracted into this burning Glafs, it \ nas lowasKell, and none can quench it. I lat alone which quenches the Fire oi ^ Kith, is the Bhtd of Chriji. And the h i is the Foundation of this Cavern n t only is thatCovenant whichGod hath nude a us, founded in the Blood of Chr* c alio which we make with God. 5 it : by the Blood of Chrill, wecouldn Jiibly be admitted to iee- line then the Blood of Chrill only qu the fW rath of God, and this I is the 1 ivenant, how lh; ICiod ( except they repent, return and irheir Ccnenant^) be quenched r of it? And as our Saviour fpe wAlrtth. vi. 23. upon another O |k;/ h is in tts be J) N 3 198 Mr. CaryL'j Sermon, is that Darknefs? So, I fay, If that which I our Friend, turn upon us as an Enemy, hcl great is that Enmity ; and if that which! our Mercy, be turned into Wrath, how grc| is that Wrath, and who can quench it ? is faid of good King Jojtah, 2 Chron. xxxiv. j that when he had made a Covenant before Lord, he caufcd all that were pre fent in Jei lem, and in Benjamin toftand to it. How far interpofcd his regal Authority, I Hay not I difpute. But he caafed them tojiand to it -, til is, openly to atteft, and to maintain it. thinks the Confideration of thefe Things, fhoi reign over the Hearts of Men, and comma in their Spirits, more than any Prince can o\ the Tongues or Bodies of Men, to caufe the to ft and to this Covenant. Ye that have taJ this Covenant, mkfs ye ft and to it, ye will by it. I fhall fhut up this Point with that 1 the Apoftle, Take unto you the whole Armour I God, that you may be able to withftand in t\ evil Day, and when ye have done all, to ftb Eph. vi. 13. Stand, and withftand, are Watch-word of this Covenant, or the Imprefs every Heart which hath, or fhall fincere' (wear unto it. For the helping of you to Hand to this Co\ nant, I ihall call in a few Advices about yoi] walking in this Covenant, or your Carriage it, which if followed, I dare lay, through til Mercy of the moil: High, your Perfons, the! Kingdoms,, and this Caufe, fhall not mi« carry. 1. Walk in Hoduiefs and Uprtehtnefs- Wh* Gel at Taking the C&venam. 199 jod renewed his Covenant with jfbrahmn, he nakes this the Preamble of it, J am the Ai- nighty God, walk before me, and be then perfect, xnd I will make my Covenant between me and bee, Gen. xvii. 1, 2. As this muit be a Cove- tant of Salt, in Regard of Faithfulnefs -y fo there null be Salt in this Covenant, even the Salt >f Holinefs and Uprightnefs. The Jews were :ommartded in all their Offerings to ufe Salt; ^tnd that is called the Salt ot the Covenant, liev. ii. 13. Every Oblation of thy Meat-offer- ngfbalt thoufeafon vsith Salt \ neither pait thou rujfer the Salt of the Covenant of thy God to be Peking, &c. What is meant by Salt on our . Parts, is taught us by Chrift himfelf, Mark ix. 50. Have Salt in your fehes, and have Peace me with another. Which I take to be parallel nSenfe with that of the Apoftle, Heb xii. 14, 1 Peace wrth all Men, and Holinefs, &c. \sSalt, the Shadow of Holinefs, was called for, in all thofe Jezvifh Services ; fo Holinefs, :he true fubftantial Salt, is called for in all ours. As then it was charged. Let not the Salt of jovenant of thy God be lacking: So now it is :harged. Suffer net the Salt of thy C :i'ith aod and his People to he lacking. Seeing wc made a Covenant of Salt, that is, a fine Covenant, let us remember to keep Salt in Covenant. Let us add Salt to Salt, our ! to the Loirfs Salt, our Salt of Holineis, to his f Faithfulnefs, and we ihall not mil- ckrry. 2 Walk fteddily or ftedfaftly in this C nanL Where the Heart is upright and h N 4 the 200 Mr. Caryl's Sermon, the Feet will be fleddy. Unftedfaftnels is fure Argument of Unfoundnefs, as well as Fruit of it. Their Heart was not right with neither were they fiedfafi in his Covenant, Ixxviii. 37. As if he had faid, Would yA» know the Reafon why this People were foj jftedfaft ? It was, becaufe they were fo ] found. Their Heart was not right with k We often fee the Difeafes of Mens He; breaking forth at their Lips, and at Finger's-Ends, in all they fay, or do. Then, be hearty, and be iteddy. God be fleddy to us ; why fhould not we refolvi be fo to him ? And this Covenant will be " fall and uniform unto us, why fhould not refolve.to be fo too, and in this Coven The Covenant will not be our Friend to " and our Enemy to Morrow, do us Good j: act. Day, and Hurt to Morrow, it will not fruitful this Year, and barren the next , b is our Friend, to do us Good to Day, and evi It is fruitful, and will be fo for ever, need not let it ly fallow, we cannot take the Heart of it, tho5 we fhould have Occaii to plow it, and low it every Year. M lefs will this Covenant be fo unfledfafl to 3 own Principles, as to yield us Wheat to Day and Cockle to Morrow, an Egg to Day, am to Morrow a Scorpion ; now Bread, and anoi a Stone , now give us an; Embrace, and ancn : Wound j now help on our Peace, and anqi embroyl us j now profper our 'Reformation, and anon oppofe, or hinder it ; ftrengthen ui this Year, and weaken us the next. No, as 11 will In at' Taking the Orjcnant. 201 fll never be barren, fo it will ever bring fa the fame Fruit, and that good Fruit ; and more and the longer we ule it, the better it: Like the faithful Wife, Pro v. xxxi. 12. mil do usGood^ and not EviJ3 , ts Life. It is moil unfiii table and uningenuous, ior us K up and down, i ard, ng and dillikr uicd /r, James i. 8. ■ • , re- Sting theT)uties of this Cover. L Walk believiagly, li h in the Ex- .fe of Faith. As \v c have no more Good out :he Covenant of God, than we have Faith t j fo no more Good out of our own, r a due Senfe ) we have Faith in it. There smuch need of Faith, to improve this I ant, as there is of Faithfulnels. We live norein the Sphere of a Covenant, than we reve. And we can make no living out oi it by believing. All our Earnings come in rcalfo) more by our Faith, than by our irks. Let net the Heart of God be itrait- , and his Hand (hortned by our UnbeJ lere Chrilt marvelled at the Unbelief of a )ple,conlider what a Marvel followed : Om- otence was as one weak. He could do no •bty Works among tbem^ Mark vi. 5, 6. \ than mighty, will not reach our Deliver* or procure our Mercies, The anci .ies made more ule of their Faith, than laved, and get to Heaven by tb the Walls of an oppofing Jeiich b. xi. 30. By Fasti I* 2.02 Mr. Caryl5.? Sermon, wrought Righteoufnefs, ( or exercifed Juftice flopped the Mcuths of Lions , Ver. 33* By Fc they quenched the Violence of Fire, efcaped Edge of the Sword,out ofWeaknefs they werem Jtrong,ivaxed valiant in Fight, turned to Flight jiYimcs of the Aliens, Ver, 34. We have'- riches to reduce, and Kingdoms to fubdue, i| der the Sceptre and Government of JefusChrif •• We have Juilice to execute, and the Mouirr of Lions to Hop; We have a violent Fire IK quench, a f harp edged Sword toefcape, Popif Alien Armies to fight with ; and we f compair tively to thefe mighty Works) are but \Vveal How then fhall we out of our Weaknefs % come ftrong, ilrong enough to carry us throuj thelc mighty Works, ilrong enough to efca* thefe vifible Dangers, if we walk and work! Senfe, and not by Faith ? And if we coil get through alkhefe Works and Dangers wid out Faith, we fhoufcl work but like Men, n« at all like Chriftians^ but like Men in a poll tick Combination, not in a holy Coven There's not a Stroke of Covenant-work fpuri ly fo called ) can be done without Faith Fire is to the Chymick, fo is Faith to a C nant-People : In that Capacity, they can dl nothing for themfeives without it ; and the have, they can have no Aifurance that Go1 wifi- Seeing then we are in Covenant, mult go toCouniel by Faith, and to War Faith j we mud pull down by Faith, and bui Exercuerwtt Juftitiam. Bcza* iv at Taking the Covenant. 205 •aith ; we muil reibrm by Faith, and fctde nPeace by Faith. Beiides, to do a Work io nn and lacred, and then to belie\ c and cx- no Fruit j yea5 then not to and £c anfwcrable Fruit, is a dire sName in vain, and a Mock to V///. if we mock Ghritt by calling him to a Co- .nt, which we ourleives flight, as a Thing expert little or nothing trom: He 1 b at our Calamity ^ and ' en oar Fear th, Prov. i. 26. Whereto: e to clofe, If ill not believe^ purely ye f be cftabtilh- [fa. vii. 9. no, not by this fore Covenant. believe in the Lord your God, in Covenant, 11 yon be ejtablijber' vc his Prophet s^ jo yon pro/per, 2 Chron. xx. 20. Walk cheerfully. So it becomes thofe have God fo near them. Such, even in r Sorrows, fhould be, like Paul, 2 Cor. o. As forrowful) yet always rejoycing. The ) notes not a counterfeiting of Sorrow, the overcoming of Sorrow. On this Ground nd refolyes againtt the Fear of Evil, tho* hould fee nothing but Evil , Tho* I walk in be Valley of the Shadow of Deaths I will fear foil: for thou art with me^ Pfel. xxiii. 4, Covenant, God and Man meet j he is with who is more than all that are againft us : ll when he is with us,x who can be againlt Rom. viii. 31. For then all Things, and •ferlbns, even while ( to the utmoit oi th 1 nd Power J they fet themlei : 1 ii rk for us i and lhould not wc rej ft kaew that every Lois were our Gain, H; 204 Mr. Caryl5* Sermon, every Wound our Healing, every Difappit ment our Succefs, every Defeat our Vi& would we not rejoyce ? Do but know n it is to be in Covenant with God ; and be be hopelefs if you can. It is to have Strength and Counfels of Heaven engaged you } it is to have him for you, whofe Foo, nefs is wifcr than Men^ and whofe Weaknej Jironger than Men, 1 Cor. i. 25. It is to h him with you, who doth according to his Wu the Army of Heaven, and among the Inhabit of the Karth, and none can flay his Hand, or unto him, What doji thou? Dan. iv. 35. I to have him with you, whofruflrateththeToh "- of the Liars, and maketh the Diviners mad^ iurneth {vife Men backward, and maketh U Knowledge fochfh, Ifa. xliv 25, It is to h\ him with you, before whom the Nations art the Drop of a Bucket, and as the Dud of BaJIance., who taketh up the IJJes as a very li Ujoing, Ifa. xl. 15. In a Word, It is to hs him with you, who fainteth not, neither is wed there is no fearching of his Underjlandwg. giveth Pozver to the Faint ; and to them that he no Might, he incrcaftth Strength^ Ver. 28, This God is our God, our God in Covenat TJois is our Beloved, and this is our ¥nend, Daughters of ftrnfalem. And ihall we r rejoyce? Shall we not walk cheerfully ? Th there be nothing but Trouble before our Eye yet our Hearts fhould live in thofe upper R gions, which are above Storms and Tempefl above Rain and Winds, above the Noife ai Ccnfufions of the World. Why ihouldSorro at taking the Covenant. 205 jlouded in our Faces, or any Darknefs be Hearts, while we are in the Shine and Itit ot God*s Countenance ? It is faid, iron. xv. 15. That all Judah rejoyced at 1 for they had faorn with all iheir Heart : » have Iworn heartily, we ihall rejoyce tily. And for ever banilh bafe Fears, and ing Sorrows from our Hearts, and wipe n from our Faces. They, who have un- thy Fears in their Hearts, give too iair Evidence, that they did not lvvear with Hearts. Walk humbly and dependently 5 re- WL- but be not fecure. Truit to God in tenant, not to your Covenant. Make not \X Covenant, your Chrift ; no, not lor this iporal Salvation. As a Horle trufted vain Thing to lave a Man, Pfal. xxxii. jwile is a Covenant trufted to ; neither can .eli ver a Nation by its great Strength : Tho* Bed the Strength of it be greater, than the ength of many Horfes. In vain ts Sahation td for (rem this Hill^ or frw a Mm.. ^■l/tf.f, heaped up and joined in. one by the nd of this Covenant, Surely in the Lord >d, our God in Covenant, is the n of England. We cannot truit too much I, nor too little in the Creature; ch< nothing breaks the Staff of our Help, but ming upon it. If we truit in oui we have not made it with God, it a God j and ever) G i dn Idol, and lo :e. Pride in, > this Co n . 2o6 Mr. Caryl'j Sermon, will make it an Idol, and then in doing all we have done nothings for an Idol is not hi the World, i Cor. viii. 4. And of nothing, c<| nothing. By overlooking to the Means,] lofe all ; and by all our Travel fiiall b forth nothing but Wind : It will not ¥ any Deliverance in the Land. Wherel refi not in the Thing done, but yet, up and be d which is the laft Point, and my laft Mc about your walking in Covenant. 6. Walk induftnoufly and diligently in Covenant. You were couufelled before ftand to the Covenant, but take heed of ft; xng in it. Stand, as that is oppofed to Defe onj but if you ftand as that is oppofed to A on, you are at the next Door to falling, total Negle£t, is little better than total poftacy. We have made a perpetual Covenant, ne to be forgotten, as was Ihewed out of the P phet. It is a Rule, that Words in Scripti which exprefs only an A6t of Memory, elude A£tion and Endeavours. When young Man is warned to remember his Crei in the Days of his Youth, Ecclef xii. 1. h< alfo charged to love, and to obey him. h. while we fay, This Covenant is never to forgotten $ we mean, the Duties of it are e to be purfued, and, to the outmoft of Power, fulfilled. As foon as it is faid, T Jojiah made all the People, ftand to the O nam 3 the very next Words are, And the Inl bitants of Jerufalem did according to the Cai nam of 'God, the God of their Fathers, zChn XXX at Taking the Covenant. 207 :dv\ 32. They flood to it, but they .did not ie thofe, Matth. xx. 6. Stand all the Day idU * I y fell to Work prefently. And fo let us. living laid this Foundation, a fure Covenant ^ 1; le: us arife and build, and let our Hands be \ng. Do not think that all is done, when \s Solemnity is done. It is a fad Thing to Icrve, how fome, when they have lifted up Tayr Hands, and written down their Names, Ink prefently their Work is over. They ink, now furely they have fatisfied God ' ji Man, for they have fubfcribed the Cove- JI tell you, Nay, for when you have done icing the Covenant, then your Work begins. . I hen you have done taking the Covenant, d v ou mull: proceed to acting the Covenant. I hen an Apprentice hath fubfcribed his Name, . d kaled his Indentures, doth he then think % Service is ended ? No, then he knows his jryice doth begin. It is lb here. We are |I fealing the Indentures of a {acred and noble :bprentiiliip to God, to thefe Churches and pmmon-wealths ; let us then go to our Work, A bound, yet free. Free to our Work, not j^m in > free in our Work, working trom a jinciple of holy Ingenuity, not ot Servility, ' nihaint. The Lord threatens them with jKidagc and Captivity, who will not be Ser- in their Covenant, with Readmeis and icy. /, faith the Lord, w, tbt M.n )t performed the Words of tktJuwenant^ u ST' i re rut, when t in 208 Mr. Caryl'* Sermon , &c. in twain, and pajjed between the Parts then the Princes #/ Judah, and the Princes of Jen lem, the Eunuchs, and the Priejis, and all People of the Land, which pajfed between the P of the Calf, I will even give them into the h of their Enemies, and into the- Hand of them' fetk their Life, and their dead Bodies jhah Meat to the Fowls of the 'Air, and to the Be of tht Earth. Words that need no Rhetoj to prefs them,, nor any Comment to exp] them : They are fo plain, that every one n underftand them -, and fo fevere, that ev one, who either tranfgrefles, or performs i who doth any Thing againft, or nothing the Words of this Covenant, hath juft Csj to tremble at the reading of them : I am fi| to feel them, will make him tremble. See' then our Princes,' our Magiftrates, our Mwi/t and our People, have freely confented to, w ten, and fworn this Covenant j let us all in i feveral Places, up and be^doing. that the L« may be with us , not iit Hill and do nothi and fo caufe the Lord to turn againft us. You that are for Coniultation, go to Co fel j you that are for Execution, go on Afting ; you that are for exhorting the Peo in this Work, attend to Exhortation^ 5 that are Soldiers, draw your Swords ; ) that have Eftates,draw your Purfes > you t; have Strength of Body, lend your Han and all you that have honeft Hearts, lend y( Prayers, your Cries, your Tears, tor the p fperous Succefs of this great Work. And Lord profperthe Works of ail our Hands, 1 Lord proiper all cur Handy-works, jlmen THE QUARREL O F T H E COVENANT, WITH THE PACIFICATION O F T H E i Q.U A R R E L. I delivered in Three SERMON S, on Lev. xxvi. 25. and Jer. 1. 5. ly the Reverend Mr. Thomas Case, one 1 of the Members of the Wtjlmwjlcv Aliembly of Divines. *. xxiii. 16. And Jchoiada made a Covenant befiveen him. til the People, and bttzvetn the King, 7 hat they JheuU e Lord's People. fix. x. 28,29. -drd the reft of the People , the Priejls, the Levites, sers, the Ne'hrr.imt, and ail : Piople of the Lands, unto the Laiu :', their Wives, their Stm, a>.d tieir Daujb:er:f every cne I ■ i having Under/landing. They date I tbreu, their A'obles, and entered into a Curie, and into an Ojthy f# Walk in. G'.S: Laic, which ivas given iy MoTes fl I God, and to : ;'; all the Commandmen -J o^r G*dt ^ner.ts, ami bis Statutes, 6cc, G L A S G 0 IV, tinted for Gcorge Pa ton, Bookfsllei; iu hniite bgou\ Mdccxl 1. [ J y*Y c^ *1> ^ ^ *W jf ^ ^ ^ '$ C^F ^& ■2^ r£*& A%"> A*4^ ^*4^ ,<&••& &*& A^ A'Cl A1^ .^ ^•\:-Vi\:vi\:Vi: i^^Xc ^y1Y*y:V^ J«Xr% Mr. CarylV Recommendatioi of Mr. Thomas Case'1 SERMONS. I Conceive thefe three Sermon may he of much Ufe3for th -promoting of the publkk Servict in taking the late folemn * Covtl riant, both here, and throughon* the Kingdoms. i Decemb. $. 164*3.- Joseph Cary T O The Right Honourable John Lord Mai r- land, and to the Reverend Mr. Alex- ander Henderson, Mr. Samuel Ru- therford, Mr. Robert Baly, and Mr. Geo*ge Gillespy, Commiffioners of the General Alfembly of the Church of Scot- land, to the Alfembly of Divines in Eng- land. Noble and Worthy Commijfioners, THIS Covenant, fo unanimously, fo religioufly entered into, by the Ho- nourable Houfes of Parliament, and Re- verend AJfembly, (God's trj:o faithful Witness low in England ) as by yottrfehes alfo^ was ifterward fent to the City ; where, amongft the reft of the Minifters, I was to taks my Share in preparing the People. The Work be- ng fo folemn and great, I bethought myfell, !low I might beft ferve this blefled Ddignj ie Time gave me fome Advantage, it falling lithe Courfeof myMiniftry, to preach thrice between the Warning and the Taking, I en- gaged my Thoughts (Diffractions will hardly me to fay, Studies} wholely upon this Work; and ( bleifed be God) not without nuch Encouragement: The Rcadinefs I found the People to clofe with the Invitation ot jlod and Parliament, expreiling itielf, not only r, but in the Aft of them :hat offered themfelvcs to this Service, nude /ilible in Tears oi - C when I had preack ■ , and O 2 $cxii The Epiftle Dedicatory, adminiftred the Covenant, I found I had no done my Work. Importunity preft me t< make my Thoughts publick ; and confultinj with the Necejfities ot the Multitudes of poo ignorant People, that want a Teaching Mimften while the Kingdom waits for the Covenant, r^ ther than with mine own Unfitnefs, I was no difobedient to the Motion : I had rather ap pear in my Weaknefs, than Unwillingnefs to ferv the publick Good. Thouiands of the poor un taught People, will be glad of this Help, thl knowing will not defpife^it, if 'ingenuous; if o therwile, they lhall trouble themfelves, mor than me. And now, Right Honourable and Reverent thele poor Endeavours, fuch as they an make bold to prefent themfelves unto you Streams ao naturally run back into the Bojti from whence they ijfued\ God hath pleafed t concur your Nation, in making them the Firfi fruits, and Pattern of a Tbrougk-Covcnant-Ri formation to Us, and ail the reft of the Chri, Jlian World. This Covenant received its fir JJfe in Scotland, tho' it came to its firft Breath ijrg in England. You fent it not with morl dffcftion, than it was entertained with Glao Vefs and Joy, by our Worthy Parliament an Jjs&rmd Jffembly ; and altho3 with fome fma Jbiditions, yet fuch, as did rather render \\ jnore itfelf, than vary it. I ihali not need to beg your Patronage fc fny Self ox Labours, in promoting this Sei yice s the Oath of God is upon you ; where] hy ,w* are conteated to coofeft, what i W ") The Epijtle Dedicatory. ccxifi yottr pathetical Letter to our Ajfemlly, you were pleafed upon other Reipe&s to ac- knowledge^ That youT AJfi fiance, is become your Debt, " To all that enter into this League u and Covenant^ in the maintaining and pur- ■- fitance thereof" : To the Payment where- A] yourfelves are already come through a painful and hazardous Travel, to join your earned Affiftance, with our faithful Afifembly ; |to which, your Prefcnce adds both Strength. find Ornament: While Thoufands of you* iNatton are preparing their brotherly Addrefies^ \opay the fame Debt to the whole Kingdom, now ilmoft in as great an Exigence, as once th* Wbeomtes were, when their five Kings , with all 'heir united Forces were within few Days inarch, :o take a bloody and unnatural Revenge, for their mcring into Covenant with Jcfhua. Only, we befeech you, account it not ur Dijhufi or Jcaloufy, if fomctimes you lear us complaining with the Mother of Sifera, Why are their Chariots fo long in ccnir >tg? Why fiay the Wheels of their Chariots? We know the Mercy and Righteottfnefs vf Jofhua dwells in your Bofoms, which cannot ilier you to deny or delay that AJfifiance to vour Brethren, whom you have invited into !the League and Covenant of God upon lb ft md honourable Ten/is, which Jofbua durft not deny unto the Enemies of God and hi* ple3 becaufe they had ficorn nuto them ly Lord God of Ifrael, Tofh. ix. 19. Althcv* Ia Serpentine Wdyncfs they hud wound thcmfelvcs into that Affcciatwh *fQlbna*t 03 ' < Cp*9 ccxiv The Epijlle Dedicatory. Confciencioufnefs of that Obligation, carrie him and his Army all Night to the l^aH of the Gibeonites, Jojh. x. 9. And trulyW we doubt not, but your lendernefs of thin Oath of God, between England and Scotlana had before this Time brought in your pre, pared Forces, to the Succour of your endangere\ Brethren, had not our Creature-confidence, Un thankfulncfs, and other hidden Remoras, hunj at the Keel and Bottom of this Expedition. The Searcher of Hearts, and Father of Met cies, difcover, and remove the accurfed Thing whatfoever it is, that it may no longe obftrucl their timely Approach, nor render it when it comes, unanlwerable to our faint ing Expectations. The Lord of Hefts, brinj in your Forces, and come in with them; hi, 'Terror go before them, and his Glory be thei Rereward y fo ihall they like a Mahar.aim the Hofi of God, be a Dread to the Em wics, a Reviving to the languifhing Hope; of God's People, and a powerful Means t( affift our Parliametit and Armies, in the iettlins of that bleffed P^a? and Reformation ; tdj which, both the Nations have ///W ///> theh Hands to the mofi High God. Sirs, in the midll of all thefe Calls anc Fl\pcffations, pardon, and own me, if ] humbly claim my Share for my jelf, and pool Endeavours, both which, he cordially devotes tc "yours, and the Kingdom's Service, who is Tours, in all Gofpel Offices, to honour and feme you, Thomas Case. T O T H E READER. : Reader, T^ HE Fears 0/* unworthy Accommodations, JL which have pojjejl many Mens Spirit j, God Mb hitherto gracioujly prevented by the Wifdom torf. Piety of our worthy Senators in Parliament, vbo yet) have left no Stone unturned for the pro- wing offuch a Peace ^ as might render both King nd Parliament, Church and State, truly happy , *d glorious 3 which is the cordial J)eftre^ where- ytth every good Chrijlian and loyal Subjeff doth ravels that wijbeth and (Indies the Recovery and ^refen ation of thefe three Kingdoms : What )trther Security this fac red Covenant may add , clieve and wait. There is another Accommodation which may h as much Mifchiefj and is the more dangerous, tyhow much more it is fecret, which it concerns bee with all Care and Diligtncc to prevent ; and : is an Accommodation with bafejinful Lujls^ vbich fight againft thy Soul, and the Kingdom's Jafety. How low they have brought the King- lorn, is too apparent to every Eye 3 what they I lone to thy Soul, is bcjl known to God, and thine wn Confcience. God falls not only upon Parlia- ment and AHembly, but upon Families and Per- ons, for a through Reformation ; conv- >ound, thou deflrcyeft thy fcif and tbree R kmsi one Sinner deftroys much good, t x. 18. This Covenant con) will. /it her put a Period to our Diftemper or to cur Being ; fo in thy perfonal Condition, -will either bkft thy Lufts, orfizy thy Soul. Reafon is, becauft God is engaged : If we befou confeiencious of this Covenant, he is engaged tis, againft our Enemies without, and car L 'within, and they fh all not be able to ft and upon us. If after fo fctemn an Obligation, wejhall be f m to mock God, we havefugaged him againft us and add the Almighty to the number of our E inies, a fwift, and a powerful Witneis, and ' venger of our Perfidioufnefs. Nor will Refu: if this Covenant help us 5 when God pall come J interpret, it will be found, I fear, in mojt, but depart from us ; and when Godfhall anfwer ti daring Sinner in his own Language, wo H the JtreUJb, that ever b$ was for*. To the Reader. ccxvii t I have t href ore three humble Requeits 10 ■ x FnA, To our truly Honourable, and worthily ^ono'ured Senators ; that in the Wifdom and Zeal,' ■ i\ \ good King Hezekiah, 2Chron. xxx. i. m a nment of the like Nature, they would he :tieajed, zvith their Commands, for the taking tf the Covenant, to fend forth alfo, Juch timely iiaws and Directions, into the Kingdom, as may prepare the Psople, and fence this holy Or- '.inancc, from that Contempt and Profanation, 'hfhicb will otherwid be unavoidably caji up- m it. :A The fecond is to my Brethren in the Mini- M; that to the fame End, they, with the good jjriefts and Levites, in Hezekiah'j Time, would ici? active and diligent , to put in Execution, thofe wire 8 ions and Ordinances, and t> do, \ xay be found in their federal Places, advanta- \tfous to the lan&ifying of there People, for fi \oly a Service ; left, if they Jin through their wcileft, they tranJlaU the Peoples Guilt Wiir own Heads. Tea, I could wijb, that all the faithful Mi- of Chrift, through the Kingdom, as they re the Lord's Remembrancers to the People, Peoples Remembrancers to God, would :fly m their Sermons, mind People of of God, that lies upon their Souls ; and it Prayers make frequent Mentions of it 0 God, with holy David' J holy Jealoufy, and ■ilfion over his People, in the Day of their killing and liberal Contributions to the Honfe of •■ 0 LqhI GocJ qi dbr*ksm> Ifaac. and of Jfracl; m{.; Z2o Mr. C a s e 5 s firjt Sermon , The Peoples Sins. God's Judgments. TheirSin^the Alufe and Violation of Covem Gcd's judgments the Sword, &c In the one, they walk contrary to God. the other, God walks contrary to them : Fj whence obferve; Deft. Covenant Violation is Matter of a I Quarrel between God and a People, which ( threatens, to avenge with the Sword. You fee there are two Branches in Do6trine. I. Covenant Abufe is Matter of an hi Quarrel between God and a People. II. God threatens to avenge this Quar with the Sword. 1. For the firft, That Covenant Yiolatioi Matter of high Quarrel between God anc People: Quarrel yon find in the Text, a high you find it in the Scituation of the Te: Tbis itanding as I iliewed you at a Top oft Gradation or the Sins here fpecified, or bei the fhimma totalis of them all $ Abufe of Co% vant. It is this firft Branch I fhall chiefly purfu the fecond I fhall but touch upon, as Time < Occalion will ferve. In the managing therefore of the firft Branc 1 fhall endeavour thefe three Things. i. I fhall fhew you what Covenant Abufe Violation is> or wherein it doth conlifl. 2. I fhall lay you down fome Demonftratio to prove the [tff/,] namely, That it is fo. 3. I will lay you down the Grounds, whw at Taking the Covenant. 221 til give you an account of the [di 0?/,] name- khow it comes to pafs5 that Covenant Vio- ion amounts to fuch a high Quarrel between d and a People. the firft^ Covenant Abufe, or Covenant :ion, conliits in thefe three Violation^ lings. cmfiftSy [. In a contemptuous wilful Ne- 1. In wiU ft and Refufal of it, when God fill ne- ch gracioufly invite a People or g/eff. rfbnto come into Covenant with fo it is reported of thofe wicked Epbra- £, Manajfites^ and Z?bulnmtesy that when zekiab fent a gracious Mefiage unto them, invite them to turn again unto the Lord, >m whom they were departed by a grievous ckfliding, and to keep the Feait of the Pafs- er, ( which was the Seal of the Covenant} *y added this Aggravation to all their tor- ix Rebellions, they refufed the Meilage, and \hed the Mejjengcrs to fcorny and mocked thcmf yhron. xxx. 9, 10. 2. It doth conlirt in an undue 2. In an anner of Taking of it, and that undue divers Refpe6ts : Manner Firft, When People take it rafhly^ of taking Oppoiition unto Judgment^ one of it ; As^\* e Qualifications required to an Rajhly. uh, Jer. iv. z. Of which more 2. Rot- 'reaftcr. tenly* idly. When they take it rottet Oppoiition to Sincerity^ as it is complained the IfraelitcS) Pfalm lxx> S, 37, y 1 • fattir kirn with then Moutk^ «d hti 222 Mr. Case5* firft Sertnon, lied unto him with their Tongues. For their 1 was not right with h'm^ &c. When Men < with their Idols in their Hearts, and put Stumbling-block of their Iniquity before t Pace y that is, when they come to thefc the like folemn Duties with the Love of 'one Sin upon their Hearts, this is to play Hypocrite with God, and to profane his venant. ^.UnhaU 3. When Men come unhallov lowedly. ly to this Duty with unprepi Hearts, and un(an£b'fiecl Affe£ti not labouring to get their Hearts into an 11 Ordinance Frame. Af.lnordi- 4. When they come inordinl nately. ly, with bale, low, carnal andll iili Ends, as thofe Shechemites dif Gen. xxxiv. 22, 23. who were perfuadec be circumcifed ( ^vhich was f Rom. * Sign and Seal of the Covenant iv. 10. God with his People ) upon caj Hopes and Expectations of incri ing their Subftance, and enriching themfeJ by this Means. Ver 22. Only herein wilt Men eonfent unto usy for to dwell with usy t one People^ if every Male among us be circumcij as they are circumcifed. Ver. 23. Shall not t Cattle and their Subflancc^ and every Beafi of th be ours ? This God reproves in his own P pie, Ezek. xxxiii. 31. Witti their Mouth t Jbcw much Love^but their Heart goeth after their vctoufnefs. A Covenant in the Mouth, but Cov oufnefs in the Heart s their own bafe eartf coveD at Taking the Covenant. 223 hetous Ends they brought with them to holy Things of God. dJjy Covenant Violation doth 3. It con- Gft in a gracelefs and carelefe fijls in laking of it j either by making gracelefs icked Apoftafy from it, or ril- breaking up in a curfed Rebellion againfi of the Co- A Wickednefs complained of tenant. dong the Scriptures, 1 Kings xix. c The Children of Ifrael have forfaken thy lovenant, thrown down thine Altars, &c. *fal. lxxviii. 10. They kept not the Covenant f God ; and refufed to walk in his Law. IT. 37. Neither were they ftedfail in his lovenant. Jer. xi. 10. The Houfe of Ifrael^ Iod the Houfe of Judah have broken my Sovenant which I made with their Fathers. Jf.xxiv.5. They have tranfgrelfed the Law, banged the Ordinance, broken the everlail- ig Covenant/ It were ejify to multiply re Inflances, but thefe may lerve ; and thu* ch for the firft Query: fciL Wherein Cove- Violation doth conjift. t '. The fecond Thing that I under- Demon- k, is to give you fome Demon- ^rations /j, to fliew, flat Cb:\ to prove n is Matter of a high .Quarrel the D / God and a People ; which will t. >ear if we conlidcr. Rfjy?, That the difcerning Ser- 1. T> its qf God in Scripture, luch as s be- been acquainted with God, £ ive feen into the Nature of thi$ Sin. , have bewailed this Sin with 1 224 Mr. Case\t firji Sermon, their moll brinifh Tears, and decpeft Grol and Agonies of Spirit. It is enough to bil ones Hearty to read with what Hcart-brc ing Sighs, thofe holy Men of God, Ezra, bemiah, and Daniel, have bewailed this h lying in the Duft at God's Feet. Ezra h p 4 Omy God, I am afhamed, and bluih to ti c up my Face to thee, my God, &e. cries Ezra. And again, Ver. 13. c Aftei ]j c that is come upon us for our evil Deeds, p * our great Trelpafs; feeing that thou our < hath puniflied us lefs, thtn ourlniquitie € ferve, and haft given us fuch Deliveran< * this j fliould we again break thy Cornm; * ments ? Ver. 15. O Lord God of Ifrael, * art righteous ; for we remain yet efca « as it is this Day : Behold, we are be * thee in our Trefpafles $ for we cannot < before thee, becaufe ot this.3 Nehemu very pathetical in the Confeffion of this all along the ninth Chapter of that Book,, w ing out this godly Sorrow, *8 it were, Tears of Blood. Daniel is covered with fufion of Face, when he bewailed this Si Covenant Violation, in the ninth Chapter oJ| Prophecy. c O Lord, Righteoufnels belci * eth unto thee, but unto us Confuiion of Fa| Ver. 7. And again, 4 O Lord, to us belc 6 Confufion ot Face, to our Kings, t< c Princes, i3c Ver. 8. It is Breach of nant he bewails, with fo much Confufi Face and Brokeaaefr of Hearty in that »r. Si at Taking the Covenant. 225 zdly, Covenant Violation is a Sin^ highly cenfured "in the very poorer- 2. Cenfu- Heathen: It ftands as an In- red in and ^ famv, and a Brand upon them in by the [that Catalogue of their Sins, Rom. veryHea- i. 31. Covenant-breakers: Yea, it tht iw&s a Sin, that as blind as the iwere, they were able by the very Light of [Nature, to dilcover in the People ot God, and could give it as the Account oi that Ruin and tt)efolation which befel them, demanding of one another as they paifed by the Kuins of Je- Hyb;;, Jer. xxii. 8. c WKerefpre hath the I I d done thus unto this great City ? Then [c chey (hall anfwer, Ver. 9. Becaufe they f have forfaken the Covenant of the Lord fc.their God. mftdty, It may appear to be a Quar- 3. The xel ot a high Nature, if we conii- fearful !der the grievous Judgments where- Jtidg- :W'ith the Lord hath threatned and meats •avenged this Sin, as here in the where* Text; The Sward^ with a black with it is Regiment of other dreadful Judg- threat- ing, trr. 25. c I will n*d. d the Peftilence among you, ,c and ye fliall be delivered into the Hand of Enemy Ver. 26. I will break d ad, &c. And ye iliali eat, and not be fatisfied.' And upon the perliltmg in this- behold^feven Times moj puifuing 29. Q Vou Ihall eat the Fleffa of rSons, and the Hell: of your Daughters ' Ihall ve cat. Ver. 30, ' J will call v^ or V ' CftroJ 226 Mr. CaseV firji ScfMon^ 4 Carcafes upon the Carcases of your Idols, ai 4 my Soul lhall abhor you. Ver. 31. I wi 4 make your Cities wafte, and bring yoi 4 San&uaries unto Defolation, &c. Per. 3 4 I will bring the Land into Defolation. Vt 4 33. I will lcatter you among the Heathe \ and will draw out *a Sword after you, &, If a. xxx. 18. My Brethren, God is a God Judgment, and doth all his Works in Weig> and MeafiiTc. Nehcmiah acknowledged it his Confeffion, Nch.'ix. 33. c Howbeit, th 4 art juft in all that is come upon us ; for th 4 halt done right, but we have done wickedl Yea, holy Ezra hath a Strain higher th this, in his Confeffion, Ezraix 13. 4 Our G c hath punifhed us lefs than our Iniquities d 4 deferve.' Behold, thefe great and fearf Judgments, and Curfes, purfuing this Sin Covenant Violation^ and yet fo far from c ceeding,that they fall fhort of the Merit of i 4 Our God hath punifhed us lefs than our Si 4 deferved,5 Of what a high Nature, th'i ye, is this Quarrel, when fo many tall Jud ments, like lb many Anakims, tho' ftandiij upon the Shoulder one of another, can reach it ? Fourthly, It may appear fr< 4. The Care hence, in as much, as always up if GqcFs the Recovery and Deliverance People after thePeople of God,from their Ca| their Reco* tivity, and other Judgments -, y yeryjomafo fliall find their Governors ai up this Prophets, follicitous and a&ii Mrwk itt the firft Place, to attone Gc, 1 ; a r at Taking the Covenant. 227 by taking up this Quarrel and Controverfy, between him and his People -y as in all the for- mer Inftances of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Daniel. They knew, that as long as this Breach lay open, there was no Safety ; Floods of Wrath and Vengeance might break in upon them at unaware : And therefore they labour in the firft Place, to repair this Breach, giving us thereby to underftand, that Violation of Cove- nant, is a Quarrel of fuch an high Nature, as there is no lafe fleeping under it, no not for a Night. Fifthly, Among all theExcellencies God ac- and Perfe£tions that are in God, counts it f God feems to take high Delight and his Ho- • 'Contentment in this; and therefore noar to 1 doth often delight and admire him- keep his felf for it, Deut. vii. 9. The Lord Covenant. ? thy God, he is God, the faithful God, who keepeth Covenant and Mercy. Pfal. lxxxix. 2$. My Covenant Jh all ft and f aft. Ver. 34. My Covenant will I not break, &c. And as he glo- ies in it himfelf ^ fo he calleth upon his Peo- to glorifie him in this his Excellency, ! r. ix. 24. Let him that glorieth, glory in this, it he underftandeth and knowcth me, that I am 1 i, who exercifes loving Kindnefs, Judg- i Righteou fiefs in the Earth, The Righ- f God is especially feen in keeping tenant with his People, and in this be calls glory. Andfo they do. It is one of hand glorious Titles thatD*»/>/afcribes in his Prayers, Dan. ix. 4. () Lord, the **t find dreadful God, keeping tnd P 2 A/l 228 Mr. Case* j firft Sermon, Mercy*, &c. Pfal. cv. 8. He hath reinemhred % Covenant for ever. Pfal. cxi. 5. He will ever \ rdrndful of his Covenant. It is the Name, f< which he is fo dreadful in his Praifes, Ver. He hath commanded his Covenant for ever ; he and reverend is his Name. Now furely, th Excellency which God doth fo admire ai magnifie in himfelf, the contrary thereof h Soul doth moft of all hate or abhor, in a Pe« pie or Perfon 5 we fee it in our own Exp rience, that Vice we moft of all hate in o Children or Servants, the contrary Vert whereof doth moft of all pleafe and delight in our felves. God ac- 6thly and Lciftly^ Godfpeaks is this bringing his People into Covena an high fa- with him, as one of the high <&6ur to Prerogatives and choiceft Prr bring his leges he can honour them with; People into To that Purpofe ycu may Covenant ferve : 'with him : 1. That it Hands in the midft for, 1. ft a Catalogue of Promifes, Ez is a Pro- xx. 37. 1 will bring you into the wife. the C vt uant : And ycu know w what Titles of Honour the Apof hath enabled the Promifes ? Exceeding g and precious Promifes. 2. It is eft a- 2. That it falls under the San£ blijhed by on not of a Promife only, but of an Oath, Oath alfo,//^.xlv.23 • c 1 have ^wc by myiell, the Word is gone out * my Mouth in Righteoufnefs, and ihall not c turn* that unto me every ICuee fhall how , \ at Taking the Covenant. 229 * every Tongue fliall fvvear/ An Oath, it is the Seal ot the Covenant ; and thisHonourGod hath .challenged to himfelf,by an irrevocable Oath. / i ve [worn , &c. that 10 me every Tongue (ball ar. Now, as it was the Honour of the Priefthood of Chriit, above the Priefts under the Law ; that whereas they were made Prierts : by the Word only of Command ; Chrili was - made a Priefl by the Word of Oath, by him : thatfaid unto him, Heb.vii.21. The Lord Jware, i will not repent, Thut art a Priefl for Wj a the Order of Melchifedec. So it is the high f i .. nour and Dignity of this Duty and Prero- :ive of the People of God ; that whereas )ihers are conferred upon them, only by the W ord of Promife : This is eftablilhcd by the Word of Oath, by him that faid, J have j worn my fclf, that to me every Tongue fhall flcear. 1 by this you may take the Mealure of this Sin, iince by how much the more high and glo- ws the Service and Privilege is j of fo much . the more vile and hatelul an Aggravation mult Profanation of it needs be. And this lalt aonftration may ferve in Genera*, asaBor- undation of the next Account f am make : /?;/. The [di oti. ] Of the Truth i land s which is The third Thing I undertook; G namely, Tf Is and Reajons of an I R /:', how it canes to pafs, fons Matter of the f) c~ en Goii and tn c. P 3 T 230 Mr. Case's jirft Sermon, 1. The Na- The firit whereof is taken froml ttire of a Co- the Nature of iuch a CovenantJ> tenant. as is here fpokcn of. A Divine Firft, That it is an Ordinance| Ordinance. of God, a Part of Divine Woj>i| Ihip, having the Stamp and Im-j preffionof Divine Authority upon it; * The * lhalt fear the Lord thy God, htni flialt thot c ferve, and to him lhalt thou cleave, and * fwear by his Name, Dent. vi. i$.Cbap. x. z\ From whicl) Scriptures it appears, not only tc be an Ordinance of God's appointing, but one of the moll fpecial and iblemn ^ in as much a* both here, and in other Scriptures, it ftandf for the whole Duty of Man towards God ir the firit Table 3 the Ordinance whereby wc fpecially are faid to cleave to God. Thoujhah cleave to him, and [wear by his Name: We cleave to him, by iwearing to him. lfa. lvi. 6 c The Sons of the Stranger that join them- 4 felves to the Lord, How? It follows, c And take held of my Covenant.: The joining The Covenant is the joining Ordti Ordinance, nancc^ it Itrikes the main Stroke between God and a People. Ir hearing the Word, we learn our Duty. It Prayer, we call in for Help, for divine Affilt ance: But the Covenant, that comes anc binds the Bargain. c Come, let us join ou) I < felves to the Lord, by a perpetual Cove-, (j Q nant, Jer. 1. $. The external Yea, If we conlider the very? jj Ceremonies external Ceremonies ufed abouii \ very f&temn. this Duty, it will appear a very i foleinii at Taking the Covenant. 231 olemn Ordinance ; whether between Man and Vlan, or between God and Man. When Abra- vn's Servant fwear to his Mailer, to take a |*Vife unto his Son Jfaac, he muft put his Hand Sander his Mailer's Thigh, Genefts xxiv. 2. jj\. Type that the Meflias mull come out of Mhrabam's Loins : So did Jofeph, when he iwear to Jacob, &c. Gen.xlviuzy. When God (nade a Covenant withAbraham^God commands |iim to take an Heifer of three Years old, a She- goat, and a Ram, and divide them in theMidfl, fer. 9, 10. When he hath done, God himfelf baffeth betwixt the Pieces, for a Ratification bf the Covenant, Per. 17. Abraham when he takes an Oath, lifts up his Hand unto the Lord, the moll high God. Thefe and the like Pof- kures ufed about this Service, carry a great deal of Reverence and Solemnity in the very Face of them j and this Solemnity even of the outward Ceremony, God ufeth as an Aggrava- tion of Covenant Violation. God layeth it :lofe unto the Charge of Zedehah, that he Ibrake his Covenant with the King of Babylon, Ezek. x\ ii. 18. When lo, he had given his Hand. And to the Princes and People of Judah, that they tranfgrelfed the Covenant, Jer. xxxiv. 18. When they had cut the Calf in twain, and faffed between the Parts thereof. And Ver. 19, 20. For • this he threatens to give them into the Hands cf their Ene?nies. And if the external Solemnity add fo much Aggravation to this Sin, then how much more doch that inward Beauty and Glory of it, heap up Guilt upon their Heads, that arc r 4 ( ^ 232 Mr. Cass'jt firft Sermon, found to be Profaners and Violators of fo fc lemn an Ordinance ? • Kfecond Aggravation of this Sin, arifeth froil the Matter of the Covenant. Covenants " twixt Man and Man, are in Things appertairl ing to Man j the Covenant betwixt God an| Man, is in Things appertaining unto Go> which, as it doth exceedingly heighten tl Duty, fo it doth highly aggravate the Viold tion. It was the Honour of the Prints undd the Law, above other Men, that they wen erdained for Men tn Things pertaining unto Got Heb. v. i. And it was the Honour of Chrif above all other Priefts, that his Priefthood ws employed about Matters of an higher Natnn than the Prieithood of the Sons of Aaron, Hei viii. 6. c He hath obtained a more excelled c Miniftry, by how much alfo he is the Me c diator of a better Covenant, which was efh c blillied upon better Promifes/ Now cod iider then, I befeech you, how excellent ths Covenant muft be above all others ; the Mai ter whereof gave Excellency to the very Prie! hood of Chrift himfelf, and lifted it up abo\ all other Priefthoods : For as the Apoftle re fohs concerning Abraham and Melchifedet, th Melchifedec was greater than Abraham, becau he bleffed him, Heb. vii. 7. For without ,&ife," en, the lefjer is bleffed of the better. So may I fome Senfe ars;ue the Excellency of this Cc| venant above the Priefthood of Chrift, 111 much as this Covenant gives Excellency to th Priefthood. c He hath obtained a more excel * lent Priefthood, by how much he is Mediate at Taking the Covenant. 233 ( I a better Covenant.3 And certainly the ■ccellency of th~ Matter, is a tranicendent on of the Violation of the Covenant? [en to trifle and prevaricate in Things oi high Concernment, in Things {o immedi- : rtaining to God, muft needs be a Bu- rsitis of an higher Provocation, than the Sons agendo ordinarily dream ot. The Apoitle liBbns ftrongly and dreadfully in this very iJife, HI. x.28, 29, c He that defpifed J. alBTw, died without . ; of how much rJBjrer Pu -:x ihall wor- ijthy, who hath counted the Blood ot the Co- JKanr, ; rl he Cove- rient and the Blood of it, the Privilege tie Purchale, are both trampled under Feec dflbme Degree or other, by Covenant Pi >ition. wgth'j ■■ Reafon, why Covenant Pr er of fo high a Quarrel, is taken ) of it, which iSj an Oath, an >>ath on >. 7 he Creature lwears bv and God fvvears by himfelf: This is jie Form or Seal of Co VIen irf M rob when he made a Qoye- >int with his Uncle L Ifaacy Gen. xxxi. 53. 1. e. ( l cti\c ) By the God whom rher than and J) lutually by the Name of God. The ( is betwixt them an Oath ot Fealty and Subje&ion u r, King ot* / tyme of the God of IjtmI , lor >v G 234 Mr. Case' s firfi Sermon^ God calls it, My Oath^ and my Covei Ezek. xvii. 13, and 19. And hence it that God fo feverely threatens the Vicj tion of that Covenant, with inevitable ftru£tion upon Zedekiah^ Ezek. xvii. 16. c I live, faith the Lord God, fure in the P. * where the King dwelleth, that made H c King, whofe Oath he defpifed, and w c Covenant he brake, even with him, in 4 midft of Babylon fhall he die.3 The Kin£ Baby/en's Oath, becaufe Zedekiah fware to hi and God's Oath, becaufe he fware by hi And fee how divine Juitice avengeth the Qu rel of this Covenant. Zedekiah fware to j buchadnezzar, and did not keep his Oath ; for this, God fwears the Death of Zedeki and will be fure to keep his Oath. This ceiTion o£ an Oath to the Covenant, a Peo< or Perfon fw earing, by the molt high God, calling fo holy and dreadful a Majefty to W| nefs, mull needs wonderfully heighten the and aggravate the Quarrel. By this Me; Covenant Breach, becometh a double Sin Sin twilled of two Sins (and thofe, no fr ones, neither ) of Lying arid Swearing, j| xxiii. 10. The Lie being the Profanation the Truth of Gcd^ and the Oath the Profanat: of the God of Truth ; Sins for which (take th fingly ) a Land doth often ntmrny Hofea iv.l Or how much higher Provocation are t when they meet, yea, when they meet, are met into one, communicating their Mali] nicy one unto another, and thereby bigni dt Taking the Covenant. 33$ t aggravating one another: The Lie mak- the Oath greater, and the Oath making the greater; and out of both there anieth an ucd tertiam, a third Sin of a monllrous Na- ty namely. Perjury, which is a Ulatphemy inft the Truth of God, and againil the God Truth, while his facred Name is iWorn by, himielf call'd in, towitnels to a lie: And :|hat Sin, or Sins, which in Reference to the }*wr of God, is Difobedience j in Relerence ±heLove otGod, inviting, pardoning, heal- :1, is Rebellon ; in Reference to our Pro- , is Treachery; is now at la it inReie« mt to the Oath, aggravated into Perjury )[ Blafphemy. This is much, but this is 1 ail. IHplider the Parties entring this ^.Reafon. :1th, and you will find a fourth, J II yet a ftrong Ground and Rea- ties fiiea- , why Covenant Violation is fo n\ ;h a Quarrel -> the Parties itrik- t; this Covenant, which are God and his Peo- J1, and this doth exceedingly aggravate the Since by how much the Parties intereil- sin the Covenant, are more high and honour- lie, by fo much the more folemn and vener- ile is a Covenant efteemcd. So Covenants Bcred into, between Kings and Kings, and en Kingdoms and Kingdoms, are fcuntcd more folemn and facred, than thole m are palt between private Perfons : What it then think ye, when a Kingdom, j linedoms, on one Side, and the great 'Al- I ghty God on the other Side, fwcar mutually one 236 Mr. Case' s fivft Sermon , one to another ? And the more facred the venant, the more profane the Violation, for a People to fwear, not only by God, btl God, and yet dally or prevaricate, this il needs be a Mockery of an high Provocatj II God ib threaten the Breach ot Oaths, whl in he was but Witnefs, how impatient will be of thofe Forfeitures, wherein he is t] ■Witnefs and Party? A People or Peril fwearing by God, to God? ^.Rcafon. And yet once more coniider I of End of a Covenant, between (| a Cci-:- and a People, and you will aunt. more Matter, of Provocation in J Profanation of it. Now the is twofold,, Primary or Eflential. Secondary or Confequential/ I The Primary or EiFential End, is to knj fure i.ndiiioluble Knot, between God and People, Jer. 1. 5. Come, let us join our fel to the Lord, in a perpetual Covenant, &c. us join. A Covenant is the joining Ordinar the Marriage-knot, as it were, wherein and a People are made one ; for as in 7 i two, faith he, pall he one Flefi ; lb ii| Covenant, he that is joined to the Lord, is Spirit, 1 Cor. vi. 16, 17. Thofe be higfaJ glorious Expreffions, which our Saviour ufl in that heavenly Prayer, John xvii. 21, 22, I c That they may be all one, as thou Fa til * art in me, and I in thee 5 that they alfo rr] c be one in us : That the World may knJ c that thou halt feat me. And the Glory whl at Taking the Covenant. 237 hou gaveft me, 1 have given them : 1 hey may be one, even as we are one. I in ^hee5 and thou in me, that they may be made , >erfe6t in one/ All one, and one in us, and '.J 5 as we are one, and made perfe£t in one. liefe be Expreffions and Privileges of ui- •j.akable Worth and Excellency j and thele ± the Fruits of a Covenant, rightly firuck (cween Gcd and a People, when both Sides rF#t with ail their Hearty and with all their Jflr as God himfelf renders it, more than e or twice in Scripture. / will be their God, ty {halt be my People, Jer. xxiv. 7. Chap. 33. Chap. xxx. 22. Chap, xxxii. 38. will be to them, what they can expeft a God, and they fhall be to me, what I from a People : Jill I am, and / e for their Good ; and all they are, or fhall be for my Glory j and io the Spoufe hs, Cant. ii. 16. Chap. vi. 3. latimyBe- and my Beloved is mine. This is the fir ft lain End of a Covenant. the* fecotid is like unto it j 2. End. is, to put an End to ail Strife. vi. 16. An Oath for Confirmation, is an ~ all Strife, i ere be any Doubts, dotations, or D idence on eithej n Oath by the 1 wearing Party, is, or ihould e, the Removal of that Doubt, or Dih /hatfoever. It ihould, I fay, be fo n itertained, as that it Ihould put tl er out of Queltion, t( her it be in Mutters of FaSfc, de pmdertto^ rime pall, orEngagen 23 3 Mr. Case's jirft Sermon, the Time to come j fo it is between God Man. Man fwears to God, to fecure Go(! it were, that there ihall be no more Terg fations, or treacherous Dealings, as in pail. Let us join in. a perpetual Covenant, Jhall never be forgotten, q. d. Other Cove: have been forgotten, this lhall never j we backjlide no more, break Covenant no more : rather a People or Perfon fwear to God t< cure themfelves againft themfelves, to pr< and iliut the Door, againft all future Soli tions, Importunities and Temptations wh; ever ; that when any of their old Lovers fh< come and befpeak their Affections, they be able to put them all by, that there mig! no Poffibility of yielding or hearkning i\ Voice of this Charmer, charm he never fc ly ; while the Soul may anfwer them a fometime Jephthah did his Daughter,tho3 more Warrant, and lefs Trouble of judges xi. 35. / have opened my Mouth t( Lord, and I cannot go back. And with _D< Pfal. cxix. 106. I have [worn, and 1 will perA it, I will be as good as my Word, tho* for it, that I will keep thy righteous Judgm And again. Thy Vows are upr,n me, O Go, will render Praife unto thee. I am not minei if to difpofe of ; I have given my Heart, and Loves, and my Self unto another; and s] not repent of what I have done, if it wen & do again, I would do it, and were I wor t thouland Times more, than I am, he to wl I have fworn, fhould have it all. And fc the other Side, God fwears to his Peo 1 at Taking the Covenant. 