Causes of the Lords wrath against Scotland manifested in his sad late dispensations. Whereunto is added a paper, particularly holding forth the sins of the ministery.
         Warriston, Archibald Johnston, Lord, 1611-1663.
      
       
         
           1653
        
      
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             Causes of the Lords wrath against Scotland manifested in his sad late dispensations. Whereunto is added a paper, particularly holding forth the sins of the ministery.
             Warriston, Archibald Johnston, Lord, 1611-1663.
          
           88 p.
           
             Printed [by the heirs of Geo. Anderson],
             [Edinburgh] :
             in the year 1653.
          
           
             By Archibald Johnson, Lord Warriston.
             Place of publication and identification of printer from Wing.
             "A humble acknowledgment of the sins of the ministery of Scotland" has separate dated title page; pagination and register are continuous.
             Reproduction of the original in the Union Theological Seminary Library, New York, New York.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           Church of Scotland -- History -- 17th century -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
     
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               CAUSES
               Of
               the
               LORDS
               WRATH
               against
               SCOTLAND
               ,
               Manifested
               in
               his
               sad
               late
               dispensations
               .
               Whereunto
               is
               added
               a
               PAPER
               ,
               particularly
               holding
               forth
               the
               Sins
               of
               the
               MINISTERY
               .
            
             
               Printed
               in
               the
               year
               1653.
               
            
          
        
         
           
             
             
             
               Some
               General
               Heads
               of
               the
               Causes
               why
               the
               LORD
               contends
               with
               the
               Land
               ,
               agreed
               upon
               (
               after
               seeking
               of
               the
               LORD
               )
               by
               the
               Commission
               of
               the
               GENERALL
               ASSEMBLY
               1650.
               with
               the
               advice
               of
               diverse
               Ministers
               from
               severall
               parts
               of
               the
               Kingdom
               ,
               met
               at
               Edinburgh
               ,
               October
               1651.
               so
               far
               as
               for
               the
               present
               they
               could
               attain
               light
               therein
               ,
               which
               they
               offer
               and
               advise
               to
               be
               made
               use
               of
               by
               all
               the
               LORDS
               People
               in
               the
               Land
               ,
               leaving
               place
               to
               adde
               ,
               as
               the
               Lord
               shall
               make
               further
               discoveries
               hereafter
               of
               the
               guiltinesse
               of
               the
               Land
               ,
               and
               intending
               more
               fully
               and
               particularly
               to
               enlarge
               this
               Paper
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Article
               .
               THe
               grosse
               Atheisme
               and
               ignorance
               of
               God
               and
               of
               his
               Word
               and
               Works
               ,
               that
               is
               in
               a
               great
               part
               of
               the
               Inhabitants
               of
               the
               Land
               ,
               which
               is
               such
               ,
               that
               neither
               Law
               nor
               Gospel
               ,
               nor
               the
               most
               common
               and
               necessary
               points
               of
               truth
               are
               understood
               or
               known
               by
               many
               thousands
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               Article
               .
               Horrible
               loosnesse
               and
               prophanity
               of
               Conversation
               in
               all
               sorts
               ,
               against
               the
               Commandments
               ,
               both
               of
               the
               first
               and
               second
               table
               ,
               which
               hath
               so
               abounded
               and
               encreased
               ,
               that
               scarce
               hath
               any
               of
               the
               Nations
               exceeded
               us
               therein
               .
            
             
               3.
               
               Article
               .
               The
               despising
               and
               slighting
               of
               JESUS
               CHRIST
               offered
               in
               the
               Gospel
               (
               which
               we
               look
               on
               as
               the
               chief
               and
               mother
               sin
               of
               this
               Nation
               )
               and
               the
               not
               valuing
               and
               improving
               the
               Gospel
               and
               precious
               Ordinances
               of
               CHRIST
               ,
               unto
               the
               establishing
               and
               building
               up
               of
               our selves
               in
               the
               lively
               faith
               of
               CHRIST
               and
               power
               
               of
               godlinesse
               ,
               but
               either
               neglecting
               and
               despising
               these
               things
               altogether
               ,
               or
               else
               resting
               upon
               and
               idolizing
               outward
               and
               bare
               forms
               ,
               without
               studying
               to
               know
               in
               our selves
               ,
               or
               to
               promove
               in
               others
               the
               Kingdom
               of
               God
               ,
               which
               is
               righteousnesse
               and
               peace
               ,
               and
               joy
               in
               the
               Holy
               Ghost
               :
               whereby
               it
               hath
               come
               to
               passe
               ,
               that
               persons
               not
               rightly
               qualified
               ,
               have
               been
               admitted
               unto
               ,
               and
               continued
               in
               the
               Work
               of
               the
               Ministery
               and
               Elderships
               ,
               and
               that
               publick
               repentance
               and
               Kirk-censures
               have
               been
               gros●ely
               slighted
               ,
               and
               the
               Sacrament
               of
               the
               Lords
               Supper
               fearfully
               polluted
               by
               the
               promiscuous
               admitting
               of
               many
               ignorant
               and
               scandalous
               persons
               thereto
               ,
               and
               many
               wilfully
               ignorant
               ,
               and
               openly
               and
               continuedly
               prophane
               ,
               have
               been
               keeped
               in
               the
               fellowship
               of
               this
               Kirk
               ,
               contrary
               to
               the
               Word
               of
               GOD
               ,
               and
               Constitutions
               of
               this
               Kirk
               ,
               and
               that
               many
               other
               sad
               and
               fearfull
               consequences
               have
               followed
               unto
               the
               prophaning
               of
               all
               the
               Ordinances
               of
               GOD
               ,
               and
               rendering
               them
               for
               the
               most
               part
               barren
               and
               fruitlesse
               to
               us
               :
            
             
               4
               Art.
               Not
               only
               the
               exercise
               of
               godlines
               in
               families
               much
               slighted
               ,
               great
               men
               being
               unwilling
               and
               ashamed
               to
               call
               on
               the
               name
               of
               the
               LORD
               in
               their
               Family
               (
               which
               guilt
               is
               exceedingly
               heightned
               by
               the
               continuing
               of
               many
               of
               these
               in
               the
               same
               after
               solemn
               Publick
               confessing
               thereof
               ,
               and
               engaging
               to
               the
               contrary
               duty
               in
               the
               year
               1648.
               )
               and
               others
               much
               neglecting
               the
               same
               ;
               But
               also
               the
               loathing
               and
               hating
               of
               the
               power
               and
               life
               of
               Religion
               and
               godlinesse
               ,
               and
               bearing
               down
               such
               as
               make
               conscience
               thereof
               ,
               or
               aime
               at
               any
               perfection
               therein
               ,
               which
               hath
               come
               to
               such
               an
               height
               ,
               that
               the
               Godly
               are
               every-where
               reproached
               ,
               reviled
               ,
               oppressed
               and
               persecuted
               throughout
               the
               Land
               by
               sundry
               of
               all
               ranks
               :
               yea
               ,
               by
               sundry
               Magistrates
               and
               Ministers
               ;
               and
               the
               ungodly
               and
               prophane
               countenanced
               ,
               encouraged
               and
               imployed
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               Article
               .
               The
               base
               love
               of
               the
               world
               ,
               and
               Covetousnesse
               ,
               which
               hath
               made
               not
               onely
               the
               Body
               of
               the
               People
               ,
               but
               many
               Ministers
               ,
               more
               to
               minde
               their
               own
               things
               ,
               then
               the
               things
               of
               JESUS
               CHRIST
               ;
               and
               many
               Masters
               ,
               Rulers
               ,
               Magistrates
               ,
               Officers
               and
               Souldiers
               in
               Armies
               ,
               exceedingly
               to
               abuse
               their
               power
               unto
               the
               exercising
               of
               intollerable
               oppression
               of
               all
               kindes
               on
               the
               poor
               ,
               to
               the
               grinding
               of
               their
               faces
               ,
               and
               making
               their
               lives
               bitter
               to
               
               them
               :
               Which
               fountain
               of
               Covetousnesse
               did
               also
               produce
               the
               great
               insolencies
               and
               oppressions
               in
               our
               Armies
               in
               England
               and
               Ireland
               ,
               and
               the
               fearfull
               perjuries
               in
               the
               Land
               in
               the
               matter
               of
               valuation
               and
               Excise
               .
            
             
               6.
               
               Article
               .
               The
               abusing
               and
               prostituting
               the
               Publick
               Faith
               of
               the
               Kingdom
               in
               the
               way
               of
               borrowing
               of
               Money
               and
               otherwise
               ;
               unto
               the
               dishonouring
               of
               GOD
               ,
               mocking
               of
               Men
               ,
               and
               reproach
               of
               the
               Nation
               .
            
             
               7.
               
               Article
               .
               In
               pursuing
               of
               necessary
               Duties
               of
               renewing
               the
               Nationall
               Covenant
               ,
               and
               entring
               into
               and
               renewing
               the
               solemn
               League
               and
               Covenant
               ,
               the
               way
               of
               many
               mens
               taking
               these
               Covenants
               was
               without
               the
               knowledge
               of
               the
               necessary
               things
               contained
               therein
               ,
               and
               without
               reality
               and
               sincerity
               of
               heart
               ,
               in
               order
               to
               the
               performance
               thereof
               ;
               some
               being
               induced
               thereto
               by
               example
               ,
               some
               by
               fear
               ,
               and
               not
               a
               few
               by
               principles
               of
               policy
               ,
               following
               their
               own
               carnall
               and
               corrupt
               ends
               .
            
             
               8.
               
               Article
               .
               The
               Following
               the
               work
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               pursuing
               the
               ends
               of
               the
               Covenant
               not
               in
               a
               Spirituall
               holy
               way
               ,
               setting
               the
               LORD
               alwayes
               before
               our
               eyes
               ,
               and
               acknowledging
               him
               in
               all
               our
               paths
               but
               in
               a
               carnall
               politick
               way
               ,
               abusing
               GODS
               Interest
               for
               our
               own
               interest
               and
               ends
               ,
               as
               if
               it
               had
               been
               the
               Work
               of
               men
               ,
               and
               not
               the
               Work
               of
               GOD
               ,
               which
               made
               us
               walk
               more
               in
               the
               counsels
               of
               our
               own
               hearts
               then
               in
               the
               Counsel
               of
               GOD
               ,
               and
               to
               trust
               more
               in
               the
               arm
               of
               flesh
               ,
               then
               in
               the
               Arm
               of
               the
               Lord.
               
            
             
               9.
               
               Article
               .
               Backslyding
               and
               defection
               from
               the
               Covenant
               ,
               and
               from
               our
               solemn
               Vows
               and
               Engagements
               ;
               the
               guilt
               whereof
               is
               exceedingly
               heightned
               by
               the
               aggravating
               circumstances
               of
               our
               renewed
               Oaths
               ,
               and
               of
               the
               LORDS
               Mercies
               and
               Engagements
               ,
               and
               of
               our
               frequent
               relapses
               into
               the
               same
               sins
               ,
               whereof
               we
               once
               seemed
               to
               have
               repented
               ,
               and
               which
               we
               condemned
               in
               others
               :
               Of
               this
               Defection
               there
               be
               these
               speciall
               heads
               and
               Steps
               .
            
             
               1.
               
               Step.
               A
               soul
               falling
               from
               that
               honesty
               of
               heart
               ,
               and
               purity
               of
               conversation
               ,
               and
               from
               the
               singlenesse
               and
               integrity
               of
               heart
               ,
               
               and
               from
               the
               fervency
               &
               zeal
               for
               GOD
               that
               appeared
               to
               be
               in
               many
               at
               the
               first
               entry
               to
               the
               Covenant
               ;
               and
               declining
               into
               loose
               walking
               ,
               and
               self
               interest
               ,
               and
               neutrality
               and
               indifferency
               ,
               from
               which
               haue
               issued
               many
               sad
               consequences
               ,
               especially
               the
               great
               scandall
               and
               stumbling
               of
               many
               godly
               in
               the
               Land
               ,
               at
               us
               and
               the
               Work
               of
               God
               in
               our
               hand
               .
            
             
               2
               Step.
               The
               sitting
               up
               of
               many
               Professors
               in
               the
               Land
               under
               the
               Gospel
               ,
               and
               becoming
               formall
               and
               remisse
               ,
               not
               entertaining
               tenderness
               ,
               spirituall
               life
               and
               soberness
               of
               minde
               ,
               which
               as
               it
               hath
               been
               amongst
               the
               provoking
               Causes
               of
               the
               LORDS
               wrath
               ,
               and
               hath
               rendered
               some
               obnoxious
               to
               snares
               on
               both
               hands
               ,
               so
               may
               it
               (
               if
               it
               be
               not
               mourned
               for
               and
               amended
               )
               draw
               on
               more
               wrath
               ,
               and
               expose
               to
               the
               hazard
               of
               errour
               and
               disaffection
               to
               the
               Work
               of
               GOD.
               
            
             
               3.
               
               Step.
               The
               secret
               falling
               off
               of
               some
               ,
               and
               open
               falling
               away
               of
               many
               unto
               the
               opposite
               party
               ,
               after
               their
               entering
               in
               Covenant
               ,
               especially
               that
               defection
               carried
               on
               by
               
                 Iames
                 Graham
              
               &
               his
               party
               ,
               and
               that
               which
               was
               afterward
               carried
               on
               by
               the
               Authors
               and
               Abettors
               of
               the
               unlawfull
               Engagement
               1648.
               
            
             
               4.
               
               Step.
               The
               neglecting
               ,
               obstructing
               ,
               and
               condemning
               ,
               the
               purging
               of
               the
               Judicatories
               and
               Army
               ,
               1649.
               and
               afterward
               ,
               from
               scandalous
               and
               disaffected
               men
               ;
               and
               of
               the
               constituting
               the
               same
               of
               men
               of
               known
               integrity
               and
               affection
               to
               the
               Cause
               ,
               and
               of
               a
               blameless
               and
               Christian
               C●nversation
               ,
               notwithstanding
               of
               the
               solemn
               publick
               Confession
               of
               these
               sins
               ,
               and
               Engaging
               unto
               these
               duties
               a
               little
               before
               that
               time
               .
            
             
               5.
               
               Step.
               The
               Authorizing
               of
               Commissioners
               to
               close
               a
               Treaty
               with
               the
               King
               ,
               for
               the
               investing
               him
               with
               the
               Government
               ,
               upon
               his
               subscribing
               such
               Demands
               as
               were
               sent
               to
               him
               ,
               after
               he
               had
               given
               many
               clear
               evidences
               of
               his
               disaffection
               and
               enmity
               to
               the
               work
               and
               people
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               was
               continuing
               in
               the
               same
               :
               And
               the
               admitting
               of
               him
               to
               the
               full
               exercise
               of
               his
               power
               ,
               and
               Crowning
               him
               ,
               notwithstanding
               of
               new
               discoveries
               of
               his
               adhering
               to
               his
               former
               principles
               and
               way
               ,
               and
               of
               many
               warnings
               to
               the
               contrary
               .
            
             
             
               6.
               
               Step.
               The
               Rejecting
               of
               Discoveries
               of
               guiltiness
               and
               causes
               of
               the
               Lords
               contending
               with
               us
               ,
               and
               of
               our
               duty
               in
               reference
               therto
               ;
               such
               as
               the
               cause
               of
               humiliation
               offered
               by
               the
               Commission
               of
               the
               General
               Assembly
               ,
               to
               the
               Committee
               of
               Estates
               at
               Leith
               ,
               before
               the
               defeat
               at
               Dumbar
               :
               The
               causes
               of
               humiliation
               condescended
               on
               at
               Sterlin
               immediately
               after
               the
               defeat
               at
               Dumbar
               :
               The
               Remonstrance
               of
               the
               Gentlemen
               ,
               Ministers
               and
               Forces
               in
               the
               West
               ,
               and
               many
               other
               testimonies
               of
               Presbyteries
               and
               Synods
               together
               ;
               neglecting
               the
               means
               tending
               to
               peace
               ,
               and
               to
               the
               preventing
               the
               effusion
               of
               more
               blood
               ;
               from
               pride
               and
               bitterness
               of
               spirit
               against
               those
               who
               had
               —
               invaded
               us
               .
            
             
               7.
               
               Step.
               The
               Publick
               Resolutions
               of
               Kirk
               and
               State
               ,
               for
               bringing
               in
               the
               Malignant
               party
               ,
               first
               to
               the
               Army
               ,
               and
               then
               to
               the
               Judicatories
               ,
               and
               to
               the
               actual
               intrusting
               of
               them
               with
               the
               power
               of
               the
               Kingdom
               ,
               both
               Military
               and
               Civil
               ,
               whereby
               the
               state
               of
               our
               cause
               is
               not
               only
               turned
               up
               side
               down
               ,
               by
               subordinating
               the
               interest
               of
               God
               to
               the
               interest
               of
               men
               ;
               but
               the
               work
               and
               people
               of
               God
               have
               been
               entrusted
               to
               the
               enemies
               thereof
               .
            
             
               8.
               
               Step.
               The
               joyning
               of
               many
               engaged
               in
               the
               Covenant
               and
               Cause
               of
               God
               ,
               in
               Arms
               with
               the
               Forces
               of
               the
               Kingdom
               ,
               after
               that
               by
               the
               Publick
               Resolutions
               ,
               there
               was
               a
               prevailing
               party
               of
               Malignants
               brought
               into
               the
               Army
               ,
               who
               had
               the
               sway
               of
               Counsels
               and
               Actings
               therein
               ,
               and
               were
               carrying
               on
               a
               malignant
               interest
               .
            
             
               9.
               
               Step.
               The
               pre-limiting
               and
               corrupting
               of
               the
               Gen.
               Assembly
               ,
               in
               regard
               of
               the
               free
               ,
               lawful
               and
               right
               constitution
               thereof
               ,
               excluding
               such
               as
               were
               faithful
               and
               constant
               in
               the
               Cause
               ,
               and
               making
               it
               up
               ,
               for
               the
               most
               part
               ,
               of
               those
               who
               had
               been
               active
               and
               instrumental
               in
               carrying
               on
               a
               course
               of
               Defection
               ,
               or
               were
               consenting
               thereto
               ;
               whereby
               it
               came
               to
               pass
               that
               that
               Meeting
               did
               ratifie
               and
               approve
               the
               Defection
               it self
               ,
               and
               did
               not
               only
               censure
               sundry
               for
               protesting
               against
               them
               ,
               but
               also
               laid
               a
               foundation
               for
               censuring
               all
               such
               Ministers
               ,
               and
               for
               keeping
               all
               such
               out
               of
               the
               Ministry
               who
               did
               not
               approve
               of
               their
               Constitution
               and
               Acts
               ,
               and
               did
               issue
               Warnings
               and
               Declarations
               reflecting
               exceedingly
               upon
               ,
               and
               contradicting
               
               and
               condemning
               former
               pious
               and
               warrantable
               proceedings
               ,
               and
               the
               instruments
               thereof
               .
            
             
               10.
               
               Article
               .
               Deep
               security
               ,
               impenitency
               ,
               obstinacy
               and
               incorrigibleness
               under
               all
               these
               ,
               and
               under
               all
               the
               dreadful
               stroaks
               of
               God
               ,
               and
               tokens
               of
               his
               indignation
               against
               us
               ,
               because
               of
               the
               same
               ,
               so
               that
               whilest
               he
               continues
               to
               smite
               ,
               we
               are
               so
               far
               from
               humbling
               our selves
               ,
               and
               turning
               to
               Him
               ,
               that
               we
               wax
               worse
               and
               worse
               and
               sin
               more
               and
               more
               .
            
          
           
             
             
               
                 Having
                 at
                 our
                 last
                 Meeting
                 intended
                 and
                 promised
                 to
                 enlarge
                 more
                 fully
                 and
                 particularly
                 these
                 Generall
                 Heads
                 of
                 the
                 LORDS
                 Controversie
                 with
                 the
                 Land
                 ,
                 then
                 condescended
                 on
                 ;
                 We
                 shall
                 now
                 prosecute
                 and
                 perform
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 so
                 far
                 as
                 we
                 conceive
                 is
                 needfull
                 ,
                 and
                 may
                 be
                 helpfull
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 better
                 understanding
                 thereof
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 IT
                 were
                 superfluous
                 to
                 speak
                 any
                 thing
                 to
                 the
                 1.
                 
                 Article
                 ,
                 which
                 relates
                 to
                 the
                 grosse
                 ignorance
                 of
                 many
                 thousands
                 in
                 the
                 Land
                 ;
                 the
                 truth
                 of
                 the
                 thing
                 being
                 unquestionably
                 acknowledged
                 and
                 bemoaned
                 by
                 all
                 the
                 faithfull
                 and
                 godly
                 Ministers
                 in
                 the
                 Land
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 a
                 great
                 many
                 come
                 to
                 age
                 ,
                 are
                 grosly
                 ignorant
                 of
                 the
                 first
                 Principles
                 of
                 Christian
                 Religion
                 ;
                 which
                 sin
                 of
                 ignorance
                 ,
                 although
                 it
                 be
                 extenuated
                 and
                 slightly
                 looked
                 on
                 by
                 many
                 ,
                 yet
                 it
                 is
                 holden
                 forth
                 by
                 the
                 Holy
                 Ghost
                 in
                 the
                 Scriptures
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 fountain
                 of
                 the
                 estrangement
                 of
                 souls
                 from
                 the
                 life
                 of
                 God.
                 Ephes.
                 4.
                 18.
                 
                   through
                   the
                   blindnes
                   that
                   is
                   in
                   them
                   ,
                   having
                   the
                   understanding
                   darkned
                   ,
                   being
                   alienated
                   from
                   the
                   life
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   through
                   the
                   ignorance
                   that
                   is
                   in
                   them
                   ,
                   because
                   of
                   the
                   blindnes
                   of
                   their
                   heart
                
                 ;
                 of
                 all
                 their
                 disobedience
                 ,
                 and
                 living
                 in
                 their
                 lusts
                 ,
                 1.
                 
                 
                   Pet.
                   1.
                   14.
                   as
                   obedient
                   children
                   ,
                   not
                   fashioning
                   your selves
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   former
                   lusts
                   in
                   your
                   ignorance
                
                 ;
                 And
                 as
                 that
                 which
                 makes
                 them
                 lyable
                 to
                 the
                 wrath
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 Christs
                 appearance
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 Thess.
                 1.
                 8.
                 
                 
                   When
                   the
                   Lord
                   Iesus
                   shall
                   be
                   revealed
                   from
                   Heaven
                   with
                   his
                   mighty
                   Angels
                   in
                   flaming
                   fire
                   ,
                   
                   taking
                   vengeance
                   on
                   them
                   who
                   know
                   not
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   obey
                   not
                   the
                   Gospel
                   of
                   our
                   Lord-Iesus
                   Christ.
                
                 The
                 guilt
                 of
                 this
                 sin
                 is
                 much
                 aggravated
                 by
                 these
                 Circumstances
                 ;
                 1.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 willfull
                 under
                 the
                 light
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 knowledge
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 In
                 regard
                 of
                 long
                 continuing
                 therein
                 ,
                 many
                 have
                 lived
                 under
                 it
                 for
                 so
                 many
                 years
                 together
                 ,
                 even
                 till
                 their
                 old
                 age
                 .
                 3.
                 
                 From
                 the
                 grossnesse
                 of
                 it
                 ,
                 being
                 such
                 in
                 many
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 know
                 almost
                 nothing
                 of
                 the
                 very
                 Letter
                 of
                 the
                 Scriptures
                 ,
                 either
                 of
                 their
                 sin
                 and
                 misery
                 ,
                 or
                 of
                 the
                 mercy
                 and
                 remedy
                 that
                 is
                 holden
                 forth
                 through
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 or
                 of
                 the
                 dutie
                 which
                 they
                 owe
                 to
                 God
                 and
                 their
                 Neighbour
                 ;
                 nothing
                 almost
                 either
                 of
                 Law
                 or
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Grace
                 ,
                 or
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Works
                 ,
                 of
                 Commandments
                 ,
                 Threatnings
                 or
                 Promises
                 ,
                 except
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 generall
                 and
                 confused
                 way
                 as
                 is
                 altogether
                 uselesse
                 unto
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 fruitless
                 in
                 them
                 .
                 4.
                 
                 In
                 regard
                 of
                 the
                 multitudes
                 of
                 these
                 who
                 lye
                 under
                 it
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 very
                 great
                 in
                 all
                 the
                 corners
                 of
                 the
                 Land
                 ,
                 especially
                 in
                 the
                 Highlands
                 .
                 5.
                 
                 In
                 regard
                 of
                 the
                 quality
                 of
                 persons
                 who
                 are
                 not
                 onely
                 servants
                 and
                 Commons
                 ,
                 but
                 Masters
                 of
                 Families
                 ,
                 and
                 persons
                 of
                 some
                 note
                 in
                 Burghs
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 Countrey
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 not
                 a
                 few
                 who
                 have
                 the
                 place
                 of
                 Magistrates
                 and
                 Elders
                 .
                 The
                 Article
                 doth
                 also
                 mention
                 ignorance
                 of
                 the
                 Works
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 by
                 which
                 is
                 meant
                 not
                 only
                 the
                 Works
                 of
                 Creation
                 wherein
                 the
                 Eternall
                 Power
                 and
                 Godhead
                 are
                 clearly
                 seen
                 ,
                 
                   Rom.
                   ●
                   .
                   20.
                   
                   For
                   the
                   invisible
                   things
                   of
                   him
                   from
                   the
                   Creation
                   of
                   the
                   World
                   ,
                   are
                   clearly
                   seen
                   ,
                   being
                   understood
                   by
                   the
                   things
                   that
                   are
                   made
                   ,
                   even
                   his
                   eternall
                   Power
                   and
                   Godhead
                
                 ;
                 but
                 also
                 the
                 ignorance
                 of
                 the
                 Works
                 of
                 Providence
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 great
                 and
                 marvellous
                 ,
                 Rev.
                 15.
                 3.
                 
                 
                   And
                   they
                   sing
                   the
                   song
                   of
                   Moses
                   the
                   servant
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   song
                   of
                   the
                   Lamb
                   ,
                   saying
                   ,
                   Great
                   and
                   marvellous
                   are
                   thy
                   works
                   Lord
                   God
                   Almighty
                   ,
                   just
                   and
                   true
                   are
                   thy
                   wayes
                   thou
                   King
                   of
                   Saints
                   .
                
                 And
                 albeit
                 these
                 should
                 be
                 sought
                 out
                 of
                 all
                 these
                 that
                 take
                 pleasure
                 therein
                 ,
                 Psal.
                 111.
                 2.
                 and
                 the
                 right
                 understanding
                 and
                 observation
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 hath
                 a
                 large
                 promise
                 made
                 thereunto
                 ,
                 Psal.
                 107.
                 43.
                 
                 
                   Who
                   is
                   wise
                   and
                   will
                   observe
                   these
                   things
                   ,
                   even
                   they
                   shall
                   understand
                   the
                   loving
                   kindnes
                   off
                   the
                   Lord.
                
                 Yet
                 doth
                 the
                 ignorance
                 thereof
                 exceedingly
                 abound
                 amongst
                 many
                 ,
                 especially
                 the
                 ignorance
                 and
                 not
                 observing
                 ,
                 but
                 forgetting
                 the
                 works
                 of
                 mercy
                 and
                 judgment
                 ,
                 which
                 GOD
                 hath
                 wrought
                 amongst
                 our selves
                 ;
                 which
                 sin
                 as
                 it
                 proved
                 an
                 In-let
                 to
                 many
                 other
                 provocations
                 ,
                 from
                 the
                 7
                 verse
                 of
                 that
                 Psalm
                 throughout
                 ,
                 
                 so
                 hath
                 it
                 great
                 threatnings
                 pronounced
                 against
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 sore
                 judgments
                 inflicted
                 on
                 it
                 ,
                 Psal.
                 28.
                 5.
                 
                 
                   Because
                   they
                   regard
                   not
                   the
                   works
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   nor
                   the
                   operation
                   of
                   his
                   hands
                   ,
                   he
                   shal
                   destroy
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   build
                   them
                   up
                   .
                
                 Isa.
                 5.
                 11
                 ,
                 12.
                 
                 
                   Wo
                   to
                   them
                   that
                   rise
                   up
                   early
                   in
                   the
                   morning
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   follow
                   strong
                   drink
                   ,
                   and
                   continue
                   till
                   night
                   ,
                   till
                   wine
                   inflame
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   wine
                   and
                   the
                   pipe
                   ,
                   the
                   viol
                   ,
                   the
                   tabret
                   and
                   the
                   harp
                   are
                   in
                   their
                   feasts
                   ,
                   but
                   they
                   regard
                   not
                   the
                   work
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   nor
                   consider
                   the
                   operation
                   of
                   his
                   hands
                   .
                
                 Psal.
                 106.
                 7.
                 13.
                 21
                 ,
                 22.
                 
                 
                   Our
                   fathers
                   understood
                   not
                   thy
                   wonders
                   in
                   Egypt
                   ,
                   they
                   remembred
                   not
                   the
                   multitude
                   of
                   thy
                   mercies
                   ,
                   but
                   provoked
                   him
                   at
                   the
                   sea
                   ,
                   they
                   soon
                   forgot
                   his
                   works
                   ,
                   they
                   waited
                   not
                   for
                   his
                   counsell
                   .
                   Thy
                   forg●t
                   God
                   their
                   Saviour
                   ,
                   who
                   had
                   done
                   great
                   things
                   in
                   Egypt
                   ,
                   wondrous
                   works
                   in
                   the
                   land
                   of
                   Ham
                   ,
                   and
                   terrible
                   things
                   by
                   the
                   redsea
                   .
                
                 In
                 this
                 Article
                 also
                 ,
                 Atheisme
                 is
                 joyned
                 with
                 Ignorance
                 ,
                 which
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 root
                 and
                 fountain
                 of
                 all
                 other
                 sin
                 ,
                 Psal.
                 14.
                 1.
                 
                 
                   The
                   fool
                   hath
                   said
                   in
                   his
                   heart
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   no
                   God
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   corrupt
                   ,
                   they
                   have
                   done
                   abominable
                   works
                   ,
                   there
                   is
                   none
                   that
                   doth
                   good
                   .
                
                 So
                 it
                 is
                 also
                 the
                 root
                 and
                 fountain
                 of
                 all
                 misery
                 ,
                 Eph.
                 2.
                 12.
                 
                 
                   At
                   that
                   time
                   ye
                   were
                   without
                   Christ
                   ,
                   being
                   strangers
                   from
                   the
                   Commonwealth
                   of
                   Israel
                   ,
                   and
                   strangers
                   from
                   the
                   Covenant
                   of
                   promise
                   ,
                   having
                   no
                   hope
                   ,
                   and
                   being
                   without
                   God
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   .
                
                 And
                 yet
                 this
                 doth
                 possesse
                 many
                 ,
                 there
                 being
                 multitudes
                 of
                 that
                 wicked
                 sort
                 .
                 Psal.
                 10.
                 4.
                 
                 
                   Who
                   through
                   the
                   pride
                   of
                   their
                   heart
                   ,
                   will
                   not
                   seek
                   God
                   ,
                   God
                   is
                   not
                   in
                   all
                   their
                   thoughts
                   .
                
                 These
                 are
                 far
                 from
                 acknowledging
                 him
                 in
                 all
                 their
                 wayes
                 ,
                 and
                 aiming
                 at
                 his
                 glory
                 in
                 all
                 their
                 actions
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 these
                 divine
                 rules
                 ,
                 Proverb
                 .
                 3.
                 6.
                 
                 
                   In
                   all
                   thy
                   wayes
                   acknowledge
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   shall
                   direct
                   thy
                   paths
                   .
                
                 1
                 Cor.
                 10.
                 31.
                 
                 
                   Whether
                   therefore
                   ye
                   eat
                   or
                   ye
                   drink
                   ,
                   or
                   what
                   soever
                   ye
                   do
                   ,
                   in
                   word
                   or
                   deed
                   ,
                   do
                   all
                   in
                   the
                   name
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   Iesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   giving
                   thanks
                   to
                   the
                   Father
                   through
                   him
                   .
                
                 But
                 they
                 do
                 live
                 as
                 if
                 there
                 were
                 no
                 God
                 ,
                 or
                 as
                 if
                 he
                 had
                 forsaken
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 did
                 not
                 see
                 .
                 
                   Ezek.
                   9.
                   9.
                   
                   Then
                   said
                   he
                   unto
                   me
                   ,
                   The
                   iniquity
                   of
                   the
                   house
                   of
                   Israel
                   and
                   Iuda
                   is
                   exceeding
                   great
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Land
                   is
                   full
                   of
                   blood
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   City
                   full
                   of
                   perversnesse
                   ,
                   for
                   they
                   say
                   ,
                   The
                   Lord
                   hath
                   forsaken
                   the
                   earth
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Lord
                   seeth
                   not
                
                 ;
                 Or
                 as
                 if
                 the
                 Lord
                 would
                 not
                 do
                 good
                 or
                 evill
                 ,
                 like
                 these
                 who
                 are
                 threatned
                 ,
                 Zeph.
                 1.
                 12.
                 
                 
                   I
                   will
                   search
                   Ierusalem
                   with
                   candles
                   ,
                   and
                   punish
                   the
                   men
                   that
                   are
                   setled
                   on
                   their
                   lees
                   ,
                   that
                   say
                   in
                   their
                   heart
                   ,
                   the
                   Lord
                   will
                   not
                   do
                   good
                   ,
                   neither
                   will
                   be
                   do
                   evill
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
               
                 The
                 Second
                 Article
                 .
              
               
                 
                   THe
                   second
                   Article
                   concerning
                   loosnesse
                   and
                   prophanity
                   ,
                   is
                   no
                   lesse
                   true
                   and
                   evident
                   then
                   the
                   first
                   ,
                   it
                   being
                   undenyable
                   that
                   a
                   floud
                   of
                   prophanity
                   hath
                   overflowed
                   the
                   whole
                   Land
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   the
                   most
                   part
                   of
                   the
                   Inhabitants
                   thereof
                   have
                   corrupted
                   theirway
                   before
                   him
                   ,
                   unto
                   the
                   dishonouring
                   of
                   his
                   Name
                   ,
                   reproach
                   of
                   our
                   profession
                   ,
                   and
                   provoking
                   the
                   eyes
                   of
                   his
                   Glory
                   ,
                   Isa.
                
                 1.
                 2
                 ,
                 3
                 ,
                 4.
                 5.
                 
                 Hear
                 O
                 heavens
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 ear
                 O
                 earth
                 for
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 spoken
                 ,
                 I
                 have
                 nourished
                 and
                 brought
                 up
                 children
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 have
                 rebelled
                 against
                 me
                 ;
                 the
                 ox
                 hath
                 known
                 his
                 owner
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 asse
                 his
                 masters
                 crib
                 ,
                 but
                 Israel
                 doth
                 not
                 know
                 ,
                 my
                 people
                 doth
                 not
                 consider
                 :
                 Ah
                 ,
                 sinfull
                 Nation
                 ,
                 a
                 people
                 loaden
                 with
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 a
                 seed
                 of
                 evill
                 doers
                 ,
                 children
                 that
                 are
                 corrupters
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 forsaken
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 provoked
                 the
                 holy
                 one
                 of
                 Israel
                 to
                 Anger
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 gone
                 away
                 backward
                 ;
                 why
                 should
                 ye
                 be
                 stricken
                 any
                 more
                 ,
                 ye
                 will
                 revolt
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 ,
                 the
                 whole
                 head
                 is
                 sick
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 whole
                 heart
                 is
                 faint
                 .
                 Ezek.
                 36.
                 21
                 ,
                 22
                 ,
                 23.
                 
                 But
                 I
                 had
                 pity
                 for
                 my
                 holy
                 names
                 sake
                 ,
                 which
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 Israel
                 hath
                 prophaned
                 amongst
                 the
                 Heathen
                 whether
                 they
                 went
                 :
                 Therefore
                 say
                 to
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 thus
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 God
                 ,
                 I
                 do
                 not
                 this
                 for
                 your
                 sake
                 ,
                 O
                 house
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 my
                 holy
                 Names
                 sake
                 ,
                 which
                 ye
                 have
                 prophaned
                 amongst
                 the
                 Heathen
                 whither
                 ye
                 went
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 sanctifie
                 my
                 great
                 name
                 which
                 was
                 prophaned
                 among
                 the
                 Heathen
                 which
                 ye
                 have
                 prophaned
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Heathen
                 shall
                 know
                 that
                 I
                 am
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 God
                 ,
                 when
                 I
                 shall
                 be
                 sanctified
                 in
                 you
                 ,
                 before
                 their
                 eyes
                 ,
                 Malach.
                 2.
                 11
                 ,
                 12
                 ,
                 13.
                 
                 Iudah
                 hath
                 dealt
                 trea●herously
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 abomination
                 is
                 committed
                 in
                 Israel
                 and
                 Ierusalem
                 ,
                 for
                 Iudah
                 hath
                 prophaned
                 the
                 holinesse
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 which
                 he
                 loved
                 ,
                 and
                 hath
                 married
                 the
                 daughter
                 of
                 a
                 strange
                 god
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 cut
                 off
                 the
                 man
                 that
                 doth
                 this
                 ,
                 the
                 master
                 and
                 the
                 schollar
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 Tabernacles
                 of
                 Iacob
                 ,
                 and
                 him
                 that
                 offereth
                 an
                 offering
                 unto
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 hosts
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 have
                 ye
                 done
                 again
                 ,
                 covering
                 the
                 Altar
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 with
                 tears
                 ,
                 with
                 weeping
                 and
                 with
                 crying
                 out
                 ,
                 in
                 so
                 much
                 that
                 he
                 regardeth
                 not
                 the
                 offering
                 any
                 more
                 ,
                 or
                 receiveth
                 it
                 with
                 good
                 will
                 at
                 your
                 hands
                 .
                 Isa.
                 3.
                 8.
                 
                 For
                 Ierusalem
                 is
                 ruined
                 and
                 Iudah
                 is
                 fallen
                 ;
                 because
                 their
                 tongue
                 and
                 their
                 doings
                 are
                 against
                 
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 to
                 provoke
                 the
                 eyes
                 of
                 his
                 glory
                 .
                 
                   The
                   guilt
                   of
                   this
                   abounding
                   loosnesse
                   and
                   prophanity
                   is
                   so
                   much
                   the
                   more
                   heightned
                   by
                   these
                   circumstances
                   that
                   do
                   attend
                   it
                   :
                   First
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   is
                   under
                   the
                   clear
                   light
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   of
                   the
                   Word
                   preached
                   now
                   for
                   many
                   years
                   throughout
                   the
                   Land
                   ,
                   in
                   purity
                   and
                   plenty
                   .
                   Secondly
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   is
                   contrary
                   to
                   many
                   solemn
                   Vows
                   ,
                   Engagements
                   ,
                   Oaths
                   and
                   Covenants
                   taken
                   on
                   us
                   before
                   God
                   ,
                   Angels
                   and
                   men
                   to
                   the
                   contrary
                   .
                   Thirdly
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   is
                   under
                   many
                   blessings
                   ,
                   mercies
                   and
                   deliverances
                   from
                   the
                   Lord.
                   Fourthly
                   that
                   it
                   is
                   under
                   many
                   chastisements
                   ,
                   rods
                   and
                   judgements
                   ,
                   especially
                   the
                   sword
                   and
                   pestilence
                   ,
                   by
                   which
                   two
                   ,
                   many
                   thousands
                   in
                   the
                   Land
                   have
                   been
                   taken
                   away
                   within
                   these
                   few
                   years
                   .
                   Fifthly
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   is
                   common
                   and
                   universall
                   ,
                   and
                   hath
                   reached
                   over
                   all
                   sorts
                   of
                   persons
                   ,
                   Noblemen
                   ,
                   Gentlemen
                   ,
                   Barons
                   ,
                   Burgesses
                   ,
                   Ministers
                   and
                   Commons
                   .
                   Sixthly
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   greatnesse
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   shamelesnes
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   avowedness
                   and
                   grossness
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   such
                   that
                   many
                   declare
                   their
                   sin
                   as
                
                 Sodome
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   commit
                   all
                   sorts
                   of
                   wickednesse
                   with
                   greedlnesse
                   .
                   Seventhly
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   kinds
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   some
                   of
                   the
                   chief
                   and
                   most
                   common
                   of
                   which
                   ,
                   especially
                   these
                   who
                   are
                   not
                   named
                   in
                   some
                   other
                   Article
                   of
                   the
                   former
                   Paper
                   ;
                   we
                   shal
                   here
                   touch
                   :
                   1.
                   
                   Impatiencie
                   ,
                   murmuring
                   and
                   freting
                   against
                   God
                   and
                   his
                   works
                   ,
                   which-hath
                   made
                   many
                   to
                   weary
                   of
                   the
                   charges
                   and
                   expence
                   they
                   have
                   been
                   put
                   to
                   ,
                   for
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   wish
                   there
                   had
                   been
                   no
                   such
                   thing
                   as
                   the
                   entering
                   into
                   the
                   Nationall
                   Covenant
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   renewing
                   and
                   entering
                   into
                   the
                   solemn
                   League
                   and
                   Covenant
                   ,
                   not
                   to
                   an
                   few
                   to
                   curse
                   and
                   blaspheme
                   the
                   Covenants
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   look
                   on
                   them
                   as
                   the
                   rise
                   and
                   originall
                   of
                   all
                   the
                   evils
                   where
                   with
                   the
                   Land
                   hath
                   been
                   afflicted
                   and
                   it
                   is
                   an
                   great
                   provocation
                   before
                   God
                   ,
                   as
                   it
                   appears
                   from
                   these
                   and
                   the
                   like
                   Scriptures
                   ,
                   Numb
                   .
                
                 14
                 ,
                 1
                 ,
                 2
                 ,
                 3
                 ,
                 4
                 ,
                 10
                 ,
                 11
                 ,
                 12.
                 
                 And
                 all
                 the
                 Congregations
                 lifted
                 up
                 their
                 voice
                 and
                 weeped
                 and
                 cryed
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 people
                 weeped
                 that
                 night
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 Israel
                 murmured
                 against
                 Moses
                 ,
                 and
                 against
                 Aaron
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 whole
                 Congregation
                 said
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 would
                 to
                 God
                 we
                 had
                 died
                 in
                 the
                 land
                 of
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 or
                 would
                 to
                 God
                 we
                 had
                 died
                 in
                 the
                 wildernesse
                 ;
                 and
                 wherefore
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 brought
                 us
                 to
                 this
                 land
                 to
                 fall
                 by
                 the
                 sword
                 ,
                 that
                 our
                 wives
                 ,
                 and
                 our
                 children
                 should
                 be
                 a
                 prey
                 ,
                 were
                 it
                 not
                 better
                 for
                 us
                 to
                 return
                 to
                 Egypt
                 ?
                 And
                 they
                 said
                 one
                 to
                 another
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 mak●
                 a
                 Captain
                 ,
                 let
                 us
                 return
                 to
                 Egypt
                 ;
                 then
                 Moses
                 and
                 Aaron
                 fell
                 on
                 their
                 faces
                 before
                 the
                 Assemblies
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 Congregation
                 of
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 Israel
                 
                 but
                 all
                 the
                 Congregation
                 bade
                 stone
                 them
                 with
                 stones
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 appeared
                 in
                 the
                 Tabernacle
                 of
                 the
                 Congregation
                 before
                 all
                 the
                 Children
                 of
                 Israel
                 :
                 And
                 the
                 Lord
                 said
                 unto
                 Moses
                 .
                 How
                 long
                 will
                 this
                 People
                 provoke
                 me
                 ?
                 and
                 how
                 long
                 will
                 it
                 be
                 ere
                 this
                 People
                 beleeve
                 me
                 ,
                 for
                 all
                 the
                 signs
                 I
                 have
                 shewed
                 amongst
                 them
                 ?
                 I
                 will
                 smite
                 them
                 with
                 pestilence
                 ,
                 and
                 disinherit
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 make
                 of
                 thee
                 a
                 Nation
                 ,
                 mighter
                 and
                 greater
                 then
                 they
                 .
                 Numbers
                 2.
                 1.
                 5
                 ,
                 6.
                 
                 And
                 they
                 journied
                 from
                 Mount
                 Hor
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 the
                 Red
                 Sea
                 ,
                 to
                 compasse
                 the
                 Land
                 of
                 Edom
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 soul
                 of
                 the
                 People
                 was
                 much
                 discouraged
                 because
                 of
                 the
                 way
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 People
                 spake
                 against
                 GOD
                 ,
                 and
                 against
                 Moses
                 ,
                 Wherfore
                 have
                 ye
                 brought
                 us
                 up
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 Land
                 to
                 die
                 in
                 the
                 wilderness
                 ?
                 for
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 bread
                 ,
                 neither
                 is
                 there
                 any
                 water
                 ;
                 for
                 our
                 soul
                 loatheth
                 this
                 light
                 bread
                 :
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 sent
                 fiery
                 serpents
                 among
                 the
                 people
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 people
                 of
                 Israel
                 died
                 .
                 1
                 Cor.
                 11.
                 10.
                 
                 Neither
                 be
                 ye
                 murmurers
                 ,
                 as
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 also
                 murmured
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 destroyed
                 of
                 the
                 destroyer
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 
                   Using
                   not
                   only
                   of
                   charmes
                   ,
                   though
                   it
                   be
                   condemned
                   in
                   the
                   Scriptures
                   ,
                
                 Deut.
                 18.
                 11.
                 
                 A
                 Charmer
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 consulter
                 with
                 familiar
                 spirits
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 Wizard
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 Necromancer
                 ,
                 shall
                 not
                 be
                 found
                 amongst
                 you
                 ;
                 for
                 all
                 that
                 do
                 these
                 things
                 are
                 an
                 abomination
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 :
                 
                   yet
                   is
                   very
                   frequent
                   among
                   the
                   Commons
                   :
                   But
                   also
                   Sorcery
                   and
                   Witchcraft
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   an
                   abomination
                
                 Exod.
                 22.
                 18.
                 
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 not
                 suffer
                 a
                 Witch
                 to
                 live
                 .
                 Deut.
                 18.
                 10.
                 
                 There
                 shall
                 not
                 be
                 found
                 amongst
                 you
                 any
                 that
                 useth
                 Divination
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 Iuchanter
                 ,
                 or
                 any
                 Witch
                 ;
                 
                   especially
                   amongst
                   these
                   who
                   have
                   been
                   baptized
                   in
                   the
                   Name
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   Jesus
                   ,
                   and
                   yet
                   doth
                   (
                   by
                   the
                   great
                   discoveries
                   thereof
                   which
                   hath
                   been
                   of
                   late
                   )
                   appear
                   to
                   be
                   very
                   frequent
                   in
                   the
                   Land.
                
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Ordinary
                   swearing
                   by
                   them
                   that
                   are
                   no
                   Gods
                   ,
                
                 Ier.
                 5.
                 7.
                 
                 How
                 shall
                 I
                 pardon
                 thee
                 for
                 this
                 ?
                 thy
                 Children
                 have
                 forsaken
                 Me
                 ,
                 and
                 sworn
                 by
                 them
                 who
                 are
                 no
                 Gods
                 ,
                 when
                 I
                 have
                 fed
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 full
                 Zeph.
                 1.
                 4
                 ,
                 5.
                 
                 I
                 will
                 also
                 stretch
                 out
                 my
                 hand
                 against
                 Judah
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 the
                 inhabitants
                 of
                 Jerusalem
                 ;
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 cut
                 off
                 the
                 remnant
                 of
                 Baal
                 from
                 this
                 place
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 name
                 of
                 the
                 Chemarims
                 ,
                 with
                 the
                 Priests
                 :
                 and
                 them
                 that
                 worship
                 the
                 host
                 of
                 heaven
                 upon
                 the
                 house
                 tops
                 ,
                 and
                 them
                 that
                 worship
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 swear
                 by
                 the
                 Name
                 of
                 the
                 LORD
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 swear
                 by
                 
                   Malcham
                   :
                   such
                   as
                   Faith
                   ,
                   Truth
                   ,
                   Soul
                   ,
                   Conscience
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   the
                   holy
                   and
                   blessed
                   Name
                   of
                   GOD
                   Himself
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   His
                   Blood
                   and
                   Wounds
                   ,
                   and
                   fearful
                   Execrations
                   and
                   Cursings
                   ,
                   which
                   though
                   they
                   
                   be
                   condemned
                   ,
                   forbidden
                   and
                   threatned
                   in
                   the
                   Scriptures
                   ,
                   Exod.
                
                 2●
                 .
                 7.
                 
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 not
                 take
                 the
                 Name
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 thy
                 God
                 in
                 vain
                 .
                 Levit
                 .
                 19.
                 12.
                 
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 not
                 swear
                 by
                 my
                 Name
                 fasly
                 ,
                 neither
                 shalt
                 thou
                 prophane
                 the
                 Name
                 of
                 thy
                 God
                 :
                 I
                 am
                 the
                 Lord.
                 Matth.
                 5.
                 33
                 ,
                 34
                 ,
                 35
                 ,
                 36
                 ,
                 37.
                 
                 Again
                 ,
                 ye
                 have
                 heard
                 it
                 said
                 by
                 them
                 of
                 old
                 time
                 ,
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 not
                 forswear
                 thy self
                 ,
                 but
                 shalt
                 perform
                 to
                 the
                 Lord
                 thy
                 God
                 thy
                 Oathes
                 .
                 But
                 I
                 say
                 unto
                 you
                 .
                 Swear
                 not
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 neither
                 by
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 Gods
                 Throne
                 :
                 neither
                 by
                 the
                 Earth
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 His
                 Footstool
                 :
                 neither
                 by
                 Jerusalem
                 ,
                 for
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 City
                 of
                 the
                 great
                 King
                 :
                 neither
                 shalt
                 thou
                 swear
                 by
                 thy
                 Head
                 ,
                 for
                 thou
                 cannot
                 make
                 one
                 hair
                 white
                 or
                 black
                 .
                 But
                 let
                 your
                 communication
                 be
                 ,
                 Yea
                 ,
                 yea
                 ;
                 Nay
                 ,
                 nay
                 :
                 for
                 whatsoever
                 is
                 more
                 then
                 these
                 ,
                 cometh
                 of
                 evil
                 .
                 Jer.
                 23.
                 10.
                 
                 For
                 the
                 Land
                 is
                 full
                 of
                 Adulteries
                 ;
                 because
                 of
                 Swearing
                 the
                 Land
                 mourneth
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 pleasant
                 places
                 in
                 the
                 wildernesse
                 are
                 dried
                 up
                 ,
                 because
                 their
                 course
                 is
                 evil
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 force
                 is
                 not
                 right
                 .
                 Zech.
                 5.
                 1
                 ,
                 2
                 ,
                 3
                 ,
                 4.
                 
                 Then
                 I
                 looked
                 ,
                 and
                 lift
                 up
                 mi●e
                 eyes
                 ,
                 and
                 behold
                 ,
                 a
                 flying
                 Roll
                 :
                 the
                 length
                 thereof
                 is
                 twenty
                 cubits
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 breadth
                 thereof
                 ten
                 cubits
                 .
                 Then
                 said
                 he
                 unto
                 me
                 ,
                 This
                 is
                 the
                 curse
                 that
                 goeth
                 over
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 the
                 whole
                 Earth
                 :
                 for
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 stealeth
                 ,
                 shall
                 be
                 cut
                 off
                 as
                 on
                 this
                 side
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 it
                 :
                 and
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 sweareth
                 ,
                 shall
                 be
                 cut
                 off
                 on
                 that
                 side
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 it
                 .
                 I
                 will
                 bring
                 it
                 forth
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 hosts
                 ,
                 and
                 it
                 shall
                 enter
                 into
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 the
                 Thief
                 ,
                 and
                 into
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 him
                 that
                 sweareth
                 falsly
                 by
                 my
                 Name
                 :
                 and
                 it
                 shall
                 remain
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 his
                 house
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 consume
                 the
                 timber
                 and
                 stones
                 thereof
                 .
                 
                   Yet
                   these
                   are
                   so
                   frequent
                   and
                   habitual
                   amongst
                   us
                   ,
                   that
                   in
                   many
                   parts
                   of
                   the
                   Land
                   it
                   is
                   a
                   rare
                   thing
                   to
                   find
                   a
                   man
                   or
                   a
                   woman
                   ,
                   that
                   in
                   their
                   ordinary
                   speech
                   is
                   not
                   addicted
                   to
                   some
                   one
                   of
                   these
                   .
                
                 4.
                 
                 
                   Ordinary
                   and
                   gross
                   prophanation
                   of
                   the
                   Lords
                   Day
                   ;
                   not
                   only
                   by
                   slighting
                   of
                   ,
                   and
                   absenting
                   from
                   the
                   Publick
                
                 Worship
                 
                   with
                   the
                   Congregation
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   a
                   fault
                   whereof
                   many
                   are
                   guilty
                   ;
                   and
                   not
                   attending
                   to
                   the
                   Word
                   ,
                   or
                   joyning
                   in
                   Prayer
                   and
                   singing
                   of
                   Psalms
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   are
                   present
                   ,
                   but
                   also
                   by
                   travelling
                   ,
                   trysting
                   ,
                   working
                   ,
                   speaking
                   our
                   own
                   words
                   and
                   otherwise
                   :
                   The
                   danger
                   and
                   hainousness
                   of
                   this
                   sin
                   appears
                   ,
                   from
                
                 Exod.
                 20.
                 8.
                 
                 Remember
                 the
                 Sabbath
                 day
                 to
                 keep
                 it
                 holy
                 .
                 Nehem.
                 13.
                 15
                 ,
                 16
                 ,
                 17
                 ,
                 18.
                 
                 In
                 those
                 dayes
                 ,
                 saw
                 I
                 in
                 Judah
                 ,
                 some
                 treading
                 Wine-presses
                 on
                 the
                 Sabbath
                 ,
                 and
                 bringing
                 in
                 Sheaves
                 ,
                 and
                 loading
                 Asses
                 ,
                 and
                 also
                 Wine-Grapes
                 ,
                 and
                 Figs
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 manner
                 of
                 burdens
                 which
                 they
                 brought
                 to
                 Jerusalem
                 on
                 
                 the
                 Sabbath
                 Day
                 :
                 and
                 I
                 testified
                 against
                 them
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 wherein
                 they
                 sold
                 victuals
                 .
                 There
                 dwelt
                 men
                 of
                 Tyre
                 also
                 therein
                 ,
                 which
                 bought
                 fish
                 and
                 all
                 manner
                 of
                 ware
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 sold
                 to
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 Juda
                 and
                 Jerusalem
                 on
                 the
                 Sabbath
                 :
                 then
                 I
                 contended
                 with
                 the
                 Nobles
                 of
                 Juda
                 ,
                 and
                 said
                 unto
                 them
                 ,
                 What
                 evill
                 thing
                 is
                 this
                 which
                 ye
                 do
                 ,
                 and
                 prophane
                 the
                 Sabbath
                 day
                 ,
                 did
                 not
                 your
                 fathers
                 thus
                 ,
                 and
                 did
                 not
                 our
                 God
                 bring
                 all
                 this
                 evill
                 on
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 on
                 this
                 city
                 ?
                 yet
                 ye
                 bring
                 more
                 wrath
                 on
                 Israel
                 ,
                 by
                 prophaning
                 the
                 Sabbath
                 ,
                 Isai
                 58.
                 13
                 ,
                 14.
                 
                 If
                 thou
                 turn
                 away
                 thy
                 foot
                 from
                 the
                 Sabbath
                 ,
                 from
                 doing
                 thy
                 own
                 pleasure
                 on
                 my
                 holy
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 call
                 the
                 Sabbath
                 a
                 delight
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 holy
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
                 honourable
                 ,
                 and
                 shalt
                 honour
                 him
                 ,
                 not
                 doing
                 thine
                 own
                 wayes
                 ,
                 nor
                 finding
                 thine
                 own
                 pleasures
                 ,
                 nor
                 speaking
                 thine
                 own
                 words
                 ,
                 then
                 shalt
                 thou
                 delight
                 thy self
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 shalt
                 ride
                 on
                 the
                 high
                 places
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 feed
                 thee
                 with
                 the
                 heritage
                 of
                 Jacob
                 thy
                 father
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 mouth
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 spoken
                 it
                 .
                 5.
                 
                 
                   Not
                   giving
                   obedience
                   to
                   authority
                   to
                   their
                   just
                   and
                   lawfull
                   commands
                   for
                   conscience
                   sake
                   ,
                
                 Rom
                 13.
                 5.
                 
                 Wherefore
                 ye
                 must
                 needs
                 be
                 subject
                 not
                 only
                 for
                 wrath
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 conscience
                 sake
                 .
                 
                   And
                   on
                   the
                   other
                   hand
                   ,
                   an
                   implicite
                   and
                   willing
                   following
                   of
                   their
                   unlawfull
                   commands
                   ,
                   obeying
                   men
                   rather
                   then
                   God
                   ,
                
                 Hos.
                 5.
                 11.
                 
                 Ephraim
                 is
                 oppressed
                 and
                 broken
                 in
                 judgment
                 ,
                 because
                 he
                 willingly
                 walked
                 after
                 the
                 commandement
                 ,
                 Act.
                 4.
                 19.
                 
                 Whether
                 it
                 be
                 right
                 in
                 the
                 fight
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 hearken
                 to
                 you
                 rather
                 then
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 judge
                 ye
                 .
                 
                   The
                   grosse
                   neglect
                   of
                   many
                   parents
                   in
                   the
                   instructing
                   and
                   breeding
                   of
                   their
                   Children
                   in
                   knowledge
                   ,
                   vertue
                   and
                   piety
                   ,
                
                 Eph.
                 6.
                 4
                 
                 Ye
                 fathers
                 ,
                 provoke
                 not
                 your
                 children
                 to
                 wrath
                 ,
                 but
                 bring
                 them
                 up
                 in
                 the
                 nurture
                 and
                 admonition
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
                 
                   And
                   the
                   untowardnesse
                   and
                   ingratitude
                   of
                   many
                   Children
                   to
                   their
                   Parents
                   ,
                
                 Eph.
                 6.
                 1.
                 2
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 Children
                 ,
                 obey
                 your
                 parents
                 in
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 for
                 this
                 is
                 right
                 .
                 Honour
                 thy
                 father
                 and
                 mother
                 (
                 which
                 is
                 the
                 first
                 commandement
                 with
                 promise
                 )
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 well
                 with
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 thou
                 may
                 live
                 long
                 on
                 the
                 earth
                 .
                 6.
                 
                 
                   Self
                   murder
                   ,
                   unnaturall
                   murder
                   of
                   Children
                   ,
                   enimity
                   ,
                   malice
                   ,
                   strife
                   ,
                   contention
                   ,
                   especially
                   at
                   Law
                   suits
                   ,
                   revenge
                   ,
                   and
                   blood
                   ,
                   which
                   as
                   they
                   are
                   ancient
                   sins
                   of
                   this
                   Nation
                   ,
                   and
                   did
                   much
                   appear
                   in
                   the
                   banding
                   of
                   Clans
                   one
                   against
                   another
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   been
                   little
                   mourned
                   for
                   ,
                   or
                   repented
                   of
                   to
                   this
                   day
                   ,
                   so
                   do
                   they
                   still
                   continue
                   whilst
                   we
                   professe
                   the
                   unity
                   of
                   the
                   Faith
                   in
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   are
                   joyned
                   in
                   Covenants
                   of
                   love
                   and
                   peace
                   one
                   with
                   another
                   ,
                
                 
                 Iam.
                 3.
                 14.
                 15
                 ,
                 16.
                 
                 But
                 if
                 ye
                 have
                 bitter
                 envying
                 and
                 strife
                 in
                 your
                 hearts
                 ,
                 glory
                 not
                 ,
                 and
                 lie
                 not
                 against
                 the
                 truth
                 .
                 This
                 wisdome
                 descendeth
                 not
                 from
                 above
                 ,
                 but
                 is
                 earthly
                 ,
                 sensuall
                 ,
                 devilish
                 For
                 where
                 envying
                 and
                 strife
                 is
                 ,
                 there
                 is
                 confusion
                 and
                 every
                 evil
                 work
                 ,
                 1
                 Cor.
                 5.
                 8.
                 
                 Therefore
                 let
                 us
                 keep
                 the
                 feast
                 not
                 with
                 old
                 Leaven
                 ,
                 neither
                 with
                 the
                 leaven
                 of
                 malice
                 and
                 wickednesse
                 ,
                 but
                 with
                 the
                 unleavened
                 bread
                 of
                 sincerity
                 and
                 truth
                 .
                 Tit.
                 3.
                 3.
                 
                 For
                 we
                 our selves
                 were
                 sometime
                 disobedient
                 ,
                 foolish
                 ,
                 deceived
                 ,
                 serving
                 diverse
                 lusts
                 and
                 pleasures
                 ,
                 living
                 in
                 malice
                 and
                 envy
                 ,
                 hatefull
                 ,
                 and
                 hating
                 one
                 another
                 .
                 Levit.
                 19.
                 18.
                 
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 not
                 avenge
                 nor
                 bear
                 any
                 grudge
                 against
                 the
                 children
                 of
                 thy
                 people
                 ;
                 but
                 thou
                 shalt
                 love
                 thy
                 neighbour
                 as
                 thy self
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 the
                 LORD
                 .
                 Prov.
                 1.
                 16.
                 
                 For
                 their
                 feet
                 run
                 to
                 evill
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 make
                 haste
                 to
                 shed
                 bloud
                 .
                 Gal.
                 5.
                 15.
                 
                 For
                 if
                 ye
                 bite
                 and
                 devour
                 one
                 another
                 ,
                 take
                 heed
                 that
                 ye
                 be
                 not
                 consumed
                 one
                 of
                 another
                 .
                 7.
                 
                 
                   Intemperance
                   ,
                   gluttony
                   and
                   drunkennesse
                   ;
                   the
                   last
                   of
                   which
                   is
                   become
                   so
                   common
                   ,
                   that
                   it
                   hath
                   over-run
                   almost
                   the
                   whole
                   Nation
                   ,
                   so
                   that
                   it
                   is
                   hard
                   to
                   find
                   many
                   who
                   are
                   not
                   tiplers
                   ,
                   or
                   common
                   drunkards
                   ,
                   or
                   will
                   drink
                   drunk
                   on
                   occasion
                   and
                   with
                   company
                   .
                   With
                   this
                   sin
                   we
                   may
                   joyn
                   the
                   immoderate
                   and
                   excessive
                   use
                   of
                   Tobacco
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   such
                   ,
                   that
                   much
                   money
                   and
                   precious
                   time
                   is
                   needlesly
                   and
                   superflously
                   spent
                   that
                   way
                   ,
                   by
                   persons
                   of
                   all
                   sorts
                   .
                
                 Isa.
                 5.
                 11
                 ,
                 12
                 ,
                 22.
                 
                 Wo
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 rise
                 up
                 early
                 in
                 the
                 morning
                 to
                 drink
                 strong
                 drink
                 ,
                 and
                 continue
                 till
                 night
                 ,
                 till
                 Wine
                 i●
                 flame
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 harp
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 viol
                 ,
                 and
                 tabret
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 pipe
                 ,
                 and
                 wine
                 are
                 in
                 their
                 feasts
                 .
                 Wo
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 mighty
                 to
                 drink
                 wine
                 ,
                 and
                 men
                 of
                 might
                 to
                 mingle
                 strong
                 drink
                 Prov.
                 23.
                 29
                 ,
                 30
                 ,
                 31
                 ,
                 32.
                 
                 Who
                 hath
                 wo
                 ?
                 Who
                 hath
                 sorrow
                 ?
                 Who
                 hath
                 contentions
                 ?
                 Who
                 hath
                 bablings
                 ?
                 Who
                 hath
                 wounds
                 without
                 cause
                 ?
                 Who
                 hath
                 redness
                 of
                 eyes
                 ?
                 They
                 that
                 tarry
                 long
                 at
                 the
                 wine
                 ,
                 they
                 that
                 go
                 to
                 seek
                 〈◊〉
                 wine
                 .
                 Look
                 not
                 thou
                 on
                 the
                 wine
                 when
                 it
                 is
                 red
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 gives
                 its
                 colour
                 in
                 the
                 cup
                 ,
                 when
                 it
                 moveth
                 it self
                 aright
                 ;
                 at
                 last
                 it
                 byteth
                 like
                 a
                 serpent
                 ,
                 and
                 stingeth
                 like
                 an
                 adder
                 .
                 Eph.
                 5.
                 18.
                 
                 Be
                 not
                 drunk
                 with
                 wine
                 ,
                 wherein
                 is
                 excess
                 .
                 8.
                 
                 
                   Vanity
                   and
                   excess
                   in
                   apparel
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   houshold
                   stuff
                   ,
                   far
                   above
                   that
                   which
                   becometh
                   the
                   sobriety
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   or
                   that
                   the
                   condition
                   of
                   such
                   a
                   people
                   can
                   reach
                   unto
                   .
                
                 Isa.
                 3.
                 
                   from
                   the
                
                 16.
                 verse
                 .
                 Because
                 the
                 daughters
                 of
                 Zion
                 are
                 haughtie
                 ,
                 and
                 walk
                 with
                 stretched
                 out
                 necks
                 ,
                 and
                 wanton
                 eyes
                 ,
                 and
                 mincing
                 as
                 they
                 go
                 ,
                 and
                 making
                 a
                 tinkling
                 with
                 their
                 fees
                 ,
                 therefore
                 the
                 LORD
                 
                 will
                 smite
                 with
                 a
                 scab
                 the
                 crown
                 of
                 the
                 head
                 of
                 the
                 daughters
                 of
                 Zion
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 LORD
                 will
                 discover
                 their
                 secret
                 parts
                 .
                 And
                 in
                 that
                 day
                 the
                 Lord
                 wil
                 take
                 away
                 the
                 bravery
                 of
                 their
                 tinkling
                 ornaments
                 about
                 their
                 feet
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 cauls
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 round
                 tyres
                 like
                 the
                 Moon
                 ,
                 the
                 chains
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 bracelets
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 musslers
                 ,
                 &
                 the
                 bonnets
                 ,
                 &
                 the
                 ornaments
                 of
                 the
                 legs
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 head-bands
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 tablets
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 ear-rings
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 nose-jewells
                 ,
                 the
                 changeable
                 suits
                 of
                 apparell
                 ,
                 the
                 mantles
                 and
                 the
                 wimples
                 ,
                 the
                 crisping
                 pins
                 ,
                 the
                 glasses
                 and
                 the
                 fine
                 linen
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 hoods
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 vails
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 shall
                 come
                 to
                 pass
                 that
                 in
                 stead
                 of
                 a
                 sweet
                 smell
                 there
                 shall
                 be
                 stink
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 stead
                 of
                 a
                 girdle
                 a
                 rent
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 stead
                 of
                 well
                 set
                 hair
                 ,
                 baldness
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 stead
                 of
                 a
                 stomacher
                 ,
                 a
                 girding
                 of
                 sackcloath
                 ,
                 and
                 burning
                 in
                 stead
                 of
                 beauty
                 ,
                 thy
                 men
                 shall
                 fall
                 by
                 the
                 sword
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 mighty
                 men
                 in
                 the
                 war
                 ,
                 and
                 her
                 gates
                 shall
                 lament
                 and
                 mourn
                 ,
                 and
                 she
                 being
                 desolate
                 shall
                 sit
                 on
                 the
                 ground
                 .
                 1
                 Pet.
                 3.
                 3.
                 
                 Whose
                 adorning
                 let
                 it
                 not
                 be
                 outward
                 adorning
                 of
                 plaiting
                 the
                 hair
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 wearing
                 of
                 gold
                 ,
                 and
                 putting
                 on
                 of
                 apparell
                 .
                 Zeph.
                 1.
                 8.
                 
                 And
                 it
                 shall
                 come
                 to
                 passe
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 the
                 LORDS
                 sacrifice
                 that
                 I
                 will
                 punish
                 the
                 Princes
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 Kings
                 children
                 and
                 all
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 cloathed
                 with
                 strange
                 apparell
                 .
                 9.
                 
                 
                   Uncleanesse
                   and
                   filthinesse
                   of
                   all
                   sorts
                   ,
                   rotten
                   speeches
                   ,
                   filthy
                   communication
                   ,
                   chambering
                   and
                   wantonnesse
                   ,
                   &
                   fornication
                   ,
                   adultery
                   ,
                   incest
                   ,
                   in
                   some
                   places
                   beastiality
                   ,
                   and
                   sodomie
                   ,
                   espeacially
                   fornications
                   and
                   adulteries
                   which
                   abound
                   in
                   many
                   places
                   ;
                   the
                   first
                   whereof
                   ,
                
                 viz.
                 
                   fornication
                   is
                   by
                   many
                   accounted
                   no
                   sin
                   .
                   For
                   discovering
                   the
                   greatnesse
                   of
                   these
                   sins
                   ,
                   consider
                   ,
                
                 Exod.
                 20.
                 14.
                 
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 not
                 commit
                 adultery
                 ,
                 1
                 Cor.
                 6
                 13.
                 
                 Now
                 the
                 body
                 is
                 not
                 for
                 fornication
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 body
                 ,
                 1
                 Cor.
                 5.
                 1.
                 
                 It
                 is
                 reported
                 commonly
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 fornication
                 amongst
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 fornication
                 as
                 is
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 named
                 among
                 the
                 Gentiles
                 ,
                 that
                 one
                 should
                 have
                 his
                 fathers
                 wife
                 .
                 Rom.
                 13.
                 13.
                 
                 Let
                 us
                 walk
                 honestly
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 ,
                 not
                 in
                 chambering
                 and
                 wantonnesse
                 .
                 Eph.
                 5.
                 3.
                 
                 But
                 fornication
                 and
                 all
                 uncleannesse
                 ,
                 let
                 it
                 not
                 once
                 be
                 named
                 among
                 you
                 .
                 4.
                 ver
                 .
                 Neither
                 filthinesse
                 ,
                 nor
                 foolish
                 talking
                 ,
                 nor
                 jesting
                 ,
                 which
                 are
                 not
                 convenient
                 .
                 10.
                 
                 
                   Prodigality
                   ,
                   oppression
                   ,
                   extortions
                   ,
                   usury
                   ,
                   bribery
                   ,
                   theft
                   ,
                   robbery
                   ,
                   false
                   weights
                   and
                   measures
                   ,
                   injustice
                   and
                   unfaithfulnesse
                   in
                   Contracts
                   and
                   Bargaines
                   ,
                   with
                   fraudulent
                   dealing
                   and
                   deceiving
                   one
                   another
                   ;
                   Artificial
                   dearthing
                   of
                   victuals
                   and
                   other
                   things
                   ,
                   the
                   livelyhood
                   and
                   maintenance
                   of
                   the
                   People
                   .
                   Exod.
                
                 20.
                 15.
                 
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 not
                 steal
                 .
                 Ezek.
                 22.
                 12.
                 
                 In
                 thee
                 
                 have
                 they
                 taken
                 gifts
                 to
                 shed
                 blood
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 taken
                 usury
                 and
                 increase
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 greedily
                 gained
                 of
                 thy
                 neighbour
                 by
                 extortion
                 .
                 Amos.
                 5.
                 12.
                 
                 They
                 afflict
                 the
                 just
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 taken
                 abribe
                 ,
                 they
                 turn
                 aside
                 the
                 poor
                 from
                 his
                 right
                 .
                 Micah
                 .
                 6.
                 10
                 ,
                 11.
                 
                 Are
                 there
                 yet
                 treasures
                 of
                 wickednesse
                 in
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 the
                 wicked
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 scant
                 measure
                 that
                 is
                 abominable
                 ?
                 Shall
                 I
                 count
                 them
                 pure
                 with
                 the
                 wicked
                 ballances
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 the
                 bag
                 of
                 deceitfull
                 weights
                 ?
                 1
                 Thess
                 4.
                 6.
                 
                 That
                 no
                 man
                 go
                 beyond
                 and
                 defraud
                 his
                 brother
                 in
                 any
                 matter
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 the
                 avenger
                 of
                 all
                 such
                 .
                 11.
                 
                 
                   Lying
                   ,
                   slandering
                   ,
                   backbiting
                   ,
                   detracting
                   ,
                   riviling
                   ,
                   tale-bearing
                   ,
                   rash
                   censuring
                   ,
                   and
                   defaming
                   and
                   speaking
                   ill
                   one
                   of
                   another
                   ,
                   with
                   false
                   witnessing
                   and
                   perjury
                   ,
                   breach
                   of
                   Oaths
                   ,
                   Covenants
                   ,
                   promises
                   .
                
                 Exodus
                 20.
                 16.
                 
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 not
                 bear
                 false
                 witnesse
                 against
                 thy
                 neighbour
                 .
                 Psal.
                 50.
                 19
                 ,
                 20.
                 
                 Thou
                 givest
                 thy
                 mouth
                 to
                 evil
                 ,
                 and
                 thy
                 tongue
                 frameth
                 deceit
                 :
                 thou
                 sittest
                 and
                 speakest
                 against
                 thy
                 brother
                 ;
                 thou
                 slanderest
                 thine
                 own
                 mothers
                 son
                 .
                 2
                 Cor.
                 12.
                 20.
                 
                 Left
                 there
                 be
                 debates
                 ,
                 envyings
                 ,
                 wrath
                 ,
                 strife
                 ,
                 backbiting
                 ,
                 whisperings
                 ,
                 swellings
                 and
                 tumults
                 .
                 Matth.
                 7.
                 1.
                 
                 Iudge
                 not
                 ,
                 that
                 ye
                 be
                 not
                 judged
                 .
                 Rom.
                 1.
                 31.
                 without
                 understanding
                 ,
                 Covenant-breakers
                 ,
                 without
                 natural
                 affection
                 ,
                 implacable
                 ,
                 unmercifull
                 .
                 2
                 Tim
                 3.
                 1
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 This
                 know
                 also
                 ,
                 that
                 in
                 the
                 last
                 dayes
                 ,
                 perillous
                 times
                 shal
                 come
                 ,
                 for
                 men
                 shal
                 be
                 lovers
                 of
                 themselves
                 ,
                 covetous
                 ,
                 boasters
                 ,
                 proud
                 ,
                 blasphemers
                 ,
                 disobedient
                 to
                 parents
                 ,
                 unholy
                 .
                 
                   Before
                   we
                   close
                   this
                   Article
                   of
                   prophanity
                   ,
                   we
                   cannot
                   but
                   in
                   a
                   speciall
                   way
                   take
                   notice
                   of
                   the
                   carriage
                   of
                   many
                   beggars
                   in
                   the
                   Land
                   ,
                   amongst
                   whom
                   for
                   a
                   long
                   time
                   past
                   ,
                   abominations
                   of
                   all
                   sorts
                   hath
                   abounded
                   ;
                   which
                   sin
                   lyes
                   so
                   much
                   heavier
                   on
                   the
                   Land
                   ,
                   because
                   though
                   it
                   hath
                   been
                   generally
                   known
                   and
                   acknowledged
                   by
                   all
                   ,
                   yet
                   hath
                   no
                   effectuall
                   course
                   been
                   taken
                   to
                   this
                   day
                   for
                   the
                   helping
                   thereof
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 3.
                 
                 Article
                 .
              
               
                 
                   THe
                   third
                   Article
                   which
                   relates
                   to
                   JESUS
                   CHRIST
                   and
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   is
                   in
                   a
                   great
                   measure
                   spoken
                   to
                   in
                   the
                   Causes
                   of
                   Humiliation
                   ,
                   concerning
                   the
                   contempt
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   ,
                   condescended
                   on
                   by
                   the
                   Commission
                   of
                   the
                   Generall
                   Assembly
                   at
                
                 Perth
                 ,
                 Dec.
                 22.
                 1650.
                 
                   yet
                   some
                   particulars
                   there
                   be
                   in
                   the
                   Article
                   ,
                   which
                   we
                   shall
                   now
                   speak
                   unto
                   :
                   1.
                   
                   The
                   resting
                   on
                   out
                   ward
                   and
                   bare
                   forms
                   ,
                   without
                   studying
                   to
                   known
                   in
                   our selves
                   ,
                   or
                   to
                   promove
                   in
                   others
                   ,
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   GOD
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   righteousnesse
                   ,
                   and
                   peace
                   ,
                   and
                   joy
                   in
                   
                   the
                   Holy
                   Ghost
                   .
                   The
                   Work
                   of
                   Reformation
                   in
                   the
                   outward
                   part
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   or
                   externall
                   means
                   ,
                   that
                   do
                   relate
                   to
                   Worship
                   and
                   Ordinances
                   of
                   GOD
                   and
                   the
                   purity
                   thereof
                   ,
                   is
                   certainly
                   a
                   thing
                   excellent
                   and
                   desirable
                   ,
                   which
                   all
                   the
                   lovers
                   of
                   pure
                   Religion
                   and
                   undefiled
                   ,
                   ought
                   to
                   endeavour
                   to
                   attain
                   to
                   and
                   preserve
                   ,
                   Ezra
                
                 7.
                 27.
                 
                 Blessed
                 be
                 the
                 Lord
                 God
                 of
                 our
                 fathers
                 ,
                 who
                 hath
                 put
                 such
                 a
                 thing
                 as
                 this
                 in
                 the
                 Kings
                 heart
                 ;
                 to
                 beautifie
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 at
                 Ierusalem
                 .
                 Exod.
                 39.
                 42.
                 
                 According
                 to
                 all
                 that
                 the
                 Lord
                 commanded
                 Moses
                 .
                 so
                 the
                 Children
                 of
                 Israel
                 made
                 all
                 the
                 work
                 ,
                 43.
                 v.
                 And
                 Moses
                 did
                 look
                 on
                 all
                 the
                 work
                 ,
                 and
                 behold
                 they
                 had
                 done
                 it
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Lord
                 commanded
                 ,
                 even
                 so
                 had
                 they
                 done
                 ,
                 and
                 Moses
                 blessed
                 them
                 .
                 Ezek.
                 42.
                 11.
                 
                 And
                 the
                 way
                 before
                 them
                 was
                 like
                 the
                 appearing
                 of
                 the
                 Chambers
                 that
                 were
                 toward
                 the
                 North
                 ,
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 they
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 broad
                 as
                 they
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 their
                 goings
                 out
                 were
                 both
                 according
                 to
                 their
                 fashions
                 ,
                 and
                 according
                 to
                 their
                 doores
                 .
                 Heb.
                 3.
                 2.
                 
                 Who
                 was
                 faithful
                 to
                 him
                 that
                 appointed
                 him
                 ,
                 as
                 also
                 Moses
                 was
                 faithful
                 in
                 all
                 his
                 house
                 .
                 Heb.
                 8.
                 5.
                 
                 Who
                 serve
                 unto
                 the
                 example
                 and
                 shadow
                 of
                 heavenly
                 things
                 ,
                 as
                 Moses
                 was
                 admonished
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 about
                 to
                 make
                 the
                 tabernacle
                 ;
                 for
                 ,
                 see
                 (
                 saith
                 he
                 )
                 that
                 thou
                 make
                 all
                 things
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 pattern
                 shewed
                 thee
                 in
                 the
                 mount
                 .
                 
                   But
                   when
                   these
                   things
                   are
                   rested
                   upon
                   and
                   idolized
                   ,
                   they
                   do
                   through
                   our
                   corruption
                   become
                   snares
                   to
                   us
                   ,
                   to
                   keep
                   us
                   from
                   seeking
                   in
                   to
                   more
                   excellent
                   and
                   better
                   things
                   ,
                   to
                   wit
                   ,
                   communion
                   and
                   fellowship
                   with
                   GOD
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   power
                   and
                   life
                   of
                   godliness
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   the
                   kernell
                   ,
                   whereof
                   these
                   things
                   are
                   but
                   the
                   shell
                   and
                   the
                   scrooff
                   ,
                   and
                   being
                   rested
                   upon
                   ,
                   do
                   provoke
                   the
                   Lord
                   either
                   to
                   make
                   them
                   barren
                   and
                   fruitlesse
                   to
                   us
                   ,
                   or
                   else
                   to
                   loath
                   us
                   in
                   the
                   following
                   of
                   them
                   ,
                   or
                   to
                   remove
                   them
                   wholly
                   away
                   from
                   us
                   .
                
                 Isai
                 1.
                 10
                 ,
                 11
                 ,
                 12
                 ,
                 13
                 ,
                 14
                 ,
                 15.
                 
                 Hear
                 the
                 word
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ye
                 rulers
                 of
                 Sodom
                 ,
                 give
                 ear
                 to
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 our
                 God
                 ye
                 people
                 of
                 Gomorrah
                 ;
                 To
                 what
                 purpose
                 is
                 the
                 multitude
                 of
                 your
                 sacrifices
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ?
                 I
                 am
                 full
                 of
                 the
                 burnt-offerings
                 of
                 rams
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 fat
                 of
                 fed
                 beasts
                 :
                 I
                 delight
                 not
                 in
                 the
                 blood
                 of
                 bullocks
                 ,
                 or
                 of
                 lambs
                 ,
                 or
                 of
                 he-goats
                 When
                 ye
                 come
                 to
                 appear
                 before
                 me
                 ,
                 who
                 hath
                 required
                 this
                 at
                 your
                 hands
                 ,
                 to
                 tread
                 my
                 Courts
                 ?
                 Bring
                 no
                 more
                 vain
                 oblation
                 ,
                 incense
                 is
                 an
                 abomination
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 the
                 new
                 moons
                 and
                 the
                 Sabbaths
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 calling
                 of
                 the
                 assembly
                 ,
                 I
                 cannot
                 away
                 with
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 even
                 the
                 solemn
                 meeting
                 :
                 your
                 new
                 moons
                 and
                 appointed
                 feasts
                 my
                 soul
                 hateth
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 a
                 trouble
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 I
                 am
                 weary
                 to
                 bear
                 them
                 :
                 And
                 when
                 ye
                 spread
                 forth
                 your
                 
                 hands
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 hide
                 mine
                 eyes
                 from
                 you
                 ;
                 yea
                 when
                 ye
                 make
                 many
                 prayers
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 hear
                 :
                 your
                 hands
                 are
                 full
                 of
                 blood
                 .
                 Isai.
                 66.
                 1
                 ,
                 2
                 ,
                 3
                 ,
                 4.
                 
                 Thus
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 The
                 heavens
                 is
                 my
                 throne
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 earth
                 is
                 my
                 footstool
                 ,
                 where
                 is
                 the
                 house
                 ye
                 will
                 build
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 where
                 is
                 the
                 place
                 of
                 my
                 rest
                 ?
                 for
                 all
                 these
                 things
                 hath
                 mine
                 hand
                 made
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 these
                 things
                 have
                 been
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 But
                 to
                 this
                 man
                 will
                 I
                 look
                 ,
                 even
                 to
                 him
                 that
                 is
                 of
                 a
                 poor
                 and
                 contrite
                 spirit
                 ,
                 and
                 trembleth
                 at
                 my
                 word
                 .
                 He
                 that
                 killeth
                 an
                 ox
                 is
                 as
                 if
                 he
                 slew
                 a
                 man
                 :
                 he
                 that
                 sacrificeth
                 a
                 lamb
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 he
                 cut
                 off
                 a
                 dogsneck
                 :
                 he
                 that
                 offereth
                 an
                 oblation
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 that
                 offereth
                 swines
                 blood
                 ;
                 he
                 that
                 burneth
                 incense
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 that
                 blesseth
                 an
                 idol
                 .
                 Yea
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 chosen
                 their
                 own
                 wayes
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 soul
                 delighteth
                 in
                 their
                 abominations
                 ;
                 I
                 also
                 will
                 choose
                 their
                 delusions
                 ,
                 and
                 bring
                 their
                 fears
                 on
                 them
                 ,
                 because
                 when
                 I
                 called
                 ,
                 none
                 did
                 answer
                 ;
                 and
                 when
                 I
                 spake
                 ,
                 they
                 did
                 not
                 hear
                 ,
                 but
                 did
                 evill
                 before
                 mine
                 eyes
                 ,
                 and
                 chose
                 that
                 in
                 which
                 I
                 delighted
                 not
                 .
                 Jer.
                 7.
                 4
                 ,
                 8
                 ,
                 9
                 ,
                 10
                 ,
                 11
                 ,
                 12
                 ,
                 13
                 ,
                 14.
                 
                 Trust
                 ye
                 not
                 in
                 lying
                 words
                 ,
                 saying
                 ,
                 The
                 temple
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 the
                 temple
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 are
                 these
                 .
                 Behold
                 ,
                 ye
                 trust
                 in
                 lying
                 words
                 that
                 cannot
                 profit
                 .
                 Will
                 ye
                 steal
                 ,
                 murder
                 ,
                 commit
                 adultery
                 ,
                 and
                 swear
                 falsely
                 ,
                 and
                 burn
                 incense
                 to
                 Baal
                 ,
                 and
                 walk
                 after
                 other
                 gods
                 whom
                 ye
                 know
                 not
                 ,
                 and
                 come
                 and
                 stand
                 before
                 me
                 in
                 this
                 house
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 called
                 by
                 my
                 name
                 ,
                 and
                 say
                 ,
                 we
                 are
                 delivered
                 to
                 do
                 all
                 these
                 abominations
                 ?
                 Is
                 this
                 house
                 which
                 is
                 called
                 by
                 my
                 Name
                 become
                 a
                 den
                 of
                 robbers
                 in
                 your
                 eyes
                 ?
                 Behold
                 ,
                 even
                 I
                 have
                 seen
                 it
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 :
                 but
                 go
                 ye
                 to
                 my
                 place
                 which
                 was
                 in
                 Shiloh
                 ,
                 where
                 I
                 set
                 my
                 Name
                 at
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 and
                 see
                 what
                 I
                 did
                 to
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 wickednesse
                 of
                 my
                 people
                 Israel
                 .
                 And
                 now
                 because
                 ye
                 have
                 done
                 all
                 these
                 works
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 spake
                 to
                 you
                 ,
                 rising
                 up
                 early
                 ,
                 and
                 speaking
                 ,
                 but
                 ye
                 heard
                 not
                 ;
                 and
                 I
                 called
                 you
                 ,
                 but
                 ye
                 answered
                 not
                 :
                 Therefore
                 will
                 I
                 do
                 unto
                 this
                 house
                 which
                 is
                 called
                 by
                 my
                 Name
                 ,
                 wherein
                 ye
                 trust
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 place
                 which
                 I
                 gave
                 to
                 your
                 fathers
                 ,
                 as
                 I
                 have
                 done
                 to
                 Shiloh
                 .
                 Ezek.
                 7.
                 20
                 ,
                 21
                 ,
                 22.
                 
                 As
                 for
                 the
                 beauty
                 of
                 his
                 ornament
                 ,
                 he
                 set
                 it
                 in
                 Majesty
                 :
                 but
                 they
                 made
                 the
                 Images
                 of
                 their
                 abominations
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 their
                 derestable
                 things
                 therein
                 :
                 therefore
                 have
                 I
                 set
                 it
                 far
                 from
                 them
                 .
                 And
                 I
                 will
                 give
                 it
                 to
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 the
                 strangers
                 for
                 a
                 prey
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 wicked
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 for
                 a
                 spoil
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 shall
                 pollute
                 it
                 ;
                 my
                 face
                 also
                 will
                 I
                 turn
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 shall
                 pollute
                 my
                 secret
                 place
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 robbers
                 s●al
                 enter
                 into
                 it
                 and
                 desile
                 it
                 .
                 Zeph.
                 3.
                 13.
                 
                 The
                 remnant
                 of
                 Israel
                 shal
                 not
                 do
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 nor
                 speak
                 lies
                 ,
                 neither
                 shal
                 a
                 deceitful
                 tongue
                 be
                 
                 
                   sound
                   in
                   their
                   mouth
                   ,
                   for
                   they
                   shal
                   feed
                   and
                   ly
                   down
                   ,
                   and
                   none
                   shal
                   make
                   them
                   afraid
                   .
                
                 And
                 this
                 hath
                 been
                 undoubtedly
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 measure
                 the
                 fault
                 of
                 many
                 in
                 this
                 Land
                 ,
                 the
                 height
                 of
                 whose
                 zeal
                 and
                 endeavours
                 hath
                 been
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 to
                 attain
                 the
                 purity
                 of
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 not
                 labouring
                 for
                 the
                 power
                 thereof
                 ,
                 whence
                 hath
                 issued
                 a
                 great
                 deal
                 of
                 boasting
                 and
                 confidence
                 in
                 a
                 Covenant
                 and
                 pure
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 well
                 reformed
                 Kirk
                 ,
                 when
                 in
                 the
                 mean
                 while
                 most
                 men
                 be
                 strangers
                 to
                 that
                 grace
                 that
                 bringeth
                 salvation
                 ,
                 and
                 teacheth
                 to
                 deny
                 ungodlinesse
                 and
                 worldly
                 lusts
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 live
                 soberly
                 ,
                 righteously
                 and
                 godly
                 in
                 this
                 present
                 world
                 .
                 Titus
                 2
                 ,
                 11
                 ,
                 12.
                 
                 
                   For
                   the
                   grace
                   of
                   God
                   that
                   bringeth
                   salvation
                   ,
                   hath
                   appeared
                   to
                   all
                   men
                   ,
                   teaching
                   us
                   ,
                   that
                   denying
                   vngodlinesse
                   and
                   worldly
                   lusts
                   ,
                   we
                   should
                   live
                   godly
                   ,
                   righteously
                   and
                   soberly
                   in
                   this
                   presene
                   world
                   .
                
                 The
                 second
                 is
                 the
                 sad
                 Consequents
                 that
                 hath
                 followed
                 on
                 this
                 ,
                 whereof
                 there
                 be
                 four
                 speciall
                 in
                 the
                 Article
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 First
                 whereof
                 is
                 ,
                 The
                 admitting
                 of
                 persons
                 not
                 rightly
                 qualified
                 to
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 the
                 Ministry
                 ,
                 and
                 Elderships
                 in
                 Congregations
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 continuing
                 of
                 such
                 in
                 these
                 places
                 .
                 For
                 understanding
                 of
                 which
                 ,
                 ye
                 would
                 consider
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 Acts
                 and
                 Constitutions
                 of
                 our
                 Kirk
                 ,
                 do
                 require
                 of
                 Ministers
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 that
                 they
                 be
                 men
                 of
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 understanding
                 and
                 conscience
                 ,
                 for
                 ruling
                 in
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 a
                 blameless
                 conversation
                 ;
                 but
                 that
                 they
                 be
                 sanctified
                 and
                 holy
                 ,
                 and
                 spiritual
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 their
                 sences
                 exercised
                 in
                 spiritual
                 things
                 :
                 
                   A
                   Bishop
                
                 (
                 saith
                 
                   Paul
                   ,
                   Tit.
                
                 1.
                 8.
                 
                 )
                 
                   must
                   be
                   a
                   lover
                   of
                   goodmen
                   ,
                   sober
                   ,
                   just
                   ,
                   holy
                   ,
                   temperate
                   .
                
                 And
                 the
                 same
                 Apostle
                 :
                 1
                 Tim.
                 3.
                 6.
                 tels
                 us
                 ,
                 
                   he
                   must
                   not
                   be
                   a
                   novice
                   ,
                
                 or
                 one
                 newly
                 come
                 in
                 to
                 the
                 faith
                 .
                 He
                 would
                 not
                 only
                 have
                 him
                 in
                 the
                 faith
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 may
                 speak
                 because
                 he
                 beleeves
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 able
                 to
                 comfort
                 others
                 with
                 the
                 consolations
                 wherewith
                 he
                 hath
                 been
                 himself
                 comforted
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 2
                 Cor.
                 1.
                 3
                 ,
                 4.
                 
                 
                   Blessed
                   be
                   God
                   ,
                   even
                   the
                   Father
                   of
                   our
                   Lord
                   Iesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   even
                   the
                   Father
                   of
                   mercies
                   ,
                   and
                   God
                   of
                   all
                   comfort
                   ,
                   who
                   comforteth
                   us
                   in
                   all
                   our
                   tribulation
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   may
                   be
                   able
                   to
                   comfort
                   others
                   who
                   are
                   in
                   trouble
                   ,
                   with
                   the
                   comfort
                   wherewith
                   we
                   our selves
                   have
                   been
                   comforted
                   of
                   God.
                
                 In
                 the
                 Acts
                 of
                 the
                 Assembly
                 at
                 Edinburgh
                 1596
                 ,
                 March
                 26.
                 it
                 is
                 provided
                 ,
                 That
                 the
                 trial
                 of
                 the
                 persons
                 to
                 be
                 admitted
                 to
                 the
                 Ministry
                 hereafter
                 ,
                 consist
                 not
                 only
                 in
                 their
                 learning
                 and
                 ablity
                 to
                 preach
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 in
                 conscience
                 and
                 feeling
                 ,
                 and
                 spiritual
                 wisdom
                 ;
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 same
                 Act
                 it
                 is
                 provided
                 ,
                 that
                 such
                 as
                 shall
                 not
                 be
                 found
                 given
                 to
                 sanctification
                 and
                 
                 prayer
                 ,
                 that
                 study
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 powerful
                 and
                 spiritual
                 ,
                 but
                 be
                 cold
                 ,
                 and
                 wanting
                 spiritual
                 Zeal
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 such
                 persons
                 be
                 censured
                 ,
                 and
                 continuing
                 therein
                 ,
                 be
                 deprived
                 :
                 Which
                 Act
                 was
                 revived
                 in
                 the
                 Gen.
                 Assembly
                 1638.
                 likewise
                 in
                 the
                 Gen.
                 Assembly
                 1646.
                 
                 The
                 putting
                 in
                 ,
                 and
                 holding
                 in
                 of
                 insufficient
                 and
                 suspected
                 men
                 ,
                 who
                 savour
                 the
                 things
                 of
                 this
                 life
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 keeping
                 the
                 door
                 straiter
                 on
                 these
                 whom
                 God
                 hath
                 sealed
                 ,
                 then
                 on
                 these
                 who
                 have
                 less
                 evidence
                 of
                 Grace
                 and
                 holiness
                 ,
                 is
                 reckoned
                 amongst
                 the
                 enormities
                 and
                 corruptions
                 of
                 the
                 Ministry
                 in
                 their
                 callings
                 ;
                 and
                 amongst
                 the
                 remedies
                 of
                 these
                 corruptions
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 provided
                 ,
                 That
                 all
                 Presbyteries
                 make
                 great
                 conscience
                 to
                 have
                 all
                 vacant
                 places
                 ,
                 within
                 their
                 several
                 bounds
                 setled
                 with
                 godly
                 and
                 able
                 men
                 ,
                 wherever
                 they
                 be
                 found
                 .
                 These
                 Scriptures
                 and
                 Acts
                 ,
                 with
                 sundry
                 others
                 of
                 the
                 like
                 kind
                 ,
                 require
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 that
                 a
                 Minister
                 be
                 negatively
                 holy
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 one
                 who
                 is
                 not
                 scandalous
                 in
                 his
                 life
                 and
                 conversation
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 he
                 be
                 positively
                 holy
                 ,
                 acquainted
                 with
                 God
                 and
                 spiritual
                 things
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 partaker
                 of
                 the
                 grace
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 in
                 himself
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 preacheth
                 to
                 others
                 ;
                 and
                 religious
                 reason
                 doth
                 require
                 the
                 same
                 :
                 How
                 shall
                 he
                 be
                 a
                 Christian
                 Minister
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 not
                 a
                 Christian
                 ?
                 how
                 shall
                 he
                 preach
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 who
                 doth
                 not
                 himself
                 beleeve
                 ?
                 how
                 shall
                 he
                 know
                 to
                 speak
                 a
                 word
                 in
                 season
                 ,
                 to
                 whom
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 not
                 given
                 the
                 tongue
                 of
                 the
                 Learned
                 ?
                 to
                 comfort
                 others
                 with
                 the
                 consolations
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 who
                 was
                 never
                 comforted
                 therewith
                 himself
                 ?
                 How
                 shall
                 he
                 pray
                 for
                 others
                 ,
                 who
                 cannot
                 pray
                 for
                 himself
                 ?
                 How
                 shall
                 he
                 reveale
                 Christ
                 ,
                 who
                 never
                 knew
                 him
                 ?
                 How
                 shall
                 he
                 naturally
                 care
                 for
                 souls
                 ,
                 who
                 hath
                 not
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 dwelling
                 in
                 him
                 ?
                 The
                 Scriptures
                 do
                 also
                 require
                 of
                 ruling
                 Elders
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 that
                 they
                 be
                 men
                 of
                 understanding
                 ,
                 knowledg
                 ,
                 and
                 wisdom
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 able
                 to
                 discern
                 and
                 rule
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 that
                 they
                 be
                 blameless
                 and
                 holy
                 ,
                 as
                 is
                 evident
                 in
                 the
                 Epistles
                 of
                 Paul
                 to
                 Timothy
                 and
                 Titus
                 .
                 And
                 the
                 Discipline
                 of
                 our
                 Kirk
                 requires
                 ,
                 That
                 besides
                 abilities
                 to
                 govern
                 ,
                 consult
                 ,
                 admonish
                 ,
                 and
                 order
                 all
                 things
                 appertaining
                 to
                 the
                 state
                 of
                 the
                 Congregation
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 be
                 men
                 of
                 a
                 good
                 life
                 and
                 holy
                 conversation
                 ,
                 without
                 blame
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 suspition
                 ,
                 careful
                 for
                 the
                 Flock
                 ,
                 wise
                 ;
                 and
                 above
                 all
                 things
                 fearing
                 God
                 :
                 notwithstanding
                 hereof
                 ,
                 many
                 litteral
                 and
                 formal
                 men
                 ,
                 who
                 are
                 strangers
                 to
                 the
                 mysterie
                 of
                 godliness
                 ,
                 &
                 work
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 of
                 life
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 in
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 are
                 admitted
                 unto
                 ,
                 and
                 continued
                 in
                 the
                 Ministry
                 and
                 Elderships
                 (
                 nay
                 ,
                 in
                 some
                 places
                 ,
                 especially
                 in
                 Elderships
                 ,
                 men
                 that
                 are
                 ignorant
                 and
                 
                 scandalous
                 )
                 by
                 which
                 things
                 it
                 comes
                 to
                 pass
                 that
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 lifeless
                 ,
                 dead
                 ,
                 and
                 careless
                 Ministry
                 ,
                 and
                 unprofitable
                 Elderships
                 in
                 many
                 Congregations
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 the
                 growth
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 and
                 godliness
                 ,
                 is
                 exceedingly
                 obstructed
                 and
                 hindered
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 second
                 Consequent
                 which
                 is
                 mentioned
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 The
                 gross
                 slighting
                 and
                 mocking
                 of
                 Kirk
                 Censures
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 Publick
                 Repentance
                 ;
                 whereof
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 considered
                 ,
                 That
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 Acts
                 and
                 Constitutions
                 of
                 this
                 Kirk
                 ,
                 do
                 require
                 of
                 these
                 who
                 are
                 to
                 make
                 Publick
                 Profession
                 of
                 their
                 Repentance
                 for
                 scandalous
                 offences
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 a
                 naked
                 and
                 bare
                 profession
                 of
                 Repentance
                 ,
                 but
                 such
                 a
                 profession
                 of
                 Repentance
                 ,
                 as
                 doth
                 hold
                 forth
                 a
                 real
                 conviction
                 and
                 sorrow
                 for
                 sin
                 ;
                 and
                 not
                 only
                 the
                 ceasing
                 from
                 the
                 sin
                 for
                 the
                 time
                 ,
                 but
                 the
                 bringing
                 forth
                 of
                 the
                 contrary
                 good
                 fruits
                 of
                 sobriety
                 ,
                 righteousness
                 and
                 holiness
                 .
                 Numb
                 .
                 5.
                 6
                 ,
                 7
                 ,
                 8.
                 
                 
                   Speak
                   unto
                   the
                   Children
                   of
                   Israel
                   ,
                   when
                   a
                   man
                   or
                   a
                   woman
                   shall
                   commit
                   any
                   sin
                   that
                   men
                   commit
                   ,
                   to
                   do
                   a
                   trespass
                   against
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   person
                   be
                   guilty
                   ;
                   then
                   they
                   shall
                   confess
                   their
                   sin
                   which
                   they
                   have
                   done
                   ;
                   and
                   he
                   shal
                   recompence
                   his
                   trespass
                   with
                   the
                   principal
                   thereof
                   ,
                   and
                   add
                   unto
                   it
                   the
                   fifth
                   part
                   thereof
                   ,
                   and
                   give
                   it
                   unto
                   him
                   against
                   whom
                   he
                   hath
                   trespassed
                   .
                   But
                   if
                   the
                   man
                   have
                   no
                   kinsman
                   to
                   recompence
                   the
                   trespass
                   unto
                   ,
                   let
                   the
                   trespass
                   be
                   recompenced
                   unto
                   the
                   Lord.
                   even
                   unto
                   the
                   Priest
                   :
                   beside
                   the
                   Ram
                   of
                   atonement
                   ,
                   whereby
                   an
                   atonement
                   shal
                   be
                   made
                   for
                   him
                   .
                
                 It
                 is
                 appointed
                 that
                 offenders
                 who
                 have
                 wronged
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 to
                 be
                 admitted
                 to
                 the
                 trespass
                 ,
                 offering
                 ,
                 should
                 not
                 only
                 make
                 confession
                 of
                 their
                 sins
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 make
                 satisfaction
                 to
                 the
                 party
                 to
                 whom
                 the
                 wrong
                 was
                 done
                 ,
                 which
                 satisfaction
                 is
                 a
                 fruit
                 of
                 righteousnesse
                 ;
                 to
                 which
                 agrees
                 that
                 of
                 
                   Iesus
                   Christ.
                   Mat.
                
                 5.
                 23.
                 
                 
                   If
                   thou
                   bring
                   thy
                   gift
                   to
                   the
                   Altar
                   ,
                   and
                   there
                   remembrest
                   that
                   thy
                   brother
                   hath
                   ought
                   against
                   thee
                   ,
                   vers
                   .
                
                 24.
                 
                   leave
                   there
                   thy
                   gift
                   before
                   the
                   Altar
                   ,
                   and
                   go
                   thy
                   way
                   ,
                   and
                   first
                   be
                   reconciled
                   to
                   thy
                   brother
                   ,
                   and
                   then
                   come
                   and
                   offer
                   thy
                   gift
                   .
                
                 In
                 that
                 publick
                 penitentiall
                 confession
                 that
                 is
                 mentioned
                 ,
                 Ezra
                 .
                 10
                 10
                 ,
                 11.
                 
                 
                   Ye
                   have
                   transgressed
                   and
                   taken
                   strange
                   wives
                   ,
                   and
                   increased
                   the
                   trespass
                   of
                   Israel
                   :
                   now
                   therefore
                   make
                   confession
                   to
                   the
                   LORD
                   GOD
                   of
                   your
                   fathers
                   ,
                   and
                   do
                   his
                   pleasure
                   ,
                   and
                   separate
                   your selves
                   from
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   the
                   land
                   ,
                   and
                   from
                   the
                   strange
                   wives
                   .
                