239 Jfat fas I may fo fay ) he may leave himfelf j PcJJibilfy of recanting, or recalling his ;tord, if he had a Mind to it. The ApolUe's Ifprellion hints fuch a kind of Suppolitionj jUj when he could fwear by no greater, [wore nmfelf: Why ? lb at by two immutable Things ; his Word, and his Oath, in which it was xtfjible for God to I \'c, Heb. vi. 13. Ver. 16. ^JJible for him to lie y a very itrange Ex- it'lnon y as if God would lock up himlelf un- lijr an Oath from all Pojfibility or lying or re- ding the Word out of his Mouth, he would [k truit himfelf, as if the Apoftle fhould fay, jth making a bare Prcnaife, but claps an Oath 4dq it alfo, that fo if he would, yet he could J go back : This feems to be implied in this ;preffion. But the Truth is, tho5 we need it Bolts and Locks to keep us from ftarting, xl doth not ; he hath as much and more mind \jkeep his Word, than we have that he fhould : lit for our Sakes,for our Sakes altogether, is ). then you will eafiiy be able to give an J count j why Covenant Violation fiiould Matter of io high a Quarrel, between Gc a People, in all cbethfee Kinds oi it . tempt uous Refajing^ Gractlcfs < ous Deceiving, not on! y 01" the God, but of the God of the Covenant ^ A \ pie or Perion mocking God, and deli themfelves, breaking with Godj and d«| what they can to make God break with tl and to break them ail to Pieces. at Taking the Covenant. ^41 1 S v for the fecond Branch of The fecond I jctrine. This Ghwrrel God Branch of reatens to avenge wiW the Sword, the Doc- There be but two Things which trine. seed handle here. I. De facto 9 To fhew, How God hath made id this Threatning, in the Difpenfations ot his !ence and Juitice, by overtaking this Sin Hjovenant Profanation, with this Judgment 'the Sword, and its Concomitants. II. De jure, To vindicate andaffert God's Juftice Wbtfe Difpenfations of his, by fhewing the Buy and Righteoufnefs of fuch Proceedings. jBLboth thefe are done, if not fo fully as tight be, yet fufficiently already : The In- mces given of the Sin,, in the very fame laefcs for the mod Part holding forth alfo Ex- nples of the Judgment •> belides fo many :her Inftances in Scripture, fo known, that Ko ever is not a Stranger to his Bible, may ipi to them with a wet Finger. And the De- .onftrations and Realbns, that fet forth unto oq theGreatnels of the Sin, the -Highnefs of le Quarrel, do upon the very firft View, vin- and julHfie the Equity of God's Pro- ceedings in avenging this Sin and Quarrel with grievous a judgment, as the Sword; and God, who have well ighed both in the Ballance ol the Santtuury, knowledged not only the Sin to have t the J udgment ; [ Thou art jujf, () Lord, ' upon !i<0 Neh ix. J But infi- it down > our God ha ;r,Ezraix. This 2^2 Mr. Case's Jirjt Sermon , This therefore fhall fuffice for the feco\ Branch of this Do&rine; and lb we will ill prove the Time that might be fpent in the ftl ther Proof, and Enlargement thereof, in ma ing Ufe of what hath been delivered alrea<| in that Doctrine. Ufe The firft Ufe that we may make of til fad Truth, may be according to the Workf this Day, to difcover to us what Caufe have to affliff oar Souls, and to abhor cur feli . in Diijf and Afhes, before the Lord. For behol God is contending with this Kingdom by Fd the Fire of the a word (lb called often in Scripture ) is fent upon us, and marche through the Breadth of the Land, in the wil eft Extent of the Kingdom, even from the f J thermoft Parts of the Weft, to the utterml Parts of the North : A Sword ', I lay, the w< of all Judgments (witnefs the lad Catalog, of Evils here that do accompany it, utfupra yea, a Civil Sword^ the worft of all Swords j Foreign Sword hits at random ; but this bw\ whom to finite, and where to make the deep Wounds 3 Brother embrews his Hands in t Brother's Blood, and a Man's Enemies are th« of his own Hotife ; and therefore the more En mies, becaufe of his own Houfe. No Quarrel fierce, no Fewd fo mortal, as thefe are b tween the neareft Relations, when Coals Divifion are once kindled amongft them. Tl Sword, I fay, is drawn, and much Flefh it ha ^devoured already, and drunk much precio Blood. National Blood, Chriftian Blood, Fr teraal Blogd; while we cry to it, as on Jeremic dt Taking the Or: en ant. 243 tremiab did3 Jer. xlvii. 6. O than Sword of the >rd, how long will it be e'er thou be quiet ? Put thy j elf into thy Scabbard, rsft and be (it 11. it the Sword either gives us no Anfwer5 or :h a one as lollops there in the next Ver. in I be quiet, feeing the Lord hath given me ge again JlKngiand? Yea5 we may fear, at God is laving; concerning us, as once to > Prophet Ezekiel, concerning Ifrael, Ezek. i. 9, 10. A Sword^ a Sword is Jharpned, it is I, and aljo furbifoed. It is Jharpned to \ke a fore Slaughter , fhould we then make Mirth ? -), when God fends a Sword upon a People, 5 Times are Times of Mourning, and not of lent. Read on elfe. Ver. 10. It con- Red of my Son, as every Tree. Ver. . And he hath given it to be furbi/hed, that it handled: This Sword is Jharpned, and it cmbi(hed, to give it into the Hand oft hi xnd howl^ Son of Man, for ill be upon my People, it [hall be upon all :nces of Ifrael/ Terrors, by Re a fen of the Re iid gentle Cor- ; but it has done us 1 s fo to, that it chat will ill not yet rhe pile Q 244 Mr- Case's frft Sermon, lilly Rod do here ? Will they not ftoop ? W:l they not put their Necks under the Yoke J Chrift? Let me come, I'll make them eithij bow or break -y Fll make them either yiel or Fll have their Blood. Thofe his Enem{ that will not have him reign over them, bring tfa hither, that I may jl ay them before his Face. my Brethren,we may fear, that God is fpeakirj againit us in fome fuch bitter Language as t is y and what think you may be the Caufi What the Quarrel > Surely there is Cad , enough, --the Pari lament tell us of a fearful talogue of horrible Provocations. Contempt of God's holy Ordinances, and of linefs iffilfa grofs and affected Ignorance, un the glorious Light of the Go/pel clearly jhining aim us i Unfruiifulnefs under the previous Means Grace j Ingratitude for Mercies > Incorrigible, wider Judgments 5 Multitudes of Oaths and Elj pbemitSp wicked Profanations of the Lord's D> by Sports andGamings, formerly encouraged evtn ' Authority. All Sorts of Uncleannefs, Luxury, Escefs in eating or drinking , Vanity, Pride, Prodigality in Apparel $ Envy, Contention, andt. natural Divifions, OppreJJion, Fraud, and Violenl J rem divers of which Sins, and many other, not 1 Per [on throughout the whole Nation, can fay, 2| be is wholly free ; be fides that, all muft cenfe That they have contributed toward the great SU of National Sins, and fo have increafed the Tn Jure of Wrath, again/? thefe Days of 1} rath. 1 efpecially, they tell us of two horrid crying Si Idolatry, and Bipod: Idolatry, which as it ad Sin of our Anceflors 3 fo it is the fpread'mg at Taking the Covenant. 245 hefe latter limes^ while by a general Cjnniv- and almcjt toleration \> it hath been ji ys fomented and encouraged. And for that other fing and cruel Sin of Blood-feed, that calls aloud Vengeance, it went Hand in Hand^ : ominable Idol of the Mafs, in the Days of .Queen irv, and fome of her Predeceflors , when 'many nmdreds of the dear Martyrs, and Saints of God* 9 their precious Lives in Flames and iV;- ns. Thefe are the Sins and Provocations which it Parliament Worthies give us Notice of; ch furely may amount to a very high zrrel. But to all thefe without Controver- Ingland hath added this Quarrel in the to make up the Meafure of our Iniqui- i ; even Covenant-Violation. Witnefs all thole ral Ways and Blanches of this Sin, men- ?d in the Entrance. rhich of them doth not this ftand guilty of this Day be- the Lord ? For, e there not found among us lultitudes of fuch profane Ephra- :tnd Zebulonitijh Spirits, that oroachfully and contemptu- tifly refufe and reject the Cove- ant of Gods that deal with the Parliament Injun&ions, and the Mmiften fpel's Invitations to this Service, as I id with King Hezckiab's Mcllengcrs, la btm to fcorn ; lade them with Calumnies and Reproaches? " What more Covenants J ; Will they never have dene ( (^ 3 " Will All Strts of Cove- nant -Vio- lation found a- us. J ton. ft 246 Mi\ Case' s firft Sermon^ " Will they fend us to Hell quick, w cc their Pm eft at ions ^ and Oaths^ and Cc • - " -Hants?" Thefe, and the like Voices of Murmur Rebellion, God hath heard in our Tents, his Anger is kindled. On ! w hat Shittitigs : Shufflings, what bafe unworthy Tergivcris ons hath God found among us, to elude envade this folemn Service ? Indeed he fx He would bring his People into the Bond the Covenant ; but if he would have the m Part of the People among us, enter into C ^ venant with him, he mult drive them into tfe Bond of the Covenant. Are not thefe of 1 jp Kindred of the Scribe? arM [Lawyers, of whJI it is faid, when they were invited unto Bit tifm9 which ( was the Stdl of the GwenM ) they rejected the Couftfel ofGcd agamft them fern > r not baptized ? &c. Luke vii. 30. And m } not the Miniilers of the Goipel anfwer til Generation in fome fuch Language, as tl Apoltles did the unbelieving Jews^ who fpA \ agaitift the Things which were fpoken by Pai j contradicting and btafpheming, even as thefe M [ do? Aits xiii. 45. Ver. 46. It was m that th$ Word of God JJooald firft have been fpek unto you '^ but jince you put n from you r5 andjua your fehes unworthy of ever/afting Life j /#, 1 turn to the Gentiles. So we to the(e Men : tfras our Commiffion and Compaffion to fpes to you, and perluade you to enter into this ft lemn League and Covenant with God and h People $ but fince you put it from you, an ..judge your felves unworthy of fo great Privilege at Taking the Covenant;. 2f7 Privilege j lo, we turn to other People, and Other Churches, we will trouble you no more ; God will have a People that fhall accept of this Grace of his, and think themfelves highly honoured too, by the moll high God. 2. Of them that do take it, how few be there th it take it in a due Manner, according to the L i nd Rules of lo holy and iblemn an Or- ^dinance ? For, i i. How many be there that take Rafb and it rajbly $ Hand over Hrad^ as we m infidering what they do } cd e;<. The Sin of former "Times in Englt.nl ing into :h been, that our Fathers knew Covenant. ■ >nct this Service, they regarded it n t, it was hid from them, rhey enquired not r it ; at;d tfeefe Times ot Ignorance God nked at, or God lightly regarded faem, Kcclcf. \. But ft is the Sin of thefe latter Times, bt this Ordinance; that we know c, or regard not, to know the hi itii ot this ' linance j the goings in thereof, and the cont- thereof, that we come to'fuchan ext : Duty with ordinary (hardly fo much as linary ) ( rtion and Preparation. In- ( !are and Caution hath not been ufed informing and preparing o( People, lor iolcmn a Service, as was meet; thereby I it hath been expo'ed to unfpeakable Profana- n, and the nioft oi People have but offered fs, while they have made i their Addrefs thereunto. The Lord convince i humble thofe, whom it doth more elpe- cially ( :vcntcd thi* Sin,: by (£ 4 their 248 Mr. Case5 j firji Sermon, their Providence and Diligence ; for conce ing this Service, we have juft Caufe to knowledge writh holy David, 1 Chron. xv. For becatije ye did it not at the fir ft, the Lord God made a Breach upon us, (yea, many Bread! in the Weft, and in the North, &c. ) for n we fought him not ( herein ) after the due Ord We keep our Fafts, for the moil Part, as if thing were required, but to hang down our h for a Day 3 and we take Covenants, as it "that is to be done, were but to hold up the He for a Day. Unfound- 2. Again, How many have tak nefs of it rottenly and hypocritically, th< Heart* Hearts not being upright with G in this Matter, PfaL lxxviii. s while fome have come writh their Idols in th Hearts, with their bafe Lufis in their Bofci: Some have taken it, if not with a Purpofe break it, yet with no Purpofe to keep it 3 They but flatter him with their Mouth, and lie to h with their Tongues, Ver. 36. And others ha' taken it with their own Eva/ions and Utnit/k ens, and Refervations 3 fuch a Jefuitical Spi is got in among us 3 by which Means it com to pafs, that by that Time Men have pared oi and left one, and put what Interpretations th< frame ro themfelves j there is little left wor the Name of a Covenant 3. In the third Place, How many p-rofa this Ordinance, by letting up bafe and eartt mid carnal Ends, and Aims to themfelv How many come to this Ordinance with Sht chemitip Spirits ? Shall net their Cattle, an the at Taking the Covenant. 2*9 r Sulftance, ana rs, be curs ? take it not5 faith the Malignant ( hall have my Wares plunder d. If I ta ce it t, faith the Malignant Gentleman, :ive y Eft ate feized. If I take it not, fai Ulignant Par [on, I ihall have ir.y Living fe- "red, and my Perfon5 r into Pair am, &c. -;ng- .efpe£ts, do Men of vile Spirits, prcititute Dure and heavenly Ordinance. But Lajliy, Have we not al sired together, as ligheit to the lpweft, from the tell to the leaii, to he Qic . v&nt of our God > 1 and his Minifters renew ail th ts over Englai e formerly p it over Ifrael ? Pfal. ixxviii. 10. 2 b» thy Ver. 37. S * /#0* Wtf cf their Gcdi they unfaithfully ; . ke a ful E< what have we done with >venants5 we have made with God? / Vows, renewed ( perhu hlv at the Lord's Table ; our lick ! igements. Parliament msj with thofe often \ al- Repetitions of Covenants in the Days iations and Thank \ what is be- rhcm all? Hav( c dealt with in fome fuch like Mai Mofes d the two Tables $ whq vent up into the JUntain3 to \ n God i but as * . iooa 250 Mr. Cask's firfi Sermon , . Icon as he came down to the Bottom, th them out of his Hands^ and brake them ? have we done before all the World ; we h; gone up into the Mountain of the Hottfe of Lord ( io is the Place oipublick Wbrjhip call ) i : i . 3 . ) to make and renew our folemn Vc \ \ Covenants, which we have fealed under \ : Oath and a Curfe before^ and with the moft hi t God j but no fooner falmoft^ have we eo \ down into the Valley of our ordinary Walk I and Gonverfation ; but we have thrown them t . of our Hand*} and broken them all to Piet I Vow Reformation to Day, and within a f I Days be drunk again ; and fwear again, a r be unclean again; and worldly, and wand b and fecure again ; as loofe, vain, unfavoui r and unfeniibie of publick Sin and Mifery i ever. Swear our Eitates t(?Day, andperfolf deny a twentieth Part of them to Morro^l Worth Thoufands, and deny to lend an Hul dred, a Score, &c. Swear to live and die w:l the Parliament, and the Caufe to Day, al (peak againft both to Morrow. Swear to afl them to Day, ngainft all Oppofers and Mali! Trants 3 and it may be, within a few Days afol afiift Oppofers and Malignants againii the! Help them off writh their'Taxations, tho5 rl ver io indifferent and eafy. Convey/, concel their Goods andTreafure, tho' never fo juft| forfeited to the State. Get their Monej Arms, Horfes, Proviiions refiored, tho5 nev fo lawfully feized by fufficient Warrand, ai the Induftry, and Piety of faithful Officei who venture their Eltate^, their Lives, th< A1 at Taking the Covenant. 251 vll, in the Service. Swear and unfwear, do mdo ; proteit for (thrill co Day, and ac- j.omodate i^r Antichriit to Morrow 3 and when ot" it, ei ey iorgot; or which f tremble to think or, a,nd biulh to mention, :tome ( and thefe no imall ones ) pat in mind rUon iuch Occaiions ot their Prohibitions, and :iheir Covenant, haw reared to re nHr/ that iias broken . As if Breach HHr Covenant did dilie Ive our E* .ent* ^ :Udbc. ,'c have broke vita God, w;c ere never bound afterward to keep our : Surely, tint were an eaf looie. But this God hath :. ■•ig us^ and Mfc-thinks, [hi Queftion founding- in mine Ears, E/ 5. Shall be ; ri'.cb Things^ orjbali > d? if the Quarrel were {o high, and God for the Breaoh of the* Covenant but between Man and Man ; vei^ ien a People in external Covenant with rid a profeffed Enemy, a Tyrant, ail r; what ma) inch :i People, for whom lath done, and is doing fu^h great Things, upon Covenants, fo rcligioufty and fo- 7 made, and (worn, not ( , but 10 holy a God 3 and fo often, and lerdufl i, (b deff take up Jeremiah's Wifh and Lament tioii II at Taking the Covenant. 253 In- Jer. ix. 1. Oh that my Head were Waters , ine Eyes a Fountain of Tears 3 that I might \cp Day and Night for thejlain of the Daughter People! Yea, that we might weep bit- jrly for the Sin which hath ilain fo many pre- 4)us Sons of Sion j even this Sin, Covenant- 4. And, Oh ! you that have Hood out i refilling the Covenant of God, do not ifand Kiit in refuiing to be humbled for your Re- ikis. You that have been rajh and re: md carnal^ and hyper it al in taking the Ijfcnant, t?e not fo in your GonfeJJkns of, and ^^mattens for this great Sin of yours, where- tfl§Sod is provoked ^ labour to be deep and jjKn right; ferious, folid, and fubftantial in SB Mournings and Lamentations, over your n, your feives, and the Kingdom. You ive broken the Covenant of your God, igain, labour to get your Hearts roken for this Sin ^ and to that End look upon ^hom ye have pierced, Zech. xii. 10. whofe and whole Flelh, and whofe Heart, and Soul, you have broken by Covenant- hes, not while he hung upon the C but as the Apoftle, Heb. vi. 6. H 1 afre/h to your ft hes, and put him to ne. Oh! Jook upon him, his ounds, his Blood, &c. till your J own with Tears, your Hearts be wo; nd your Souls even melt into Blood wich- u. And from thence even turn your alio to look upon them, your llain, wounded B thgle it lv (la G 254 Mr. Case's fir/} Sermon, hi^h Places of the Field , behold, thofema Hundreds that ly lick and bleeding, almoin the Death, of the Wounds which your Si especially your treacherous Dealing in the ( venant of God, have made upon their Bodi Oh! cry with David, I have finned ± thefe f. Sheep, what have they done? let thine Han pray thee, O Lord my God, be upon me, and ux my Father's Honfe. Oh! would it not m any Heart, that were not harder than t Rock in the Wildernels, to fee fo many pc Creatures bleeding, languilhing, dying, fla under the Guilt oifour Covenant-Profanatio I may fay unto you, as once Pharaoh's Si vants faid to him, Know eft thou not yet, Egypt is deftrcyed? Know you not yet, tl England is almoit deftroyed ? Oh ! it wod break your Hearts, to hear the Reports the Weftern, and many of the Northern Pa; of the Land. How fad, how black, hcl defolate ! What a Face of Ruin, and E iiru&ioa, there is to be feen upon them ! T Beafts of the Field cut off, the Way-fari Man ceafeth , the Inhabitants driven from tl Habitations, and the little Remnant ftrif| naked and bare, feeking for Bread to relie j'our Souls, with the peril of their Lives, La v. 9. under unfpeakable Miferies and Affli£| ons : Doubtlefs to fee whatThoufands feel, would make us wearv of our Lives ; whi) (in a Word) thofe Countries and Places whi before the Dt^tfroycr were, as a Garden tden $ behind him are as a c;-;friate W) deraels. Erethre ■ at Taking the Covenant. 255 brethren, we have almoft broken the Xa- ii in Pieces j there is yet a little Lite left : ft! lift up your Voices for the Remnant that I tins. Labour to break your Hearts into a , . rid Pieces. A broken Heart is the Sacri- the Lord, Pfal. li. i~. So many Pieces, many Sacrifices. Oh ! take thefe5 and upon Altar which God hath fet up5 (xht Lord . Chrift is our Altar j^ upon this Altar, lofier thele Sacrifices: And the Lord ir out upon us the Spirit ot Companion and npunction ; the Spirit of Grace and Suppli- ion , that this Day, as the reft5 may be a y of Attonement and Reconciliation, where- g God may be- pacified towards us, and onciled unto us, in the Lord Jefus. A broke* a contrite Heart, O Gcdy tfa I not ■r ERMON II. reached at Milk-Street, upon Saturday Evening, Sep- tember 30. For the Prepara- tion to the Covenant. The fecumi l: s e ; Exhori .1 Matter < ■: \ irrel; as for the aveagi 2$6 Mr. Case's fecond Sermon, of, God fends a Sword upon a Church or ] tion ; for which, it is more than probable. Sword is upon us at this prefent, it hav almoft devoured Ireland already, and catet a great Part of England alio, Amos vii. 4. us engage our Council, and all the Intereft have in Heaven and Earth, for the takino of this C:>ntroverfy ; let us confider what have to do, what Way there is yet left for the reconciling of this Quarrel; elfe and our Families, are all but the Childrei Death, and Deflruction : This Sword cha drawn, and devoured fo much Chriftian reliant Fleih already, will, it is to be fea^ go quite through the Land, and in the Pur of this Quarrel, cut off the Remnant, till Land be defolate, and our Cities wafte, England be made as Sodom and Gomorrah^ in| Day of the fierce Anger of Jehovah. Somewhat I have fpoken already in the j mer life, to this Purpofe, viz. To acknowlk mir Iniquities that we have tranfgrejjed againft\ Lord our God, Jer. iii. 13. To get our He broken, for breaking the Covenant ; to la} fo to Heart, that God may not lay it to Charge, &c. But this looks backward. Soil what mult be done, de futuro-, for Timel come: That may not only compofe the Qui rel, but lay a iiire Foundation of an after Pe between God and the Kingdom. And for t| Purpofe, a Means lies betore us ; an Cppoi* nity is held forth unto us by riw Hand of vine Wifdom, and Goodnefs, ot known] and Succefs among the People of God in for Tintl at Taking the Covenant. 257 : *imes ; which is yet to me a gracious Intima- on, and a farther Argument of Hope from ., leaven, that God hath notfworn againft us 1 his Wrath, nor fealed us up a People de- .loted to Deftru&ion, but hath yet a mind to :tater into Terms of Peace and Reconciliation jrtth us, to receive us into Grace and Favour, :p become our God, and to own us for his Peo- .': |e; if yet, we will go forth to meet him, jiid accept of fuch honourable Terms as fhall At propounded to us : And that is, by renew- jig our Covenant with him 3 yea, by entering f|ito a more full and firm Covenant than ever irjsretofore. For as the Quarrel was raifed dbout the Covenant, fo it muft be a Covenant Jiore folid and fubftantial, that mull compofe {he Quarrel, as I fhall fhew you hereafter, jknd that is, the Service and the Privilege that ies before us j the Work of the next Day. ;|k> that me-thinks, I hear this Ufe of Exhorta- tion, which now I would commend unto ;ifou fpeaking unto us in that Language, er. 1. 5. Come, Jet us join our /elves to the i{jrd, in a perpetual Covenant that (hall not be {orgotten. It is the Voice ot the Children ut of Captivity. Ver. 4. The Children of "Iira- };\ Jball come, they, and the Children of Tudah together 3 feeking the Ltrd, whom they had loft, :tfid enquiring the Way to Zion, from whence I heir idolatry, and Adulteries had caft them but; themfelves become now like the Doves : >f the Valley, mourning and weeping, becaufe (hev had perverted their Way, and torg^ R the 258 Mr. Case'j1 ftcond Sermon, the Lord their God. Ver. 4, 5. Going and wee ing they jhall go, and feek the Lord iheir Gu They Jhall ask the Way to Zion with their Fac thitherward. And if you enquire when tt ihould be ? The fourth Verfe cells you, /;; th Days. And if you ask again. What Da thofe are ? Interpreters will tell A three- of a threefold Day, wherein t\ fold Day Prophecy or P'romife is to be ft of making filled y that is, the Literal or Inch good the tive, Evangelical or Spiritual, Unh\ Prophecy, fal or P erf elf Day. iShe Li- &rjf9 There is a Literal or Inch tcralDay. ative Day.} here prophel^ed of, a: that is already pail, pall: long line] namely, in that Day wherein the feventy Ye: of the BabylomaJi Captivity cxpiied ; then this Prophecy or Promife begun, in Part to accomplifhed : At what Time the Capti of Judah, and divers of Iff ad with them, up their return out of 'Babylon, kept a folemn ~* at the River jihava, to afjhft. their Souls be^ their God, Ezra viii. 21. There may you. I them going and weeping, to feek of him a rM Way for them, and their little ones: There y have them feeking the Lord^ and enquiring tl Way to 7jon with their Faces thither wa.j And when they came home, you may hi fome of their Nobles and Prieffe, calling up them to enter into Covenant, fo Shecham fpake unto Ezra, the Princes, and die Peopj Ezra x. 2, 3. We havejinmd againfi the Lord, yet now there is hope in Ifrael concerning this Thi\ Now therefore kt as make a Covenant -with our G\ A I at Taking the Covenant. 259 id fo you may- find the Levitts calling the :>le to confcfs their Sins with Weeping and plications, in a Day oi Humiliation, and ie End of it, to write, andfwear, andfeal tenant with the Lord their God^ Neh. ix. This was the firit Day wherein this *cy began to be fulfilled, in the very li thereof. ie fecand Day,, is the Evangeli- 2. Day^ lay, wherein this Promiie is Evange- led in a Gofpel or Spiritual liCal. namely, when the Ele£t of of what Nation or Language foever, all called the Ijrael of God, as is prophe- Ifa. xliv. 5. One Jh ]all fay ', I am the Lord's i r Jhall call himfelf by the Name of Ja- ft& and far name himfelf by the Name of I fay, when thefe in their feveral Ge- ions and Succeffionsfhall turn to the Lord jod, either from their Gentiltfm and Pa~ 2, as in their firft Converfion to Chriftw as Tertullian obferves after the Refur- >n of Chrift, and Miffion of the Holy Jfpice exi/tde univcrfas nationts ex vera* rorts humani emergent e 5 ad Domwum Dcumy ) miniim Chrifittm ejus. From that Day vd, you might behold poor Creatures •ns and Languages, creeping out of ark Holes and Corners of Blindnefs and md betaking them to God and his lus Chriil, as to their Law-giver and or elfe turning from Antichriftiaa ;non, and filfe Way; of Worihip, as the aitcr,and more fulIConverfion pi'Churches 2,6o Mr. Case' j fecond Sermon, or Perfons -> purging themfelves more and more, from the Corruptions and Mixtures ot Popery and Superftitions, according to the Degree of Light and Convi&ion, which fhould break 01 upon them , and asking the Way to Zion, i, the pure Way of Goipel Worfhip, accordin; to the fuller and clearer Manileftations Revelations of the Mind of Chrift in the Gof pel. This was fulfilled in Luther's Time, ancl in all thofe after Separations which any of thffl Churches have made from Rome, and from thofe Reliques, and Remains of Superftitioi] and Will-worfliip, wherewith themfelves, an( the Ordinances of Jefus Chrilt have bee* defiled. 3. Day, The third Day wherein this Pro Univer- phecy or Promife is to be mm fal. g°°d5 is that Unwerfal Day, where in both Jew and Gentile mail con vert unto the Lord. That Day of the RefiM tion of all things, as fome good Divines coj ceive, when ten Men out of all Languages oftl\ Nations, pal) take hold of the Shirt of him t is a Jew, faying, We will go with you j for have heard that God is with you, Zech. viii 2; And to what Purpofe is more fully expreft i the former Verfes, anfwering the Prophecy ij the Text. Ver. 20. Thus faith the Lord of Hojt It pall yet come to pafs, that there pall cot People, and the Inhabitants of many Cities. Ve Zl. And the Inhabitants of one City pall go another, faying, Let us go fpeedily to pray befa the Lord, and to feck the Lord of Hojls 3 7 will; a/fo. Ver. 22. Tea, ?nany People and Pro, Natio at Taking the Covenant. 261 Nations fhall come to fee k the Lord of Hofts in Je- ufalem, and to pray before the Lord \ This I call the Univerfal Day, becaufe as you fee, there fhall be fuch an abundance of Con- fluence of Cities, and People, and Na- tions, combining together in an holy Blague and Covenant, to feek the Lord, pud a Perfeft Day, becaufe the Mind and Will of the Lord fhall be fully revealed and ■fianifefted to the Saints, concerning the Way mi Worfhip and Government in the Churches. ■The New Jerufakm, i. e. the perfeft, exa£fc, Lnd pun&ual Model of the Government of thrill in the Churches, fhall then be let down from Heaven. The Light of the Moon, being [hen to be as the Light of the Sun, and the Light If the Sun fevenfold, as the Light oj feven Days, yiihc Day that the Lord bindeth up the Breach cf Us People, and healeth the Stroke of their Ji cund, Ezek. xliii. n, 12, 13. Rrj. xxi. 10, n. Ifa. «x 26. By what hath been fpoken, you may per- xi\c under which of thefe Days we are : Pafi iced the firrt, but not yet arrived at the third Day , and therefore under the fecond Day, that Evangelical Day ; yet fo, as if all the tin Days were met together in ours, while it :ns to me, that we are upon the D the third Day : And this Prophecy fklli To pat, and full upon our Times, as if we were not got beyond the Literal-, a little Varian will do it. The Children of Ifrael, and tk n of Judah: Scotland and England, new rang out of Babylon, Antichriltian Babylon, R. 3 &6i Mr. Cash's fecund Sermon^ Papal Tyranny and Ufurpations, in one I> •; gree or other, going and weeping in the Da1 of their folemn Humiliations, bewailing the Backflidings and Rebellions, to feek the Lo; their God, to feek Pardon and Reconciliation to feek his Face and Favour., not only in tl Continuance, but in the more full and i'w$ influential Manifestations of his Prefence mong them ^ and to that End, asking the to Zion, with their Faces thitherward ; that ij enquiring after the pure Way ofGofpel Wo fliip5 witii full Purpoie of Heart -y that wh< God fhall reveal his Mind to them, they w; conform themfelves to his Mind, as accordit to that bleffed Prophecy and Promife, Ifa. ii. He will teach us of his Ways^ and we win wa: in his Paths., &cc. And that ' they may mal all fare, that they may fecure God and then felves againit all future Apoitalies and Bad- fliding.?, calling one upon another, and echc ing back one to another. Comey let us join ot /elves to the Lord^ in a perpetual Covenant tht may not he forgotten. You fee by this Time, I have changed m; Text, tho5 net my Projett , to which \ urpofe I fhall remember that in the handling of the! Words, I muft not manage my Dilcourfe, $ If I were to make a new entire Sermon upo the Text, but only to improve the happy Ad vantages it holds forth, for the puriuit an driving on of my prefent Ufe of Exhort at w Gyrify let us join^ Sic. To this End therefore, from thefe Word* I will propound and endeavour to fatisfy thef thre at Taking the Covenant. 263 hree Queries. 1. WToat? 2. Why? 3. How? I. What the Duty is, to which they mu- ,-OaIly ftir up one another ? II. Why, or upon what Canfiderations ? HI. How, or in what Manner this Service 5 to be performed ? And in all thefe you fhall fee what Propor- ion the Text holds with the Times. The }uty in our Text, with the Duty in our Sands, preffing them on ftill in an Exhe: :ory Way. >For the firft, fa/. D.itris? Anfw. You lee that in the Toxt, is to join famfthes tc /, by a lolemn Covenant) ind ib is that which we have now in our Hands, 'X) join our felves to th Lord t r;t j aow far they correspond, will appear in r Sequel. • This is the firft and main End of a Covenant between God and his People, as I have ed you, to join l hem ft he s to the herd. The Sons tf the Stranger that join tl. em felves to the Lord \ &c H/tf£f held of. bis C , I la. 1 \ i. 6. This, I lay, is the firlt and main End of the ' venant in the Text: The iecon-' 05- iteuntoit; namely, to V, >y t§ S /. c. to enquire the Way ar. tier, how God would be worshipped j that they jitdifhonour ard pr im no m their Idolatries and Superftitibns, which 1 been brought in upon the Ordinance ^d, by the Means of Apoitate Kings and Pricits, and Prophets, as in Jeroboam'* and Iv 4 \ Rcigns; 264 Mr. Case's fecond Sermon^ Reigns, £fo and for which they had bee carried into Captivity. And fuch is the Covenant that lies befoi us : In the firft Place, as I fay, to join ourfelv to the Lord, to be knit unfeparably unto hin that he may be our God,and we may be his Pes pie. And in the next Place, as fubfervient hen unto, to ask the Way to Zion j to enq uire at fearch by all holy Means, fanftified to th Purpofe, what is that pure Way of Gofj> Worfhips that we and our Children, art? us, may worfhip the God of Spirits, tl God of Truth, in Spirit, and in Truth, Jol iv. 24. In Spirit, oppofed to carnal Ways Will- worfhip, and Inventions ■ of Men ; ar in Truth, oppofed to falfe hypocritical Shev and Pretences, llnce the Father feeks for fuc to worfhip him. Now, that this is the main Scope and Ai of this Covenant before us, will appear, you read and ponder it with due Confider tions^ I will therefore read it to you diftini ly, this Evening, befides the reading of again to Morrow, when you come to tal it j and when I have read it, I will anfw the main, and moft material Obje&ion which feem to make it inconfiftent with the blefled Ends and Purpofes. Attend diligent while I read it to -you. TH at Taking the Covenant. 26s The Covenant.* E Noblemen, Barons, Knights, Gentlemen, Citizens, Burgefjes, Mimfters of the Gof- and Commons of all Sorts in the Kingdoms of , igland, Scotland, and Ireland, by the Provt- , tee of God living under one King, and being of (j 1 Kef armed Religion, having before our Eyes the & tyy °fG°d) ar*d the Advancement of the King- j m of our lord and Saviour Jefns Chrifi, the i wour and Happinefs of the King's Majefty and .. s Pojtertty, and the true publick. Liberty, Safe- s , and Peace of the Kingdoms, wherein every ones S1 hate Condition is included, and calling to mind -B t treacherous and bloody Plots, Confpiracies, At- npts, and Practices of the Enemies of God, a- \Atnft the true Religion, and Profeffors thereof in , ? Places, efpecially in thefe tlvee Kingdoms ever I fee the Reformation cf Religion, ana how much J eir Rage, Power and Prefumption, are of late, ri at this Time increafed and exercifed $ where- the deplorable ft ate of the Church and Kingdom Ireland, the diftrefjed Eft ate of the Church and ingdom of England, and the dangerous Fftatc the. Church and Kingdom of Scotland, are f>rc- \nt md publick Teftimomes j We have now at laft, after other Means ofSufflication, Remonftrance, Pro- is Covenant is here Printed at large , that the Reader *y %a*ve it at Hand, to compare the Objections and An fivers ' fivcral Pajfages of the Cwcnant to which tbej 2.66 Mr. CaseV fecond Sermon, P rot eft at ions, and Sufferings') for the Prefer tion of cur fehes and cur Religion, from u Ruin and Dejlruffiwn, according to the comme able Praffice of thefe Kingdoms informer Tin and the Example of God's People in other Nat to a fcr mature deliberation^ rejilved and determi to enter into a Mutual and folemn League and CX want, wherein we all fubfcribe, and each one oj for himfelf, with our Hands lifted up to the « high God, do fwear ; I. rTpH a t we fliall fincerely,. really and l J^ itantly, through the Grace of G endeavour in our feveral Places and Callin the Prcfervation of the Reformed Religior the Church o£ ScotLapd^ in Do&rine, Worft Difcipline and Government, againft our cc mon Enemies $ the Reformation of Relig in the Kingdoms of England and Ireland, Do£trine, Worfliip, Diicipline and Gove ment, according to the Word of God, and * Example of the beft Reformed Churches -> A fhall endeavour to bring the Churches ot G in the three Kingdoms, to the neareft G jun&ion and Uniformity in Religion, O ieflion of Faith, Form ot Church Governme Directory for Worfhip and Catechizing j Tl we and our Pofterity after us, may as B thren, Jive in Faith and Love, and the L( may delight to dwell in the Midft of us. II. That we fliall in like Manner, Vithc Refpeft of Perlons, endeavour the Extirj tion of Popery, Prelacy, ( that is, Chun Government, by ArchbiihopSj Bilhops, th Chs at Taking the Cys: event. z6~ fancellors and Commiifaries, Deans, J). j Chapters, Archdeacons, and ail oner Ec- tical Oilicers depend;, v) Superfticion, Merely, Schifm, Proi* md whatibever 1!. mnd ro to {bund Dottrine, :- m d the Powc: itlj&j J ^ lit we partake in other Mens . and thereby be in danger to receive of and that the Lord may be j i his Name one in the three iving- TiS UI. We fual! v/ith the fame Sincerity, Iticy a: T', in or & endeavour with our filiates and Li ■ally ro preserve the Rights and Privile fcg Parliaments, and the Liberties ot the ■doms, and to preferve and deiend the yya Perion and Authority, in the Bjvaticn and Derence oi the true Religion, i Liberties of the Kingdoms, that the World ear v/itnefs with our Coniciences of our ty, and that we have no Thoughts or ientions to diminiiii his Ma jelly's jult Power IGrentn. IV. We lhall alfo with all Faithfulnefs en- ur the Difcovery of all fueh as have been, (hall be Incendiaries, Malignants, or eviL •truments, by hindering the Reformation Religion, dividing the King from his Peo- : one of the Kingdoms from another, or i or Parties amongft the P try to this League and Providence of God granted unto us, and h been lately concluded, and fettled by b Parliaments, we fhall each one of us, acco ing to our Place and Intereft, endeavour t they remain conjoined in a firm Peace \ Union to all Pofierity; and that Juftice n be done upon the wilful Oppofers there in Manner exprefled in the precedent i tide. VI. We fhall alfo according to our Pli and Callings in this common Caufe of Religi Liberty, and Peace of the Kingdoms, aflift i defend all thofe that enter into this League '< Covenant,in the maintaining and purfuing the of, and ihall not fuffer our felves dire£tly indire£tly by whatsoever Combination, P fuafion, or Terror, to be divided and wr drawn from this blefled Union and Conjunr on, whether to make Defe£fcion to the contr ™ Part, or to give ohr felves to a deteltable differency or Neutrality in this Caufe whicl much conccrneth the Glory of God, the Gc of the Kingdoms, and Honour of the KirB but fhall all the Days of our Lives zealouP and conftantly continue therein, againft all ( poiition, and promote the lame according our Power, againft all Lets and Impedime whatfoever ; and what we are not able i fel at Taking the {jwenant. 269 »]es to fupprefs or overcome, we fhall reveal n make known, that it may be timely pre- [ced or removed j All which we ihall do as :* pe Sight of God. ': Lad becaufe thefe Kingdoms are guilty of : iy Sins and Provocations againft God, and :i Son Jefus Chrift, as is too manifeft by our 1 fent Diftrefles and Dangers, the Fruits there- .: : we profefs and declare before God and ; : World, our unfeigned Deli re to be hum- d for our own Sins, and for the Sins of thefe agdoms, efpecially, that we have not as we nit, valued the ineiteemable Benefit of the fpel, that we have not laboured for the Pu- f and Power thereof, and that we have not ieavoured to receive Chrift in our Hearts, r to walk worthy of him in our Lives, fich are the Caufes of other Sins and Tranl- sffions, fo much abounding amongil us j And rtrue and unfeigned Purpofe, Deiire, and ideavour for our ielvcs, and all others under :r Power and Charge, both in pubiick and in ivate, in all Duties we owe to God and an, to amend our Lives, and each one to go fore another in the Example of a real Refor- ition, that the Lord may turn away his h, and heavy Indignation, and eflablifli eic Churches and Kingdoms in Truth and tace. And this Covenant we nuke in the *cfence ef Almighty God, the Searcher of all s5 with a true Intention to perform the ihall anfwer at that great D rets of all Hearts mall be dif- j[\ humbly befeeching t 1 • 270 Mr. Case\t fecond Sermon, itrengthen us by his holy Spirit for this Ei and to blets our Delires and Proceedings w fuch Sucreis, as may be Deliverance and Sa. ty to his People, and Encouragement to otl Christian Clitarches groaning under, flff Danger of the Yoke oi Antichriftian Tyrann to join in the lame or like Allbciation and C venant, to rhe Glory of God, the Enlargemc of the Kingdom of jdus Chrifi, and the Pes and Tranquillity of Chriitian Kingdoms Common- wealths. ripHis Brethren, is the Covenant before u j| to which God and his Parliament do i vice us this Day ; wherein the Endspropoun ed5 ly fair to every impartial Eye. The firft Article in this Covenant, bindii us to the Reformation of Religion ; and t lait Article, to the Reformation of our Liv» In both, Ave join our felves to the Lord, a: fwear to ask and receive from his Lips, t Law of this Reformation : Read them elle gain, and coniider. id truly, this is a why^ as well as a zvht, 1 1 may a little prevent my felf ) AM tive of the firft Magnitude. Oh ! for a Peopl or Perfon to be joined unto the Lord ; to I made one with the moll high God of HeavJ and Earth, before whom, and to whom vl fwear, is a Privilege of unfpeakabie Won and Excellency. Scemetb h ( laid Da who are fo much fc than nothing, by how much Sin is worfe I anity ? Yea, to be one with him, as ill faith in that heavenly Prayer of his; as .nd his Father is one, Jshn xvii. 21, 22, 23. hat they may be one, as thou Father arc me, and I in thee 5 that they alfo may be le with us/ And again, That they may be even as wc are one. Yea, perfect in one -> indeed, in the Perfe&ion of that Unity, Jntty of that Perfection ; not made per- in a Perfection of Equality, but of Con- pity. "'his is the Fruit of a right managed Cove- C; and the greateft Honour that poor Mor- ty is capable of. Mofts ftands admiring of petit, xxxii. 33. You may read the Place rour Leifure. But againit this hletfed Ser- ^and Truth, are there muirered, and led up whole Regiment of Obje&ions, under the xluft of the Father of Lies 3 tho5 fome of m may feem to have fome Shadow of H; and therefore io much the morecare- to be examined. I ihall deal only with t the chief Commanders ot thqm, if they quered, the relt will vanifh ot their own lord. ; 'tffions propounded and anfwered, WW- I. If this were the End ot Objeff. 1. s Service, yet it wereneedL-S: Ittsnicd- ice we have done it over and over kfs. *in3 in our former Protections and •1 272 Mr. Case's fecond Sermon, and Covenants $ and fo this Repetition m feem to be a Profanation of fo holy an Of« nance, by making of it fo ordinary, and r thing elfe, but a taking of God's Name in va To this I anfwer. Anfw. i. It cannot be doae too oft , if it done according to the Law and Order of folemn an Ordinance. 2. The People in the Text might have mt the fame Objection ; it lay as ftrong againftt Work, to which they encourage one anoth For furely, this was not the firft Time tfc engaged themfelves to God by Way of Co* nant > but having broken their former Co' nants, they thought it their Privilege, and i their Burden to renew it again, and to make more full liable, and impregnable than evt A perpetual Covenant that pall not be forgoti which hints a 3. Anfw. And that is, there was never'] fo full and ftri& a Covenant tendered to us fii we were a People. Former Covenants to had their Defeft and Failings, like the befl God's People : But I may fay of this in f ference to other Covenants, as Solomon need A perfu at Taking the Covenant. 273 de you to have them renewed and per- ? Of how much greater Concernment i this, between God and us, Oh! you of. :de Faith? 4. You receive the Sacrament of the lord's ipper once a Month, and fome will not be' pt off, tho3 they have no Part, nor Portion that Myftery, lay the Minifters of Chriil hat they can j and the Sacrament is but the sal of the Covenant j" confide r it, arid be con- peed. , Objecl. 2. But Secondly y It is ob~ We fix fted,There be fome Claufes in this to con- ovenant, that ferve rather to di- form to t de us further from God, than join Scotland ptiearer to him ; as binding us to nnd other Squire the Way to Zion ot Men, Churches ither than of Gods to receive the in our Re- Kr of Reformation from Scotland^ format /- id other Churches, and not from on. le Lips of the great Prophet of the (hurches gr* In the Article, we fwear firft to main- un the Religion, as it is already reformed in id^ in Doctrine, Government, and Dif- pline • wherein, Firft The molt ihall fwear 'ley know not wnat j And Secondly^ We fwear nfbrm our felves here in England r, to their nnent and Difcipline in Scotland^ which I, and for ought we knov\, Tyrannical, undmore Antichriilian, t rvhidi wefwc iirpate> ot been afrai the iniheWgrld. 4n 374 Mr- Case5j fecond Serftwty Anfyo. i. To whom I firft anfwer, befcech ing them in the Bowels of Compaffion, aw Spirit of Meeknefs, to take heed of fuch rail and unchriftian Cenfures, leaft God hear, aw it dilpleaie him j and they themfe Ives poilibk be found to commit the Sin, and incur the W of them that call Evil good, and Good cvL . Ife. V. 20. Secondly, Whereas they objeft, that man1 i& fhali fwear to they know not what, the mo being totally ignorant of the Difcipiine of Scoi .v. land, and very few underftanding it diftinfth cm I would have theie remember an iam Two In- coniider two Examples in Scriptur* i. J Jtdaces. the one of King Jofiah, zChra ildr xxxiv. 30, 31, 32. the other of tf k Women and Children in Nehemiab's Tim Neb. x. 28. Jojiah ( as the Text tells us . not being above eight Years of Age ; as Ver 3. While he *xas yet yowig, began to feek aft ri, the Lord God of David his Father-, and in t . 1 twelfth rear he began to purge Judah and Jen Is, fklem, &c And this Purging and Reform; r tion he did by Covenant, wherein he fwar v; to ivalk after, the Lord, and to keep his Cowman, :& nUnts, and his Tcfti?nonies, and his Statut* lelf, Which furely, at that Age we cannot co: ;,:; ceive he did diilin&ly and univerfally unde i;: ftand i no more could all the Men, their Wive and their Sons, and their Daughters, thatt<* the Covenant (in Nehemialfs Time) unde Hand all Things in Particular to which th Covenant clid bind them ; flnce they did exit "into a Curie, and an Oath5 nor only to reft I at Taking the Covenant. 275 t II Inter-Marriages with the Heathen, as Verfc o. but alfo to walk in God's Law, which was iiven by Mofes, and to obferve, and do all the [lommandments of the Lord, and his Judg- ments, and his Statutes. Surely there were in this Multitude, not an pconiiderable Number that were not acquaint- 1 with all the Moral Precepts, Judicial Laws, id Ceremonial Statutes, which God command- i the People by the Hand oiMofes. \ There be two Things I know, Two Ob~ lat may be replied againit thefe jetiions lilances. againft ; 1. That of thofe Women and thefe In* ihildren in Nehemiah, it is faid in fiances. le fame Place, They were of Under- wdtng. Verfe 28. Every one having Know- ige, and having Underjtandtng. Verfe 29. hey clave unto their Brethren, their Nobles, and tterd into a Carfe, &c. 1 2. That there is a great Difference between ic Laws and Statutes to which they fware, id this Government and Difcipline to which e fware in this Covenant. Thofe Laws and atutes were ordained immediately of God jnfelf; and therefore being infallibly right j iqueltionably holy, and juit, and £ood j Jo- ih and the People might lawfully lware Ob- rvance to them with an implicite Faith j but >t fo in a Government and Difcipline fct up by ian, by a Church, be it never fo pure and dy: For their Light being but a borrowed tight, and they not privileged with an in- Jllible Spirit ( as the ApolUes ) their Refolu- 8 2 tions 276 Mr. Case'j fecond Sernidn, tions and Ordinances may be liable to Miftak and Error ;c and therefore, to fware Obfem, anee to them by an implictte Faith, is moij than comes to their Share, and as unwarrant able as it is unfafe for a People or Perfon to dc who are yet ignorant or unfatisfied in th Whole, or in any Particular. 'Anfwerio To thefe Obje&ions I rejoir Th'efe Ob- Firft^ That that Defcription of th| jdiions. Covenanters faNehcmiah^ that th were of Underjlatfding^ and Knowkdg' fuppofeth not a diftinft a&ual Cognizance iJg every particular Ordinance, Judgment, Status and Proviffeff, in all the three Laws, Mon\ Judicial^ Ceremo?it^\- in- every one that took tl Covenant -y that being not only needlefs, b impoflible ; but it implies only a Capacity receive Initru&ion and Informatioh in. tl - Things they fware unto, tho* at prefent the . were ignorant of many of the feverals contai , ed in that Oath. ' And fo far this Rule obtai 1 among us -y Children that are not yet come Uhderftanding, and Fools, being not adm: ted to this Service, as not capable of I ftru6tion. Jnfiv. 2. To the fecexd \Q tho' more cob . derable ) yet the Anfvver is not very dil cult: For, Firfr, We do not ftvare to obferve that D cipline, but .to preferve k: I may prefer that, which in Pont oi Conference I cannot c fcrve, or not, at leaft, fware to obferve. * Secondly ', We fware to preferve it^ not inC pofitioi* to anv other Form of Government tl at *iaiung wc Lcvenant: 27* iia) be found agreeable to the Word,, but in )ppoJition againlt a common Enemy, which is Claufe of lo wide a Latitude, and eafy a Di- ;eftion, a$ the tendered Contcience need not ick at it ; This Preservation relating not ih i to the Government, as to the Perfons or Nation under this Government j not lb much 0 preierye it, as to preierve them in it, againtt Prdatical Party at home, or a Pofijip Party broad, that fhould attempt by Violence to :eftroy them, or to force another Government pon them, that ljiould be againit the Word 1 God ; under which Latitude, lice not but te mighi enter into the like Covenant with ans, or other Reformed Churches, whofo jovernment, Dilcipliop, and Worihip, \i xceedingly corrupted with degenerate Mix- ures. Thirdly, Neither in the Prefervation of their government, &c. nor in the Reformation of iurs, do we fware to any Thing ot Alan's ; i what fhall be found to be the Mind ot thrill. Witnefs that Claufe, Article i. Accord- ^g to the Word of God : So thijt upon the Mat- er, it is no more than Jojiab and the People VkNchemiah fwore to j namely, What JhaL lap- ear to be the Statutes and La b Chrift Wh left in his Wot nt *f ns Church? Fourthly, Kay, not {o mi -not. 'et called to fware the Obfervation of and of Government, that is,- or lhall be >rcfented to us, but to endeavour the Ri ution ot Religion in 'DUlrin S 3 2>1% Mr. Case' j fecond Sermon , eipline^ and Government ^ according to the Win ef God. In the faithful and impartial Search an Purfuit whereof, it icotland, or any of tk Reformed Churches, can hold us iorth an clearer Light than our own, we receive itnc as our Rule, but as fuch an Help to expoun cur Rule, as Chriit himfelf hath allowed u* Cant. i. 7, 8. 2 Cor. xi. 16. Philip, iv. I The£. i. 7, 8. In which Cafe, we are boun to kifs not the Lips only, but the very Feet < them that fhall be able to fhew us the Way Zion^ Ifa. lii. 7. So that fttll, it is not the Voice of th Churches, but of Chrift in the Churches, rha we Covenant to liften to, in this Purfuit j tha is to fay, that we will follow them, as the- follow Chrift : And when all is done, and Reformation ( through the Affiftance art Blefling of the Lord Jefus Chriit, that gr< King and Prophet of his Church ) refoh on, according to this Rule thus interprete under what Notion or Obligation the Obierva] tion of it fhall be commended to us, fu, judice lis ejl^ it is yet in the Bolom and Breatf of Authority ^ we are as yet called to iwea: to nothing in this kind. So much in Referenc to the Inftances. jlnfw. 3. I anfwer further to the fatisfyin of this fecond Doubt, That by this Covenafti we are bound no more to conform to Scotland than Scotland to us: The Astipulation bein mutual^ and this Aftipulation binding us noi fo much to conform one to another, as both o: us :: dt Taking the Covenant. 279 1$ to the Word ^ wherein, if we can meet, vho would not look upon it, as upon the pre- ious Fruit of Chritt's Prayer, John xvii. 20, ;i. That they might be one, as we are one? ind the Beauty and Safety of both Nations, nd ot as many of the Churches, as the Lord »ur God lhall perfuade to come into this holy [nd bleffed Alibciation ? Objeff. 