                 There
                 it
                 not
                 only
                 a
                 confession
                 of
                 the
                 sin
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 doing
                 of
                 the
                 LORDS
                 pleasure
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 separating
                 of
                 themselves
                 from
                 the
                 people
                 of
                 the
                 land
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 the
                 strange
                 wives
                 .
                 Psal.
                 51.
                 which
                 was
                 penned
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 testimony
                 
                 of
                 Davids
                 Publick
                 Repentance
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 scandalous
                 sins
                 of
                 murder
                 and
                 adultery
                 committed
                 by
                 him
                 ;
                 and
                 was
                 therefore
                 committed
                 to
                 the
                 chief
                 Musician
                 ,
                 to
                 be
                 Published
                 in
                 the
                 Sanctuary
                 and
                 Temple
                 ,
                 doth
                 contain
                 many
                 not
                 able
                 Evidences
                 of
                 Repentance
                 and
                 Reformation
                 :
                 And
                 we
                 see
                 the
                 Apostle
                 Paul
                 2
                 Cor.
                 2.
                 7.
                 doth
                 not
                 give
                 charge
                 to
                 the
                 Corinthians
                 for
                 the
                 receiving
                 the
                 Incestuous
                 person
                 ,
                 until
                 he
                 is
                 in
                 some
                 appearance
                 of
                 hazard
                 to
                 be
                 swallowed
                 up
                 with
                 too
                 much
                 sorrow
                 .
                 7.
                 
                   verse
                   Ye
                   ought
                   to
                   forgive
                   him
                   and
                   comfort
                   him
                   ,
                   least
                   perhaps
                   such
                   an
                   one
                   be
                   swallowed
                   up
                   with
                   over
                   m●ch
                   sorrow
                
                 ;
                 which
                 doth
                 argue
                 that
                 the
                 Apostle
                 thought
                 a
                 great
                 measure
                 of
                 reall
                 conviction
                 and
                 sorrow
                 requisite
                 in
                 such
                 an
                 one
                 ,
                 before
                 he
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 received
                 :
                 According
                 to
                 these
                 Scriptures
                 ,
                 the
                 first
                 book
                 of
                 Discipline
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 7
                 ,
                 head
                 thereof
                 requires
                 ,
                 that
                 before
                 scandalous
                 persons
                 be
                 admitted
                 to
                 the
                 Publick
                 confession
                 of
                 their
                 Repentance
                 ,
                 that
                 there
                 appear
                 in
                 them
                 signes
                 of
                 unfeignedrepentance
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 form
                 and
                 order
                 of
                 Publick
                 repentance
                 appointed
                 by
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 of
                 the
                 Ministers
                 and
                 Elders
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 which
                 they
                 ought
                 sharply
                 to
                 be
                 examined
                 what
                 fear
                 and
                 terrour
                 they
                 have
                 of
                 Gods
                 judgements
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 hatred
                 for
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 dolor
                 for
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 sense
                 and
                 feeling
                 they
                 have
                 of
                 Gods
                 mercies
                 ;
                 in
                 the
                 which
                 if
                 they
                 be
                 ignorant
                 ,
                 they
                 ought
                 diligently
                 to
                 be
                 instructed
                 :
                 For
                 it
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 mocking
                 to
                 present
                 such
                 to
                 Publick
                 Repentance
                 as
                 neither
                 know
                 what
                 sin
                 is
                 ,
                 what
                 Repentance
                 is
                 ,
                 what
                 Grace
                 is
                 ,
                 nor
                 by
                 whom
                 Gods
                 mercy
                 and
                 favour
                 is
                 purchased
                 ,
                 thereafter
                 the
                 offender
                 shall
                 be
                 instructed
                 in
                 the
                 Assembly
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 he
                 have
                 some
                 taste
                 of
                 Gods
                 Judgements
                 ,
                 but
                 chiefly
                 of
                 Gods
                 Mercies
                 through
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 he
                 may
                 be
                 presented
                 before
                 the
                 Publick
                 Kirk
                 ;
                 And
                 the
                 Act
                 of
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 at
                 Edinburgh
                 1596.
                 
                 March.
                 26.
                 
                 That
                 none
                 falling
                 in
                 Publick
                 scandall
                 be
                 received
                 in
                 the
                 fellowship
                 of
                 the
                 Kirk
                 ,
                 except
                 his
                 Minister
                 have
                 some
                 appearance
                 and
                 warrand
                 in
                 his
                 Conscience
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 hath
                 both
                 a
                 feeling
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 an
                 apprehension
                 of
                 mercy
                 ;
                 and
                 for
                 this
                 effect
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 Minister
                 travail
                 with
                 him
                 in
                 Doctrine
                 ,
                 and
                 private
                 instruction
                 ,
                 to
                 bring
                 him
                 thereto
                 ;
                 especially
                 in
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 of
                 Publick
                 Repentance
                 ,
                 which
                 being
                 neglected
                 ,
                 the
                 Publick
                 place
                 of
                 Repentance
                 is
                 turned
                 to
                 a
                 mocking
                 .
                 And
                 the
                 Acts
                 of
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 at
                 Edinburgh
                 1649.
                 provids
                 that
                 because
                 many
                 heretofore
                 have
                 made
                 a
                 shew
                 and
                 profession
                 of
                 Repentance
                 ,
                 who
                 were
                 not
                 convinced
                 of
                 their
                 guiltinesse
                 ,
                 nor
                 humbled
                 for
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 but
                 did
                 therafter
                 return
                 like
                 the
                 dog
                 to
                 the
                 vomite
                 ,
                 
                 and
                 with
                 the
                 sow
                 to
                 the
                 puddle
                 ,
                 unto
                 the
                 mocking
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 exceeding
                 great
                 reproach
                 and
                 detriment
                 of
                 his
                 Cause
                 ;
                 Therefore
                 for
                 the
                 better
                 discerning
                 the
                 truth
                 &
                 sincerity
                 of
                 the
                 Repentance
                 of
                 these
                 who
                 desire
                 to
                 be
                 admitted
                 to
                 the
                 Covenant
                 and
                 Communion
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 appointed
                 and
                 ordained
                 that
                 none
                 of
                 the
                 persons
                 who
                 are
                 debarred
                 from
                 the
                 Covenant
                 and
                 Communion
                 ,
                 shall
                 be
                 received
                 and
                 admitted
                 thereunto
                 ,
                 but
                 such
                 as
                 after
                 tryal
                 shall
                 be
                 found
                 for
                 some
                 competent
                 time
                 either
                 before
                 or
                 after
                 the
                 offer
                 of
                 their
                 Repentance
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 discretion
                 of
                 the
                 respective
                 Judicatories
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 in
                 their
                 ordinary
                 conversation
                 given
                 reall
                 testimony
                 of
                 their
                 dislike
                 of
                 the
                 late
                 unlawfull
                 Engagement
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 courses
                 and
                 ways
                 of
                 Malignants
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 their
                 sorrow
                 for
                 their
                 accession
                 to
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 live
                 godly
                 ,
                 righteously
                 ,
                 &
                 soberly
                 &c.
                 
                 And
                 reason
                 also
                 proves
                 the
                 same
                 point
                 ,
                 for
                 whether
                 we
                 take
                 Publick
                 Repentance
                 in
                 reference
                 to
                 the
                 removing
                 of
                 scandal
                 and
                 offence
                 given
                 to
                 the
                 Kirk
                 ,
                 or
                 in
                 reference
                 to
                 the
                 absolution
                 of
                 the
                 party
                 from
                 the
                 guilt
                 of
                 the
                 same
                 intimated
                 to
                 him
                 by
                 the
                 Minister
                 as
                 the
                 servant
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 Name
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 on
                 his
                 Repentance
                 ;
                 it
                 must
                 alwayes
                 be
                 understood
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 profession
                 of
                 Repentance
                 ,
                 as
                 doth
                 evidence
                 the
                 reality
                 and
                 humility
                 thereof
                 in
                 outward
                 fruits
                 ;
                 for
                 a
                 real
                 scandal
                 cannot
                 be
                 removed
                 by
                 a
                 bare
                 and
                 verbal
                 profession
                 without
                 fruits
                 ;
                 neither
                 can
                 a
                 minister
                 with
                 any
                 perswasion
                 of
                 conscience
                 make
                 any
                 intimation
                 of
                 mercy
                 and
                 pardon
                 to
                 him
                 of
                 the
                 reality
                 and
                 sincerity
                 of
                 whose
                 profession
                 he
                 hath
                 no
                 testimony
                 in
                 his
                 carriage
                 and
                 conversation
                 .
                 Yet
                 notwithstanding
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 many
                 scandalous
                 persons
                 of
                 all
                 sorts
                 ,
                 especially
                 these
                 who
                 were
                 prophane
                 Malignants
                 disaffected
                 to
                 the
                 Work
                 of
                 GOD
                 and
                 his
                 people
                 this
                 last
                 year
                 ,
                 have
                 been
                 admitted
                 to
                 Publick
                 Repentance
                 ,
                 on
                 bare
                 convictions
                 of
                 Repentance
                 and
                 sorrow
                 ,
                 without
                 any
                 reall
                 evidence
                 and
                 fruit
                 thereof
                 in
                 their
                 carriage
                 and
                 conversation
                 ;
                 nay
                 ,
                 in
                 many
                 of
                 them
                 there
                 was
                 presumptions
                 in
                 the
                 contrary
                 ;
                 which
                 as
                 it
                 hath
                 proven
                 a
                 snare
                 to
                 their
                 souls
                 ,
                 so
                 hath
                 it
                 exceedingly
                 provoked
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 stumbled
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 and
                 rendered
                 Kirk
                 Censures
                 and
                 Publick
                 Repentance
                 base
                 and
                 contemptible
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 third
                 consequence
                 is
                 ,
                 That
                 the
                 Sacrament
                 of
                 the
                 LORDS
                 Supper
                 hath
                 been
                 fearfully
                 polluted
                 and
                 prophaned
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 promiseuous
                 admitting
                 of
                 many
                 scandalous
                 and
                 ignorant
                 persons
                 thereto
                 :
                 The
                 truth
                 whereof
                 in
                 the
                 matter
                 of
                 fact
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 hath
                 been
                 the
                 constant
                 burden
                 and
                 complaint
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 godly
                 Ministers
                 and
                 
                 people
                 in
                 Scotland
                 these
                 many
                 years
                 past
                 ;
                 so
                 it
                 hath
                 been
                 oft
                 confessed
                 in
                 the
                 Causes
                 of
                 solemn
                 Fasts
                 ,
                 and
                 publick
                 Humiliation
                 and
                 particularly
                 in
                 that
                 publick
                 Acknowledgement
                 of
                 Sin
                 that
                 was
                 made
                 by
                 the
                 Kirk
                 of
                 Scotland
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 year
                 1648.
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 the
                 better
                 understood
                 and
                 taken
                 up
                 ;
                 ye
                 would
                 consider
                 first
                 what
                 persons
                 by
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 GOD
                 ,
                 and
                 doctrine
                 of
                 the
                 Kirk
                 of
                 Scotland
                 ,
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 debarred
                 from
                 ,
                 or
                 admitted
                 to
                 the
                 Sacrament
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 Supper
                 ;
                 how
                 the
                 rule
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 and
                 constitutions
                 of
                 the
                 Kirk
                 are
                 keeped
                 in
                 this
                 particular
                 .
                 For
                 the
                 first
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 clear
                 from
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Doctrine
                 of
                 the
                 Kirk
                 of
                 Scotland
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 scandalous
                 and
                 ignorant
                 persons
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 debarred
                 from
                 the
                 Sacrament
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 Supper
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 none
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 received
                 and
                 admitted
                 thereunto
                 ,
                 but
                 such
                 who
                 do
                 not
                 only
                 know
                 and
                 make
                 profession
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 but
                 walke
                 sutable
                 thereunto
                 .
                 The
                 Apostle
                 Paul
                 in
                 the
                 1
                 Cor.
                 11.
                 28.
                 appoints
                 that
                 a
                 man
                 must
                 first
                 examine
                 himself
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 eat
                 .
                 And
                 he
                 also
                 saith
                 ,
                 That
                 he
                 who
                 comes
                 to
                 that
                 Sacrament
                 ,
                 must
                 be
                 one
                 who
                 discernes
                 the
                 Lords
                 Body
                 ;
                 otherwise
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 eats
                 and
                 drinks
                 damnation
                 to
                 himself
                 ;
                 and
                 he
                 further
                 adds
                 ,
                 That
                 this
                 must
                 be
                 done
                 in
                 remembrance
                 of
                 JESUS
                 CHRIST
                 ,
                 to
                 shew
                 forth
                 his
                 death
                 till
                 he
                 come
                 again
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 such
                 as
                 by
                 reason
                 of
                 their
                 ignorance
                 cannot
                 examine
                 themselves
                 ,
                 nor
                 discern
                 the
                 Lords
                 Body
                 ,
                 nor
                 knowes
                 not
                 what
                 it
                 is
                 to
                 shew
                 forth
                 the
                 Lords
                 death
                 ,
                 ought
                 not
                 to
                 come
                 .
                 This
                 same
                 duty
                 of
                 examination
                 ,
                 discerning
                 the
                 Lords
                 Body
                 ,
                 which
                 the
                 Apostle
                 calls
                 for
                 ,
                 doth
                 also
                 debar
                 scandalous
                 persons
                 ,
                 and
                 admit
                 of
                 none
                 but
                 such
                 who
                 walk
                 orderly
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 because
                 the
                 examination
                 here
                 required
                 ,
                 must
                 be
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 nature
                 of
                 the
                 Ordinance
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 Supper
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 whether
                 they
                 be
                 worthy
                 or
                 not
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 ,
                 whether
                 they
                 have
                 repentance
                 or
                 not
                 ;
                 For
                 he
                 that
                 comes
                 without
                 it
                 ,
                 is
                 unclean
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 pollutes
                 the
                 Ordinance
                 ;
                 as
                 also
                 whether
                 he
                 hath
                 faith
                 or
                 not
                 ,
                 without
                 which
                 ,
                 there
                 can
                 be
                 no
                 discerning
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 Body
                 ,
                 nor
                 shewing
                 forth
                 his
                 death
                 ;
                 and
                 whether
                 they
                 have
                 love
                 or
                 no
                 ,
                 without
                 which
                 ,
                 there
                 can
                 be
                 no
                 Communion
                 with
                 CHRIST
                 and
                 his
                 Members
                 in
                 that
                 Ordinance
                 .
                 The
                 Confession
                 of
                 Faith
                 of
                 the
                 Kirk
                 of
                 Scotland
                 ,
                 Intituled
                 ,
                 To
                 whom
                 Sacraments
                 appertain
                 ,
                 speaks
                 thus
                 :
                 
                   But
                   the
                   Supper
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   (
                   we
                   confesse
                   )
                   to
                   appertain
                   to
                   such
                   only
                   as
                   be
                   of
                   the
                   houshold
                   of
                   Faith
                   ,
                   and
                   can
                   try
                   and
                   examine
                   themselves
                   ,
                   aswell
                   in
                   their
                   faith
                   as
                   in
                   their
                   duty
                   to
                   their
                   neighbour
                   ;
                   but
                   if
                   such
                   persons
                   ought
                   
                   not
                   to
                   come
                   ,
                   and
                   if
                   the
                   Sacraments
                   do
                   not
                   appertain
                   to
                   them
                   ,
                   there
                   can
                   be
                   no
                   question
                   ,
                   but
                   if
                   they
                   presume
                   to
                   come
                   ,
                   they
                   ought
                   to
                   be
                   debatred
                   ,
                   it
                   being
                   a
                   trust
                   committed
                   to
                   the
                   Officers
                   of
                   the
                   Kirk
                   ,
                   both
                   in
                   the
                   Old
                   and
                   New
                   Testament
                   to
                   keep
                   the
                   charge
                   of
                   the
                   holy
                   things
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   take
                   heed
                   that
                   his
                   Ordinances
                   be
                   not
                   polluted
                   and
                   prophaned
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   separate
                   the
                   precious
                   from
                   the
                   vile
                   .
                   Levit.
                   10.
                   10.
                   
                   
                     That
                     ye
                     may
                     put
                     a
                     difference
                     betwixt
                     the
                     holy
                     and
                     unholy
                     ,
                     betwixt
                     the
                     clean
                     and
                     unclean
                     .
                  
                   2
                   Chron.
                   23.
                   19.
                   
                   
                     And
                     he
                     set
                     the
                     porters
                     at
                     the
                     gates
                     of
                     the
                     house
                     of
                     the
                     Lord
                     ,
                     that
                     none
                     who
                     was
                     unclean
                     ,
                     in
                     any
                     thing
                     ,
                     should
                     enter
                     in
                     ,
                  
                   Ezek.
                   22.
                   26.
                   
                   
                     They
                     have
                     put
                     no
                     difference
                     betwixt
                     the
                     holy
                     and
                     prophane
                     ,
                     neither
                     have
                     they
                     shewed
                     difference
                     betwixt
                     the
                     clean
                     and
                     the
                     unclean
                     .
                  
                   Ezek.
                   44.
                   7.
                   
                   
                     In
                     that
                     ye
                     have
                     brought
                     into
                     my
                     sanctuary
                     strangers
                     uncircumcised
                     in
                     heart
                     ,
                     and
                     uncircumcised
                     in
                     flesh
                     ,
                     to
                     be
                     in
                     my
                     sanctuary
                     to
                     pollute
                     it
                     ,
                     even
                     my
                     house
                     ,
                     when
                     ye
                     offer
                     my
                     bread
                     ,
                     the
                     fat
                     and
                     the
                     bloud
                     ,
                     and
                     they
                     have
                     broken
                     my
                     Covenant
                     ,
                     because
                     of
                     all
                     your
                     abominations
                     ,
                     and
                     ye
                     have
                     not
                     keeped
                     the
                     charge
                     of
                     my
                     holy
                     things
                     ,
                     but
                     ye
                     have
                     set
                     keepers
                     of
                     my
                     charge
                     in
                     my
                     sanctuary
                     for
                     your selves
                     .
                  
                   Mat.
                   7.
                   6.
                   
                   
                     Give
                     not
                     that
                     which
                     is
                     holy
                     unto
                     dogs
                     ,
                     neither
                     cast
                     ye
                     your
                     pearls
                     before
                     swine
                     ,
                     lest
                     they
                     trample
                     them
                     under
                     their
                     feet
                     ,
                     and
                     turn
                     again
                     and
                     rent
                     you
                     .
                  
                   1
                   Cor.
                   5.
                   13.
                   
                   
                     But
                     them
                     that
                     are
                     without
                     God
                     judgeth
                     ;
                     therefore
                     put
                     away
                     from
                     amongst
                     your selves
                     that
                     wicked
                     person
                     .
                  
                   Tit.
                   3.
                   10.
                   
                   
                     A
                     man
                     that
                     is
                     an
                     heretick
                     ,
                     after
                     the
                     first
                     and
                     second
                     admonition
                     ,
                     reject
                     .
                  
                   Rev.
                   2.
                   20.
                   
                   
                     Neverthelesse
                     I
                     have
                     a
                     few
                     things
                     against
                     thee
                     ,
                     because
                     thou
                     sufferest
                     that
                     woman
                     Iezebel
                     ,
                     which
                     calleth
                     herself
                     a
                     prophetess
                     ,
                     to
                     teach
                     &
                     seduce
                     my
                     servants
                     to
                     commit
                     fornication
                     ,
                     and
                     to
                     eat
                     things
                     sacrificed
                     to
                     idols
                     .
                  
                   Jer.
                   15.
                   19.
                   
                   
                     If
                     thou
                     take
                     forth
                     the
                     precious
                     from
                     the
                     vile
                     ,
                     thou
                     shalt
                     be
                     as
                     my
                     mouth
                     :
                     let
                     them
                     return
                     unto
                     thee
                     ,
                     but
                     return
                     not
                     thou
                     unto
                     them
                     .
                  
                
                 The
                 Direction
                 for
                 the
                 Publick
                 Worship
                 of
                 God
                 throughout
                 the
                 three
                 Kingdomes
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 Head
                 concerning
                 the
                 Celebration
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 Supper
                 ,
                 asserts
                 ,
                 that
                 the
                 ignorant
                 &
                 scandalous
                 are
                 not
                 to
                 receive
                 the
                 Sacrament
                 .
                 And
                 the
                 Large
                 Catechism
                 asserts
                 ,
                 That
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 found
                 to
                 be
                 ignorant
                 &
                 scandalous
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 their
                 profession
                 of
                 saith
                 and
                 desire
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 Lords
                 Supper
                 ,
                 may
                 &
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 keeped
                 from
                 that
                 Sacrament
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 power
                 which
                 Christ
                 hath
                 left
                 in
                 his
                 Kirk
                 ,
                 untill
                 they
                 receive
                 instruction
                 ,
                 and
                 manifest
                 their
                 reformation
                 :
                 And
                 the
                 Confession
                 of
                 Faith
                 condescended
                 on
                 by
                 the
                 Assembly
                 of
                 Divines
                 ,
                 and
                 approven
                 by
                 the
                 Kirk
                 of
                 Scotland
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 Chapter
                 
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 Supper
                 ,
                 saith
                 ,
                 That
                 all
                 scandalous
                 and
                 ignorant
                 persons
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 are
                 unfit
                 to
                 enjoy
                 Communion
                 with
                 CHRIST
                 ,
                 so
                 are
                 they
                 unworthy
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 Table
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 cannot
                 without
                 great
                 sin
                 against
                 CHRIST
                 (
                 whilst
                 they
                 remain
                 such
                 )
                 partake
                 of
                 the
                 holy
                 Mysteries
                 ,
                 or
                 be
                 admitted
                 thereto
                 .
                 And
                 for
                 proof
                 thereof
                 ,
                 citeth
                 these
                 Scriptures
                 ,
                 1
                 Cor.
                 11.
                 27
                 ,
                 28
                 ,
                 29.
                 
                 
                   Wherefore
                   whosoever
                   shall
                   eat
                   this
                   bread
                   ,
                   and
                   drink
                   this
                   cup
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   unworthily
                   ,
                   shall
                   be
                   guilty
                   of
                   the
                   body
                   and
                   bloud
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   :
                   But
                   let
                   a
                   man
                   examin
                   himself
                   ,
                   and
                   so
                   let
                   him
                   eat
                   of
                   that
                   bread
                   ,
                   and
                   drink
                   of
                   that
                   cup
                   :
                   For
                   he
                   that
                   eateth
                   and
                   drinketh
                   unworthily
                   ,
                   eateth
                   and
                   drinketh
                   damnation
                   to
                   himself
                   ,
                   not
                   discerning
                   the
                   Lords
                   body
                   .
                
                 2
                 Cor.
                 5.
                 14
                 ,
                 15
                 ,
                 16.
                 
                 
                   For
                   the
                   love
                   of
                   Christ
                   constrainceth
                   us
                   ,
                   because
                   we
                   thus
                   judge
                   ,
                   That
                   if
                   one
                   died
                   for
                   all
                   ,
                   then
                   were
                   all
                   dead
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   he
                   died
                   for
                   all
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   which
                   live
                   ,
                   should
                   not
                   henceforth
                   live
                   to
                   themselves
                   ,
                   but
                   to
                   him
                   that
                   died
                   for
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   rose
                   again
                   .
                   Wherefore
                   henceforth
                   know
                   we
                   no
                   man
                   after
                   the
                   flesh
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   though
                   we
                   have
                   known
                   Christ
                   after
                   the
                   flesh
                   ,
                   yet
                   we
                   henceforth
                   know
                   him
                   no
                   more
                   .
                
                 1
                 Cor.
                 5.
                 6
                 ,
                 7.
                 
                 
                   Know
                   ye
                   not
                   ,
                   that
                   a
                   little
                   leaven
                   leaveneth
                   the
                   whole
                   lump
                   ?
                   Purge
                   out
                   therefore
                   the
                   old
                   leaven
                   ,
                   that
                   ye
                   may
                   be
                   a
                   new
                   lump
                   ,
                   as
                   ye
                   are
                   unleavened
                   .
                   For
                   even
                   Christ
                   our
                   passover
                   is
                   sacrificed
                   for
                   us
                   .
                
                 v.
                 13.
                 
                 
                   But
                   them
                   that
                   are
                   without
                   ,
                   God
                   judgeth
                   :
                   Therefore
                   put
                   away
                   from
                   among
                   your selves
                   that
                   wicked
                   person
                   .
                
                 2
                 Thess.
                 3.
                 6
                 ,
                 14
                 ,
                 15.
                 
                 
                   Now
                   we
                   command
                   you
                   ,
                   brethren
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   Name
                   of
                   our
                   Lord
                   Iesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   That
                   ye
                   withdraw
                   your selves
                   from
                   every
                   brother
                   that
                   walketh
                   disorderly
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   after
                   the
                   tradition
                   which
                   he
                   received
                   of
                   us
                   .
                   And
                   if
                   any
                   man
                   obey
                   not
                   our
                   word
                   by
                   this
                   Epistle
                   ,
                   note
                   that
                   man
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   no
                   company
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   may
                   be
                   ashamed
                   .
                   Yet
                   count
                   him
                   not
                   as
                   an
                   enemy
                   ,
                   but
                   admonish
                   him
                   as
                   a
                   brother
                   .
                
                 Mat.
                 7.
                 6.
                 
                 
                   Give
                   not
                   that
                   which
                   is
                   holy
                   unto
                   dogs
                   ,
                   neither
                   cast
                   ye
                   your
                   pearls
                   before
                   swine
                   ,
                   lest
                   they
                   trample
                   them
                   under
                   their
                   feet
                   ,
                   and
                   turn
                   again
                   and
                   rent
                   you
                   .
                
              
               
                 As
                 to
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 how
                 the
                 Rule
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 ,
                 and
                 Constitutions
                 of
                 this
                 Kirk
                 are
                 keept
                 in
                 this
                 particular
                 it
                 needs
                 nor
                 much
                 be
                 spoken
                 ,
                 the
                 transgression
                 being
                 so
                 palpable
                 &
                 common
                 that
                 they
                 who
                 runs
                 may
                 read
                 ,
                 these
                 particular
                 faults
                 may
                 be
                 taken
                 notice
                 of
                 in
                 order
                 to
                 this
                 point
                 :
                 1.
                 
                 To
                 say
                 nothing
                 ,
                 that
                 in
                 some
                 places
                 ,
                 few
                 or
                 none
                 at
                 all
                 are
                 excluded
                 for
                 ignorance
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 persons
                 being
                 once
                 come
                 to
                 such
                 an
                 age
                 ,
                 are
                 admitted
                 ,
                 and
                 being
                 once
                 admitted
                 ,
                 are
                 never
                 again
                 excluded
                 :
                 There
                 is
                 in
                 many
                 Congregations
                 little
                 or
                 no
                 care
                 to
                 
                 examine
                 ,
                 or
                 take
                 any
                 notice
                 of
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 all
                 persons
                 indifferently
                 ,
                 something
                 being
                 done
                 in
                 reference
                 to
                 servants
                 ,
                 and
                 these
                 of
                 the
                 poorer
                 sort
                 ,
                 but
                 masters
                 of
                 families
                 and
                 those
                 of
                 the
                 richer
                 sort
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 neglected
                 ,
                 taking
                 it
                 for
                 granted
                 (
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 )
                 that
                 they
                 have
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 when
                 indeed
                 many
                 of
                 them
                 are
                 grosly
                 ignorant
                 ,
                 and
                 ought
                 because
                 of
                 their
                 ignorance
                 to
                 be
                 debarred
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 That
                 the
                 bare
                 repeating
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 Prayer
                 ,
                 the
                 Belief
                 ,
                 or
                 ten
                 Commandements
                 ,
                 or
                 answering
                 a
                 Question
                 or
                 two
                 of
                 the
                 Catechisme
                 by
                 rot-rime
                 (
                 as
                 we
                 say
                 )
                 when
                 nothing
                 of
                 the
                 meaning
                 is
                 understood
                 ,
                 is
                 by
                 many
                 taken
                 for
                 knowledge
                 sufficient
                 .
                 3.
                 
                 There
                 is
                 not
                 sufficient
                 care
                 to
                 take
                 notice
                 of
                 all
                 scandals
                 and
                 scandalous
                 persons
                 ,
                 in
                 which
                 respect
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 twofold
                 gross
                 neglect
                 :
                 1
                 That
                 the
                 scandal
                 of
                 omission
                 of
                 Duty
                 is
                 not
                 taken
                 notice
                 of
                 ,
                 as
                 well
                 as
                 the
                 scandal
                 of
                 commission
                 of
                 sin
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 that
                 the
                 Acts
                 and
                 Constitutions
                 of
                 the
                 Kirk
                 make
                 express
                 provision
                 for
                 the
                 one
                 aswel
                 as
                 for
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 as
                 may
                 be
                 seen
                 in
                 their
                 Acts
                 against
                 these
                 who
                 absent
                 themselves
                 on
                 the
                 Lords
                 day
                 from
                 the
                 Publick
                 Worship
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 against
                 masters
                 of
                 families
                 who
                 neglect
                 to
                 pray
                 in
                 their
                 family
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 of
                 that
                 nature
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 The
                 many
                 scandals
                 of
                 commission
                 are
                 also
                 neglected
                 ,
                 it
                 being
                 a
                 custom
                 in
                 many
                 Congregations
                 to
                 take
                 notice
                 only
                 of
                 Fornicators
                 and
                 Adulterers
                 ,
                 and
                 workers
                 on
                 the
                 Lords
                 day
                 ,
                 and
                 such
                 as
                 these
                 ;
                 but
                 do
                 neglect
                 Tiplers
                 ,
                 Drunkards
                 ,
                 Swearets
                 ,
                 Lyars
                 ,
                 Deceivers
                 of
                 their
                 Neighbors
                 ,
                 Fighters
                 ,
                 Oppressors
                 ,
                 Extortioners
                 ,
                 Covetous
                 persons
                 ,
                 and
                 many
                 others
                 who
                 walk
                 contrary
                 to
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ;
                 whereas
                 it
                 is
                 expresly
                 provided
                 by
                 the
                 Discipline
                 of
                 this
                 Kirk
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 year
                 1587.
                 that
                 if
                 the
                 Eldership
                 perceive
                 any
                 thing
                 in
                 the
                 Congregation
                 either
                 evil
                 in
                 the
                 example
                 ,
                 or
                 scandalous
                 in
                 manners
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 beseeming
                 their
                 profession
                 ,
                 whatsoever
                 it
                 be
                 that
                 may
                 spot
                 the
                 Christian
                 Congregation
                 ,
                 yea
                 rather
                 whatsoever
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 edification
                 ,
                 ought
                 not
                 to
                 escape
                 admonition
                 or
                 punishment
                 ,
                 or
                 higher
                 degree
                 of
                 Kirk-Censure
                 ,
                 as
                 2
                 Cor.
                 2.
                 6.
                 
                 
                   Sufficient
                   to
                   such
                   a
                   man
                   is
                   this
                   punishment
                   which
                   was
                   inflicted
                   of
                   many
                   .
                
                 3.
                 
                 That
                 many
                 such
                 as
                 have
                 been
                 judicially
                 convicted
                 of
                 scandalous
                 faults
                 ,
                 are
                 pressed
                 and
                 received
                 into
                 a
                 publick
                 profession
                 of
                 Repentance
                 ,
                 when
                 as
                 indeed
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 real
                 evidences
                 of
                 Repentance
                 ,
                 yet
                 by
                 a
                 profession
                 therof
                 are
                 put
                 in
                 a
                 capacity
                 to
                 come
                 to
                 the
                 Lords
                 Table
                 :
                 By
                 these
                 waies
                 it
                 comes
                 to
                 pass
                 that
                 many
                 ignorant
                 and
                 scandalous
                 persons
                 are
                 admitted
                 who
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 excluded
                 ;
                 which
                 certainly
                 is
                 a
                 fearful
                 sin
                 ,
                 as
                 may
                 appear
                 in
                 these
                 and
                 many
                 other
                 respects
                 :
                 
                 1.
                 
                 It
                 hinders
                 many
                 poor
                 souls
                 from
                 searching
                 after
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 departing
                 from
                 iniquity
                 ,
                 and
                 hardens
                 them
                 in
                 their
                 ignorance
                 and
                 lewdness
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 It
                 causeth
                 them
                 to
                 prohane
                 the
                 precious
                 bloud
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 eat
                 and
                 drink
                 damnation
                 to
                 themselves
                 .
                 3.
                 
                 It
                 makes
                 the
                 ignorant
                 and
                 scandalous
                 promiscuously
                 partakers
                 of
                 the
                 seals
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 Grace
                 with
                 the
                 truly
                 godly
                 .
                 4.
                 
                 It
                 provokes
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 depart
                 from
                 his
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 and
                 forsake
                 his
                 Temple
                 ,
                 because
                 of
                 such
                 dishonour
                 to
                 his
                 Name
                 .
                 5.
                 
                 It
                 brings
                 on
                 the
                 judgment
                 of
                 God
                 on
                 particular
                 persons
                 and
                 the
                 whol
                 Land.
                 Lastly
                 ,
                 it
                 grieves
                 and
                 stumbles
                 the
                 godly
                 amongst
                 our selves
                 ,
                 and
                 exposes
                 our selves
                 and
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 Christ
                 therein
                 ,
                 to
                 contempt
                 and
                 reproach
                 amongst
                 others
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 Fourth
                 Consequent
                 which
                 is
                 named
                 to
                 follow
                 on
                 the
                 resting
                 upon
                 outward
                 and
                 bare
                 forms
                 ,
                 is
                 the
                 keeping
                 in
                 of
                 many
                 continually
                 &
                 openly
                 profane
                 in
                 the
                 fellowship
                 of
                 this
                 Kirk
                 ,
                 by
                 which
                 is
                 meant
                 the
                 neglect
                 of
                 casting
                 out
                 such
                 from
                 the
                 fellowship
                 of
                 the
                 kirk
                 by
                 the
                 sentence
                 of
                 excomunication
                 ;
                 for
                 certainly
                 these
                 who
                 do
                 wilfully
                 continue
                 in
                 their
                 ignorance
                 from
                 year
                 to
                 year
                 ,
                 slighting
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 and
                 refusing
                 to
                 be
                 instructed
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 learn
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 :
                 And
                 these
                 who
                 do
                 continue
                 in
                 an
                 open
                 course
                 of
                 prophanity
                 ,
                 making
                 a
                 profession
                 of
                 repentance
                 ,
                 and
                 still
                 persisting
                 in
                 their
                 wicked
                 way
                 after
                 sufficient
                 pains
                 taken
                 on
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 slighting
                 other
                 inferior
                 Kirk
                 Censures
                 ,
                 ought
                 to
                 be
                 casten
                 out
                 as
                 dry
                 and
                 withered
                 ,
                 corrupt
                 and
                 rotten
                 branches
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 looked
                 as
                 Members
                 of
                 the
                 Kirk
                 of
                 GOD.
                 Num.
                 15.
                 30.
                 
                 
                   But
                   the
                   soul
                   that
                   doth
                   ought
                   presumptuously
                   ,
                   whether
                   he
                   be
                   born
                   in
                   the
                   Land
                   ,
                   or
                   a
                   stranger
                   ;
                   the
                   same
                   reproacheth
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   soul
                   shall
                   be
                   cut
                   off
                   from
                   amongst
                   his
                   People
                   .
                   Psal.
                
                 50.
                 16
                 ,
                 17.
                 
                 
                   But
                   to
                   the
                   wicked
                   God
                   saith
                   ,
                   What
                   hast
                   thou
                   to
                   do
                   to
                   declare
                   my
                   Statutes
                   ,
                   or
                   that
                   thou
                   shouldest
                   take
                   my
                   Covenant
                   in
                   thy
                   mouth
                   ,
                   seeing
                   thou
                   hatest
                   instruction
                   and
                   casteth
                   my
                   Words
                   behinds
                   thee
                   ?
                   Mat.
                
                 18.
                 18.
                 
                 
                   Verily
                   I
                   say
                   unto
                   you
                   ,
                   Whatsoever
                   you
                   shall
                   bind
                   on
                   Earth
                   ,
                   shall
                   be
                   bound
                   in
                   Heaven
                   .
                
                 And
                 therfore
                 it
                 is
                 provided
                 in
                 the
                 old
                 Acts
                 of
                 the
                 Assembly
                 of
                 this
                 Kirk
                 ,
                 that
                 who
                 will
                 stubbornly
                 remain
                 ignorant
                 in
                 the
                 principal
                 points
                 of
                 Salvation
                 ,
                 shall
                 be
                 Excommunicated
                 :
                 And
                 that
                 every
                 Master
                 of
                 Family
                 shall
                 be
                 commanded
                 ,
                 either
                 to
                 instruct
                 his
                 Children
                 and
                 Servants
                 ,
                 or
                 cause
                 them
                 be
                 instructed
                 ;
                 and
                 if
                 they
                 will
                 not
                 ,
                 the
                 Kirk
                 shall
                 proceed
                 against
                 them
                 .
                 The
                 Gen.
                 Assembly
                 at
                 Edinburgh
                 in
                 the
                 year
                 1648.
                 in
                 the
                 Overtures
                 for
                 the
                 remedy
                 
                 of
                 Grievances
                 and
                 common
                 Sins
                 of
                 the
                 Land
                 ,
                 provided
                 ,
                 That
                 persons
                 often
                 guilty
                 of
                 gross
                 scandals
                 ,
                 be
                 Excommunicated
                 more
                 summarily
                 then
                 ordinary
                 Process
                 ,
                 except
                 there
                 be
                 more
                 then
                 ordinary
                 signs
                 &
                 an
                 eminent
                 measure
                 of
                 repentance
                 ,
                 made
                 known
                 to
                 the
                 Sessions
                 and
                 Presbyterie
                 .
                 Besides
                 these
                 four
                 ,
                 the
                 Article
                 also
                 mentions
                 many
                 other
                 sad
                 and
                 fearful
                 consequents
                 unto
                 the
                 prophaning
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 rendring
                 them
                 bare
                 ,
                 barren
                 and
                 fruitless
                 to
                 us
                 .
                 And
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 question
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 formality
                 in
                 profession
                 ,
                 and
                 resting
                 upon
                 ,
                 and
                 idolizing
                 outward
                 and
                 bare
                 forms
                 ,
                 brings
                 out
                 many
                 sad
                 consequents
                 besides
                 these
                 ;
                 such
                 as
                 the
                 slighting
                 by
                 many
                 ,
                 and
                 mocking
                 by
                 some
                 ,
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 the
                 Spirit
                 ,
                 not
                 seeking
                 after
                 communion
                 and
                 fellowship
                 with
                 God
                 in
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 not
                 studying
                 to
                 know
                 ,
                 and
                 be
                 humbled
                 for
                 the
                 iniquity
                 of
                 our
                 Holy
                 things
                 ,
                 not
                 seeing
                 a
                 need
                 ,
                 and
                 imploying
                 of
                 JESUS
                 CHRIST
                 for
                 strength
                 ,
                 and
                 acceptance
                 in
                 all
                 our
                 performances
                 ;
                 and
                 turning
                 the
                 living
                 God
                 to
                 a
                 dumb
                 Idol
                 :
                 and
                 many
                 others
                 that
                 are
                 mentioned
                 and
                 spoken
                 to
                 ,
                 in
                 that
                 Paper
                 published
                 by
                 the
                 Commssion
                 ,
                 concerning
                 the
                 contempt
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Fourth
                 Article
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 fourth
                 Artcle
                 hath
                 two
                 parts
                 ;
                 the
                 first
                 whereof
                 relates
                 to
                 the
                 neglect
                 of
                 Family-worship
                 :
                 which
                 though
                 it
                 be
                 a
                 grievous
                 sin
                 ,
                 which
                 provokes
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 pour
                 out
                 his
                 wrath
                 on
                 a
                 People
                 ,
                 Ier.
                 10.
                 25.
                 
                 
                   Pour
                   out
                   thy
                   fury
                   on
                   the
                   Heathen
                   that
                   know
                   thee
                   not
                   ,
                   and
                   on
                   the
                   families
                   that
                   call
                   not
                   on
                   thy
                   Name
                   .
                
                 Yet
                 there
                 be
                 many
                 Masters
                 of
                 Families
                 amongst
                 all
                 ranks
                 of
                 persons
                 ,
                 Noblemen
                 ,
                 Barons
                 ,
                 Gentlemen
                 ,
                 Burgesses
                 ,
                 Commons
                 ,
                 and
                 even
                 some
                 Ministers
                 who
                 lie
                 under
                 the
                 guilt
                 ;
                 nay
                 ,
                 there
                 be
                 but
                 few
                 in
                 which
                 the
                 plurality
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 found
                 to
                 neglect
                 ,
                 or
                 never
                 to
                 have
                 practised
                 the
                 Duty
                 :
                 Instance
                 is
                 given
                 in
                 the
                 Article
                 of
                 Great
                 men
                 ,
                 (
                 Nobles
                 ,
                 Barons
                 ,
                 Gentlemen
                 and
                 Burgesses
                 of
                 special
                 note
                 )
                 because
                 very
                 few
                 are
                 to
                 be
                 found
                 amongst
                 these
                 who
                 make
                 conscience
                 to
                 call
                 on
                 the
                 Lords
                 Name
                 in
                 their
                 Families
                 ,
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 turning
                 over
                 the
                 Duty
                 wholly
                 on
                 a
                 Chaplain
                 ,
                 or
                 some
                 other
                 person
                 in
                 the
                 Family
                 ;
                 and
                 others
                 of
                 them
                 having
                 no
                 such
                 Duty
                 in
                 their
                 Families
                 performed
                 at
                 all
                 ,
                 either
                 by
                 themselves
                 ,
                 or
                 by
                 any
                 other
                 ,
                 they
                 being
                 either
                 unable
                 ,
                 or
                 ashamed
                 and
                 unwilling
                 to
                 do
                 it
                 ;
                 whereas
                 great
                 and
                 eminent
                 persons
                 have
                 accounted
                 it
                 their
                 duty
                 and
                 glory
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 followed
                 it
                 with
                 much
                 conscience
                 and
                 care
                 ,
                 as
                 may
                 be
                 instanced
                 in
                 
                   Abraham
                   ,
                   Gen.
                
                 18.
                 19.
                 
                 
                   For
                   I
                   know
                   him
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   will
                   command
                   his
                   children
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   his
                   houshold
                   after
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   shal
                   keep
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   to
                   do
                   justice
                   and
                   judgement
                   ,
                   that
                   the
                   Lord
                   may
                   bring
                   on
                
                 Abraham
                 
                   that
                   which
                   he
                   hath
                   spoken
                   of
                   .
                
                 And
                 in
                 Ioshua
                 ,
                 24.
                 15.
                 
                 
                   And
                   if
                   it
                   seem
                   evill
                   unto
                   you
                   to
                   serve
                   the
                
                 LORD
                 ,
                 
                   choose
                   you
                   this
                   day
                   whom
                   ye
                   will
                   serve
                   whether
                   the
                   gods
                   that
                   your
                   fathers
                   served
                   who
                   were
                   on
                   the
                   other
                   side
                   of
                   the
                   floud
                   ,
                   or
                   the
                   gods
                   of
                   the
                
                 Amorites
                 
                   in
                   whose
                   Land
                   ye
                   dwel
                   :
                   but
                   as
                   for
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   my
                   house
                   we
                   will
                   serve
                   the
                
                 LORD
                 .
                 And
                 in
                 David
                 ,
                 2
                 Sam.
                 6.
                 20.
                 
                 Then
                 David
                 
                   returned
                   to
                   bless
                   his
                   houshold
                
                 .
                 This
                 woful
                 neglect
                 of
                 so
                 necessary
                 and
                 profitable
                 a
                 duty
                 ,
                 especially
                 in
                 the
                 Families
                 of
                 great
                 Ones
                 ,
                 usually
                 attended
                 with
                 the
                 neglect
                 of
                 catechising
                 and
                 instructing
                 of
                 Children
                 and
                 Servants
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 pressing
                 and
                 exercising
                 them
                 unto
                 Prayer
                 and
                 other
                 religious
                 Duties
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 sin
                 before
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 height
                 where
                 of
                 is
                 encreased
                 by
                 their
                 continuing
                 therein
                 ,
                 after
                 solemn
                 publick
                 confession
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 engaging
                 to
                 the
                 contrary
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 year
                 1648.
                 and
                 is
                 expresly
                 to
                 be
                 seen
                 in
                 the
                 solemn
                 ,
                 publick
                 confession
                 of
                 sins
                 ,
                 and
                 engagement
                 to
                 duties
                 ;
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 the
                 cause
                 of
                 much
                 ignorance
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 Atheism
                 and
                 loosness
                 ,
                 prophanity
                 ,
                 disorder
                 and
                 discontent
                 that
                 is
                 in
                 Families
                 :
                 and
                 not
                 only
                 proves
                 a
                 binderance
                 to
                 the
                 spreading
                 of
                 piety
                 amongst
                 others
                 who
                 walks
                 after
                 their
                 example
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 stops
                 the
                 course
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 blessings
                 on
                 themselves
                 and
                 on
                 their
                 Families
                 ,
                 and
                 brings
                 down
                 upon
                 them
                 many
                 judgments
                 and
                 curses
                 from
                 the
                 Lord.
                 The
                 other
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 Article
                 relates
                 to
                 the
                 loathing
                 and
                 hating
                 of
                 godliness
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 reproaching
                 ,
                 reviling
                 ,
                 oppressing
                 and
                 persecuting
                 the
                 godly
                 :
                 A
                 sin
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 great
                 in
                 it self
                 ,
                 Gen.
                 21.
                 9.
                 
                 And
                 Sarah
                 
                   saw
                   the
                   son
                   of
                
                 Hagar
                 the
                 Egytian
                 
                   which
                   she
                   had
                   born
                   unto
                
                 Abraham
                 
                   mocking
                   .
                   Gal.
                
                 4.
                 28.
                 
                 
                   Now
                   we
                   ,
                   brethren
                   ,
                   as
                
                 Isaac
                 
                   was
                   ,
                   are
                   the
                   children
                   of
                   promise
                   :
                   But
                   as
                   then
                   he
                   who
                   was
                   born
                   after
                   the
                   flesh
                   ,
                   persecuted
                   him
                   who
                   was
                   born
                   after
                   the
                   Spirit
                   ,
                   even
                   so
                   it
                   is
                   now
                   .
                
                 Ps.
                 14.
                 6.
                 
                 
                   Ye
                   have
                   s●amed
                   the
                   counsel
                   of
                   the
                   poor
                   ;
                   because
                   the
                   Lord
                   is
                   his
                   refuge
                   .
                
                 Isa.
                 8.
                 18.
                 
                 
                   Behold
                   ,
                   I
                   and
                   the
                   children
                   whom
                   the
                   Lord
                   hath
                   given
                   me
                   ,
                   are
                   for
                   signs
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   wonders
                   in
                
                 Israel
                 ,
                 
                   from
                   the
                   Lord
                   of
                   Hosts
                   who
                   dwelleth
                   in
                   Mount
                   Sion
                   .
                
                 Act.
                 9.
                 4
                 
                 
                   And
                   he
                   fell
                   to
                   the
                   earth
                   ,
                   and
                   heard
                   a
                   voice
                   saying
                   to
                   him
                   ,
                
                 Saul
                 ,
                 Saul
                 ,
                 
                   why
                   persecutest
                   thou
                   me
                   ?
                   And
                   drawes
                   down
                   a
                   recompense
                   of
                   tribulation
                   from
                   the
                   Lord.
                
                 2
                 Thess.
                 1
                 6
                 
                   Seeing
                   it
                   is
                   a
                   righteous
                   thing
                   with
                   the
                   Lord
                   to
                   recompense
                   tribulation
                   to
                   them
                   which
                   trouble
                   you
                   :
                
                 so
                 it
                 seems
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 monstruous
                 sin
                 amongst
                 a
                 People
                 ,
                 making
                 profession
                 of
                 Reformation
                 ,
                 and
                 who
                 are
                 
                 so
                 often
                 covenanted
                 to
                 God
                 in
                 so
                 solemn
                 a
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 yet
                 hath
                 it
                 prevailed
                 and
                 abounded
                 exceedingly
                 this
                 year
                 by
                 gone
                 ,
                 in
                 Court
                 ,
                 in
                 Country
                 ,
                 in
                 Cities
                 ,
                 in
                 Judicatories
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 Army
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 where
                 throughout
                 the
                 Land
                 :
                 
                   A
                   man
                   was
                   made
                   an
                   offender
                   for
                   a
                   word
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   that
                   departed
                   from
                   iniquity
                   ,
                   made
                   himself
                   a
                   prey
                   .
                
                 It
                 was
                 quarrel
                 enough
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 have
                 run
                 with
                 others
                 to
                 the
                 same
                 excess
                 of
                 riot
                 :
                 They
                 who
                 would
                 not
                 be
                 disaffected
                 and
                 disolute
                 ,
                 behooved
                 to
                 be
                 esteemed
                 enemies
                 to
                 their
                 Country
                 :
                 they
                 who
                 studied
                 to
                 make
                 conscience
                 of
                 holy
                 Duties
                 ,
                 and
                 keep
                 their
                 integrity
                 ,
                 were
                 slandered
                 as
                 Sectaries
                 ,
                 and
                 complyers
                 with
                 Sectaries
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 not
                 only
                 exposed
                 to
                 the
                 scourge
                 of
                 tongues
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 to
                 the
                 violence
                 and
                 oppression
                 of
                 malignant
                 ,
                 graceless
                 and
                 prophane
                 men
                 :
                 Neither
                 were
                 Magistrates
                 and
                 Ministers
                 free
                 of
                 this
                 sin
                 ,
                 but
                 even
                 sundry
                 of
                 these
                 who
                 ought
                 to
                 have
                 protected
                 ,
                 encouraged
                 and
                 countenanced
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 were
                 as
                 pricks
                 in
                 their
                 eyes
                 ,
                 and
                 thorns
                 in
                 their
                 sides
                 ;
                 not
                 only
                 by
                 withdrawing
                 their
                 countenance
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 giving
                 way
                 to
                 others
                 ,
                 to
                 revile
                 ,
                 oppress
                 and
                 persecute
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 by
                 imploying
                 their
                 own
                 gifts
                 and
                 power
                 in
                 Judicatories
                 ,
                 and
                 Pulpits
                 ,
                 and
                 otherwaies
                 ,
                 for
                 keeping
                 them
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 making
                 them
                 hateful
                 and
                 odious
                 to
                 others
                 amongst
                 whom
                 they
                 liue
                 .
                 And
                 whilest
                 we
                 are
                 speaking
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 We
                 cannot
                 but
                 mention
                 the
                 great
                 prejudice
                 and
                 enmity
                 which
                 many
                 Ministers
                 had
                 against
                 the
                 exercises
                 of
                 godliness
                 and
                 duties
                 of
                 mutual
                 edification
                 ,
                 together
                 with
                 the
                 great
                 blot
                 brought
                 upon
                 piety
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 great
                 blow
                 given
                 to
                 the
                 exercise
                 of
                 godliness
                 by
                 the
                 Act
                 of
                 the
                 Assembly
                 at
                 Aberdeen
                 ,
                 not
                 repented
                 of
                 by
                 the
                 Kirk
                 of
                 Scotland
                 ,
                 nor
                 repealed
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 :
                 and
                 the
                 great
                 neglect
                 of
                 the
                 duties
                 of
                 mutual
                 edification
                 amongst
                 the
                 Lords
                 Ministers
                 and
                 People
                 ,
                 after
                 there
                 was
                 allowance
                 given
                 for
                 the
                 same
                 by
                 the
                 following
                 Assemblies
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 suffering
                 of
                 many
                 giftless
                 and
                 unprofitable
                 Ministers
                 not
                 gifted
                 of
                 God
                 to
                 edifie
                 his
                 People
                 ,
                 to
                 continue
                 in
                 the
                 Ministry
                 ;
                 whereby
                 it
                 comes
                 to
                 pass
                 that
                 many
                 gracious
                 People
                 were
                 necessitated
                 either
                 to
                 want
                 edification
                 in
                 the
                 Publick
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 fall
                 under
                 the
                 censure
                 of
                 such
                 Acts
                 made
                 against
                 such
                 as
                 did
                 usually
                 withdrawe
                 from
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 and
                 Ministry
                 of
                 their
                 own
                 Parish
                 Churches
                 .
                 This
                 sin
                 of
                 hating
                 and
                 bearing
                 down
                 the
                 power
                 of
                 godliness
                 ,
                 and
                 persecuting
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 was
                 accompanied
                 with
                 another
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 mentioned
                 also
                 in
                 the
                 Article
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 The
                 countenancing
                 and
                 employing
                 the
                 ungodly
                 and
                 prophane
                 ,
                 a
                 thing
                 that
                 the
                 godly
                 mans
                 soul
                 abhorred
                 ,
                 
                   Psa.
                   26.
                   1
                   ,
                   2.
                   3
                   ,
                   4.
                   
                   
                   Iudge
                   me
                   ,
                   O
                   Lord
                   ,
                   for
                   I
                   have
                   walked
                   in
                   mine
                   integrity
                   ,
                   I
                   have
                   trusted
                   also
                   in
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   therefore
                   I
                   shall
                   not
                   slide
                   .
                   Examin
                   me
                   ,
                   O
                   Lord
                   ,
                   and
                   prove
                   me
                   ,
                   try
                   my
                   heart
                   and
                   my
                   veins
                   ;
                   For
                   thy
                   loving
                   kindnesse
                   is
                   before
                   mine
                   eyes
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   have
                   walked
                   in
                   thy
                   truth
                   .
                   I
                   have
                   not
                   sit
                   with
                   vain
                   persons
                   ,
                   neither
                   will
                   I
                   go
                   with
                   dissemblers
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 And
                 so
                 throughout
                 the
                 Psalm
                 .
                 Psalm
                 101.
                 4
                 ,
                 5.
                 
                 
                   A
                   froward
                   hear
                   :
                   shall
                   depart
                   from
                   me
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   not
                   know
                   a
                   wicked
                   person
                   .
                   Whoso
                   privily
                   slandereth
                   his
                   neighbour
                   ,
                   him
                   will
                   I
                   cut
                   off
                   :
                   Him
                   that
                   hath
                   a
                   proud
                   heart
                   ,
                   and
                   an
                   high
                   look
                   will
                   I
                   not
                   suffer
                   .
                
                 Psalm
                 .
                 139.
                 21
                 ,
                 22.
                 
                 
                   Do
                   not
                   I
                   hate
                   them
                   ,
                   O
                   Lord
                   ,
                   that
                   hate
                   thee
                   ?
                   And
                   am
                   not
                   I
                   grieved
                   with
                   these
                   that
                   rise
                   up
                   against
                   thee
                   ?
                   I
                   hate
                   them
                   with
                   perfect
                   hatred
                   :
                   I
                   count
                   them
                   mine
                   enemies
                   .
                
                 23.
                 
                   v.
                   Search
                   me
                   ,
                   O
                   Lord
                   ,
                   and
                   know
                   my
                   heart
                   :
                   try
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   know
                   my
                   thoughts
                   .
                
                 And
                 yet
                 ,
                 hath
                 it
                 not
                 gotten
                 great
                 footing
                 amongst
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 made
                 wicked
                 men
                 get
                 up
                 the
                 head
                 ,
                 and
                 wickednesse
                 to
                 grow
                 and
                 abound
                 every-where
                 ?
                 
                   The
                   wicked
                   walk
                   on
                   every
                   side
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   vilest
                   men
                   are
                   exalted
                   ,
                
                 Psalm
                 12.
                 last
                 verse
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 5.
                 
                 Article
                 .
              
               
                 THe
                 fifth
                 Article
                 speaks
                 of
                 Covetousnesse
                 and
                 Oppression
                 ,
                 the
                 one
                 as
                 the
                 root
                 ,
                 the
                 other
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 fruit
                 and
                 effect
                 thereof
                 .
                 We
                 need
                 not
                 to
                 insist
                 to
                 shew
                 what
                 a
                 sin
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 the
                 World
                 and
                 Covetousnesse
                 is
                 ,
                 the
                 Scriptures
                 hold
                 it
                 forth
                 as
                 Idolatry
                 ,
                 Col.
                 3.
                 5.
                 
                 
                   Mortifie
                   therefore
                   your
                   members
                   which
                   are
                   on
                   the
                   earth
                   ,
                   fornication
                   ,
                   uncleannesse
                   ,
                   inordinate
                   affection
                   ,
                   evil
                   concupiscence
                   ,
                   and
                   covetousnesse
                   which
                   is
                   Idolatry
                   ,
                
                 as
                 the
                 root
                 of
                 all
                 evill
                 .
                 1
                 Tim.
                 6.
                 10.
                 
                 
                   For
                   the
                   love
                   of
                   money
                   is
                   the
                   root
                   of
                   all
                   evil
                   ,
                   which
                   while
                   some
                   men
                   have
                   coveted
                   after
                   ,
                   they
                   have
                   erred
                   from
                   the
                   faith
                   ,
                   and
                   pierced
                   themselves
                   through
                   with
                   many
                   sorrows
                   :
                
                 As
                 that
                 which
                 is
                 inconsistent
                 with
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 God.
                 1
                 Ioh.
                 2.
                 15.
                 
                 
                   Love
                   not
                   the
                   World
                   ,
                   neither
                   the
                   things
                   that
                   are
                   in
                   the
                   world
                   .
                   If
                   any
                   man
                   love
                   the
                   World
                   ,
                   the
                   love
                   of
                   the
                   Father
                   is
                   not
                   in
                   him
                   .
                
                 As
                 that
                 which
                 makes
                 the
                 Lord
                 wroth
                 with
                 
                   men
                   .
                   Isai.
                
                 57.
                 17.
                 
                 
                   For
                   the
                   iniquity
                   of
                   his
                   covetousnes
                   was
                   I
                   wroth
                   ,
                   and
                   smote
                   him
                   :
                   I
                   ●id
                   my self
                   and
                   was
                   wroth
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   went
                   on
                   frowardly
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   his
                   heart
                   .
                
                 And
                 to
                 abhor
                 them
                 ,
                 Psalm
                 10.
                 3.
                 
                 
                   The
                   wicked
                   boasteth
                   of
                   his
                   hearts
                   desire
                   ,
                   and
                   blesseth
                   the
                   covetous
                   whom
                   the
                   Lord
                   abhorreth
                   .
                
                 As
                 that
                 which
                 brings
                 the
                 curse
                 of
                 God
                 on
                 them
                 and
                 on
                 their
                 families
                 ,
                 Hab.
                 2.
                 9
                 ,
                 10
                 ,
                 11.
                 
                 
                   Wo
                   to
                   him
                   that
                   coveteth
                   an
                   evil
                   covetousnesse
                   to
                   his
                   house
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   may
                   set
                   his
                   
                   nest
                   on
                   high
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   may
                   be
                   delivered
                   from
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   evil
                   .
                   Thou
                   hast
                   consulted
                   shame
                   to
                   thine
                   house
                   ,
                   by
                   cutting
                   off
                   many
                   people
                   ,
                   and
                   hast
                   sinned
                   against
                   thy
                   soul.
                   For
                   the
                   stones
                   shall
                   cry
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   wall
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   beam
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   timber
                   shall
                   answer
                   it
                   .
                
                 And
                 though
                 it
                 have
                 in
                 it
                 all
                 these
                 and
                 many
                 other
                 mischiefs
                 and
                 evils
                 ,
                 yet
                 hath
                 it
                 taken
                 hold
                 on
                 ,
                 and
                 doth
                 cleave
                 closely
                 to
                 many
                 of
                 all
                 ranks
                 in
                 the
                 Land
                 in
                 their
                 carriage
                 and
                 actings
                 :
                 Do
                 not
                 the
                 Body
                 of
                 the
                 People
                 spend
                 their
                 time
                 in
                 seeking
                 after
                 the
                 things
                 of
                 a
                 present
                 world
                 ;
                 and
                 according
                 as
                 they
                 prosper
                 ,
                 or
                 are
                 crossed
                 in
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 accordingly
                 do
                 they
                 think
                 themselves
                 happy
                 or
                 miserable
                 .
                 And
                 there
                 be
                 Ministers
                 not
                 a
                 few
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 they
                 entered
                 ,
                 so
                 do
                 they
                 follow
                 the
                 work
                 of
                 the
                 Ministery
                 for
                 the
                 things
                 of
                 a
                 present
                 world
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 more
                 for
                 caring
                 for
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 then
                 for
                 the
                 souls
                 committed
                 to
                 their
                 charge
                 ,
                 and
                 more
                 eager
                 in
                 pursuing
                 an
                 encrease
                 and
                 augmentation
                 in
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 then
                 in
                 pursuing
                 the
                 things
                 that
                 concern
                 the
                 beating
                 down
                 of
                 Satans
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 promoving
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 JESUS
                 CHRIST
                 .
                 And
                 hence
                 also
                 it
                 is
                 as
                 from
                 a
                 main
                 cause
                 that
                 Ministers
                 not
                 a
                 few
                 ,
                 prove
                 unfaithfull
                 in
                 their
                 duty
                 ,
                 and
                 unsutable
                 in
                 a
                 day
                 of
                 temptation
                 ,
                 rather
                 choosing
                 to
                 forbear
                 to
                 reprove
                 and
                 censure
                 the
                 faults
                 of
                 these
                 who
                 may
                 bring
                 prejudice
                 to
                 them
                 in
                 things
                 worldly
                 ,
                 rather
                 then
                 to
                 offend
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 rather
                 choosing
                 to
                 become
                 neutrall
                 and
                 indifferent
                 ,
                 or
                 comply
                 with
                 evill
                 courses
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 hazard
                 the
                 losse
                 of
                 their
                 stipends
                 ,
                 but
                 especially
                 the
                 sad
                 and
                 wofull
                 fruit
                 of
                 this
                 wofull
                 evill
                 appears
                 in
                 Masters
                 to
                 their
                 servants
                 ,
                 Landlords
                 to
                 their
                 Tenents
                 ,
                 Magistrats
                 and
                 Rulers
                 to
                 these
                 over
                 whom
                 they
                 bear
                 rule
                 ,
                 Judges
                 to
                 these
                 who
                 come
                 before
                 them
                 ,
                 Advocats
                 and
                 Procurators
                 to
                 their
                 Clients
                 ;
                 Clerks
                 ,
                 Commissars
                 and
                 Collectors
                 to
                 these
                 with
                 whom
                 they
                 have
                 to
                 do
                 ;
                 Officers
                 and
                 Souldiers
                 in
                 the
                 Countrey
                 where
                 they
                 bear
                 charge
                 ,
                 yea
                 and
                 amongst
                 the
                 Commons
                 themselves
                 ,
                 where
                 they
                 have
                 any
                 power
                 one
                 over
                 another
                 ;
                 The
                 Lord
                 hath
                 forbidden
                 to
                 oppresse
                 an
                 hired
                 servant
                 ,
                 and
                 hath
                 commanded
                 at
                 his
                 day
                 to
                 give
                 him
                 his
                 hire
                 :
                 Deut.
                 24.
                 14
                 ,
                 15.
                 
                 
                   Thou
                   shalt
                   not
                   oppresse
                   an
                   hired
                   servant
                   that
                   is
                   poor
                   and
                   needy
                   ,
                   whether
                   he
                   be
                   of
                   thy
                   brethren
                   ,
                   or
                   of
                   thy
                   strangers
                   that
                   are
                   in
                   the
                   land
                   within
                   thy
                   gates
                   ,
                   at
                   his
                   day
                   thou
                   shalt
                   give
                   him
                   his
                   hire
                   ,
                   neither
                   shall
                   the
                   sun
                   go
                   down
                   upon
                   it
                   :
                   for
                   he
                   is
                   poor
                   and
                   needy
                   ,
                   and
                   setteth
                   his
                   heart
                   upon
                   it
                   ,
                   lest
                   he
                   cry
                   unto
                   the
                   Lord
                   against
                   thee
                   ,
                   and
                   it
                   be
                   sin
                   unto
                   thee
                   .
                
                 Yet
                 behold
                 ,
                 the
                 hire
                 of
                 the
                 labourer
                 is
                 by
                 many
                 Masters
                 keeped
                 back
                 violently
                 &
                 fraudulently
                 ,
                 and
                 this
                 cryeth
                 
                 unto
                 Heaven
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 entred
                 into
                 the
                 eares
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 hosts
                 .
                 Jam.
                 5.
                 4.
                 
                 
                   Behold
                   ,
                   the
                   hire
                   of
                   the
                   labourer
                   which
                   have
                   reaped
                   down
                   your
                   fields
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   of
                   you
                   kept
                   back
                   by
                   fraud
                   ,
                   cryeth
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   cryes
                   of
                   them
                   which
                   have
                   reaped
                   ,
                   have
                   entred
                   into
                   the
                   ears
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   of
                   sabbath
                   .
                
                 The
                 oppression
                 of
                 Landlords
                 to
                 their
                 Tenents
                 ,
                 are
                 so
                 many
                 and
                 so
                 exorbitant
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 cannot
                 easily
                 be
                 reckoned
                 ,
                 the
                 Lands
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 set
                 by
                 them
                 at
                 a
                 dearer
                 rate
                 then
                 the
                 Tenents
                 can
                 pay
                 the
                 Duty
                 ,
                 and
                 live
                 in
                 any
                 tollerable
                 condition
                 themselves
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 are
                 they
                 forced
                 with
                 their
                 wives
                 and
                 children
                 to
                 drudge
                 continually
                 in
                 the
                 earth
                 from
                 morning
                 till
                 evening
                 ;
                 by
                 which
                 it
                 comes
                 to
                 passe
                 ,
                 that
                 their
                 lives
                 is
                 but
                 a
                 kind
                 of
                 lasting
                 bondage
                 and
                 slavery
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 they
                 have
                 neither
                 time
                 nor
                 encouragement
                 for
                 serving
                 and
                 seeking
                 GOD
                 themselves
                 in
                 their
                 Families
                 ,
                 or
                 for
                 breeding
                 their
                 children
                 in
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 vertue
                 and
                 piety
                 .
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 Beside
                 the
                 Rent
                 of
                 the
                 Land
                 condescended
                 on
                 ,
                 they
                 also
                 lay
                 on
                 them
                 many
                 burdens
                 and
                 taxations
                 in
                 an
                 arbitrary
                 way
                 by
                 their
                 Bailiffs
                 and
                 Courts
                 ,
                 and
                 otherwayes
                 at
                 their
                 pleasure
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 services
                 of
                 all
                 sorts
                 beyond
                 paction
                 and
                 agreement
                 ,
                 and
                 quarterings
                 ;
                 and
                 beside
                 the
                 putting
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 Foot
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 burden
                 thereof
                 ,
                 sometime
                 the
                 burden
                 of
                 putting
                 out
                 the
                 Horse
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 bearing
                 of
                 a
                 great
                 part
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 whole
                 Monethly
                 Maintenance
                 and
                 Sesse
                 .
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 The
                 giving
                 of
                 short
                 Laces
                 of
                 Lands
                 ,
                 and
                 removing
                 them
                 therefrom
                 ,
                 and
                 taking
                 away
                 what
                 they
                 have
                 when
                 they
                 grow
                 poor
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 not
                 able
                 to
                 pay
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 if
                 they
                 thrive
                 ,
                 by
                 heightening
                 and
                 augmenting
                 their
                 Farms
                 and
                 Rent
                 ,
                 by
                 which
                 means
                 it
                 hath
                 in
                 the
                 righteous
                 judgment
                 of
                 GOD
                 ,
                 occasioned
                 that
                 Tenents
                 in
                 many
                 places
                 prove
                 undutifull
                 to
                 their
                 Masters
                 ,
                 and
                 deny
                 to
                 them
                 these
                 things
                 which
                 in
                 conscience
                 and
                 reason
                 they
                 are
                 obliged
                 to
                 perform
                 .
                 And
                 for
                 the
                 Rulers
                 ,
                 albeit
                 we
                 be
                 far
                 from
                 joining
                 issue
                 with
                 these
                 who
                 from
                 dis-affection
                 to
                 the
                 Work
                 of
                 GOD
                 and
                 the
                 Instruments
                 thereof
                 ,
                 did
                 traduce
                 and
                 speak
                 evill
                 of
                 those
                 whom
                 GOD
                 set
                 over
                 us
                 in
                 their
                 charge
                 ,
                 and
                 even
                 in
                 the
                 imposing
                 of
                 the
                 most
                 necessary
                 burdens
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 most
                 moderate
                 and
                 equall
                 way
                 ,
                 yet
                 we
                 cannot
                 but
                 acknowledge
                 and
                 bemoan
                 the
                 great
                 reproach
                 that
                 hath
                 been
                 brought
                 on
                 the
                 chief
                 Judicatories
                 of
                 the
                 Land
                 ,
                 and
                 on
                 the
                 Work
                 of
                 GOD
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 felfshness
                 and
                 particularity
                 of
                 some
                 persons
                 of
                 note
                 therein
                 ,
                 who
                 not
                 only
                 contrary
                 to
                 the
                 practice
                 of
                 good
                 Nehemiah
                 ,
                 who
                 would
                 not
                 eat
                 the
                 bread
                 of
                 the
                 Governour
                 ,
                 took
                 large
                 allowance
                 for
                 their
                 attendance
                 on
                 Publick
                 Affairs
                 :
                 and
                 notwithstanding
                 that
                 they
                 had
                 sufficient
                 estates
                 of
                 
                 their
                 own
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 abused
                 their
                 power
                 and
                 moyen
                 for
                 exacting
                 and
                 imploying
                 summes
                 of
                 Money
                 for
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 their
                 friends
                 and
                 followers
                 ,
                 while
                 in
                 the
                 mean
                 time
                 small
                 regard
                 was
                 had
                 to
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 these
                 from
                 whom
                 these
                 summes
                 were
                 exacted
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 the
                 equall
                 supplying
                 of
                 the
                 condition
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 to
                 whom
                 as
                 much
                 and
                 possibly
                 more
                 in
                 desert
                 and
                 justice
                 was
                 due
                 ,
                 as
                 to
                 these
                 to
                 whom
                 those
                 Moneyes
                 were
                 given
                 .
                 We
                 shall
                 not
                 insist
                 on
                 the
                 bribery
                 that
                 hath
                 been
                 amongst
                 Judges
                 ,
                 the
                 cunning
                 ,
                 cozenage
                 ,
                 and
                 exorbitant
                 pilferings
                 and
                 taking
                 that
                 hath
                 been
                 amongst
                 Advocats
                 ,
                 Procurators
                 ,
                 Commissars
                 ,
                 Clerks
                 and
                 Collectors
                 :
                 many
                 of
                 them
                 have
                 made
                 haste
                 to
                 be
                 rich
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 by
                 the
                 Bench
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 Purse
                 ,
                 by
                 the
                 tongue
                 and
                 by
                 the
                 Pen
                 ,
                 heaped
                 up
                 much
                 treasure
                 ,
                 and
                 made
                 conquest
                 of
                 Lands
                 and
                 Estates
                 ,
                 but
                 with
                 an
                 evill
                 conscience
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 hath
                 been
                 the
                 gain
                 of
                 bribery
                 and
                 injustice
                 and
                 lying
                 and
                 deceit
                 ,
                 violence
                 and
                 oppression
                 ;
                 but
                 amongst
                 no
                 sort
                 of
                 persons
                 hath
                 these
                 sins
                 of
                 covetousnesse
                 and
                 oppression
                 more
                 appeared
                 and
                 prevailed
                 then
                 amongst
                 many
                 of
                 the
                 chief
                 Officers
                 and
                 Souldiers
                 in
                 our
                 Armies
                 ,
                 insomuch
                 that
                 many
                 of
                 these
                 who
                 were
                 raised
                 for
                 the
                 Lands
                 protection
                 and
                 defence
                 ,
                 have
                 been
                 their
                 intollerable
                 burden
                 and
                 plague
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 by
                 their
                 most
                 exorbitant●
                 violent
                 ,
                 tyrannicall
                 and
                 insatiable
                 exactions
                 ,
                 made
                 the
                 lives
                 of
                 the
                 Inhabitants
                 bitter
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 burden
                 to
                 them
                 :
                 What
                 interverting
                 of
                 Levies
                 ,
                 what
                 false
                 Musters
                 ,
                 what
                 exorbitant
                 exactions
                 above
                 the
                 Law
                 for
                 men
                 and
                 horse
                 and
                 Arms
                 ;
                 what
                 Quarterings
                 and
                 covetous
                 subtile
                 oppressing
                 devices
                 of
                 many
                 sorts
                 for
                 getting
                 of
                 Money
                 have
                 been
                 amongst
                 Officers
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 plundering
                 of
                 Goods
                 ,
                 destroying
                 of
                 Corns
                 ,
                 taking
                 and
                 robbing
                 of
                 Moneyes
                 ,
                 railing
                 upon
                 ,
                 and
                 beating
                 and
                 wounding
                 the
                 poor
                 people
                 :
                 what
                 excessive
                 eating
                 and
                 drinking
                 ,
                 and
                 unplacablenesse
                 in
                 their
                 diet
                 ,
                 not
                 satisfying
                 themselves
                 with
                 such
                 fare
                 as
                 people
                 could
                 afford
                 to
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 killing
                 their
                 Kine
                 and
                 Sheep
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 ever
                 came
                 in
                 their
                 way
                 :
                 and
                 how
                 many
                 other
                 things
                 of
                 that
                 kind
                 hath
                 been
                 amongst
                 Souldiers
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 exorbitancies
                 and
                 oppressions
                 ,
                 whereof
                 the
                 negligence
                 and
                 over-sight
                 of
                 some
                 great
                 ones
                 and
                 officers
                 in
                 our
                 Armies
                 ,
                 was
                 not
                 the
                 least
                 cause
                 ;
                 for
                 they
                 not
                 being
                 able
                 to
                 shake
                 their
                 hands
                 of
                 dishonest
                 gain
                 themselves
                 ,
                 did
                 oftentimes
                 wink
                 at
                 ,
                 nay
                 sometimes
                 obstruct
                 the
                 purging
                 out
                 ,
                 and
                 punishing
                 of
                 others
                 ;
                 Amongst
                 other
                 effects
                 of
                 Covetousnesse
                 ,
                 instance
                 is
                 given
                 in
                 the
                 close
                 of
                 the
                 Article
                 of
                 the
                 great
                 Insolencies
                 and
                 oppression
                 of
                 many
                 in
                 our
                 Armies
                 in
                 England
                 and
                 Ireland
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 
                 fearfull
                 perjuries
                 of
                 the
                 Land
                 in
                 the
                 matter
                 of
                 Valuation
                 and
                 Excise
                 ,
                 both
                 of
                 which
                 were
                 dreadfull
                 and
                 horrible
                 provocations
                 :
                 The
                 first
                 of
                 them
                 as
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 grievous
                 burden
                 to
                 our
                 Brethren
                 in
                 England
                 and
                 Ireland
                 ,
                 and
                 did
                 exceedingly
                 stumble
                 them
                 at
                 this
                 Nation
                 and
                 the
                 Work
                 of
                 GOD
                 in
                 their
                 hands
                 ;
                 so
                 we
                 make
                 no
                 question
                 but
                 it
                 is
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 sins
                 that
                 GOD
                 is
                 pointing
                 at
                 now
                 in
                 a
                 speciall
                 manner
                 in
                 the
                 rods
                 wherewith
                 he
                 now
                 chastiseth
                 us
                 .
                 The
                 other
                 of
                 them
                 though
                 little
                 adverted
                 to
                 ,
                 or
                 laid
                 to
                 heart
                 ,
                 or
                 acknowledged
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 ,
                 yet
                 is
                 a
                 fearfull
                 guilt
                 which
                 many
                 in
                 the
                 Land
                 ly
                 under
                 :
                 How
                 many
                 in
                 the
                 matter
                 of
                 Valuations
                 ,
                 that
                 Lands
                 might
                 be
                 valued
                 at
                 a
                 low
                 rate
                 ,
                 did
                 swear
                 falsely
                 ?
                 And
                 how
                 many
                 were
                 there
                 who
                 were
                 Instrumentall
                 to
                 cause
                 others
                 to
                 swear
                 falsely
                 ?
                 And
                 some
                 Judges
                 for
                 their
                 own
                 advantage
                 and
                 interest
                 ,
                 did
                 connive
                 thereat
                 :
                 And
                 many
                 likewise
                 did
                 swear
                 falsely
                 in
                 exciseable
                 goods
                 .
                 Before
                 we
                 close
                 what
                 relates
                 to
                 this
                 Article
                 ,
                 we
                 desire
                 that
                 these
                 Scriptures
                 may
                 be
                 considered
                 ,
                 in
                 reference
                 to
                 the
                 sins
                 mentioned
                 there
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 fruits
                 of
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 the
                 World
                 and
                 Covetousnesse
                 .
                 Job
                 .
                 35.
                 9.
                 
                 
                   By
                   reason
                   of
                   the
                   multitude
                   of
                   oppressions
                   they
                   make
                   the
                   oppressed
                   to
                   cry
                   ,
                   they
                   cry
                   out
                   because
                   of
                   the
                   arm
                   of
                   the
                   mighty
                   ,
                   but
                   none
                   saito
                   ,
                   where
                   is
                   God
                   ?
                   &c.
                
                 Psal.
                 62.
                 10.
                 
                 
                   Trust
                   not
                   in
                   oppression
                   ,
                   become
                   not
                   vain
                   in
                   robbery
                   :
                   If
                   riches
                   encrease
                   ,
                   set
                   not
                   your
                   hearts
                   on
                   them
                   .
                
                 Psal
                 82.
                 2.
                 
                 
                   How
                   long
                   will
                   ye
                   judge
                   unjustly
                   ,
                   and
                   accept
                   the
                   person
                   of
                   the
                   wicked
                   ?
                
                 Proverb
                 .
                 14.
                 31.
                 
                 
                   He
                   that
                   oppresseth
                   the
                   poor
                   ,
                   reproacheth
                   his
                   maker
                   ;
                   but
                   he
                   that
                   honoureth
                   him
                   ,
                   hath
                   mercy
                   on
                   the
                   poor
                   .
                
                 Proverb
                 .
                 15.
                 27.
                 
                 
                   He
                   that
                   is
                   greedy
                   of
                   gain
                   ,
                   he
                   troubleth
                   his
                   own
                   house
                   ;
                   but
                   he
                   who
                   hateth
                   gifts
                   ,
                   shall
                   hve
                   .
                
                 Prov.
                 22.
                 16.
                 
                 
                   He
                   that
                   oppresseth
                   the
                   poor
                   ,
                   to
                   encrease
                   his
                   riches
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   that
                   giveth
                   to
                   the
                   rich
                   ,
                   shal
                   surely
                   come
                   to
                   want
                   .
                
                 Prov.
                 28.
                 3.
                 
                 
                   A
                   poor
                   man
                   that
                   oppresseth
                   the
                   poor
                   ,
                   is
                   like
                   a
                   sweeping
                   rain
                   that
                   leaveth
                   no
                   food
                   .
                
                 Verse
                 8.
                 
                 
                   He
                   who
                   by
                   usury
                   and
                   unjust
                   gain
                   encreaseth
                   his
                   substance
                   ,
                   he
                   shall
                   gather
                   it
                   for
                   him
                   that
                   shal
                   pity
                   the
                   poor
                   .
                
                 20.
                 
                 Verse
                 .
                 
                   A
                   faithfull
                   man
                   shal
                   abound
                   with
                   blessings
                   ;
                   but
                   he
                   who
                   maketh
                   haste
                   to
                   be
                   rich
                   ,
                   shall
                   not
                   be
                   innocent
                
                 Eccles.
                 7.
                 7.
                 
                 
                   Surely
                   oppression
                   maketh
                   a
                   wise
                   man
                   mad
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   gift
                   destroyeth
                   the
                   heart
                   .
                
                 Isai.
                 1.
                 21
                 ,
                 22
                 ,
                 23
                 ,
                 24.
                 
                 
                   How
                   is
                   the
                   faithful
                   city
                   become
                   an
                   harlot
                   ?
                   It
                   was
                   full
                   of
                   judgement
                   ,
                   and
                   righteousnesse
                   lodged
                   in
                   it
                   ;
                   but
                   now
                   murderers
                   :
                   Thy
                   siluer
                   is
                   become
                   drosse
                   ,
                   thy
                   wine
                   mixt
                   with
                   water
                   .
                   Thy
                   princes
                   are
                   rebellions
                   ,
                   and
                   companions
                   of
                   theeves
                   :
                   every
                   one
                   loveth
                   gifts
                   ,
                   and
                   followeth
                   after
                   rewards
                   :
                   they
                   
                   judge
                   not
                   the
                   fatherlesse
                   ,
                   neither
                   doth
                   the
                   cause
                   of
                   the
                   widow
                   come
                   unto
                   them
                   .
                   Therefore
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   the
                   Lord
                   of
                   hosts
                   ,
                   the
                   mighty
                   one
                   of
                   Israel
                   ,
                   Ab
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   ease
                   me
                   of
                   mine
                   adversaries
                   ,
                   and
                   avenge
                   me
                   of
                   mine
                   enemies
                   .
                
                 Isai.
                 3.
                 12
                 ,
                 13
                 ,
                 14
                 ,
                 15.
                 
                 
                   As
                   for
                   my
                   people
                   ,
                   children
                   are
                   their
                   oppressors
                   ,
                   and
                   women
                   rule
                   over
                   them
                   .
                   O
                   my
                   people
                   ,
                   they
                   which
                   lead
                   thee
                   ,
                   cause
                   thee
                   to
                   erre
                   ,
                   and
                   destroy
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   thy
                   paths
                   .
                   The
                   Lord
                   standeth
                   up
                   to
                   plead
                   ,
                   and
                   standeth
                   to
                   judge
                   the
                   people
                   .
                   The
                   Lord
                   will
                   enter
                   into
                   judgment
                   with
                   the
                   ancients
                   of
                   his
                   people
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Princes
                   thereof
                   :
                   For
                   ye
                   have
                   eaten
                   up
                   the
                   vineyard
                   ,
                   the
                   spoil
                   of
                   the
                   poor
                   is
                   in
                   your
                   houses
                   .
                   What
                   mean
                   ye
                   that
                   ye
                   beat
                   my
                   people
                   to
                   pieces
                   ,
                   and
                   grind
                   the
                   faces
                   of
                   the
                   poor
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   God
                   of
                   hosts
                   .
                
                 Isai.
                 5.
                 7.
                 
                 
                   And
                   he
                   looked
                   for
                   judgment
                   ,
                   but
                   behold
                   oppression
                   ;
                   and
                   for
                   righteousnesse
                   ,
                   but
                   behold
                   a
                   cry
                   .
                
                 9.
                 
                 Verse
                 .
                 
                   Of
                   a
                   truth
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   of
                   Hosts
                   ,
                   many
                   houses
                   shall
                   be
                   desolate
                   ,
                   even
                   great
                   avd
                   fair
                   without
                   Inhabitant
                   .
                
                 v.
                 23.
                 
                 
                   Which
                   justifie
                   the
                   wicked
                   for
                   reward
                   ,
                   &
                   take
                   away
                   the
                   righteousnes
                   of
                   the
                   righteous
                   from
                   him
                   .
                
                 Isa.
                 10.
                 1
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Wo
                   unto
                   them
                   that
                   decree
                   unrighteous
                   decrees
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   write
                   grievousness
                   which
                   they
                   have
                   prescribed
                   :
                   To
                   turn
                   aside
                   the
                   needy
                   from
                   judgment
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   take
                   away
                   the
                   right
                   from
                   the
                   poor
                   of
                   my
                   People
                   ,
                   that
                   widows
                   may
                   be
                   their
                   prey
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   they
                   may
                   rob
                   the
                   fatherless
                   .
                   And
                   what
                   wil
                   ye
                   do
                   in
                   the
                   day
                   of
                   visitation
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   the
                   desolation
                   which
                   shal
                   come
                   from
                   far
                   ?
                   To
                   whom
                   wil
                   ye
                   flee
                   for
                   help
                   ?
                   and
                   where
                   wil
                   you
                   leave
                   your
                   glory
                   ?
                   Without
                   me
                   they
                   shal
                   bow
                   down
                   under
                   the
                   prisoners
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   shal
                   fall
                   under
                   the
                   stain
                   :
                   for
                   all
                   this
                   his
                   anger
                   is
                   not
                   turned
                   away
                   ,
                   but
                   his
                   hand
                   is
                   stretched
                   out
                   still
                   .
                
                 Isa.
                 33.
                 15.
                 
                 
                   He
                   that
                   despiseth
                   the
                   gain
                   of
                   oppression
                   ,
                   that
                   shaketh
                   his
                   hands
                   from
                   holding
                   of
                   bribes
                   ,
                   that
                   stoppeth
                   his
                   ears
                   from
                   hearing
                   of
                   bloud
                   ,
                   and
                   shutteth
                   his
                   eyes
                   from
                   seeing
                   evil
                   ,
                   He
                   shal
                   dwell
                   on
                   high
                   :
                   his
                   place
                   of
                   defence
                   shal
                   be
                   the
                   munitions
                   of
                   rocks
                   .
                
                 Jer.
                 6.
                 6
                 ,
                 7.
                 
                 
                   For
                   thus
                   hath
                   the
                   Lord
                   of
                   Hosts
                   said
                   ,
                   Hew
                   ye
                   down
                   trees
                   ,
                   and
                   cast
                   a
                   mount
                   against
                
                 Jerusalem
                 :
                 
                   this
                   is
                   the
                   City
                   to
                   be
                   visited
                   :
                   she
                   is
                   wholly
                   oppression
                   in
                   the
                   midst
                   of
                   her
                   .
                   As
                   a
                   fountain
                   casteth
                   out
                   her
                   waters
                   ,
                   so
                   she
                   casteth
                   out
                   her
                   wickedness
                   :
                   Violence
                   and
                   spoil
                   is
                   heard
                   in
                   her
                   :
                   before
                   me
                   continually
                   is
                   grief
                   and
                   wounds
                   .
                
                 Jer.
                 5.
                 26.
                 
                 
                   For
                   amongst
                   my
                   People
                   are
                   found
                   wicked
                   men
                   ,
                   they
                   lay
                   wait
                   as
                   he
                   that
                   setteth
                   snares
                   ,
                   they
                   set
                   a
                   trap
                   they
                   catch
                   men
                   .
                
                 Vers●
                 27.
                 
                 
                   As
                   a
                   cage
                   is
                   full
                   of
                   birds
                   ,
                   so
                   are
                   their
                   houses
                   ful
                   of
                   deceit
                   :
                   therefore
                   are
                   they
                   become
                   great
                   ,
                   and
                   waxen
                   rich
                   .
                
                 Vers.
                 28.
                 
                 
                   They
                   are
                   waxen
                   fat
                   ,
                   they
                   shine
                   ;
                   yea
                   ,
                   they
                   overpass
                   the
                   deeds
                   of
                   the
                   wicked
                   ,
                   
                   they
                   judge
                   not
                   the
                   cause
                   of
                   the
                   fatherless
                   ,
                   yet
                   they
                   prosper
                   ;
                   and
                   the
                   right
                   of
                   the
                   needy
                   do
                   they
                   not
                   judge
                   .
                
                 Verl
                 .
                 29.
                 
                 
                   Shall
                   I
                   not
                   visie
                   for
                   these
                   things
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   ?
                   shal
                   not
                   my
                   soul
                   be
                   avenged
                   on
                   such
                   a
                   Nation
                   as
                   this
                   ?
                
                 Jer.
                 22.
                 13.
                 
                 
                   Wo
                   to
                   him
                   that
                   buildeth
                   his
                   house
                   by
                   unrighteousness
                   ,
                   and
                   his
                   chambers
                   by
                   wrong
                   :
                   that
                   useth
                   his
                   neighbours
                   service
                   without
                   wages
                   ,
                   and
                   gives
                   him
                   not
                   for
                   his
                   work
                   .
                
                 Vers.
                 14.
                 
                 
                   That
                   saith
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   build
                   me
                   a
                   wide
                   house
                   ,
                   and
                   large
                   chambers
                   ,
                   and
                   cutteth
                   him
                   out
                   windows
                   ,
                   and
                   it
                   is
                   cieled
                   with
                   cedar
                   ,
                   and
                   painted
                   with
                   vermilion
                   .
                
                 Vers.
                 15.
                 
                 
                   Shalt
                   thou
                   reign
                   because
                   thou
                   closest
                   thy self
                   in
                   cedar
                   ?
                   did
                   not
                   thy
                   father
                   eat
                   and
                   drink
                   ,
                   and
                   do
                   judgment
                   and
                   justice
                   ,
                   and
                   then
                   it
                   was
                   well
                   with
                   him
                   ?
                
                 Vers
                 16.
                 
                 
                   He
                   judged
                   the
                   cause
                   of
                   the
                   poor
                   and
                   needy
                   ,
                   then
                   it
                   was
                   well
                   with
                   him
                   :
                   was
                   not
                   this
                   to
                   know
                   me
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   ?
                
                 V.
                 17.
                 
                 
                   But
                   thine
                   eyes
                   and
                   thine
                   heart
                   are
                   not
                   but
                   for
                   thy
                   covetousnes
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   to
                   shed
                   innocent
                   bloud
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   oppression
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   violence
                   to
                   do
                   it
                   .
                
                 Ezek.
                 22.
                 13.
                 
                 
                   Behold
                   therefore
                   I
                   have
                   smitten
                   mine
                   hand
                   at
                   thy
                   dishonest
                   gain
                   which
                   thou
                   hast
                   made
                   ,
                   and
                   at
                   the
                   bloud
                   which
                   hath
                   been
                   in
                   the
                   midst
                   of
                   thee
                   .
                
                 Vers.
                 29.
                 
                 
                   The
                   People
                   of
                   the
                   Land
                   have
                   used
                   oppression
                   ,
                   and
                   exercised
                   robbery
                   ,
                   and
                   have
                   vexed
                   the
                   poor
                   and
                   needy
                   :
                   yea
                   ,
                   they
                   have
                   oppressed
                   the
                   stranger
                   wrongfully
                   .
                
                 Hos.
                 7.
                 1.
                 
                 
                   When
                   I
                   would
                   have
                   healed
                   Israel
                   ,
                   then
                   the
                   iniquity
                   of
                
                 Ephralm
                 
                   was
                   discovered
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   wickedness
                   of
                
                 Samaria
                 :
                 
                   for
                   they
                   commit
                   falshood
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   thief
                   cometh
                   in
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   troups
                   of
                   robbers
                   spoil
                   without
                   .
                
                 Amos
                 3.
                 10.
                 
                 
                   For
                   they
                   know
                   not
                   to
                   do
                   right
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   who
                   store
                   up
                   robbery
                   and
                   violence
                   in
                   their
                   palaces
                   .
                
                 ver
                 .
                 11.
                 
                 
                   Therefore
                   thus
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   God.
                   An
                   adversary
                   there
                   shal
                   be
                   ,
                   even
                   round
                   about
                   the
                   Land
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   shal
                   bring
                   down
                   thy
                   strength
                   ,
                   from
                   thee
                   and
                   thy
                   palaces
                   shal
                   be
                   spoiled
                   .
                
                 ver
                 .
                 15.
                 
                 
                   And
                   I
                   will
                   smite
                   the
                   winter
                   house
                   ,
                   with
                   the
                   summer
                   house
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   houses
                   of
                   I
                   very
                   shall
                   perish
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   great
                   houses
                   shall
                   have
                   an
                   end
                   ,
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord.
                
                 Mic.
                 3.
                 11.
                 
                 
                   The
                   Heads
                   thereof
                   judge
                   for
                   reward
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Priests
                   thereof
                   ,
                   teach
                   for
                   hire
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Prophets
                   thereof
                   divine
                   for
                   money
                   ;
                   yet
                   will
                   they
                   lean
                   on
                   the
                   Lord
                   and
                   say
                   ,
                   Is
                   not
                   the
                   Lord
                   amongst
                   us
                   ,
                   none
                   evil
                   can
                   come
                   upon
                   us
                   ?
                
                 ver
                 .
                 12.
                 
                 
                   Therefore
                   shall
                
                 Sion
                 
                   for
                   their
                   sakes
                   be
                   plowed
                   like
                   a
                   field
                   ,
                   and
                
                 Jerusalem
                 
                   shal
                   become
                   heaps
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Mountain
                   of
                   the
                   House
                   as
                   the
                   high
                   places
                   of
                   the
                   Forrest
                
                 Zeph.
                 3.
                 1
                 ,
                 
                   Wo
                   to
                   her
                   that
                   is
                   filthy
                   and
                   polluted
                   ,
                   to
                   the
                   oppressing
                   City
                   .
                
                 ver
                 .
                 3.
                 
                 
                   Her
                   Princes
                   within
                   her
                   are
                   roaring
                   Lions
                   ,
                   her
                   Iudges
                   are
                   ravenous
                   Wolves
                   ,
                   they
                   gnaw
                   not
                   the
                   bones
                   til
                   the
                   morrow
                   .
                
                 vers
                 .
                 8.
                 
                 
                   Therefore
                   wait
                   ye
                   upon
                   nie
                   ,
                   saith
                   
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   til
                   I
                   rise
                   up
                   to
                   for
                   the
                   prey
                   ,
                   my
                   determination
                   is
                   to
                   gather
                   the
                   Nations
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   may
                   assemble
                   the
                   Kingdoms
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   may
                   pour
                   out
                   on
                   them
                   mine
                   indignation
                   ,
                   even
                   al
                   my
                   fierce
                   anger
                   :
                   for
                   all
                   the
                   Earth
                   shal
                   be
                   devoured
                   with
                   the
                   fire
                   of
                   my
                   jealousie
                   .
                
                 Zeph.
                 1.
                 9.
                 
                 
                   In
                   the
                   same
                   day
                   will
                   I
                   punish
                   all
                   them
                   who
                   leap
                   on
                   the
                   threshold
                   ,
                   who
                   fill
                   their
                   masters
                   houses
                   with
                   violence
                   and
                   deceit
                   .
                
                 Exod.
                 2
                 2.
                 21
                 ,
                 22
                 ,
                 23
                 ,
                 24.
                 
                 
                   Ye
                   shal
                   neither
                   vex
                   a
                   stranger
                   ,
                   nor
                   oppress
                   him
                   :
                   for
                   ye
                   were
                   strangers
                   in
                   the
                   Land
                   of
                
                 Egypt
                 .
                 
                   Thou
                   shalt
                   not
                   afflict
                   any
                   widow
                   ,
                   or
                   fatherless
                   child
                   ;
                   if
                   thou
                   afflict
                   them
                   in
                   any
                   wayes
                   ,
                   and
                   they
                   cry
                   ●t
                   al
                   unto
                   me
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   surely
                   hear
                   their
                   cry
                   ,
                   and
                   my
                   wrath
                   shall
                   wax
                   hot
                   ;
                   I
                   will
                   kill
                   you
                   with
                   the
                   sword
                   ,
                   and
                   your
                   wives
                   shall
                   be
                   widows
                   ,
                   and
                   your
                   children
                   fatherless
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Sixth
                 Article
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 sixth
                 Article
                 relates
                 to
                 the
                 abusing
                 and
                 prostituting
                 the
                 Publick
                 Faith
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 borrowing
                 of
                 Monies
                 and
                 otherwise
                 :
                 which
                 no
                 question
                 is
                 not
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 least
                 provoking
                 Publick
                 sins
                 in
                 the
                 Land.
                 As
                 private
                 men
                 ought
                 so
                 far
                 to
                 have
                 their
                 faith
                 and
                 credit
                 in
                 estimation
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 righteousness
                 and
                 truth
                 ,
                 as
                 not
                 to
                 engage
                 the
                 same
                 but
                 when
                 they
                 do
                 sincerely
                 intend
                 ,
                 and
                 really
                 endeavor
                 to
                 perform
                 what
                 they
                 promise
                 :
                 so
                 much
                 more
                 ought
                 publick
                 persons
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Judicatories
                 of
                 a
                 Land
                 have
                 such
                 regard
                 to
                 the
                 Publick
                 Faith
                 of
                 a
                 Nation
                 ,
                 as
                 not
                 to
                 engage
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 but
                 when
                 there
                 be
                 some
                 real
                 purposes
                 ,
                 and
                 honest
                 endeavors
                 to
                 fulfil
                 it
                 :
                 Because
                 the
                 prostituting
                 and
                 breach
                 of
                 Publick-Faith
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 high
                 provocation
                 before
                 God
                 ,
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 a
                 great
                 deal
                 more
                 pernitious
                 ,
                 reproachful
                 ,
                 slanderous
                 ,
                 and
                 injurious
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 a
                 worse
                 example
                 amongst
                 men
                 ,
                 especially
                 when
                 it
                 becomes
                 common
                 and
                 is
                 used
                 as
                 a
                 state
                 engine
                 ,
                 to
                 draw
                 in
                 mens
                 propriety
                 from
                 them
                 ,
                 under
                 a
                 vail
                 and
                 shadow
                 of
                 righteousness
                 ,
                 and
                 is
                 attended
                 with
                 a
                 kind
                 of
                 conslraint
                 upon
                 men
                 ,
                 to
                 take
                 the
                 Publick
                 Faith
                 for
                 security
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 was
                 in
                 this
                 Land.
                 Job
                 15.
                 4.
                 
                 
                   Yea
                   ,
                   thou
                   castest
                   off
                   fear
                   ,
                   and
                   restrainest
                   prayer
                   before
                   God.
                
                 Psalm
                 37.
                 21.
                 
                 
                   The
                   wicked
                   borroweth
                   and
                   payeth
                   not
                   again
                   :
                   but
                   the
                   righteous
                   sheweth
                   mercy
                   and
                   giveth
                   .
                
                 Isa.
                 59.
                 12
                 ,
                 13
                 ,
                 14.
                 
                 
                   For
                   our
                   transgressions
                   are
                   multiplied
                   before
                   thee
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   sins
                   testifie
                   against
                   us
                   :
                   for
                   our
                   transgressiont
                   are
                   with
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   as
                   for
                   our
                   iniquities
                   we
                   know
                   them
                   .
                   In
                   transgressing
                   and
                   lying
                   against
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   departing
                   away
                   from
                   our
                   God
                   ;
                   speaking
                   oppression
                   and
                   revolt
                   ,
                   conceiving
                   and
                   uttering
                   from
                   the
                   heart
                   words
                   of
                   falshood
                   .
                   And
                   judgment
                   is
                   turned
                   away
                   backward
                   ,
                   
                   and
                   justice
                   standeth
                   a
                   faa
                   off
                   :
                   for
                   truth
                   is
                   fallen
                   in
                   the
                   street
                   ,
                   and
                   equity
                   cannot
                   enter
                   .
                   Yea
                   ,
                   truth
                   faileth
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   that
                   departeth
                   from
                   evil
                   maketh
                   himself
                   a
                   prey
                   .
                   Aud
                   the
                   Lord
                   saw
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   it
                   displeased
                   him
                   that
                   there
                   was
                   no
                   judgment
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Seventh
                 Article
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 seventh
                 Article
                 mentions
                 two
                 sins
                 that
                 many
                 of
                 this
                 Land
                 are
                 guilty
                 of
                 ,
                 in
                 their
                 first
                 taking
                 of
                 the
                 National
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 and
                 solemn
                 League
                 and
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 and
                 renewing
                 thereof
                 .
                 The
                 first
                 whereof
                 is
                 ,
                 The
                 ignorance
                 that
                 was
                 in
                 many
                 ,
                 or
                 the
                 want
                 of
                 the
                 necessary
                 knowledge
                 of
                 the
                 things
                 contained
                 in
                 the
                 Covenants
                 .
                 The
                 Lord
                 requires
                 of
                 al
                 those
                 that
                 take
                 an
                 oath
                 ,
                 That
                 they
                 do
                 it
                 in
                 judgment
                 ,
                 Jer.
                 4.
                 2.
                 
                 
                   And
                   th●u
                   shalt
                   swear
                   ,
                   The
                   Lord
                   liveth
                   in
                   truth
                   ,
                   in
                   righteousness
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   judgment
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Nations
                   shall
                   bless
                   themselves
                   in
                   him
                   .
                
                 That
                 is
                 ,
                 That
                 they
                 take
                 it
                 with
                 such
                 a
                 measure
                 of
                 discretion
                 ,
                 judgment
                 and
                 understanding
                 ,
                 as
                 is
                 needful
                 for
                 men
                 in
                 their
                 station
                 ,
                 in
                 order
                 to
                 the
                 Duty
                 which
                 by
                 their
                 Oath
                 they
                 tie
                 themselves
                 to
                 .
                 But
                 it
                 is
                 beyond
                 question
                 that
                 many
                 in
                 the
                 Land
                 do
                 swear
                 these
                 Covenants
                 without
                 the
                 knowledge
                 and
                 understanding
                 of
                 the
                 heads
                 thereof
                 ,
                 so
                 far
                 as
                 was
                 needful
                 for
                 them
                 in
                 their
                 station
                 ;
                 who
                 when
                 they
                 were
                 catechised
                 on
                 the
                 particulars
                 ,
                 do
                 know
                 little
                 or
                 nothing
                 thereof
                 :
                 Which
                 ,
                 no
                 doubt
                 is
                 one
                 cause
                 why
                 they
                 have
                 so
                 little
                 minded
                 and
                 followed
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 so
                 little
                 mind
                 and
                 follow
                 the
                 duties
                 contained
                 therein
                 .
                 Jer.
                 5.
                 4.
                 
                 
                   And
                   I
                   said
                   ,
                   Surely
                   these
                   are
                   poor
                   ,
                   they
                   are
                   foolish
                   ;
                   for
                   they
                   know
                   not
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   nor
                   the
                   judgment
                   of
                   their
                   God.
                
                 The
                 other
                 is
                 ,
                 The
                 taking
                 of
                 these
                 Covenants
                 without
                 reality
                 and
                 sincerity
                 ,
                 in
                 order
                 to
                 the
                 performance
                 thereof
                 :
                 Which
                 was
                 to
                 swear
                 not
                 in
                 truth
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Lord
                 requireth
                 .
                 Jer.
                 4.
                 2.
                 
                 
                   And
                   thou
                   shalt
                   swear
                   ,
                   The
                   Lord
                   liveth
                   ,
                   &c.
                
                 not
                 falsly
                 .
                 Hos.
                 10.
                 4.
                 
                 
                   They
                   have
                   spoken
                   words
                   ,
                   swearing
                   falsly
                   ,
                   making
                   a
                   Covenant
                   :
                   thus
                   judgment
                   springeth
                   up
                   as
                   hemlock
                   in
                   the
                   furrows
                   of
                   the
                   field
                   .
                
                 And
                 with
                 an
                 heart
                 that
                 was
                 not
                 right
                 ,
                 &
                 therfore
                 have
                 they
                 not
                 been
                 stedfast
                 in
                 the
                 Covenant
                 .
                 Psal
                 78.
                 36
                 ,
                 37.
                 
                 
                   Nevertheless
                   ,
                   th●y
                   did
                   flutter
                   him
                   with
                   their
                   mouth
                   ,
                   and
                   did
                   lye
                   to
                   him
                   with
                   their
                   tongues
                   :
                   for
                   their
                   heart
                   was
                   not
                   right
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                   neither
                   were
                   they
                   stedfast
                   in
                   his
                   Covenant
                   .
                