3. A third Objection falls We fa car ipon the fecond Article or Branch to cxtir- A this Covenant^ wherein, 1: is 'pate that eared, by fome, that we fwear to which •xtirpate that, which for ought we may be ;now, upon due Enquiry, mav be the Go- bund the Way to Z/Vw, the Way of vernmcut ^tngehcal Government, which Chrift of the •nd his Apoftles have let up in the Gofpcl. Church. Anfw. Where lies that, think you ? In what 31auie or Word of the Article? Who can ell? Surely, not in Popery -> or if there be any hat think that the Way, I could wiih their Perfons in Rome, fince their Hearts are there dready. Is it in Supcrltition ? Nay, Super- tition properly conliftir.g in Will-worlhip, •eachin^ far Doctrine the Traditions his cannot be the Way to Zhn7 which Chrift lath chalked out to us in his Word. No more :an Herefy, which is the Oppolition to lound Do&rine ; nor Schifm, which is the Rent of the Church's Peace -y nor Profah rhe Poifoa ' her Converfation. None but fuperftitious Hercticks, Schifmaticks, profane ill xll thefc the Way to Z/< thefe neither, S 4 under 2.S o Mr. Case! }s fecond Sermon y under the Name and Notion of Superftitio Herefy, Schifm, Profanenefs ; for the Her tick will hop call his Do&ririe Herefy j nor tl Supefftitious his Innovation? Superftition $ h« the Schifmatick his turbulent Pra&ifes Schifa faor Lajily, The profane Perfon his Lewdne Profanenefs ; tho' they love the Thing, the hate the Name. And this, before we go further, occaiioi another Objeftion, which you muft give n leave both to make and arifwer in a Parentheii and then I will return. Objeff. Objeff. How then can we f\v< Who Jh all the Extirpation "of tbeie, fmce, judge jhall be Judge t While forhe vl '"what is be ready to call that Schifm anl Herefy f Superftition, &c. which is not ; anl &c. others deny that to be 'Herefy, Stj perflation, Schifm, &c. which isl Anfiv. i. To which I* anfwer, By" tbj fame Argument, we ought bet to Gove iiant againft : Popery and Driihkennefs, Sal bath-breaking, nor 'any other Sin whatffc ever, there being nothing fb^ro/}, but it wi find fome Friends to juftifie,* and plead for it which if we fhall not condemn till ail Partie be agreed" on the Verdict, we fhall never pro ceed to Judgment, while the World itands. $ 2. The Word muft be the Rule and th Judge^ fay Men what they' pleafe, pro o con. 3. And if the Matter be indeed fo difput able, that it lies not in my Faculty to ptp &ojmce Sentence^ I have my Difpenrfation t<: frfpen^J M at Taking the Covenant. z%\ Ifpend, till the Word determine the Contro- ,Vrlv. I now return; if then in none of thefe, the foubt mull of Neceffity ly in that Word Pre- And is that indeed the Way of Gofpel lovernment ? Is that it indeed^ which bears . the Bell ot Jure divino ? What is it then at hath deftFoyed all Gofpel Order, and Go- tTnment, and Worfhip, in thefe iCing&ch in other Places of the Chriitian World, even >wn to the Ground ? Hath it not been Pn* What is it that hath taken down a tm PMimfiry^ and fet up in the Room, a tc t Ceremony? Is it not Prelacy? What IS it B*hath iilcnced, fuipended, imprifoned, de- ived, hanilh'd, lo many godly, learned, able Hfters of the Gofpel ; yea, and kill'd foir.e Hem with* their unheard of Cruelties, and *Uft into their Places, Idd, idle Shepherds ; \mb Dogs that cannot bark ( unlets it were at Sb Flock ot Chriti; ib they learned of their afters, both to bark and bite too ) greedy ws that could never have enough, that did ut the Loins and Bowels of their < K)'ple forGW;, heap Living upon Ln in:-,Prc- rment upon Preferment; Iwearing, drunken, *, that taught nothing but Re- •llion in 1/rael^ and caufed PeopW to abhor v critice of the Lord : Anniwan^ I t b, iolatroas, vile Wretches, fuch as, had live, he would not have let \\ irh the >f his Flock ; who, I lay, brought in - Did not Prelacy? What hath hinder'd formation of Religion ail thii whiU Doti 2§2 Mr. Case's fecond Sermon , Doftrjne, Government, and Wbrjhip? Preh a Generation of Men they were, that ne had a Vpte for Jejus Chrift $ yea, what h; poifoned and adulterated Religion in all th Branches, and hath let in Popery and Profai nefs upon the Kingdom like a Flood,for the n ing of thei r own Pomp and Greatnefs,but Prcla In a Word, Prelacy it is, that hath fet impure and imperious Feet, one upon the Chm f- the other upon the State, and hath made be, ferve, as Pharaoh did the lfraehtes, with Rigo Exod. i. 14. Surely, their Government hi been a Yoke, which neither we, nor our Path \ were able to bear. Now, that which hath done this, and a the; >, fand Times more Violence and Mifchief Chrift and his People, than the Tongue or I of Man is able to exprefs , Can that be \ Way Of, or to Zion ? Can that be the Govei inent of Chrift and his Churches ? Ohjc£t. Aye, but there be that will tell us, the fe ht ... hen the Faults of the Per Ions, and not of the Call-in An fa. So cry fome indeed, that ye like t Men, as well as their Coiling, and would Jul fie the Perfins, as well as the Office, but tl their Wickedncfs is made fo maniteft, that I pudency itielf cannot deny %he Abufes in But is it indeed only the Ft th Church, of ths Men, not of the Callin vot the Fault What meant then that Sayi *f the Perfons of Queen Elizabeth, That wl ef the Prelates Jhe had made a Btjbop, Jhe I anly, hut cf fpoilcd a Preacher? Was it on the Calling, a Jeft? 2. A • at Taking the Covenant. 48$ t .. And I wilh we had not too juft Caufe ta JL The Man too. Surely or the moil of them, t may fay, as once Jrnobius lpake ol the Gen- t, Apttd vox cptmt cenfentur quos comparatto knorumftcfactt. Give me leave to vary it a le : He was a good Btjhop, that was not the ■ft Man -3 but if there were lome oi a bercer .-nplexiori, who yet, apparent ran names t* ritevapj were very rarely diicoveiea in ir Eptfcopal Sea ; Yet, 1. Look into their Families, and they were the moll Part the vileft in the Lhoceis, a y Neil of unclean Birds'; And, I If you had look'd into their Courts and /Mortes, you would have thought you had n in Caiaphas-H&tt, where no other Trade s driven, but the crucifying of Chnji in his mbers. I But Fifthly, Produce me one in this laft xeluon of Bilhops ( I hope the laft ) that I not his Hands embrewed more or leis in Blood of the faithful Miniftry, ( I fay not niilers, but Miniftry ) produce a Man a- ngft rhem all, that durft be fo confciencious :o lay down his Bilhoprick, rather than he uld lay violent Hands upon a Non-con- mable Mir.ifter, tho' lie had failed but in i Point of their Ccmpafs of Ceremonies, !en their great Mailer the Pope of Canter- f commanded it, alrho' both for Life, lrning, and Orthodox Religion, their Con- :nces did compel them to confels with Pi- H cjind tie Fault in this juji Ptrfvn,- Matth. 24. I 284 Mr. Case5 j fecond' Sermon, I fay, Produce me'fuch a Bifhop araon the whole Bunch, in this latter Age, anc will down of my Knees, and ask them F< givenefs. Oh ! it was (lire a rnifchievous p ibned Soil, in which, whatfoever Plant M fet, did hardly ever thrive after. 5. But yet further, Was not the Calling bad as the Men? You may as well fay fo the Papacy in Rome ; for furely, the Prelacy England, which we fwarje to extirpate, w the very fame Fabrick and Model oiEccleftty cal Regiment, that is in that Anticforiftian Wbrl yea, fuch an Evil it ,is, that fome Diyint venerable for their great Learning, as wet for their eminent Holinefs, did conceive EpifcGpal jurifdiffion, to be the very Seat of Eeaft, upon which the fifth Angel is now pel ing out his Vial, which is the Reafon that Men of that Kingdom, 'gnaw their Tongues Pain, and 'blafphem*. the God of ^Heaven, xvi, 10, 11. Some Pre- Ob j ect Aye, but it is therefore pit lacy law- ed further againjl this Qaufe, fuL ahW it may he Prelacy with all,\ Adjuncts and Accidents of Arc! bi/hops, Chancellors, and Commiffaries, Deans,& may har:e haply bzen the Cattfe of theje Em that have broken in upon us, and perhaps tichrifiianj yet (hould we therefore fiyear the iirpttion of all Prelacy, or Epifcopacy whc\ foever 5 ftnee there may be found perhaps in Scrit turc, an Epifcopacy or Prelacy, which eircmi ciftd from theft exuberant Members and Office at Taking the Covenant. 285 ty he that Government Chrift hath bequeathed 1 b. Church in the Time of the Go/pel ? lAnfw. Now we fhall quickly clofe tfeis Bu- fcfs. For, |[. It is this Prelacy, thus clothed^ thus cir* ixftauc'd, which we (wear to extirpate ; read p the Ckufe again, Prelacy, that is, Church* vernment by Archb'ijhops, Btfhops, their Chan* }ors, &c. Not every, or all kinds of Pre- \y ; not Prelacy in the Latitude of the Noti- thereof 2. And Secondly, Let us join Ifliie upon this m% and make no more Words of it ; if there an Epifcopacy or Prelacy found in the Word, the Wayrof Gofpel-Gvvernment, which Chriit th bequeathed the Churches, and this be ide appear,, we are fo far from fwearing to tirpate fuch a Prelacy, as that rather we arc und by vertue of this Oath to entertain it^ the Mind and Will of Jefus Chriit. And this might fuffice to warrand our Cove- anting to fextirpate this Prelacy, fave that ily, yet fome feem conlcientiouily to fcrupis- is in the lafl Place. Objeft. That they fee not what there Prelacy to warrand our /wearing, to extirpate cftablijh* bich is efiablijhed by the Law ed by the Land, till the fame Law have Law. otifhed it. To which I anfwer. Anfx. 1. If the Law of the Land had d bed it, we need not fwear the Extirpation H$ a. In this Oath, the Parliaments of both KJngdc IS 286 Mr. Cas£V fecond Sermon^ • Kingdoms, go be tore us, who having the I gillative Power in their Hands> have alio j tc/fateimvitae &? necisy over Laws, as well over Perfons, and may as well put to Dei the evil Laws that d6 oiiend againlt the Kir dom, and the Welfare of it, as the evil P: Ions that do oiiend againlt the Laws. 3. Who therefore, Thirdly , If they nj lawfully annul and abolifh Laws that are fou to tin againil the Law of God, and the go of the Kingdom, may as lawfully bind thei felves by an Oath, to.ufe the uttermoft of tb Endeavours, to annul and abolifh thofe Law their Oath being nothing elfe but a folemn E ...:: fagement to endeavour to perforni what th : ave warrantably refoived upon ; and with^ fame Equity may they bind the Kingdoi aflifl them in fo doing. 4. Which is all that the People are engag to by this Covenant ; fciL Not to outrun t < Parliament in this Extirpation, but to folic and ferve them in it, by fuch Concurrence they may expeft from each Perfon in th< Stations and Callings ; for that Claufe expn in the firft and third Article, is to be unde flood in all. Parliament Object. If it be yet ebjeffed, Tb bound by the Members of Parliament have Oath to one Time or other, fworn to prejtr maintain the Laws j and therefore to [wear Laws* endeavour the Extirpatwn ofPrelac which is eftabhfhcd by Law, it 4ontradief their own Oath, and run the Haza\ at Taking the Covenant. 287 Jerjury : It is eafie for any one to obferv* anwfer. infiy 1. That by the fame Argument, nei- may King and Parliament together, change innul a Law, tho' found deftru£tive to the 1 )f the Kingdoms, lince his Majefty, as 1 as hisSubje£b>, is bound up under the fame h at his Coronation. . But again, There is a vail Difference be- en the Members of Parliament, limply con- ned in their private Capacities, wherein y may be fuppofed to take an Oath to main- the Laws of the Land > and that publick lacity of a Parliament, whereby they are iges of thofe Laws, and may, as I faid be- 1j endeavour the Removal of fuch as are nd pernicious to the Church or State, and Ic luch as will advantage the Welfare of er y his Majefty being bound by his Coro- ion-Oath, to confirm thefe Laws, 6)nas vul- ekgerit^ which the Commons ihall agred n-, and prefent unto his Majeity. i)bjc&. Ayc^ but it Teems this Objeftion lies j alt tftrotig up6n them that J And tn their Jingle pri~ Stations. in ;<;. I anfwer, That if there be any fuch th, which yet I have neither feen, nor heard unlefs the Obje&ion mean that Claufe ia late Parliament Protection., wherein we v and proteft to maintain and detend the 'ful Rights and Liberties of the Sub- ^Bly, neither in that nor this, do we fwear tinft a lawful Endeavour to get any fuch Laws Hi tir 288 Mr: Case** ftcond ScYtnon, Laws or Ciaufe of the Law repealed and at liihed, which is found a Wrong, rather tl a Right, and the Bondage, rather than 1 Liberty of the Subject, as Prelacy was. H we indeed taken the Bifhop's Oath, or the lil never to have given our Content to have Government by Epifcopacy,- with its e lefs, £&. changed or altered, we had brotj| ourielves into a wolul Snare $■ but bleffed God, that Snare is broken^ and we are eCcapi while in the mean . Time, without all Dou the Sub j eft may -as lawfully ufe all law Means to get that Law removed, which yet hath promifed or fvvorn to obey, while it <; j mains, when it proves prejudicial to the pt r lick Safety and Welfare j as a poor Capti that hath peradventure fworn Obedience tp j Turk; ( while he remains in his Poffeffiqn) rt notwithstanding ufe all fair Endeavours for] Efcape or RLanibnv Of a Prentice that is boi to, obey his Mailer $ yet when he finds his S '' vice turned into a Bondage, ufe lawful Me; to obtain his Freedom.; ^ .3. But onfie tn&re to anfwer both all ( jeftions 3 it is worth your Enquiry, Wheel the rPl^a of £ Legal Eftabiijhmmt of this P Jacy^ fworn againlt in this Covenant, be rather a Tradition , than any certain, or a feffed Tr6th: .Sure I am, we have it fr the Hands of Perfons of Worth, and Hono the ahM Secretaries of Laws and Antiqiii in our Kingdom, that there is no fuch Law Statute to be found upon the File, among| Records. Which Afiiertior*, if k cannot A Fai h at Taking the Covenant. ith ; we will once more, join IiTue with the trons or Followers ot this Prelacy, upon s Point, That when they produce that Law Statute which doth ena£t and eftabliih Pre- :yp as it is here branched in the Article, we |l then give thein a fuiler Anfwer, or yield Rjueftion. To conclude therefore, fince this Prelacy in Article, this many beaded Monjler of Arch- fi^f, Bijhops, their Chancellors and Gjvimiffa- Deans, Deans and Chapters, Archdeacons^ i all other Ecclejiajiical Officers depending ta Hierarchy, is the Beafi, wherewith 1 fit in this Covenant, which hath been found jgftrutfivc to Church and State -y let us non to take this Sword of the Covenant of God our Hands, and fay to this Enemy of irift, as Samuel faid once to Agag, fat what me he faid within himfelf, Surely the B: Death is pajl ) As thy S- men Childlefs, Jo (hall Wg Women, \ Sam. xv. 32, 33. So hath Pre- :y flattered itfelf, finding fuch a Party to nd up on it Side among the rotten Lords and rnimons, the debauched Gentry, andabu ople of the Kingdom ; D rh is pa (I. J .J, or lofs ( In the dftof this Security and Pride, the infallible wnfall, let us cull , As th\ F omen Child! *eopl T Dei 290 Mr. Caes's fecond Sermon^ and their Congregations Fatherlefs, and Pafto left, and Guidelefs , fo thy Mother, 'Papac lhall be made Childlels among Harlots, yo Diocefs Biihoplefs, and your Sees Lordlei and your Places lhall know you no moj Come, my Brethren, I fay, and fear not take this Agag, ( Prelacy , I mean, not t Prelates) and hew it in Pieces before Lord. Objeff. 4. A fourth and main 0 This Cove- je£tion that troubles many, is, Tk nant is not in the following Article there are purely re- vers Things of another Nature tk ligious, as falls within the Compafs and Lift m that in the fuch a Covenant , as that which Test. Text holds forth, To join ourfel to the Lord. There be State-M ters, and fuch too, as are full of Doubt, and / \\ haps of Danger, to be fworn unto. Anfw. I mall anfwer, Fir(l, The Gene; Charge, and then fome of the Parcicul which are moft material. 1. /// Ge- In General, I anfwer, Then nerah nothing in the Body of this Co Whatever nant which is not either pun ts contain- religious, or which lies not i ed in the Tendency to Religion, conduc Covenant, to the fecuring and promot is either re- thereof. And as intheexpou ligious, or ing the Commandments, Divi tending to take this Rule, That that Cc Religion. mand which forbids a Sin, fort alfo all the Conducibles and Pro sations to that Sin, aU the Tendencies to i at Taking the Covenant. 291 jid that Command which enjoins a Duty^ en- )ins all the Mediums and Advancers to that »uty, as the Schools fay, Modus c adit fab pre- pto > Circumfiances tali within the Latitude tthe Command: So in religious Covenants^ )t only thofe Things wnich are of the Sub- tnce and Integrals of Religion, but even the ^laterals and 'mbferviencies^ that tend either 1 the eftablilhing or advancing of Religion, ay juitly be admitted within the Verge and lie of the Covenant. The Cities of Refuge id their Suburbs appointed by God, as well jtheir Habitations, and even they alfo were wanted holy. The Rights and Privileges of e Parliaments, and the Liberties of the King- ton, mentioned in the third Article $ they e the Suburbs of the Gofpel, and an Inheri- | bequeathed by God to Nations and King- mis, and under that Notion holy. Concern- g which a People may lawfully reply to the 44 yurt Demands of Emperors, Kings, or State?, Naboth once to rfbabj when demanded to eld up his Vineyard to his Majefty: God V, that Ifkould gi Inheritance of my Fa* *r, 1 Kings xxi. 3. Thefe be the Out- works Religion, the Lines of Communication, as Tiay io fay, tor the Defence of this City ; Wuh the Pre lares well knew, and therefore m fee, it was tl j,n, fifft by co have lurpriied ; and w >5 then b) rf Battle m tbefeOut-V< that e had w. tick- be Mailers a J T 2 2.1)2 Mr. Case's fecond Sermon, itfelf, and done what they lifted. And ther< fore the fecuring of theie muft of Neceffity I taken into the fame Councils and Covena; with Religion itielf. Particular This premised in general. Objections lhall eafily and apace fatisfie t! ofrScrupIes. particular Scruples and Queri i. Igno- as I go/ iance in I, Scruple The moft Part th them tthat fwear this Covenant, are in a gre take this Degree, if not totally, ignora Covenant, what the Rights and Privileg of the of the Parliament, and the Libj Rights ties of the Kingdoms are, and he andYrivi- can they then fwear to maints leges of they know not what ? Jtarlia- Anfw. i. By the fame Arj ment. ment no Man, or very few, mi lawfully fwear to maintain King's Prerogatives ia the Oaths of Allegi and Supremacy j nor the King himfelffyi to maintain the Liberties of the Subjeft, as doth in his Oath at his Coronation. 2. But there is hardly any Perfon fo ig| rant, but knows there are Privileges belot ing to the Parliaments, and Liberties belot ing to the Subje6fc. 3. And that it is the Duty of every Subje according to his Place and Power, to maint thefe y fo that in taking of this Covenant, fwear to do no more than our Duty binds us in which there is no Danger, tho' we do in every Point know how far that Duty extei in every Branch and feveral thereof. 4 at Taking the Covenant. 293 4. In fw earing to do my Duty, whether 1 God or Man, if I be ignorant of many iirticulars, I oblige my ielf to thefe two hings. 1. To ufe the beft Means to inform my felf the Particulars. 2. To conform my felf to what I am in- rmed to be my Duty. Which yet in die ale in Hand, doth admit of a further Lati- de, namely, That which lies in the very ^ord and Letter of this Article ( as m molt the reft ) In our fever al Vocations j which doth )t bind every one to the fame Degree of ledge, nor the fame Way of Preferva- >n: As for Example, I do not conceive ery Magiftrate is bound to know fo much, nor to endeavour to know fo much as Par- iment-menj nor every Member of Parlia- Int fo much as Judges ; nor Minifters fo much the Lawyers ; nor ordinary People fo much fcilinifters j nor Servants fo much as Mailers 9 & all to prefer ve them the fame Way ; Par- unent-men by demanding them, Lawyers by eading, Judges by giving the Senfe and Mind 'the Law, Minifters by preaching, Magi- -ates by defending, People by aflifting, pray- g, yielding Obedience, &c. All, if the Exi- es arile fo high, and the State call for it, / engaging their Eftates and Lives, in Cafe . aded by an unlawful Power. And I the Thing we bind our to is this. That ii , Time any Par- :ulur fhall be in Queition, What the Parlia- E'ent fhall make appear t ) be their R kK 594 /T45\ Case* j /tfft^ Sermon, the Liberty of the Subject, we promife to co: tribute fuch Affiltance for the Prefervation i Reparation thereof as the Nature of the Thin; and Wifdom of the State ihall call for at on the Rights and Privileges of Parliaments, id the Liberties of the Kingdom, fince there no Point or Stop in the Article to appropri- :e it more to the Defence of the King's Per- >n and Authority, than to the Preferva- on ot the Rights and Privileges of the Par- aments, and the Liberties of the King- oms> 5. And Laflly, This Claufe is not to be un- lerltood exclulivc, as excluding all other Cafes /herein the Kingdoms itand bound to preferve Majefty's Penon and Authority, but only T 4 pr$ 2i) 5 Air: Case's fecond Sermon, pro fubjeffa materia, as exprelfing that Ca wherein the Safety of his Perfon and Authoi ty, doth molt highly concern both King ai Kingdoms, efpecially at fuch a Time as thisi when both are fo furioufly 2nd implacably ei countered by a Malignant Army of delpera. Parricides, Ptipifts, and their Prelatical Part Thefe Objections anfwered, and Difficult* removed., we proceed to the examining of ri xeft of the Particulars^ the following Article The Dif co-very of Incendiaries or Malign A that have been, or fhall be : T Fourth At- which the fourth Article binds ui tide. Doth it not ly alfo in a neceflaH Difcovery Tendency to the fecuring and pre of luemdi- ferving of this Covenant inviolabl aries and wit-h the moll high God. in Poir Malig- of "Reformation ? For can we hop nanfs. . a thorow Reformation, according t the Mind of Chriii, if Oppofers t Reformation may efcape Scot-free, undifcovere and unpunilh'd ? Or can we indeed love promote a Reformation, and in the mean Tirfi countenance or conceal the Enemies ot it This is clear, yet it wants not a Scruple ; an t peradvenrare which may trouble a lincer Heart. s path Objeff. It is this, Having one plfl taken this Oath, if we hear to i t Friend, cr Brother , yea, perhaps 3 or Father, an Husband, or a Wife, It a Word of dijlike of the Parlia i, or AffenMfs Proceedings in .... ■: y cr that difcove\ : at Taking the Covenant: 297 her Judgment, or Opinion ; or a Word of PaJJion :re narrow than the Words of the Article^ lich diftin^uifheth the Incendiary or Malis;- lit, which is to be difcovered by a threetold laracter, or Note of Malignity. i it, Hindering the Reformation of Religion. Rcondly, Dividing the King from his People, one Kingdom from another. Thirdly, Making any Faff ion or Parties amongj} ? People, contrary to the League and Covenant. fcJow every Dillike of lome Pailage in Par- mentorAilembly's Proceedings; every Dif- it in Judgment and Opinion ; every raih rord or Cenfure, that may pollibly be let fall j;h Paffion and Inadvertency, will not am- ount to fo high a Degree of Malignity as is Te expreit, nor confequently bring one with- i the Compafs of this Oath and Covenant. A liable and ieafonable Caution or Convi&ion ay fuffice in fuch a C 2. But fuppofe the Malignity do arife to that ;ht here expreft in any of the Bran. ! do not conceive the firitW j'ath of God binds us to, is to make a judicial bile without all I Saviour's * Rule of deal i 298 Mr. Case' j fecond Sermon, Brethren in Cafes of Offence, is not here e: eluded j which is, 1. To fee what per final Admonition will d( which toward a Superior as Husband, Paren Matter, or the like, mull be managed with Wifdom and Reverence : If they hear us, v ,have made a good Days Work of it ; We h& gained our Brother j if not, then the Rule re£ls us yet. 2 In the fecond Place, To take with us tz or three ?nore , if they do the Deed, thou maye lit down with Peace and Thankfulnefs : | not, 3. If after all this, the Party fhall perfifti deftru&ive Pra&ifes to hinder Reformation, divide the King from his People, or oneKinj - dom from another ; or Lafily, To make Fad ons or Parties among the People 3 be it the Mfl «; of thine own ' Houfe, the Husband of M Youth, the Wife of thy Bofom, the Son of th Loins, &c. Levi muft know neither Father » Mother, private Relations muft give way to put lick Safety ; thou muft with all Faithfulnefs eh deavcur the Difcovery $ thine Eye muft not pit nor /pare, Beat. xiii. 6, 7, 8. It is a Cafe Ion fince ftated by God himfelf ; and when Coir plaint is made to any Perfon in Authority, th Plantin is difcharged, and the Matter refts upo the Hands of Authority. Provided notwith Handing, that there be in the Ufe of all the foi mer Means, that Latitude allowed, which th Apoltle giws in Cafe of Herefyj foil. A fir, and fecond Admonition, Titus in. 10. This Coyrf not only the Rule of our Saviour in general bt at Taking the Covenant. 299 Ethe very Words of u snant itfelf doth ^ w -, for tho5 the Clauie be placed in the iixth lick, yet it hath Reieren e to all, viz. h dot able ourfelves to Jupprtfs or overcome^ (ball reveal and make known. So mat ii tne ignity tall within our own, or our Friends lity to conquer, we have difcharged our y to God and the Kingdoms, and m*y lit m with Comfort in our Boioms. 'hat which remains in the other two Articles, qnot fee how it affords any Occalion ot an e&ion s and the Reference and Tendency ath to the Reformation and Prefervation of igion, is eaiie and clear to any Eye, that ot wilfully blind > the Prefervation of Peace veen the two Kingdoms, in the 1 Article, being the Pillar of Re- Fifth Ar- on j for how can Religion and tide. formation Hand, if any blind Ma- %he Vrc- ant Samfon be faltered to pull fervaUon urn the Pillars of Peace and Union ? htm ides it was a Branch of that very the King* tenant in the Text, as well as of doms. t in our Hands. The Children / id and Jttdah which had a long Time ;i limited, and in that Difunion had many >ody and mortal Skirmiihes and Battles, now ^th by the good Hand of God upon them, ; Counfel to join themfelves, hill, one :$ rtbtry and then both unto God. ft, Let us join ourfelves, and then to t' dj in •;. Sure I '- ( ^opy in the Text ; but th( [ Gait ot our ciyxl Combultious ana \\ 300 Mr. Case* j fecond Sermon^ which our Souls may have in Remembrance to dying Day, and be humbled within us, may pc w '% fully periuade us to a cheerful Engagement - ourfelves, for the Prefervation ot a firm Pe; and Union between the Kingdoms, to : Pofterity. :.: Article And Lajlly, As Peace is the Pil ..: Jixth. of Religion, fo mutual Affiftance a Mutual Defence of all thofe that enter it ?ec jdjjift- this League and Covenant, in t i : once. maintaining and Pursuance there< \l ( mentioned in that iixth and laft I u tide) is the Pillar of that Peace. Divide i hnpera ; defert one another, and we expofe c \ : felves to the Lulls of our Enemies, join Indiffe- And who can object againlt the J fci rency, curing of ourfelves, and the Stai £ and agiinit a detellable Indifierency- Neuira- Neutrality, but they muft ipfofafi Uty. proclaim to all the World, that th< intend before Hand to turn Neutn or Apojlates? To conclude, Therefore having thus exami ed the feveral Articles of this Covenant, and ti material Claufes in thofe Articles j andfindii them to be, if not of the fame Nature, yet oft fame Defign with the Preface and Conclusion ; one whereof, as I told you, at the Entranc obligeth us to the Reformation of Religion y other, of our Lives, as ferving to the immee ate and neceffary Support and perfecting o£ tfye bleffed and glorious Ends and Purpofes, I lb need to Apologize no further in the vindicatii and aliening of this Covenant before us : Cou at Taking the Covenant. 301 $ be fo happy, as to bring Hearts fuitable to Service ; could >ve fet up fuch Aims and Is as the Covenant holds forth -> the Glory of j :he Good of the Kingdoms , and Honour of King^ to which, this Covenant, and every ;ral thereof, doth humbly proitrate itfelt, icle iixth, would all confpire to make us lour Pofterity after us, an happy and glori- \ People to all Generations. To them thatobjeft out of Confcience, thefe )r Relolutions may afford fome Relief, if not cisfaction j or/ if thefe flender Endeavours ihort of my Defign, and the Reader's De- *s herein, I fhall fend thcr» * to their ,bours, who have taken more able and litful Pains in this Subjeft. To them that je£t out of a Spirit of Bitternefs and alignity, nothing will fuffice $ Ghtod vult^ quod ejl^ audit femper qui decrcvit errarey iryfoft. He that is refolved to err, is fatis- fcd with Nothing but that which ftrengthens Error. And thefe I leave to fuch Argu- ents and Convi&ions, which the Wifdom id Juftice of Authority fhall judge more pro- r i while I proceed to the jecond Jduery pro- funded, The Why? I come now to the fccond Jittery propounded, >r the managing of this Ujc of Exh il. IVhy ? Or upon what Confi we lay be perfuaded to undertake this v 'o enter into this holy Covenant. \f,\ Henderfon, and M Caryl, Af\ Colem; 302 Firjl Mo- tive. God dijhonoured by our for- mer Viola- tions of Co- venant. Mr. Case'j fecond Sermon^ And the firfi Motive that n engage us hereunto, is the Coj deration, How exceedingly God b been dijhonoured among us9 by all Si of Covenant-Violation^ as hath b< formerly difcovered at large; the avenging whereof, the Anj of the Covenant Hands, as one* the Door of Paradife, with a flaming Swl in his Hand, ready to cut us off, and caft us 5 of this Garden of God • this good Land whi in he hath planted us thus long. I may unto you therefore, concerning ourfelves, once Mofes in another Cafe, concerning am^ Numb. xii. 14. If her Father had but fp\ her Face^ fhould fhe not be afhamed? &c. I" Father had but ipit in our Face by fome infe Correction, ijiould we not be afhamed ? Oi we not to be greatly humbled before How much more, when he hath poured wt 'M us the Fury of his Wrath ^ and it hath burned Ik and the firength of Battle ', and it hath fet on Ft\ round about? Ifa. xlii. 25. Should we not it to Heart, and ufe all Means to pacifie Fiercenefs of his Anger, left it burn down iJ the very Foundations of the Land, and nor be able to quench it ? Yea, Secondly ^K wonderful Mei cy, and an high Favour we ma count it from God, That yet fuc a Sovereign Means is left us for 01 Recovery and Reconciliation. In finite Condefceniion and Goodnel SeccndMo- tivt^ *lhat fuch a Means of Recovery is yd left us. ip is in our God, That after fo man^ fe*rf»| at Taking the Covenant. 303 krful Provocations by cur unhallowed and pcherous Dealing in the Covenant, he will ichfafe, yet to have any Thing to do with that he will yet truji or try us any more, admitting us to renew our Covenant with Majeity, when he might in Jultice rather unto us, as to the Wicked, Plal. 1. 16, 17, at have you to do, that you Jfcould take my Ccrje- it into your Mouths j feeing you hate Inftruftton, Icajf my Words behind you? Certainly, had m broke with us, as oft as we have broke th God, we fhould never truft them any re, but account them as the Off-fcoaring of pikind, the vi J ell, the bafeft that ever trod 311 God's Ground ; and yet that after fo ny unworthy and treacherous Departures •m our God, after fo much Unfaithfulnels I Perfidioufnefs in the Covenant, ( fuch as it lot in the Capacity of one Man to be guilty towards another ) that God ihould lay to ; as once to his own People, Jer. iii. 1. Thou It played the Harlot with many Lovers j yet re- n to me, faith the Lord : Oh, Wonder of ^e Grace 1 Oh, might this Privilege be oi- red to the Apoitate Angels, which kept not < >venant of their Creation, nor coniequent- their firit Eftate, and to the relt of the damn- I Souls in Hell ! Would God fend an An?ei om Heaven to preach unto them a fecond Co- L'nant, upon the laying hold whereon, and ofing wherewith, they might be received in- • Grace and Favour ; how would imned Spirits beftir themfelves ! What rat- ing of their Red-hot Chains ! What ihakingr 3.e>4 Mr. Case's fecond Sermon, of their fiery Locks ! In a Word, What uprore of Joy would there be in Hell, up fuch glad Tidings ! How many gloric Churches, as Capernaum, Bethfatda, the fe\ Churches of Afta, with others in latter Tim have for their Covenant-Violation, been call dos from the Top of Heaven, where once yo in the Beauty and Glory of the Ordinances, the very Bottom of Hell, a dark and dol Condition ; and God hath never fpoken fin Word of Comfort, nor made any fuch offe Recovery, and Reconciliation unto them, he hath done to us unto this Day ? Surely, bath not dealt fo with every People, &c. Lc be our Wifdom, and our Thankfulnefs, to cept of it, with both Hands ; yea, both Hands and Hearts. If God give us He; fuitable to this Price, that is in our Hands, venanting Hearts, as he gives us yet Leave Opportunity to renew our Covenant, it wi tome a blelied Security, that we are not y loll People j and a new Argument of H( that, he intends to do England good. If gle£ted and defpiled, whether this may noi the lafl: Time that ever England lhall hear God, I much doubt, uiflels it be in fuch a VoiS as that is, Ezek. xxiv. 13. I would have hed<, England, and jhe will not he healed j becatife would have purged thee, and thou art not purgei thou Jhalt not be purged from thy Filthinefs at more, till J have can fed my Fury to rejl upt thee. The Lord forbid fuch a Thing ; Fo How fh all we efcape, if we negkcJ fo great Safot tien ? Third! at Taking the Covenant. 305 \Tloirdly, We may be mightily Third Mo- pburaged to this Service, in as five. ich as it is prophelied of, as the It is the Duty and Privilege of Gof- Privilege Times. You fee the Evange- ef Gofpel- fi-Day, is one of thofe Days, Times. lerein this Prophecy and Pro- fe muft 'be fulfilled. And it is the fame Pri- ege and Happinefs which was prophelied of^ ier the Type of the Sticks made one, in the nd of the Prophet EzeheJ, Ezek. xxxvii. 22. For tho' in the literal Senfe, it be to underftood, as it is expreft, of the happy :-union of that unhappily divided Seed of "cob, Jofeph and Ephraim, Ifracl and Judah ; : in a Gofpel Senfe, it is to be applied to the urches of Jefus Chrift, in the latter Days, ich tho* formerly divided, and miferably by unnatural Quarrels, and Wars 3 yet rift the King of the Church, hath a Day erein he will make them one in his own md: The" great and gracious Defign which \ humbly conceive Chrift hath now upon le two Nations, England and Scotland ; even er all their fid Divilions and civil Difcords make them one in his right Hand, to all iterations. And this gives me Aliurance, it the Work ihall go on and profper ; \\ )iper glorioully, it having a Itronger Foun- tion to fupport it, than Heaven and Earth, they are upheld but by a Word of Po:^ 3 But this Work, which is called, the v, and the new Earth, is upheld ! 'ord of Promt fe ^ for, we according to bi 1 l 306 Mr. Case5 s fecond Sermon, mife, look for new Hezi *s, and a new Eart, frsin dwells- h ifatfc? ^ Pet. lii. 13. fay, by a Word 01 Prophecy and Pronufe, v;hi( it leems is ltronger than God himielr y for h Word binds him, lb that he can as loon dei hkrifelf, as deny his Promife. There lhall. ctore an undoubted Accompiiihment :e, Things, which are. told us from the Lot c i. 45, God will find, or make a Peop] who {hall worlhip him in this holy Ordinanc and upon whom5 he will make good all t Mercy and Truth j all the Peace and Salvati which is bound up m it: Only therefore i me caution and beieech you, not to be wanti to yourfelves, and your own Happinefs : you^ fe foes unworthy of fiich a Privilege, A xiii 46. nor rejeel the Conufel of God your own Souls iffintffot againff your .own Mem Luke vii. 30. by withdrawing yourfelves £| this Service, or rebelling againft it. G j exchide nohe^ that do not exclude them f elves. 1 further, this feems to ipeak an Argumem Hope, that the Calling of the Jews^ and 1 nefs of the Gentiles, is not far behind ; in as it] as God begins now to pour out this Prcnufe the Text, upon the Churches^ in a more ei nent Manner, than ever we, or our Fathers! it, in a Gofpel Senfe : And furely, Gofp,. fcrmance muil make way for that ///// and a fal AccomplUhme.it thereof, which lhall ur Ifrael and yudah, 'Jew and Gentile, in one} petual Covenant unto the Lord^ that [hall n - forgotten. The Gofpel Day is nothing elic, the dawning of that great univerfa} Day in Te at Taking the Covenant. 307 text, wherein God will make one glorious Church of few and Gentile -y the Day-Jiar where- f is now rifen in our Horizon : So that I am umbly confident, that the fame Shores ihall ot bound this Covenant, which bound the two ow Covenanting Nations ^ but as it is faid of le Gofpel, fo it will be verified of this Go£ tl Covenant. The Sound thereof will go into all fa Earthy arid the Words of it to the Ends of the rorld, Rom. x. 18. There is a Spirit of Pre- facy that doth animate this Covenant , which all make \ifwip and affivei ftvift to run: fa Word runs very fwittly^ Pfal. cxl vii . 15. And ■pttt, to work Deliverance and Safety, not ply to thefe two Kingdoms, but to all Qther hriltian Churches groaning under,or in danger fthe! Yoke of AntichrilVi an Tyranny, whom od lhall perfuade to join in the lame, or like ilbciation and Covenant. So that me-thinks 1 that travel with the PfahmjFs Delire offa- g the good of God's chofen^ and rejoycing in the 'adnefs of his NMion, and gkrying with his hi- ?ce, Pfal. cvi. 5. will certainly rejoyce in us Day, and in theGoodnefs of God, which ith crowned it with the Accompliihment of ich a precious Promife as here lies before us. /hile none can withdraw from, much I Dpofe this Service, but fuch as k $11 to Z/0*, and would be unwilling e the Ruin and Downfall of Antichriit, hich this blefled Covenant doth fo evidently ireatea U a vrtbJjr* 308 Mr. Case's fecond Sermon, Fourth Mo- Fourthly, This hath been tl troe. Practice of all the Churches- < The £x- God, before, and iince Chrif* ample of the alter their Apoftacies, and Capt Churches- of vities lor tholeApoftaci es and R. God, and coveries out of thele Captivkie: The firft Thing they did, was i cement themfelves to God, by a more clot entire and folemn Covenant, than ever. Nek tniah, Ezra, Hezehah, Jenmiah, Jojiah, wj fc * all bring in clear Evidences to witneis tfc t w Pra£tice. This, latter Churches have learm i G of diem, Germany i France, Scotland, &c. B - what fliall I need to mention the Church* * whenas the God of the Churches took tt iu Courie himfeltj who, when he pleafes to 0 eve; come the God of any People or Perfon, it is G: Covenant j as with Abraham, Gen. xviiJ Behold, I make a Covenant with thee. And wha ever Mercies he bellows upon them, it is, Covenant All the Blellings of GodVPeojj are Covenant Bleffings: TS8& wicked Men,<3 give his left Land, out of the Basket commcr Providence ; but to his Saints, ' difpenfeth with his ! out of the A of the Covenant. I will make an t'wrlaJiingA tenant wi Jkfercies r'Dcwi If a. fv. 3. Yea, which is yet more to our Punxr when tht firft Covenant prov Of the God not, but mifcarried, not by a of the Fault that was in the Coveqai Churches. maker, no nor limply in the f yenanc itfelf ; for, if Man cot ha i at Taking the Qmn 309 ivekept it, it would have given him Lite: (ay, when it was broken, God Dvenant with his People. Net a tenant which I made w. ch y Covenant they bi'ake, &c. But this jhall be c Covenant, &c. I rj:ill put my Law in their ward Parts, and wrin it in their Hearts, and • ill be their Gcd, and ;■ Peo- r, &c. Ter. xxxi. 31. Heb viii. 3. Becaufe ey could not keep the firft Covenant, God ade a fecond that fhould keep them. ( tat while we are making a Covenant ir God, he would pleale to make fuch .* Dvenant with us , To would it be ir deed a rpetual Covenant, that jhould not be forgiAUn. Y«eli, you fee we have a Covenanting God, Covenant-making God,and aCovenunt-renew- gGod j be v. rs rf'Gcd, as dear Chi- min: Let us be a Covenanting People, a Co ve- nt-making, a Covenant-renewing People; id as our God, finding fault with the firft , let imake a ; rpetual Cove- \nt, that (hall never be forgotten, Heb. viii. 8. lotive to quicken us to ■Duty,maybeevrenthePra&ice rtheAntichriftianState,undKing- 1 :ce om y Popery hath been dexter- Pope us to propagate and fpread i tie If aJuil -relates. iy this Means. What elic have een all their Fraternities and Brotherhoods, and dies ; but (o many - ni and ( s politique, comp. V*, whe ai\d Kingdoms 310 Mr. Case'j fccond Sermon , have been fubdqed to the Obedience of the Ri man Mitre? And Prelacy (that Whelp*) hat learned this Policy ot its Mother Papacy ( tha Lionefs ) to corroborate and raiie itlelt to tha height, we have feen and f uffered by theie Ai tificesj while by cloie Combinations amoi* themfelves, and fwearing to their Obedience all the Inferior Priefthood,and Church-Officen by Ordination-Engagements, and Oaths ot Ca nonical Obedience, Qc. a tew have been abl to impofe their own Laws and Canons, upo: h an whole Kingdom ; yea, upon three King \ doms, it being an inconiiderable Company either of Minifrers or People (the Lord b merciful to us in this Thing ) that have ha< Eyes to difcover the Myftery of Iniquity which thefe Men have driven; and much mon inconiiderable, that have had Hearts to oppofi and withftand their Tyranny and Ufurpations • And why may not God make ule of the fanw : Stratagem to ruin their Kingdom, which thej ufed to build it? Yea, God hath feemed tc do it already, while in that Place where the) tail that roaring Canon, and formed then curfed Oath, for the eftablilhing their Bate Prekcy, with its endlefs, &c. to Perpetuity In the * very fame Place hath this Covenant been debated and voted, once, and a fecond Time, by Command of publick Authority, foi the Extirpation of it Root and Branch, and the calling of it out for ever, as a Plant whidl our heavenly Father hath not planted. And • Hbtg Hekrt Vlkh. Chappel. i ai lading ive L/jvcnam. 311 ws, but this may be the Arrow of th# d's Deliverance, which as it hath pierc'd y Heart of Prelacy ; fo it may alfo /e a mortal ?ac>" 'tfelf, of ich : s healed by the whole ilege :ians, (the Jtjhires') who ;dy the Complexion and Health of that Babj- 'an Harlot. [n tncjixtb and laft Place, The Sixth Mo- id Succefs this Courfe hath ti nd in the Churches, may en- The bkfkd urage us with much Cheerful- Since fs (s and Confidence to undertake \s Service. It hath upon it a *abc4 in 0- ybattm c/f-y from all that ever nfciencioufly and religion [} C ed this Remedy. It re< .e State and Church of t] jain, many a Time, when ij ve up the Ghoft • it 3od Correfpondency bet . li the Time it was oi an'3 Epngft diem. Ir Lett* ;c5 from n our Neis; h Tour |)hurch of Scotland^ w ers in recovej 3 frher ijjyficians in Cht i/h 1 I given ver. Ir is very r( in 'tzek i i UtVjj gi2 Mr. Cask's fecond Sermon, the Bond, &c. And I will purge out, &c. Tru I God hath made good this Promife to our Neigl bours $ the Waters of this Covenant have bel a notable Purgation to the Kebels there S hath been a Shibboleth, to dilcover them, a a Sword in the Hand of the Angel ol the C \ ; Venant, to chafe or flay them. The migh Armies of Malignants, whether inbred or i ' reign, tho3 more in Number, and greater Power y have not been able to Hand before"? ^l from the firfl Day till now. The Walls Jericho have fallen flat before it. The D '\' gon ol the Biftiop's Service-Book, broke i - Neck before this Ark of the Covenant Prel » cy and Prerogative have bowed down, ar given up the Ghoft at its Feet : And wll i Changes hath it wrought in the Church at State ! What a Reformation hath follow* at the Heels of this glorious Ordinance ! Ar truly , even among us as poorly and lamelj and brokenly, as it hath been managed amc us5 I may fay thus of it ; It hath kept Life s Soul together ; I am confident, we had give up the Ghoit before this Time, had it not bee ; for this Water of Life. Oh ! what glorioi Succefs might we expeft, if we did make fuc cheerful, iuch holy, fuch confeientious Ac\ s, as becomes the Law of (b folemn al Ordinance ! Truly, could I fee fuch a willinl People in this Day of God's Power, as are herl in the Text, encouraging and engaging onf another, in an holy Conlpiracy. Come, let u\ join ourfehes to the Lord, w a perpetual Cc?e\ wit, &c I have Faith enough to promifj - at Taking the Covenant. 313 ^. prophefie to you in the Name of the Lord, Km xhe Words of his Servant Haggai, Hag. r85 19. From this very Dcy, I will bltfs you. i that you may know oi what Sovereignty Ordinance is j take notice of this tor the )fe of this laft Motive, and this fecond .Query $ t this is the laft Phyfick that ever the Church 11 take or need ; it lies clear in the Text ; it is an everlafiing Covenant ; and therefore laft that ever fhall be made. After the full [ final Accompliihment of this Promife and ty, the Church fhall be of fo excellent a mplexion, that the Inhabitant pall not fay, mjick. : The People that dwell therein, pall forgiven their Iniquity, Ifa. xxxiii laft. The rd make it fuch Phyfick to us for Chrift his And this fhali luffice, &c. ERMON III. n the Sabbath-day in the Morn- ing, being the Firft tfO&ober; Immediately before taking of the Covenant, in Milk- Street Church. Come now to the tbirdQuerv, Tbh And this Inquii \ '.w ? ies itfelf into two Brai 314 Mr. Case5 s third Sermon, f«i- H- » { f:p;;f For the fatisfying of both which, I w fetch as much as may be out of the Tea that fo you may yet further beheld what Pr portion there is between the Duty there, that which lies before us this D$ Anfw. In the firji Place, We mult - Firji, In quire how this Duty may be fo General. naged, that God may accept of u With an the doing of it ? How to Acc< Ordinance tion? Frame of Now in the General, We Heart. know, that this Service being Ordinance of God, it muft be unc taken and managed with an Ordinance Fratm Heart, i. e. according to the Laws and Rj of Divine Worihip, and by how much more facred and iolemn this Ordinance is, fo much the more ought we to call up, provoke the choiceit and heavenlieft of t Affections and Difpcikions of Spirit, wh with we make our Adreifments to the Things of God. tn [fecial. In particular thefe. Frrjl, In Fir (I, We are to come upon th Jitdg- Service, with the moft ponderoi ment. Advifednefs, and moft ierious Del be ration of Judgment, that ma be. It is one of thofe grand Qualificarioi which God himfelf calls for to an Uath. Th (twit fwear in Truth, in Judgment, and in Right onfnefs, Jer. iv. 2. In Truth for the Matte. •and thai we have already examined in the fpi me at Taking the Covenant. 315 Sermon ; in Right eoufnefs, in Reference to peeping of the Oath, ( of which hereafter ) m Judgment, in Refpe£t of the taking or ng ot the Oath, the Thing which we are about, that we fhould well conlider what I And indeed, if at any Time, and in Undertaking, that Advice be ufeiul, Prov. 5. Ponder th$ Path of thy Feet. Ecclef. v. 1. keep thy Poet when thou, enUreji into the k of God ; then certainly it is moil feaibn- , when a People or Perlbn, draw near to c or renew their Covenant with the moil ■ God. And it feems, in the latter of thofe Scrptures, now quoted, Ecclef. v. 1. the Ghoft doth principally refe to this Duty naking Vows and Covenants with God ; econd Verfe doth intimate fuch a Bufinefs, # rafb with thy Mouth, and i v Heart xfty to utter any 3 t To utter O The fourth Vcrie is exprefs, li I ft a Vow unto God, £cc. So that it is ck farpofe of the holy Ghoft in that Place is, j all our holy Services ; fo efpecially in t rows, to Caution nil the People of ( n they draw near toutcerrhcir Vows unto Lord, to manage it with the grcatpft De- ration, and Solidnels of [u iblc ; to Jit down and < es before Hand, / we harr.t y what Rule? ind the blind z . / i. 8. Tf ilind ?h he 5516 Mr. Cask's third Sermon, may 3 for certainly, they that do not fw in 'Judgment , will not, cannot fwear in Rtgi oufnefs ; they that do not make their Vo w» Judgment, will not, cannot pay, or perfc them in Righteoufnefs.. He that fweafs knows not what, will oblerve he cares j how. Incogitant making, will end in une fcionable breaking of Covenant , and it m be, in a curfed Abjuration ot it ; lor rafh iwe ing, is a, precipice to fori wearing, therefore, if any of yqu have not well wei ed this Service, or be any ways uniatisni :i:i in Whole, or in Pares, I advife you to £ lt bear, till your Judgments be better inform '€e] jVbatfcever is not of Faith, is Sin, Rom. xiv. k l & Provided, that this be not done meerly ii v: Pretence to evacle and elude this Service,1 K> - which God and the two Nations call you, fy • here in the Text. Ccms, let us join, &c. Ti — heed of calling a Mift of willing Prejudii :i and affe&ed Ignorance, before your own Ey< ky luch the x\poftle fpeaks of, 2 Pet. iii. 5. I - no other Purpofe, but that your Maligni :--- may fteai away in that Mill undifcovered ; J - be lure, your Sin will find you out. An ing v • nuous Ignorance, and truly confeientious Te U; dernefs, is accompanied with an ingenuous a * 1: confeientidus Ufe of .all Means, for Infonr -.' ticn and Satisfaction ; and to fuch, I make ■■' Queftion, the Minifters of Chrift will be rea( : to communicate what Light they have, for I - : iblving Doubts, removing Scruples, and fat : lying Confcience, whenfoever you ihall nu your Addrefles tor that Purpofe. In the me Tinn at Taking the Covenant. 317 ie, if there be any, that under Pretence of atisfiedneis, do lhua the Duty and Inibr- ion too 3 they will be found, bun to mock 1, and Authority j to whofe Juftice and rdom therefore, I mult leave tiiem. God 3 his People, when he joins himfelf to them, nil marry thee to my feif\ in BJghteouCnefs^ Judgment^ Hofea 11. 19. How in Judg- r? Becaufe God confiders what he does, en he takes a People or Perfon to himfelf; that God chufeth for any Wealth or Worth the Creature, Faith forefeen, or Works' cfeen j but that finding it (on the contrary) )r and beggarly, and undone, and forefee- • what it is like to prove, crooked and fro- rd, unreachable and untraceable ; he fits am, to fpeak after the Manner of Men, and liiders, what Courfe to take, and what it is to coft him, to make them fuch a People, ae may delight in, and then confuting with Trealures, and finding he hath wherewithal bear their Charges, and to bring about his rn Ends ; he refolves to take them, and irry them to himielf, whatfoever it coil him. le Refult of fuch a Confultation you may ^d, dropt from God's own Pen, And I f*idy pw (kail I put thee among the Children^ and gtve ee a pie a f ant Land, a goodly Heritage^ the Hofts Nations? Jer. iii. 19. Here is God's wife ^liberation upon .^ter: How /ball 1 m? &c. That is, how fhall I do this ? But |multdo it to mine own Diihonour; lor I iee Hand whar e , thou w ilt e the fame tlvue\ ... 3i8 Mr. Case's third Sermon, as adulterous, as unliable, as backflidin;| ever, &c. It is not a pleaiant Land, a god Heritage, that will make thee better. Wl after iome Paufe, God was reiolved wh da; And Ifaid, hear his Reiblution, Tbo< call me, My Father, and jh alt not turn aw a me: That is, as if he had laid, I will tak Courfe with thee, I will firlt give thee Heart of a Child, Thou pah call me, My | ther j and then I will give thee the Inheri of a Child, a geediy Heritage, &c. And Milv c I have done, I will not leave thee to thyd tiei bun I will knit thee tomyfelf, by an in iC folvible Union. / wiU put my Spirit into tbeed p ■ And thou Jhalt not turn away from me, Ifa. lixj ot There is God's wife Reiblution j he refci \% to do all himielf, and then he is fure it wilw % fail his Expectation j he undertakes it. I | jkalt call me, My Father, and jhalt not turn from meA Thus God, when he marrieth People to himfelf, doth it in Judgment. therefore, Be ye Followers of God, as dear ■ dren, Eph. v. i. And lince you come about the Counter-part of the fame W< namely, to joy or marry your felves to do it in Judgment. Confider well what y *do y t and among other Things, iince ycu i\ fo poor, and nothing in your felves, as y have feen in the opening of this precious Scri ture, Jer.jixi. 19. Bethink your ieives, you will have Strength and Sufficiency make good this great and folemn Engag with your God. But of this more after. &t Takin* the Covenant. 