                 The
                 judgments
                 therefore
                 mentioned
                 to
                 have
                 been
                 ,
                 in
                 some
                 ,
                 example
                 ;
                 in
                 others
                 ,
                 fear
                 ;
                 and
                 in
                 not
                 a
                 few
                 ,
                 principles
                 of
                 policy
                 ,
                 for
                 attaining
                 their
                 own
                 ends
                 .
                 Other
                 bad
                 principles
                 certainly
                 there
                 were
                 in
                 sundry
                 persons
                 ,
                 be
                 side
                 these
                 ,
                 but
                 these
                 are
                 mentioned
                 as
                 the
                 most
                 common
                 ,
                 and
                 which
                 ha●●●way
                 
                 with
                 most
                 of
                 these
                 who
                 were
                 guilty
                 either
                 of
                 ignorance
                 ,
                 or
                 of
                 hypocrisie
                 in
                 the
                 entering
                 into
                 these
                 Covenants
                 .
                 Many
                 did
                 take
                 the
                 National
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 in
                 example
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 it
                 being
                 counted
                 praise-worthy
                 and
                 commendable
                 ,
                 after
                 such
                 a
                 defection
                 as
                 was
                 then
                 in
                 the
                 Land
                 ,
                 to
                 engage
                 in
                 such
                 a
                 duty
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 be
                 reckoned
                 amongst
                 the
                 repairers
                 of
                 the
                 breach
                 :
                 Many
                 did
                 take
                 the
                 solemn
                 League
                 and
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 for
                 fear
                 ;
                 because
                 the
                 refusing
                 to
                 take
                 it
                 was
                 attended
                 both
                 with
                 Ecclesiastical
                 and
                 Civil
                 Censures
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 did
                 they
                 rather
                 choose
                 to
                 hazard
                 on
                 the
                 OATH
                 of
                 GOD
                 ,
                 then
                 to
                 run
                 these
                 hazards
                 amongst
                 Men
                 ;
                 which
                 doth
                 not
                 yet
                 condemn
                 the
                 injoyning
                 the
                 taking
                 of
                 these
                 Covenants
                 upon
                 a
                 good
                 and
                 warrantable
                 principle
                 .
                 It
                 is
                 lawfull
                 for
                 the
                 Judicatories
                 of
                 a
                 Kirk
                 and
                 State
                 to
                 injoyn
                 to
                 men
                 cohabitation
                 with
                 their
                 wives
                 ;
                 and
                 to
                 children
                 ,
                 obedience
                 to
                 their
                 Parents
                 ;
                 to
                 subjects
                 ,
                 obedience
                 to
                 their
                 Magistrates
                 ,
                 and
                 suchlike
                 under
                 such
                 respective
                 relations
                 :
                 Yet
                 as
                 these
                 persons
                 sin
                 against
                 God
                 if
                 they
                 give
                 obedience
                 only
                 from
                 a
                 principle
                 of
                 carnal
                 fear
                 ;
                 neither
                 doth
                 the
                 influence
                 that
                 these
                 relations
                 have
                 on
                 them
                 make
                 the
                 commanding
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 under
                 those
                 relations
                 to
                 be
                 a
                 sin
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 are
                 in
                 themselves
                 duties
                 which
                 are
                 commanded
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 the
                 neglect
                 whereof
                 may
                 in
                 regard
                 of
                 scandall
                 be
                 censured
                 by
                 the
                 Kirk
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 regard
                 of
                 the
                 prejudice
                 that
                 redounds
                 to
                 the
                 honour
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 good
                 of
                 our
                 neighbour
                 ,
                 be
                 punished
                 by
                 the
                 civil
                 Magistrate
                 .
                 In
                 taking
                 of
                 both
                 Covenants
                 though
                 there
                 were
                 many
                 whom
                 a
                 principle
                 of
                 the
                 fear
                 and
                 love
                 of
                 God
                 did
                 move
                 ,
                 yet
                 there
                 were
                 not
                 a
                 few
                 ,
                 whom
                 after-discoveries
                 have
                 made
                 manifest
                 ,
                 who
                 were
                 acted
                 thereto
                 by
                 carnall
                 wisedome
                 and
                 policie
                 ,
                 for
                 attaining
                 their
                 own
                 base
                 and
                 corrupt
                 ends
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 riches
                 ,
                 places
                 of
                 preferment
                 ,
                 and
                 lively
                 hood
                 ,
                 and
                 ease
                 ;
                 and
                 hence
                 mainly
                 hath
                 issued
                 that
                 sin
                 which
                 followes
                 in
                 the
                 next
                 Article
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 eighth
                 Article
                 .
              
               
                 The
                 following
                 of
                 the
                 Work
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 pursuing
                 the
                 ends
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 not
                 in
                 a
                 holy
                 and
                 spirituall
                 way
                 ,
                 setting
                 the
                 Lord
                 alwayes
                 before
                 our
                 eyes
                 ,
                 and
                 acknowledging
                 him
                 in
                 all
                 our
                 paths
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 direction
                 given
                 us
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 which
                 hath
                 the
                 promise
                 of
                 the
                 Blessing
                 ,
                 Psalm
                 37.
                 5.
                 
                 
                   Commit
                   thy
                   way
                   to
                   the
                   Lord
                   ;
                   trust
                   also
                   in
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   he
                   shall
                   bring
                   it
                   to
                   passe
                   .
                   Prov.
                
                 3.
                 5
                 ,
                 6.
                 
                 
                   Trust
                   in
                   the
                   Lord
                   with
                   all
                   thine
                   heart
                   ;
                   and
                   lean
                   not
                   to
                   thy
                   own
                   understanding
                   ,
                   in
                   all
                   thy
                   wayes
                   acknowledge
                   him
                   and
                   he
                   shal
                   direct
                   thy
                   paths
                   .
                
                 But
                 in
                 a
                 carnall
                 politick
                 way
                 abusing
                 Gods
                 Interest
                 for
                 our
                 own
                 interest
                 
                 and
                 ends
                 ,
                 is
                 a
                 fearfull
                 transgression
                 ,
                 howsoever
                 it
                 is
                 often
                 palliated
                 with
                 specious
                 pretences
                 ,
                 as
                 Iehu
                 his
                 zeal
                 against
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 
                   Ahab
                   2
                   Kings
                
                 10.
                 16.
                 
                 
                   Come
                   with
                   me
                   ,
                   and
                   see
                   my
                   zeal
                   for
                   the
                   LORD
                   ;
                   so
                   they
                   made
                   him
                   ride
                   in
                   his
                   chariot
                   .
                
                 Yet
                 the
                 Lord
                 doth
                 not
                 suffer
                 it
                 to
                 go
                 unpunished
                 ,
                 Hos.
                 1.
                 4.
                 
                 
                   And
                   the
                   LORD
                   said
                   unto
                   him
                   ,
                   Call
                   his
                   Name
                   Iesreel
                   ,
                   for
                   yet
                   a
                   little
                   while
                   and
                   I
                   will
                   avenge
                   the
                   bloud
                   of
                
                 Jesreel
                 
                   on
                   the
                   house
                   of
                
                 Jehu
                 ,
                 
                   and
                   will
                   cause
                   to
                   cease
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   the
                   hous
                   of
                   Israel
                   .
                
                 v.
                 5.
                 
                 
                   And
                   it
                   shall
                   come
                   to
                   passe
                   in
                   that
                   day
                   that
                   I
                   will
                   break
                   the
                   bow
                   of
                   Israel
                   in
                   the
                   valley
                   of
                
                 Jesreel
                 .
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Consequent
                 .
                 Two
                 Consequents
                 of
                 this
                 carnal
                 way
                 are
                 mentioned
                 ,
                 the
                 one
                 is
                 the
                 walking
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 our
                 own
                 hearts
                 ,
                 more
                 then
                 in
                 the
                 Counsel
                 of
                 God
                 :
                 For
                 when
                 mens
                 hearts
                 are
                 not
                 single
                 and
                 streight
                 in
                 reference
                 to
                 the
                 glory
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 they
                 love
                 not
                 to
                 walk
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 simplicity
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 but
                 turns
                 aside
                 to
                 their
                 crooked
                 ways
                 ,
                 to
                 chuse
                 such
                 carnal
                 midses
                 as
                 seem
                 most
                 plausible
                 to
                 their
                 carnal
                 hearts
                 ,
                 for
                 compassing
                 their
                 corrupt
                 ends
                 :
                 a
                 siu
                 that
                 was
                 confessed
                 in
                 the
                 publick
                 solemn
                 Confession
                 of
                 sins
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 year
                 1648.
                 
                 And
                 yet
                 never
                 have
                 these
                 crooked
                 paths
                 been
                 more
                 troden
                 in
                 ,
                 and
                 these
                 counsels
                 of
                 flesh
                 and
                 blood
                 been
                 more
                 hearkened
                 to
                 ,
                 then
                 since
                 that
                 time
                 ;
                 which
                 is
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 causes
                 ,
                 
                   why
                   the
                   sword
                   doth
                   abide
                   in
                   our
                   cities
                   ,
                   and
                   consume
                   our
                   branches
                   and
                   devours
                   :
                
                 For
                 this
                 the
                 Prophet
                 threatens
                 against
                 Israel
                 ,
                 
                   because
                   of
                   their
                   own
                   counsels
                
                 .
                 The
                 other
                 ,
                 Trusting
                 more
                 in
                 the
                 arm
                 of
                 flesh
                 ,
                 then
                 in
                 the
                 arm
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ;
                 which
                 hath
                 been
                 a
                 constant
                 and
                 continued
                 sin
                 in
                 this
                 Nation
                 these
                 years
                 past
                 ;
                 in
                 doting
                 on
                 multitudes
                 ,
                 skill
                 ,
                 and
                 abilities
                 of
                 men
                 ,
                 and
                 numbers
                 ,
                 and
                 strength
                 of
                 horses
                 ;
                 whence
                 have
                 issued
                 the
                 corrupt
                 mixtures
                 in
                 our
                 Armies
                 and
                 the
                 imploying
                 of
                 all
                 ranks
                 of
                 persons
                 ,
                 how
                 malignant
                 and
                 prophane
                 soever
                 :
                 what
                 wonder
                 then
                 though
                 our
                 Armies
                 have
                 not
                 prospered
                 ?
                 but
                 have
                 oftentimes
                 met
                 with
                 a
                 curse
                 in
                 stead
                 of
                 a
                 blessing
                 .
                 Jer.
                 17.
                 5
                 ,
                 6.
                 
                 
                   Thus
                   saith
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   Cursed
                   be
                   the
                   man
                   that
                   trusteth
                   in
                   man
                   ,
                   and
                   maketh
                   flesh
                   his
                   arm
                   ,
                   and
                   whose
                   heart
                   departeth
                   from
                   the
                   Lord
                   ,
                   for
                   he
                   shall
                   be
                   like
                   the
                   heath
                   in
                   the
                   desart
                   ,
                   and
                   shall
                   not
                   see
                   when
                   good
                   cometh
                   ,
                   but
                   shall
                   inhabit
                   the
                   parched
                   places
                   in
                   the
                   wilderness
                   in
                   a
                   salt
                   Land
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   inhabited
                   .
                
                 From
                 this
                 same
                 fountain
                 hath
                 proceeded
                 needless
                 alienation
                 of
                 mind
                 ,
                 and
                 estrangedness
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 on
                 the
                 least
                 difference
                 in
                 judgment
                 amongst
                 Brethren
                 ,
                 often
                 attended
                 with
                 passion
                 and
                 spleen
                 .
                 Which
                 makes
                 our
                 affection
                 rather
                 to
                 favour
                 our
                 own
                 image
                 then
                 the
                 Image
                 of
                 Christ
                 in
                 others
                 :
                 
                 and
                 our
                 zeal
                 against
                 malignancie
                 and
                 error
                 did
                 divers
                 times
                 break
                 :
                 forth
                 into
                 bitterness
                 and
                 reproach
                 against
                 the
                 persons
                 that
                 did
                 turn
                 aside
                 ,
                 whereas
                 it
                 ought
                 to
                 have
                 been
                 accompanied
                 with
                 Christian
                 meekness
                 and
                 compassion
                 .
              
            
             
               
                 The
                 Ninth
                 Article
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   Ninth
                   Article
                   specifies
                   one
                   of
                   the
                   greatest
                   and
                   most
                   comprehensive
                   and
                   provoking
                   sins
                   in
                   this
                   Land
                   ,
                
                 viz.
                 
                   Backsliding
                   and
                   defection
                   from
                   the
                   Covenants
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   solemn
                   Vows
                   and
                   Engagements
                   .
                   For
                   attaining
                   a
                   right
                   impression
                   thereof
                   ,
                   We
                   desire
                   ,
                   that
                   these
                   and
                   other
                   seruples
                   of
                   that
                   kind
                   ,
                   may
                   be
                   seriously
                   and
                   impartially
                   thought
                   on
                   and
                   applied
                   .
                   Prou.
                   14.
                   14v
                   .
                
                 The
                 back
                 sider
                 in
                 ●eare
                 sh●ll
                 be
                 filled
                 with
                 his
                 own
                 wayes
                 :
                 and
                 a
                 good
                 man
                 shall
                 be
                 satisfied
                 from
                 himself
                 .
                 Ier.
                 3.
                 20.
                 
                 Surely
                 ●as
                 a
                 wife
                 treacherously
                 departeth
                 from
                 her
                 husband
                 .
                 〈…〉
                 you
                 〈◊〉
                 treacherously
                 with
                 me
                 ,
                 O
                 house
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord.
                 Ier.
                 ●
                 .
                 ●
                 .
                 Moreover
                 thou
                 shalt
                 say
                 〈◊〉
                 them
                 ,
                 thus
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Shal
                 they
                 fall
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 arise
                 ?
                 shal
                 be
                 turn
                 away
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 return
                 ?
                 v.
                 5.
                 
                 Why
                 then
                 is
                 this
                 People
                 of
                 〈◊〉
                 alo●●
                 slidenback
                 ,
                 by
                 a
                 perpetual
                 back
                 sliding
                 ?
                 they
                 hold
                 f●st
                 deceit
                 ,
                 they
                 refuse
                 to
                 return
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   6.
                
                 
                 I
                 hearkened
                 and
                 heard
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 spake
                 not
                 aright
                 :
                 no
                 man
                 repented
                 him
                 of
                 his
                 wickedness
                 ,
                 saying
                 ,
                 What
                 haue
                 I
                 done
                 :
                 everyone
                 turneth
                 to
                 his
                 course
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 〈…〉
                 with
                 into
                 the
                 battel
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   7.
                
                 
                 Yea
                 ,
                 the
                 stork
                 in
                 the
                 Heavens
                 knoweth
                 her
                 appointd
                 times
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 turtle
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 crane
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 swallow
                 observe
                 the
                 times
                 of
                 their
                 coming
                 :
                 but
                 my
                 People
                 know
                 not
                 the
                 Iudgment
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
                 
                   v.
                   8
                
                 ,
                 How
                 do
                 ye
                 say
                 ,
                 We
                 are
                 wise
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 is
                 with
                 us
                 :
                 〈◊〉
                 certainly
                 in
                 vain
                 made
                 he
                 it
                 ,
                 the
                 pen
                 of
                 the
                 Scribe
                 is
                 in
                 vain
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   9.
                
                 
                 The
                 wise
                 men
                 are
                 ashamed
                 ,
                 they
                 are
                 dismaied
                 and
                 taken
                 ;
                 lo
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 rejected
                 the
                 Word
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 wisdom
                 is
                 in
                 them
                 ?
                 Hos.
                 11.
                 7.
                 
                 My
                 People
                 are
                 bent
                 to
                 backsliding
                 from
                 me
                 ;
                 though
                 they
                 called
                 them
                 to
                 the
                 most
                 high
                 ,
                 none
                 at
                 all
                 would
                 exal●
                 him
                 .
                 Ier.
                 5.
                 6.
                 
                 Wherefore
                 a
                 Lion
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 forrest
                 shall
                 slay
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 Wolf
                 of
                 the
                 evening
                 shall
                 spoil
                 them
                 :
                 a
                 Leopard
                 shall
                 watch
                 over
                 their
                 Cities
                 :
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 goeth
                 out
                 thence
                 ,
                 shall
                 be
                 torn
                 in
                 pieces
                 :
                 because
                 their
                 transgressions
                 are
                 many
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 back
                 slidings
                 are
                 encreased
                 .
                 Levit.
                 26.
                 15.
                 
                 And
                 if
                 ye
                 shall
                 despise
                 my
                 Statutes
                 ;
                 or
                 if
                 your
                 soul
                 abhor
                 my
                 judgements
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 ye
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 all
                 my
                 Commandements
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 ye
                 break
                 my
                 Covenant
                 :
                 v.
                 16.
                 
                 I
                 also
                 will
                 do
                 this
                 unto
                 you
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 even
                 appoint
                 over
                 you
                 terrour
                 ,
                 consumption
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 burning-ague
                 ,
                 that
                 shall
                 consume
                 the
                 eyes
                 ,
                 and
                 cause
                 sorrow
                 of
                 heart
                 :
                 and
                 ye
                 shall
                 sow
                 
                 your
                 seed
                 in
                 vain
                 ,
                 for
                 your
                 enemies
                 shall
                 eat
                 it
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   17.
                
                 
                 And
                 I
                 will
                 set
                 my
                 face
                 against
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 ye
                 shall
                 be
                 slain
                 before
                 your
                 enemies
                 :
                 and
                 they
                 that
                 hate
                 you
                 ,
                 shall
                 reign
                 over
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 ye
                 shall
                 flee
                 when
                 none
                 pursueth
                 you
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   35.
                
                 
                 As
                 long
                 as
                 it
                 lieth
                 desolate
                 ,
                 it
                 shal
                 rest
                 ;
                 because
                 it
                 did
                 not
                 rest
                 in
                 your
                 sabbaths
                 ,
                 when
                 ye
                 dwelt
                 upon
                 it
                 .
                 Deut.
                 29.
                 23
                 ,
                 24
                 ,
                 25.
                 
                 And
                 that
                 the
                 whol
                 Land
                 thereof
                 is
                 briniston
                 ,
                 and
                 salt
                 ,
                 and
                 burning
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 sowen
                 ,
                 nor
                 beareth
                 ,
                 nor
                 any
                 grass
                 groweth
                 thereon
                 ,
                 like
                 the
                 overthrow
                 of
                 Sodom
                 &
                 Gomorrah
                 ,
                 Admah
                 ,
                 &
                 Ze●oim
                 ,
                 which
                 the
                 Lord
                 overthrew
                 in
                 his
                 anger
                 &
                 in
                 his
                 wrath
                 :
                 Even
                 all
                 Nations
                 shall
                 say
                 ,
                 Wherefore
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 done
                 this
                 to
                 this
                 Land
                 ?
                 what
                 meaneth
                 the
                 heat
                 of
                 this
                 great
                 anger
                 ?
                 Then
                 men
                 shall
                 say
                 ,
                 Because
                 they
                 have
                 for
                 saken
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 God
                 of
                 their
                 fathers
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 made
                 with
                 them
                 when
                 he
                 brought
                 them
                 forth
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 Land
                 of
                 Egypt
                 .
                 1
                 King.
                 11.
                 11.
                 
                 Wherefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 said
                 to
                 Solomon
                 ,
                 Forasmuch
                 as
                 this
                 is
                 done
                 of
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 hast
                 not
                 kept
                 my
                 Covenant
                 and
                 my
                 Statutes
                 ,
                 which
                 I
                 have
                 commanded
                 thee
                 .
                 I
                 will
                 surely
                 rent
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 from
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 give
                 it
                 to
                 thy
                 servant
                 .
                 2
                 King.
                 17.
                 15.
                 
                 And
                 they
                 rejected
                 his
                 Statutes
                 and
                 his
                 Covenant
                 which
                 he
                 made
                 with
                 their
                 fathers
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Testimonies
                 which
                 he
                 testified
                 against
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 followed
                 vanity
                 ,
                 and
                 became
                 vain
                 ,
                 and
                 went
                 after
                 the
                 heathen
                 that
                 were
                 round
                 about
                 them
                 ,
                 concerning
                 whom
                 the
                 Lord
                 had
                 charged
                 them
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 should
                 not
                 do
                 like
                 them
                 .
                 Psal.
                 78
                 9.
                 
                 The
                 children
                 of
                 Ephraim
                 being
                 armed
                 and
                 carrying
                 Bows
                 ,
                 turned
                 back
                 in
                 the
                 day
                 of
                 battel
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   10.
                
                 
                 They
                 kept
                 not
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 refused
                 to
                 walk
                 in
                 his
                 Law
                 :
                 
                   v.
                   11.
                
                 and
                 forgat
                 his
                 works
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 wonders
                 that
                 he
                 had
                 shewed
                 them
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   36.
                
                 
                 Nevertheless
                 ,
                 they
                 did
                 flatter
                 him
                 with
                 their
                 mouthes
                 ,
                 and
                 lyed
                 to
                 him
                 with
                 their
                 tongues
                 ,
                 for
                 their
                 heart
                 was
                 not
                 right
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 neither
                 were
                 they
                 stedfast
                 in
                 his
                 Covenant
                 .
                 Isa.
                 24.
                 5.
                 
                 The
                 earth
                 also
                 is
                 defiled
                 under
                 the
                 inhabitants
                 thereof
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 have
                 transgressed
                 the
                 Laws
                 ,
                 changed
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 and
                 broken
                 the
                 everlasting
                 Covenant
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   6.
                
                 
                 Therefore
                 hath
                 the
                 c●●se
                 devoured
                 the
                 earth
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 that
                 da
                 el
                 therein
                 are
                 desolate
                 :
                 therefore
                 the
                 inhabitants
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 are
                 burned
                 ,
                 and
                 few
                 men
                 left
                 .
                 Psalm
                 44.
                 17.
                 
                 All
                 this
                 is
                 come
                 upon
                 us
                 ;
                 yet
                 have
                 we
                 not
                 forgotten
                 thee
                 ,
                 neither
                 have
                 we
                 dealt
                 falsly
                 in
                 thy
                 Covenant
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   18.
                
                 
                 Our
                 heart
                 is
                 not
                 turned
                 back
                 from
                 thee
                 ;
                 neither
                 have
                 our
                 steps
                 declined
                 from
                 thy
                 way
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   19.
                
                 
                 Though
                 thou
                 hast
                 sore
                 broken
                 us
                 in
                 the
                 place
                 of
                 Dragons
                 ,
                 and
                 covered
                 us
                 with
                 the
                 soadow
                 of
                 death
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   20.
                
                 
                 If
                 we
                 haven
                 forgotten
                 the
                 Name
                 of
                 our
                 God
                 ,
                 or
                 stretched
                 our
                 hands
                 to
                 a
                 strange
                 god
                 ;
                 Shall
                 not
                 God
                 sea●●●
                 
                 this
                 out
                 ?
                 for
                 he
                 knoweth
                 the
                 secrets
                 of
                 our
                 hearts
                 .
                 Psalm
                 50.
                 16.
                 
                 But
                 to
                 the
                 wicked
                 ,
                 saith
                 God
                 ,
                 What
                 hast
                 thou
                 to
                 do
                 to
                 declare
                 my
                 Statutes
                 ,
                 or
                 that
                 thou
                 shouldest
                 take
                 my
                 Covenant
                 in
                 thy
                 mouth
                 ?
                 Seeing
                 thou
                 hatest
                 instruction
                 ,
                 and
                 castest
                 my
                 words
                 behind
                 thee
                 .
                 Jer.
                 11.
                 9.
                 
                 And
                 the
                 Lord
                 said
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 A
                 conspiracy
                 is
                 found
                 among
                 the
                 men
                 of
                 Iudah
                 ,
                 and
                 amongst
                 the
                 inhabitants
                 of
                 Ierusalem
                 .
                 v.
                 10.
                 
                 They
                 are
                 turned
                 back
                 to
                 the
                 iniquities
                 of
                 their
                 forefathers
                 ,
                 which
                 refused
                 to
                 hear
                 my
                 words
                 ;
                 and
                 thy
                 went
                 after
                 other
                 gods
                 to
                 serve
                 them
                 :
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 Israel
                 and
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 Iudah
                 have
                 broken
                 my
                 Covenant
                 which
                 I
                 made
                 with
                 their
                 fathers
                 .
                 Ier.
                 22.
                 8.
                 
                 And
                 many
                 Nations
                 shall
                 pass
                 by
                 this
                 City
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 shall
                 say
                 every
                 man
                 to
                 his
                 neighbor
                 ,
                 Wherefore
                 hath
                 the
                 Lord
                 done
                 this
                 to
                 this
                 great
                 City
                 ?
                 
                   v.
                   9.
                
                 
                 Then
                 they
                 shall
                 answer
                 ,
                 Because
                 they
                 have
                 forsaken
                 the
                 Covenant
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 their
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 worshiped
                 other
                 gods
                 and
                 served
                 them
                 .
                 
                   For
                   thus
                   faith
                   the
                   Lord
                   God
                   ,
                   I
                   will
                   even
                   deal
                   with
                   thee
                   as
                   thou
                   hast
                   done
                   ,
                   which
                   hast
                   despised
                   the
                   Oath
                   ,
                   in
                   breaking
                   the
                   Covenant
                   .
                
                 Hos.
                 6.
                 7.
                 
                 But
                 they
                 like
                 men
                 have
                 transgressed
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 dealt
                 treacherously
                 against
                 me
                 .
                 
                   Hos.
                   8.
                   1.
                
                 
                 Set
                 the
                 Trumpet
                 to
                 thy
                 mouth
                 :
                 he
                 shal
                 come
                 as
                 an
                 Eagle
                 against
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 :
                 because
                 they
                 have
                 transgressed
                 against
                 my
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 and
                 trespassed
                 against
                 my
                 Law.
                 
                   Hos.
                   10.
                   4.
                
                 
                 They
                 have
                 spoken
                 words
                 ,
                 swearing
                 falsly
                 in
                 making
                 a
                 Covenant
                 :
                 thus
                 Iudgement
                 springeth
                 up
                 as
                 Hemlock
                 in
                 the
                 furrows
                 of
                 the
                 field
                 
                   Rev.
                   2.
                   5.
                
                 
                 Remember
                 therfor
                 from
                 whence
                 thou
                 art
                 fallen
                 ,
                 and
                 repent
                 ,
                 and
                 do
                 the
                 first
                 works
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 I
                 will
                 come
                 to
                 thee
                 quickly
                 ,
                 and
                 remove
                 thy
                 Candlestick
                 out
                 of
                 his
                 place
                 ,
                 except
                 thou
                 repent
                 .
                 
                   This
                   sin
                   is
                   aggravated
                   by
                   several
                   circumstances
                   mentioned
                   in
                   the
                   Article
                   ,
                   which
                   are
                   clear
                   in
                   themselves
                   ,
                   and
                   need
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   insisted
                   on
                   :
                   therefore
                   passing
                   these
                   ,
                   we
                   come
                   to
                   speak
                   of
                   the
                   special
                   Heads
                   and
                   Steps
                   that
                   are
                   condescended
                   on
                   in
                   the
                   Paper
                   .
                
              
               
                 1.
                 
                 Step.
                 The
                 first
                 is
                 ,
                 declining
                 from
                 that
                 purity
                 of
                 conversation
                 ,
                 that
                 integrity
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 that
                 zeal
                 of
                 God
                 that
                 seemed
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 many
                 at
                 their
                 first
                 entry
                 to
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 falling
                 off
                 into
                 loose
                 walking
                 ,
                 self-interest
                 and
                 indifferency
                 .
                 About
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 the
                 first
                 renewing
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ;
                 there
                 was
                 an
                 sensible
                 change
                 to
                 the
                 better
                 in
                 mens
                 carriage
                 and
                 conversation
                 ;
                 most
                 of
                 all
                 these
                 who
                 joyned
                 in
                 opposing
                 the
                 defection
                 ;
                 not
                 onely
                 reforming
                 themselves
                 from
                 common
                 and
                 grosse
                 sins
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 drunkennesse
                 ,
                 uncleannesse
                 ,
                 swearing
                 ,
                 prophaning
                 the
                 LORDS
                 Day
                 ,
                 flighting
                 of
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 ,
                 self-seeking
                 ,
                 covetousnesse
                 and
                 oppression
                 ,
                 &c.
                 but
                 giving
                 themselves
                 
                 to
                 the
                 Duties
                 of
                 Religion
                 and
                 Righteousnesse
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 sobriety
                 ,
                 Edifying
                 Discourse
                 ,
                 Chaste
                 behaviour
                 ,
                 hallowing
                 of
                 the
                 LORDS
                 Day
                 ,
                 diligent
                 seeking
                 of
                 the
                 LORD
                 in
                 secret
                 and
                 in
                 their
                 Families
                 ,
                 attending
                 on
                 the
                 preaching
                 of
                 the
                 Word
                 as
                 often
                 as
                 opportunity
                 is
                 offered
                 ,
                 liberality
                 ,
                 love
                 ,
                 charity
                 one
                 towards
                 another
                 ,
                 a
                 Publick
                 spirit
                 and
                 zeal
                 for
                 GOD
                 ;
                 but
                 all
                 these
                 things
                 are
                 now
                 decayed
                 in
                 many
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 are
                 again
                 growen
                 as
                 ill
                 if
                 not
                 worse
                 then
                 before
                 ,
                 which
                 as
                 it
                 is
                 an
                 evidence
                 of
                 great
                 unsoundnesse
                 of
                 heart
                 ,
                 so
                 hath
                 it
                 brought
                 many
                 sad
                 reproaches
                 on
                 the
                 Work
                 of
                 GOD
                 in
                 our
                 hands
                 ,
                 and
                 hath
                 proven
                 a
                 great
                 stumbling
                 block
                 to
                 many
                 in
                 the
                 neighbour
                 Land
                 ,
                 to
                 make
                 them
                 averse
                 therefrom
                 ,
                 and
                 hath
                 given
                 them
                 no
                 small
                 advantage
                 to
                 speak
                 both
                 against
                 us
                 and
                 it
                 ,
                 though
                 these
                 ,
                 who
                 do
                 reject
                 and
                 speak
                 ill
                 of
                 any
                 part
                 of
                 the
                 precious
                 truth
                 of
                 God
                 be
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 justified
                 in
                 so
                 doing
                 ,
                 yet
                 certainly
                 they
                 are
                 much
                 to
                 be
                 condemned
                 who
                 by
                 their
                 untender
                 and
                 loose
                 walking
                 minister
                 occasion
                 thereto
                 :
                 
                   Wo
                   to
                   these
                   by
                   whom
                   offences
                   come
                   .
                
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Step.
                 The
                 second
                 Step
                 is
                 the
                 sitting
                 up
                 of
                 many
                 Professors
                 in
                 the
                 Land
                 under
                 the
                 Gospel
                 ,
                 and
                 becomming
                 formal
                 and
                 remisse
                 ,
                 not
                 entertaining
                 tendernesse
                 and
                 sobernesse
                 of
                 minde
                 ,
                 a
                 sin
                 that
                 relates
                 especially
                 to
                 the
                 Godly
                 in
                 the
                 Land
                 ,
                 not
                 a
                 few
                 of
                 which
                 have
                 much
                 decayed
                 in
                 former
                 tendernesse
                 ,
                 and
                 zeal
                 ,
                 and
                 diligent
                 seeking
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 sober
                 and
                 exact
                 walking
                 ,
                 studying
                 to
                 root
                 themselves
                 in
                 the
                 solid
                 knowledge
                 and
                 love
                 of
                 the
                 truth
                 ,
                 and
                 invaluing
                 and
                 improving
                 the
                 Gospel
                 &
                 the
                 means
                 of
                 grace
                 unto
                 a
                 loathing
                 and
                 denying
                 of
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 growing
                 into
                 and
                 loving
                 and
                 imploying
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 Jesus
                 Christ.
                 By
                 which
                 ,
                 deadnesse
                 of
                 spirit
                 hath
                 seized
                 on
                 some
                 ,
                 and
                 lazinesse
                 of
                 spirit
                 on
                 others
                 ;
                 whereby
                 it
                 hath
                 come
                 to
                 pass
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 tempted
                 to
                 step
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 to
                 turn
                 aside
                 to
                 the
                 left
                 hand
                 ,
                 to
                 imbrace
                 Malignant
                 courses
                 ,
                 and
                 some
                 to
                 the
                 right
                 hand
                 to
                 imbrace
                 errour
                 ,
                 whose
                 sin
                 is
                 so
                 much
                 the
                 greater
                 then
                 the
                 sin
                 of
                 others
                 ,
                 by
                 how
                 much
                 their
                 knowledge
                 and
                 the
                 LORDS
                 loving
                 kindness
                 to
                 them
                 hath
                 been
                 greater
                 then
                 to
                 others
                 ;
                 and
                 this
                 declining
                 of
                 Professors
                 ,
                 and
                 falling
                 off
                 from
                 their
                 first
                 love
                 ,
                 if
                 it
                 be
                 not
                 deeply
                 mourned
                 for
                 ,
                 and
                 if
                 they
                 do
                 not
                 timeoussy
                 lament
                 after
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 may
                 prove
                 a
                 snare
                 to
                 many
                 more
                 then
                 yet
                 it
                 hath
                 done
                 ,
                 so
                 it
                 is
                 like
                 to
                 be
                 amongst
                 the
                 chief
                 causes
                 that
                 may
                 provok
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 remove
                 his
                 Candlestick
                 from
                 us
                 ,
                 
                   Rev.
                   2
                   4.
                   
                   Neverthelesse
                   I
                   have
                   somewhat
                   against
                   thee
                   ,
                   because
                   thou
                   hast
                   
                   left
                   thy
                   first
                   love
                   :
                
                 v.
                 5.
                 
                 
                   Remember
                   therefore
                   from
                   whence
                   thou
                   art
                   fallen
                   ,
                   and
                   repent
                   and
                   do
                   the
                   first
                   works
                   ,
                   or
                   else
                   I
                   will
                   come
                   to
                   thee
                   quickly
                   and
                   remove
                   thy
                   Candlestick
                   out
                   of
                   his
                   place
                   ,
                   except
                   thou
                   repent
                   .
                
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Step.
                 The
                 third
                 is
                 ,
                 the
                 secret
                 falling
                 off
                 of
                 some
                 ,
                 and
                 open
                 falling
                 off
                 of
                 many
                 to
                 the
                 opposite
                 party
                 ,
                 after
                 their
                 entering
                 to
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ;
                 especially
                 the
                 defection
                 carried
                 on
                 by
                 
                   Iames
                   Graham
                
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 party
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 of
                 the
                 year
                 ,
                 1648.
                 by
                 the
                 authors
                 and
                 abettors
                 of
                 the
                 unlawfull
                 Engagement
                 ,
                 which
                 particulars
                 are
                 so
                 well
                 known
                 ,
                 that
                 we
                 shall
                 not
                 need
                 to
                 stay
                 upon
                 them
                 .
                 Onely
                 we
                 desire
                 that
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 remembered
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 they
                 were
                 early
                 begun
                 and
                 long
                 in
                 ripning
                 ,
                 that
                 of
                 
                   Iames
                   Graham
                
                 ,
                 having
                 begun
                 in
                 the
                 year
                 1639.
                 and
                 ripned
                 till
                 the
                 year
                 1645.
                 and
                 that
                 some
                 of
                 the
                 chief
                 Authors
                 of
                 the
                 unlawfull
                 Engagement
                 having
                 begun
                 in
                 the
                 year
                 ,
                 1644.
                 and
                 ripned
                 till
                 the
                 year
                 1648.
                 and
                 did
                 take
                 hold
                 upon
                 ,
                 and
                 infect
                 very
                 many
                 of
                 all
                 ranks
                 throughout
                 the
                 Land
                 ,
                 so
                 have
                 they
                 been
                 really
                 and
                 unfeinedly
                 repented
                 of
                 by
                 very
                 few
                 to
                 this
                 day
                 :
                 which
                 we
                 doubt
                 not
                 is
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 reasons
                 why
                 so
                 many
                 of
                 these
                 who
                 had
                 hand
                 in
                 these
                 bloudy
                 and
                 backsliding
                 courses
                 have
                 fallen
                 by
                 the
                 sword
                 ,
                 and
                 are
                 gone
                 into
                 captivity
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Step.
                 
                   The
                   fourth
                   Step
                   ,
                   is
                   ,
                   The
                   neglecting
                   and
                   condemning
                   the
                   purging
                   of
                   Judicatories
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   Army
                   ,
                   in
                   the
                   year
                   1649.
                   and
                   afterward
                   ,
                   from
                   scandalous
                   and
                   disaffected
                   men
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   constituting
                   the
                   same
                   of
                   men
                   of
                   known
                   integrity
                   and
                   affection
                   to
                   the
                   Cause
                   ,
                   and
                   of
                   a
                   blameless
                   and
                   Christian
                   conversation
                   :
                   That
                   it
                   was
                   a
                   duty
                   so
                   to
                   have
                   constituted
                   and
                   purged
                   the
                   Judicatories
                   and
                   Armies
                   ,
                   ought
                   in
                   reason
                   to
                   be
                   questioned
                   by
                   none
                   :
                   it
                   being
                   a
                   duty
                   holden
                   forth
                   in
                   the
                   Word
                   of
                   God.
                   That
                   the
                   Rulers
                   of
                   thousands
                   ,
                   Rulers
                   of
                   hundreds
                   ,
                   Rulers
                   of
                   fifties
                   ,
                   and
                   Rulers
                   oftens
                   (
                   amongst
                   the
                   People
                   of
                   God
                   )
                   should
                   not
                   only
                   be
                   able
                   men
                   ,
                   but
                   such
                   also
                   as
                   fear
                   God
                   ,
                   men
                   of
                   truth
                   ,
                   hating
                   covetousness
                   .
                
                 Exod.
                 18
                 ,
                 21.
                 
                 Moreover
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 provide
                 out
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 People
                 able
                 men
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 fear
                 God
                 ,
                 men
                 of
                 truth
                 ,
                 hating
                 Covetousness
                 ;
                 and
                 place
                 such
                 over
                 them
                 to
                 be
                 Rulers
                 of
                 thousands
                 ,
                 Rulers
                 of
                 hundreds
                 ,
                 Rulers
                 of
                 fifties
                 ,
                 and
                 Rulers
                 of
                 tens
                 .
                 And
                 let
                 them
                 judge
                 the
                 People
                 at
                 all
                 seasons
                 .
                 Deut.
                 1.
                 15.
                 
                 So
                 I
                 took
                 the
                 chief
                 of
                 your
                 Tribes
                 ,
                 wise
                 men
                 ,
                 and
                 known
                 ,
                 and
                 made
                 them
                 heads
                 over
                 you
                 ,
                 Captains
                 over
                 thousands
                 ,
                 Captains
                 over
                 
                 hundreds
                 ,
                 Captains
                 ,
                 over
                 fifties
                 ,
                 and
                 Captains
                 over
                 tens
                 ,
                 and
                 Officers
                 among
                 your
                 Tribes
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   16.
                
                 
                 And
                 I
                 charged
                 your
                 Iudges
                 at
                 that
                 time
                 ,
                 saying
                 ,
                 Hear
                 the
                 causes
                 between
                 your
                 brethren
                 ,
                 and
                 judge
                 righteously
                 betwixt
                 every
                 man
                 and
                 his
                 brother
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 stranger
                 ,
                 that
                 is
                 with
                 him
                 .
                 v.
                 17.
                 
                 Ye
                 shall
                 not
                 respect
                 persons
                 in
                 Iudgment
                 ,
                 but
                 you
                 shall
                 hear
                 the
                 smal
                 aswel
                 as
                 the
                 great
                 ;
                 you
                 shall
                 not
                 be
                 afraid
                 of
                 the
                 face
                 of
                 man
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 judgment
                 is
                 Gods
                 :
                 
                   2
                   Sam.
                   23.
                   3.
                   4.
                
                 
                 The
                 God
                 of
                 Israel
                 said
                 ,
                 The
                 Rock
                 of
                 Israel
                 spake
                 to
                 me
                 :
                 He
                 that
                 ruleth
                 over
                 men
                 must
                 be
                 just
                 ,
                 ruling
                 in
                 the
                 fear
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 and
                 he
                 shall
                 be
                 as
                 the
                 light
                 in
                 the
                 morning
                 ,
                 when
                 the
                 Sun
                 riseth
                 ,
                 even
                 a
                 morning
                 without
                 clouds
                 ;
                 as
                 the
                 tender
                 grasse
                 springeth
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 earth
                 by
                 clear
                 shining
                 after
                 ram
                 .
                 
                   2
                   Chr.
                   19.
                   6
                   ,
                   7
                   ,
                   8.
                   
                
                 And
                 he
                 said
                 to
                 the
                 Iudges
                 ,
                 Take
                 heed
                 what
                 ye
                 do
                 ,
                 for
                 ye
                 judge
                 not
                 for
                 man
                 ;
                 but
                 for
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 with
                 you
                 in
                 the
                 judgment
                 ;
                 wherefore
                 now
                 ,
                 let
                 the
                 fear
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 be
                 upon
                 you
                 ;
                 take
                 heed
                 and
                 do
                 it
                 ,
                 for
                 there
                 is
                 no
                 iniquity
                 with
                 the
                 Lord
                 our
                 God
                 ,
                 nor
                 respect
                 of
                 persons
                 ,
                 nor
                 taking
                 of
                 gifts
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   9.
                
                 
                 And
                 he
                 charged
                 them
                 ,
                 saying
                 ,
                 Thus
                 shall
                 ye
                 do
                 in
                 the
                 fear
                 of
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 faithfully
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 a
                 perfect
                 heart
                 ;
                 and
                 
                   Deut.
                   23.
                   9.
                
                 
                 When
                 the
                 host
                 goeth
                 forth
                 against
                 thyn
                 enemies
                 then
                 keep
                 thee
                 from
                 every
                 wicked
                 thing
                 .
                 
                   Therfore
                   were
                   they
                   unclean
                   by
                   Leprosie
                   ,
                   by
                   an
                   Issue
                   ,
                   and
                   by
                   the
                   Dead
                   ,
                   to
                   be
                   put
                   out
                   of
                   the
                   Camp.
                
                 Num.
                 5.
                 2.
                 
                 Command
                 the
                 children
                 ,
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 put
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 Camp
                 every
                 Leper
                 ,
                 and
                 every
                 one
                 that
                 hath
                 an
                 Issue
                 ,
                 and
                 whosoever
                 is
                 defiled
                 by
                 the
                 dead
                 .
                 
                   Deut.
                   22.
                   10.
                
                 
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 not
                 plow
                 with
                 an
                 Oxe
                 and
                 an
                 Asse
                 together
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   11.
                
                 
                 Thou
                 shalt
                 not
                 wear
                 a
                 garment
                 of
                 diver
                 :
                 sorts
                 ,
                 as
                 of
                 woollen
                 and
                 linnen
                 together
                 ;
                 
                   because
                   the
                   Lord
                   their
                   God
                   did
                   walk
                   in
                   the
                   midest
                   of
                   the
                   Camp
                   of
                   his
                   People
                   ,
                   to
                   deliver
                   them
                   ,
                   and
                   to
                   give
                   up
                   his
                   enemies
                   before
                   them
                   ;
                   therefore
                   was
                   the
                   Camp
                   to
                   be
                   holy
                   ,
                   that
                   he
                   might
                   see
                   no
                   unclean
                   thing
                   in
                   them
                   ,
                   &
                   turn
                   away
                   from
                   them
                   .
                
                 Deut.
                 23.
                 14.
                 
                 For
                 the
                 Lord
                 thy
                 God
                 walketh
                 in
                 the
                 midst
                 of
                 thy
                 Camp
                 ,
                 to
                 deliver
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 give
                 up
                 thine
                 enemies
                 before
                 thee
                 :
                 therefore
                 shall
                 thy
                 Camp
                 be
                 holy
                 ,
                 that
                 be
                 may
                 see
                 no
                 unclean
                 thing
                 in
                 thee
                 ,
                 and
                 turn
                 away
                 from
                 thee
                 .
              
               
                 And
                 because
                 this
                 Nation
                 had
                 exceedingly
                 neglected
                 the
                 purging
                 of
                 Judicatories
                 and
                 Armies
                 ,
                 and
                 constituting
                 the
                 same
                 of
                 persons
                 rightly
                 qualified
                 ,
                 which
                 was
                 the
                 cause
                 of
                 many
                 evils
                 of
                 sin
                 and
                 punishment
                 ;
                 therefore
                 was
                 this
                 neglect
                 publickly
                 and
                 solemnly
                 confessed
                 to
                 GOD
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 contrary
                 duty
                 engaged
                 unto
                 ,
                 at
                 the
                 renewing
                 
                 of
                 the
                 Covenant
                 toward
                 the
                 end
                 of
                 the
                 year
                 1648.
                 as
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 seen
                 in
                 the
                 solemn
                 Publick
                 Confession
                 of
                 sins
                 ,
                 and
                 engagement
                 to
                 duties
                 .
                 For
                 rendering
                 of
                 the
                 which
                 effectual
                 ,
                 the
                 Commission
                 of
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 did
                 present
                 many
                 Petitions
                 ,
                 Remonstrances
                 and
                 Warnings
                 from
                 time
                 to
                 time
                 to
                 the
                 Committee
                 of
                 Estates
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 Parliament
                 ,
                 who
                 did
                 make
                 sundry
                 Lawes
                 both
                 for
                 the
                 purging
                 of
                 the
                 Judicatories
                 and
                 Armies
                 which
                 then
                 were
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 keeping
                 them
                 pure
                 for
                 the
                 time
                 to
                 come
                 ,
                 as
                 is
                 to
                 be
                 seen
                 in
                 their
                 Registers
                 and
                 Acts
                 ,
                 Anno
                 1649.
                 and
                 1650.
                 
                 And
                 accordingly
                 somewhat
                 was
                 done
                 in
                 that
                 great
                 and
                 necessary
                 duty
                 by
                 themselves
                 and
                 others
                 ,
                 to
                 whom
                 they
                 did
                 commit
                 the
                 trust
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 withstanding
                 of
                 all
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 it
                 did
                 appear
                 very
                 soon
                 after
                 the
                 Confessing
                 of
                 that
                 sin
                 ,
                 and
                 engaging
                 to
                 that
                 duty
                 ,
                 that
                 many
                 did
                 neither
                 mind
                 repentance
                 of
                 the
                 one
                 ,
                 or
                 performance
                 of
                 the
                 other
                 .
                 Therefore
                 as
                 the
                 Commission
                 of
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 were
                 necessitated
                 to
                 renew
                 their
                 desires
                 in
                 that
                 particular
                 very
                 often
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 moneth
                 to
                 moneth
                 ,
                 so
                 were
                 not
                 these
                 Lawes
                 and
                 Committees
                 having
                 power
                 to
                 execute
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 established
                 without
                 some
                 wrestling
                 and
                 difficultie
                 :
                 not
                 a
                 few
                 labouring
                 to
                 obstruct
                 and
                 retard
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 when
                 it
                 came
                 to
                 the
                 execution
                 ,
                 with
                 what
                 neglect
                 and
                 slowness
                 ,
                 and
                 partiality
                 ,
                 did
                 they
                 proceed
                 therein
                 ?
                 And
                 what
                 impediments
                 did
                 they
                 (
                 who
                 were
                 not
                 diligent
                 )
                 cast
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 others
                 who
                 were
                 more
                 diligent
                 and
                 faithful
                 ,
                 and
                 zealous
                 in
                 following
                 of
                 the
                 duty
                 ?
                 By
                 which
                 it
                 came
                 to
                 passe
                 ,
                 that
                 little
                 could
                 be
                 gotten
                 done
                 in
                 that
                 matter
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 was
                 done
                 was
                 not
                 onely
                 loadned
                 with
                 imputations
                 and
                 reproaches
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 was
                 for
                 most
                 part
                 made
                 ineffectuall
                 :
                 The
                 persons
                 appointed
                 to
                 be
                 removed
                 ,
                 being
                 either
                 keeped
                 still
                 ,
                 or
                 shortly
                 thereafter
                 being
                 brought
                 again
                 to
                 their
                 own
                 or
                 some
                 other
                 place
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 as
                 evill
                 being
                 put
                 in
                 their
                 place
                 .
                 Nay
                 ,
                 after
                 the
                 defeat
                 at
                 Dumbar
                 ,
                 these
                 duties
                 came
                 not
                 only
                 to
                 be
                 neglected
                 ,
                 but
                 what
                 formerly
                 had
                 been
                 gotten
                 done
                 therein
                 ,
                 was
                 looked
                 and
                 cryed
                 out
                 upon
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 cause
                 of
                 the
                 ruine
                 of
                 the
                 Army
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 not
                 only
                 these
                 who
                 had
                 been
                 formerly
                 purged
                 ,
                 but
                 all
                 others
                 how
                 malignant
                 and
                 loose
                 soever
                 ,
                 were
                 brought
                 to
                 the
                 Judicatories
                 and
                 Army
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 had
                 formerly
                 been
                 confessed
                 a
                 sin
                 ,
                 was
                 then
                 followed
                 and
                 commended
                 as
                 a
                 duty
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Step.
                 The
                 fifth
                 is
                 ,
                 The
                 authorizing
                 of
                 Commissioners
                 to
                 close
                 a
                 Treaty
                 with
                 the
                 King
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 investing
                 him
                 with
                 the
                 Government
                 ,
                 
                 upon
                 his
                 subscribing
                 such
                 demands
                 as
                 were
                 sent
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 after
                 he
                 had
                 given
                 many
                 clear
                 evidences
                 of
                 his
                 dis-affection
                 and
                 enmity
                 to
                 the
                 Work
                 and
                 people
                 of
                 GOD
                 ,
                 and
                 was
                 continuing
                 in
                 the
                 same
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 admitting
                 of
                 him
                 to
                 the
                 full
                 exercise
                 of
                 his
                 power
                 ,
                 and
                 Crowning
                 him
                 notwithstanding
                 of
                 new
                 discoveries
                 of
                 his
                 adhering
                 to
                 his
                 former
                 Principles
                 and
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 many
                 warnings
                 to
                 the
                 contrary
                 .
                 For
                 the
                 better
                 understanding
                 and
                 more
                 full
                 and
                 clear
                 discovery
                 of
                 this
                 sin
                 ,
                 we
                 would
                 consider
                 these
                 things
                 which
                 are
                 set
                 down
                 by
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 of
                 this
                 Kirk
                 ,
                 in
                 their
                 Declaration
                 of
                 the
                 date
                 Iuly
                 27
                 ,
                 1649.
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 that
                 as
                 Magistrats
                 and
                 their
                 power
                 are
                 ordained
                 of
                 GOD
                 ,
                 so
                 are
                 they
                 in
                 the
                 exercise
                 thereof
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 walk
                 according
                 to
                 their
                 own
                 will
                 ,
                 but
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 equity
                 and
                 righteousnesse
                 ,
                 as
                 being
                 the
                 Ministers
                 of
                 GOD
                 for
                 the
                 safety
                 of
                 his
                 people
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 That
                 there
                 is
                 a
                 continuall
                 obligation
                 and
                 stipulation
                 betwixt
                 the
                 King
                 and
                 the
                 People
                 ,
                 as
                 both
                 of
                 them
                 are
                 tyed
                 to
                 GOD
                 ,
                 so
                 each
                 of
                 them
                 are
                 tyed
                 each
                 to
                 other
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 performance
                 of
                 mutuall
                 and
                 reciprocall
                 duties
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 which
                 it
                 is
                 statute
                 and
                 ordained
                 in
                 the
                 8.
                 
                 Act
                 of
                 the
                 Parliament
                 of
                 King
                 Iames
                 the
                 Sixt
                 ,
                 That
                 all
                 Kings
                 ,
                 Princes
                 and
                 Magistrats
                 whatsomever
                 ,
                 holding
                 their
                 place
                 ,
                 which
                 hereafter
                 shall
                 happen
                 at
                 any
                 time
                 to
                 reign
                 and
                 bear
                 rule
                 over
                 this
                 Realm
                 ,
                 at
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 their
                 Coronation
                 ,
                 the
                 receipt
                 of
                 their
                 Princely
                 Authority
                 ,
                 make
                 their
                 faithfull
                 Promise
                 by
                 Oath
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 presence
                 of
                 the
                 Eternall
                 GOD
                 ,
                 That
                 during
                 the
                 whole
                 course
                 of
                 their
                 lives
                 ,
                 they
                 shall
                 serve
                 the
                 same
                 Eternall
                 GOD
                 to
                 the
                 utmost
                 of
                 their
                 power
                 ,
                 according
                 as
                 he
                 hath
                 required
                 in
                 his
                 Holy
                 Word
                 ,
                 contained
                 in
                 the
                 Old
                 and
                 New
                 Testament
                 ,
                 and
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 same
                 Word
                 shall
                 maintain
                 the
                 true
                 Religion
                 of
                 JESUS
                 CHRIST
                 ,
                 the
                 Preaching
                 of
                 his
                 most
                 holy
                 Word
                 ,
                 and
                 due
                 and
                 right
                 Administration
                 of
                 the
                 Sacraments
                 now
                 received
                 and
                 preachd
                 within
                 this
                 Realm
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 abolish
                 and
                 gainstand
                 all
                 false
                 Religion
                 contrary
                 to
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 rule
                 the
                 People
                 of
                 GOD
                 committed
                 to
                 their
                 charge
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 will
                 and
                 command
                 of
                 GOD
                 revealed
                 in
                 his
                 Word
                 ,
                 and
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 laudable
                 Lawes
                 and
                 Constitutions
                 received
                 within
                 this
                 Realm
                 ,
                 &c.
                 
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 That
                 in
                 the
                 League
                 and
                 Covenant
                 that
                 had
                 been
                 so
                 solemnly
                 and
                 publickly
                 sworn
                 and
                 renewed
                 by
                 this
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 the
                 duty
                 of
                 defending
                 and
                 preserving
                 the
                 Kings
                 Majesties
                 Person
                 and
                 Authority
                 ,
                 is
                 joyned
                 with
                 ,
                 and
                 subordinate
                 to
                 the
                 duty
                 of
                 preserving
                 
                 and
                 desending
                 the
                 true
                 Religion
                 and
                 Liberty
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdoms
                 .
                 Fourthly
                 .
                 That
                 an
                 arbitrary
                 Government
                 and
                 an
                 illimited
                 Power
                 was
                 the
                 fountain
                 of
                 most
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 corruptions
                 both
                 of
                 Kirk
                 and
                 State
                 :
                 And
                 that
                 it
                 was
                 for
                 restraint
                 of
                 this
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 their
                 own
                 just
                 defence
                 against
                 tyranny
                 and
                 unjust
                 violence
                 (
                 which
                 ordinarily
                 is
                 the
                 fruit
                 and
                 effect
                 of
                 such
                 a
                 power
                 )
                 that
                 the
                 Lords
                 People
                 did
                 joyn
                 in
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 and
                 have
                 been
                 at
                 the
                 expences
                 of
                 so
                 much
                 blood
                 ,
                 travels
                 and
                 pains
                 these
                 years
                 past
                 .
                 Fifthly
                 ,
                 That
                 the
                 King
                 being
                 averse
                 from
                 the
                 Work
                 of
                 Reformation
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Instruments
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 compassed
                 about
                 with
                 Malignant
                 and
                 dis-affected
                 men
                 whom
                 he
                 hearkens
                 to
                 as
                 his
                 most
                 faithfull
                 Counsellours
                 ,
                 and
                 looks
                 upon
                 as
                 his
                 most
                 loyall
                 and
                 faithfull
                 Subjects
                 ,
                 being
                 admitted
                 to
                 the
                 exercise
                 of
                 his
                 power
                 before
                 satisfaction
                 given
                 ,
                 would
                 by
                 these
                 counsels
                 ,
                 endeavour
                 an
                 over-turning
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 which
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 wrought
                 amongst
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 labour
                 to
                 draw
                 Publick
                 Administrations
                 concerning
                 Religion
                 and
                 the
                 Liberty
                 of
                 the
                 Subject
                 into
                 that
                 course
                 and
                 Channel
                 ,
                 in
                 which
                 they
                 did
                 run
                 under
                 Prelacie
                 ,
                 &
                 before
                 the
                 Work
                 of
                 Reformation
                 :
                 Which
                 we
                 had
                 the
                 more
                 cause
                 to
                 fear
                 ,
                 because
                 his
                 Royall
                 Father
                 did
                 often
                 declare
                 ,
                 That
                 he
                 conceived
                 himself
                 bound
                 to
                 imploy
                 all
                 the
                 power
                 that
                 God
                 had
                 put
                 in
                 his
                 hands
                 to
                 the
                 utmost
                 ,
                 for
                 these
                 ends
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 he
                 adhered
                 to
                 his
                 Fathers
                 principles
                 ,
                 and
                 walked
                 in
                 his
                 way
                 ,
                 and
                 had
                 made
                 a
                 peace
                 with
                 the
                 Irish
                 Rebels
                 ,
                 by
                 which
                 is
                 granted
                 to
                 them
                 the
                 full
                 liberty
                 of
                 Popery
                 .
                 From
                 these
                 Principles
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 did
                 then
                 infer
                 ,
                 That
                 it
                 would
                 be
                 the
                 wisedome
                 of
                 every
                 one
                 who
                 dwells
                 in
                 this
                 Land
                 ,
                 to
                 take
                 heed
                 to
                 such
                 a
                 temptation
                 and
                 snare
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 be
                 not
                 accessory
                 to
                 any
                 such
                 designes
                 and
                 endeavours
                 of
                 bringing
                 or
                 admitting
                 the
                 King
                 to
                 the
                 exercise
                 of
                 his
                 Power
                 ,
                 without
                 satisfaction
                 given
                 concerning
                 the
                 security
                 of
                 Religion
                 ,
                 and
                 Liberty
                 of
                 the
                 Subjects
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 bring
                 upon
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 on
                 their
                 Families
                 ,
                 the
                 guilt
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 detriment
                 that
                 would
                 undoubtedly
                 follow
                 thereupon
                 to
                 Religion
                 and
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 miseries
                 and
                 calamities
                 that
                 it
                 would
                 bring
                 on
                 his
                 Majesties
                 Person
                 and
                 Throne
                 ,
                 and
                 on
                 these
                 Kingdoms
                 .
                 Such
                 a
                 thing
                 (
                 say
                 they
                 )
                 would
                 in
                 all
                 appearance
                 be
                 the
                 under-minding
                 and
                 shaking
                 off
                 ,
                 if
                 not
                 the
                 over-throwing
                 and
                 destroying
                 the
                 Work
                 of
                 Reformation
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 therefore
                 whosoever
                 attempts
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 do
                 oppose
                 themselves
                 to
                 the
                 Cause
                 of
                 GOD
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 at
                 last
                 dash
                 against
                 the
                 rock
                 
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 Power
                 ,
                 which
                 hath
                 broken
                 in
                 pieces
                 many
                 high
                 and
                 losty
                 ones
                 since
                 the
                 beginning
                 of
                 this
                 Work
                 in
                 these
                 Kingdomes
                 :
                 From
                 all
                 which
                 it
                 dotli
                 appear
                 upon
                 good
                 grounds
                 ,
                 that
                 it
                 was
                 an
                 high
                 provocation
                 ,
                 to
                 admit
                 the
                 King
                 to
                 the
                 exercise
                 of
                 his
                 Power
                 ,
                 or
                 to
                 intrust
                 him
                 with
                 the
                 Cause
                 and
                 People
                 of
                 GOD
                 ,
                 whilst
                 he
                 was
                 continuing
                 in
                 his
                 former
                 disaffection
                 to
                 ,
                 and
                 eninity
                 against
                 the
                 same
                 ;
                 with
                 which
                 sin
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 been
                 so
                 displeased
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 Hath
                 in
                 a
                 great
                 measure
                 verified
                 the
                 same
                 things
                 on
                 the
                 Land
                 which
                 are
                 holden
                 forth
                 by
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 ,
                 and
                 which
                 would
                 be
                 the
                 consequents
                 thereof
                 .
              
               
                 We
                 know
                 that
                 it
                 will
                 be
                 objected
                 by
                 many
                 ,
                 That
                 the
                 King
                 did
                 desist
                 from
                 ,
                 and
                 abandon
                 that
                 course
                 of
                 enmity
                 against
                 the
                 Work
                 and
                 People
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 before
                 the
                 close
                 of
                 the
                 Treaty
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 he
                 did
                 give
                 satisfaction
                 concerning
                 the
                 security
                 of
                 Religion
                 ,
                 and
                 Liberty
                 of
                 the
                 Subjects
                 ,
                 by
                 condescending
                 to
                 ,
                 and
                 subscribing
                 these
                 demands
                 ,
                 which
                 were
                 sent
                 to
                 him
                 from
                 the
                 Parliament
                 of
                 this
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Commission
                 of
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 .
                 To
                 which
                 we
                 reply
                 ,
                 First
                 ,
                 that
                 these
                 demands
                 were
                 desicient
                 ,
                 at
                 least
                 not
                 so
                 plain
                 and
                 positive
                 ,
                 and
                 expresse
                 in
                 the
                 main
                 and
                 necessary
                 thing
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 a
                 reall
                 abandoning
                 of
                 former
                 malignant
                 courses
                 and
                 principles
                 ,
                 and
                 a
                 reall
                 and
                 cordiall
                 cleaving
                 to
                 the
                 Work
                 and
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 without
                 which
                 there
                 could
                 not
                 be
                 a
                 reall
                 security
                 ;
                 it
                 was
                 not
                 a
                 shadow
                 of
                 security
                 for
                 Religion
                 and
                 Liberty
                 ,
                 or
                 a
                 paper
                 and
                 verball
                 security
                 onely
                 ,
                 but
                 a
                 reall
                 security
                 which
                 we
                 were
                 bound
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 have
                 evdeavoured
                 and
                 obtained
                 before
                 the
                 close
                 of
                 a
                 Treaty
                 with
                 the
                 King
                 ,
                 for
                 intrusting
                 him
                 with
                 the
                 Government
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 authorize
                 Commissioners
                 to
                 settle
                 with
                 him
                 upon
                 such
                 paper-securities
                 ,
                 and
                 accordingly
                 to
                 intrust
                 him
                 ,
                 was
                 but
                 to
                 mock
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 deceive
                 the
                 World
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 betray
                 and
                 destroy
                 our selves
                 ,
                 by
                 giving
                 up
                 all
                 the
                 precious
                 Interests
                 of
                 Religion
                 and
                 Liberty
                 into
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 one
                 who
                 was
                 in
                 a
                 course
                 of
                 enmity
                 to
                 these
                 .
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 it
                 is
                 certain
                 ,
                 (
                 if
                 men
                 will
                 not
                 deny
                 clear
                 and
                 evident
                 truths
                 )
                 that
                 the
                 King
                 had
                 not
                 only
                 (
                 before
                 the
                 authorizing
                 of
                 these
                 Commissioners
                 to
                 close
                 a
                 Treaty
                 with
                 him
                 upon
                 his
                 condescending
                 to
                 these
                 Demands
                 )
                 given
                 evidence
                 of
                 his
                 emnity
                 to
                 the
                 Work
                 and
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 was
                 continuing
                 in
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 during
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 the
                 Treaty
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 he
                 had
                 not
                 abandoned
                 these
                 Principles
                 and
                 courses
                 at
                 the
                 close
                 of
                 the
                 Treaty
                 ;
                 And
                 when
                 he
                 did
                 swear
                 and
                 subscribe
                 
                 the
                 Nationall
                 Covenant
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Solemn
                 League
                 and
                 Covenant
                 ;
                 Nay
                 ,
                 the
                 whole
                 tenour
                 of
                 his
                 carriage
                 ,
                 did
                 then
                 ,
                 and
                 afterward
                 convincingly
                 enough
                 (
                 to
                 intelligent
                 men
                 )
                 demonstrate
                 him
                 to
                 be
                 the
                 same
                 he
                 was
                 before
                 .
                 We
                 shall
                 not
                 need
                 bring
                 many
                 instances
                 ,
                 therefore
                 passing
                 over
                 these
                 things
                 which
                 he
                 did
                 ,
                 before
                 this
                 Kingdome
                 began
                 to
                 treat
                 with
                 him
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 the
                 Declaration
                 emitted
                 by
                 him
                 when
                 he
                 was
                 Prince
                 ,
                 against
                 the
                 Cause
                 and
                 People
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Printed
                 Declaration
                 at
                 Iersey
                 ,
                 as
                 King
                 ,
                 against
                 all
                 who
                 had
                 been
                 in
                 opposition
                 to
                 his
                 Father
                 in
                 these
                 troubles
                 :
                 We
                 shall
                 mention
                 only
                 a
                 few
                 particulars
                 that
                 fell
                 out
                 thereafter
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 these
                 :
                 first
                 ,
                 he
                 did
                 not
                 only
                 countenance
                 and
                 entertain
                 the
                 most
                 Capital
                 and
                 known
                 Enemies
                 of
                 this
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 
                   Iames
                   Grahame
                
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 ,
                 who
                 had
                 shed
                 much
                 of
                 the
                 bloud
                 thereof
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 did
                 give
                 Commission
                 to
                 the
                 said
                 
                   Iames
                   Grahame
                
                 to
                 make
                 war
                 upon
                 ,
                 and
                 invade
                 the
                 Inhabitants
                 thereof
                 ,
                 as
                 Traitors
                 and
                 Rebels
                 .
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 whole
                 progres●e
                 of
                 the
                 Treaty
                 ,
                 as
                 he
                 did
                 communicate
                 and
                 take
                 counsell
                 with
                 known
                 dis-affected
                 and
                 malignant
                 men
                 in
                 all
                 things
                 relating
                 to
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 moving
                 a
                 step
                 ,
                 but
                 according
                 to
                 their
                 advice
                 ,
                 so
                 did
                 he
                 procrastinat
                 and
                 delay
                 to
                 grant
                 what
                 was
                 desired
                 ,
                 untill
                 all
                 other
                 means
                 of
                 help
                 had
                 failed
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 own
                 estate
                 and
                 condition
                 was
                 now
                 become
                 desperat
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 he
                 did
                 grant
                 ,
                 was
                 not
                 all
                 at
                 once
                 ,
                 and
                 cheerfully
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 it
                 had
                 been
                 a
                 duty
                 ,
                 but
                 by
                 little
                 and
                 little
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 a
                 kind
                 of
                 coaction
                 and
                 merchandise
                 ,
                 as
                 if
                 it
                 had
                 been
                 a
                 bargain
                 of
                 buying
                 and
                 selling
                 .
                 Thirdly
                 ,
                 after
                 the
                 Treaty
                 was
                 brought
                 to
                 some
                 close
                 ,
                 he
                 did
                 before
                 his
                 coming
                 to
                 Sea
                 ,
                 receive
                 the
                 Sacrament
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 Supper
                 from
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 Prelatical
                 Chaplains
                 ,
                 and
                 according
                 to
                 the
                 Servi●e-Book
                 notwithstanding
                 the
                 Commissioners
                 of
                 the
                 Kirk
                 did
                 represent
                 the
                 evill
                 thereof
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 did
                 earnestly
                 deal
                 with
                 him
                 to
                 the
                 contrary
                 .
                 Fourthly
                 ,
                 he
                 brought
                 to
                 Sea
                 ,
                 and
                 into
                 Scotland
                 with
                 him
                 almost
                 the
                 whole
                 Train
                 of
                 Malignant
                 and
                 dis-affected
                 men
                 ,
                 who
                 had
                 followed
                 him
                 in
                 his
                 former
                 evill
                 courses
                 ,
                 and
                 fled
                 from
                 the
                 Justice
                 of
                 both
                 Kingdoms
                 ,
                 and
                 these
                 he
                 did
                 more
                 familiarly
                 &
                 intirely
                 converse
                 with
                 ,
                 then
                 with
                 others
                 .
                 Fi●thly
                 ,
                 he
                 was
                 nea●
                 the
                 coast
                 of
                 Scotland
                 before
                 he
                 would
                 condescend
                 to
                 the
                 subscribing
                 of
                 these
                 Demand
                 which
                 were
                 sent
                 from
                 the
                 Parliament
                 ,
                 upon
                 the
                 report
                 of
                 the
                 close
                 of
                 the
                 Treaty
                 ,
                 as
                 it
                 was
                 first
                 closed
                 in
                 Holland
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Commissioners
                 were
                 so
                 far
                 out
                 of
                 hopes
                 of
                 obtaining
                 their
                 desire
                 ,
                 that
                 even
                 when
                 they
                 were
                 come
                 
                 near
                 the
                 shore
                 ,
                 they
                 were
                 preparing
                 Papers
                 of
                 exoneration
                 ;
                 and
                 when
                 in
                 an
                 instant
                 on
                 the
                 suggestion
                 of
                 some
                 Malignants
                 ,
                 he
                 did
                 condescend
                 to
                 subscribe
                 the
                 Demands
                 ,
                 and
                 take
                 the
                 Covenant
                 ;
                 it
                 was
                 with
                 a
                 reserve
                 of
                 a
                 Declaration
                 to
                 be
                 printed
                 therewith
                 ,
                 which
                 he
                 did
                 not
                 pass
                 from
                 untill
                 the
                 Commissioners
                 of
                 the
                 Church
                 did
                 refuse
                 to
                 admit
                 thereof
                 .
                 Sixthly
                 ,
                 Within
                 a
                 few
                 dayes
                 of
                 his
                 coming
                 to
                 Scotland
                 ,
                 when
                 removing
                 Malignants
                 from
                 his
                 Family
                 and
                 Court
                 was
                 earnestly
                 pressed
                 by
                 the
                 Commissioners
                 both
                 of
                 Kirk
                 and
                 State
                 ,
                 at
                 Falkland
                 ,
                 he
                 shewed
                 himself
                 very
                 averse
                 from
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 did
                 not
                 only
                 at
                 that
                 place
                 ,
                 but
                 at
                 all
                 places
                 and
                 times
                 afterwards
                 countenance
                 and
                 entertain
                 men
                 of
                 that
                 stamp
                 ,
                 who
                 were
                 in
                 his
                 Family
                 and
                 Court
                 ,
                 and
                 came
                 to
                 the
                 same
                 .
                 Seventhly
                 ,
                 He
                 did
                 for
                 a
                 long
                 time
                 refuse
                 to
                 subscribe
                 the
                 Declaration
                 which
                 was
                 tendered
                 to
                 him
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 acknowledging
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 ,
                 and
                 his
                 Parents
                 guiltiness
                 for
                 the
                 time
                 past
                 ,
                 and
                 according
                 to
                 his
                 duty
                 for
                 the
                 time
                 to
                 come
                 ;
                 and
                 after
                 that
                 he
                 had
                 ,
                 with
                 a
                 great
                 deal
                 of
                 reluctancy
                 ,
                 subscribed
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 he
                 did
                 oftentimes
                 express
                 ,
                 That
                 he
                 did
                 not
                 think
                 his
                 Father
                 guilty
                 of
                 bloud
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 not
                 withstanding
                 he
                 had
                 so
                 declared
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 his
                 own
                 meaning
                 thereof
                 .
                 Eighthly
                 ,
                 As
                 he
                 did
                 first
                 by
                 Letters
                 authorize
                 sundry
                 of
                 the
                 Malignant
                 party
                 to
                 rise
                 in
                 Arms
                 without
                 the
                 knowledge
                 of
                 the
                 Committee
                 of
                 Estates
                 ,
                 and
                 contrary
                 to
                 the
                 standing
                 Laws
                 of
                 this
                 Kingdom
                 ;
                 so
                 did
                 he
                 himself
                 within
                 a
                 short
                 time
                 thereafter
                 ,
                 desert
                 the
                 Publick
                 Councels
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 and
                 joyn
                 with
                 the
                 Malignants
                 .
                 Ninthly
                 ,
                 During
                 the
                 whole
                 time
                 of
                 the
                 Treaty
                 ,
                 and
                 after
                 the
                 close
                 thereof
                 ,
                 he
                 had
                 correspondence
                 with
                 all
                 the
                 Malignants
                 of
                 the
                 three
                 Nations
                 ,
                 to
                 sundry
                 of
                 which
                 he
                 gave
                 Commissions
                 .
                 These
                 Instances
                 do
                 clearly
                 ●nough
                 prove
                 what
                 was
                 said
                 concerning
                 the
                 Kings
                 continuing
                 in
                 a
                 course
                 of
                 enmity
                 to
                 the
                 Work
                 and
                 People
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 which
                 made
                 it
                 a
                 sin
                 in
                 us
                 ,
                 whilest
                 he
                 was
                 in
                 that
                 condition
                 ,
                 to
                 entrust
                 him
                 with
                 the
                 Interests
                 of
                 both
                 :
                 neither
                 was
                 our
                 carriage
                 here
                 more
                 faulty
                 in
                 the
                 matter
                 ,
                 then
                 it
                 was
                 rash
                 and
                 precipitant
                 in
                 regard
                 of
                 the
                 manner
                 .
                 The
                 news
                 of
                 the
                 late
                 Kings
                 death
                 ,
                 brought
                 to
                 Edinburgh
                 on
                 the
                 Lords
                 day
                 at
                 night
                 ,
                 the
                 Parliament
                 did
                 the
                 next
                 day
                 before
                 twelve
                 of
                 the
                 clock
                 ,
                 proclaim
                 this
                 King
                 with
                 all
                 publick
                 solemnitie
                 ,
                 without
                 setting
                 any
                 time
                 apart
                 to
                 seek
                 the
                 Lord
                 for
                 Counsel
                 and
                 direction
                 therein
                 ;
                 which
                 ,
                 as
                 both
                 Reason
                 and
                 Religion
                 might
                 have
                 taught
                 us
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 used
                 more
                 deliberation
                 amongst
                 ourselves
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 more
                 supplication
                 to
                 God
                 ,
                 before
                 he
                 (
                 whose
                 Father
                 and
                 himself
                 had
                 been
                 engaged
                 so
                 much
                 in
                 opposition
                 to
                 the
                 Work
                 and
                 People
                 of
                 God
                 )
                 had
                 been
                 proclaimed
                 King
                 ,
                 and
                 within
                 a
                 short
                 time
                 thereafter
                 ,
                 solemn
                 Address
                 was
                 made
                 to
                 him
                 for
                 offering
                 him
                 the
                 Crown
                 and
                 Kingdom
                 upon
                 some
                 verbal
                 and
                 paper
                 security
                 ,
                 without
                 any
                 previous
                 Address
                 for
                 informing
                 his
                 conscience
                 ,
                 or
                 taking
                 notice
                 whether
                 he
                 did
                 adhere
                 to
                 his
                 former
                 principles
                 and
                 way
                 ;
                 and
                 when
                 the
                 Lord
                 was
                 pleased
                 to
                 render
                 these
                 Applications
                 ineffectual
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 bring
                 back
                 the
                 Commissioners
                 to
                 this
                 Kingdom
                 and
                 Kirk
                 ,
                 without
                 any
                 satisfaction
                 to
                 their
                 desires
                 ;
                 we
                 did
                 again
                 no
                 less
                 precipitantly
                 then
                 before
                 ,
                 rush
                 on
                 a
                 second
                 Address
                 ,
                 which
                 was
                 at
                 one
                 and
                 the
                 same
                 day
                 concluded
                 and
                 proponed
                 in
                 Parliament
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 without
                 any
                 previous
                 Consultation
                 or
                 Debate
                 had
                 there
                 anent
                 amongst
                 these
                 who
                 had
                 been
                 tender
                 and
                 faithful
                 to
                 the
                 Work
                 of
                 God
                 from
                 the
                 begining
                 ,
                 but
                 without
                 their
                 knowledge
                 ,
                 and
                 contrary
                 to
                 their
                 expectation
                 ;
                 and
                 afterwards
                 ,
                 in
                 regard
                 of
                 the
                 close
                 and
                 dispatch
                 of
                 Commissioners
                 ,
                 which
                 was
                 so
                 passionatly
                 and
                 violently
                 driven
                 on
                 ,
                 that
                 many
                 were
                 impatient
                 ,
                 even
                 of
                 the
                 most
                 necessary
                 delaies
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 most
                 reasonable
                 contradiction
                 in
                 any
                 thing
                 that
                 related
                 thereto
                 :
                 and
                 it
                 is
                 not
                 to
                 be
                 past
                 without
                 observation
                 ,
                 that
                 whilest
                 we
                 were
                 treading
                 these
                 slippery
                 and
                 sinful
                 steps
                 ,
                 the
                 Lord
                 suffered
                 not
                 us
                 to
                 want
                 warning
                 .
                 We
                 shall
                 not
                 insist
                 on
                 the
                 sad
                 apprehensions
                 that
                 were
                 in
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 many
                 of
                 the
                 godly
                 in
                 the
                 Land
                 in
                 reference
                 thereto
                 :
                 So
                 albeit
                 they
                 durst
                 not
                 altogether
                 deny
                 duty
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 making
                 Application
                 to
                 the
                 King
                 ,
                 yet
                 did
                 the
                 sence
                 of
                 the
                 Lords
                 controversie
                 with
                 him
                 and
                 his
                 house
                 ,
                 together
                 with
                 his
                 walking
                 in
                 his
                 former
                 way
                 ,
                 lie
                 heavy
                 on
                 their
                 spirits
                 and
                 made
                 them
                 rather
                 fear
                 a
                 curse
                 ,
                 then
                 expect
                 a
                 blessing
                 thereupon
                 .
                 Nor
                 shall
                 we
                 speak
                 of
                 the
                 passionat
                 inclination
                 ,
                 desires
                 and
                 endeavors
                 of
                 the
                 Malignant
                 party
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 their
                 rejoycing
                 herein
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 their
                 heightning
                 of
                 their
                 hopes
                 thereby
                 .
                 But
                 we
                 desire
                 it
                 may
                 be
                 remembred
                 ,
                 That
                 whilest
                 the
                 second
                 Address
                 was
                 in
                 preparing
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 did
                 the
                 Lord
                 give
                 us
                 warning
                 of
                 presumptions
                 ,
                 first
                 of
                 the
                 King
                 his
                 authorizing
                 of
                 
                   Iames
                   Graham
                
                 to
                 invade
                 this
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 his
                 encouraging
                 him
                 by
                 Letters
                 to
                 go
                 on
                 in
                 that
                 Invasion
                 ,
                 even
                 whilst
                 he
                 was
                 in
                 terms
                 of
                 a
                 Treaty
                 with
                 Us
                 ;
                 but
                 also
                 by
                 
                   Iames
                   Graham
                
                 his
                 actual
                 invasion
                 a
                 little
                 thereafter
                 by
                 the
                 Kings
                 Commission
                 ,
                 and
                 by
                 bringing
                 to
                 our
                 hands
                 the
                 authentick
                 Commission
                 it self
                 ,
                 and
                 
                 sundry
                 Letters
                 under
                 the
                 Kings
                 own
                 hand
                 ,
                 testifying
                 his
                 adherence
                 to
                 his
                 former
                 principles
                 ,
                 &
                 his
                 affection
                 to
                 that
                 great
                 Enemy
                 of
                 this
                 Cause
                 and
                 Kingdom
                 .
                 And
                 what
                 were
                 all
                 these
                 instances
                 which
                 we
                 have
                 formerly
                 spoken
                 of
                 in
                 the
                 Kings
                 carriage
                 ,
                 but
                 warnings
                 from
                 the
                 Lord
                 to
                 have
                 taught
                 us
                 wisdom
                 in
                 this
                 thing
                 ?
                 We
                 know
                 that
                 some
                 may
                 think
                 it
                 unsutable
                 for
                 us
                 to
                 meddle
                 in
                 these
                 things
                 which
                 seems
                 to
                 have
                 been
                 otherwise
                 determined
                 by
                 the
                 General
                 Assembly
                 of
                 this
                 Kirk
                 1650.
                 and
                 that
                 others
                 may
                 wonder
                 that
                 that
                 Assembly
                 should
                 have
                 so
                 determined
                 .
                 We
                 shall
                 not
                 now
                 stand
                 to
                 debate
                 how
                 far
                 that
                 Assembly
                 did
                 approve
                 of
                 these
                 things
                 which
                 concern
                 the
                 Treaty
                 with
                 the
                 King
                 ,
                 anent
                 the
                 security
                 of
                 Religion
                 :
                 but
                 the
                 Lord
                 having
                 declared
                 so
                 much
                 from
                 Heaven
                 against
                 the
                 whole
                 Land
                 ,
                 it
                 concerns
                 us
                 and
                 all
                 others
                 impartially
                 to
                 search
                 into
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 discover
                 the
                 causes
                 thereof
                 ,
                 so
                 far
                 as
                 he
                 is
                 pleased
                 to
                 convince
                 and
                 give
                 light
                 therein
                 ;
                 and
                 we
                 do
                 in
                 charity
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 without
                 ground
                 ,
                 presume
                 ,
                 That
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 passages
                 of
                 procedor
                 of
                 the
                 Kings
                 carriage
                 in
                 the
                 Treaty
                 ,
                 and
                 from
                 the
                 beginning
                 in
                 order
                 to
                 this
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 enemies
                 thereof
                 ,
                 had
                 been
                 impartially
                 and
                 freely
                 discovered
                 and
                 made
                 known
                 to
                 the
                 Assembly
                 as
                 they
                 have
                 been
                 since
                 ;
                 they
                 had
                 nor
                 gone
                 the
                 length
                 which
                 they
                 went.
                 
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Step.
                 For
                 understanding
                 of
                 the
                 sixth
                 Step
                 ,
                 which
                 relateth
                 unto
                 the
                 rejecting
                 the
                 discovery
                 of
                 guiltiness
                 and
                 causes
                 of
                 the
                 LORDS
                 contending
                 with
                 us
                 ;
                 It
                 will
                 be
                 needfull
                 to
                 speak
                 some
                 what
                 for
                 clearing
                 of
                 the
                 matter
                 of
                 fact
                 in
                 the
                 instances
                 which
                 are
                 given
                 in
                 the
                 Article
                 :
                 The
                 first
                 instance
                 is
                 in
                 the
                 causes
                 of
                 humiliation
                 ,
                 condescended
                 on
                 by
                 the
                 Commission
                 of
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 at
                 Leith
                 ,
                 and
                 offered
                 to
                 the
                 Committe
                 of
                 Estates
                 ,
                 by
                 whom
                 they
                 were
                 rejected
                 ;
                 the
                 story
                 whereof
                 as
                 to
                 the
                 matter
                 of
                 fact
                 was
                 thus
                 :
                 The
                 next
                 day
                 after
                 the
                 English
                 forces
                 came
                 in
                 view
                 of
                 our
                 Army
                 ,
                 which
                 was
                 then
                 intrenched
                 betwixt
                 Leith
                 and
                 Edinburgh
                 :
                 Some
                 generall
                 persons
                 in
                 our
                 Army
                 (
                 whether
                 from
                 any
                 desire
                 to
                 approve
                 themselves
                 to
                 the
                 King
                 ,
                 who
                 the
                 night
                 before
                 was
                 come
                 to
                 Leith
                 from
                 Sterlin
                 ,
                 or
                 from
                 any
                 other
                 principle
                 ,
                 we
                 know
                 not
                 )
                 did
                 draw
                 forth
                 a
                 great
                 many
                 of
                 the
                 Horse
                 to
                 skirmish
                 with
                 the
                 Enhlish
                 ,
                 by
                 whom
                 they
                 were
                 with
                 some
                 losse
                 ,
                 and
                 much
                 shame
                 beaten
                 back
                 again
                 to
                 the
                 trenches
                 ,
                 which
                 bred
                 such
                 a
                 disheartning
                 and
                 astonishment
                 in
                 the
                 whole
                 body
                 of
                 the
                 Army
                 ,
                 that
                 had
                 the
                 English
                 then
                 stormed
                 the
                 Trenches
                 ,
                 they
                 had
                 belike
                 
                 gained
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 routed
                 our
                 Army
                 .
                 Upon
                 this
                 occasion
                 ,
                 the
                 Commission
                 of
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 gave
                 themselves
                 to
                 search
                 after
                 the
                 causes
                 of
                 this
                 stroake
                 and
                 spirit
                 of
                 confusion
                 and
                 astonishment
                 from
                 the
                 LORD
                 ,
                 and
                 after
                 some
                 pains
                 taken
                 therein
                 ,
                 found
                 that
                 there
                 had
                 been
                 a
                 malignant
                 design
                 for
                 bringing
                 in
                 again
                 the
                 malignant
                 party
                 of
                 a
                 long
                 time
                 ,
                 hatching
                 and
                 carrying
                 on
                 by
                 sundry
                 in
                 the
                 Judicatories
                 and
                 in
                 the
                 Army
                 ,
                 and
                 that
                 it
                 was
                 far
                 promoted
                 and
                 advanced
                 :
                 And
                 for
                 the
                 more
                 conviction
                 herein
                 ,
                 they
                 did
                 condescend
                 on
                 severall
                 Instances
                 and
                 Particulars
                 of
                 moment
                 and
                 consequence
                 :
                 This
                 they
                 offered
                 to
                 the
                 Committee
                 of
                 Estates
                 as
                 grounds
                 of
                 humiliation
                 to
                 be
                 keeped
                 by
                 them
                 and
                 the
                 Army
                 ;
                 but
                 the
                 Committee
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 did
                 refuse
                 to
                 take
                 with
                 any
                 such
                 guiltiness
                 ,
                 so
                 did
                 they
                 refuse
                 to
                 joyn
                 in
                 any
                 humiliation
                 to
                 be
                 keeped
                 for
                 the
                 same
                 Upon
                 the
                 which
                 the
                 Commission
                 did
                 leave
                 it
                 before
                 them
                 with
                 a
                 Declaration
                 ,
                 That
                 they
                 had
                 exonered
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 with
                 a
                 desire
                 to
                 the
                 Committee
                 of
                 Estates
                 to
                 do
                 therein
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 would
                 be
                 answerable
                 to
                 GOD
                 ,
                 who
                 was
                 contending
                 for
                 these
                 things
                 .
                 The
                 second
                 is
                 the
                 causes
                 of
                 humiliation
                 ,
                 condescended
                 on
                 at
                 Sterlin
                 immediatly
                 after
                 the
                 defeat
                 at
                 Dumbar
                 :
                 these
                 causes
                 which
                 were
                 first
                 condescended
                 on
                 by
                 the
                 Presbytery
                 with
                 the
                 Army
                 ,
                 and
                 afterwards
                 approven
                 by
                 the
                 Commission
                 of
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 did
                 specifie
                 somewhat
                 of
                 the
                 crooked
                 courses
                 which
                 had
                 been
                 taken
                 in
                 carrying
                 on
                 the
                 Treaty
                 with
                 the
                 King
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 obstructing
                 the
                 purging
                 of
                 the
                 Army
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 Judicatories
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 Kings
                 Family
                 ,
                 and
                 of
                 the
                 not
                 differencing
                 of
                 Instruments
                 imployed
                 in
                 Publick
                 trust
                 ,
                 and
                 severall
                 other
                 things
                 relating
                 to
                 the
                 carriage
                 of
                 these
                 in
                 Publick
                 trust
                 in
                 Judicatories
                 and
                 Armies
                 ,
                 which
                 though
                 reall
                 truths
                 in
                 themselves
                 ,
                 and
                 just
                 matter
                 of
                 humiliation
                 before
                 GOD
                 ,
                 yet
                 were
                 rejected
                 and
                 not
                 so
                 much
                 as
                 read
                 or
                 intimated
                 by
                 many
                 Ministers
                 in
                 their
                 Congregations
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 refused
                 to
                 be
                 taken
                 with
                 ,
                 or
                 acknowledged
                 by
                 sundry
                 Statesmen
                 and
                 Officers
                 of
                 the
                 Army
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 ,
                 who
                 were
                 guilty
                 of
                 them
                 .
                 The
                 third
                 Instance
                 is
                 the
                 Remonstrance
                 of
                 the
                 Gentlemen
                 ,
                 Ministers
                 and
                 Forces
                 in
                 the
                 West
                 ,
                 which
                 though
                 it
                 was
                 a
                 testimony
                 given
                 in
                 reference
                 to
                 sin
                 and
                 Duty
                 by
                 a
                 company
                 of
                 men
                 who
                 had
                 been
                 straight
                 from
                 the
                 beginning
                 in
                 the
                 Work
                 of
                 GOD
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 simplicity
                 of
                 their
                 hearts
                 ,
                 and
                 did
                 contain
                 in
                 it
                 many
                 sad
                 truthes
                 ,
                 yet
                 was
                 not
                 onely
                 rejected
                 ,
                 but
                 condemned
                 by
                 the
                 plurality
                 of
                 the
                 
                 Committee
                 of
                 Estates
                 ,
                 and
                 Commission
                 of
                 the
                 General
                 Assembly
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 that
                 many
                 of
                 the
                 Members
                 of
                 both
                 these
                 Judicatories
                 did
                 dissent
                 from
                 ,
                 and
                 protest
                 against
                 these
                 voices
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 if
                 it
                 had
                 not
                 been
                 enough
                 ,
                 was
                 again
                 resumed
                 by
                 the
                 Parliament
                 and
                 a
                 most
                 harsh
                 censure
                 put
                 upon
                 it
                 ,
                 and
                 all
                 such
                 as
                 did
                 not
                 disclame
                 it
                 before
                 such
                 a
                 day
                 ,
                 appointed
                 to
                 be
                 proceeded
                 against
                 with
                 Censures
                 of
                 an
                 high
                 nature
                 ;
                 other
                 testimonies
                 of
                 Presbyteries
                 and
                 Synods
                 beside
                 these
                 are
                 also
                 mentioned
                 ,
                 for
                 diverse
                 such
                 there
                 was
                 ,
                 as
                 the
                 Letters
                 from
                 the
                 Presbyteries
                 of
                 
                   Sterlin
                   ,
                   Aberdeen
                   .
                   Glasgow
                   ,
                   Pasley
                   ,
                
                 and
                 severall
                 other
                 Presbyteries
                 and
                 Synods
                 ,
                 which
                 were
                 writen
                 to
                 the
                 Commission
                 as
                 testimonies
                 of
                 their
                 dis-satisfaction
                 with
                 the
                 Publick
                 Resolutions
                 concerning
                 the
                 Leavy
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 rejected
                 ,
                 and
                 sundry
                 of
                 the
                 authors
                 thereof
                 sharply
                 rebuked
                 :
                 nay
                 ,
                 some
                 of
                 them
                 discharged
                 to
                 speak
                 their
                 Consciences
                 ,
                 and
                 confined
                 in
                 places
                 far
                 distant
                 from
                 their
                 charge
                 for
                 doing
                 thereof
                 .
                 In
                 the
                 close
                 of
                 this
                 Article
                 there
                 is
                 mention
                 of
                 the
                 neglecting
                 of
                 means
                 tending
                 to
                 peace
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 preventing
                 the
                 effusion
                 of
                 more
                 bloud
                 ,
                 from
                 pride
                 and
                 biternesse
                 of
                 spirit
                 ,
                 against
                 these
                 who
                 had
                 invaded
                 us
                 .
                 We
                 know
                 that
                 before
                 this
                 Kingdom
                 was
                 invaded
                 by
                 these
                 who
                 hath
                 now
                 brought
                 it
                 low
                 ,
                 there
                 was
                 a
                 Letter
                 writen
                 by
                 the
                 Parliament
                 to
                 the
                 present
                 power
                 in
                 England
                 ,
                 and
                 duplicates
                 thereof
                 to
                 the
                 Generall
                 ,
                 Liutenant
                 Generall
                 ,
                 and
                 Generall
                 Major
                 of
                 their
                 Army
                 ,
                 upon
                 the
                 22.
                 of
                 Iune
                 1650.
                 wherein
                 they
                 did
                 shew
                 that
                 as
                 in
                 their
                 Letter
                 of
                 the
                 6.
                 of
                 March
                 1649.
                 they
                 did
                 acknowledge
                 their
                 obligation
                 ,
                 and
                 declare
                 their
                 resolution
                 ,
                 to
                 observe
                 the
                 rule
                 of
                 Remonstrating
                 ;
                 first
                 the
                 breaches
                 of
                 Peace
                 for
                 craving
                 just
                 reparation
                 ,
                 of
                 using
                 all
                 fair
                 means
                 of
                 giving
                 a
                 preceding
                 warning
                 of
                 three
                 moneths
                 ,
                 before
                 any
                 Engagement
                 of
                 these
                 Kingdoms
                 in
                 war
                 ,
                 so
                 they
                 do
                 again
                 renew
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 and
                 accordingly
                 renewed
                 the
                 Acts
                 of
                 Posture
                 and
                 Leavy
                 for
                 putting
                 this
                 Kingd●m
                 in
                 readinesse
                 in
                 case
                 of
                 invasion
                 ,
                 which
                 were
                 made
                 the
                 former
                 year
                 when
                 they
                 wrote
                 the
                 foresaid
                 Letter
                 of
                 the
                 6.
                 of
                 March
                 ,
                 all
                 which
                 they
                 do
                 professe
                 solemnly
                 to
                 be
                 done
                 by
                 them
                 in
                 the
                 sincerity
                 of
                 their
                 hearts
                 ;
                 not
                 out
                 of
                 any
                 policy
                 to
                 catch
                 advantages
                 ,
                 nor
                 for
                 any
                 other
                 end
                 or
                 design
                 whatsoever
                 ,
                 but
                 meerly
                 for
                 their
                 own
                 defence
                 ,
                 which
                 they
                 do
                 account
                 abundantly
                 sufficient
                 to
                 remove
                 all
                 grounds
                 of
                 jealousies
                 ,
                 and
                 misreports
                 of
                 their
                 intentions
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 take
                 away
                 all
                 pretence
                 of
                 necessity
                 of
                 the
                 marching
                 of
                 forces
                 for
                 defence
                 of
                 the
                 borders
                 of
                 
                 England
                 ;
                 and
                 on
                 the
                 other
                 part
                 being
                 informed
                 of
                 a
                 resolution
                 in
                 England
                 to
                 send
                 an
                 Army
                 to
                 Invade
                 this
                 Kingdom
                 ,
                 they
                 desired
                 to
                 know
                 whether
                 these
                 who
                 have
                 the
                 present
                 power
                 in
                 England
                 do
                 acknowledge
                 themselves
                 oblieged
                 ,
                 or
                 by
                 their
                 answer
                 will
                 obliege
                 themselves
                 and
                 declare
                 their
                 Resolutios
                 to
                 observe
                 the
                 foresaid
                 way
                 and
                 order
                 upon
                 their
                 part
                 to
                 us
                 ,
                 and
                 plainly
                 and
                 clearly
                 to
                 declare
                 ,
                 whether
                 their
                 Forces
                 do
                 march
                 for
                 offence
                 or
                 defence
                 ,
                 whether
                 with
                 intention
                 for
                 keeping
                 onely
                 within
                 the
                 borders
                 of
                 England
                 or
                 comming
                 within
                 ours
                 ,
                 which
                 way
                 of
                 procedour
                 for
                 clearing
                 each
                 others
                 ,
                 and
                 dealing
                 plainly
                 ,
                 is
                 not
                 onely
                 agreable
                 to
                 particular
                 Treaties
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 many
                 Tyes
                 ,
                 Bonds
                 and
                 Declarations
                 past
                 betwixt
                 these
                 Kingdomes
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 to
                 the
                 Law
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 and
                 practise
                 of
                 his
                 People
                 in
                 his
                 Word
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 the
                 common
                 law
                 and
                 practice
                 ,
                 even
                 of
                 heathen
                 Nations
                 ,
                 much
                 more
                 of
                 Christian
                 Covenanted
                 Kingdoms
                 ,
                 and
                 may
                 prevent
                 many
                 evils
                 &
                 dangerous
                 consequences
                 ,
                 which
                 may
                 fall
                 out
                 ,
                 even
                 beyond
                 and
                 contrary
                 to
                 the
                 intentions
                 of
                 the
                 Nations
                 ,
                 by
                 their
                 Armies
                 lying
                 near
                 others
                 upon
                 their
                 borders
                 ,
                 although
                 meerly
                 upon
                 intended
                 defence
                 :
                 This
                 did
                 indeed
                 savour
                 of
                 a
                 spirit
                 of
                 peace
                 ;
                 but
                 since
                 the
                 comming
                 of
                 these
                 men
                 into
                 the
                 Land
                 there
                 hath
                 been
                 such
                 pride
                 and
                 bitternesse
                 of
                 spirit
                 ,
                 that
                 not
                 onely
                 were
                 all
                 essayes
                 of
                 peace
                 neglected
                 ,
                 but
                 every
                 motion
                 tending
                 thereto
                 ,
                 whether
                 made
                 by
                 any
                 amongst
                 our selves
                 ,
                 or
                 hinted
                 at
                 by
                 any
                 amongst
                 them
                 ,
                 were
                 slighted
                 and
                 some
                 time
                 entertained
                 with
                 disdain
                 ,
                 reproach
                 and
                 contempt
                 ;
                 and
                 albeit
                 the
                 invasion
                 was
                 unjust
                 ,
                 yet
                 certainly
                 it
                 was
                 our
                 duty
                 to
                 have
                 followed
                 and
                 endeavoured
                 peace
                 so
                 far
                 as
                 was
                 possible
                 ,
                 
                   Rom.
                   12.
                   18.
                   
                   If
                   it
                   be
                   possible
                   ,
                   as
                   much
                   as
                   lieth
                   in
                   you
                   ,
                   live
                   peaceably
                   with
                   all
                   men
                   .
                
                 Heb.
                 12.
                 14.
                 
                 
                   Follow
                   peace
                   with
                   all
                   men
                   ,
                   and
                   holinesse
                   ,
                   without
                   which
                   no
                   man
                   shall
                   see
                   God.
                
                 Psalm
                 120.
                 7.
                 
                 
                   I
                   am
                   for
                   peace
                   ,
                   but
                   when
                   I
                   speak
                   they
                   are
                   for
                   war.
                   
                
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 Step.
                 
                   The
                   seventh
                   is
                   ,
                   the
                   Publick
                   Resolutions
                   of
                   Kirk
                   and
                   State
                   ,
                   for
                   bringing
                   in
                   the
                   Malignant
                   Party
                   first
                   to
                   the
                   Army
                   ,
                   and
                   then
                   to
                   the
                   Judicatories
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   actuall
                   intrusting
                   of
                   them
                   with
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   both
                   Military
                   and
                   Civill
                   ;
                   We
                   conceive
                   that
                   these
                   Publick
                   Resolutions
                   in
                   the
                   complex
                   of
                   them
                   do
                   (
                   besides
                   other
                   sins
                   which
                   may
                   be
                   mentioned
                   )
                   include
                   those
                   :
                   First
                   ,
                   a
                   conjunction
                   with
                   the
                   Enemies
                   of
                   God
                   and
                   his
                   Cause
                   ,
                   which
                   is
                   condemned
                   by
                   many
                   clear
                   Scriptures
                   ,
                
                 2
                 Chron.
                 19.
                 1
                 ,
                 2.
                 
                 And
                 Iehoshaphat
                 
                 the
                 King
                 of
                 Iudah
                 returned
                 to
                 his
                 house
                 in
                 peace
                 to
                 Ierusalem
                 ,
                 and
                 Iehu
                 the
                 son
                 of
                 Hanan●
                 the
                 seer
                 ,
                 went
                 out
                 to
                 meet
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 said
                 to
                 King
                 Iehoshaphat
                 ,
                 Shouldst
                 thou
                 help
                 the
                 ungodly
                 ,
                 and
                 love
                 them
                 that
                 hate
                 the
                 LORD
                 ?
                 therefore
                 is
                 wrath
                 on
                 thee
                 from
                 before
                 the
                 Lord.
                 Isa.
                 30.
                 1
                 ,
                 2
                 ,
                 3.
                 
                 Wo
                 to
                 the
                 rebellious
                 children
                 ,
                 saith
                 the
                 LORD
                 ,
                 that
                 take
                 councel
                 but
                 not
                 of
                 me
                 ;
                 and
                 that
                 cover
                 with
                 a
                 covering
                 ,
                 but
                 not
                 of
                 my
                 spirit
                 ,
                 that
                 they
                 made
                 adde
                 sin
                 to
                 sin
                 :
                 That
                 walk
                 to
                 go
                 down
                 to
                 Egypt
                 (
                 and
                 have
                 not
                 asked
                 at
                 my
                 mouth
                 )
                 to
                 strengthen
                 themselves
                 in
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 Pharaoh
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 trust
                 in
                 the
                 shadow
                 of
                 Egypt
                 ;
                 Therefore
                 shall
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 Pharaoh
                 be
                 your
                 shame
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 trust
                 in
                 the
                 shadow
                 of
                 Egypt
                 your
                 confusion
                 :
                 
                   Isa.
                   31.
                   1
                   ,
                   2
                   ,
                   3.
                   
                
                 Wo
                 to
                 them
                 that
                 go
                 down
                 to
                 Egypt
                 for
                 help
                 ,
                 and
                 stay
                 on
                 horses
                 ,
                 and
                 trust
                 in
                 chariots
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 are
                 many
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 horsmen
                 ,
                 because
                 they
                 are
                 very
                 strong
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 look
                 not
                 to
                 the
                 holy
                 one
                 of
                 Israel
                 ,
                 neither
                 seek
                 the
                 LORD
                 ;
                 Yet
                 he
                 also
                 is
                 wise
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 bring
                 evill
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 call
                 back
                 his
                 words
                 :
                 But
                 will
                 arise
                 against
                 the
                 house
                 of
                 the
                 evill
                 doers
                 ,
                 and
                 against
                 the
                 help
                 of
                 them
                 that
                 work
                 iniquity
                 :
                 Now
                 the
                 Egyptians
                 are
                 men
                 and
                 not
                 GOD
                 ,
                 and
                 their
                 horses
                 flesh
                 and
                 not
                 spirit
                 ;
                 when
                 the
                 LORD
                 snall
                 stretch
                 out
                 his
                 hand
                 ,
                 both
                 he
                 that
                 helpeth
                 shall
                 fall
                 ,
                 and
                 he
                 that
                 is
                 holpen
                 shall
                 fall
                 down
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 all
                 shall
                 fall
                 together
                 .
                 
                   Jer.
                   2.
                   18.
                
                 
                 And
                 now
                 what
                 hast
                 thou
                 to
                 do
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 to
                 drink
                 the
                 waters
                 of
                 Sihor
                 ?
                 or
                 what
                 hast
                 thou
                 to
                 do
                 in
                 the
                 way
                 of
                 Assyria
                 ,
                 to
                 drink
                 the
                 waters
                 of
                 the
                 river
                 ?
                 
                   Jer.
                   13.
                   21.
                
                 
                 What
                 wilt
                 thou
                 say
                 when
                 he
                 shall
                 punish
                 thee
                 ?
                 (
                 for
                 thou
                 hast
                 taught
                 them
                 to
                 be
                 captains
                 ,
                 and
                 as
                 chief
                 over
                 thee
                 )
                 shall
                 not
                 sorrows
                 take
                 thee
                 as
                 a
                 woman
                 in
                 travail
                 ?
                 
                   2.
                   
                   The
                   laying
                   of
                   a
                   foundation
                   of
                   ,
                   or
                   the
                   establishing
                   of
                   a
                   rule
                   for
                   imploying
                   and
                   intrusting
                   men
                   with
                   the
                   interest
                   of
                   the
                   Cause
                   of
                   GOD
                   and
                   of
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   ,
                   who
                   ought
                   not
                   to
                   be
                   imployed
                   nor
                   instrusted
                   ,
                   if
                   respect
                   be
                   had
                   to
                   the
                   qualifications
                   required
                   in
                   the
                   Word
                   ,
                
                 viz.
                 
                   That
                   they
                   be
                   men
                   fearing
                   GOD
                   ,
                   hating
                   covetousnesse
                   and
                   dealing
                   truly
                   ,
                   who
                   are
                   appointed
                   to
                   be
                   rulers
                   over
                   thousands
                   ,
                   hundreds
                   ,
                   fifties
                   and
                   tens
                   ,
                
                 Exod.
                 18.
                 21.
                 
                 Moreover
                 thou
                 shalt
                 provide
                 out
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 people
                 ,
                 able
                 men
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 fear
                 GOD
                 ,
                 men
                 of
                 truth
                 ,
                 hating
                 covetousnesse
                 ;
                 and
                 place
                 such
                 over
                 them
                 ;
                 to
                 be
                 rulers
                 of
                 thousands
                 ,
                 and
                 rulers
                 of
                 hundreds
                 ,
                 rulers
                 of
                 fifties
                 and
                 rulers
                 of
                 tens
                 ;
                 
                   and
                   that
                   they
                   be
                   just
                   ,
                   ruling
                   in
                   the
                   fear
                   of
                   God
                   who
                   rules
                   over
                   men
                   .
                
                 2
                 Sam.
                 23.
                 3.
                 
                 The
                 GOD
                 of
                 Israel
                 
                 said
                 ,
                 the
                 Rock
                 of
                 Israel
                 spake
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 He
                 that
                 ruleth
                 over
                 men
                 must
                 be
                 just
                 ,
                 ruling
                 in
                 the
                 fear
                 of
                 God.
                 3.
                 