319 proceed to the fecond Qualifi- 7he fecond ion or Dire&ion. latijica- kcondly^ See that you come to // Service with a reverential Frame Holy Fear. Spirit, with that holy Fear and /, upon your Hearts, as becomes the Great- is and Holinefs of that God, and that Ordi- 1 ice, with whom you have to do 3 remem- ng that you are this Day to fwear before xi, by God, to Gcd: Either of which, gly confidered, might juftly make us fear i tremble 3 How much more may this three- d Cord bow, an i bind our Hearts down an humble, and holy Profternation ? It is 3 1 Jacob , Gen. xxxi. 53. He / tin 1 bis Father Ifaac. J*cob in his Oath fcth this Title of Fear, to give unto God, fhe w with what Fear he came 3 but to fwear "this God, what (hould we do ; when, as f p, we come to fwear by him, and to him ? irely, when he is fo efp^cialiy the Obje£t of tr Oath, he (hould then efpecially be theOb- ft of our Fear. The ( ation of that finite Diftance between God and Us, may Onderfully advantage us towards the getting four Hearts into this holy Pcrflure. Great that Diftance, that is be ig and a eggar- and yet, there reacure; greater is thit D between .a and K. nd yet theie, but C? ire and ( rfie et itiil, rhere is but f ■ut now the Diftance vv..r is b 320 Mr. Caes's third Sermon, us, is infinitely wider; for behold, there the Mighty, Almighty Creator, before whom the Nations are but as a Drop of a Bucket, t the [mall Daft of the Ballancc, Ifa. xl. 15. A the poor nothing Creature Vanity, and all \ ther lighter than Vanity, Pfal. lxii/9. And y 'f this is not all 3 yea, this is the fhorteft Me fure of that Diftance, whereof we {peak 3 Diftance of Creator and Creature -> lo, it is ft between God and the Angels in Heaven, the Spirits of juft Men made per f eft :, in refj whereof, the Pfalmifi&ixh of God, PfaL c: 6. He humbleth himjelf to behold the Things are in Heaven : It is a Condefcenfion for infinitely glorious Being, who dwells in fell, and is abundantly Satisfied in the beh ing of his own uncompreheniible Excelled to vouchfafe to look out of himfelf^ and hold the Things that are in Heaven; the of thofe glorious Inhabitants that ftand roi about his Throne ; who therefore, confcf of that infinite Diftance wherein they ft make their AddrefTes with the greateft abafements, covering their Faces, and aa^ themf elves down upon thofe heavenly Pavemi Rev. iv. 8,9, io, 11. But behold upon poor Wretches, that dwell here below, thefeHoufes of Clay, there is found that whit widens this Diftance beyond all Expreffion < Apprehenfion; Sin fets us farther beneath Worm, than a Worm is beneath an Angel, had almoft faid ( bear with the Exprefiion, ufe it, becaufe no othel* Exprelfion can re3< it ) Sin fets us as much beneath our Creatur fri at Taking the Covenant. 321 fip, as our Creatureftiip fets us beneath the t eator. Surely, there is more of God to be in in the worlt of a Creature, than there is >a Creature to be ieen in the beft of Sin ; there nothing vile and bafe enough under Hea\ en, make a Simile of Sin. And now therefore, if it be fuch a Conde- niion for the great God to behold the Things it are in Heaven , how infinite Condefcenli- is it, to behold the iinful Things that are Earth ! And if iinlels Saints, and fpotlefs igels, do tender their Services, which yet : as fpotlefs as their Perfons, with fuch reve- itial Deportment j what Abhorrency, and f-annihilation, can be fufficient to accom- ly our Approaches to this God of Holinefs, filch high and holy Engagements, in whom^ len God looks out of himlelt, he can behold thing, beiides our Creaturelhip, of our own, t that which his Soul hates ! Heb. xii. 2b, . Let us therefore have Grace, thereby we may PGcd acceptably, in this fo excellent an Or- [ice, with Reverence and godly Ftar $ for our* is a confnming Fire. The acceptable ferv- 5 of God, is with Reverence and godly Fear. le Lord teach us to bring Fear, that fo we iy find Acceptation. Again, in the third Place, To The t). at End, labour to appr\ ves to God in this S in the nd Since 1 1 The want of this, ( the Charge of the - per Du .his now" 322 Mr. Case*5 third Sermon, now before us, They lied to hi?n with thei Tongues : For their Heart was not right with him neither were they jtedfaft in his Covenant, Pfa lxxviii 365 37. And this flood between ther and their Acceptance : God tells the Prophe Ezekiel as much -y Son of Man, thefe Men hen fet up their Idols in their Hearts, and put tk Stumbling-block of their Iniquity before their Fact fhould I be enquired of at all by them ? Ezel xiv. 3. They come with their Hearts full* their Lulls j fo many Lulls, fo many Idok and for this God refuleth to be enquired of b them : Should I be enquired of? is as much I will not be enquired of &c. It is a Dent with Difdain j Should I? Or if they be io in oudent to enquire, he wrill not anfwer; or le give them an Anfwer, it fhall be a cold ont le will give them their Anfwer at the Doo: setter none -y Twill anfwer them according to t Multitude of their Idols, Verfe 4. and 7 /. according to the Merit of their Idolatry : TI bring the Matter of their own Damnation wfj them, * and they fhall carry away nothing e from me, but the Anfwer or Objignation of tl Damnation. Oh ! it is a dangerous Thing, bring the Love of any Sin with us to the On nances of God; If I regard Iniquity in 1 Heart, the Lord will not hear my Prayer, Pfi. lxvi. 18. And fo may we fay to our o\i Souls j If I regard Iniquity, the Lord will d accept my Perfon, he will not regard my Covena] * Calvin. Super hunc locum. Jfferant materiam fuae dt^ natiotois. &c^ at Taking the Covenant. 323 |God fee any Thing ly nearer our Hearts tan himfelf, he will lcorn us, and our Sen ices. therefore you would be accepted, out with fir Idols > caji out the Love of Sin out of your *arts j Gen. xxxv. 2. and be upright with your )d in this holy Undertaking. It is the main ratification in the Text ; They /hall enquire the >y to Zion, with their Fares thitherward, i. e. Sincerity, with Uprightnefs of Spirit, with t full Set and Bent of their Souls : As it is d ot Chrift , when he went to his Palfion, jtedfaftly fet his Face to go up to Jt Be ix. 51. He went with all his Heart to crucified j with a ftrong Bent of Spirit. Be- red, we are not * to crucifying Jlork, nlefs it be to crucifle theFlejb >and Lufts ) but to marriage-Work ; to join our xs to the Lordy in an evcrlajling'C ,&c. t us do it with our Faces Zion-ward ; yea, let WAfajily fet our Faces Reform ation-wav \i ', and men-war d, and God-ward, an&Chrifl-ward, ch whom we enter Covenant this Day. A in may enquire the Way to Zflftl, with his ■ward Babylon ; a People or Perfon may er Covenant with God, with their Hearts me-ward, and Rartb^matd^ and.'. , and Friends, look to your Hearts. •e9 faid Jacobin) * will feel hall feem to him as c mocks^ a a Cttrfe upon mc, and net a 1. 12. Without all Pcrad\ y, Our Father will feel us ; for he ch all Hearts, and under;1 the nations of the Thoughts. It we be found X z 324 Mr. Case5 j third Sermon , as they that mock, fhewing much Love w our Mouths, while our Hearts are far fr< him, we fhall bring a Curfe upon ourfelv< yea, and upon the Kingdoms alfo, and nc Blefling. It isN reported to the Honour of • dab, in the Day of their Covenanting w their God 3 %'bey had [worn with all their He* and with their whole Dejire, 2Chron. xv.. And their Succels was anfwerable to their 5 rl cerity; for fo it follows, And the Lord \ Ic found of them, and gave them Reft round ab Oh ! that this might be our Honour and Ha I nefs in this Day, of our lifting ttp our Hana dci the moft high God, that God might not fee it a double Heart, an Heart, and an Heart, as ;; Hebrew expreifeth it, /. e. one Heart. for ( Ik and another for our Idols ; one Heart lor Ch :ii and another for Antichrift, &c. but he might , us a Jtngle, upright hearted People, without 1 ;, Mixtures and Compofttion, for he loves Tn i e. Sincerity, in the inward Parts j that ;v finding fuch Sincerity as he looks for, we might find fuch Succels as we look for , S ; ty and Deliverance to both the Nations ; ] :;; that both in refpect of our Sincerity and £ :-; cefs, that might be made good upon us, th* . fp6ken to the eternal Honour of that good K - Hezekiah, 2Chron. xxxi. laft. And in e Work that he began in the Service of the h • of God, and in the Law, and in the Comm ments to feek his God, he did it with all Heart, and prospered. Univerfal Sincerir accompanied with univerfal Profperity ; ; i he did, he was upright ^ and in all he did profpc at Taking the Covenant. 325 ofpered. Brethren, whatever you want, be re you want not Sincerity -y let God fee >u fully fet in your Hearts, to take all from d, and to give all to Jefus Chrift ; Me-thinks lear God faying unto us, According to your Up- rbtnefS) fo be it unto you. In the fourth Place, If you The fourth juld be accepted by God in this 6)ualifica- ly Service, labour to make God tion3 or >ur End. It is your Pattern in Direftion^ I Text, They fjall go and fee k the Make God rdy\t was not now howling upon our End. m Beds for Corn and Wine^ as rmerly ; of which God fays, They cried not tome^ Hofeavii. 14. /. el they did not make xl the End ot their Prayers ; as elfewhere >d tells them. Whenyefajied and mourned in 1 fijth and feventh Month ^ even thofe feventy ars, did ye fafi to me^ even unto me ? Zech. L 5. In feventy Years, they keptfevenfeore tits in Babylon , and yet amongft them all, Br kept not one Day unto God ; for tho5 the Uty look'd upon God, they that did the Duty, i not look upon God; that is, they did not c up God as their chief End, in failing and aying : They mourned not io much for their n» as lor their Captivity ; or, it for their Sin, ■ mourned for ic nor lb much as God's Dif- mour, as the Caufe of their Capcivity ; they troubled To much, rhar they had by God, as that God 1/ his Jud . They lulled and prayed, ra- ler to ;;et off their Chains, than to get otY their 326 Mr. Case'j third Sermon, Sins j to get rid of die Bondage of the Ba lonians, than to get rid oi the Servitude ofrt own bafe Lulls. But now, bleifed be G it was other wile : The Children *] Iirael J, come, they and the Children of Judah togetil To what End ? They Jhall feek the Lord, they ihall feek God for himfelf, and not o for themielves i going and weeping ; Why ? ] fo much, that he hath offended them, as J they have offended him ; for their Sins, m than ior their Punishments ; io it is more ftinctly reported, Jer. iii 21. c A Voice c heard upon the high Places, Weeping i c Supplications of the Children of Ifrael-A c caui'e they have perverted their Way5 c have feriaken the Lord their God.3 had forgotten God before, not only in Sins, but in their Duties ; They cried m me j they fafted not to me -3 not at all unto me, But now they remember the Lord their G^ they feek his Face 3 they labour to atone hfl yea, they leek him to be their Lord, as 1 as their Saviour j to govern them, as well' to deliver them^ They ask the Way to Zi they require as weil, and mere, how tt fhould ferve him, as that he fhould fave the The Lord is cur Judge, the Lord is our Lazv-gf* the Lord is our King, he will fave us, Ifa. xxx 22. Beloved Christians, let us write after t Copy, and in this great Bulinefs we have Hand, let us feek God, and feek him, a Fountain of Hoiinefs, as well as a Fount; of Happinefs. Take we heed of thofe ba low, Dung-hill End?, which prevailed uj t :.: at Taking the Covenant. 327 yie Shechemites, to enter into Covenant with fue God of the Hebrews, Shall not their Cattle \d Subftance be ours? Let the two Nations, (id every Soul in both the Nations, that lift y the Hand to the moft high God, in this holy cague and Covenant, take heed of, and ab- 3r luch unworthy Thoughts, if they ihould 5 crowding in upon this Service, and fay un- ) them, as once Chriit to Peter, Get thee be- fid me, Satan 3 thou favour eft not of the Things *at be of God, but of the Things that be of Men. ou may remember how it fared with Hamor, id his Son Shcchem, and their People, to whom ley propounded thefe bafe Ends. God did not nly difappoint therp of their Ends, but deftroy lem for them ; their Aims were to get the hbrews Subltance and Cattle, but they loft leir own, with their Lives to boot j For it wie to pafs on the third D n they were we, two of the & .cob, Simeon and Levi, £ihe upon the C all the :c. A>; ) came upon ?, and fpoiled ti y took ti mep, andti lallth^ \ Gen. xxiv. 25, 27, 2S, 29. A moft horrid and iloody Treachery and Cruelty n, Gen. :lix. 5, 6, 7. which llai a Brand oi In- amy upon their Foi lis Day ; but a .noli juftand n God, and .Caution to alllucceeding Generations, ofpco -•ting he iv Ordinances, to thly and feniual Ends. Oh! let it be our nonitien, come7 to the ,; X 4 328 Mr. Case^ third Sermon, as they alfo tempted, 1 Cor. x. 9, 1 1. For if G io much abhorred, and lb ieverely punifh thefe worldly Refpects in the Men of Worlds it" God was fo angry with pq purblind Heathen, wtio had no other Light \ their Guide, but the glimmering Light of N ture i how will his Anger not only kindl but flame in the avenging of fuch Balenefs up Cbriftians, a People of his own, who havet glorious Light of the Gofpel of Jefus Chri to difcover to them higher and heavenlier En and References ? So that fuch a Kingdoi People, or Perfon, that fhould dare to brii iuch bale carnal Ends, to fo fpiritual and divi a Ccntra£t, fhould be made a Monument of tl Wrath and Vengeance of Divine Juftice , ai while they propound to themfelves Safety, < Riches,* or Greatnefs, from {ugh an excel! Ordinance, God makes it by a itrange, but righteous Hand, an Occafion of Mifery at - Ruin to them, and their Posterity* to mar Generations. Chriitians, labour to fet up God in tli Day and Duty, wherein you engage yoi felves fo nigh unto him; and if you wott have heavenly Bleflmgs, fee that you pre pound and piirfue heavenly Ends and Aim* left, while you come to make a Covenant wit God, you commit Idolatry againft him. Wha foever we make our ultimate and higheil En< we make our God : If therefore you carinc c God your fole, your only End; yett lure you make him your choiceft, your chie. eft End i keep Gocfin hi3 own Place $ and 1< at Taking the Covenant. 329 k Self-refpects whatfoever vail to his Glory, pording to that great Rule, Whether you eat drinks or whatever yen doy do all to the Glory God, 1 Cor. x. 1. Fifthly , To do this Bufinefs to Ac- Fifthly, tatwn, we mull do it cheerfully : With 1 God loves a cheerful Giver , fo Cheerful- loves a cheerful Hearer, a cheer- nefs. Petitioner, and a cheerful Cove- nter -9 and you have it in the Text K.oo,Comey us ; there is their Readinefs and Cheerfulnefs the Work 3 as it was that for which the jollle doth commend his Macedonians in ano- Jervice, 2 Cor. ix. 7. This they did, not as id, but fir ft gave themflves to the Ltrd, £or. viii. 5 So thefe, they give themfelves God, of their own accord, Cow-. 1! that the Minifters of the Gofpel might ive Occaiion to make the fame Boail of j ncerning this folemn Ordinance before you, fit they might fay and rejoyce, that you were ■pople, that gave your ft foes to the Lord, and So the Work ot Reformation, not by a Par- Jfrttary Fear, or by our MtmJU fts -, but above our Hopes, and beyond our xp' stations j of your own accord. Sec wl fonder, not only ot Cheerfulheft, but of »d Triumph, is recorded of the Jews in K Time, in their taking of the Coved 15. cIhey 330 Mr. Case j third iSermon^ Mulct, a capital Cenfure ena£ted, againfl the U that fhould refufe, and rejeft this Ordinanc ;. Verie 13. They fhould be put to Death, whetk great or finally whether Man or Woman. A ve. \ grievous Cenfure j but it feems there was n< ther Need, nor Ule of it s For all Judah rejoyc at the Oath -, the People looked upon this Sc i vice, not as their Preliure, but as their Prn lege y and therefore came to it, not with Co ^ tentednefs only, but an holy Triumph, and faved the Magiitrate and themfelves the L bour and Charges, of executing that Senten on Delinquents. Oh! that this may be yo 'V Wifdom and Honour ,' that whatever. Penal ^er the Honourable Parliaments of either Natio fhall in their Wifdom think fit to proportiil.. to' the grievous Sin of rebelling agaiqft tit Covenant of the Lord ; ( And it feems by Inftance before, that whatfoever Penalty fhall ordain lefs than Death, will not be Jul only, but Moderation} I fay, whatever fhall be, it may be rendred ufelefs and inv| by the Forwardnefs and Rejoycings of an oBl dient People. That all England, as well J Scotland, would rejoyce at the Oath, and fwej with all their Hearts, $3c. For certainly will not be lo much our Duty as our Prerogl tive, as 1 have fhewed you before, to entj into Covenant with God and his People. It f the Day of God's Power: The Lord make ydj a willing People, Pfal. ex. 3. And as a Teflj mony of this Willingnefs and Joy, imitate tlj People here in the Text, and llir up one an« ther, and provoke one another to this hoi Servic. at Taking the Covenant. 331 'rrvice. Let us join our [the* to the Lord, &c. ;hey exprefs their Charity, as well as their »v j they would not go to Ziyn alone ; they .11 as many as they meet, with them ; Corae^ \ us pin our /elves to the Lord. Oh, that this ht be your Temper! It is the very Cha- :er of the Evangelical Church ; both as aiah and Micah have defcribed it; their /"ords be the fame. Many People (hall go and y, Come ye, and let us go up to the Mountain the Lord) Ifa. ii. 3. Micah i v. 2. Oh! that Ihile Neutrals and Malignants do difcourage ie another, and fet off one another, and i Hi- tter one anothers Spirits; God and his Mi- lters might find you encouraging each other, id provoking one another, and labouring to f\ one anothers Spirits, to this ( as other^ ofpel Duty and Prerogative ; God could not uie, but be much pleafed with fuch a ght. I might have made this a diftinft Qualifica- on, but for Brevity fake, I couch under this Head. I come to the i f. If you would be accepted, bring I'tficatton. aith with you to this Service : And Faith in lat in a fourfold Reiere: Re r God. To ^ ^v Ordinance. ) Our fches. C Jcfus Cbrifl. ?, In Reference unto God; 1. Ta that will come to Gcd, in any G lance, viujt tdicvc that God is, 332 Mr. Case5 s third Sermon, and that he is a Rcwarder of them that diligerii feek htm, Heb. xi. 6. There is nothing G< takes better at his Peoples Hand, than wh they come with their Hearts as full of gcx Thoughts of God, as ever they can hold 3 fu< as, Lo, this is our God, we have waited for hit and he will five us ; we have waited for hii we will be glad, and rejoyce in his Salvation, L xxv. 9. He will fave, we will be glad, i God will undoubtedly give us Occalion Gladnefs, and Triumph in his Prailes O fweet and bleffed Confidence of Divine Goo. riefs ! How well doth this become the Chi '; dren of fuch a Father, who hath ftiled himfe the Father cf Mercies ? Good Thoughts of Go do mightily pleafe, and even engage God { lhew Mercy to his People. Let us t her eft cuhc with* Eoldnefs to the Throne of Graces evi in this Ordinance slfo,that we may obtain Merc and find Grace to help us in this Time of our Nee Heb. iv. 16. 2. To the Secondly, Let us bring Faith Ordi- Reference ta the Duty , as we a nance. to believe well of God, fo we a to believe well of the Duty, th it is an Ordinance wherein God will be lanfl fied, and iound of them that leek him. It is n enough, that we feek him in his Ordii^anc but thiic we believe it to be his Ordinanq Rom. aiv. 23. Whatever is not 'of Faith, is Sii He fpeaks n< faith, that doth juftifie tl a Faith, that doth juftifie tl Performance ; that is, a through Convkfti< cf Ccnlcieace^ that the Work., whatioever L'C I at Taking the Covenant. 333 I is fuch as the Word will bear me out in it, ■ jh as God himfelfdoth approve. To do doubt- lly, is to do linfully j an ignorant Perfoa nnot pleafe God. Thirdly, Bring Faith in Reference 3. In Re- your own Perfons ^ believe that ference to od will accept of them in this Or- oarferjes. nance $ whatever your Succefs all be in regard of the Kingdom, yet you all find Acceptance in regard of your Per- ns: So the Churchy Ifa. lxiv.5. Thou mecteft m that njcycethy and worketh Right eoufnefs^ vfe that remember thee tn thy Ways. When a cople or Perlon can fay, as the Church in aother Place, Ifa. xxvi. 8. In the Way of thy 'udgments, have we waited for thee, O Lord ; 7e Dejire of our Soul is to thy Name., and to the [emembrance of thee. God will not flay till ley come unto him, but he will meet them lalf-way ; Thou meet eft him, &c. like the Fa- tier of the Prodigal, while they are yetHalf- /ay, he will fee, and run, and meet, and ill upon their Neck$ and whild they w eep at is Feet, Tears of Contrition ; he will weep >ver their Necks, the Tears of Compaflion : )h ! ftir up your lelves, and en ttlr Faith o believe, and expe£t a grac ntercain- iient. If God fee you ; in the Iriteg .nd Uprightnels of your Hearts, to enter into Jovenant with God, to take him as yoiirGo I, md to give up yourfelves to be hi e, to :ake a I from Sin, and to give all t>> Chrift • he will certain! ■. 11 at •'our Hands, and lay unto you. m :;: 334 Mr. Case' j third Semon, and welcomes I will be ymr God, and you pall my People ± which that you may not mils of. In the fourth Place, Come belie 4. In Re- ingly, in Reference to Jefus Chru ference to be lure you bring a Chriit with yo Jefus for he hath inade us accepted in' 1 chrift. Beloved, Eph. i. 6. Come without Chrift, and go without Acceptanc The Day of Atonement among the Jews, w called dies Cippurim, the Day of Expiatito and the Word Cippurim, is derived trom Hebrew Root, that iignifies to Cover-, and the Day of Atonement, was as much as to fir r The Day of Covering ± the Covering of Nakedne} 1 as Rev. iii. 18. and the Covering of Sin, as Pis . xxxii. 1. Bleffed is the Man whofe TranfgreJJt is forgiven, and whofe Sin is covered'. In wh» very Name of the Day, the Ground or Reafi is held forth, why it was called a Day of Aton merit, foil, becaufe it was a Day of Coverin wherein Chrift was typified, who is the Cove -: ing of the Saints $ the long white Robes of I j Righteoufnefs, covering both their Perfons ar - Performances , fo that the Nakednefs of neitto doth appear in the Eyes of his Father 3 He ha\ beheld no Iniquity in Jacob 3 neither hath je Perverfenefs in Ijrael, Numb, xxiii. 21. Why Not becaufe there was no Iniquity in Jacob, ( Perverfenefs in Ifrael, for there was hardly ar Thing elie j but becaufe their Iniquity and Pe verfenefs was hid from his Eyes, being cover* with the Mantle of his Son's Righteoufnefs, tl Meffiah, which he had promifed, and they : much looked for. Let us therefore in tji Servio at Taking the Covenant. 335 fc,rice, as in all, Put on the Lord Jeffs, Rom. [j 14. That as Jacob in the Garments of his \i Brother Efau, fo we in the Garments of elder Brother Jefus, may find Acceptance, obtain the Bleffing. jid thus much be fpoken concerning the fir ft nch of this third Query, How to Accept a- come now to the fecond Branch t, and that is, How to Perpetui- Or, how may we perform this vice, k that it may be an ever- 'ng Covenant , that may never befor- tn? Co that End, take thefe few brief 'effions, and I have done. hrjl, Labour to come to this Set- s'with much Soul- Afflict ion, for ncr Violations of the Covenant, ei- r in refilling, or profaning, or break- thereof: The Foundations muft laid low, where we would build many Generations. In what :p Sorrows had you need to lay foundations of this Covenant, which you uld have ftand to Eternity, that it may be everlafirn int, &c. This you have in Text j They (hall feek the Lord, going and fbing ; weeping in the Senfe ot^ their -belli ■ Apoftacies, whereby rhey I ted their Faith, and brake their C< th the Lord their God j and it was no oraf- ry flight Bulinefs they made of it: A I How to Perpetui- ty? Directi- ons. 1. Get Soul-Af- fiittionfor former Covenant- Violati- ons. 336 Mr. Case'^ third Sermon^ was heard upon the high Places , Weeping and St plication, &c. Jer. iii. 21. They were not a ft, iilent Tears : No, they lift up their Voices a wept , as was faid of Efau, &c. They cried loud, that they were heard a great way c A Voice was heard upon the Mountains 5 and was as bitter, as it was loud 3 A great Mom ing, as the Mourning of Hadadrimmon in Valley of Meggiddon, Zech. xii. 11, 12. nm all Judah, Jerufalem, Jeremiah the Prophi and all the Singers, bewailed the Death of th: good King Joftah, with a grievous Lamen* tion, and made it an Ordinance for ever, & 2. Chron. xxxv.. 24, 25. Oh ! that as we ha their Service in Hand, fo we had their He; and their Hearts, to manage it with Rivers Tears, for our former Vilenefs j that we coi ::.: weep this Day together, and afterward apa as it is prophefied, Zech. xii. 13. Every Fat * ly apart , and our Wives apart ; yea, and eve Soul apart, that we have dealt fo evilly fo good a God ; fo unfaithfully with fo far ful a God j that we could put our Mou * the Dull, and fmite upon our Thigh, and afhamed and confounded, for all the Wick« nefs we have committed againit God ancj Covenant, in any, or all thefe Ways. S a Pofture God will fee us in, before he \ fhew us the Way to Zion-^ before he will iti to us the Model and plat-Form of Reform; on ; for fo was his Charge to Ezekiel, Ez xiiii. 11. If they be afhamtd of all that theyh done, fhew them the Forms of the Houfe, ani\ Fajhion thereof and the goings our thereof and com at Taking the Covenant. 337 wings in thereof, and all the Forms thereof , and \the Ordinances thereof, and all the Forms there- f and all the Laws thereof, and write tt in their kt, &c. Surely, this blefled Prophecy hath Eye upon our Times, tor this is one ol thofe ys, as I told you before, wherein God w ill ke good thefe gracious \Vrords unto his Peo- y and God hath called together his Ezekiels, Mimfiers, to Jhew the Houfe, ;. e. the Form \\ Pattern of the Evangelical Houfe or Churchy 30 the Houfe of England and Scotland ; S.' Houfe to the Houfe of Ilrael, that they may be amed, Verfe 10. That is, fhew them the fide thereof, Ihew them, that there is fuch a ufe, which they never yet beheld with their ts, that they may be humbled and alhamed their former Idolatries, $$c. And thus do r Ezektels tell us, There is a Way of Gofpel vemment, of fuch Beauty and Excellency, as : Eyes never yet beheld, nor the Eyes of : Forefathers , to the End, that we may be amed of all o'urlbrmer Idolatries and Su- ctions, our monftrous Mixtures ot Per I hill-ivor/hip in the Ordinances of Chrilt • I that we have not iooner enquired after the nd of Chrift, how he will be worlhipped in 1 ui>: But now, unlcfs we be alhamed, ceply and throu^hlv humbled, for all we have done unworthy of Chrift and his p, and the Covenant of our God ; we fee the inlide, that is, th< and ' ii nances, and the Fornix and curious ; lor io the il Repetition of the Words imp Y The 1^ a. 338 Mr. Case5 j third Sermon, The Prophets are not to reveal thefe unto u« unlefs we be afhamed; God will either1 with draw them from us, or which is worfe, with draw himfelf from them ; fo that our Eye fhall never behold the Lord in the Beauty < Holineis -> we Hull not be admitted to lee dp- Beauty and Glory ot luch a Ref ormation, \ our Souls long for. And as God will fee 1 in this Pofture, before he reveal to us the Mj del and plat Form of Reformation j fo alfi till we be in luch a Pofture of deep Hurnl tion, for our former Abominations, we ftia !: never be ftedfaft and faithlul in the Cov£na u of God. Till our Hearts be throughly brokt ^ for Covenant- Breach, we will not pafs mu« '-: for breaking Covenant, upon every ire Temptation. Yea, till that Time we be hut i: bled, not for a Day only, and fo forth : B unlefs we labour to maintain an habitual Frar lii of godly Sorrow upon our Hearts ; for 0 :; Covenant-Violations, fhall we ever be to Pii k pofe confcientious of our Covenant ? A i : Remembrance of old Sins, is a fpecial Meg •• to prevent new. When every folemn Reme; :: brance of former Vilenefs, can fetch Te; -: from our Eyes, and Blood frdm our Hear and fill our Faces with an holy Shame, t Soul will be holily lhy of the like Abomh tions, and of all Occafions and Tendenc thereunto. Remcmbring mine Afflrtiion and Mifery, the Wormwood and the Gall. My 15 hath them ft ill in Remembrance, and is / within me, Lam. iii. 19, 20. When old £ coft dear, new Sins will not find an eafie I tertainme: at Taking the Covenant. 339 rtainment. When old Sins are new Affli£ti- when the Remembrance of them is as irmwood and Gall, the Soul will not eaiily bewitch'd to drink a new Draught ot that yfoned Cup any more. Chriftian, believe , or thou mayeft find it by Experience too je, when thou haft forgot old Sins, or canft nember them without new Affii&ion of Soul, }u art near a Fall , look to thy felf, and cry God, lor preventing Grace. There will great Hopes we fhall be faithful in our new tenant, when we come with a godly Senle d Sorrow tor our Abufe of old, and labour maintain it upon our Spirits. But fo much for the firft Dire&ion , I come the fecond. Secondly ', If you would have this 2. Direfii- wenant to be a perpetual Cove- on. it, labour to fee old Scores croft •> See old not only mourn for thy Cove- Scons nt-Unfaithfulnefs -y but labour to crojl. t thy Pardon written and fealed thee in the Blood of the Covenant. There Vertue enough in the Blood of the Gove- rn:, to expiate the Guilt of thy Sins againft e Covenant. / will fprinklc clean Water upon , and you jhall be clean \ from all your Filth;- }, and from all your Idols, will I cleanfe you, ek. xxxv i. 25. Their Sins of Idolatry, were is efpecially againlt their Covenant 5 Idola- r' being the Violation of the Marriage-Knot, en God and a People j yet ram em doth God promife to Jennie them, upon ^eir Repentance and Convcriiuu. The Blood Y 2 ft T 340 Mr. Case' s third Sermon, of the Covenant , compared to Water, for tl I cleaniing Vertue thereof, fhould cleanle the :- from their Covenant Defilements. Ihc Blood ye fas Chrift, clean feth us front all Sin, 1 jo) .„ j. 7. Thou haft played the Harlot with ma ■ Lovers ; yet return again to me, faith the Lot "* Jer. iii. 1. It is a mighty Encouragement' renew our Covenants with God, that he is ' ready to pardon the Breach of old j and t Senfe of this Pardon is a mighty Engatremei >[ and ftrengthning, to keep our new Covenan -j Oh 1 for God to lay to a poor Soul, Be of k , cheer, thy fms be forgiven thee, Matth. ix. '" And I have blotted out thy Sins as a Cloud, c thy TranfgreJJions as a thick Cloud, Ifa. xliv. \ Jer xxxi. 18. All thy Unkindneltes,and Unfait tulneffes, thy treacherous Dealings againft t Covenant,^, fhall be forgotten, they fhall do tl no Harm, &c. This will mightily ftrengtl; the Hands, and tbrtifie the Heart, and e^ make it impenetrable and impregnable agai all the Sollicitations, and Importunities of c Temptations : See a notable Inftance of t* Hofea xiv. 4. I will heal their Backft-tding, will love them freely y for mine Anger is fur away from him. Verfe 5. / will be as the Z! to lfrael, &c. Verfe 6. His Branches Jl fpread, &c. Verfe 7. They that' dwell un his Shadow, pall return, Sic. What folic thefe gracious fromifes ? Why, Ephraim h fay, What have I to do any more with Ido He that before was fo unfeparably joim Idols, thatiie could not be divorced from th< .JLphraith is joined to Idols, Chap. iv. 17 X3 1 'A at Taking the Covenant. 341 d;xu 18. All the Blows that God gave him, to5 God ihouid have beaten him to Pieces, as himfelf afterward confefs'd, could not beat ti off from his Idols , infomuch, that God length gave him ove^, as an hopelefs Child. )bratm is joined to Idols, let him alone. Yet no 3ner doth this Epbraim hear of a Pardon, and the Love of God to him ^ but the Bonds be- een him and his Idols are diilblved, and ray he thruits them with Indignation, Epb- I all fay , What have I to do with Idols? • as the Prophet Ifaiab expreffeth it, Ifa. x. 22. Te pall defile, the Covering of the graven ages of Silver , and the Ornament of thy molten ages of Gold , thou (bait cafi them away as a n/lriious Cloatk, thou (halt fay unto it, Get thee And thus it is with a People, or a Per- 1, when once Gcd (beds abroad his Law tn tr Hearts, Rom. v. 5. and makes them hear y and Gladnefsy Ptiil. li. 8 in fpcaking, or ■i|g, a Pardon upon their Souls ; they that l were joined to their Idols, Drunkennefs, mneis, Covetoufnefs, Pride, Ways of feWorihip, old Superftitious Cufloms, and remonies, and the like j lb that there was parting of them ; or thofe who had long Mupling and conflicting wjtfc their ll: ipaons5 and old Temptations, and in l ' had received many a Foil, and -11 to the Wounding ol their Conlci- , and cutting deep ' upon l uls5 now tluy ftand up with a kind 61 ()m- ice upon them, no Temptation is able id before them; they Hi) to their Id V 3 whether 342 Mr. Case'.? third Sermon, whether finful Company, or linful Cufton Get ye hence, and what have I to do any more w Idols ? What have I to do with iuch and lii bafe Company ? What haw I to do with it bafe filthy Lufts ? 1 am niy Beloved's, and Bctord is mine. Chrift is mine, and I ami Tfte Reafon of it is, becauie Pardon be^ Love , She loved much, becatife much was J gtven her, Luke vii. 47. And Love be: Strength ■ For Love is as firong as Death, viii. 6. Yea, ftronger than Sin or Death j hvednot their Lives to the Death, Rev. xii And I count not my Life dear, fays Paul, A ® xx. 24. When once the Man had tailed of? tree Grace of God in the Pardon of his Si who before was a Blafphemer, and a Perfect* and Injurious, 1 Tim. i. 13. He could finij his Heart, not only to lay down a Lull, to lay down his Life too lor Jefus Chf For whofe fake, faith he, / have fuffered'' Lofs of all 'Things -, and I count not my Life di f fo that I might fimfh my Courfe with Joy, '■ the Minijhry which I have received from Lord Jefus, to teftifie the Gofpel of the Gt of Gcd, A6ls xx. 24. My beloved Chriftians, if you would faithtul in the Covenant of God, into wh you are now entering, fue out your Pare for what is paft; yea, intreat the Lord, : only to give n Pardon, but to (peak a Pard and feal a Pardon upon your Hearts , and' ver give the Lord reft, till the Lord h: given reft to your Souls. The Joy of the I ts your Strength, Neh. viii. 10. Thin r r at Taking the Covenant. 343 .1 ffrirdly. It you would make an ^changeable Covenant, with an 3 Diretli- ftebangeable God, come f urniiV d on. ith, and maintain upon your Sclf-dif- earts, an abundant Meafure of tvuji. >li-diftruft; labour to be through- r convinc'd ot your own Nothingnefs and ifebility. By his own Strength frail no Man twail^ 1 Sam. ii. 9. Surely, thine own reachery may iniorm thee, and thine own frckllidings may convince thee, to oonfefs ith Jeremiah, Jer. x 23. O Lord^ I knew ( I low it by lad Experience ) the iVay of Mm not in himfdf: It is not in M keth, diretf his fieps. * Staitp'tius conieft to Lu- iery That he thought in his very Confcience ^ had above a thoufand Times renewed his ovenant with Gcd, and as many Times rokenit: A fad ConfeHion, and yet, how »any among us may take up the like Lanun- ttion ! Be convinced oi* it, I befepch you, ad maintain the Sente of this Conviction upon our Spirits. Say oft within your felf, I am othing, worfe than nothing. This trcachcr- us Heart of mine, will betray me into the ireach of my Covenant, if the Lord leave me ) my felf, 1 fhall one Day la 11 by the Hand fm> Corruptions. He that walks trembling- p, walks lately. In the next Place, Be ofrcn re- £±.Dircfti- ewing your Refolucions. I' he Exhortation of that good Man r, 0 the new Converts at Antiich, E V 4 wh Ego plus n: 344 Mr: Case'j third Sermon^ where they were firft called Chriitians, Thi they Jhould cleave unio the Ltrri with full Purpo of Hearty Afts xi 23. This Covenant, Iha\ ihewed you, is the Ordinance whereby yo cleave unto the Lord, the joining Ordinandi Oh ! do it with full Purpofe of Heart, and X often putting on freih and frequent Refolut ons, not to fuffer every bafe Temptation '( Satan, every defend all thofe that tr into this League and Covenant, that I will xr make Defeftion to the contrary Part, or to * my fetf t0 a det eft able Indifferency or Neutra- ;, &c. And xhi s Covenant I have made in the cfence of Almighty God, the Searcher tf all *arts, with a true Intention to 'perform the fame, I pall anfwer at that great Day. But now i with David, Search me, O God, and know ! Heart , try me, and know my Thoughts, and tf there be any Way of WicLednefs in me, and a me in the Way ever! a fling. In a Word, Put your Covenant into fre- lently renewed Refolutions: Relblutions to Prayer, and Prayer, and all into the Hands JGod : It is God that mull gird thee with rength, to perform all thy Vows. This the ole of this blelfed Covenant, into which we iter this Day, doth teach us. Cw V be- feechini the Lord to (Irengthen us by his rit ; for this End, and to bftfs our De fires and Proceedings, &c. And the Covenant in the ext, was furely inlaid with Prayer, while ngage them' & the Lc !y to fhew them the Wav 1 > give them Srrr 1 wnk 11 it be your W i lei m an< , to imiraie both; Oh j*>r ftiufch 35° Mr. Case5* third Sermn, in Prayer, and be often in Prayer: Pray dai over tne Covenant j as you this Day lift 1 your Hands to fwear to the moil high God this Covenant, fo lift up your Hands eve: Day to pray to that God for Grace to keep tl Covenant. Let Senfe of Self-infufficienc keep open the Sluce of Prayer, that that ms let ireui Streams of Strength, every Day in your Souls, to make good your Vows 3 wht you be carelefs to pray over the Covenaji you will be carelels to keep the Covenan when you ceafe to pray, you will ceafe' pay : If you will be watchful in praying ov your Vows, Prayer will make you watchf in paying your Vows : If you will be faith| in crying to God, God will be faithful in hej ing and helping, Pfal 1. 15. Pray therefoi pray over every good Pur pofe and Refolut* of Heart towards the Covenant of God, whl Confcience fhaU fuggeft, or the Spirit of Gi fhall breathe into your Bofoms, at this prefer or any Time hereafter j as David once pray* over that good Frame of Spirit, which he b ferved in his People > what Time they offer fo willingly and liberally to the preparing i the Hoirie of God 3 O Lord God of Abrahai Iiaac, and of Jacob our Fathers, keep this J every in the Imagination of the Thoughts of t Hearty and prepare their He Art unto thee, iChrc xxix. 18. To every Command, God is pies ed to add a Promife 3 fo that what is a Cox mand in one Place, is a Promife in anoth* Ex gr. Circumrtfe the foreskin of your Hea it is a Command in Dent. x. 16. But in ti xx at Taking the Covenant. 351 Chap. Verfe 6. there it is a Promife, The I thy God will crrcumafe thine Hearty andthe rt of thy Seed to love the Lord. Again, Make a new Hearty Ezek. xviii. 3 r. So faith the »rd of Command : A new Hart will 1 give lb ipeaks the Word of Promife, Chap. vi. 26 Once more. Little Children^ abide nm^ that is the Command, 1 John ii. 28. lich in the immediate Verfe before, is a gra- isPromife, Ton jhall abide in him. Divers -e fuch Inftances I could give you ; and why 3 Surely, the Command teacheth us our cy, the Promife our Weaknefs, and Jnfuf- sney to perform that Duty. The Command Is u^ Work ; the Promife finds us Strength : ! Com.nand is to keep us from being idle ; ProiTWe to keep us from being difcourag- $3c. Well, let us imitate God, and as he pies a Command and a Promife, fo let us pie a Relolution and a Petition. As God >nds and backs his Command with his Pro- e5 ib let us lecond and back our Promiies th our Prayers ; the one in Senfe ot our ty, the other in Senfe ot our Weakneis ; the one, to bring our Hearts up to God; the other, to bring God down to our sarts : Relolve and Petition, promiie and ay , and the Lord prepare your Heart to pray, a canfe his Ear to hear^ Plal. x. 17. Secondly^ Since God only mull up- 2. ft'dk »Id your Delires, walk contiually, in G 1 l in his Prefence j Stability is only Prefim 1 beloundinthe Pretence of God; far we live an unchangeable Life, .as we walk 35^ Mr. Cas£5.t third Sermon, walk arid live in the Prefence of an unchang, able God. The Saints in Heaven know j Vicillitudes, or Changes in their holy Frar and Temper of Spirit, becaufe they are pe fe&ed in the beholding of his Face j With win is no Variableness , no? Shadow of Changing : A? fo far, as the Saints on Earth can keep God their Prefence ; fo tar the Prefence of God w keep them. J have fet the Lord always l*fi me 3 and becaufe he is at my right Hand , thc\ pre I (hall not be moved, Pfal. xvi. 8. fung B vid of himfelf literally, and in. the Peribnj Chrift tvpically : The Privilege was ma good to both, fo far as either made good . *knefs oaly, but of Death, where he fhould jnothing but Vifions of Death, and not bare ith, but the Shadow of Death : The Shadow- he dark Part of the Thing ; fo that the dow of Death, is the darkeft Side of Death 9 ith in its moft hideous and horrid Reprefen- ons j and yet behold, when he comes out he farther End, and a Man would have ught to have found him all in a cold Sweat, Hair ltanding upright, his Eyes fet in his ad, and the Man beiide himfelf, t$c. Be- d, I fay, he doth not fo much as change our, his Hand ihakes not, his Heart fails y as he went in, he comes out ; and tho' he uld go back again the fame Way, he tells , / will not fear. How comes this to pafs ? v comes the Man to be fo undaunted? ay, he will tell you in the very fame Verfe, axing to God, For thou art with me. God's fence kept him from Fear, in the midlt of ath and Horror. Thus it was, I fay, with rj/<7, while he could keep God in his Pre- ce, he was unmoveable, impregnable ; you the as foon have ltirred a Rock, as ftirred I pall not be moved : Indeed lb long as was upon the Rock, he was as unmoveable, the Rock icfelf ; but alas ! fometime he loit Sight of his God, and then he was like e 1 Men y Thou didft hide thy Face from mey i I jt>as troubled, Phil xxx. 7. When God I his Face from him, or he hid his Eyes fn in j>d, then how eaiily is he moved? Fear il 5 in, I pall one Vay fall by the Hand of tl} 1 Sam. xxvii. 1. Sin oreaks in, yeaj Z Sia 3^4 Mr. Cask's third Sermon^ Sin upon the Heels of another -, the adulterer A&,upon the adulterous Look y and Murder uj on Adultery ,as' you know in that fad Bulinefst Uriah the Hut it e , once off from his Rock,andt is as weak as Dull, not able to itand before d] leaft Temptation of Sin or Fear 7 and therefor as foon as he comes to himfelf again, he dj Oh ! -lead me to the. Rock that is higher than I my Rock, Lord, to my Rock, Pfal. lxi. 2. II bow, the Lord Jefus, the Antitype of Dot here in this Pfalm^ becaufe he made good tM ( Duty lhali F call it?) For in him dwelt \ Fulnefs of the God-head bodily, Col. ii. 9 him therefore was this Privilege made go perfe&ly in the higheft Degree; for tho,k had Temptations that never Man had, and Y) to do that which never Man did j and to fuf that which never Man fuffered; the Cog di&ion of Sinners j the Rage of Hell ; and Wrath of God : Yet, becaufe he let the Lc always at his right Hand ; yea, indeed v always at the right Hand of God; therein he was not moved, but overcame even Suffering. Beloved, you fee where Stability in Oj nant is to be had , even in the Prelence of G Labour I befeech you, to walk inhis Prefen and to fet him always at your right Har "behold, itfhall keep you, fothat you fhalli be moved ^ or if you be moved, you fliull be removed , if you ftumble, you ihall fell > or if you fall> you ihall not fall j > you lhall rife again. There is a double 1 vantage in it. Jfi . at Taking the Covenant. %$$ firjij It will keep your Hearts in aw ; he $t fets God in his Prefence, dares not Sin in Prefence : God fees^ will make the Heart 1 How (ball I do this great Evil, and S'm ainjl God? Secondly , There is Joy in it ; /;/ thy Prefers fulnefs of Joy^ Pfal. xvi. n. It is true, in Proportion oi Grace, as well as of Glory $ d Joy will ftrengthen and itabiifti, as I ihew- you before, The Joy of the Lord is your th. As long as the Cuiid is in its Fa- Eye, and die Father in its Eve, it is are. Becaufe thou haft made the Lord^ which my Refuge, ev$n the moft High, thy Hal' it a- There /hall no L xc. PiaL 9, 10. It will hold as well in the Evils Sin, as in the Evils ot Puniihment: Well, p Lord make you know theie precious Truths an experimental Manner. I have held you ng ± but the Bulinefs requires it. Re- cr 1 befeech you, It is God that mult up- ld your Delires and Kefolutions ± And there- i. Be much in Prayer. And 2 Set your lelves in the Prefence of God. e lives unchangeably, that lives in the un- Angeable God. In the fixth and Isft Place, If Sixth wouldft make an everlatting U f : I, that ihall ne- red ton. ^o\.icx\, Look up to Jtfits Lookup to Chrift^ he m u i fc Chrifi . and he mult ftrcn^hen^ and he ee7 or elle chou wilt never be able Z 2 TO 356 Mr. CaseY third Sermon, to keep thy Covenant ; hear him elfe. Witbou me ye can do nothing, John^s \ 5. And asChrii oeaks thus on the Negative ? fo you may hea the Apoitle fpeaking by blefled Experience q the Affirmative ; I can do all Things through Jefu Gbrift, who firengthneth me, Philip, iv. \\ Obieive I pray, Without me ye can do nothing fhrcugh Cbrift I can do all Things. Nothing, A things, There is a good deal of Difference K tween two Men ; take one without Chriji, as be his Parts never fo excellent his Refolut ons never fo ftrong, his Engagements nevert facred, He can do nothing, unlefs it be to bra his Covenant and Vows, as Samfon brake h .Cords like Threeds fcorch'd with the Fire and ta:ke the other with a Chri/ijianding by hit and be he in himfelf never fo weak and me* unlearned and ungifted, lo, as if he we clothed with Omnipotency, He can do all Thing, he can fubdue fuch Corruptions, conquer fm Temptations, perform fuch Duties, and in fm a Manner, do fuch Things fuffer fuch Thing ( and in all thefe keep his Covenant withGoc as to other Men, and to himfelf before, we fo many Impoffibilities : He could not befoi now he can. Nothing before, all Things nq All Things fit for an unglorified Saint to d all Thing.* God expe&s from him ; all Thin in a Golpel Senfe j all Things comparative to other Men, and to himfelf, when he y> another Man : See, I befeech you, how wit out a Chrift, and through a Chrift, makes c Man differ from another ; yea, and irom hi felf, as much as can and cannot $ all Thir 8 At Taking the Covenant. 357 lid Nothing; Impotency and Omnipotence fit bout me yc can do nothing. Through Chrift I mn do all Things, Ir therefore you would lake a Covenant with Eternity to Eternity ; idy Chrift more than ever, labour to know othtng butjcfus Chrift, and htm crucified. And crein thete two Things. 1. Inter eft in Chrift. 2. Influence from Chrift. Firft, Labour to get Intereft in 1. Go U drift. Intereft is the Ground of Chrift for fluence ; Union the Fountain or Intereft. )ring ot Communion; lb Chrift, $ ths Branch cannot bear Fruit of it feif, except abide in the Vine ; no more can ye, except ye.abidt me, John xv. 4. There you have theTiuth, d the Simile of it; no Fruit from Ghrift, ithout being and abiding in Chrift j t: ere r ruth: Illuitrated and proved by the } d the Branch ; there the Simile, whi ij . ;uted and enlarged by our Saviour, ii 7, Verfes. And as all Communion arifeth from I '■• look what the Union is, fuchis the Con::; on ; Chrift was filled with the FulneCs ot Gca, xaule united to God ; the Saints receive of le Fubicfs of Chrift, becaufe united to Chrift^ ohn 1. 16. / in then, and thou in me, Chap, vii. 23. Only here is the Difference. Chrift's nion with his Farher was Perfbnal, Infii id Subftantial, Co!, ii. 9. and therefore the Qmmunications were anlwerable, For God gave Spirit by Meafure unto him, &c. John iii. f Butt': ion w i r Ii Chrift, being of 2 3. aa 358 Mr. Case5 j third Sermon , *n inferior Nature ; their Communications all tjQ proportionable $ yet iuch as ferve poc Creatures to all bleifcd faving Purpofes, An therefore with Paul^ Phil. iii. 9. Labour to I found in Chrift ^ that fo you may know expt rimentally the Power ol his Relurre&ion, an the Fellowship of his Sufferings. All the Powc and Virtue that is in Jeius Chrift, it is onl for them that are in him, as the Branch in j| Root, as the Members in the Body. r .r, Chrift is called the Covenant < C XJrt God? Ii'a-xlix- 8- l wtl1 I** th jjp a Qownant of the People, t. e. A - ° ' Calvin well expounds it, Sponfor ft deris, the Surety or Undertaker of the Cove nant, or that fecond new. Covenant, betwe* God and his People, not the Jews only, bi the Gentiles alio. A iurety on both Sides : Tb iurety of God's Covenant to them j For all Pi Promt fes of God are in hilny yea, and in him, J, men, 2 Cor. i. 20. /. e. he icts them all mad good to the Heirs of Promife. And Chrilt gain is the iurety of their Covenant unto God tor he undertakes to make good all their Cc nit, and Vows, and Promifes unto Got 4 that thou gavejt me, I have kept, fan John xvii. 12. Am I live, faith PM but Chrtjl Iheth in me, Gal ii. 2c 1 it is Chrift who makes the Cove d on both Sides, as God's to his Pec 10 his People's to God ; and Co it follow .at place of lfaiah, I have given thee for WMt to the People, to eftablifb the Earth j E iiabirthmsn? nrnit come tjem Chrift, thte Vn fax at Taking the Covenant. 359 ( in ker, the Surety of the Covenants as he :id the Debt for the Time pail, fo he mull fee e Articles of the Covenant kept for the Time come. For want of fuchan Undertaker or irety5 the firft Covenant mifcarried : It was ttween God and the Creature, without a Me- ator j and fo the Creature changing, the Co- Bant was dilfolved s but the fecond, God eantlhould not mifcarry, and therefore puts it to fure Hands , / have laid help upon one that mighty, fpeaking of Chrilt, PfaL lxxxix. 19. nd / will give thee for a Covenant to the People: od hath furnifht Chrilt wherewithal, to be Surety -> to make good his Covenant to his eople, and their Covenant to him. liut now he hath this ftock of Ail-fufficiency unone but thefe that are his M > he dually undertakes for none but thole that are dually in him ; Thefe that thou bdji given me, have kept. He keeps none but them whom le Father hath given him, given him fo5 as ) be in them, and they in him. j ', 10 ohn xvii, 23. and they in we, fo ( /. 5. Veil, if thou wouldlt be unchangeable i; )ovenant, get Intereft in Chrilt who is ch< enant; the unchangeable aptj Tbi , the faithful and {\ Rev. iii 14. indtoDaj Meb. nil, 8. Get Inteu atfi ■ Wrtfti Philip, iii. 3. 1 not onl . Intereft, but prove thy Im Take )ot up a Ma^cer of fo infinite Concernment up- >atru:t: AJJ that thou doeft coveium and 360 Mr. Case5* third Sermon^ and that God doth covenant to thee, depenc upon it y and therefore, work it out with fei and trembling^ and gtve all Diligence to make \ fttre unto thy Soul: Philip, ii. 22. 2 Pet ii. i< Study Evidences, and be content with non but fuch as will bear weight in the Bali once 1 the Sanctuary 3 fuch as the Word will fecure fuch as to which the Word will bear Witnefi that they are inconiiftent with any Chriftlei Man, or Woman whatfoever^ and pray wit unweanable Supplications that God will nt only give thee Intereft, but clear thy Interefl and feal up Intereft upon thy Soul and thee, t the Day of Redemption. Go to . And then fecondly^ Study Influ Chrift for ence, when once in Chrift, the Influence, hall thou Right and Liberty t draw Virtue from Chrift, for b« hold, ail the Fulnefs that dwells in Chrilt \ thine 3 all that Life, and Strength, and Grace and Redemption, that is held forth in the Pro mife, it is all laid up in Chrift, as in a Magi zine > and by Virtue of thy Intereft in, and U nion with the Lord Jefus, it is all become thine. Hence you hear the believing Sou making her boaft of Chrift as before, for Righ teoufnefs, fo alfo for ftrength. In the Lor< have I Righteoufnefs and Strength , Ifa. xlv 24 As Righteoufnefs for Acceptance, fo Strengt! alfo for Performance of fuch Duties, as God ii his Covenant doth require and expe£l at th< .Believers Hands : I have no Strength of mint own, but in Chrift I have enough. In the Lm I have Right eoufnejs and Strength. Chrift is th< Lord at Taking the Covenant. 361 ii-Keeper, or Lord high Steward, or Lord- tifurer > to receive in and lay out, * for and II that are in Covenant with the Father, this is one main Branch of God's Cove- t with the Redeemer, that he give out he Heirs of Promife, wherewithal to keep r Covenant with God., Co that they never de- pfrom him. Ifa. lix. 21. As for me, this is Covenant with them, faith the Lord, My Spirit is upon thee, and my Words which I have put by Mouth, /hall not depart out of thy Mouth, out of the Mouth of thy Seed, nor out of the tfh of thy Seeds Seed, faith the Lord, from % forth and for ever. They be the Words of 4 the Father to the Redeemer,* concerning his fpi ritual Seed -, The Redeemer /hall cms Zton, Ver. 20. And that Spirit, and thefe :>rds of Life and Grace, which were upon Redeemer muit be propagated to all his ievingSeed; by Virtue whereof, their Co- pnt with God, fhall in its Proportion be 5 God's Covenant with them ( for indeed one is but the Counterpart of the other) un- ngeable, everlafting. Jer. xxxii. 40. I / make an cverlajiing Covenant 1 /;/, that nil not turn away from them to do them goody I ill put my Fear in their Hearts, and they III not depart away from me. * \ w therefore my Brethren, fince there is Migh in Chrift, ltudy how to draw it out: d it will require ^ great deal of holv Skill 1 Pfal. Ixviii. 1 3. He received. Eph. ir. 8, He z*™ 362 Mr. Case' j third Sermon, Skill to do it 3 It requires Wifdom to dm out the Excellencies of a Man : Pro v. xx. Coitnfel in the Heart of a Man is deep^ but Man of ' under ft andmg will draw it out : It is fne Art to be able to pierce a Man, that is li a Veiiel full of Wine, and let him a running but to draw qut Influence and Virtue irom t Lord Jefus is one of the moll fecret hidd Myfteries in the Life of a Chriftian : Inde we may complain, The Well is deep, and we ha nothing to draw withal, John iv. 1 1. But labi to get your Bucket of Faith, that you may. able to draw Water out of this Well ofSahath Ifa. xii. 3. Labour by vital A£b of a powerf Faith j let on Work in Meditation and Pray* to draw Virtue and Influence from Jefus Chri the Mouth of Prayer, and the Breathings' Faith from an Heart ioakt and fteept in ho Meditations, "applyed to Jefus Chrift, vn certainly (tho3 perhaps infeniibly) draw Vi cue from him. Behold, Faith drew Virt; from Chrift by a touch of his Garments; fh: it not much more draw out that rich and pre* ous Influence, by applying of him in the Pf miles, and in his Offices unto our Souls ? Co jider. Oh Chriftian who ever thou art, ev thou that art in Chrift, confider, God ha not trufted thee with Grace enough befc Hand, for one Month, no, not for a Wee u Day ; nay, thou haft not Grace enough t 2 ore Hand lor the Performance of the next D cy, or the conquering of the next Temptatic ftor for the expediting thyfelf out of the ne piiHcukyj and why fo? But that thou ma; lea at Taking the Covenant. 363 \\ to live by continual Dependancc upon Chrift, as Paul did, 'I he life that I nok upon Salvation : Oh look humbly, and jt'believmgly, and look continually ; look [ntereft, look for Influence, looker ivi^h- Mhefs, look for Strength ; and let Jei ill be All in All to thy Soul : Thou v. er be any Thi; , do any T iftianity, till thou'eomeft t;> live i:i und u- | fusChrift, and him only: Humbly t it the Lord, and give h: he I make a Covenant with the* ieh lhall keep thee, and then thou 1 : to tiant : Look no t I 1 . 364 Mr. Case'j third Sermon, for Cove&aat-Grace, to keep Covenant-I gagement, and fo (halt thou do this Servi in a Gofpel-fenfe, to Acceptation^ to Perpe I have now done with thefe three Queri What? Why? How? How to S feff^? \ Perpetuity? I know much more might be added, but! Work to which we are to addrefs ourfel? will take up much Time , the Lord fet ha what hath been fpoken. Only give me leave to tell you thus much a Word, for the Clofe of all $ as this Got riant profpers with us, fb we are like to pr per under it; the Welfare of the Kingdom a of thy Soul, is bound up now in this Coven$ For I remember what God fpeaks of the Kin -dom of Ifrael, brought into Covenant nt with the King of Babylon, tofervehim, and be his VaiTals ; That by keeping Covenant ttjbot ft and, Ezek. xvii. 14. And the breaking of tl Covenant was the breaking of Zedekiah and J whole Family and Kingdom, Verfe 16.M Now was Covenant-breach, or Fidelity t Foundation of Stability or Ruin to that EJc dom, which was ftruck, but with a dying Mi how much more is the Rife or Fall of this Kin dom; yea, of thefe two Kingdoms, bound in the Obfervation or Forfeiture of this Co\ nant, which we make this Day with the livi God? You that with 'well to theKingdon that would not fee the Downfal andRuin the] of j be from henceforth more confeientious yo at Taking the Covtnant. 365 Ar Covenant, than ever heretofore j for fare- *upon the Succefs of this Covenant we ftand fill ; as we deal with the Covenant, God deal with us ; if we flight the Covenant, I will flight us j if we have mean Thoughts le Covenant, God will have mean Thoughts .s; if we forget the Covenant, God will jet us j if we break the-Covenant, we may (C that God fhall break thefe two Nations, break us all to pieces -> if we rejeft it, God 1 rejefl: us ; il we regard our Covenant, i will regard his Covenant, and regard us ; if we remember the Covenant, God will lember his, and rememember us ^ if we ;p the Covenant, the Covenant will keep us, I our Pofterity for ever. )h that this Confideration might be a Mo- » to whet on that Exhortation of the Apoftle; him that ftole, (icalnomorc^ Eph. iv. 28. and let him that was drunk, be drunk no more ; that was unclean, let him be unclean no re; they that were wordly, proud, fecure, •elefs of receiving Chriit in their Hearts, i of walking worthy of him in their Lives, fo no more ; he that hath been Malignant neutral, lee him be fo no more : For I pro- 1 againft every Man, that after the ftriking this fo folcmn and (acred a Covenant with e moft high God, fhall dare knowingly and iilingly to perfilt in any one of thefe menti- Iied Abominations, or any other; he is an E- my to Jefus Chriit, a Traitor to the King- >ms, a State-murderer, and a Deftroycr of Imfelf, and his Pofterity ; and a: hL> Hunds^ it -366 My. Case's third Sermon,6cc. if they mifcarry, God will require the Rl( X)t all thefe : But there are a People of whc and to whom, I hear God fpeaking graci Words. Surely they are my People, Children t will not lie, Ha. lxiii. 8. My People, mine Covenant,; I have brought them into theBv of the Covenant 3 I have made my Coveg with them, and they have made their Co nant with me : and they be Children that v\ not lie > I know they will deal no more a lying and treacherous Generation with me J will be a faithful People in their Coven^ and I will be a faithful God unto them , jp he their Saviour, they will fcrve me, and I fave them. Now the Lord make us fuch a People 1 him, Children that will not lie, and he bet a God to us ; He be our Saviour, a Savioujp both Kingdoms, and every Soul that ma) this Covenant ; to fave us Irom Sin, and fave us from Deflru&ion ; to fave us from < Enemies without, and to fave us from our$ nemies within j to fave us from the Devil, a to fave us from the World, and to fave us fp ourfelves ; to fave us from the Lufts of Mi and to fave us from our own Lufts -> to fave and to fave our Pofterity ; to fave us tn Rome, and fave us from Hell ; to fave us fit Wrath prefent, and from Wrath to come ; fave us here, and to fave U3 hereafter ; to fa us to himfelt in Grace, and to fave us \\ himfelf in Glory, to ail Eternity^ for Chril Sake, Amen, and Amen, Januaj [ 367 ] January 30. 1643—4. 1HE Ordinance ot the Lords and Com- mons, Authorizing the Commiifioners of (Great Seal ot England^ To call be tore them cers, Minifters, and other Attendants on Great Seal, or Court ot Chancery, King's* ch, Common-pleas, Exchequer and Court- ds and Liveries, and to tender unto every them, the Solemn League and Covenant, for formation, and for making void aa well the jces and Offices of fuch as lhall refule, or ne- Qt to take the fame; as alta> tor reftraining all Lawyers, Attorneys, Clerks or Solici- , to pra&ife or folicite in any of the laid arts, oefore they lhall have taken the faid mn League and Covenant. See the Acts the Parliament of England. Ordinance of the Lords and Commons, in joining \ taking of the late Solemn League and Covenant throughout the Kingdom of England, and Dc~ nimon of Wales. Feb. zd, 1643—4. V Here as a Covenant for the Preferva- tion and Reformation of Religion, the lintcnance and Defence of Laws and Liber- hath been thought a lit and excellent ns, to acquire the Favour of Almighty xi towards the three Kingdoms ok.England., id .and Inland, and lik to unite th< d by uniting, to ftrengthen and lortifie them • iinit the common Enemy of the true reformed Religion, 368 The Parliament's Injtruftions Religion, Peace and Profperity of thefe Kin: doms : And whereas both Houfes of Parli ment in England, the Cities of London and Wtj minfier, and the Kingdom of Scotland^ have a ready taken the fame -> It is now Ordered at Ordained by the Lords and Commons in Parli ment, that the fame Covenant be folemii taken, in all Places throughout the Kingdo of England, and Dominion of Wales. AndJ the better and more orderly taking them thefe Direftions enfuing, are appointed and it joined ftri&ly to be followed. Inftruffiions for the taking of the Solemn Lem and Covenant, throughout the Kingdom. 1. rTpHAT thte Speakers of both Houfell JL Parliament do fpeedily fend, to,9| Lord General, and all other Commanders1 Chief, and Governors of Towns,Forts, Caftkj and Garifons $ as alfo to the Earl of Warwicr Lord High Admiral of England, true Copi of the faid Solemn League and CovenaqjT the End it may be taken by all Officers ai Soldiers under their feveral commands. 2. That all the Knights and BurgefTes n* in Parliament, do take fpecial care, fpeedi to fend down into their feveral Counties (whi are, or fliall hereafter be under the Power the Parliament ) a competent Number of tr Copies of the faid League and Covenant, un the Committees of Parliament, in their fevei Counties ; and that the faid Committees < within fix Days at the moll difperfe the b 1 Cop for taking the Covenant. 369 »ics to every Parifh-Church or Chappel in r feveral Counties, to be delivered unto Minifters, Church- wardens, or Coniiables ic leveral Panihes. , That the faid Committees be required to rn a Certificate of the Day when they re- ed the faid Copies, as alio the Day they them forth, and to what Parilhes they have them; which Certificate they are to re- tothe Clerk of the Parliament, appointed the Common's Houfe, that fo an Account r be given of it, as there fhall be Occa- That the feveral Mini iters be required to I the laid Covenant publickly unto their pie, the next Lord's Day atter they re- t it, and prepare their People, for it, a- il the Time that they lhall be called to I it. . That the faid League and Covenant be n by the Committees of Parliament, in the t where they relide, and tendered alio to Inhabitants of the Town, within feven s after it comes to the faid Committees ids. That the faid Committees after thev have n it themfelves, do fpeedily difperfc them- es through the faid Countic Three our of them be together, on at the chief Places 1 Divifionsof the faid Cow all the Minifters, Church-warder. es, and ochej l by one k a 370 The Parliament's Inftructions pointed by the Committee for that Purpo( they cauie the fame Minifter to tender tl League and Covenant unto all fuch Miniftei and other Officers, to be taken and iubfcribt by them, in the Prefence of the faid Cor mittees. 7. That the faid Committees do withal gi the faid Minifters in charge, to tender it un all the reft of their Parifhioners the next Lor* Day, making then unto their laid Parifhiom fome Solemn Exhortation, concerning the ta ing and obferving thereof; And that the f* Committees do alfo return to the feveral I rilhes, the Names of all fuch as have taken I Covenant before them, who yet lhall alfo ft fcribe their Names in the Book or Roll W their Neighbours, in their feveral Pariftw And if any Minifter refufe or neglect to appi at the faid Summons, or refufe to take the£ Covenant before the Committee, or to tent it to his Parilh, that then the Committee* careful to appoint another Minifter to doit his Place. 1 8. That this League and Covenant be & deredto all Men. within the feveral Parifh above the Age of Eighteen, as well Lodg * as Inhabitants. 9. That it be recommended to the Earl Manchefler^ to take fpeciai care, that it tendered and taken in the Univeriity oi Q bridge. 10. That for the better Encouragement all Sorts of Perions to take it, it be recc mended to. the Affembly of Divines, to mak bji for taking the Covenant. 3 7 x ef Declaration, by way of Exhortation, to Sorts of Perfons to take it, as that which >y judge not only lawful, but fall Things nJideredJ exceeding expedient and^neceffary, all that wifh well to Religion, the King i Kingdom to join in, and to be a lingular sdge ot God's gracious Goodnefs to ail the Be Kingdoms. 1. That if any Minifter do refufe to take, .nder the Covenant, or any other Per- ,or Perfons, do not take it the Lord's Day ts tendered, that then it be tendered to m again the Lord's Day following, and if tiU continue to refufe it, that then their be returned by the Minifter that ten- sit, and by the Church-wardens, or Con- , unto the Committees, and by them to Houfe of Commons, that fuch further |rfe may be taken with them, as the Houfes ■te-liament {hall- fee Caufe. That all iiich Perfons as are within the eral Parifhes, when Notice is given of the ■g of it, and do abfent themielves from urch at the Time of taking it, and ne not in afterwards, tot and irdens, or other Officers, to r •1 their Prcfcnce betore the Return be made, . efufers. 13. The M inner of the taking it to be th the whole Covenant diftin and audibly in the Pulpit, and dor Ttof\ the wl rrc- \ a 2 372 . The Parliament's Injlruftions, &c. their right Hands bay, and then afterwards fubfcribe it federally by writing their Name (or their Mirks, to which their Names arc to added) in a Parchment Roll, or a Book, wbereir* the Covenant is to be infested, purpofe/y prcvid for that End, and kept as a Record in the P rijb. 14. That the Affembly of Divines do pr pare an Exhortation tor the better takii of the Covenant : And that the laid Exho tation, and the Declaration of the Kingdor of England and Scotland, joined in the Armk for the Vindication and Defence of their 1^ ligion, Liberties and Laws, againft the pip, Prelatical and Malignant Party, and paff the thirty of January laft, * be publick read, when the Covenant is read, accordii to the Fourth and Sixth Articles: And th afufficient Number of the Copies of the fa Declaration be fent by the Peribns, appoint to fend the true Copies of the faid Covenai in the firft and fecond Articles. * Which Declaration is printed by Order the Convention of EJiates, in Scotland, and of \ Parliament in England, 1644. [ 3-3 ] \n Exhortation to the taking of the Solemn League and Covenant, for Reformation^ and Defence of Religion, the Honour and Happtnefs of ihe King, and the Peace and Safety of the . 5? ee Kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland, by the Reverend Affembly of Divines $t ^Y^eltn^nfter. T the Power of Religion, or folid Reafon, a if Loyalty to the King, and Piety to their .tive Country, cr Love to themfelves, and .tural Afte&ion to their Pofterity, if the Ex- nple of Men touched with a deep Senfe of • thefe, or extraordinary Succefs from God ereupon, can awaken an embroiled bleeding emnant to embrace the Sovereign, and only- tans of their Recovery, there can be no subt, but this Solemn League and Covenant [11 iind, wherefoever it fhall be tendered* a ready to entertain it with all Cbeerful- fe and Duty. And were it not commended to the Kingdom ' the concurrent Encouragement of the Ho- urable Houies of Parliament, the Ailembljr Divines, the renowned City of London, MuU of other pt eminent Rank and mlity in e Body .'W, who have all \\ and hed it, w * he Oath ifting the Counfi more than c cth K \ 374 The Afjemhlfs Exhortation to the Evidence of Equity, Truth and Righteoufrij as may raife in all ( not wilfully ignorant, miferably feduced ) inflamed Afteftions to j with their Brethren in this happy Bond5 putting an End to the prefent Miferies, for laving both of King and Kingdom 6 utter Rum, now fo ftrongly and openly boured by the Popifh Faff ion, and fuch as H been bewitched and befotted by that vipei *nd bloody Generation. For what is there almoft in this Coven* which was not for Subftance, either cxpren or manifeftly included in that folemn Proii tion oiMay 5th, 1641. wherein the whole KJj dom Hands engaged until this Day ? The^ ful Neglect whereof doth fas we may jqt fear^ open one Floodgate the more to let iff theie Calamines upon the Kingdom, and upon it a NeceflkV of renewing Covenant, of entering into this. If it be laid. The -Extirpation of Prelam tf/i^the whole Hierarchical Government (ffcf ing, as yet, by the known Laws of the Ki dom) is new, and unwarrantable: This v appear to ail impartial Underftandings, (I new) to be not only warrantable, but net onlider fto omit what fome f iment was never formally £ blifhcci by any Laws of this Kingdom at a that the very Liie and^Soul thereof is aire; taken from it by an A£t pafied this prefent I liamenc *3 fo as (like JczabePs Carcafe. wB * See Collection of AI4, Num. 26. Taking of the Covenant. 375 .•rich no more was left but the Skull, the et, and the Palms of her Hands) nothing Junldi£tion remains, but what is precarious them, and voluntary in thole who fubmit to them : That their whole Government is belt but a human Conftitution, and iuch as found and adjudged by both Houfes of Par- inent, ('in which, the Judgment of the whole ingdom is involved and declared;) not only ry prejudicial to the Civil State, but a great inderance alio to the perfect Reformation of eligion. Yea, who knoweth it not to be p much an Enemy thereunto, and deftruftive the Power of Godlinefs, and pure Admi- [Iration of the Ordinances ot Chrift ? Which 3ved the Well-allected, almoft throughout \s Kingdom, long fince to petition this Par- iment ( as hath been defircd before, even in Reign of Queen I , and of King tines') for a total Abolition of the fame. or is any Man hereby bound to orier any iolence to their Perfons, but only in his Place d Calling, to endeavour their Extirpation a lawful \\ And as for thofe Clergy-men, who pre- nd, that they (above all others ) cannot •nt to extirpate rhment, bc- ufe they have (as they fey ) taken a Oath to obey the ! \ & r { : They can pleafc, hat th • have fu the ot the Land, are nor j it.ed a 4 from + *i c. In la wfi 376 cIhe AJJembtys Exhortation to the irom endeavouring by all lawful Means tl Aooliuon oi thole Laws, when they prove ij convenient or miichievous. And if yet the: ihouid any Oath be lound, into which any M niiters or others htfve entred, not warrant by the Laws of God and the Land, in tb Caie they muit teach themlelves and other that fuch Oaths call for Repentance, not P$ tinacy in them. li it be pleaded. That this Covenant crofTei the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance ; there d be notning further Irom Truth ; for, this Q venant binds all, and more ftrongely engage! them to preferve and defend the King's Majejfy rerjon^ and Authority^ in the PrefervMton a) Defence of the true Religion and Liberties of t Kingdoms. Tiiat Scruple, That this is done without J King's Conient, will loon be removed, ii| be remembred, That the Proteftation of the fil or Afay, before mentioned, was in the iat| Manner voted and executed by both Houft and after (by Order ot one Houfe alone^ fei abioad to all the Kingdom, his Ma jelly n« excepcing againil: it, or giving any Stop! the taking or it, albeit he was then relldenw Per lb n at" Ji "bite halt hus Ezra and Nehemiah^ (Ezra x Nch. 9 drew ail the People into a Covenant, vvitho1 any fpecial Commiffion from the Per/tan M< cordis (^then their Sovereigns^) fo to do9 fi beit they were not free Subjefts, but Vallal and one of them (Neh. \.) the menial Serva: of Artaxerxes^ then by Conqueit King oi jf. dab alio, ' ' N< Taking of the Covenant. 377 4orhath thisDo&rine orPra&ice beendeem- feditious or unw arrantable by the Princes, c have face upon the Engbjb Throne, but :ified and delended by Queen Ehfabetb of lied Memory, with the Expence of much *aiure and noble Blood, in the united Pro- ces of the Netherlands combined not only iiout, but againil the unjuit Violence of Hip King of Spain 3 King followed her ps, lb tar as to approve their Union, and to er into League with them as free States -y ich is continued, by hisMajefty now reign- unto this Day ; who both by his Expe- lon for Relief oi Rocket in France^ and his £t Confederacy with the Prince of Orange^ . the States General, notwithitandingall the )ortunity oi Spain to the contrary, hath fee lis Seal that all that had been done by his yal Anceftors, in Maintainance of thofe o had fo engaged and combined tbemfelves, juit and warrantable. \xi& what had become of theReligion,Laws, Liberties of our Siller Nation of dcotland, y not entred into fuch a Solemn League venant at the beginning of the late there? Which Courle however ic firft, by the Popiih and Prehtick Pro- 3 reprefented to his Majefty, as an c of tnehighelt Nature, juftlydeferving lement by the Fury oi a puiilant Arr, leu the N r^> be debated, firll by G 1 of h Kingdoms, and then in open • arc 3^8 The Ajfemlly's Exhortation to the are now engaged at Oxford^ were prefent Parliament, and gave their Votes therein ) was found, adj udged and declared by the Kii in Parliament, That our dear Brethren Scotland had done nothing, but what becan Loyal and Obedient Subje£ls, and we thereupon by Act of Parliament publick! righted in all the Churches of this Kingdor where they had been defamed. Therefore however fome Men, hoodwink' and blinded by the Artifices of thofe Jefuft cal Engineers, who have long confpired to I criiice our Religion to the Idolatry oi Rm our Laws, Liberties and Peribns to arbitral e Slavery, and our Eftates to their infatiable'v il ' varice, may poffibly be deterred and amufi a with high Threats and Declarations, flyii up and down on the Wings of the Roy: Name and Countenance ( now captivated ai proftituted to ierve all their Lults^) to procli all Rebels and Traitors, who take this Covi nant; yet, let no faithful Evghjh Heart ben, lhall now enter into an everlaiting Co- nant with the Lord, never to be forgot- 1, to put an End to all thofe unhappy and natural Breaches, between the King and ;h as are faithful in the Land; caufing sir Right eoufnefs and Praifc to faring forth be- e all the Nations, to the Terror and Confu- in of thole Men of Blood, the confederate ics of God and the King, who have ng combined, and have now raked r er the Dregs and Scum of many Kingd* bury all the Glory, Honour an.i 1 in the eternal Grave ilhonour and Deftru&ion. [ 38o ] Friday February 9. 1643-4 N Exhortation touching *ht taking of \ Solemn League and Covenant, and Satisfying of fw.b Scruples^ as may arife tn a taking 0) it) was this Day read the firfi and feet Time: And by Vote upon the Jgiieftion affentedt to, and ordered U be forthwith printed. H. Elfyng Cler. Par. D. Coir Friday January 29. 1644-5 ! Rdered by the Commons affembled in Par, amenta That the Solemn League andm venant be^ on every Day of Fa/} and publick B initiation^ publickly read^ in every Church and Go gregaiion within' the Kingdom : And that em Congregation be enjoynejd to have one of the fa Govcnanrs, fairly printed in a fair Letter^ i& Table , fitted to hang up in fame publick Place the Church to be read. Hen. EiivngCler. Pari. Dom. Cor TH * Here did follow tie Solemn League and Covenar printed hy an Ordinance of Parliament , February 1643- nvili the Names of 228 Members of the Houfe of Commot. \en if. THE REAT DANGER O F ibvenant-breakini* &c- Being the Substance cf a 5 E R M O N :ached January 14//?, 1645. before the then H»ord Mayor of the City of Lmdnn, Sir Thomas Adams; together with the She- iffs, Aldermen, and common Council of he laid City, being the Day of their taking he Solemn League and Covenant, at _ BafenJbaW) London. the Reverend Mr. Edmond Cw amy, of the Members of the Wcji Mfembly of Divines. G L A S 1 for G \ bo his Shop in L 1741 [ 3«3 1 THE •eat Danger of Covenant-refuf- ing, and Covenant-breaking* 2 Tim. iii. 3. .. - Trace-breakers 3 or, Covenant-Breakers. N the Beginning of the Chapter, the Apoftle tells us the Condition that the Church of God fhould be in, in the lafl ys. This know alfo, that in the lafi Day* thus Times pall cone. In the fecond Verie, tells us the Reafon why thefe Times uld be fucb hard and dangerous Times ; For n jhail be havers of themjehesy covetous, &c. e Reafon is not drawn from the Mifenei 1 Calamities of the laft Times, but from the s and Iniquities of the Lift Times. It is Sift 1 uquity that makes Tunes truly perilous. Sin i v n only, takes av ps Love and Ka- t'rom a Nation, and makes God tarn an emy to it. Sin caul i to tak k Purity and Power of his Ordinances f ^ ion. Sin ma itures 1 I \ againlt us, and to fiul and Body. And that is, to ftrike at the ■.pot of all Mifery, which is Sin and Iniquity. ■0 repent for, and from all thefe nineteen Ins, which are as the Oyl that feeds and in- 1-cafes the Flame that is now confuming of us. [or, becaufe Men are Lovers of themfelves, \fque ad contempt um Dei & Retpublicae j be- Irafe Men drive their own Deligns, not only lithe Negleft, but Contempt of God, and the Iqnimon-wealth. Becaufe Men are covetous, wjkrs of the World, more than Lovers of God. jccaufe they are proud in Head, Heart, looks and Apparel. Becaufe they are un- ; ul, turning the Mercies of God into In- nts of Sin, and making Darts with God's gs w fhoot againit God. Becaufe Men holy and heady, and make many Cove- , and keep none. Becaufe they are [ as 'ra£ Word diaboloi fignifieth ] Devils, a£t- e Devil's Part, in acculing the Brethren, in bearing falfe Witnefs one againft ano- ler. Becaufe they have a Form of Godlinefsy iv///; the Power thereof, &c Hence it is, lat thefe Times are fo fad and bloody. Thefe rethy Enemies, O England, that have brought lee into this defolate Condition ! If ever God ad us back into the Wilde rnefs, it will be, Be of thefe Sins. And therefore, if ever uld have bleifed Days, you muft make your great Bufinefs to remove thefe nine- *n -Mountains, and repent of thefe Land-de- ouring and Soul-deft roying AbominatU A this Time I fhall pick cm the firft and B b teflth 386 Mr. Calamy'j Sermon at the tenth Sin to fpeak on. The firli is, Self-lo which is placed in the Forefront, as the Ca of all the reft. Self-love is not only a Sin t makes the Times perilous, but it is the Ca of all thefe Sins that makes the Times perile for, becaufe Men are Lovers of themfeb therefore they are covetous, proud, unholy. The tenth Sin is, Truce-breakers , and for left the Time fhould prevent me, I lhall be with this Sin firft. The tenth Sin then is 7ruce-breakers ; o Rom. i. 31, Covenant-breakers. The Greek W afpondoi, which fignifieth three Things ; 1 Such as are Foederis nefcii, as Beza render^ or as others, infoederabiles ; that is, fuch ai fufe to enter into Covenant. Or, Secondly, f as are foedifragi, qui Paftanonfervant, (as E hath it ) ov fine Fide, as Ambrofe -, that is, as break Faith and Covenant. Or, Thi Such as are implacahles $ or as others, fine f that is, fuch as are implacable, and Hate Peace. According to this threefold Senfe of Word, I lhall gather thefe three Obi tions. Do&rine 1. That te be a Covenant-refufe a Sin that makes the Times perilous. r Do£t. 2. That to be a Covenant-breaker, .Sin that makes the Times perilous. Do£t. 3. That to be a Peace-hater , or a hater, is a Sin that makes the Times perilou, To begin with the firft. Do&rine firft, That to be a Covenant is a Sin that makes the Times perilous s Taking of the Covenant. 387 sderis nefcius, or infoederabilis. For the un- jrflanding of this, you mull know, thar there e two Sorts of Covenants, there are Devilijb id Helltft Covenants, and there are Godly and cligious Covenants. Firft, There are Devilijb ovenants, fuch as Afts xxiii. 12. and Ija. cviii. 15. Such as rhe holy League ( as it was yuftly called) in France, againft the HugOr tcs, and that of our Gun-powder Traitors in ngland. Now to refufe to make fuch Covenants, is K to make the Times perilous, bi^t the taking f them makes the Times perilous. Secondly, here are Godly Covenants, fuch as Job xxxi. J I have made a Covenant with mine Eyes, ■' mjhculd I think upon a Maid? Such as Pial. ;ix. 106. 1 have [worn, and I ty/7i n it^ at I will keep thy righteous Jur fuch as \ron. xv. 14. and fuch as this is, which you fmet to take this Day. e to fear to fuch Things, which you are bound avour after, tho5 you did not fw< Lring is not folum Vinculum* bur an, is not the only, but only a new, ■mother Bond to ty you to theObcdi jfthe Thin unto ; which are 3 that if G ? ir:, it doms the G ferld. And , u hen it ■ Kn in a mo) Hie Parliament ) 388 ' Mr. Calamy'j Sermon at the Wall over againfi him fitting in his Chair ^ it w he tmto him like the Hand-writing to Belfhazzs caufing his Joints to loofe, and his Knees to fm ' one again fi another : And I may add. That it be faithfully and fully kept, it will ma all the Devils in Hell to tremble, as feari left their Kingdom Ihould not Itand lor Now then for a Man to be an Anti-covenant< and to be fuch a Covenant-refufer, it m needs be a Sin that makes the Times per ous. And the Reafon is3 Reafon i. Becaule you fliall find in Scr ture, That when any Nation did enter iitt- folemn religious Covenant, God did excet ingly blefs and profper that Nation after Time, as appears, zChron. xv. 19. zKingq 20. And we have a Promife for it, Deut. xa 12, 13. That thou jhouldfi enter into Coven with the Lord, thy Gcd^ &c. That he may t blip, thee to Day for a People to himfelf) that he may be unto thee a God, &c. And th fore to be a Covenant-refufer, is to make Miferies perpetual. Reafon 2. JBecaufe it is the higheft A God's Love to Man, to vouchfafe to eng himfelf by Oath and Covenant to be his G So it is the'higheit Demonftration of Mi Love to God, to bind himfelf by Oatn Covenant to be God's. The^e is noi obligeth God more to us, than to fee us ty, and bind our fclve.s unto his S< id therefore, they that in this Senfe are 'j truant ers, arc Sons oi Belia!} that refuie Taking of the Covenant. 389 )ke. of the Lord, that fay, as Pfal. ii. 3. If us break his Bonds a/under, and caji away \ Cords from us -, fuch as oderunt mncula pieta- , which is a Soul-deftroying, and a Land- ikoying Sin. Reafon 3. Becaufe that the Union of Eng- *d, Scot/and and Ireland, into one Covenant, the chief,. if not the only Prefervative of 5m at this Time : You find in our Engltjh ronicles, that England was never deftroy- jj but when divided within itfelf. Our civil vifions brought in the Romans, the Saxons, vies and Normans ; But now the jintt-cove- tfers, they divide the Parliament within If, and the City within itfelf, and Eng- v/ againft itfelf j he is as a Stone feparated mi the Building, which is of no Uie to elf, and threatneth the Ruin of the Build- 5. Jefus Chrift is called in Scripture, the wer-Stonc, which is a Stone that unices 2 two Ends of the Building together, fus Chrift is a Stone of Union : And there- te they that fow Diviiion, and ftudy un- \ Separation, have little of Jefus Chrift them. When the Ten Tribes began to vide from the other Two Tribes, they efently began to war one againft ano- er5 and to ruin one another: The Anti- Venanter, he divides and feparates, and [unites. And therefore he makes perilous fries. My chief Aim is at the fecond Do&rinc, Hch is, B b 3 ]). . 390 Mr. Calamy'j Sermon at the Doft. 2. That for a Covenant' taker to I Covenant-breaker, is a Sin that makes the Ti 'perilous. For the opening of this Point, I muft dif guifli again of Covenants. There are el- and there are religious Covenants s a civil ( venant, is a Covenant betwixt Man and M: and of this the Text is primarily, tho5 ndfl" ly to be underftood. Now, for a Man break Promiie and Covenant with his Brod* is a Land-deftroying, and a Soul-deftroyJ Abomination. We read, 2 Sam. xxi. T becaufe Saul had broken the Covenant J jqfbiia made with the Gibeonites, God fen Famine in David's Time, of three Years jg tinuance, to teach us, That if we faliifjqT Word and Oath, God will avenge Covenj breaking, tho3 it be forty Years after, mous is that Text, Jer. xxxiv. 17, 18, 19,. Eecaufe the Princes and the People brake- Covenant which they had made with tl Servants, tho" but their Servants, God t them, Becaufe ye have not hearkned unto me. prod arming Liberty every ene to his Brother, i Beheld, I proclaim Liberty for you, faith the Li to the Sword, to the Peftilence, and to the Fami And I will make you to be removed into all Kingckms of the Earth, Szc. We read al Ezek. xvii. i3, 19, 20. That God tells Zedt ah, becaufe he brake the Covenant he 1 made with the King of Babylon, that therefb He would recompenfe upon his Head the Oath t he had defpifd, and the Covenant that I brcken, and him to Babylon, : Taking of the Covenant. 391 with him there for the Trefpafs which he : "puffed againft the Lord. David tells us, zi xv. 4. That it is a Sin that fhuts a Man : of Heaven. The Turkijb Hiitory tell us a Covenant made between Amwrath, that sat Tark> and Ladiflaus King of Hungary, i how the Pope abfolved Ladiflaus from the th, and provoked him to renew the War: which War, the Turk being put to the worft, i defparing of Vi&ory, pulls out a Paper lich he had in his Bofom, wherein the ague was written, and faid, O thou God of jChriflians, it ^ thou bee ft a true God, leave* bofe that have, without Caufe, broken the Leigue 4e by calling upon thy Name. And the Story That after he had fpoken thefe Words, had, as it were, a new Heart and Spirii n and his Soldiers, and that they obtained jlorious Vi&ory over Ladiflaus. Thus God enged the -Quarrel of Man's Covenant. The :e Story we read of Rodolphus Duke ofSwe- ho, by the Pope's Irrigation, waged "ar \. ith Henry IV. Emperor of 0 , to horn he had (worn the contrary. The Pope nt a Crown to him with this Motto. 7' \dit Petro, Pctrus iRodolpb): But in Jit it chanced loft his ghr Hand, and falling lick upon it, he called I and laid. Specie: a ejepi , tae fidem tento viu- 3 fienricc I ) id yyith which 1 futycri Emperor, v 392 Mr. Calamy'j Sermon at the my Oath, and therefore I am rightly punifh< I will not trouble you with relating that g lant Story of Regulus, that chofe rather to t pofe himfelf to a cruel Death, than to falf. his Oath to the Carthaginians. The Sum all is, If it be fuch a crying Abomination break Covenant between Man and Man j a if fuch Perfons are accounted as the Off-fcoi ing of Men, not worthy to live in a Chrifth no not in a Heathen Common- wealth : If it a Sin that draws down Vengeance from Ht ven j much more for a Man to enter into C venant with the great Jehovah, and to bre fuch a religious Engagement j this muft nee be a deftroying, and Soul-damning Sia A: of fuch religious Covenants I am now tofpea There are two Covenants that God m& with Man, a Covenant of Nature, and a G venant of Grace. The Covenant of Natu (or of Works) was made with Jdam, and Mankind in him. This Covenant Mam brok and God prefently had a Quarrel againft hi; for breaking of it, Gen. iii. 8, 9. And to aven; the Quarrel of the Covenant, he was thn out ot Paradife, and there was a Sword al placed at the Eaft End of the Garden oiFdi to avenge Covenant-breaking. And by N ture we are all Children of Wrath, Heirs Hell, becaufe of the Breach of that Covenat And therefore we Ihould never think of Of ginal Sin, or of the fmfulnefs and curfedn* of our Natural Condition, but we fhould r member what a grievous Sin Covenant- breal ing is, B 9iking of the Covenant. 393 But after Man was fallen, God was pie fed (hike a new Covenant, which is u ually led a Covenant of Grace, or ot P a\u jn, a Copy of which you ikail read, £$*£. »7, 8. 9. This was firft propounded to A- n by Way of Promife, Gen. iii. 2 he Seed of Woman fhall bruife the Serpen? 3 Head. And n to Abraham by Way of Covenant, Gen. i. In thy Seed (hall all the Nations of the W 01 Id >IeJJed. And then to Mofes by Way of Tef- nent, Exod. xxxiii. It is nothing elfe but j free and gracious Tender of jelus Chrift, 1 all his rich Purchafes to all the loll and done Sons of Adam^ that fhall believe in n^ or as the Phrafe is, Ifa. lvi. 4. That pi all :e hold of the Covenant. Now you muft know itBaptifm is a Seal of this Covenant, and it all that are baptized, do facramentally, leaft engage themfelves to walk before God, d to be upright ; and God likewiie engages nfelf to be their God. This Covenant is :ewife renewed when we come to the Lord's tpper, wherein we bind ourfelves, by a fa- amentai Oath, unto Thankfulnefs to God r Chrift. Add further, that befides this ge- ral Covenant of Grace, whereof the Sacra* ents are Seals, there are Particular and Per- nal, and Family and national Covenants. hus, Job had his Covenant, Job iii. 1. and '*W, PfaL cxix. 106. And when he came be King, he joined in Covenant with his :ople to ferve the Lord- Thus Afay Jc dah^ and Jofiah^ &c. Thus the People ot rati hud not only a Covenant in Qrcumcijion^ but 394 Mr. Calamy5^ Sermon at the but renewed a Covenant at Horeb and Mo and did often again and again bind thejnfel^ to God by Vow and Covenant. And thus i Churches of Chrift. Chriitians, befides i Vow in Baptifm, have many perfonal and i tional Engagements unto God by Covena which are nothing elfe but the. Renovatio. and particular Applications of that firfl Vc in Baptifm. Of this Nature is that you to renew this Day, 6jV. Now give me leave to fhew you what Sword-procuring and Soul undoing Sin, t Sin of Covenant- breaking is ; and then t| Reafon of it. Famous is that Text, Lev. xx 25. And I will fend my Swords which fballavei the Ghiarrel of my Covenant. The Words , Hebrew run thus, I will avenge the Avengeme^ in the Greek [ekdikoufan diken~\ the Latit Ulcifcar Ultiomm j which importeth thus muc that God is at open War, and at publick D fiance with thofe that break his Covenant: I is not only angry with them^ but he will . revenged of them. "The Lord hath aControvi fie with all Covenant-breakers , Hof. iv. i. as it Lev. xxvi. 23. The Lord will walk contrary them., In the xxix. of Deuteronomy. Fir God takes his People into Covenant, and tti he tells them of the happy Condition th< fnould be in, if they did keep the Covenan but if they did break Covenant, he tells ther Verfe 20. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25. That the Lo will not [pare him , but the Anger of the Lord a his Jealoufie (hall fnoke againft that Man^ a, all the Curfesthat are written tn this Book ffo Taking of the Covenant. 395 >pon hint) and the Lord /hall blot out his Name n under Heaven^ and the Lord ]h all feparatc Szc. And when the Nations pall fay^ wejore hath the Lord done thus unto the Land ? wt meaneth the Heat of this great Anger? m /hall Men fay^ Becaufe they have forfaken Covenant of the Lord God of their Fathers , &c» lis was the Sin that caufed God to fend his ople Ifrael into Captivity, and to remove the nctleitick from the Aftan Churches. It is this Sin, that the Sword is now devouring Wtany^ Ireland., and England^ &c. God hath tt his Sword to avenge the Quarrel of his "renant. The Reafons why this Sin is a God-pro- king Sin, are, n 1. Becaufe that, to fin againft the Benant, is a greater Sin, than to lin againft .ommandment of God, or to fin againft a femiie, or to fin againft an Ordinance of 3d Hy?, It is a greater Sin, than to break imandment of God ; lor the more Mercy Thing we Jin againft, the great- is the Sin. Now there is more Merc)' in a, nt, than in a bare Commandment. The nent tells us our Duty, but gives ver to do it. But the Covenant Power to do what it requires to And therefore, if it be a liell-pro- break the leaft ot God's Com- s, much ni »venant- r, Hiv. x. 28, 29. 2/ ir ;s ;i d ; ■\cnantis a Trc;, tned with 396 Mr. Calamy'j Sermon at the an Oath. It is amutual Stipulation betw God and us : And therefore, if it be a g Sin to break Promife, much more to bi Covenant. 3. It is a greater Sin than tc againft an Ordinance, becaufe the Cover is the Root and Ground of all the Ordinan It is by virtue of the Covenant, that we made Partakers of the Ordinances : The W1 is the Book of the Covenant, and the Sac ments are the Seals of the Covenant. An it be a Sin of an high Nature to fin aga the Book of the Covenant, and the Seals the Covenant, much more againft the Co nant itielf. To break Covenant, is a fun mental Sin; it razeth the very Foundatipr Chriftianity, becaufe the Covenant is Foundation of all the Privileges, and Pre gatives, and Hopes of the Saints of Gc And therefore we read, Eph. ii. 12. tha Stranger from the Covenant, is one withf Hope. All Hope of Heaven is cut off, wh the Covenant is willingly broken. To br* Covenant, is an univerfal Sin, it includes other Sins. By virtue of the Covenant, j ty ourfelves to the Obedience of God's Co mandments, we give up ourfelves to the Gu ance of Jefus Chrift, we own him for c Lord and King; all the Promifes of this Li and that which is to come, are contain within the Covenant. The Ordinances Fruits of the Covenant : And therefore th that forfake the Covenant, commit many Si in one, and bring not only many, but Curfes upon their Heads. The Sum of t Taking of the f Covenant. 397 Argument is, If the Lord wilt avenge the trrel of his Commandments, if God was nged upon the Stick-gatherer for breaking Sabbath , much more will he be avenged n a Covenant-breaker. If God will avenge Quarrel of a Promt fe, if the Jgjiarrel of an Imance : If they that rejeft the Ordinances ,1 be puniihed, of how much forer Punifh- at ihall they be thought worthy, that rnple under their Feet the Blood of the venant? If God was avenged ofthofe that ifed the Ark of the Covenant, much more X he punilh thofe that ahufe the Angel of 5 Covenant. The fecond Reafon why Covenant-breaking, fuch a Land-dertroying Sin, is, Becaufe it 1 folemn and ierious Thing to enter into a ^venant with God ; a' Matter of great Weight i Importance, that it is impolfible but God ;>uld be exceedingly provoked with thefe it l light it, and ditrelpect it. The Vow in iptifin is the firlt, the moil genera], and the lemnelt that any Chriftian took, (aith Chry- wherein he doth not only promife*, but .gage hirnfelf by Covenant in the Sight of qd, and his holy Angels, to be the Servant JeiusChrift; and therefore God will not )ld him guiltlels, that breaks this Vow. The jlemnity and Weightinefs of Covenant-tak- .g, conlideth in three Things. 1. Becaufe it is made with the glorious Ma- lty ot Heaven and Earth, who will not be itted and baffled withal : And therefore, what ' aphat laid 10 his fudges, 2Chion. xix. 6. 398 Mr. Calamy^ Sermon at the ¥ake heed what ye do : For ye judge not for A 'but for the Lord, who is with you in the Jt ment. Wherefore now, let the Fear of the Lor upon yon, &c. The like I may lay to ev one that enters into Covenant this Day. heed what ye do , for it is the Lord's Coven and there ts no Iniquity with the Lord: ~Wh fore now ^ let the Fear of the Lord be upon j For our God is a- holy God, he is a jealous God,\ will not forgive your Tranfgrejfftons, nor your S as Jofpua faith, J op. xxiv. 19. 2. Becaufe the Articles of the Covenant weighty^ and of great Importance. In Covenant of Grace, God engageth himfelf give Chrift, and with him all temporal, ritual, and eternal Bleffings, and we engj, ourfelves to be his faithful Servants alb Days. In this Covenant, we oblige ourfef to do great Matters, that nearly concern Glory of God, the Good of our Souls, and Happlnefs of the three Kingdoms. And fuch holy and heavenly Things, which fo ne ly concern our everlafting Eltate, to da. and trifle, mull: needs incenfe the Anger of 1 great Jehovah. 3. The Manner ufed both by Jews, Heaih{ and Chriflians, in entering into Covenant, d( clearly let out the Weightinefs of it, andwl a horrible Sin it is to break it. The Cuft< among the Jews, will appear by divers Te: of Scripture ^ Jer. xxxiv. 18. it h faid, .An will give the Men that have tranfgreffed myCp nant^ivhich they had made before me, when they ■ the Calf ii» twain, and puffed between the Pa then Taking of the Covenant. 399 ereof. The Words they ufed when they jfed between the Parts, were, So God divide if I keep not Covenant. Neb. v. 12, 13. Ne- took an Oath of the Priefts, and fhook a Lap, and laid, So God pake on Man ym his Houfe, and from his Labour , that per- meth not this Promife ; even thus be he fiaken t and emptied. And alt the Congregation /aid, men. In the xv. oiGenefis, Abraham divided *e Heifer, and She-goat, and a Rum, &c. Hid when the Sim was down, a fmoakrng Furnace , fd a burning Lamp, paffed between thefe Pieces. fcis did reprefent God's Pretence, faith Clemens Vexandrinus, and it was, as if God fhould fay, kbold, this Day I enter into Co theey thou keepeji Covenant, 1 will be as a ■ \g Lamp to enlighten, and to comfort thee ; But fyhou breake/i Covenant , I will be like a fmcaking \rnace to con fume thee. Thus alio, t xi v. Mofes makes a Covenant with Ifracl, and Sacrifices, and takes the Blood of the fccrifices and divides it, and Half of it he crinkles upon the Altar, ( which re jod's Part) and the other half he iprinkles ipon the People, as if he Ihould fay, Wood is divided, Jo will G u, if ye reak Covenant. This was the Cuftom among he Jews. Amonglt the / wni foederapor d when it was di\ :he Fecialcs gave one Half to on< , and :he other to the other, and faid, \}ou a [under, if you break t pod do {o much the more bv ho-. ; Jie more able, Hmc Foedus a 400 Mr. C a l a m 11 's Sermon at the (fcilicet porco^ divifo. Sometimes they ma - Covenants by taking a Scone in their Ham and faying, If I make this Covenant ferioujly \ faithfully, then let the great Jupiter, blefs r> if not fo, let me be caji away from J he Face of Gods, as I cafi away this Stone. This was c led Jurare per Jovem Lapidem. AlithefeThir are not empty Notions and metaphorical SI dows, but real and fubftantial Pra&ices ; fi niiying unto us, that God will and muft (1 it ftands with his Honour to do it) divi and break them in Pieces that break Covens with him. This Day you are to take a Co\ nant by the lifting up of your Hands unto t moil: High God, which is a molt emphatic Ceremony, whereby we do as it were, a God to be a Witnefs and a Judge of what i do, and. a Re warder or Revenger, accordij as we keep or break this Covenant. If keep it, the lifting up of oar Hands will be i an Evening Sacrifice , if we break it, the Uftt up our Hands will be as the lifting up of\ Hands of a Malefattor at the Bar, and procu Wq and Mifery, and wringing of Hands the great Day of appearing. The third Reafon why God will be aveng< of thofe that are Covenant-breakers, is, b cauie that a Covenant is the greatSft Oblig; tion, and the moft forcible Claim that can invented to tie us to Obedience and Seryk God may juftly challenge Obedience witho covenanting, by Virtue of Creation, Prefe vation and Redemption: He hath made i and when loll, be hath purchafed us with \ 1 * Blo« taking of the Covenant. 401 •]:ood. But being willing more abundantly imanifeit his Love, that we be the more fait- d to him, he hath tied Himfelf to us, and us C him, by the flrong Bond of a Covenant: ; if God lhould fay, Oh ye Sons of Men, I i you are rebellious, and Sons of 'Btlint^ and Tfefore if it be poiiible I will maice lure. I 11 engage you unto me, not only by Crea- >n, Prelervation and Redemption, but alfo the Right of Covenant and Aiiociation. I JJ make you mine by Promife and Oath. Id furely he that will break thefe Bonds, is fead as the Man polfefled with the Devil in fcGofpel, whom no Chains could keep tail, lien we enter into Covenant with God, we £ the Oath of Supremacy, and fwear unto that he fhould be our chief Lord and Pernor, and that we will admit of no fo- 2n Power or Jur i, but that God til be All in All. We life Eftke the A of Allegiance, t and Hlls, and tn: : 'u i: in irituals and ' in that belie is a God, 1 th thele Oaths of A it is curl mongfl! ; prefied, he tuok an 0 rhfully, and n< r all tin 402 Mr. Calamy'j Sermon at the milites per conjttrationem^ or, milius cvocat And when any Soldier iorfook his Captain, h had the Martial Law executed upon hin Thus it is with every Chriftian: He is a. fefied Soldier of Chrilt, he hath taken Pref; money, he hath fworn and taken the Sacn ment upon it to become the Lord's, he is m les tier facr amentum j and miles per conjtirattonm And if he foriake his Captain and break Covi nant, the great Lord of Holts will be avenj ed of him, as it is written, Jer. xi. 3. QirJ l>e the Man that obeyeth not the Words of the C tenant. To break Covenant is a Sin of Pe jury, which is a Sin of an high Nature j and for Oaths the Land mournetft, much more i Breach of Cteths. To break Covenant is Sin of fpiritual Adultery 3 for by covenant!!1 with God, we do as it were, join oarfches Marriage to God> as the Hebrew Word ligi fieth, Jer. 1. 5. Now to break the Mar age-Knot, is a Sin for which God may juit give a Bill of Divorce to a Nation. To bre Covenant is a Sin of Injuftice j for by oar C venant we do enter, as it were, into Bond God, and engage ourfelves as a Creditor his Debitor j now the Sin of Injuftice is Land-deftroying Sin. The fourth Realbn why God muil needs avenged op thole that are Covenant-breake is, it is an* Aft of the higheft Sacrilege tl can be committed. For, by Virtue of the C venant, the Lord lays Claim to us as his j culiar Inheritance, Ezek. xvi. 8. / fivare a thee, and enired into Covenant with t ^ t> Taking of the Covenant* 40 j \iu becameft mine. Jer. xxxi. 33. / will be God, and they fhall be my People. It is a prthy Obfervation, that in the Covenant pre is a double Surrender, one on God's Jrt, and another on our Part. God Almighty l.kes a Surrender of himfelf, and of his Son, it of the Holy Ghoft. Behold, iaith God, [m wholly thy God j all my' Power, and rcy, and Goodnefs, $3c is all thine 3 my is thine, and all his rich Purchafes ; my Jfc is thine, and all his Graces: This is d's Surrender. On our Parts, when wc e hold of the Covenant, we make a Deli- of our Bodies and Souls into the Hands 1 -i; we chufe him to be our Lord and vernor, we relign up ourfelves into his nds. Lord, we are thine at thy difpoJing: i alienate ourfelves, and make a Deed or fc of ourfelves, and give thee Lock and Key rtead, Heart, and Attentions, &c. This is Tfrature of every religious Covenant, buc icially of the Covenant of Grace. But { tor a Chriftian to call in, as it were, Surrender, to difclaim his Refignation, to .limfelf from God, and lay Claim If alter his Alienation ; to fulfil his \ Lulls, to walk after his own Ways, ta vhit he lifts, and not what he hath cove- :cd to do, and fo to rob God of what is 1 lis is the hi gheft Degree ofSacj to go unpunilh^d. iurely if the Sti lerer, that did but little of Go is Time; and ira> that withheld but fomc Part of C c cbeii 404 Mr* CalamyV Sermon at the their Eftate: And if ' Belfhazzar for abtrfli the confecrated Veliels of the Temple, we fo grievoufly punillied y how much more w God punilh thofe that alienate themfelvcs fro the fervice of mat God to whom they ha fworn to be obedient? It is obferved b) learned Author, of the famous Command* ol the Romans y That they never prolpered af they had defiled and robbed the Temple Jerufakm. Firfiy Pompey the Great, he wvt into the Santtum Santforum^ a Place never] fore enter'd by any but the High Prieft, i the Lord blaited him in all his Proceedin after that Time : Ut Me qui terrain non hal ante ad viftoriam, deeffet Mi terra ad feptiltim That he that before* that Time wanted Ea to overcome, had not at laft Earth enough, bury him withal. The next was Craffus, v took away 10000 Talents of Gold from Temple, and afterward died, by having G poured down his Throat. The third j Coffins ^ who afterwards killed himfelf. If t God did thus avenge himfelf of thofe polluted his confecrated Temple ; much more he not leave them unpunished, that are living Temples of the holy Ghoft, confecr by God by Covenant, and afterwards pro^ facnlegious^ robbing God of that Worihip* Service, which they have fworn to \ him. The fifth Reafon why this Sin makes Times perilous, is, Becaufe Covenant-brea are reckoned amongft the Number of thofe have tjre Mark of Reprobation upon their - Taking of the Covenant 405 » not fay, that they are all Reprobates, yet e Apoftle makes it to be' one of ofe Sins which are committed by thole that b giVen up to a reprobate Mind, Rom. i. 2S, 3 1 . le Words are fpoken of the Heathen, and to be underftood of Covenants made be- Man and Man ; and then the Argum Id a fortiori If it be the Brand 0 >ate to break Covenant with Man ire a Covenant made with the great b, by the lilting up ok our Hands to H. i* n. The lafl Reafbn is, Becaufe it is a Sin againil Sh infinite Mercy. It is laid, f hkh niy Covenant I Riband unto them ; tha m for my Spoule, and married 1 into 2m, with an everlafting Covenant d entail'd Heaven unro them, yet th< Dken my Covenant. Thi cation. Thus £zek. xvi 4, 5 xft in thy Blood, a /tern upon thee, I fa id twt ift in 1 hy Bloody Live: Ted3 I h is twice repeated. Mark it, 0 IC / faid unto t! x3, Verfe 8. thy Tim held, and wonder at ii 406 Mr. Calamy'j Sermon at the God, Ezek. xvi. 23. There is a fivefold Mo in the Covenant, efpecially in the Coven of Grace, that makes the Sin of Covena breaking to be fo odious. 