                 
                   That
                   there
                   was
                   therein
                   a
                   breach
                   and
                   violation
                   of
                   the
                   fourth
                   Article
                   of
                   the
                   Covenant
                   ,
                   which
                   obligeth
                   that
                   we
                   be
                   so
                   far
                   from
                   giving
                   trust
                   to
                   Malignants
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   should
                   endeavor
                   to
                   bring
                   them
                   to
                   condign
                   punishment
                   .
                   4.
                   
                   That
                   there
                   was
                   therein
                   a
                   manifest
                   receding
                   from
                   the
                   solemn
                   publick
                   confession
                   of
                   sins
                   ,
                   and
                   engagement
                   to
                   duties
                   ,
                   and
                   from
                   the
                   constant
                   tenor
                   of
                   our
                   Declarations
                   ,
                   Warnings
                   ,
                   and
                   Remonstrances
                   and
                   causes
                   of
                   humiliation
                   these
                   years
                   past
                   .
                
                 Ier.
                 2.
                 35
                 ,
                 36
                 ,
                 37.
                 
                 Yet
                 thou
                 sajest
                 ,
                 Because
                 I
                 am
                 innocent
                 ,
                 surely
                 his
                 anger
                 shal
                 turn
                 from
                 me
                 :
                 Behold
                 I
                 will
                 plead
                 with
                 thee
                 ,
                 because
                 thou
                 sayest
                 I
                 have
                 not
                 sinned
                 .
                 Why
                 gaddest
                 thou
                 about
                 so
                 much
                 to
                 change
                 thy
                 way
                 :
                 thou
                 also
                 shalt
                 be
                 ashamed
                 of
                 Egypt
                 ,
                 as
                 thou
                 wast
                 ashamed
                 of
                 Assyria
                 ;
                 yea
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 go
                 forth
                 from
                 him
                 ,
                 and
                 thine
                 hands
                 upon
                 thine
                 head
                 :
                 for
                 the
                 Lord
                 hath
                 rejected
                 thy
                 confidences
                 ,
                 and
                 thou
                 shalt
                 not
                 prosper
                 in
                 them
                 .
                 
                   5.
                   
                   That
                   there
                   was
                   a
                   great
                   deal
                   of
                   diffidence
                   ,
                   and
                   distrust
                   in
                   the
                   Arm
                   of
                   the
                   LORD
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   seeking
                   of
                   help
                   from
                   ,
                   and
                   a
                   resting
                   on
                   the
                   arm
                   of
                   flesh
                
                 ;
                 Ier.
                 17.
                 5
                 ,
                 6.
                 
                 Thus
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Cursed
                 be
                 the
                 man
                 that
                 trusteth
                 in
                 man
                 ,
                 and
                 maketh
                 flesh
                 his
                 arm
                 ,
                 and
                 whose
                 heart
                 departeth
                 from
                 the
                 LORD
                 :
                 for
                 he
                 shall
                 be
                 like
                 the
                 heat●
                 in
                 the
                 desert
                 ,
                 and
                 shall
                 not
                 see
                 when
                 good
                 commeth
                 ,
                 but
                 shall
                 inhabite
                 the
                 parched
                 places
                 in
                 the
                 wildernesse
                 ,
                 in
                 a
                 salt
                 land
                 and
                 not
                 inhabited
                 .
                 6.
                 
                 
                   That
                   there
                   was
                   therein
                   a
                   great
                   deal
                   of
                   prevarication
                   and
                   deceitfull
                   dealing
                   by
                   many
                   ,
                
                 Ier.
                 5.
                 2.
                 3.
                 
                 And
                 though
                 they
                 say
                 The
                 Lord
                 liveth
                 ,
                 surely
                 they
                 swear
                 falsely
                 .
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 are
                 not
                 thine
                 eyes
                 upon
                 the
                 truth
                 ?
                 thou
                 hast
                 stricken
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 have
                 not
                 grieved
                 ,
                 thou
                 hast
                 consumed
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 have
                 refused
                 to
                 receive
                 correction
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 made
                 their
                 faces
                 harder
                 then
                 a
                 rock
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 refused
                 to
                 return
                 :
                 
                   Because
                   albeit
                   the
                   arguments
                   that
                   were
                   used
                   ,
                   were
                   taken
                   from
                   necessity
                   and
                   other
                   things
                   of
                   that
                   kind
                   ,
                   yet
                   the
                   great
                   wheel
                   that
                   moved
                   in
                   that
                   businesse
                   ,
                   was
                   a
                   design
                   to
                   bring
                   in
                   that
                   party
                   into
                   places
                   of
                   power
                   and
                   trust
                   into
                   the
                   Army
                   ,
                   who
                   had
                   been
                   formerly
                   put
                   out
                   for
                   their
                   malignant
                   and
                   disaffected
                   carriage
                   ,
                   and
                   thereafter
                   ,
                   albeit
                   in
                   the
                   beginning
                   of
                   this
                   businesse
                   so
                   great
                   haste
                   was
                   pretended
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   could
                   not
                   wait
                   for
                   a
                   very
                   few
                   dayes
                   ,
                   till
                   the
                   Commission
                   might
                   conveen
                   ,
                   but
                   made
                   use
                   of
                   a
                   unfrequent
                   and
                   occasionall
                   meeting
                   ,
                   when
                   not
                   onely
                   many
                   of
                   the
                   Members
                   were
                   absent
                   ,
                   but
                   also
                   not
                   advertised
                   ;
                   yet
                   when
                   that
                   which
                   
                   was
                   aimed
                   at
                   concerning
                   the
                   Modelling
                   of
                   the
                   Army
                   was
                   obtained
                   they
                   did
                   move
                   but
                   very
                   slowly
                   ,
                   and
                   Acted
                   nothing
                   at
                   all
                   for
                   many
                   months
                   thereafter
                   ;
                   nay
                   ,
                   not
                   till
                   long
                   after
                   the
                   Army
                   was
                   compleatly
                   Leavied
                   ,
                   and
                   until
                   they
                   had
                   gotten
                   the
                   Act
                   of
                   Classis
                   also
                   resemded
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   Party
                   brought
                   to
                   the
                   Parliament
                   aswell
                   as
                   to
                   the
                   Army
                   ,
                   and
                   untill
                   the
                   Generall
                   Assembly
                   did
                   sit
                   down
                   ,
                   that
                   they
                   might
                   have
                   their
                   approbation
                   of
                   these
                   proceeding
                   so
                   far
                   as
                   was
                   fit
                   for
                   them
                   to
                   meddle
                   with
                   .
                
                 7.
                 
                 
                   There
                   was
                   in
                   it
                   a
                   reall
                   stumbling
                   and
                   offence
                   to
                   the
                   most
                   part
                   of
                   the
                   godly
                   in
                   the
                   Land
                   ,
                   whose
                   hearts
                   were
                   much
                   grieved
                   ,
                   and
                   their
                   hands
                   exceedingly
                   weakened
                   thereby
                   ,
                   together
                   with
                   the
                   making
                   glad
                   and
                   strengthening
                   the
                   ungodly
                   ,
                   and
                   disaffected
                   and
                   prophane
                   in
                   the
                   Land
                   ,
                
                 Ier.
                 23.
                 14.
                 
                 I
                 have
                 seen
                 also
                 in
                 the
                 Prophets
                 of
                 Ierusalem
                 an
                 horrible
                 thing
                 ,
                 they
                 commit
                 adultery
                 and
                 walk
                 in
                 lies
                 ;
                 they
                 strengthen
                 also
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 evill
                 doers
                 ,
                 that
                 none
                 doth
                 return
                 from
                 his
                 wickednesse
                 ;
                 they
                 are
                 all
                 to
                 me
                 as
                 Sodom
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 inhabitants
                 thereof
                 as
                 Gommorrah
                 
                   Ezek.
                   13.
                   22.
                
                 
                 Because
                 with
                 lies
                 ye
                 have
                 made
                 the
                 hearts
                 of
                 the
                 righteous
                 sad
                 ,
                 whom
                 have
                 not
                 made
                 sad
                 and
                 strengthened
                 the
                 hands
                 of
                 the
                 wicked
                 ,
                 that
                 he
                 should
                 not
                 return
                 from
                 his
                 wicked
                 works
                 by
                 promising
                 him
                 life
                 .
                 
                   Lastly
                   ,
                   the
                   state
                   of
                   our
                   Cause
                   was
                   thereby
                   upon
                   the
                   matter
                   turned
                   upside-down
                   by
                   intrusting
                   the
                   Work
                   and
                   people
                   of
                   God
                   to
                   the
                   enemies
                   thereof
                   ,
                   it
                   being
                   known
                   and
                   made
                   manifest
                   that
                   these
                   men
                   did
                   retain
                   the
                   same
                   principles
                   ,
                   and
                   did
                   drive
                   on
                   the
                   same
                   designs
                   which
                   could
                   not
                   but
                   prove
                   destructive
                   to
                   Religion
                   &
                   the
                   People
                   of
                   God.
                   
                
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 Step.
                 The
                 next
                 Step
                 ,
                 is
                 ,
                 The
                 joyning
                 of
                 many
                 of
                 the
                 People
                 (
                 who
                 are
                 engaged
                 with
                 God
                 by
                 Covenant
                 to
                 the
                 contrary
                 ,
                 no
                 lesse
                 then
                 the
                 Rulers
                 )
                 with
                 the
                 Forces
                 of
                 the
                 Kingdom
                 ;
                 after
                 that
                 by
                 the
                 Resolutions
                 there
                 was
                 a
                 prevailing
                 party
                 of
                 malignants
                 brought
                 to
                 the
                 Army
                 ,
                 who
                 had
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 Counsels
                 and
                 Actings
                 therein
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 carrying
                 on
                 a
                 malignant
                 interest
                 ;
                 what
                 ever
                 question
                 there
                 may
                 be
                 of
                 the
                 associating
                 of
                 subjects
                 in
                 war
                 with
                 the
                 wicked
                 enemies
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 on
                 the
                 command
                 of
                 the
                 Magistrate
                 in
                 a
                 lawful
                 cause
                 ,
                 which
                 seems
                 to
                 us
                 to
                 be
                 condemned
                 in
                 the
                 People
                 of
                 God
                 ,
                 Isa.
                 8.
                 11
                 ,
                 12
                 ,
                 13
                 ,
                 14
                 ,
                 15
                 ,
                 16
                 ,
                 17
                 ,
                 18.
                 
                 
                   For
                   the
                   Lord
                   spake
                   thus
                   to
                   me
                   with
                   a
                   strong
                   hand
                   ,
                   and
                   instructed
                   me
                   ,
                   that
                   I
                   should
                   not
                   walk
                   in
                   the
                   way
                   of
                   this
                   people
                   ,
                   saying
                   ,
                   Say
                   ye
                   not
                   a
                   Confederacy
                   to
                   all
                   these
                   to
                   whom
                   this
                   People
                   shall
                   say
                   ,
                   a
                   Confederacy
                   ;
                   neither
                   fear
                   ye
                   their
                   fear
                   ,
                   nor
                   be
                   afraid
                   .
                   Sanctifie
                   the
                   Lord
                   of
                   Hosts
                   Himself
                   ,
                   and
                   let
                   
                   Him
                   be
                   your
                   fear
                   ,
                   and
                   let
                   him
                   be
                   your
                   dread
                   .
                   And
                   he
                   shall
                   be
                   for
                   a
                   sanctuary
                   ;
                   but
                   for
                   a
                   stone
                   of
                   stumbling
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   a
                   rock
                   of
                   offence
                   to
                   both
                   the
                   houses
                   of
                   Israel
                   ,
                   for
                   a
                   gin
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   a
                   snare
                   to
                   the
                   inhabitants
                   of
                   Ierusalem
                   ,
                   and
                   many
                   among
                   them
                   shal
                   stumble
                   and
                   fall
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   broken
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   snared
                   ,
                   and
                   be
                   taken
                   .
                   Bind
                   up
                   the
                   Testimony
                   ,
                   seal
                   the
                   Law
                   among
                   my
                   Disciples
                   .
                   And
                   I
                   will
                   wait
                   upon
                   the
                   Lord
                   that
                   hideth
                   his
                   face
                   from
                   the
                   house
                   of
                   Iacob
                   ,
                   and
                   I
                   will
                   look
                   for
                   him
                   .
                   Behold
                   ,
                   I
                   and
                   the
                   children
                   whom
                   the
                   Lord
                   hath
                   given
                   me
                   ,
                   are
                   for
                   signs
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   wonders
                   in
                   Israel
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   Lord
                   of
                   hosts
                   which
                   dwelleth
                   in
                   Mount
                   Sion
                   .
                
                 Aswel
                 as
                 in
                 the
                 Magistrates
                 ;
                 the
                 ground
                 of
                 the
                 prohibition
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 learning
                 of
                 their
                 works
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 ensnaring
                 of
                 the
                 People
                 ,
                 having
                 a
                 more
                 immediate
                 connexion
                 with
                 the
                 Peoples
                 joyning
                 ,
                 then
                 with
                 the
                 Magistrates
                 commanding
                 them
                 to
                 joyn
                 ;
                 yet
                 as
                 the
                 thing
                 is
                 laid
                 down
                 in
                 the
                 Paper
                 we
                 think
                 there
                 will
                 be
                 no
                 question
                 about
                 it
                 ,
                 because
                 it
                 includes
                 these
                 Particulars
                 .
                 1.
                 
                 The
                 joyning
                 of
                 a
                 People
                 who
                 with
                 the
                 consent
                 and
                 approbation
                 ,
                 nay
                 by
                 the
                 commandement
                 and
                 authority
                 of
                 their
                 Magistrates
                 had
                 covenanted
                 with
                 the
                 LORD
                 ,
                 not
                 to
                 joyn
                 with
                 his
                 Enemies
                 .
                 2.
                 
                 That
                 it
                 was
                 when
                 the
                 rule
                 of
                 constituting
                 the
                 Army
                 was
                 corrupt
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 the
                 Publick
                 Resolutions
                 ,
                 which
                 made
                 the
                 case
                 desperat
                 and
                 left
                 no
                 place
                 or
                 remedy
                 for
                 purging
                 of
                 the
                 Army
                 .
                 3.
                 
                 That
                 it
                 was
                 when
                 a
                 party
                 of
                 Malignants
                 who
                 had
                 the
                 sway
                 of
                 Counsels
                 and
                 Actings
                 were
                 brought
                 to
                 the
                 Army
                 ,
                 which
                 being
                 added
                 to
                 the
                 former
                 ,
                 not
                 only
                 made
                 the
                 purging
                 of
                 the
                 Army
                 in
                 an
                 ordinary
                 way
                 impossible
                 ,
                 but
                 also
                 carried
                 the
                 stream
                 and
                 current
                 of
                 all
                 their
                 Resolutions
                 and
                 Actings
                 into
                 a
                 malignant
                 Channell
                 ;
                 that
                 they
                 were
                 the
                 prevailing
                 Party
                 ,
                 is
                 more
                 manifest
                 ,
                 then
                 that
                 time
                 needs
                 to
                 be
                 spent
                 in
                 verifying
                 thereof
                 .
                 4.
                 
                 That
                 they
                 were
                 carrying
                 on
                 a
                 Malignant
                 Interest
                 ,
                 to
                 wit
                 ,
                 the
                 establishing
                 the
                 King
                 in
                 the
                 exercise
                 of
                 his
                 Power
                 in
                 Scotland
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 re-investing
                 him
                 with
                 the
                 Government
                 in
                 England
                 ,
                 when
                 he
                 had
                 not
                 yet
                 abandoned
                 his
                 former
                 enmity
                 to
                 the
                 Work
                 and
                 people
                 of
                 God
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 securing
                 of
                 Power
                 in
                 their
                 own
                 hands
                 under
                 him
                 :
                 And
                 though
                 none
                 of
                 these
                 four
                 had
                 concurred
                 (
                 all
                 which
                 we
                 believe
                 will
                 be
                 acknowledged
                 by
                 un-byassed
                 men
                 )
                 yet
                 there
                 was
                 a
                 sin
                 in
                 the
                 Peoples
                 joyning
                 ,
                 because
                 few
                 or
                 none
                 of
                 these
                 who
                 did
                 joyn
                 ,
                 did
                 give
                 any
                 testimony
                 against
                 the
                 Magistrats
                 employing
                 of
                 the
                 Malignant
                 Party
                 ,
                 but
                 went
                 willingly
                 after
                 the
                 commandment
                 ,
                 Hosea
                 5.
                 11.
                 
                 
                   Ephraim
                   is
                   oppressed
                   
                   and
                   broken
                   in
                   judgment
                   ,
                   because
                   he
                   willingly
                   obeyed
                   and
                   want
                   after
                   the
                   commandment
                   .
                
                 It
                 is
                 acknowledged
                 to
                 have
                 been
                 the
                 Peoples
                 duty
                 ,
                 even
                 by
                 these
                 who
                 justifie
                 their
                 joyning
                 with
                 them
                 upon
                 the
                 command
                 of
                 the
                 Magistrate
                 ,
                 to
                 have
                 bemoaned
                 it
                 before
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 and
                 in
                 their
                 stations
                 to
                 have
                 testified
                 against
                 it
                 before
                 men
                 .
              
               
                 9.
                 
                 Step.
                 The
                 ninth
                 Step
                 is
                 ,
                 the
                 prelimiting
                 and
                 corrupting
                 of
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 ,
                 in
                 regard
                 of
                 the
                 free
                 and
                 right
                 constitution
                 thereof
                 .
                 Generall
                 Assemblies
                 rightly
                 constitute
                 in
                 their
                 liberties
                 and
                 freedom
                 ,
                 as
                 they
                 are
                 one
                 of
                 the
                 most
                 precious
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 JESUS
                 CHRIST
                 ,
                 so
                 have
                 they
                 been
                 most
                 wholsome
                 and
                 profitable
                 means
                 in
                 this
                 Kirk
                 ,
                 for
                 the
                 purging
                 and
                 preserving
                 all
                 the
                 Ordinances
                 of
                 CHRIST
                 in
                 the
                 Land
                 ;
                 and
                 therefore
                 as
                 it
                 hath
                 been
                 the
                 care
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 faithfull
                 servants
                 of
                 God
                 in
                 the
                 Land
                 ,
                 to
                 vindicat
                 and
                 preserve
                 their
                 right
                 constitution
                 and
                 due
                 liberty
                 and
                 freedom
                 ;
                 so
                 in
                 the
                 promoting
                 of
                 any
                 course
                 of
                 defection
                 hath
                 Satan
                 alwayes
                 studied
                 to
                 intrench
                 thereupon
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 corrupt
                 the
                 same
                 .
                 That
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 was
                 prelimited
                 this
                 year
                 ,
                 is
                 evident
                 by
                 the
                 Letter
                 written
                 by
                 the
                 Commission
                 of
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 to
                 the
                 Presbyteries
                 ,
                 with
                 an
                 Act
                 sent
                 therewith
                 ,
                 appointing
                 ,
                 that
                 all
                 these
                 who
                 remain
                 unsatisfied
                 in
                 the
                 Publick
                 Resolutions
                 ,
                 after
                 Conference
                 ,
                 and
                 did
                 continue
                 to
                 oppose
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 should
                 be
                 cited
                 to
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 ;
                 Which
                 Letter
                 and
                 Act
                 had
                 such
                 influence
                 on
                 many
                 Presbyteries
                 ,
                 that
                 though
                 there
                 were
                 in
                 them
                 many
                 able
                 and
                 faithfull
                 men
                 who
                 were
                 unsatisfied
                 with
                 the
                 Publick
                 Resolutions
                 ,
                 yet
                 very
                 few
                 of
                 these
                 were
                 chosen
                 to
                 be
                 Commissioners
                 ;
                 and
                 where
                 any
                 such
                 persons
                 were
                 elected
                 ,
                 there
                 was
                 for
                 the
                 most
                 part
                 either
                 Protestations
                 against
                 it
                 ,
                 or
                 else
                 another
                 election
                 of
                 other
                 persons
                 ;
                 by
                 which
                 it
                 came
                 to
                 pass
                 ,
                 that
                 almost
                 all
                 these
                 were
                 incapacitated
                 to
                 sit
                 in
                 the
                 Assembly
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Meeting
                 was
                 almost
                 wholly
                 made
                 uponly
                 of
                 these
                 who
                 had
                 been
                 instrumentall
                 in
                 carrying
                 on
                 the
                 former
                 defection
                 ,
                 or
                 were
                 consenting
                 thereto
                 ,
                 and
                 were
                 approving
                 thereof
                 .
                 A
                 more
                 grosse
                 prelimitation
                 then
                 this
                 could
                 not
                 readily
                 be
                 that
                 men
                 intrusted
                 by
                 the
                 Generall
                 Assembly
                 with
                 the
                 Publick
                 Affairs
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 preserve
                 the
                 liberty
                 thereof
                 ,
                 should
                 first
                 (
                 contrary
                 to
                 their
                 trust
                 )
                 open
                 a
                 door
                 for
                 bringing
                 in
                 the
                 Malignant
                 Party
                 ,
                 and
                 then
                 shut
                 the
                 door
                 against
                 the
                 sitting
                 of
                 all
                 these
                 in
                 the
                 Assembly
                 ,
                 where
                 their
                 proceedings
                 were
                 to
                 be
                 tryed
                 ,
                 who
                 did
                 not
                 before
                 their
                 comming
                 
                 there
                 ,
                 approve
                 of
                 their
                 opening
                 the
                 door
                 to
                 the
                 Malignants
                 ;
                 which
                 was
                 not
                 onely
                 to
                 make
                 defection
                 themselves
                 ,
                 but
                 to
                 involve
                 others
                 therein
                 ,
                 and
                 to
                 take
                 away
                 the
                 remedy
                 thereof
                 .
                 Beside
                 this
                 grosse
                 prelimitation
                 ,
                 there
                 was
                 also
                 diverse
                 other
                 particulars
                 of
                 importance
                 that
                 fell
                 out
                 in
                 the
                 Meeting
                 it self
                 ,
                 in
                 the
                 constituent
                 Members
                 in
                 the
                 liberty
                 &
                 freedom
                 of
                 voicing
                 ,
                 which
                 were
                 set
                 down
                 at
                 length
                 in
                 the
                 Protestation
                 made
                 at
                 St.
                 Andrews
                 against
                 that
                 Meeting
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Reasons
                 afterwards
                 penned
                 for
                 strengthening
                 thereof
                 ,
                 and
                 therefore
                 we
                 shall
                 not
                 need
                 in
                 this
                 place
                 to
                 repeat
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 but
                 recommends
                 the
                 reading
                 of
                 them
                 to
                 such
                 as
                 desire
                 more
                 fully
                 to
                 be
                 informed
                 in
                 these
                 particulars
                 .
                 It
                 were
                 tedious
                 to
                 fall
                 on
                 the
                 Acts
                 of
                 that
                 Assembly
                 ,
                 and
                 Warnings
                 issued
                 by
                 them
                 .
                 These
                 things
                 we
                 now
                 leave
                 ,
                 as
                 a
                 subject
                 requiring
                 a
                 more
                 large
                 and
                 distinct
                 consideration
                 ;
                 desiring
                 onely
                 this
                 one
                 thing
                 to
                 be
                 pondered
                 and
                 considered
                 .
                 That
                 besides
                 their
                 ratifying
                 and
                 approving
                 the
                 Proceedings
                 of
                 the
                 former
                 Commission
                 (
                 which
                 were
                 in
                 many
                 things
                 the
                 great
                 grief
                 of
                 all
                 the
                 godly
                 in
                 the
                 Land
                 )
                 in
                 such
                 ample
                 manner
                 ,
                 as
                 even
                 (
                 in
                 way
                 of
                 expression
                 )
                 is
                 not
                 free
                 of
                 some
                 flattery
                 and
                 vanity
                 ;
                 and
                 besides
                 the
                 censuring
                 of
                 some
                 honest
                 men
                 for
                 no
                 other
                 thing
                 but
                 only
                 protesting
                 against
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 besides
                 ,
                 the
                 emitting
                 of
                 Warnings
                 reflecting
                 exceedingly
                 on
                 former
                 pious
                 and
                 warrantable
                 proceedings
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 laid
                 a
                 foundation
                 for
                 censuring
                 all
                 Ministers
                 and
                 Professors
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 keeping
                 such
                 out
                 of
                 the
                 Ministery
                 ,
                 who
                 do
                 not
                 approve
                 of
                 all
                 these
                 proceedings
                 ,
                 which
                 have
                 this
                 last
                 year
                 so
                 much
                 vexed
                 and
                 grieved
                 the
                 godly
                 ,
                 and
                 so
                 much
                 rejoyced
                 and
                 made
                 glad
                 the
                 Malignant
                 Party
                 and
                 wicked
                 of
                 the
                 Land
                 :
                 And
                 if
                 these
                 things
                 shall
                 be
                 accordingly
                 executed
                 and
                 take
                 effect
                 ,
                 what
                 persecution
                 shall
                 there
                 be
                 of
                 many
                 godly
                 Ministers
                 ,
                 Elders
                 ,
                 Expectants
                 and
                 Professors
                 ;
                 and
                 what
                 a
                 Ministery
                 ,
                 and
                 what
                 a
                 Church
                 shall
                 we
                 have
                 in
                 a
                 few
                 years
                 ?
              
            
             
               
                 10.
                 
                 Article
                 .
              
               
                 
                   The
                   last
                   Head
                   of
                   the
                   Lords
                   controversie
                   that
                   is
                   mentioned
                   ,
                   is
                   deep
                   security
                   and
                   obstinacie
                   ,
                   im
                   enitencie
                   and
                   incorrigiblnesse
                   under
                   all
                   these
                   ,
                   and
                   under
                   all
                   the
                   dreadfull
                   stroaks
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   tokens
                   of
                   his
                   indignation
                   against
                   us
                   ,
                   because
                   of
                   the
                   same
                   ,
                   so
                   that
                   whilst
                   he
                   continues
                   to
                   smite
                   ,
                   we
                   are
                   so
                   far
                   from
                   humbling
                   our selves
                   ,
                   that
                   
                   we
                   grow
                   worse
                   and
                   worse
                   ,
                   and
                   sin
                   more
                   and
                   more
                   :
                   that
                   it
                   is
                   so
                   with
                   us
                   ,
                   will
                   not
                   (
                   we
                   suppose
                   )
                   be
                   denied
                   by
                   any
                   godly
                   man
                   amongst
                   us
                   ,
                   who
                   knowes
                   and
                   observes
                   the
                   Lands
                   condition
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   present
                   temper
                   and
                   carriage
                   of
                   the
                   Inhabitants
                   ;
                   every
                   man
                   crying
                   out
                   almost
                   for
                   his
                   affliction
                   ,
                   but
                   none
                   almost
                   mourning
                   for
                   his
                   sin
                   ;
                   We
                   think
                   it
                   may
                   be
                   truly
                   said
                   ,
                   That
                   sin
                   and
                   iniquity
                   of
                   all
                   kinds
                   ,
                   and
                   amongst
                   all
                   ranks
                   of
                   persons
                   hath
                   been
                   more
                   multiplied
                   and
                   encreased
                   in
                
                 Scotland
                 
                   since
                   the
                   defeat
                   at
                
                 Dumbar
                 ,
                 
                   then
                   in
                   many
                   years
                   before
                   ,
                   and
                   that
                   this
                   Nation
                   was
                   not
                   so
                   dull
                   ,
                   hard
                   hearted
                   ,
                   and
                   impenitent
                   under
                   any
                   of
                   the
                   former
                   rods
                   wherewith
                   the
                   Lord
                   did
                   smite
                   us
                   these
                   years
                   past
                   ,
                   as
                   under
                   these
                   rods
                   wherewith
                   he
                   now
                   smites
                   us
                   ;
                   and
                   that
                   this
                   doth
                   much
                   highten
                   our
                   iniquity
                   ,
                   and
                   speak
                   sad
                   things
                   to
                   come
                   ,
                   if
                   not
                   repented
                   of
                   ,
                   is
                   evident
                   from
                
                 Isay.
                 1
                 5.
                 
                 Why
                 should
                 ye
                 be
                 stricken
                 any
                 more
                 ?
                 ye
                 will
                 revolt
                 more
                 and
                 more
                 the
                 whole
                 head
                 is
                 sick
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 whole
                 heart
                 is
                 faint
                 .
                 Isa.
                 9.
                 13.
                 
                 For
                 the
                 People
                 turneth
                 not
                 unto
                 him
                 that
                 smitteth
                 them
                 ,
                 neither
                 do
                 they
                 seek
                 the
                 Lord
                 of
                 hosts
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   14.
                
                 
                 Therefore
                 the
                 Lord
                 will
                 cut
                 off
                 from
                 Israel
                 head
                 and
                 tail
                 ,
                 root
                 &
                 branch
                 in
                 one
                 day
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   15.
                
                 
                 The
                 Ancient
                 and
                 Honorable
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 head
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 Prophet
                 that
                 teacheth
                 lyes
                 ,
                 he
                 is
                 the
                 tail
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   16.
                
                 
                 For
                 the
                 Leaders
                 of
                 this
                 People
                 cause
                 them
                 to
                 erre
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 that
                 are
                 led
                 of
                 them
                 ,
                 are
                 destroyed
                 .
                 Ier.
                 5.
                 3.
                 
                 O
                 Lord
                 ,
                 are
                 not
                 thine
                 eyes
                 upon
                 the
                 truth
                 ?
                 thou
                 hast
                 stricken
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 have
                 not
                 grieved
                 ;
                 thou
                 hast
                 consumed
                 them
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 have
                 refused
                 to
                 receive
                 correction
                 :
                 they
                 have
                 made
                 their
                 faces
                 harder
                 then
                 a
                 rock
                 ,
                 they
                 have
                 refused
                 to
                 return
                 .
                 Ier.
                 8.
                 4.
                 
                 Moreover
                 ,
                 thou
                 shalt
                 say
                 unto
                 them
                 ,
                 Thus
                 saith
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 Shall
                 they
                 fall
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 arise
                 ?
                 shall
                 he
                 turn
                 away
                 and
                 not
                 return
                 ?
                 
                   v.
                   5.
                
                 
                 Why
                 then
                 is
                 this
                 People
                 of
                 Ierusalem
                 sliden
                 back
                 by
                 a
                 perpetual
                 back
                 sliding
                 ?
                 they
                 hold
                 fast
                 deceit
                 ,
                 they
                 refuse
                 to
                 return
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   6.
                
                 
                 I
                 hearkened
                 and
                 heard
                 ,
                 but
                 they
                 spake
                 not
                 aright
                 ;
                 no
                 man
                 repented
                 him
                 of
                 his
                 wickedness
                 ,
                 saying
                 ,
                 What
                 have
                 I
                 done
                 ?
                 every
                 one
                 turneth
                 to
                 his
                 course
                 as
                 the
                 horse
                 rusheth
                 into
                 the
                 battel
                 .
                 
                   v.
                   7.
                
                 
                 Yea
                 ,
                 the
                 Stork
                 in
                 the
                 Heaven
                 knoweth
                 her
                 appointed
                 times
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Turtle
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Crane
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Swallow
                 observe
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 their
                 coming
                 ;
                 but
                 my
                 People
                 know
                 not
                 the
                 judgement
                 of
                 the
                 Lord.
                 Isa.
                 42.
                 23.
                 
                 Who
                 among
                 you
                 wil
                 give
                 ear
                 to
                 this
                 ?
                 who
                 wil
                 hearken
                 and
                 hear
                 for
                 the
                 time
                 to
                 come
                 ?
                 
                   v.
                   24.
                
                 
                 Who
                 gave
                 Iacob
                 for
                 a
                 spoil
                 and
                 Israel
                 to
                 the
                 robbers
                 ?
                 did
                 not
                 the
                 Lord
                 ,
                 He
                 ,
                 against
                 whom
                 we
                 have
                 sinned
                 ?
                 for
                 they
                 would
                 not
                 walk
                 in
                 his
                 ways
                 ,
                 neither
                 
                 were
                 they
                 obedient
                 to
                 his
                 Law
                 v.
                 25.
                 
                 Therfore
                 he
                 hath
                 poured
                 upon
                 him
                 the
                 fury
                 of
                 his
                 anger
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 strength
                 of
                 battel
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 hath
                 set
                 him
                 on
                 fire
                 round
                 about
                 ,
                 yet
                 he
                 knew
                 not
                 ;
                 and
                 it
                 burned
                 him
                 yet
                 he
                 laid
                 it
                 not
                 to
                 heart
                 .
                 Lev.
                 26.
                 14.
                 
                 But
                 if
                 you
                 wil
                 not
                 hearken
                 to
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 wil
                 not
                 do
                 all
                 these
                 Commandements
                 ;
                 v.
                 15.
                 
                 And
                 if
                 ye
                 shal
                 despise
                 my
                 Statutes
                 ,
                 or
                 if
                 your
                 soul
                 abhor
                 my
                 Iudgments
                 ,
                 so
                 that
                 ye
                 will
                 not
                 do
                 all
                 my
                 Commandements
                 ,
                 but
                 that
                 ye
                 break
                 my
                 Covenant
                 :
                 v.
                 16.
                 
                 I
                 also
                 wil
                 do
                 this
                 unto
                 you
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 even
                 appoint
                 over
                 you
                 terror
                 ,
                 consumption
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 burning-ague
                 ;
                 that
                 shall
                 consume
                 the
                 eyes
                 ,
                 &
                 cause
                 sorrow
                 of
                 heart
                 ;
                 and
                 ye
                 shall
                 sow
                 your
                 seed
                 in
                 vain
                 ,
                 for
                 your
                 enemies
                 shal
                 eat
                 it
                 .
                 v.
                 17.
                 
                 And
                 I
                 will
                 set
                 my
                 face
                 against
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 ye
                 shall
                 be
                 slain
                 before
                 your
                 enemies
                 :
                 they
                 that
                 hate
                 you
                 shall
                 reign
                 over
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 ye
                 shall
                 flee
                 when
                 none
                 pursueth
                 you
                 .
                 v.
                 18.
                 
                 And
                 if
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 yet
                 for
                 all
                 this
                 hearken
                 unto
                 me
                 ,
                 then
                 I
                 wil
                 punish
                 you
                 seven
                 times
                 more
                 for
                 your
                 sins
                 .
                 v.
                 19.
                 
                 And
                 I
                 wil
                 break
                 the
                 pride
                 of
                 your
                 power
                 ;
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 make
                 your
                 Heaven
                 as
                 Iron
                 and
                 your
                 Earth
                 as
                 Brasse
                 :
                 v.
                 20.
                 
                 And
                 your
                 strength
                 shall
                 be
                 spent
                 in
                 vain
                 ;
                 for
                 your
                 Land
                 shall
                 not
                 yeeld
                 her
                 increase
                 ,
                 neither
                 shall
                 the
                 Trees
                 of
                 the
                 Land
                 yeeld
                 their
                 fruits
                 .
                 v.
                 21.
                 
                 And
                 if
                 ye
                 walk
                 contrary
                 unto
                 me
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 not
                 hearken
                 unto
                 me
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 bring
                 seven
                 times
                 more
                 plagues
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 according
                 to
                 your
                 sins
                 .
                 v.
                 22.
                 
                 I
                 will
                 also
                 send
                 wilde
                 beasts
                 among
                 you
                 ,
                 which
                 shall
                 rob
                 you
                 of
                 your
                 children
                 ,
                 and
                 destroy
                 your
                 cattel
                 ,
                 and
                 make
                 you
                 few
                 in
                 number
                 ,
                 and
                 your
                 high
                 waies
                 shall
                 be
                 desolate
                 .
                 v.
                 23.
                 
                 And
                 if
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 be
                 reformed
                 by
                 these
                 things
                 ,
                 but
                 will
                 walk
                 contrary
                 unto
                 me
                 :
                 v.
                 24.
                 
                 Then
                 will
                 I
                 also
                 walk
                 contrary
                 unto
                 you
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 punish
                 you
                 yet
                 seven
                 times
                 for
                 your
                 sins
                 .
                 v.
                 25.
                 
                 And
                 I
                 will
                 bring
                 a
                 sword
                 upon
                 you
                 ,
                 that
                 shall
                 avenge
                 the
                 quarrel
                 of
                 my
                 Covenant
                 :
                 and
                 when
                 you
                 are
                 gathered
                 together
                 within
                 your
                 Cities
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 send
                 the
                 pestilence
                 among
                 you
                 ;
                 and
                 ye
                 shall
                 be
                 delivered
                 into
                 the
                 hand
                 of
                 the
                 enemy
                 .
                 v.
                 26.
                 
                 And
                 when
                 I
                 have
                 broken
                 the
                 staff
                 of
                 your
                 bread
                 ,
                 ten
                 women
                 shall
                 bake
                 your
                 bread
                 in
                 one
                 oven
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 shall
                 deliver
                 you
                 your
                 bread
                 again
                 by
                 weight
                 ;
                 and
                 ye
                 shall
                 eat
                 and
                 not
                 be
                 satisfied
                 .
                 v.
                 27.
                 
                 And
                 if
                 you
                 will
                 not
                 for
                 all
                 this
                 hearken
                 unto
                 me
                 ,
                 but
                 walk
                 contrary
                 unto
                 me
                 :
                 v.
                 28.
                 
                 Then
                 I
                 will
                 walk
                 contrary
                 unto
                 you
                 also
                 in
                 fury
                 ;
                 and
                 I
                 ,
                 even
                 I
                 ,
                 will
                 chastise
                 you
                 seven
                 times
                 for
                 your
                 sins
                 .
                 v.
                 29.
                 
                 And
                 ye
                 shall
                 eat
                 the
                 flesh
                 of
                 your
                 sons
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 flesh
                 of
                 your
                 daughters
                 shall
                 ye
                 eat
                 .
                 v.
                 30.
                 
                 And
                 I
                 will
                 destroy
                 your
                 high
                 places
                 ,
                 and
                 cut
                 down
                 your
                 Images
                 ,
                 and
                 cast
                 your
                 carcases
                 upon
                 the
                 
                 carcases
                 of
                 your
                 Idols
                 ,
                 and
                 my
                 soul
                 shall
                 abbor
                 you
                 .
                 v.
                 31.
                 
                 And
                 I
                 will
                 make
                 your
                 Cities
                 wast
                 ,
                 and
                 bring
                 your
                 Sanctuaries
                 unto
                 desolation
                 ,
                 and
                 I
                 will
                 not
                 smell
                 the
                 savour
                 of
                 your
                 sweet
                 Odours
                 .
                 v.
                 32.
                 
                 And
                 I
                 will
                 bring
                 the
                 Land
                 into
                 desolation
                 ;
                 and
                 your
                 enemies
                 which
                 dwell
                 therein
                 shall
                 be
                 astonished
                 at
                 it
                 .
                 v.
                 33.
                 
                 And
                 I
                 will
                 scatter
                 you
                 among
                 the
                 Heathen
                 ,
                 and
                 will
                 draw
                 out
                 a
                 sword
                 after
                 you
                 ;
                 and
                 your
                 Land
                 shall
                 be
                 desolate
                 ,
                 and
                 your
                 Cities
                 waste
                 .
                 v.
                 34.
                 
                 Then
                 shall
                 the
                 Land
                 enjoy
                 her
                 Sabbaths
                 as
                 long
                 as
                 it
                 lieth
                 desolate
                 ,
                 and
                 ye
                 be
                 in
                 your
                 enemies
                 Land
                 ;
                 even
                 then
                 shall
                 the
                 Land
                 rest
                 ,
                 and
                 enjoy
                 her
                 Sabbaths
                 .
                 v.
                 35.
                 
                 As
                 long
                 as
                 it
                 lieth
                 desolate
                 ,
                 it
                 shall
                 rest
                 ;
                 because
                 it
                 did
                 not
                 rest
                 in
                 your
                 Sabbaths
                 when
                 ye
                 dwelt
                 upon
                 it
                 .
                 v.
                 36.
                 
                 And
                 upon
                 them
                 that
                 are
                 left
                 alive
                 of
                 you
                 ,
                 I
                 will
                 send
                 a
                 faintnesse
                 into
                 their
                 hearts
                 in
                 the
                 Lands
                 of
                 their
                 enemies
                 ;
                 and
                 the
                 sound
                 of
                 a
                 shaken
                 leaf
                 shall
                 chase
                 them
                 ;
                 and
                 they
                 shall
                 flee
                 ,
                 as
                 fleeing
                 from
                 a
                 sword
                 ,
                 and
                 they
                 shall
                 fall
                 when
                 none
                 pursueth
                 them
                 .
                 v.
                 37.
                 
                 And
                 they
                 shall
                 fall
                 one
                 upon
                 another
                 as
                 it
                 were
                 before
                 a
                 sword
                 ,
                 when
                 none
                 pursueth
                 ;
                 and
                 ye
                 shall
                 have
                 no
                 power
                 to
                 stand
                 before
                 your
                 enemies
                 .
                 v.
                 38.
                 
                 And
                 ye
                 shall
                 perish
                 among
                 the
                 Heathen
                 ,
                 and
                 the
                 Land
                 of
                 your
                 enemies
                 shall
                 eat
                 you
                 up
                 .
                 v.
                 39.
                 
                 And
                 they
                 that
                 are
                 left
                 of
                 you
                 ,
                 shall
                 pine
                 away
                 in
                 their
                 iniquitie
                 in
                 your
                 enemies
                 Lands
                 ,
                 and
                 also
                 in
                 the
                 iniquities
                 of
                 their
                 fathers
                 shall
                 they
                 pine
                 away
                 with
                 them
                 .
              
               
                 FINIS
                 .
              
            
          
        
      
       
         
           
             
             
             
               A
               Humble
               ACKNOWLEDGMENT
               OF
               THE
               SINS
               OF
               THE
               MINISTERY
               OF
               SCOTLAND
               .
            
             
               Printed
               in
               the
               year
               1653.
               
            
          
           
             
             
               THE
               PREFACE
               .
            
             
               ALthough
               we
               are
               not
               ignorant
               ,
               that
               mockers
               of
               all
               sorts
               may
               take
               occasion
               by
               this
               Acknowledgment
               of
               the
               Sins
               of
               Ministers
               ,
               to
               strengthen
               themselves
               in
               their
               prejudices
               at
               our
               persons
               and
               Callings
               ,
               and
               turn
               this
               unto
               our
               reproach
               ,
               and
               that
               some
               may
               misconstrue
               our
               meaning
               therein
               ,
               as
               if
               we
               did
               thereby
               intend
               to
               render
               the
               Ministery
               of
               this
               Church
               base
               and
               contemptible
               ,
               which
               is
               far
               from
               our
               thoughts
               ,
               We
               knowing
               and
               being
               perswaded
               in
               our selves
               ,
               that
               there
               are
               many
               able
               ,
               godly
               and
               faithful
               Ministers
               in
               the
               Land
               ;
               yet
               being
               convinced
               that
               we
               are
               called
               to
               humble
               our selves
               ,
               and
               to
               justifie
               the
               Lord
               in
               all
               the
               contempt
               that
               he
               hath
               poured
               upon
               us
               :
               That
               they
               who
               shall
               know
               our
               sins
               ,
               may
               not
               stumble
               at
               our
               judgments
               :
               We
               have
               thought
               it
               our
               duty
               to
               publish
               this
               following
               Discovery
               and
               Acknowledgment
               of
               the
               corruptions
               and
               sins
               of
               Ministers
               ,
               That
               it
               may
               appear
               how
               deep
               our
               hand
               is
               in
               the
               Transgression
               ,
               and
               that
               the
               Ministers
               of
               Scotland
               have
               no
               small
               accession
               to
               the
               drawing
               on
               of
               these
               judgments
               that
               are
               upon
               the
               Land.
               
            
             
               Only
               in
               this
               following
               Acknowledgment
               we
               desire
               it
               may
               be
               considered
               ,
               That
               there
               are
               here
               enumerated
               some
               sins
               ,
               whereof
               there
               be
               but
               some
               few
               Ministers
               guilty
               ,
               and
               others
               whereof
               m●●
               are
               guilty
               ,
               and
               not
               a
               few
               ,
               which
               are
               the
               sins
               of
               these
               whom
               the
               Lord
               hath
               keeped
               from
               the
               more
               grosse
               corruptions
               herein
               mentioned
               ;
               And
               that
               it
               is
               not
               to
               be
               wondered
               at
               ,
               if
               the
               Ministery
               of
               Scotland
               be
               yet
               in
               a
               great
               measure
               unpurged
               ,
               Considering
               that
               there
               was
               so
               wide
               a
               door
               opened
               for
               the
               entering
               of
               corrupt
               persons
               into
               the
               Ministery
               ,
               for
               the
               space
               of
               above
               thirty
               years
               under
               the
               tyranny
               of
               Prelat●
               ,
               and
               that
               also
               there
               hath
               been
               so
               many
               diversions
               from
               ,
               and
               interruptions
               of
               endeavours
               to
               have
               a
               purged
               Ministery
               in
               this
               Land.
               
            
          
        
         
           
             THE
             SINS
             OF
             THE
             MINISTERY
             .
          
           
             
             
               First
               ,
               such
               as
               are
               before
               their
               entry
               to
               the
               Ministery
               .
            
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 LIghteness
                 and
                 prophanity
                 in
                 conversation
                 ,
                 unsuitable
                 to
                 that
                 holy
                 Calling
                 which
                 they
                 did
                 intend
                 ,
                 not
                 throughly
                 repented
                 of
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Corrupt
                 education
                 of
                 some
                 in
                 the
                 Prelaticall
                 and
                 Arminian
                 way
                 ,
                 whereby
                 their
                 corruptions
                 and
                 errors
                 were
                 drunken
                 in
                 ,
                 and
                 abilities
                 improven
                 ,
                 for
                 strengthening
                 and
                 promoving
                 the
                 same
                 ,
                 not
                 repented
                 of
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Not
                 studying
                 to
                 be
                 in
                 CHRIST
                 ,
                 before
                 they
                 be
                 in
                 the
                 Ministery
                 ;
                 nor
                 to
                 have
                 the
                 practicall
                 knowledge
                 and
                 experience
                 of
                 the
                 Mystery
                 of
                 the
                 Gospel
                 in
                 themselves
                 ,
                 before
                 they
                 preach
                 it
                 to
                 others
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Neglecting
                 to
                 sit
                 themselves
                 for
                 the
                 Work
                 of
                 the
                 Ministerie
                 in
                 not
                 improving
                 prayer
                 and
                 fellowship
                 with
                 God
                 ,
                 education
                 at
                 Schools
                 and
                 opportunities
                 of
                 a
                 lively
                 Ministery
                 ,
                 and
                 other
                 means
                 ,
                 and
                 not
                 mourning
                 for
                 these
                 neglects
                 .
              
               
                 
                 5.
                 
                 Not
                 studying
                 self-denyall
                 ,
                 nor
                 resolving
                 to
                 take
                 up
                 the
                 Crosse
                 of
                 CHRIST
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Negligence
                 to
                 entertain
                 sight
                 and
                 sense
                 of
                 sin
                 and
                 misery
                 ,
                 not
                 wrestling
                 against
                 corruption
                 ,
                 nor
                 studying
                 of
                 mortification
                 and
                 subduednesse
                 of
                 spirit
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
               Secondly
               ,
               in
               entering
               .
            
             
               
                 1.
                 
                 CArnall
                 ,
                 corrupt
                 and
                 crooked
                 wayes
                 for
                 entering
                 to
                 the
                 Ministery
                 ,
                 such
                 as
                 bribing
                 in
                 the
                 time
                 of
                 Prelacie
                 ,
                 soliciation
                 of
                 friends
                 and
                 the
                 like
                 ;
                 whereby
                 many
                 have
                 not
                 entered
                 by
                 the
                 door
                 ,
                 but
                 did
                 climb
                 up
                 another
                 way
                 .
              
               
                 2.
                 
                 Entering
                 to
                 the
                 Ministery
                 by
                 an
                 implicite
                 ,
                 execrable
                 ,
                 Canonicall
                 Oath
                 and
                 subscription
                 given
                 to
                 the
                 Prelats
                 for
                 acknowledging
                 them
                 ,
                 and
                 advancing
                 their
                 corruptions
                 introduced
                 and
                 to
                 be
                 introduced
                 .
              
               
                 3.
                 
                 Entering
                 to
                 the
                 Ministery
                 without
                 tryals
                 ,
                 and
                 receiving
                 ordination
                 either
                 from
                 the
                 Prelat
                 ,
                 or
                 by
                 a
                 recommendation
                 from
                 him
                 to
                 the
                 Presbyterie
                 ,
                 and
                 sometimes
                 without
                 or
                 against
                 the
                 minde
                 of
                 the
                 Presbyterie
                 .
              
               
                 4.
                 
                 Entering
                 either
                 only
                 by
                 Presentations
                 ,
                 or
                 by
                 purchased
                 Supplications
                 from
                 the
                 plurality
                 of
                 the
                 Parochiners
                 ,
                 without
                 or
                 against
                 the
                 consent
                 of
                 the
                 godly
                 in
                 the
                 Parioch
                 .
              
               
                 5.
                 
                 Entering
                 to
                 the
                 Ministery
                 without
                 respect
                 to
                 a
                 Commission
                 from
                 Jesus
                 Christ
                 ,
                 by
                 which
                 it
                 hath
                 come
                 to
                 passe
                 ,
                 that
                 many
                 have
                 run
                 unsent
                 .
              
               
                 6.
                 
                 Entering
                 to
                 the
                 Ministery
                 not
                 from
                 the
                 love
                 of
                 Christ
                 ,
                 nor
                 from
                 a
                 desire
                 to
                 honour
                 God
                 in
                 gaining
                 of
                 souls
                 ,
                 but
                 for
                 by-ends
                 ,
                 for
                 a
                 name
                 ,
                 and
                 for
                 livelyhood
                 in
                 the
                 World
                 ,
                 notwithstanding
                 solemne
                 declaration
                 to
                 the
                 contrary
                 at
                 admission
                 .
              
               
                 7.
                 
                 Some
                 offering
                 themselves
                 to
                 tryall
                 without
                 abilities
                 ,
                 and
                 studying
                 to
                 conceal
                 and
                 hide
                 their
                 weaknesse
                 ,
                 by
                 making
                 use
                 of
                 the
                 help
                 and
                 pains
                 of
                 some
                 friend
                 and
                 acquaintance
                 ,
                 or
                 other
                 mens
                 Papers
                 ,
                 in
                 severall
                 parts
                 of
                 the
                 tryall
                 ;
                 and
                 some
                 authorized
                 to
                 preach
                 ,
                 and
                 others
                 admitted
                 to
                 the
                 Ministery
                 ,
                 who
                 have
                 little
                 or
                 no
                 ability
                 for
                 performing
                 the
                 duties
                 thereof
                 .
              
               
                 8.
                 
                 Too
                 much
                 weighed
                 with
                 inclination
                 to
                 be
                 called
                 to
                 the
                 Ministery
                 in
                 a
                 place
                 where
                 we
                 have
                 carnall
                 relation
                 .
              
            
          
           
             
             
               Thirdly
               ,
               After
               entering
               ,
               which
               is
               first
               in
               their
               private
               condition
               and
               conversation
               .
            
             
               
                 
                   1.
                   
                   IGnorance
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   want
                   of
                   nearnesse
                   with
                   him
                   ,
                   and
                   taking
                   up
                   little
                   of
                   God
                   in
                   reading
                   ,
                   meditating
                   ,
                   and
                   speaking
                   of
                   him
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   Exceeding
                   great
                   selfishnesse
                   in
                   all
                   that
                   we
                   do
                   ,
                   acting
                   from
                   our selves
                   ,
                   for
                   our selves
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   Not
                   caring
                   how
                   unfaithfull
                   and
                   negligent
                   others
                   were
                   ,
                   so
                   being
                   it
                   might
                   contribute
                   a
                   testimony
                   to
                   our
                   faithfulnesse
                   and
                   diligence
                   :
                   but
                   being
                   rather
                   content
                   ,
                   if
                   not
                   rejoycing
                   at
                   their
                   fault
                   .
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   Least
                   delight
                   in
                   these
                   things
                   wherein
                   lyeth
                   our
                   nearest
                   communion
                   with
                   God
                   ,
                   great
                   inconstancie
                   in
                   our
                   walk
                   with
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   neglect
                   of
                   acknowledging
                   of
                   him
                   in
                   all
                   our
                   wayes
                   .
                