1. It is a Mercy, that the great God vouchfafe to enter into Covenant with I and Afhes. As David faith in another G Is it a light Ihtng to be the Son in law of a Ki\ So may I fay, Is it a light Matter for the of Heaven and Earth to condefccnd fo far as tk tenant with his poor Creatures, and thereby become their Debitors, and to make them, & were, his Equals? When Jonathan and,I vid entered into a Covenant of Friendfh tho5 one was a King's Son, the other a n Shepherd, yet there was then a kind of Ed: lity between them. But this muft be und ftood warily, according to the Text, 1 €! i 9. Blejfed be God, iyho hath called us unto Fe!low/hip of his Son Jefus Chrifi our Lord. is Hill our Lord, thb' in Fellowfhip with It is a Covenant of infinite Condefceniioa God's Part, whereby he enters into a Lea£ of Friendfhip with his People, 2. The Mercy is the greater, becaufe t Covenant was made after the Fall of Adc After we had broken the firft Covenant, tl the Lord fliould try us the fecond Time, not only an Act of infinite Goodnefs of G(. but of infinite Mercy. There is a Differer between the Goodnefs and the Mercy of G( Goodnefs may be ihewed to thofe that t not in Mifery : But Mercy fuppofeth Mifa A faking of the Covenant. 407 this was our Condition after the Breach the firit Covenant. 3. That God lhould make this Covenant with an, and not with Devils. 4. This fets out the Mercy of the Covenant, scaule it contains fuch rare and glorious Bene- , and therefore it is called a Covenant ife and Peace, MaL ii. 5. An erjerla/rin> want, even the fa e Mercies cf David, ha. '.3. It is compared to the Waters of Noah, 4. liv. 6. Famous are thofe two Texts, xix. 5, 6. Jer. xxxii. 40, 41. T| lat hold torch iHong Confolation. By vir- le of the Covenant, Heaven is not only made bflible, but certain to all Believers, and rer- un by Way of Oath. It is by virtue ot the Covenant, that we call him 1 md may ay Claim to all the Power, Wiiaonu els and Mercy. ciV. that is in God. As Jeho?- haphat told the K Ifrael, to whom he yas joined in Covenanr, / am as *evp/e as thy People, my Horj ! v Horfts : \o doth God fay to all that are in Cove vith him, My Pc :bnie, my H hine,&zc. By virtue of this Covenant, what- oevcrthou wanteft, God cannot deny it thee, fit be go God, I. :hou halt ftvoro 1 Jtone, and to | miou lait fworn to write thy Law in v\y Hi hou halt fworn to cin (thrill, ,n£* md Prophet, &c. And t but >e a Co cnant-keeper. By virtue of this I C 1 pnt', 408 Mr. Calamy'j Sermon at the venant, God cannot but accept of a poor peqi. tent Sinner, laying hold upon Chriit for Ptr< don, 2Chron. vii. 14. Jcr. iii. 14. Promt]}, haec tua funt Dsmine, & quis falh timet cum pri mittit ipfa Veritas ? In a Word, we may- cha$ lenge Pardon and Heaven by our Covenant 1 John i. 9. God is not only merciful, but jn to forgive tfsj we may challenge Heaves through Chrift, out or Juiiice 5. And Laftly, That the Condition of tlw Covenant on our Parts, fhould be upon fueii eafy Terms, therefore it is called a Covenant of tree Grace, and all that God requires of usl is, to take hold oi this Govenant, Ifa. lvi. to) receive this Gift of Righteoufnefs, Rem. v.t to take all Chrift, as he is tendered in the Cm venant 3 and that which is the greateit Conffli lation of all, God hath promifed in his Cove-| n.Mit to do our Part for us, Jer. xxxi. 33, » Therefore it is called. a Teftarnent, rather thaj| a Covenant. In the New Teftarnent, the Word diatheke, is always ufed by the Apoftle^ and notfyntheke. Heaven is conveyed unto the Eleft by Way of Legacy. It isTart of God's "Itftm ment, to write his Law in our Hearts, and to caufe us to walk in his Ways, &c. Put thefe together, feeing there is fuch infinite Mercy in the Covenant. A Mercy, for God to enter into Covenant with us, to do it with us, and Mt the Angels, with us fallen, with us upon fuch eafy Ttrms, And to make fuch a Covenant that contains fo many, and not only fo, hut all Eleffmgs here and hereafter, in the Womb of it. It mult needs be a Land- Taking of the Covenant. 409 ld-deftroying, andSoul-deftroyingSin, to l Covenant-breaker. ^he Ufe and Application of this Doctrine is rfold. Jfe r. Of Information. IfitbefuchaLand- ToyingSin, to be a Covenant-l let from hence learn the true Caul the eries that ha\e happened unto England \n fe late Years. 1 all Calamities are come. I ,en rcnant with G )d, and :. Ei:gk ' d in Pie^. n as a Potter brc ieiieJ i;: igt ipt the nple, with WK;p. rch iep withal. A ( 50 God; and no\* God hath 1 iron lip of that Covenant, /Vc arc a Nation in C have the Books of I Ne anient, we !:. ptifm, and tl nilters of the I , v. e ha^ e ch lis Chrif , and clearly fet out be >f the Word : Bl' amongil us, a. is Privileges, rather in rather lor our Ri 41 o Mr. C At amy's Sermon at the than for our Happincfs ? May it not be fi of us, as Reverend Mulin faid of the Frei Proteftants, While they burned us ( faith hi for reading the Scriptures, we burnt with Zed be reading of them j now with our Liberty, is h alfo Negligence and Difefteem of God's Woi So is it with us5 while we were under t Tyranny of Bifhops$ Oh! how fweet war Failing Day ? How beautiful were the Fc of them that brought the Gofpel of Peace uc you? How dear and precious were Gcx People one to another ? &c. But now, ho are our Falling Days flighted and vilifiqi How are the People of God divided one fli another, railfng upon ( inflead of loving one another? And is northe godly Minift as much perfecuted by the Tongues of for that would be accounted godly, as heretofo by the Bifhop's Hands ? Is not the Holy B§ by fome rather wrelied than read ? Wreft* I fay, by ignorant and unliable Souls, to tb< own Destruction ? And as for the Seals oft Covenant, ( i. ) For tfre Lord's Supper, howl have we fpilt the Blood of Chrift by our u worthy Approaches to his Table ? And hen it is, that he is now fpilling our Blood s he hard a Matter is it, to obtain Power to ke the Blood of Chrnl from being profaned 1 ignorant and fcandalous Communicants ? A: can we think, that God will be ealily intreat to fheath up his bloody Sword, and to ces Ihedding our Blood ? 2. For the Sacrament of Baptifm ; how era are Men grown to their little Infants, by kee Taking of the Covenant. 41 1 j of their: :he Seal of Entrance into ngdjir A H md making thei ;uft in the lame Condition w ith the ttldren or Turks and Infidels * ? I rem the beginning of theie Wa isa eat Fear tell upon godly People about their tie Children, and all their Care w as for their efervation, and their Safety 9 and tor the ilitinuance of the Goipel to them, &c. But w5 our little Children are likely to be in a !?rie Condition than ever. And all this is me upon us as a juit Puniihment oi our I mal Covenant-breaking. And as tor j. irift, who is the Angel of the C< re there not fome am irift ? And is it not fit and equal that Cod suld unchurch us, and } Are there t Thoufands that have l'worn to be Chi xvants, and yet are in their Lives the Vaifids h Sin and Satan ? And fhall not God be ;nged offuch a Nation as this ? Theft Things ►nlidered, it bonder are great, but the Wonder is, that they are >t greater. of Examination. ot Humiliation, on feU-examination. Let re upon I Day as this, bt Snongft the Number of thofe that make the !imes perilous, whether ot Coven :ers? Here I will fpeak of three G ints ; I. Ot the Covenant a< * Mash? tbt AnabaptiiV ^ 412 Mr. Calamy\t Sermon at the God in our Baptifm. 2. Of the Covenant we he made with God in our Dijlrejfes. 3. And efj cially of this Covenant you^are to renew U Bay. 1. Of the Covenant which we made in Ba tifm^ and renew every Time we come to tl Lord's Supper ) and upon our folemn Days Failing. There are none here, but I may fi of them , The Vows of God are upon you. Y4 zrefervi naii, ewpti, jurats j you are the hot 'bought, and fworn Servants of God, you hai made a Surrender of your felves unto God at Chrift. The Queftion I put to you is tblj How often have you broken Covenant wfl' God ? It is faid, Ifa. xxxiii. 14. The Sinners) ZAon are afraid; who Jh all dwell wtth everkiftk Torments ? who (hall dwell with devouring Firi &c. When God comes to a Church-linnet to a Sinner under the Old Teftament, muc more to a Chriftian-iinner, a Sinner under tb New Teftament, and layeth to his Charge h: often Covenant-breaking, Fearfulnels fhal pofiefs him, and he will cry our, Of ! wo 1 me, who can dwell with ever lifting Burning* Our God is a con fuming Fire, a#a we are as Siubh before htm; who can jl and before his Tvdign Nah. i. 6. Who can abide in the Fiercenefs of h Anger ? when his Fury is p^nr like Fin and the Recks are thrown dwn -fort toim. 1m, can (land? Qt all So^ts of Creatures, a finft Chriftian fhall not be able to ftand before th Lord? when he comes to vifit the Wo- " their Sins. For, when a Chriftian fins agairi God,_he fins not only againlt the CommaM menl Taking of the Covenant . 413 it, but againft the Covenant. And in every he is a Command, nent-breaker, and a Co- ant-breatcer And therefore, v. the : faith, 7 ijh upon every itfmntthy but fir (I upon the 'fezes, &c. ay add, Firjf, Upon the Cbrifiian, then upon , and then upon the Grecian: Becaufe i . enarit made with the Chriftian, is called / .• And therefore his Sins have ligher Aggravation in them. There is a Pailage in Auftin, in which he brings Devil thus pleading with God, againft t i Chriitian at the Day of Judgment $ J apud c tcia~ tdinternp ictera mea? H n tnea poft J fit, 777C die a aequifftme judex, qt poft- Oh ! thou r >u.s Judg n 1 who reiuled to b p after he had renounced me 1n fa n ; what had he to d hat had he to d<> vvil , Pf link he !, lince h 414 ^r- CalamyV Sermon at the difdained to die for, hath obliged himfelf me by his Sins, Z$c. Now, What can God fay to this Charge . the Devil's, but, Take him^ l)evil^ feeing ! would be thine, take him, torment him wi everlaiting Torments. Cyprian brings jn t! Devil thus fpeaking to Chrift in the great D* of Judgment, Ego pro ifits quos mccum vides % alapas accept nee flagella fuftinui^ neccrucempe tuli^ nee fanguinem fudi^ Jed nee regnant coel% Hits pmmttO) nee ad Paradifim evoco^ & tarn fe trnhi fuaque omnia conjecramnt. I have 1 (faith tne Devil) bisen whiped, and fcourgi and crucified, neither have I fhed my BHT for thofe whom thou feeft with me , I do a promife them a Kingdom of Heaven, £3c. m yet thefe Men have wholly confecrated then felves to me and my Service. Indeed if d Devil could make fuch gainful Covenan with us, and bellow fuch glorious Merci upon us as are contained within the Covenan our ferving of Satan and Sin might have fori Excufe. But whereas his Covenant is a Cov< nant of Bondage, Death, Hell, and Damn: tion y and God's Covenant is a Covenant Liberty, Grace, and eternal Happinels, mull needs be a Sin inexcufable, to be willing ly and wilfully fuch a Covenant-breaker. 2. Let us examine concerning the Vo| which we have made to God in our Diftreiie in our perfonal Diftrelfes, and our nation: Diftreiies. Are we not like the Cniidrenc Ifrael) of whom it is laid, Pfal. lxxviii.. 3. When he Jlew thent^ t/Jen they fought bhu. Taking of the Covenant. 415 returned and enquired early ar } &c. wtbelefs they did jl after him a ith, &c. For their He i neither were they fiedfaji in we not like little Children, that while r are whiping, will promife any Thing, when the whiping is over, will perform liog ? Or like unto Iron that is very foft mallible while it is in the Fire, buc *n it is taken out of the Fire, returns pre- \y to its former Hardnefs ? This was Ja- Fault: He made a Yaw when he was )iltrefs, Gen. xxviii. 22. but he iorgot his renant, and God was angry m, and ftifed him in his Daughter Dinah, Gen. ;iv. 5. and in his two Sons ALcvi^ at laft God himfeli all him n Heaven to keep C fl : blefled Jacoi i£ 9, 10, 11, 12. Wc 13, 14, 15. that he 1 I ht is ■:■ m that in. . Let • lies 416 Mr. Cal amy5.? Sermon at the for our own Sins, and for the Sins of the Kir dom: But where "fhall we find a Mourner England for his own Abominations, and for i Abominations that are committed in the mi ©f us ? It is eafy to find a Cenfurer of the S of the Land, but hard to find a true Mouri for the Sins of the Land. 2. We fwear that we will endeavour to before one another in the Example of a r Reformation. But who makes Confciencfc this Part of the Oath ? W hat Sin haft thou li or in what one Thing haft thou reformed fi| thou took this Covenant ? We read, Ezfw 7. That they entered into a Covenant to put A their Wives and their Children by them^ wlj was a very difficult and hard Duty, andf they did it. But what Bofom-5in, what loved Sin, as dear to thee as thy dear W and Children, haft thou left for God's S fince thou took eft this Oath ? I read, Nth 13. That the People took an Oath to n| Reftitution, which was a coftly Duty, yet they performed it, faith the Text, alas ! where is the Man that hath made Ri ration of his ill-gotten Goods iince he this Covenant ? I read, zChrbn. xv. 16. King Afa depofed his Mother Mdachahj even her from being Gheen, after he had ett into Covenant: And that the People, 2 xi. 18. after they had! worn a Covenant, bi in Pieces all the Altars of Baal throug] But where is this through Reformatio™ through Amendment of Life? Indeed her ■much'Talk of a Preformation, but little P Taking of the Covenant a\ 7 of a Reformation. We fay, we fight for ztox nation, but 1 tear left in a little Time, figiit away our Reformation. Or if we t it not away, yet we lhculd dilpute it y. For all our Religion is turned into ms, into Queftions, in lb much as there lbme that call all Religion imo Queition, in a little while will lole all Religion in crowd ot Queftions j inter difpitiandum, Ve- y Re/igw amttutur. There was a Time many Years ago, wher. God did blefs our iftry in the City, to the Converlion of y People unto G6d ; but now there are y that ftudy more to gain Parties to them- es, than to gain Souls to G< d The t Work of Converlion is little thought and never fo tew ( if aay at all ) convert- j in thefe Days wherein we talk fo much .eformation ; And is this to keep Cove- with God ? We fwear to endeavour to amend t> reform not only ourfehes^ but alfo thofe that mder our Charge. But w lie re is that Fa- '-Reformation ? Indeed 1 read ot j. when he went to perform h; and enant, he firft reiormed his Family, (?«. I 3. Mid that Jolbua refolved (and prmed it) for himfeff and his \am-ly to the Lord. And lo did Joft'b^ 2CM0U. v. And Oh! that I o Id, and But the Wickedneis committed in ilies, proclaim the conr the •Id. What Noblemen, what Al t Merchants Families is more n D d Jincc ^i8 Mr* Cal amy's Sermon at the fince the Covenant, than before ? We fp< and contend much for a Church-Reformati but how can there be a Church-Reformati unlefs there be a Family-Reformation ? W though the Church-worfhip be pure, ye the Worlhippers be impure, God will not cept of the Worfhip ? And if Families be reformed, how will your Worlhippers pure? 4. We fwear to endeavour to bring' Churches of God tn the three Kmgd$ms to the n eft Uniformity in Religion, CcnfeJJion of Fc Form of Church Government, Direftory for ] /hip, and Catechijing, &c. But are there fome that write againft an Uniformity in R gion, and call it an Idol ? Are there not it that walk profefledly contrary to this CI of the Covenant? There are three Text Scripture that People keep the quite contl Way. The firft is, Matth. vi. 31, 32.f Take no Thought what ye /hall eat, &c. Ta\ Thought for to Morrow. And moll People Thought for nothing elfe. The fecondis, ' vi. 33. Seek ye firjl the Kingdom of God, an\ Right eoufnefs, &c. And moll People feekf laft of all. The third Text is, John vil Labour not for the Meat that perijheth, h\ the Meat that enduretb for ever, &c. Andf People labour not for the Meit that endij forever, but for the Meat that perilheth. thele three Texts are kept fo do many P and try our Hearts, whether we be not tog the Number of thofe that make the nes perilous. .""he third Ufe is for Humiliation : Let the llideration of our Covenant-breaking, be a art-breaking Consideration to every on* of his Day ; Let this be a mighty and power- D d z tul 4,2o Mr. Calamy'j Sermon at the ful Argument to humble us upon this Day Humiliation. There are five Confederations that are ceedirigly Soul-humbling, if God blefs tt to us, . i. The Coniideration of the many Cc mandments of God, that we have oitea often broken. 2. The Consideration of the breaking of fus Chrift for our Sins, how he was rent, torn for oui Iniquities. 3. The Coniideration of the breaking dt Bread, and pouring out of the Wine in the crament, which is a Keart-breaking Mo and Help. 4. The broken Condition that the Kingdoi SLngland^ Scotland^ and belaud^ and that/* many is in at this 1 5. The many Vows and Covenants tha ha^ebr^Vc.:, om \ wafnent-CovcwvtSybxm in .s-Lefcehiixt$i oiir Su k-bcd~Ci\xvants ; and t cially th? Co.. jck, -ni-n a our often brea <3ur Naiinril Q/vt":r complain, 24. What I . t in Btn me? <*tc. Anl :hc eleventh Verfe, ' 1 :wnchv:r r God, ■ ' are no Gnds ? R ft my J > banged the it. Bi/S/br :he Devil intuiting over riil, and and yet t /,', and con- ned thee, ; then'he adds. \ ■ ]) d s 422 Mr. Calamy'j Sermon at the ten in Letters of Gold. Seeing then that venant-lpreaking is fo great an Aborning the Lord give us Hearts to be humbled for treat Abomination this Day. And this e a notable Preparation to fit you for dty newing of your Covenant. For we read, Nehemiah nrft called his People to faft, be he drew them unto a Covenant : Accor to which Pattern, you are here met to p and humble your Souls for your former C nant-breaking j and then to bind your k anew unto the Lord our God. As Wax v it is malted, will receive the Impreffion Seal, which it will not do before : So . your Hearts, when melted into godly Soi] for our Sins, receive the Seal of God abidii upon them, which they will not do when ft ned in Sin. Is every Man that fins againft the Cover; to be accounted a Covenant^breaker, and a j jured facrilegious Perfon? By no Means. For as every Failing Wife, doth not break Covenant betw een and her Husband ; but ihe is to be accou a Wife, till Ihe, by committing Adult break the Covenant : So every Mifcarr againft the Covenant of Grace, or againft National Covenant, doth not den©minaflj in a Gofpel Account, Covenant-breakers : then God accounts us, according to his Go:, to break Covenant, when we do not only but commit fin againft the Covenant , whei; do not only fin out of Weaknefs, but oij Wickedncfe i when we do not only f ail3 bu Taking of the Covenant. 423 X) Sin ; when we forfake and renounce the >venant, when we deal treacheroufly in the tenant, and enter into League and Covenant ith thofe Sins which we have fworn againft, aen we walk into Anti-covenant Paths, and illingly do contrary to what we fwear, then we perjured, and unjuft, and facrilegiousy A guilty of all thefe Things formerly men- 3ned. The fourth Ufe prefents unto you a Divine, td therefore a fure Proje£t to make the Times ^ppy; and that is, Let all Covenant-takers , la- w to be Covenant-keepers. It hath pleaied God, >put it in your Hearts to renew your Cove- int, the fame God enable you to keep Cove- mt. It is faid, 2Chron. xxxiv. 31, 32. The ing made a Covenant before the Lord, &c. And t caufed all that were prefent in Jerufalem and tenjamin to ft and to it. And 2 Kings xxiii. 3. he King ftood by a Pillar, and made a Covenant tfore the Lord, &c. And all the People flood 7 the Covenant. This is your Duty, not only 0 take the Covenant, but to lland to the Cove- lant ; and to Hand to it maugre all Oppoiition o the contrary, according as we read, 2 Chron. lit. 12, 13. And they entered into a Covenant to iek the Lord God of their Fathers, &c That ohofoever would not feck 1 tod of If: iould be put to Death, whether ftnall or great, whether Man or Woman. For it is not the tak- '*£, but the keeping of the Covenant, that will mke you happy. God is itiled, A God keep- it. ix. 4. Neb. \. s O *»t the Honour of this City ! Thnt D d 4 we 424 Mr. Cal amy's Sermon at the we may fay of it, London is a City keepi: Covenant with God. Great and many are t Bleffings intailed upon Covenant-keepe: Exod. xix. 5. 6. Now therefore it ye will obey\ Voice indeed^ and keep my Covenant , then ye f& he a peculiar Treafure unto me^ above all Peopi For ah the Earth is mine: And ye fb all be unto 1 a Kingdom of Priefts, aud an holy Nation^ & Pfal. xxv. 1 o. All the Paths of the Lord are Mi cy and Truth unto fuch as keep his Covenant , &i Pfal xv. 4. There ate three Co venants,'* fhall perfwade you in a ipecial Manner Hand to. 1. The Covenant you made with God Baprifm. A Chri ftian (faith Chryfofiom) lhou never ftep out of Doors, or ly down in 1 Bed, or go into his Clo.et, hut he fhould r member that Word, abrenunao^ that is, fhould remember the Time when he did nounce the Devil, and all hifc Works. ( let us not forget that which we ought alwa; .to remember! Let us remember to keep th Covenant, as we ever deiire God fhould r member us in Mercy at the great Day. 2. The Covenant we make with God in o; Affli&ions. Famous is that Pafiage of Pit in one of his Epiftles, to one thatdefked Rul from him how to order his Life aright, I \g (faith he) give you one Rule, which. ihall I inltead of a Thoufand ; Ut talcs efle perfeverdk [mi, quale* nns futuros e/fc profit em ur injj.rrn\ That we fhould perfevere to be fuch when v, are well, as we promife to be when we a lie Taking of the Covenant. 425 ;k. A Sentence never to be forgotten: The ord help us to live accordingly. 3. Tiie Covenant 1 you .ire to tike this ay. Tne Happinefe or Miiefy ol England >tli much depend up^n u*e Seeping or break- g of tins Covenant. If England keep it, %gland by keeping C .1 Hand lure, cording to tv vii. 14. If Eng- nd brcufc it vvill break England \x\ tee 1 f En-land il : God w 31 ll i gh t If England iorKi^c sr, God will for- ce E« and this ihall be written upon e Tomb ot perilHfhg - /, Here lyrtb a atton t 'rod. jfmember what 5 ou have heard this Day, at it is tn° Brand oi a R q to be a Co- man t- r, and it is the Part 01 a Fool [vow, and not t> ow's; And God ith no Delight in the Sacrifice ot* Fools. Bet- h not to vc ; :nt to pafy Ecclef 4, s It is fuch a high Profanation of God's ■, asthit God cannot hold a Covenant- it is Perjury, Injuftice, fpi- :ual Adultery, Sacrilege, &c. And the ve- r^ifti tour Hands this Day, (if you ► not let Heart und Hand n;i Work to keep untj will be a fufficie itWitnefe againit >u at the gre, . Gen. xxxi. h 45, 46> 4~-> + ] +9,5-,51 unhand iban emred in t ;- 4 /ftop af yncs^ i 1 id Mil pah, r fe Zorrf 'itnels, and l.)id, 't(*od of Abri Such is 426 Mr. C a l a m Yys Sermon at the is your Condition this Day, You enter int Covenant to become the Lord's, and to be vs liant for his Truth, and againft his Enemie and the very Stones of this Church fhall I Witnefs againft you, if you break Covenan The Name of this Place may be called Mtzpa* The Lord will watch over you for Good, you keep it, and for Evil if you break it, an all the Curies contained in the Book of tl Covenant ihall light upon a willing Cov< nant-breaker. The Lord fallen thefe Media tions, and >Soul-a wakening Conliderations uj on your Hearts. The Lord give you Gra< to keep clofe to the Covenant and a good Coi icience, which are both loft by breaking O venant. There are four Things I lhall perfwade yc unto in Purfuance of your Covenant. i. To be humbled for your own Sins, an for the Sins of the Kingdom; and more efp daily, becaufe we have not, as we ought v lued the inefteemable Benefit of the Gofpe that we have not laboured to receive Chrift j our Hearts, nor to walk worthy of him in o Lives, which are the Caufes of other Sic and Tranfgreflions lb much abounding among; us. Gofpel Sins are greater than Legal Sit and will bring Gofpel Curies, which are grea er that Legal Curies. And therefore let be humbled according to our Covenant, f all our Gofpel Abominations. 2. You mnft be ambitious to go before one nother in an Example of nal Reformation. Y* «uft fwear vainly no more, be drunk no moj bre Taking of the Coven- \fr] ireak the Sabbath no more, &c. V ou oh \xSt re- aember what David fays, Pfal. 1 16. But unto be wicked God faith, What haft thou to do to take iy Covenant in thy Mouth? Seeing thou bat aft nftruefion, and cafteft my Words behind thee. To in willingly, alter we have fworn not toiin, snot only to fin againlt a Commandment, ( as have laid ) but to iin againft an Oath, which a double Iniquity , and will procure a double )amnation. And he that takes a Covenant ro eform, and yet continued! unreformed, his Covenant will be unto him as the bitter Water f Jealoufy was to the Woman guilty of Adul- ■y, which made her Belly to lwtil, Thigh to rot, Nmab. v. 22. >. You muit be careful to reform your Fa- milies, according to your Covenant, and Lxample of Jacob and Jo/biu, and the g( Lings forementioned. 4. You muft endeavour, according to your 1 1 • and Callings, to bring the Chuivhes of Sod in the three Kingdoms, to the neareit Con- ■pftion, and Uniformity in Religion, 6& bleiled Unity! How comes it to pafs, that hou art fo much flighted and contemned5 Vas not Unity one of the chief Parts oi ChriiV* rayer unto his Father, when he was here upon he Earth ? John xvii. 11. Is not Unity a- aonglt Christians, one of the ftrongelt Argu- icnts to perfuade the World to believe in *hriit> John xvii. 21. Is it not the chief De- re of the holy A potties, That wejhould a!! Kak the fame Things, and that there Jbould be no )iv//io» amongft its? &c. 1 Cor. i. 10. Philip, ii. %x 428 Mr. CalamyV Sermon at the 1, 2, 3* &c. Is not Unity the Happinefso Heaven ? Is it not the Happinefs of a City to be at Unity within itfelf? Is it not a goot and plea f ant Thing for Brethren to dwell togethe in Unity ? How comes it to pafs then, thai this Part of the Covenant is fo much forgot ten ? The Lord mind you of it this Day 3 anc the Lord make this great and famous City, City of Holinefs, and a City of LTnity withp itfelf: For if Unity be deftroyed, Purity w3 quickly alfo be deftroyed. The Church g- .God is Una, as well as Sanffa$ it is but oii Church, as well as it is a holy Church. Ant Jefus Cbrift gave fome to be Apoftles, &c. till % all come to the Unity of the Faith. The Go vera ment of Chrift is appointed for keeping tm Church in Unity, as well as Purity. The| Things which God hath joined together, 1$ no Man put afunder. That Government whid doth not promote Unity, as well as Purity, \ not the Government of Chrift. Oh, the Mife ry of the Kingdom where Church Di^iiioa are nourifhed and fomented ! A Kingdom ft Church againft itfelf, cannot (land. Wouldi not be a lad Thing, to lee Twelve in a Famf ly, and one of them a Presbyterian, another ar Independent, another a Brownij}, another an An itmmian, another an A'lzbaptifc, another a Fa miUfz, another for Pre/aticzl GoYtrnme>x, ano ther a Seeker, another a P.apiff, and the Tenth itmaybe, m At be; ft, and the Eleventh a and the Twelfth ^Turk? The Lord i,, h Time heal our Divifions, and make v Choice of Inftruments, according to Pkcri \ing cf the Covenant. 429 laces, 7hat the Lord may be one, and his Name te in the three Kingdoms. Quell. But fome will fay, f{ow /hall I do to tt up my Heart to this high Pitchy that I may be 'lavt-ketfer ? il propound thefe three Helps. 1. Labour to be always mindtul of your lovcnant, according to that Text, God is hvays is Covenant* It was the great in of the People of Ijrael^ that they were un- lindful of the Covenant, Nefc, ix. 17. They iril iorgat the Covenant, and afterwards did Uickly forfake it. He that forgets the Cove- it, mult needs be a Covenant-breaker. Let s therefore remember it, and carry it about s as quotidian urn argument urn ^ and utniriiuftum ; Fir/?, Let us make a Covenant a aily Argument againft all Sin and Iniquity; ,nd when we are tempted to ah) Sin, let us * y, II ave fu And only a Ccmv: I am perjured. md there' \ vill nut (after a wicked Per I - Hi 2. Let us mal .nt a nt and k all the V\ 'hi-:. Fre- (fermenr, to do conn h of thy Covei 430 Mr. CalamyV Sermon at the am do what I do, and if I do otherwife, urn 1 red Wretch. This is a Wall of Brafs, to refill any Da^ that fhail be ihot againft thee for Well-doing according to thy Covenant. Famous is tb Story 01 Hanmbaly which he told King Antit chus, when he required Aid of him againft th Romans, When I was nine Tears old (iaith he my Father carried me to the Altar, and made n. take an Oath to be an irreconcileable Foe to tl Romans •> in Purfuance of this Oath, I han waged War againft them thirty fix Tears, i keep this Oath, I have left my Country, and ar come to feek Atd at your Hands, which if you deny I Will travel all over the World, to find cut fon^ Enemies to the Roman State, Odi odioque fuk Romanis. If an Oath did fo mightily operat in Hannibal y let the Oath you are to take thi Day, work as powerful upon you , and maki your Oath an Argument to oppofe Perfonalf Sins, and Family-Sins, and to oppofe Herefy Schifm, and all Profanenels ; and to endeavou to bring the Church of God in the three King doms, to the neareft Conjun&ion, Uniforriii ty, $3c. And let this Oath be Armour-proc againft all Temptations to the contrary. An know this one Thing, That if the Covenan be not a daily Argument and Muniment againi Sin, it will become, upon your breaking of if Jguotidianum tejlimonium ££ tternum opprobrium a daily Witnefs againft you, as the Bool of the Law was, Deut. xxxi. 26. and ai tverlafting Shame and Reproach unto you an< yours. 2. Lc Taking of the Covenant. ' 43 1 [ 2. Let us have high Thoughts of the Co ve- uit. A&ions and Attentions follow our Ap- rrehenfions. If thy judgement be beleapered kth a corrupt Opinion about the Covenant, iiy AfFe&ions and A&ions will quickly be eleapered alfo : And therefore you ought to jdeavour, according to your Places that no- ling be fpoken, or written, that may tend to le Prejudice of the Covenant. 1 3. You muft take heed of the curfed Sin of elf-love, which is placed in the Forefront, s the Caufe of all the Catalogue of Sins here amed -y Eecaufe Men are Lovers of themfehesj bcrefore they are covetous, &c, and therefore ley are Covenant-breakers. A Self-feeker onnot but be a Covenant-breaker: This is a in you muft hate as the very Gates of Hell. . And this is the fecond Sin I promifed in the beginning of my Sermon to fpeak on : But the Time, and your other Occaiions will not per- mit. There is a natural Self-love, and a di- ine Self-love, and a linful Self-love. This inlul Self-love is, when we make ourfelves he lail End of all our Aftions, when we fo ove ourlelves, as to love no Man but our- elves, according to the Proverb, Every Man or htmfelf &c. When we pretend God and lis Glory, and the common Good ; but intend jurfelves, and our own private Gain and Inte- reft j when we ferve God upon politick Deiigns. Of this linful Love the Apottle fpeaks, Phil, i. 21. For all fe$k their own Things, and not the Things of J ejus Ckri/1. And if we had a Win- dow 43 2 Mr. G\ l a m y's Sermon &c. dow to look into^the Hearts' of moll Peo;>]< we fhould find their Hearts made up of all dolatrous Self-love. All their Deiigns are u to promote tliemfelves. They monopoly and ingrpfs ail to themielves, as if made fc themfelves. Where this linful Seif-lo\ dwells, there dwells no Love to God. n Love to thy Brother, no Love to Church ( State. This linful Self-love is the Caterpiila that deftroyeth Church and Common- weald It is from this liniul Self-love, that the public Affairs drive *n fo heavily, and that Churcl Government is not fettled, and that our G venant is fo much negle&ed. Of this Sin cannot now fpeak ; but when God ihall offi Opportunity, I lhall endeavour to uncafe you. In the mean Time, the Lord give yc Grace to hate it as Hell itfel£ TR THE ^ORM and ORDER OF THE PRONATION O F CHARLES II. ing of SCOTLAND, ENG- LAND, FRANCE and IRE- LAND. It was a&ed and done at SCOON, the Firlt Day of January , 165 1. the Reverend Mr. Robert Douglas, Miniiler at Edinburgh^ and one of the Mem- bers of the Wejtmtnficr Aifembly o£ Divines. 'hron. xxix. 23. Then Solomon fat on the Throne of the Lord f David his father, and projpered, and ill Ifrael obi r, xx. 8. A King that fitteth in the Throne of Judgment, :h his Eyes. v. C. 3 .. • . W /row / A7/r^ 'Throne Jhull be efiablifhed in Right eoufnefs. I A S G U W\ I lor George Pa ton, and afe to be p in LtTtUtbgoW) and ^ the* Boukleiiera in Town and Countrv, 1 74 1 THE FORM and ORDER OF THE CORONATION, bf FI R S T, The King's Majefty in a Princ Robe, was conduced from his Be chamber, by the Conitable on his rig Hand, and the Marfhal on his left, to 'Chamber of Prefence, and there was placed a Chair, under a Cloath of State, by the Ijt jingus^ Chamberlain appointed be the King; that Day, and there, after a little Repole, Noblemen with the Commiffione'rs of Ban ; and Burrows, entered the Hall, and prefem themfelves before his Majefty. Thereafter the Lord Chancellor fpoke to i1 King, to this Purpofe, cc Sir, your good St cc je£ts deiire, you may be crowned, as cc righteous and lawful Heir of the Crown u this Kingdom, that you would maintain 1' cc ligion, as it is prefently profeiled and cc blifhed, conform to the National Covena cc League and Covenant ; and according u your Declaration at Dunfermung in Jti- cc laftj alfo that you would x be gracioi u pleased to receive them under your Hi cc nefs's Prc.teftion, to govern the^n by cc Laws of the Kingdom, and to defend x\ QQ in their Rights and Liberties, by your R ,cc al Power., o^ering themfelves in moil )v w ble Tvlanner to yourMajeity with their Vo The form and Order of the Coronation. 435 to beftow Land, Life, and what elk is in their Power, for the Maintainance of Religi- on, for the Safety of your Majefty's facred Perfon, and Maintainance ot your Crown, which they intreat your Majefty to accept, and pray Almighty God, that for many Years you may happily enjoy the fame." King made this Anfwer, cc I do efteem the Atfeftions of my good People, more than the Crown of many Kingdoms, andfhall be 'ready by God's Affiftance, to beftow my Life in their Defence; wifhing to live no longer, than I may fee Religion and this Kingdom flounfh in all Happinefs." Thereafter the ComrnifTioners of Burrows, id Barons; and the Ncblemen accompanied s Majefty to the Kirk o£ Scoon^ in Order and .ank, according to their Quality, two and vo, the Spurs being carried by the Earl of flirton, next the Sword bv the Earl of Rot he s9 len the Sceptre by the Earl of Crawford and V, and the Cr the Marqaefsof Afr immediat re the King, then came e King with the great ( >n his right and, and the grc on his left j his being carried on by the Lord Ershti, the ord ,; the Lord and rhe oni . under by fix: the .oid ( ■ v\ iht : by fix x mens 436 The Form and Order of the Comtation. mens Sons : Thus the King's Majeity enteretf the Kirk. The Kirk being fitted and prepared with a Table, whereupon the Honours were laid, and a Chair fet in a fitting Place for his Majeity^ hearing of Sermon, over againft the Mini tier, and another Chair on the other Side, where he fat when he received the Crown, before; which there was a Bench, decently covered, as alfo Seats about, for Noblemen, Baron* and Burgeffes j and there being alfo a Stage it a fix'd Place, ere£led of twenty four F001 fquare, about four Foot high from the Ground. covered with Carpets, with two Stairs, on( from the Weft^ another to the £>/?, upon whid great Stage, there was another little Stagi ere£ted, fome two Foot high, afcending fr two Steps ; on which the Throne, or Chai of State was fet. The Kirk thus fittingly prepared, the Kinj Majefty entered the fame, accompanied as afore faid ; And F/r/?, Setteth himfelf in his Chai for hearing of Sermon. All being quietly • composed unto Attet* tion, Mr. Robert Daiglas Moderator of th Commifiion of the General Alfembly atte incallfrig on God by Prayer, preached th following Sermon. C 437 ] Tloe Duty of King and Teople. SERMON Preached at Scoon, January Firft, 1651. at the Coronation of CHARLES the II. King of Scotland, England, France and Ireland. 2 Kings xi. 12. 17. And be brought forth th$ King's Son , and put the Crown upon him-, and gave him the Teflimony, and they made htm King, and anointed him, and they clap'd their Hands , and [aid, Godfave the King. And Jehoiada made a Covenant between the Lord, and the King, and the People , that they Jbould he the Lord's People, between the King fil/o^ and the People. IT N this Text of Scripture, you have the S folemn Enthronizing of Joajh, a young [JL King, and that in a very troublelome Time; lor Athahah, the Mother of Ahaziahy had cruelly murdered the Royal Seed, and ufui'ped the Kingdom, by the Space of fix I 's Only this young Wince was prefers rd by Jehojbeba, the Sifter ot'Abaziah, and Wife E e 3 to 438 Mr.DovGiAs's Sermon at the to Jehoiada the high Prieit, being hid wi her in the Houfe of the Lord all that Time. Goodlnterpreters do conje&ure, tho3 % afh be called the Son of Ahaziah, that he w not his Son by Nature, but by SucceffioiHi the -Crown. They fay, that the Race of & hhfon ceafed here, and the Kingdom came 1 the Pofterity of 'Nathan the Son of David, b caufe 2 Chron. xxii. 9. "Tis faid, the JHoitjM Ahaziah had no Power to keep ftill the Kingdom which they conceive to be for the want J Children in that Houfe, and becaule of tl Abfurdity and Unnaturalnefs of the Fa£t, th; Athaliah the Grandmother fhould have cuq| her Son's Children. I fliall not ftand on tl Matter, only I may fay, if they were Ahak ah his own Children, it was a moll unnatifl and cruel Fa£t, for Athaliah to cut off her xm, Pofterity. For the Ufurpation, there might have baj. two Motive^. Fir/}, It feemeth when A ah went to Battle, Athaliah was left to govei the Kingdom, and her Son Ahaziah being llai before his Return, flie thought the G overt ment fweet, and could not part with it, an becaufe the Royal Seed flood in her Way, il) cruelly deftroyed them, that flie might reijj with the greater Freedom. Secondly, She M carnell to fet up a filfe Worfnip, even th Worfhip of Baal, which flie thought ,cJH not be fo well done, as by cutting bif the ro* al Race, and getting the fole Power in he Hand, that flie might do what fhe pleas'd. The Bulinefs you are about this Day, is m un Taking of the Covenants. 439 [ike: you are to inveft a young King in the irone, in a very troublefome Time, and ckecl Men have rifen up and ufurped the ngdom y and put to Death the late King )ft unnaturally. The like Motives feeiivd to ve prevailed with them. Firjfy Thefe Men Falihood and Diffimulation, have gotten wer in their Hands, which to them is Co eet, that they are unwilling to part with and becaufe the King and his Seed flood their Way, they have made away the ng, and dilinherited his Children, that the e Power might be in their Hand. Secondly y hey ha\ e a Number of damnable Errors, and Worlhip to let up, and intend to take ay the Ordinances of Chrilt, and Govern- or of his Kirk; All this cannot be done, un- s they have the fole Power in their Hands, id this they cannot have untill the King and s Pofteriry- be cut off But I leave this, ie prefent Solemnity; there's a rince to be enthroned, good Jcboiada will the Crown put upon his Head. It may be quefti by they went about lis Coronation in a Time i cat Hazard, had reigned fix , had it pt bee r to have and rowned the King 1\. "ms may be rendred, why the; (i) To crown the King was a mty ; id to. I lliould . ; they : 443 Mr. Douglas* s Sermon at the Coronation indear the People's Affe&ions to their ownna tive Prince, and to alienate their Hearts fror, her that had ufurped the Kingdom. If the; had delayed ( the King being known to b preferved^ it might have brought on, not on. ly Complyance with her, but alfo Subje&ioi to her Government, by refting in it, and be i ing content to lay aiide the righteous Heir o t the Crown. The fame is obferved in our Cafe ; and man] f wonder, that you Ihould crown the King ii a dangerous Time, when the Ufurpers havi . fuch Power in the Land, the fame Reafon fnay ferve to anfwer for your doing, (i ) I is our neceflary Duty to Crown the King upoi : all Hazards, and to leave the Succefs to God : (2.) It appeareth now it hath been too Ionic delayed. Delay is dangerous, becaufe of ™|t Complyance of fbme, and Treachery of others . If it ihall be delayed longer, it is to be fear- ed, That the moft Part ihall fit down under the Shadow of the Bramble, the deftroyiflj[; Ufurpers. I come to the particular Handling of tt| prelent Text, and to fpeak from it to the pre- sent Time, I haye read the i£. and 17. Vcrfcs. becaufe of thefetwo which meet together m crowning of a Kine, and his renewing the Covenant. Amongft many Particulars, whidt may be handled frcm this Text, I ihall cod fine myfelf to thefe five, 1. The Crown, fy pid the Crown upon his Head. 2. The Teltinw, - hy, he gave him the Tcftiniony. 3. The anoiii iag, Iksy anointed h)m, Thcfe three arc i th< And Taking of the Covenants. 441 1 2th Ver. As tor that which is fpoken of the topic's Joy, we ihall give it a Touch, when 1 come to the People's Duty. 4. The Co- nant between God and the King, and the ;ople ; J e hoi ad a made a Covenant between God d the King and the People^ that they jhould be 1 Lord's People. 5. The Covenant between e King and the People ± Between the King 0 and the People^ both in the 17 Ver. Firfl: the Crown is put upon his Head, a own is the moil excellent Badge of Royal ajeity. To difcourfe on Crowns in a State 'ay, I ihall leave unto Si [en, and lay ly chele three before you of die Crown. 1. In putting on of the Crown, it would be ill faltned, tor Kings Crowns are oitenti ttering, and thi e wherein they tter. There are two Things which make ngs Crowns to totter, great Sins, and eat Commotions and Troubles j take faeed ' both :. There are many Sins upon cv and 5 Family: Sin w >wn at ever Man let on 1 i Sins ot Grown. the md 0 che &yal Family ; 1 • Lord n ily humbled for ., whicii on, all the Well-* to a 442 Mr. Douglas's Sermon at the King in the three Kingdoms, will not be able to hold on the Crown, and keep it from tot- tering, yea, from falling. Lord, take awa) the Controveriie with the Royal Family, thai the Crown may be ftftned fure upon thf King's Head, without falling or totter- ing. 2. Troubles and Commotions in a Kingdom. make Crowns to totter. A Crown at the beft and in the moil calm Times, is full of Troubles! which if it were well weighed by Men, ther{ would not be fuch hunting after Crowns, i read of a great Man, who coniidering tfy Trouble and Care that accompanied the Cro» faid, He would not take it up at his Foot^ thorM might have it for taking. Now, if a Crown at the beft, be io full of Troubles, whatfliallql think of a Crown at the worft, when there m fo great Commotions, wherein the Crow™ directly aimed at ? Surely it muft be a totter- ing Crown at the leaft, eipecially when top mer Sins have brought on thefe Troubles. M the Remedy of the former is true Humiliati- on, and turning unto God. So the Remed} of the latter, is PfaL xxi. 3. fpeaking of l9 waPs Crown, Thou feiteji a Crown of pure Gm upon his Head. God let on David's Crow and therefore it was fettled, notwithftanding* many Troubles. Men may fet on Crowns, anc they may be thrown off again ; but when Ga fetteth them on, they will be faft. Enemici have touched the Crown of our King,|8: caften it oft' in the other Kingdom, and ha made it totter in this Kingdom. Both the Kin* wh< Taking of the Covenants. 443 .0 is to be crowned, and you who ar^ >wn him, Ihould de let die Crown on cl ip ic on all the t 1 Gene rat: on. z, - People he i r, than bwn. k )vvns5 ci I uld h.iv f Ch : Diadem j 1 Lord, 1 - , and . A K ad5 lhoul Cr u!d b an hot //, Heb. xii 1 tl I >ttoKn >rc, that 5 tf£ tbt i to than I. The ft Will of God. It xwi. onatkA upon J \a G 444 Mr. Douglas^ Sermon at the Ccron xvii. 183 19. When the King fhall ftt q Throne of his Kingdom, he Jhall write him - „ efthts Law tn a Book, and it pall be with hi that he may read therein all the Days of his Li The King fhould have the Tejimony for m three main Ufes. 1. For his Information in the Ways of Gr>* Dent. xvii. 19. ThisUfe of the King's half the Book, of the Law, is exprefled, That hM\ learn to fear the Lord his God. The readinjif other Books, may do a King good for Cover1 merit, but no Book will teach him the Wa« Salvation, but the Book of God. ChriftB deth ft arch the Scriptures ; for in them ye thimf have eternal Life, and they tefiifie of me, JolHj 39. He is a bleffed Man, who meditatethJml Law of the Lord Day and Night, Pfal. i. mS King David was well acquainted herewidjjl appeareth, Pfal. cxix. Kings fliould be \V$j excrciied in Scripture. It is reported of Jlpmf fus. King oi An agon, That he read the Bib^ fourteen Times, with GlofTes thereupoaSf recommend to the King, to take forne Hou![ for reading the holy Scriptures ; it will a Dri good Mean to make him,acquainted withGM " Mind, and with Chrilt a Saviour. 2. For his Direction in Government. K read Books that may learn them to goi_ well, which I condemn not ; but all the Boot ' a King can read, will notmake him govt pleafe God, as this Book. I know no, that is good in Government, but a King learn it out of the Book of God For Caufe, Jo&ua is commanded, Jojb. i. 8, 101 I U And Taking of the Covenants. 445. look of the Law pall not depart out of / h$ and he is commanded to do According to lat is written therein. He lhould not only mielf that which is written in it, but d j govern his People according to all that is ten in it. King David know this Ufe feftimony, who faid. Hat cxix. 24. Thy nonies are my D and my Counfellers. beft Counfels that ever a King getteth, ars e Book of God: Yea, the Testimonies are aelt and fureit Counfellers j becaufe altho* ing's Counfellers be never ib wife and y, yet they ufe not to be fo free with 1 y a* they ought : But the Scriptures will Kings very ireely,both their Sins and their For Prefervation and Cuftody. The Kin£ ifios utriufyui Tabulae, The Keeper oi'b les. Not that he lhould tak him the rer, either to difpenfe the Word oi 3 difpenfe with it : But that he lhould pre- e the Word ot God, and true Religion, ►rding to the Word of ( ire, enti uncorruptcd, within his Dominions, and fmit them lo to Pofterit) :o fee his Subje&s obferv e b >th Tables, and unifh the Tranfgreltors of the ia I. The third Thing in thi anointing of' the King. The anoin gs was not abfblutely neceflary uod( r the Teftamenty for we 1 gs of fudab and Ifrael v. re;c I in three Caic^. 1. W 1 446 Mr. Douglas^ Sermon at the Family was made King, as Saul, David, When there was a Queffion for the Crow as in the Cafe ofSokmon and Adontjah. 3. Wh there was an Interruption of the lawful Su ceffion by Ufurpation as in the Cafe of Joaj There is an Interruption, by the Ufurpati< of Atkahah, therefore he is anointed. If th Obfervation hold, as it is probable, then was not abfolutely neceifary under the O Teftament ^ and therefore far lefs under tl New. Becaufe it may be faid, that in our Caf there is an Interruption, by Ufurpation, I it be conlideredj That die anointing un&i the Old Teftament was Typical; altho* f Kings were not Types of Chrift j yet the,? nointing of Kings, Priefts and Prophets, w; typical of Chrift, and his Offices -> but Chri being now come, all thofe Ceremonies ceaf< And therefore the anointing of Kings, ougl not to be ufed in the New Teftament. If it be faid, anointing of Kings hath bee in ufe amongft Chriftians, not only Papift bi Proteftants, as in the Kingdom of Englam and our late King was anointed with Oyl. may be replyed, they who ufed it under tfc New Teftament, took it from the Jews wit! outWarrand. It was moft in ufe with th JBifhops of Rome, who to keep Kings and Err perors fubjecl to themfelves, did iwear ther to the Pope when they were anointed, fan yet the Jevjijh Priefts did never fwear Kins, to themfelves.) As for England , akho'theJ was caften oif, yet the Subjection of Kin; 3 1 Billicj Taking of the Covenants. 447 lifhops was ftill retained, for they anointed le King and fwore him to the Maintainance t their prelatical Dignity. They are here ho were Witnelies at the Coronation of the iteKingj the Biihops behoved to periorm tt Rite j and the King behoved to be fworn them. But now by the Bleffing of God, %cpcsj and Prelacy are removed : The Bifhops 3 Limbs of Aniichriji am put to the Door; let ie anointing of Kings with Oyl, go to the loor with tnem, and let them never come in £ain. The anointing with material Ovl maketh Dt a King the anointed of the Lord, for he it; he is the anointed of the ord5 who by divine Ordinance and Appoint- ed is a I I fa. lxv .1. God calleth Cj- yet we read not that he was inte Oyl. Kings are the anointed of le Lord, becauie bv the Ordi: the rity is iacred and inviolable, is en >r us to have the-Thing£ though Ceremony, which being laid 1 will give ibme Obfervations the Lord's anointed, fhould i a better I , even nat fptritu tion3 wherewith Bel if. . which you have 1 [ohn ii tb in i. 21. He that berth anoint c ttb alfo fea/cd us. This an- n to 5 feu ! ire io anointed. King 448 M^ Dougl as's Sermon at the Coronation King fhould ftrive to be a good Chriftian, ar then a good King: The anointing with Gr&< is better, than the anointing with Oyl. is of more worth for a King to be the anoint< of the Lord with Grace, than to be the gi-ea* eft Monarch ot the World without it. 2. This anointing may put a King in mil of the Gifts, wherewith Kings ihouid be t dued> for difcharge^of their Royal Callin For anointing did iignify the Gifts of t)ffic It is faid of Saul j when he was anointed Kinf i Sam. x. 9. God gave him another Heart. Ar< Chap. xi. 6. The Spirit of God came upon hii It is meant of a Heart for his Calling, and Spirit of Ability for Government, ft fhou be our Deiire this Day, that our King nw1. have a Spirit for his Calling ; as the Spirit j Wifdom, Fortitude, Juitice and other Prino ly Induements, 3. This anointing may put Subje£te in mir of the facred Dues of the Authority of a Kinj he fhould be refpe&ed as the Lord's anoin ed. There are diverfe Sorts of Perions, th j are Enemies to the Authority of Kings ; 1 1. jinabaptifis^ who deny there Ihouid t Kings in the New Teftament, they woul have no Kings nor civil Magiftrates. 2. Tl late PhotinianS) who fpeak refpe&fully. < Kings and Magiftrates, but they take awa from them their Power, and the Exercife 1 it in the Adminiltration of Juftice. 3. The >vho rife againft Kings in open Rebellion, \ Jbfalom and SJbeba* who faid, What have 1 U do with David, tb< Sen ef ]eilc ? To jour Ten Aid taking of the Covenants. 449 Ifrael. 4. They who do not rebel openly, t they defpife a King in their Heart, like Je Sons ol Belial^ 1 Sam x. laft. who laid of ul after he was anointed King, Shall this an fane us ? And they defyifed him, and mght him no Prefents. All chefe meet in our prefent Age 1. tabaptijis, who are againft the being of Kings, very rife. You may find, to our great rief, a great Number of them in that Army, it hath unjuftly invaded the Land, who have impled upon the Authority of Kings. 2. Theie are alfo ot the fecond Sort, who ifecretly Photimansm this Point, they al* w of Kings in Profeffion ; but they arc (hit the Exercife of their Power in the Ad- niitration of Juftice. A third Son are in open Rebellion, t\ . that Generation, which are rifen up 1 linlt the Perfdnof a King, butagainlt King- Government. (.. There is a / ho profefs they ao owledge a King ; but deipile him in their eart, faying, Shall this A I wiih I had David's Tendernefs, whole 1 1 eart did ite him, when he did but cut • Lap of ul's Garment, That g off* Lap of the jult P iich God hath allowed to the King, ve bound our fclves by Cove; t to iliniih. I have gone through the tl .rticulars ntuinedinthe 12. :nc to & 0 in the 17. ; . hich appen F f 4Jo Mr. Douglas5.* Sermon at the Coronathn this Days Work ; for our King is not only be crowned, but to renew a Covenant wi God, and his People j and to make a Coven* with the People. Anfwerable hereto, there a twofold Covenant in the Words, oneal tween God, and the King, and the Peotil God being the one Party, the King, and jii People, the other j another between the Ki|L and the People, The King being the one Parwi and the People the other. The Covenant with God, is the fourth Park cular propounded, to be fpoken of, the Stfcc of this Covenant, ye may find, 2. Kings tM 3 in Jofiah his renewing the Covenant, To m (lii after the Lord ', and keep his Commandments A k Zejtimonies, with all the Hearty and to performs j ■Words of the Covenant. The renewing ofiiti Covenant, was after a great Defe£tion fjl ti God, and the fetting up ot a falfe Wvrjhip. i i King, and the People of God, bound th<| ot felves before the Lord, to fet up the true Jm /hipy and toabolifh the falfe, Scotland Yum Preference in this before other Nations. EFiroe of Defe£tion, they have renewed a CdUhii nant with God, to reform all $ and becauf^t \ , King, after a great Defe&ion in the FamiB |' is to renew the Covenant, I fhall mention^T Particulars from the League and Covenant! 