                 
                   5.
                   
                   In
                   going
                   about
                   duties
                   ,
                   least
                   carefull
                   of
                   these
                   which
                   are
                   most
                   remote
                   from
                   the
                   eyes
                   of
                   men
                   .
                
                 
                   6.
                   
                   Seldome
                   in
                   secret
                   prayer
                   with
                   God
                   ,
                   except
                   to
                   sit
                   for
                   Publick
                   performances
                   ,
                   and
                   even
                   that
                   much
                   neglected
                   ,
                   or
                   gone
                   about
                   very
                   superficially
                   .
                
                 
                   7.
                   
                   Glad
                   to
                   find
                   excuses
                   for
                   the
                   neglect
                   of
                   duties
                   .
                
                 
                   8.
                   
                   Neglecting
                   the
                   reading
                   of
                   Scriptures
                   in
                   secret
                   ,
                   for
                   edifying
                   our selves
                   as
                   Christians
                   ,
                   only
                   reading
                   them
                   in
                   so
                   far
                   as
                   may
                   sit
                   us
                   for
                   our
                   duty
                   as
                   Ministers
                   ,
                   and
                   oft-times
                   neglecting
                   that
                   .
                
                 
                   9.
                   
                   Not
                   given
                   to
                   reflect
                   upon
                   our
                   own
                   wayes
                   ,
                   nor
                   suffering
                   conviction
                   to
                   have
                   a
                   through
                   work
                   upon
                   us
                   ,
                   deceiving
                   our selves
                   by
                   resting
                   upon
                   abstinence
                   from
                   ,
                   and
                   abhorrencie
                   of
                   evils
                   ,
                   from
                   the
                   light
                   of
                   a
                   naturall
                   conscience
                   ,
                   and
                   looking
                   upon
                   the
                   same
                   as
                   an
                   evidence
                   of
                   a
                   reall
                   change
                   .
                
                 
                   10.
                   
                   Evill
                   guarding
                   of
                   ,
                   and
                   watching
                   over
                   the
                   heart
                   ,
                   and
                   carelesnesse
                   in
                   self-searching
                   ,
                   which
                   makes
                   much
                   unacquaintednesse
                   with
                   our selves
                   ,
                   and
                   estrangednesse
                   from
                   God.
                   
                
                 
                   11.
                   
                   Not
                   guarding
                   nor
                   wrestling
                   against
                   seen
                   and
                   known
                   ills
                   ,
                   especially
                   our
                   predominants
                   .
                
                 
                   12.
                   
                   A
                   facilite
                   to
                   be
                   drawn
                   away
                   with
                   the
                   temptations
                   of
                   the
                   time
                   ,
                   and
                   other
                   particular
                   temptations
                   ,
                   according
                   to
                   our
                   inclinations
                   and
                   fellowship
                   .
                
                 
                   13.
                   
                   Instability
                   and
                   wavering
                   in
                   the
                   wayes
                   of
                   God
                   through
                   the
                   fears
                   of
                   persecution
                   ,
                   hazard
                   ,
                   or
                   loss
                   of
                   esteem
                   ,
                   and
                   declining
                   duties
                   ,
                   
                   because
                   of
                   the
                   fear
                   of
                   jealousies
                   and
                   reproaches
                   .
                
                 
                   14.
                   
                   Not
                   esteeming
                   the
                   Crosse
                   of
                   Christ
                   and
                   sufferings
                   for
                   his
                   Name
                   honourable
                   ,
                   but
                   rather
                   shifting
                   sufferings
                   from
                   self-love
                   .
                
                 
                   15.
                   
                   Deadnesse
                   of
                   spirit
                   after
                   all
                   the
                   sore
                   stroaks
                   of
                   God
                   upon
                   the
                   Land.
                   
                
                 
                   16.
                   
                   Little
                   conscience
                   made
                   of
                   secret
                   humiliation
                   and
                   fasting
                   by
                   our selves
                   apart
                   ,
                   and
                   in
                   our
                   Families
                   ;
                   that
                   we
                   might
                   mourn
                   for
                   our
                   own
                   and
                   the
                   Lands
                   guiltinesse
                   and
                   great
                   back-slidings
                   ,
                   and
                   little
                   applying
                   the
                   Causes
                   of
                   publick
                   humiliation
                   to
                   our
                   own
                   hearts
                   .
                
                 
                   17.
                   
                   Finding
                   of
                   our
                   own
                   pleasures
                   ,
                   when
                   the
                   Lord
                   cals
                   for
                   humiliation
                   .
                
                 
                   18.
                   
                   Not
                   laying
                   to
                   heart
                   the
                   sad
                   and
                   heavy
                   sufferings
                   of
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   God
                   abroad
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   not
                   thriving
                   of
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   of
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   ,
                   and
                   the
                   power
                   of
                   godliness
                   among
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   19.
                   
                   Refined
                   hypocrisie
                   ,
                   desiring
                   to
                   appear
                   what
                   indeed
                   we
                   are
                   not
                   .
                
                 
                   20.
                   
                   Studying
                   more
                   to
                   learn
                   the
                   language
                   of
                   Gods
                   people
                   nor
                   their
                   exercise
                   .
                
                 
                   21.
                   
                   Artificiall
                   confessing
                   of
                   sin
                   without
                   repentance
                   ,
                   professing
                   to
                   declare
                   iniquity
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   resolving
                   to
                   be
                   sory
                   for
                   sin
                   .
                
                 
                   22.
                   
                   Confession
                   in
                   secret
                   much
                   slighted
                   ,
                   even
                   of
                   these
                   things
                   whereof
                   we
                   are
                   convinced
                   .
                
                 
                   23.
                   
                   No
                   Reformation
                   after
                   solemn
                   acknowledgments
                   and
                   private
                   Vows
                   ,
                   thinking
                   our selves
                   exonered
                   after
                   Confession
                   .
                
                 
                   24.
                   
                   Readier
                   to
                   search
                   out
                   and
                   censure
                   faults
                   in
                   others
                   ,
                   then
                   to
                   see
                   or
                   take
                   with
                   them
                   in
                   our selves
                   .
                
                 
                   25.
                   
                   Accounting
                   of
                   our
                   estate
                   and
                   way
                   according
                   to
                   the
                   estimation
                   that
                   others
                   have
                   of
                   us
                   .
                
                 
                   26.
                   
                   Estimation
                   of
                   men
                   as
                   they
                   agree
                   with
                   or
                   disagree
                   from
                   us
                   .
                
                 
                   27.
                   
                   Not
                   fearing
                   to
                   meet
                   with
                   tryals
                   ,
                   but
                   presuming
                   in
                   our
                   own
                   strength
                   to
                   go
                   through
                   them
                   unshaken
                   .
                
                 
                   28.
                   
                   Not
                   learning
                   to
                   fear
                   by
                   the
                   falls
                   of
                   gracious
                   men
                   ,
                   nor
                   mourning
                   and
                   Praying
                   for
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   29.
                   
                   Not
                   observing
                   particular
                   deliverances
                   and
                   rods
                   ,
                   nor
                   improving
                   of
                   them
                   for
                   the
                   honor
                   of
                   God
                   ,
                   and
                   edification
                   of
                   our selves
                   and
                   others
                   .
                
                 
                   30.
                   
                   Little
                   or
                   no
                   mourning
                   for
                   the
                   corruption
                   of
                   our
                   nature
                   ,
                   and
                   less
                   groaning
                   under
                   ,
                   and
                   longing
                   to
                   be
                   delivered
                   from
                   
                   that
                   body
                   of
                   death
                   ,
                   the
                   bitter
                   root
                   of
                   all
                   our
                   other
                   evils
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 Secondly
                 ,
                 in
                 our
                 Conversation
                 and
                 Walk
                 with
                 and
                 before
                 these
                 of
                 our
                 Flocks
                 and
                 others
                 .
              
               
                 
                   1.
                   
                   FRuitless
                   conversing
                   ordinarily
                   with
                   others
                   for
                   the
                   worse
                   rather
                   then
                   for
                   the
                   better
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   Foolish
                   jesting
                   away
                   time
                   with
                   impertinent
                   and
                   useles
                   discourse
                   ,
                   very
                   unseeming
                   the
                   Ministers
                   of
                   the
                   Gospel
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   Spirituall
                   purposes
                   often
                   dying
                   in
                   our
                   hands
                   ,
                   when
                   they
                   are
                   begun
                   by
                   others
                   .
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   Carnal
                   familiarity
                   with
                   naturall
                   wicked
                   and
                   Malignant
                   men
                   ;
                   whereby
                   they
                   are
                   hardened
                   ,
                   the
                   People
                   of
                   God
                   stumbled
                   ,
                   and
                   we
                   our selves
                   blunted
                   .
                
                 
                   5.
                   
                   Slighting
                   fellowship
                   with
                   these
                   by
                   whom
                   we
                   might
                   profit
                   .
                
                 
                   6.
                   
                   Desiring
                   more
                   to
                   converse
                   with
                   these
                   that
                   might
                   better
                   us
                   by
                   their
                   parts
                   ,
                   then
                   such
                   as
                   might
                   edifie
                   us
                   by
                   their
                   graces
                   .
                
                 
                   7.
                   
                   Not
                   studying
                   opportunities
                   of
                   doing
                   good
                   to
                   others
                   .
                
                 
                   8.
                   
                   Shifting
                   of
                   prayer
                   and
                   other
                   duties
                   when
                   called
                   thereto
                   ,
                   choosing
                   rather
                   to
                   omit
                   the
                   same
                   ,
                   then
                   we
                   should
                   be
                   put
                   to
                   them
                   our selves
                   .
                
                 
                   9.
                   
                   Abusing
                   of
                   time
                   in
                   frequent
                   recreation
                   and
                   pastimes
                   ,
                   and
                   loving
                   our
                   pleasures
                   more
                   then
                   God.
                   
                
                 
                   10.
                   
                   Taking
                   little
                   or
                   no
                   time
                   to
                   Christian
                   Discourse
                   with
                   young
                   men
                   trained
                   up
                   for
                   the
                   Ministery
                   .
                
                 
                   11.
                   
                   Common
                   and
                   ordinary
                   discourse
                   on
                   the
                   Lords
                   Day
                   .
                
                 
                   12.
                   
                   Slighting
                   Christian
                   Admonition
                   from
                   any
                   of
                   our
                   Flocks
                   ,
                   or
                   others
                   as
                   being
                   below
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   ashamed
                   to
                   take
                   light
                   and
                   warning
                   from
                   private
                   Christians
                   .
                
                 
                   13.
                   
                   Dislike
                   of
                   ,
                   or
                   bitternesse
                   against
                   such
                   as
                   deal
                   freely
                   with
                   us
                   by
                   admonition
                   or
                   reproof
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   dealing
                   faithfully
                   with
                   others
                   who
                   would
                   welcome
                   it
                   off
                   our
                   hands
                   .
                
                 
                   14.
                   
                   Not
                   making
                   conscience
                   to
                   take
                   pains
                   on
                   the
                   ignorant
                   and
                   prophane
                   for
                   their
                   good
                   .
                
                 
                   15.
                   
                   Our
                   not
                   mourning
                   for
                   the
                   ignorance
                   ,
                   unbelief
                   ,
                   and
                   miscarriages
                   of
                   the
                   Flocks
                   committed
                   unto
                   us
                   .
                
                 
                   16.
                   
                   Impatient
                   bearing
                   of
                   the
                   infirmities
                   of
                   others
                   ,
                   rashly
                   breaking
                   out
                   against
                   their
                   persons
                   ,
                   more
                   then
                   studying
                   to
                   gain
                   them
                   from
                   their
                   sins
                   .
                
                 
                   
                   17.
                   
                   Not
                   using
                   freedom
                   with
                   these
                   of
                   our
                   charge
                   ,
                   and
                   for
                   most
                   part
                   spending
                   our
                   time
                   with
                   them
                   in
                   common
                   discourses
                   ,
                   not
                   tending
                   to
                   Edification
                   .
                
                 
                   18.
                   
                   Neglecting
                   Admonition
                   to
                   friends
                   and
                   others
                   in
                   an
                   evil
                   course
                   .
                
                 
                   19.
                   
                   Reservednesse
                   in
                   laying
                   out
                   our
                   condition
                   to
                   others
                   .
                
                 
                   20.
                   
                   Not
                   praying
                   for
                   men
                   of
                   a
                   contrary
                   judgment
                   ,
                   but
                   using
                   reservednesse
                   and
                   distance
                   from
                   them
                   ,
                   being
                   more
                   ready
                   to
                   speak
                   of
                   them
                   then
                   to
                   them
                   ,
                   or
                   to
                   God
                   for
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   21.
                   
                   Not
                   weighed
                   with
                   the
                   fallings
                   and
                   miscarriages
                   of
                   others
                   ,
                   but
                   rather
                   taking
                   advantage
                   thereof
                   for
                   justifying
                   our selves
                   .
                
                 
                   22.
                   
                   Talking
                   of
                   ,
                   and
                   sporting
                   at
                   the
                   faults
                   of
                   others
                   ,
                   rather
                   then
                   compassionating
                   of
                   them
                   .
                
                 
                   23.
                   
                   No
                   pains
                   taken
                   in
                   religious
                   ordering
                   of
                   our
                   families
                   ,
                   nor
                   studying
                   to
                   be
                   Paterns
                   to
                   other
                   Families
                   in
                   the
                   governement
                   of
                   ours
                   .
                
                 
                   24.
                   
                   Hasty
                   anger
                   and
                   passion
                   in
                   our
                   Families
                   and
                   conversation
                   with
                   others
                   .
                
                 
                   25.
                   
                   Covetousnesse
                   ,
                   worldly
                   mindednesse
                   ,
                   and
                   an
                   inordinate
                   desire
                   after
                   the
                   things
                   of
                   this
                   life
                   ,
                   upon
                   which
                   followeth
                   a
                   neglect
                   of
                   the
                   Duties
                   of
                   our
                   Calling
                   ,
                   and
                   our
                   being
                   taken
                   up
                   for
                   the
                   most
                   part
                   with
                   the
                   things
                   of
                   the
                   World.
                   
                
                 
                   26.
                   
                   Want
                   of
                   Hospitality
                   and
                   Charity
                   to
                   the
                   Members
                   of
                   Christ.
                   
                
                 
                   27.
                   
                   Not
                   cherishing
                   Godlinesse
                   in
                   the
                   People
                   ,
                   and
                   some
                   being
                   afraid
                   of
                   it
                   ,
                   and
                   hating
                   the
                   people
                   of
                   God
                   for
                   Piety
                   ,
                   and
                   studying
                   to
                   bear
                   down
                   and
                   quench
                   the
                   work
                   of
                   the
                   spirit
                   amongst
                   them
                   .
                
              
            
             
               
                 Thirdly
                 in
                 the
                 discharge
                 of
                 Ministerial
                 Duties
                 .
                 Which
                 is
                 first
                 in
                 regard
                 of
                 labouring
                 in
                 the
                 Word
                 and
                 Doctrine
                 .
              
               
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     NOt
                     entertaining
                     that
                     edge
                     of
                     spirit
                     in
                     Ministeriall
                     Duties
                     ,
                     which
                     we
                     found
                     at
                     the
                     first
                     entry
                     to
                     the
                     Ministery
                     .
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Great
                     neglect
                     of
                     reading
                     and
                     other
                     preparation
                     ,
                     or
                     preparation
                     meerly
                     Literal
                     and
                     bookish
                     ,
                     making
                     an
                     idoll
                     of
                     a
                     book
                     ,
                     which
                     hindereth
                     Communion
                     with
                     God
                     ,
                     or
                     presuming
                     on
                     bygone
                     assistance
                     ,
                     and
                     praying
                     little
                     .
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     Trusting
                     to
                     gifts
                     ,
                     parts
                     and
                     pains
                     taken
                     for
                     preparation
                     ,
                     whereby
                     God
                     is
                     provoked
                     ,
                     to
                     blaste
                     good
                     matter
                     well
                     ordered
                     and
                     worded
                     .
                  
                   
                     
                     4.
                     
                     Carelesse
                     in
                     imploying
                     CHRIST
                     ,
                     and
                     drawing
                     vertue
                     out
                     of
                     him
                     for
                     inabling
                     us
                     to
                     preach
                     in
                     the
                     Spirit
                     and
                     in
                     power
                     .
                  
                   
                     5.
                     
                     In
                     prayer
                     for
                     assistance
                     ,
                     we
                     pray
                     more
                     for
                     assistence
                     to
                     the
                     Messenger
                     then
                     to
                     the
                     Message
                     which
                     we
                     carry
                     ,
                     not
                     caring
                     what
                     become
                     of
                     the
                     Word
                     ,
                     if
                     we
                     be
                     with
                     some
                     measure
                     of
                     assistance
                     carried
                     on
                     in
                     the
                     Duty
                     .
                  
                   
                     6.
                     
                     The
                     matter
                     we
                     bring
                     forth
                     is
                     not
                     seriously
                     recommended
                     to
                     God
                     by
                     Prayer
                     to
                     be
                     quickened
                     to
                     his
                     People
                     .
                  
                   
                     7.
                     
                     Neglect
                     of
                     Prayer
                     after
                     the
                     Word
                     is
                     Preached
                     ,
                     that
                     it
                     may
                     receive
                     the
                     first
                     and
                     latter
                     rain
                     ;
                     and
                     that
                     the
                     Lord
                     would
                     put
                     in
                     the
                     hearts
                     of
                     his
                     People
                     what
                     we
                     speak
                     to
                     them
                     in
                     his
                     Name
                     .
                  
                   
                     8.
                     
                     Neglect
                     to
                     warn
                     in
                     Preaching
                     of
                     snares
                     and
                     sin
                     in
                     Publick
                     affairs
                     by
                     some
                     ,
                     and
                     too
                     much
                     frequent
                     and
                     unnecessary
                     speaking
                     by
                     thers
                     of
                     Publick
                     businesse
                     and
                     Transactions
                     .
                  
                   
                     9.
                     
                     Exceeding
                     great
                     neglect
                     and
                     unskilfulnesse
                     to
                     set
                     forth
                     the
                     excellencies
                     and
                     usefulness
                     of
                     Jesus
                     Christ
                     ,
                     and
                     the
                     New
                     Covenant
                     which
                     ought
                     to
                     be
                     the
                     great
                     subject
                     of
                     a
                     Ministers
                     Study
                     and
                     Preaching
                     .
                  
                   
                     10.
                     
                     Speaking
                     of
                     CHRIST
                     more
                     by
                     hear-say
                     then
                     from
                     knowkedge
                     and
                     experience
                     ,
                     or
                     any
                     reall
                     impression
                     of
                     him
                     upon
                     the
                     heart
                     .
                  
                   
                     11.
                     
                     The
                     way
                     of
                     most
                     Ministers
                     Preaching
                     too
                     Legall
                     .
                  
                   
                     12.
                     
                     Want
                     of
                     sobriety
                     in
                     Preaching
                     the
                     Gospel
                     ,
                     not
                     ●avouring
                     any
                     thing
                     but
                     what
                     is
                     new
                     ,
                     so
                     that
                     the
                     Substantials
                     of
                     Religion
                     bear
                     but
                     little
                     bulk
                     .
                  
                   
                     13.
                     
                     Not
                     Preaching
                     Christ
                     in
                     the
                     simplicity
                     of
                     the
                     Gospel
                     ,
                     nor
                     our selves
                     the
                     Peoples
                     servants
                     for
                     Christ
                     sake
                     .
                  
                   
                     14.
                     
                     Preaching
                     of
                     Christ
                     not
                     that
                     the
                     People
                     may
                     know
                     Him
                     ,
                     but
                     that
                     they
                     may
                     think
                     we
                     know
                     much
                     of
                     him
                     .
                  
                   
                     15.
                     
                     Preaching
                     anent
                     Christs
                     leaving
                     the
                     Land
                     without
                     brokennesse
                     of
                     heart
                     ,
                     or
                     up
                     stirring
                     of
                     our selves
                     to
                     take
                     hold
                     of
                     him
                     .
                  
                   
                     16.
                     
                     Not
                     Preaching
                     with
                     bowels
                     of
                     compassion
                     to
                     them
                     who
                     are
                     in
                     hazard
                     to
                     perish
                     .
                  
                   
                     17.
                     
                     Preaching
                     against
                     Publick
                     sins
                     ,
                     neither
                     in
                     such
                     a
                     way
                     nor
                     for
                     such
                     an
                     end
                     as
                     we
                     ought
                     for
                     the
                     gaining
                     of
                     souls
                     ,
                     and
                     drawing
                     men
                     out
                     of
                     their
                     sins
                     ,
                     but
                     rather
                     because
                     it
                     is
                     of
                     our
                     concernment
                     to
                     say
                     something
                     of
                     these
                     evils
                     .
                  
                   
                     18.
                     
                     Bitternesse
                     in
                     stead
                     of
                     zeal
                     ,
                     in
                     speaking
                     against
                     Malignants
                     ,
                     
                     Sectaries
                     ,
                     and
                     other
                     scandalous
                     persons
                     ,
                     and
                     unfaithfulnesse
                     therein
                     .
                  
                   
                     19.
                     
                     Not
                     studying
                     to
                     know
                     the
                     particular
                     condition
                     of
                     the
                     souls
                     of
                     the
                     people
                     ,
                     that
                     we
                     may
                     speak
                     to
                     them
                     accordingly
                     ,
                     nor
                     keeping
                     a
                     particular
                     record
                     thereof
                     ,
                     though
                     convinced
                     of
                     the
                     usefulnesse
                     of
                     this
                     .
                  
                   
                     20.
                     
                     Not
                     wealing
                     what
                     may
                     be
                     most
                     profitable
                     and
                     Edifying
                     ,
                     and
                     want
                     of
                     wisedome
                     in
                     application
                     to
                     the
                     severall
                     conditions
                     of
                     souls
                     ,
                     not
                     so
                     carefull
                     to
                     bring
                     home
                     the
                     point
                     by
                     application
                     as
                     to
                     finde
                     out
                     the
                     Doctrine
                     ,
                     nor
                     speaking
                     the
                     same
                     with
                     that
                     reverence
                     which
                     becomes
                     his
                     Word
                     and
                     Message
                     .
                  
                   
                     21.
                     
                     Choosing
                     texts
                     whereon
                     we
                     have
                     something
                     to
                     say
                     rather
                     then
                     suting
                     to
                     the
                     condition
                     of
                     souls
                     and
                     times
                     ,
                     and
                     frequent
                     preaching
                     of
                     the
                     same
                     things
                     that
                     we
                     may
                     not
                     be
                     put
                     to
                     the
                     pains
                     of
                     new
                     studie
                     .
                  
                   
                     22.
                     
                     Such
                     a
                     way
                     of
                     Reading
                     ,
                     Preaching
                     and
                     Prayer
                     as
                     puts
                     us
                     in
                     these
                     Duties
                     further
                     from
                     GOD.
                     
                  
                   
                     23.
                     
                     Too
                     soon
                     satisfied
                     in
                     the
                     discharge
                     of
                     Duties
                     ,
                     and
                     holding
                     off
                     challenges
                     with
                     excuses
                     .
                  
                   
                     24.
                     
                     Indulging
                     the
                     bodie
                     ,
                     and
                     wasting
                     much
                     time
                     idlely
                     .
                  
                   
                     25.
                     
                     Too
                     much
                     eying
                     our
                     own
                     credite
                     and
                     applause
                     ,
                     and
                     being
                     taken
                     with
                     it
                     ,
                     when
                     we
                     get
                     it
                     ,
                     and
                     unsatisfied
                     when
                     it
                     is
                     wanting
                     .
                  
                   
                     26.
                     
                     Timorousnesse
                     in
                     delivering
                     Gods
                     Message
                     ,
                     letting
                     people
                     dye
                     in
                     reigning
                     sins
                     without
                     warning
                     .
                  
                   
                     27.
                     
                     Voguinesse
                     and
                     pride
                     of
                     heart
                     because
                     the
                     Lord
                     fulfilled
                     our
                     word
                     in
                     the
                     year
                     1648.
                     
                  
                   
                     28.
                     
                     Rash
                     speaking
                     in
                     the
                     Name
                     of
                     the
                     Lord
                     in
                     reference
                     to
                     the
                     successe
                     of
                     our
                     Armies
                     of
                     late
                     .
                  
                   
                     29.
                     
                     Studying
                     the
                     discharge
                     of
                     Duties
                     ,
                     rather
                     to
                     free
                     our selves
                     from
                     censure
                     ,
                     then
                     to
                     approve
                     our selves
                     to
                     God.
                     
                  
                   
                     30.
                     
                     Shifting
                     to
                     preach
                     in
                     places
                     where
                     we
                     were
                     for
                     the
                     time
                     for
                     fear
                     of
                     displeasing
                     ,
                     in
                     this
                     time
                     of
                     Publick
                     backsliding
                     and
                     triall
                     .
                  
                   
                     31.
                     
                     Not
                     making
                     all
                     the
                     Counsell
                     of
                     God
                     known
                     to
                     his
                     People
                     ,
                     and
                     particularly
                     not
                     giving
                     testimony
                     in
                     times
                     of
                     defection
                     .
                  
                   
                     32.
                     
                     Not
                     studying
                     to
                     profite
                     by
                     our
                     own
                     doctrine
                     ,
                     nor
                     the
                     doctrine
                     of
                     others
                     .
                  
                   
                     33.
                     
                     For
                     most
                     part
                     preaching
                     ,
                     as
                     we
                     our selves
                     were
                     not
                     
                     concerned
                     in
                     the
                     Message
                     we
                     carry
                     to
                     the
                     People
                     .
                  
                   
                     34.
                     
                     Not
                     rejoycing
                     at
                     the
                     conversion
                     of
                     sinners
                     ,
                     but
                     content
                     with
                     the
                     unthriving
                     of
                     the
                     Lords
                     Work
                     amongst
                     his
                     people
                     as
                     su●eing
                     best
                     with
                     our
                     minds
                     ,
                     fearing
                     if
                     they
                     sholuld
                     thrive
                     better
                     ,
                     we
                     should
                     be
                     more
                     put
                     to
                     it
                     ,
                     and
                     less
                     esteemed
                     of
                     by
                     them
                     .
                  
                   
                     35.
                     
                     Many
                     in
                     Preaching
                     and
                     practice
                     ,
                     bearing
                     down
                     the
                     power
                     of
                     godliness
                     .
                  
                   
                     36.
                     
                     Unfaithfull
                     discharge
                     of
                     Ministeriall
                     Duties
                     in
                     attending
                     the
                     Armies
                     .
                  
                   
                     37.
                     
                     We
                     Preach
                     not
                     as
                     before
                     God
                     ,
                     but
                     as
                     to
                     men
                     ,
                     as
                     doth
                     appear
                     by
                     the
                     different
                     pains
                     in
                     our
                     preparation
                     to
                     speak
                     to
                     our
                     ordinary
                     heares
                     ,
                     and
                     to
                     others
                     to
                     whom
                     we
                     would
                     approve
                     our selves
                     .
                  
                   
                     38.
                     
                     Not
                     making
                     the
                     Ministery
                     a
                     work
                     in
                     earnest
                     as
                     a
                     thing
                     to
                     be
                     accounted
                     for
                     in
                     every
                     duty
                     ,
                     which
                     makes
                     much
                     laziness
                     and
                     unfruitfulness
                     ,
                     doing
                     duties
                     
                       ex
                       officio
                    
                     ,
                     not
                     
                       ex
                       conscientia
                       offici●
                    
                     ,
                     rather
                     to
                     discharge
                     our
                     Calling
                     nor
                     our
                     conscience
                     .
                  
                
              
               
                 
                   Secondly
                   ,
                   In
                   the
                   Administration
                   of
                   Sacraments
                   .
                   1.
                   
                   In
                   Baptisme
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     LIttle
                     minding
                     in
                     our selves
                     ,
                     or
                     stirring
                     up
                     of
                     others
                     to
                     minde
                     the
                     obligation
                     that
                     lyes
                     on
                     us
                     and
                     them
                     ,
                     by
                     the
                     Covenant
                     made
                     with
                     God
                     in
                     Baptisme
                     .
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Not
                     instructing
                     Parents
                     in
                     their
                     duty
                     ,
                     not
                     charging
                     them
                     with
                     their
                     promise
                     given
                     at
                     the
                     Baptizing
                     of
                     their
                     Children
                     ,
                     nor
                     trying
                     what
                     pains
                     they
                     have
                     taken
                     to
                     perform
                     the
                     same
                     .
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     Being
                     very
                     superficiall
                     and
                     formall
                     in
                     the
                     administration
                     of
                     this
                     Ordinance
                     .
                  
                
              
               
                 
                   Thirdly
                   ,
                   In
                   the
                   Administration
                   of
                   the
                   Lords
                   Supper
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     ADmitting
                     of
                     mixt
                     multitudes
                     to
                     the
                     Lords
                     Table
                     ,
                     not
                     separating
                     betwixt
                     the
                     pretious
                     and
                     the
                     vile
                     .
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Unequall
                     dealing
                     with
                     poor
                     and
                     rich
                     ,
                     in
                     admitting
                     to
                     ,
                     or
                     suspending
                     and
                     debarring
                     from
                     the
                     Lords
                     Table
                     .
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     Great
                     neglect
                     to
                     prepare
                     for
                     that
                     action
                     ,
                     preparing
                     for
                     it
                     more
                     as
                     Ministers
                     ,
                     then
                     as
                     Christians
                     .
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     Carnall
                     and
                     unworthy
                     carriage
                     of
                     Ministers
                     at
                     the
                     Communion
                     ,
                     
                     being
                     more
                     desirous
                     to
                     have
                     that
                     action
                     by
                     our
                     hands
                     ,
                     with
                     credit
                     to
                     our selves
                     ,
                     then
                     with
                     profit
                     to
                     the
                     people
                     .
                  
                   
                     5.
                     
                     Thinking
                     when
                     that
                     action
                     is
                     by-hand
                     ,
                     that
                     we
                     have
                     a
                     vacancie
                     from
                     other
                     Ministeriall
                     duties
                     for
                     a
                     time
                     .
                  
                   
                     6.
                     
                     Little
                     wrestling
                     with
                     God
                     to
                     have
                     the
                     People
                     prepared
                     for
                     it
                     ,
                     or
                     the
                     guilt
                     of
                     prophaning
                     of
                     it
                     by
                     our selves
                     and
                     others
                     taken
                     away
                     .
                  
                
              
               
                 
                   Fourthly
                   ,
                   in
                   Visiting
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     NEgligent
                     ,
                     lazie
                     and
                     partiall
                     visiting
                     the
                     sick
                     ;
                     if
                     they
                     be
                     poor
                     ,
                     we
                     go
                     once
                     ,
                     and
                     only
                     when
                     sent
                     for
                     ;
                     If
                     they
                     be
                     rich
                     and
                     of
                     better
                     note
                     ,
                     we
                     go
                     oftner
                     ,
                     and
                     unsent
                     for
                     .
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Not
                     knowing
                     how
                     to
                     speak
                     with
                     the
                     tongue
                     of
                     the
                     Learned
                     a
                     word
                     in
                     season
                     to
                     the
                     weary
                     and
                     exercised
                     in
                     conscience
                     ,
                     nor
                     to
                     such
                     as
                     are
                     under
                     the
                     losse
                     of
                     husband
                     ,
                     wife
                     ,
                     children
                     ,
                     friends
                     or
                     goods
                     ,
                     for
                     the
                     improving
                     of
                     these
                     tryals
                     to
                     their
                     spiritiall
                     advantage
                     ,
                     nor
                     to
                     dying
                     persons
                     .
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     In
                     visiting
                     ,
                     wearying
                     ,
                     or
                     shunning
                     to
                     go
                     to
                     such
                     as
                     we
                     esteem
                     gracelesse
                     .
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     Not
                     visiting
                     the
                     People
                     from
                     house
                     to
                     house
                     ,
                     nor
                     praying
                     with
                     them
                     at
                     fit
                     opportunities
                     .
                  
                
              
               
                 
                   4.
                   
                   In
                   Catechising
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     LAzie
                     and
                     negligent
                     in
                     Catechising
                     .
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Not
                     preparing
                     our
                     hearts
                     before
                     ,
                     nor
                     wrestling
                     with
                     God
                     for
                     a
                     blessing
                     to
                     it
                     ,
                     because
                     of
                     the
                     ordinariness
                     ,
                     and
                     apprehended
                     easiness
                     of
                     it
                     ;
                     whereby
                     the
                     Lords
                     Name
                     is
                     much
                     taken
                     in
                     vain
                     ,
                     and
                     the
                     People
                     little
                     profited
                     .
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     Looking
                     on
                     that
                     Exercise
                     as
                     a
                     work
                     below
                     us
                     ,
                     and
                     not
                     condescending
                     to
                     study
                     a
                     right
                     and
                     profitabl
                     way
                     of
                     instructing
                     the
                     Lords
                     People
                     .
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     Partial
                     in
                     Catechising
                     ,
                     passing
                     by
                     these
                     that
                     are
                     rich
                     and
                     of
                     better
                     quality
                     ,
                     though
                     many
                     of
                     such
                     stand
                     ordinarly
                     in
                     great
                     need
                     of
                     instruction
                     .
                  
                   
                     5.
                     
                     Not
                     waiting
                     upon
                     and
                     following
                     the
                     ignorant
                     ,
                     but
                     passionatly
                     upbraiding
                     of
                     them
                     often
                     .
                  
                
              
               
                 
                   5.
                   
                   In
                   Ruling
                   and
                   Discipline
                   .
                
                 
                   
                     1.
                     
                     NOt
                     making
                     use
                     of
                     this
                     Ordinance
                     of
                     Church-Censures
                     for
                     gaining
                     of
                     souls
                     ,
                     but
                     turning
                     it
                     in
                     a
                     meer
                     Civil
                     punishement
                     ;
                     
                     and
                     in
                     the
                     administration
                     thereof
                     becoming
                     either
                     coldrife
                     ,
                     or
                     without
                     a
                     spirit
                     of
                     meekness
                     ,
                     and
                     using
                     a
                     way
                     either
                     merely
                     rational
                     by
                     wordly
                     wisdom
                     ,
                     or
                     meerly
                     authoritative
                     ,
                     more
                     then
                     by
                     motives
                     drawn
                     from
                     the
                     love
                     of
                     Christ
                     ;
                     and
                     by
                     our
                     carriage
                     in
                     Judicatories
                     putting
                     a
                     humane
                     shape
                     upon
                     the
                     Ordinances
                     of
                     Jesus
                     Christ
                     ,
                     carrying
                     our selves
                     in
                     too
                     stately
                     a
                     way
                     ,
                     like
                     the
                     men
                     of
                     this
                     world
                     .
                  
                   
                     2.
                     
                     Partiality
                     in
                     administration
                     of
                     Censures
                     with
                     respect
                     of
                     persons
                     ,
                     not
                     using
                     the
                     like
                     faithfull
                     freedom
                     towards
                     high
                     and
                     low
                     ,
                     sib
                     and
                     fr●md
                     .
                  
                   
                     3.
                     
                     Rash
                     taking
                     on
                     us
                     to
                     open
                     and
                     shut
                     Christs
                     door
                     .
                  
                   
                     4.
                     
                     By
                     our
                     practice
                     ,
                     teaching
                     (
                     as
                     it
                     were
                     )
                     formality
                     in
                     Repentance
                     to
                     offenders
                     ,
                     hardening
                     them
                     in
                     their
                     sins
                     ,
                     by
                     accepting
                     bare
                     forms
                     without
                     any
                     evidence
                     of
                     Repentance
                     ,
                     and
                     loosing
                     when
                     we
                     were
                     perswaded
                     Christ
                     did
                     not
                     loose
                     :
                     and
                     of
                     late
                     turning
                     profession
                     of
                     Repentance
                     into
                     a
                     State
                     engine
                     for
                     men
                     to
                     step
                     unto
                     preferment
                     and
                     publick
                     employments
                     .
                  
                   
                     5.
                     
                     Following
                     scandalous
                     persons
                     with
                     the
                     highest
                     Censures
                     of
                     the
                     Kirk
                     ,
                     with
                     little
                     or
                     no
                     care
                     to
                     hold
                     them
                     up
                     to
                     God.
                     
                  
                   
                     6.
                     
                     Want
                     of
                     compassion
                     to
                     these
                     on
                     whom
                     Discipline
                     is
                     exercised
                     ,
                     not
                     laboring
                     to
                     convince
                     them
                     of
                     sin
                     ,
                     but
                     imperiously
                     and
                     with
                     passion
                     instead
                     of
                     zeal
                     threatning
                     them
                     ,
                     thinking
                     it
                     sufficient
                     if
                     we
                     be
                     obeyed
                     ,
                     though
                     they
                     be
                     not
                     gained
                     to
                     Christ.
                     
                  
                   
                     7.
                     
                     Superficial
                     ,
                     sinful
                     ,
                     and
                     slight
                     censuring
                     one
                     another
                     ,
                     at
                     times
                     appointed
                     for
                     that
                     end
                     in
                     Presbyteries
                     and
                     Synods
                     ,
                     and
                     neglect
                     of
                     faithful
                     freedom
                     and
                     love
                     in
                     performing
                     that
                     duty
                     .
                  
                   
                     8.
                     
                     Admitting
                     of
                     men
                     to
                     the
                     Ministry
                     who
                     were
                     not
                     qualified
                     with
                     Grace
                     aswel
                     as
                     Gifts
                     ,
                     not
                     withstanding
                     the
                     Word
                     of
                     God
                     and
                     Constitutions
                     of
                     this
                     Kirk
                     do
                     require
                     the
                     one
                     ,
                     aswel
                     as
                     the
                     other
                     ;
                     which
                     hath
                     been
                     the
                     fountain
                     of
                     many
                     evils
                     .
                  
                   
                     9.
                     
                     Great
                     unfaithfulness
                     in
                     bringing
                     in
                     ,
                     and
                     holding
                     in
                     ,
                     unworthy
                     persons
                     in
                     the
                     Ministry
                     ,
                     and
                     keeping
                     Censures
                     off
                     unfaithful
                     men
                     .
                  
                   
                     10.
                     
                     Unfaithfulness
                     in
                     giving
                     Testimonials
                     and
                     Recommendations
                     ,
                     and
                     receiving
                     persons
                     upon
                     Testimonials
                     meerly
                     negative
                     ,
                     especially
                     Expectants
                     and
                     Students
                     of
                     Divinity
                     .
                  
                   
                     11.
                     
                     Constituting
                     Elderships
                     of
                     such
                     men
                     as
                     are
                     known
                     to
                     be
                     ignorant
                     prophane
                     and
                     disaffected
                     to
                     the
                     Work
                     of
                     God
                     ,
                     and
                     being
                     
                     careless
                     to
                     have
                     them
                     consisting
                     of
                     the
                     most
                     able
                     and
                     godly
                     men
                     within
                     the
                     Congregation
                     ,
                     a
                     great
                     cause
                     of
                     much
                     ignorance
                     ,
                     prophane
                     and
                     scandalous
                     carriage
                     among
                     the
                     People
                     .
                  
                   
                     12.
                     
                     Neglecting
                     to
                     remove
                     from
                     the
                     Elderships
                     such
                     as
                     are
                     ignorant
                     and
                     scandalous
                     .
                  
                   
                     13.
                     
                     Neglecting
                     to
                     hold
                     out
                     the
                     necessary
                     qualifications
                     and
                     duties
                     of
                     Ruling
                     Elders
                     ,
                     and
                     to
                     stir
                     them
                     up
                     to
                     their
                     duty
                     .
                  
                   
                     14.
                     
                     Not
                     carrying
                     our selves
                     in
                     Judicatories
                     and
                     other
                     wayes
                     toward
                     Ruling
                     Elders
                     as
                     towards
                     Brethren
                     ,
                     and
                     joynt
                     Overseers
                     in
                     the
                     work
                     of
                     the
                     Lord.
                     
                  
                   
                     15.
                     
                     Not
                     making
                     conscience
                     of
                     keeping
                     Kirk
                     Judicatories
                     ,
                     but
                     wearying
                     of
                     the
                     expences
                     and
                     attendance
                     ,
                     whereby
                     diverse
                     things
                     hath
                     been
                     hastert
                     and
                     miscaried
                     therein
                     :
                     willing
                     deserting
                     of
                     them
                     ,
                     and
                     shunning
                     to
                     give
                     testimony
                     in
                     them
                     ,
                     for
                     fear
                     of
                     inconveniences
                     .
                  
                   
                     16.
                     
                     Not
                     stouping
                     to
                     a
                     gaining
                     way
                     in
                     Debates
                     ,
                     nor
                     making
                     application
                     to
                     God
                     for
                     knowledge
                     of
                     his
                     mind
                     in
                     things
                     debated
                     ,
                     before
                     they
                     pass
                     in
                     a
                     conclusion
                     .
                  
                   
                     17.
                     
                     Wearying
                     to
                     hear
                     men
                     fully
                     who
                     represent
                     their
                     doubts
                     ,
                     and
                     to
                     weigh
                     all
                     the
                     Arguments
                     that
                     can
                     be
                     represented
                     for
                     the
                     negative
                     ,
                     before
                     the
                     affirmative
                     be
                     concluded
                     .
                  
                   
                     18.
                     
                     Too
                     great
                     animosities
                     in
                     Judicatories
                     ,
                     even
                     about
                     matters
                     of
                     small
                     weight
                     .
                  
                   
                     19.
                     
                     Pride
                     ,
                     impatience
                     and
                     peremptoriness
                     of
                     spirit
                     ,
                     not
                     staying
                     on
                     others
                     clearness
                     in
                     our
                     debates
                     and
                     conclusions
                     ,
                     through
                     which
                     it
                     comes
                     to
                     pass
                     that
                     we
                     judge
                     rashly
                     of
                     precious
                     men
                     ;
                     and
                     alienatition
                     of
                     affections
                     steals
                     in
                     and
                     is
                     entertained
                     .
                  
                   
                     20.
                     
                     Hasty
                     concluding
                     of
                     Acts
                     &
                     pressing
                     obedience
                     thereto
                     without
                     convincing
                     grounds
                     holden
                     forth
                     from
                     Scripture
                     for
                     satisfying
                     the
                     consciences
                     of
                     the
                     Lords
                     People
                     .
                  
                   
                     21.
                     
                     Silence
                     in
                     Assemblies
                     when
                     unsatisfied
                     ,
                     being
                     carried
                     by
                     the
                     authority
                     of
                     men
                     ,
                     and
                     too
                     much
                     following
                     other
                     mens
                     light
                     and
                     suppressing
                     their
                     own
                     .
                  
                   
                     22.
                     
                     Making
                     Votes
                     subservient
                     to
                     the
                     humors
                     of
                     men
                     and
                     humane
                     interests
                     .
                  
                   
                     23.
                     
                     Some
                     altogether
                     neglecting
                     wholsome
                     Acts
                     and
                     Constitutions
                     of
                     Assemblies
                     ,
                     and
                     others
                     ,
                     receiving
                     their
                     Acts
                     too
                     implicity
                     .
                  
                   
                     24.
                     
                     Too
                     bitter
                     expressions
                     against
                     Adversaries
                     in
                     Publick
                     Papers
                     and
                     Sermons
                     ,
                     for
                     eshewing
                     reproaches
                     ,
                     whereof
                     there
                     is
                     no
                     fruit
                     but
                     irritation
                     .
                  
                   
                     
                     25.
                     
                     Abusing
                     transportations
                     by
                     making
                     them
                     too
                     frequent
                     ,
                     and
                     almost
                     the
                     ordinary
                     way
                     of
                     Planting
                     places
                     of
                     any
                     eminency
                     ;
                     sometimes
                     enacting
                     them
                     when
                     there
                     is
                     no
                     pressing
                     necessity
                     ,
                     and
                     without
                     tender
                     endeavouring
                     the
                     satisfaction
                     of
                     the
                     People
                     interested
                     and
                     without
                     care
                     of
                     providing
                     them
                     thereafter
                     .
                  
                
              
            
             
               
                 In
                 relation
                 to
                 the
                 Publick
                 .
              
               
                 
                   1.
                   
                   NOt
                   studying
                   the
                   controversies
                   of
                   the
                   time
                   ,
                   that
                   we
                   might
                   be
                   enabled
                   to
                   hold
                   forth
                   light
                   ,
                   and
                   convince
                   gain
                   sayers
                   of
                   the
                   truth
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   Not
                   fearing
                   to
                   meddle
                   in
                   matters
                   too
                   high
                   for
                   us
                   ,
                   and
                   desiring
                   to
                   be
                   taken
                   notice
                   of
                   ,
                   more
                   then
                   to
                   be
                   stedable
                   in
                   the
                   Publick
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   Following
                   of
                   Publick
                   bussiness
                   ,
                   with
                   too
                   much
                   neglect
                   of
                   our
                   Flocks
                   .
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   Following
                   of
                   Publick
                   bussiness
                   with
                   much
                   pride
                   and
                   passion
                   ,
                   and
                   loftiness
                   of
                   spirit
                   upon
                   carnel
                   principles
                   and
                   desire
                   to
                   be
                   esteemed
                   of
                   ,
                   rather
                   then
                   true
                   zeal
                   to
                   Jesus
                   Christ
                   and
                   his
                   matters
                   ,
                   and
                   with
                   little
                   or
                   no
                   prayer
                   .
                
                 
                   5.
                   
                   Superficial
                   admitting
                   of
                   all
                   to
                   the
                   Covenants
                   ,
                   and
                   solemn
                   Acknowledgment
                   ,
                   without
                   taking
                   sufficient
                   pains
                   to
                   instruct
                   and
                   inform
                   them
                   in
                   the
                   knowledge
                   of
                   the
                   things
                   contained
                   therein
                   .
                
                 
                   6.
                   
                   Being
                   too
                   instrumental
                   for
                   bringing
                   disaffect
                   persons
                   to
                   trust
                   .
                
                 
                   7.
                   
                   Unequal
                   zeal
                   against
                   enemies
                   ,
                   cooling
                   in
                   our
                   zeal
                   against
                   one
                   enemy
                   as
                   it
                   is
                   increast
                   against
                   another
                   .
                
                 
                   8.
                   
                   Much
                   repining
                   at
                   the
                   judgments
                   of
                   God
                   upon
                   the
                   Land
                   from
                   carnal
                   respects
                   ,
                   and
                   transferring
                   the
                   causes
                   of
                   the
                   wrath
                   off
                   our
                   selves
                   upon
                   others
                   .
                
                 
                   9.
                   
                   Too
                   easie
                   satisfied
                   in
                   such
                   things
                   as
                   might
                   tend
                   to
                   the
                   prejudice
                   of
                   Christs
                   int●aest
                   ,
                   weighing
                   the
                   consequences
                   of
                   great
                   Revolutions
                   more
                   by
                   respect
                   to
                   our selves
                   ,
                   then
                   to
                   his
                   honor
                   .
                
                 
                   10.
                   
                   Agreeing
                   to
                   receive
                   the
                   King
                   to
                   the
                   Covenant
                   bracly
                   upon
                   writing
                   ,
                   without
                   any
                   apparent
                   evidences
                   of
                   a
                   real
                   change
                   of
                   Principles
                   .
                
                 
                   11.
                   
                   Not
                   using
                   freedom
                   in
                   shewing
                   what
                   we
                   were
                   convinced
                   ,
                   was
                   sinful
                   in
                   reference
                   to
                   the
                   late
                   Treaty
                   with
                   the
                   King
                   ,
                   but
                   going
                   on
                   therein
                   when
                   we
                   were
                   nor
                   satisfied
                   in
                   our
                   consciences
                   for
                   fear
                   of
                   reproach
                   and
                   of
                   being
                   mistaken
                   .
                
                 
                   
                   12.
                   
                   Silence
                   in
                   Publick
                   ,
                   and
                   not
                   giving
                   Testimony
                   after
                   a
                   discovery
                   of
                   the
                   Kings
                   Commission
                   given
                   to
                   
                     Iames
                     Graham
                  
                   ;
                   for
                   invading
                   the
                   Kingdom
                   .
                
                 
                   13.
                   
                   Pressing
                   the
                   King
                   to
                   make
                   a
                   Declaration
                   to
                   the
                   world
                   ,
                   whilest
                   we
                   knew
                   by
                   clear
                   evidences
                   that
                   he
                   had
                   no
                   real
                   conviction
                   of
                   the
                   things
                   contained
                   therein
                   .
                
                 
                   14.
                   
                   Too
                   much
                   desiring
                   to
                   lurk
                   upon
                   by
                   ends
                   ,
                   when
                   called
                   to
                   give
                   a
                   Testimony
                   .
                
                 
                   15.
                   
                   Not
                   bearing
                   Testimony
                   against
                   Publick
                   Defections
                   in
                   a
                   right
                   and
                   spiritual
                   way
                   .
                
                 
                   16.
                   
                   Unfaithfulness
                   in
                   bearing
                   burden
                   with
                   them
                   ,
                   whom
                   the
                   Lord
                   raised
                   up
                   to
                   be
                   his
                   witnesses
                   against
                   the
                   publick
                   backslidings
                   ,
                   omitting
                   to
                   bear
                   Testimony
                   our selves
                   upon
                   carnal
                   respects
                   and
                   lukewarmness
                   in
                   adhering
                   to
                   publick
                   Testimonies
                   formerly
                   given
                   .
                
              
            
          
        
         
           
             
               A
               Postscript
               .
               Which
               could
               not
               be
               gotten
               printed
               .
            
             
               THe
               foregoing
               causes
               of
               Gods
               wrath
               being
               on
               severall
               dayes
               of
               solemne
               Humiliation
               laid
               out
               &
               confessed
               before
               the
               Lord
               ,
               we
               thought
               fit
               to
               subjoine
               here
               some
               other
               causes
               of
               our
               late
               Humiliation
               ;
               as
               
                 
                   1.
                   
                   The
                   late
                   declining
                   of
                   the
                   Land
                   by
                   consenting
                   &
                   engaging
                   unto
                   the
                   publick
                   actings
                   of
                   the
                   present
                   Powers
                   ,
                   so
                   contrary
                   to
                   the
                   Covenants
                   ,
                   &
                   so
                   much
                   prejudicial
                   to
                   Religion
                   &
                   liberties
                   .
                
                 
                   2.
                   
                   The
                   defection
                   of
                   diverse
                   ,
                   who
                   are
                   accounted
                   religious
                   ,
                   from
                   their
                   former
                   principles
                   ,
                   unto
                   Separation
                   ,
                   &
                   other
                   Errours
                   of
                   the
                   time
                   .
                
                 
                   3.
                   
                   The
                   Usurpation
                   &
                   Carriage
                   of
                   the
                   present
                   pretended
                   Assembly
                   .
                
                 
                   4.
                   
                   The
                   English
                   their
                   great
                   Encroachments
                   upon
                   the
                   Liberties
                   of
                   this
                   Church
                   .
                
                 
                   5.
                   
                   That
                   the
                   promised
                   Conversion
                   of
                   His
                   Ancient
                   people
                   of
                   the
                   Jewes
                   may
                   be
                   hastened
                   .
                
                 
                   6.
                   
                   That
                   the
                   Lord
                   may
                   make
                   our
                   present
                   resolutions
                   for
                   reforming
                   our selves
                   ,
                   our
                   Elderships
                   &
                   people
                   effectual
                   ,
                   and
                   may
                   bless
                   our
                   Endeavours
                   to
                   this
                   purpose
                   .
                
              
            
             
               FINIS
               .