1. We are bound to maintain the true r %f\ of Baal, and brake :t down, &c. godly Jcftah) when he entered in Co vena made a thorow Reformation; There is a fo fLld Reformatio- 'n S< ripture, and con tail in che League and Covenant, i. A Perltf Reformation. 2. A Family Reformation.] A Reformation of J udicatories. 4, A Ref tioh ot the whole Land. Kings have their Hand in all the lour ; and therefore t l ..end tiiern to our King. 1. A Per fond! Reformation. A King flic fofoAri his own Lire, that he may be a Pat or Godlinefs to others ; and to this he is t • the Covenant. The godly Reformer ^fndah^ were pious and reJigious i\1en. A ; it] 1. o not follow Macfhiavei his Counfel, | tire I ict that a Prince ihould be trulj but lakh, That a Shadow ofit^ andt^ Hal Simii<#icn7 art futfciwt. A devilifh " And taking of the Covenants. 453 ; and ic is juit with God, to orin^, a Kir » : Shadow ok a Kingdom. ado wot Religion. vVc jcn< eni- ng Kings ha\e been punilhed o« tour King know, that no King, but a reti- >us King, can pleafe God. Da. ./uy* mmended for Godlineis, Htzckiah inent for Piety- . ^ung K mmended for the rbndc len hg heard the Law of rhe Lord re^d j lie is much r \ before the Lord, v» nenhe ard the Judgments threatned ag linfl his Fa*- br's Houle, a. id his People earneftly lhed, tii it our Kings Heart may be tender d truly humbled before the Lord, is ol his Father's Hou(&, and oi d for the many Evils that are upon t "ly, and upon the Kingdom 2. A Fdhidy Reformation, The King fhould form his Family, after the Example pi godly when he entered in Covenant, ired not his Mother'* The 1 1 our King hath been much defiled he King is now in Covenant, and to re e Covenant, let the R^ rmed j and th.it it ma; gereii not onl fjfencj ; luttiu ten done in it. I ,et tl cm, a F f 3 4* Mr. Douglas5^ Sermon at theCoronation take David fop a Pattern, in the Purgation % Conftitution of his, Pfal. ci. The /reward Hea t wicked Perfons, and Slanderers, he will have! [t from him : But his Eyes are upon the faithful omv Land, that they may dwell with him. It therm a Man better than another in the Landw fhould be for the King, and his Family : ll may extend this Reformation to the Court. 1 profane Court is dangerous for a King. It ml1 been obferved as a provoking Sin in Engmm which hath drawn down Judgment upon Ktl and Court, as appeareth this Day. It is t«p wifhed, that fuch were in the Court, as D\ fpeaketh of in that Pfalm Let the King it it, and refolre with David, Pfal. ci. 7. Tha who worketh Deceit, {kail not dwell within Houfe: And he who telleth Lies, (hall not ta in his fight. 3. Reformation in Judicatories. It wojif be carefully feen to, that Judicatories bdH formed j and that Men fearing God, and hamt Covetoufnefs, may be placed in them. A Km in Covenant, fhould do as Jebojkaphat dij zChroh. xix. 5, 6, 7 He fef Judges in the Lam and faid, Take heed what ye do ^ ye judge net A Men, but for the Lord, who is with you inJttaA went : Wherefore now, let the Year of the Lm\ be before you, &c. 4. The Reformation ot the whole Land, th King's Eye fhould be upon it, 2 Chron. xi^J %ehofloaphat went out through the People, fm\ Beerfheba, to Mount Ephraim ; and brought tha back to the Lord God of their lathers. Our Lan J hath Meat need of Reformation 5 for there rs- Ptt" And Taking of the Covenant. 455 of it, that hath fcarce ever yet Found the fit of Reformation, they are lying with- thc Goipel. It will be a good A n c for venanted King, to have a Care that the pel may be preached through the whole iid Care alfo would be taken, that they b have theGofpel may live fuitabiy there- If a King would be a through Reformer, mufl be reformed himfelf, otherwife he never lay Reformation to Heart. To make Cing a good Reformer, I wilh him thefe allocations according to the Truth and in verity, wherewith they report Tfajan the iperor to have been endued j he was 1. De- it at Home. 2. Couragious in War 3. \ in his Judicatures. 4. Prudent in all his airs. True Piety, Fortitude, Juitice and adence, are notable Qu.t ns in a mce, who would reform a Kingdom, and orm well. ! come now to the fifth and la/I Particular ; 1 that is the Covenant man ng and the People : YVK< g is crownVi I received by the People, there is - nt or mutual (-Vntraft, bi him and an, containing Conditions, ferved: Time will my Particulars, I {hall 1 elc three Particulars. r. is Covenant, Than a KLiqg hath 'lute ■wer to do what he | i Dnditions by Vert It 1* ear from this Covenant, 1 mnd to obey their King in I I f 4 lUS 456 Mr Douglas \? Sermon at the Coronation fhall prefent the King with fome Dire&iom for the right Government of the Peopl< who are boiird to obey. 1. It is clear, That the King's Power is w abfolute, as Kings and flattering Courtiers aj prehend; a King's Power is a limited Powt by this Covenant, and there is a thieefoldL: rnitation of the King's Power. 1. In Regard of Subordination. There: Power above his, even God's Power, whoi he is obliged to obey ; and to whom he mu f' ive an Account ot his Adminiftration, (ari "ellerday ye heard that Text, by me Kim Reign s Prov. viii. 15.) Kings have not onl their Crowns from. God, but they muft reig according to his Will, which is clear fraj 'Rom. xiii. 5. He is called the Minifter of Gcfc . he is but God's Servant. Ineed not ftay upo this, Kings and all others, will acknowledg this Limitation. -2 In Regard of Laws, a King is fworn his Coronation, to rule according to th ffcanding, received Laws of the Kingdom. Tt Laws he is fworn to, limit him that he car not do againil them, without a iinful Breac of this Covenant, between the King and tfc People, 3. In Regard of Government, the total Gc vernment, is not \ipon a King. He hat Counfellers a Parliament or Eitates in th Land, who lhare in the Burden of Goverr rnent. No King fhould have the fole Goveri merit: It was never the Mind of thefe, wh received a King- to Rule, them, to lay all Gc verr And taking of the Covenants. 457 I-nment upon him, to do what he pleafeth, thout Controlement There is no Man able Ane to govern all. The Kingdom fhould not w that upon one Man, who may eaiily mif- Irry. The Eftates of the Land, are bound this Contract, to bear a Burthen with him. Thefe Men who have flattered Kings, to ce unto themfelves an ablolute Power, to do rat they pleafe, have wronged Kings and mgdoms. It had been good that Kings of :e, had carried themfelves fo, as this Quefti- of King's Power, might never have come Debate ; for they have been great Loofcrs reby. Kings are very deiirous to ha\e lings fpoken and written, to hold up their bitrary and unlimited Power ± but that Way th exceedingly wrong them. There is one, learned Man, I con i els , who hath writtrf :>ok for the Maintainance ot the abfolifce Dwcr of Kings, called D &£'*) where- he hath wronged hinv&lf in his Reputation,- / King in his Government. As lor the , taking away the Life of the late King, whatever was God's fultice in it ) I do agree >ndemn it, as a mo ft unjuit and orrid Fa£t, upon their Part who did it: But len he cometh to (peak of the Powei , in giving unto them an abfolute and limited Power, urging the damnable Maxim, iibct licet, he will have a King to flpat he pleafeth, I , and without ( felement. In this, I cannot but diflent i Bu In Regard of Subordination, fom fe 45 g Mr. Douglas' s Sermon at the Coronation a King is accountable to none but God. Dili what he will, let God take Order with it -> thi leadeth Kings to Athetjm^ let them do whai they pieafe, and tak;e God in their own Hand In regard of Laws, they teach nothing q Kings, but Tyranny : And in regard of Govern! ment, they teach a King to take an ArbitrarV Power to himfelf, to do what he pleafeth witbje out Controlement. How dangerous this hatn been to Kings, is clear by fad Experienced Abufe of Power and Arbitrary Government 1 hath been one of God's great • Controverfidfc1 with our King's Predeceflbrs. God in huift Juftice, becaufe Power hath been abufed, ha^ thrown it out of their Hands : And I may co»c fidentiy fay, That God's Gontroverlie wit&a the Kings of the Earth, is for their Arbitram arid Tyrannical Government. It is good for our King to learn to be wife ii i Time ; and know that he receiveth this Day h Power to govern, but a Power limited by Coaec tract j and thefe Conditions he is bound by! Oath, to ftand to. Kings are deceived, whe n think, that the People are ordained lor thri King -y and not the King for the People j th< Scripture fheweth the contrary, Rom. xiii. 4 The King is the Mtnifier of God for the People'. Good. God will not have a King in an Arb£ trary Way, to encroach upwi the Poifeiliolli of Subjects, Ezek. xlv. 7, 8. , A Portion ts ap pnr/ited for the Prince. And it is faid, My Princk fball no more opprefs my People ; and the reft oftk Land ', fball they give unto the Houfe flflfrael, ak cording to their Tribes. The King hath hii diftin£ And Taking of the Covenants. 459 tin& PoflelTions and Revenues from the Peo- he mult not oppreis, and do what he afeth, there muft be no Tyranny upon 1 one. deiire not to fpeak much upon this Subject, •n have been very tender in medling with the >\ver of Kings ; yet feeing thefe Days have Dught forth Debates concerning the Power Kings, it will be necelfary to be clear in is Matter. Extremities would be ihunned- King Ihould keep within the Bounds of the >venant made with the People, in the Exer- e of his Power ; and Subjects would keep thin the Bounds of this Covenant, in regu- :in^ that Power. Concerning the lalt, I ill propound thefe three to your Conlidera- n. 1. A King abufing his Power, to the over- row of Religion, Laws and Liberties, which b the very Fundamentals of this Contraft and ^nant, may be controi'd and oppoied ; and fet himfelf to overthrow all thefe by Arms, in they v. e Power, astheEltates ol a nd, may and ought to refill by Arms: Bo- i\c he doth, by that Op; . break the ry B rthrowcth all the EiientiaU Contraft and Covenant. This may ferve juttifie cl of this Kined ima4 inlt the lace King, who in an Hoitilo Way (himielf to o iw, ParkJamwts± ties. 2. Every Breach of Covenant, wherein a ing falleth, after he+iath entered h Cove* nt^ doth not diliblve the Boocl A the Cove- nant, 46 o M\ Douglas 9s Sermon at the Coronation riant. Neither lhould Subje£ts lay afide King for every Bieach, except the Breach be iuch as overthrow the Fundamentals of R ligion, and ol the Covenant with the Peopl Many Examples of this may be brought fro Scripture. 1 ihall give but one. King A entered folemnly in Covenant with God5 ar the People, 2 Gbrun. xv. After that, he fal eth in grois Tranlgreffions and Breach^ 2 Chmu xvi. He aifooiated himfelf and entert in League with Eethad*d> King of Hyria^ .j Iddaicr j he impriioned Hannni, the Lord Prophet, who reproved him, and threatnr Judgment againii that Aflbciation $ and attfr lame Time, he oppreded iome of the Peopii; And yet, for all this, they neither lay him j fide, nor account him an Hypocrite. 3. Private Perions, lhould be very circuil fpect, about that which they do in Relation) the Authority of Kings. It is very dangeroij for private Men, to meddle with the Power < Kings, and the fufpending of them from ■ Exercife thereof. Idoingenioufly confefs, th ' I find no Example of it. The Prophets taug] not fuch Do&rine to their People, nor the^JJ poftles, nor the Reformed Kirks. Have ev< li private Men, Paftors or Profeffors, given 1$ r the Eftates of a Land as their Judgment, ui* which they refoive to adhere, That a Kir ihould be fufpended from the Exercife of h Power ? And if we look upon thefe godJ Paftors, who lived in King James's Time,// whom one may truly fay, More faithful M« lived not in thefe laft Times : For they fparj k And Taking of the Covenants. 461 to tell the King his Faults, to his Face1 .fca, fome of them fullered Persecution for their Dnefty and Freedom: Yet we never read, r have heard, that any of thefe godly Paiiors ned with other private Men, did ever re- Miltrate to Parliament, or Eftate, as their dgment, that the King ihould be fulpended )in the Exercife of his royal Power. II. It is clear from this Covenant, That Peo- e fhouid obey their King in the Lord : For the King is bound by the Covenant, to ake life oi his Power to their Good ; io thev c bound to obey him in the Lord in the c cife ot that Power. About the People's uty to the King, take thefe four Oblervaii- 1. That the Obedience of the People, is in ibordination to God ; i i the C >venant is rit with God, and thenw; If a ing command any Thing contr iry 1 ill fGod, in this Cafe, P is better to eyGvd, than Man. There is a Lint drawn •oni God to the P. .ine j and have M I fu- reme above them, and God above all. W ic King commandeth the Peopla that which lawful, arid comm lould I lie lhmri Jne under God, k ilace. Butifhecornm t which ia un- awful, and forbidden ( ' ould not be 1 lo }tj t> uc oi* his ] d w ith this Subordioati . rip- 462 Mr. Do u g l a s *$ Sermon at the Coronation Scripture; take one Place for all, Rom. xii At the beginning, ye have both Obedience urg ed to fupenor Powers, as the Ordinance ofGoc and Damnation threatned againft thefe who re lift the lawful Powers. It is faid by fome, That many Minifters i Scotland, would not have King JESUS, bu King Charles to reign. Faithful Men an fm wronged by fuch Speeches. I do not under * Hand thefe Men. For if they think that a Kinj and JESUS are inconfiftentj then they wil have no King : But I fhall be far from enter taining fuch Thoughts of them. If they thin] the doing a neceflary Duty for King Charles, i to prefer his Intereft to Chrift's, this is alfo ai Error. Honeft Minifters can very well dit cern between the Intereft of Chrift, and ofthi King. I know no Minifter that fetteth uj King Charles, with Prejudice to Chrift^ Intereft. There are three Sorts of Perfons, who an not to be allowed in Relation to the King's In- tereft, 1. Such as have not been content tc oppofe a King5in an evil Ccurfe, (as they might lawfully do) But contrary to Covenant Vows, many Declarations, have call off Kings, and kingly Government. Thefe are the Sectaries* 2. Thefe who are fo taken up with a King, as they prefer a King's Intereft, to Chrift's In? tereft 3 which was the Sin of our Engagers. 3. They who will have no Duty done to a King, for tear of prejudging Chrift's Intereft. TheTi artr ro be allowed, who urge Duty to a King$ in Subordination tc Chriit. I iliall And Taking of the Covenants. 465 fhall defire that Men may be real, when y make mention of Chrift's Intereft ; for ie three mentioned, profels and pretend the reft of Chrift. The Sect tries cover their jftroying of Kings, with Chrift's Intereft; hereunto indeed, they have had no Reipect, ring Enemies to his Kingdom. And Experi- ice hath made it undeniable. The tn^a^trs [edged they were for Chrift's Interelt • but ey mifplaced it. Chrift's Interelt ihould" ve gone before, but they drew it after the itereft of a King, which evidenced their want * due Refpeft to Chrift's Intereft. As for e third, who delay Duty for fear of prefer- ng the King's Intereft to Chrift's, I thall not ke upon me to judge their Intentions. I ifh they may have Charity to thefe, who link they may do Duty to a King in Subordi- tion to Ghrift, yea, that they ought and ould do Duty, whatever Men's Fears be of ie Prejudice m»iy follow. If to be againft the fufpending of the King om the Exercife of his Power, and to be for ie crowning of the King, according to the iublick Faith of the Kingdoms j He firft per- brming all that Kirk and State required lim in Relation to Religion, and Civil Liber- ies : If this be, I fay, to prefer a King to nhrift, let all Men that are unb' 1 in the Cafe. A» , that ■ Inteieft, in Subordinat: [Ie judge, l 3od j But alfo, that we are bound cxprel]y in the 464 M<\ Douglas's Sermon At the Coronation the Covenant, to maintain the King, in th Prefervation and Defence of the true Religion and Liberties of the Kingdom, and not to dil minifh his juit Power and Greatnefs. 2. That the Covenant between God antftMi King, and the Peoplej goeth before the Covefi nant between the King, and the People ; whicM Iheweth, that a People's entering Covenant with God, doth not 1 ef fen their Obedience anil Allegiance to the King, but increafeth it, araj maketh the Obedience firmer: Becaufe wd are in Covenant with God, we fliould xmk more obey a covenanted King. It is a- greaf Error to think, that a Covenant diminiihetlf Obedience, it was ever thought cumulative} And indeed, true Religion layeth ftrift Tyefi upon Men in doing of their Duty, Rom. xiii.lpi Wherefore ye muft needs be fubjeff not only jth Wrath, but alfo for Gonfcience fake. A Necempt; to obey, is laid upon all. Many Subjefts obejjrc! for Wrath, but die godly obey for Gonfciencicy fake. 3. That a King covenanted with God, ihouljle, be much refpe&ed by hi$Subje£b. They fhoul |p- love him. There is an inbred Affection in thk Hearts of the People to their King. In thfo: 1 2th Verfe, it is faid, That the People clappe^ their Hands for Joy, and faid, Gcd Save tli\ King. They had no fooner feen their native King inftalled in his Kingdom, but they it joyced exceedingly, and ialuted him wit ;v Willies of Safety^ VVrhatever be Mens Affeft ons, or Refp^&s, this Day, to our King, c&) tainly it is a Duty lying on us, both to pra I i And taking cf the Covenants. 465 ir, and rcjoyce in his Safety. The very " that God hath in giving us Kings, maketh clear, iTim. ii. i, 2. That ixemay live un- them in Godlinefs end Hontfty. And there - e Prayers and Supplications are to be made all Kings ; even for thele that are not in venantj much more for thefe that are in )venant. Ye are receiving this Day a crown- covenanted King, pray for ia\ing Grace him, and that God would deliver him, d us, out of the Hand of thefe cruel Ene- es, and blefs his Government, and caufe to live a quiet and peaceable Life under n in all Godlinefs and Honeity. 4. That as the King is folemnly fworn to lintain the Right ot the Subjects againlt E- ni es, and is bound to hazard his Life, and that he hath for their Defence : So the Peo- fc are alfo bound to maintain his Perlon and Athority, and to hazard Life, and all that fcy have, in defending him. I (hall not take the Queflion in its full Lati- ie, taking in what a People are bound to purfuing uf a King's Right in another •n, which is not our prelent Queftioa Our leltion is, What a People Ihould do when a rigdom is unjuitly invaded by a foreign j who leeketh the Overthrow ol" Reli- ving and Kingdom? Surely, if Men be id to any Duty to a King and Kingdom, ■ cd in this Cafe: 1 I rrs Men to meet with here, who are d doing this covenanted Duty : 1. G e do I 466 Mr. Douglas'* Sermon at the Coronation do not act againft the Enemy. 2. Thefe wfo do aft ior the Enemy. 1. The firit I meet with, are they who ai not, but ly by, to behold what will becom of all : Three Sorts of Men aft not for the De fence of an invaded Kingdom: 1^ Thefe wb withdraw themfelves trom publick Council as from Parliament or Committee of FJiaxes : TJ|( withdrawing, is not to act. 2. Thefe aft not, who upon an Apprehenf on of the desperate State oi: Things, do tha that all is in fuch a Condition, by the prevai ing ot the Enemy, that there is no Remedy And therefore that it is belt, to lit ftill j ai fee how Things go 3. They who do not aft, upon fcruple Confuence. I lhall ever refpeft Tendemefo* Conicitpce j and I wiih there be no more b Tendernefs, If there be no more, Men w ftrive to have their Conferences well inforrtp They m «y be fuppos'd to fcruple upon 6f of thefe Grounds ; 1. To act in fuch a Caul for the King's Intereft: fu^e I am, this w not a Doubt before, but all feemed to agr to aft for th$ King's Intereft, in Subordina on to Chrift's. and this Day there is no mc fought. We own the King's Intereft only a Subordination to Ch rift's: Or, 2. To jc wkh iuch Inftruments as are Enemies to 4 Work of God. Our Anfwer to the Eftat 0" eiry, Reiolves, That fuch ihould not be : trufted: T ut we do not count thele Enemf. who profefs Repentance, and declare the felve 5 fclemnly to be tor the Caufe, and t And taking of the Covenants. 467 ovenant, and evidence by their willingnefs fight tor them. If it be faid their Repen- nce is but Counterfeit, we are bound to ink otherways in Charity, till the contrair jfeen; no Man can judge of the reality of earts: For we have now found by Experi- ice, that Men who have been accounted a- )ve all Exception, have betrayed their Truft. ' any who have not yet repented of their rmer Courfe, fhall be intrulted, we lhall be rry for it 5 and plainly fay, that it ought )t to be. But I think there muft be more in this, that en fay they cannot act. For my lelf, 1 1 )t that Word in our Cafe j k is too frequent, I cannot act, and he cannot act. I tear there i three Sorts of Perfons lurking under this Dvert. 1. Such as are Pujiilanimous^ who ive no Courage to aft againll the Em Word is true of them, they cannot act, be- mfe they dare not aft. 2. Such as arc id- Men, ferving their Idol credit: He hath n a Man of Honour, and now he feareth ere will be no Credit to fight againft this trailing Enemy: Therefore he CftQBQC aft, d fave his Credit. Be who thou wilt f ft this betore thee, God lhall blait thy Re- 11. Thou {halt neither have I r Credit, to do a right Turn in God's Caufe. Such as are Compliars, who cannot caufe they have a Purpofe to c There * that cannot aft in an Army: But they * tray an Arm) by not .-... tnnQtaftior fafetvofa kingdom; but G g z ' they 468 Mr. Do ugl as*s Sermon at the Coronation they betray it by not a&ing. In a Word then are, who cannot join to a£t with thofe, whon they account Malignants (I fpeak not of de clared and known Malignants j but of fuel as have been, and are fighting, for the Caufe* yet by them efteemed Malignants) But they can join with Se&aries, open and declared E [[ nemies, to Kirk and Kingdom. I wilhSub!01 je6ts, who are bound to fight for the Kingi!I dom, would lay by that Phrafe of not acting ^ which is fo frequent in the Mouth of Complii* ars, and offenfive to them, who would ap t be io many Queitions tor t&ing, The Objections I have be ens Tnoughts and Head- e M.ilrnznts are under, for th od. It is beft to put them ouc y Power : Yea, there are f » ore willingly go to undo theic, wh c<*unt M :s, nor . .ire waii wPs Refolutio hili ft me s are in the Land, let ill reckon with them aT ; wc ill hOM mil the common They h nants arc fanes. I lhn Rial Dili I er: But J ih 1 nt Pofture oi Affairs I am fan , es having Power in their 1 1 tnds, aj art of the L.md in their V G g 4 dangerous 472 Mr. Douglas^ Sermon At the Coronation: dangerous than Malignant s, who have no Pow4 for the prefent : And therefore the Rcfolutic Ihould be, The Sectaries have invaded th. Land, and are deftroying it* let us go again them. 3 .The third Obfervation weigheth much wit many. The Malignants being imployed to fig| for their Country, may get luch Power in thai Hands, as may hurt the Caufe. For Anfwet i. The Refolution given to the Query of tit Eftates, provideth againft that, for therein j| a Defire, that no fuch Power Ihould be put i:|: their Hand. 2. This Fear goeth upon a Sup poiition, that they do not repent their formdf Courfe. This is an uncharitable Judgment We are bound to be more charitable of Mdl profelling Repentance, for with fuch we ha\4f to do only. And to fpeak a Word by the Waj to you, who have been in a Malignan: Courfe. Little good. is expe&ed from yo I pray you be horielt, and difappoint them wifh you true Repentance, which will bo difappoint them, and be profitable to yo felves, 3. I deiire it may be coniidered, wh ther or not, Fear of a Danger to come fro; Men, if they prevail againfl the common End my, being only cloathed with a Capacity t$ fight for their Country, be an Argument againlj riling to oppofe a feen and certain Danger, comij ing from an Enemy, cloathed with Power, and! ft ill prevailing. I conceive, it ought to be fan from any, to hinder Men to defend their Coun-f try in fuch a Cafe. I confefs indeed, the Caufe Which we maintain, hath met with many Ene* Arid taking of the Covenants. s, who have been againit it, which rec 1 much Tendernefs j therefore Men are i mitted to Trail, with fuch Exceptions as y keep them out, who are it ill Enemies to Caule of God, have not proieifed Repen- lce, renounced their former Courfes, and de- Ted themfelves for Cauie and Covenant. I ubt not, but it ihall be found, that the ad- tting of fuch to fight in our Cafe as itltand- is agreeable to the Word of God, and is linit the former publick Refoluticns of rk and St The fecofid Sort of Perform, we are to meet th, are fuch as act for i nil the ngdom. It they he curled, who will not ne out to help the Lord againit the Mighty : hat a Curie Hi all be upon them, who I i Mighty againit the as they do who ; for the Enemy 3 Thr \ is the 1 helped againit the Caufc and Pe )d. i By keep: rrefpoodence with di i giving them Intelligent ne agamlt Kirk or State, but they 1. igence of it. A bafer \Vay hath never b d in any Nation. V d Par- ks, are made known to them. If there be y fuch here ( as 1 tear they be) let them | • them, they are of rhele who ;. ty againit the Lord, and the Cu » them. By ltrengthning the Enemies Hands with eitions, Del ind Determii pers, tending to thejuitii . j I their unjuit tiion. ■ 474 ^* Dougl as's Sermon at the Coronation Invaiion. Whatever have been Mens Intenti«$ ons in taking that Way, yet the Thing doaar by them, ham tended to the Advantage of thef Enemy, and hath divided thefe, who Ihoul^ have been joined in the Caufe, to the greaF weakning of the Power of the Kingdom, an this interpretative! y, is to a£t for the Might*]' againft the Lord. 3. By grofs Compliance with the EnemjP and going into them, doing all the evil Office*!' they can, againft their native Kingdom. fi[ Meroz was curfed, for not helping, fliall not thefiji perfidious Covenant-breakers and treacherous Dealers againft a diftreffed Land, be much mom accurfed, for helping and affifting a deftroyirtip Enemy, fo far as lyeth in their Power ? Ifdi xxxi. 3. may be truly applied to them, wh<| are helping Strangers, Enemies to God, hi Kirk, and Religion, Both he that helpeth, thai fns to meet with; acquaint your felf with ayer, be inftant with God, and he .vill fi : you. are not in much I Court; but a covenanted King, muft bring cm in Reqceft. I know, a King ened with Moltipli irs, and pet with many Diversions; But,Sir,; ^ be diverted. Take Hours, and let them art foj chat Exercil lainted with your will not dai l you. Prayer to God, will make your Fairs eaiie all the Day. 1 ^ of horn his Courtiers laid, He fpoke oftner w/, than with Men. Jt" you be frequent in raver, you may expect the Bleffing oi the oil High upon your felt, and upon your :nt. 2. A King mult be careful ot (he Kingdom, hich he hath 1 worn to maintain VI ad many of too private a Spirit, by whom lelt-interelt hath been preferred to the Pub- * lick. 47 6 Mr. Douglas^ Sermon at the Coronation lick s It becometh a King well, to be of a pub lick Spirit, to care more for the Publick, tha his own lntereft, Senates and States have ha* Mottos w ritten over the Doors of their Meet ing-pkces. Over the Senate-houfe of Romt was written, Ne quid Reffublica Detriments Ca fiat. I fhall wilh this may be written ovel your Affembly-hoafes 3 but there is anothei which I would have written with it, Ne gml Eccle/ia Detriments capiat. Be careful of both {] let neither Kirk nor State fuffer Hurt 5 let then* go together. The beft Way for the ftandinjt of a Kingdom, is a well conftitute Kirk. TheU deceive Kings, who make them believe, thail the Government of the Kirk ; I mean,Pm£jyfci rial Government^ cannot fuit with Monarchy^ They fuit well,it being the Ordinance of Chriftt rendering unto God what is God's, and unttB Cefar what is Cefar's. Sir, Kings who have a tender Care of thcji Kirk, Ifa. xlix. 23. are called nurftng fathers You would be careful, that the Gofpel may have a free Pafiage through the Kingdom ; anc that the Government of the Kirk may be pre« ferved entire,accordingto your fotemn 'Engage* meat. The Kirk ha:h met with many Enemies, as Papfrs^ Prelates^ Malignant s^ which I pafs a* known Enemies : But there are two Sort* more, who at this Time, would be carefully looked on. 1, Seffaries, great Enemies to the Kirk, and to all the Ordinances of Chrift, and more par- ticularly to Presbyterial Government, which they have, and would have altogether deftroy- ed, And taking of the Covenants. 477 A King ihould fet himfelf againft thele, baufe they are Enemies, as well to the King, to the Kirk, aijd ftrive to make both tali ether. Erajfians, more dangerous Snares to Kings, n Sectaries ; becaufe Kings can look well ough to thefe, who arc againft themlelves, d their Power, as Sectaries^ who will have 1 King. But Krajttans give more Power to :ngs, than they Ihould have, and are great *emiesto PresbyterUl Government: For they buld make Kings believe, that there is no svernment but the Civil, and derived from ence, which is a great wrong to the Son of :>d, who hath the Government of the Kirk ftin£t from the Civil 5 yet n*> wavs prejudicial it, being fpifitual, and ot another Nature, irilt did put the Mjgiftrate out of Sulpirion, |at his kingdom WM not prejudicial to Ci\il I 1 :nnent, affirming. My Kit net of this Irld. This Go\ eminent Chrift hath not com- itted to Kings, bur to the OtHce-bearers of 1 Houfe, w ho in regard of Civil Subjection, e under the Civil Power, as well a it in their ipi ritual Admmiitration, they are idei Chriit, who hath 1 .en unto any ingupon Earth, the Dilj nof lpiricual hings to his People. >u are in I mt with God, and hii eople, and are obliged to maintain Pi al Government, a* well againlt ns as 1 llunioui abound- 'h at Court. It ma W to wke yqu incroaeh upon that, for which I i hath lr . 478 Mr. Dou gl as's Sermon at the Coronation hath piHiifhed your PredeceiTors. Be who h will that meddleth with this Government t overturn it, it fhall be as heavy to him, as th burthenfome Stone to the Enemies of the Kirk VFbey are cut in Pieces^ who burden themfelvt\ with it j Zech. xii. 3. 3. A King in Covenant with the People 0 God, fhould make much of thefe who are Covenant with him, having in highEftimatiaj the faithful Servants of Chrift, and the .godl;} People of the Land. It is rare to find King Lovers of faithful Minifters, and pious People! It hath been the Fault of our own Kings a | perfecute the go$ly: 1. Let the King love the Servants of Chriftj who fpeak the Truth. Evil Kings are brand] ed with this, That they contemned the Pre* phets, 2 Chron. xxv. When Amaztah had takei j the gods of Seir, and fet them up for his gods a Prophet came to him, and reproved him unto whom the King faid. Who made thet 0 the King's Council? forbear , left thou be fmittt* This Contempt of the Prophet's Warning, i a Forerunner of following Deftru&ion. .Be i careful Hearer of God's Word ; take wit! Reproof 5 efteem of it, as jbavid did, Pfal cxli. 5. It fhall be an excellent Oyl^ which /hall no break my Head. To make much of the faithfu Servants of Chrift, will be an Evidence 0 Reality. 2. Let the King efteem well of godly Pro feiFors. Let Piety be in Account. Ir is a Faul very common, That pious Men, becaufe o their confeientious and ftzict walking, ar< lutcc A/i d taking of the Covenants. 4-9 ted by the prophane, wh<- oily : it is ufual with pr< >phane Men to ur to bring Ki::gs to a Diitaite of the godl v ; Deciaily when Men who have proiefeM Pie:y come icandalous, whereupon they are \ to judge all pious Men to be like them; d take Occalion to fpeak evil of Piety : 1 I this Time, when Men who jjn coin- cided tor Piety, have fell cm foully and be- lyed their Truit, that Men will take Ad- ntage, to fpeak againft the godly ot the and; beware oft PoILv, put Piety out of Requeil: L; y ; tall who will, ftill ti. id picius Men will iv. both of eir Ways and Truit: Remembpr r •ecious in God's Eyes, w .en to defpife them, their Reward, r, Let not your He; iv in »e Land, whatever I this 'ime: I dare affirm, there arc very Fiunj ly godly Men, who b] Prayeija are pporting your Thro- 4. A King lhould be careful whom he put- [th in Places ofTruft, as a le good of the Kingdom, It 10 a 'hat Truft ttu pur in theii 1 1 led the 1 fruft. There this Purp mus a Man I , or rati )pprelfion, was put out 01 cht -admitte at this Ti us being choica to the £ 48 o Mr. Douglas^ Sermon at the Coronation did entertain him, with publick Salutation and Congratulations: tievertis efpying Arabinu aniongft the Senators^ crycd out, O Namma Arkbinus non fohim wvitj fed in Senatum veni] Ah ! Arabinus not only liveth, but he is in th Senate. Out of juft Indignation, he could nc endure to fee him. As all are not meet fo Places of Truft in Judicature? fo all are nc meet for places of Trull in Armies. Me would be chofen who are godly, and able to; the Charge. But there are fome who are not meet fc Truft. i. They who are godly, but have n ' Skil nor Ability lor the Place. A Man may b; a truly godly Man, who is not fit for fug Place 3 and no wrong is done to him nor l| Godllnefs, when the Place is denyed to hinj I wonder how a godly Man can take upol him a Place, whereof he hath no Skiil. 2. The] who have neither Skill nor Courage, are ver unmeet 5 for if it be a Place of never fo gres Moment, Faint-heartednefs wiil make thei quite k. 3. They who are both skilful an ilout, yet are not honeft, but perfidious an \ treacherous, fhould have no Truft at all. Of all thefe we have fad Experience, whic ihould not move you to make choife of pre phane and godlefs Men, by whom a Bleifin is not to be expe&ed, but it fhould move yc \ to be wary in your Choife ; I am confidei L fuch may be had, who will be faithful fc Religion, King and Kingdom. 5. There hath been much Debate about tl Exercile of the King's Power, yet he is p; Aid Taking of the Gnenants. 4S i 1 the Exercife of his Power, and this Day at in a better Capacity to exercife it by hi» Pronation. Many are afraid that the Exer- ife of his Power, fhall prove dangerous to le Caufe, and indeed I confefe there is ground f Fear7 when we confider how this Power ath been abufed by former Kings: There- Dre, Sir, make good ufe of this Power, and ic that you rather keep within Bounds, than xceed in the Exercife of it I may very well Ive fuch a Couafel, as an old Counfeller gave p a King of France -y he having fpent many Tears at Court, defired to retire into the Country, for enjoying Privacy fit for his Age $ nd having obtained leave, the King his [ er required him to Jit down, and writ? lomc idvice of Government, to leave behind him, vh\ch he out of Modeity declined : The 1 vould not be denyed, but left with him ndlnk, and a Sheet of Paper; he being alone, iter fomc Thoughts, wrote with, Id le- gible Chara&ers in the head of th wj • in the middle of the Sheet, ; and n the foot of the Sheet, A wrote 10 more in all the Paper, which he ip and delivered to the King, mean! >eft Counicl rhat he fhould keep Ten ing more fit 5rr, and be modi r. The bed Way to lion in tl 1 ir. Hh 48 2 Mr. Douglas^ SertnoH at the Coronation 1 6. The King hath many Enemies, even fuch as are Enemies to his Family, and to aUt kingly Government; and are now intheBow? els of this Kingdom, waiting and deiiroying; beftir yourfelf, according to Vows and Onth& that are upon you, to be a£fcive for the Relief of Chrilt's Kingdom, born down by them, in all the three Kingdoms y aad for the Relief o| this Kingdom grievouily opprefied'by thanti We ihall earneltly delire that God would pqfl that Spirit upon our King, now entered upon; publick Government, which be hath put xt% pon the Deliverers of his People from theii cruel Opprelfors. In fpeaking of the King's Behaviour to E* ncmies, one Thing I cannot pais. There \\ much fpoken of a Treaty with this Enemyl' I am not of the Judgmeat of fome, who di$" tinguifh a Treaty before Invalion and afta Invaiion, and fay, Treating is very lawful be| fore Invalion; becaufe it is fuppoled that thesf is a little wrong done; but after Invaiiooj, when a Kingdom is wronged, and put to ia«, finite LolTes, then they fay a Treaty is to b* ihunned: But in my Judgment, a Treaty ma} be lawful after Invalion, and Wrongs fuftaity ed; the end of War is Peace,, neither ihoulx deiire of Revenge obftru6t it, providing it bt fuch a Treaty and Peace, as is not prejudicia to Religion, nor to the fafety of the King- dom, nor to the undoubted Right of th< King, nor to the Leagpe and Covenant, where unto we are fo folemnly engaged. Bu And taking of the Covenants. 4S3 But I muil break off this Treary^ v>ith a tory related in Plutarch. The City o\ as in a great Strait, wherein not hat to do 3 Themifiodes in this Strait j*id3 he ad foitiething wnerein to give his ( >r the Behoof of the State, but he tho; nor fit to deliver himlelf ptitjlick s a Man of great T: im privady, and to i he :it meet. When -•port to the v 'haw (ft das his it honeft, wl pit fo much as hear it. T *ring ot a Ti iy of it: 1-JL id it ni.iv be the belt e, but not honelt. It* a :c it be both profitable and honeli, and no ver of Peacef v. ill I ft it. *j. Seeing the King i g of the Covenants, it wuul.: at we enter Jtofeflion id Conft I ■ I )n them, r 484 Mr. Do u g l a s *j Sermon at the Coronation on them, He did evil th the Sight of the Ley They neither begin well, nor end well ; fu an one was Ahaz King of Judah, and dive others in that Hiftory. 2. Others have th written on them, He "did that which was rig, in the Sigh: of the Lord, but net with a perft Heart. Such an one was Amaziah King of J\ dah, zChron. 2$. 2. He was neither fine nor conftant: When God blelied him wi Vi£tory againft the Edcmites, he fell foul from the true Worfhip of God, and let up f gods of Edom. 3. A third Sentence is writteii upon the godly Kings of judahy He did rigtm in the Sight of the Lord, with a perfecl Hearm . As Afa, Hezckiah, Jehoihaphat and Jc/iarm they were both iincere and conftant. Let u| neither have the firft nor the fecond, but thi the third written upon our King, He did rigtm in the Sight of the Lord, with a perfetf He drift Begin well, and continue conftant. Beiore I clofe, I (hall feek leave to lay be- fore cur young King, two Examples to bed ware of, and one to follow. The two warn* ing Examples, one of them is in the Texu another in our own Hiftory. The firft Example is of Joajh. Ke begfw well, and went on in a godly Reformat! 9 the Days of Jehoiada^ but it is obferved, zC 1 xxiv. 17. That after the Days of Jehoiada, «j Princes r/ Judah came, and did Obeifance to thi\ Knig, and he hearkened unto them. Verfe i& It appeareth, they had been lying in wait, till the Death of Jehoiada j and took the Opportw nitv to deftrcv the true Worihip of God, and I ieri Aid taking of the C 4S5 it up falfe Worfhip, flattering the King for lat effect : For it is faid, They left the Hcufe r the Lord^ and fcrved G t Idols j and /ere fo far f om being reclaimed, by the Prc- het of the Lord, that was fent unto them, lat they conipired againit Zccbariab the Son f Jthotada^ who reproved them mildly for leir Idolatry ^ and ftoned him with Stones, and ew him at the King's Commandment. And erfe 22. It is faid, t net the jndnefs that Jehoiada bis Father bad don . Sir, Take this Example for a Warning. You ed by the Covenant, to go on in the Vork ttion. It may be, feme great )nes are waiting their Time, not having Op- ortunity to work for the prefent, till after- ranj they may make Obeifance, and perfuadd ou to deitroy all, that hath bee-. n the V^ork of God, theic divers //are fit j let no Allurement or Perfualion pre V\xh you, to fall from that, which this Day ou bind your fclf to maintain. An tcrnory^ A\ to be iing, in a Time ftfficultie le Land, Who did put tHe apon his \nd whei nd his Peopl :od in a ^vith tod. M nd faithful iuparing hii , Handing at the ant with God ; and he himfel \\ 3 48 6 Air Douglas's Sermon at the Coronation ! that he was born in 3 reformed Kirk, bettej reformed than England: For they retained many Popijh Ceremonies : Yea, better reformed that Geneva , for they keepfome Holy-Days j charge ing his People to be conftant, and promifirig himfejf to continue in that Reformation, and a maintain the fame. Notwithstanding of al) this, he made a foul Defe&ion : He remembrcd not the Kindnefs of them who had held thf Crown upon his Head ; yea, he perfecute^ faithful Mini Iters, for oppoiing that CourfeJ * Defection : He never relied till he had undone fresbyterial Government,andKirk Aliemblie^ letting up BijljopS) and bringing in Ceremonim againlt which formerly he had given large Tettimony. In a Word, he laid the Founda- tipn9 whereupon his Son our late King, difl build much Mifchicf to Religion, all the JDay^j of his Life. Sir, I lay this Example before you the ra- ther, becaufe it is fo near you, that the guilt!?? nefs ofthe Tranfgreffion lyeth upon the Throne and Family, and it is one of the Sins, to'J which you have profelfed Humiliation very lately. Let it be laid to Heart, take Warn? ing, requite not faithful Mens Kindnefs with Perfecution ; yea, requite not the Lord fo,whc hfith preferved you to this Time, and isfetting a Crown upon your Head. Requite not the Lpfd with Jpojtafte 2nd Defettion from a fwprq Covenant : But be {tedfaft in the CoyS napt, as you would give Teftimony of you^ t?no Humiliation for thg Defection of thei^ ^bat yeny. before you. I hayg And Taking of the Covenants. 487 I have fet up thefe two Examples before you, & Beacons to warn you to keepofffuch dangcr- >us Courfes, and fhall add one for Imitation, vhich if followed, may happily bring with it he Bleffing of that godly Man's Adherence to jod. The Example is of Hezekiah, who did hat which was right in the fight of the Lord, Kings xviii. 5, 6. It is (aid of him, He trufted n the Lord God of Ifrael, and he clave unto the Lord, and departed not from following him, hit iept his Commandments. And Verfe 7. The Lord va$ with him, and he frofpercd whitherfoev. vent forth. Sir, Follow this Example, cleave unto the L,ord, and depart not from following him, md the Lord will be with you, and profper u, whitherfoever you go. To this Lord, "rom whom we expeft a BlcHini: upon this Day's Work, be Glory and Praiic tor ever. Amen. II h 4 THf [ 488 ] THE KIN G's ] coronation] AND Taking the Covenants. SErmon being ended. Prayer was made5 for a Bleffing upon the Do&rine delivered^ The King being to renew the Covenants, firflj the National Covenant, then the Solemn Leagah and Covenant, were diftin£Uy read. After the reading of thefe Covenants, the Minifter prayed for Grace, to perform thq Contents of the Covenants, and for faithfuj; Stedfaftneis in the Oath of God: And then (the Minifters, Commiffioners of the General: AfTembly, deiired to be prefent, ftanding before the Pulpit) he miniftred the Oath unto the King , who kneeling, and lifting up his rightf Hand, did fwear in the Words following : I CHARLES, King ofGy^x. Britain, Francft find Ireland, do affure and declare, by my foUnt^^ -Q>ath, in the Pre fence of Almighty God, th§ Sear df m And Taking of the , Covenants. 4S 9 fiber of Ht arts , ;//)' Allowance and Apprct 1 of the National Co vena: inn ague and Covenant above writ Hge my ft If t Station and Callin cejJorS) (hall confent a 'liament enjc: ; onaJ Covenant . Solemn Le:; Toing Presbyteri-.il Government, t (hip , Gih land, as Gen this Kin ijfeitt} to . Jed , or to be pajjed^ c er Domifi ke 0 an n Alter the King had thus folemrv 1 the itiona! C ant, d tfv Oath, fubjoified un: y drawn up in a fubfewbe th Thereafter 1 d iitteth down in the Chair Lords, Q] irfhall, ent td the four C A the Stage, with L\ ^^Hhtf, and in ibeftrfl Gorcr.atizn Oat Declaration of July 49 o The King's Coronation Lyon going before them j who fpoke to A People thele Words, Sirs, I do prefect untomji the King, CHARLES, the rightful and nndoffli ed Heir of the Crown , and Dignity of this Ream, This Day is by the Parliament of this Kingdom if pointed for his Coronation ; And are yea not willVi to have him for your King, and become fubje&xt his Commandments ? in which A&ion, the King's Majefly &ut his Side. hereafter, the King fitteth down in his ir, and then the Spurs were put on him by- Earl of Marjhall 'hereafter, _ i Marquefs of Argyll a\ the Crown in hi is, the r prayed, to this Purpo the at did reign be- bat God \nd to fettle $t j own on nd r Head, • I heir The I: 494 ^he %&&! s Coronation. God, who hveth and reigneth forever ,< we I your Leidge Men, and Truth and Ftlthjhall be\ unto you, and live and die with yon againfi a Manner of Folks rjchatfoever, in year Service , 4 cording to the National Covenant, and SofmM League and Covenant. Then did the Earls and Vifcounts put i their Crowns, and the Lyon likewife put o| his. Then did the Lord Chamberlain loofe twj Sword wherewith the King was girded an»[ drew it, and delivered it drawn into the King5! Hands, and the King put it in the Hands o the Great Conftable, to carry it naked befdjftj him. Then John Earl of Crawford and LindfaA took the Sceptre, and put it in the King' right Hand, laying. Sir, Receive this Sceptre iheftgn of royal Paver of the Kingdom, that pi may govern your [elf rig ht, and defend all the Chrir Jlian People committed hy God to your Charge, pu- mping the Wicked, and protecting the Jujl. Then did the King alcend the Stage, attend- ed by the Officers of the Crown, and Nobili- ty, and was inftalled in the royal Throne by Archibald Marquefs of Argyle, faying, and hold faft from henceforth, the Place wi you are the lawful and righteous Heir, hy a lon^ and lineal Succejfton of your Fathers* which is now delivered unto you by Authority of Almighty (W. When the King was fet down upon the Throne, the Miniiter fpoke to him a Word ot Exhortation as folleweth. m And taking of the Ccvenants. 495 lir, you are fet down upon the Throne in a very 'cult Time, I Jball therefore put you in mind of riptural Exprejion of a Throne. iChron. xxix. It isfaid, Solomon fat on the Throne of the rd. Sir, you are a King, and a King in Q it with the Lord ; if you would have the Lord you to be his King, and your Throne to his Throne x I dcjire you may have feme Thoughts ■his Exprejfion. [. It is the L ; ran em I ting above you, the King of Kings, and Lord of 'ds, who commandeth Thrones: He fetteth vgs on Thrones, and ddbrenrtb them at his *afure: Therefore take a Word of Advice ± be \ tc him who hath brought you through mec- ideringSy to fet you upon this Throne. Kifs fc Son left he be angry, and learn to ft ith Fear, who is terrible to the Kings of . irth. nr Throne is the Lor its Tfwone, and \ ople the Lord' \ Let net your Heart be ted up above your Brethren. Dcut. xvii. 20. \ey ar hren, not only Flefh but Bret I Let mto them as the tin up 3 ) ne is tie Lord's Throne ; brxare which frameth lichief b) him. hrone by » I IWJ as have lee- . to Religion, and 49^ %%e King's Coronation and grievous to the Lord's People; you arc o* Throne, and have the Sceptre, beware of tw raifchievous Laws therewith : But as the is the Lord's Throne, let the Laws be the Laws, agreeable to his Word, pitch as are te\ to evil Doers, and comfortable to the godly, Relief to the Poor and opprejfed in the Land. 4. The Lord's Throne putteth you in .whom you Jhould have about the 1 krone 5 wu Councillors are not for a King upon the L Throne -, Solomon knew this, who faid, a xxv. 5. Take away the Wicked from bi the Xing, and his Throne fhall be eftabli: in Righteoufnefs : And Prov. xx. 8. A JH upon the Throne fcattefeth away all evil ym\ his Eyes. I 5. The Lord's Throne putteth you in MM that the Judgment on the Throne floould teW Lord's^ take the- Exhortation. Jer. xxii. jjm the beginning, the Prophet kath a command taW to the Houfe of the King of Judah, and m\ Hear the Word of the Lord O King of Judm that fitteft upon the Throne, thou, and rl Servants and thy People, Execute ye J a ment and Righteoufnefs, and deliver the 1{ cd out of the Hand of the Opprelfors, a: no Wrong, do no Violence to the Stran the Father] efs nor the Widow, neither innocent Blood in this Place. For it ye, this Thing indeed, then fhall there ei;< the Gates of this Houfe, ' Kings fitting the Throne of 'David. Bun if ye will not thefe Words, I fwear by myfelf, fain tl Lord, That this Houfe flv.il.1 become a BJJ [ And taking of the Covenants. 497 tion. And Verfe 7. I will prepare Deftroy* *s againfl thee. Sir, Deflroyers are prepared for the Injuftice ?the Throne , I entreat you execute righte- is Judgment, if ye do it not, your Houfe ill be a Defolation y but if yc do that which right, God fhall remove the Deftroyers ^ id you fhall be eftablifhed on your Throne , id there lhall yet be Dignity in your Houfe, >r your Servants, and for your People. Lajlly, If your Throne be the Throne of le Lord, take a Word of .Encouragement a- linft Throne Adverfaries ; your Enemies are le Enemies of the Lord's Throne: Make our Peace with God in Chrift, and the Lord .all fcatter your Enemies from the Throne ^ id he fhall magnify you yet in the Sight of leie Nations, and make the milled People bmit themfclvcs vi illingly to your Govern- ment. Sir, If you ufe well the Lord's Throne on hich you are fet, then the two Words in the lace cited. 1 xxix. 23. fpoken of do- tting on the Throne of the Lord, He vfpered and all Ifrael obeyed htm^ fhall belong . oil; your People llia.ll obey you in the 6rd, and you lhail profper in the Sight of the llor wetit to the four rhe Lyon King of Arms oing before him, and proclaimed his Majefty*a hl to all breakers of Penal Statutes, [id nude offer thereof: Whereupon rhe People 1 1 Then 49° **'* swings pronation Then the King fupported by the Great Con- 1 ftable, and Marihall, and accompanied with the: Chancellor, arpie from the Throne, and went out, at a Door prepared for the Purpofe, tc i Stage j and fhoweth himfelf to the People witH1 out, who clapped their Hands, and cried wijK a loud Voice, a long Time, God fave the J^H Then the King returning, and iitting dowf upon the Throne, delivered the Sceptre to the j Earl of Crawford and Lindfay, to be carried tflf fore him : Thereafter the'Lyon King of ArriH tehearfed the royal Line of the Kings, upward to Fergus the Firft. Then the JLjw/r called the Lords one by oneJ ^ho kneeling and holding their Hands betwift the King's Hands, did fwear thefe Words, JBj/t the Eternal and Almighty God, who /. :vr/?^H reigmthfor ever, I do become your Liege Afxn^^M Truth and Faith Jhall bear unto you, and I'wc'Wk die with you, again fl all Marnier of Folks whatm ever , in your Service, according id the Natio . 1 Covenant, and Solemn League and Coven And every, one of them killed the left Cheek. When thefe Solemnities were ended, tftj Minifter ftanding before the King on $1 Throne, pronounced this Bleffing : The Lord blefs thee, and- fave thee j th hear thee in the Day of Trouble ; the Name of God of Jacob defend thee -, the Lord fend thee from the Santtuary, and firengthen thee out of 2a Amen. After tlie Bleffing pfonounced, the Mini Went to the Pulpit,and had the folio wingExh tatr And taking of the Covenants. 49 0 ion,the King fitting ftill upon the Throne. Ye ye this Day a King crowned, and entered in- Covenant with God, and his People j look th King and People, that ye keep this Cove- it ; and beware of the Breach of" it : That ye y be the more caretul to keep it, I will lay ew Things before you. j remember when the Solemn League and venant was entered into by both Nations, i Commillioners from England being prefent •he Eaft Kirk of Edinburgh , a Pafiage was id out of Neb. v. 13. which Ifhallnow again *. Ncbemiab requireth an Oath of the Nobles People, to reftore the morgaged Lands, ich they promifed to do $ after the Oath was dered, in the 13. Verfiy hedidfhake his Lap, faid, SoGcd (hake nut ever */*, and frttn not !S be he jh i all . that 1 1 .y orthefe who were in /'en:: haken oiu of it ; ytt^ they h. it. and I fide. It ue5 the] ipering this Day, and think : they profper, hue jd. That \\ ben then, foil to the Ground, God •heir PoHeffion, and -ty them for their perfidious Broach of the nc v to Kir. all ve~ vho worn to fup- I i 2 500 The King s Coronation port it, fhall not be able to huld it on , but Go will ihake it off, and turn you from the Throne! And ye Noblemen, who are alfiitant to the pus ting on ot the Crown, and letting the King pp the Throne, if ye fhall either affiit, or ad\j| the King to break the Covenant, and overSj the Work of God, he fhall fhake you outlj your Poifeffions, and empty you of all i Glory. Another Paffage I offer to your ferious CgjjI ^deration, Jer. xxxiv. 8. Alter that ZedcnML had promifed to proclaim Liberty to alljB Lord's People, who were Servants, andetMfl ed in a Covenant, he and his Princes to let t£H go free, and according to the Oath haqw them go $ afterwards they cauied the Serv« to return, and brought them into Subje&H Verfe n.~Whatfoi upon this Eie^hi. Verfes 15, 16, 7~e were wm) turned, qntih right in my Jight, in pr liberty. ; hmL lurried* and made them, fen Wk there ore, Verfes 18, 19, 20, 21. c 1 will mm c the Men who have tranlgreiied my Coven»L Q who have not performed the Words of JI c .Covenant, which they made before me, wB| c they cur the Calf in twain,and palled betwm c the Parts thereof I will even give themjK c the Hands of their Enemies, into the nil c of them t&2t leek their Life; even ZefckML c and his Princes.' If the Breach of a Covenant made for the berty of Servants was fo punifhed, what be the. Punifhment of the Breach of a Covei for Religion, and the Liberty of the Po And Taking of the Covenants. 501 'God* is noching more terribl ings and Princes, than to ix into the hat feek their Life: If raient, let KJj with G nir Lifej are in the md j Sf ye bre ik the Covenant, it may be tred5God er unco them as a Pre it if ye keep the C >vemnc, it m ly be ex- Sfced, God will keep you out of their inds. Let not the Place ye heard opened, be for* cten, tor in it ye have an Example ot~ Divine (lice againit fod/b^ad the Princes, lor brt : Covenant, zCbron. xxty. 23. The nces who enticed to that Breach, >yed : And in the 24. Verfe^ it is laid, 5 my of the S\ ili.i:^ and the Lord d . it Han i rts cmfpi SubidEbf, a- nil their King, But d in erfeth Sub- ft theirPriiv y rebel againft G >d : And he I tk the ( :h a kin. At he I bach be f i ^ Covenaj t 5o2 The King s Coronation Covenant with God, and the Father's follow I ing his Steps in oppoiing the Work ot GocL and his Kirk within theie Kingdoms $ tHf broke Covenant with God, and Men hair broken Covenant with them ; Yea, molt crum1 ly and perfidioully have invaded the Royil Family, and troden upon all Princely Digf nity. Be wife by their Example : You are now fit^j ting upon the Throne of the Kingdom, all your Nobles about you. There is one abotr ypvi, even Jefus, the King of Zion^ and ill his Servant, dare not but be free with yoj] I charge you, Sir, in his Name, that you ke# this Covenant in all points, if you lhall breaii this Covenant, and come agamft his Caufej I affure you, the Contraverlie is not endfll between God and your Family: But will m carried on to the further weakning, if not th< overthrow of it: But if you fliall keep thi Covenant, and befriend the Kingdom of Chrifl. It may be from this Day, God fhall begin t* do you good, altho' your Ellate be verj weak, God is able to raife you, and make yoi reign, maugre the Oppolition of all jour e mies: And howfbever it fhall pleale the re to diipofe, you fhall have peace toward God< through Chrift the Mediator. 1 As for you who are Nobles and Peers oi the Land, your fhare is great in this Day d Coronation, ye have come and touched the Crown, and iworn to fupport it, ye havj handled the Sword and the Sceptre, and e i et down the King upon his Throne. lip I And t ah rig of the Covenants. 503 lt I charge you to keep your Covenant with od; and lee that ye never be moved your* :lves to come ag; iaft it in any Head, or Ar- cle thereof j and th it ye give no Counfel to le King to come againft the Do&rine, Wor- dp, Government and li^e of the Kirk, lablilhed in this Land, as ye would efchew le Judgment of Covenant-breakers. If le King and yc who are engaged to lupport ^e Crown, confpire together againft the l^ing- sm of Chriit, both ye that do fapport,1 and s; that is fupported, will fall together. I -efs this the more, becaule it is a rare Thing a King and great Men for Chrift. In le long Catalogue of Kings, which ye have ^ard recited this Day, they will be found w who have been for Chriit. 2. I charge you alfo, becaufe of your many aths to the King; that you keep them invi- able. Be faithful to him, according to Dur Covenant. The Oaths of God are upon ju; if dire£Uy or indipeftly, ye do any hing againft his ftanding, God, by whom 2 have iworn, will be avenged upon you, fr the Breach of his Oath. And now I will fhut up all with one Word ore to you. Sir, you are the oi>J -unt- ^ King with God and his People in the frorld ; many have obftru&ed your Entry in : Now feeing th< hath brought you in /er all theie 0.bftru6tions, only > what is cont lined the and it lhall in happy Time for you and your H< nd becaule ) e itercd in Times of great I i a Dif- i 504 The King's Coronation, Sec. Difficulty, wherein fmall Strength feemeth remain with you, in the Eyes off the Wor. for recovering your juft Power and greatnefsi therefore take the Counfel which David whetf he was a dying gave to his Son Solomon, iKingi ii. 2, 3. Be ftrong, and fhow thyfelf a Man , and keep the Charge of the Lord thy God: to walk tn his Ways, and keep his Commandments ; that thorn may ft pro/per in all that thou doft, and whether Jm ever thou turneft thyfelf. After this Exhortation, the Mini Iter clofedj the whole A&ion with Prayer; and the xx/ Tfalm being fung, he difmiffed the People^ With the Bleffing. Then did the King's Majefty defcend from$ the Stage, with the Crown upon his Head| and receiving again the Sceptre in his Hand3 returned with the whole Train, in folemir manner to his Palace, the Sword being car™ ed before him. The the Evil and Danger of Backfliding, De- feSlion and Apojlacy from the Covenants^ . National and Solemn League. Sermon Preached upon Breach of Covenant, In tlie Year 1663. \y the Reverend and Worthy Servant of Jefus Chrift, Mr. Johnt Guthrie, Miniiter of the G at Tarboltoun. Chron. xv. 12. And they entered into feek the Lord God of their Fathers, with all their heart, and with ail their Soul. rerfe 15. And all Judah rejoyced at the Oath \ for they had /worn luith all their heart. )eut. xxix. 14, 15. Neither with you only do I this Covenant and this Oath ; but with him that J' eth here with us this Day before the Lord and a/Jo with him that is not here with us I EM. !\. 4H. And becaufe of all this, we make a fuie Covenant^ and write it9 and our Princes , Levitesy and Priejis feal unto it. )eut. xxix. 24, ?5. All nations Jhall fay\ IVherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this Land? Bt have for 'fak en t ant of the Lord God of their Fathers, which he made with them. G L A S G 0 rinted for George Pa ton, and are ro be Sold at his Shop in Linlithgow^ and < Bookfellers in Town and Country. 1 7 TO THE READER. t~TT*-HE Deftgn ofpublifhing this Sermon, efpeciM JL ally, at this Time, is to evince to the World Jk what have been the Principles of the Churchm cnp-m tare, the irrevocable Tie and Obligation, thism Land les under, to profecute the Ends and De^'m figns of thefe folemn fworn Covenants. Second* J ly? In anfwering fpme Objections adduced for de- % bihtating their Obligations. This Sermon, by the | Blejing of God upon the confeientious Perufal, *K may be a Mean to difcover our ancient and receive A ed Principles and Practices, in adhering to thefe M Covenants, even to the Effu/ion of much Blood ^ and alfo, how far we are degenerated from our a Firjf-love, and wonted Zeal to, and apoftatized I from our Covenant- Engagements, fo as the fenfc of our Covenant-Obligations is not only flipi out of the Memories of forne^ but alfo out of the Judgments of not a few. If the Reader find any Thing not fo well connected, let it not be imputed to the Author, but to the Pen of him who gathered it from the- Author's Mouth. Ezekxel [ 5o? ] EZEKIEL Xvii. 19. Lord G r ffwj I recompenft e.pc n Head. I Conceive., in the Verfe that I have read, there is more lolici Truth deli ve c he Spirit of God, mi able to declare, w zo the Explication and Enlargement of it : Yet the [very firft Words3 in the 1 ith and 12th \ fpeak as much to the Truth contained in t reft of this Sermon of EzekicI, as that it is not laid before the People, neither leic unto them in any confufed \\ not plain- but the Prophet gets a Coi ltoihev. plainly, what the Mind of the Lord \ 1 them. This will more clearly appe ou take Notice of the former Part ot the Chapter, wherein thele Things are delivered plainly to the People by a Similitude, the Prophet having (hewed to his Hearers the untie Things tha: potties to fpeak plainly oi onto then my Man might have tnought this with ' What needs fo plain Preaching, and Vpplic iti- m* Will not any Man, that hears the VVoi 1$. take them up without any Application ? V ind the Lord in his Commiffion to 1 fter 508 'Mr. Guthrie'j Sermon he points out the Similitude of two Eagles tak- ing away the Branches, he tells, (now lays he) Go to the City or Jemfaim3 and lay, ye underibmd thele ThingSj, that God will venge his bfifrken Co enant againft the King ferufakm? Aiid if they underftand not thef Things, go and make them plain to them, anc apply it tt them -, (pare n^ithei King nor Prince but LeJl them this my MeiFage ; Thou haf broken my Covenant, therefore, by this Mef fage whic \ 1 Tend to yoa, the Plague $nd the Vengeance of .God i hail come upon you, As Jrje, fnth the Lo, /, &c. And left any of you, who fometimes ha\ heard ud prets the Oath of the Covenant in thel Lands, mould now; a- Days think it; alterable and look v- n it: as a Thing that may be di| penlc i v. : 1 5 therefore, we are, through God's Strength, from, Scripture, to make out the ii diflolvableTye of the Covenant: And, tha we beat not upon the Air, in fpeaking to thai Purpofe, according to the Faithfulneis of the Prophet's Commillion by the Lord, we intenc to follow this Rule, as we ihall beanfwerable to our Lord and Mailer, and be free of your Blood, whofe Souls are committed to our "Charge, to lay it before you -, and if you ii againft the Lord, then your Blood will be uf your own Head : This we intend not to fpea in general, but in particular j and if any Mar will juftle himfelf againft the Lord, then' will break himfelf for ever. And, for making the Words more clear, con- fider, that the King of Babylon^ as you read, 2 Kings upon Breach of Covenant. S-9 2 Kings xxav. 17. didchange ;ie :o Zedekiaby aad limKiog /, md afterward Z entered into Covena with the King oiBabyfony that he lhould abide rributar n j and for the Coafirmation of it, he puts the King Zedekiab to fwear by the Lord: But atter he had b upon lome fuppofed Ad van- j, which . , did bre p, and , Since 1 '&* i - Lord n makes the ( ! Mt in the Pr ;h he mult 1 to is te 33d CI i this Pr« . 8. rein tht of the Watchmen - , c Son (et c Mouth, and \. :\ I c fay unto 1 c lhilt I c Man (hall die in his In ; require 510 Mr. Guthrie'j Sermon iuch and fuch Things, for which the Lord's Wrath tiles to come upon a People 3 if that be made known to the Prophets, they are bound preach and declare it, or elfe reiolve that the Blood of all tiidfe, that are taken away wit the Stroke, lhall be charged on them, as un- faithful Men in the Houfe of God. And it were to be defired, that there were many to give Warning 3 I fear there lhall not the Blood of a few in Scotland be required at the Hands of Mi- nifters, for not giving faithful and timeoi Warning : For as every Man that lhall be taker away in his Iniquity, and for his Defe&ion, lhall be made to Jmart for it 3 fo it lhall be no Excuie to you the People, that the Minifters did not tell you. O but dreadful lhall be the Account that Minifters muft give for not telling the People ! In the Words, there is, Firji, A Threatning for Breach of Covenant. And, Secondly, There is the Thing for which he doth threaten j and that is, for defpifing the Oath, and breaking the Covenant of God. Thirdly, The Confirmation that is fixed to the Threatning. Would it not have been thought, that this was enough, Thus faith the Lord, I will punifh thee for breaking my Covenant? Now this is extraordinary, that it muft have this put to it twice, As I live, faith the Lord, pall he break my Covenant, and efcape ? All this, put together, fpeaks the Cer- tainty of the Threatning, Verfcs. i6th, and 19th, and alfo the Greatnefs of the Matter, and the . Weightinefs of it, and how the Lord looks upon Breach of Oaths and Covenants. The upon Breach of Covenant . 511 The Do&rine from the Words, is, That the )atk is indtffolvabley the Breach whereof Cod re- \:h upon the Heads of tkofe that hrea T\s inviolable, 'tis in the Words not framed y my Mouth j the Holy Ghoft framed them 1 the Mouth of Ezektcl the Prophet long ago, is I live, faith the Lord God, furely mine pplicable to our Cafe, confider, the Doc- rine iup:ofeth fomething that is not plainly poken, and that is, That every Oath and Co- enant of God, is a Thing that is inviolable, fiat is, may not, nor cannot be broken : For he barter underilanding whereof,there is fome- that is needful to an Oath and Covenant Lord. I am not tofpeakhere in Relati- n to the Covenant of Works, between God and Tan in his Integrity ; neither am I to fpeak to ie Cc . i Grace, either in the Way of its )ifpenfation on Mount Sinai, or as to the Ful- . it under the New Teftament, tho5 all lefe are more properly called Covenants, be- aufe they are of his own de\ iiing : But we he Covenant, here in this Place, to be of /lens Duties in the Land -y and for keeping them r, we take an Oath upon us in Things r morally evil nor good, but ' a Man ed by Oath, annot retra&j tho' they be not comma' )utics, yet once entered into, they mult ltand ; jr, when m oui Mourhs tO the L /c cannot go back. But !. fay, for < lis, a mx Oath and Covenant: of Ji2 Mr, Guthrie'^ Sermon of God : Firjf, It mud be a Thing in itfelf law- ful ; there is no Man that warrantable accord- ing to the Word of God, may fwear the Tiling which in itfelf is unlawful. Secondly, It inuft b< a Thing in itfelf poflible, within the Man3^ Power ; no Man is warranted to fwear thai which he cannot perform. Ibirdly, When wj take the Vows and Oath of God upon us, wj interpone the Name of the Lord to it ; we fweaj by the Lord : This is the Thing here, that) makes this Covenant the Covenant of the LordJ the King of Babylon made ZedekiabKing of Ja rufalem lwear by the Lord. And it is more tM Covenant of the Lord, when the Thing is rel| gious, and the Thing commanded of the LorJ which we are bound to obey, tho5 we had nd ver fworn it : Therefore it mutt itand, once em teredlnto, left we make Enquiry after Vow! and fo deftroy that which is holy. Now, for further clearing of the WordaL Conlider, F/>/,That in Deut. xxiii. 21. you maj fee, how much the Lord counts an Oath bincRi ing, When thou (halt vow a Vow unto the Lord tfk God, thou /halt not Jlack to pay it $ for it will t* Sin in thee, not to perform it: But if thou Jha% forbear to vow, it Jkall be no Sin in thee, Numh- xxx. The Lord gives out Laws to Mofes foi< Vows, and will have them declared, Verfe £ If a Man vow a Vow unto the Lord, or fwear S Oath to bind his Soul, he (Jo all net break his J-crd.\ he (lo all do according to all that proceed eth out of hh Mouth. The Scripture is very fail ; fo that i Man once engaged in Duty, if he break, thl Vengeance of God fhall be upon him. upon Breach of Covenant. 513 Secondly ) The Inviolablenefs of the Oath of iod is tounded upon the Law of Nature and Nations. Wherefore is it that there is fuch an )rder in Ordinances to fwear by the Name of he Lord? Is it not for this, think you, to lake the Thing Hand lure ? For the very Law f Nature teaches, that if a Man fwear, he nuft fwear by his God, and mult keep it 3 and 1 like Manner the Law of Nations, for the Matter of ofFeniive and defensive Arms, and s to the Matter of Ceflation and Peace : Is iot all this to hold out, that they defign to ?cure themfelves by interponing the Name of rod to it? Now, once allow this, that Men lay retra£t and break Covenant with God, len we break the Law of Nature and Nati- nstooj and io there is not a Nation under le Sun fecure, becaufe the Way of continu- lg Peace (which is b\ * he Lord eing interponed) is broken, fo that neither le Law of Nature or Nations (if it be bro- en) can ftand; if that be granted, then it jay be rctracu The third Confirmation for the Truth lis Doftrine j the Lord himfelf in his Word ath declar ler keeping ot the Covenant, .th, that it is exceed- ingly wefi-pleaiing to him , and that he has eclated fuch aMan blefied, Pfal. xv. 1. com- :ired with the laft Words or the 4th A eile, *bo (ball dwell in t \\ rould not iy Alan think rhej I iili that would well in Heaven ? I he iall dwell, that fix K k 514 Mr. Guthrie'* Sermon change: h not. A Body that fwears any Thing, niuit keep it, tho> it be to his Hurt. The fourth Thing for Confirmation of thy Do&rine, as to the Inviolablenefs of theOatl of God, it appears, and is eitablilhed, as the Lord hath commanded the Thing in his Word and as it is Jounced upon the Law of Nature and Nations, and has the Proiriifes; io tht Lord has appeared an eminent Revenger upor' * the breakers of this Oath and Covenant; that is to fay, when Folk have taken a lawful Cc* tenant upon them, and have broken it, God will appear eminently in fending Plagues upor! them. And for proving this, we are not here to fpeak of the Covenant given upon Mount Sinai ^ 'of which fee the ten Commands, ho\y] he threatens eminently to punifh the Breaker^ thereof; or for not receiving Chriit offered in: the Gofpel-Covenant, without Queftion he puf nilheth his People for the Breach thereof: But we mean thefe Oaths and Covenants we entef into, whether they be commanded or not.jj yet, once being entred into, we muft keep them, or e\{c hs will punilh us, as is clear from thefe three following Inftances. The firft Inftance you have Jojb. ix. com- pared with zScim. xxi, where it will be foun" clearly, that the Covenant being broken b Satti} many Generations after it was made- he and his Houfe and the People muft be emi- nently punifhed for the Breach of it, by three Years Famine : For the Princes, and all the People of Ifratl, are laid to have fworn to the Gikeonites^ (wherein many a black Face was leen. upon Breach of Covenant. $ 1 % fecn among them) now this Covenant was neerly civil, and the Oath could not be very leeil warranted, but yet when it was made^ t was binding. Second Inftance to prove the Judgments on hem, &t\ Conlider Jer. xxxiv. 8, occ. where rou read, after the People had bioken the Covenant they had made with the Servants, vhom they had liberated, and yet brought hem into Bondage afterwards j that the Lord kith, Since you have done io, I proclaim a liberty for you, &c. that is, I fhall pay you io;ne in your own Coin, I will proclaim a Li- >erty to you for the Sword, Peftilence and 7amine. Third Inftance is in that Place of the Text, •hail he break, and fhall he eicape, faith the -r Parent take the Vow upon therrtfelves [now no Shadow imaginable of Excuie lor hems the Word of God, which Hands fure, tin ft them: And Jmce it is lb, our ting and Pa liament cannot retraft what they done. Objeft. 2. Some :re is no A that the j for not done ft, and he iv.zs not abfo- free. 1. We did n<>t hear tell o[ this before low; if any Man would have laid, at that Fime, that he strained CO take it, he would be counted a very uncharitable ( If. Suppofe that which I will never grant, ami fuppofe he K k 4 to 52o Mr. Guthrie'.* Sermon to the Oath, yet Scripture makes it out, that* a Man fwearing, tho* he was not free, mufcfc ftand to if j tho' it was not a fpontaneous A& )'( yet it was a moll voluntary Aft. Again, Con fa iider this in Zedekiah3 he was a Captive, t< in whom? To a Heathen: (now no Man wil &( fay a Captive is a free Man, and a liberate Alan) Yet he fw earing to the King of Babjk Ion a Heathen, and breaking his Oath after* wards, God's Vengeance came upon him j fo' there is no dallying with God in thefe Mat- ters : For all Cafuifts fay, If a Man fwear tc a Robber, to give him fo much to fpare hi; Life, he mull keep his Oath, if it be .in hu Power, tho3 it be to his Hurt. I lhall fay nc more on this ^ but I am hopeful, if you wiL receive the Word in Love, ye lhall have wherewith to anfwer your Adverfaries in the Gate. -m Obje£l. %d. The Solemn League and Coven am muji be broken^ becaufe we are not bound to keej. with tkem that brake to us firft : But it is fo be- twixt us and England. Ergo — Jlnfw. Is there not many make this Objec- tion, which, I dare fay, never read the G> venant : Thou poor blind Creature, how dare thoufpeak of it? Thefe that will fay Co^ it feems, they never underftood the League and Covenant, becaufe it is not a Bargain betwixt two Parties on Earth, the one whereof break- ing, the other is free ; but thefe three Lands is one Party, and the God of Heaven is the other Party j therefore, tho5 England ihould breaks Ihould Scotland break alfo the Cove- nant ? upon Breach of Covenant. 521 lant ? It is not after this Tenor • we will en- teavour Reformation in thefe Lands, but it fou break, we will break alio: No, it is ?ach Man fwearing for himfelf, that he lhall n his Place and Station, endeavour Reforma- :ion^ fo that it it were left ail to one Man, he null endeavour Reformation. For, consider the lait Words of the Article, each of them for themfelves did lift up their Hands to the Moft High j and fo thefe three Lands are one Party and the other Party is the God of Her.* ven. Conlider ierioufiy upon it ; tor it is thfc Thing you mult either fuller tor, or lin, ere it be long, without Remedy. Whatever E tgland and Ireland have done in breaking the Covenant, we lay, they juftly muft fman it, according to the Wed of God, if Gc Mercy prevent it not: Neverthelels, as long as there is in thefe Lands any who keep the Covenant, we are bound to keep it; and pole there are many who had rather filffc in fin, as the rYiai Flocks and Shepherds in thefe Lands; a fuppoling this w , tho' both I ind I md Ihould quite it, ttand is bound to it. Object. 4th. W< t League and Co- bre Anf II all thefe three Kingdom have taken the Oath upon them, would fil Hand to it, 1 hope \ >uld be IK) need to (land out againlt it. The Objcftion is in d ! Wc have fworn to reform England. 2s An- <2Z Mr. Guthrie^ Sermon Anfwer, We are not fworn to reform England^ j neither is England fworn to reform Scotland , >> but that which is fworn is this, Each of them are to endeavour in their Places and Callings, the Reformation of Religion in Doctrine, J Worfhip, Difcipline and Government, in thefe' Lands, and to reform England^ according to,^ the Word of God, and the belt reformed U Churches: For tho5 we had never fworn an,/ Oath, we are bound to promote the Kingdom » of our Lord Jefus Cbrift. So that the Ob- " jettion is rather out of Malice againil the Word • oi. God, than any confcionable Principle. He j gplnot worth the Name of a Chriftian, that con- T pdemns this, for it is contrary to the Petition, t Thy Kingdom come : So that we ihould ftudy : all Kingdoms Reformation, that they may be- come the Kingdoms of our Lord. ' If the King " and Parliament were fludying to reform, as much as they are fludying to deface and de- form, there fhould be no need of this Ob- je£tion. Obje£t. fifth. The Covenant^ which thefe King*-* doms entered into^ as to their own Reformation^ and as to the Reformation of all the reji^ it was too rafhly and incmfidcrately gone about. Anfw. I. Iqueftion, if any of you, who moves the Obje&ion, knows what Considera- tion is 5 Was there not Deliberation, when there was Proteftants and Remonftrators for the poor Lands ? and at laft they came to this with it, to enter into Covenant : Wherefore, It feems, it was not indeliberate. 2. There was more Deliberation in it, than many upon Breach of Covenant. 523 lany other Oaths in Scripture, and yet they id ltand, as Judges xi. 35. the \ ovv of J \pb- oah when he met nis Daughter, who will deny ut that was a raih Oath, to vow ever arrre out or his Door rirlt, he ihoubl crier it p to the God of Heaven ? And y^t it did bind im, while he fay|, rhou aft brought m~ tight not his )aughter have u .er, it is but a raih row, break it? Nay, fays he, Ike i ray Mouth unto the Lord) and I cannot go ack. 3 To confirm it more, What would you. link of a Covenant made between >ple € the Lord and Heathens, and no Co.: aught from the Lord ? Jojb. i x. The ( Covenant made there between the he Gibeonites > there you will lee a \ ou alhlv taken, yea, not [o much as to I >ounfel from the Lord ; and lira J mad viththem, The Princes of the C nto therm , I hope none 1 will [eny, but God's -Couniel wa t to our lanes, which was n< 1 Co- venant; and yet. Breach of ic, all the -and did {mart, as you n am. xxi. fore, I conclude, Tho' a Covenant be :ntercd into niihly, and want man} I king it compleat, yet opening the Mouth ;o the Lord, we cann null expect the Wrath and VengC i I Objcft. fixth. The Covenant cannot be the Partus dealt craftily with us. ic ie 524 Mr. Guthrie'j Sermon Jnfiv. 1. England is not our Party that covenanted with ; but all the three Lands gether, as one Party, and God the other Part with whom they covenanted. 2. Confider, Jojh. ix. and you will find hor little Weight thus Objection hath in Matter < Covenanting. It is faid, in the fourth Verfi They did work wilily, and went as if t key bad bei Ambafjadors , yet Jojhua and the Princes entered into Covenant with them ^ and when it w< broken, the Land oflfrael did fmart for it. Objeff. feventh. The Covenant binds us tjn Things that are not particularly fet down, bi are fo general as keep us in Doubt , the GrounL whereof is this, Becaufe we fwear in generat to endeavour the Reformation of England, act cording to the beft Reformed Churches : Bily thefe Churches were not particularly fet dowr| and pitched upon j therefore it cannot Hand. Anfw. 1. If there be any Man, that woulllji have a more particular Rule, than the Word c Go4i for Reformation, he muft be fent to ano ther Land to feek another Gofpel from Jews o Turks j and if it be fo, then there is not a Rul among us. 2. Comparing one Part of the Covenant witl another, 'tis moil particularly fet down and de termined 5 As ( Etrfi ) The Covenant is clear the Reformation mult not be Popery. ( Second fyi ) The Bifhops,Prelate5;Archbiihops,Deans Chapters, Curates, fcfc. I fay, the Covenants clear in chief, if it lays afide all thefe Thingi -what, I pray you, remains in Debate then ? know nothing, except you upon Breach *j Covenant. $2$ esbyterian or Independent Covenant, and, that Time, Independency was to be brought Presbytery ; now, lince they pais by all efe Things, I hope the Matter is not left in le Dark, as fome think it is. Object eighth. Suppofingthe Covenant binds the and, yet it binds none but thefe that took it. jlnfw. Now I perceive, there are many of ou young and ranting Blades, that think your Ives happy Youths, becauie ye never took the Covenant ; But I have a Word tolpeak to Inch rom the Scriptures, and theretbre take it with ou : Wherever a King and the Princes of a' and take a Covenant, the reft of the Land are^W ound to it, as you may fee in that Covenant T '. Lch the Gibeomtes: The People there did n^ yvear, yea, they murmured againlt the Oathl1^ ut tho' the People did not fwear, yet the ^rinccs lay, ]Ve have [worn tc '. Therefore do not beguile your e] i e t5 ve ltand as furely engaged to it, as I or .-, who did fubferibe it with our Hands: herefore the Breach of it lhall be required at your Hands, be you young or old, Men or men j and therefore remember the ix. of f not /but t ■lit the Princes had fworn the O a> ;ht not laid, Let theft] keep ir, who did fwear it? But: it is not lo; for they fay. 7 not ton I tt did 1- 526 Mr. Guthrie'j Sermon it, hath broken it, and I fear the fame Gener; tion lhall be punith'd tor it. Secondly, The GM venant doth directly bind all tallowing Geq I rations, !72W o#r Children after as be jomdwak [ *>£ in Faith and Love, that the Lord may d-n I among us 5 tbefe .;re the very Words of the C \- venant. For what End wtre theie Words pul in ? Was it not to bind our Pcfterity, and td: keep Conformity and Unity, and to bind them: * to the Word cf God? But you'll fay, There \ is no Mention, of the Poilerity. Anfij. There I was no Mention made of the Pofteruy of IfraeljL when the People of Ifrael made that Covenant'*, with the Gibeonites, neither was there Mention;* made of the Gibeomtes Pofterity ; yet you ma)* - fee the Covenant binding to their Pofterity, a&i i^clear, Jo(b. ix. compared with 2 Sam. xxijL So then you mult underftand, that the QovtXs nant is abibiute 3 therefore I conclude, that as \\ fure as Sun and Moon endures in the Firma- I menc, if there be any Generation in thefe threen Lands, God will require rhe Breach of his Co- venant at their Hands, and his Vengeance lhall* be upon them, if they repent not. Object, tenth. The King and Ejfates oj thei Land found Hurt in keeping it. Afifw. Ay, but \ read Pial. xv. 1, 4. He that fwearetb to his Hurt A j,znd changcth not. Obje£k 1 x th. There will be eminent Advantages' by the breaking oj it, Ergo. Anfhv. For my ieliyi I do not underftand any Advantage to thefe three | Lands comparable to the Solemn League 3 this! i my Judgment: But, will yon confider the| C jvenant betwixt Jofhua aud the Gibeonites, it. was l ttpen Breach of Covenant. .527 as a Covenant contrary to God's Command^ z his Name being taken in it, could not be [crafted -, they dealt wilily with him, and they [tight no Counlel from the Lord, and they ere iu pecting it in the mean Time, ar.d they new it within three Days afterward $ yet be- iuie ot the Breach ot it, tho5 it was broken ut of Zeal to the Children of Ifrael9 yet the eople did (mart for it by three Years Famine , nd when it was broken, in was not the fame feneration that broke it. I believe, and let aH Le three Kingdoms Wit together, they will ot get as many Excufes lor the Bre f the tovenant ot our Kingdom, as Zedtkiab had for is Covenant: for, ¥irfty His was contrary- God and his People ; tor he had promised to e People within ieventy Years to be deliver- d j now the Covenant was, to keep 1 at privity, and to keep cl ../. y, 1 1 . n is a Captive., and io I to it. thirdly. r.ade nth a Heathenilh King, it w« I ln- snt of :!. ale, as it is i ot lift up it: eh. great uie to have broken the O for him to h iant, becaufe I will pi ; it: But iaii ant, [ will recompenfe ; And tl :vcc enters into Covenant, be v» 528 Mr Guthrie5 s Sermon efpecially when he is commanded, he muft ke< it : For he that breaks it, Gpd's Vengeanc Ihall be upon him. Now, feeing it is fo, we a;, to expe£t, he will avenge his broken Covenah uponthefe Lands, according to his-Wjord. Now the next Thing in the Text, is, Th the Breakers ot Covenant with God, God w: recompenfe it upon their own Heads >■ this the Words of the Text, My Oath that he ha] defpifed, &c. Now, to clear it to you, wt they are that are Defpifers of the Covenan Confider, Firft9 That it is a Covenanter in C pinion, and not in Pra&ice ; that is to fa^i There is not a Man that reforms not in h Heart, according to the Covenant, but he is Breaker of the fame , for this is the Articles < the Covenant. Therefore know affuredly, j ye Drunkards, Adulterers, Defpifers ot Ord nances, and the People of God, Sabbath-breal ers, covetous Perfons and Civilians, who cai for no more than an outward Profeffion j if 5 be not endeavouring Reformation, and to kee the Covenant, God's Vengeance ihall be upc you. Indeed we will hear many Folk, wh pretend to keep the Covenant, but they wi let an Oath flee when they like : Thou by I doing, art a good Keeper of the Covenant ii therefore let all take heed to it. But, what would you have us to do, fay ye ? F/r.f, Conlider what Cafe thefe Lands ftand in$ and what it is they ly under : Is it not the Breach of Covenant ? and the Judgment of God will come upon them, if he in Mercy pre- vent it nor : Becaufe we have fworn the Cove- hant, and broken it ; therefore God hath fvyorn, That we lhall not profper. O ! is there none among the Tribes of Ifrael, to lament thefe Things this Day, this lad Condition of thefe ■Tee Lands, that they are guilty of Breach of Covenant, and are under the Threatning of ruoit ievere Judgments? Will you then be- it, il you h 7 Tendernefs of Heart, 1 Man tor himielf, and for his Family ? I \l lay, { for we will n \ but of this after- ward. Now I would intreat you to i ; 01 oth< Sins, left ye par- like ot their Phi ind Judgi Wilt pou ith the King in Parliament to fin ? thou mu:t r [udgmenta, 'And I I v fay this, Endeavour to cover your L 1 felvei 53o Mr. Guthrie'j Sermon f Ives now, with that which you would co ver your ielves with at tKe Day of Judg meat. There: will never a Man come in am fay, The King muit aniwer tor me ; No, no the King mult aniwer for himielf. It ycfi be not iiudying to keep thefe Things, the Q| vering will be too narrow for you that i Again, I would advife you to Jay \ . Thoughts alide from getting much ot thj 'World ; but fee it ye can get this that is i i Rev. iii. 4. Thou ha ft -a few Names , even t Sardis, which have not defiled then Garment sk ■and. they jhall walk, with we in white^ for thtl are worthy. It was a Time, then of great De ic -feftionj and thefe of them that continuum ftedfaft, were as Signs and Wonders. O thel;j walk now, as you would deiire to walk afreilo; ward! for furely thefe /that ly down wit 0 Sin unpardoned in theCrave, mull reiblve t,n ly in an eternal Bed of Sorrow ; and the" 0 that keep themfelves clean, ihall walk will the Lamb in white. Now, a Word to that which I mentions before. What lhall we do, iince thefe Lane have broken Covenant with God? I tell yoi That Scotland US bound to keep ir, altho3 Eh '■lartd and Ireland have broken it; and alth - 'Si< 4 land broke, yet Ireland and England a nd to lfand to it. Hofei. lv. 15- Tbo\th cl-'play the Hark 7, yet let not Judah often 1 t is- to lay, As for yoirat this preientTim ^ Fnrland and Ireland h&\e broken, yet] ' not'Smt/and do fo too. Suppole the^ we ~fcat one Family in thefe Lands that would Ha upon Breach ef Covenant. 531 ) it, and if all that Family fhould turn their >ack upon it except one Peribnj truly that erion is bound to itand to it, Jolh. xxiv\ 1$, fooofe yon whom you will Curve ; but as for me nd my Houfe^ ive will ferve the Lord. Here is ut a Family; lo chat, if all the Kingdom lould fbrfwear the Covenant, yet lb long 5 I am Muter of a Family, I mult ferve the iord; I mu;t not fertre other Gods, that is to ty,Vv e lhould not ferve Popes nor Prelates,£rV. But what if it come to this. That there be, o Man to bide by it at ail, but 1 a? Phat Man is bound ording to cripture. Read 1 Kings xix. 14 I \n try jealous^ &c. from which I c ording to the Scriptures^ thj )rfaken, yei bound j Rod ind lhould wd is bound j nd tho5 both 1 Family ia bound ) ftand to it. T ir )uty\ left the Wrath of God cotahe - >u nd 5 fterity : Beli »ur King and ! and our 5 with this Rord, Happj led- aid rv- c to himtelf as a ! ever fvvorn and d the Bi 10 Sin Go.l would hav< Ll2 Iftf' I 532 Mr. Guthrie'j Sermon Heart, than the Breach of Covenant: As live^ faith the Lord, furely mine Oath that j hath dcfpifed, and my Covenant that he hath br ken^ even it wilt I recompenfe upon his own Hea God ufeth not to trull Folk long, that bre* Covenant, 'without fome vilible Stroke j as was in Saufs Days and Ztdekiah's It yjl would have a Mark upon y Eeing that we and our Houfhold have fubfcribed and given this pubiick G Cllion of our Faith, to the good Example of ur Subjects; We command and charge ail ^ommiuioncrs andMintfters, to crave che I tonfeflSon of their Parilhoners, and proceed gainft the Refufers, according to our L nd Order of the Kirk, delivering thcr nd lawful Proceli to the Mmifters oi oar loufe with all hafte and diligence, undti >ain of forty Pounds to be t Jtipend, that we, with the Ad Council, may take Order with lik proud ( jemners of God and our Laws. itb our Hand at Halyroodh i. the 2d D. larch, ti of our Reign. Charles L his 'Dec! a? twn, concerning the So/en Leagtie ana S Things n^w ftajxi, g _ leaft offend ( their Covenant in I ive the Charity to That the it* End of the Covenant in I ! lten- is, was to prclcrvc R.eligi Kingdom in Pea* png Ia C 534 ] King Charles II. his T>eclart\ tion, to all his Subjects of th\ Kingdoms of Scotland,, Englaiu and Ireland^ concerning the Coii nants and IVork of Reformation j( T T IS Majefty taking in Consideration, thi i merciful Dilpeniation ot Divine Prov, dence, by which he hath been recovered ot of the Snare of evil Counfel j and having ai tained lo full Perfuafion and Confidence otthf Loyalty othis People in Scotland^ with whoi he hath too long flood at a Diftance j an! of the Righteoufnefs of their Cauie, as tf join in one Covenant with them, and te calf nimfelf and his Interefls wholly upon God! and in all Matters Civil, to follow the Ad; vice of his Parliament, and fuch as -fhall bij1 entrulted by them ; and in all Matters Eccle ' fiaftick, the Advice of the General AiiemblyJ and their Cornmiffioners ; and being feniiblff of his Duty to God, and defirous to approve himfclf to the Conlciences of all his good Sub- jects, and to flop the Mouths of his and theij Enemies and Traduce.rs, doth in Reference to his former Deportments, and as to his Re- solutions for the future, declare as follows : The* his Majefty as a dutiful Son be oblig- ed to Honour the Memory of his Royal Fa-, ther, and have in Eftimation the Peffon of his Mother j yet doth he ddire to be deeply Jiwnbkd and:. afflicted in Spirit before God 45 becaufc ■-? taking th v*s. 535 ■caufe ot his Father's hearkening to, and Gotving evTlJCbanieis, and hisOppofmoo to ie VVorkot Re.onnati w, a Isnin eacrue and Covenant, b h fo mu I thete Kim trigs i .'a t . 13 Matter oi great Sturnblin. ) ail tne I tit Churches ; lo could it not ut he an high Provocation hai ^ the Sins ot the ha-- csand .- no- in th c° ie ( t,; ana i • ■ . tuft ind .ni A .. ■ Uferen . • uol'the;, . the u;v. chat he Pardon, and 1. R thrift. And as he d Ll4 536 The Kings Declaration. Teftimony of Lon^-fuffering Patience and Mer- cy upon the Lord's Part, and Loyalty upon theirs j fo doth he hope, and fhall take it as one of the greateft Tokens of their Love and Affe6tion to him and to his Government, That they will continue in Prayer and Supplication to God for him ; that the Lord who ipared and preferved him to this Day, notwithftanding of all his own Guiltinefs, may be at Peace with him, and give him to fear the Lord his God, and to ferve him with a perfe£t Heart, and with a willing Mind all the Days of his Life. And his Majefty having upon full Peifuafi- pn of the Juftice and Equity of all the Heads and Articles thereof, now 1 worn and fubfcrib^ ed 'the National Covenant of the Kingdom of Scotland^ and the Solemn League and Cove-. nant of the three Kingdoms of Scotland^ Eng- land and Ireland* doth declare, that he hath not fworn and fubfcribed thefe Covenants, and entered into the Oath of God with his People, upon any iinifter Intention and crooked Deiign . for attaining his own Ends, but fo far as hu- man Weaknefs will permit, in the Truth and Sincerity of his Heart, and that he is firmly ^ refolved in the Lord's Strength to adhere there- to, and to profecute to the utmofl: of his Pow- er all the Ends thereof, in his Station and Cal- ling, really, conftantiy and fincerely all the Days of his Life: In order to which he doth in the firft Place profefs and declare, that he will have no Enemies, but the Enemies of the Covenant, and that he will have no Friends, ' l>0t-tbp Frieads of the Covenant. And there- fore after -taking the Covenant*. 537 fore as he doth now deteit and abhore all Po- pery, Superftition and Idolatry . ..Prelacy and all Errors, Herclie, Schiim and Profanenefs, and reibh es not to tolerate, mu lefs allow any of thefe in any part jelly's Dominions, buttooppoie himiell the to, and to ende to the utmolt ot his Power; lo doth i Chriltian exhort, and as a King require chat all iuch ofhis Subje&SjWho hat e ftood 10 Opp tion to the WorkotReformation5upon }y inter .it, or any othei lay down th pie of God,and Man to the i; 1'God ; ot thofe Thingi Troubles and ( and being inliued ii ftablifhing of tl prove an Idol i V\rrath him wh of Lords. bell Sej :cr6lo, w zlcrve him, and leek i Line oi God tbt 1 fIhings that art I and relblveth love, or coqntena *ny, wh irle Conlcience and Piety, rell with a pi Kingdom oi (^ upon as Duty, bur §elf-deJigns, undei 538 The King's Bee Jar at ion. royal Authority aud Greatnefs. Secondly, His Majefty being convinced in Conicience, of the exceeding great Sinlblnefs and Unlaw Jtul- nels, of that Treaty and Peace made with the bloody Irijb Rebels, who treacherouliy fhed the Blood of ib many of his laithiul and loyal Subje£h> in Ireland, and oi allowing unto them the Liberty of the popifh Religion, tor* the which he doth irom his Heart delire to be deeply humbled before the Lord; and like- wile coniidering how many Breaches have been upon their Part, doth declare the lame to be void, and that his Majefty is ablolved there- ' from; being truly lorry that he ihould have fought unto fo unlawful Help for reftoring of him to his Throne, and refolving for the Time to come, rather to choole Affii&ion than iin. Thirdly, As his Majefty did in the late Treaty with his People in this Kingdom, agree to re- cal and annulall Commiiiions againit any of... his Subjefts, who did adhere to the Covenant, and Monarchical Government in any of .his Kingdoms; io doth he now declare, that by cemmiflionating of iome Perfons by Sea, a- gainft the People of England, he did not in- tend Damriage or Injury to his oppreft and h&rmlefs Subjefts in that Kingdom, who fol- low their Trade of Merchandife in their law- ful Callings, but only the oppofing and fup- preiling ot thofe who had ufurped the Govern- ment, and not only barr him from his juft Right, but alfo exercife an arbitrary Power oyer his People, in thofe Things which con- cern their Perfons, Conferences and Eftates : And ter fakir; tts. 539 And as fince his coming in he hath given no Commilfio jects in Inland or j ebjr aiiure and declare, that he will gii to their Prejudice or Lamnage, an \ fhall be tfte Wrongs of theie Ufurpei he will be fd tar irom aveng' any who are tree thereof, bv interrupt ffcoping the Liberty ot Trade and diie or otherwise, that he will leQk the: ' and to the utrrioft that they m gaij ever. Aiid 'i- ftruft well oftheTnterit Re- ference in Counfel or Arms againll the Covenal bci Hdnoiir and his own honoiii Sal imploved in P! he doth ve Commiirions to any only taken or renewed the 1 >lfo ha\ ' rc- grir 1 the W Re! Truft, by the Par!' t either k: refpective: And hi tme mnds, doth here given to any fa eh P< Perfons will Co much - Handing betwixt him fettling and prefer v 540 ?he Kings Declaration Kingdoms, that they will not grudge nor re- pine arhis Majeity's Refolutions and Proceed- ings herein, much lefs upon Difcontent a£t a- ny Thing in a divided Way unto the raifing of new Troubles ; efpecially lince upon*their pious &nd good Deportment, there is a Regrefs left unto them in Manner above exprefled. And as his Majelty hath given Satisfa&ion to the juft and necelfary Defires of the Kirk and Kingdom of Scotland^ fo doth he hereby allure and declare, that he is no lefs willing and deiirous to give Satisfa&ion to the juft and neceiiary Delires pf his good Subje£ts in Eng- land and Inland i and in token thereof, if the Houfes of Parliament of England , fitting in Freedom ihall think fit to prefent unto him, the Propolitions ot Peace agreed upon by both Kingdoms, he will not only accord to the fame, and lueh Alterations thereanent as the Houfes of Parliament in regard of the Confti- tution of Affairs, and the good of his Majelty and his Kingdoms lhall judge neceffary, but do what is further neceflary, for profecuting the Ends of the Solemn League and Covenant, elpecially in thofe Things which concern the Reformation of the Church of England in Doc- trine^ Worfhip, Difcipline and Government -> that not only the Directory of Worfhip, the Confeffion of Faith- and Catechifm, but alfo the Proportions and Directory for Church Go- vernment accorded upon by the Synod of Di- vines at Weftminfier may be fettled, and that the Church of England may enjoy the full Li- berty and Freedom of all Affemblies and Power after taking the Covenants. . 541 * Power of Kirk-cenfures, and of all the Ordi- nances of Jefus Chrirt aceording to the Rule of his own Word, and that whatfbever is com- manded by the God of Heaven, may be dili- gently done for the Jtfoufe of the God ot Hea- ven ; and, whatever heretofore hath been the Suggeftions of fome to him, to ronder his Ma- jeity jealous of his Parliament, and of the Servants ot God: Yet as he hath declared, That in Scotland, he will hearken to their Counfel, and follow their Advice, in thofe Things that concern that Kingdom and Kirk ; So doth he alfo declare his firm Refolution to manage the Government of the Kin. 7, by the Advice of his Parliament, confining of an Houfe of Lords, and < Houic of Commons t! ;d in thole T that <; the Com of the Minifl ,>cher Counfcls id that all rhe World much he tenders the People, 2nd how precious thiMr Blood is in his id how dfeiirous he Per his Crown and Government t id, by p Means ; as he doth elkv thoi'e who firit engaged in tl I % and lincc that ' ithfully Ends thereof, to be Duty to him j fo is he willing, in regard ■ tions in England* againft i ment, to only )W in th ."Obitru&ers . 542 The King's Declaration and chief Authors of the Change of - the Go vernmentj and of the Murder of his royal Father. Provided, thsttheie who are to 'have the Benefit of this Act, lay down Arms, and return unto the Obedience of their lawful So- vereign. Tiie Committee of Eftates of the Kingdom, and General Aiiembly oi the Kirk of Scotland, having declared lb fully in what concerns the Se£taries, and the prefent Deiigns, Refoluti- ons, and A£tings of their Army, againil the Kingdom of Scotland: And the fame Com- mittee and Aiiembly having fufficiently laid open publick Dangers and Duties, both upon the right hand and upon the lelt j it is not needful for hisMajefty to add any Thing thereunto ; except, That in thoie Things he doth com- mend and approve them, and that he refolves to live and die with them, and his loyal Sub- je£ts, in Profecution of the Ends of the Co- venant. And whereas that prevailing Party in Eng- land, alter all their ilrange Ulurpations, and infolent A&ings in that Land, do not only keep his Majcfty from the Government of that Kingdom by Force of Arms, but alio have now invaded the Kingdom of Scotland, who have deferved better Things at their Hands, , and againil whom they ha\e no juft Quarrel ; his Majefty doth therefore delire and expert, That all his good Subje&s in England, who | are, and refolve to be faithful to God, and to their King, according to the Covenant, will lay hold upon luch an Opportunity, and ufe their after taking the Covenants. 543 their outmolt Endeavours to promote the (. yenant, and all the Ends thereof \ and to re- er and le-eitablilh the ancient Government oi the Kingdom of t ( under which fenerations, it did flourilh in Peace and Plenty, ac Home, and in Reputation A- broad ) and Privileges of the Parliament, and Dative and jult Liberty of the People. His Majeity dehres to allure him i bit, That retnain in theie lb much Confidence of their Duty to Religion, their King and mtry, and i • Sparkles of the anci- ent Engkjh Valour, which lhined Co eminent- ly in their no! I ! put them DO beltir th the ofe Mens Opprellions from < Confcicnce and Honour fet Religion, Libertie rnment at lo low a rather to under Hazard, before 1 them ? Will unt any ith more , than to [i\ r\ I- le all th ;? And will not Polterity thofe, who dare attempt i [ i if pu: I nd juft v Hi, til ho- Reputati- on al rai .crtaiuly themfeJ 544 Fhe King's Declaration^ &c. themfelves a Bailing from God, upon fo juft and honourable Undertaking tor the Lord, and for his Caufe, for their own Liberties^ their native King and Country, and the inva- luable Good apd Happineis of their Pofterity. Whatever hath formerly been his Majeity's Guiltinefs before God, and the bad Succefs that thele have had, who owned his Affairs, -vvhilit he Hood in Opposition to the Work ot God -, yet the State of the Queftion being now altered, and his Majefty naving obtained Mercy to be on* God's Side, and to prefer God's Intereft before his own : He hopes, That the Lord will be gracious, and counte- nance his own Caufe, in-the Hands of. weak and finful Inftruments, againft all Enemies whatfoever. Tnis is all that can be faid by. his Majefty at preient, to thofe in England and Ireland^ at fuch a Diftance ; and as they iliall acquit themfelves at this Time in the a&ive' Dilcharge of their neceflary Duties, fo lhall they be accepted before God, endeared to his Majefty, and their Names had in Remem brance throughout the World. Given at our Court at Ditmfermli?tey the fixteenth Day of Attgnfo 1650. and in the, fecond Year of our Reign. TH i: t2 C 545 ) THE CAUSES O F A Solemn Fa ft and Humiliation to be keeped by the Kings Majefty and the whole Congregation of this Kirk, upon Thurfciay the z6th ^December next, in this Tear 1670. mentioned Tage 44i- THE long Oppofitlon that has been made by the Royal Fan :he Work of God, and Progi the Gofpel, and Persecution that h^ their Authority, of many godly and i'aith- fiii Men, fince the Rt n in this Land. That King James, after h ring and Subfcribing the Covenant, ihould fo toully have fallen from the fame, and contrary there- [ m unto 546 Catifes of a Fajl and Humiliation unto have altered the Government of his Church, brought in Bilhops, and many other Ceremonies. The Perfecution that was followed by him againfl many faithful Minifters, tor ad- hering to the Covenant and Liberties of the Church, and teilifying againft the Corruptions of the Time. H13 laying of a Foundation for bringing* in all the Ceremonies ot the Church of England on this Church, whence has follow- ed lo many fad Inconveniencies, as thefe Years paft have produced. King Charles his entering upon that fame Courfe, and profecuting that fame De- sign, whereby after many particular Offences, it came at lafl to an arbitrary and violent obtruding of the Book of Common Prayer, and Cannons upon this Church. His allaying and marrying with one of the Popifti Religion, and his tolerating the Mafs, and Exercife of thefe Abominations, in view of the Lord's People, to the great Prejudice of the Reformed Religion, and the putting himfelf and his Kingdoms under Snares and Wrath. The great Profanity of , his Court for, many Years, too much tolerated ' and coun- tenanced by him in Masks and Sabbath- breakings, at laft publickly allowed by him in many Things, by the Book of Sports, &c. His Arbitrary Government, thereby many ef all Sorts has been brought to Sufferings , without 1 for the Sifts of the Rya/ Family. 547 without, proceeding according to the Laws of the Kingdom. His eitablifhing the Court of high Com- miflion, and authorizing them in many Things deilruftiire to the Liberties of this Church and Kingdom. His profecuthg by Arms, being milled by evil Counfel, a War againft . jhofe who adhere to the Covenant, and neceifarily and lawfully withltood the inbringing of 'the'/e Corruptions into this Church, wnereb\ made himlelf guilty of much innocent Blood of the Lord's People in thele Kingdoms. The prefent King, his entering to tread the fame Steps ; 1. By doling a Treaty with the P»pi(h, hifh Rebels, wno had lhed lo much Bl md granting them, not only their per! Liberty, but alfo the free Exercile of Pcpi/h Religion ; fo that he mi-^ht ma Dt them againft his Proteitant Su 2. By his commiffionating tha: mu- Rcbcl James Gr this Kingdom, who wej a.lthlL' d to him, and rive Commiirions to fundry I rnai 2nd. ifctlon that was deli, nd K .4 His entertaining pnvat< les with Malign .auie, contrary to the Covenant, v. M m 2 5T48 ■ Catfes of a Faft and HumHtyti